Postoperative Clinical Course Research Articles

Nationwide Survey on Incidence and Management of Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis in Japan.

To investigate the incidence, laryngeal distribution, management, and postoperative clinical course of patients with newly diagnosed adult-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) in Japan. An initial brief questionnaire was sent to 782 institutions, including all 101 core and 627 collaborating institutions providing board certification programs accredited by the Japanese Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. A detailed questionnaire regarding patient age, sex, Derkay's score, surgery, and postoperative clinical course was sent to 196 institutions caring for patients with either newly or previously diagnosed RRP. A total of 186 patients with newly diagnosed adult-onset RRP from 78 institutions were identified during the present study period (2018-2019), suggesting an annual incidence of 0.20 per 100,000 population in Japan. The true vocal folds were the most frequently affected subsites in the larynx, followed by the false vocal folds, anterior commissure, and laryngeal surface of the epiglottis. The use of cold instruments was the most preferred surgical approach, followed by the carbon dioxide laser and microdebrider. A significant difference in recurrence-free period after the initial surgery was observed between patients with lesions in a single region and those with lesions in multiple regions (p = 0.001). Here, we estimated the annual incidence of adult-onset RRP for the first time in Japan. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the largest to identify the laryngeal distribution of lesions, as well as postoperative outcomes after initial surgery in newly diagnosed adult-onset RRP patients. 4 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Corrected partial anomalous pulmonary vein connection associated with lung resection: a case report

IntroductionPartial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) is a potential cause of right-sided heart failure. Notably, a risk of sudden circulatory failure exists during lung surgery. Only a few reports of PAPVC complicated by lung cancer requiring lobectomy exist. Here, we report a case of left lower lung lobectomy complicated by an anomalous connection of the left upper pulmonary vein requiring revascularization.Case presentationA 66-year-old man was found with an abnormal mass shadow in the left lower lung field on chest radiography. Bronchoscopy revealed lung adenocarcinoma. Preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed that the left upper pulmonary vein did not perfuse the left atrium but was connected to the left brachiocephalic vein. Preoperative transthoracic echocardiography revealed right atrial and ventricular enlargement. The clinical diagnosis was stage IB (T2aN0M0). We decided to perform a left lower lobectomy and correct the PAPVC to maintain oxygenation after the lobectomy. The PAPVC was ligated, and the stump of the left upper pulmonary vein was anastomosed to the left atrial appendage without cardiopulmonary bypass. Postoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed intact reconstructed vessels. Postoperative transthoracic echocardiography showed no right ventricular overload. The patient’s postoperative clinical course following the surgical procedure was uneventful. Furthermore, the patient was followed up without any complications.ConclusionsThis rare case of successful surgical correction can inform clinicians of similar cases.

Fresh Hemorrhages in Intestinal Resection Margins Are Associated with Unfavorable Clinical Outcomes in Preterm Infants with Necrotizing Enterocolitis with Surgical Intervention.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a common disease in premature infants. If conservative treatment does not respond, surgical removal of the necrotic section of bowel is common practice. This study investigates whether there is a correlation between the histopathological findings and the postoperative clinical course of the children who have undergone surgery. To date, only a few detailed studies on a possible correlation have been published. The surgical specimens of 49 infants diagnosed with NEC in the years 2010-2019 were re-evaluated. The histologic specimens were examined for tissue viability and hemorrhage of the resection margins, peritonitis or perforation of the central resection segment. The groups were divided according to the clinical outcome: death, postoperative complications and patients without complications. 5 of 49 (10.2%) children died, 22 children (44.9%) required reoperation, while 22 (44.9%) had no complications. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed a significant association between fresh hemorrhage in the resection margins and postoperative outcome. In our data, correlation between the vitality of the resection margins or the extent of necrosis and the postoperative course was not seen. This retrospective study shows a significant correlation between a fresh hematoma in the tissue of the resection margin and the clinical prognosis. Fresh bleeding in the resection margins was associated with increased morbidity with stenosis and possibly another surgical intervention. In contrast, no further correlation was found between the vitality of the tunica mucosae, the tunica muscularis or peritonitis in the resection margin or central part of the NEC specimen and the clinical course. In summary, it can be said that the presence of a fresh hematoma at the resection margin is significantly linked to a poorer clinical outcome for the infants with NEC surgery. Other histopathological findings of the surgical specimen with regard to the clinical course show now significant correlation and, therefore, the histological examination mainly serves the medico-legal documentation and quality assurance of the NEC operation.

Streamlined Preoperative Iron Deficiency Screening and IV Treatment for Colorectal Cancer Patients beyond Clinical Trials

Background/objectives: Iron deficiency anemia is common in patients with colorectal cancer and affects postoperative outcomes. Preoperative intravenous iron supplementation corrects anemia effectively; however, the effect on the postoperative clinical course is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of implementing a screening program for iron deficiency anemia and correction in patients with colorectal cancer. Methods: This was a retrospective single-institutional quality-assurance study that included patients undergoing elective surgery for colorectal cancer between January 2019 and December 2021. On 1 March 2020, screening for iron deficiency was implemented. Anemia was corrected by intravenous ferricarboyxmaltose. Patients with hemoglobin <7mmol/L and ferritin <30 µg/L or ferritin 30–100 µg/L and TSAT < 0.2 were divided into iron- and non-iron groups. The primary outcome was a change in hemoglobin concentration, and secondary outcomes included blood transfusion, complications, length of stay, mortality, and implementation efficacy. Data from the patients were extracted from digital patient charts and entered into a database. Results: A total of 532 patients were included, of which 177 patients (33.3%) were anemic, 63 were in the iron group, and 114 were in the non-iron group. Adherence to the screening program was 86.3%. Hemoglobin (iron group) increased from a mean of 5.7 mmol/L (SD 0.8) to 6.9 (0.8) mmol/L, p < 0.001. Iron treatment decreased transfusion rates from 27.7% to 9.1%, p = 0.007, and increased the rate of patients without complications from 53.2% to 79.6%, p < 0.001, which held true after controlling for confounding. In addition, 90-day mortality was lower in the iron group; however, this was not significant. Conclusions: Administration of intravenous iron increased hemoglobin, leading to reduced use of blood transfusion and fewer complications.

Long-Term Follow-Up Regarding Pain Relief, Fertility, and Re-Operation after Surgery for Deep Endometriosis.

Background: Endometriosis is known to be a common chronic disease that often affects the quality of life of patients. Especially for deep endometriosis (DE), the most challenging form of the disease, surgery remains an important component of treatment. However, long-term outcomes after surgery are poorly studied. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the postoperative clinical course of women with DE who underwent surgery, particularly with regard to pain relief, fertility, and re-operations. Methods: Thus, women who underwent surgical treatment for DE between 2005 and 2015 were included in this retrospective questionnaire-based analysis. Results: A total of 87.0% of the patients who underwent surgery for pain reported a postoperative relief of their complaints. Moreover, 44.6% even stated that they were free of pain at the time of the questionnaire. Patients who underwent surgery for infertility and tried to become pregnant postoperatively gave birth to a child in 45.9% of cases. Approximately one-third of the patients had to undergo another surgery because of endometriosis-related symptoms. The main reasons for re-operation were pain and infertility. The median time to re-operation was 2.1 years. Conclusions: In this extraordinarily long follow-up with a remarkable response rate, we show that surgical treatment of DE leads to pain relief and improved fertility in most cases. However, the risk of recurrence and the need for re-operation remains remarkable.

Biportal Endoscopic Paraspinal Decompression for Epidural Cement Leakage Removal: A Technical Note

ObjectiveWe aimed to preliminarily explore the efficacy and safety of unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) for the treatment of epidural cement leaks. We report a patient who underwent epidural cement leakage removal and achieved endoscopic spinal decompression. MethodsA 67-year-old female patient underwent biportal endoscopic paraspinal decompression following percutaneous vertebroplasty for an osteoporotic fracture that resulted in neurologic impairment due to epidural cement leakage. A transforaminal biportal endoscopic surgery was performed to remove the leaked cement, and the left L1 and bilateral L2 nerves were decompressed. ResultsThe patient’s postoperative clinical course was uneventful. ConclusionsA paraspinal approach that avoids a posterior approach reduces the need to remove stabilizing facet bone, is truly minimally invasive and does not involve an instrumented fusion, maybe a helpful addition in the minimally invasive spine surgeon’s armamentarium.

Laparoscopic Partial Splenectomy May Be Valuable for the Diagnosis of Malignant Lymphoma: A Case Report.

Diagnosing primary splenic malignant lymphoma (PSML) is challenging due to the non-specific nature of splenomegaly, necessitating splenic biopsy for confirmation. However, performing partial splenic resection for diagnostic purposes is an elective procedure due to the risk of major hemorrhage. Despite the longstanding practice of splenectomy over the past few decades, it remains invasive and may result in severe early or late complications. Hence, we present laparoscopic partial splenectomy (LPS) in a patient suspicious of PSML for diagnostic purposes in this study. An 81-year-old woman presented to our hospital with a one-month history of fever and dry cough. Atypical cells had been detected in her peripheral blood nine months ago. However, at that time, a bone marrow examination did not reveal any atypical cells. The laboratory tests revealed a soluble interleukin receptor-2 levels of 4,667 U/dl and atypical cells were also found in peripheral blood. Abdominal computed tomography showed splenomegaly without any other relevant findings. These findings are suspicious of PSML and LPS without vessel ligation was performed and a small fraction of the spleen from the inferior pole measuring 1.8×1.0 cm was resected. The operation lasted for 63 min with minimal estimated blood loss. Histopathological findings were compatible with the diagnosis of diffuse B-cell lymphoma. The postoperative clinical course was uneventful, and splenomegaly demonstrated improvement six months after the operation. LPS without vessel ligation for biopsy may be valuable for the diagnosis of malignant lymphoma, particularly when there are no swollen lymph nodes, as it offers a less invasive approach.

Treatment of allograft’ ureteral stones with percutaneous laser lithotripsy in a patient post-kidney-transplant: A case report

IntroductionUrolithiasis in transplanted kidneys is a rare complication. The management of urolithiasis in transplant patients is similar to that in the general population. Case presentationA 51-year-old man with end-stage renal failure due to diabetic nephropathy underwent ABO-compatible living-donor kidney transplantation using his younger sister as a donor. The postoperative clinical course was uneventful and the function of the transplanted kidney was excellent during follow-up. In late May 2022, the patient visited our institution with fever, malaise, and oliguria. The function of the transplanted kidney had decreased, with a serum creatinine level of 6.39 mg/dL. Computed tomography demonstrated allograft hydronephrosis and allograft distal ureteral stone. The patient was diagnosed with acute renal failure due to allograft distal ureteral calculi. Moreover, calculous pyelonephritis was also observed. A percutaneous allograft nephrostomy was performed followed by a percutaneous ureteral lithotripsy in early June 2022. The patient underwent an antegrade disposable flexible ureteroscopy, holmium laser lithotripsy, and basket extraction. All stone fragments were surgically removed. After the successful treatment, the allograft kidneys functioned well. ConclusionPercutaneous laser lithotripsy was successfully performed without complications.

Comparison of different dual-wavelength photobiomodulation protocols application in third molar extractions. A split-mouth randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo compare the use of PBMT in the soft tissue and bone healing after third molar extraction using the dual-wavelength laser directly into the post-extraction alveoli (PBMT-I), or PBMT with a red laser directly into the alveoli and with an infrared laser externally on the patient's face (PBMT-IE). MethodsTwenty patients underwent extraction of four third molars were involved in this split-mouth double-blind randomized controlled trial. The Post-extraction alveoli were treated with the following protocols: PBMT-IE: Application of a red laser directly into the alveolus, and infrared laser irradiation transcutaneously and PBMT-I: Application of dual-wavelength laser intraorally. Patients were clinically evaluated 3, 7, 14, 30, and 90 days after the surgical procedure. The analyses in this study were divided into qualitative (centered on the patient's report and on the evaluators' analysis), and quantitative analyses (measurement of the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the face with the objective of measuring post-surgical edema and radiographic analyses for evaluation of the density and structure of the newly formed bone). ResultsA progressive improvement was observed in all parameters evaluated in this study, however, this improvement was time dependent, with no distinct effect observed between the PBMT treatments applied. ConclusionThe different dual-wavelength PBMT protocols induced a similar postoperative clinical course in third molar extraction surgeries, with a reduced occurrence of complications and a good healing pattern of hard and soft tissues.

Successful removal of an intra-pericardic Kirschner wire via fluoroscopy-guided minimal invasive approach: a case report

BackgroundKirschner wires are widely used in trauma surgery. Their migration into the pericardium is a rare but often fatal phenomenon, requiring urgent management.Case presentationWe describe the case of a 65-year-old patient who underwent Kirschner wire placement to treat a humeral head fracture. Three months after the operation, pleural and pericardial effusions with cardiac tamponade were observed, leading to the diagnosis of wire migration within the pericardium. A minimally invasive approach guided by fluoroscopy allowed emergency wire extraction without needing a median sternotomy. The postoperative clinical course was uncomplicated.ConclusionsThe use of pre- and per-operative multimodal imaging allowed for the safe extraction of an intra-pericardial Kirschner wire through a minimally invasive approach.

Short- and long-term outcomes of surgical treatment in patients with intestinal Behcet's disease.

Behcet's disease (BD), a chronic vasculitic disorder affecting multiple organs, is characterized by recurrent oral and genital ulcers, arthritis, vasculitis, and intestinal ulcers. Although intestinal involvement of BD is common in East Asia, the efficacy and long-term outcomes of surgical treatment of intestinal BD still remain to be established. To evaluate the postoperative clinical course of intestinal BD and determine factors associated with its recurrence. Data from patients who underwent surgical treatment for intestinal BD between January 2010 and August 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients' demographics, clinical features, postoperative course, complications, and follow-up data were evaluated. We analyzed 39 surgeries in 31 patients. The mean patient age was 45.1 years, and the mean interval between the diagnosis of intestinal BD and surgical treatment was 4.9 years (range 1.0-8.0 years). The most common indication for surgery was medical intractability (n = 16, 41.0%), followed by fistula or abscess (n = 11, 28.2%). Laparoscopic approaches were used in 19 patients (48.7%), and 5 patients (12.8%) underwent emergency surgeries. The most common surgical procedure was ileocecal resection (n = 18, 46.2%), followed by right colectomy (n = 11, 28.2%). A diverting stoma was created in only one patient (2.6%). During a mean follow-up period of 45 (range 8-72) months, eight cases (20.5%) of recurrence in five patients required reoperation. The interval between operations was 12.1 months (range 6.3-17.8 mo). Four patients (10.3%) experienced recurrence within 1 year postoperatively, and all eight recurrences occurred within 2 years of the initial surgery. The reoperation rates at 1 and 3 years were 10.3% and 20.5%, respectively. A redo ileocolic anastomosis was performed in all recurrent cases. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, emergency surgery [hazard ratio (HR) 9.357, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.608-54.453, P = 0.013] and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (HR 1.154, 95%CI: 1.002-1.328, P = 0.047), but not medication use, were predictors of recurrence. Surgical resection is a feasible treatment option for complicated BD. Reoperation is associated with severe inflammatory conditions, reflected by increased CRP levels and the requirement for emergency surgery.

Distal pancreatectomy.

Distal pancreatectomy is astandard surgical procedure for selected benign, premalignant, and malignant lesions localized in the pancreatic body or tail. Surgical resection remains the only curative option for patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. Perioperative and postoperative clinical courses were retrospectively assessed in patients, who underwent distal pancreatectomy during the 2011‒2021 period. During the 2011‒2021 period, atotal of 112 distal pancreatectomies were performed. 67 patients (59.8%) underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy, and 45 patients (40.2%) open laparotomy. The conversion was necessary for 13 patients (11.6%). Distal pancreatectomies performed laparoscopically were associated more often with biochemical leak and the development of grade Bfistula, on the other hand grade Cfistula developed only in patients operated by open laparotomy (LPT). The mean operating time was slightly longer in the laparoscopic group (227.1 min vs 214.6 min). The mean estimated blood loss was significantly higher in the LPT group (540.4 ml vs 191.9 ml). The mean hospitalization time was slightly longer in the LPT group (11.8 days vs 9.3 days). The rates of early reoperations were comparable between both groups (6 vs 5). Laparoscopic techniques are preferred in centers around the world to bring patients benefits by using aminimally invasive approach. These techniques are also preferred in our center, in nearly 60% of all distal pancreatectomies performed during 10 years, but on the other hand, there is amuch more careful approach chosen in cases of malignant disease to achieve adequate radicality (Tab.4, Ref. 20).

The Clinical Impact of Hemoglobin, Albumin, Lymphocyte, Platelet (HALP) in Gastric Cancer Patients Who Receive Curative Treatment.

We hypothesized that the hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet (HALP) score may be a promising marker for the treatment and management of gastric cancer (GC). To test this hypothesis, we evaluated the clinical impact of the HALP score in patients with GC who received curative treatment. Consecutive patients who underwent curative resection for GC at the Yokohama City University between 2005 and 2020 were selected based on their medical records. The HALP score was calculated as follows: HALP=Hemoglobin (g/l) × albumin (g/l) × lymphocytes (109/l)/platelets (109/l). The 3-year and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 88.6% and 85.8%, respectively, in patients with HALP scores of >40, and 70.3% and 57.2% in patients with HALP scores of ≤40. There were significant differences between the groups analyzed (p<0.001). In univariate analysis, age, T status, lymph node metastasis status, HALP score, lymphovascular invasion status, pathological type, and postoperative complication status were identified as significant prognostic factors for OS. In multivariate analysis, the HALP score remained a significant prognostic factor for OS [hazard ratio (HR)=2.679; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.455-4.934, p=0.002]. Similar results were observed in the analysis of recurrence-free survival. In addition, the HALP score status affects the postoperative clinical course, including the occurrence of postoperative anastomotic leakage and the introduction of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. The HALP score affects both short- and long-term oncological outcomes. Thus, the HALP score may be a promising prognostic factor for the treatment and management of GC.

The Clinical Influence of Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index in Patients With Gastric Cancer Who Receive Curative Treatment.

We evaluated the clinical impact of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) in patients who received curative treatment and perioperative adjuvant treatment. We also investigated the association between the GNRI and the clinicopathological features of patients with GC. This study included 280 patients who underwent curative treatment for GC between 2005 and 2020. The prognosis and clinicopathological parameters of the high-GNRI and low-GNRI groups were compared. In the GNRI-high group, the overall survival (OS) rates at 3 and 5 years after surgery were significantly lower (82.7% and 77.9%, respectively) than those in the GNRI-low group (56.4% and 40.8%). The GNRI was selected for the final multivariate analysis model for OS. The GNRI was also a significant prognostic factor for recurrence-free survival (RFS). The RFS rates at 3 and 5 years after surgery were 79.1% and 74.8%, respectively, in the GNRI-high group, and 48.0% and 38.6% in the GNRI-low group. The GNRI was selected for the final multivariate analysis model for RFS. The GNRI was also found to affect the postoperative clinical course, including postoperative surgical complications and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. The GNRI may be a promising prognostic and predictive factor for gastric cancer. In the future, the GNRI may be used to select optimal treatment strategies.

Heart Transplantation and Thromboembolic Risk In Patients With Percutaneous Aortic Valve Prosthesis and Left Ventricular Assist Device: A Case Report

Transcatheter aortic valve replacements have become a good option for patients with aortic valve disease and high surgical risk. Thromboembolism is reported as a relatively common complication of Transcatheter aortic valve replacement. This risk may be increased in patients who have left ventricular assist devices, as valve motion is drastically reduced. We present the case of a 65-year-old man with a history of alcoholism and valvular cardiomyopathy (severe chronic aortic insufficiency) with severe left ventricular dysfunction. Improvement in ventricular function followed the cessation of alcohol consumption, but still in poor clinical condition. Due to his high surgical risk, it was decided to implant a percutaneous aortic valve to treat the valve deficiency. Two months later, he suffered from a first episode of embolic stroke, which he successfully recovered. Despite the treatment, his clinical status did not improve (INTERMACS 3-4), and he was referred for heart transplantation. A left ventricular assist device was implanted as a bridge to the transplant. While on the waiting list, he suffered from other 3 episodes of stroke, 2 of them requiring mechanical thrombectomy. Finally, his transplant was performed with a favorable postoperative clinical course. Heart transplantation may be feasible in patients with multiple intracardiac devices in left chambers, although we must be aware of the increased thromboembolic risk, especially when used in combination.

FRI193 Early Presentation Of Pediatric Oncocytic Adrenal Tumor Associated With Germline TP53 Pathogenic Variant—Report Of Three Cases

Abstract Disclosure: R.R. Oppenheimer: None. L.P. Lins: None. C.P. Oliveira: None. I.P. Magalhaes: None. A. Latronico: None. B.B. Mendonca: None. M.Q. Almeida: None. A.W. Kuhn: None. H. Charchar: None. M.C. Fragoso: None. Oncocytic adrenal tumors (OAT) are uncommon and usually nonfunctional. In the pediatric age group, OAT are extremely rare and less than 20 cases have been reported. Herein we report the clinical presentation and follow up of 3 non-related children with Li-Fraumeni syndrome with a germline TP53 pathogenic variant (PV) (p.R337H) who developed secreting OAT. Case 1. A 19 month old male presented with moon face, weight gain, irritability and pubic hair (Tanner stage P3) for over 4 months. He had no family history of neoplasms and his parents were unrelated to each other. Hormonal data revealed serum cortisol 33 mcg/dL with a suppressed ACTH. Testosterone was elevated (242 ng/dL - RR &amp;lt;12 ng/dL) with low plasma gonadotropins. Androstenedione 3,08 (RR&amp;lt;0,5ng/mL). Abdominal CT revealed a left adrenal tumor (5.0 x 4.4 x 4.0cm). He underwent a left laparoscopic adrenalectomy and histopathologic analysis confirmed OAT Wieneke score 2/9. Immunohistochemistry was positive for inhibin, p53 and Ki67 (10-15%). The postoperative clinical course was uneventful. The TP53 p.R337H PV was inherited from his father. He is now prepubertal and there is no evidence of relapse in 14 months of monitoring. Case 2. An 18 month old female presented with acne, clitoromegaly, pubic hair (Tanner stage 2), axillary odor, axillary hair and weight gain. Hormonal study showed elevated total testosterone of 624.7 ng/dL, androstenedione, DHEA-S and prepubertal gonadotropins. 17OHP and cortisol were normal. Abdominal CT confirmed a heterogeneous solid nodule of 5.5 x 4.5 x 3.7 cm in the right adrenal topography. The patient underwent a right adrenalectomy and OAT was identified by histopathology (Wieneke score 3/9). Immunohistochemistry was positive for p53, inhibin and Ki67 (30%). The TP53 p.R337H PV was inherited from her mother. She had remission of secondary sexual characteristics and he is now prepubertal. Case 3. A 2 years and 8 months old girl was referred with precocious pubarche and clitoromegaly (2,6cm). She had a right flank palpable mass and tanner 1 breasts. Hormonal studies showed elevated testosterone (70ng/dL), androstenedione (3.81ng/mL) and DHEA-S (13490ng/mL), with LH 0.3IU/L and FSH 3.4IU/L. The cortisol after DST was 5.8mcg/dL and ACTH was suppressed. Abdominal MRI revealed a 5 cm tumor at the right adrenal gland. She underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy. The histopathologic analysis revealed an OAT Wieneke score 1/9. Immunohistochemistry was positive for p53 and Ki67 (13%). The TP53 p.R337H PV was inherited from her father. Conclusion: Although rare, functional OATs have been reported in children. Herein we describe the first patients with the TP53 p.R337H PV to present with OATs. These are the youngest cases of OAT published so far. The clinical presentation, hormonal data and follow-up were not different from those of other pediatric adrenal tumors. So far there is no evidence of disease relapse during follow-up. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Neurological Outcome and Respiratory Insufficiency in Intramedullary Tumors of the Upper Cervical Spine.

Background and Objectives: Intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCT) are rare entities. A location in the upper cervical spine as a highly eloquent region carries the risk of postoperative neurological deficits, such as tetraparesis or respiratory dysfunction. Evidence for respiratory dysfunction is scarce. This study aimed to describe these highly eloquent tumors' early and late postoperative clinical course. Materials and Methods: This is a single-center retrospective cohort study. We included 35 patients with IMSCT at levels of the craniocervical junction to C4 who underwent surgical treatment between 2008 and 2022. The authors analyzed the patients' preoperative status, tumor- and surgery-specific characteristics, and follow-up functional status. Results: The study cohort included twenty-two patients with grade II ependymoma (62.9%), two low-grade astrocytomas (5.7%), two glioblastomas (5.7%), six hemangioblastomas (17.1%), two metastases (5.7%), and one patient with partially intramedullary schwannoma (2.9%). Gross total resection was achieved in 76% of patients. Early dorsal column-related symptoms (gait ataxia and sensory loss) and motor deterioration occurred in 64% and 44% of patients. At a follow-up of 3.27 ± 3.83 years, 43% and 33% of patients still exhibited postoperative sensory and motor deterioration, respectively. The median McCormick Scale grade was 2 in the preoperative and late postoperative periods, respectively. Only three patients (8.6%) developed respiratory dysfunction, of whom, two patients, both with malignant IMSCT, required prolonged invasive ventilation. Conclusions: More than 60% of the patients with IMSCT in the upper cervical cord developed new neurological deficits in the immediate postoperative period, and more than 40% are permanent. However, these deficits are not disabling in most cases since most patients maintain functional independence as observed by unchanged low McCormick scores. The rate of respiratory insufficiency is relatively low and seems to be influenced by the rapid neurological deterioration in high-grade tumors.

The Therapy of Vulvar Carcinoma-Evaluation of Surgical Options in a Retrospective Monocentric Study.

(1) Background: Surgical-oncological treatment methods are continuously put to the test in times of evidence-based medicine-notably, a constant reevaluation remains key, especially for tumor entities with increasing incidence such as vulvar carcinoma. (2) Methods: In order to determine the postoperative clinical course of different methods of vulvar excision (vulvectomy, hemivulvectomy) as well as inguinal lymph node removal (lymphadenectomy, sentinel lymph node biopsy) with regard to postoperative wound-healingprocess, perioperative hemorrhage, and re-resection rates, we retrospectively analyzed surgical, morphological and laboratory data of 76 patients with a pathological diagnosed vulvar cancer. (3) Results: Analysis of our data from a single center revealed a comparable perioperative clinical course regardless of the chosen method of vulvar excision and inguinal lymph node removal. (4) Conclusions: Thus, our results emphasize the current multimodality in surgical therapy of vulvar carcinoma, in which consideration of known prognostic factors together with the individual patient's clinical situation allow guideline-based therapy aimed at maximizing surgical safety.

Modified Ravitch procedure for pectus excavatum in Marfan syndrome with annuloaortic ectasia.

This case series aimed to determine the feasibility of simultaneous modified Ravitch and David procedure for Marfan syndrome patients with pectus excavatum and annuloaortic ectasia. Between March 2014 and December 2019, seven consecutive patients underwent simultaneous surgery of modified Ravitch and David procedure for pectus excavatum and annuloaortic ectasia. The completion of cardiac surgery and sternal closure were followed by the modified Ravitch procedure. The bilateral fourth to seventh costal cartilages were resected, the sternal body partially wedge resected, and the sternum raised anteriorly with re-suture. An oblique incision was performed on bilateral third costal cartilages, and they were fixed on top of each other, with the medial end superior and the lateral end inferior. The sternum was raised anteriorly, bypassing the fourth to seventh rib ends through the back of the sternum with threads. The feasibility and safety of the procedure were assessed through a retrospective review of the patients' clinical charts. The total sample had a median age of 28 years, and comprised five males and two females. There was a significant difference in the preoperative and postoperative median Haller index, which were 6.8 and 3.9, respectively. All patients were discharged without serious complications, and there was no significant recurrence of pectus excavatum at 35-92 months postoperatively. The results of our case series suggest the feasibility of one-stage surgery for pectus excavatum combined with cardiac surgery using the modified Ravitch procedure. Future efforts should be tailored for more uneventful postoperative clinical courses.

207 An Investigation Into the Characteristics of Peri-Lead Edema After Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery

INTRODUCTION: Peri-lead edema (PLE) is an increasingly recognized effect of deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. Despite this, PLE remains poorly characterized, with reports of the phenomenon’s incidence and clinical meaning differing widely among studies. METHODS: We regularly obtained 2 CT scans at each stage of routine DBS surgery (lead implantation and implantable pulse generator implantation) in 55 consecutive patients. Both image sets (early and late postoperative CTs) were inspected for PLE, and edema volume was manually segmented. Clinical characteristics were procured by chart review. Edema volume was assessed quantitatively and compared with clinical postoperative course to investigate any possible correlations. RESULTS: Zero (0%) and 24 (43.6%) patients were found to have PLE at stage one and stage two imaging, respectively. Nineteen of the edema patients were treated for Parkinson’s Disease and 5 for essential tremor. DBS targets were STN (12), VIM (6), and GPi (6). Mean edema volume was 8.10 ± 5.66 mL, with a median of 8.91 mL and ranging from 1.60 to 26.90 mL. Closer inspection of volume into left- and right-hemispheric PLE ascertained no discernible difference between each or to the total (ANOVA F &lt; 0.0005, p = 0.99), nor did an analogous partition into volume by target (ANOVA F = 0.19, p = 0.90). Three patients experienced symptomatic PLE, all of whom had DBS targeting VIM. One patient had experienced seizure, another with altered mental status and gait instability, and the last had dizziness and weakness. All fully recovered following antiepileptic medication for the patient with seizure, and the other two following steroid administration. CONCLUSIONS: PLE occurs in about half of the patients undergoing DBS and is usually asymptomatic. Symptomatic PLE may be managed to resolution in an outpatient setting with steroid administration.