Surgery Research Articles

Operative Management of Y-Shaped Metatarsal with Biphalangeal Sixth Toe.

In the literature, there is no consensus regarding the surgical management of postaxial polydactyly, and few cases of polymetatarsia with polydactyly have been reported. Treatment of the complete deformity will prevent further foot and gait disorders. To identify literature relevant to the operative management of Y-shaped metatarsal with biphalangeal sixth toe and related skin and wound care to improve surgical treatment protocols from a clinical experience perspective. The authors searched several electronic databases in December 2022 for articles related to postaxial polysyndactyly in the feet and polymetatarsia. Databases searched included PubMed, SciELO, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Google Scholar gray literature. Two independent researchers conducted the searches and read the article titles and abstracts. Studies were included if they were narrative reviews, case studies, or observational studies; written in English or Spanish; and published between 2012 and 2022. Nonhuman studies were excluded. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were fully evaluated. Disagreements between reviewers were resolved by consensus, and when there was no consensus, a senior researcher was consulted. The following data were extracted from the included studies using a standardized form: author and year of publication, study type, number of participants, sex, polydactyly location, polymetatarsia, type of polydactyly, participants' history of hereditary associated diseases or malformations, treatment, removal criteria, and timing of surgery. Authors evaluated 11 studies of postaxial polydactyly that included a total of 153 participants (64 men, 89 women). They also document their clinical experience with a surgical technique used in cases of bilateral postaxial polydactyly of the foot with a Y-shaped metatarsal with biphalangeal sixth toe. Surgical correction with lateral removal of the sixth toe is a resolutive treatment to improve the functionality of the foot, its aesthetic appearance, and the patient's quality of life. Case-specific treatment should be applied and tailored to meet the individual needs. The biomechanics of gait and shoe problems in these patients improve with surgical treatment, without presenting secondary aesthetic problems in skin care.

"No-Touch" Left Approach for Recipient Hepatectomy: A Promising Strategy to Minimize Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence in Liver Transplantation.

Managing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents significant clinical challenges, often necessitating orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). To mitigate the risk of iatrogenic metastasis during OLT and reduce posttransplantation recurrence (PTR), we introduced the "no-touch" left (NTL) approach for recipient hepatectomy in OLT. In this retrospective cohort study, our aim was to compare the safety and PTR rates in patients undergoing OLT via either the NTL technique or the conventional approach for recipient hepatectomy. We included 106 patients who met the Hangzhou criteria and exhibited a high tumor burden in the right lobe, with 50 patients assigned to the NTL group and 56 to the conventional group. The primary endpoint was the 1-y PTR rate, whereas secondary endpoints encompassed the safety of the NTL approach, PTR rates at 2 and 5 y, and overall survival. Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics showed no significant differences between the groups. The NTL approach exhibited major surgical outcomes similar to those of the conventional approach. The cumulative PTR rates at 1, 2, and 5 y were 14.0% in the NTL group, compared with 24.5%, 35.8%, and 35.8% in the conventional group (P = 0.013). Cumulative overall survival rates at 1, 2, and 5 y were 94.0%, 91.9%, and 89.7% in the NTL group and 88.7%, 75.5%, and 72.5% in the conventional group (P = 0.03). This innovative surgical technique enhances safety and significantly reduces the risk of PTR, leading to improved long-term survival. Further prospective studies with larger cohorts and longer follow-up periods are needed to validate our findings and establish the NTL approach as a standard practice in OLT.

Preoperative factors associated with patient satisfaction after modified kinematically aligned total knee arthroplasty in varus knees

PurposeKinematically aligned-total knee arthroplasty (KA-TKA) has recently attracted significant interest because it delivers better clinical outcomes than mechanically aligned (MA)-TKA. However, the optimal preoperative factors that maximize the effectiveness of KA-TKA remain controversial. Therefore, we aimed to determine the preoperative factors that are appropriate for and might benefit from modified KA-TKA, based on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). MethodsThe relationships between postoperative satisfaction and other variables in 84 patients with varus-type osteoarthritis of the knee who underwent primary modified KA-TKAs were investigated using stepwise multiple regression analysis. Patients were assigned to groups that were satisfied or dissatisfied with their outcomes after KA-TKA according to the 2011 Knee Society Scores. The cutoff for preoperative advanced activities scores (AASs) for excellent satisfaction were determined by analyzing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The variables correlated with excellent satisfaction were identified using logistic regression models. ResultsA preoperative variable relevant to patient satisfaction was AAS (β ​= ​0.465). The results of the ROC curve analysis revealed eight optimal cut-offs for preoperative AASs that predicted excellent satisfaction, with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.700 and 0.625, respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that AASs significantly contributed to excellent patient satisfaction (odds ratio, 1.181; p ​= ​0.001). ConclusionsIndividuals who were highly active preoperatively were good candidates for KA-TKA. This modified kinematically aligned surgical technique can satisfy the demands of highly active patients.

Defining skin-sparing mastectomy surgical techniques: a narrative review

Defining skin-sparing mastectomy surgical techniques: a narrative review

Complete Treatment of Hallux Valgus With Minimally Invasive Surgery: Lapidus Procedure

The use of minimally invasive techniques for managing hallux valgus in foot and ankle surgery is expanding. Hallux valgus management would not be complete without a discussion of the Lapidus procedure. This chapter focuses on indications, contraindications, patient selection, and surgical techniques for the application of the percutaneous Lapidus procedure. In this chapter, the senior author details the pearls and pitfalls of the technique and discusses patient outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level V.

Morbi-mortality of surgical management in emergency of complicated diverticular sigmoiditis, retrospective monocentric study

IntroductionSigmoidal diverticulitis is the inflammation or infection of a diverticulum. It may be simple or complicate into an abscess, perforation, stenosis or fistula. These complications are referred to as diverticular disease. Surgical treatment may be required as an emergency measure in the event of serious signs, or at a later stage if disabling symptoms persist. The aim of this study was to assess the 90-day post-operative morbidity and mortality of complicated sigmoidal diverticulitis managed in emergency. MethodsWe retrospectively included all patients (n = 62) with complicated sigmoidal diverticulitis who underwent surgery between 2010 and 2019. 90-day mortality was assessed for each patient. Overall morbidity was assessed using the Dindo-Clavien classification, with major morbidity corresponding to stages ≥III. Factors predictive of overall and major morbidity were analyzed. ResultsPostoperative mortality at 90 days was nil. Overall morbidity at 90 days according to the Dindo-Clavien classification was 80,7 %, with major morbidity at 27,4 %. Multivariate logistic regression analysis retained male gender (OR=6.77[1,40; 32.74], p = 0.02), BMI over 25 (OR=58.82[3.95; 876.95], p = 0.01) and smoking (OR=8.77[0.84; 91.13], p = 0.07) as independent predictors of the occurrence of overall morbidity at 90 days. Likewise, only an ASA score ≥ III was highlighted as an independent predictive factor (OR=5.00[1.51; 16.51], p = 0.01) of major morbidity at 90 days (Dindo-Clavien ≥ III). ConclusionIn our study, mortality was nil, the overall morbidity rate was 80.7 % and 27.4 % for major morbidity. Nevertheless, the choice of surgical technique remains open to debate, given the absence of any difference in morbidity and mortality from anastomotic resection during emergency surgery, and the less morbid and easier restoration of digestive continuity afterwards in selected patients.

Safety of cholecystectomy performed by surgeons who prefer fundus first versus surgeons who prefer a standard laparoscopic approach

BackgroundAn alternative method to standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SLC) is the “fundus first” method (FFLC). Concerns have been raised that FFLC can lead to misinterpretation of important anatomical structures, thus causing complications of a more serious kind than SLC. Comparisons between the methods are complicated by the fact that FFLC is often used as a rescue procedure in complicated cases. To avoid confounding related to this we conducted a population-based study with comparisons on the surgeon level. MethodIn GallRiks, the Swedish registry for Gallbladder surgery, we stratified all cholecystectomies performed 2006–2020 in three groups: surgeries carried out by surgeons that uses FFLC in <20 % of the cases (N = 150,119), in 20–79 % of the cases (N = 10,212) and in 80 % or more of the cases (N = 3176). We compared the groups with logistic regression, adjusting for sex, age, surgical experience, year of surgery and history of acute cholecystitis. All surgical complications (bleeding, gallbladder perforation, visceral perforation, infection, and bile duct injury) were included as outcome. A separate analysis was done with regards to operation time. ResultsNo difference in incidence of all surgical complications or bile duct injury were seen between groups. The rates of bleeding (OR 0.34 [0.14–0.86]) and gallbladder perforation (OR 0.61 [0.45–0.82]) were significantly lower in the “fundus first > 80% group” and the operative time was shorter (OR 0.76 [0.69–0.83]). ConclusionIn this study including >160,000 cholecystectomies, both methods was found to be equally safe. Key messageDuring laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the standard method of dissection and fundus first dissection are equally safe surgical techniques. Surgeons need to learn both methods to be able to use the one most appropriate for each individual case.

Laparoscopic versus open surgery in treating patients with gallbladder cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Laparoscopic versus open surgery in treating patients with gallbladder cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Acute Kidney Injury and Aorta-Related Mlity During Open Surgery of the Abdominal Aorta With Suprarenal Clamping Using Different Renal Perfusion Solutions

Acute Kidney Injury and Aorta-Related Mlity During Open Surgery of the Abdominal Aorta With Suprarenal Clamping Using Different Renal Perfusion Solutions

Comparison of Open Surgery and Endovascular Techniques for Juxtarenal and Complex Neck Aortic Aneurysms: The UK COMPlex AneurySm Study (UK-COMPASS) – Peri-operative and Midterm Outcomes

Comparison of Open Surgery and Endovascular Techniques for Juxtarenal and Complex Neck Aortic Aneurysms: The UK COMPlex AneurySm Study (UK-COMPASS) – Peri-operative and Midterm Outcomes

Factors associated with medical consumable availability in level 1 facilities in Malawi: a secondary analysis of a facility census.

Medical consumable stock-outs negatively affect health outcomes not only by impeding or delaying the effective delivery of services but also by discouraging patients from seeking care. Consequently, supply chain strengthening is being adopted as a key component of national health strategies. However, evidence on the factors associated with increased consumable availability is limited. In this study, we used the 2018-19 Harmonised Health Facility Assessment data from Malawi to identify the factors associated with the availability of consumables in level 1 facilities, ie, rural hospitals or health centres with a small number of beds and a sparsely equipped operating room for minor procedures. We estimate a multilevel logistic regression model with a binary outcome variable representing consumable availability (of 130 consumables across 940 facilities) and explanatory variables chosen based on current evidence. Further subgroup analyses are carried out to assess the presence of effect modification by level of care, facility ownership, and a categorisation of consumables by public health or disease programme, Malawi's Essential Medicine List classification, whether the consumable is a drug or not, and level of average national availability. Our results suggest that the following characteristics had a positive association with consumable availability-level 1b facilities or community hospitals had 64% (odds ratio [OR] 1·64, 95% CI 1·37-1·97) higher odds of consumable availability than level 1a facilities or health centres, Christian Health Association of Malawi and private-for-profit ownership had 63% (1·63, 1·40-1·89) and 49% (1·49, 1·24-1·80) higher odds respectively than government-owned facilities, the availability of a computer had 46% (1·46, 1·32-1·62) higher odds than in its absence, pharmacists managing drug orders had 85% (1·85, 1·40-2·44) higher odds than a drug store clerk, proximity to the corresponding regional administrative office (facilities greater than 75 km away had 21% lower odds [0·79, 0·63-0·98] than facilities within 10 km of the district health office), and having three drug order fulfilments in the 3 months before the survey had 14% (1·14, 1·02-1·27) higher odds than one fulfilment in 3 months. Further, consumables categorised as vital in Malawi's Essential Medicine List performed considerably better with 235% (OR 3·35, 95% CI 1·60-7·05) higher odds than other essential or non-essential consumables and drugs performed worse with 79% (0·21, 0·08-0·51) lower odds than other medical consumables in terms of availability across facilities. Our results provide evidence on the areas of intervention with potential to improve consumable availability. Further exploration of the health and resource consequences of the strategies discussed will be useful in guiding investments into supply chain strengthening. UK Research and Innovation as part of the Global Challenges Research Fund (Thanzi La Onse; reference MR/P028004/1), the Wellcome Trust (Thanzi La Mawa; reference 223120/Z/21/Z), the UK Medical Research Council, the UK Department for International Development, and the EU (reference MR/R015600/1).

Early postoperative complications in open heart surgery patients: A review

Over the past few decades, open heart surgery has undergone significant progress in terms of technologies used, operative techniques and resuscitation care. This has led to a significant increase in patient survival and quality of life after discharge. However, there are still a number of challenges to be addressed, one of which is reducing the incidence of early postoperative complications. They are directly and primarily determined by patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as by the characteristics of the surgical intervention itself and are a major factor in the outcome of the surgery performed. This review presents the most important and frequent early complications, their epidemiological and clinical features. Their good knowledge is the key to achieving an optimal treatment approach and seeking effective opportunities for their prediction and incidence reduction.

Indexalization of the Medius using the Chase technique in squamous cell carcinoma of the index finger: report of a case and review of the literature

Introduction: Squamous cell carcinoma is a rare and aggressive lesion. Bone localization is exceptional both in current practice and in the literature. The Chase technique, a surgical technique involving amputation of the index finger with indexing of the middle finger, is used both in oncological surgery and in traumatic surgery. Material and method: We report the observation of a sixty-year-old patient, with no medical or surgical history, who presented for consultation for swelling of the index finger that had been developing for almost four months associated with pain. Technique: The intervention performed was the Chase technique, (amputation of the 2nd ray) which took place successively in a skin phase, a tendon phase and a bone phase. Result: Early rehabilitation was required with good aesthetic and functional results for the hand. Conclusion: Indexing the middle finger has the advantage of ensuring maximum opening of the first corner, minimizing functional discomfort and maintaining good hand strength.

Patellar instability in a prothesis knee: MPFL plasty using hamstring tendon

Introduction: instability of the patella remains a frequent cause of failure following arthroplasty; requires treatment and a precise radiological assessment. Several therapeutic options are possible, including ligamentoplasty of the medial patellofemoral ligament, which is increasingly used, thus proving its effectiveness. Observation: we report the case of an octogenarian patient with gonarthrosis of the knee that has been progressing for several years. He benefited from a knee prosthesis, the consequences of which were marked by a progressive lateral tilt of the patella. Technique: installed in the supine position with resumption of the old approach, sampling of the half tendon was carried out with preparation of the graft on the table. The careful release of the joint and preparation of the graft placement sites then the approach to the lateral side of the patella allowed us to expose the external wing on which an external release of the patella was carried out. Fixing the graft was made, with transtendinous passage on the patellar tendon and quadriceps. Fixation on the femoral side was made by two anchors. Immobilization maintained for 45 days. Discussion: The surgical management of patellar instability on total knee prosthesis involves a diversity of surgical techniques which can be used alone or in combination depending on the etiology. Procedures involving soft tissues ranging from simple external release to MPFL plasties, as well as bone procedures which may require changing prosthetic parts in the event of a rotation defect. Conclusion: MPFL plasty is effective in the management of post-arthroplasty patellar instability and has its place in the treatment of patellar dislocations following total knee prosthesis. It is offered either as a complement to other procedures and in particular to a prosthetic revision

Analysis of risk factors associated with postoperative pancreatic fistula after robotic-assisted distal pancreatectomy

Objective: To investigate pertinent risk factors for postoperative pancreatic fistula(POPF) after robotic-assisted distal pancreatectomy(RDP). Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. Clinical data of 1 211 patients who underwent various methods of distal pancreatectomy at the Department of General Surgery,Ruijin Hospital,Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine,between January 2021 and December 2023 were retrospectively collected. Among the study participants,440 cases were in the robot-assisted group(173 males and 267 females),with an age(M(IQR)) of 55(29)years;720 cases were in the open surgery group (390 males and 330 females),with an age of 64(15)years;and 51 cases were in the laparoscopic group(17 males and 34 females),with an age of 56(25)years. These 440 patients who underwent RDP were divided into two cohorts based on the presence of clinically relevant pancreatic fistulas(grades B and C). Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed on 27 factors related to POPF. Univariate analysis methods included independent sample t-test,Mann-Whitney U test,and χ2 test,while multivariate analysis utilized binary logistic regression. Results: After stratification by pathological type,there was no significant difference in the incidence of pancreatic fistula between the robot-assisted group and the open surgery group(benign tumor:χ2=1.200,P=0.952;malignant tumor:χ2=0.391,P=0.532). The surgical duration of the RDP group (Z1=15.113,P1<0.01; Z2=4.232, P2<0.01) was significantly shorter than that of the open surgery and laparoscopic groups,so as the intraoperative blood loss (Z1=12.530,P1<0.01;Z2=2.550,P2=0.032). Postoperative hospital stay in the RDP group was significantly shorter than that in the open surgery group (Z1=10.947, P1<0.01), but not different from that in the laparoscopic group (P2>0.05). All 440 patients underwent successful surgery,of which there was only 1 case who underwent a conversion to open surgery. A total of 104 patients(23.6%) developed clinically relevant pancreatic fistulas,and no perioperative mortality was observed. Univariate analysis revealed that 6 factors were associated with POPF after RDP: gender(χ2=12.048,P=0.001),history of smoking (χ2=6.327,P=0.012),history of alcohol consumption (χ2=17.597,P<0.01),manual pancreas division (χ2=9.839,P=0.002),early elevation of amylase in drainage fluid (Z=5.187,P<0.01),and delayed gastric emptying (χ2=4.485,P=0.034). No statistically significant association with POPF was found for the remaining factors(all P>0.05).The cut-off value for the early amylase level in the drainage fluid was determined to be 7 719.5 IU/ml,with an area under curve of 0.676 determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis identified a history of alcohol consumption(P=0.002,95%CI:0.112 to 0.623),manual pancreas division(P=0.001,95%CI:1.446 to 4.082),early amylase level of drainage fluid ≥7 719.5 IU/ml(P<0.01,95%CI:0.151 to 0.438),and delayed gastric emptying(P=0.020,95%CI:1.131 to 4.233) as independent risk factors for POPF of RDP. Conclusions: Patients with pancreatic body and tail tumors who receive RDP therapy are at increased risk of developing a pancreatic fistula if they have a history of alcohol consumption,manual pancreas division,early elevation of amylase in drainage fluid to ≥7 719.5 IU/ml, or delayed gastric emptying.

Exploring trends and developments in cholesteatoma research: a bibliometric analysis.

Examination of the scientific literature on cholesteatoma from past to present using bibliometric methods. A total of 2353 articles on cholesteatoma between 1980 and 2023 were obtained from the Web of Science database and statistically analysed using bibliometric techniques. The journals with the highest number of contributions to the literature were Otology & Neurotology (n = 192), Acta Oto-Laryngologica (156) and Laryngoscope (149). The most impactful journals based on h-index and total citation (TC) counts were Laryngoscope (h:36, TC: 4241), Otology & Neurotology (29, 3141), and American Journal of Otology (26, 2071) respectively. The most prolific author was Kojima H. (n = 49). According to the findings of the Reference Publication Year Spectroscopy (RPYS) analysis, there has been a significant increase in academic interest in Cholesteatoma since its first description in 1959, particularly following the expansion of its definition in 1977. Subsequently, the trend of increased interest has risen rapidly in later years, with notable peaks in research intensity observed in 1989, 2006, and 2011. The highest academic trend occurred in 2006. In recent years, trending topics have included innovative approaches such as diagnostic and imaging methods particularly alongside technological developments, endoscopic surgery, recurrence and complications, prognosis and quality of life, artificial intelligence, and obliteration. In conclusion, the evolution of cholesteatoma and its research priorities reveal temporal shifts and emerging areas of interest over time. Primarily, diagnosis, treatment, and surgical approaches remain central. Additionally, research has expanded to encompass developments in surgical techniques, imaging modalities, cellular biology, pathology, and molecular mechanisms.

A novel lateral myelotomy approach for the treatment of lateral or ventrolateral spinal gliomas.

To describe a novel surgical approach in which myelotomy was performed lateral to the dorsal root entry zone (LDREZ), for the treatment of lateral or ventrolateral spinal intramedullary glioma. This study reviewed six patients with lateral or ventrolateral spinal intramedullary glioma who received surgical treatments by using myelotomy technique of LDREZ approach. The patient's clinical characteristics, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results, and follow-up outcomes were analyzed. The neurological function of patients before and after operation was assessed based on the Frankel scale system. The anatomical feasibility, surgical techniques, advantages and disadvantages of LDREZ approach were analyzed. Myelotomy technique of LDREZ approach was employed in all 6 patients. Gross total resections were achieved in 4 patients, and 2 patients with astrocytoma (case 2, 6) underwent partial removal. The perioperative recovery was all smooth and all the patients were discharged on schedule. All the patients who suffered from neuropathic pain were relieved. After surgery, neurological function remained unchanged in 3 patients. 2 patients improved from Frankel grade B to C, and 1 patient deteriorated from Frankel grade D to C immediately after surgery and returned to Frankel grade D at 3 months follow-up. Regarding to the poor prognosis of high-grade glioma, the two cases with WHO IV glioma didn't achieve long survival. LDREZ approach is feasible and safe for the surgical removal of lateral or ventrolateral spinal gliomas. This approach can provide a direct pathway to lateral or ventrolateral spinal gliomas with minimal damage to normal spinal cord.

Innovation and development of surgical techniques for pancreatic tumors

In recent years, great progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic tumors. In terms of diagnosis, three-dimensional CT reconstruction, PET-CT scan, endoscopic ultrasound with needle biopsy are used to evaluate the benign or malignant stage and biological characteristics of the tumor, to make treatment decisions more scientific and reasonable. In terms of treatment, new technologies, such as arterial priority arterial sheath dissection and radical resection of the retroperitoneal lipo-lymphatic layer, have continuously emerged to improve radical curability of tumors. For benign or low-grade malignant pancreatic tumors, function-preserving surgery is adopted to avoid long-term complications. Minimally invasive pancreatic surgery has advanced in leaps and bounds. Both standard radical surgery and function-preserve surgery can be performed under a laparoscope or robot. Non-surgical treatment has developed quickly with each passing day; for locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer, neoadjuvant therapy is expected to be down-staged or transformed into surgery. These advances in diagnosis and treatment technology have led to multidisciplinary teamwork. Based on accurate assessment, giving full play to the advantages of laparoscopic and robotic systems in diagnosis and treatment, attaching importance to comprehensive nonsurgical treatment and doctor-patient communication with care throughout the process, these are keys to improve the clinical efficacy of pancreatic tumors in the era of minimally invasive surgery.

Two-Year Results of Sleeve Gastrectomy Combined with Posterior Fundoplication for Obesity Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Currently, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the main side effect after sleeve gastrectomy (SG), causing discomfort and potential long-term risks. Surgical techniques combining fundoplication with SG are being evaluated to limit postoperative GERD. This single-center retrospective study evaluated patients who underwent SG with posterior fundoplication in the context of GERD between 2018 and 2021, with postoperative follow-up up to 24 months. The results were compared to a control group (ratio 1 to 4) who had SG without fundoplication. Observed total weight loss (TWL) was compared to predicted TWL using the Sophia multinational study's machine learning-based calculator. The series included 22 patients (mean body mass index 44.4 kg/m2) with GERD conditions: GERD symptoms (n = 15), hiatal hernia (n = 6), esophagitis (n = 7), and Barrett's esophagus (n = 5). Two patients required reoperation, including one for valve perforation. At 2 years, GERD was present in three patients (13.6%), including two who regularly took proton pump inhibitors. Compared to the control group (n=88), the frequency of GERD persisting at 2 years was significantly reduced in the SG with fundoplication group (p=0.05). The TWL at 12 and 24 months was 27.7% and 26.1%, respectively, with no significant difference compared to the weight predicted by the model, nor compared to the control group. The combination of posterior fundoplication with SG can be proposed in patients with GERD who have a contraindication to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Specific morbidity may exist at the beginning of the experience.

Comparison of endoscopic third ventriculostomy versus cerebrospinal fluid shunt procedures for the treatment of pediatric hydrocephalus in Taiwan.

Pediatric hydrocephalus is the most common cause of surgically treatable neurological disease in children. Controversies exist whether endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt placement is the most appropriate treatment for pediatric hydrocephalus. This study aimed to compare the risk of re-operation and death between the two procedures. We performed a retrospective population-based cohort study and included patients younger than 20-years-old who underwent CSF shunt or ETV for hydrocephalus from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. A total of 3,555 pediatric patients from 2004 to 2017 were selected, including 2,340 (65.8%) patients that received CSF shunt placement and 1215 (34.2%) patients that underwent ETV. The incidence of all-cause death was 3.31 per 100 person-year for CSF shunt group and 2.52 per 100 person-year for ETV group, with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 0.79 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.66-0.94, p = 0.009). The cumulative incidence competing risk for reoperation was 31.2% forthe CSF shunt group and 26.4% forthe ETV group, with an adjusted subdistribution HR of 0.82 (95% CI = 0.70-0.96, p = 0.015). Subgroup analysis showed that ETV was beneficial for hydrocephalus coexisting with brain or spinal tumor, central nervous system infection, and intracranial hemorrhage. Our data indicates ETV is a betteroperative procedure for pediatric hydrocephalus when advanced surgical techniques and instruments are available.