Postoperative Symptom Severity Research Articles

How effective are concentrated growth factor and injectable platelets in reducing complications following impacted third molar surgery?

This study examined the impact of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (iPRF) and concentrated growth factor on postoperative pain, edema, trismus, and quality of life in impacted mandibular third molar surgery. The primary aim of this study was to minimize common sequelae following third molar surgery by using iPRF and concentrated growth factor. The secondary objective was to compare the postoperative effects of these products. This study represents a single-center, randomized prospective clinical trial conducted at the Ordu University Faculty of Dentistry. It involved patients who underwent third molar surgery for various reasons between July and October 2022. The predictor variables were the use of concentrated growth factor and i-PRF. They were categorized as concentrated growth factor, i-PRF, and control groups. The outcome variables include pain levels and analgesic consumption measured on a visual analog scale, distances between predetermined anatomical points, maximum mouth opening capacity, and data from the postoperative symptom severity (PoSSe) scale. Some statistical tests were performed with a 95% confidence interval, which was considered significant. Total analgesic use was notably lower in the concentrated growth factor group (P = .044). Concentrated growth factor and iPRF outperformed the control group in all edema measurements by postoperative day 7 (tragus-pogonion, lateral canthus-angulus, tragus-commissura; P < .05). Concentrated growth factor significantly reduced trismus on days 2 and 7. Quality of life was notably higher in the concentrated growth factor group than in the control group (P = .026), although iPRF group differences were not significant. The results indicate that concentrated growth factor has a limited impact on postoperative pain, but significantly reduces edema, trismus, and enhances quality of life. The iPRF group experienced positive effects on pain, edema, and trismus, although the statistically significant differences observed with concentrated growth factor highlight its potential for use instead of iPRF after third molar surgery. An increased sample size is essential for more comprehensive results.

The severity of lower urinary tract symptoms during the postoperative period as a factor in choosing an approach to surgical treatment for large prostate hyperplasia: holmium enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) vs laparoscopic simple prostatectomy

Introduction. Analysis of complications after transurethral surgery for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) demonstrates that 20 – 30% of patients require prolonged postoperative treatment for severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) despite improvements in technology and surgical techniques. These complications play a significant role in reducing the quality of life of patients in the postoperative period. Severe storage symptoms and urgent urinary incontinence represent significant challenges in the postoperative phase when performing laser enucleation surgery. There are also limits to standard approaches to perform laparoscopic prostatectomy, which requires the development of improved techniques.Objective. To conduct a comparative assessment of the postoperative dynamics of LUTS in groups undergoing holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), a standard Millin laparoscopic simple prostatectomy (LSP), and a modified LSP.Materials &amp; Methods. This multicenter study included 439 patients who were randomly assigned to 3 groups depending on the surgical treatment technique used for bladder outlet obstruction associated with large-volume BPH: the HoLEP group (n = 151), the standard Millin LSP (n = 142) and the modified LSP, combined with temporary clamping of the internal iliac arteries and vesicourethral anastomosis (n = 146). The main criterion assessed during six-months follow-up was the severity of LUTS on the IPSS scale (obstructive and irritative components). Complications that developed during the postoperative observation period were recorded.Results. A lower severity of LUTS was revealed in the group of the modified LSP compared to the standard LSP and HoLEP (p = 0.041 and p = 0.001, respectively). The average irritative component of IPSS was significantly lower in the modified LSP group compared to the standard LSP and HoLEP (p = 0.032 and p = 0.001, respectively). The observed trend continued to the third month after surgery. Comparison of changes in symptom severity six months after surgery demonstrated a significant advantage for the modified LSP both compared to HoLEP (p = 0.017) and a standard LSP (p = 0.032). All three groups showed comparable significant improvements in quality of life.Conclusion. The severity of postoperative storage symptoms is a limitation of HoLEP use, whereas the standard LSP is associated with lower severity of LUTS. The authors' modification of the LSP has the potential to reduce the severity of storage symptoms in patients for up to three months after surgery, and is associated with a low rate of urge incontinence.

Removal of Horizontally Impacted Mandibular Third Molars Using the Three-Piece or T-Shaped Tooth Sectioning Method

BackgroundThe extraction of horizontally impacted mandibular third molars (HM3) can be a complicated surgery. Appropriate tooth sectioning methods can reduce the operation time and postoperative complications. PurposeThe current study compares operative time and postoperative pain between HM3 removed using the three-piece or T-shaped tooth sectioning techniques. Study design, setting, sampleA randomized single-blind prospective clinical trial on HM3 extraction was carried out between June and December 2022 in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Southwest Medical University. Patients with local or systemic infection, poor oral hygiene and systemic disease were excluded. Predictor variableThe predictor variable was the tooth sectioning method. The subjects were randomized to three-piece or T-shaped group. Main outcome variablesThe primary outcome variables were the operative time and postoperative pain measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS). The secondary outcome variables were the rates of primary bleeding, mouth opening reduction (MOR), swelling, patient satisfaction measured using a VAS and quality of life measured using a postoperative symptom severity (PoSSe) scale. CovariatesThe covariates included age, sex, side and classification of HM3, and the relationship of HM3 to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) canal. AnalysesThe data were analyzed using the independent samples t-test, paired t-test, chi-square and rank sum test. A significance level set at P < 0.05. ResultsThe sample included 60 patients in the three-piece group and 66 patients in the T-shaped group. The operative time of the three-piece group (14.73 ± 3.21 min) was shorter than that of the T-shaped group (19.25 ± 4.29 min) (P < 0.05). On day 3 and 7, VAS of pain were 2.24±1.89 and 0.15±0.40 in the three-piece group , and 3.95±2.44 and 0.48±0.68 in the T-shaped group (P < 0.05). The VAS of patient satisfaction in three-piece group (6.05±1.29) was better than T-shaped group (4.90±1.05) on day 7 (P < 0.05). Conclusion and RelevanceThe three-piece tooth sectioning for HM3 removal was associated with shorter duration, slighter postoperative symptoms and higher patient satisfaction, and may be considered as a recommended practice for dentists.

High fluence in laser stapedotomy aggravates transient subjective dizziness

Background Laser fenestration in stapedotomy has thermal effect to the vestibule. Aims/Objectives To evaluate the role of energy density (fluence) in the severity of postoperative vestibular symptoms. Materials and methods The retrospective chart-review study included 84 patients with otosclerosis that underwent primary laser stapedotomy. Surgical outcomes, including nystagmus, and subjective vestibular symptoms during one-month follow-up, were compared between potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) and CO2 laser. According to this study and literature, we assessed the relationship between laser parameters and the incidence of persistent vestibular symptoms lasting more than one week after surgery. Results The KTP and CO2 laser group included 48 and 36 patients, respectively. Fluence was different between the KTP (637 J/cm2) and CO2 (141 J/cm2) laser (p < .001). The KTP group showed gradual decrease in dizziness during one-month observation period, while the CO2 group exhibited a steep recovery curve in the first postoperative week (9 and 4 d of duration, respectively). The incidence of persistent vestibular symptoms was correlated with both fluence (r = 0.80, p = .01) and spot size (r = −0.74, p = .01). Conclusions and significance Appropriate setting of parameters with lower fluence is desirable for the efficiency and safety of laser stapedotomy. Abbreviations: ABG: air-bone gap; SD: standard deviation.

Is Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin Really Effective in Reducing Expected Side Effects of Removing Impacted Third Molar Surgery?

Common side effects of third molar (M3) operations including pain, edema, and trismus have an adverse effect on patient quality of life. Injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) may ameliorate some of the side effects of the operation. The primary purpose of this study is to measure and compare differences in pain, swelling, trismus, and quality of life between i-PRF side and a control side of subjects undergoing M3 removal. This study is a single-center, split-mouth, randomized prospective clinical trial conducted at Ordu University Faculty of Dentistry. Patients who presented between March and August 2022 for the extraction of impacted third molars due to various reasons were included in the study. The exclusion criteria were local conditions and systematic comorbidities. Additionally, patients with differences that could cause bias between the sides were excluded from the study. The predictor variable is treatment i-PRF or control. The outcome variables of interest are the pain level and analgesic consumption values on the Visual Analog Scale, the distance between determined reference points, maximum mouth opening, and the Postoperative Symptom Severity scale data. A Postoperative Symptom Severity scale was created using questions commonly employed in the clinical evaluation of patients following the extraction of third molars. This scale was further divided into subscales corresponding to the 7 primary adverse effects identified in a prior study. Covariate variables, sex, age, and operation times. The normality of the distribution of the study data was assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Depending on whether the data exhibited a normal distribution or not, the data were analyzed using either the paired t-test or the Wilcoxon test. A P value < .05 was considered statistically significant. The study included 35 patients with a mean age of 19.97±2.07years. The i-PRF side significant success in postoperative edema measurements. There was a statistically significant difference observed between the control side and the i-PRF side on the second day (control: 9.74±0.57mm, i-PRF: 9.46±0.51mm) and seventh day (control: 9.33±0.59mm, i-PRF: 9.12±0.50mm) in lateral canthus-angulus measurements (P: .01 and P: .04, respectively). Additionally, on the second day, there was a statistically significant difference in tragus-commisura measurements (control: 11.53±0.62mm, i-PRF: 11.31±0.58mm) with a P value of .02. There was no significant difference observed between the sides in terms of postoperative pain (P>.05). However, analgesic consumption in the i-PRF side was significantly lower at the sixth hour (control: 1.8±0.58 dose, i-PRF: 1.14±0.35 dose), 24th hour (control: 1.77±0.54 dose, i-PRF: 1.14±0.35 dose), and second day (control: 1.8±0.47 dose, i-PRF: 1.4±0.73 dose) postoperatively (P: .000, P: .000, and P: .012). Mouth opening was significantly lower in the i-PRF side on the second day (control: 27.88±6.48mm, i-PRF: 25.51±5.56mm) (P: .025). However, i-PRF had no significant effect on postoperative quality of life (P>.05). According to the study results, i-PRF had a limited effect on the management of postoperative pain, but i-PRF was effective in reducing postoperative edema. Further studies with larger patient sides are now needed to yield more detailed findings on the subject.

Protocol for a double-blinded randomised controlled trial investigating the use of adjunct bicarbonate in carpal tunnel release: a single-centre study

IntroductionThis study aims to compare the effectiveness of buffered and non-buffered long-acting local anaesthetics in pain relief during and after carpal tunnel release (CTR) surgery. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is...

312. H ANASTOMOSIS IN MECKOWN ESOPHAGECTOMY FOR THE REDUCED ANASTOMOTIC LEAKAGE, OBSTRUCTION, AND GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX

Abstract Background Anastomotic Leakage, obstruction, and gastroesophageal reflux are the major conditions to be taken into account during restoration of alimentary transit in Meckown esophagectomy. There are numerous types of anastomosis techniques to achieve different emphases while the optimal one has not been established. The outcomes of the novel H anastomosis and the conventional end to end layered anastomosis were explored in a prospective cohort study. Methods Patients with resectable esophageal cancer underwent Meckown esophagectomy applying end to end layered anastomosis (Conventional group) or H anastomosis (H group) were included. Besides demographic information, the incidence of anastomotic leakage and other major complications were also recorded. The incidence and severity of postoperative digestive symptoms were assessed by a standard questionnaire including Mellow-Pinkas score for dysphagia and reflux frequency at 6 months after surgery. 24 h-PH and impedance surveillance was also performed on patients receiving H anastomosis. Results Of the 122 eligible patients, 88 received end to end layered anastomosis and 34 underwent H anastomosis respectively. 3(3.4%) patients underwent anastomotic leakage in Conventional group and 1(2.9%) in H group (P = 0.897) The incidences of other perioperative complications were comparable between two groups. The H anastomosis was associated with lower incidence of gastroesophageal reflux (17.2% vs 35.8%, P = 0.117) and higher proportion of patients without food solidity limitation (Mellow-Pinkas score = 0) (79.4% versus 69.1% P = 0.305). The DeMeester score extracted from 24 h-PH and impedance surveillance showed the H anastomosis achieved 70% objective reflux free rate. Conclusion H anastomosis is a refinement of intussusception anastomosis and layered anastomosis to preserve the anti-reflux function of one-direction valve formed by intussuscepted tissues, leakage free from the different locations of layers of anastomosis and obstruction prevention from the removal of intussuscepted muscular layer of esophagus and seromuscular layer of stomach. A multicenter randomized trial comparing the outcomes of the H anastomosis and end to end anastomosis is in process to validate these conclusions.

The impact of temperament on functional and symptomatic relief and satisfaction after carpal tunnel release.

The aim of this study was to compare the symptomatic, functional and satisfaction outcomes of patients with different temperaments undergoing carpal tunnel surgery by a single surgeon. Dominant temperaments of 171 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were determined using the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A). Patients were divided into six temperament groups, and the impact of their respective group measured against preoperative and postoperative symptom severity and functional capacity using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ] and satisfaction using the Patient Evaluation Measure (PEM). Patients in the depressive group had the largest improvement in symptoms (BCTQ score change, -2.2) as well as a significant improvement in function (BCTQ score change, -2.1), yet had the lowest postoperative satisfaction (mean PEM score 9). Determination of patient temperament before surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) may be useful as an ancillary technique to help predict postoperative satisfaction, which may in turn help guide preoperative communication and expectation setting.Level of evidence: III.

Novel Three-Holed Titanium Plate Fixation during Open Door Laminoplasty for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: Comparison with Conventional Titanium Plate.

For reconstructing the posterior cervical muscular-ligament complex, attachment points and various modified techniques were designed and applied in clinical practice. This study investigated the clinical and radiographic outcomes of open door laminoplasty with modified centerpiece mini-plate fixation and extensor attachment point reconstruction in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Sixty-nine patients with CSM who underwent C3-C7 open door laminoplasty at our hospital from January 2016 to May 2018 were divided into two groups: 37 and 32 patients underwent laminoplasty with modified and conventional centerpiece titanium plate fixation (MPF and CPF groups), respectively. Changes in cervical spinal angle (CSA), cervical range of motion (ROM), posterior cervical muscle atrophy, neurological function (Japanese Orthopaedic Association [JOA] score), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and axial symptom severity were compared between the two groups. There were no significant differences in operative duration (136.7± 23.9 vs 128.3± 21.5 min, t=1.525, p > 0.05), volume of intraoperative blood loss (275.9± 33.1 vs 268.2± 31.6ml, t=0.984, p > 0.05), lamina open angle (41.2° ± 4.5° vs 39.4° ± 4.1°, t=1.726, p > 0.05), and spinal cord drift distance (2.4± 0.3 vs 2.3± 0.4 mm, t=1.184, p > 0.05) between the two groups. After surgery, JOA score significantly increased (p < 0.05), and neurological recovery rates were similar (62.7% vs 63.4%, t=0.208, p > 0.05). The NDI score was significantly decreased in both the groups (p< 0.05); however, the MPF group recovered to a greater degree than the CPF group (8.3± 1.2 vs 9.8± 1.4) (t=4.793, p< 0.05). There was no significant change in cervical ROM postoperatively compared with preoperatively in either group (p > 0.05). CSA decreased from 21.7° ± 2.8° to 18.3° ± 2.1°, and posterior cervical muscle cross-sectional area decreased from 35.2± 4.9 cm2 to 31.0 ± 4.1 cm2 in the CPF group (p < 0.05), but no significant change was observed in the MPF group (20.6° ± 2.5° to 20.4° ± 2.6°and 35.9± 5.1 to 34.1± 4.6 cm2 , respectively) (p> 0.05). Postoperative axial symptom severity was significantly worse in the CPF group than in the MPF group (Z=-2.357, p < 0.05). As an improvement to the conventional titanium plate, the modified centerpiece titanium plate effectively provides an attachment point for the posterior muscle-ligament complex, reducing posterior cervical muscle atrophy and improving neck function, without inflicting additional surgical trauma.

The Comparative Evaluation of the Anesthetic Efficacy of 4% Articaine With 1:100,000 Adrenaline and 0.75% Ropivacaine for Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in the Extraction of Impacted Lower Third Molar.

Introduction Postoperative pain management is a major concern in lower third molar surgery. Various local anesthetic agents are studied for the same. Articaine and ropivacaine are recently studied for pain control intra- and postoperatively in minor oral surgical procedure. However, there is sparse literature that compares thesetwo agents. Therefore, the present study was designed to compare 4% articaine with 1:100,000adrenaline and 0.75% ropivacainefor inferior alveolar nerve block in lower impacted third molarsurgery. Materials and method A prospective, randomized controlled, split-mouth, double-blind study was performed. A total of 60healthy patients requiring extraction of lower impacted third molar with similar difficulty index were included in the study. Patients were administered 4% articaine with 1:100,000adrenaline and 0.75% ropivacaine on either side by random allocation. The procedure was performed at an interval of 14 days. Parameters assessed were time of onset of anesthesia, profoundness of anesthesia, hemodynamic parameters (heart rate and blood pressure), duration of soft tissue anesthesia, duration of postoperative analgesia, and postoperative symptom severity (PoSSe) scale. Results The time of onset of articaine was faster (69.20 + 20.13 seconds) compared to ropivacaine (104.06 + 17.66 seconds). No significant difference was observed in hemodynamic parameters. There was significant difference in duration of soft tissue anesthesia, postoperative analgesia, and PoSSe scale between the two groups. Conclusion Within the limitations of the study,0.75% ropivacainewas effective in providing prolonged soft tissue anesthesia, postoperative analgesia, and better PoSSe scale with hemodynamic stability compared to 4% articaine.

Dental anxiety is related to postoperative symptoms in third molar surgery.

PurposeTo examine the association of preoperative dental anxiety with the severity of postoperative symptoms among patients undergoing lower third molar (LM3) extraction surgery.Materials and methodsWe conducted a hospital-based prospective study with a sample size of 213 patients. All the patients underwent LM3 extraction surgery at the Stomatology Hospital of Tianjin Medical University. Preoperative dental anxiety was measured using the Dental Anxiety Scale for Third Molar Surgery (DAS-TMS) and classified into four categories: No anxiety, Some unease, Anxious, and Very anxious. The primary outcome was defined using the postoperative symptom severity scale on the seventh day after surgery. The patients' clinical characteristics, radiologic features, and surgery-related variables were used as control variables. Bivariate analysis involved Fisher's exact test and Kruskal–Wallis test. Multivariable logistic analysis was used to assess preoperative dental anxiety in relation to the severity of postoperative symptoms. We applied a two-piecewise regression model to examine the potential non–linear associations.ResultsThe mean (SD) dental anxiety score was 10.56 (3.84). The proportion of dental anxiety was as follows: No anxiety, 7.5%; Some unease, 46.9%; Anxious, 31.0%; Very anxious, 14.6%. The multivariable-adjusted ORs with 95% CIs of postoperative symptoms were 1.00 for No anxiety, 3.63 (0.90–14.68) for Some unease, 5.29 (1.25–22.33) for Anxious, and 4.75 (1.02–22.18) for Very anxious (P for trend = 0.047). The risk of serious postoperative symptoms increased with the dental anxiety level up to 7 points (adjusted OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.12–3.74; P = 0.012). When the dental anxiety level exceeded 7 points, the level of DAS-TMS was not associated with the risk of serious postoperative symptoms (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.88–1.08; P = 0.756).ConclusionsFindings suggest that dental anxiety is associated with a risk of serious postoperative symptoms following LM3 removal. The degree of dental anxiety in patients before LM3 extraction surgery should be of concern to clinicians.

Influence of fixed titanium plate position on the effectiveness of open-door laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy

BackgroundDuring open-door laminoplasty, the position of the bone gutter is not fixed, and when the gutter migrates inward, the outer end of the titanium plate must be fixed on the lamina edge. It is unclear whether this will affect the clinical efficacy. This study aimed to observe the influence of the titanium plate fixation position on the effectiveness of open-door laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).MethodsA total of 98 patients with CSM who underwent open-door laminoplasty from August 2016 to October 2019 were included in this retrospective study. Fifty-five patients had the titanium plate fixed on the lateral mass (lateral mass group), and 43 patients had the titanium plate fixed on the lamina edge (lamina group). The opening angle, opening width, occurrence of hinge fracture, spinal cord drift distance, cervical curvature index (CCI), neurological function recovery (JOA score), neck function (NDI), C5 palsy and severity of axial symptoms were observed and compared between the two groups.ResultsThe opening angle in the lamina group was significantly larger than that in the lateral mass group, while the opening width and the spinal cord drift distance were significantly smaller than those in the lateral mass group (P < 0.05). The occurrence of hinge fracture in the lamina group was significantly higher than that in the lateral group (25.6% and 9.1%, respectively) (P < 0.05). The CCI was maintained well in both groups (P > 0.05), and there was no significant difference between the groups (P > 0.05). After surgery, the JOA score significantly increased in both groups (P < 0.05), and the neurological recovery rates were similar between the two groups (62.6% vs. 64.5%). The NDI score significantly decreased in both groups (P < 0.05), but the lateral mass group recovered to a greater degree than the lamina group (P < 0.05). The occurrence of C5 palsy was 2.3% in the lamina group and 14.5% in the lateral mass group, and there was a significant difference between the groups (P < 0.05). Postoperative axial symptom severity was significantly worse in the lamina group than in the lateral mass group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsIn open-door laminoplasty, it is feasible to fix the titanium plate on the lateral mass or to the lamina due to the same neurological function recovery. However, fixing it to the lamina will increase the opening angle and decrease the opening width, making the hinge prone to fracture and increasing the severity of postoperative axial symptoms.

Effect of plasma rich in growth factors on quality of life following mandibular third molar removal: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) on patient- and clinician-reported outcomes following mandibular third molar removal. Seventy-four patients requiring surgical removal of a unilateral impacted mandibular third molar under local anaesthesia were recruited into the study. PRGF was prepared for all patients irrespective of study arm allocation. Reviews were conducted 3 days (T1) and 7 days (T2) postoperatively. Primary outcome measures were pain (numerical rating scale, NRS), OHIP-14 (Oral Health Impact Profile-14), and postoperative symptom severity scale (PoSSe) data. Secondary outcome measures including mouth opening, dry socket, socket healing, and analgesic consumption were also explored. The statistical analysis was performed using analysis of covariance and the χ2 test. NRS pain scores were higher in the PRGF group at T1, demonstrating borderline significance (mean difference 1.0; P = 0.06), with no difference at T2. PoSSe scores did not differ between the groups, with the exception of the ‘interference with daily activities’ subscale at T1, where PRGF group patients scored 1.2 units higher (P = 0.02). OHIP-14 scores demonstrated a 25% increased likelihood of PRGF patients reporting discomfort on eating at T1 (P = 0.02), with no statistical significance at T2. Secondary outcomes did not differ between the groups. No difference in clinical or quality of life outcomes was observed for patients receiving adjunctive PRGF in third molar sockets.

Mini-Open Carpal Tunnel Release with a Pediatric Nasal Speculum: A 10-Year Retrospective Case Series

Background Nasal speculum assisted carpal tunnel release (CTR) is performed using smaller incisions than are normally achieved with open procedures. We performed a retrospective case series analysis to evaluate short and long-term symptom and functional outcomes of a single surgeon’s results with this technique. Methods During the period of 2005-2011, 678 cases met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 198 cases representing 152 unique individuals were contacted and consented to participate in the study. A chart review was performed to identify demographics, pre-operative questionnaire results, and post-operative characteristics. Post-operative Symptom Severity Scale and Functional Status Scale results from the Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire were then obtained via telephone interviews. Results The mean (StDev) time to follow up was 4.08 (2.1) years with the mean age at follow up 61.94 (14) years. More females (56%) were included than males (44%). Using linear mixed models, patients with nasal speculum assisted CTR had significant improvements in both Symptom Severity and Functional Status Scales following surgery. In addition, 97.7% of patients reported their incisions were aesthetically pleasing and only 78.7% reported their incisions were still visible. Several pre-operative factors had a significant association with good surgical outcomes, including: Positive Compression Test/Durkin’s; Severe/very severe difficulties on the Functional Status Scale; High scores on the Symptom Severity and Functional Status Scales. Conclusions This surgeon’s experience with nasal speculum assisted CTR shows that this technique results in not only aesthetically pleasing results, but also excellent symptomatic and functional outcomes. Level of Evidence Level IV Case Series

Equivalent outcomes in nasal symptoms following microscopic or endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery: results from multi-centre, prospective study

BackgroundTranssphenoidal surgery (TSS) is the standard approach for resection of pituitary lesions. Historically, this has utilized the microscopic approach (mTSS); however, the past decade has seen widespread uptake of the endoscopic approach (eTSS). The purported benefits of this include improved visualization and illumination, resulting in improved surgical and endocrinological patient outcomes. It is also believed that eTSS results in fewer post-operative nasal symptoms compared to mTSS; however, few papers have directly compared these groups.ObjectivesWe sought to compare nasal symptoms after endoscopic uninostril (eTSS-uni), endoscopic binostril (eTSS-bi) and microscopic endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (mTSS).MethodsThe General Nasal Patient Inventory (GNPI) was prospectively administered to 136 patients (71 non-functioning adenomas, 26 functioning adenomas, 39 other pathology) undergoing transsphenoidal surgery at multiple time points (pre-operatively; days 1, 3 and 7–14; months 1, 3 and 6 and 1 year post-operatively). All surgeries were performed by subspecialist pituitary surgeons in three subgroups — mTSS (25), eTSS-uni (74) and eTSS-bi (37). The total GNPI scores (0–135) and subscores for the 45 individual components were compared across three groups assessing for temporal and absolute changes.ResultsIrrespective of surgical approach used, GNPI scores were significantly higher on post-operative day 1 (p < 0.001) and day 3 (p ≤ 0.03) compared to pre-treatment baseline (mixed-effects model). By 1 month post-operatively, however, post-operative GNPI scores were no different from pre-treatment (p > 0.05, mixed-effects model). Whilst the eTSS-uni group demonstrated significantly lower GNPI scores at day 1 post-op compared to the mTSS group (p = 0.05) and eTSS-bi group (p < 0.001), there was no significant difference in post-operative scores between approaches beyond 1–2 weeks post-operatively. Similar results were obtained when the non-functioning tumour group was analysed separately.ConclusionsTranssphenoidal pituitary surgery is well tolerated. Post-operative nasal symptoms transiently worsen but ultimately improve compared to pre-operative baseline. Operative approach (microscopic, endoscopic uninostril or endoscopic binostril) only has a transient effect on severity of post-operative nasal symptoms.

Self-Reliance and Postoperative Hand Recovery After Simultaneous, Bilateral Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release: A Prospective Study

Outcomes and recovery of endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) have been broadly examined in studies. The total recovery time can potentially be reduced by performing simultaneous, bilateral ECTR. In this study we prospectively investigated days to self-reliance. As secondary outcomes, we investigated direct postoperative recovery of hand function and pre and postoperative symptom severity after simultaneous, bilateral ECTR. In this single-center prospective case series, we included all patients willing to participate after undergoing bilateral ECTR between December 2015 and July 2019. Every patient recorded days to self-reliance (when a patient could perform basic activities of daily living without the need for assistance from another person) and completed a preoperative and postoperative Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) evaluating postoperative hand function and pre and postoperative symptom severity. In total, 81 patients received simultaneous, bilateral ECTR. Median days until self-reliance was 4; mean number of days was 4.9. Concerning BCTQ scores, postoperative functional status increased significantly each day, and mean BCTQ score decreased gradually from intense difficulty to little difficulty in daily tasks over a period of 7 days. Preoperative BCTQ symptom severity showed significant improvement compared to postoperative symptoms, evolving from medium to slight symptoms. Simultaneous, bilateral ECTR offers recovery to self-reliance in 4 to 5 days with a gradual and significant increase of hand function in the following postoperative days. Therapeutic II.

Postsurgical oral symptoms after insertion of one or two implants for mandibular overdentures: short-term results of a randomized clinical trial

ObjectiveThis randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the short-term postsurgical symptoms after insertion of one or two implants for retention of a mandibular overdenture. This study investigated whether the less invasive single-implant approach results in lower postoperative symptoms compared to the conventional two-implant overdenture.Materials and methodsPatients received new complete dentures and were randomly assigned to groups receiving one or two single-stage, early-loaded hydrophilic implants, inserted in the midline (n = 23), or the lateral incisor-canine area bilaterally (n = 24). Patient-reported postoperative symptoms were measured in a 0–100 visual analogue scale concerning pain in the surgical area, pain when chewing, bleeding, swelling, and unpleasantness. Data collection occurred 24 h and 7 and 21 days after surgery. Demographic and clinical features (smoking habit, classification of the residual ridges, and mucosal width and thickness at the implant sites), osteotomy for alveolar bone reduction, and surgery time were tested as predictors of symptom levels.ResultsOverall reported symptoms were mild and self-limited, with high rates of complete remission after the early loading period of 3 weeks. Progressive improvement of symptoms occurred from the 24-h to the 7-day and 21-day follow-ups (p < 0.001), similarly in both groups. None of the clinical predictors was significantly associated with the changes in symptoms.ConclusionsFindings suggest that the insertion of one or two implants may result in similar postoperative outcomes.Clinical relevanceThe severity of short-term postoperative symptoms may not be a critical factor for the decision between overdenture treatment with one or two implants.

Operation time is independent associated with serious postoperative symptom in patients with mandibular third molar removal.

To investigate the association between operation time and serious postoperative symptom severity (PoSS) in patients following the surgical removal of mandibular third molar (M3M), independent of the degree of impaction. A retrospective hospital-based observational study was carried out at the Stomatology Hospital of Tianjin Medical University. The operation time was recorded and divided by quartiles (Q1-Q4). The primary outcome was PoSS. Clinical, demographic and radiologic variables were also recorded. A descriptive bivariate analysis was performed. Associations were analyzed using the adjusted multivariate logistic regression. The association between time and impaction status was also tested. Potential nonlinear associations were evaluated with the restricted cubic spline. P values of <0.05 were considered as statistically significant. A total of 321 patients met our inclusion criteria (114 men and 207 women). The mean operation time was 16.0 minutes (range, 1.1 to 40.5 minutes). The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were determined after multivariate adjustments for the risk of serious PoSS per 5-min incremental increase in operation time (OR 1.201, 95% CI, 1.005-1.434). The multivariable-adjusted ORs (95% CI) of PoSS across the categories of operation time were as follows: 1.00 (reference), 1.765 (0.770-4.045), 2.567 (1.047-6.293), and 3.085 (1.180-8.064) (P for trend =0.027). The test of interaction effect was not significant (all P for interaction >0.05). No evidence of a nonlinear association was observed (P for nonlinearity =0.117). Operation time was significantly and positively associated with a high risk of serious PoSS independent of impaction status in patients who underwent the surgical removal of M3M.

Clinical outcomes and functional analysis of third space robotic and endoscopic cooperative surgery versus laparoscopic wedge resection for gastric submucosal tumours: a propensity score-matched study

Third space robotic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (TS-RECS) is a novel minimally invasive surgery for resecting gastric submucosal tumours (GSMTs), which could accomplish the completely oncological curability and maximal functional preservation. This study investigated the clinical outcomes and gastrointestinal function after TS-RECS versus laparoscopic wedge resection (LWR) for GSMTs. This was a single-centre retrospective study that included 130 patients with GSMTs who underwent LWR or TS-RECS from 2013 to 2019. To overcome selection biases, we performed propensity score matching (1:1) using seven covariates that could impact the group assignment and outcomes. Then, the clinical outcomes and gastrointestinal function in the LWR and TS-RECS groups were compared in a matched cohort. Among the 130 enrolled patients, 96 patients underwent LWR, and 34 underwent TS-RECS and were matched into 30 patients for each group. There was no significant difference in the operation time between the two groups (P = 0.543). However, the TS-RECS group had significantly less blood loss (20,5–100 vs 95,10–310 ml, P < 0.0001) and better postoperative recovery in terms of time to oral intake (2,2–4 vs 3,2–6 days, P < 0.0001) and postoperative hospital stay (5,4–10 vs 8.5,5–16 days, P < 0.0001) than the LWR group. The severity and frequency scores of postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms in the TS-RECS group were significantly lower than those in the LWR group. The median follow-up period was 24 months (10–60 months) in the LWR group and 18 months (10–27 months) in the TS-RECS group, and there was in total a single recurrence in the LWR group. TS-RECS appears to be a technically safe and effective surgery with preservation of gastrointestinal function for resection of GSMT resection.

Assessment of postoperative discomfort and nerve injuries after surgical removal of mandibular third molar: A prospective study.

Introduction:The surgical removal of mandibular third molar (M3) teeth may result in a number of complications including pain, swelling, bleeding, alveolar osteitis or nerve dysfunction. Most of these problems are temporary, but in some cases, nerve paresthesia may become permanent and lead to functional problems.Aims and Objectives:This study aims at measuring the clinical severity of pain, swelling, muscle trismus, infection, dry socket and any nerve injury-related paresthesia after surgical removal of M3. It also assesses the validity of the postoperative symptom severity and identifies the most frequent occurrences and postoperative complications.Material and Methods:The prospective study data was collected from 163 patients visiting the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, for surgical extraction of impacted M3. Postoperative assessment was done after 1 week at the time of suture removal for pain, swelling, wound closure, postoperative bleeding, dry socket, infection, paresthesia and trismus. Pain intensity in the form of visual analogue scale, clinical swelling determination using thread measure, trismus assessment by differences in mouth opening, paresthesia/anesthesia by questioning about tongue, chin and lip sensibility and performing neurosensory tests like 2-point discrimination, pin prick and light touch. Patients with neurosensory disturbance were followed for 6 months.Results:This study confirmed the previously reported prevalence rates of neurological deficit and demonstrated 2% incidence of lingual nerve injury where no symptom lasted for more than 12 weeks. Inferior alveolar nerve paresthesia not reported in case series. Most of the patients reported with mild pain, mild swelling and trismus at seventh postoperative day at the time of suture removal.Conclusion:Although third molar surgery is a secure and low morbidity procedure, the risk of complications will always exist and it increases with increased surgical difficulty, hence the patient should always be educated about the risks and benefits of surgery in order to ensure adequate surgical management of impacted M3.