Outcomes of Fluoroscopy-Guided Percutaneous High Ligation of the Great Saphenous Vein Combined With Foam Sclerotherapy for Symptomatic Great Saphenous Veins

PurposeTo evaluate the effectiveness and safety of fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous high ligation (FPHL) combined with fluoroscopy-guided foam sclerotherapy (FGFS) to treat varicose veins of the great saphenous veins (GSVs).Materials and MethodsThis was a retrospective study of 113 patients (mean age, 62.1 ± 10.8 years; 60 men) with varicose veins of the GSVs (133 limbs) that were treated with FPHL combined with FGFS between April 1 and October 31, 2019. Demographic and clinical data were collected from these patients before the FPHL procedure, after which FGFS was performed. The preterminal GSV was ligated percutaneously by a percutaneously-positioned polypropylene ligature under fluoroscopic guidance. The outcome of ligation was confirmed by venography. Then, foam sclerotherapy was performed under fluoroscopy. At 1-year follow-up, GSV occlusion was evaluated by ultrasound. The venous clinical severity scores (VCSSs) were compared between the preoperative and 1-year follow-up periods.ResultsThe technical success rate was 100% (133 limbs). Complete 12-month follow-up was available for 112 limbs (84.2%) and 103 of these limbs (92.0%) remained occluded during this period. The VCSS improved from 4.71 ± 2.15 to 0.74 ± 0.60 (V = 6328, P < .001). During follow-up, there were 16 limbs with thrombophlebitis and 38 limbs with saphenous junction pain; these events were alleviated within 2 weeks of the procedure. There was no deep venous thrombosis or other severe adverse events.ConclusionsFPHL combined with FGFS to treat varicose veins in the GSVs achieved an occlusion rate of 92% and improved the clinical symptoms within 1 year; this minimally-invasive procedure was safe and effective.     

A conceptual framework for treating jaw deformities in patients with abnormal condyles: preservation versus replacement of the glenoid fossa–disc–condyle–ramus

This article outlines a conceptual approach to the reconstruction of jaw deformities associated with abnormalities in the mandibular condyle. The authors describe a hierarchy of reconstruction, emphasizing use of the least invasive and progressing to the most complex and invasive techniques, depending on the nature and severity of the underlying deformity, prior operations, patient age, and stage of growth. Consider joint preservation orthognathic surgical correction, followed by biological techniques for replacement of the condyle, and avoid replacing a functional temporomandibular joint based only on radiographic remodeling and concerns about potential future flare-ups of disease based on anecdotal data.     

逐级减压套扎法治疗胃底静脉曲张临床观察

目的比较逐级减压套扎法与硬化剂治疗胃底静脉曲张的疗效差异,以期为临床提供参考。方法选择萍乡市第二人民医院消化内科2018年9月～2019年3月收治的胃底静脉曲张病例80例,随机分为两组,每组各40例,治疗组采取逐级减压套扎治疗。对照组采用传统硬化剂注射法治疗。治疗结束后比较两组患者治疗有效率、并发症发生情况、静脉曲张消除率及再出血率。结果 (1)治疗后,治疗组总有效率高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。(2)两组间并发症发生率比较,差异均无统计学意义(均P0.05)。(3)首次治疗后治疗组静脉曲张消除率高于对照组,两组差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。全部患者随访3个月,治疗组再出血率低于对照组,两组差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论逐级减压套扎法革新手术方式明显提高疗效,减少复发率,减轻患者负担,具有明显的实用性和先进性,值得在医疗机构推广,尤其是在基层医院,具有良好的社会效益和经济效益。     

Philtrum reconstruction in unilateral cleft lip repair

The philtrum is an important aesthetic structure in the midface. A number of philtrum reconstruction techniques have been advocated for secondary cleft lip revision procedures. Conventional surgical management involves end-to-end orbicularis oris muscle approximation during primary cleft lip repair, often resulting in a flat lip appearance that requires secondary revision surgery at a later stage. A novel modification of the approximation of the orbicularis oris muscle is described that may be implemented with any cleft lip technique in order to create an accentuated philtrum column for a natural looking philtrum. The muscle roll technique results in eversion of the orbicularis oris muscle, successfully recapturing the philtrum column topography. This is achieved by utilizing two inverted horizontal sutures, with an additional philtrum takedown suture placed in the region of the dimple to accentuate the philtrum anatomy and three-dimensional profile. This novel technique in unilateral cleft lip repair addresses philtrum architecture during primary surgery, which may reduce the requirement for secondary surgical intervention. Its application may be particularly suitable in outreach programmes where postoperative follow-up may be compromised.     

Meta-analysis of brain structural changes after electroconvulsive therapy in depression

BackgroundIncreases in the volume of the amygdala and hippocampus after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are among the most robust effects known to the brain-imaging field. Recent advances in the segmentation of substructures of these regions allow for novel insights on the relationship between brain structure and clinical outcomes of ECT.ObjectiveWe aimed to provide a comprehensive synthesis of evidence available on changes in brain structure after ECT, including recently published data on hippocampal subfields.MethodsA meta-analysis of published studies was carried out using random-effects models of standardized mean change of regional brain volumes measured with longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging of depressive patients before and after a series of ECT.ResultsData from 21 studies (543 depressed patients) were analysed, including 6 studies (118 patients) on hippocampal subfields. Meta-analyses could be carried out for seven brain regions for which data from at least three published studies was available. We observed increases in left and right hippocampi, amygdalae, cornua ammonis (CA) 1, CA 2/3, dentate gyri (DG) and subicula with standardized mean change scores ranging between 0.34 and 1.15. The model did not reveal significant volume increases in the caudate. Meta-regression indicated a negative relationship between the reported increases in the DG and relative symptom improvement (−0.27 (SE: 0.09) per 10%).ConclusionsECT is accompanied by significant volume increases in the bilateral hippocampus and amygdala that are not associated with treatment outcome. Among hippocampal subfields, the most robust volume increases after ECT were measured in the dentate gyrus. The indicated negative correlation of this effect with antidepressant efficacy warrants replication in data of individual patients.