Postoperative Stenosis Research Articles

Single-incision laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy with selective ductoplasty for type IV-A Choledochal cysts in children: a retrospective study

IntroductionType IV-A choledochal cyst (CDC) has been considered to have a poor prognosis due to the high incidence of postoperative anastomotic strictures and intrahepatic stones. This study aimed to evaluate the surgical outcomes of children with type IV-A CDC and to provide insights for clinical diagnosis and treatment.MethodsThe study retrospectively analyzed patients from June 2015 to December 2018 at our center, 76 children were diagnosed with type IV-A CDC. All patients underwent single-incision laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. The decision to perform ductoplasty was made by comprehensively considering the intrahepatic duct dilatation (IHDD) and stricture. All patients were followed up 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively, and then every 1 year thereafter. Patients were categorized into two groups based on IHDD changes postoperatively: the long-term group (LTG), with IHDD persisting for over a year, and the short-term group (STG), where IHDD normalized within a year. Single/multiple factor logistic regression was used to analyse the factors influencing postoperative IHDD.ResultsThe median follow-up period was 80 months, with a range from 64 to 101 months. The decrease in postoperative liver function parameters, compared to preoperative levels, was statistically significant. Two patients (2.63%) developed bile leaks. One patient (1.32%) developed anastomotic stricture. All patients’ IHDD returned to normal size. Fifty-six (73.7%) patients showed normalization of IHDD within one-year postoperatively. The median recovery time for IHDD in patients was 1.65 months, ranging from 3 days to 74 months postoperatively. There were significant differences in intrahepatic biliary sludge and stones and maximum diameter of IHDD between STG and LTG. Logistic regression was used to analyse the factors and found that intrahepatic biliary sludge and a wider maximum diameter of IHDD were risk factors for postoperative long-term IHDD in patients.ConclusionSingle-incision laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy with selective ductoplasty are safe and effective for children with Type IV-A CDC. Long-term follow-up is recommended for children presenting with intrahepatic biliary sludge and larger IHDD.

A novel piglet model of esophageal stricture following variable segmental esophageal resection and re-anastomosis.

Esophageal strictures following esophageal atresia repair are a source of significant morbidity. To test new therapeutic approaches, we designed a piglet model of esophageal stricture by resecting variable lengths of esophagus with subsequent re-anastomosis. This study describes the model and validates its physiologic impact by blinded analysis of the weight gains of the piglets. A total of 24 two-week old Pietrain piglets had esophageal resections performed, ranging from 0 to 5 cm, with the goal of inducing postoperative esophageal strictures. Postoperative body-weights were evaluated by repeated analysis of variance followed by pairwise group-comparisons based on estimated marginal means. In addition, body weight was modeled by linear-mixed model regression. Different resection lengths were compared. The esophagi were evaluated postmortem for stricture. Of 24 operated piglets, 23 reached the endpoint, and 90% developed an esophageal stricture that was radiologically visible in a contrast study, as well as appreciable macroscopically in the necropsy. We found differences in pre- and postoperative body weights for all piglets (F (1, 18) = 298.54, p < 0.001), but no differences between resection lengths (F (4, 18) = 0.36, p = 0.837). Our model of postoperative esophageal stricture offers the opportunity to investigate potential treatments for strictures associated with esophageal atresia, since it reliably induces strictures and results in minimal loss of animals. The similar body weight gain in all groups indicates that stricture is mainly the result of esophageal resection and re-anastomosis, regardless of the length of the resected segment.

Fundoplication for Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Indications, Techniques, and Outcomes.

Background This study aimed to evaluate the indications, techniques, and outcomes of fundoplication in pediatric patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) at a tertiary hospital in Yemen. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted at Al-Thawra Modern General Hospital, Sana'a, Yemen, between January 2015 and January 2022. The study included 45 pediatric patients under 18 years of age who underwent fundoplication for GERD. Data on demographic and clinical characteristics, surgical type, postoperative complications, and follow-up outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results The median age of the 45 pediatric patients was two years (range: two months to 10 years), with 25 males (56%) and 20 females (44%). The primary indications for fundoplication included GERD with hiatal hernia in 20 patients (44.4%), persistent symptoms despite medical management in 9 patients (20%), recurrent chest infections associated with neurological disorders in 7 patients (15.6%), esophageal stricture in 8 patients (17.8%), and both hiatal hernia and esophageal stricture in 1 patient (2.2%). Nissen fundoplication was performed in 36 patients (80%), and Thal fundoplication was performed in 9 patients (20%). Complete symptom resolution was achieved in 31 patients (68.89%). Dysphagia due to postoperative esophageal stricture was the most common complication, affecting 13 patients (29%). A structured dilatation protocol resulted in improvement after one session in four patients (30.8%), regular sessions in six patients (46.2%), and irregular sessions in three patients (23.1%). The mortality rate was two patients (5.56%), both of whom had cerebral palsy and died due to recurrent chest infections unrelated to GERD recurrence or esophageal stricture. Conclusions Fundoplication is a safe and effective surgical treatment for pediatric GERD, with a high success rate and manageable complications. A structured postoperative dilatation protocol is essential for managing esophageal strictures and improving outcomes. Early diagnosis and intervention, alongside adherence to postoperative protocols, are crucial for optimal results. Further research with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up is recommended to confirm these findings and improve clinical practice.

Social determinants of health and surgical outcomes of minimally invasive radical prostatectomy: a national population-based study.

Socioeconomic determinants of health (SDOH) are often unvalued during surgery risk stratification; hence, they might be a major source of disparity that can jeopardize outcomes related to urological surgery. The aim of our study is to evaluate the impact of SDOH on postoperative outcomes following minimally invasive radical prostatectomy (MIRP). Patients who underwent MIRP between 2011 and 2021 were retrospectively analyzed by using PearlDiver-Mariner, an all-payer insurance claims database. International Classification of Diseases diagnosis and procedure codes were used to identify patient's characteristics, postoperative complications and SDOH. Outcomes were compared using multivariable regression models. Overall, 100,035 patients (mean age = 63.24 ± 7.07) underwent MIRP. The 60-day postoperative complication rate was 18%. Approximately 6% of patients reported at least one SDOH at baseline. SDOH were associated with higher odds of 60-day postoperative complications (OR:1.24, 95% CI:1.15-1.34), including urinary tract infection (OR:1.32, 95% CI:1.20-1.45) and acute kidney injury (OR:1.31, 95% CI:1.00-1.39). Postoperative urethral stricture (OR:1.37, 95% CI:0.92-1.98) did not reach statistical significance at multivariable analysis. Patients with SDOH have a significantly higher risk of postoperative complications following MIRP, especially urinary infection and acute kidney injury. These findings are multifactorial and should prompt identifying measures that might help prevent this large-scale phenomenon.

Effect of sprayable, highly adhesive hydrophobized gelatin microparticles on esophageal stenosis after endoscopic submucosal dissection: an experimental study in a swine model.

Esophageal mucosal resection for superficial esophageal cancer can lead to postoperative esophageal stricture, with current preventive measures being insufficient. Sprayable wound dressings containing hydrophobized microparticles exhibit strong adhesion. This study aimed to investigate the preventive effects of hydrophobized microparticles on esophageal stenosis following endoscopic submucosal dissection. Circumferential esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection was performed on miniature swine (n = 6). Swine were categorized into two groups: those sprayed with hydrophobized microparticles (sprayed group) and those not sprayed (non-sprayed group). Hydrophobized microparticles were sprayed onto the sprayed group on Days 0, 3, and 7 of endoscopic submucosal dissection. The non-sprayed group underwent endoscopy on the same days. Esophageal stricture rate, submucosal inflammatory cell infiltration, submucosal fibrosis, and thickening of the muscular layer were compared between the groups on Day 14 of endoscopic submucosal dissection. Spraying of hydrophobized microparticles was easily performed using an existing endoscopic spraying device. The esophageal stricture rate was significantly lower in the sprayed group than in the non-sprayed group (76.1% versus 90.6%, p < 0.05). The sprayed group showed suppression of inflammatory cell infiltration in the submucosal layer (p < 0.01) and thickening of the muscular layer (p < 0.01). Sprayable tissue-adhesive hydrophobized microparticles reduce the stricture rate after esophageal ESD by inhibiting inflammatory cell infiltration, submucosal fibrosis, and thickening of the muscular layer. The use of hydrophobized microparticles for preventing post-endoscopic submucosal dissection esophageal stenosis offers a promising avenue for clinical applications in endoscopic procedures, potentially improving patient outcomes.

A Comprehensive Review of the Literature: Does an Optimal Type of Anastomosis Exist for One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass?

One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is a popular bariatric procedure known for its efficacy in promoting weight loss and improving metabolic outcomes. However, the optimal anastomotic technique for OAGB remains a subject of debate. This literature review comprehensively examines the three primary anastomotic techniques - linear stapled, circular stapled, and hand-sewn - to determine their suitability for OAGB. Linear stapled anastomosis is favored for its shorter operative time and lower complication rates, such as a reduced incidence of gastrojejunal stenosis. However, its larger anastomotic diameter increases the risk of marginal ulcers due to greater exposure of the gastric mucosa to bile and gastric acids. Circular stapled anastomosis offers a uniform and consistent lumen, which may reduce the risk of postoperative stenosis but is associated with a higher incidence of strictures and ulcers, making it less ideal for use in OAGB. Hand-sewn anastomosis, while time-intensive, provides superior control over anastomotic size and tension, resulting in the lowest rates of strictures and anastomotic leaks, although its effectiveness is highly dependent on surgical expertise. Overall, the current literature lacks large-scale, multicenter studies directly comparing these techniques in the context of OAGB. Future research should focus on randomized controlled trials to establish the most effective and safe anastomotic method for this procedure. Understanding the nuanced benefits and drawbacks of each technique is crucial for optimizing clinical outcomes in OAGB.

Peroral choledochoscope for anterograde bridging of biliary drainage via T-tube.

Postoperative biliary stricture after biliary surgery is a challenging condition. Biliary stent placement by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) are the effective treatment for biliary stricture. We report a case of peroral choledochoscope was used for anterograde bridging of biliary drainage via T-tube.

PRP improves the outcomes of autologous skin graft transplantation on the esophagus by promoting angiogenesis and inhibiting fibrosis and inflammation.

Autologous skin graft (ASG) transplantation is a challenging approach but a promising option for patients to prevent postoperative esophageal stricture. Nonetheless, the current strategies require improvement. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) before skin graft transplantation for extensive esophageal defects after endoscopic resection. Standardized complete circular endoscopic resection (5 cm in length) was performed in 27 pigs allocated into 3 groups. The artificial ulcers were treated with a fully covered esophageal stent (control group), ASG (ASG group), and submucosal injection of PRP with ASG (PRP-ASG group). Macroscopic evaluation and histological analysis of the remolded esophagus were performed 7, 14, and 28 days after surgery. The macroscopic evaluation indicated that submucosal injection of PRP before transplantation effectively promoted the survival rate of skin grafts and decreased the rate of mucosal contraction compared with those treated with ASG or stent alone. Histological analysis of submucosal tissue showed that this modified strategy significantly promoted wound healing of reconstructed tissues by enhancing angiogenesis, facilitating collagen deposition, and decreasing inflammation and fibrogenesis. These findings suggested that PRP might be used as a biological supplement to increase the esophageal skin graft survival rate and improve submucosal tissue remolding in a clinically relevant porcine model. With extremely low mucosal contraction, this novel combination strategy showed the potential to effectively prevent stenosis in extensive esophageal ulcers.

Modified stapled hemorrhoidopexy for lower postoperative stenosis: A five-year experience.

Stapled hemorrhoidopexy (SH) is currently a widely accepted method for treating the prolapse of internal hemorrhoids. Postoperative anal stenosis is a critical complication of SH. A remedy for this involves the removal of the circumferential staples of the anastomosis, followed by the creation of a hand-sewn anastomosis. Numerous studies have reported modified SH procedures to improve outcomes. We hypothesized that our modified SH technique may help reduce complications of anal stenosis after SH. To compare outcomes of staple removal at the 3- and 9-o'clock positions during modified SH in patients with mixed hemorrhoids. This was a single-center, retrospective, observational study. Patients with grade III or IV hemorrhoids who underwent standard or modified SH at our colorectal center between January 1, 2015, and January 1, 2020, were included. The operation time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, and incidence of minor or major complications were recorded. Patients with grade III or IV hemorrhoids who underwent standard or modified SH at our colorectal center between January 1, 2015 and January 1, 2020, were included. Operation time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, and incidence of minor or major complications were recorded. We investigated 187 patients (mean age, 50.9 years) who had undergone our modified SH and 313 patients (mean age, 53.0 years) who had undergone standard SH. In the modified SH group, 54% of patients had previously undergone surgical intervention for hemorrhoids, compared with the 40.3% of patients in the standard SH group. The modified SH group included five (2.7%) patients with anal stenosis, while 21 (6.7%) patients in the standard SH group had complications of anal stenosis. There was a significant relationship between the rate of postoperative anal stenosis and the modified SH: 0.251 (0.085-0.741) and 0.211 (0.069-0.641) in multiple regression analysis. The modified SH technique is a safe surgical method for advanced grade hemorrhoids and might result in a lower rate of postoperative anal stenosis than standard SH. The modified SH technique is a safe surgical method for advanced grade hemorrhoids and might result in a lower rate of postoperative anal stenosis than standard SH.

Predictive factors for refractory anastomotic stricture after cervical triangular anastomosis with gastric conduit reconstruction through the posterior mediastinum in minimally invasive esophagectomy

BackgroundAfter esophagectomy, anastomotic strictures disturb food passage and increase the incidence of aspiration pneumonia. Multiple endoscopic balloon dilatations are required to treat strictures. As a result, long-term quality of life and nutritional status might be adversely affected. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for strictures after cervical triangular anastomosis using gastric conduit among patients who underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). Materials and MethodsIn total, 188 patients who underwent MIE for esophageal cancer between 2010 and 2020 at Kobe University Hospital were retrospectively examined. The incidence of strictures, number of dilatations for stricture, and time to stricture diagnosis were evaluated. Next, potential independent risk factor for refractory strictures requiring more than five endoscopic balloon dilatations was clarified. ResultsThe study included 188 patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria. Anastomotic strictures were observed in 44 patients (23%). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was significantly more common in patients with stricture than in patients without stricture (75% vs. 58%, p = 0.041). The median number of endoscopic balloon dilations was 5 (range, 1–31); 30 patients (68%) underwent their first dilatation within 3 months after MIE. In univariate and multivariate analysis, less than 69 days from surgery to first endoscopic balloon dilatation was an independent risk factor for stricture requiring more than five endoscopic balloon dilatations after cervical triangular anastomosis in MIE (hazard ratio, 9.483; 95% confidence interval, 2.220–54.274; p = 0.002). ConclusionsIt is necessary to consider that early postoperative anastomotic stricture might become refractory and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Enhancing Patient Outcomes: A Novel Nomogram PredictionModel Based on Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index for Esophageal Stricture After Endoscopic SubmucosalDissection.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a widely utilized treatment for early esophageal cancer. However, the rising incidence of postoperative esophageal stricture poses a significant challenge, adversely affecting patients' quality of life and treatment outcomes. Developing precise predictive models is urgently required to enhance treatment outcomes. This study retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 124 patients with early esophageal cancer who underwent ESD at Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital. Patients were followed up to assess esophageal stricture incidence. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with post-ESD esophageal stricture. A novel nomogram prediction model based on Systemic Immune-inflammation Index (SII) was constructed and evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal value of SII for predicting esophageal stricture was 312.67. Both univariate and multivariate analyses identified lesion infiltration depth (< M2 vs. ≥ M2, p = 0.002), lesion longitudinal length (< 4 cm vs. ≥ 4 cm, p = 0.008), circumferential resection range (< 0.5, 0.5-0.75, ≥ 0.75, p = 0.014), and SII (< 312.67 vs. ≥ 312.67, p = 0.040) as independent risk factors for post-ESD esophageal stricture. A novel nomogram prediction model incorporating these four risk factors was developed. Validation using ROC curve analysis demonstrated satisfactory model performance, while calibration curves indicated good agreement between model-predicted risk and observed outcomes. We successfully constructed a novel nomogram prediction model based on SII, which can accurately and intuitively predict the occurrence of esophageal stricture after ESD, providing guidance for clinicians and improving treatment outcomes.

Evaluation of learning curves for contact laser vaporization of the prostate using the 980 nm diode laser for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

We investigated the background of patients who underwent contact laser vaporization of the prostate (CVP) surgery and the learning curve of the operators. A total of 207 patients who underwent CVP surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia between August 2018 and March 2023 were included in this study. Patient background, perioperative results, pre- and postoperative urinary flow tests, and complications were collected retrospectively. We enrolled 12 doctors who were divided into expert (five doctors) and novice (seven doctors) groups based on the number of TURP experiences before CVP. The median patient age was 73 years (51-92 years) and prostate volume was 56 cc (15-190 cc) with no difference between the expert and novice groups. Complications included urinary retention (eight cases), hematuria (four), urinary tract infection (four), intraoperative perforation (two), and postoperative stricture (one). Both cases of intraoperative perforation occurred in the novice group. The expert group had a significantly shorter operative time (38 vs. 66 min) and a higher operative efficacy of prostate volume divided by operative time (1.43 vs. 0.88 cc/min). Postoperatively, IPSS, quality of life scores, and postvoid residual urine volume decreased, and maximal flow rate increased; however, there was no significant difference between the groups. The expert group showed stable operative time and operative efficacy after about five to eight cases, while the novice group showed stable after about 15 cases. Our findings suggest that CVP was safely performed at our hospital, and operators with limited experience in TURP can achieve stable perioperative results.

The search for an optimal tissue-engineered urethra model for clinical application based on preclinical trials in male animals: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Tissue engineering has emerged as a promising avenue for reconstructive urology, though only a limited number of tissue-engineered urethral constructs have advanced to clinical testing. Presently, there exists a dearth of agreement regarding the most promising constructs deserving of implementation in clinical practice. The objective of this review was to provide a comprehensive analysis of preclinical trials findings of a tissue-engineered urethra and to identify the most promising constructs for future translation into clinical practice. A systematic search of the Pubmed, Scopus, and PMC databases was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Manuscripts published in English between 2015 and 2022, reporting on the methodology for creating a tissue-engineered urethra, assessing the regenerative potential of the scaffold in a male animal model, and evaluating the clinical and histological outcomes of treatment, were included. A total of 48 manuscripts met the inclusion criteria, with 12 being eligible for meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed no significant benefit of any matrix type in terms of complication rates. However, acellular matrices demonstrated significant advantage over cellular matrices in case of no postoperative stricture formation (odds ratio = 0.06 [95% CI 0.01; 0.23], p < 0.01). Among all subgroups (animal models and scaffold types), the usage of acellular matrices resulted in advantageous effects. The meta-regression analysis did not show a significant impact of defect length (β1 = -0.02 [-0.28; 0.23], p = 0.86). We found that decellularized materials may carry less relevance for urethral reconstruction due to unfavorable preclinical outcomes. Natural polymers, used independently or with synthetic materials, resulted in better postoperative outcomes in animals compared to purely synthetic constructs. Acellular scaffolds showed promising outcomes, matching or exceeding cellular constructs. However, more studies are needed to confirm their clinical effectiveness.

A new classification and laparoscopic treatment of extrahepatic choledochal cyst

BackgroundPrior typing methods fail to provide predictive insights into surgical complexities for extrahepatic choledochal cyst (ECC). This study aims to establish a new classification system for ECC through clustering of imaging results. Additionally, it seeks to compare the differences among the identified ECC types and assess the levels of surgical difficulty. MethodsThe imaging data of 124 patients were automatically grouped through a K-means clustering analysis. According to the characteristics of the new grouping, corrections and interventions were carried out to establish a new classification. Demographic data, clinical presentations, surgical parameters, complications, reoperation, and prognostic indicators were analyzed according to different types. Factors contributing to prolonged surgical time were also evaluated. ResultsA new classification system of ECC: Type A (upper segment), Type B (middle segment), Type C (lower segment), and Type D (entire bile duct). The incidences of comorbidities (calculus or infection) were significantly different (P = 0.000, P = 0.002). Additionally, variations in the incidence of postoperative biliary stricture were statistically significant (P = 0.046). The operative time was significantly different between groups (P = 0.001). Age, BMI > 30, classification, and the presence of combined stones exhibit a significant association with prolonged operative time (P = 0.002, P = 0.000, P = 0.011, P = 0.011). ConclusionIn conclusion, our utilization of machine learning-driven cluster analysis has enabled the creation of a novel extrahepatic biliary dilatation typology. This classification, in conjunction with factors like age, combined stone occurrence, and obesity, significantly influences the complexity of laparoscopic choledochal cyst surgery, offering valuable insights for improved surgical treatment.

Intracavitary Applications for CEUS in PTCD.

Intracavitary contrast-enhanced ultrasound is widely accepted as a highly informative, safe, and easily reproducible technique for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of different pathologies of the biliary tree. This review article describes the diverse applications for CEUS in intracavitary biliary scenarios, supported by a literature review of the utilization of the method in indications like biliary obstruction by various etiologies, including postoperative strictures, evaluation of the biliary tree of liver donors, and evaluation of the localization of a drainage catheter. We also provide pictorial examples of the authors' personal experience with the use of intracavitary CEUS in cases of PTCD as a palliative intervention. Intracavitary CEUS brings all the positive features of US together with the virtues of contrast-enhanced imaging, providing comparable accuracy to the standard techniques for diagnosing biliary tree diseases.

Feasibility and safety of a novel plastic stent designed specifically for endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic duct drainage.

Background and study aims Endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic duct drainage (EUS-PD) is emerging as an effective alternative treatment for obstructive pancreatitis after unsuccessful endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP). However, the high incidence of adverse events associated with EUS-PD (approximately 20%) remains an issue. Recently, we developed a novel plastic stent for EUS-PD, with a radiopaque marker positioned at approximately one-third of the length from the distal end of the stent and side holes positioned exclusively distal to the marker. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of using this stent in EUS-PD. Patients and methods We retrospectively reviewed data from 10 patients who underwent EUS-PD with the novel plastic stent at the National Cancer Center Hospital between March 2021 and October 2023. Technical and clinical success, procedure times, adverse events (AEs), recurrent pancreatic duct obstruction (RPO), and time to RPO were assessed. Results Of the 10 patients, five had postoperative benign pancreaticojejunal anastomotic strictures and five had malignant pancreatic duct obstruction. The technical and clinical success rates were both 100% (10/10). An AE (self-limited abdominal pain) occurred in one patient (10.0%). Two patients (20.0%) died of their primary disease during the follow-up period (median, 44 days; range, 25-272 days). The incidence of RPO was 10.0% (1/10), and the 3-month non-RPO rate was 83.3%. Conclusions The novel plastic stent shows potential as a useful and safe tool in EUS-PD.

Long-term prognosis after endoscopic submucosal dissection for esophageal cancer in older adult patients

BackgroundThe validity of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in older individuals with comorbidities remains unclear. Therefore, this study evaluated the safety and efficacy of ESD and additional treatment for ESCC in older adult patients.MethodsThe clinicopathological characteristics and clinical outcomes of 398 consecutive older adult patients (≥ 65 years) with 505 lesions who underwent ESD for ESCC at the Hiroshima University Hospital between September 2007 and December 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. Additionally, the prognoses of 381 patients who were followed up for > 3 years were assessed.ResultsThe mean patient age and procedure time were 73.1 ± 5.8 years and 77.1 ± 43.5 min, respectively. The histological en bloc resection rate was 98% (496/505). Postoperative stenosis, perforation, pneumonia, and delayed bleeding were conservatively treated in 82 (16%), 19 (4%), 15 (3%), and 5 (1%) patients, respectively. The 5-year overall and disease-specific survival rates were 78.9% and 98.0%, respectively (mean follow-up time: 71.1 ± 37.3 months). Multivariate analysis showed that age and the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification of physical status class ≥III (hazard ratio: 1.27; 95% confidence interval: 1.01–1.59, p = 0.0392) were independently associated with overall survival. A significantly lower overall survival rate was observed in the high-risk follow-up group than in the low-risk follow-up and high-risk additional treatment groups (p < 0.01). However, no significant difference in disease-specific survival was observed among the three groups.ConclusionsESD is safe for ESCC treatment in patients aged ≥ 65 years. However, additional treatments should be considered based on the patient’s general condition.

A comparison between vapor tunnel and virtual basket for the treatment of proximal ureteral stones using holmium:YAG laser (Cyber Ho): which is the best tool to reduce retropulsion?

To compare vapor tunnel (VT) and virtual basket (VB) tools to reduce retropulsion in the treatment of proximal ureteral stones. Patients with a single proximal ureteral stone were randomly assigned to holmium laser lithotripsy with the use of VT (Group A) or VB (Group B) tool. The 150W holmium:YAG cyber Ho generator was used. We compared operative time, dusting time, need for flexible ureteroscopy due to stone push-up and occurrence of ureteral lesions. The stone-free rate (SFR) and the occurrence of postoperative ureteral strictures were assessed. 186 patients were treated, of which 92 with the VT (49.5%, Group A) and 94 with the VB (50.5%, Group B). Mean stone size was 0.92 vs. 0.91cm in Groups A vs. B (p = 0.32). Mean total operative time and dusting time were comparable between groups. 7 (7.6%) vs. 6 (6.4%) patients in Groups A vs. B required a flexible ureteroscope because of stone push-up (p = 0.12). Ureteral mucosa lesions were observed in 15 (16.3%) vs. 18 (19.1%) cases in the VT vs. VB group (p = 0.09). 1-Month SFR was comparable (97.8% vs. 95.7%, p = 0.41). We observed one case (1.1%) of postoperative ureteral stricture in the VT group vs. two cases (2.1%) in the VB group (p = 0.19). VT and VB are equally safe and effective tools in reducing retropulsion of ureteral stones. Operative time, dusting time and SFR were comparable. They also equally avoided stone push-up and prevented ureteral lesions, which may later occur in ureteral strictures.

Classification and treatment of vaginal strictures at the donor-recipient anastomosis after uterus transplant

To describe the incidence and management of vaginal stricture after uterus transplantation (UTx) in the US, to propose a grading system to classify stricture severity, and to identify risk factors for stricture formation. Prospective cohort study. University Hospital. Recipients undergoing UTx from 2016-2023 at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Cleveland Clinic, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham were monitored postoperatively with regular pelvic examinations. Stricture was defined as vaginal narrowing of <3 cm in patients with graft survival of at least 7 days. Demographic and surgery characteristics. Stricture development and severity (grade 1 for diameter 2-<3 cm, grade 2 for 1-<2 cm, or grade 3 for <1 cm). Of the 45 UTx from 2016-2023 (16 deceased donors and 29 living donors), 3 were excluded from the analysis because of graft loss within 7 days. Of the 42 remaining recipients, 39 (92.9%) had Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome and 3 (7.1%) had a prior hysterectomy. Twenty-eight (66.7%) UTx recipients developed postoperative vaginal strictures with a median time to stricture of 33 days (interquartile range 19-53 days). Most strictures were of moderate severity, with 4 (14.3%) strictures categorized as grade 1, 19 (67.9%) as grade 2, and 5 (17.9%) as grade 3. History of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome and preoperative recipient vaginal length were significant risk factors for stricture, after adjustment for donor and recipient age and body mass index, anastomosis technique, total ischemia time, center, and year. Patients with longer preoperative vaginal length had a lower risk of stricture (hazard ratio 0.45, 0.29-0.70). The severity grading of the stricture was associated with the effectiveness of a nonoperative treatment approach (grade 1 vs. grade 3). No patients with grade 3 strictures improved with self-dilation alone; all required surgical repair and/or dilation under anesthesia. Conversely, for grade 1 or 2 strictures, self-dilation alone was successful in 47.8% (11/23), and no grade 1 strictures required surgical repair. Vaginal stricture is a common postoperative complication after UTx, affecting >65% of recipients. Short preoperative vaginal length and history of müllerian agenesis in the recipient are significant risk factors. Vaginal self-dilation was effective for some mild to moderate strictures, although dilation under anesthesia or surgical repair was required in most cases. Dallas UtErus Transplant Study (DUETS) at Baylor University Medical Center (NCT02656550), Uterine transplantation for the treatment of uterine factor infertility at the Cleveland Clinic (NCT02573415), The University of Pennsylvania Uterus Transplant for Uterine Factor Infertility Trial (UNTIL) (NCT03307356).

Japanese survey of perioperative complications and ureteral stricture after ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy for upper urinary tract stones in multicenter collaborative study.

This study aimed to investigate perioperative complications and the details of postoperative ureteral stricture after ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy (URS-L) for upper urinary tract stones in Japan. Patient data on intra- and postoperative complications after ureteroscopy using URS-L were retrospectively collected from multiple centers in Japan between April 2017 and March 2020 with the cooperation of the Japanese Society of Endourology and Robotics. Data included the number of patients undergoing URS-L, number and type of intra- and postoperative complications, and detailed characteristics of postoperative ureteral stricture. In total, 14 125 patients underwent URS-L over 3 years at 82 institutions. Annual URS-L numbers gradually increased from 4419 in 2017, to 4760 in 2018, and 4946 in 2019. The total complication rate was 10.5%, which was divided into intra-operative complications in 1.40% and postoperative complications in 9.18%. The annual incidences of intra- and postoperative complications were not significantly different from year to year (p = 0.314 and p = 0.112). Ureteral perforation, ureteral avulsion, and the intra-operative conversion rate were 1.35%, 0.03%, and 0.02%, respectively. Fever >38°C, septic shock, blood transfusion, and postoperative mortality were 7.44%, 0.81%, 0.07%, and 0.04%, respectively. Ureteral stricture occurred in 0.8% of cases. The median length of stricture site was 10.0 mm and the success rate of stricture treatment was 54.6%. Although URS-L utilization has increased in Japan, the annual complication rate has remained steady. Although URS-L is a useful and less invasive procedure, devastating complications can still occur.