Postoperative Treatment Outcomes Research Articles

The achievement of pre-operative expectations in patients undergoing knee arthroplasty: a cohort study evaluating unique patient goals

BackgroundTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common procedure employed to treat end-stage osteoarthritis. While TKA is generally believed to have acceptable outcomes, many patients report pain or functional deficits not in line with their expectation following the procedure. It has been postulated that patient’s pre-operative expectations regarding post-operative treatment outcomes play a significant role in satisfaction. It is therefore important to assess if the outcomes of surgery truly align with patient’s individual expectations. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the degree to which patient expectations of TKA are achieved and the contribution of TKA to achieving patient goals one year after surgery.MethodsA consecutive sample of 110 patients booked for total knee arthroplasty were asked to identify their most important goals to inform the Direct Questioning of Objectives Index (DQO Index, range 0 to 1) and identify their surgical goals and grade their expectation that a knee arthroplasty would achieve each goal on an 11-point scale. One year after surgery, the DQO Index was repeated to assess their current ability to achieve each pre-operative goal, and asked to estimate the contribution of their knee arthroplasty in achieving each goal. Mean differences between baseline and one year follow-up were calculated regarding the DQO Index and expected achievement of pre-operative goals.ResultsAccording to the DQO Index at one year, patients improved from a poor quality of life pre-operatively (mean ± standard deviation: 0.20 ± 0.18) to moderately high quality of life (mean ± standard deviation: 0.71 ± 0.21) reflecting a large improvement in ability to achieve each goal. Although achievement improved, for each goal, the patient estimates of the extent to which the knee arthroplasty had contributed to achieving the goal was lower than their initial expectation provided pre-operatively (mean difference range: 0.6 to 1.9 on an 11-point scale).ConclusionPatients undergoing TKA have high expectations that their surgery will address their primary goals. Despite surgery largely achieving these goals (improved pain and function), the extent to which the goals were achieved was lower than patients had expected pre-operatively.

How can we approach preoperative frailty and related factors in patients with cancer? A scoping review.

To identify factors related to preoperative frailty in patients with cancer and map the tools that measure frailty. A Scoping review. This scoping review based on Arksey and O'Malley's framework. Articles from CINAHL, PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases published between January 2011 and April 2021. The searched keywords were concepts related to 'cancer', 'frailty' and 'measurement'. While 728 records were initially identified, 24 studies were eventually selected. Research on frailty was actively conducted between 2020 and 2021. Factors related to preoperative frailty were age (22.9%), sex (11.4%), body mass index (11.4%) and physical status indicators (54.3%). The most common result of preoperative frailty was postoperative complications (35.0%). 24 instruments were used to measure frailty. Selecting an appropriate preoperative frailty screening tool can help improve patient postoperative treatment outcomes. There are many instruments for assessing preoperative frailty, each evaluating a multi-dimensional feature. We identified the frailty screening tools used today, organized the factors that affect frailty, and explored the impact of frailty. Identifying and organizing frailty measurement tools will enable appropriate evaluation. PRISMA-ScR. No patient or public contribution.

Efficacy of Transvaginal Surgery Using an ORIHIME Mesh With Wider Arms and Adjusted Length.

Transvaginal mesh surgery (TVM) is an effective treatment measure for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). However, the ORIHIME mesh (Kono Seisakusho, Japan, Tokyo), which has the disadvantage of poor adherence to tissues, is currently the only productavailable for this procedure. Our research team has previously developed a modified ORIHIME meshwith wider arms with the aim of minimizing the risk of POP recurrence. Additionally, the length of the mesh behind the anterior vaginal wall has been adjusted to prevent urinary incontinence. The current study aims to examine the efficacy of this modified mesh in minimizing postoperative complications in patients undergoing uphold-type TVM. The data of 84 patients who underwent TVM using ORIHIME at our hospital since July 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into three groups as follows: (a) normal arms (NA; arm width < 6 cm; n = 29 cases); (b) wide arms without length adjustment (WA and LA (-); arm width > 6 cm; n = 27 cases); and (c) wide arms with length adjustment (WA and LA (+); n = 28 cases). Data were collected using various questionnaires, and the residual urine volume was measured before and after surgery. Additionally, the 60-minute pad test was performed where possible, and the recurrence and complication rates were recorded. The incidence of mesh exposure and urinary incontinence in daily life tended to be lower in the WA and LA (+) groups, although this difference was not statistically significant. The one-year postoperative POP recurrence rate, residual urine volume, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) score were significantly lower in the WA and LA (+) groups compared to the other groups. Uphold-type TVM using the modified ORIHIME mesh with wider arms and adjusted length was associated with better postoperative treatment outcomes compared to TVM using the traditional ORIHIME mesh.

Efficacy of early laparoscopic cholecystectomy compared with percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage in treating acute calculous cholecystitis in elderly patients

Background Acute calculous cholecystitis is a common acute disease in elderly patients. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC) compared to percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGD) for treating acute calculous cholecystitis in elderly patients. Methods This retrospective study compared the clinical outcomes of two groups of elderly patients treated with ELC (group A) and PTGD (group B) from January 2018 to December 2021. Preoperative clinical characteristics and postoperative treatment outcomes were analyzed for both groups. Results There were no statistically significant differences in preoperative clinical characteristics between the ELC and PTGD groups. ELC took longer to perform (69.8 ± 15.9 min vs. 29.6 ± 5.3 min, p < 0.001) but resulted in a significantly shorter duration of pain (1.9 ± 0.9 days vs. 3.9 ± 1.0 days, p < 0.001) and hospital stay (6.3 ± 2.5 days vs. 9.9 ± 3.6 days, p < 0.001), and a lower rate of sepsis (3.4% vs. 16.9%, p < 0.019). Time to soft diet was faster in the ELC group (1.5 ± 0.9 days vs. 3.0 ± 1.6 days, p < 0.001). Fewer patients in the ELC group experienced surgical reintervention than in the PTGD group (0% vs. 5.6%, p = 0.043). The incidence of postoperative complications and readmission rates in the ELC group were significantly lower than those in the PTGD group (ELC, 3.6%; PTGD, 25.4%, p = 0.001). Conclusions ELC is an effective treatment option for acute calculous cholecystitis in elderly patients, and has the added benefits of low postoperative complication rates, rapid recovery, shorter duration of pain, and excellent curative effects as compared to PTGD.

Clinical application and accuracy assessment of imaging-based surgical navigation guided 125I interstitial brachytherapy in deep head and neck regions

Brachytherapy has the advantages of being minimally invasive and highly conformal, and it achieves good results in head and neck tumors. To precisely implant the radioactive seeds according to the preplan in deep head and neck regions, the surgical navigation is applied. This study aims to explore the clinical application and accuracy of imaging-based surgical navigation-guided 125I interstitial brachytherapy in terms of seed position. We included 41 patients with tumors in deep head and neck regions. The brachytherapy treatment plan was designed, and the preplanned data were transferred to the navigation system. Needle implantation and seed delivery were performed under surgical navigation system guidance with or without the combination of individual template. The treatment accuracy was evaluated by comparing seed cluster locations between the preoperative treatment plan and the postoperative treatment outcome. A total of 2879 seeds were delivered. The range, mean and median distances between the geometric centers of the preoperative seed point clusters and the postoperative seed point clusters were 0.8–10.5 mm, 4.5 ± 2.3 mm and 4.1 mm, respectively. The differences between preoperative and postoperative volumes of the minimum bounding box of seed point clusters were nonsignificant. In conclusion, the imaging-based surgical navigation system is a promising clinical tool to provide the preplanned data for interstitial brachytherapy intraoperatively, and it is feasible and accurate for the real-time guidance of needle implantation and seed delivery in deep head and neck regions.

Therapeutic outcomes of one-minute application of sodium hydroxide versus phenol in the chemical cauterization of ingrown toenails.

Ingrown nails are frequently encountered in dermatology practice. The recurrence tendency of the disorder makes chemical cauterization essential during surgical procedures. In studies comparing nail matrix cauterization with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) versus phenol, phenol's application time was highly variable. To compare the therapeutic outcomes of matrix cauterization for a standard duration of one minute for NaOH versus phenol in stage II and III ingrown nails. The medical records of patients undergoing matrix cauterization with 10% NaOH or 88% phenol were evaluated. The primary outcome measure was the lack of recurrences on long-term follow-up. The secondary outcome measures were complete healing duration, patient-reported pain scores, and adverse effects related to the procedure. Enrolled in this study were 62 ingrown toenail sides treated with 10% NaOH and 56 ingrown toenail sides treated with 88% phenol. The mean follow-up duration was 25.17months. Recurrence was observed in four nail sides of the NaOH group (%6.45) and three nail sides of the phenol group (%5.35). The difference between the recurrence rates did not reach statistical significance. Patients treated with both methods were free of pain on the post-procedural tenth day. The visual analog scale pain scores and complete healing duration were similar between the two groups (p>0.05). In a large group with long-term follow-up results, the short-term and long-term post-operative treatment outcomes were similar between the one-minute applications of 10% NaOH versus 88% phenol groups.

Treatment expectations for postoperative pain

HintergrundPräoperative Behandlungserwartungen haben einen deutlichen Einfluss auf die postoperativen Schmerzen und Behandlungsergebnisse. Positive Erwartungen sind ein wichtiger Mechanismus von Placeboeffekten und negative Erwartungen ein wichtiger Mechanismus von Noceboeffekten.FragestellungWelchen Einfluss haben Behandlungserwartungen, wie werden diese im klinischen Setting erhoben und wie können diese Erkenntnisse in der klinischen Praxis umgesetzt werden?Material und MethodenEs wurde eine Literatursuche für klinische Studien mit den Schlagwörtern „expectation“ AND („postoperative“ OR „surgery“) durchgeführt. Ausgewählt wurden alle aktuellen englischen und deutschen Artikel. Zusätzlich wurden die Literaturverzeichnisse der gefundenen Artikel untersucht und mit aufgenommen.ErgebnisseInsgesamt 158 Artikel wurden gefunden, von denen 49 Artikel Erwartungen erheben und ein postoperatives Behandlungsergebnis einbeziehen. Die meisten Artikel untersuchen Erwartungen in der Baseline-Erhebung, um nachzuweisen, dass sich Gruppen in Gruppenvergleichen präoperativ nicht voneinander unterscheiden. Die Studien, die den Einfluss von Erwartungen prospektiv untersuchen, verwenden sehr unterschiedliche Messverfahren, um das Konstrukt „Erwartung“ zu erheben. Somit ist ein Vergleich zwischen den Studien schwer möglich. Es gibt wenige Studien, die untersuchen, ob und wie die Erwartungen perioperativ beeinflusst werden können, und die praxisrelevante Interventionen zu deren Veränderung entwickelt haben.SchlussfolgerungFür eine fundierte Untersuchung der Behandlungserwartung sollten in klinischen Studien valide und reliable Messverfahren verwendet werden. Weitere Studien sollten sich mit Interventionsmöglichkeiten auseinandersetzen, damit Behandlungserwartungen auch in die klinische Standardbehandlung einbezogen werden können.

Comparison of Open Repair vs. the One-Stage Hybrid Extra-Anatomic Technique for Distal Aortic Arch Disease Treatment: Mid-term Outcomes With a Risk-Adjusted Analysis.

Objective: This study aims to compare the short- and mid-term outcomes of the stented elephant trunk (SET) procedure combined with supra-arch branch reconstruction and one-stage hybrid arch repair combined thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with extra-anatomic bypass in the management of distal arch disease.Methods: From January 2009 to January 2019, 97 patients underwent one-stage hybrid arch repair combined with TEVAR with extra-anatomic bypass (HAR group), and 206 patients underwent the SET procedure with supra-arch branch reconstruction (SET group). We used inverse-probability-of treatment weighting (IPTW) to adjust baseline differences.Results: Before IPTW adjustment, there was no significant difference in operative mortality between the two groups (5.2 vs. 1.0%, P = 0.064). The incidences of stroke, spinal cord injury (SCI), acute kidney injury (AKI), and endoleak also showed no significant differences (4.1 vs. 0.5%, P = 0.066; 2.1 vs. 1.5%, P = 1.000; 0 vs. 1.0%, P = 0.831; 6.2 vs. 1.9%, P = 0.113, respectively). After IPTW adjustment, the incidences of stroke, SCI, and AKI showed no significant differences between the two groups (1.8 vs. 1.1%, P = 0.138; 0.8 vs. 1.6%, P = 0.448; and 0 vs. 0.7%, P = 0.148, respectively). However, the HAR group tended to have higher operative mortality and incidence of endoleak than the SET group (12.4 vs. 1.3%, P = 0.01; 9.9 vs. 1.8%, P = 0.031, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, open repair decreased the risks of endoleak (odds ratio [OR], 0.171, 95% CI, 0.060–0.401; P < 0.001) and operative mortality (OR, 0.093, 95% CI, 0.027–0.238; P < 0.001). The overall survival and event-free survival of the HAR group were significantly lower than those of the SET group (P < 0.001).Conclusion: One-stage hybrid arch repair combined TEVAR with extra-anatomic bypass and the SET procedure with supra-arch branch reconstruction both provided good postoperative treatment outcomes for distal arch disease. However, hybrid arch repair increased the risks of endoleak and operative mortality. The SET procedure provided better mid-term survival than hybrid arch repair without increasing operative mortality. Carefully selecting the indications for the procedure, while receiving close long-term follow-up, may improve the survival rate of patients undergoing hybrid arch repair.

COMPARISON OF DELAYED VERSUS IMMEDIATE LOADING OF DENTAL IMPLANTS IN PARTIALLY EDENTULOUS MANDIBULAR POSTERIOR REGION

Study Design: The patient’s desire to shorten the treatment time and to avoid an edentulous condition immediate loading of implants has emerged as an alternative approach as compare to delayed loading implants for replacing missing natural teeth. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of immediate and delayed loading of implants in partially edentulous mandibular posterior region and to analyze outcome of both techniques Objective: To compare and evaluate postoperative treatment outcome in mandibular posterior region clinically and radiographically. Method: This is a Randomized controlled study, consisting of 50 patients. They were divided in two groups. Group1 (Number of patients- 25, Delayed loading implant) and Group2 (Number of patients-25, Immediate loading implant). Soft tissue examination were measured by probing depth with William probe , Hard tissue were measured and compared using OPG/CBCT and IOPAR. Result: The difference in the bone loss between Group A and Group B was 0.02 mm. In respect to soft tissue healing of gingiva bucally, lingually and papilla the average score of mean modied sulcus bleeding index and mean modied plaque index was not more than 01, signifying mild inammation at the most. Primary stability increases in both the groups. In delayed group mean stability was 56 and in immediate group mean stability was 57 which was adequate at the time of surgery and during healing period. The mean bone healing score was higher in delayed group than that of immediate group but the difference failed to reach the level of statistical signicance. Conclusion: Our study concludes that whether it is immediate loading or delayed loading protocol, under appropriate circumstances, medical condition and maintenance of good oral hygiene provide similar success rate.

Evaluation of Mental Health and Satisfaction Following Transfeminine Gender-Affirming Surgery in Thailand.

Although many studies have shown that transgender women (TW) tend to have more depressive symptoms compared with the general population, the exact prevalence of major depressive disorder and contributing risk factors have not yet been studied, especially in those who have undergone gender-affirming genital surgery (GAS). Every TW aged 20-60 years attending transgender clinics in the Thai Red Cross Society for postoperative checkup were invited to complete a self-report questionnaire, including (1) demographic data, (2) the Thai Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), (3) satisfaction with psychosocial factors (relationship in family, friends, and society), sexual experiences and outcomes of gender-affirming treatments before and after GAS, and (4) contributing factors to depressive symptoms. Correlations between demographic data and depressive scores were tested. Paired t-test was used to compare pre- and post-GAS data. A total of 97 TW were analyzed, with 22.7% considered to have "major depression" (PHQ-9≥9) after GAS. Postoperative improvement in satisfaction with psychosocial factors and gender-affirming treatment outcomes were observed, especially in sexual experience. Depression severity was found to be negatively correlated with age and sexual satisfaction. Notably, presence of male characteristics before surgery, poor social support and understanding, and postoperative surgical complications were greatly considered as factors contributing to depressive symptoms. Compared with non-GAS TW, depression among those who underwent GAS in Thailand was lower but still significant and was linked to younger age and poor postoperative sexual experiences. These findings were supported by the number of qualitative assessments in the psychosexual domain and postoperative treatment outcomes. Clinical Trial Registration Number - TCTR20190904003.

Application of additive manufacturing in customized titanium mandibular implants for patients with oral tumors.

The application of additive manufacturing (AM) technology has been widely used in various medical fields, including craniomaxillofacial surgery. The aim of the present study was to examine the surgical efficiency and post-operative outcomes of patient-specific titanium mandibular reconstruction using AM. Major steps in directly designing and manufacturing 3D customized titanium implants are discussed. Furthermore, pre-operative preparations, surgical procedures and post-operative treatment outcomes were compared among patients who received mandibular reconstruction using a customized 3D titanium implant, titanium reconstruction plates or vascularized autologous fibular grafting. Use of a customized titanium implant significantly improved surgical efficiency and precision. When compared with mandibular reconstruction using the two conventional approaches, patients who received the customized implant were significantly more satisfied with their facial appearance, and exhibited minimal post-operative complications in the 12-month follow-up period. Patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction using a customized titanium implant displayed improved mandibular contour symmetry, restored occlusal function, normal range of mouth opening and no temporomandibular joint related pain; all complications frequently experienced by patients who undergo conventional approaches of mandibular reconstruction.

Patient Expectations for Outcomes of Upper Extremity Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review

Joint arthroplasty leads to a dramatic improvement in outcomes of pain, function, and satisfaction for many patients. Patient expectations have been increasingly linked to these treatment outcomes, with positive expectations being associated with better outcomes and greater patient satisfaction. However, the majority of the literature focuses on lower, not upper, limb extremities. The purpose of this study is to identify and summarize studies that determine the extent to which preoperative expectations are predictive of postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing any arthroplasty of joints in the upper extremities. A comprehensive systematic online literature search was performed in Embase, Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Articles addressing joint arthroplasty in the upper extremities that measured preoperative expectations affecting postoperative treatment outcomes (pain, function, and satisfaction), as well as their relationships, were included, with an end result of eight studies reviewed. The methodological quality of the included articles ranged 53%-89%. Studies differed substantially in definitions and measurements of patient expectations. Only two reported a correlation analysis between patient expectations and outcomes. SF-12 function (p = 0.01), VAS pain (p = 0.05), and ASES function (p = 0.05) showed significant correlations with preoperative patient expectations. Findings show that research on upper limb arthroplasty is limited, unlike lower limb results. Future studies should focus on using preoperative patient education to modify expectations and on creating a framework to standardize patient expectations for arthroplasty of upper limb extremities.

Patient-Specific Titanium Mandibular Reconstruction Using Additive Manufacturing

Background: The application of additive manufacturing (AM) technology has been widely used in medical fields, such as craniomaxillofacial surgery. Ti6AI4V ELI is a highly durable and fracture resistant titanium alloy that has been developed for manufacturing medical implants. With the support of medical imaging and the use of computer-aided design (CAD), clinicians are able to manufacture patient-specific Ti6AI4V ELI titanium implants by applying AM technology. Methods: Major steps in directly designing and manufacturing of 3D customized titanium implants were discussed. Furthermore Pre-operative preparations, surgical procedures and post-operative treatment outcomes were compared among patients who received mandibular reconstruction using a customized 3D titanium implant, titanium reconstruction plates, or vascularized autologous fibular grafting. Findings: The approach of using a customized titanium implant significantly improved surgical efficiency and precision. As compared to mandibular reconstruction using the other two conventional approaches, patients received the customized implant showed a significantly higher facial appearance satisfaction with no post-operative complications within the duration of average 12-month follow-up. Patients underwent mandibular reconstruction using a customized titanium implant displayed improved mandibular contour symmetry, restored occlusal function, normal range of mouth opening and no temporomandibular joint related pain. This was in contrast to increased risk of unilateral facial asymmetry, limited mouth opening, decreased chewing function as well as implant loosening observed in patients received the other two conventional approaches. Interpretation: In conclusion, advances in AM technology have enabled the production of customized implants which are highly implicated in dental surgery. Funding Statement: This work is supported by the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions (PAPD) and AK Medical Holdings Limited. Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article. Ethics Approval Statement: Informed consent for participation in the study was obtained from participates according to the policy of Stomatological Hospital of Jiangsu Ethical Review Board and anonymizing data was used for analysis. Approval for this study was obtained from Stomatological Hospital of Jiangsu Ethical Review Board (No. PJ2016-003-01).

Does pisiform subluxation affect the postoperative outcomes in a cohort of patients with distal radius fractures?

BackgroundIn this study, we retrospectively surveyed the presence or absence of pisiform subluxation in surgically treated distal radius fractures (DRF) cases. In addition, we investigated whether or not the postoperative short-term treatment outcome differs due to the presence of pisiform subluxation.Materials and methodsThe subjects were 134 DRF patients treated with volar locking plate fixation (53 males and 81 females, mean age: 64 years old). The pisotriquetral joint was observed on a preoperative CT to investigate the presence or absence of pisiform subluxation according to the criteria reported by Vasilas. 134 patients divided into subluxation group and non-subluxation group, and the clinical outcomes were compared between these groups.ResultsPisiform subluxation was noted in 23.1% (31 patients, 15 males and 16 females, mean age 61 years). No significant difference was noted in patient background in both groups. The postoperative pronation angle in the non-subluxation group was significantly greater than that in the subluxation group, but there was no significant difference in any other parameter (the range of motion of the wrist, grip strengths, VAS, Q-DASH scores, and Mayo score) between these 2 groups. However it concomitantly occurred in 23.1% of DRF cases in our series, there was no significant difference in the postoperative treatment outcome between these 2 groups.ConclusionsTherapeutic intervention of pisiform subluxation is unnecessary during treatment of DRF, since pisiform subluxation does not affect the postoperative clinical outcomes of distal radius fractures.

Better patients' treatment experiences are associated with better postoperative results in Dupuytren's disease.

This prospective study investigates the extent to which a better experience with healthcare delivery is associated with better postoperative treatment outcomes after surgery for Dupuytren’s contracture. Patients undergoing limited fasciectomy or percutaneous needle fasciotomy for Dupuytren’s contractures completed the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire before and 3 months after surgery, together with a patient reported experience measure, while hand therapists assessed the straightness of the finger with a goniometer. Regression analyses were used to examine associations. We found that a better experience with healthcare delivery was associated with better patient-reported outcomes, while association with residual extension deficit was minimal. Strongest associations were seen with communication of the physician, postoperative care and information about the treatment. Experience with the treatment explained up to 12% of the variance in treatment outcome. These findings suggest that patient reported treatment outcomes in Dupuytren’s disease can be improved by improving the treatment context.Level of evidence: II

Injury to infrapatellar branch of saphenous nerve in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using vertical skin incision for hamstring harvesting: risk factors and the influence of treatment outcome

BackgroundInjury to the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve (IPBSN) is a high-frequency complication in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. We analyzed the risk factor of IPBSN injury in ACL reconstruction. Moreover, we investigated the influence on treatment outcome by this complication.MethodsOne hundred twenty-three patients who underwent ACL reconstruction using semitendinosus tendon graft were studied. Gender, age, BMI, and additional use of gracilis tendon were recorded. Treatment outcome was assessed by Lysholm score, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, anterior knee pain, knee range of motion (ROM), and the patient-based SF-36. Patients who developed sensory disturbance at 24 months after reconstruction were compared with those without sensory disturbance.ResultsTwenty-six of 123 patients (21.1%) developed postoperative sensory disturbance caused by IPBSN injury. Baseline parameters were not significantly different compared to those in the non-sensory disturbance group. In the sensory disturbance group, treatment outcome evaluated at 24 months post-reconstruction showed Lysholm score of 94.1, VAS of 9.8 mm, anterior knee pain in 7.7%, and limitation of knee extension of 5° in 7.7%. SF-36 scores in all subscales were above the mean national standard scores. Treatment outcome parameters were also not significantly different compared to those in the non-sensory disturbance group, and none of the patients had serious impairment of knee function and activities of daily living.ConclusionInjury to IPBSN in ACL reconstruction was not related to age, gender, and physique, and injury frequency did not increase. Evaluation of postoperative treatment outcome showed that IPBSN injury was not related to anterior knee pain or knee ROM limitation, and patients’ subjective evaluation confirmed no serious impact on physical and mental health.

Retroauricular endoscopic and robotic versus conventional neck dissection for oral cancer

There has been a significant increase in concern towards improving aesthetic and functional outcomes without compromising the oncologic effectiveness in head and neck surgery. The aim of the current study is to assess the feasibility and oncological outcome of the retroauricular approach for endoscopic and robot-assisted selective neck dissection (SND) for oral cancer in comparison with the conventional SND. A retrospective single institute cohort study was designed. Patients undergoing an SND for oral cavity carcinoma were included and allocated into two groups: (1) retroauricular approach group for endoscopic-assisted or robot-assisted SND or (2) transcervical approach group for the conventional SND. Primary endpoint was the perioperative and postoperative treatment outcomes. Secondary endpoint was the early oncologic outcome. Sixty patients were included (17 retroauricular; 43 conventional). For the primary outcome, only a significant longer operative time in the retroauricular group was identified. No unintentional injury or conversion to the conventional surgery was recorded. There was no significant difference identified in the early oncologic outcome, including number of retrieved lymph nodes and disease-free survival. Postoperative aesthetic results were considered superior when subjectively compared to the conventional approaches. Endoscopic and robot-assisted SND via a retroauricular approach is feasible, safe, and oncologically efficient when compared with the conventional surgery in a short follow-up scenario. It can be used for selected cases with a clear cosmetic benefit. However, further research with longer follow-up and patient satisfaction analysis is mandatory.

Sacroiliac joint pain after multiple-segment lumbar fusion: a long-term observational study-Non-fused sacrum vs. fused sacrum.

Introduction Sacroiliac joint pain (SIJP) after lumbar fusion surgery has recently gained attention as a source of low back pain after lumbar fusion. There are two risk factors for postoperative SIJP, i.e., fusion involving the sacrum and multiple-segment fusion. In this study, we examined whether SIJP could occur more frequently in patients with two risk factors (multiple-segment fusion to sacrum). Further, we examined SIJP after multiple-segment (≥3) lumbar fusion, focusing on the difference between floating fusion (non-fused sacrum) and fixed fusion (fused sacrum). Methods Ninety-one patients who underwent multiple-segment lumbar fusion were included. Patients without preoperative clinical SIJP were considered. Of these, 17 developed new-onset SIJP. We investigated postoperative SIJP development, duration from surgery to SIJP onset, and postoperative treatment outcomes of SIJP patients using Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores. We compared the findings between floating fusion group and fixed fusion group. Results The incidence of SIJP was significantly higher with fixed fusion (32.1%) than with floating fusion (12.7%). The mean time of onset of sacroiliac joint pain was at 8.63 (2-13) months after surgery in the floating fusion group and 3.78 (1-10) months after surgery in the fixed fusion group, indicating that incidence occurred significantly earlier in the fixed fusion group. Our treatment outcome indicated that the mean JOA score significantly improved in the floating fusion group from 5.13 at the time of onset to 9.50 at the time of final follow-up; however, in the fixed fusion group, it improved from 5.78 at the time of onset to 7.33 at the time of final follow-up, indicating no significant improvement. Conclusions In multiple-segment lumbar fusion, fixed fusion (fused sacrum) has a very high risk of SIJP. In addition, the onset of SIJP in such cases may occur earlier. This aspect deserves consideration, given the difficulty of pain treatment.

Prognostic Value of Somatostatin Receptor Subtypes in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors.

Studies on the expression of somatostatin receptor (SSTR) subtypes in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are rare. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of the SSTR subtypes via immunohistochemistry analyses and assess the correlation between SSTR subtype expression and prognosis. We examined 199 patients with PNET who underwent surgical resection between January 1995 and December 2010 at the Asan Medical Center. For all cases, medical records, including demographic data, clinical symptoms, radiological findings, postoperative treatment outcomes, and expression of SSTR subtypes, were carefully reviewed. In total, 162 (81.4%) PNETs expressed more than 1 SSTR subtype. Functioning PNET expressed significantly more SSTR subtypes, compared to nonfunctioning PNET. The SSTR2(+) and SSTR5(+) groups had better prognosis than the SSTR2(-) (P = 0.009) and SSTR5(-) groups (P = 0.03), respectively. In the grade 2 PNET of 2010 World Health Organization classification, the SSTR(+) group had better prognosis than SSTR(-) group. The expression of SSTR 2 and 5 were related with good prognosis of PNET. In World Health Organization grade 2 PNET, the SSTR(+) group had better prognosis than SSTR(-) group. The SSTR expression(+) by immunohistochemistry might be related with good prognosis of the patients with surgically resected PNET.

Pre-operative endometrial thinning agents before endometrial destruction for heavy menstrual bleeding

Reason for Withdrawal This review has been replaced by a new full review with the same title 'Pre-operative endometrial thinning agents before endometrial destruction for heavy menstrual bleeding' published in issue 11 of The Cochrane Library 2013; authors are Yu Hwee Tan and Anne Lethaby. To view the published versions of this article, please click the 'Other versions' tab.