Significant Intergroup Differences In Terms Research Articles

Comparative Outcome between Intracervical Catheterization and Vaginal Misoprostol in the Induction of Labour in Intrauterine Fetal Death

Background & Objective: Induction of labour (ILO) is a standard obstetric approach to terminate the pregnancy. But it is always a challenge to many an obstetrician and is more so when the cervix is unfavourable. The intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) itself does not constitute an indication for cesarean section and surgery should be reserved for specific conditions, since it increases maternal morbidity without any fetal advantage. The present study was undertaken to make a comparative evaluation of the outcome of intracervical Foley’s catheter insertion and vaginal misoprostol in the induction of labour in pregnant women with IUFD. Methods: This study was a comparative cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital over a period of one year between January to December 2013. A total 68 single-tone pregnant women with gestational age > 24 weeks, intact membrane and IUFD confirmed by sonography were consecutively included in the study. However, cases with temperature > 38˚C, placenta previa, chorioamnionitis, vaginal bleeding were excluded from the study. The recruited patients were randomly assigned to intracervical catheterization (ICC) and vaginal misoprostol (VMP) groups. While the independent variable was induction of labour, the outcome variables were time to induction, interval from induction to full-dilatation and thinning of the cervix (effacement) and time needed from induction to delivery. Results: More than one-quarter (27.9%) of the patients were 20 or < 20 years. The patients were predominantly primipara (63.2%). Around two-thirds of the patients in either study groups received 10 – 20 units of oxytocin with no significant intergroup difference in terms of oxytocin needed (p = 0.793). The difference between the two groups in terms of pethidine needed to get rid of the labour pain was not statistically significant (p = 0.278). Time to induction in majority of the patients of both groups was 13 or < 13 hours and there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of time to induction (p = 0.380). About one-third (32.4%) of VMP group required < 15 hours from induction to full-dilatation (effacement) of cervix as opposed to only 11.8% of the ICC group (p = 0.014). Over half (52.9%) of the VMP group delivered their dead fetus in < 18 hours as compared to 41.2% of the ICC group (p = 0.331). Conclusion: The study concluded that vaginal misoprostol is more effective and safe for cervical ripening and labour induction than Foley’s catheter in pregnant women with IUFD. Type and amount of analgesia needed and oxytocin required between VMP and ICC groups do not differ significantly. Ibrahim Card Med J 2022; 12 (1): 25-29

Study on clinical outcomes between non-transecting urethroplasty and lingual mucosal urethroplasty for iatrogenic bulbar urethral stricture treatment

BackgroundThis study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of non-transecting urethroplasty and lingual mucosal urethroplasty in the treatment of iatrogenic bulbar urethral stricture.ResultsA total of 25 patients with iatrogenic bulbar urethral stricture were enrolled, 12 of whom underwent lingual mucosal urethroplasty, 13 patients who underwent non-transecting urethroplasty. All patients were followed-up and evaluated at 3 postoperative months. Evaluations included urethrography, maximum urine flow rate (Qmax), nocturnal erectile function testing, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) assessment, and Anxiety Related Scale (SAS) assessment. In terms of operation time, there was a significant difference between non-transecting urethroplasty and lingual mucosal urethroplasty. However, there was no significant intergroup difference in intraoperative blood loss. Both techniques were associated with significantly improved Qmax relative to preoperative rates, but there was no significant difference between the groups in this regard over 3 months of postoperative follow-up. Nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity results showed that there was no significant change in tip hardness after surgery in the non-transecting urethroplasty group. Moreover, IIEF-5 scores indicated that there was no significant intergroup difference in terms of subjective postoperative erectile function. According to the preliminary psychological evaluations during postoperative follow-up, the anxiety scores of patients undergoing non-transecting urethroplasty significantly improved, but there was no significant change in the mean SAS score among patients who underwent lingual mucosal urethroplasty.ConclusionBoth surgical methods can achieve the clinical goal of treating iatrogenic bulbar urethral stricture. Non-transecting urethroplasty has the characteristics of short operation time, relative technical simplicity, and retention of the original erectile function of most patients, and the surgical outcomes of non-transecting urethroplasty are not inferior to those of lingual mucosal urethroplasty, and it is a promising technique for widespread use to treat bulbar urethral strictures.

Clinical Characteristics of Acute Appendicitis in Pregnancy: 10-Year Experience at a Single Institution in South Korea.

Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of non-obstetric surgical disease in pregnant women. The diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis during pregnancy are very important because it can cause life-threatening morbidity to the fetus and mother. We evaluated the clinical characteristics of acute appendicitis in pregnant women. We retrospectively reviewed a medical database that included patients who underwent surgery for acute appendicitis at our hospital from January 2013 through December 2022. We compared non-pregnant women of reproductive age with pregnant women. We classified the pregnant women according to gestational age. A total of 828 patients were reproductive-aged women between 15 and 44 years old. There were 759 non-pregnant patients and 69 pregnant patients. ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) physical status classes were significantly higher and hospital stays were significantly longer in the pregnant group. There was no significant intergroup difference in terms of the proportions of complicated appendicitis, extended surgery, or complications. When the enrolled pregnant women were divided into three subgroups according to gestational age, the mean operation time was longest in the third-trimester subgroup. There were no differences among the subgroups in terms of the proportions of complicated appendicitis, extended surgery, or complications, nor were there differences among the subgroups in terms of laboratory findings. Preterm labor and stillbirth occurred in two pregnant women with complicated appendicitis in the second trimester. Immediate surgical treatment should be strongly considered in pregnant women with appendicitis. Efforts for more accurate diagnosis are needed for pregnant women with appendicitis.

Assessment of maternal serum SERPINC1, E-selectin, P-selectin, and RBP4 levels in pregnancies with early- and late-onset preeclampsia.

To investigate whether the SERPINC1, E-selectin, P-selectin, and RBP4 levels in first trimester maternal serum was associated with the presence of preeclampsia (PE). This cross-sectional study was conducted on 26 women with early-onset preeclampsia (EO-PE), 27 women with late-onset preeclampsia (LO-PE), and 27 women with uncomplicated pregnancies. Levels of serum SERPINC1, E-selectin, P-selectin, and RBP4 were measured with the use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. E-Selectin levels in patients with EO-PE were higher than those with LO-PE and control patients (pE-L =0.025; pE-C =0.000; p < 0.05). There was no significant intergroup difference in terms of P-selectin and RBP4 levels (p > 0.05). SERPINC1 levels were lower in the patients in the with EO-PE group than in those in the LO-PE and the control groups (pE-L =0.000; pE-C =0.000; p < 0.05). In the PE group, there was a negative, moderate (41.7%) correlation between E-selectin level and SERPINC1 (p=0.002; p < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that the best cut-off values for E-selectin were 23.14 ng/ml > with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The ROC curve showed that the best cut-off values for SERPINC1 were ≤87.76 ng/ml with 98.1% sensitivity and 96.3% specificity. Of the endothelial damage parameters, E-selectin and SERPINC1 are especially associated with EO-PE. Furthermore, they can be used as potential early diagnosis markers in the prediction of PE.

Determining the Role of Immunoglobulin Levels in Children with Febrile Seizures.

Febrile seizures are the most common form of convulsive disorder in childhood. The mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of febrile seizure remain unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the immunoglobulin (IG) sub-group levels in children with febrile seizures. The patients with a diagnosis of febrile seizure with an age range of 1-7 years who attended the clinic were included in the study. Neurologically normal and age- and sex-matched children with no history of febrile seizures were considered as controls. A total of 64 patients and 100 control subjects participated in this study. There were no significant inter-group differences in terms of sex and age of the participants (p >.05). There was no statistical difference between case and control groups for serum lymphocyte count, IgA, IgG, IgM, IgE levels, and anti-HB response (p >.05). Our study demonstrated that there is no difference in humoral immunity between children with febrile seizures and control subjects with the same age range.

Sex-related differences in the effect of rotational thrombectomy for thrombus-containing lower limbs ischemic lesions

BackgroundTo assess the immediate effect and factors affecting the efficacy of rotational thrombectomy (RT) in patients with thrombus-containing lower-limb ischaemic lesions.MethodsPatients were retrospectively divided into two groups: RT and RT+ CDT (Catheter-directed thrombolysis). The RT group included patients in whom intraoperative thrombus aspiration was successful, while the RT + CDT group included patients in whom intraoperative thrombus aspiration was less effective and remedial CDT treatment was used. The primary outcome was the immediate effect of RT on thrombus-containing lower-limb ischaemic lesions.ResultsFrom May 2015 to July 2021, 170 patients (113 men, 57 women; mean age, 74.0 years) with thrombus-containing lower-limb ischaemic lesions were treated in our centre. Of these patients, 113 received RT only, while 57 received RT + CDT. There were no significant intergroup differences in terms of age, disease duration, or comorbidities, but a higher proportion of male patients and higher preoperative plasma D-dimer levels (1.23 vs. 0.84; p = .017) was observed in the RT + CDT group. There were no significant intergroup differences in terms of diagnosis, lesion characteristics, lesion location, or lesion length. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that male sex (odds ratio [OR], 2.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.098–6.410; p = .030) and poor distal runoff (OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.439–5.988; p = .003) were associated with higher rates of additional CDT. Male patients also had a significantly longer onset time, more thrombotic occlusions, and a greater frequency of in-stent restenosis.ConclusionsRT alone or with CDT is a feasible primary treatment option for thrombus debulking. Sex significantly influences the effect of RT on thrombus-containing lower-limb ischaemic lesions.

Analiza stanu zdrowia psychicznego i problemów ze snem wśród personelu pielęgniarskiego i położniczego w dobie pandemii COVID-19

Introduction: Nursing and midwifery staff members are at high risk of mental disorders. Depression, anxiety, and insomnia are commonly reported symptoms among healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chronic insomnia leads to lower quality of life, worse professional performance, and deterioration of cognitive function. Moreover, it increases the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Material and methods: The study included 235 nurses (n =133) and midwives (n =102). The diagnostic methods included a descriptive and demographic questionnaire, The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). The study was conducted using an online survey. Results: There are no statistically significant intergroup differences in terms of mental state, sleep quality and the insomnia level in the groups of nurses and midwives. 9% of subjects used psychological support and revealed lower assessment of their mental health, poorer sleep quality and the higher insomnia rate. The stable mental health of nurses and midwives positively correlated with the sleep quality and negatively with the insomnia level. 63% of study participants assessed their sleep quality as low. The symptoms of clinical insomnia were present in 35% of subjects. Conclusions: Insomnia is a serious health problem for nursing and midwifery staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. The implementation of preventive programmes focused on medical workers’ mental health should be a priority in prevention of long-term consequences of sleep problems and insomnia

Factors reducing psychological satisfaction after the Nuss procedure in pediatric patients.

We examined patient satisfaction with postoperative chest appearance after Nuss procedure and analyzed the factors for postoperative low satisfaction. We retrospectively reviewed data of 133 patients who underwent the Nuss procedure from 2000 to 2016. Their medical records, X-rays, and computed tomography scans were evaluated. Haller index and concave rate were used as objective indices of the deformity. The questionnaires were used to evaluate satisfaction with the chest appearance by a linear scale including five markers (1: dissatisfaction, 5: satisfaction). The patients were divided into two groups: the low satisfaction (score=1, 2) and the high satisfaction (score=3-5). The median age during the Nuss procedure was 7.6 (interquartile range, 5.8-12.8)years. Out of 133, 65 patients replied, and the mean postoperative satisfaction score was 3.8 ± 0.2. Out of the 65 respondents, 16 patients (24.6%) were classified as low satisfaction group. Haller index and concave rate were significantly higher and the previous instances of chest operation history were more frequent in the low satisfaction group than in the high satisfaction group, although there was no significant intergroup difference in terms of the postoperative concave rate. Severe deformity and previous chest operation history were considered to be factors for low satisfaction.

Investigation of serum and adipose tissue levels of asprosin in patients with severe obesity undergoing sleeve gastrectomy.

This study aimed to reveal the relationship between obesity and asprosin (fibrillin-1) in patients undergoing bariatric surgery and to investigate the role of asprosin in obesity etiopathogenesis. The study included 37 patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for severe obesity and 37 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis in the study and control groups, respectively. Blood samples were collected from the patients in the preoperative period to measure biochemical parameters. Blood samples were collected at 6 months postoperatively from the patients in the study group to compare their pre- and postoperative serum asprosin levels. A significant intergroup difference in terms of mean asprosin levels in adipose tissue was noted (p=0.001). A comparison of preoperative and postoperative 6-month serum asprosin levels in the study group showed significant differences (p=0.021). The area under the curve of asprosin tissue levels was 78.1%, and the cutoff value was 217.34 ng/g of protein, with a sensitivity and specificity of 73.0%. Tissue levels of asprosin were found to increase the risk of obesity by a factor of 1.018 (odds ratio; 95% CI: 1.008-1.027). Serum asprosin levels decreased significantly at 6 months after bariatric surgery. Adipose tissue of patients with obesity showed high asprosin levels and immunoreactivity. In conclusion, asprosin levels in adipose tissue were considered a potential independent risk factor in obesity etiopathogenesis.

Predictors of the need for rib resection in minimally invasive retroperitoneal approach for oblique lateral interbody fusion at upper lumbar spine (L1-2 and L2-3)

BackgroundThis study aimed to identify factors that can predict the need for rib resection in a minimally invasive, oblique retroperitoneal approach for upper lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF at L1-3) using modern tubular retractors. MethodsEighty-six patients, who underwent L1-2 and/or L2-3 OLIF at a single institution, were included. Decision for rib resection was made through intraoperative fluoroscopic view (true lateral view of the desired level). Patients were divided into two groups according to rib resection (rib resection and non-rib resection groups). Baseline demographics, surgical and radiographic data, including coronal/sagittal spinopelvic parameters and perioperative complications, were compared between the groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors predicting the need for rib resection. ResultsThe study cohort comprised 31 patients in the rib resection group and 55 patients in the non-rib resection group. There was no significant inter-group difference in terms of the baseline demographics. A total of 79% patients undergoing the two-level (both L1-2 and L2-3) procedures were rib-resected, while 81.6% of the patients undergoing the L2-3 level alone were not rib-resected. Endplate injuries occurred more commonly in the non-rib resection group (3% vs. 14%). Pleural laceration was observed in 6% of the patients in the rib resection group. The mean T10-L2 kyphosis was larger in the rib resection group than in the non-rib resection group (14.9° vs. 6.6°, P = 0.031). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the following independent predictors of the need for rib resection: an L1-2 inclusive procedure; T10-L2 kyphosis > 15.9°; and the apex of the coronal curve located above L2. Conclusion: The need for rib resection should be expected when performing L1-2 inclusive procedure. Even in the L2-3 alone case, aggressive decision-making for intraoperative rib resection might be required for an appropriate tubular retractor position, especially for patients with thoracolumbar kyphosis and apex vertebra of the major coronal curve located above L2.

Short versus Longer Implants in Sites without the Need for Bone Augmentation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Objectives: The present systematic review and meta-analysis aims to analyse the clinical performance of short compared to longer implants inserted in sites without the need for bone augmentation. Methods: The protocol of the present PRISMA-driven meta-analysis was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021264781). Electronic and manual searches were performed up to January 2022. All Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) comparing short (≤6 mm) to longer (≥8.5 mm) implants placed in non-atrophic and non-augmented sites were included. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized clinical trials (RoB 2) and the quality of evidence was determined with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. A meta-analysis was performed on implant survival rate, marginal bone level change (MBLc), and technical and biological complications at the available follow-up time points. The power of the meta-analytic findings was determined by trial sequential analysis (TSA). Results: From 1485 initial records, 13 articles were finally included. No significant difference was found in the survival rate between short and long implant at any follow-up (moderate quality of evidence). Significantly more bone loss for long implants at 1 and 5 years from implant placement and more technical complications with short implants at 10 years were found. No other significant inter-group differences in terms of MBLc and biological complications were detected. Conclusions: Moderate evidence exists suggesting that short implants perform as well as longer ones in the rehabilitation of edentulous sites without the need for bone augmentation. Further long-term, well-designed RCTs, however, are still needed to provide specific evidence-based clinical recommendations for an extended use of short implants in non-atrophic sites.

EVALUATION OF PAIN, ANXIETY AND HEMODYNAMIC PARAMETERS IN THE GROUPS LİSTENING AND NOT LISTENING TO MUSIC IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY

This study was conducted to determine the effect of music listened to during compulsory bed rest after coronary angiography on pain, anxiety and hemodynamic parameters experienced by patients. 80 patients were randomized into the music and control groups. The patients in the music group were allowed to listen to music (Sufi, relaxing, sounds of nature) preferred by them for 20-30 minutes half an hour after admission to the service for follow-up after angiography. No music was listened for the control group. The pain, anxiety, and hemodynamic parameters of the patients were measured before, immediately after, one hour after listening to music, and at discharge. Descriptive statistics, Student t, Mann Whitney U, Repeat Measurament, Fridman and Chi-square tests were used to evaluate the data. There was no statistically significant intergroup difference in terms of average scores of pain and anxiety and hemodynamic parameters at the baseline (p&gt;0.05). The difference between the average scores of pain and anxiety between groups in all measurements after listening to music was found to be significant (p&lt;0.05). The mean anxiety and pain scores of the patients in the study group were lower. In the study group, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate decreased, and oxygen saturation increased in all measurements after listening to music (p&lt;0.05).

Karbonmonoksit zehirlenmesi olan çocuklarda hiperbarik ve normobarik oksijen tedavilerinin elektrokardiyografinin repolarizasyon parametreleri üzerindeki etkilerinin karşılaştırılması

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) induced hyper-oxygenation and normobaric oxygen therapy (NBOT) on myocardial repolarisation parameters in children with carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 77 girls and boys aged 0–18 years who were diagnosed and treated for CO poisoning. There were no changes in the routine clinical evaluation and treatment practices of patients. Patients who received NBOT (n=40) and HBOT (n=37) were divided into two groups. These groups were compared in terms of their demographic characteristics, carboxyhaemoglobin, lactate, troponin levels and myocardial repolarisation parameters of electrocardiography (ECG) (Tp-e interval, Tp-e dispersion, QTc and Tp-e/QTc ratio).&#x0D; Results: There were no significant intergroup differences in terms of carboxyhaemoglobin, lactate and troponin levels at the time of admission; admission and post-treatment Tp-e, Tp-e dispersion, corrected QTc and TPe/QTc ratio and post-treatment change rates of each ECG parameter.&#x0D; Conclusion: There was no intergroup difference in terms of repolarisation parameters of ECG in children with CO poisoning. The possible reason for this may be myocardial reperfusion damage due to hyper-oxygenation associated with HBOT therapy.

A standardized procedure for upper mediastinal lymph node dissection improves the safety and efficacy of robotic McKeown oesophagectomy.

Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy is a common complication of upper mediastinal lymph node dissection (UMLND) in the context of oesophageal cancer surgery. In an effort to reduce its occurrence, we developed a standardised surgical procedure that allows flexible suspension of the left RLN during robotic McKeown oesophagectomy. Patients who received robotic McKeown oesophagectomy for cancer were divided into two groups (pre and poststandardisation). Perioperative outcomes were retrospectively compared. The pre and poststandardisation groups consisted of 44 and 42 patients, respectively. There were no significant intergroup differences in terms of number of dissected lymph nodes. Compared with the prestandardisation group, patients treated after standardisation had a markedly lowered incidence of left RLN palsy (20.5% vs. 4.8%, respectively, p=0.029) and a reduced mean thoracic operating time (161.05 vs. 131min, respectively, p<0.001). Our standardised surgical approach is efficient and may increase the safety of UMLND.

Allogenic umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stromal cell implantation was superior to bone marrow aspirate concentrate augmentation for cartilage regeneration despite similar clinical outcomes.

The aim of this study was to compare clinical and second-look arthroscopic outcomes between bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) augmentation and human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stromal cell (hUCB-MSC) implantation in high tibial osteotomy (HTO) for medial compartmental knee osteoarthritis and identify the relationship between articular cartilage regeneration and HTO outcomes. A total of 176 patients who underwent HTO combined with a BMAC or hUCB-MSC procedure for medial compartment osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3) between June 2014 and September 2018 with a minimum follow-up of 2years were reviewed. After HTO, multiple holes were drilled at cartilage defect sites of the medial femoral condyle (MFC), and then prepared BMAC or hUCB-MSCs in combination with scaffolds were implanted in the MFC lesions. After propensity score matching based on sex, age, body mass index, and lesion size, 55 patients in each of the BMAC and hUCB-MSC groups were successfully matched. Second-look arthroscopic findings were assessed according to the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) Cartilage Repair Assessment (CRA) grading system and Koshino staging system. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Short-Form 36 (SF-36), and Tegner activity scores. At a mean follow-up of 33months, clinical outcomes including IKDC, KOOS, SF-36, and Tegner activity scores were significantly improved in both groups (p < 0.001); however, there were no differences between the two groups. Second-look arthroscopy showed better healing of regenerated cartilage in the hUCB-MSC group (Grade I [4 cases, 9.1%]; Grade II [30 cases, 68.2%]; Grade III [11 cases, 22.7%]) than in the BMAC group (Grade I [1 case, 2.7%]; Grade II [20 cases, 54.1%]; Grade III [11 cases, 29.7%]; Grade IV [5 cases, 13.5%]) according to the ICRS CRA grading system (p = 0.040). There was no significant intergroup difference in terms of defect coverage based on the Koshino staging system (p = 0.057). Moreover, ICRS CRA grades at second-look arthroscopy were significantly correlated with clinical outcomes (r = -0.337; p = 0.002). There were no significant differences in the clinical outcomes between the two groups. Both treatments provided similar, reliable outcomes in terms of pain relief, functional scores, and quality of life at a mean follow-up of 33months. However, hUCB-MSC implantation was more effective than BMAC augmentation for articular cartilage regeneration.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of thoracoscopic versus open esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: a population-based study.

The question as to whether the clinical benefits of video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy (VATE) do outweigh its increased costs remains unanswered. Here, we analyzed the cost-effectiveness of VATE versus open esophagectomy (OE) in a real-world setting. Using 2008-2015 Taiwanese Health Insurance claim data, we identified 3271 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent transthoracic esophagectomy. By taking into account nine confounding variables, we constructed a 1:1 propensity score-matched sample of patients who underwent VATE or OE (n = 629 each). Direct costs incurred within three years after surgery and survival were analyzed. There were no significant intergroup differences in terms of R0 resection rates, length of stay, as well as 30- and 90-day mortality and unplanned readmission rates. However, the number of dissected nodes was higher in the VATE group (median: 24 vs. 18, P < 0.001). While VATE had higher index hospitalization costs (median, 12331 USD vs. 10730 USD, P < 0.001), cost differences were reduced over time. The average accumulated cost person-month of VATE declined below that of OE at 14months after hospital discharge. Overall survival (OS) figures were more favorable for patients treated with VATE (3-year OS: 47% vs. 41%; life expectancy: 4.04 life-years [LY] vs. 3.30 LY). The cost-effectiveness plane showed that only 0.3% of all VATE procedures were more costly and less effective than OE. The probabilities for VATE to be cost-effective at the willingness-to-pay (WTP) thresholds of 10000 and 50000 USD/LY were 63.5% and 92.4%, respectively. Using commonly accepted WTP thresholds, VATE was more cost-effective than OE for patients with esophageal cancer.

A matched comparison of outcomes between percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy and open lumbar microdiscectomy for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation: a 2-year retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND CONTEXTAlthough open lumbar microdiscectomy (OLMD) is considered to be the gold standard method for discectomy, recent progress in endoscopic spinal surgery has increased the popularity of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) for this indication. However, one of the main drawbacks of PELD is incomplete decompression, especially at the start of the surgeon's learning curve. The functional outcomes of PELD and OLMD in patients matched for age, hernia level, and hernia location have not previously been compared. PURPOSETo compare OLMD with PELD in terms of the clinical outcome and the time to recovery. STUDY DESIGNRetrospective, matched cohort study. PATIENT SAMPLEData of all patients who underwent elective spinal surgery between January 2015 and June 2017 were extracted from the local database. OUTCOME MEASURESClinical outcomes were assessed using a 0-to-10 visual analogue scale (VAS) for lower back pain (LBP) and leg pain were scored before surgery and at postoperative day 1 and at each follow-up visit (3, 12, and 24 months), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI: 0%–100%), the length of hospital stay, time to resumption of work, recurrence of Lumbar disc herniation, procedure failures, and complications. METHODSThe participants were matched for age, disc level, and location of the herniated disk (central and paracentral vs. far-lateral). The participants’ mean±standard deviation age was 47.09±12.55 (range: 28–70). We compared the various clinical outcomes between the two groups to identify which procedure had better immediate and long-term functional outcomes. The differences in mortality and occurrence of postoperative complications were also compared in patients with PELD versus controls. RESULTSFifty-eight patients were enrolled (29 with PELD and 29 with OLMD). Both groups reported significant reductions in LBP and leg pain (p<0.01) postoperatively and an improvement in the ODI at 24 months postsurgery. The intergroup difference in the VAS for LBP at 1 day and 3 months was statistically significant (1.48 vs. 3.5, and 1.62 vs. 2.72, respectively; p=0.01 and 0.026, respectively) but the intergroup difference in the ODI was not. The mean length of hospital stay and the time to resumption of work were significantly shorter in the PELD group than in the OLMD group (2.55 vs. 3.21 days, and 4.45 vs. 6.62 weeks, respectively; p=0.037 and 0.01, respectively. There were no significant intergroup differences in terms of complications, recurrence, or procedure failures. CONCLUSIONSBoth PELD and OLMD can provide equivalent, satisfactory outcomes. However, PELD demonstrated several potential advantages, including more rapid recovery and lower LBP early on. Further large-scale, randomized studies with long-term follow-up are now warranted.

Bone marrow aspirate concentration provided better results in cartilage regeneration to microfracture in knee of osteoarthritic patients.

To determine whether microfracture with bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) improves functional outcome and cartilage regeneration better than microfracture alone in patients undergoing high tibial osteotomy (HTO) for medial unicompartmental osteoarthritis (OA). Among 436 patients treated with HTO for medial unicompartmental OA with varus deformity between 2010 and 2016, clinical outcomes were retrospectively compared between the microfracture alone group (group I, 43 cases) and microfracture with BMAC augmentation group (group II, 48 cases). Of these, 64 patients underwent a second-look arthroscopic assessment. Clinical outcomes were compared based on the Knee Society Score (KSS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC). Cartilage regeneration was assessed according to Koshino's staging system and the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) Cartilage Repair Assessment (CRA) grading system. At the last follow-up, there were no significant intergroup differences in terms of KSS for pain and function (p > 0.05). Moreover, WOMAC scores were similar between the two groups (p > 0.05). Regarding second-look arthroscopy findings, according to Koshino's staging system, there was no significant intergroup difference in terms of defect coverage (p = 0.187). However, group II showed a significantly better mean CRA score than group I (p = 0.035). There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes and cartilage regeneration between the groups. However, the CRA score was significantly higher with BMAC augmentation and microfracture than microfracture alone. Therefore, BMAC augmentation had a synergistic effect for a better cartilage regeneration, although studies with a longer follow-up might help to confirm whether microfracture with BMAC augmentation would ensure better clinical outcomes than microfracture alone for the treatment of knee OA.

Conservative vs. surgical approach for degenerative meniscal injuries: a systematic review of clinical evidence.

Analyzing the available evidence by comparing the role of arthroscopic surgery and conservative treatment in the management of degenerative meniscopathy. A literature search was carried out on the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and PEDro databases in May 2019 to identify all the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing arthroscopic surgery to conservative management of painful but stable degenerated menisci. The quality of the RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment. A total of 10 studies, including 1525 patients and dealing with conservative treatment vs. arthroscopic surgery were included in this review. In eight studies the effectiveness of exercise therapy was compared to surgery; in one study the effectiveness of intra-articular steroid injection was compared to surgery; in one study the effectiveness of placebo surgery was compared to partial meniscectomy. In all studies, no significant inter-group difference in terms of knee pain and knee function were observed at any follow-up evaluation. Degenerative meniscal tears, without symptoms of locking and catching, can be successfully managed by a proper regimen of physical therapy as a first line treatment. Surgical approach might be considered in case of poor response after conservative treatment.

Efficacy and Safety of Probiotics, Prebiotics and Synbiotics in the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Treatments that target alterations in gut microbiota may be beneficial for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted of randomised clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy and safety of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics. Factors considered in the analysis included global IBS symptoms and/or abdominal pain, secondary symptoms and the frequency of adverse events. A total of 33 RCTs involving 4,321 patients were identified. Overall, probiotics significantly improved global IBS symptoms compared to placebos (standardised mean difference = −0.32, 95% confidence interval: −0.48 to −0.15; P <0.001), with significant heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 72%; P <0.001). This remained apparent in both single- and multi-strain probiotic interventions as well as synbiotic formulations. However, evidence regarding prebiotics was scarce. There were no significant inter-group differences in terms of the frequency of adverse events. Future RCTs should address methodological limitations, including short follow-up periods and patient adherence.