Subjective Improvement Research Articles

Evaluation of improvement of patients with erection dysfunction managed with biofeedback pelvic floor training

ABSTRACT Introduction Erection dysfunction (ED) is an important health problem that affects millions of men throughout the world. Biofeedback (BF) pelvic floor training is reeducation therapy to teach patients with erectile dysfunction how to strengthen their PFMs which play a role in erection through the enhancement of blood flow to the penis. Aim of the Work The aim of this study was to assess improvement of BF pelvic floor training in the management of patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). Material & Methods Thirty men presenting with ED were evaluated with Erectile function domain of International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Erectile Dysfunction-Effect on Quality of Life (ED-EQoL) and Maximum squeezing pressure of pelvic floor muscles (PFMS) according to manometric BF before and after receiving BF pelvic floor training. Results The patients who received BF showed significant subjective improvement in their Erectile functions according to (IIEF)and (ED-EQoL) questionnaires and significant objective improvement in the form of mean of maximum squeezing pressure of PFM susing BF (McNemar test, McN = 0.031, p = 0.001*). Conclusion Biofeedback pelvic floor training is highly effective easily applicable tool of management in the patients with ED with good outcomes on patient’s complaints and quality of life through their effect on improving strength of their PFMs.

Effects of sulphur thermal water inhalations in long-COVID syndrome: Spa-centred, double-blinded, randomised case–control pilot study

BackgroundThe long-COVID syndrome is characterised by a plethora of symptoms. Given its social and economic impact, many studies have stressed the urgency of proposing innovative strategies other than hospital settings. In this double-blinded, randomised, case–control trial, we investigate the effects of sulphur thermal water inhalations, rich in H2S, compared to distilled water inhalations on symptoms, inflammatory markers and nasal microbiome in long-COVID patients. MethodsAbout 30 outpatients aged 18–75 with positive diagnosis for long-COVID were randomised in two groups undergoing 12 consecutive days of inhalations. The active group (STW) received sulphur thermal water inhalations whereas the placebo group received inhalations of sterile distilled non-pyrogenic water (SDW). Each participant was tested prior treatment at day 1 (T0), after the inhalations at day 14 (T1) and at 3 months follow-up (T2). At each time point, blood tests, nasal swabs for microbiome sampling, pulmonary functionality tests (PFTs) and pro-inflammatory marker measure were performed. ResultsThe scores obtained in the administered tests (6MWT, Borg score and SGRQ) at T0 showed a significant variation in the STW group, at T1 and T2. Serum cytokine levels and other inflammatory biomarkers reported a statistically significant decrease. Some specific parameters of PFTs showed ameliorations in the STW group only. Changes in the STW nasopharyngeal microbiota composition were noticed, especially from T0 to T2. ConclusionsInhalations of sulphur thermal water exerted objective and subjective improvements on participants affected by long-COVID. Significant reduction of inflammatory markers, dyspnoea scores and quantitative and qualitative changes in the nasopharyngeal microbiome were also assessed.

Participant Experiences from a Randomized Controlled Trial of Heated Yoga for Depression.

Despite decades of research on yoga and depression, subjective experiences of participants in these studies have rarely been reported, and never in individuals receiving heated yoga for depression. We examined patient-reported qualitative findings from an 8-week randomized controlled trial of heated yoga for depression. Eighty medically healthy participants with moderate-to-severe depression were randomized to 8 weeks of at least twice-weekly heated yoga classes, derived from Bikram yoga, or a waitlist control. Fifty-seven participants received a clinician-administered exit interview at intervention completion/study withdrawal. The exit interview assessed: (1) how participants felt immediately following the heated yoga sessions (acute effects), (2) what they liked or found helpful about heated yoga over the 8-week intervention (positive effects), and (3) what they disliked/did not find helpful over the 8-week intervention (negative effects). Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Acute improvements in depressive symptoms (i.e., immediately following yoga) were the most commonly reported (n = 44, 77.2%), followed by overall positive effects on depressive symptoms (i.e., over the course of the 8-week intervention; n = 33, 57.9%), including improvements in sleep (n = 10, 17.5%), energy (n = 13, 22.8%), mood (n = 18, 31.6%), motivation (n = 2, 3.5%), and concentration/decision-making (n = 5, 8.8%). Overall negative effects (i.e., over the course of the 8-week intervention) included dislike of various aspects of the intervention (n = 19, 33.3%), such as instruction (n = 7, 12.3%), difficulty (n = 7, 12.3%), repetitiveness (n = 3, 5.3%), class length (n = 2, 3.5%), and boredom (n = 7, 12.3%). Most participants reported both overall positive and negative effects (n = 37, 64.9%). Of the rest, 19 (33.3%) reported only overall positive effects, and 1 (1.8%) reported only overall negative effects. Most participant experiences were positive. Negative effects were less common and primarily involved dislike of different aspects of the heated yoga. The findings support strong acceptability and subjective improvement in depressive symptoms in depressed individuals.

Resorption characteristics of an open architecture biocomposite interference screw after ACL reconstruction.

Absorbable interference screws for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) can lead to tunnel widening and cyst formation. The Biosure Regenesorb interference screw (Smith & Nephew). has been developed with an optimised calcium phosphate/polymer composition to promote bone formation during resorption. The present study aims to investigate screw resorption, new bone formation, and tunnel geometry following ACLR with Biosure Regenesorb screw tibial fixation. The study is a prospective single-centre case series of 12 patients with ACL lesions and treated with ACLR using hamstring tendon autograft with Biosure Regenesorb interference screw tibial fixation with a two-year follow-up period. The Biosure Regenesorb consists of 65% polylactide-glycolic acid poly. 20% calcium sulphate and 15% tricalcium phosphate. Primary endpoint: Tunnel volume. implant volume and new bone formation in the tibial tunnel is evaluated by quantitative computed tomography (CT) scanning. Secondary endpoints: Arthrometric knee laxity, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Knee Osteoarthritis and Injury Outcome Scores (KOOS) and Tegner activity scale. Screw volume decreased to 44% within the two-year follow-up period while tunnel volume remained unchanged. Only a minor amount (<1% of tunnel volume) of new bone formation in the screw remnants was observed. Sagittal knee laxity at one year was 0.9 mm. The IKDC score increased by 15 points and the KOOS sport and KOOS quality of life scores increased by 25 and 26 points. respectively. ACLR using Biosure Regenesorb interference screw does not result in tunnel widening. showing a screw resorption of 44% after two years and minor new bone formation. Knee stability and subjective outcome improvements are as expected after other ACLR methods. IV.

Validation of a 3D-Printed Silicone-Based Laryngeal Model for Resident Education.

We sought to validate a laryngeal simulation model and subsequently demonstrate its efficacy in improving surgical technique. Pre-post interventional study. Otolaryngology Program at a Tertiary Care Center. A low-cost, high-fidelity laryngeal model was created using a 3-dimensional-printed cast and multilayered silicone to mimic vocal fold lesions. Participants (attendings and trainees) were first given a series of tasks including mucosal vocal fold lesion resection and microflap excision of a submucosal lesion. Trainees were then provided with an instructional video from a laryngologist and asked to repeat the same tasks on the model. Performance data was then assessed using validated surveys and blinded expert reviewers. Eighteen participants completed the simulation. All subjects agreed that the "simulation experience was useful" and 93% agreed "the simulator helped improve my ability to do microsurgical tasks." In the postinstruction self-evaluation, trainees reported a significant decrease in mental demand (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.37-0.91; P = .038) and significant increase in subjective performance (95% CI: 1.51-51.89; P = .016) compared to the preinstruction self-evaluation. On the postinstruction attempt, there was a significant improvement in all domains of the adapted objective structured assessment of technical skills as measured by 3 blinded, expert reviewers. This study demonstrates the usefulness of a silicone larynx model and the value of instructional video in developing laryngeal microsurgical skills. Participants positively reviewed the laryngeal model and trainees saw both a subjective and objective improvement indicating tangible operative benefits from the use of this laryngeal simulation.

Long-term duration and safety of Radiesse (+) for the treatment of jawline.

Calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA)-carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)+ has unique properties that make it optimal for lifting, contouring, and defining the jawline. This long-term follow-up of a randomized, multicenter, rater-blinded trial reports efficacy and safety of CaHA-CMC(+) through 48 and up to 60 weeks post-treatment. Eligible patients were randomized (2:1) to the treatment or the control/delayed treatment group to receive CaHA-CMC(+) injections in both jawlines. While touch-ups were permitted 4 weeks post-treatment for both groups, only the treatment group was eligible for optional retreatment after 48 weeks. The primary outcome was ≥1-point improvement on both jawlines on the Merz Jawline Assessment Scale (MJAS); secondary endpoints included the Subject Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (SGAIS) among others. Post hoc analysis included pooling up to 48-week data from the combined treatment and control/delayed groups and 60-week data for the treatment group. Overall, 175 received treatment. MJAS responder rates were 77.9%, 78.7%, and 62.9% at 12, 24, and 48 weeks post-treatment, respectively. Responder rate on the MJAS at 60 weeks was 74.6% for those who received retreatment and 43.5% for those patients who received only the initial and touchup treatments. SGAIS scores demonstrated 93.4%, 85.6%, and 68.5% of patients rated themselves very much improved after 12, 24, and 48 weeks, respectively. Adverse events consisted of procedure or CaHA-CMC(+)-related events that were mostly resolved and overwhelmingly mild. CaHA-CMC(+) produced clinically meaningful and long-lasting improvements in jawline contour and was well tolerated in patients through 60 weeks. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03583359.

Fostering resilient recovery: An intervention for disaster-affected teachers in Indonesia

Disasters leave survivors at heighted risk of negative psychological consequences. Teachers require post-disaster psychosocial support, given their added responsibility for supporting their students' recovery. However, alongside coping with their own mental health, teachers often lack training to support students psychologically. This study addresses this gap by detailing an intervention designed to foster resilient recovery among secondary school teachers in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, to enhance their ability to support both themselves and their students after a devastating earthquake/tsunami.Teachers (n = 37) from three disaster-affected schools participated in a one-day workshop exploring collective strengths and strategies to develop their own and their students’ post-disaster resilience, featuring the Tree of Life activity. Impact was evaluated using a pre-post intervention design. Findings from a three month follow up demonstrated significant improvements across various resilience-related measures, including personal resilience, community resilience, social support, adaptive coping strategies, psychological help seeking, earthquake anxiety, post-traumatic stress, complex post-traumatic stress and fatalism. Open-ended survey responses indicated that most teachers reporting subjective improvements in their own recovery and their capacity to support students psychologically. This study emphasises the importance of creating teacher interventions underpinned by disaster recovery theory, which offer practical skills to foster post-disaster psychosocial recovery. While the intervention exhibits promising initial results, future research would benefit from an evaluation using a randomised control group.

Subjective Improvement of Reflux Symptoms After Conversion of Sleeve Gastrectomy to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Concomitant Repair of Hiatal Hernia

BackgroundSymptoms of reflux after SG are common and may be refractory to medical treatment. ObjectivesTo assess outcomes of conversion of SG to RYGB with concomitant repair of hiatal hernias on symptoms of reflux. SettingTertiary Community Hospital MethodsWe reviewed data from all consecutive patients (2018-21) who underwent conversion from SG to RYGB for refractory reflux symptoms. Concomitant hiatal hernias were diagnosed endoscopically or radiographically. Improvement in reflux symptoms, nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, or abdominal pain and post-op PPI use were compared with McNemar statistical test. Data are mean± standard deviation. Results64 patients (92% female; 48±10 years) underwent conversion from SG to RYGB and repair of concomitant hiatal hernias 4±3 years after the index SG. A hiatal hernia was detected preoperatively in 57/64 patients (89%) by either UGI, CT scan or EGD.At 29±14 months post-conversion to RYGB, TBWL was 14±9%, EWL was 37±29%, BMI decreased from 37±7 to 32±6 Kg/m2. Symptoms of reflux and use of PPI improved during the early follow up period (median: 14 months; p<0.001) and was sustained at late follow up (median: 32 months; p<0.01). Improvement of nausea and dysphagia reached statistical significance at late follow up (median: 32 months; p<0.01). Vomiting and abdominal pain decreased with time but did not reach statistical significance.Post-op complications were deep surgical site infection (n=3), pulmonary embolism (n=1), bleeding (n=5), reoperation (n=3), and 30-day readmission (n=6). ConclusionsConversion of SG to RYGB and repair of concomitant hiatal hernia improves reflux symptoms, nausea, and dysphagia, reduces PPI use, and confers additional weight loss.

Comparison of manual versus automated thermal lid therapy with expression for meibomian gland dysfunction in patients with dry eye disease.

To compare two types of lipid expression procedures to treat dry eye disease. Standardized treatment and evaluation methods were used in patients treated with either manual thermoelectric lipid expression (MiBoFlo) or automated lipid expression (Lipiflow) of the Meibomian glands. This was a contemporaneous, non-randomized study of both treatment methods. Treatment was per the manufacturers' recommendation. The primary outcome included two types of dry eye questionnaires as well as objective analysis of ocular surface including tear break up time, Schirmer testing, Osmolarity, and fluorescein staining. Baseline characteristics analyzed included floppy lid, conjunctivochalasis and lagophthalmos. Statistical analysis was performed correcting for baseline factors such as age and co existing pathology using multivariable analysis. Both treatments improved the results of the OSDI and SPEED dry eye questionnaire results. Both treatments resulted in improvement of many objective findings including SPK, lissamine green staining and tear break up time with the MiBoFlo showing more improvement than Lipiflow. OSDI was more sensitive to improvement of symptoms than the SPEED questionnaire. Manual expression with MiBoFlo device resulted in statistically more improvement in questionnaire scores than did automated expression with Lipiflow. Negative prognostic factors for symptomatic improvement included blepharitis, autoimmune disease and ocular allergies. Thermal lid therapy along with mechanical expression of lipids from the meibomian glands successfully treats dry eye symptoms and signs. Manual therapy with MiBoFlo resulted in more subjective and objective improvement scores than automated therapy with the Lipiflow device.

Brain tumor patient perceptions toward repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for rehabilitation after surgery

Abstract Background Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is established for depression and rehabilitation after stroke and is emerging for cognitive rehabilitation. We sought to evaluate patient and carer perceptions toward rTMS for rehabilitation after neurosurgery. Methods Two surveys were undertaken. Group 1: Patients who received 7 days of rTMS for motor or language rehabilitation for severe postoperative deficits following lesional resection were prospectively surveyed on the last day of their rTMS treatment, as well as their next of kin. Group 2: Patients who had previously been diagnosed with glioma but did not receive rTMS were retrospectively surveyed through two brain tumor charities, including next of kin. Results Group 1: Twenty-one responses. Eleven patients, 10 next of kin. The commonest pathology was WHO Grade 4 glioma (n = 3). Group 2: 24 responses. Sixteen patients, 8 next of kin. The commonest pathology was WHO Grade 2 glioma (n = 7). Most Group 1 respondents reported a positive experience of rTMS (15/21). Patients experienced subjective improvements in gross motor functions of arm and leg weakness and purposeful movement (9/11). Lack of subjective motor improvement was associated with adverse symptoms (e.g., headaches; p = .01). Group 2 respondents were supportive of rTMS. Key priorities included motor and cognitive rehabilitation. They were accepting of longer and more frequent rTMS sessions than Group 1 (p = .028 and &amp;lt;.001, respectively). Commonest concerns pertained to side effects are seizures and headaches. Conclusions rTMS for rehabilitation was well-tolerated by patients with side effects being commoner in those with no subjective motor improvements. Nontreated patients and their next of kin would find longer and more sessions acceptable but have concerns about potential side effects.

The effect of percutaneous and transcutaneous BAHA on hearing and subjective auditory abilities: A comparative study.

Hearing loss significantly affects communication, social interactions, and the overall quality of life. The bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) is an implantable system that bypasses the outer and middle ear to directly stimulate the cochlea through bone conduction. This study aimed to compare hearing performance and subjective auditory ability improvements between transcutaneous and percutaneous BAHA devices using audiological assessments and Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale. This cross-sectional prospective study included 29 participants aged 14 to 69 years who had used BAHA for at least 6 months. Both Cochlear Baha System's percutaneous (connect) and transcutaneous (attract) implants were evaluated. Audiological assessments involved pure-tone audiometry, speech recognition threshold, and free-field (FF) audiometry, while subjective auditory ability was measured using the Turkish Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing scale (Tr-SSQ). Significant improvements in FF audiometry averages and speech recognition thresholds were observed with BAHA compared to without BAHA (P < .001). Both implant types provided similar FF averages, speech audiometry results, and Tr-SSQ outcomes, with no significant differences between them. Tr-SSQ scores showed substantial satisfaction, indicating significant improvements in speech perception, spatial perception, and hearing quality with BAHA (P < .001). The findings align with previous research, demonstrating that BAHA is a reliable and effective solution for hearing rehabilitation. The study also emphasized the importance of using both audiological test results and daily hearing function scales to comprehensively evaluate the benefits of hearing rehabilitation in real-world environments. In conclusion, BAHA, regardless of the implant type, can provide predictable and lasting improvements in hearing thresholds and daily hearing abilities, making it a valuable option for patients with conductive hearing loss.

Long-Term Treatment for Unspecified Anxiety Disorders with Cannabidiol: A Retrospective Case Series from Real-World Evidence in Colombia

Introduction: Preclinical and clinical evidence has elucidated that cannabis-based medical formulations (CBMFs) may display anxiolytic, antidepressive, and neuroprotective properties. CBMFs are often considered as novel therapeutic anxiolytic agents that can be prescribed as pharmacotherapy for symptomatic domains in anxiety disorders (ADs). Our aim was to explore effectiveness and tolerability of enriched cannabidiol (CBD) oil extract formulations in adults with anxiety symptoms in an outpatient mental health program in Colombia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We conducted an observational, retrospective, real-world evidence case series from electronic health records at Zerenia Clinic in Bogotá, Colombia between June 2021 and December 2022. Our convenience sample consisted of people searching for CBMFs for the treatment of anxiety symptoms. A cohort of 24 adults was prescribed with enriched CBD in the form of non-sterile oral liquids suspended in sesame seed oil extracts for DSM-5 unspecified anxiety disorder and followed throughout the first year of treatment. CBMFs were prepared by dissolving full-spectrum cannabis extracts in sesame seed oil to a standardized concentration of active ingredients which is CBD-enriched. The oil extract contained 100 mg/mL of CBD and less than 1.9 mg/mL of THC. Primary outcome measures established were the anxiety subscale in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A), and the clinical global impression scale with regard to severity (CGI-S) and improvement (CGI-I) at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months during follow-up. Secondary outcome measures established were HADS depression subscale (HADS-D) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), respectively. Participants also completed the patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) during each visit throughout the 12-month follow-up. PROMs documented both participantʼs subjective improvement experience and progressive adverse effects. Results: After 6 months of treatment with sublingually administered enriched CBD oil extracts in a median dosage of 100 mg, more than half (54.17%) of the sample continued to report significant anxiety symptoms. After 12 months, only 37.50% persisted with significant anxiety symptoms with a median dose of 120 mg of enriched CBD oil extracts. Similar subjective improvements were reported with regard to sleep disturbances (SDs) as a secondary outcome. At baseline, less than half (46.83%) of the sample reported significant daytime sleepiness. After 6 months of enriched CBD oil extract treatment, less than one third (29.17%) continued to report SDs. At end point, a high proportion of the sample (87.50%) were considered to have normal daytime sleepiness. The cohort showed no clinically relevant depressive symptoms at baseline based on HADS-D scores; therefore, no improvement could be reported throughout the 12-month follow-up. Minimal gender differences with regard to HADS-D scores may be attributed to modifying effects of menopause-related symptoms. No significant adverse drug reactions or deaths were reported during the 12-month follow-up. Conclusions: Further research should determine the long-term efficacy, safety, and appropriate dosages of enriched CBD oil extracts in treating specific ADs rather than broad and unspecified anxiety symptoms. The state of the art of CBMFs for ADs should be warranted by future randomized controlled trials. The next stage for cannabis research should be focused in performing head-to-head trials comparing enriched CBD extracts or capsules versus first-line treatments proven to be effective in ADs.

Age-related differences in olfactory training outcomes: A prospective cohort study.

While olfactory function decreases with age, it is unknown how age affects olfactory training (OT) efficacy. This study compared OT in two cohorts of subjects: aged ≤50 (younger cohort) and aged 51+ (older cohort) with olfactory dysfunction (OD) primarily from COVID-19 infection. Subjects with OD primarily secondary to COVID-19 infection were prospectively recruited and enrolled into an OT registry. Baseline data were collected and they were provided with a training kit and asked to complete OT at home twice daily for 6 months. Participants were asked to follow-up at 3 and 6 months during training for olfactory testing and quality-of-life surveys (Sino-Nasal Outcomes Test-22 [SNOT-22] and Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders Negative Statements [QoD-NS]). Fifty-six participants completed OT (younger cohort: n=26, older cohort: n=30). There were no significant differences between cohorts' Affordable Rapid Olfactory Measurement Array (AROMA), QoD-NS, or SNOT-22 scores at any time point. Both cohorts showed significant AROMA score improvement of more than 16 points from baseline to 3 months (younger cohort: p=0.001; older cohort: p=0.008). The younger cohort had significant improvements in QoD-NS (p=0.008) and SNOT-22 (p=0.042) between baseline and 3 months while the older cohort improved from 3 to 6 months (QoD-NS: p=0.027, SNOT-22: p=0.049). Both cohorts demonstrated similar significant improvement in olfactory function after 3 months of OT. The timeline of subjective improvement was different between cohorts, with younger patients experiencing earlier improvement.

Patient Motivation for Voice Therapy Increases After Stimulability Testing: Validation of a Voice Therapy Motivation and Voice Perception Inventory.

Measuring patient motivation for voice therapy is an important component of determining prognosis and estimating compliance. Voice stimulability testing is assumed to influence the patient's motivation by improving their perception of the sound and/or feel of the voice. The purpose of this study was to validate a Voice Therapy Motivation and Voice Perception Inventory and to determine whether stimulability testing elicits improvements in motivation and patient-perceived voice status. Seventy-five patients who underwent initial voice therapy evaluation completed a four-item inventory that queried their commitment to voice therapy, confidence that they could change their voice through voice therapy, perception of their voice severity, and ratings of their vocal effort. Inventories were completed shortly before and after stimulability testing. A psychometric analysis of the survey was conducted, including the internal consistency of each construct of the inventory along with content, predictive, and concurrent validity. Paired-samples statistical analyses were conducted to determine differences before and after stimulability testing, and Spearman correlations between voice and motivation ratings were conducted to determine relationships between the patient's perception of their voice and their motivation for voice therapy. Internal consistency reliability was acceptable to good for each construct, particularly after stimulability testing. Motivation scales were predictive of returning for voice therapy sessions, subjective improvement of voice by the first therapy session, and likelihood of the patient practicing the home practice program. Patient ratings of voice severity and effort were positively correlated with clinician ratings of overall severity. Motivation and voice impairment perception improved following stimulability testing. Reduction in vocal effort was related to improved motivation, but change in voice severity was not. Voice stimulability testing can influence patient motivation for voice therapy and patient-perceived voice improvements. It should be considered a critical part of the voice evaluation.

Systematic Review of Robotic-Assisted Peripheral and Central Lymphatic Surgery.

Robotic-assisted lymphatic reconstruction has gained increasing interest over the past few years. The aim of this study was to systematically investigate the benefits of robotic-assisted lymphatic surgery based on currently published literature. A systematic review evaluating the feasibility, surgical aspects, and both objective and subjective improvements in patients with impairment of the peripheral or central lymphatic system was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. The review was registered on PROSPERO. The literature search yielded 328 articles after the removal of duplicates, followed by a full-text review of the 29 articles, out of which a total of 11 relevant articles were deemed eligible. Among these, seven used a retrospective design and four a prospective design. All studies included confirmed the feasibility of robotic-assisted lymphatic surgery and reported promising results concerning both technical aspects and patient-related outcomes. However, currently, only a limited number of studies directly compare the robotic-assisted approach to the manual approach, and these studies have limited statistical analyses. Despite the heterogeneous measurands, all studies showed the feasibility of robotic-assisted lymphatic surgery, and seven provided promising data on patient-related outcomes. Additional studies are needed to further identify future directions in robotic-assisted lymphatic surgery.

Lateral ligament reconstruction and additive medial ligament reconstruction in chronic ankle instability: a retrospective study.

Ligamentous lesions of the ankle joint are common. Isolated medial ligament injuries are rare but are often associated with lateral ligament injuries, isolated medial ligament lesions are often overlooked. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical and functional differences in the outcomes of isolated lateral and combined medial and lateral ligament reconstruction. The study is based on patient-reported outcome measurements and motion sensor technology to assess these outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and functional outcomes of isolated lateral and combined lateral and medial ankle ligament reconstruction. From December 2014 to August 2018, 111 patients underwent either isolated lateral ligament (LG) or medial and lateral ligament (MLG) reconstruction. Of the 104 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, 49 had LG and 55 had MLG reconstruction. Outcome measures included the Short Form-36 Health Survey SF-36, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAMG), Tegner Activity Scale, the European Foot and Ankle Society (EFAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ancle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score, and the Karlsson Peterson Score. Mobility and stability were assessed using the Ortheligent™ motion sensor for both healthy and treated ankles. While there were no significant differences in outcome scores between the groups, overall scores improved after treatment (p >0.00). Notably LG showed improved movement, with better dorsal extension measured by the Sensor (p ÷ 0.02). The sensor's results correlated significantly with FAOS subscales for pain (p ÷0.05), stiffness (p ÷ 0.01), ADL (p ÷0.02), and sports (p >0.00). Postoperative results, regardless of LG or MLG, showed significant subjective well-being improvement. LG's advantages were highlighted by a significant improvement in dorsal extension, supported by correlated results from a portable motion sensor assessing ankle stability.

Long-term evaluation of psychosocial impact and stuttering severity after intensive stuttering therapy.

The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term stability of objective and subjective psychosocial improvements and fluency more than 10 years after participation in an intensive stuttering therapy camp. Ten former participants in intensive stuttering therapy (IST; mean age at time of intervention 14; 2 years) participated in this study. Outcomes of the IST at that time were assessed with the Stuttering Severity Instrument (SSI-3; Riley, 1994) and a questionnaire to measure the psychosocial impact of stuttering. A semi-structured video call and a general questionnaire for the long-term evaluation were used to gauge the participants' perceptions of the IST. These follow-up data were compared to the therapy outcomes reported by Cook (2011, 2013). Therapy effects on the severity of stuttering and psychosocial impact were stable over the follow-up period of more than 10 years. Moreover, scores for psychosocial impact and severity of stuttering further decreased from the end of the IST to the long-term evaluation. The intensive time and the periodically offered follow-up treatments were described as particularly positive by the participants. Intensive stuttering therapy in childhood or adolescence can have a long-term positive effect on both internal and external stuttering symptoms.

Countermovement jump reveals decreased functional outcome despite subjective improvement after ACL reconstruction

Countermovement jump reveals decreased functional outcome despite subjective improvement after ACL reconstruction

325. SURGERY FOR EPIPHRENIC ESOPHAGEAL DIVERTICULUM, SHORT AND LONG TERM RESULTS

Abstract Background and Objectives We present our experience with laparoscopic surgery for epiphrenic oesophageal diverticulum. We wanted to assess our surgical results focusing on the patients’ quality of life. Short- and long-term results of surgical therapy were analysed. Methods 14 patients were examined with a symptomatic causing epiphrenic diverticulum. Patients underwent complex gastroenterological examinations before and after surgery (swallowing x-ray, oesophagogastroscopy, oesophageal manometry/pH monitoring). Surgery: laparoscopic transhiatal epiphrenic diverticulectomy with Heller cardiomyotomy and Dor anterior partial fundoplication were performed in 9 patients; laparoscopic diverticulectomy in 2 patients, laparoscopic Heller-Dor operation without diverticulectomy was 1 case (small (&amp;lt; 3cm) diverticulum) and laparoscopic diverticulectomy + Heller myotomy + Nissen fundoplication in 2 cases. Changes in quality of life with regard to symptoms related to oesophageal function were evaluated in our long-term studies (averaging 60 months, 10–138 months) by Eckardt-Zaninotto score. Results We had no intraoperative complication except one. In one case, a staple line leak developed (1/14 (7%), which was resolved with conservative therapy. Functional check-ups confirmed adequate oesophageal function in majority of the patients. The total symptom score for the patients was 6.3 points before surgery, and it decreased to 1.6 (P .001) after surgery, an average of 74% subjective improvement. During the follow-up period, proton pump inhibitor therapy was started in 4 patients to treat gastroesophageal reflux. In 3 cases, drug therapy was successful; in one case, Nissen antireflux surgery was performed. Conclusion Laparoscopic transhiatal diverticulectomy and Heller–Dor surgery are effective interventions with low morbidity. Patient quality of life significantly improves in the long term, but gastroesophageal reflux disease may occur. Key Words Epiphrenic oesophageal diverticulum, Laparoscopic transhiatal surgery, Long-term results

Radiosynoviorthesis with [90Y] Yttrium citrate in refractory synovitis of the knee: Experience of 2 reference hospitals

IntroductionTo describe the therapeutic efficacy of radiosynoviorthesis with [90Y]Yttrium citrate (90Y), in patients with chronic knee synovitis refractory to systemic treatments and/or infiltrations, correlating the results with the different etiologies and degenerative changes that they showed, in order to optimize the indication of the technique. Material and methodsObservational retrospective study with 32 patients (22 men and 10 women) and 34 knees, with refractory chronic knee synovitis, who underwent radiosynoviorthesis between January 2013 and December 2022. Its efficacy was described and analyzed by the subjective improvement referred by the patients and its relationship with the existing etiologies and radiological degenerative changes, expressed by the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) scale. ResultsA statistically significant subjective improvement was observed in 70.6% of the cases (p < 0.001). There were 92.3% of cases with absent, doubtful or mild degenerative changes (K-L 0-2) who improved, while only 50% with moderate or severe changes (K-L 3-4) improved, showing statistically significant differences (p = 0.03). Among patients with chronic inflammatory origin of synovitis (spondyloarthropathies and rheumatoid arthritis), 80% improved, while in those with osteoarthritis (degenerative) origin, only 25% improved with statistically significant differences (p = 0.006). ConclusionsRadiosynoviorthesis with 90Y is an effective treatment in patients with knee refractory chronic synovitis, especially in the presence of mil degenerative joint changes and chronic inflammatory origin. We must ensure the appropiate selection of patients according to these criteria.