Postoperative Visual Analog Scale Values Research Articles

Is microfracture sufficient for high-tibial osteotomy, or should intra-articular hyaluronic acid and oral glucosamine-chondroitin be used as additional treatments?

BackgroundThis study aimed to compare the effects of microfracture (MF) versus intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) + oral glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate (GC) in addition to MF in patients with osteoarthritic knees who underwent medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) after an average follow-up of five years.MethodsThe study was designed retrospectively and included patients who underwent MOWHTO due to gonarthrosis, the MF method performed on these patients, and HA + GC treatments applied in addition to MF. Three groups consisting of 79 patients were formed: only HTO (Group 1), HTO + MF (Group 2), and HTO + MF + HA + GC (Group 3). The groups were compared using knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and range of motion (ROM). The associations between the degree of correction and function and pain were evaluated. Additionally, the KOOS subparameters were compared between the groups.ResultsThere were significant improvements in the postoperative KOOS and VAS scores in all three groups (p < 0.05). However, the ROM did not improve in Group 1. There was no significant difference in the postoperative KOOS, VAS, or ROM values ​​between Groups 2 and 3, but these values ​​were significantly better in Groups 2 and 3 than in Group 1 (p < 0.05). When the degree of correction increased, there were no significant positive changes in the postoperative KOOS or VAS score in Group 1, unlike in the other two groups (p < 0.05). In corrections of ≥ 10°, while there was no significant difference in the postoperative KOOS or VAS score ​​between Groups 2 and 3, these parameters significantly improved in these two groups compared to Group 1 (p < 0.05). Among the KOOS subparameters, pain and activities of daily living scores ​​were greater in Groups 2 and 3 than in Group 1 (p < 0.05).ConclusionsIn MOWHTO, MF is a sufficient treatment method that improves the patient’s clinical condition without requiring additional treatments such as HA and GC.Level of evidenceIII, retrospective cohort study.

Virtual reality exposure reduce acute postoperative pain in female patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecology surgery: A Randomized Control Trial (RCT) study

Study objectiveFew studies have focused on the effect of virtual reality (VR) exposure on postoperative acute pain in adult female patients undergoing gynecology surgery. DesignA randomized control trial (RCT) study. SettingAt Beijing Fuxing Hospital. Patients115 patients aged between 20 and 60 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I - II were consecutively enrolled and randomly divided into VR group (n = 58) or control group (n = 57). InterventionsPatients in the VR group received 15 min of VR video viewing before surgery. MeasurementsThe primary outcome was acute postoperative pain at 8 h which was measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores. The secondary outcomes including the use of analgesic drugs, the incidence of moderate pain and postoperative recovery which were recorded 24 h after surgery. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was also used to evaluate patients' emotional status before surgery. Main resultsThe VAS scores at 30 min [2 (1,2) vs. 3 (2,3)], 2 h [2 (2,3) vs. 4 (3,4)], 4 h [3 (2,4) vs. 4 (4,5)], 8 h [3 (2,4) vs. 4 (4,5)], 12 h [2 (2,3) vs. 4 (3,4)], 24 h [1 (1,2) vs. 3 (2,3)] after surgery. Generalized estimation equation (GEE) indicated that VR intervention was negatively correlated with postoperative VAS values (β = −0.830, S.E = 0.199, 95%CI (−1.220,-0.439), Wald χ2 = 17.359, p<0.05), in the meanwhile, VR also lower the incidence of moderate pain (VAS > 4) at 8 h postoperatively (12.1% vs 31.0%, p = 0.013). However, the 24 h tramadol usage remained unchanged. Patients in the VR group had better sleep quality (6.33 ± 2.3 vs. 4.12 ± 2.5, p < 0.001) and lower incidence of nausea (43.1% vs. 63.2%, p < 0.05), dizziness (0% vs. 14.0%, p < 0.05), and headache (12.1% vs. 29.8%, p < 0.05). VR could reduce the median HADS scores (9.81 ± 6.1 vs 3.14 ± 3.9, p < 0.001) and blood pressure preoperatively. ConclusionsVR intervention can reduce acute postoperative pain with better postoperative recovery and lower preoperative anxiety level in adult female patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecology surgery.

Destandau Tekni̇ğiyle Lomber Diskektomi̇ Kısa Vadede Daha İyi Sonuçlar Veri̇yor

Background: The long-term results of patients who underwent lumbar discectomy using the Desdandau technique (EDDT) and standard open technique (SOD) were compared. Materials and Methods: A retrospective screening was made of patients, aged 18-70 years, who underwent single-level lumbar discectomy between 2007 and 2011. A total of 52 patients met the study criteria and were separated into 2 groups according to the surgical technique used, the EDDT group (n: 27) and the SOD group (n:25). All patients were compared using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and modified MacNab criteria. Results. The mean follow-up period was calculated as 158.2±9.2 months in the EDDT group and 161.2±11.1 months in the SOD group. The preoperative VAS and ODI values were observed to be similar in both groups (p=0.829); p=0.120 respectively). At the early postoperative visit, VAS and ODI values were lower in the EDDT group (VAS: EDDT: 2.2±0.6; SOD: 4.1±0.8, p&amp;lt;0.001; ODI: EDDT: 15.4±1.6, SOD: 29.1±1.9, p&amp;lt;0.001, respectively), however, there was no significant difference in VAS and ODI scores between the two groups at the last control (VAS: EDDT: 2.1±0.4, SOD: 2.4±0.5, p=0.078; ODI: EDDT: 14.6±2.1, SOD: 15.1±1.2, p=0.033, respectively). According to the modified MacNab criteria, good and excellent results were obtained in 88% of the SOD group and 92% of the EDDT group. Conclusion: The study found that the long-term results of both techniques were similar. However, the Destandau technique had better early results. The endoscopic method seems to be better in terms of early return to daily activities.

A comparative study of the analgesic efficacy of intraperitoneal instillation of diluted bupivacaine versus non-diluted bupivacaine after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a prospective single-blinded controlled randomized study

ABSTRACT Intraperitoneal (IP) bupivacaine instillation for postoperative analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has been reported in many studies as either diluted or non-diluted, with conflicting results and no standard recommendations. Objective Our study aims to compare the analgesic efficacy of intraperitoneal instillation of diluted versus non-diluted bupivacaine after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods In this prospective, single-blinded, controlled and randomized study, we included 50 patients undergoing LC. They were randomly divided into two groups, with 25 patients each. At the end of surgery, the first group received intraperitoneal 20 ml bupivacaine 0.5% (100 mg), added to 480 ml normal saline, diluted bupivacaine group (DBG) and the second group received intraperitoneal 20 ml bupivacaine 0.5% (100 mg); non-diluted bupivacaine group (NBG). Pain was assessed and recorded using the visual analog scale (VAS) for 24 h. Time to the first analgesic request, total analgesic consumption in 24 h, incidence of negative effects after LC, such as nausea, vomiting and shoulder pain, any side effects due to local anesthetic used as hypotension, bradycardia or respiratory depression and hemodynamic parameters were also recorded. Results Postoperative VAS values were significantly lower in DBG than NBG in the 1st 24 h (P value ≤ 0.003). The duration of analgesia (the 1st time analgesic request) was significantly longer in DBG (20.16 ± 3.52 h) than that in NBG (6.19 ± 2.93 h) (P value = 0.0001). Also, the total amount of postoperative analgesic consumption (tramadol) was less in DBG (7.2 ± 19.9 mg) than NBG (63 ± 31.16 mg) (P value = 0.0001). In relation to negative effects after LC, side effects due to analgesic drugs and hemodynamic parameters, the results were comparable in both groups. Conclusion Intraperitoneal instillation of diluted bupivacaine at the end of laparoscopic cholecystectomy decreases postoperative pain, delays request for rescue analgesia and reduces the amount of analgesics in the 1st 24 h postoperatively, more than non-diluted bupivacaine, with comparable results in incidence-negative effects after LC, side effects due to analgesic drugs and comparable hemodynamic parameters.

Reverse Wafer Procedure.

Purpose This study aimed to present the results of an alternative technique for treating ulnar impaction syndrome, the "reverse wafer procedure," and assess the mid-term clinical outcomes of patients treated with this technique. Methods A retrospective evaluation was conducted on 14 patients who underwent the reverse wafer procedure for ulnar impaction syndrome between 2013 and 2020. The inclusion criteria for the study were persistent ulnar-sided wrist pain, even after a minimum of 3 months of nonoperative treatment, the presence of a chondral lesion on the lunate, and an intact triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) based on arthroscopic evaluation. Postoperative clinical and subjective functional outcomes were assessed using measures such as wrist range of motion (ROM), grip strength, the Turkish version of the quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand questionnaire (Quick DASH), and pain levels measured on a visual analog scale (VAS) and were compared with preoperative values. Patient satisfaction was also evaluated postoperatively. Results The mean follow-up period was 42.2 months (range: 24-68 months). Postoperatively, none of the patients experienced any restriction in ROM. Grip measurements significantly increased after the surgery ( p = 0.003). Preoperatively, the patients had a grip strength of 41.14 kg (range 28-48 kg), which improved to 44 kg (range 30-52 kg) postoperatively. Postoperative VAS values and QDASH scores significantly decreased compared with the preoperative values ( p < 0.001, p = 0.001). The mean VAS score decreased from 6.1 (range 4-8) preoperatively to 0.9 (range 0-5) postoperatively. The mean Quick DASH score decreased from 49.44 (range 25-68.3) preoperatively to 10.13 (range 3.3-36) postoperatively. When asked about their satisfaction with the operation, 13 out of 14 patients reported being highly satisfied with the results. Conclusions The reverse wafer procedure presents an alternative treatment option for ulnar impaction syndrome in cases where the TFCC is intact. The mid-term results of this described technique are promising. However, further comparative studies with longer follow-ups are necessary to support these findings. Level of Evidence IV Therapeutic.

Trocar Site Location in Laparoscopic Appendectomy-A Prospective Randomized Study.

Laparoscopic appendectomy has been used in the treatment of appendicitis, which is among the most common emergency pathologies worldwide. There is no consensus on the best trocar entry sites. The purpose of the present study was to compare various trocar entry sites in the literature and to find the localization with the optimal usage area. Patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy between 2021 and 2022 were randomized into 4 groups and included in the study. The demographic data, perioperative, and postoperative findings of the patients were evaluated. A total of 200 patients participated in the study and 73% were male. No differences were detected between the groups in terms of demographic data, preoperative findings, length of stay, and complications of the patients. However, when the mean surgery times of the groups were examined (47.2±26.9, 58.4±23.1, 54.5±18.3, 55.8±18.6min), it was observed that this period was less in Group 1 (P=0.02). When the postoperative Visual Analogue Scale values were analyzed (4.8±2.2, 6.2±1.7, 5.5±2.0, and 5.8±1.9), Group 1 was found to be less painful (P=0.00001). When the surgical procedure is optimized and environmental factors are homogenized, Group 1 trocar entry sites seem advantageous for the procedure in terms of postoperative patient pain scale and operation times.

Coexistence of Cervical Disc Herniation and Shoulder Soft Tissue Pathologies and the Effect of Sleeping Positions and Orthopedic Pillows.

Background/aim This study investigates the degree of coexistence of cervical disc herniation and shoulder soft tissue pathology, as well as the effect of sleeping positions and orthopedic pillow use. Materials and methods This present study was conducted on 72 patients with shoulder/arm pain operated on for cervical disc herniation. Two groups were examined according to the presence of shoulder soft tissue pathology, four common sleeping positions, and the use of an orthopedic pillow. Preoperative and postoperative shoulder/arm visual analog scale (VAS) scores were compared. Results The preoperative VASvalues were 7.35, while the postoperative VAS values were 3.32. Twenty-one patients (29.2%) had a disc at the C3-4 level, a rate equal to that for the C5-6 level. Twenty-four patients (33.3%) had a disc at the C4-5 level. Thirty-two cases (44.4%) slept in a side-lying position on the same side as their disc herniation. Among those with a herniated disc at the C3-4 level, 8 (53.3%) preferred sleeping side-lying on the opposite side of the disc. In contrast, those with a herniated disc at the C4-5 level more frequently (40.6%) slept side-lying on the same side as the disc. Mean VAS scores were significantly higher in cases with shoulder soft tissue pathology and were significantly lower in the group that used orthopedic pillows (p<0.001). Conclusion Shoulder soft tissue pathologies should be considered in postoperative shoulder pain. The use of orthopedic pillows is effective in preoperative and postoperative pain. Sleeping positions do not affect the shoulder/arm pain before and after the operation, but they affect the level of cervical disc herniations.

The effects of monoplanar and biplanar medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy on pain and functional capacity.

This prospective cross-sectional study aimed to compare the effects of operation types on pain and functional capacity in patients who underwent monoplanar and biplanar medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy. The study included a total of 117 patients who presented at our clinic between January 2012 - January 2016 and underwent monoplanar (n=63) and biplanar (n=54) medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy. The groups were evaluated in age, gender, Body Mass Index (BMI), operation side, operation time, follow-up period, Modified Insall Salvati ratio, Blackburn Peel Index (BPI), Slope, Knee Society Function Score (KSSF), Knee Society Score (KSSK), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Kellgren Lawrence score, tibiofemoral angle varus, and Tegner score. Most of the patients in the monoplanar group were operated on the right side, while most patients in the biplanar group on the left side, and the difference between the groups was significant (p<0.05). The operation time was significantly longer in the biplanar group, while the duration of follow-up was statistically significantly longer in the monoplanar group (p<0.05). The preoperative BPI and Kellgren Lawrence scores were significantly higher in the monoplar group, while BMI, KSSK, and tibiofemoral angle varus scores were statistically significantly higher in the biplanar group (p<0.05). Postoperative VAS and Kellgren Lawrence scores were higher in the monoplanar group, and the Modified Insall Salvati ratio, BPI, BMI, KSS function score, KSSK score, tibiofemoral angle varus, and Tegner scores were statistically significantly higher in the biplanar group (p<0.05). Postoperatively, the mean VAS score was lower in the biplanar group, and the range of change was greater. In the monoplanar group, the postoperative VAS values were closer to each other and were higher than in the biplanar group. The mean postoperative KSS function score was higher in the biplanar group, and the range of change was higher in the monoplanar group. The study results showed that biplanar medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy was more successful in terms of both pain and functional capacity. However, the operation time was longer than the monoplanar method.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Proximal, Mid, or Distal Adductor Canal Block after Knee Arthroscopy.

Adductor canal block has been used for effective post-operative analgesia; however, the optimal location of adductor canal block placement is still controversial. We aimed to assess the opioid consumption and pain intensity in patients undergoing proximal, mid, and distal adductor canal block after knee arthroscopy. A total of 90 patients who had undergone an arthroscopic knee surgery and proximal, mid, or distal adductor canal block for postoperative analgesia were examined. All groups received 20 mL of bupivacaine (0.375%) to the adductor canal. Post-operative pain scores, tramadol consumption, Bromage scores, additional analgesic need, and other complications were recorded. Our results demonstrated that proximal adductor canal block group significantly reduced opioid consumption compared to the midadductor canal block group (P < .001), and mid-adductor canal block group provided significantly decreased opioid consumption than the distal adductor canal block group (P = .004). The visual analog scale values were significantly lower in the proximal adductor canal block group compared to the mid-adductor canal block group at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours, except in resting visual analog scale values at 24 hours. When the proximal and distal groups were compared, visual analog scale values were significantly lower in the proximal adductor canal block group. The Bromage score was 0 in all groups at each follow-up point. Post-operative nausea was observed in only 3 (3.3%) patients, all of these patients were in the distal adductor canal block group. Ultrasound-guided adductor canal block can be applied reliably at proximal, mid, and distal locations. The proximal adductor canal block approach provides significantly lower tramadol consumption and post-operative visual analog scale values than the mid- and distal adductor canal block groups.

Combined cervical laminoplasty and foraminotomy for coexistence of cervical myelopathy and unilateral radiculopathy: case series and preliminary results.

The clinical outcomes and radiographic changes of a one-stage procedure combining cervical laminoplasty and unilateral cervical foraminotomy for patients with coexisting cervical myelopathy and unilateral radiculopathy were evaluated. Seven patients (two females and five males) with coexisting cervical myelopathy and unilateral cervical radiculopathy were included in this study. The mean age was 58.4years (range 45-77years). Cervical laminoplasty and unilateral cervical foraminotomy were performed on the recruited patients in a single stage. The quantitative clinical changes between the preoperative and 6-month postoperative assessment were analyzed using the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, the JOA Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire (JOA-CMEQ), visual analog scale (VAS), and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Moreover, the preoperative and 6-month postoperative radiographic changes were assessed using the C2-7 angle and range of motion (ROM) between flexion and extension angle. There were significant differences in QOL in the JOA-CMEQ between the groups. Furthermore, the postoperative VAS values in the arms and hands generally improved, although not significantly, between the groups. The aforementioned surgical procedure may be safe and efficient for patients with coexisting cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy.

Evaluation of Percutaneous Unilateral Kyphoplasty Results in Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures Using Individual 3D Printed Guide Template Support.

To compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of unilateral percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) surgeries performed using 3D printing technology in patients with osteoporotic compression fractures to conventional unilateral PKP surgeries. Patients with acute painful single-level osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) who need surgical treatment were divided into two groups: group A (patients who had 3D template-guided PKP) and group B (patients who conventional PKP). To compare the two surgical procedures, Total Absorbed Radiation Dose (TARD), pre- and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores, and Total Surgery Time (TST) were calculated and compared between groups in both surgical groups. A total of 44 patients with single-level OVCF who were experiencing acute pain were successfully operated on, with 22 patients in each group. TARD (2.6 ± 0.4 mGy vs. 6.1 ± 1.9 mGy, p < 0.05) and TST (12.4 ± 2.6 min vs. 20.2 ± 3.2 min, p < 0.05) differed significantly different between groups A and B. There was no statistically significant difference between the patient groups in preoperative and postoperative VAS values (p > 0.05). Cement leakage was lower in group A (3/22, 13.6%) than in group B (6/22, 27.3%) (p > 0.05). There were no neurological complications or infections in either group. When compared to the conventional procedure, the unilateral percutaneous kyphoplasty method was supported by a 3D printing guide template. By reducing operative time and radiation exposure, tt has resulted in a more effective surgical procedure for patients and a safer surgical procedure for surgeons and anaesthesiologists.

A New Interlaminar/Interspinous and Facet-Joint Stabilization System in Lumbar Degenerative Disk Disease: 2Years of Results.

In lumbar degenerative disk diseases (DDDs), we include a wide range of lumbar pathologies. Lumbar spinal stenosis with or without spondylolisthesis is a common cause of lower-limb pain in elderly patients. The surgical treatment of lumbar DDD consists of the decompression of the neural structures or the decompression and fusion of the involved motion segment. Unfortunately, rigid spinal implants followed by fusion cause increased stresses on the neighboring spinal segments, often leading to adjacent segment degeneration. The aim of this paper is to present a new system for interlaminar/interspinous and facet-joint stabilization and fusion. From March 2018 to June 2021, 175 patients with severe lumbar back and/or leg pain were operated on with this device after the failure of conservative treatment for a minimum of 6months. For this study, we considered 75 available patients with a minimum follow-up time of 24months. Patients rated their back pain and leg pain on a visual analog scale (VAS) after surgery and at the last follow-up; also, the postoperative consumption of analgesic drugs was investigated. Finally, patients were asked whether they would undergo this kind of surgery again or recommend it. The device is designed to promote a better and more efficient intervertebral fusion: Bone Ingrowth technology allows the system to achieve the best response from the bone tissue. All procedures were performed without any complications. A reoperation was required in five cases (6.7%) because of implant failure. In one case, a spinous process and unilateral articular process fracture occurred. In four cases, a subcutaneous ISCHIA (one case) or FILICUDI (three cases) pullout was observed. Significant improvements following lumbar surgery were observed when evaluating the postoperative VAS values, analgesic drug consumption levels, and patients' satisfaction ratings. Evident fusion was seen in 58 of 75 patients (77.3%). Our interspinous/interlaminar and facet-joint implant solution, associated with bone grafting, provided vertebral fusion in most stenotic patients with Grade I DS undergoing bilateral microdecompression (BMD) or bilateral decompression via the unilateral approach (BDUA). A higher number of patients and a longer follow-up will certainly be required to completely validate these new devices, but this minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is currently very encouraging and satisfactory.

Efficacy of Single-Position Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion Combined With Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation in Treating Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: A Cohort Study.

ObjectiveTo investigate the surgical outcomes of single-position oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) combined with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) in treating degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 85 patients with DLS who met the inclusion criteria from April 2018 to December 2020. According to the need to change their position during the operation, the patients were divided into a single-position OLIF group (27 patients) and a conventional OLIF group (58 patients). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization days, instrumentation accuracy and complication rates were compared between the two groups. The visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy. The surgical segment's intervertebral space height (IDH) and lumbar lordosis (LL) angle were used to evaluate the imaging effect.ResultsThe hospital stay, pedicle screws placement accuracy, and complication incidence were similar between the two groups (P > 0.05). The operation time and intraoperative blood loss in the single-position OLIF group were less than those in the conventional OLIF group (P < 0.05). The postoperative VAS, ODI, IDH and LL values were significantly improved (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionsCompared with conventional OLIF, single-position OLIF combined with PPSF is also safe and effective, and it has the advantages of a shorter operation time and less intraoperative blood loss.

Effect of Preoperative Serum Transthyretin Levels on Postoperative Clinical Results and Morbidity in Patients Undergoing Spinal Surgery.

Introduction This study aims to investigate the effects of preoperative serum transthyretin (TTR) levels on surgical success, pain scores, and postoperative morbidity. Methods Note that, in our clinic, 188 patients who were operated for spinal pathologies between June 2010 and January 2011 were included in this study. Blood samples were drawn from all patients on the morning of surgery and then serum TTR measurements were made. Demographic data of all patients were collected, and then their preoperative and postoperative neurological examinations, Karnofsky scores, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, postoperative infection and wound healing status, hospital stay, and morbidity levels were recorded and TTR levels were compared. Results When preoperative TTR level of patients were low, their Karnofsky scores decreased, ODI scores increased, the early postoperative VAS and late postoperative VAS values increased, and the length of hospital stay was increased. Moreover, in patients with low TTR levels, postoperative Karnofsky scores were lower, postoperative ODI levels were higher, postoperative early and late VAS scores were higher, hospital stays were longer, peroperative complication rates were higher, wound infection rates were higher, the delay in wound site healing was higher, and the morbidity rate was higher. Conclusion Consequently, preoperative low TTR levels have been reported to be an effective parameter that can be used to predict surgical results, wound infection and wound site healing status, perioperative complications, and morbidity in spinal surgery.

Effect of Preoperative Serum Transthyretin Levels on Postoperative Clinical Results and Morbidity in Patients Undergoing Spinal Surgery.

Introduction:This study aims to investigate the effects of preoperative serum transthyretin (TTR) levels on surgical success, pain scores, and postoperative morbidity.Methods:Note that, in our clinic, 188 patients who were operated for spinal pathologies between June 2010 and January 2011 were included in this study. Blood samples were drawn from all patients on the morning of surgery, and then, serum TTR measurements were made. Demographic data of all patients were collected, and then their preoperative and postoperative neurological examinations, Karnofsky scores, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores, postoperative infection and wound healing status, hospital stay, and morbidity levels were recorded, and TTR levels were compared.Results:When preoperative TTR level of patients was low, their Karnofsky scores decreased, ODI scores increased, the early postoperative VAS and late postoperative VAS values increased, and the length of hospital stay was increased. Moreover, in patients with low TTR levels, postoperative Karnofsky scores were lower, postoperative ODI levels were higher, postoperative early and late VAS scores were higher, hospital stays were longer, peroperative complication rates were higher, wound infection rates were higher, the delay in wound site healing was higher, and the morbidity rate was higher.Conclusion:Consequently, preoperative low TTR levels have been reported to be an effective parameter that can be used to predict surgical results, wound infection and wound site healing status, perioperative complications, and morbidity in spinal surgery.

A Modified Transverse Process-Pedicle Approach Applied to Unilateral Extrapedicular Percutaneous Vertebroplasty.

Objective To introduce a modified transverse process-pedicle puncture technique applied to unilateral extrapedicular percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for the treatment of osteoporotic lumbar vertebral compression fractures. Methods A retrospective study was performed on 91 patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) who underwent unilateral extrapedicular PVP from June 2016 to September 2018. Lumbar and back pain was assessed through the visual analogue scale (VAS). Function recovery was assessed through the Oswestry disability index (ODI). Radiologic outcomes were assessed mainly on the basis of bone cement distribution and anterior vertebral height. Results A total of 101 fractured vertebrae were successfully treated using the extrapedicular technique without any recognized clinical complications. The postoperative VAS and ODI values were significantly lower than the corresponding preoperative values (P < 0.01). Radiologic outcomes in all fractured vertebrae showed that the diffusion of bone cement could exceed the midline of the vertebral body. There was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative anterior vertebral heights (P < 0.05). Conclusion The modified transverse process-pedicle approach applied to unilateral extrapedicular percutaneous vertebroplasty is a simple, safe, and effective surgical method.

Postoperative complications and its relationship with the severity of postoperative pain in patients undergoing thoracic surgery

Aim: To investigate the complications that occur in our patients who underwent thoracic surgery, as well as the relationship between postoperative pain and complications. Method: Of the 117 patients who underwent surgery between January 2018 and December 2018, there were 99 patients with pain and the other parameters whose data’s were complete. Medical records of the patients were investigated in terms of age, gender, smoking status and frequency, diagnosis, treatment, length of stay in the hospital, postoperative complications and visual analog scale (VAS). The postoperative complications and VAS values were compared statistically. Results: The mean age of the patients was 50.52±18.46 years, 26 (26.3%) patients were female and 73 (73.7%) were male. The average length of stay in hospital was 4.08±3.06 days and average pain severity was 3.92±2.07. The most common diagnosis in our cases was lung cancer, and the most common complication was prolonged air leakage. There was a significant relationship between the severity of pain and the presence of postoperative complications in our patients (p=0.001). However, the correlation relationship was found to be low (r=0.322). Conclusion: The results of our study revealed that optimal postoperative pain control is an important factor for preventing postoperative complications.

Comparing patient-reported outcomes across countries: An assessment of methodological challenges.

ObjectivesThere is little published literature on the comparison of patient-reported outcomes between countries. This study aimed to assess pre- and postoperative health among samples of patients undergoing elective groin hernia repair procedures in the National Health Service (NHS), England, and groin hernia patients in Vancouver, Canada.MethodsWe used datasets from two different sources. For the English NHS we used published anonymized patient-level data files which include the EQ-5D(3L) patient-reported outcome measure and a number of demographic and clinical characteristics. For Vancouver, we used data from a sample of Vancouver patients who completed the same instrument during a similar time frame. English patients were matched with Vancouver participant’s characteristics using propensity score methods. A linear regression model was used to measure differences in postoperative visual analogue scale values between countries, adjusting for patient characteristics.ResultsOur study revealed a range of methodological issues concerning the comparability of patient-reported outcomes following hernia repair surgery in the two health systems. These related to differences in approaches to collecting patient-reported outcome measures and the nature of explanatory variables (self-report vs. administrative data), among other challenges. As a consequence, there were differences between the matched samples and the NHS data, indicating a healthy participant bias. Unadjusted results found that Vancouver patients (N = 280) reported more problems in domains of mobility, self care, usual activities and anxiety/depression than the matched cohort of NHS patients (N = 840). Interpreting differences is challenging given different sampling designs.ConclusionsThere are significant hurdles facing comparisons of surgical patients’ outcomes between countries, including adjusting for patient differences, health system factors and approaches to survey administration. While between-country comparisons of surgical outcomes using patient-reported outcomes shows significant promise, much work on standardizing sampling design, variables and analytic methods is needed.

Comparative study between intraperitoneal bupivacaine and bupivacaine-nalbuphine for postoperative pain relief after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background Postoperative pain relief following laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has been achieved using intraperitoneal (i.p.) local anesthetics. Addition of opioids can prolong postoperative analgesia. Nalbuphine is an agonist–antagonist opioid that provides analgesia without the undesirable effects of pure agonists. This study was performed to compare between postoperative analgesia of i.p. bupivacaine and bupivacaine combined with nalbuphine in patients undergoing LC. Patients and methods This study included 90 patients undergoing LC. They were randomly divided into three groups, with 30 patients each. Postoperatively, group C received 50-ml normal saline (NS), group B0 received bupivacaine 100 mg diluted with NS to 50 ml, and group BN received bupivacaine 100 mg with nalbuphine 10 mg diluted with NS to 50 ml. Pain was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) for 24 h, and the first analgesic request was recorded. Total analgesic consumption in 24 h, hemodynamic parameters, and adverse effects were also noted. Results Postoperative VAS values were significantly lower in group BN up to 24 h. Moreover, i.p. bupivacaine showed lower VAS values than in control group. The duration of analgesia was 11.5±0.9, 7.5±0.9, and 1.5±0.6 h in groups BN, B0, and C, respectively (P Conclusion Addition of i.p. nalbuphine to bupivacaine provides superior analgesia than bupivacaine only after LC without an increase in adverse events.

Posterior Fixation Combined with Vertebroplasty or Vertebral Column Resection for the Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures with Intravertebral Cleft Complicated by Neurological Deficits.

Purpose The aim of the current study was to evaluate the relative benefits of posterior fixation combined with vertebroplasty (PFVP) or vertebral column resection (PVCR) for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) with intravertebral cleft (IVC) complicated by neurological deficits. Methods From June 2010 to January 2015, 45 consecutive patients suffering OVCFs with IVC and spinal cord injuries were treated with PFVP or PVCR in our department. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, anterior vertebral height (AVH), posterior vertebral height (PVH), local kyphotic angle (LKA), and neurologic function were evaluated and compared, and the operative duration, blood loss, and complications were also recorded. Results They all achieved excellent pain relief, vertebral height recovery, and kyphosis correction one month after surgery, and no significant differences existed between the two groups. No significant differences were observed between the 1-month postoperative and final follow-up VAS, AVH, and LKA values in the PVCR group (P > 0.05), while AVH and LKA worsened in the PFVP group at the final follow-up (P < 0.05). Similarly, the initial improvements in VAS scores decreased over time (P < 0.05). Neurologic function improved in both groups, and no significant differences were observed between the 2 groups either preoperatively or postoperatively (P > 0.05). The blood loss and operative duration were significantly lower in the PFVP group than those in the PVCR group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Compared with PVCR, PFVP had equivalent short-term clinical outcomes with less blood loss and operative duration which can be very beneficial for treating elderly patients with extreme comorbidities in this condition. However, based on the long-term efficacy of pain relief, vertebral height maintenance, and deformity correction, PVCR is a more reasonable choice.