Stage Operation Research Articles

The association of statin use with in-hospital mortality in patients with acute kidney injury during hospitalization: A retrospective analysis.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a severe condition in hospitalized patients and carries high mortality. The influence of statin use on the outcomes of AKI patients remains inconsistent. We aimed to discover the association between statin use and in-hospital mortality. This retrospective study screened all adult admissions in Peking University First Hospital between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2020, and patients with AKI during hospitalization were included. Exposure was defined as any statin prescription prior to AKI onset. Patients were followed up until death or discharge. The primary outcome was in-hospital all-cause mortality; secondary outcomes included cardiovascular- and sepsis-related mortality, elevated transaminases, rhabdomyolysis and kidney nonrecovery at discharge. A total of 2034 AKI patients were included. 551 (27%) patients were statin users. During a median of 10 days of follow-up, we documented 283 (14%) in-hospital deaths. Compared with statin nonusers, statin users experienced a significantly lower risk in in-hospital all-cause mortality (adjust hazard ratio [aHR], 0.54; 95% CI, 0.35-0.84) and cardiovascular-related mortality (aHR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.24-0.97) after covariate adjustment. The survival benefit of statin use was consistent across subgroups, that is, age, sex, initial AKI stage and major surgery (all P for heterogeneity >.05). For sepsis-related mortality, elevated transaminases, rhabdomyolysis and kidney nonrecovery, the association was no longer significant in the fully adjusted model. For any type of statins, a statistically significant association was only observed in atorvastatin (aHR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.30-0.81). Statin use may improve survival, and atorvastatin may be preferred in patients with AKI.

A safe, novel and ingenious method for autogenous bone graft storage in spine surgery with constrained resources - operative site as the bone bank.

The aim of our study is to establish whether the bone graft harvested and stored in the surgical wound by our novel technique is safe, reproducible and preserves the viability of the graft. In doing so, it promises successful bony fusion in spine and orthopaedic surgeries. A prospective clinical case series was conducted for autogenous bone graft storage in complex spine surgeries requiring staged procedures, in resource constrained settings. The bone graft harvested was morselized, wrapped in moist sterile gauze and stored in the paraspinal gutter within the operative site. Thereafter, the surgical wound was easily closed without tension. During the second stage surgery, the stored bone was retrieved and mixed with more autologous/allogenic bone (if necessary) and appropriately laid at fusion sites. Bacterial samples were sent before implantation. 16 complex spinal deformity patients who underwent surgery in a resource constrained hospital over a period of 5 years were included. Duration between both stages was within 2 weeks. All patients showed successful fusion, with mean follow-up of 2.6 years. There were no cases of deep or systemic infection in our series. Surgeons found harvesting, storing and retrieval of graft to be straightforward. The operative site provides an ideal, safe and reproducible location for bone graft storage for staged surgeries conducted in resource constrained situations. The osteogenic potential of the autogenous bone graft is retained. This technique can be extrapolated to other orthopaedic surgeries conducted under resource limited environments like in surgical camps or combat medical facilities.

Challenging frontiers in neuroplastic cranial reconstruction: addressing neurosurgical wound healing complications through interdisciplinary collaboration – an observational study

Background and objectivesAlthough rare, complications like skin dehiscence and necrosis after neurosurgery pose significant challenges by increasing the risk of infections spreading to the epidural, subdural, or intracerebral spaces. This retrospective, single-center study aims to assess the prior clinical courses, neuroplastic repair, and outcomes of patients with skin defects following cranial neurosurgical procedures, and to outline our interdisciplinary reconstructive protocol.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on cranial surgeries conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery, spanning from 2017 to 2023. Patients with skin defects requiring the combined expertise of neurosurgery and plastic surgery for effective treatment were included. The sizes of the skin defects were measured using intraoperative photographs analyzed with the freeware ImageJ software, version 2018. All patients provided informed consent for the surgeries. If informed consent was not possible due to neurological deterioration, consent was sought from adult representatives or next of kin except for acute circumstances. All patients admitted to our hospital agree to the pseudonymized use of their medical data and tissue specimens for research purposes in their treatment contract.ResultsA cohort of 24 patients experiencing wound healing complications after neurosurgical procedures underwent a total of 29 interdisciplinary surgeries for the reconstruction of skin, dural, and bone defects. After the neuroplastic surgery, 8 out of 24 patients (33.3%) developed surgical complications, with 6 of these requiring revision surgeries due to persistent cranial infection. In all cases, permanent wound closure was successfully achieved following adherence to the proposed treatment algorithm.ConclusionsOur study underscores the necessity of an integrated neurosurgical and plastic surgical approach to effectively manage wound healing complications in a single stage surgery. Key interventions include differentiation between necrosis and gaping lesions, alongside precise management of neurosurgical issues like cerebrospinal fluid fistulas and hydrocephalus. Plastic surgical expertise in assessing the possibilities and limitations of both local and free flap surgeries is essential.

One-Stage Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis for Severe Septic Destruction of the Ankle Joint Using a Retrograde Intramedullary Nail: A Retrospective Cross-sectional Study.

Severe septic destruction of the ankle joint poses a therapeutic challenge but lacks a consensus optimal treatment. Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTCA) is considered as a valuable salvage procedure, but the literature remains scarce. Conventional treatment approaches, including 2-stage procedures, have been associated with prolonged recovery times and varying success rates. Many authors prefer classical external fixation in these scenarios, citing concerns that internal implants might pose a risk for recurrent infection. To date, no study has investigated the outcomes of 1-stage surgery using a retrograde intramedullary (IM) nail. The main purpose was to assess the rate of recurrent infection at 2 years following 1-stage TTCA using a retrograde IM nail in severe septic destruction of the ankle joint. Fusion rates and functional outcomes were evaluated as secondary purposes. The clinical and radiologic data of patients who underwent 1-stage TTCA with retrograde IM nail following severe septic destruction of the ankle joint with a minimal follow-up of 2 years were retrospectively analyzed. Reinfection rate, fusion rate, functional outcomes, and complications were evaluated. A total of 25 patients were included with a mean follow-up of 42 months (24-92 months). The mean age was 55 ± 18 years old. At the last follow-up, reinfection occurred in 6 patients (24%) and fusion was obtained in 19 patients (83%). Eight patients (32%) required revision surgery. The mean postoperative modified American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, 12-Item Short Form Health Survey physical and mental component summary scores were respectively 53 ± 19.5, 35.5 ± 11.4, and 46.7 ± 13.5 points. One-stage TTCA with retrograde IM nail appears to be an acceptable alternative in severe septic destruction of the ankle joint, with a high eradication rate of infection and ankle fusion.

SURGICAL STRATEGY OF TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH COMPLICATED LOCALLY ADVANCED STOMACH CANCER

Summary. Objective. Improvement of results of treatment of patients with complicated stomach cancer. Materials and methods. The analysis of the results of operative treatment of 418 patients with complicated locally expanded gastric cancer. The disease was complicated by bleeding in 252 (60.3%) patients, stenosis – in 89 (21.3%), perforation – in 15 (3.5%), their combination – in 62 (14.8%). Results. The common surgical tactics and operations were used at the group of control. The two-staged active-idividualized surgical tactic, that consist of closure by interrupted sutures at first stage and reconstructive operation at second, was used at the basic group. Radical surgery was performed in 168 (40.2%), in 250 (59.8%) – palliative and symptomatic. Postoperative complications arose to 82 patients (19.6%) and postoperative mortality to 7.2% (30 patients). Conclusion. There is the rational of using the two-staged surgical tactic. The implementation of the proposed surgical tactics and new operative interventions contributed to an increase in the number of radical operations from 62 (14.8%) in the comparison group to 106 (25.3%) in the main group and a decrease in postoperative mortality from 8.0% to 6.3%, respectively.

Efficient Simulation of Viral Transduction and Propagation for Biomanufacturing.

The design of biomanufacturing platforms based on viral transduction and/or propagation poses significant challenges at the intersection between synthetic biology and process engineering. This paper introduces vitraPro, a software toolkit composed of a multiscale model and an efficient numeric technique that can be leveraged for determining genetic and process designs that optimize transduction-based biomanufacturing platforms and viral amplification processes. Viral infection and propagation for up to two viruses simultaneously can be simulated through the model, considering viruses in either the lytic or lysogenic stage, during batch, perfusion, or continuous operation. The model estimates the distribution of the viral genome(s) copy number in the cell population, which is an indicator of transduction efficiency and viral genome stability. The infection age distribution of the infected cells is also calculated, indicating how many cells are in an infection stage compatible with recombinant product expression or viral amplification. The model can also consider the presence of defective interfering particles in the system, which can severely compromise the productivity of biomanufacturing processes. Model benchmarking and validation are demonstrated for case studies of the baculovirus expression vector system and influenza A propagation in suspension cultures.

Management of Bone Bridge Exposure Using Superficial Temporal Island Flap After Auricle Reconstruction and Bone Bridge Implantation.

Congenital microtia usually lead to impairment of both appearance and hearing especially for patients with bilateral microtia. The simultaneous combination of auricular reconstruction and bone bridge implantation has been proved effective and satisfied with the patients. We retrospectively analyzed this method and the complication of it. We summarized and found the application of superficial temporal island flap for repairing the bone bridge exposure. From January 2017 to December 2020, there were 84 patients who underwent the surgery of auricular reconstruction simultaneously combined with bone bridge implantation in the Plastic Surgery Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. And after 12 months follow-up, we evaluated the postoperative effect and collected data on the patients who had bone bridge exposure. We analyzed the reason of the complication and covered the exposed bone bridge with superficial temporal island flap. There were 3 cases (3.6%) of implant exposure and the surgical outcome was satisfactory using the repairment of superficial temporal island flap. All 3 patients were healed in 1-stage surgery, and no further implant exposure occurred after another 12-month follow-up. The method of auricular reconstruction simultaneously combined with bone bridge implant is an optional choice for patients with bilateral microtia, and has a low incidence of implant exposure. The superficial temporal island flap could well fill the dead space and increase the wear resistance of the tissue, and the scar was not obvious. We found and summarized a satisfactory method of repairing the implantation exposure using the superficial temporal island flap. Level IV, cases study.

Reconstruction of Extensive Scalp and Skull Defects with Dural Exposure: Report of a Series of Cases and Literature Review.

Large scalp and calvarial defects pose significant challenges for reconstruction. Successful reconstruction necessitates soft tissue restoration capable of withstanding radiation following tumor resection. Free flaps allow preserving and maintaining the structural and functional status of the reconstructed area. This article presents our experience with microsurgical free tissue transfer for scalp and calvarial defects as well as a literature review on the subject. A retrospective study was conducted to retrieve the files of all the extensive scalp/forehead defects with dural exposure treated in the plastic surgery department of Hotel Dieu de France University Hospital from September 2006 to December 2023. Twelve free tissue transfers were performed in 11 patients between 2006 and 2023. In 3 cases, a 2-stage procedure was performed with the transfer of the free flap in the first stage and the ablative surgery in the second stage 1 week later. A muscular latissimus dorsi flap was used in 9 cases. In 3 patients, the defect involved the forehead and required cutaneous flaps: 2 radial forearm flaps and 1 parascapular flap. Complications included 1 flap venous thrombosis, 2 hematomas, 1 subdural hematoma, and 2 cases of distal flap necrosis. Free tissue transfer is indispensable for addressing large defects of the scalp and calvaria. A 2-stage operation is warranted for debilitated patients with a high risk of complications. The latissimus dorsi muscle flap is the flap of choice to cover extensive defects. Delayed cranioplasty is preferable in contaminated wounds.

185 - Robotic-assisted repair surgery for recurrent complex colorectal vesical fistula: Technique of one stage surgery

185 - Robotic-assisted repair surgery for recurrent complex colorectal vesical fistula: Technique of one stage surgery

Bilateral Lower Limb Injuries and the Need for Two Free Flaps: Simultaneous or Sequential

Abstract Objective To determine the choice of flap cover for patients presenting with bilateral lower limb trauma requiring free flap cover and to derive a step-wise guide to the planning of bilateral lower limb free flaps. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective study of patients over a 20 year period from 2000 to 2020 who presented with bilateral lower limb defects following trauma and were managed with two free flaps for wound cover, done either simultaneously or sequentially in the same admission. Results Of the 11 cases with 22 defects, there were 3 re-explorations with 1 flap loss managed with delayed fasciocutaneous flap cover. Donor morbidity was minimal requiring aspiration of seroma for 1 patient and secondary SSG for recipient area graft loss over muscle flap in 2 patients. Conclusion Use of single donor site ensures economy of time and tissue with the use of skin and muscle chimeric flaps. Harvesting of twin ALT flaps or the use of lattisimus dorsi as one of the flaps requires a 2 stage surgery to avoid prolonged operative time.

Incidence, survival, and prognostic nomogram of patients with small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors: A SEER population-based study.

Small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors (SI-NETs) are a group of rare and significantly heterogeneous tumors with limited research currently available. This study aimed to investigate the incidence, survival, and prognostic factors of SI-NETs. We selected data from the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) database between 2000 and 2019 and evaluated the incidence trend of SI-NETs during this period. We utilized the Kaplan-Meier method to examine the association between clinical variables and survival rates. Based on the multivariable Cox regression analysis results, we developed a nomogram to predict the 1-, 2-, and 3-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) of SI-NETs patients. We evaluated the consistency, accuracy, and clinical utility of the nomogram by drawing calibration curves, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) curves. The incidence of SI-NETs showed an upward trend in recent years. Age, grade, T stage, M stage, and primary tumor surgery were independent risk factors for CSS in SI-NETs patients. The nomogram model based on these risk factors showed high accuracy and clinical benefit. SI-NETs are rare tumors with an increasing incidence rate. The nomogram model is expected to be an effective tool for personalized prognosis prediction in SI-NETs patients, which may benefit clinical decision-making.

Use of Fast-Setting Bone Graft Substitute to Allow Single-Stage Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background: The overall revision rate for primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has increased over the past decade, with the commonest mode of failure being a combination of traumatic, technical, and biological factors. The challenge in revision ACLR is the need to address malpositioned or widened tunnels with the ideal scenario being single-stage revision, with widened and type 2 tunnels being the most difficult scenarios to deal with. Tunnels can be filled using autograft, allograft, and more recently described bone graft substitute (BGS). In this video, we describe a technique using fast-setting BGS to fill the problem of malpositioned tunnel or tunnels to allow single-stage revision ACLR. Indications: This technique is indicated in patients undergoing revision ACLR where tunnels are nearly right (type 2) with no widening at the joint surface aperture. Technique Description: Following preparation of the notch, the femoral tunnels are prepared in the normal fashion to remove all the previous graft and to create fresh bleeding surfaces. The fluid in the knee is completely drained, and the femoral tunnel is repeatedly dried with ribbon gauze that is left in place until ready to inject. The BGS, genex (Biocomposites Ltd), is mixed and loaded into the delivery syringe before injecting arthroscopically. After 15 minutes, the new anatomic femoral tunnel is then prepared in routine fashion. The same steps are repeated for the tibial tunnel. Results: Twenty patients underwent single-stage revision ACLR using this technique. There have been no reruptures in this series. All eligible patients at the 12-month follow-up had grade 0 or 1 laxity on clinical examination and full incorporation of the BGS on radiographs. There were no complications related to the BGS during the intra- or postoperative period. Discussion/Conclusion: We describe a technique that allows revision ACLR to be performed as single stage in a subset of patients with type 2 tunnels with successful short- to mid-term results. We have found this to be a safe and effective way to avoid 2-stage surgery in a subgroup of cases who have a challenging problem for surgeons to manage. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

The Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Atrial Isomerism Undergoing Single Ventricular Palliation: Insights From A Single-Center Study in Thailand.

Background: The management of atrial isomerism across various countries may impact survival outcomes. Methods: This retrospective study involved patients diagnosed with atrial isomerism undergoing single ventricular palliation between 2000 and 2021. The objective was to evaluate survival outcomes within the right atrial isomerism (RAI) and left atrial isomerism (LAI) groups, as well as overall survival. Results: Of the 125 patients diagnosed with atrial isomerism, 105 (84%) had RAI, and 20 (16%) had LAI. The median age at presentation was 3 days (range: birth to 7.1 years), with median follow-up of 6.6 years (range: 0.59 months to 30.8 years). In the overall cohort, survival rates at one, five, and ten years were 85.6%, 72.3%, and 66.8%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference between RAI and LAI groups (log rank P value = .293). Specifically, survival rates in the RAI group at one, five, and ten years were 83.8%, 69.0%, and 62.6%, respectively, while in the LAI group, there were 95.0%, 89.7%, and 81.6%, respectively. Following the third-stage operation, overall survival rates at one and five years were 76.4% and 76.4%, respectively. Among patients in the RAI group, survival rates at one and five years post-third stage operation were 80.2% and 80.2%, respectively. Conclusions: Despite resource limitations, the survival outcomes of patients with atrial isomerism were found to be similar with those observed in high-income countries. Although an increased mortality rate was noted within the first year of life, focusing efforts on neonatal and infant care holds potential for improving overall outcomes.

A Two-stage Surgery for Completely Degloving Injury of Multiple Fingers: a Retrospective Cohort Study

PurposeThe completely degloving injury of multiple fingers is a challenging clinical problem. Based on our technical experience, a novel two-stage surgery of abdominal hypodermal pocket followed by separation and full thickness skin grafting was conducted. MethodsFrom January 2017 to August 2020, 7 cases (17 fingers) of degloving injury of multiple whole fingers who were treated in a two-stage fashion; an emergency first stage surgery of abdominal hypodermal pocket embedding and a second stage surgery (4 weeks later) of full thickness skin grafting, were retrospectively studied. The results were evaluated according to the patient subjective evaluation, static two-point discrimination and disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) scores and active range of motion (ROM) of metacarpophalangeal (MP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints. ResultsAll seven cases healed successfully, although two cases experienced distal phalanx necrosis. The affected fingers recovered with a good appearance and soft texture and the results were either satisfying or acceptable for all participants. The active ROM of MP joint ranged from 55° to 64° with an average of 59.5° three months postoperatively and ranged from 70° to 81° with an average of 77.2° six months postoperatively, while the active ROM of PIP joint ranged from 58° to 69° with an average of 64.1° three months postoperatively and from 76° to 86° with an average of 81° six months postoperatively. One year postoperatively, the static two-point discrimination ranged from 7 to 10mm with an average of 8.6mm and DASH scores ranged from 25 to 42 with an average of 37. ConclusionA novel two-stage surgery of abdominal hypodermal separated pockets followed by full thickness is an effective and worthwhile option for treating the completely degloving injury of multiple fingers.

Optimizing virus filtration for continuous processing using serial filtration at high area ratio.

Compared to batch operation, continuous bioprocessing can offer numerous advantages, including increased productivity, improved process control, reduced footprint, and increased flexibility. However, integration of traditional batch operations into a connected process can be challenging. In contrast to batch operations run at constant pressure or high flux, virus filtration in continuous processes may be operated at very low flux. This change in operating conditions may reduce the viral retention performance of the filter which has inhibited adoption of truly continuous virus filtration. To overcome this limitation, a novel approach is described that utilizes serial virus filtration, with a high area ratio between first to second stage filters, to achieve virus retention targets. In this study, virus filters were operated continuously (except for planned process interruptions) for 200 h in a serial configuration at a first to second stage filter area ratio of 13:1 and at a first stage flux of 5 L/m2/h. While the minute virus of mice (MVM) retention performance of the first stage filter was about 4 log reduction value (LRV), there was no virus detected in the second stage filtrate, translating to an MVM LRV across the filtration train of ≥6.7. The second stage filter was the dominant flow resistance at the start of the run but, as it was protected from foulants by the first stage filter, it suffered minimal fouling and the life of the filter train was controlled by the first stage. A theoretical case study projected that continuous virus filtration using serial configuration at high area ratio would have about 30% longer filter changeout time, 14% higher productivity, and virus retention nearly sixLRV greater than single stage operation. The findings of this research are expected to provide valuable insights into optimizing virus filtration in continuous bioprocessing.

Advancements in treatment strategies for periprosthetic joint infections: A comprehensive review

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) presents a critical challenge in orthopedic care, contributing to significant patient morbidity and healthcare costs. This burden is expected to increase secondary to growing demand for total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Despite the profound significance of PJI, there is currently no universally accepted “gold standard” diagnostic criteria using serum biomarker thresholds; latest criteria fail to differentiate acute infections from chronic or consider time since initial surgery. Furthermore, contemporary PJI treatment, which conventionally requires 2-stage revision surgery in conjunction with rigorous antibiotic treatment, can be particularly taxing on patients. Fortunately, recent years have seen marked evolution in both PJI diagnosis and treatment methods. Contemporary research supports time-dependent serum biomarker thresholds with greater sensitivity and specificity than previously reported, as well as alternative surgical options which may be more suitable for certain patients.The following narrative review aims to describe the significance and pathogenesis of PJI before characterizing current challenges, novel innovations, and the future landscape of PJI diagnosis and management. Here, we spotlight the emerging utility of novel biomarkers and metagenomic next-generation sequencing for diagnosis, advancements in patient-centered surgical outcome prediction tools for PJI risk assessment and prevention, and evolving surgical techniques including 1-stage and a “hybrid” 1.5-stage revision surgeries. Additionally, we explore cutting-edge therapeutic modalities including peptide and bacteriophage-based treatments, intraoperative anti-biofilm gel, the VT-X7 antibiotic pump, and promising immune-based interventions. Ultimately, these advancements hold the potential to revolutionize PJI management, offering hope for improved outcomes and reduced burdens on healthcare systems.

Thirteen vital factors for micro-scale radial turbine vane’s design of geo-solar-powered Brayton cycle applications

The ever-elevating importance of turbines makes enhancing their performance a crucial point. In most cases, the required performance can be achieved by improving the turbine’s components, i.e., its rotary part, stationary part, and volute. However, this requires a lot of effort, especially when dealing with rotary parts that are time-consuming and costly because of the rotor. Having said that, most of the previous studies have improved turbomachinery by using the latter method. The current study, on the other hand, highlights the importance of only one component, the cheaper one, as a key factor. So, once the numerical modelling was validated using a previous experimental published work, fourteen parameters, which represented all the aerofoil’s vane shape (the stationary part of the turbine only) of a micro-scale turbine i.e. 2–12 kW, were accurately studied with the aim of highlighting their influence on both the vane performance, stage operation, and the overall cycle’s performance as well. The results showed that while parameter 14 i.e. Linear Point Advanced Side 2 showed almost no influence and parameters 5 and 6 i.e. Trailing Edge Wedge Angle and Trailing Edge Beta Angle were the most influential ones, all the other parameters showed a significant effect on the overall turbines’ performance, especially at higher PR values. Moreover, the results have also confirmed that the best values of the mentioned parameters are 0.33 mm, 17 Deg., −25 Deg., 41 Deg., 1 Deg., 55 Deg., 0.3 mm, 0 Deg., 19 mm, 31 mm, 77 mm and 0 mm for all thirteen parameters, respectively. This results in enhancing the stator and the turbine efficiency by around 11 % and 5 % respectively, compared to the baseline design.

Patient characteristics associated with delayed time to adjuvant chemotherapy among women treated for stage I-IIIA breast cancer.

For patients with breast cancer, delays in chemotherapy initiation have been adversely associated with recurrence and survival. We evaluated patient-level factors associated with delayed chemotherapy initiation, from both diagnosis and surgery, in a community-based cohort of women with early-stage breast cancer. For the Optimal Breast Cancer Chemotherapy Dosing study, we identified a cohort of 34,109 women diagnosed with stage I-IIIA breast cancer at two U.S. integrated healthcare delivery systems between 2004 and 2019. We used logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to identify patient factors associated with delays in chemotherapy initiation after diagnosis (≥90 days) and surgery (≥60 days). Among 10,968 women receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, 21.1% experienced delays in chemotherapy initiation after diagnosis and 21.3% after surgery. Older age, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic race and ethnicity, and ER+ and/or PR+ disease were associated with increased likelihood of delays to chemotherapy initiation after diagnosis and surgery. People diagnosed in 2012-2019 (vs. 2005-2011), with a higher grade and larger tumor size were less likely to experience delays. Other factors were associated with a higher likelihood of delays specifically from diagnosis (earlier stage, mastectomy vs. breast-conserving surgery), or surgery (higher comorbidity, increased nodal number). Women diagnosed with breast cancer who were at highest risk of progression and recurrence were less likely to experience delays in chemotherapy initiation after diagnosis and surgery. Understanding reasons for chemotherapy delays beyond patient factors may be potentially important to reduce risk of breast cancer recurrence and progression.

Survivorship and Outcomes of 2-Stage Revision for Infected Total Hip Arthroplasty at a Mean of 7-Year Follow-Up

BackgroundPeriprosthetic joint infection (PJI) continues to be one of the leading causes of failure following total hip arthroplasty (THA). The objectives of the study were to (1) determine the minimum 2-year infection-free survivorship of 2-stage revision THA, (2) determine the causative organisms for repeat 2-stage revision THA, and (3) characterize the results of failed 2-stage revisions and evaluate patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). MethodsA retrospective chart review was completed for patients who underwent 2-stage revision THA for PJI. Prospective data were collected on each patient, including demographics, causative organisms, complications, and type of reoperation. The PROMs, including Harris Hip Score, 12-item Short-Form Health Survey, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores were obtained prior to 2-stage revision THA surgery and annually as part of standard clinical and radiographic follow-up. ResultsA total of 328 patients who underwent a 2-stage revision THA for a PJI were included in the study (mean age 67 years [range, 28 to 90], mean body mass index of 30.6 [range, 15 to 57]). The overall infection-free survivorship for 2-stage revision THA was 73.8% at a minimum of 2 years (range, 2 to 20). Overall, 194 (59.1%) patients who had successful infection eradication underwent a 2-revision THA only. The most common single organisms infected were Staphylococcus aureus (12.5%) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (11%). Higher reoperation rates were found in cases with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and polymicrobial infections. All PROMs showed statistical improvement from preoperatively to the latest follow-up appointment. ConclusionsTwo-stage revision THA is associated with a good success rate in the treatment of PJIs at mid-term to long-term follow-up. Polymicrobial and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections are poor prognostic factors, making the eradication of infection more difficult. The management of PJIs continues to be one of the most important orthopaedic challenges to treat.

Reconstruction of Scalp and Skull Defects by a Free Anterolateral Thigh Flap Combined With Fascia Lata and Vastus Lateralis Muscle.

Reconstruction of composite scalp and skull defects is a great challenge for plastic surgeons, and this study aimed to report the therapeutic regimen of using free ALT flaps with fascia lata and vastus lateralis muscle to cover scalp and cranial defects. A retrospective analysis was performed including 10 patients with composite scalp and skull defects who were treated with a free ALT flap with fascia lata and vastus lateralis muscle from January 2012 to June 2020. All patients underwent a 1-stage operation and were followed up for 1 year with clinical data including sex, age, etiology, skull defect area, scalp defect area, flap area, dura mater involvement, recipient vessel, donor site repair, lumbar cistern drainage, and complications. All flaps survived well, 2 patients developed complications, one had cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and another experienced partial skin graft necrosis; All patients were satisfied with both the appearance and functional outcomes of the procedure. Free tissue transplantation is an effective method for large defects of the scalp and skull. The combination of a free ALT flap with fascia lata and vastus lateralis muscle, which has a long pedicle, convenient flap designs, less donor-site morbidity, and effective prevention of cerebrospinal fluid leakage, is an ideal choice to repair the composite scalp and cranial defects in stage 1.