Postoperative Chest Pain Research Articles

290. EVALUATION OF THE POST-OPERATIVE GERD AND RESIDUAL CHEST PAIN AFTER POEM

Abstract Background Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for esophageal achalasia has increasingly become a mainstream procedure worldwide, and its short and middle term efficacy and safety are more and more recognized. However, the long-term outcomes are still unclear and we sometimes experience the cases with severe post-operative GERD and residual chest pain. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 241 cases who were performed POEM in our center from Apr 2015 to Feb 2022 and evaluate their post-operative GERD and residual chest pain. Results Before POEM, 126 cases (54.8%) had chest pain. Residual chest pain 2 months after POEM was observed in 28 patients (23.1%). 78.2% had complete remission of chest pain after 1 year. Severe GERD (LA Grade C or D) 2 months and 1 year after POEM was observed in 5.1%, 8.2%, respectively. All of them except one patient were improved by PPIs. On univariable analysis, younger patients and pre-treatment were at risk for residual chest pain (p=0.02, p=0.04, respectively). Higher BMI was risk for severe GERD after 2 months (p=0.02), however it was not associate with that after 1 year (p=0.04). Conclusion Younger age and pre-treatment were at risk for residual chest pain after POEM and post-operative severe GERD was related to higher BMI, however almost all of them was controlled by PPIs. The number of cases was small, so it is necessary to accumulate more cases.

Technical Refinements and Outcomes Assessment in Prepectoral Pocket Conversion After Postmastectomy Radiotherapy.

Several studies show how submuscular breast reconstruction is linked to animation deformity, shoulder dysfunction, and increased postoperative chest pain, when compared to prepectoral breast reconstruction. In solving all these life-impairing side effects, prepectoral implant pocket conversion has shown encouraging results. The aim of this study was to propose a refinement of the prepectoral implant pocket conversion applied to previously irradiated patients. We conducted a retrospective study on 42 patients who underwent previous nipple- or skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate submuscular reconstruction, followed by radiotherapy. We performed fat grafting sessions as regenerative pretreatment. Six months after the last fat graft, we performed the conversion, with prepectoral placement of micropolyurethane foam-coated implants. We investigated the preconversion and postconversion differences in upper limb range of motion, Upper Extremity Functional Index, and patient satisfaction with the breast and physical well-being of the chest. We reported a resolution of animation deformity in 100% of cases. The range of motion and the Upper Extremity Functional Index scores were statistically improved after prepectoral implant pocket conversion. BREAST-Q scores for satisfaction with the breast and physical well-being of the chest were also improved. The refined prepectoral implant pocket conversion is a reliable technique for solving animation deformity and improving quality of life in patients previously treated with submuscular reconstruction and radiotherapy.

Improvement in post-ablation chest pain and same-day discharge with the use of active esophageal cooling

Abstract Background Active esophageal cooling is a common method of esophageal protection during radiofrequency (RF) ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Compared to the main alternative, luminal esophageal temperature (LET) monitoring, active esophageal cooling reduces esophageal injury. Recent findings in the community hospital setting indicate that procedure time and post-ablation chest pain may also be reduced, leading to greater same-day patient discharge. Objective We aimed to compare the differences in same-day discharge rates and patient-reported post-ablation chest pain between patients treated with either LET monitoring or active esophageal cooling while undergoing RF ablation in a large academic medical center. Methods We reviewed data from RF ablations performed between January 2020 and October 2022 by five attending electrophysiologists and four electrophysiology fellows. These data were extracted from Epic’s Clarity database by two clinical informaticists. Extracted data points were paired with a manual chart review of inbound phone calls, electronic messages, follow-up visits, and readmissions within 30 days of the procedure. Results A total of 175 patients underwent RF ablation between January 2020 and October 2022, with 63 (36%) patients treated with LET monitoring and 112 (64%) treated with active esophageal cooling. Chest pain was reported by 11 patients (18%) in the LET monitored group and 7 patients (6%) in the actively cooled group (P=<0.001). Of the patients treated with LET monitoring, 13 (20.6%) were discharged within 12 hours of admission compared to 44 (39.3%) of the patients treated with active esophageal cooling (P=0.016). Conclusions The adoption of active esophageal cooling during RF ablation was associated with less postoperative chest pain and increased same-day discharge rates.

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Treatment of Early-Stage Cancer or Precancerous Lesion in the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis.

(1) Background: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been widely accepted as the standard method for treating early-stage cancer or precancerous lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract; however, it may be difficult in patients with liver cirrhosis due to clinical challenges such as coagulation dysfunction, presence of gastroesophageal varices, etc. We aimed to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of ESD in these populations. (2) Methods: The clinical data of patients were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Inclusion criteria of the study were: a. patients with liver cirrhosis; b. patients who underwent ESD; c. patients who were diagnosed with early-stage cancer or precancerous lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract. (3) Results: Eight patients were enrolled from April 2019 to April 2023, of whom three were male and five were female, with ages ranging from 43 to 70 years old. Seven lesions were located in the stomach and one other lesion was in the esophagus. ESD was performed successfully in all eight patients, and the resected lesion size ranged from 2 to 6 cm. Only one patient encountered postoperative complications, namely, chest pain and fever. No recurrence was noticed during a follow-up of 3 to 45 months. (4) Conclusions: ESD may serve as a safe and effective method for treating upper gastrointestinal early-stage cancer or precancerous lesions in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Diaphragmatic Endometriosis-A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis of the Patients' Demographics, Symptomatology, and Long-Term Treatment Outcomes.

Diaphragmatic endometriosis is rare and forms 0.67-4.7% of all endometriosis cases. Evidence regarding its optimal management is lacking. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the patient characteristics and long-term treatment outcomes of diaphragmatic endometriosis patients. Over a 4-year period, 23 patients were diagnosed with diaphragmatic endometriosis. The majority of patients had coexisting deep pelvic endometriosis. Cyclic upper abdominal pain was reported by 60.9% of patients, while cyclic chest and shoulder pain were reported by 43.5% and 34.8% of patients, respectively. Most patients were treated with laparoscopic lesion ablation, while 21.1% were treated with minimally invasive excision. The mean follow-up time was 23.7 months. Long-lasting resolution of the chest, abdominal, and shoulder pain occurred in 50%, 35.7%, and 25% of patients, respectively. Nonetheless, 78.9% of patients reported major improvement in their symptoms postoperatively. Significantly higher rates of postoperative shoulder, abdominal, and chest pain were observed in patients who received postoperative hormonal therapy compared with those who did not. All patients treated expectantly remained stable. Therefore, we recommend treating diaphragmatic endometriosis only in symptomatic patients. The risk of incomplete surgery should be minimized by a multidisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic approach with a careful assessment of the diaphragm and the thoracic cavity.

Ultrasonic Elastography-guided Pleural Biopsy for the Diagnosis of Pleural Effusion: A Multicenter Prospective Study of Diagnostic Test Performance.

The diagnostic yields of traditional ultrasound-guided pleural biopsy remain unsatisfactory, especially when the pleural thickness is ≤ 5 mm and/or no pleural nodules are detected. Pleural ultrasound elastography has a better diagnostic yield than traditional ultrasound for malignant pleural effusion. However, studies of ultrasound elastography-guided pleural biopsy are lacking. To evaluate the feasibility and safety of ultrasound elastography -guided pleural biopsies. In this multicenter prospective single-arm trial, patients with pleural effusion whose pleural thickness ≤ 5 mm and no pleural nodules were enrolledbetween July 2019 and August 2021. Ultrasound elastography-guided pleural biopsy diagnostic yield for pleural effusion and sensitivity for malignant pleural effusion were evaluated. Ninety-eight patients (mean age, 62.4±13.2 years; 65 men) were prospectively enrolled. The diagnostic yield of ultrasound elastography-guided pleural biopsy for making any diagnosis was 92.9% (91/98), and the sensitivity of ultrasound elastography-guided pleural biopsy for malignant pleural effusion was 88.7% (55/62). In additional, the sensitivity of ultrasound elastography-guided pleural biopsy for pleural tuberculosis was 69.6% (16/23). The rate of postoperative chest pain was acceptable, and there was no pneumothorax in patients. Elastography-guided pleural biopsy is a novel technique for diagnosing malignant pleural effusion with a good diagnostic yield and sensitivity. Clinical trial registered at https://www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2000033572).

Laparoscopic Nissen Versus Toupet Fundoplication for Short- and Long-Term Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is the most common standard technique worldwidely for Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Another type of fundoplication, laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (LTF), intends to reduce incidence of postoperative complications. A systematic review and meta-analysis are required on short- and long-term outcomes based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) between LNF and LTF. We searched databases including PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Knowledge for RCTs comparing LNF and LTF. Outcomes included postoperative reflux recurrence, postoperative heartburn, dysphagia and postoperative chest pain, inability to belch, gas bloating, satisfaction with intervention, postoperative esophagitis, postoperative DeMeester scores, operating time (min), in-hospital complications, postoperative use of proton pump inhibitors, reoperation rate, postoperative lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) pressure (mmHg). We assessed data using risk ratios and weighted mean differences in meta-analyses. Eight eligible RCTs comparing LNF (n = 605) and LTF (n = 607) were identified. There were no significant differences between the LNF and LTF in terms of postoperative reflux recurrence, postoperative heartburn, postoperative chest pain, satisfaction with intervention, reoperation rate in short and long term, in-hospital complications, esophagitis in short term, and gas bloating, postoperative DeMeester scores, postoperative use of proton pump inhibitors, reoperation rate in long term. LTF had lower LOS pressure (mmHg), fewer postoperative dysphagia and inability to belch in short and long term and gas bloating in short term compared to LNF. LTF were equally effective at controlling reflux symptoms and improving the quality of life, but with lower rate of complications compared to LNF. We concluded that LTF surgical treatment was superior for over 16 years old patients with typical symptoms of GERD and without upper abdominal surgical history upon high-level evidence of evidence-based medicine.

Predictive factors associated with the persistence of chest pain in post-laparoscopic myotomy and fundoplication in patients with achalasia.

BackgroundEpisodic angina-like retrosternal pain is a prevalent symptom for achalasia patients pre- and post-treatment. The cause of postoperative chest pain remains poorly understood. Moreover, there are no reports on their predictive value for chest pain in the long-term post-treatment. The effect of laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) and fundoplication techniques (Dor vs. Toupet) is unclear.MethodsWe analyzed a cohort of 129 achalasia cases treated with LHM and randomly assigned fundoplication technique. All the patients were diagnosed with achalasia by high-resolution manometry (HRM). Patients were followed up at 1-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month post-treatment. We implemented unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyses to evaluate the predictive significance of pre- and post-operative clinical factors.ResultsPreoperative chest pain with every meal was associated with an increased risk of occasional postoperative chest pain [unadjusted model: odds ratio (OR) = 12, 95% CI: 2.2–63.9, P = 0.006; adjusted model: OR = 26, 95% CI: 2.6–259.1, P = 0.005]. In type II achalasia, hypercontraction was also associated with an increased risk of chest pain (unadjusted model: OR = 2.6 e9 in all the patients). No significant differences were associated with age, type of achalasia, dysphagia, esophageal shape, and integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) with an increased risk of occasional postoperative chest pain. Also, there was no significant difference between fundoplication techniques or surgical approaches (e.g., length of myotomy).ConclusionPreoperative chest pain with every meal was associated with a higher risk of occasionally postoperative chest pain.

Analysis of the Effect of Quality Nursing on Recovery after Thoracic Surgery.

Objective To observe the feasibility and safety of rapid rehabilitation nursing in the perioperative period of thoracoscopic treatment of lung cancer patients. Rapid rehabilitation nursing was compared with conventional perioperative nursing to explore its clinical efficacy, i.e., its advantages in improving postoperative comfort, postoperative rehabilitation efficiency, and hospitalization cost of patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung cancer resection. Methods We carried out a retrospective analysis of 337 lung cancer patients who underwent lobectomy in our thoracic surgery department from July 2019 to June 2021, of which 168 lung cancer patients whose perioperative care method was traditional rehabilitation care were classified as A and 169 lung cancer patients who started to implement the intelligent medical intervention method in the department in September were classified as intelligent medical B. By reviewing patient cases and departmental statistics, general information, length of stay, hospitalization cost, complication rate, pain score, bowel movement recovery time, and pulmonary function index of the two groups A and B were compared. Nursing satisfaction was investigated by using a questionnaire. All the data in the study were processed and analyzed using SPSS 17.0 software. Results There were no differences in preoperative general data, pathological findings, preoperative underlying diseases, lesion involvement sites, and postoperative TNM stages (P > 0.05), which were comparable; the incidence of postoperative pulmonary infection and atelectasis complications, postoperative hospitalization time, and hospitalization cost were lower in group B than in group A; the postoperative chest tube drain placement time was shorter in group B than in group A, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The incidence of postoperative pain and discomfort in group B was lower than that in group A, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05); the incidence of postoperative chest pain, bleeding, pneumothorax, pulmonary infection, and atelectasis in group B was lower than that in group A, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion Intelligent medical rehabilitation nursing has good application value in thoracoscopic lung cancer surgery. Applying the concept of intelligent medical rehabilitation nursing provides an important experimental basis and theoretical basis for improving the postoperative survival quality and clinical symptoms of patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung cancer resection, which helps to promote the postoperative recovery of patients with thoracoscopic lung cancer, improves the recovery efficiency of patients and their overall quality of life, and is superior to the conventional nursing group.

Chest pain in patients recovering from noncardiac surgery: A retrospective analysis

Study objectiveChest pain is relatively common postoperatively. Myocardial infarction (MI) is one cause of chest pain after surgery, but chest pain also results from less severe conditions. Because of its potential severity, chest pain usually prompts the activation of Rapid Response Systems (RRS). While chest pain is a cardinal symptom of myocardial ischemia in the non-surgical setting, the significance and relevance of chest pain after noncardiac surgery remains unclear. DesignWe conducted a retrospective analysis of noncardiac surgical inpatients for whom postoperative chest pain triggered our multidisciplinary RRS. SettingSurgical wards at Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH. PatientsPostsurgical patients after noncardiac surgery in whom the RSS system was activated for chest pain. InterventionsRRS specified interventions like ECG readings, troponin measurements, transfer to ICU. MeasurementsOur primary outcome was MI. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of patients who had an ECG performed, troponin measurements, echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, and were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Main results5850 surgical patients experienced postoperative chest pain and triggered an RRS activation between 2009 and 2019. A total of 3110 patients had troponin T measured within 6 h after RRS activation, and 538 of them (17%) had elevated troponin, meeting the Fourth Universal Definition criteria for MI. Additionally, 2 patients had ST-segment elevation infarction (STEMI) without troponin measurement. Among the 540 patients with MI, only 19 (3.5%) were diagnosed with a STEMI by ECG, 388 (72%) had echocardiography, 43 patients (8%) had cardiac catheterization, 8 patients (1.5%) required emergent cardiac surgery, and 424 (79%) were admitted to an ICU. ConclusionChest pain is a serious clinical sign, often indicating a postoperative myocardial infarction, and therefore should be taken seriously. Troponin screening should be routinely considered in postsurgical patients who report chest pain.

Comparison of radial endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial lung biopsy with distance measurement versus with guide sheath in diagnosing peripheral pulmonary lesions with a diameter ≥3 cm by thin bronchoscope.

OBJECTIVE:This study aims to explore the diagnostic values of radial endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial lung biopsy with distance (rEBUS-D-TBLB) measurement and with guide sheath (rEBUS-GS-TBLB) for peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) with a diameter ≥3 cm by thin bronchoscope.PATIENTS AND METHODS:Six hundred and three patients with PPL (diameter ≥3 cm) were enrolled in this study. The subjects were divided into the rEBUS-D-TBLB and rEBUS-GS-TBLB groups by the random number table method. Patients were assigned to undergo rEBUS-D-TBLB or rEBUS-GS-TBLB, respectively. The histopathology, positive diagnosis rates, duration of the procedure, and postoperative adverse effects between the two groups were examined.RESULTS:A total of 569 patients were included in this study according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, with 282 cases in the rEBUS-D-TBLB group and 287 cases in the rEBUS-GS-TBLB group. For malignant diseases, the positive diagnosis rates of PPL in the outer/inner-middle lung bands and the right-upper/-lower lung lobes by rEBUS-D-TBLB were noninferior to those of rEBUS-GS-TBLB. The duration of the procedure of rEBUS-D-TBLB was longer than that of rEBUS-GS-TBLB. There were 14 cases of hemorrhage >50 mL, 1 case of postoperative chest pain in the rEBUS-D-TBLB group, and 3 cases of hemorrhage >50 mL in the rEBUS-GS-TBLB group.CONCLUSION:REBUS-D-TBLB by thin bronchoscope has a high diagnostic value for PPL with a diameter ≥3 cm, which may be considered a useful alternative for rEBUS-GS-TBLB in the clinic.

Perioperative cardiac investigations for chest pain after parathyroidectomy rarely yield a cardiac diagnosis.

Background:The incidence of adverse perioperative cardiac complications after parathyroidectomy has not been well described. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of perioperative chest pain and cardiac complications after parathyroidectomy and to evaluate risk factors that may identify patients who are more likely to benefit from a cardiac workup.Methods:We performed a retrospective study of all patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism by a single endocrine surgeon at a tertiary endocrine centre between 2011 and 2018. Patient demographics, clinicopathologic variables, operative and postoperative details (reported chest pain, performance of a cardiac workup and new postoperative cardiac diagnosis) were reviewed. Patients with chest pain were compared to those without chest pain using the Fisher exact test and Student t test.Results:Fourteen of 295 patients (4.7%) reported chest pain in the immediate postoperative period. Most patients were investigated with a 12-lead electrocardiogram and troponin (n = 12/14), yet none were diagnosed with a cardiac event. When comparing patients with and without chest pain, there was no significant difference in age, gender, body mass index, presence of cardiovascular risk factors, American Society of Anesthesiologists score or length of surgery.Conclusion:Postoperative chest pain after parathyroidectomy is not an uncommon event and leads to a cardiac workup in most cases; however, the risk of significant postoperative cardiac events is minimal. In the “choosing wisely” era, one should evaluate each patient’s pretest probability of such events and avoid extensive workup in low-risk patients to avoid unnecessary costs to the health care system.

Coping, Anxiety, and Pain Intensity in Patients Requiring Thoracic Surgery.

Stress, anxiety, and post-surgical chest pain are common problems among patients with thoracic surgical pathology. The way in which psychological distress is managed—the coping style—can influence the postsurgical evolution and quality of life of patients. In our study, we monitored the influence of coping style on patients’ anxiety and the intensity of post-operative chest pain. We conducted a cross-sectional study on 90 subjects with thoracic surgical pathology. One month after their surgeries, patients completed the following scales and questionnaires, translated, adapted, and validated for the Romanian population: COPE scale inventory, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Questionnaire, McGill Pain Questionnaire, and Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Anxiety (evaluated using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Questionnaire) and postoperative thoracic pain intensity (evaluated by means of the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Number of Words Chosen, and McGill Pain Questionnaire) were significantly higher in patients exhibiting social-focused coping than in patients presenting emotion-focused or problem-focused coping as their main coping style (Kruskal–Wallis, p = 0.028, p = 0.022, p = 0.042, p = 0.007). In our study, there were no differences observed in pain intensity relative to level of anxiety. Coping style is an important concept in the management of anxiety and pain experienced by patients undergoing chest surgery. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach should be considered in clinical practice.

Application of 3D printing and framework internal fixation technology for high complex rib fractures

ObjectiveTo explore the clinical effect of 3D printing combined with framework internal fixation technology on the minimally invasive internal fixation of high complex rib fractures.MethodsTotal 16 patients with high complex rib fractures were included in the study. Before the procedure, the 3D rib model was reconstructed based on the thin-layer chest CT scan. According to the 3D model, the rib locking plate was pre-shaped, and the preoperative planning were made including the direction of the locking plate, the location of each nail hole and the length of the screw. During the operation, the locking plate was inserted from the sternum to the outermost fracture lines of ribs with screws at both ends. In addition, the locking plate was used as the frame to sequentially reduce the middle fracture segment and fix with screws or steel wires. Chest x-rays or chest CT scans after surgery were used to assess the ribs recovery. All patients were routinely given non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) for analgesia, and the pain level was evaluated using numerical rating scale (NRS).ResultsThe preoperative planning according to the 3D printed rib model was accurate. The reduction and fixation of each fracture segment were successfully completed through the framework internal fixation technology. No cases of surgical death, and postoperative chest pain was significantly alleviated. Five to 10 months follow up demonstrated neither loosening of screws, nor displacement of fixtures among patients. The lungs of each patients were clear and in good shape.ConclusionThe application of 3D printing combined with framework internal fixation technology to the high complex rib fractures is beneficial for restoring the inherent shape of the thoracic cage, which can realize the accurate and individualized treatment as well as reduces the operation difficulty.

Post-Operative Chest Pain - Men's Rugby

Post-Operative Chest Pain - Men's Rugby

Non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery vs. intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for thoracic disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 1,684 cases.

Non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (NIVATS) has been increasingly used in lobectomy, bullectomy, wedge resection, lung volume reduction, sympathectomy and talc pleurodesis, which may reduce postoperative complications. However, the benefits of non-intubated and intubated methods of VATS remain controversial. We comprehensively searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and the Cochrane Library, and performed a systematic review to assess the two techniques. Random and fixed-effects meta-analytical models were used based on the low between-study heterogeneity. Study quality, publication bias, and heterogeneity were assessed. Compared to intubated methods, NIVATS had a lower postoperative complications rate [odds ratio (OR): 0.63; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.46-0.86; P<0.01], shorter global in-operating time [weighted mean difference (WMD): -35.96 min; 95% CI, -48.00 to -23.91; P<0.01], shorter hospital stay (WMD: -1.35 days; 95% CI, -1.72 to -0.98; P<0.01), shorter anesthesia time (WMD: -7.29 min; 95% CI, -13.30 to -1.29; P<0.01), shorter chest-tube placement time (WMD: -1.04 days; 95% CI, -1.75 to -0.33; P<0.01), less chest pain (WMD: -1.31; 95% CI, -2.45 to -0.17; P<0.05) and lower perioperative mortality rate (OR: 0.13; 95% CI, 0.02-0.99; P=0.05). NIVATS is a safe, efficient and feasible technique for thoracic surgery and may be a better alternative procedure owing to its advantage in reducing postoperative complications rate, hospital stay, and chest pain.

Comparison of the therapeutic effect between anatomical plates and claw-type bone plates in fixation of multiple rib fractures

Objective To compare the therapeutic effect of claw-type bone plates and anatomical plates in fixation of traumatic multiple rib fractures. Methods Clinical data of 70 patients with traumatic multiple rib fractures between January 2016 and November 2017 was analyzed retrospectively. Based on the treatments, patients were assigned to two groups: the claw-type bone plates fixation group (n=33) and anatomical plates fixation group (n =37). The variables including operation time, intraoperative blooding, postoperative thoracic hemorrhage rate, wound drainage, plate loosening and breakage, postoperative chest pain were compared. Data were analyzed using SPSS17.0 statistical software. Student’s t test and rank sum test were used to compare the measurement data, and χ2test was used to compare the counting data. Results The operation time after the full exposure of fractures were recorded. Operation time for each fracture [(11.04±1.81) min vs (12.30±0.47) min], intraoperative bleeding [(120.76±7.19) mL vs (110.00±7.45) mL] and wound drainage [(114.06±7.24) mL vs (107.98±7.23) mL] in the claw-type rib bone plates fixation group were statistically significant different compared with the anatomical plates fixation group (P<0.05).There were 1case of screw abscission in the anatomical plates fixation group (suffering from osteoporosis) and 2 cases in the claw-type bone plates fixation group (without osteoporosis and other complications).Two cases suffered from chest pain and 2 cases suffered from massive hemorrhage in the chest in the claw-type bone plates fixation group, with secondary operation removing internal fixations. Conclusions The two kinds of internal fixation have their own advantages and disadvantages. The claw-type bone plates fixation is cheaper, easier to shape and has shorter operation time, which is especially suitable for comminuted fracture. Although the anatomical plates fixation is more expensive than claw-type bone plates fixation, the anatomical plates fixation on multiple fractured ribs has less postoperative blood loss, lower postoperative thoracic hemorrhage rate, plate loosening, chest pain, which significantly reduces second operation and possesses a higher clinical application value. Key words: Rib fractures; Claw-type bone plates; Anatomical plates; Fixation

Efficacy and safety of digestive tract stent placement under direct visual endoscopy without X-ray monitoring in treatment of digestive tract stricture

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of digestive tract stent implantation under direct visual endoscopy without X-ray monitoring in the treatment of digestive tract stricture. The clinical data of patients undergoing digestive tract stent placement under direct visual endoscopy without X-ray monitoring in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine from March 2003 to November 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The process of procedures, the postoperative complications and the postoperative follow-up data were documented. The survival time of patients with malignant gastrointestinal stricture was compared between those with and without stent implantation. Among 562 patients, there were 310 cases of esophagus and cardia stricture, 40 cases of gastroduodenus stricture, 212 cases of colorectum stricture, and 63 cases with esophagus-tracheal fistula,esophagus-mediastinal fistula or anastomotic fistula. The stents were implanted successfully in 560 cases (99.64%) and the symptoms were alleviated in all patients after stent implantation (100%). Postoperative substernal discomfort, chest pain or abdominal pain occurred in 26 cases (4.64%), bleeding in 18 cases (3.21%), displacement of esophageal stents in 9 cases (1.61%), and restenosis in 15 cases (2.68%), in whom the stents were successfully placed again. None of the patients died within 7 days after the procedure. The incidence of postoperative abdominal pain, bleeding and stent displacement in esophageal/cardiac stricture patients was higher than that in the colorectal stricture patients (P<0.05). In 284 cases of malignant stenosis, the median survival time of colorectal stricture patients[(27.5±1.94) months] was significantly higher than that of esophagus/cardia stricture patients[(13.40±0.71) months] and gastroduodenal stricture patients[(11.00±1.78) months]. The survival time of stenting patients with upper gastrointestinal malignant stenosis was significantly longer than that of the non-stenting patients (P<0.05). Stent implantation under direct visual endoscopy without X-ray monitoring is safe and effective for the treatment of benign and malignant stricture of digestive tract and closure of fistula.

Extended pain relief achieved by analgesic-eluting biodegradable nanofibers in the Nuss procedure: in vitro and in vivo studies.

BackgroundThe most common complaint after the Nuss procedure is severe postoperative chest pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of analgesic-eluting biodegradable nanofibers in pain relief after the Nuss procedure.Materials and methodsPoly(d,l)-lactide-co-glycolide, lidocaine, and ketorolac were dissolved in 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol. This solution was electrospun into a nanofibrous membrane. The elution method and high-performance chromatography were used to characterize the in vitro drug release. Stainless steel bars with and without coating of the analgesic-eluting nanofibrous membrane were implanted underneath the sternums of New Zealand white rabbits. The in vivo characteristics were further investigated.ResultsThe in vitro study showed that the biodegradable nanofibers released high doses of lidocaine and ketorolac within 10 days. The in vivo study demonstrated high local and systemic concentrations of lidocaine and ketorolac. The serum creatinine level was unaffected. Animals that received implants of the analgesic-eluting nanofiber-coated stainless steel bar exhibited significantly greater food and water ingestion and physical activity than the control group did, indicating effective pain relief.ConclusionThe proposed analgesic-eluting biodegradable nanofibers contribute to the achievement of extended pain relief after the Nuss procedure, without obvious adverse effects, in an animal model.

Efficacy and safety of argon plasma coagulation plus medical adhesive via thoracoscopy in the treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax with subpleural blebs

Objective: To evaluate the preliminary efficacy and safety of argon plasma coagulation (APC) plus medical adhesive via thoracoscopy in the treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax caused by subpleural blebs. Methods: Data of totally 51 patients of spontaneous pneumothorax with subpleural blebs treated in Pneumology Department of Rizhao Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from July 2015 to July 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Among the 51 patients, 59 target bullae were found, 1.2 per patient on average, with the diameter ranging from 0.5 to 5 cm and an average diameter of 2.6 cm. A total of 21 patients were treated with APC, and the rest 30 were treated with APC plus partially sprayed medical adhesive (APC+ group). The rate of air leakage discontinuance within 24 hours after operation, the rate of air leakage discontinuance within one week after operation, the disappearance rate of target subpleural blebs on CT scans one week after operation, and the rate of significantly shrunken target subpleural blebs and wall thickness, as well as the incidence of postoperative complications, including fever, chest pain, pleural effusion, hemorrhage, and infection after operation were observed and compared between the two groups. Results: The air leakage discontinuance rate in APC+ group was significantly higher than that in APC group 24 hours after operation (90.0% vs 52.4%, P<0.05), and the rate in APC+ group was also significantly higher than that in APC group one week after operation (96.7% vs 66.8%, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the disappearance rate of target subpleural blebs on CT scans one week after operation and the incidence of significantly shrunken target subpleural blebs and wall thickness (both P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications such as fever, chest pain and pleural effusion (all P>0.05). Conclusion: The treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax with subpleural blebs by APC plus medical adhesive is safe and effective.