Significant Reduction In Recurrence Rate Research Articles

Should we all switch to en-bloc resection of bladder tumours?

In En-Bloc Resection of Bladder Tumours (ERBT), tumours are not removed in fragments, but are dissected in one layer and, if possible, extracted in one piece. This method represents a significant shift in the surgical management of non-muscle-invasive bladder tumours, providing multiple benefits over the traditional transurethral resection of the bladder (TUR-B). The histological analysis of ERBT specimens is more accurate, enhancing diagnostic precision. Additionally, the presence of detrusor muscle in ERBT specimens is more frequent, indicating a more complete removal of the tumours. Recent years have seen the consolidation of a robust evidence base emphasizing the advantages of ERBT. Notably, a multicentric, prospective randomized trial has recently revealed a significant reduction in recurrence rates at 12 months follow-up compared with TUR-B. Experienced endourologists should explore this technique, as it may soon become the standard of care. The technique's elegance and effectiveness make it too important to be ignored.

STRONGHOLD first-year results of biomechanically calculated abdominal wall repair: a propensity score matching

PurposeEvery year around 70,000 people in Germany suffer from an abdominal incisional hernia that requires surgical treatment. Five years after reconstruction about 25% reoccur. Incisional hernias are usually closed with mesh using various reconstruction techniques, summarized here as standard reconstruction (SR). To improve hernia repair, we established a concept for biomechanically calculated reconstructions (BCR). In the BCR, two formulas enable customized patient care through standardized biomechanical measures. This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes of SR and BCR of incisional hernias after 1 year of follow-up based on the Herniamed registry.MethodsSR includes open retromuscular mesh augmented incisional hernia repair according to clinical guidelines. BCR determines the required strength (Critical Resistance to Impacts related to Pressure = CRIP) preoperatively depending on the hernia size. It supports the surgeon in reliably determining the Gained Resistance, based on the mesh-defect-area-ratio, further mesh and suture factors, and the tissue stability. To compare SR and BCR repair outcomes in incisional hernias at 1 year, propensity score matching was performed on 15 variables. Included were 301 patients with BCR surgery and 23,220 with standard repair.ResultsBCR surgeries show a significant reduction in recurrences (1.7% vs. 5.2%, p = 0.0041), pain requiring treatment (4.1% vs. 12.0%, p = 0.001), and pain at rest (6.9% vs. 12.7%, p = 0.033) when comparing matched pairs. Complication rates, complication-related reoperations, and stress-related pain showed no systematic difference.ConclusionBiomechanically calculated repairs improve patient care. BCR shows a significant reduction in recurrence rates, pain at rest, and pain requiring treatment at 1-year follow-up compared to SR.

Complications From Subdural Drains in Burr Hole Drainage of Chronic and Subacute Subdural Haematomas: A Single-Centre Experience.

Introduction The use of drains following the burr-hole evacuation of chronic (CSDH) and subacute subdural haematomas (SASDH) is a well-established practice offering a significant reduction in recurrence rates and improvement of survival. The purpose of this work is to investigate the complication rate of subdural drains following the burr-hole evacuation of CSDH and SASDH. Methods A retrospective review of the clinical records of all patients managed surgically for CSDH or SASDH was conducted. Patients over 18 years, that met the criteria for surgical evacuation, were included in this study. Patients admitted for CSDH or SASDH but managed either conservatively or with craniotomy were excluded from further analysis. Results A total of 97 cases, with a mean age at the time of diagnosis of 78.25 years were identified in which 122 drains were used. Three complications, two acute subdural haematomas, and one case of drain-associated seizures were identified, yielding an overall complication rate of 3%. Conclusion The use of intradural drains is associated with a small, yet not negligible, possibility of serious complications.

Fibrin glue versus autologous platelet-rich fibrin - comparison of effectiveness on the cohort of patients with fistula-in-ano undergoing video-assisted anal fistula treatment.

Context:Minimally invasive sphincter preserving procedures like ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) and video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) are being increasingly used in the treatment of fistula-in-ano. The addition of adjuncts like fibrin glue has improved the results for VAAFT. Our unit has used platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) as an innovative adjunct for VAAFT.Aims:To compare the effectiveness of two different adjuncts, fibrin glue and autologous PRF, used to fill the treated fistula tracts following VAAFT.Settings and Design:Retrospective observational study on a cohort of patients undergoing VAAFT at a tertiary centre between 2015 and 2020 comparing two adjuncts used with VAAFT procedure.Subjects and Methods:Data of patients who underwent VAAFT for fistula-in-ano were obtained from the hospital database. Group A included patients treated with fibrin as adjunct and PRF as adjunct in Group B. Patients were followed up at 1, 3 and 6 months post-operatively and by a telephonic interview in 2020 to ascertain recent status. All data were entered into an excel sheet.Statistical Analysis Used:Data were analysed using SPSS V20 to test the statistical significance of the difference in the mean healing time between two groups, Mann–Whitney U-test was used and for age, Student's t-test was used.Results:There were 41 patients in Group A and 24 in Group B. There was a significant reduction in recurrence rate in Group B (P = 0.032) and in those patients who had a single internal opening (P = 0.045), single external opening (P = 0.03) and complex tracts (P = 0.033). PRF was cheaper than Fibrin glue.Conclusions:PRF is more effective and economical with lower recurrence rates.

Efficacy and Safety of Adding Low-Dose Isotretinoin to Itraconazole in the Treatment of Chronic Recurrent Dermatophytosis among Sample of Iraqi Patients: An Open-Labelled Therapeutic Clinical Comparative Study.

An increasing number of dermatophytosis is seen now in daily clinical practice, with unusual presentations, running a chronic recurrent course and seems to be more resistant to systemic and topical conventional treatments, which necessitate the use of other treatment options that help to cure these challenging clinical conditions such as isotretinoin along with itraconazole. This is a prospective randomised open-label therapeutic comparative clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of low-dose isotretinoin along with itraconazole to treat and reduce the recurrence of this distressing chronic recurrent dermatophytosis. Eighty-one patients with chronic recurrent dermatophytosis with positive mycological examination were recruited, all of them received itraconazole for 7 days per month for 2 consecutive months duration; half of them were randomly chosen to receive low-dose isotretinoin every other day for 2 months in addition to itraconazole. All patients were followed up at monthly intervals for 6 months. The patients who received isotretinoin along with itraconazole showed earlier and complete clearance in 97.5% with a significantly low recurrence rate (12.8%) in comparison with those who received itraconazole alone where the cure rate was relatively slower reported in 53.7% of the patients with a relapse rate of 68.1% with no significant side effects. Low-dose isotretinoin with itraconazole seems to be safe, effective and promising choice in the treatment of chronic recurrent dermatophytosis as it induced earlier complete cure with a significant reduction of recurrence rate.

Surgeon's experience and clinical outcome after retropubic tension-free vaginal tape-A case series.

The retropubic tension-free vaginal tape procedure has been the preferred method for primary surgical treatment of stress and stress-dominant mixed urinary incontinence in women for more than 20years. In this study, we assessed associations between surgeon's experience with the primary tension-free vaginal tape procedure and both perioperative complications and recurrence rates. Using a consecutive case-series design, we assessed 596 patients treated with primary retropubic tension-free vaginal tape surgery performed by 18 surgeons from 1998 through 2012, with follow up through 2015 (maximum follow-up time: 10years per patient). Data on perioperative complications and recurrence of stress urinary incontinence from medical records was transferred to a case report form. Surgeon's experience with the tension-free vaginal tape procedure was defined as number of such procedures performed as lead surgeon (1-19 ["beginners"], 20-49 and ≥50 procedures). All analyses were done with a 5% level of statistical significance. We applied the Chi-square test in the assessment of perioperative complications. The regression analyses of recurrence rate by number of tension-free vaginal tape procedures performed were restricted to the three surgeons who performed ≥50 procedures. We found a significantly higher rate of bladder perforations (P=.03) and a higher rate of urinary retentions among patients whose tension-free vaginal tape procedures were performed by "beginners" (P=.06). We observed a significant reduction in recurrence rates with increasing number of tension-free vaginal tape procedures for one surgeon (P=.03). Surgeon's experience with the tension-free vaginal tape procedure is associated with the risk of bladder perforation and urinary retention, and may be associated with the long-term effectiveness of the procedure.

1355 To Evaluate the Difference of the Efficacy of Usual Cyclic Low-Dose Monophasic Oral Contraceptive (OC) Versus Dienogest (DNG) Hormonal Therapy in the Recurrence of after Laparoscopic Excision of Ovarian Endometrioma

Study Objective To evaluate the efficacy of usual cyclic low-dose monophasic oral contraceptive (OC) use versus dienogest (DNG) in the recurrence of endometrioma after surgery. Design Retrospectively reviewed. Setting 155 patients aged from 20 years old to 40 years old who underwent laparoscopic excision of ovarian endometriomas in the department of obstetrics and gynecology of Toho University sakura medical center between April 2009 and March 2015. Patients or Participants All patients were reproductive-aged women with regular menstruation and did not want to get pregnant promptly after surgery. Interventions In the presence of endometrioma, cystectomy was performed and resection of all visible endometriosis was performed with the use of standard laparoscopic equipment. Following surgery, patients chose to receive OC, DNG for 1 year or no medication. The patients were evaluated at 3-month intervals during the following years after surgery. The recurrence rate was observed at 36 months postoperatively. Measurements and Main Results A significant reduction in recurrence rate was evident in OC and DNG users versus nonusers at 36 months postoperatively. Postoperative DNG use dramatically decreased the risk of ovarian endometrioma recurrence. Overall, there were no differences between the no recurrence and recurrence groups in terms of age, BMI, or tumor size. It was also noted that most of the OC user recurrent endometriomas were bilateral, multilocular, associated with DIE and stage IV by rASRM classification. Conclusion A significant reduction in recurrence rate was evident in OC and DNG users postoperative hormonal therapy. The stage and severity of endometriosis was significant higher in OC user recurrence group. Therefore, DNG therapy is the best option for prevention of recurrence.

Effective Dosage of Oral Vancomycin in Treatment for Initial Episode of Clostridioides difficile Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Oral vancomycin is a first line treatment for an initial episode of Clostridioides difficile infection. However, the comparative efficacy of different dosing regimens is lacking evidence in the current literature. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov. from inception to May 2019. Only articles published in English are reviewed. This meta-analysis compares the effects of low dose oral vancomycin (<2 g per day) versus high dose vancomycin (2 g per day) for treatment of initial Clostridioides difficile infection. Results: One randomized controlled trial and two retrospective cohort studies are included. A total of 137 patients are identified, 53 of which were treated with low dose oral vancomycin (39%) and 84 with high dose oral vancomycin (61%). There is no significant reduction in recurrence rates with high dose vancomycin compared to low dose vancomycin for treating initial episodes of non-fulminant Clostridioides difficile infection ((odds ratio (OR) 2.058, 95%, confidence interval (CI): 0.653 to 6.489). Conclusions: Based on limited data in the literature, low dose vancomycin is no different than high dose vancomycin for treatment of an initial episode of Clostridioides difficile infection in terms of recurrence rate. Additional large clinical trials comparing the different dosages of vancomycin in initial Clostridioides difficile infection are warranted.

Anti-Platelet Therapy in Mild Cerebral Infarction Patients on the Basis of CYP2C19 Metabolizer Status

This study aimed to investigate the effects of CYP2C19 metabolizer status on the clinical therapeutic efficacy of cerebral infarction. Patients with cerebral infarction (n = 180; NIHSS score ≤ 5) were recruited and divided into Group A and Group B according to CYP2C19 metabolizer status. In Group A, patients received routine clopidogrel therapy for 1 year; in Group B, the patients with extensive metabolizer (EM) were treated with clopidogrel, and patients with intermediate metabolizer (IM) and poor metabolizer (PM) were treated with aspirin for 1 year. On admission, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was determined, and the therapeutic efficacy was evaluated with Modified Rankin Scale score after 1 year of treatment. The outcomes and adverse effects were recorded during the treatment. After routine clopidogrel treatment, the efficacy in EM patients was significantly better than in PM and IM patients. After adjustment of therapeutic protocol, the therapeutic efficacy in PM and IM patients was markedly improved, which was accompanied by significant reduction in recurrence rate of cerebral infarction. Although the adverse effects increased in patients receiving aspirin treatment, they resolved after symptomatic therapy. CYP2C19 metabolizer status is closely related to the clinical efficacy of clopidogrel. Thus, it is necessary to adjust the anti-platelet treatment according to the CYP2C19 metabolizer status to maximize therapeutic efficacy without increasing recurrence and adverse effects.

Pediatric inguinal hernias, are they all the same? A proposed pediatric hernia classification and tailored treatment.

To propose a new clinical classification for pediatric inguinal hernias modified from a similar classification system for adult inguinal hernia and to propose a tailored repair for each type. The impact of this approach on hernia recurrence will be assessed. This prospective and retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in two tertiary teaching university hospitals in Egypt (Alexandria and Tanta University Children's Hospitals) from January 2013 to December 2014 on children below 12years of age with indirect inguinal hernias who were divided into two groups: (a) prospective group I, classified according to our proposed pediatric hernia classification and tailored treatment (PHCTT) into types: pediatric Nyhus 1 (PNI) assigned for herniotomy alone, pediatric Nyhus II (PNII) assigned for herniotomy plus deep ring narrowing, and type pediatric Nyhus III (PNIII) assigned for herniotomy plus posterior wall repair. (b) Retrospective unclassified group II where all cases were assigned to herniotomy alone (open). Data about patient characteristics, assigned hernia type, operative findings, procedures done, and postoperative complications were documented and analyzed by comparing the outcomes of the two groups. A total of 371 patients were included in this study with 401 hernias (30 bilateral); group I included of 217 patients, while group II included 154patients. There was a male preponderance in group I (173/217 = 80%) and in group II (130/154 = 85%); the majority in both groups were less than 12months of age, in group I (132/217 = 66%) and in group II (120/154 = 85%). The median age was 4months and the median duration of symptoms was 2months. For group I, PNII hernias formed the predominant cluster making40% (94/235) followed by PNI hernias making 34.8% (82/235), while PNIII hernias were the least group being 25% (59/235) only. The mean follow-up period was 9.2months ± 4.8 SD (and 9.1months ± 2 SD in group II). The pooled recurrence rate was 1.9% (8/401) of the whole series, a weighted mean of the individual recurrence rates of 0% (0/235) of group I and 4.8% (8/166) of group II patients, all males. This difference in the recurrence rates between the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.004). Pediatric inguinal hernias are not the same and there is extreme variation in the presentation regarding the size of the defect. We proposed a nouvelle pediatric hernia classification modified from the original Nyhus classification for adult inguinal hernia with tailored surgical approach to each type (PHCTT). Applying this (PHCTT), it has the benefit of a significant reduction of recurrence rate.

Long-term results and complications related to Crurasoft® mesh repair for paraesophageal hiatal hernias.

The application of mesh-reinforced hiatal closure has resulted in a significant reduction in recurrence rates in comparison with primary suture repair. However, the use of meshes has not completely extended in all the cases of large paraesophageal hiatal hernias (LPHH) due to the complications related to them. The aim of this study is to present our long-term results and complications related to Crurasoft® mesh (Bard) for the treatment of LPHH. From January 2004 to December 2014, 536 consecutive patients underwent open or laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease or LPHH at Ramón y Cajal University Hospital. Primary simple suture of the crura and additional reinforcement with a Crurasoft® mesh (Bard) was performed in 93 patients (17.35%). Radiologic hiatal hernia recurrence and mesh-related complications were investigated. Of the 93 patients undergoing mesh repair, there were 28 male and 65 female with a mean age of 67.27years (range 22-87years). Laparoscopic surgery was attended in 88.2% of the cases, and open surgery in the rest 11.8%. Mean operative time was 167.05min (range 90-370min). Median postoperative stay was 4.79days (range 1-41days). Conversion rate was 8.53% (7 patients). Intraoperative complications were described in 10.75% (10 patients), but all of them, except in one case, could be managed laparoscopically. Overall postoperative complications rate was 28%. Early postoperative complications occurred in 11 patients (12%), respectively, for grades 2 (6 cases), 3b (1 case) and 5 (4 cases) according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Late postoperative complications occurred in 15 patients (16%), respectively, for grades 1 (7 cases), 2 (2 cases), 3b (5 cases) and 5 (1 case) according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Thirty day-mortality rate was 4.3%. Mortality rate specific associated with the mesh was 1%. Reoperation rate was 5.4%. After a median follow-up of 76.33months (range 3-130months), 8 patients (9%) developed a recurrent hiatal hernia. Mesh was removed in three cases (3.22%). In our experience, the recurrence rate in patients with a Crurasoft® (Bard) is acceptable. However, the rate of postoperative complications and mortality is excessive. The use of meshes in the hiatus keeps on being controversial due to the severe complications related to them. It would be advisable to compare our results in the non-mesh group in terms of recurrences and complications, to determine if meshes in the hiatus should be given in these patients due to its high rate of complications.

The Role of Adjuvant Radiotherapy in Atypical (Who Grade II) Meningiomas: Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Literature

Introduction: Well recognized as the most common nonglial CNS tumors, Meningiomas is now believed to be the commonest primary CNS neoplasm in adults constituting 35.6% of all primary CNS tumors with an incidence of 7.44 per 100,000 population according to the latest U.S. population study. Recent revisions to the Histopathological classification of meningiomas have resulted in an exponential increase in the diagnosis of Grade II tumors. The role of upfront adjuvant radiotherapy in WHO grade II remains controversial especially following gross total resection. The aim of this study is to analyze the role of adjuvant radiotherapy in WHO grade II meningiomas Methods: The literature was extensively reviewed using SCOPUS, PubMed, MEDLINE (EBSCO), Wiley InterScience Journals (includes Cochrane), ScienceDirect (Elsevier), and Oxford University Press. We used the search terms “atypical meningioma” or “WHO grade II Meningioma” and “radiotherapy,” “radiation therapy” or “stereotactic radiotherapy.” We included all studies on patients with grade II meningioma who followed the release of the WHO 2000 classification. Our exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) Primary radiation therapy, (2) studies with no specified number of grade II tumors, (3) those with no confirmed histopathological grading or grading that predates the WHO 2000 classification, and (4) outcome reported on mixed grades II and III cohorts. We extracted demographic (age and gender) and tumor characteristics (location and grade), therapies (extent of resection and radiotherapy), and outcome data (recurrence and survival). Results: A total of 23 studies were included in our final analysis (n = 1575) of which 45.93% were males. Tumor location was distributed as convexity 40.1%, parasagittal/falcine 27.4% and other, including skull base 32.4%. Overall PFS at 5 and 10 years was 55.5% (n = 753) and 39.1% (n = 556), respectively. Meta-analysis of 12 studies directly comparing ART to surgery alone, revealed a combined relative risk in favor of ART (RR, 0.734; 95% CI, 0.31–1.19; p = 0.041). Subgroup analysis showed a trend for earlier progression following subtotal resection (STR) as compared with gross total resection (GTR) regardless of ART. Recurrence rates were comparable after STR with and without ART (42.5 vs. 42.9%, p = 0.966). Nevertheless, there was a significant reduction in recurrence rates with ART following GTR (27.4 vs. 16.3%, p = 0.0363). Conclusion: On the basis of this literature review, it seems that WHO grade II meningiomas are associated with 55.5 and 39.1% progression free survival at 5 and 10 years, respectively, despite treatment. Subgroup analysis indicated gross total resection followed by radiotherapy stands the best chances of preventing or delaying recurrence in these tumors. It is therefore our recommendation to aim for GTR followed by radiotherapy until a multicenter randomized controlled trial in the future confirms otherwise.

Short-term results for laparoscopic repair of large paraesophageal hiatal hernias with Gore Bio A® mesh

BackgroundThe application of mesh-reinforced hiatal closure has resulted in a significant reduction in recurrence rates in comparison with primary suture repair. One of the most debated issues is the risk of complications related to the use of the prosthesis, such as esophageal erosion and postoperative dysphagia. The aim of this study is to present our short-terms results in the treatment of laparoscopic paraesophageal hiatal hernia (LPHH) with a synthetic polyglycolic acid:trimethylene carbonate mesh (Gore Bio A®). MethodsFrom January 2011 to December 2012, 10 patients with large paraesophageal hiatal hernias and hiatal defect over 5 cm were included. Primary simple suture of the crura and additional reinforcement with a Gore Bio A® mesh was performed. Hiatal hernia or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms recurrence, dysphagia and mesh-related complications were investigated. ResultsOf the 10 patients undergoing mesh repair, there were 7 women and 3 men with a mean age of 65.5 years. All operations were completed laparoscopically. Median postoperative stay was 3 days. After a median follow-up of 20.3 months, one patient developed a recurrent hiatal hernia (10%). There were no mesh-related complications. ConclusionsThe use of Gore Bio A® mesh for the laparoscopic repair of large paraesophageal hiatal hernias is safe and with a reasonably low recurrence rate in this short-term study. Additional long-term studies with ample numbers carried out for years will be necessary to see if this synthetic mesh is not only safe but also successful in the prevention of recurrences.

Pressure Ulcers and Perineal Reconstruction

After reading this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Discuss the approach and rationale of pressure sore management, including specific techniques of bone biopsy and postoperative care resulting in a significant reduction in recurrence rates. 2. Develop a surgical plan for reconstructing defects of the perineum, taking into account the local tissue factors and the soft-tissue requirements for reconstruction. As close as the buttocks and the perineum are anatomically, the clinical settings and the solutions to wound problems in these areas are quite different. The ubiquitous "pressure ulcer" presents more commonly as a clinical management problem than a reconstruction issue. On the other hand, the perineal defect is almost always a reconstruction challenge following tumor ablation. For these reasons, the authors have chosen to separate this Continuing Medical Education offering into two parts. The first part addresses the pressure ulcer, while the latter discusses the perineum.

Maintenance therapy with partially hydrolyzed guar gum in the conservative treatment of chronic anal fissure: results of a prospective, randomized study.

Purpose. This study was designed to evaluate the role of maintenance therapy with partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) after topical application of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) in the conservative treatment of chronic anal fissure (CAF). Methods. From all the patients with CAF observed during the study period, 165 subjects with healed CAF after standard therapy with topical GTN 0.4% ointment were randomized to receive (group II) or not (group I) maintenance therapy with PHGG for 10 months. Clinical and manometric followup was carried out 6 and 12 months after treatment. Results. At six-month followup, median visual analogue scale score was significantly higher in group I if compared with group II. The success and recurrence rate at 12-month followup were, respectively, 38.3% (28/73) in group I versus 58.5% (41/70) in group II (P = 0.019; Fisher's exact test) and 30.2% (13/43) in group I versus 14.5% (7/48) in group II (P = 0.0047; Fisher's exact test). Conclusion. The maintenance therapy with PHGG in patients with healed CAF after chemical sphincterotomy by topical application of GTN 0.4% ointment seems associated with a significant reduction of recurrence rate and with a significant increase of success rate at 12-month followup.

Continuous versus cyclic use of oral contraceptives after surgery for symptomatic endometriosis: a prospective cohort study

To evaluate the efficacy of continuous oral contraceptive (OC) use versus the usual cyclic fashion in the recurrence of endometriosis-related symptoms after surgery. Prospective cohort trial involving patients in two tertiary care units. Academic institution in collaboration with a private hospital. 356 patients underwent surgical treatment by laparoscopy for symptomatic endometriosis. After surgical treatment for endometriosis, patients offered 6-month course of cyclic OC (including a 7-day pill-free period) or continuous OC. Recurrence rate of endometriosis-related symptoms and endometriomas after fertility-sparing surgery. Out of 356 patients, 167 were placed on the usual cyclic OC course and 85 on continuous OC for a minimum of 6 months. The continuous OC group experienced a statistically significant reduction in recurrence rates for endometrioma, dysmenorrhea, and non-menstrual pelvic pain as compared with the cyclic OC group. There was no reduction in the recurrence of dyspareunia between the two groups. After surgical treatment of endometriosis, the use of both cyclic and continuous OC improves pain symptoms when compared with preoperative scores. Continuous OC appears to be associated with a reduced recurrence rate for dysmenorrhea, non-menstrual pelvic pain, and endometrioma but not for dyspareunia as compared with cyclic OC.

Cytotoxic effect and tissue penetration of phenol for adjuvant treatment of giant cell tumours

Local adjuvant treatment of giant cell tumours (GCTs) of the bone with phenol has led to a significant reduction in recurrence rates. In the current study, the optimal phenol concentration and duration of intralesional exposure were evaluated. Specimens of GCTs were exposed to various concentrations of phenol solution (6, 60 and 80%) for either 1 or 3 min. Following embedding in glutaraldehyde, the tumour cell layers were examined by transmission electron microscopy. Destroyed cell organelles indicated the penetration depth as a sign of denaturation. Incubation of GCT specimens with 6% phenol solution for 3 min resulted in the most tissue damage and the deepest tissue penetration of ∼200 μm. Incubation with 60 and 80% phenol solution reached a penetration depth of only ∼100 μm. Phenol instillation may be used for the treatment of small scattered cellular debris following intralesional curettage; however, it is not suitable for treatment of remaining solid tumour tissue of GCT. The use of high phenol concentrations has no benefit and increases the risk of local or systemic intoxication.

Surgery combined with intraoperative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IHIC) for gastric cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Background: Adjuvant intraoperative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IHIC) is a therapy which combines thermotherapy and intraperitoneal chemotherapy. It is theoretically powerful for patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC), but is there evident advantage in clinical practice? We need evidence to guide our decision-making.Objectives: Meta-analysis was performed to assess the effectiveness and safety of adjuvant intraoperative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IHIC) for patients with resectable locally advanced gastric cancer, and to provide the reference for clinical practice and study.Methods: We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Chinese databases (Chinese BioMedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang) electronically and also retrieved papers from other sources (tracing related references and communication with other authors). All relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were collected to compare surgery combined with IHIC to surgery without IHIC for AGC. There were no language restrictions. After independent quality assessment and data extraction by two reviewers, meta-analysis was conducted by RevMan 5.1 software.Results: 16 RCTs involving 1,906 patients were included. Compared with surgery alone, combination therapy (surgery plus IHIC) was associated with a significant improvement in survival rate at 1 year (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.99; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.21 to 4.05; p < 0.00001), 2 years (HR = 2.43; 95%CI = 1.81 to 3.26; p < 0.00001), 3 years (HR = 2.63; 95%CI = 2.17 to 3.20; p < 0.00001), 5 years (HR = 2.49; 95%CI = 1.97 to 3.14; p < 0.00001), and 9 years (HR = 2.14; 95%CI = 1.38 to 3.32; p = 0.0007). Compared with surgery alone, combination therapy was associated with a significant reduction in recurrence rate at 2 years (RR = 0.42; 95%CI = 0.29 to 0.61; p < 0.00001), 3 years (RR = 0.35; 95%CI = 0.24 to 0.51; p < 0.00001) and 5 years (RR = 0.47; 95%CI = 0.39 to 0.56; p < 0.00001). IHIC was not found to be associated with higher risks of anastomotic leakage, ileus, bowel perforation, myelosuppression, gastrointestinal reaction and hypohepatia, but it increased the incidence of abdominal pain (RR = 21.46; 95%CI = 5.24 to 87.78; p < 0.00001).Conclusions: Compared with surgery alone, surgery combined with IHIC can improve survival rate and reduce the recurrence rate, with acceptable safety. However, safety outcomes should be further evaluated by larger samples and high quality studies. Additionally, hyperthermia for the intraperitoneal chemotherapy needs more clinical research.

Long-Term Results of Giant Hiatal Hernia Mesh Repair and Antireflux Laparoscopic Surgery for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

The application of mesh-reinforced hiatal closure has resulted in a significant reduction in recurrence rates. The most debated issue is the risk of complications related to the use of the prosthesis, which are thought to be the cause of higher dysphagia. From January 2004 to December 2007, 198 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with or without hiatal hernia. Fifty patients (25.3%) presented a giant hiatal hernia, defined as a hiatal defect over 5 cm. These 50 patients underwent primary simple suture of the crura and additional reinforcement with a Crurasoft mesh (Bard). Hiatal hernia or GERD symptoms recurrence, dysphagia, and mesh-related complications were investigated. Of the 50 patients undergoing mesh repair, there were 32 women and 18 men with a mean age of 63.2 years. Conversion rate was 2%. Intraoperative complications rate was 6%, all of them laparoscopically managed. Postoperative complications occurred in 1 patient (2%). Mortality rate was 2%. Median postoperative stay was 3 days. Median follow-up was 62 months. Two percent of the patients presented wrap migration, and 4% presented dysphagia. Six percent of cases presented recurrence of GERD manifestations. There have been no complications related to the use of the mesh. Laparoscopic antireflux surgery with a prosthetic mesh in cases of giant hiatal hernia is an effective and safe procedure, reducing the rate of postoperative hernia recurrence during long-term follow-up. The incidence of mesh-related complications is very low.

Canadian Optically-guided approach for Oral Lesions Surgical (COOLS) trial: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundOral cancer is a major health problem worldwide. The 5-year survival rate ranges from 30-60%, and has remained unchanged in the past few decades. This is mainly due to late diagnosis and high recurrence of the disease. Of the patients who receive treatment, up to one third suffer from a recurrence or a second primary tumor. It is apparent that one major cause of disease recurrence is clinically unrecognized field changes which extend beyond the visible tumor boundary. We have previously developed an approach using fluorescence visualization (FV) technology to improve the recognition of the field at risk surrounding a visible oral cancer that needs to be removed and preliminary results have shown a significant reduction in recurrence rates.Method/DesignThis paper describes the study design of a randomized, multi-centre, double blind, controlled surgical trial, the COOLS trial. Nine institutions across Canada will recruit a total of 400 patients with oral severe dysplasia or carcinoma in situ (N = 160) and invasive squamous cell carcinoma (N = 240). Patients will be stratified by participating institution and histology grade and randomized equally into FV-guided surgery (experimental arm) or white light-guided surgery (control arm). The primary endpoint is a composite of recurrence at or 1 cm within the previous surgery site with 1) the same or higher grade histology compared to the initial diagnosis (i.e., the diagnosis used for randomization); or 2) further treatment due to the presence of severe dysplasia or higher degree of change at follow-up. This is the first randomized, multi-centre trial to validate the effectiveness of the FV-guided surgery.DiscussionIn this paper we described the strategies, novelty, and challenges of this unique trial involving a surgical approach guided by the FV technology. The success of the trial requires training, coordination, and quality assurance across multiple sites within Canada. The COOLS trial, an example of translational research, may result in reduced recurrence rates following surgical treatment of early-stage oral cancer with significant impacts on survival, morbidity, patients' quality of life and the cost to the health care system.Trial RegistrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT01039298