Optimal Timing Of Surgery Research Articles

Development of a prognostic model for predicting long-term visual acuity after cataract surgery in children with bilateral congenital cataracts: a single centre retrospective, observational study

BackgroundTo evaluate factors influencing best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in paediatric patients with bilateral congenital cataracts (CC) after cataract extraction and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, as well as develop a robust model for predicting long-term visual acuity.MethodsThis retrospective study followed 194 paediatric patients with bilateral CC from January 2008 to December 2021. The endpoint event was defined as a final BCVA < 0.22 Log MAR at the last follow-up, which indicated good outcome. The probability of reaching this endpoint event was modelled using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and internally validated through 200 iteration of 5-fold cross-validation.ResultsA prognostic model for long-term visual acuity in bilateral CC after surgical treatment was established as follows: ln h(t) = −0.009 × “age at cataract extraction” − 0.015 × “age at IOL implantation” − 2.934 × “without nystagmus at last follow − up” + ln h0(0), in which h0(t) represents the baseline risk equation that can be any non-negative equation for time (t); h(t) represents the probability of the endpoint event occurring at time (t) without any endpoint event occurring before it. The model was visualized using a nomogram and contour plot to facilitate clinical practice. The model demonstrated reasonably accurate discrimination with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.712 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.589–0.835) and a C-index of 0.797 (95% CI: 0.683–0.911). According to the model, children with bilateral CC had a higher likelihood of achieving a good outcome (BCVA < 0.22 Log MAR) if they underwent cataract extraction before the age of six months (hazard ratio [HR] 1.80, 95% CI: 0.92–3.70), received IOL implantation before the age of thirty-one months (HR 3.70, 95% CI: 1.77–7.80), and presented without nystagmus during their last follow-up visit (HR 11.20, 95% CI: 3.96–31.80).ConclusionsThis long-term visual acuity prognostic model demonstrates adequate performance for individualized prediction and assists in clinical decision-making. The risk stratification index guides optimal timing for surgery.

Could a Two-Staged Repair Be the Solution to the Dilemma of Repair Timing for Severe Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation?

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) remains a significant challenge, particularly in severe cases with persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) and hypoplastic lungs and heart. For patients unresponsive to conventional therapies, ECMO is required. While the surgical repair is relatively simple, determining the optimal timing for surgery in patients requiring ECMO is particularly challenging. This review explores the dilemma of surgical timing and proposes a two-staged approach: a reduction in herniated organs and the creation of a silo to relieve abdominal pressure before initiating ECMO, with defect closure following ECMO decannulation. Studies support pre-, on-, and post-ECMO repair, each with its own risks and benefits. Pre-ECMO repair may enhance ECMO efficacy by relieving organ compression but poses risks due to instability. Post-ECMO repair is safer but may result in losing the chance to repair. On-ECMO repair has significant hemorrhage risks, but early repair with careful anticoagulation management is currently recommended. Recently, the author reported a successful case using a two-staged approach-reducing herniated organs and creating a silo before ECMO, followed by defect closure after ECMO decannulation-which suggests a potential alternative strategy for managing severe CDH. A two-staged approach may offer a solution for severe CDH patients requiring ECMO.

Outcomes of arthroscopic stabilization for recurrent instability are equal to stabilization after a primary event.

Extensive literature exists relating to the management of shoulder instability, with a more recent focus on glenoid and humeral bone loss. However, the optimal timing for surgery following a dislocation remains unclear. There is concern that recurrent dislocations may worsen subsequent surgical outcomes, with some advocating stabilization after the first dislocation. The aim of this study was to determine if the recurrence of instability following arthroscopic stabilization in patients without significant glenoid bone loss was influenced by the number of dislocations prior to surgery. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed using the PubMed, EMBASE, Orthosearch, and Cochrane databases with the following search terms: ((shoulder or glenohumeral) and (dislocation or subluxation) and arthroscopic and (Bankart or stabilisation or stabilization) and (redislocation or re-dislocation or recurrence or instability)). Methodology followed the PRISMA guidelines. Data and outcomes were synthesized by two independent reviewers, and papers were assessed for bias and quality. Overall, 35 studies including 7,995 shoulders were eligible for analysis, with a mean follow-up of 32.7 months (12 to 159.5). The rate of post-stabilization instability was 9.8% in first-time dislocators, 9.1% in recurrent dislocators, and 8.5% in a mixed cohort. A descriptive analysis investigated the influence of recurrent instability or age in the risk of instability post-stabilization, with an association seen with increasing age and a reduced risk of recurrence post-stabilization. Using modern arthroscopic techniques, patients sustaining an anterior shoulder dislocation without glenoid bone loss can expect a low risk of recurrence postoperatively, and no significant difference was found between first-time and recurrent dislocators. Furthermore, high-risk cohorts can expect a low, albeit slightly higher, rate of redislocation. With the findings of this study, patients and clinicians can be more informed as to the likely outcomes of arthroscopic stabilization within this patient subset.

Optimal Timing to Perform Cholecystectomy in Patients with Acute Biliary Pancreatitis

Background: Acute biliary pancreatitis accounts for nearly 50% of acute pancreatitis cases, primarily caused by gallstones and biliary sludge. Cholecystectomy remains the definitive treatment to prevent recurrent biliary events, but the optimal timing of surgery remains debated.Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the optimal timing of cholecystectomy in patients with mild to moderate acute biliary pancreatitis, comparing early cholecystectomy during index admission to delayed cholecystectomy.Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted over 24 months at Combined Military Hospital, Kohat, Pakistan. A total of 126 patients aged 18 years and older, diagnosed with mild to moderate acute biliary pancreatitis, were included. Patients with severe pancreatitis, ICU admissions, or requiring ERCP were excluded. Patients were divided into two groups: index admission cholecystectomy and delayed cholecystectomy. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25 with chi-square tests applied. A p-value of &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Recurrent pancreatitis occurred in 0 patients in the early group versus 41 patients in the delayed group (p &lt; 0.001). The mean hospital stay was significantly shorter in the early group (5.92 vs 12.31 days, p &lt; 0.001).Conclusion: Early cholecystectomy significantly reduced recurrent biliary events and shortened hospital stay in patients with mild to moderate acute biliary pancreatitis without increasing complications.

Apert syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea: Timing for midface surgery

ABSTRACT Objective This study aims to determine the optimal timing for midface surgery in patients with Apert syndrome and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Methods We reviewed relevant articles from Web of Science and PubMed and conducted a bibliometric analysis. Results A review of 74 documents published between 1981 and 2023 revealed that determining the optimal timing for surgery in cases of airway obstruction necessitates consideration of various factors, including the location and severity of airway abnormalities, craniofacial development, potential impact of treatment on future growth, psychological considerations, and overall physiological conditions. Although midface advancement surgery performed around ages 6 to 7 typically yields symptom relief and favorable long-term outcomes, the ideal surgical timing young children with severe OSA remains a contentious issue. Conclusion While midface surgery is frequently advocated at ages 6 to 7, there is an urgent need for enhanced cooperation and high-quality research to deepen our understanding.

Optimal timing of surgery for inguinal hernia in premature neonates

AbstractAimThe surgical repair of inguinal hernias represents a significant risk for premature infants. Despite ongoing discourse, the optimal approach to hernia management remains contentious. Our investigation aims to establish the most favourable timing for inguinal repair in premature neonates.Patients and MethodsOur investigation involved the analysis of medical records for 536 neonates, born prematurely, who underwent inguinal hernia repair from January 2018 to December 2023. We dichotomised the cohort into two groups: those who received early repair and those who underwent late repair. The timing of the surgery was primarily determined by the surgeon's decision, in conjunction with familial consent to the surgical intervention. The primary endpoints were the incidence of recurrence or incarceration within 1 year after surgery. The secondary endpoints encompassed length of neonatal intensive care unit stay, post‐operative ventilator dependency, and frequency of return visits, whether to the inpatient and emergency department or an outpatient clinical setting, for hernia‐related issues.ResultsThe analysis encompassed a total of 454 neonates born prematurely, of which 163 underwent early repair, while 291 received late repair for inguinal hernia. The demographic data between the two groups demonstrated no significant differences. The occurrences of hernia recurrence and post‐operative apnoea presented similar trends across both cohorts. Notably, the late repair group exhibited an increased incidence of preoperative incarceration and return visits due to hernia complications. In this group, testicular atrophy or ovarian necrosis was observed in five cases, despite the overall absence of significant differences.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the surgical repair of inguinal hernia in preterm neonates, performed at the time of presentation to our clinics, is both safe and feasible. However, a delay in hernia repair appears to be associated with a heightened risk of severe complications, such as testicular atrophy or ovarian necrosis.

To shunt or not to shunt when closing myelomeningocele? A systematic review and meta-analysis of simultaneous versus delayed ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement in neonates undergoing myelomeningocele closure.

Approximately 70%-80% of children born with myelomeningocele develop hydrocephalus and need CSF diversion, commonly a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement. The optimal timing of surgery is not known, but many centers delay VPS placement and perform it in a separate surgery to avoid shunt complications, mainly shunt contamination and infection. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare shunt-related complications between populations with VPS surgery performed either simultaneously with myelomeningocele closure or with delay. The authors searched MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews databases on December 15, 2022, and November 11, 2023, using a predefined search strategy. Randomized and nonrandomized trials of neonates undergoing postnatal myelomeningocele closure and VPS placement before the age of 29 days were included. Cases with prenatal myelomeningocele closure and hydrocephalus treatment other than a VPS were excluded. All studies were screened and assessed by two independent reviewers. The authors performed a meta-analysis pooling risk ratios (RRs) with a 95% CI using the random-effects model. The quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. After screening and a full-text review of 2099 database search results, 12 studies with a total number of 4894 patients were included. All studies were nonrandomized studies. Only 2 studies were ranked as good quality on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. No statistically significant differences were found between simultaneous and delayed shunt insertion in terms of shunt infection (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.41-1.42); shunt revision (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.19-1.30); overall mortality (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.09-8.57); wound CSF leak (RR 0.20, 95% CI 0.03-1.23); or myelomeningocele wound dehiscence (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.07-3.71). In the subgroup analysis of studies conducted in high-income countries, simultaneous shunting was superior to delayed shunting concerning shunt infection (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.31-0.78) and shunt revision (RR 0.30, 95% CI 0.09-0.95). This systematic review and meta-analysis found no statistically significant differences in shunt-related complications between simultaneous and delayed VPS surgery in myelomeningocele-related hydrocephalus in neonates. The current literature does not support the common practice of delayed shunting or its alternative, simultaneous shunting.

Effects of early surgery for cervical fracture dislocation on 30-day mortality using the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database.

Retrospective study of data abstracted from the Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC) database. This study aimed to investigate the effects of surgery in the early phase. The optimal timing of surgery for cervical fracture dislocation (CFD) remains unclear because only a few clinical studies with approximately 100 patients have been published. This study included 4,653 adult patients with a definitive diagnosis of CFD from the DPC database. The database contains nationwide inpatient data collected from >1,000 acute care hospitals in Japan. The DPC database contains information regarding hospitalization, such as diagnosis, treatment, medical history, complications, and hospitalization outcomes. This study identified 460 pairs of patients after one-to-one propensity-score matching (PSM). Treatment outcomes were compared between patients who underwent surgery for CFD within 72 hours (early group) and later (delayed group) after admission. The main outcomes included 30-day mortality, inhospital death, and major complications. The secondary outcomes were improvement in the Barthel index, length of hospital stay, and discharged home rate. After adjusting for PSM, the early group had a significantly higher 30-day mortality rates than the delayed group (3.0% vs. 0.4%, p=0.006). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis after PSM, the early group was associated with an increased risk of 30-day mortality (odds ratio, 8.05; 95% confidence interval, 2.15-5.26; p=0.007). This study indicated that early surgery for CFD resulted in increased 30-day mortality.

Optimal timing of surgery after neoadjuvant treatment in borderline resectable pancreatic cancer.

Neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) is standard for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC). However, consensus is lacking on the optimal surgical timing for patients with BRPC undergoing NAT. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term outcomes of patients undergoing NAT for BRPC and suggest optimal resection timing. Prospectively collected data for 282 patients with BRPC between January 2007 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. There were 164 patients who underwent NAT followed by surgery, 45 for chemotherapy only, and 73 for upfront surgery. Among them, 150 patients who underwent R0 or R1 resection following NAT were investigated to identify prognostic factors. Patients receiving NAT followed by surgery showed the best survival (median overall survival [OS]; NAT followed by surgery vs. upfront surgery vs. chemotherapy only; 35 vs. 23 vs. 16 months). In the NAT group, 54 (36.0%) patients received less than 3 months of NAT, 68 (45.3%) received ≥3, <6 months, and 28 (18.7%) received longer than 6 months. Patients receiving ≥3 months of NAT showed an improved OS compared to <3 months (median; not reached vs. 27 months). In the FOLFIRINOX group, patients who received more than eight FOLFIRINOX cycles showed a good prognosis (<6 vs. 6-7 vs. ≥8 cycles; median survival, 26 vs. 41 months vs. not-reached). However, >12 cycles did not carry a survival benefit compared to 8-11 cycles. The optimal resection timing following NAT is once a patient undergoes at least 3 months of neoadjuvant chemotherapy or at least eight FOLFIRINOX cycles.

Surgery for Infrarenal Retroperitoneal Node Metastases from Colon Cancer.

Treatment of retroperitoneal lymph node metastases (RPN) from colon cancer (CC) is a therapeutic challenge. Available evidence supporting a curative approach is weak and uncertainties remain concerning the extent of the dissection, the optimal timing for surgery, and the role of adjuvant radiotherapy. We report the outcomes of a curative intent strategy in a recent monocentric series of patients. We did a retrospective review of all curative intent surgical treatment of RPN from CC performed consecutively in a French university hospital from June 2015 to April 2021. Demographics, clinicopathological, and molecular characteristics were evaluated. We describe recurrence-free and overall survival and factors related to recurrence. Records from 18 patients were reviewed. The median age was 69years. Most of the patients were male (55%), ASA 1-2 (94%), had a left-sided primary colon cancer (73%), and had metachronous RPN (62%). Thirteen patients (72%) experienced recurrence. Recurrence was often limited to RPN (27%) or liver (22%). Four patients underwent a second surgery for RPN recurrence. Median disease-free and overall survival were 22months and 50months after RPN surgery. We did not find any factor associated with recurrence. Short-term recurrence (< 6months) was associated with shorter overall survival (0.031). The current results suggest that RPN resection is feasible and associated with long survival in selected patients. Further studies evaluating the benefit of curative strategies including radical surgery for patients with potentially resectable RPN are warranted.

Application of right ventricular to pulmonary valved conduit in the surgical treatment of congenital heart disease.

Pulmonary valve replacement and right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction with valved conduits have been the shortcomings of paediatric cardiac surgeons in the treatment of CHD. In recent decades, encouraging achievements have been made in right ventricular outflow tract technology. Since Klinner reported the first right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery connection using unvalved conduits made of autologous pericardium in 1964, various right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduits have gradually been used in the treatment of various complex CHD. Compared with other materials, valved homograft conduit (VHC) is more consistent with physiological characteristics, better haemodynamics, easy suture and good haemostasis, anti-calcification, anti-infection, and without the need for lifelong anticoagulation, which makes VHC the best material for reconstruction of right ventricular outflow tract. However, due to the shortage of donor sources, other alternative conduits such as polytetrafuoroethylene valved conduits have been developed, and the results are not inferior to VHC in clinical application. The emerging tissue engineering technology is expected to utilise recipient-derived endothelial cells for implantation onto the decellularized VHC or degradable synthetic materials in order to construct a recipient-specific tissue-engineered valved conduit. This advancement holds great potential as an ideal biological transplant material and valve replacement for CHD. It will completely solve the problems of immune rejection and the growth of the conduit that cannot adapt to the physical growth of children. This review provides a comprehensive review of the clinical indications for right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduits application, optimal timing for surgery, current practices in utilising various types of external conduits, and considerations for re-replacement.

Timing of Resection of Spinal Meningiomas and Its Influence on Quality of Life and Treatment.

The main treatment modality for spinal meningiomas (SM) is gross total resection (GTR). However, the optimal timing of surgery, especially in cases with absent or mild neurological symptoms, remains unclear. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of early-stage resection on neurological outcome, quality of life (QoL), and quality of care. The primary objective is a favorable neurological outcome (McCormick scale 1). We retrospectively analyzed data from patients who underwent operations for SM between 2011 and 2021. Patients with mild neurological symptoms preoperatively (McCormick scale 1 and 2) were compared to those with more severe neurological symptoms (McCormick scale 3-5). Disabilities and QoL were assessed according to validated questionnaires (SF-36, ODI, NDI). Age, spinal cord edema, thoracic localization, and spinal canal occupancy ratio were associated with more severe neurological symptoms (all p < 0.05). Patients presenting with mild symptoms were associated with favorable neurological outcomes (OR: 14.778 (95%CI 3.918-55.746, p < 0.001)), which is associated with shorter hospitalization, better QoL, and fewer disabilities (p < 0.05). Quality of care was comparable in both cohorts. Early surgical intervention for SM, before the development of severe neurological deficits, should be considered as it is associated with a favorable neurological outcome and quality of life.

Peripheral CD8+PD-1+ T cells as novel biomarker for neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy in humanized mice of non-small cell lung cancer

Neoadjuvant immunotherapy has shown promising clinical activity in the treatment of early non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, further clarification of the specific mechanism and identification of biomarkers are imperative prior to implementing it as a daily practice. The study investigated the reprogramming of T cells in both tumor and peripheral blood following neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy in a preclinical NSCLC mouse model engrafted with a human immune system. Samples were also collected from 21 NSCLC patients (Stage IA-IIIB) who received neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy, and the dynamics of potential biomarkers within these samples were measured and further subjected to correlation analysis with prognosis. Further, we initially investigated the sources of the potential biomarkers. We observed in the humanized mouse model, neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy could prevent postoperative recurrence and metastasis by increasing the frequency and cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells in both peripheral blood (p<0.001) and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME)(p<0.001). The kinetics of peripheral CD8+PD-1+ T cells reflected the changes in the TIME and pathological responses, ultimately predicting survival outcome of mice. In the clinical cohort, patients exhibiting an increase in these T cells post-treatment had a higher rate of complete or major pathological response (p<0.05) and increased immune infiltration (p=0.0012, r=0.792). We identified these T cells originating from tumor draining lymph nodes and subsequently entering the TIME. In conclusion, the kinetics of peripheral CD8+PD-1+ T cells can serve as a predictor for changes in TIME and optimal timing for surgery, ultimately reflecting the outcomes of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy in both preclinical and clinical setting.

Randomized phase III trial of neo-adjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy vs adjuvant chemotherapy alone for localized soft tissue sarcoma (NACLESS, JCOG2102).

TPS11589 Background: Soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) are a rare malignant tumor. Adjuvant perioperative chemotherapy has been investigated for high-risk patients due to the poor overall survival (OS) for surgery. A meta-analysis revealed that adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) with doxorubicin plus ifosfamide (AI) significantly prolonged OS with an absolute risk reduction of 11%. However, the optimal timing for surgery and number of courses of chemotherapy are still controversial. In Europe, Italian sarcoma group and the Spanish sarcoma group reported on the non-inferiority of three courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) + surgery without AC, compared to three courses of NAC + surgery + two courses of AC. On the other hand, even in the same Europe, the latest report on perioperative chemotherapy with AI from Germany was a trial of surgery + AC. Furthermore, adjuvant chemotherapy itself remains skeptical in other countries such as the US, UK, and Canada. No investigation has been made into whether chemotherapy/surgery are better to initiate treatment with. In Japan, the standard treatment is three courses of NAC with AI, surgery, and two of AC with AI. However, in JCOG1306, NAC was discontinued in 12 of 70 (17.1%) patients due to high toxicity. Only one patient (1.4%) became partial response after NAC, whereas six patients (8.6%) had disease progression during NAC. Of the 65 patients eligible for limb-sparing surgery at enrollment, three (4.6%) underwent limb amputation. Upfront surgery followed by three courses of AC was considered the most promising treatment, it avoided extended surgery and reduced toxicity while maintaining an OS equivalent to the standard treatment. The aim of this trial is to optimize the balance between the survival benefit of perioperative chemotherapy, reduce toxicities, and risks of extended surgery. Methods: This is a multicenter two-arm open-label randomized phase III trial. Patients are randomly assigned to standard (three courses of NAC, surgery, and two of AC) or experimental (surgery and three courses of AC) arms with AI comprising doxorubicin (30 mg/m2, days 1, 2) and ifosfamide (2 g/m2, days 1–5). Major inclusion criteria were (1) spindle cell STS; (2) T2-4N0M0 (UICC/AJCC 8th edition) and deeply located; (3) resectable tumors in the extremities or trunk; (4) age, 16–70 years; (5) ECOG performance status of 0–1; (6) no history of chemotherapy/radiotherapy; and (7) sufficient bone marrow function. To evaluates the non-inferiority in OS (margin: hazard ratio of 1.61) with power of 70% and one-sided alpha of 10%, 224 patients will be enrolled from 39 institutions in Japan. We began this study on November 16, 2022, and 27 of 224 patients have been enrolled as of January 7, 2024. Clinical trial information: jRCTs031220446 .

Time to treatment and follicular thyroid cancer survival: A SEER database analysis.

e13794 Background: Follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) is a prevalent endocrine malignancy, typically managed with surgical resection. Few studies have investigated the optimal time of surgery for FTC at a national registry level. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of delaying surgical intervention on survival in FTC. Methods: Patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database who were diagnosed with FTC between 2000-2020 were selected. Additional variables were collected including age, sex, race, stage, surgical status, radiation status, time to treatment, household income, and population size. Kaplan-Meier, and one- and five-year logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: A total of 10,478 patients were included of which 95.5% underwent surgical management. There was a 98.3% and 96.4% survival rate at one- and five-years, respectively. On Kaplan-Meier, those who underwent surgery survived longer (p&lt;0.001). Additionally, patients treated within one month of diagnosis survived significantly better than those treated later (p&lt;0.001). On one-year logistic regression, higher staging was associated with worse survival while those who received surgery, radiation, and lived in counties with a median household income &gt;$75,000 had better survival (p’s&lt;0.05). On five-year logistic regression, patients older than 50 years old and higher staging were associated with worse survival while those who received surgery had better survival (p’s&lt;0.001). No differences were observed for time to treatment at one or five years. Conclusions: Our results show that surgical management is associated with improved survival in patients with FTC. On univariate analysis, a duration of one month or less between diagnosis and treatment was associated with improved survival. However, on multivariate analysis, only surgical management, radiation, and median household income &gt;$75,000 were associated with improved survival.

Optimal Timing in Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis of Ultra-Early Surgical Intervention Within Five Hours.

The optimal timing of surgery for cervical spinal cord injuries (SCI) and its impact on neurological recovery continue to be subjects of debate. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to consolidate and assess the existing evidence regarding the efficacy of ultra-early decompression surgery in improving clinical outcomes after cervical SCI. A search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and CINAHL databases from inception until September 18, 2023, focusing on human studies. The groups were categorized into ultra-early decompression (decompression surgery ≤ 5 hours post-injury) and a control group (decompression surgery between 5-24 hours post-injury). A random effects meta-analysis was performed on all studies using R Studio. Outcomes were reported as effect size (OR, treatment effect, and 95% CI. Of the 140 patients, 63 (45%) underwent decompression ≤ 5 hours, while 77 (55%) underwent decompression > 5 hours post-injury. Analysis using the OR model showed no statistically significant difference in the odds of neurological improvement between the ultra-early group and the early group (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 0.22-8.18, p = 0.761). This study did not observe significant neurological improvement among cervical SCI patients who underwent decompression within five hours. Due to the scarcity of literature on the ultra-early decompression of cervical SCI, this study underscores the necessity for additional investigation into the potential benefits of earlier interventions for cervical SCI to enhance patient outcomes.

A RARE CASE OF TYPE A AORTIC DISSECTION PRESENTING AS ACUTE STROKE: A DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGE

Abstract A 60–year–old woman presented to the emergency department with acute left hemiplegia, not chest pains. Past medical history was significant for family history of aortic aneurysm, arterial hypertension. At brain–CT was reported hypodensity areas in posterior arm of the right internal capsule and in right tempero–polar lobe, confirmed on brain–MRI, and compatible with acute ischemic injury. Echocolor–dopper of epiaortic vessels documentated ulcerated plaque into the right common carotid artery (CCA). Selective catheterization found focal dissection obstructing the flow, treated with self–expanding stent. On echocardiography evalutation for suspiction of TAAD: dilatation of ascending aorta with flap oscillation, severe arotic regurgitation, pericardial effusion (Fig. 1). CT–Angiography was performed with evidence of type A dissection extending superiorly to the right CCA and inferiorly to the iliac bifurcation. For coma state, the patient was mechanically ventilated, and seriate CTs showed new ischemic lesions and hemorrhagic infarction of previous. Because of contraindication for cardiac surgery due neurological state, the patient was referred at medical therapy as bridge to hybrid aortic arc substitution at resolution of intracranial hemorrhages. In the next days there was progressive improvement neurological status with restoration of sensory and autonomic breathing with hemodynamic stability. Aortic dissection (AD) is defined as a disruption of the medial layer leading to the formation of two lumens separated by an intimomedial flap. AD is a critical diagnosis to make due to life–threatening outcomes and its non–specific presentation as in the case of our patient where the management of AD was delayed due to an unusual initial clinical presentation. Multimodality imaging approach has been fundamental for correct diagnosis and risk stratification. A limited number of studies have reported cases with stroke as the first symptom with concomitant TAAD. Concomitant intracerebral hemorrhage and TAAD is a very rare presentation and the optimal timing of surgery in these patients is unknown. In our opinion, patients who presents acute stroke should be carefully evaluated using multimodal imaging to exclude TAAD before administering reperfusion therapy. In addition, performing CAS before surgery for TAAD is challenging but might be a valid treatment option to maintain good brain perfusion and improve prognosis, but further investigations are needed.

Two big bones, one big decision: When to fix bilateral femur fractures

PurposeFor polytrauma patients with bilateral femoral shaft fractures (BFSF), there is currently no consensus on the optimal timing of surgery. This study assesses the impact of early (≤ 24 h) versus delayed (>24 h) definitive fixation on clinical outcomes, especially focusing on concomitant versus staged repair. We hypothesized that early definitive fixation leads to lower mortality and morbidity rates. MethodsThe 2017–2020 Trauma Quality Improvement Program was used to identify patients aged ≥16 years with BFSF who underwent definitive fixation. Early definitive fixation (EDF) was defined as fixation of both femoral shaft fractures within 24 h, delayed definitive fixation (DDF) as fixation of both fractures after 24 h, and early staged fixation (ESF) as fixation of one femur within 24 h and the other femur after 24 h. Propensity score matching and multilevel mixed effects regression models were used to compare groups. Results1,118 patients were included, of which 62.8% underwent EDF. Following propensity score matching, 279 balanced pairs were formed. EDF was associated with decreased overall morbidity (12.9% vs 22.6%, p = 0.003), lower rate of deep venous thrombosis (2.2% vs 6.5%, p = 0.012), a shorter ICU LOS (5 vs 7 days, p < 0.001) and a shorter hospital LOS (10 vs 15 days, p < 0.001). When compared to DDF, early staged fixation (ESF) was associated with lower rates of ventilator acquired pneumonia (0.0% vs 4.9%, p = 0.007), but a longer ICU LOS (8 vs 6 days, p = 0.004). Using regression analysis, every 24-hour delay to definitive fixation increased the odds of developing complications by 1.05, postoperative LOS by 10 h and total hospital LOS by 27 h. ConclusionEarly definitive fixation (≤ 24 h) is preferred over delayed definitive fixation (>24 h) for patients with bilateral femur shaft fractures when accounting for age, sex, injury characteristics, additional fractures and interventions, and hospital level. Although mortality does not differ, overall morbidity and deep venous thrombosis rates, and length of hospital and intensive care unit stay are significantly lower. When early definitive fixation is not possible, early staged repair seems preferable over delayed definitive fixation.

Evaluation of Three-Dimensional Reconstruction Technology in Precision Hepatectomy for Primary Liver Cancer

Abstract Background Primary Liver Cancer has become a potent threat to the world due to its high morbidity and mortality rate. Up till now, Liver transplantation is the most suggested treatment but it is not feasible owing to the unavailability of donors and high cost. Hepatectomy provides an alternative treatment to this deadliest disease. Precision hepatectomy is performed with the aid of traditional 2 dimensional technology and image processing such as CT scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. However, it requires extensive expertise and pose challenges to the young doctors in decision making. Modern imaging and computer technology has opened the new avenues in medical field with the advent of 3 dimensional Reconstruction and visualization methods. Material and Methods We conducted a cohort retrospective study. In this study, we tried to evaluate the efficacy an impacts of 3 dimensional reconstruction on the preoperative planning of hepatectomy, intraoperative conditions and postoperative complications. We took 95 patients and divided them in two groups A and B. Group A has 67 patients who underwent hepatectomy before the application of 3 dimensional reconstruction and 28 patients on whom hepatectomy was performed according to the planning and methods of 3dimensional reconstruction and results were evaluated. Results Our study found that 3 dimensional reconstruction can help in better diagnosis, resection planning and reduce the postoperative complication. Results were not significant difference p &gt; 0.05 on the incidence of postoperative complication between group A and B. Results were significant p &lt; 0.05 for the intraoperative blood loss, optimal surgery time and postoperative hospitalization. Conclusion Hence, 3 dimensional reconstruction is a landmark discovery in medical sciences for the accurate evaluation and resection of complex liver cancers.

Impact of treatment interval between neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy and surgery in lung squamous cell carcinoma

ObjectiveThe optimal timing for surgery following neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy for lung squamous cell carcinoma appears to be a topic of limited data. Many clinical studies lack stringent guidelines regarding this timing. The objective of this study is to explore the effect of the interval between neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy and surgery on survival outcomes in patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma.MethodsThis study conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma who underwent neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy between January 2019 and October 2022 at The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. Patients were divided into two groups based on the treatment interval: ≤33 days and > 33 days. The primary observational endpoints of the study were Disease-Free Survival (DFS) and Overall Survival (OS). Secondary observational endpoints included Objective response rate (ORR), Major Pathological Response (MPR), and Pathological Complete Remission (pCR).ResultsUsing the Kaplan-Meier methods, the ≤ 33d group demonstrated a superior DFS curve compared to the > 33d group (p = 0.0015). The median DFS for the two groups was 952 days and 590 days, respectively. There was no statistical difference in the OS curves between the groups (p = 0.66), and the median OS was not reached for either group. The treatment interval did not influence the pathologic response of the tumor or lymph nodes.ConclusionsThe study observed that shorter treatment intervals were associated with improved DFS, without influencing OS, pathologic response, or surgical safety. Patients should avoid having a prolonged treatment interval between neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy and surgery.