Need For Subsequent Procedures Research Articles

Prophylactic Tibial Stem Fixation in the Obese: Comparative Early Results in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.

PurposeObesity is a risk factor for aseptic loosening after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Prophylactic use of tibial stems may enhance tibial fixation in obese patients. The aim of this study was to determine whether a tibial stem extension decreases rates of early failure in obese patients.Materials and MethodsThis study included 178 consecutive primary TKAs (143 patients) with a body mass index ≥35 kg/m2. Fifty TKAs were performed with the use of a 30 mm tibial stem extension, and 128 TKAs were performed with a standard tibial component. Patients with two-year clinical follow-up were included. The primary outcome was revision for aseptic loosening. Secondary outcomes were all-cause revision and radiolucent lines (RLLs) on radiographs.ResultsAverage follow-up was 34 months (range, 24 to 46 months). No failures for aseptic loosening occurred. The occurrence of secondary procedures was not significantly different between groups. Quantification of RLLs revealed no difference between groups.ConclusionsAt early follow-up, no difference was measured in revision rates, need for subsequent procedures, or RLLs between groups.

Outcomes of Surgical Treatment for Anterior Tibial Stress Fractures in Athletes: A Systematic Review

Background: Although most anterior tibial stress fractures heal with nonoperative treatment, some may require surgical management. To our knowledge, no systematic review has been conducted regarding surgical treatment strategies for the management of chronic anterior tibial stress fractures from which general conclusions can be drawn regarding optimal treatment in high-performance athletes. Purpose: This systematic review was conducted to evaluate the surgical outcomes of anterior tibial stress fractures in high-performance athletes. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: In February 2017, a systematic review of the PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane, SPORTDiscus, and CINAHL databases was performed to identify studies that reported surgical outcomes for anterior tibial stress fractures. Articles meeting the inclusion criteria were screened, and reported outcome measures were documented. Results: A total of 12 studies, published between 1984 and 2015, reporting outcomes for the surgical treatment of anterior tibial stress fractures were included in this review. All studies were retrospective case series. Collectively, surgical outcomes for 115 patients (74 males; 41 females) with 123 fractures were evaluated in this review. The overall mean follow-up was 23.3 months. The most common surgical treatment method reported in the literature was compression plating (n = 52) followed by drilling (n = 33). Symptom resolution was achieved in 108 of 123 surgically treated fractures (87.8%). There were 32 reports of complications, resulting in an overall complication rate of 27.8%. Subsequent tibial fractures were reported in 8 patients (7.0%). Moreover, a total of 17 patients (14.8%) underwent a subsequent procedure after their initial surgery. Following surgical treatment for anterior tibial stress fracture, 94.7% of patients were able to return to sports. Conclusion: The available literature indicates that surgical treatment of anterior tibial stress fractures is associated with a high rate of symptom resolution and return to play in athletes, although the high complication rate and potential need for subsequent procedures are important considerations for surgeons and patients.

The Role of Concomitant Mastoidectomy in Improving Outcomes Following Tympanic Membrane Perforation Repair: A Systematic Review

AbstractBackground: The role of mastoidectomy performed with tympanoplasty for tympanic membrane perforations in the absence of cholesteatoma remains controversial. Many otolaryngologists continue to routinely perform mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty, others argue that performing mastoidec-tomy in these patients is unnecessary, does not improve surgical outcomes, and subjects patients to increased surgical risks.Aim of the Work: To assess the effectiveness and safety of performing routine cortical mastoidectomy in addition to tympanoplasty in treatment of tympanic membrane perforation in cases of chronic suppurative otitis media in the absence of cholesteatoma.Patients and Methods: Five randomized controlled trials with total of 610 participents were included of any age with chronic suppurative non cholestaetomatous otitis media, divided into two groups: Group A (received Tympanoplasty alone), Group B (Tymanplasty with cortical mastoidectomy).Five outcomes measured namely (healing rate,hearing rate, tympanometric evaluation, rate if otorrhea, need for subsequent procedure).Results: Articles reporting results of concomitant mas-toidectomy with tympanoplasty were identified. Five articles satisfied our eligibility criteria, there was no significant heterogeneity. Compared to the conventional method tympan-oplasty with cortical mastoidectomy was found to have a significantly higher rate of healing (odds ratio of 1.762 with a 95% CI of –1.115 to 2.787, no significant difference in post-operative air bone gap (SMD of .056 with 95% CI of –0.110 to 0.222), no significant difference in rate of otorrhea (odds ratio of 1.949 with a 95% CI of 0.528 to 7.192, no significant difference in post-operative tympanometry (odds ratio of type A, Astympanometry was 0.777 and a 95% CI of 0.278 to 2.179, no significant difference in rate of revision surgery (odds ratio 2.069 and a 95% CI of 0.178 to 24.075.Conclusions: From the result s of our systematic review we advise for the use of tympanoplasty alone for treatment of non cholesteatomatous chronic otitis media.

The argument for peroral endoscopic myotomy in treatment of achalasia.

Although there has been debate regarding the optimal procedure to palliate dysphagia in patients with achalasia, emerging reports of longer term follow-up of patients after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) suggest that the POEM procedure is efficacious in relief of dysphagia, and that there is infrequent need for subsequent procedures for treatment of failure or reflux. The number of centers in the United States of America performing POEM for esophageal achalasia continues to increase. This report assess the current knowledge of technical issues of POEM, outcomes after POEM and the status of POEM centers in the U.S.A., and presents the argument for surgeons to participate in the practice of POEM.

Female Sex Is a Risk Factor for Failure of Hip Arthroscopy Performed for Acetabular Retroversion.

Background:The success of hip surgery in treating acetabular retroversion depends on the severity of the structural deformity and on selecting the correct patient for open or arthroscopic procedures.Purpose:To compare a group of patients with retroverted hips treated successfully with hip arthroscopy with a group of patients with retroverted hips that failed arthroscopic surgery, with special emphasis on (1) patient characteristics, (2) perioperative radiographic parameters, (3) intraoperative findings and concomitant procedures, and (4) patient sex.Study Design:Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 47 adult patients (47 hips) with acetabular retroversion who had undergone hip arthroscopy. Retroversion was based on the presence of an ischial spine sign in addition to either a crossover or posterior wall sign on a well-positioned anteroposterior pelvic radiograph. A total of 24 hips (50%) (16 females, 8 males; mean patient age, 31 years) had failed arthroscopy, defined as modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) <80 or need for subsequent procedure. Twenty-three hips (8 females, 15 males; mean patient age, 29 years) were considered successful, defined as having no subsequent procedures and an mHHS >80 at the time of most recent follow-up. Perioperative variables, radiographic characteristics, and intraoperative findings were compared between the groups, in addition to a subgroup analysis based on sex.Results:The mean follow-up for successful hips was 30 months (SD, 11 months), with a mean mHHS of 95. In the failure group, 6 patients required subsequent procedures (4 anteverting periacetabular osteotomies and 2 total hip arthroplasties). The mean overall time to failure was 21 months, and the mean time to a second procedure was 24 months (total hip arthroplasty, 29.5 months; periacetabular osteotomy, 21.2 months); 18 hips failed on the basis of a low mHHS (mean, 65; range, 27-79) at last follow-up. Factors significantly different between the success and failure groups included patient sex, with males being more likely than females to have a successful outcome (P < .02), as well as undergoing femoral osteoplasty (P < .02). Intraoperative variables that were associated with worse outcome included isolated labral debridement (P < .002). In a subgroup analysis, males were more likely than their female counterparts to have a successful outcome with both isolated cam and combined cam-pincer resection (P < .05). Level of crossover correction on postoperative radiographs had no correlation with outcome.Conclusion:Acetabular retroversion remains a challenging pathoanatomy to treat arthroscopically. If hip arthroscopy is to be considered in select cases, we recommend labral preservation when possible. Male patients with correction of cam deformities did well, while females with significant retroversion appeared to be at greater risk for failure of arthroscopic treatment.

Stereotactic radio surgery and radio frequency rhizotomy for trigeminal neuralgia in multiple sclerosis: A single institution experience

ObjectivesFor patients with medically unresponsive trigeminal neuralgia (TN), surgical options include micro vascular decompression (MVD), radiofrequency rhizotomy (RF), and stereotactic radio surgery (SRS). Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating condition that can be associated with TN, but is not amenable to treatment with MVD. We sought to identify the outcome differences of patients with TN in MS undergoing SRS or RFR in an attempt to identify factors that may influence outcomes. We also evaluated cost outcomes, both initially and over time, based on the index procedure. We performed a retrospective review of our experience with 17 cases. Patients and methodsA single institution retrospective chart review was performed. Since 1997, 17 patients with TN and MS have been treated at our institution. All patients underwent a preoperative MRI to rule out a compressive lesion. Patients either underwent SRS (n=7) or RFR (n=10) as their index procedure and were evaluated as a group based on this first procedure. Outcome measures included preoperative Expand Disability Status Score (EDSS) scores, pre- and postoperative facial pain and medication use, post-intervention facial numbness, need for subsequent procedures, and duration of follow-up. Charges for the index procedure, subsequent interventions, and total costs were tabulated and analyzed in 2017 US dollars, adjusting for inflation. ResultsThe median age of patients at first operation in each group was 58.5±10.9 and 63.5±7.5 for SRS and RFR respectively. There were no significant differences in basic demographics. Overall, 71% of these patients had an excellent or good initial pain outcome. Over time, 60% of RFR and 29% of SRS patients required additional procedures to obtain satisfactory pain relief. The patients who underwent RFR as their index procedure required a significantly higher number of procedures to achieve adequate pain relief (RFR=2.7 vs SRS=2.0 [p=0.04]). The average index procedure costs in US dollars were significantly different (SRS=53,300±5257 vs RFR=12,315±3387). The average subsequent costs (costs incurred following the initial intervention) (SRS=8320±17,842, RFR=36,002±46,767) and total costs (SRS=61,620±16,087, RFR=48,317±48,475) were not statistically significantly different. ConclusionTN in the setting of MS is highly difficult to treat medically with SRS and RFR being offered as options for these patients. Both can provide good initial pain relief. For patients who have RFR as their initial procedure, a larger number of procedures are required for relief compared to patients who initially underwent SRS. While there is a significant difference in the cost of the initial procedure, over time, with the cost of required subsequent interventions, there is no significant difference in total costs between the two groups.

The sinus tarsi approach in displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures.

Although the extended lateral approach is typically considered the gold standard of treatment for intra-articular calcaneal fractures, a limited lateral approach may be a good alternative in select cases. Forty-seven consecutive patients with intra-articular calcaneal fractures treated using the sinus tarsi approach between March 2010 and April 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The functional outcomes [including arc range of motion, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle/hindfoot (AOFAS) score], bony outcomes (bony restoration and bony union), and complications were evaluated. The mean one-year postoperative VAS and AOFAS scores were 0.54 (range 0-3.0), and 94.0 (range 80-100), respectively. The VAS and AOFAS scores were correlated with the degree of reduction of the posterior facet joint and the amount of Bohler angle restoration. Bony union was achieved in every case. The mean union time was 3.2months (range 3-4months). There were no major soft tissue complications. Three cases of minor soft tissue complications healed with no need for subsequent procedures. Painful hardware at the posterior calcaneal tuberosity was the most common complication, which occurred in seven cases. The sinus tarsi approach may be a good option to treat intra-articular calcaneal fractures in select cases (Sanders type II and III) while preventing the major soft tissue complications of the extended lateral approach. Level of evidence IV.

Risk Factors for Revision Surgery After Superior Labral Anterior-Posterior Repair: A National Perspective

Background: Data regarding risk factors for revision surgery after superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) repair are limited to institutional series. Purpose: To define risk factors for revision surgery after SLAP repair among patients in a large national database. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A national insurance database was queried for patients undergoing arthroscopic SLAP repair (Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] code 29807) for the diagnosis of a SLAP tear. Patients without a CPT modifier for laterality were excluded. Revision surgery was defined as (1) subsequent ipsilateral SLAP repair (CPT 29807), (2) ipsilateral arthroscopic debridement for the diagnosis of a SLAP tear (CPT 29822 or 29823, with diagnosis code 840.7), (3) subsequent ipsilateral arthroscopic biceps tenodesis (CPT 29828), (4) subsequent ipsilateral open biceps tenodesis (CPT 23430), and (5) subsequent biceps tenotomy (CPT 23405). Multivariable binomial logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for revision surgery after SLAP repair, including patient demographics/comorbidities, concomitant diagnoses, and concomitant procedures performed. Odds ratios (ORs), 95% CIs, and P values were calculated. The estimated financial impact of revision surgery was also calculated. Results: There were 4751 patients who met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overall, 121 patients (2.5%) required revision surgery after SLAP repair. Regression analysis identified numerous risk factors for revision surgery, including age >40 years (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2-1.8; P = .045), female sex (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.3-1.8; P = .010), obesity (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.5-2.2; P = .001), smoking (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.6-2.4; P < .0001), and diagnosis of biceps tendinitis (OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 3.0-4.2; P < .0001) or long head of the biceps tearing (OR, 5.1; 95% CI, 4.1-6.3; P < .0001) at or before the time of surgery. Concomitant rotator cuff repair and distal clavicle excision were not significant risk factors for revision surgery. The cost of revision surgery averaged almost $9000. Conclusion: Risk factors for revision surgery after SLAP repair include age >40 years, female sex, obesity, smoking, and diagnosis of biceps tendinitis or long head of the biceps tearing. The diagnosis of biceps tendinitis (OR, 3.5) or long head of the biceps tearing (OR, 5.1) at or before the time of surgery was an especially significant risk factor for revision surgery. The high cost of revision surgery highlights the importance of appropriate indications to avoid the need for subsequent procedures.

Gunshot-associated Fractures in Children and Adolescents Treated at Two Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Centers.

Gunshot injuries are a potentially significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. The objective of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology, fracture locations, associated injuries, types of treatment, and complications of gunshot-associated fractures in children and adolescents treated at two level 1 trauma centers. The clinical and radiographic records of all children and adolescents who had a gunshot-associated fracture treated at 1 of 2 level 1 pediatric trauma centers between January, 2005, and April, 2013, were reviewed. The following characteristics were recorded: patient age and sex, type of weapon, fracture location, presence of neurovascular injury or other associated injuries, antibiotic treatment, method of stabilization, duration of hospital stay, complications, and need for subsequent procedures. Forty-nine patients with 58 fractures were identified; 9 patients had multiple fractures. The 41 males and 8 females had an average age of 12.2 years (range, 1 to 18 y). The tibia and femur were the most common sites of fracture (19% each), followed by the small bones of foot (4%) and the fibula (4%). Most of the fractures (71%) were treated nonoperatively. Nearly half (47%) of the patients had additional injuries, including abdominal or genitourinary injuries, neuropraxia or nerve injuries, and vascular injuries. Two patients (4%) developed infections (1 superficial and 1 deep) that required multiple irrigation and debridement procedures. Three patients developed compartment syndrome, and 4 patients had vascular injuries requiring repair. Nearly a third of patients (35%) had fractures or complications that required additional operative procedures. This large retrospective study highlights the significant morbidity of fractures caused by gunshots. Although the overall infection rate was low and most of these fractures were successfully treated nonoperatively, many of the patients required an additional operative procedure and nearly half had additional nonorthopaedic injuries. This emphasizes the necessity of coordination among emergency, general surgeons, intensivist, and orthopaedic surgical teams. Level IV—retrospective case series.

Outcomes After Labral Repair in Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement and Borderline Dysplasia

To determine outcomes after labral repair in patients with borderline dysplasia and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Patients with dysplasia treated between June 2005 and March 2009 were identified. The study included only patients aged 18 years or older (mean, 35 years; range, 18 to 69 years) whose affected hip had a Wiberg center-edge angle of 20° to 25° and who underwent primary hip arthroscopy performed by the senior author. One hundred two hips (100 patients, comprising 50 women and 50 men) underwent hip arthroscopy with labral repair with correction of FAI and capsular closure. Five hips were converted to total hip arthroplasty, and 7 required revision arthroscopy. Of 95 patients (representing 100 hips, 5 of which underwent total hiparthroplasty), 80 were monitored for a minimum of 2 years. At a mean follow-up point of 40 months, the preoperative modified Harris Hip Score had improved from a mean of 63.5 points (range, 20 to 98 points) to a mean of 84.9 points (range, 45 to 100 points) by the latest follow-up (P < .001). The mean score on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index improved from 25.3 (range, 0 to 60) to 9.7 (range, 0 to 59) (P < .001). The 12-Item Short Form Health Survey Physical Component Summary score also significantly improved (from 42.5 to 50.9, P= .001), whereas the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey Mental Health Component Summary score showed an insignificant improvement (from 52.4 to 54.1). This study showed that FAI and labral pathology can be successfully managed using hip arthroscopy, with capsular management, in patients with borderline dysplasia. Patients showed significant improvements in outcomes and high levels of satisfaction after hip arthroscopy. The need for subsequent procedures was similar to that in patients with just FAI and labral repair. Level IV, therapeutic case series.

PI-01 RECTOURETHRAL FISTULAS SECONDARY TO PROSTATE CANCER TREATMENT: MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOMES

You have accessJournal of UrologyPlenary Session I - Best Abstracts1 Apr 2015PI-01 RECTOURETHRAL FISTULAS SECONDARY TO PROSTATE CANCER TREATMENT: MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOMES Catherine Harris, Benjamin Breyer, Ramon Virasoro, Alex Vanni, Daniela Andrich, Gerald Jordan, Leonard Zinman, Anthony Mundy, and Jack McAninch Catherine HarrisCatherine Harris More articles by this author , Benjamin BreyerBenjamin Breyer More articles by this author , Ramon VirasoroRamon Virasoro More articles by this author , Alex VanniAlex Vanni More articles by this author , Daniela AndrichDaniela Andrich More articles by this author , Gerald JordanGerald Jordan More articles by this author , Leonard ZinmanLeonard Zinman More articles by this author , Anthony MundyAnthony Mundy More articles by this author , and Jack McAninchJack McAninch More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2015.02.2900AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Rectourethral fistula is a known complication of prostate cancer treatment. Reports in the literature on technique and outcomes of RUF repair are limited to case reports and single surgeon case series. We aim to examine variations in techniques and outcomes of RUF repair in a multi-institutional setting. METHODS We retrospectively identified patients who underwent rectourethral fistula repair after prostate cancer treatment from four reconstructive centers of excellence (University College London Hospitals; University of California, San Francisco; Lahey Clinic; Devine-Jordan Center for Reconstructive Surgery and Pelvic Health) over a 15-year period. We examined the type(s) of prostate cancer treatment, method of fistula repair, outcomes, and need for subsequent procedures. RESULTS 201 patients underwent rectourethral fistula repair following prostate cancer treatment with an overall success rate of 91.5% (184). 97 (48.2%) fistulas occurred after radical prostatectomy alone, and 104 (51.8%) had some form of radiation/ablative treatment. Of the radiation/ablative patients, 85 patients (42.3%) had radiation/ablation treatment only, and 19 (9.5%) had both surgery and radiation/ablation. 155 (73%) patients had a bowel diversion prior to or at the time of fistula repair, and this was similar in both surgical and radiation/ablation fistula groups. More patients with radiation/ablation fistulas had placement of an interposition flap or graft at the time of fistula repair (91% vs 53%). 40 (19%) patients had a concomitant bladder neck contracture or urethral stricture identified and repaired at the time of fistula repair. 12 (5.6%) patients underwent salvage fistula repair. 3 (1.4%) ultimately underwent a permanent urinary diversion. 24 (11%) patients required placement of an artificial urinary sphincter. CONCLUSIONS Rectourethral fistulas occurring from prostate cancer therapy can be reconstructed successfully in a high percentage of patients, avoiding permanent urinary diversion in these complex cases. © 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 193Issue 4SApril 2015Page: e408 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Catherine Harris More articles by this author Benjamin Breyer More articles by this author Ramon Virasoro More articles by this author Alex Vanni More articles by this author Daniela Andrich More articles by this author Gerald Jordan More articles by this author Leonard Zinman More articles by this author Anthony Mundy More articles by this author Jack McAninch More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Management for Pediatric Pleural Empyema in Resource-Poor Country: Is Chest Tube Drainage with Antiseptic Lavage-Irrigation Better than Tube Thoracostomy Alone?

Drainage by chest tube thoracostomy is widely used in treatment of early empyema thoracis in children, but drainage with antiseptic lavage-irrigation is more frequent in our context since the last 20 years. This study was to determine which was more effective in our experience comparing chest tube drainage with catheter antiseptic lavage-irrigation versus drainage by chest tube thoracostomy alone in the management of empyema thoracis in children. Patients and Methods: Demographic, clinical and microbiological data on children with thoracic empyema undergoing drainage by chest tube thoracostomy alone or with antiseptic lavage-irrigation were obtained from 2 thoracic surgical centers from September 2008 to December 2014. It was a retrospective study included 246 children (137 boys and 109 girls) who were managed for empyema thoracis at the author’s different department of surgery. Outcomes analysis with respect to treatment efficacy, hospital duration, chest tube duration, hospital costs, and need for subsequent procedures was analyzed and compared in the 2 groups. Results: Drainage of pus and antiseptic irrigation resulted in resolution of pyrexia with improvement in general condition in 85.82% of patients in group 1 and by tube thoracostomy alone in 73.95% in group 2. There are a significant difference in the length of hospital stay (p = 0.022), duration of chest tubes in situ (p = 0.040), treatment coast (p = 0.015) and outcome of stage 2 empyema disease (p = 0.037) between the 2 groups. Conclusion: it seems that chest tube drainage with antiseptic lavage-irrigation method is associated with a higher efficacy, shorter length of hospital stay, shorter duration of chest tube in situ, less cost and better outcome of stage 2 empyema diseases than a treatment strategy that utilizes chest tube thoracostomy alone.

Use of Antegrade Reverse-thermosensitive Polymer During Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy to Prevent Fragment Migration: Initial Experience

Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility and initial performance of Backstop reverse thermosensitive polymer to prevent antegrade stone fragment migration during percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Backstop was used during 5 percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures to prevent stone migration into the ureter. Backstop was placed into the upper ureter under direct vision with a flexible nephroscope or with fluoroscopic guidance. Ultrasonic lithotripsy was then performed. Each patient was evaluated for the following: stone-free rate (postoperative computed tomography), rate of antegrade fragment migration, need for subsequent procedures, and complication rate. The average stone burden was 806 mm(2). Backstop was successfully deployed in all cases. Average procedure length was 106 minutes. Three patients were rendered stone free, 1 patient retained 2 1-mm fragments in the kidney, and 1 patient retained multiple fragments in the kidney, distal ureter, and bladder, all of which were <3 mm. No patient required a secondary procedure, and there were no adverse events. Backstop appears to be feasible, safe, and easy to use. Backstop should be administered every 45 minutes for longer cases, and warm saline should be used during the case to prevent dissolution. A randomized controlled trial with a larger study population is needed to further evaluate these initial findings.

Modified laparoendoscopic gastrostomy tube (LEGT) placement

The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of our modified LEGT technique. Charts of 26 children who underwent modified LEGT technique between May 2008 and February 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Their age ranged from 7 days to 16 years. Under general anesthesia, a gastroscope was placed in the stomach and laparoscopic visualization was obtained through a 5 mm umbilical port. Using laparoscopic and gastroscopic visualization, four 2'0' PDS 'T'-Fasteners were placed around a proposed gastrostomy site in the stomach. These sutures were pulled externally and tied subcutaneously so that nothing was visible outside. The gastrostomy button was then placed in the center of these four sutures at the proposed gastrostomy button site. Once the gastrostomy balloon was inflated, the four sutures were pulled taut and tied subcutaneously to pexy the stomach to the abdominal wall. Visualization with the gastroscope and laparoscope ensured proper gastrostomy button placement. At a median follow-up of 9 months (range 10 days-2 years), none of the patients had major complications and only five had minor gastrostomy site infection which completely resolved after antibiotic therapy. LEGT is a safe and effective technique for placement of primary G buttons/tubes in children. The laparoscopic visualization of the LEGT avoids accidental gastro-enteric fistula formation and allows primary placement of the gastrostomy button without need for subsequent procedures. LEGT ensures that the G-button is placed within the gastric lumen. Additionally, the four 'T'-Fastener technique gives optimal fixation of the stomach to the abdominal wall, avoids accidental disruption of sutures as they are placed subcutaneously and has no need for suture removal at a post-operative visit as in other techniques. Since there are no other ports used except the umbilicus this technique provides excellent cosmetic results.

Who presents more than once? Repeat abortion among women in Britain

Background and methodologyAround one in three sexually active women in Britain will have an abortion during their lifetime and a third of those women will experience more than one. Using...

Palliation and Pleurodesis in Malignant Pleural Effusion: The Role for Tunneled Pleural Catheters

Despite increasing use of tunneled pleural catheters (TPCs), their efficacy as a definitive procedure for achieving palliation or spontaneous pleurodesis (SP) in the management of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) remains unclear. In the largest TPC series to date, we evaluate the efficacy for palliation and review the rate and predictors of SP. Retrospective review of 418 TPCs (355 patients) over 2 years (September 2007-September 2009) was performed. Palliation was deemed successful when the patient did not require any other subsequent effusion-directed drainage procedure. SP was defined as satisfying the following criteria: (a) TPC removal without need for further effusion-directed intervention during the patient's lifespan and (b) no evidence of effusion reaccumulation by clinical and radiographic evidence at 1-month postremoval follow-up. After TPC placement, no subsequent effusion-directed procedure was required for 380 of 418 (91%). SP was achieved after only 26% of TPCs (110 of 418), in which the median time to catheter removal was 44 days. Neither demographics nor primary tumor type predicted SP. In patients selected for TPC placement in the operating room, SP occurred in 36% (39 of 107), with 45% in loculated MPE (13 of 29, p = 0.014). Complications occurred after 20 TPCs (4.8%), with none occurring after bedside placement. TPC placement is safe and provides durable palliation, most often obviating the need for subsequent procedures in MPE patients. TPC, however, remains suboptimal at achieving pleurodesis.

Intraprocedural Tissue Diagnosis During ERCP Employing a New Cytology Preparation of Forceps Biopsy (Smash Protocol)

Techniques of tissue sampling at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) have been underutilized due to technical demands, low yield, and lack of immediate intraprocedural diagnosis. The objective of this study was to describe a new inexpensive, highly efficient ERCP tissue processing, and interpretation technique to address these issues. A retrospective, institutional review board approved, single-center study was done at a tertiary-care medical center. Between June 2004 and February 2009, 133 patients (age 38-95 years; men 53%) with suspicious biliary strictures underwent ERCP with tissue sampling using a new technique. Small forceps biopsy specimens were forcefully smashed between two dry glass slides, immediately fixed, stained with rapid Papanicolaou, and interpreted by an on-site pathologist during the procedure (Smash protocol). Of the 117 proven to have cancer, true-positive Smash preps included pancreatic cancer 49/66 (74%), cholangiocarcinoma 23/29 (79%), metastatic cancer 8/15 (53%), and other 4/7 (57%). The median number of Smash biopsies to diagnosis was 3 (range 1-17). Suspicious or atypical results were considered to be negative in this study. There were no false positives and no complications. Smash had an overall sensitivity of 89/117 (76%) for all cases. The true-positive yield of immediate Smash prep cytology, combined with ERCP fine needle aspirate (FNA) and forceps biopsy histology was 77/95 (81%) for primary pancreaticobiliary cancers. Immediate cytopathologic diagnosis at ERCP was established in 72% of patients presenting with suspected malignant biliary obstruction using a new cytological preparation of forceps biopsies. This approach to ERCP tissue sampling permits immediate diagnosis and avoids the need for subsequent procedures, adds little cost and time, and is safe to perform.

Decreasing Electrosurgical Transurethral Resection of the Prostate Surgical Volume During Graduate Medical Education Training is Associated With Increased Surgical Adverse Events

In the United States the numbers of electrosurgical transurethral prostate resection procedures have been decreasing. Since electrosurgical transurethral resection of the prostate is a difficult procedure to master, we hypothesized that recent residents are lacking in training for this procedure. We used summary case log information provided by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education to determine if the number of electrosurgical transurethral prostate resection procedures performed by graduating chief residents has decreased and if there has been an increase in surgical adverse events. In addition, we investigated whether the increased number of laser procedures impacted the rate of adverse events. Summary operative data from graduating chief resident case logs were provided by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education for academic years 2001 to 2007. The numbers of electrosurgical transurethral prostate resection procedures, laser procedures and procedures for adverse events were recorded for each year. The number of electrosurgical transurethral prostate resection procedures performed by graduating chief residents has steadily decreased from 58 in 2001 to 43 in 2007. Conversely the number of laser procedures started increasing in 2004. The rate of procedures for adverse events as a percentage of electrosurgical transurethral resection of the prostate procedures increased during the study period (from 3% in 2001 to 6% in 2007), and as a percentage of electrosurgical transurethral resection of the prostate and laser procedures the rate increased until 2005 and subsequently started decreasing. The rate of surgical adverse events, as measured by the need for subsequent procedures, has increased during the last 7 years. However, when laser procedures are accounted for, it appears that adverse events have recently started trending down as an increasing number of laser procedures started being performed.

The Use of a Novel Reverse Thermosensitive Polymer to Prevent Ureteral Stone Retropulsion During Intracorporeal Lithotripsy: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

We present the first randomized clinical study using BackStop, a novel reverse thermosensitive water-soluble polymer that is dispensed above the stone(s) and temporarily occludes the ureter to prevent retropulsion of stone fragments during ureteroscopic lithotripsy. After fragmentation is completed and concretions are extracted, conventional irrigation with saline dissolves the polymer, which is then flushed out. A total of 68 subjects with a single stone in the proximal ureter and an indication for ureteroscopic lithotripsy were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, single-blind, controlled, multisite clinical study. Each subject was randomly assigned to the BackStop group (34) or the control group (34 with no antiretropulsion device). For subjects in the experimental group BackStop was dispensed into the ureter above the stone using a 3Fr or 5Fr catheter. Ureteroscopic lithotripsy was performed in all subjects using pneumatic or laser energy. Measured end points included the retropulsion rate, the need for subsequent procedures, the stone-free rate at followup, the occurrence of adverse events and ureteral occlusion, if any, and post-stone fragmentation and extraction. Subjects randomized to the BackStop group experienced a statistically significant (p = 0.0002) lower rate of retropulsion (8.8%, 3 of 34) vs the control group (52.9%, 18/34). There were no adverse events in the BackStop group and BackStop was successfully dissolved in every subject, resulting in a patent ureter. BackStop appears to be a novel, safe and effective means of preventing stone fragment retropulsion during ureteroscopic lithotripsy for the management of ureteral stones.

INDEPENDENT EVALUATION OF THE LITHOGOLD LG-380 LITHOTRIPTER: IN VITRO ACOUSTIC CHARACTERISTICS AND ASSESSMENT OF RENAL INJURY IN THE PIG MODEL

We present the first randomized clinical study using BackStop™, a novel reverse thermosensitive water-soluble polymer that is dispensed above the stone(s) and temporarily occludes the ureter to prevent retropulsion of stone fragments during ureteroscopic lithotripsy. After fragmentation is completed and concretions are extracted, conventional irrigation with saline dissolves the polymer, which is then flushed out.A total of 68 subjects with a single stone in the proximal ureter and an indication for ureteroscopic lithotripsy were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, single-blind, controlled, multisite clinical study. Each subject was randomly assigned to the BackStop group (34) or the control group (34 with no antiretropulsion device). For subjects in the experimental group BackStop was dispensed into the ureter above the stone using a 3Fr or 5Fr catheter. Ureteroscopic lithotripsy was performed in all subjects using pneumatic or laser energy. Measured end points included the retropulsion rate, the need for subsequent procedures, the stone-free rate at followup, the occurrence of adverse events and ureteral occlusion, if any, and post-stone fragmentation and extraction.Subjects randomized to the BackStop group experienced a statistically significant (p = 0.0002) lower rate of retropulsion (8.8%, 3 of 34) vs the control group (52.9%, 18/34). There were no adverse events in the BackStop group and BackStop was successfully dissolved in every subject, resulting in a patent ureter.BackStop appears to be a novel, safe and effective means of preventing stone fragment retropulsion during ureteroscopic lithotripsy for the management of ureteral stones.