Possible Risk Factors For Recurrence Research Articles

Risk Factors for Rectal Cancer Recurrence after Local Excision of T1 Lesions from a Decade-Long Multicenter Retrospective Study

Background: Local surgical excision of T1 rectal adenocarcinoma is a well-established approach. Yet, there are still open questions regarding the recurrence rates and its risk factors. Methods: A retrospective multicenter study including all patients who underwent local excision of early rectal cancer with an open or MIS approach and had a T1 lesion from 2010 to 2020 in six academic centers. Data included demographics, preoperative studies, surgical findings, postoperative outcomes, and local and systemic recurrence. A univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for recurrence. Results: Overall, 274 patients underwent local excision of rectal lesions. Of them, 97 (35.4%) patients with a T1 lesion were included in the cohort. The mean age was 69 ± 10.5 years, and 42 (43.3%) were female. The mean distance of the lesions from the anal verge was 7.8 ± 3.2 cm, and the average tumor size was 2.7 ± 1.6 cm. Eighty-two patients (85%) had a full-thickness resection. Eight patients (8%) had postoperative complications. Kikuchi classification of submucosal (SM) involvement was reported in 29 (30%) patients. Twelve patients had SM1, two SM2, and fifteen SM3. Following pathology, 24 patients (24.7%) returned for additional surgery or treatment. The overall recurrence rate was 14.4% (14 patients), with 11 patients having a local recurrence and 6 having a systemic metastatic recurrence, 3 of which had both. The mean time for recurrence was 2.78 ± 2.8 years and the overall mortality rate was 11%. On univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis of recurrence vs. non-recurrence groups, the strongest and most significant association and possible risk factors for recurrence were larger lesions (4.3 vs. 2.5 cm, p < 0.001) with an OR of 6.67 (CI—1.82–24.36), especially for tumors larger than 3.5 cm, mucinous histology (14.3% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.004, OR of 14.02, CI—1.13–173.85), and involved margins (41.7% vs. 16.2%, p = 0.003, OR of 9.59, CI—2.14–43.07). The open transanal excision (TAE) approach was also identified as a possible significant risk factor in univariant analysis, while SM3 level penetration showed only a trend. Conclusion: Surgical local excision of T1 rectal malignancy is a safe and viable option. Still, one in four patients received additional treatment. There is an almost 15% chance for recurrence, especially in large tumors, mucinous histology, or involved margin cases. These high-risk patients might warrant additional intervention and stricter surveillance protocols.

Recurrence of diverticulitis after prophylactic sigmoidectomy: an underestimated problem?

Several papers have been published about the risk of recurrence after an attack of diverticulitis treated conservatively. However, very few papers have been devoted to the risk of postoperative recurrence of diverticulitis (PRD) after prophylactic sigmoidectomy (PS). The aim of this work was to report the rate of PRD after PS and to assess possible risk factors for recurrence after surgery. All consecutive patients who underwent elective laparoscopic PS for diverticulitis between 2005 and 2019 were retrospectively included. PRD was assessed. Three hundred and sixty four patients (199 men, mean age 54 ± 13 years) were included. Among these, 26 (7%) presented with 1.7 ± 1 (range 1-4) episodes of recurrence of diverticulitis after a mean delay of 44 ± 39 months (1month-11 years) after surgery. Patients who presented with postoperative recurrence of diverticulitis were younger (46 ± 11 vs. 55 ± 13 years, p=0.002) and more frequently had uncomplicated diverticulitis [15/26 (58%) vs. 97/338 (29%), p=0.002] and more than two previous episodes before PS [17/26 (65%) vs. 132/338 (39%), p=0.009] than patients without PRD. After multivariate analysis, two independent risk factors for PRD were identified: patients with more than two episodes before PS (OR=3.3, 95% CI=1.2-9, p=0.005) and age < 50 years (OR=4.5, 95% CI=2-11, p=0.001). If both factors were present, recurrence reached 18% (9/51). Postoperative recurrence of diverticulitis is rare (7%) after PS for diverticulitis. Some patients (i.e. those with more than two episodes before PS and/or age <50 years) could be exposed to a higher risk of recurrence (up to 18%), making prophylactic surgery questionable in these patients.

The arthroscopic Bankart operation: a 10-year follow-up study.

Traumatic shoulder instability most frequently occurs in young people often during sports events. Currently, the arthroscopic Bankart repair is the therapy of choice in the absence of extensive glenoid bone loss and has proved to be a safe and effective procedure. Nevertheless, we see recurrence of instability-especially if new trauma happens-and further data are needed to guide the right decision-making for these often young patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term outcome 10years after arthroscopic Bankart operation in terms of satisfaction of the patient, functional result, complications, recurrent instability, and development of osteoarthritis, and to look after possible risk factors for recurrence of instability and statistical proof of these. Thirty-nine out of 49 patients underwent physical examination of both shoulders. We could perform a postoperative shoulder a-p X-ray in 28 patients. According to Samilson, [24] the extent of osteoarthritis was measured. The Constant score and the postoperative ROWE score were determined for both shoulders as well as the WOSI Score. In 25 cases, we calculated the ISIS Score. We could reach out to 89.6% of patients and 79.6% could be physically examined. The vast majority of 95.5% are either very satisfied or satisfied with the result at the time we ended the follow-up. The mean Constant score of 95.5 reflects this result. In contrast to this, we found at the same time in 15.3% ongoing clinical signs of instability of the concerning shoulder, even though 9.1% had to be re-operated for recurrent instability in between the follow-up timeline and we found in the X-rays (57.1% of all patients) in 35.7% at least moderate and in 10.7% severe signs of osteoarthritis. The Constant score but not the ROWE score differed significantly in patients with no or mild compared to those with moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis. The arthroscopic Bankart stabilization procedure showed after 10years to be a very safe operation and to be able to produce a satisfying and functional very good long-term result-reflected by the Constant score. We assume that the extent of osteoarthritis seems to be the determining factor of the very good functional result, even though ongoing instability was present in 15.3% of the patients.

Comparison of Tumor Seeding and Recurrence Rate After Laparoscopic vs. Open Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Transitional Cell Carcinoma

Introduction: Laparoscopic surgery for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Cell Carcinoma (UTUC) is still debated for its possible seeding risk and thus consequent oncological recurrences, especially for atypical ones. The aim of the study is to compare recurrence and survival after Laparoscopic vs. Open Radical Nephroureterectomy (RNU) for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC).Method: A retrospective evaluation of UTUC consecutive surgeries from 2008 to 2019 was conducted, including pT ≥ 2, High Grade UTUC who underwent RNU with bladder cuff excision without concomitant lymphadenectomy in three urological tertiary centers. Statistical analyses compared recurrence and cancer specific survival, based on surgical approach, while logistic multivariate analyses and Kaplan Meyer survival curve analyzed possible risk factors for recurrence and survival.Results: One hundred seven cases of RNU, 47 (43.9%) laparoscopic and 60 (56.1%) open, were included in this report. Preoperative characteristics were comparable between groups. However, tumor stage was higher in the Open arm [T3–T4 in 44 (73.3%) vs. 20 (43.4%) in Laparoscopic]. Mean follow-up was 91.6 months in laparoscopy RNU vs. 93.5 months in open RNU. Recurrence rate (RR) was comparable between groups (p = 0.594), and so was the site, although 3 (6.3%) peritoneal recurrences were found only in laparoscopic group (p = 0.057). At multivariate logistic regression, tumor stage and surgical approach were independent predictors of recurrence (p < 0.05), while only tumor stage was predictor of cancer specific death (p = 0.029).Conclusion: Surgical approach has no impact on recurrence site, overall survival, and RR. Still, according to our data peritoneal carcinomatosis was present only in laparoscopic arm, despite how it didn't reach statistical significance.

Surgical Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Trephine Surgery for Pilonidal Sinus Disease and Risk Factors for Recurrence.

Background: Minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques for pilonidal sinus disease (PNS) have gained popularity in recent years, due to faster recovery and lower complication rate compared with conventional methods. Our aim was to assess recurrence rate following MIS Trephine procedure for PNS and to identify possible risk factors for recurrence. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort, including patients who underwent PNS Excision by Trephine MIS Procedure over 5 years in a large tertiary medical center was established. Patient data were collected from medical charts and patient telephone survey to asses recurrence rate. Results: Two hundred three patients underwent MIS Trephine procedure for PNS, with data available on 130 patients (64.2%). Overall recurrence and nonhealing wound rate was 33.07% (43 patients), with disease recurrence occurring in mean time of 13.3 months (range 2-47 months). Thirty-six patients underwent repeat MIS Trephine surgery with recurrence occurring in 6 patients (4.6%). Overall healing rate following repeat surgery was 91.5% (119 patients). Univariate analysis of preoperative and clinical factors, including body mass index (P = .77), smoking status (P = .53), number of sinus tracts (P = .78), previous abscess drainage (P = .45), and diameter size of the trephine blade (P = .72) demonstrated no correlation to disease recurrence following surgery. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed similar results, with only young age (<30 years) associated with disease recurrence (P = .01). Conclusion: Recurrence following minimally invasive trephine excision for PNS is fairly high, but repeat surgery in recurring patients has a high rate of a successful outcome.

Absence of differences in the recurrence rates of hepatitis C virus‑associated hepatocellular carcinoma between direct‑acting antivirals and interferon‑based treatments: A multicenter study

Direct‑acting antivirals (DAAs) have a high rate of achieving a sustained virological response (SVR) to hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, there is a possibility that the rapid elimination of HCV by DAAs can decrease internal interferon (IFN) secretion, resulting in an increased rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence than that observed with the current IFN‑based treatment. The present study aimed to retrospectively confirm the absence of differences in the recurrence rates of HCC between patients receiving DAAs and IFN‑based treatment, and to investigate the possible risk factors for recurrence. The HCC recurrence rate following treatment was compared between patients who underwent DAA therapy (DAA group, n=257) and those who received an IFN‑based regimen (IFN group, n=47). Kaplan‑Meier analysis and the log‑rank test were used to compare the groups, and baseline confounds were adjusted by Cox proportional methods. Further comparison of the HCC recurrence rate between the DAA and IFN groups was performed after adjusting these potential confounding variables using propensity score matching. Kaplan‑Meier analysis revealed no significant differences in the HCC recurrence rate between the two groups, as well as no significant difference following the adjustment of the confounding variables. In addition, significant independent risk factors were identified for recurrence in the DAA group, including proteins induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist‑II, the number of previous HCC treatments and the Forns index. Following the adjustment for risk factors for HCC recurrence among the patients in the DAA group, no significant differences in the rate were observed between the DAA and IFN groups. On the whole, these results suggested that HCC recurrence following curative treatment was equivalent in patients treated with DAAs and those treated with IFN. The Forns index was identified as a novel risk factor for HCC recurrence following DAA treatment.

Predicting factors for primary cervical cancer recurrence after definitive radiation therapy.

Objectives:The study aimed to retrospectively investigate the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of primary cervical cancer to examine the recurrence correlations in patients treated with radiotherapy (RT).Methods:The ADC of 31 patients with cervical cancer treated with RT were analyzed as possible risk factors for recurrence. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the mean ADC (ADCmean) for the recurrence was generated to determine the cut-off value that yielded optimal sensitivity and specificity. The patient population was subdivided according to the risk factors for recurrence, and the disease-free survival (DFS) was analyzed. The following were investigated to explore the risk factors for recurrence: age, performance status, stage, pelvic lymph node metastasis, histologic tumor grade, maximal diameter of the primary tumor, chemotherapy, and ADCmean.Results:The median follow-up duration of the patients was 25 months. The recurrence was recognized in 9 (29%) of the 31 cases. The ROC analysis of recurrence showed that the area under the ADCmean curve was 0.889 (95% CI, 0.771–1.000; p = 0.001). The cut-off value of ADC mean was 0.900 × 10− 3 mm2/s, with a sensitivity of 86.4% and a specificity of 88.9%. By univariate analysis, the ADCmean was the only factor significantly associated with recurrence.Conclusion:The ADCmean of the primary tumor is a potential predictive factor for the recurrence in of cervical cancer.Advances in knowledge:The ADCmean of the primary tumor is a predictor of recurrence in patients with pre-treatment cervical cancer evaluation.

Recurrent Pterygium: A Review.

Purpose:To summarize the recent evidence regarding different aspects of pterygium recurrence.Methods:Human-based studies from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were identified using the following keywords: conjunctival disease, pterygium, recurrent pterygium, pterygium recurrence, pterygium management/surgery, conjunctival autograft (CAU), amniotic membrane graft/transplant, and adjuvant therapy (January 2009 to February 2021). We reviewed risk factors associated with the recurrence of pterygium, timing of recurrence, medical treatments to prevent from recurrence, and nonsurgical and surgical alternatives for management of recurrence.Results:Dry eye disease, black race, and young age are considered definite risk factors for recurrence. However, fleshy appearance of the pterygium and preoperative size remain controversial. Surgical techniques such as excessive suturing, insufficient conjunctival graft size, thick conjunctival graft with remained Tenon tissue, and postoperative graft retraction are considered possible risk factors for recurrence. Using fibrin glue instead of sutures can further reduce recurrence rates. Although recurrence could occur even after many years, most recurrences happen in the first 3–6 months after surgery. Multiple kinds of adjuvant medications are used before, during, or after the operation including mitomycin C (MMC), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), corticosteroids, and anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGFs). Multiple weekly subconjunctival 5-FU injections are shown to be safe and effective in halting the progression of recurrent pterygium. Although topical bevacizumab is found to inhibit the growth of impending recurrent pterygium, the effect is mostly temporary. CAU is superior to amniotic membrane transplantation in the treatment for recurrent pterygia.Conclusions:There is yet to be a panacea in treating recurrent pterygium. Currently, there is not a globally accepted recommendation for treating recurrent pterygium with anti-VEGFs or 5-FU as a nonsurgical treatment. We strongly recommend using MMC as an adjunct to surgery in recurrent cases, with consideration of its specific complications. CAU is the most effective surgical treatment for recurrent pterygium, and other new surgical therapies need further investigation.

Controversies in ameloblastoma management: evaluation of decision making, based on a retrospective analysis.

Background The ameloblastoma management is still challenging to the high recurrence rates and significant morbidity associated with radical treatment. The purpose of this 10-year retrospective study was to analyze the influence of ameloblastoma type and treatment strategy on the long-term outcomes and recurrence rates. Material and Methods The retrospective analyses of 64 histologically-confirmed ameloblastoma cases was performed. The possible risk factors for recurrence and the development of complications were estimated statistically. Results The treatment strategy applied for this group of patients was the following: thirty-four patients (53.1%) were treated conservatively with enucleation or extended bone curettage. Radical treatment (bone resection) was applied in 30 (46.9%) cases. The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 10 years (mean value 4.28 ± 3,26). General recurrence rate consisted 32.8%. This study did not find significant correlations between clinical or histopathological features of the ameloblastoma and the recurrence rate. The only factor that significantly influence recurrence rate was the treatment strategy (41% in conservative treatment vs 15% in radical treatment, p<0.05). Postoperative complications were observed in 42 patients (65.6%) and included face asymmetry and disfigurement (17.2%), temporary paresthesia of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) - 23.4%, permanent paresthesia of IAN - 20.3%, paresis of a marginal branch of the facial nerve - 6.3%, infection 12.5%, and swelling - 20.3%. The complication rates, esthetic and functional deficiency were significantly higher in radically treated patients (p<0.05) Conclusions Our study confirms that higher recurrence rate is associated with conservative treatment for ameloblastoma, while radical treatment leads to an increased number of postoperative complications that affect the patient's quality of life. Key words:Ameloblastoma, ameloblastoma recurrence, odontogenic tumor, oral pathology.

Long-term clinical outcomes following surgery for spontaneous pneumothorax caused by pulmonary blebs and bullae in dogs - a multicentre (AVSTS Research Cooperative) retrospective study.

To report the clinical characteristics and recurrence rate of spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to pulmonary blebs and bullae following surgical management in a large cohort of dogs. To explore potential risk factors for recurrence and describe outcome. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for cases with spontaneous pneumothorax managed surgically between 2000 and 2017. Signalment, clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, surgery, histopathology findings and patient outcomes were recorded. Follow-up was performed via patient records and telephone contact. Records of 120 dogs with surgically treated pneumothorax were identified and reviewed, with 99 cases appropriate for exploratory statistical analysis. Median follow-up was 850 days (range: 9-5105 days). Two- and 5-year survival rates were 88.4% and 83.5%, respectively. There was recurrence in 14 of 99 dogs (14.1%) with adequate follow-up, with a median time to recurrence of 25 days (1-1719 days). Univariable Cox regression analysis suggested increased risk for recurrence in giant breeds (hazard ratio=11.05, 95% confidence interval: 2.82-43.35) and with increasing bodyweight (HR=1.04, 95% confidence interval: 1.00-1.09). Of 14 dogs with recurrence, six were euthanased, two died of causes related to pneumothorax and six underwent further treatment, of which five were resolved. Long-term survival for dogs with surgically managed spontaneous pneumothorax was good and associated with a low risk of recurrence. Giant breed dogs and increased bodyweight were the only variables identified as possible risk factors for recurrence. The outcome for dogs with recurrence undergoing a second intervention was also favourable.

Sistrunk Prosedürü Sonrası Tiroglossal Kanal Kisti Nüksleri İçin Olası Risk Faktörleri

Sistrunk Prosedürü Sonrası Tiroglossal Kanal Kisti Nüksleri İçin Olası Risk Faktörleri

Time to and Possible Risk Factors for Recurrence after Burr-hole Drainage of Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Subanalysis of the cSDH-Drain Randomized Controlled Trial

The randomized controlled Chronic Subdural Hematoma (cSDH)-Drain-Trial showed comparable recurrence rates after placing a subperiosteal drain (SPD) or a subdural drain (SDD) for surgically drained cSDH, although SDD was associated with higher rates of infection and iatrogenic brain injury. This subanalysis examines the time to recurrence and possible risk factors for recurrence after burr-hole drainage of cSDH and placement of a SPD compared with a SDD. We included 220 patients from the preceding cSDH-Drain-Trial. Time to recurrence was compared within the 2 groups using a univariate Cox proportional hazards model. Apart from intraoperative brain expansion (iBE), defined by residual hematoma-cavity on computer tomography 24 hours after surgery, other possible pre-, intra- and postoperative risk factors for recurrence were assessed through univariate and multivariate analysis. Median time to recurrence was 22.5 days (interquartile range: 9.25-52 days, range: 0-81) showing no difference between the 2 groups. Less iBE (P= 0.019), lower Glasgow Outcome Scale score at discharge (P= 0.007), and lower Glasgow Coma Scale score at 24 hours (P= 0.037) were strongly associated with recurrence on univariate analysis. After multivariate logistic analysis, less iBE (odds ratio: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01; 1.21; P= 0.03) remained the only significant risk factor associated with recurrence. When comparing the risk factors within the 2 groups, less iBE and lower Glasgow Outcome Scale score at release were associated with recurrence only in the SDD group. The inserted drain type after burr-hole drainage of cSDH does not seem to influence time to recurrence. SPD may be warranted in routine clinical practice, independent of individual patient, surgical, or hematoma characteristics.

Clinical Outcomes of Surgical Treatment for Primary Chest Wall Soft Tissue Sarcoma.

BackgroundThis study investigated the clinical outcomes of surgical treatment of primary chest wall soft tissue sarcoma (CW-STS).MethodsThirty-one patients who underwent surgery for CW-STS between 2000 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The disease-free and overall survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and prognostic factors were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model.ResultsThe median follow-up duration was 65.6 months. The most common histologic type of tumor was malignant fibrous histiocytoma (29%). The resection extended to the soft tissue in 14 patients, while it reached full thickness in 17 patients. Complete resection was achieved in 27 patients (87.1%). There were 5 cases of local recurrence, 3 cases of distant metastasis, and 5 cases of combined recurrence. The 5-year disease-free rate was 49%. Univariate analysis indicated that incomplete resection (p<0.001) and stage (p=0.062) were possible risk factors for recurrence. Multivariate analysis determined that incomplete resection (p=0.013) and stage (p=0.05) were significantly associated with recurrence. The overall 5- and 10-year survival rates were 86.8% and 64.3%, respectively. No prognostic factor for survival was identified.ConclusionLong-term primary CW-STS surgery outcomes were found to be favorable. Incomplete microscopic resection and stage were risk factors for recurrence.

Recurrence after endoscopic treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts- a long-term follow-up

Background: Pancreatic pseudocysts (PPC) are collections of fluid encapsulated within a well-defined inflammatory wall that develop during pancreatic inflammation. Internal drainage represents the standard of care in lesions. Only limited data are available on long-term results. Thus, the aim of the present study was to analyse the long-term outcome after endoscopic drainage of PPC. Methods: Patient data were retrospectively collected. We assessed the clinical short-term outcome within 30 days after initial drainage procedure, medium-term outcome within 6 months after initial drainage procedure and long-term outcome. We performed statistical analysis to identify possible risk factors for recurrence of PPC. Results: We identified 51 patients with initially successful endoscopic drainage of the PPC. Among this cohort, 43 patients were available for assessment of medium-term results. In 82.9% of these 43 patients the drainage could be removed after successful treatment of the PPC. Thirty patients were available for long term follow-up with a mean observation period of 42.2 months. 7 of these had recurrent PPC. Approximately half of the recurrent cysts arose in different anatomical regions and most patients with recurrence had chronic pancreatitis. Conclusion: For most patients endoscopic drainage of PPC is sufficient. However, recurrences occur. Because most of these occur in chronic pancreatitis and different anatomical locations we conclude that these might be new PPC and not persistence of old PPC.

Risk factors related to the recurrence of endometrioma in patients with long-term postoperative medical therapy.

The purpose of this study was to identify clinical risk factors for the recurrence of ovarian endometrioma after ovarian cystectomy in Korean women with long-term postoperative medical therapy. A total of 134 patients who were surgically treated for endometriotic cysts at Pusan National University Hospital were included in this retrospective study. All patients received long-term postoperative medical treatment for at least 12 months after the first-line conservative surgery. Several epidemiologic variables were analyzed as possible risk factors for recurrence. Endometrioma recurrence was considered when a cystic mass was observed on transvaginal or transrectal sonography. Statistical analysis was performed using independent t-tests for parametric continuous variables. The mean follow-up period for the 134 patients was 56.5 ± 14.3 months (range, 36-120 months) and the mean duration of the medical therapy was 17.9 ± 17.3 months (range, 12-120 months). The overall recurrence rate was 35/134 (26.12%). Our univariate analysis showed statistically significant differences between the recurrent and non-recurrent groups in terms of weight (P = 0.013), body mass index (P = 0.007), age at the time of surgery (P = 0.013), the diameter of the largest cyst (P = 0.001), the presence of dysmenorrhea (P < 0.0001), and postoperative pregnancy (P = 0.016). Multivariate analysis showed that body mass index (OR 1.153, 95% CI 1.003-1.326, P = 0.046), age at the time of surgery (OR 0.924, 95% CI 0.860-0.992, P = 0.029), and presence of dysmenorrhea (OR 12.226, 95% CI 3.543-42.188, P < 0.0001) were significantly correlated with the recurrence of endometrioma. We found that patients with dysmenorrhea after surgery, and a younger age of the patient at the time of surgery were the highest risk factors associated with the recurrence of endometrioma, despite long-term postoperative medication.

Recurrence risk factors in detachable balloon embolization of traumatic direct carotid cavernous fistulas in 188 patients

PurposeTo investigate the effects of detachable balloons in embolizing traumatic carotid cavernous fistulas (TCCFs) and the risk factors for recurrence after balloon embolization.Materials and methods188 patients with TCCFs were enrolled,...

Long-term results after endoscopic drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts: A single-center experience

BackgroundPancreatic pseudocysts (PPC) are collections of fluid encapsulated within a well-defined inflammatory wall that develop during pancreatic inflammation. Internal drainage represents the standard of care in lesions that persist and lead to symptoms and complications. Only limited data are available on long-term results and recurrence of PPC after drainage procedures. Thus, the aim of the present study was to analyse the long-term outcome after endoscopic drainage of PPC. Material and methodsPatient data were retrospectively collected by review of clinical records of the University Medical Center Mannheim. We assessed the clinical short-term outcome (results in the first 30 days after initial drainage procedure), medium-term outcome (results 6 months after initial drainage procedure) and long-term outcome (results after stent removal). We performed statistical analysis to identify possible risk factors for recurrence of PPC. ResultsWe identified 51 patients with initially successful endoscopic drainage of the PPC (n = 51/53, 96%). Among this cohort, 43 patients were available for assessment of medium-term results. In 82.9% of these 43 patients the drainage could be removed after successful treatment of the PPC. Thirty patients were available for long term follow-up with a mean observation period of 42.2 months (SD 32.8 months). Among these patients, seven (n = 7/30, 23.3%) had recurrent PPC. Approximately half of the recurrent cysts arose in different anatomical regions and most patients with recurrence had chronic pancreatitis. ConclusionEndoscopic drainage represents an effective treatment for PPC. Approximately one quarter of the patients developed recurrent PPC. Half of recurrent PPC developed in different pancreatic regions than the initial PPC.

Mid-term Outcomes of Endovenous Laser Ablation in Patients with Active and Healed Venous Ulcers: A Follow-up Study

Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the mid-term ulcer recurrence rate in patients with healed or active venous ulcers treated with endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) for incompetent superficial axial veins and to search for possible risk factors for non-healing and recurrence. Methods Consecutive patients treated with EVLA because of a healed or active venous ulcer between 2006 and 2013 were identified in the medical records and quality registry and invited to follow-up, including clinical history, study examination, Duplex ultrasound scanning, ankle brachial pressure, photoplethysmography, venous clinical severity score (VCSS), and health related quality of life (HRQoL) measured with EQ5D. Of 228 patients, 170 (195 legs) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Twenty patients were interviewed by phone, 27 were unreachable and 11 were excluded. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify possible risk factors for recurrence. Results The mean follow-up time was 41 months (range 14–89 months). The average age was 66.6 years (range 36–87 years). All 86 legs operated on for an active ulcer had this ulcer healed sometime between the operation and the study examination, but thereafter it recurred in 14 patients (16%). In 109 legs operated on for a healed ulcer, the ulcer recurred in 17 legs (16%). Complications such as permanent sensory loss were seen in 16 legs (8%) and deep venous thrombosis in two legs (1%). Thirty legs (15%) were re-treated for superficial venous incompetence (SVI). Reduced ankle mobility was a risk factor for recurrence in both univariate and multivariate analysis ( p =.048). Conclusions These midterm results demonstrate that endovenous laser ablation of SVI in patients with healed or active venous ulcers achieves good healing and low ulcer recurrence rates, with a low rate of complications and an acceptable re-intervention rate.

Surgical Treatment and Recurrence of Cutaneous Nasal Malignancies: A 26-Year Retrospective Review of 1795 Patients.

Frequent localization of facial malignancies in the nasal area and their required complete surgical extirpation pose a significant challenge to the plastic surgeon, who is called to perform a suitable delicate reconstruction of produced nasal skin defects. The present study was aimed to examine the role of tumor characteristics in the prognosis of patients with nasal skin cancer undergoing surgical management.A retrospective review of 1795 patients operated on for nasal cutaneous neoplasms during a 26-year period is presented in our study. Descriptive statistics were appropriately calculated; multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed regarding the possible risk factors for recurrence. Only those with a complete follow-up were included in the study. The mean age of our study population was 66.7 years with a male majority (52.4%). Basal cell carcinoma appeared as the most common histological type (87.7%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (7.9%); the latter correlated with poor prognosis.The nasal sidewalls were the most frequent lesion location (29.8%), followed by the alae (27.8%), dorsum (21.7%), and tip (19.3%). The columella was very rarely affected (0.5%) but was associated with increased recurrence [hazard ratio, 4.74; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.12-20.00; P = 0.034]. Most patients were treated with elliptical excision and direct closure (58.7%). Local flaps (31.0%) and skin grafting (9.0%) proved very reliable surgical options, especially for larger, high-risk lesions. Recurrence transpired in 46 patients (2.6%) and 4 skin cancer-related deaths occurred.Surgical modality of choice should be individualized and carefully adjusted to patients' needs. Moreover, more elective techniques, such as Mohs micrographic surgery or cumulative therapeutic approaches, like irradiation, should be examined as a beneficial aid to confront high-risk malignancies.

Foreign body reactions may not influence the keloid recurrence.

The foreign body reactions are comprised of macrophages and foreign body giant cells and are considered possible risk factors for recurrence in several conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of pathologically proven foreign body reactions on the recurrence of the auricular keloids. This study was carried out in 76 cases in 70 patients reaching the pathologic diagnosis of auricular keloids from March 2006 to February 2012. Patients with auricular keloids were included in the study according to the following criteria: The keloid scar was caused by ear piercing and confirmed pathologically; surgical excision with primary closure was performed; and female patients who have not underwent any previous treatments. To compare any differences of recurrence rate between categorical variables (the presence/absence of foreign body reactions), Fisher's exact tests were used. All patients completed the treatment protocol with a follow-up interval of 18months. Of these patients, 90.9% (69 keloids) had successful irradication of their auricular keloids, whereas 9.2% (seven keloids) had recurrences. Of the seven recurrent cases, two exhibited foreign body reactions at pathology, while five revealed no foreign body reactions (28.6% vs. 71.4%, P=0.092). Detection of foreign body reactions in keloid tissue may not predict recurrence in auricular keloids.