Postoperative Parameters Research Articles

Analysis of Rod Fracture at the Lumbosacral Junction Following Surgery for Adult Spinal Deformity.

Retrospective study. This study aimed to investigate the differences in the characteristics of patients with rod fracture (RF) at the lumbosacral junction from those without RF following adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. RF is a major complication following ASD surgery and may require reoperation because of pain and correction loss. The lumbosacral junction is a common RF site. However, risk factors for RFs at the lumbosacral junction remain unknown. The study included data from 100 patients who underwent ASD surgery between 2012 and 2020. Fifteen of these patients presented with RFs. Patient demographics, clinical outcomes, and radiographic parameters were evaluated in each group. RFs were significantly more frequent in patients with a medical history of total hip arthroplasty (THA; p=0.01) or severe obesity (p=0.04). However, no significant differences in clinical outcomes, preoperative or postoperative measurements, or changes were found between pre- and postoperative radiographic parameters within the groups. Both pre- (p=0.01) and postoperative (p=0.02) anterior disc heights were significantly greater in the RF group than in the non-RF group. In the RF group, the postoperative lordotic angles of the lumbosacral junction significantly decreased compared with preoperative angles (p=0.02). Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that a THA history (odds ratio, 34.2), severe obesity (odds ratio, 14.0), and preoperative anterior disc height (odds ratio, 1.2) were significant risk factors for RFs. In this study, the greatest risk factors for postoperative lumbosacral RF after ASD surgery were THA history, severe obesity, and postoperative anterior disc height of ≥10. For patients at higher risk, the use of multirods is considered necessary.

Micro cost-effectiveness analysis of standard vs. mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy A single Canadian institution's experience.

Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPCNL ) has been described as an alternative to standard nephrolithotomy (sPCNL ) for select stones. Studies suggest that mPCNL has comparable stone-free rates, with potential for decreased complications and shorter hospital stay. Costs associated with both procedures present a challenge to Canadian institutions due to capital acquisitions of equipment and ongoing disposables. The objective of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of both procedures at our institution. A decision tree analytic model was developed to compare costs and outcomes of both procedures. Primary outcomes included assessment of total capital, operative, and hospitalization costs. Cost and outcome of peri- and postoperative parameters were obtained using a retrospective analysis of 20 mPCNL and 84 sPCNL procedures on 1-2.5 cm stones between January 2020 and June 2022, and supplemented with internal hospital expenditure records and literature outcome data. Descriptive statistics and regression models were performed. The estimated total cost-per-patient was $7427.05 and $5036.29 for sPCNL and mPCNL, respectively, resulting in cost-savings of $2390.76 in favor of mPCNL, with a comparable stone-free rate. The savings were due to lower costs associated with complications and hospital stay. mPCNL had higher capital costs ($95 116.00) compared to sPCNL ($78 517.00), but per-procedure operative costs were lower for mPCNL ($2504.48) compared to sPCNL ($3335.72). Cost-per-case regression of total costs intersected at 5.51 cases when accounting for operative and hospitalization costs, and at 20 cases when only considering operative costs. Despite higher upfront costs, mCPNL may represent a valid, cost-effective alternative to sPCNL for select stones due to clinical and economic benefits in Canadian institutions.

Thrombocytopenia among Patients Undergoing Aortic Valve Replacement Using the Sutureless Perceval S Bioprosthesis: A Retrospective Study.

The sutureless Perceval S bioprosthesis is associated with postoperative thrombocytopenia. Our objectives were to compare the incidence, severity, and clinical implications of thrombocytopenia after aortic valve replacement (AVR) using the Perceval S or the Trifecta bioprosthesis. Patients who underwent AVR between March 2016 and August 2019 using the Perceval or Trifecta were retrospectively included. The primary endpoint was the nadir in platelet counts within 15 days after surgery. Secondary endpoints included postoperative hemolysis and inflammatory parameters, as well as clinical and echocardiographic outcomes. Overall, 156 patients were included (Perceval, n = 103; Trifecta, n = 53). Preoperatively, there was no difference in platelet counts between the two groups. Postoperatively, the Perceval S bioprosthesis was associated with a greater decrease in platelet counts. The nadir was reached at Day 3 for both groups, but thrombocytopenia was more severe for the Perceval S (Perceval S vs. Trifecta, 89.2 ± 37.7 × 109/L vs. 106.5 ± 34.1 × 109/L, p = 0.01). No difference regarding lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein, and white blood cells count was found. All-cause 30-day mortality rates (both valves, 2%, p = 0.98), hospital lengths of stay, and re-operation rates were similar. The Perceval S bioprosthesis was associated with more severe postoperative thrombocytopenia. This did not translate into higher short-term morbidity or mortality.

Improved early risk stratification of deep sternal wound infection risk after coronary artery bypass grafting

BackgroundDeep sternal wound infection (DSWI) following open heart surgery is associated with excessive morbidity and mortality. Contemporary DSWI risk prediction models aim at identifying high-risk patients with varying complexity and performance characteristics. We aimed to optimize the DSWI risk factor set and to identify additional risk factors for early postoperative detection of patients prone to DSWI.MethodsSingle-centre retrospective analysis of patients with isolated multivessel coronary artery disease undergoing myocardial revascularization at Paracelsus Medical University Nuremberg between 2007 and 2022 was performed to identify risk factors for DSWI. Three data sets were created to examine preoperative, intraoperative, and early postoperative parameters, constituting the “Baseline”, the “Improved Baseline” and the “Extended” models. The “Extended” data set included risk factors that had not been analysed before. Univariable and stepwise forward multiple logistic regression analyses were performed for each respective set of variables.ResultsFrom 5221 patients, 179 (3.4%) developed DSWI. The “Extended” model performed best, with the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.80, 95%-CI: [0.76, 0.83]. Pleural effusion requiring intervention, postoperative delirium, preoperative hospital stay > 24 h, and the use of fibrin sealant were new independent predictors of DSWI in addition to age, Diabetes Mellitus on insulin, Body Mass Index, peripheral artery disease, mediastinal re-exploration, bilateral internal mammary harvesting, acute kidney injury and blood transfusions.ConclusionsThe “Extended” regression model with the short-term postoperative complications significantly improved DSWI risk discrimination after surgical revascularization. Short preoperative stay, prevention of postoperative delirium, protocols reducing the need for evacuation of effusion and restrictive use of fibrin sealant for sternal closure facilitate DSWI reduction.Trial registrationThe registered retrospective study was registered at the study centre and approved by the Institutional Review Board of Paracelsus Medical University Nuremberg (IRB-2019-005).

Goal-directed fluid therapy guided by plethysmographic variability index versus conventional liberal fluid therapy in neonates undergoing abdominal surgery: A prospective randomized controlled trial.

Intraoperative fluid therapy maintains normovolemia, normal tissue perfusion, normal metabolic function, normal electrolytes, and acid-base status. Plethysmographic variability index has been shown to predict fluid responsiveness but its role in guiding intraoperative fluid therapy is still elusive. The aim of the present study was to compare intraoperative goal-directed fluid therapy based on plethysmographic variability index with liberal fluid therapy in term neonates undergoing abdominal surgeries. A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted in a tertiary care centre, over a period of 18 months. A total of 30 neonates completed the study out of 132 neonates screened. Neonates with tracheoesophageal fistula, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, congenital heart disease, respiratory disorders, creatinine clearance <90 mL/min and who were hemodynamically unstable were excluded. Neonates were randomized to goal-directed fluid therapy group where the plethysmographic variability index was targeted at <18 or liberal fluid therapy group. Primary outcome was comparison of total amount of fluid infused intraoperatively in both the groups. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative and postoperative arterial blood gas parameters, biochemical parameters, use of vasopressors, number of fluid boluses, complications and duration of hospital stay. There was no significant difference in total intraoperative fluid infused [90 (84-117.5 mL) in goal-directed fluid therapy and 105 (85.5-144.5 mL) in liberal fluid therapy group (p = .406)], median difference (95% CI) -15 (-49.1 to 19.1). There was a decrease in serum lactate levels in both groups from preoperative to postoperative 24 h. The amount of fluid infused before dopamine administration was significantly higher in liberal fluid therapy group (58 [50.25-65 mL]) compared to goal-directed fluid therapy group (36 [22-44 mL], p = .008), median difference (95% CI) -22 (-46 to 2). In postoperative period, the total amount of fluid intake over 24 h was comparable in two groups (222 [204-253 mL] in goal-directed fluid therapy group and 224 [179.5-289.5 mL] in liberal fluid therapy group, p = .917) median difference (95% CI) cutoff -2 (-65.3 to 61.2). Intraoperative plethysmographic variability index-guided goal-directed fluid therapy was comparable to liberal fluid therapy in terms of total volume of fluid infused in neonates during perioperative period. More randomized controlled trials with higher sample size are required. Central Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2020/02/023561).

Lung volume reduction surgery is safe and leads to functional improvement in patients who fail or cannot undergo bronchoscopic lung volume reduction

BackgroundBronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) has supplanted surgery in the treatment of patients with advanced emphysema, but not all patients qualify for it. Our study aimed to investigate the outcomes of lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) among patients who either failed BLVR or were not candidates for it. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent LVRS for upper lobe–predominant emphysema at a single tertiary center between March 2018 and December 2022. The main outcomes measures were preoperative and postoperative respiratory parameters, perioperative morbidity, and mortality. ResultsA total of 67 LVRS recipients were evaluated, including 10 who had failed prior valve placement. The median patient age was 69 years, and 35 (52%) were male. All procedures were performed thoracoscopically, with 36 patients (53.7%) undergoing bilateral LVRS. The median hospital length of stay was 7 days (interquartile range, 6-11 days). Prolonged air leak (>7 days) occurred in 20 patients. There was one 90-day mortality from a nosocomial pneumonia (non–COVID-related) and no further deaths at 12 months. There were mean improvements of 10.07% in forced expiratory volume in 1 second and 4.74% in diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, along with a mean decrease 49.2% in residual volume (P < .001 for all). The modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale was improved by 1.84 points (P < .001). ConclusionsLVRS can be performed safely in patients who are not candidates for BLVR and those who fail BLVR and leads to significant functional improvement. Long-term follow-up is necessary to ensure the sustainability of LVRS benefits in this patient population.

Biomechanical comparison of two surgical methods for Hallux Valgus deformity: Exploring the use of artificial neural networks as a decision-making tool for orthopedists.

Hallux Valgus foot deformity affects gait performance. Common treatment options include distal oblique metatarsal osteotomy and chevron osteotomy. Nonetheless, the current process of selecting the appropriate osteotomy method poses potential biases and risks, due to its reliance on subjective human judgment and interpretation. The inherent variability among clinicians, the potential influence of individual clinical experiences, or inherent measurement limitations may contribute to inconsistent evaluations. To address this, incorporating objective tools like neural networks, renowned for effective classification and decision-making support, holds promise in identifying optimal surgical approaches. The objective of this cross-sectional study was twofold. Firstly, it aimed to investigate the feasibility of classifying patients based on the type of surgery. Secondly, it sought to explore the development of a decision-making tool to assist orthopedists in selecting the optimal surgical approach. To achieve this, gait parameters of twenty-three women with moderate to severe Hallux Valgus were analyzed. These patients underwent either distal oblique metatarsal osteotomy or chevron osteotomy. The parameters exhibiting differences in preoperative and postoperative values were identified through various statistical tests such as normalization, Shapiro-Wilk, non-parametric Wilcoxon, Student t, and paired difference tests. Two artificial neural networks were constructed for patient classification based on the type of surgery and to simulate an optimal surgery type considering postoperative walking speed. The results of the analysis demonstrated a strong correlation between surgery type and postoperative gait parameters, with the first neural network achieving a remarkable 100% accuracy in classification. Additionally, cases were identified where there was a mismatch with the surgeon's decision. Our findings highlight the potential of artificial neural networks as a complementary tool for surgeons in making informed decisions. Addressing the study's limitations, future research may investigate a wider range of orthopedic procedures, examine additional gait parameters and use more diverse and extensive datasets to enhance statistical robustness.

The effect of transobturator tape surgery on female sexual function: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

We aimed to review the literature regarding the effects of trans obturator tape surgery (TOT) on sexual functions in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) to reveal compact data and to reach more consistent and reliable results. PRISMA statement was used in the current review. The databases of PubMed (Medline), Science Direct, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were detected independently. We evaluated the studies comparing the preoperative and postoperative sexuality parameters related to the TOT procedure in females. Studies presenting the mean and standard deviation(SD) of global and sub-item Female Sexual Function Index(FSFI) were included in the current study. We identified 783 studies in full publications or abstract forms using the methodology above and the search terms. Finally, eight studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis of the mean difference demonstrated that the total sexual function scores of the patients improved after TOT surgery. The data collected from the current meta-analysis suggest that TOT surgery improves female sexual function.

(337) Microsurgical Varicocelectomy Improves Seminal Parameters in Infertile Men: 10-year Experience in a University Hospital

Abstract Introduction Varicocele is the most common treatable cause of male infertility. Although the exact mechanisms by which varicocele causes infertility have not been fully identified, there is evidence of an improvement in seminal parameters and pregnancy rates after varicocelectomy, especially if the technique is performed with an operating microscope Objective This study seeks to compare pre- and post-operative seminal and hormonal parameters of infertile patients undergoing microsurgical varicocelectomy in a local cohort Methods Retrospective analytical study of male patients with a diagnosis of infertility and clinical varicocele, who underwent microsurgical varicocelectomy in a University Hospital, between April 2013 - April 2023. Demographic variables, varicocele grade and laterality, reproductive hormone levels, seminal parameters and postoperative complications were collected from the clinical history database. Pre and postoperative seminal parameters and reproductive hormones were compared using non-parametric statisticians were used for data analysis with the Jamovi Software. P&amp;lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant Results There were 136 varicocelectomies in the period, 56 patients were excluded due to incomplete data collection and finally 80 patients were analyzed. Median age was 34.5 years (IQR 31-38), with a median infertility duration of 2 years (IQR 1-4). All patents had primary infertility. The median testicular volume was 15 cc (IQR 15-20 cc). 82.5% of varicoceles were Grade ≥2, 70.6% patients presented left varicocele and 28% were bilateral. Of the reproductive hormones, only FSH showed a statistically significant decrease of the pre- and post-operative median values, being 5.8 IU/L (IQR 3.9-8.9) and 2.7 IU/L (IQR 2.5-2.9) (p=0.001), respectively. Median sperm concentration before and after surgery was 7 million/mL (IQR 2-23) and 18 million/mL (IQR 3.3-73.5), respectively (p=0.02). Median preoperative and postoperative sperm progressive motility was 29% (IQR 15-48) and 40% (IQR 27-60), respectively (p=0.004). Seminal volume and normal morphology did not show significative changes after surgery. Only 2 patients (2.5%) presented a grade 1 Clavien-Dindo postoperative complication (mild infection of surgical site) Conclusions In this study, infertile patients with a clinical diagnosis of varicocele showed a statistically significant improvement in sperm concentration and progressive motility and a significant decrease in FSH levels after microsurgical varicocelectomy. The reduction of this pituitary hormone may reflect an improvement in testicular spermatogenesis Disclosure No.

(221) Outcomes of Transurethral Surgery After IPP

Abstract Introduction Inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) effectively restores erectile function with very high patient satisfaction rates. However, some patients may require subsequent treatments for urethral stricture, enlarged prostate and bladder tumors. These underlying conditions oftentimes coexist with erectile dysfunction (ED). Transurethral surgery (TUS) treatment of coexisting conditions in patients with IPP can be challenging and associated with a theoretical risk of mechanical injury and infection of the implant. There is a lack of literature reporting on IPP issues after TUS. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative outcomes in patients who underwent TUS following IPP placement. Methods After IRB approval, we reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent Greenlight laser enucleation of the prostate (GLEP)(Wolf© 26 Fr cystoscope), Rezum© vaporization ( 21 Fr delivery device), transurethral bladder tumor resection (TURBT)(21 and 22 Fr cystoscopes) and Optilume balloon dilation surgeries (19 Fr cystoscope and 24 Fr balloon) after IPP placement at our institution from 2014 to 2023. We excluded patients who underwent TUS prior to IPP placement and only included patients who had an in situ IPP at the time of the TUS procedure. Parameters such as IPSS score, PSA, postvoid residual volume (PVR) and transrectal ultrasound were used for assessment before and after surgery. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon. Postoperative progress was assessed at multiple follow-up visits. Results Seven patients with IPP underwent eight TUS. Four patients (71%) received surgical BPH treatment, one patient was treated for bladder tumors and one patient developed a bladder neck contracture (BNC) after GLEP and required a second TUS. One patient developed a pendulous stricture after erosion from an IPP cylinder placed by a different surgeon 23 years prior. The patient underwent IPP removal and replacement at our facility 63 months prior to Optilume® balloon dilation. The mean time between IPP placement and TUS was 34.86 ± 30.96 months. The average prostate volume was 41.3 ± 25.9 mL, and the mean parameters of PVR, Maximum flow rate (Q max), IPSS, and PSA before surgery were 140.6 ± 100.8 mL, 8.4 ± 7.2 ml/s, 16.3 ± 4.3, and 2.7± 2.7 ng/ml, respectively. An average of 31.6 ± 26.7 grams of prostate tissue was resected during GLEP. Postoperative parameters of PVR, Q max and PSA were 35.5 ± 31.3 ml, 17.2 ± 8.8 ml/s and 0.8 ± 0.65 ng/dl, respectively. There were no cases of postoperative infections or IPP malfunctions reported during a mean follow-up of 34.14±36 months. Conclusions Our experience shows that TUS performed after IPP placement is effective and safe in addressing underlying conditions such as BPH, bladder tumors and urethral strictures. Our findings indicate favorable postoperative outcomes in terms of PVR and PSA levels, without any reported infections or malfunctions of the IPP. However, it is important to consider the limitations of this study, including the small sample size. Further research with larger sample sizes would be beneficial to validate these findings and provide more comprehensive insights into the outcomes of TUS following IPP placement. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Coloplast, Irrisept.

Results of robotic liver surgery in association with IWATE criteria — the first 100 cases

BackgroundAim of the current study was to present the results of the implementation phase of a robotic liver surgery program and to assess the validity of the IWATE difficulty score in predicting difficulty and postoperative complications in robotic liver surgery.MethodsBased on the prospective database of the Interdisciplinary Robotic Center of Ulm University Hospital, the first 100 robotic liver surgeries were identified and analyzed. Perioperative parameters (duration of surgery and blood loss) and postoperative parameters including morbidity, mortality, and length of hospital stay were assessed and the results were compared between different IWATE difficulty categories.ResultsFrom November 2020 until January 2023, 100 robotic liver surgeries were performed (41 female, 59 male; median age 60.6 years, median BMI 25.9 kg/m2). Median duration of surgery was 180 min (IQR: 128.7), and median blood loss was 300 ml (IQR: 550). Ninety-day mortality was 2%, and overall morbidity was 21%, with major complications occurring in 13% of patients (≥ grade 3 according to Clavien/Dindo). A clinically relevant postoperative biliary leakage was observed in 3 patients. Posthepatectomy liver failure occurred in 7% (4 Grade A, 3 Grade B). Duration of surgery (p < 0.001), blood loss (p < 0.001), CCI (p = 0.004), overall morbidity (p = 0.004), and length of hospital stay (p < 0.001) were significantly increased in the IWATE ‘expert’ category compared to lower categories.DiscussionRobotic surgery offers a minimally invasive approach for liver surgery with favorable clinical outcomes, even in the implementation phase. In the current study the IWATE difficulty score had the ability to predict both difficulty of surgery as well as postoperative outcomes when assessing the complexity of robotic liver surgery. Therefore, the role of the IWATE score in predicting these outcomes highlights its importance as a tool in surgical planning and decision-making.

Sagittal Profi le of the Spine in Patients after Lumbar Stabilisation Surgeries

Spine stabilization surgery is nowadays one of the most common spinal surgical procedures. Spinopelvic alignment is considered to be an important factor impacting the patients' preoperative diffi culties as well as the outcome of surgery. In our study, the outcomes of stabilization surgeries in patients with lumbar spine disorders were evaluated - especially in those with stenosis and spondylolisthesis, in whom the importance of sagittal parameters were assessed with respect to the patients' clinical outcomes and diffi culties. The study included 50 patients with lumbar spine disorders who had undergone a spine stabilization surgery for a degenerative disease - lumbar spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis between 2015 and 2017. Spino-pelvic radiological parameters and clinical parameters were evaluated using the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, and Wilcoxon tests. In 38 of 50 patients, who at the end of the follow-up period did not have the PI-LL (pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis) mismatch, i.e. PI-LL was ≤10°, a statistically signifi cant difference in pelvic tilt (p=0.049) and sagittal vertical axis (p<0.001) was reported, which was not the case in the remaining patients of the study population. Claudication and OSWESTRY (ODI) showed no statistically signifi cant difference. We have also compared the differences in the number of fused vertebrae and type of stabilization. A signifi cant change was seen in the claudication parameter at 12 and 24 months after surgery (p=0.007, p=0.005), with better outcomes achieved by 360° lumbar fusion compared to posterior lumbar fusion. The improvement of VAS and ODI scores in both the groups over time (from 6.1 to 3.6 or from 6.3 to 3.5 in VAS and from 62 to 32, or from 62 to 30 in ODI) was also statistically signifi cant (p<0.001 in both groups), while when comparing the groups against each other it was statistically insignifi cant. The authors confi rmed signifi cant improvement in the studied clinical parameters in all groups of patients (VAS, ODI, claudication), which is consistent with the results of recently published papers. The authors also established the correlation between different radiological parameters in the studied groups. The results do not confi rm the importance of the length or type of instrumentation for the clinical outcomes. This is consistent with the fi ndings of other published manuscripts. The authors failed to confi rm a signifi cant change in clinical parameters in dependence on the matching relationship between the pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis. Proper spinopelvic balance in patients after spinal surgery is a very important indicator of postoperative development and condition, but our cohort showed no statistically signifi cant difference in the clinical outcomes of patients whose postoperative sagittal parameters were unsatisfactory. sagittal profi le, spine stabilization, pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence, sagittal vertical axis, SVA.

Decreased Effective Patellar Tendon Length following Distalization Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy without Patellar Tendon Tenodesis.

Distalization tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) is an effective treatment for improving patellar height in patients with patella alta associated with patellofemoral instability and cartilage lesions. The addition of a patellar tendon tenodesis has been suggested; nonetheless, concerns exist regarding possible increased patellofemoral cartilage stresses. To evaluate pre- and postoperative patellar tendon length and alignment parameters on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after distalization TTO without patellar tendon tenodesis. Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Twenty skeletally mature patients who underwent distalization TTO with or without anteromedialization at our institution between December 2014 and August 2021 were included. All patients underwent pre- and postoperative MRIs of the affected knee. The Caton-Deschamps index (CDI), the axial and sagittal tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distances, the distances from the tibial plateau to the patellar tendon insertion and the tibial tubercle, and the patellar tendon length were assessed. PROMs included the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Evaluation Form, the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Quality of Life subscale, the Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale, and the Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey mental and physical component scores. The mean patient age at surgery was 27.4 years (range, 14-42 years). Radiographic parameters demonstrated improved patellar height (CDI decreased from 1.36 to 1.11; P < .001) after distalization TTO. The distance from the tibial plateau to the patellar tendon insertion significantly decreased from 20.1 mm preoperatively to 17.9 mm postoperatively (P < .020), and the patellar tendon length decreased from 53.4 mm preoperatively to 46.0 mm postoperatively (P < .001). The patellar tendon insertion was not distalized after distalization TTO, likely because of scarring of the patellar tendon proximal to the osteotomy site. Patients demonstrated significant pre- to postoperative improvements on all PROMs (P≤ .024 for all ). There were 4 (20%) complications-2 cases of arthrofibrosis, 1 postoperative infection, and 1 osteotomy delayed union. Distalization TTO without patellar tendon tenodesis was associated with improved radiographic outcomes and PROMs. It provides an additional tool for surgical management of patellofemoral pathology with associated patella alta.

Relationship between visual acuity and OCT angiography parameters in diabetic retinopathy eyes after treatment.

To assess the relationship between visual acuity and OCT angiography parameters in diabetic retinopathy eyes after treatment, and to analyze the relative factors in PDR eyes. A total of 89 eyes, including 42 eyes with non-PDR (NPDR), and 47 eyes after vitrectomy with PDR were included and underwent OCTA. All images were processed by Python or FIJI. Multivariable linear regression models were used to analyze the associations between postoperative BCVA and OCTA parameters in PDR patients. Postoperative OCTA parameters including deep capillary plexus (DCP) parafoveal and perifoveal vessel density (VD), DCP parafoveal and perifoveal vessel length density (VLD), DCP fractal dimension (FD), choriocapillaris plexus (CCP) VD, CCP VLD, were significantly lower in the PDR group than in the NPDR group. In the superficial capillary plexus (SCP), we found a negative correlation between the postoperative BCVA and VD (parafovea: β coefficient = -0.351, p = 0.023; perifovea: β coefficient = -0.338, p = 0.036). Perifoveal VLD (β coefficient = -0.343, p = 0.031) and FD (β coefficient = -0.375, p = 0.016) of the SCP were also negatively correlated with postoperative BCVA. Regarding the DCP, perifoveal VD (β coefficient = -0.396, p = 0.008), perifoveal VLD (β coefficient = -0.334, p = 0.025), vessel tortuosity (VT) (β coefficient = -0.369, p = 0.015) were negatively correlated with postoperative BCVA. In CCP, VLD (β coefficient = -0.373, p = 0.023) and number of flow voids (β coefficient = -0.334, p = 0.036) exhibited a negative association with postoperative BCVA. Postoperative BCVA of PDR patients was related to OCTA parameters of the SCP (parafoveal and perifoveal VD, perifoveal VLD and FD), DCP (perifoveal VD, VLD, and VT) and CCP (VLD and number of flow voids).

Impact of early postoperative haemodynamic and laboratory parameters on outcome after the Fontan procedure.

To identify early postoperative haemodynamic and laboratory parameters predicting outcomes following total cavopulmonary connection. Patients who underwent total cavopulmonary connection between 2012 and 2021 were evaluated. Serial values of mean pulmonary artery pressure, mean arterial pressure, peripheral oxygen saturation, and lactate levels were collected. The influence of these variables on morbidities was analyzed. Cut-off values were calculated using the receiver operating characteristic analysis. A total of 249 patients were included. All patients had previous bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt. Median age and weight at total cavopulmonary connection were 2.2 (1.8-2.7) years and 11.7 (10.7-13.4) kg, respectively. All patients were extubated in the ICU at a median of 3 (2-5) hours after ICU admission. Postoperative pulmonary artery pressure, around 12 hours after extubation, was significantly associated with chest tube drainage (p = 0.048), chylothorax (p = 0.021), ascites (p = 0.016), and adverse events (p = 0.028). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed a cut-off value of 13-15 mmHg for chest tube drainage and chylothorax and 17 mmHg for ascites and adverse events. Mean arterial pressure 1 hour after extubation was associated with prolonged chest tube drainage (p = 0.015) and adverse events (p = 0.008). Peripheral oxygen saturation 6 hours after extubation (p = 0.003) was associated with chest tube duration and peripheral oxygen saturation 1 hour after extubation (p < 0.001) was associated with ascites. Lactate levels on 2nd postoperative day (p = 0.022) were associated with ascites and lactate levels on 1st postoperative day (p = 0.009) were associated with adverse events. Higher pulmonary artery pressure, lower mean arterial pressure, lower peripheral oxygen saturation, and higher lactate in early postoperative period, around 12 hours after extubation, predicted in-hospital and post-discharge adverse events following total cavopulmonary connection.

Prospective analysis of pre and postoperative laboratory parameters associated with thrombosis in patients with ovarian cancer.

Patients with ovarian cancer have a high risk of developing thrombosis. We aimed to investigate pre and post operative biomarkers associated with thrombosis including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism in patients treated for ovarian cancer. We collected pre and post operative blood samples from 133 patients undergoing surgery for ovarian cancer between December 2021 and August 2022. The measured parameters were white blood cell count, hemoglobin, platelets, monocytes, serum glucose, CA125, D-dimer, fibrinogen, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen degradation products, antithrombin III, protein C, protein S, plasminogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, homocysteine, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, interleukin 6, thrombopoietin, soluble P-selectin and granulocyte stimulating factor. Body mass index of patients were collected. Differences between patients who developed thrombosis and those without were compared with Wilcoxon rank-sum test and we analyzed the continuous variables using logistic regression. Twenty-one (15.8%) patients developed thrombosis ranging from 6 to 146 days (median 15 days) after surgery. Pre operative values of homocysteine (p = 0.033) and IL-6 (p = 0.043) were significantly increased and post operative aPTT (p = 0.022) was prolonged and plasminogen (p = 0.041) was decreased in patients with thrombosis. It is important to find novel biomarkers for thrombosis to carefully manage patients who are prone to develop thrombosis despite preventive measures were applied.

Comparison of suture and sutureless techniques on postoperative complications after third molar surgery: a systematic review.

To compare, among patients undergoing third molar surgeries, whether the use or omission of sutures improves postoperative clinical parameters. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify randomized clinical trials in humans. The steps of this review were conducted following the PRISMA protocol. The risk of bias assessment was performed using the revised Cochrane tool (RoB 2). The RevMan software was employed for meta-analyses, and the quality of evidence was evaluated using GRADE. A total of seven articles were included in the systematic review; however, only one article quantitatively measured bleeding, rendering meta-analysis for this outcome unfeasible. The group of patients in whom sutures were not used presented lower pain and edema on the first day (respectively: MD - 1.08; 95% CI - 1.35 to - 0.81; MD - 1.23; 95% CI - 2.34 to - 0.11) and second day (respectively: MD - 0.50; 95% CI - 0.83 to - 0.17; MD - 10.66; 95% CI - 1.16 to - 0.16) postoperatively, compared to the group where sutures were employed. The group of patients who received sutures exhibited increased trismus on the first day postoperatively (MD 1.04; 95% CI 0.67 to 1.41). The omission of postoperative sutures in third molar surgeries appears to favor pain and edema outcomes within the first 24h after the procedure, as well as trismus within the same timeframe. Despite the suture being the standard conduct in tooth extractions. The omission of sutures in third molar extractions may favor inflammatory outcomes of pain, edema, and trismus in the immediate postoperative period.

Increased medial talar tilt may incite ankle pain and predispose ankle osteoarthritis after correction of severity of knee varus deformity among patients undergoing bilateral total knee arthroplasty: a prospective observation

PurposePatients with varus knee osteoarthritis usually compensate at the ankle and typically walk with hindfoot valgus alignment. As the neutral weight-bearing axis of the lower limbs is restored with Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), ankle and hindfoot biomechanics also acutely change. This study aims to investigate whether any ankle clinical-radiographical changes occur as a result of bilateral mechanical TKA in patients with bilateral Osteoarthritis knee at a minimum follow-up of 6 months.MethodsThe prospective observational study included 61 patients (122 knees) undergoing simultaneous bilateral TKA (mechanical alignment). Tibio-talar angle(TTA), tibial Anterior Surface angle (TAS), lateral distal tibial angle (LDTA), talar-tilt angle (TT), anatomical talocrural angle (aTC), ground surface and distal tibial plafond angle (GP), ground surface and an upper surface of talus angle (GT)and tibial plateau and tibial plafond angle (PP) were measured on long-film radiographs to look for changes in the ankle, whereas functional assessment was done using American Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI), and Forgotten Joint (FJS-12) scores. Patients were sub-grouped based on the Hip-Knee-Ankle (HKA) axis, and the effect of the severity of knee varus on the ankles after TKA was also analyzed. The minimum follow-up was 6 months.ResultsA significant decrease in the tibial plateau-tibial plafond (PP), ground-tibial plafond (GP), and ground-talar dome (GT) angles was noted after TKA (p-value < 0.05). Postoperative functional parameters were comparable to the preoperative status except for FADI, which significantly improved (p-value-0.03). Sub-group analysis based on the severity of knee varus (HKA) revealed GT to be most significantly reduced (p-value-0.036), while the talar tilt (TT) increased (p-value-0.044). Functional outcomes of the ankles clinically improved with the correction of severe knee varus after TKA. At a mean follow-up of 13.2 months post-TKA, 7 out of 61 (11.4%) patients complained of post-TKA ipsilateral ankle pain.ConclusionMechanically aligned bilateral TKA in severe varus deformity of the knee significantly decreases the GT angle but increases the varus tilt of the talus with lateral talar incongruency and under-coverage. Although the acute correction of severe knee varus deformity aligns the tibia more neutrally, resulting in an overall clinically evident improvement in ankle functional outcome, the increased varus talar tilt remains a deep concern.Level of EvidenceProspective, observational, comparative study Level II.

What Happens to Sagittal Alignment Following Laminoplasty Versus Laminectomy and Fusion?

ObjectiveLaminectomy and fusion (LF) and laminoplasty (LP) are two sucessful posterior decompression techniques for cervical myelo-radiuclopathy. There is also a growing body of evidence describing the importance of cervical sagittal alignment (CSA) and its importance in outcomes. We investigated the difference between pre- and postoperative CSA parameters in and between LF or LP. Furthermore, studied predictive variables associated with change in cervical mismatch (CM) MethodsThis is retrospective cohort study of adults with cervical myeloradiculopathy in a single healthcare system. The primary outcomes are intra- and inter-cohort comparison of LF vs. LP radiographic parameters at pre- and postoperative time points. A secondary multivariable analysis of predictive factors was performed evaluating factors predicting postoperative CM. Results89 patients were included; 38 (43%) had LF and 51 (57%) underwent LP. Both groups decreased in lordosis (LF 11.4° vs 4.9°, p = 0.01; LP 15.2° vs 9.1°, p < 0.001), increased in cSVA (LF 3.4 vs 4.2cm, p = 0.01; LP 3.2 vs 4.2cm, p < 0.001), and increased in CM (LF 22.0° vs 28.5°, p = 0.02; LP 16.8° vs 22.3°, p = 0.002). There were no significant differences in the post operative CSA between groups. No significant predictors of change in pre- and postoperative CM were found ConslusionsThere were no significant pre-or post-operative differences following the two procedures, suggesting radiographic equipoise in well indicated patients. Across all groups, lordosis decreased, cSVA increased, and cervical mismatch increased. There were no predictive factors that led to change in cervical mismatch.

Impact of three-dimensional heads-up display on surgical performance, ergonomics and teaching in vitreoretinal surgery: first African study

PurposeTo assess the impact of a Three-Dimensional (3D) Heads-Up Display (HUD) compared to a conventional microscope (COVM) on surgical performance, ergonomics, and teaching in vitreoretinal (VR) surgery. DesignA single-center, retrospective cohort study and cross-sectional survey. MethodsSurgical assistants (N = 12) and Vitreoretinal Surgeons (N = 2) were asked, in the survey arm, to complete a questionnaire regarding various parameters related to ergonomics, quality of visualization, quality of teaching, and overall satisfaction. Parameters were rated on a scale from 1 to 10 for both the 3DHUD and COVM visualization systems (VS). The scores of the two groups were compared using appropriate statistical tests. The retrospective arm of the study included 34 consecutive cases that underwent vitrectomy with the 3DHUD VS compared to 32 matched controls with the COVM. Demographics and preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative clinical parameters were identified in both groups and were compared using appropriate statistical tests. ResultsSurvey scores were significantly higher in the 3DHUD VS group when compared to the COVM VS group for both Surgeons and Assistants regarding ergonomic parameters (overall comfort (p < 0.001), neck pain (p < 0.001), and lower back pain (p < 0.001)), visualization parameters (overall visibility (p < 0.001), visibility of the macula (p < 0.001), depth of field (p < 0.001), and quality of magnification (p < 0.001)) and teaching parameters (understanding of surgical steps by assistants (p < 0.001) and teaching to medical students and residents (p < 0.001)). Both demographics and clinical data of cases operated with the 3DHUD VS and COVM VS were comparable (p > 0.05). Anatomical and functional outcomes were similar in both groups (p > 0.05); nevertheless, mean surgical time was significantly longer in the 3DHUD group for tractional retinal detachments (p < 0.001), epiretinal membranes, and phacofragmentation (p = 0.03). Conclusion3DHUD greatly enhances ergonomics during vitreoretinal surgery and represents a significant innovation in the teaching armamentarium within the operating room. It provides the same surgical view for both the surgeons and assistants with an unparalleled image quality. A learning curve and an integrated ecosystem may be necessary to maximize its potential and reduce surgical time.