Preoperative Assessment Of Patients Research Articles

Outcomes following pancreaticoduodenectomy for octogenarians: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundAn increasing number of elderly patients are being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, with increasing need to consider pancreatic surgery. This study aims to provide an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the outcomes following pancreaticoduodenectomy in octogenarians. MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis was performed via a search of Medline, PubMed and Cochrane databases. Studies comparing outcomes of patients >80 years to younger patients undergoing PD were included. Results26 studies were included. This included 22481 patients, with 20134 (89.6%) aged <80 years old, and 2347 (10.4%) octogenarians. Octogenarians were associated with higher rates of mortality (OR 2.37 (95%CI 1.91-2.94, p < 0.00001)), all-cause morbidity (OR 1.60 (95%CI 1.30-1.96), p<0.00001) and re-operation (OR 1.41 (95%CI 1.13-1.75), p = 0.002). Octogenarians had a two-fold risk of cardiac complications and respiratory complications (OR 2.13 (95%CI 1.67-2.73), p < 0.00001), (OR 2.38 (95%CI 1.72-3.27), p < 0.0001). There was no difference in postoperative pancreatic fistula, post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage or delayed gastric emptying. Younger patients were more likely to return to adjuvant therapy (OR 0.20 (95%CI 0.12-0.34), p < 0.00001). ConclusionsOctogenerians are associated with higher mortality rate, postoperative complications, and reduced likelihood to undergo adjuvant therapy. Careful preoperative assessment and selection of elderly patients for consideration of pancreatic surgery is essential.

Persistent post-discharge opioid use and opioid stewardship: A single-centre retrospective cohort study

Persistent post-operative opioid use is a public health concern contributing to population morbidity and mortality. Opioid stewardship is a strategy adopted to rationalise opioid prescribing and limit harmful use. We describe persistent post-discharge opioid use rates and risk factors in a single-centre cohort and describe the opioid stewardship role of our Acute Pain Service (APS). We conducted a retrospective 4-year cohort study of inpatients referred to the APS and discharged with new strong opioids prescribed. We investigated persistent post-discharge opioid use rates, risk factors and patterns of opioid use after community follow-up by APS. We found that 24% of patients discharged with new strong opioids developed persistent opioid use. Risk factors associated with persistent post-discharge opioid use in our cohort included female sex (Odds Ratios [95% confidence interval], p value, OR: 1.89 [1.11–3.22], p = 0.019), pre-admission mental health history (OR: 2.85 [1.64–4.95], p &lt; 0.001) and pre-admission opioid use (OR: 1.79 [1.03–3.11], p = 0.004). A smaller proportion of patients with APS follow-up in community developed persistent opioid use (22%) compared to those without (32%). We conclude that having opioids prescribed at time of discharge can result in persistent opioid use in up to a quarter of patients. The APS has an important protective role in rationalising opioid use in hospital but also following discharge. Development of further opioid stewardship policies is needed including improvement of patient and staff awareness and pre-operative assessment of patients with recognised risk factors.

Lower Extremity Arterial Calcification Predicts Referral to a Closed Unit After Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundWe aimed to determine the association between lower extremity arterial calcification (LEAC) and referral to a closed unit (CU), length of stay, 90-day readmissions, and 1-year mortality in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 705 patients who underwent primary THA, identifying 64 patients (9.13%) who had LEAC and 641 who did not have LEAC. Patients who had LEAC were older (77 ± 10.0 versus 67 ± 11.5 years; P < 0.001) and had more comorbidities, except for a history of thromboembolic and oncologic diseases (P > 0.05). A preoperative antero-posterior pelvic radiograph was used to assess the presence of LEAC. Admission to CU, length of stay, 90-day readmissions, and 1-year mortality were recorded. A logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors for referral to CU. ResultsPatients who had LEAC had a higher incidence of admission to the intensive care unit (8 of 64 [12.5%] versus 8 of 641 [1.09%]; P < 0.001), a longer hospital stay (4.7 ± 1.8 versus 4.2 ± 1.3 days; P = 0.006), more readmissions (16 of 64 [25%] versus 33 of 641 [5.15%]; P < 0.001), and a higher 1-year mortality rate (6 of 64 [9.3%] versus 0 of 641 [0%]; P < 0.001) than patients who did not have LEAC. Of the patients who had LEAC admitted to CU, only 3 of 8 had a previous indication to do so in the preoperative assessment performed by the Department of Anesthesiology, while all non-LEAC ones referred to CU did so. Logistic regression analysis showed that LEAC was a risk factor for admission to CU (odds ratio = 4.77; 95% confidence interval: 1.12 to 20.25; P = 0.034). ConclusionsThe presence of LEAC was a risk factor for transfer to CU, longer in-hospital stays, more readmissions, and a higher 1-year mortality rate. Identifying patients who have LEAC can aid in the preoperative assessment and risk stratification of patients planned for primary THA.

Are there features that can predict the unresectability of pleural mesothelioma?

The current clinical staging of pleural mesothelioma (PM) is often discordant with the pathologic staging. This study aimed to identify clinical and radiological features that could help predict unresectability in PM. Twenty-two descriptive radiologic features were retrospectively evaluated on preoperative computed tomography (CT) and/or positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT) performed in patients with presumably resectable PM who underwent surgery. Measurements of maximum and sum pleural thickness at three levels of the thorax (upper, middle, and lower) were taken and stratified based on the cutpoints provided by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC). Clinical and radiological features, including clinical-stage, were compared between resectable and unresectable tumors by univariate analysis and logistic regression modeling. Of 133 patients, 69/133 (52%) had resectable and 64/133 (48%) had unresectable PM. Asbestos exposure (p = 0.005), neoadjuvant treatment (p = 0.001), clinical T-stage (p < 0.0001), all pleural thickness measurements (p < 0.05), pleural thickness pattern (p < 0.0001) and degree (p = 0.033), lung invasion (p = 0.004), extrapleural space obliteration (p < 0.0001), extension to subphrenic space (p = 0.0004), and two combination variables representing extensive diaphragmatic contact and/or chest wall involvement (p = 0.002) and mediastinal invasion (p < 0.0001) were significant predictors at univariate analysis. At multivariable analysis, all models achieved a strong diagnostic performance (area under the curve (AUC) > 0.8). The two best-performing models were one that included the upper-level maximum pleural thickness, extrapleural space obliteration, and mediastinal infiltration (AUC = 0.876), and another that integrated clinical variables and radiological assessment through the clinical T-stage (AUC = 0.879). Selected clinical and radiologic features, including pleural thickness measurements, appear to be strong predictors of unresectability in PM. A more accurate prediction of unresectability in the preoperative assessment of patients with pleural mesothelioma may avoid unnecessary surgery and prompt initiation of nonsurgical treatments. About half of pleural mesothelioma patients are reported to receive an incorrect disease stagepreoperatively. Eleven features identified as predictors of unresectability were included in strongly performing predictive models. More accurate preoperative staging will help clinicians and patients choose the most appropriate treatments.

Surgicogenomics: The Role of Genetics in Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease Patients.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease, affecting 1% of people aged over 60. Currently, there is only symptomatic relief for PD patients, with levodopa being the gold standard of PD treatment. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical option to treat PD patients. DBS improves motor functions and may also allow a significant reduction in dopaminergic medication. Important parameters for DBS outcomes are the disease duration, the age of disease onset, responsiveness to levodopa and cognitive or psychiatric comorbidities. Emerging data also highlight the need to carefully consider the genetic background in the preoperative assessment of PD patients who are candidates for DBS, as genetic factors may affect the effectiveness of DBS in these patients. This review article discusses the role of genetics in DBS for PD patients, in an attempt to better understand inter-individual variability in DBS response, control of motor PD symptoms and appearance of non-motor symptoms, especially cognitive decline.

The Promise of Artificial Intelligence in Neuroanesthesia: An Update

AbstractArtificial intelligence (AI) is poised to transform health care across medical specialties. Although the application of AI to neuroanesthesiology is just emerging, it will undoubtedly affect neuroanesthesiologists in foreseeable and unforeseeable ways, with potential roles in preoperative patient assessment, airway assessment, predicting intraoperative complications, and monitoring and interpreting vital signs. It will advance the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases due to improved risk identification, data integration, early diagnosis, image analysis, and pharmacological and surgical robotic assistance. Beyond direct medical care, AI could also automate many routine administrative tasks in health care, assist with teaching and training, and profoundly impact neuroscience research. This article introduces AI and its various approaches from a neuroanesthesiology perspective. A basic understanding of the computational underpinnings, advantages, limitations, and ethical implications is necessary for using AI tools in clinical practice and research. The update summarizes recent reports of AI applications relevant to neuroanesthesiology. Providing a holistic view of AI applications, this review shows how AI could usher in a new era in the specialty, significantly improving patient care and advancing neuroanesthesiology research.

Preoperative bleeding risk assessment in cardiac surgery patients

Aim: To investigate the role of bleeding risk scores, personal and family medical history, and previous bleeding incidents in assessing the impact on the risk of all possible complications, including mortality, in adult patients following cardiac surgery.Methods. The search for publications was conducted using the PubMed, Transfusion Evidence Library, and eLibrary.ru databases, covering the period from 2019 to 2023. Search terms included: ‘bleeding risk assessment scales in adult cardiac surgery’, ‘preoperative anemia in adult cardiac surgery’, and ‘transfusion of red blood cell-containing components in cardiac surgery adults’. Duplicate articles were manually excluded. An additional search was performed among the reference lists of selected publications.Results. A total of 2,011 publications were found. In the first stage of selection, clinical studies, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, reviews, and regular reviews without language restrictions were considered based on the content of the abstract. In the second stage, for studies that passed the initial screening, decisions were made based on an assessment of the full-text versions, which presented the consequences of preoperative anemia, postoperative bleeding, and transfusion therapy in adult cardiac surgery patients. Ultimately, 40 publications were included in the review.Conclusion. Preoperative bleeding risk assessment is a multimodal, interdisciplinary challenge that necessitates a patient-centered approach. It should commence at the preparatory stage and involve primary care physicians, cardiologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, laboratory diagnostic specialists, and transfusiologists. The cornerstone of this process is the thorough collection of individual and family medical histories. Obtaining detailed information through patient involvement, utilizing bleeding risk rating scales, reviewing previous bleeding incidents, and supporting these findings with laboratory test data represent the most scientific approach to developing an individualized management plan for patients at risk of bleeding.

Does Elevated Mean-Arterial Pressure Lead to Better Outcomes in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy?- A Prospective, Pilot Randomized Control Trial.

Randomized Control Trial. DCM refers to compression of spinal cord either due to static/dynamic causes or commonly, a result of combination of both. Number of variables exist, which determine prognosis post-surgery. Role of intra-operative blood pressure has not been analyzed in depth in current literature. Elevating MAP post SCI is widely practiced and forms a recommendation of AANS/CNS Joint Committee Guidelines. This led us to investigate role played by elevated MAP during surgery for DCM, in order to optimize outcomes. This prospective randomized comparative pilot study was conducted at a tertiary care spine centre. 84 patients were randomly divided in two groups. Group 1 had intra-operative MAP in normal range. Group 2, had intra-operative BP 20 mmHg higher than preoperative average MAP with a variation of + 5mmHg. Outcomes were recorded at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year by mJOA, VAS and ASIA scale. Neurological improvement was documented in 19/30 (63.3%) patients of hypertensive group compared to 16/30 (53.3%) patients of normotensive group. Improvements in mJOA scores were better for hypertensive group during the 1-year follow-up. Improvement in VAS scores were comparable between two groups, but at 1-year follow-up the VAS score of hypertensive groups was significantly lower. MAP should be individualized according to preoperative average blood pressure assessment of patient. Keeping intraoperative MAP at higher level (preoperative MAP + 20mmHg) during surgery for DCM can result in better outcomes.

Utility of the modified 5-item frailty index as a predictor of postoperative febrile urinary tract infection in patients who underwent ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy

PurposeThis study aimed to assess the effect of the modified 5-item frailty index on perioperative complications and surgical outcomes in patients who underwent ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy for upper urinary tract stones.MethodsPatients who underwent ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy for upper urinary tract stones between 2019 and 2022 were reviewed retrospectively. Assessment was performed using the modified 5-item frailty index based on medical history (hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and functional status. Patients were categorized into the high (≥ 2) and low (≤ 1) modified 5-item frailty index groups based on the frailty score. We compared the perioperative complications and surgical outcomes between the two groups.ResultsSeventy-one (15.8%) and 393 (84.1%) of the 467 patients were classified into the high and low modified 5-item frailty index groups, respectively. The high modified 5-item frailty index group exhibited a significant association with increased febrile urinary tract infections compared to the low modified 5-item frailty index group [≥ 37.8 °C: 15 (20.3%) vs 13 (3.3%), p < 0.001; ≥ 38 °C: 9 (12.2%) vs 7 (1.8%), p < 0.001]. Surgical outcomes, including operative time and stone-free rate, did not differ significantly between the two groups.ConclusionThe modified 5-item frailty index is valuable for predicting postoperative complications, particularly febrile urinary tract infections, after ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy for upper urinary tract stones. This index allows for practical preoperative risk assessment in patients who underwent ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy.

Abstract PO3-27-03: PROMISE Study: Pre-Operatory MRI is not Effective. A Systematic review of impact of magnetic resonance imaging on surgery-decision and clinical outcomes in women with breast cancer

Abstract Background: The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with breast cancer before surgery has been a subject of ongoing debate and discussion. The role of MRI as a preoperative tool to guide surgical decision-making remains controversial. Some studies suggest that MRI may improve the detection of additional tumors or assess the extent of disease, while others discuss that it may lead to increased false-positive findings and unnecessary interventions. The potential benefits and potential harms of incorporating MRI into the preoperative assessment of breast cancer patients continue to be topics of research and clinical interest. Clarifying the impact of preoperative MRI on surgical outcomes is crucial to inform evidence-based practices and optimize patient care. Until present, there is no pooled analyses from randomized clinical trials perspective of the clinical impact regarding the routine use of MRI. Objectives: This study aims to conduct metanalysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) to investigate the association between preoperative MRI and surgical outcomes in women with newly diagnosed invasive breast cancer, providing evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice. Methods: A comprehensive search of electronic databases including PubMed, Medline, Embase, Ovid, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science was conducted by three independent researchers from inception to May 2023. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were based on Cochrane's principles. Relevant data from eligible studies were extracted. A systematic evaluation and meta-analysis were performed using the fixed-effects model to estimate the pooled risk ratio (RR) and 95% CI. Results: Out of 21 studies found, 6 were RCTs and 15 observational comparative studies. The results showed that in RCT preoperative MRI significantly reduce the rate of immediate breast conservative surgery (RR=0.94, 95%CI 0.91~0.96, I2=0%) and increase the mastectomy rate (RR=1.88, 95%CI 1.48~2.38, I2=86%). There wasn’t any change in reoperations rates (RR=0,87, 95%CI 0.71~1.07, I2=72%). Only 1 trial reported data on survival, showing no difference between groups. Conclusion: From RCT standpoint, the evidence suggests that preoperative MRI for newly diagnosed invasive breast cancer may not be beneficial to the patients by increasing rate of mastectomy with no survival benefit and that should be considered when offering as a routine practice to patients with breast cancer before surgery. Forest plot of mastectomy as an outcome Forest plot of re-operation as an outcome Citation Format: Andre Mattar, Andressa Amorim, Evandro Mateus, Fabio Bagnoli, Felipe Zerwes, Francisco Pimentel Cavalcante, Guilherme Novita, Lincon Mori, Marcelo Madeira, Marina Diogenes, Marcelo Antonini, Lucas Okumura. PROMISE Study: Pre-Operatory MRI is not Effective. A Systematic review of impact of magnetic resonance imaging on surgery-decision and clinical outcomes in women with breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO3-27-03.

Pre-operative pulmonary risk assessment in surgery patients

Aims: Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) that may develop after surgery are important causes of morbidity and mortality. PPCs cause a prolongation of hospital stays and an increase in hospitalization costs. The study aims to determine factors associated with PPCs to predict PPCs in surgical patients undergoing preoperative evaluation. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital using data from 200 patients referred for preoperative pulmonary evaluation from anesthesia and surgery clinics. This study analyzed the characteristics and outcomes of patients with PPC and those without PPC. The Canet pulmonary risk scores are used for PPC in all preoperative surgery patients. The study’s primary endpoints are to determine the development of respiratory failure, bronchospasm/asthma, COPD exacerbation, atelectasis, pleural effusion, or pneumonia. The study also analyzed the effective respiratory function parameters for PPC development using a logistic regression model. Results: The total study population included 200 patients with a median age of 53.5 years (aged between 19-88), 103 (51.5%) of whom were female. PPCs were observed in 38% (n=76) of the study group. There was a statistically significant difference between the patients in terms of the development of postoperative pulmonary complications according to gender (higher in males, p=0.001) and smoking (p=0.0001). Preoperative oxygen saturation (SpO2) and FEV1/FVC ratio were significant predictors of PPC development, and complications were more frequent in low-saturated patients (p=0.0001, p=0.013 respectively). The relationship between SpO2 and PPC was confirmed via logistic regression analysis. A one-unit increase in saturation reduced the occurrence of postoperative respiratory complications by 0.645-fold. The cut-off value for the saturation value was 97.5%, with a sensitivity of 46.8% and a specificity of 71.1% [p=0.0001, 95% CI, (0.521-0.798)]. Conclusion: In this study, the Canet (ARISCAT) score, a preoperative evaluation scale validated in Turkey that predicts postoperative pulmonary complications and mortality, was used. The Canet risk score is a simple risk score with moderate discriminatory performance for predicting PPCs. It may be useful in identifying individual patients at high risk of PPC and in the design of future studies to evaluate interventions to prevent these complications. However, a customized preoperative risk assessment system is needed for each patient.

Association of Deviated Nasal Septum with Chronic otitis Media

Background: The existence of a pathophysiologic connection between nose and rniddle ear is widely accepted so that chronic purulent middle ear disease (CPMED) could be expected to be usually associated with chronic nasal disease or impaired function. Nevertheless such association is less frequently observed in clinical practice than one could expect, possibly because of inadequate evaluation of nasal function. Objective: To observe the association of deviated nasal septum with COM Methods: Two hundred patients complaining of middle ear discharge and or nasal symptoms were included in this study, to see the association of COM with nasal disorders. This cross sectional study was conducted in Dhaka Medical College Hospital from July 2012 to June 2014.Sample was taken by purposive sampling. Sample was divided into four groups as exposed and diseased, exposed and not diseased, not exposed diseased and not exposed and not diseased. Results: Along with DNS age, sex, smoking and abusing of nasal drug were compared. Number of patients with septal deviation with a convexity to the same side as affected ear in COM was compared with Chi-square test. Septal deviation founded more frequently on the same side of ear pathology (p&lt;00l), Therefore, septal deviations must be carefully investigated during the management patients with COM. Conclusion: Septal deviations must be carefully investigated during the preoperative assessment of patients with COM. Along with DNS age, sex, smoking and abusing of nasal drugs were evaluated. Smoking was found to be associated with the development of COM.

4D SPECT/CT: A Hybrid Approach to Primary Hyperparathyroidism.

Our rationale was to review the imaging options for patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and to advocate for judicious use of 4-dimensional (4D) SPECT/CT to visualize diseased parathyroid glands in patients with complex medical profiles or in whom other imaging modalities fail. We review the advantages and disadvantages of traditional imaging modalities used in preoperative assessment of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: ultrasound, SPECT, and 4D CT. We describe a scheme for optimizing and individualizing preoperative imaging of patients with hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands using traditional modalities in tandem with 4D SPECT/CT. Using the input from radiologists, endocrinologists, and surgeons, we apply patient criteria such as large body habitus, concomitant multiglandular disease, multinodular thyroid disease, confusing previous imaging, and unsuccessful previous surgery to create an imaging paradigm that uses 4D SPECT/CT yet is cost-effective, accurate, and limits extraneous radiation exposure. 4D SPECT/CT capitalizes on the strengths of SPECT and 4D CT and addresses limitations that exist when these modalities are used in isolation. In select patients with complicated clinical parameters, preoperative imaging with 4D SPECT/CT can improve accuracy yet remain cost-effective.

Surgical risk stratification in patients with cirrhosis.

Individuals with cirrhosis experience higher morbidity and mortality rates than the general population, irrespective of the type or scope of surgery. This increased risk is attributed to adverse effects of liver disease, encompassing coagulation dysfunction, altered metabolism of anesthesia and sedatives, immunologic dysfunction, hemorrhage related to varices, malnutrition and frailty, impaired wound healing, as well as diminished portal blood flow, overall hepatic circulation, and hepatic oxygen supply during surgical procedures. Therefore, a frequent clinical dilemma is whether surgical interventions should be pursued in patients with cirrhosis. Several risk scores are widely used to aid in the decision-making process, each with specific advantages and limitations. This review aims to discuss the preoperative risk factors in patients with cirrhosis, describe and compare surgical risk assessment models used in everyday practice, provide insights into the surgical risk according to the type of surgery and present recommendations for optimizing those with cirrhosis for surgical procedures. As the primary focus is on currently available risk models, the review describes the predictive value of each model, highlighting its specific advantages and limitations. Furthermore, for models that do not account for the type of surgical procedure to be performed, the review suggests incorporating both patient-related and surgery-related risks into the decision-making process. Finally, we provide an algorithm for the preoperative assessment of patients with cirrhosis before elective surgery as well as guidance perioperative management.

Changes in electrodermal activity following sympathicotomy in hyperhidrosis patients.

The aim of this study was to assess the potential of electrodermal activity (EDA) as a diagnostic tool for preoperative evaluation in hyperhidrosis patients. EDA levels and patterns in different skin areas were investigated before and after endoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy (ETS) and was compared to healthy subjects. Thirty-seven patients underwent two days of measurements before and after the operation. Twenty-five (67.5%) of the patients also had a third measurement after six months. Non-invasive EDA measurements, involving skin conductance, were sampled from five different skin areas while patients were at rest in supine and sitting positions or when subjected to stimuli such as deep inspirations, mental challenge, and exposure to a sudden loud sound. Prior to the operation, hyperhidrosis patients showed higher spontaneous palm EDA variations at rest and stronger responses to stimuli compared to healthy subjects. Patients with facial blushing/hyperhidrosis or combined facial/palmar hyperhidrosis showed minimal spontaneous activity or responses, particularly during mental challenge and sound stimulus. Notably, palm EDA response was abolished shortly following sympathicotomy, although a minor response was observed after six months. Minimal EDA responses were also observed in the back and abdomen postoperatively. Hyperhidrosis patients showed stronger EDA response to stimuli compared to healthy subjects. Sympathicotomy resulted in the complete elimination of palm EDA responses, gradually returning to a limited extent after six months. These findings suggest that EDA recordings could be utilized in preoperative assessment of hyperhidrosis patients.

Diagnostic Accuracy of MRI in Detecting Orbital Masses Keeping Histopathology as Gold Standard

Background: Orbital masses, encompassing a spectrum of benign and malignant lesions, pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been pivotal in the non-invasive evaluation of these lesions, owing to its superior soft tissue contrast and detailed anatomical resolution. The correlation between MRI findings and histopathological diagnosis remains crucial for accurate clinical decision-making. Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of MRI in identifying orbital masses, with a focus on differentiating between benign and malignant lesions, using histopathology as the gold standard. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi, from January to December 2023. A total of 145 patients scheduled for surgery or biopsy, presenting with clinical symptoms indicative of orbital masses, were enrolled using a non-probability sequential sampling method. MRI evaluations were performed using a 1.5 Tesla machine. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy of MRI in detecting orbital masses were calculated, comparing MRI findings with histopathological results. Results: Of the 145 patients, 55.2% were female, and 44.8% were male, with an age range predominantly between 18-30 years (87.6%). MRI identified 77.2% of cases as malignant and 22.8% as benign, whereas histopathology diagnosed 83.4% as malignant and 16.6% as benign. The diagnostic accuracy of MRI for benign masses showed a sensitivity of 81.82%, specificity of 96.43%, PPV of 87.10%, NPV of 94.74%, and an overall diagnostic accuracy of 93.10%. For malignant masses, MRI demonstrated a sensitivity of 90.16%, specificity of 86.90%, PPV of 83.33%, NPV of 92.41%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 88.28%. Conclusion: MRI exhibits a high diagnostic accuracy in identifying orbital masses, with excellent sensitivity and specificity. It proves to be a reliable diagnostic tool in differentiating between benign and malignant orbital lesions, supporting its integral role in the preoperative assessment and clinical management of patients with suspected orbital masses. Keywords: Orbital Masses, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Diagnostic Accuracy, Histopathology, Benign Lesions, Malignant Lesions, MRI Sensitivity, MRI Specificity

Quantifying nasal deformities using a novel mathematical method to complement preoperative assessment in rhinoplasty patients

BackgroundRhinoplasty enhances facial symmetry and functionality. However, the accurate and reliable quantification of nasal defects pre-surgery remains an ongoing challenge. AimThis study introduces a novel approach for defect quantification using 2D images and artificial intelligence, providing a tool for better preoperative planning and improved surgical outcomes. Materials and MethodsA pre-trained AI model for facial landmark detection was utilised on a dataset of 250 images of male patients aged 18 to 24 who underwent rhinoplasty for cosmetic nasal deformity correction. The analysis concentrated on 36 different distances between the facial landmarks. These distances were normalised using min-max scaling to counter image size and quality variations. Post-normalisation, statistical parameters, including mean, median, and standard deviation, were calculated to identify and quantify nasal defects. ResultsThe methodology was tested and validated using images from different ethnicities and regions, showing promising potential as a beneficial surgical aid. The normalised data produced reliable quantifications of nasal defects (average 76.2%), aiding in preoperative planning and improving surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction. ApplicationsThe developed method can be extended to other facial plastic surgeries. Furthermore, it can be used to create app-based software, assist medical education, and improve patient-doctor communication. ConclusionThis novel method for defect quantification in rhinoplasty using AI and image processing holds significant potential in improving surgical planning, outcomes, and patient satisfaction, marking an essential step in the fusion of AI and plastic surgery.

Comparison of the LiMAx test vs. the APRI+ALBI score for clinical utility in preoperative risk assessment in patients undergoing liver surgery – A European multicenter study

IntroductionPosthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) remains the main reason for short-term mortality after liver surgery. APRI+ALBI, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio (APRI) combined with albumin-bilirubin grade (ALBI), score and the liver function maximum capacity test (LiMAx) are both established preoperative (preop) liver function tests. The aim of this study was to compare both tests for their predictive potential for clinically significant PHLF grade B and C (B+C). Materials and methods352 patients were included from 4 European centers. Patients had available preop APRI+ALBI scores and LiMAx results. Predictive potential for PHLF, PHLF B+C and 90-day mortality was compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and calculation of the area under the curve (AUC). Published cutoffs of ≥ −2.46 for APRI+ALBI and of <315 for LiMAx were assessed using chi-squared test. ResultsAPRI+ALBI showed superior predictive potential for PHLF B+C (N = 34; AUC = 0.766), PHLF grade C (N = 20; AUC = 0.782) and 90-day mortality (N = 15; AUC = 0.750). When comparing the established cutoffs of both tests, APRI+ALBI outperformed LiMAx in prediction of PHLF B+C (APRI+ALBI ≥2.46: Positive predictive value (PPV) = 19%, negative predictive value (NPV) = 97%; LiMAx <315: PPV = 3%, NPV = 90%) and 90-day mortality (APRI+ALBI ≥2.46: PPV = 12%, NPV = 99%; LiMAx <315: PPV = 0%, NPV = 94%) ConclusionIn our analysis, APRI+ALBI outperformed LiMAx measurement in the preop prediction of PHLF B+C and postoperative mortality, at a fraction of the costs, manual labor and invasiveness.

Development of a nomogram for prediction of central lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma

BackgroundPapillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most frequent malignant tumor in thyroid carcinoma. The aim of this study was to explore the risk factors associated with central lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) and establish a nomogram model that can assess the probability of central lymph node metastasis (CLNM).MethodsThe clinicopathological data of 377 patients with cN0 PTMC were collected and analyzed from The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from July 1st, 2019 to December 30th, 2021. All patients were examined by underwent ultrasound (US), found without metastasis to central lymph nodes, and diagnosed with PTMC through pathologic examination. All patients received thyroid lobectomy or total thyroidectomy with therapeutic or prophylactic central lymph node dissection (CLND). R software (Version 4.1.0) was employed to conduct a series of statistical analyses and establish the nomogram.ResultsA total of 119 patients with PTMC had central lymph node metastases (31.56%). After that, age (P < 0.05), gender (P < 0.05), tumor size (P < 0.05), tumor multifocality (P < 0.05), and ultrasound imaging-suggested tumor boundaries (P < 0.05) were identified as the risk factors associated with CLNM. Subsequently, multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of the training cohort was 0.703 and that of the validation cohort was 0.656, demonstrating that the prediction ability of this model is relatively good compared to existing models. The calibration curves indicated a good fit for the nomogram model. Finally, the decision curve analysis (DCA) showed that a probability threshold of 0.15–0.50 could benefit patients clinically. The probability threshold used in DCA captures the relative value the patient places on receiving treatment for the disease, if present, compared to the value of avoiding treatment if the disease is not present.ConclusionCLNM is associated with many risk factors, including age, gender, tumor size, tumor multifocality, and ultrasound imaging-suggested tumor boundaries. The nomogram established in our study has moderate predictive ability for CLNM and can be applied to the clinical management of patients with PTMC. Our findings will provide a better preoperative assessment and treatment strategies for patients with PTMC whether to undergo central lymph node dissection.

Effect of Preoperative Accurate Evaluation and Intervention on Prognosis and Outcome in Elderly Patients with Painless Gastroenteroscopy: Protocol for A Single-Centre Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Factors such as abstinence from drinking, fasting, intestinal preparation, and stress responses can contribute to issues like inadequate blood volume, hypoglycemia, and electrolyte imbalances. The ASA classification presently serves as a primary assessment standard globally. In response to prevailing clinical challenges, we propose enhancing the preoperative assessment for elderly patients undergoing painless gastroenteroscopy. This enhancement involves incorporating the Frailty score, bedside ultrasound, and bedside laboratory results alongside the ASA classification, to establish a comprehensive assessment system. This holistic approach aims to monitor patients’ fluid balance, electrolyte levels, and blood glucose changes, facilitating precise interventions and optimized anesthesia strategies. The ultimate goal is to diminish perioperative adverse events, especially those related to the cardiovascular system, thereby enhancing prognosis, outcomes, and patient satisfaction among the elderly. Methods: This study is a randomized controlled trial conducted at a single center. It includes 204 patients scheduled for painless gastroenteroscopy. Eligible subjects will be randomly assigned to either Group A or Group B. Pre-anesthesia assessments will be conducted twice – during the preoperative visit and upon entry to the endoscopy center on the examination day. Evaluation parameters will encompass the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS), bedside ultrasound measurements including inspiratory IVCDmax, expiratory IVCDmin, and calculation of the inferior vena cava collapse index (IVC-CI). Additionally, serum electrolyte (potassium) and blood glucose levels will be measured. Patients in Group A will receive specific interventions based on predetermined criteria. The primary endpoint is anesthesia-related adverse events. The measurements will be performed perioperatively, post-treatment, and at 1 day, 3 days, and 7 days after the end of treatment.