Postsurgical Outcome In Patients Research Articles

Type of preoperative aura may predict postsurgical outcome in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and mesial temporal sclerosis.

As the initial symptoms of epileptic seizures, many types of auras have significant localizing or lateralizing value. In this study, we hypothesized that the type of aura may predict postsurgical outcome in patients with medically refractory temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS). In this retrospective study, all patients with a clinical diagnosis of medically refractory TLE due to unilateral mesial temporal sclerosis who underwent epilepsy surgery at the Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center were recruited. Patients were prospectively registered in a database from 1986 through 2014. Postsurgical outcome was classified into two groups: seizure freedom or relapse. Outcome was compared between seven groups of patients according to their preoperative auras. Two hundred thirty-seven patients were studied. The chance of becoming free of seizures after surgery in patients with abdominal aura was 65.1%, while in other patients, this was 43.3% (P=0.01). In two-by-two comparisons, no other significant differences were observed. Patients with medically refractory TLE-MTS who reported abdominal auras preceding their seizures fared better postoperatively with regard to seizure control compared with those who did not report auras, which may indicate bitemporal dysfunction, and to patients with other auras, which may indicate a widespread epileptogenic zone in the latter group of patients.

Multimodal data and machine learning for surgery outcome prediction in complicated cases of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy

BackgroundThis study sought to predict postsurgical seizure freedom from pre-operative diagnostic test results and clinical information using a rapid automated approach, based on supervised learning methods in patients with drug-resistant focal seizures suspected to begin in temporal lobe. MethodWe applied machine learning, specifically a combination of mutual information-based feature selection and supervised learning classifiers on multimodal data, to predict surgery outcome retrospectively in 20 presurgical patients (13 female; mean age±SD, in years 33±9.7 for females, and 35.3±9.4 for males) who were diagnosed with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) and subsequently underwent standard anteromesial temporal lobectomy. The main advantage of the present work over previous studies is the inclusion of the extent of ipsilateral neocortical gray matter atrophy and spatiotemporal properties of depth electrode-recorded seizures as training features for individual patient surgery planning. ResultsA maximum relevance minimum redundancy (mRMR) feature selector identified the following features as the most informative predictors of postsurgical seizure freedom in this study’s sample of patients: family history of epilepsy, ictal EEG onset pattern (positive correlation with seizure freedom), MRI-based gray matter thickness reduction in the hemisphere ipsilateral to seizure onset, proportion of seizures that first appeared in ipsilateral amygdala to total seizures, age, epilepsy duration, delay in the spread of ipsilateral ictal discharges from site of onset, gender, and number of electrode contacts at seizure onset (negative correlation with seizure freedom). Using these features in combination with a least square support vector machine (LS-SVM) classifier compared to other commonly used classifiers resulted in very high surgical outcome prediction accuracy (95%). ConclusionsSupervised machine learning using multimodal compared to unimodal data accurately predicted postsurgical outcome in patients with atypical MTLE.

Perioperative Risks Associated with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Based on Surgical Treatment Strategies.

Few studies have provided nationwide estimates of patient characteristics and procedure-related complications, or examined postsurgical outcomes for patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) comparatively with respect to surgical approach. The objective of this study is to identify patients at risk for morbidity and mortality directly related with the selected approach, report an overall nation-wide complication rate for each approach against which surgeons can compare themselves, and direct future research to improve patient outcomes. Patients surgically treated for CSM were retrospectively identified using ICD-9-CM codes from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Four cohorts were compared for demographics and hospital system-related data: anterior (ACDF, ACCF), posterior decompression without fusion, decompression with posterior fusion, and combined anterior-posterior. Multivariate analysis was also used to determine the odds ratio of morbidity and mortality among the cohorts. 54,416 discharges were identified between 2001 and 2010: 34,400 anterior, 9,014 decompression procedures without fusion, 8,741 decompression procedures with posterior fusion, and 2,261 combined anterior-posterior. Groups were statistically different with respect to age, length of hospital stay, mortality, and complications. Groups were statistically different for Deyo score except between posterior decompression only and combined approaches. Using multivariate analysis and adjusting for covariates, the combined (2.74[2.18-3.44]) and laminectomy (1.22[1.04-1.44]) cohorts had an increased risk of mortality when compared to anterior alone. These findings are the first to determine the rates and odds of perioperative risks directly related to combined anterior-posterior procedures. This study provides clinically useful data for surgeons to educate patients and direct future research to improve patient outcomes.

P246 Lung Transplantation For Patients With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis And Asymptomatic Coronary Artery Disease

Introduction and objectives Lung transplantation significantly improves the survival of patients with advanced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Concurrent coronary artery disease (CAD) is a relative contraindication to transplantation and can limit access to this therapy. This is particularly relevant as a high prevalence of CAD has been reported in patients with IPF.1 We sought to determine whether the presence of asymptomatic CAD impacted upon post-transplant survival. Methods This retrospective study reviewed all patients who had undergone single lung transplantation for IPF at our centre, between May 2005 to April 2014. We compared post-surgical outcomes for patients with IPF who had an abnormal coronary angiogram (at the time of transplant listing), to those with normal angiography. Kaplan-Meier curves were created to study survival and univarate analysis performed using the Log-Rank score. Results In this timeframe, 39 patients underwent lung transplantation for IPF, of which 22 patients (56.4%) had abnormal coronary angiography. Eight of these patients had minor disease, 5 had 10–30% stenosis and 5 had 30–50% stenosis. One patient required coronary artery stenting prior to transplantation, but 3 patients with ≥70% stenosis had no inducible ischaemia on dobutamine stress testing and were managed conservatively. All patients had normal pre-operative left ventricular function. The post-transplant survival of patients with IPF and CAD was 95.7% at 1 year and 70.1% at 5 years. There was no significant difference in survival (p = 0.52) between the cohort with CAD and those with normal pre-operative coronary angiograms. Of note, 1 patient required coronary artery stenting 18 months after transplantation (this patient had 30% LAD stenosis at time of listing). No patients developed chronic arrhythmias, and no patients died as a result of cardiovascular disease. Conclusion Although CAD remains a relative contraindication to transplantation, the effects of previous PCI or minor CAD are unknown and may be overstated. This finding is particularly relevant for patients with IPF, who may have an increased prevalence of CAD. Reference Raghu G, Weycker D, Edelsberg J, Bradford WZ, Oster G. Incidence and prevalence of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2006;174(7):810-6

Clinical significance of nonhabitual seizures during intracranial EEG monitoring

This study sought to determine the frequency and clinical significance of nonhabitual seizures in 101 consecutive patients undergoing presurgical intracranial electroencephalography intracranial (icEEG) recording. We compared clinical data, recording details, and postsurgical outcome in patients with nonhabitual seizures to those without nonhabitual seizures during icEEG. In patients with nonhabitual seizures we compared icEEG recordings of nonhabitual seizures to recordings of habitual seizures. Nonhabitual seizures were recorded in 10% of patients. Those patients had a significantly higher rate of procedure-related complications compared to patients without nonhabitual seizures. Ultimate seizure outcome did not differ between the groups. Nonhabitual seizures often occurred within the first 3 days of icEEG recording and had larger seizure-onset zones compared to the patient's habitual seizures. Nonhabitual seizures have no effect on outcome of epilepsy surgery but may serve as important markers of procedure-related complications during icEEG.

Brainstem Gliomas: Surgical indications and technical considerations in a series of 58 cases

Objectives. To analyze the indications of surgical treatment, surgical management strategies and post-surgical outcome in patients with brainstem glioma (BSG). Methods. In this retrospective study conducted from 1998 to 2012, 58 patients of surgically treated intrinsic BSG, meeting the inclusion criterion were enrolled. There were 40 males and 18 females, with age range varying from 3 to 55 years. The most common presentation was gait disturbances, either due to cerebellar involvement or motor weakness, followed by motor weakness, ocular involvement and headache. The posteriorly located tumors were operated by midline suboccipital approach (42 patients) and supracerebellar–infratentorial approach (4 patients). Posterolaterally located tumors were operated by retromastoid (10 patients) and all the ventrolateral tumors by subtemporal approach (4 patients). Results. Above 90% patients improved in their neurological status, while 5% deteriorated. Pilocytic astrocytoma was the most common histopathology (41.4%), followed by Grade II astrocytoma (34.5%) and Grade III astrocytoma (24.1%). Overall, 19% patients had postoperative complications and three patients (5%) died in the perioperative period. Conclusions. Surgery is advocated for patients with well delineated, posteriorly, posterolaterally and ventrolaterally located tumors having slow progression and relative preservation of motor power. BSG can have excellent surgical results with surgeon's experience and modern surgical facilities.

Despite Overall Improvement In Surgical Outcomes Since 2000, Income-Related Disparities Persist

Despite improvements in health care, disparities in care still exist and are widening for some health measures. This study examined postsurgical outcomes for patients from low-income areas as compared to outcomes for those from high-income areas in the United States from 2000 to 2009. We found that postsurgical outcomes improved in general, with significant decreases in nine of twelve mortality and patient safety measures and an increase in one measure. Patients from low-income areas had worse surgical outcomes than those from high-income areas for nine of twelve measures in both 2000 and 2009. The disparities in outcomes between low- and high-income groups did not change significantly for nine of the twelve measures. For the three measures that did change significantly, in only two of the cases was the change favorable for patients from low-income areas. These findings have implications for efforts to improve surgical outcomes and health policy and indicate the need for research on the cause of continued disparities in postsurgical outcomes.

Outcome after epilepsy surgery in patients with MRI features of bilateral ammon's horn sclerosis

In refractory temporal lobe epilepsy with unilateral ammon's horn sclerosis (uAHS) resective epilepsy surgery is an established treatment option whereas little evidence exists about the consequences of unilateral hippocampal resection in patients with bilateral ammon's horn sclerosis (bAHS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the post-surgical outcome of patients with bAHS after selective amygdalo-hippocampectomy (SAH) in comparison to uAHS patients. For this purpose, all bAHS and uAHS patients, identified at our center between 2003 and 2009 were analyzed retrospectively. Thirty-one bAHS patients and 291 uAHS patients were identified. Only 55% of the bAHS, but 80% of the uAHS patients were referred for formal pre-surgical diagnostics (p=0.001). Eleven bAHS and 127 uAHS patients underwent SAH. There was no difference in seizure-free outcome (Engel IA) at 12 months (bAHS 82% vs. 69%, p=0.40) and 24 months follow up (bAHS 57% vs. 60%, p=0.80). None of the bAHS patients became globally amnesic post-surgically. The favorable outcome in these highly selected bAHS patients suggests that bAHS patients may have a fair chance of becoming seizure-free after SAH. However, due to the large number of bAHS patients not undergoing formal presurgical evaluation, the results cannot be extrapolated to bAHS patients in general.

Does pre-operative physical therapy improve post-surgical outcomes of patients undergoing a total knee and/or total hip arthroplasty? A systematic review

Background and purpose: Pre-operative physical therapy (PT) has been used in clinical practice to improve post- surgical outcomes after a total hip and/or knee replacement. The purpose of this systematic literature review was to investigate the ability of pre-operative physical therapy to improve post-surgical outcomes of patients undergoing a total knee and/or total hip arthroplasty. Methods: This review used the search engines PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane library and the PEDro database and investigated all articles that studied the influence of pre-operative therapy on post-surgical results in patients that underwent a total knee and/or total hip arthroplasty. The studies included were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), English written, and compared pre-surgical outcomes to post-surgical outcomes in physical therapy interventions. Quality scoring was assessed using the PEDro scale for RCTs. Results: Ten articles met the inclusion criteria. The quality score ranged from 4-7 on the PEDro scale. Results found pre- operative PT in both total knee and total hip arthroplasty reduced the risk of discharge to a rehabilitation facility. Pain reduction (p < 0.05) was found with pool interventions versus land interventions immediately following an exercise session. Discussion: The results indicate there were benefits in the use of pre-operative PT on improving patient satisfaction, pain reduction, and discharge to a lower cost of care setting. The use of pre-operative physical therapy resulted in mixed findings in functional outcomes however. Conclusions: This updated systematic review suggests the current literature on pre-operative physical therapy is inconclusive regarding impact of improving post-surgical outcomes on patients receiving total knee and/or hip arthroplasty.

1041P - The Tolerance of TPF Chemotherapy Regime Standard or Modified in Head Neck Cancer Patients Over 65 Years Old

ABSTRACT Background Docetaxel, Cisplatin, 5FU regimen (TPF) has became a standard for induction chemotherapy in locally advanced squamous cell cancer of head and neck (SCCHN). However, little is known about tolerance and efficacy of TPF in older patients Objective of the study was to evaluate the tolerance of induction chemotherapy with TPF regimen in SCCHN patients over 65 years, looking for side effects especially degree 3 and 4. Materials and methods retrospective study of the database of Head and Neck Cancer Department of Gustave Roussy Institute between 2006 and 2009: all patients over 65 years who received a TPF induction chemotherapy were included. Results Among 300 patients treated with TPF induction chemotherapy, we found 57 pts over 65 years : 41 (70%)between 65 - 70, 9 (15%)between 70 - 75 and 7 (12%)over 75. Most of patients received an organ preservation treatment for T3N0-1M0 hypopharynx and larynx cancer (52%) . 30 pts had an impaired nutritional status and 37(64%) an ACE 27 index superior of 2. 40 pts (70%) accomplished their planed cycles but only 37( 65%) received the planed doses. 23 pts (41%) presented a grade 3 or 4 hematological or gastrointestinal adverse events and 5 toxic deaths were observed. Conclusion This retrospective study confirms the high risk of toxicity of induction chemotherapy with TPF combination in elderly SCCHN patients that may compromise the postsurgical outcome in patients over 65 years presenting at least one comorbidity and denutrition. Geriatric assessment is probably useful in this population to better select candidates to induction chemotherapy. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Prognostic PET 18F-FDG Uptake Imaging Features Are Associated with Major Oncogenomic Alterations in Patients with Resected Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer

Although 2[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) uptake during positron emission tomography (PET) predicts post-surgical outcome in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the biologic basis for this observation is not fully understood. Here, we analyzed 25 tumors from patients with NSCLCs to identify tumor PET-FDG uptake features associated with gene expression signatures and survival. Fourteen quantitative PET imaging features describing FDG uptake were correlated with gene expression for single genes and coexpressed gene clusters (metagenes). For each FDG uptake feature, an associated metagene signature was derived, and a prognostic model was identified in an external cohort and then tested in a validation cohort of patients with NSCLC. Four of eight single genes associated with FDG uptake (LY6E, RNF149, MCM6, and FAP) were also associated with survival. The most prognostic metagene signature was associated with a multivariate FDG uptake feature [maximum standard uptake value (SUV(max)), SUV(variance), and SUV(PCA2)], each highly associated with survival in the external [HR, 5.87; confidence interval (CI), 2.49-13.8] and validation (HR, 6.12; CI, 1.08-34.8) cohorts, respectively. Cell-cycle, proliferation, death, and self-recognition pathways were altered in this radiogenomic profile. Together, our findings suggest that leveraging tumor genomics with an expanded collection of PET-FDG imaging features may enhance our understanding of FDG uptake as an imaging biomarker beyond its association with glycolysis.

Safety of video-EEG monitoring and surgical outcome in patients with mesial temporal sclerosis and psychosis of epilepsy

PurposeCortico-amygdalohippocampectomy (CAH) has become an important treatment option for patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy and mesial temporal sclerosis (TLE-MTS); it has resulted in a 60–70% seizure remission rate and significant quality of life (QOL) improvements. Video-electroencephalography (VEEG) monitoring has been widely used in epilepsy centers for pre-surgical evaluation. A major concern in epilepsy surgery is whether to consider CAH treatment in patients with psychosis of epilepsy (POE). This study analyzed the safety and adverse events (AEs) of VEEG monitoring and the post-surgical outcomes of patients with refractory TLE-MTS and POE who underwent CAH. MethodClinical, sociodemographic and VEEG data from 18 patients with TLE-MTS and POE were analyzed. Psychiatric evaluations were performed using DSM-IV and ILAE criteria. The seizure outcome was evaluated using Engel's criteria. ResultsTwo patients (11.2%) presented AEs that did not result in increased lengths of hospitalization. Of the 10 patients (55.5%) who underwent CAH, 6 (60%) became free of disabling seizures (Engel I). The psychiatric and QOL evaluations revealed improvements of psychotic symptoms (p=0.01) and in Physical Health (p=0.01) following surgery. ConclusionThese data reinforce that VEEG monitoring is a safe method to evaluate patients with refractory TLE-MTS and POE in epilepsy centers.

Comparing Postsurgical Outcome of Patients with Intractable Epilepsy between Temporal and Extratemporal Lesions (P01.059)

Objective: We compared postsurgical outcome of patients with intractable epilepsy between temporal and extratemporal lesions. Background The results of surgical treatment of epileptic seizures have gradually improved in the past decade, approaching 60% to 90% seizure-free outcome in temporal lobe epilepsy and 45% to 66% in extratemporal lobe epilepsy in most modern epilepsy centers. Design/Methods: Among 114 intractable epilepsy patients with localized epileptogenic zone according to surface EEG, LTM, fMRI and SPECT, 43 patients were considered for epilepsy surgery in Loghman hospital, Tehran, Iran. They were categorized to temporal and extratemporal lobe epilepsy. Two years outcome after surgery were evaluated using Engel classification and compared between aforementioned groups. Results: The mean age of patients at surgery was 23.8±10.3 years (range, 6-48 years). There were 23 male (53%) and 20 female patients (47%). Frequency distribution of seizure type was containing GTCS, CPS and others in 30%, 21% and 49%, respectively. Lesions were located in temporal and extratemporal in 19 (44%), 22 (51%) and 2 (5%), respectively. Outcome of surgery in temporal lesions was Engel Class I (10 case), Engel Class II (8 case) III (0 cases) or IV (1 case). In extratemporal lesions after surgery results were containing Engel Class I (11 case), Engel Class II (5 case) III (4 cases) or IV (2 case). There was no difference between two groups in Engel Class (p=0.093). Conclusions: About half of patients have been remained seizure free completely in our series. This result shows outcome of surgery in extratemporal lesions is as favorable as temporal ones. Disclosure: Dr. Amini Harandi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sharifi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Shahmohammadi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gharagozli has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pakdaman has nothing to disclose.

Epileptogenic networks of type II focal cortical dysplasia: A stereo-EEG study

In the context of focal and drug-resistant epilepsy, surgical resection of the epileptogenic zone may be the only therapeutic option for reducing or suppressing seizures. In many such patients, intracranial stereo-EEG recordings remain the gold standard for the epilepsy surgery work-up. Assessing the extent of the epileptogenic zone and its organisation is a crucial objective, and requires advanced methods of signal processing. Over the last ten years, considerable efforts have been made to develop signal analysis techniques for characterising the connectivity between spatially distributed regions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in dynamic connectivity pattern under inter-ictal, pre-ictal and ictal conditions using signals derived from stereo-EEG recordings of 10 patients with Taylor-type focal cortical dysplasia. A causal linear multivariate method - partial directed coherence - and indices derived from graph theory were used to characterise the synchronisation property of the lesional zone (corresponding to the epileptogenic zone in our patients) and to distinguish it from other regions involved in ictal activity or not. The results show that a significantly different connectivity pattern (mainly in the gamma band) distinguishes the epileptogenic zone from other cortical regions not only during the ictal event, but also during the inter- and pre-ictal periods. This indicates that the lesional nodes play a leading role in generating and propagating ictal EEG activity by acting as the hubs of the epileptic network originating and sustaining seizures. Our findings also indicate that the cortical regions beyond the dysplasia involved in the ictal activity essentially act as "secondary" generators of synchronous activity. The leading role of the lesional zone may account for the good post-surgical outcome of patients with type II focal cortical dysplasia as resecting the dysplasia removes the epileptogenic zone responsible for seizure organisation. Furthermore, our findings strongly suggest that advanced signal processing techniques aimed at studying synchronisation and characterising brain networks could substantially improve the pre-surgical evaluation of patients with focal epilepsy, even in cases without an associated anatomically detectable lesion.

Clinical significance of immunohistochemical expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor and matrix metalloproteinase-7 in resected non-small cell lung cancer

Insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) and matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) have been reported to be related to tumor invasion and metastasis in various malignancies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression levels of IGF-1R and MMP-7 in resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to examine the relationship of such levels to clinical characteristics and survival. Expression was measured immunohistochemically. The percentage of stained cells was multiplied by the staining intensity. The sample was classified as high when the score was equal or higher than the median value or was otherwise considered to be low. High IGF-1R expression was associated with nodal metastasis and recurrence (P=0.034 and 0.006, respectively). High IGF-1R expression was associated with significantly poorer overall survival than low IGF-1R expression (P=0.011). MMP-7 expression did not significantly correlate with any clinicopathological factor. There was a trend toward slightly, but not significantly poorer survival in patients with MMP-7-high tumors than in those with MMP-7-low tumors (P=0.220). There was no significant correlation between IGF-1R expression and MMP-7 expression (P=0.184). Upon multivariate analysis, IGF-1R expression was independently related to the outcomes of patients with NSCLC. Overexpression of IGF-1R may be a useful predictor of lymph node metastasis, recurrence and post-surgical outcomes in patients with NSCLC.

Effects of Hospital Nurse Staffing on in-hospital Mortality, Pneumonia, Sepsis, and Urinary Tract Infection in Surgical Patients

This study was done to examine relationships between nurse staffing level and postsurgical patient outcomes using inpatient database from the National Health Insurance. Records of 111,491 patients who received one of 12 types of surgery between January and December, 2009 were identified and analyzed in this study. Nurse staffing level was measured using adjusted nurse staffing grades from 0 to 7. Patient outcomes were defined as in-hospital mortality, or pneumonia, sepsis, or urinary tract infection after surgery. Logistic regression analyses estimated by Generalized Estimation Model, were used to analyze the association between nurse staffing level and patient outcomes. An inverse relationship was found between nurse staffing and patient mortality. Compared with patients who were cared for in hospitals with the highest nurse staffing (Grades 0-1), increases in the odds of dying were found in those with Grades 6-7 [OR (odds ratio)=2.99, 95% CI (confidence interval)=1.94-4.60], those with Grades 4-5 (OR=1.78, 95% CI=1.24-2.57) and those with Grades 2-3 (OR=1.57, 95% CI=1.25-1.98). Lower nurse staffing level was also associated with higher number of cases in pneumonia and sepsis. Policies for providing adequate nurse staffing is required to enhance quality of care and lead to better perioperative patient outcomes.

Nonoperative treatment of PIPJ flexion contractures associated with Dupuytren’s disease

Post-surgical outcomes in patients with Dupuytren's disease causing flexion contractures of the proximal interphalangeal joint can be inconsistent and are often associated with protracted rehabilitation, reduced flexion, recurrence of the contracture, and patient dissatisfaction. An alternative treatment option, comprised of splinting and soft tissue mobilization techniques, was introduced to stabilize early contractures of the proximal interphalangeal joint in the hopes of delaying or obviating surgery. Over the course of approximately 12.6 months (± 7.8), thirteen patients were followed at the hand clinic at Hotel Dieu Hospital in Kingston. One patient was unable to complete the course of therapy. Of the remaining patients, analysis showed significant improvement in active proximal interphalangeal joint extension of approximately 14.6° (SD: ± 5.1°; range: 5-25°) over the course of the treatment (p < .05). Nighttime static extension splinting and soft tissue mobilization techniques appear to delay and possibly prevent the need for surgery in individuals with flexion contractures of the proximal interphalangeal joint due to Dupuytren's disease.

Genomic microdeletions associated with epilepsy: Not a contraindication to resective surgery

PurposeSeveral recent reports of genomic microdeletions in epilepsy will generate further research; discovery of more microdeletions and other important classes of variants may follow. Detection of such genetic abnormalities in patients being evaluated for surgical treatment might raise concern that a genetic defect, possibly widely expressed in the brain, will affect surgical outcome.MethodsA reevaluation was undertaken of clinical presurgical data, histopathology of surgical specimen, and postsurgical outcome in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) who have had surgical treatment for their drug-resistant seizures, and who have been found to have particular genomic microdeletions.Key FindingsThree thousand eight hundred twelve patients with epilepsy were genotyped and had a genome-wide screen to identify copy number variation. Ten patients with MTLE, who had resective epilepsy surgery, were found to have 16p13.11 microdeletions or other microdeletions >1 Mb. On histopathology, eight had classical hippocampal sclerosis (HS), one had nonspecific findings, and one had a hamartoma. Median postsurgical follow-up time was 48 months (range 10–156 months). All patients with HS were seizure-free after surgery, International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) outcome class 1, at last follow-up; the patient with nonspecific pathology had recurrence of infrequent seizures after 7 years of seizure freedom. The patient with a hamartoma never became seizure-free.SignificanceLarge microdeletions can be found in patients with “typical” MTLE. In this small series, patients with MTLE who meet criteria for resective surgery and harbor large microdeletions, at least those we have detected, can have a good postsurgical outcome. Our findings add to the spectrum of causal heterogeneity of MTLE + HS.

Perioperative management of tumor necrosis factor antagonists in patients with psoriasis and other inflammatory disorders

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) plays an important role in host defense and possibly wound healing. It is also linked to the pathophysiology of many inflammatory diseases, including psoriasis. The TNF antagonists are a class of agents that have proven effective in treating psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, yet the immunosuppressive effects of these agents raise concern over their use perioperatively. Currently, there is no consensus as to when TNF antagonists should be discontinued prior to surgery. Furthermore, data on the topic are limited to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This paper reviews the literature on post-surgical outcomes in patients with RA and IBD receiving anti-TNF therapy. Although most studies reveal no statistically significant increased risk of post-surgical complications in these patients, the retrospective design and small sample size of these studies limits interpretation. Furthermore, when applying these data to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, physicians must also consider disease severity, individual comorbidities, and the pharmacokinetics of the different TNF antagonists. Additional studies are needed in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in order to develop truly evidence-based dermatologic guidelines for perioperative management of the TNF antagonists.

Co-morbidity and postsurgical outcome in patients with perforated sigmoid diverticulitis

It was previously reported that in patients with acute perforated diverticulitis with Hinchey categories I to III sigmoidectomy with primary anastomosis (PA) is superior to Hartmann's procedure (HP) as later closure of colostomy involves substantial morbidity. We evaluated our experience with PA for patients with perforated diverticulitis over a 10-year period and aimed to investigate whether Hinchey category or co-morbidity are more relevant for postoperative outcome. Records of all patients treated at our institution for sigmoid diverticulitis between 1996 and 2006 were retrieved from an in-hospital database (N = 787, median age 66 years, range 30 to 94, female:male ratio 1.3:1); 73 patients who underwent immediate emergency surgery for perforated diverticulitis were included in this study. American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) classification to gauge co-morbidity and Hinchey category for intraoperative extent of inflammation were evaluated as regards their relevance for postoperative mortality and major complications. 47 patients (64%) underwent sigmoid colectomy and PA, which was combined with loop ileostomy in 11 patients (15%). Sigmoid colectomy and HP was performed in 26 patients (36%). Major postoperative complications occurred in 26 patients (36%). In the PA group, 10 of 47 patients (21%) had anastomotic leakage. Three leakages occurred despite a loop ileostomy. Anastomotic leakage was independent of Hinchey category (Hinchey I: three patients, Hinchey II: four patients, Hinchey III: three patients, n.s.), but associated with co-morbidity (one patient ASA II, six patients ASA III, three patients ASA IV, P < 0.05). Total mortality was 12%. Seven patients died after HP and two patients after PA. No mortality was observed in PA patients with loop ileostomy. Emergency surgery for perforated sigmoid diverticulitis is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Anastomotic leakage was associated with patient co-morbidity rather than with intraoperative Hinchey category, suggesting that the decision to perform PA should better be based on patient's general condition rather than on intraoperative extent of inflammation.