Routine Postoperative Follow-up Research Articles

Surgical ciliated cyst of the left maxilla - A case report of unusual pathogenesis

Introduction:Surgical ciliated cyst (SCC) is a type of true epithelial lined antral cysts, which mostly occurs in maxilla from the sinonasal mucosa and gland, comprising 20% of all oral cysts in Japan. It is also called as postoperative maxillary cyst or postoperative paranasal cyst. The etiology is believed to be post trauma or surgery in the region of maxillary antrum.Patient concerns:Patient's concern is less evident in this cystic pathology, because this cyst even though an aggressive cyst, presents with fewer symptoms that can be uncomfortable to the patient or push them to seek medical attention. Often, this becomes an incidental finding during routine postoperative follow-up.Rationale:The rationale behind this report is to emphasize even a traumatic extraction of tooth can damage the floor of the sinus and lead to the cyst formation.Report:We report a case of SCC in a 76-year-old female of the left maxillary sinus possibly after a traumatic extraction of the tooth, for which enucleation of the cyst was done as a primary modality of treatment.Diagnosis:Diagnosis was made after a computed tomography (CT) scan and incisional biopsy. Diagnosis of such rare cases poses a great challenge due to its paucity in etiology, and it often requires a CT scan that becomes an essential gold standard investigation.Outcomes:Patient is currently under one year follow up and without any signs of recurrence.Lessons:It should be acknowledged that tampering trauma or with sinus mucosa can trigger the formation of a SCC of the maxilla, and it should always be considered as a possible sequel after any procedure of such potential in the maxilla.

Heterotopic ossification at the level of a laparotomy scar

We report the cases of two patients referred to our radiology department for a thoracoabdominal computed tomography (CT) scan as part of their routine postoperative follow-up as both the patients were asymptomatic. The first patient is a 60-year-old female who underwent a laparotomy for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) 11 months ago, and checked into our radiology department for a thoracoabdominal CT scan as part of her follow-up assessment. The patient had no complaints. The CT scan revealed a 7 cm long vertical linear calcified lesion in the anterior abdominal wall at the anterior aspect of the xiphoid process corresponding to a heterotopic ossification of the laparotomy scar (Figure 1). The second patient is a 33-year-old male who had undergone laparotomy for total gastrectomy one month earlier due to a gastric adenocarcinoma. The patient was received in our department for his first check-up after surgery and concomitant radiochemotherapy. Furthermore, the patient presented no complaints. The thoracoabdominal CT scan performed revealed a vertical calcified lesion at the level of the laparotomy scar extending about 11 cm from the xiphoid region to about 5 cm above the umbilicus, also corresponding to a heterotopic ossification of the laparotomy scar (Figure 2).

Novel Titanium Cages for Minimally Invasive Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion: First Assessment of Subsidence.

Introduction Implant subsidence is a potential complication of spinal interbody fusion and may negatively affect patients subjected to procedures relying on indirect decompression such as minimally invasive transpsoas lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF). The porous architecture of a recently developed titanium intervertebral cage maximizes bone-to-implant contact and minimizes stress shielding in laboratory experiments; however, its subsidence rate in patients has not yet been evaluated. The goal of this current study was to evaluate implant subsidence in patients subjected to LLIF. Methods Our institutional review board-approved single-center experience included 29 patients who underwent 30 minimally invasive LLIF from July 2017 to September 2018 utilizing the novel 3D-printed porous titanium implants. Radiographs, obtained during routine postoperative follow-up visits, were reviewed for signs of implant subsidence, defined as any appreciable compromise of the vertebral endplates. Results Radiographic subsidence occurred in 2 cases (6.7%), involving 2 out of 59 porous titanium interbody cages (3.4%). Both cases of subsidence occurred in four-level stand-alone constructs. The patients remained asymptomatic and did not require surgical revision. Ten surgeries were stand-alone constructs, and 20 surgeries included supplemental posterior fixation. Conclusions In our patient cohort, subsidence of the porous titanium intervertebral cage occurred in 6.7% of all cases and in 3.4% of all lumbar levels. This subsidence rate is lower compared to previously reported subsidence rates in patients subjected to LLIF using polyetheretherketone implants.

Characteristics and Risk Factors for Pupillary Capture of Intraocular Lens in Congenital Ectopia Lentis

ABSTRACTImportance: To analyze the characteristics and risk factors for pupillary capture (PC) of the intraocular lens (IOL) in congenital ectopia lentis (CEL) patients.Methods: Data of CEL patients who underwent lens extraction and intraocular implantation from 2013 to 2016 at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center in China were collected. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), axial length (AL), refractive status, corneal curvature, intraocular pressure (IOP), degree of lens dislocation, presence of strabismus, and methods of IOL fixation were recorded. Postoperative data were collected from the routine one-month postoperative follow-up. Patients with PC of IOL were characterized and risk factors for PC of IOL were analyzed using age-sex adjusted multiple logistic regression analysis.Results: Of the 89 included CEL subjects, 43.8% (39/89) of them suffered from PC after IOL implantation. There was no statistically significant difference in BCVA, AL, refractive status and IOP between the eyes which developed PC versus those which did not. Age-sex multiple logistic regression analysis shows that PC of IOL was associated with a more severe degree of lens dislocation and eyes with strabismus before surgery.Conclusions: Eyes with strabismus and more severe degrees of lens dislocation before surgery are risk factors for PC of IOL. When treating patients that present these risk factors, preoperative communication, and postoperative follow-up should be strengthened. Considering that PC of IOL has little effect on visual acuity, patients with slight PC of IOL can be exempt from surgical intervention.

Effects of picibanil as sclerosing agent in primary spontaneous pneumothorax patient after thoracoscopic procedures

Background: Recurrence is one the most important issue after thoracic surgery for pneumothorax, and the choice of additional chemical pleurodesis after surgery to eliminate recurrence remained unclear. Herein, we made prudent assessment of the safety and efficacy of chemical pleurodesis with picibanil (OK-432) for reduction of recurrence of pneumothorax. Methods: Between 1994 and 2014, 1,695 patients, who suffered from primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP), were treated by video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). After the operation, additional OK-432 was instilled into the pleural for chemical pleurodesis in 89 patients. The surgical outcome and demographic data of these patients were retrospectively reviewed. Results: The most frequent indications of surgical intervention were ipsilateral recurrence of pneumothorax (67.4%) and prolonged air-leakage (21.3%). There was no mortality and associated complication were as following, fever, intolerable pain, and post-operative effusion, wound poor healing. Median length of post-operative stay was three days. During routine post-operative follow-up, only two patients (2.2%) suffered from recurrence of pneumothorax and no additional surgical intervention was indicated. Conclusions: The long-term result of additional chemical pleurodesis, using OK-432 following VATS bullectomy is safe and effective with low recurrence rate (2.2%). Our experience suggested that OK-432 was a reliable sclerosing agent for chemical pleurodesis.

Correction to: Authors' Reply: Routine Pathology and Postoperative Follow-Up are not Cost-Effective in Cholecystectomy for Benign Gallbladder Disease.

In the original article, Madelon J. H. Metman's given name is incorrect. It is correct as reflected here.

Aspirin: are patients actually taking it?-A quality assessment study.

BackgroundThe purpose of the study was to assess patient adherence to an aspirin-based prophylactic deep venous thromboembolism (DVT) care management plan after total lower extremity arthroplasty.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional study design, patients who underwent total hip or knee replacement surgery by a single senior surgeon were surveyed at their routine 6-week follow-up appointment regarding adherence to aspirin DVT prophylaxis. Postoperatively, patients were advised to take 325 mg of aspirin twice daily for 6 weeks to prevent DVT.ResultsOf the 101 patients surveyed, 45 underwent total hip arthroplasty while 56 underwent total knee arthroplasty. There were 48 (48%) patients who were still taking aspirin at their routine 6-week postoperative follow-up appointment and 53 (52%) patients who were not taking aspirin (nonadherent group). Of the latter, 3 (6%) never took aspirin postoperatively, 14 (26%) discontinued within 2 weeks postoperatively, and 23 (43%) did not take it any longer for half the time prescribed. In the nonadherent group, 8 patients reported that they felt they did not need the aspirin prophylaxis, 5 experienced side effects, and 10 were unsure of how long they needed to take it. There was 1 patient with a calf DVT and no episodes of pulmonary embolism.ConclusionsOver half of our study, patients did not finish their aspirin regimen. We suggest a consistent outline of medication duration throughout the pre/postop course and communication regarding aspirin cessation.

Predictors for Adherence to Multidisciplinary Follow-Up Care after Sleeve Gastrectomy.

A considerable proportion of patients who undergo bariatric surgeries (BS) do not attend routine postoperative follow-up despite recommendations for such. Data are sparse regarding the various aspects of patient adherence to consultations following sleeve gastrectomy (SG). To examine predictors of adherence to SG follow-up, reasons for attrition from follow-up, and the relationship between adherence to follow-up and weight loss results. A retrospective cohort study was performed with a mean follow-up of 3years. Data were collected from electronic medical records and telephone questionnaires. Adherence was defined both as a numerical variable (ranking 0-9 according to the number of pre-scheduled postoperative visits) and as a dichotomous variable (adherent and non-adherent groups). Of 178 patients, 46.63% were defined as "adherent," according to the dichotomous definition. Compared to the "non-adherent group," patients in the "adherent group" more regularly used vitamin D after the surgery, had fewer rehospitalizations, and reported a lower intake of sweetened beverages. The main reasons for attrition were work-related and difficulties in mobility. Adherence to postoperative follow-up was not found to be correlated to weight loss. Older age (OR = 1.04; p = 0.026) and postoperative side effects (OR = 2.33; p = 0.035) were found to be positive predictors for adherence, whereas rehospitalizations (OR = 0.08; p = 0.028) and ethnical minority status were negative predictors (OR = 0.42; p = 0.019). Adherence to postoperative follow-up was found to be associated with positive lifestyle behaviors; however, no correlation was found to mid-term weight loss outcomes.

Routine Pathology and Postoperative Follow-Up are Not Cost-Effective in Cholecystectomy for Benign Gallbladder Disease

IntroductionThe incidence of gallstone disease is increasing and represents a strain on healthcare systems worldwide. Following cholecystectomy, gallbladder specimens are generally submitted for histopathologic examination and the diagnostic yield of this strategy remains questionable. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of routine pathologic examination of the gallbladder specimens and investigate the results of routine postoperative follow-up visits.MethodsAll cholecystectomies performed between January 2011 and July 2017 at a single center were evaluated. All gallbladder specimens were routinely pathologically examined. The outcome parameters were the macro- and microscopic gallbladder anomalies at pathology and the reported symptoms during routine follow-up visits 2–6 weeks after surgery.ResultsIn the study period a total of 2763 patients underwent cholecystectomy, of which 2615 had a postoperative visit in the outpatient clinic. Seventy-three patients (3%) complained of persistent abdominal pain, and 29 of these patients were referred for further treatment, resulting in a resolution of symptoms in 97%. Of all gallbladder specimens, 199 (7%) displayed macroscopic anomalies and in four (2%) of these, gallbladder carcinoma was diagnosed.DiscussionSelective pathologic examination of gallbladder specimens in case of macroscopic anomalies appears justified. Also routine follow-up after cholecystectomy appears not useful since 97% of patients do not report any symptoms at follow-up. A selective pathology and follow-up strategy could save significant healthcare costs.

Implanting a posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens in highly myopic eyes with peripheral primary iris and ciliary body cysts.

To investigate the safety and efficacy of implanting a posterior chamber implantable collamer lens with a central hole in cases of high myopia with peripheral primary iris or ciliary body cysts. A total of 37 eyes of 19 patients with primary iris or ciliary body cysts detected by ultrasonic biological microscope were included, with spherical powers of -10.26 ± 3.28 D and cylinder powers of -1.71 ± 1.18 D. Each patient received ultrasonic biological microscope and a routine examination before implantation of the implantable collamer lens. A routine postoperative follow-up was performed to observe changes in the iris or ciliary body cyst, ranging from 3 to 18 months. There were no complications. At the last follow-up, 56.8% (21/37) of eyes achieved the same corrected distance visual acuity as their preoperative measurements, 43.2% of eyes were enhanced by ≥1 line, and no patients' corrected distance visual acuity declined. The efficacy index and safety index were 0.95 and 1.11, respectively. After 18 months, 66.7% of the spherical equivalents were between ±0.5 D with 100% between ±1.0 D. The postoperative mean spherical equivalents at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months were -0.45 ± 0.31 D, -0.39 ± 0.29 D, -0.36 ± 0.30 D, -0.39 ± 0.38 D, and -0.48 ± 0.23 D (p = 0.789). The vaults were 516 ± 140, 548 ± 124, 498 ± 133, 582 ± 161, and 557 ± 110 μm (p = 0.355). There were no changes in size (p > 0.05), number, or position of the iris or ciliary body cysts. Implantable collamer lens implantation is safe and effective for highly myopic patients with peripheral primary iris and ciliary body cysts. The cysts did not change after operation in this study.

Reducing Early Readmissions after Ventral Hernia Repair with the Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative

Early readmission after ventral hernia repair (VHR) can hinder patient recovery and increase resource use. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative Early Readmission Reduction Initiative in reducing early readmissions after VHR. Risk factors for early readmission and best practices of surgeons with the lowest readmission rates after VHR were determined through collaborative learning. Two interventions for reducing early readmissions were developed: a structured questionnaire administered to patients within 1 week after discharge from the hospital or an early clinic visit after discharge and before a regularly scheduled postoperative visit. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the impact of these interventions on early readmission. Use of the questionnaire and early clinic visit was tracked in 3,007 patients. Of these, 343 received the questionnaire (2.6% readmission rate), 761 had an early clinic visit after discharge (3.0% readmission rate), 138 had both (4.3% readmission rate), and 1,765 patients received neither (5.9% readmission rate). After controlling for factors associated with early readmissions, administration of the questionnaire (odds ratio 0.42; 95% CI 0.21 to 0.84; p < 0.05) or having an early clinic visit (odds ratio 0.48; 95% CI 0.30 to 0.76; p<0.05) were both associated with reduced odds for readmission. The Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative Early Readmission Reduction Initiative successfully reduced readmissions after VHR using a structured questionnaire or early clinic visit implemented after discharge and before routine 30-day postoperative follow-up.

Relationships Between Clinical Processes and Arteriovenous Fistula Cannulation and Maturation: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study

Half of surgically created arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) require additional intervention to effectively support hemodialysis. Postoperative care and complications may affect clinical maturation. Hemodialysis Fistula Maturation (HFM) Study, a 7-center prospective cohort study. 491 patients with single-stage AVFs who had neither thrombosis nor AVF intervention before a 6-week postoperative ultrasonographic examination and who required maintenance hemodialysis. Postoperative care processes and complications. Attempted cannulation, successful cannulation, and unassisted and overall clinical maturation as defined by the HFM Study criteria. AVF cannulation was attempted in 443 of 491 (90.2%) participants and was eventually successful in 430 of these 443 (97.1%) participants. 263 of these 430 (61.2%) reached unassisted and 118 (27.4%) reached assisted AVF maturation (overall maturation, 381/430 [88.6%]). Attempted cannulation was less likely in patients of surgeons with policies for routine 2-week versus later-than-2-week first postoperative visits (OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.06-0.70), routine second postoperative follow-up visits (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.15-0.97), andaroutine clinical postoperative ultrasound (OR,0.28; 95% CI, 0.14-0.55). Attempted cannulation was also less likely among patients undergoing procedures to assist maturation (OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.27-0.98). Unassisted maturation was more likely for patients treated in facilities with access coordinators (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.17-3.12), but less likely after precannulation nonstudy ultrasounds (OR per ultrasound, 0.42 [95% CI, 0.26-0.68]) and initial unsuccessful cannulation attempts (OR per each additional attempt, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.83-0.98]). Overall maturation was less likely with infiltration before successful cannulation (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.22-0.89). Among participants receiving maintenance hemodialysis before AVF surgery, unassisted and overall maturation were less likely with longer intervals from surgery to initial cannulation (ORs for each additional month of 0.81 [95% CI, 0.76-0.88] and 0.93 [95% CI, 0.89-0.98], respectively) and from initial to successful cannulation (ORs for each additional week of 0.87 [95% CI, 0.81-0.94] and 0.88 [95% CI, 0.83-0.94], respectively). Surgeons' management policies were assessed only by questionnaire at study onset. Most participants received upper-arm AVFs, planned 2-stage AVFs were excluded, and maturation time windows were imposed. Some care processes may have been missed and the observational design limits causal attribution. Multiple processes of care and complications are associated with AVF maturation outcomes.

Adherence to a Follow-Up Program Is Improving Weight Loss

Background/Aim of Study: Identifying the effect of adherence to a routine postoperative follow-up program on weight loss after surgery. Methods: Eighty-six patients who underwent a bariatric procedure were included. According to their compliance to follow-up visits, patients were classified into two groups: the Drop-Out group (patients who did not attend the follow-up appointments n = 45) and regular follow-up group (patients compliant with their scheduled postoperative appointments n = 41). Both groups were compared in terms of weight loss at four fixed time points: time of operation (T0), next to last (T1), last follow-up appointments (T2), and time of interview (T3). Results: Weight decreased in the time interval between T0 and T2 without a significant difference between both groups. A significant difference, however, was observed during the time interval T2 to T3, as weight continued to decrease among the regular follow-up patients versus a rise within the Drop-Outs patients (62.7 ± 24.1% vs. 49.9 ± 22.9%; p = 0.014). Conclusion: Adherence to a follow-up program is crucial to improve and sustain weight loss.

Open subpectoral biceps tenodesis in patients over 65 does not result in an increased rate of complications

Background Long head biceps tendon pathology is a common cause of anterior shoulder pain and is often associated with other shoulder conditions, such as rotator cuff tears and osteoarthritis. It is well accepted that older patients are at increased risk for major and minor peri- and postoperative complications. The purpose of this study is to investigate patients over 65 years old who underwent subpectoral biceps tenodesis and compare the complication rates of this group to those of patients younger than 65 years old. The hypothesis is, that there would be no difference in complication rates and that clinical outcome scores for patients over 65 were satisfying and showed improvements over time. Methods There were 337 patients who underwent open subpectoral biceps tenodesis, between January 2005 and June 2015, 22 (23 shoulders) were identified as being over the age of 65 with a minimum follow up of 12 months. All patients over the age of 65 were evaluated pre- and postoperatively using simple shoulder test (SST), American shoulder and elbow surgeons (ASES), Constant–Murley (CM) and single assessment numeric evaluation (SANE). Intraoperative and postoperative adverse events (fracture, infection, wound opening, rupture/failure and neurovascular injuries) related to the tenodesis procedure and to the surgery itself were collected from all 337 patients in a routine postoperative follow-up. Results The under 65 group (range 27–64 years) at an average follow-up (FU) of 30 months (range 12–91 months) showed a 5.4% (17 out of 314) postoperative complication rate related to the subpectoral tenodesis, whereas the group over 65 (range 65–77 years) at an average follow up of 33 months (range 12–79 months) showed an 8.7% (2 out of 23) complication rate. Conclusion This study demonstrates that, in patients over the age of 65, biceps tenodesis is a successful procedure when performed for biceps tendinopathy and concomitantly with other surgical procedures of the shoulder, and does not result in an increased rate of complications when compared to a group of patients under the age of 65.

Open subpectoral biceps tenodesis in patients over 65 does not result in an increased rate of complications

BackgroundLong head biceps tendon pathology is a common cause of anterior shoulder pain and is often associated with other shoulder conditions, such as rotator cuff tears and osteoarthritis. It is well accepted that older patients are at increased risk for major and minor peri- and postoperative complications.The purpose of this study is to investigate patients over 65 years old who underwent subpectoral biceps tenodesis and compare the complication rates of this group to those of patients younger than 65 years old. The hypothesis is, that there would be no difference in complication rates and that clinical outcome scores for patients over 65 were satisfying and showed improvements over time.MethodsThere were 337 patients who underwent open subpectoral biceps tenodesis, between January 2005 and June 2015, 23 were identified as being over the age of 65 with a minimum follow up of 12 months. All patients over the age of 65 were evaluated pre- and postoperatively using Simple Shoulder Test (SST), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Constant-Murley (CM) and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE). Intraoperative and postoperative adverse events (fracture, infection, wound opening, rupture/failure and neurovascular injuries) related to the tenodesis procedure and to the surgery itself were collected from all 337 patients in a routine postoperative follow-up.ResultsThe under 65 group (range 27–64 years) at an average follow up (FU) of 30 months (range 12–91 months) showed a 5.4% (17 out of 314) post-operative complication rate related to the subpectoral tenodesis, whereas the group over 65 (range 65–77 years) at an average follow up of 33 months (range 12–79 months) showed an 8.7% (2 out of 23) complication rate.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that in patients over the age of 65, biceps tenodesis is a successful procedure when performed for biceps tendinopathy and concomitantly with other surgical procedures of the shoulder, and does not result in an increased rate of complications when compared to a group of patients under the age of 65.

The 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale predicts the risk of recurrent falls in postoperative patients with cervical myelopathy.

Fall-induced injuries represent a major public health concern for older individuals. The relationship between risk of falling and the severity of locomotive syndrome (LS) remains largely unknown. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone surgery from January 2012 to December 2013 and completed at least 1 year of follow-up at 12 participating institutes. Patients completed a questionnaire survey regarding their fall experience during a routine postoperative follow-up. Questionnaire items included the number of falls during the prior postoperative year and the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25). The severity of cervical myelopathy was assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score. We analyzed the association between the incidence of falling and the severity of LS measured by the GLFS-25. Of 360 patients, 61 (16.9%) experienced 1 fall; 31 (8.6%), 2-3 falls; 4 (1.1%), 4-5 falls; and 6 (1.7%), ≥6 falls during the first postoperative year. Thus, 102 (28%) patients experienced at least 1 fall, and 41 (11%) experienced recurrent falls (2 or more falls) during the time period. The mean GLFS-25 score was 30.2±22.7, and 242 (62%) patients had GLFS-25 scores of 16 or higher, which fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for LS. When subjects were categorized into recurrent fallers and non-recurrent fallers, recurrent fallers had a significantly higher GLFS-25 score and a significantly lower extremity motor function score of the JOA score than non-recurrent fallers. The GLFS-25 and lower extremity motor function score of the JOA score yielded the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.674 and 0.607, respectively, to differentiate recurrent fallers from non-recurrent fallers. Postoperative patients with cervical myelopathy had a 62% prevalence of LS. The GLFS-25 may be useful to predict the risk of recurrent falls in patients with cervical myelopathy.

Sleep Disordered Breathing May Signal Laryngomalacia

Background: Pediatric anesthesiologists are often confronted with children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) presenting for tonsillectomy and/or anesthesia. The typical patient has symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with enlarged tonsils; however, a subset of patients may have underlying laryngomalacia (LM) without tonsillar hypertrophy. Both OSA and LM significantly increase the risk of intra- and postoperative airway obstruction and sensitivity to narcotics. The prevalence of LM may be underestimated, because direct laryngoscopy (DL) is not routinely performed in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with SDB who lack tonsillar hypertrophy. Aim: To identify the prevalence and DL findings in pediatric patients with SDB without tonsillar hypertrophy. Methods: Retrospective chart review of 108 patients with SDB who underwent general anesthesia for adenotonsillectomy (TA) or adenoidectomy with concomitant DL. The following data were collected: demographic information, medical comorbidities, polysomnography results, anesthetic techniques, and postoperative complications. Results: 94.5% of children had DL findings consistent with LM, including a retropositioned epiglottis and short aryepiglottic folds. Postglottic edema was observed in 42.2%, and these patients were significantly more likely to have a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux (P=0.023). 57.8% had vocal cord edema. 75.3% of children who received routine postoperative follow-up care experienced complete symptom resolution. Postoperative complications following discharge from hospital occurred in 12.4% of patients, and 15.7% underwent supraglottoplasty for continued SDB symptoms after TA or adenoidectomy. Conclusion: A substantial proportion of patients with SDB who lacked tonsillar hypertrophy had findings consistent with LM, suggesting that the larynx may be the primary site of upper airway obstruction in these patients. This has significant implications in terms of perioperative management. The majority of patients with SDB had symptomatic improvement following TA or adenoidectomy; however, a subset required further surgical intervention with supraglottoplasty.

Utility of Postoperative Imaging in Radial Shaft Fractures.

Postoperatively, radial shaft fractures are often followed clinically with serial radiographs to assess for fracture healing. Currently, there is no standard of care regarding postoperative imaging for these injuries. The purpose of this study is to determine whether imaging influences management decisions. Patients who presented to a level I trauma center between 2009 and 2014 with an operatively treated radial shaft fracture were retrospectively screened for inclusion in our study. Patients with ipsilateral ulna or radius fractures, or with inadequate imaging or inadequate follow-up, were excluded. Four blinded, board-certified, orthopedic surgeons reviewed the postoperative films twice for each patient and stated whether the imaging would influence management decisions. Images were separated into 3 groups based on time from surgery: 0 to 4 weeks, 4 to 8 weeks, and greater than 8 weeks. The number of times imaging influenced these hypothetical management decisions was recorded. Interobserver and intraobserver agreements were calculated using Fleiss's and Cohen's kappa coefficients, respectively. One hundred eighteen patients underwent operative fixation for an isolated radial shaft fracture, of whom 38 met inclusion criteria. Imaging from 0 to 4 weeks, 4 to 8 weeks, and greater than 8 weeks postoperatively resulted in a change of management in 0%, 32%, and 16% of patients, respectively. After 4 weeks, changes were primarily for immobilization and activity-level modification. Intraobserver and interobserver agreement kappa coefficients were 0.761 and 0.563, respectively. Films obtained within 4 weeks of surgery for radial shaft fractures are unlikely to change postoperative management and may not be warranted during routine postoperative follow-up.

Ad Integrum Functional and Volumetric Recovery in Right Lobe Living Donors: Is It Really Complete 1 Year After Donor Hepatectomy?

The partial liver's ability to regenerate both as a graft and remnant justifies right lobe (RL) living donor liver transplantation. We studied (using biochemical and radiological parameters) the rate, extent of, and predictors of functional and volumetric recovery of the remnant left liver (RLL) during the first year in 91 consecutive RL donors. Recovery of normal liver function (prothrombin time [PT] ≥70% of normal and total bilirubin [TB] ≤20 µmol/L), liver volumetric recovery, and percentage RLL growth were analyzed. Normal liver function was regained by postoperative day's 7, 30, and 365 in 52%, 86%, and 96% donors, respectively. Similarly, mean liver volumetric recovery was 64%, 71%, and 85%; whereas the percentage liver growth was 85%, 105%, and 146%, respectively. Preoperative PT value (p = 0.01), RLL/total liver volume (TLV) ratio (p = 0.03), middle hepatic vein harvesting (p = 0.02), and postoperative peak TB (p < 0.01) were predictors of early functional recovery, whereas donor age (p = 0.03), RLL/TLV ratio (p = 0.004), and TLV/ body weight ratio (p = 0.02) predicted early volumetric recuperation. One-year post-RL donor hepatectomy, though functional recovery occurs in almost all (96%), donors had incomplete restoration (85%) of preoperative total liver volume. Modifiable predictors of regeneration could help in better and safer donor selection, while continuing to ensure successful recipient outcomes.

Why the Perioperative Surgical Home Makes Sense for Veterans Affairs Health Care.

Why the Perioperative Surgical Home Makes Sense for Veterans Affairs Health Care.