Does periprostatic local anesthesia for prostate biopsy affect the operative difficulty of open radical prostatectomy? A prospective randomized trial

Objectives

Periprostatic local anesthesia for transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy requires additional needle punctures and injection of local anesthetics into the periprostatic area. This study sought to determine the influence of periprostatic local anesthesia on the surgical difficulty of open radical prostatectomy (RP).

Patients and methods

A total of 241 consecutive patients who underwent TRUS-guided prostate needle biopsy were randomized to receive either periprostatic nerve block (Anesthesia group; n?=?120) or no anesthesia (Control group; n?=?121). After diagnosing localized prostate cancer, patients who underwent open RP without neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy were evaluated as to whether perioperative nerve block affected operative duration, estimated blood loss (EBL), positive margin rate or complications.

Results

Twenty-one patients in the Anesthesia group and 19 patients in the Control group were investigated in the current study. In assessing the patients who underwent open RP with or without periprostatic nerve block, no significant differences in operative duration, EBL, positive margin rate or complications were seen between groups.

Conclusion

Periprostatic nerve block does not appear to affect perioperative outcomes after open RP.     

Does propofol anesthesia affect intraoperative parathyroid hormone levels? A randomized, prospective trial

BACKGROUND: Intravenous propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol) infusion is used commonly for sedation/anesthesia during operations. Several authors have reported that propofol can interfere with intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) testing in vitro. Therefore, many surgeons avoid propofol during parathyroidectomy. METHODS: To determine whether propofol affects intraoperative PTH levels in vivo, we randomly assigned 34 patients (80% power; alpha < .05) with secondary hyperparathyroidism to undergo surgery for dialysis access. Patients were assigned randomly to local anesthesia with either propofol (n = 17 patients) or midazolam (n = 17 patients) sedation. PTH values were obtained before the procedure and at 10 minutes and 30 minutes after the start of the propofol or midazolam. RESULTS: Median preoperative serum PTH and calcium levels were 175 pg/mL (range, 27-2646 pg/mL) and 9.2 mg/dL (range, 8.1-10.8 mg/dL), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the PTH levels in the 2 groups at each of our time points. There was also no difference in the percentage of change from baseline in the PTH values between our 2 groups. No patient in either group had a sustained drop in their PTH level of greater than 50%. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous propofol infusion does not alter PTH levels significantly during the operation. Therefore, we believe the intraoperative PTH assay can be used safely during propofol sedation when parathyroid surgical procedures are being performed.     

Does tadalafil prevent erectile dysfunction in patients undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer？

Arecently published paper addressed the interesting topic of prevention of erectile dysfunction （ED） with tadalafil, a pbosphodiesterase-type 5 inhibitor （PDE5i） in patients undergoing radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer. Tadalafil 5 mg or placebo was administered once-daily for 24 weeks in patients undergoing external-beam radiotherapy （EBRT） or brachytherapy （BT） for prostate cancer. This randomized trial did not show superior efficacy of the active drug compared with placebo 4-6 weeks after stopping the study drug. Furthermore, patients younger than 65 years did not respond significantlybetter than older patients.     

Can intraperitoneal bupivacaine decreases pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy? A randomized control trial

Purpose

To evaluate effect of intraperitoneal bupivacaine on postoperative pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy.

Methods

Hundred patients undergoing laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy were included in the study and were divided randomly into two groups based on computer-generated randomization chart of fifty each. Patients were made familiar with VAS chart preoperatively. Group A received 20 mL of 0.5 % bupivacaine, while group B patients received 20 mL of 0.9 % normal saline intraperitoneally Postoperatively, patients were assessed based on VAS and requirement of rescue analgesic, hemodynamic parameters and presence of any adverse effects. Student’s t test was used for statistical analysis.

Results

At all-time interval, mean pain scores were higher in group B than group A. The difference between the mean pain scores was statistically significant (p < 0.05) at 0, 2 and 4 h. The mean dose of rescue analgesia (pentazocin, 30 mg in one vial) in group A was 33 ± 26 mg which was significantly less as compared to group B where it was 62 ± 28 mg. There was statistically insignificant difference between all cardiorespiratory factories at all-time intervals except for heart rate and mean blood pressure at 0 h in group A as compared to group B.

Conclusions

Intraperitoneal bupivacaine is a simple, safe, inexpensive method for control of postoperative pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy. Use of the correct dose and concentration of the drug are essential for effective pain control.

     

Does preoperative hydration affect postoperative nausea and vomiting? A randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that relative hypovolemia due to overnight fasting may result in postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of preoperative and intraoperative hydration (the necessary amount of fluid preoperatively to cover the fluid deficit) on PONV. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and ten consecutive patients who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy with The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)-I physical statuses were studied prospectively. The patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups, each having 104 patients. Group 1 received intraoperative volume replacement, but Group-II received preoperative volume replacement. Postoperative antiemetic efficacy was assessed by the ratio of the patients that require an antiemetic over the whole group. RESULTS: The PONV was significantly less detected in the preoperative replacement group (48% in Group 2) than the intraoperative one (64% in Group 1) (P = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: PONV was reduced when the fluid deficit was replaced preoperatively.     

Does transcervical intra-fallopian insemination improve pregnancy rates in cases of oligoteratoasthenozoospermia? A prospective,randomized study

The relatively low pregnancy rates (PR) after treatment of patients with oligoteratoasthenozoospermia (OTA) result in a search for different treatment modalities. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of transcervical intrafallopian insemination (IFI) with husband's semen in comparison to intrauterine insemination (IUI) in couples with OTA. A prospective, randomized study included 30 couples with OTA-related infertility (according to WHO criteria). The female patients underwent individually adjusted controlled ovarian stimulation by gonadotropins. Spermatozoa was prepared using the Percoll 70% technique and insemination was performed 36-40 h after human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) administration. The Tomcat Catheter was used for IUI and the Jansen-Anderson Catheter for IFI to the fallopian tube leading to the ovary that contained more dominant follicles. The couples were divided according to sperm count, into group A (9 couples): < 10 mill ml-1 and group B (21 couples): > 10 mill ml-1. Within the groups the patients were randomly assigned for IUI or IFI treatment. Among group B couples, two pregnancies out of 15 IUI cycles (13.3% PR) and two pregnancies out of 18 IFI cycles (11.1% PR) were achieved. Group A patients completed 7 IUI and 9 IFI treatment cycles with no pregnancies observed. These data did not demonstrate a statistically significant advantage for either technique.     

Does the presence of ultrasound really affect computed tomographic scan use? A prospective randomized trial of ultrasound in trauma

BACKGROUND: The sliding hip screw has gained considerable acceptance in the treatment of unstable trochanteric fractures. However, the new type of 120 degrees fixed angle blade-plate with a buttress rod (RAB-plate) showed encouraging clinical results. The purpose of this study was to assess stability of fixation and analyze modes of failure in unstable trochanteric hip fractures treated with these devices. METHODS: A retrospective radiographic review of 218 unstable fractures was performed. Linear and angular displacements of the major fragments and implant migration into the femoral head during healing were assessed. Additionally, adequacy of the reduction and the location of the implant within the femoral head as predictors of fixation failure were evaluated. RESULTS: The postreduction neck-shaft angle was maintained in the majority of the fractures in both groups. However, there was a significantly higher incidence of varus angulation by 10 degrees or more by the completion of healing among fractures treated with the sliding hip screw (p = 0.04). There was no statistically significant difference in vertical migration of the device into the femoral head between the implants used (p = 0.3). There was a significant relationship between failure of the fixation and varus reduction (p = 0.04) as well as screw/neck angle deviation more than 20 degrees in the lateral projection (p = 0.005) or if the implant was in a superior or posterior position (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The RAB-plate provided a more stable fixation, especially with regard to maintained postoperative alignment. However, positive predictors for fixation failure were identical for both devices. Here, the screw/neck angle deviation has had the strongest significance for prediction of fixation failure.     

Does perioperative biological therapy increase 30-day post-operative complication rates in inflammatory bowel disease patients undergoing intra-abdominal surgery? A systematic review

BackgroundBiopharmaceuticals revolutionised inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment. However, it is postulated they compromise immunity, collagen production and angiogenesis resulting in infective post-operative complications and altered wound/anastomotic healing. Research has failed to agree on risks associated with perioperative biologics therefore it was anticipated that a systematic review may provide a consensus and contribute recommendations for clinical practice.MethodsA systematic review conducted as per PRISMA guidelines included a methodical search of PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE/Ovid and Cochrane Library using MeSH and/or keywords for papers published between 01/01/1998 and 04/02/2019.The population analysed included adult ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, Indeterminate Colitis or IBD unclassified patients. The intervention was intra-abdominal surgery in patients treated with biological therapy in the preceding 12 weeks compared to patients who had intra-abdominal surgery without biological therapy within the defined timeframe. The primary outcome was surgical site infection (SSI) with secondary outcomes including wound dehiscence, intra-abdominal sepsis/abscess, systemic infection and anastomotic breakdown within 30 days post-procedure. Papers were evaluated by two independent reviewers and those included were assessed for quality/bias using the Newcastle–Ottowa scale.Results2064 UC, Crohn's and IC patients were analysed across 8 included studies. Several studies' multivariate analyses demonstrated corticosteroids to be independent predictors of morbidity. There are no increased complications associated with anti-TNFα exposure while vedolizumab increased SSI and small bowel obstruction.ConclusionProspective studies and randomised control trials are required to clarify study outcomes and recommendations published to date. Presently, biologics should continue to be used and considered beneficial in this population.     

The impact of dexamethasone as a perineural additive to ropivacaine for PECS II blockade in patients undergoing unilateral radical mastectomy – A prospective,randomized, controlled and double-blinded trial

Study objectiveDexamethasone is commonly used as an adjuvant to local anesthetics to prolong duration of peripheral nerve blocks with minimal side-effects. The present study investigates the efficacy of dexamethasone added to ropivacaine 0.2% as compared to ropivacaine 0.2% alone for pectoral nerves block II (PECS II) in unilateral radical mastectomy.DesignA prospective, randomized, controlled and double-blinded trial.SettingThe study was performed at Innsbruck Medical University Hospital, Austria, between January 2019 and October 2020.PatientsSixty female patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists Score I-II (18–90 years, BMI 18–35) scheduled for unilateral radical mastectomy without one-stage immediate autologous breast reconstruction were randomly assigned to receive PECS II block with ropivacaine 0.2% with or without dexamethasone 8 mg.InterventionsPatients were randomly assigned to receive PECS II block with ropivacaine 0.2% with or without dexamethasone 8 mg.MeasurementsPrimary outcome parameter was the cumulative opioid consumption during the first 72 postoperative hours. Secondary outcome parameters were the duration of analgesia and the course of the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the area under the curve VAS (AUC-VAS).Main resultsThere was no difference in cumulative opioid consumption after 72 h between the ropivacaine 0.2% plus dexamethasone group and the ropivacaine 0.2% plus placebo group (11.89 vs 11.90 morphine milligram equivalent, respectively; p 0.831). Duration of analgesia also did not differ significantly between the ropivacaine 0.2% plus dexamethasone group and the ropivacaine 0.2% plus placebo group (12.75 versus 8.75 h, respectively; p 0.680). There also was no difference in the course of VAS and AUC-VAS.ConclusionsDexamethasone 8 mg when added to ropivacaine 0.2% for PECS II block in unilateral radical mastectomy was not found to reduce total opioid consumption over 72 postoperative hours or to prolong duration of analgesia as compared to pure ropivacaine 0.2%.     

Exercise therapy and custom-made insoles are effective in patients with excessive pronation and chronic foot pain—A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundExcessive foot pronation is a causal mechanisms described in relation to injuries of the lower extremities. Evidence to support an effective treatment is insufficient.ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of exercise and custom-made insoles to patients with excessive pronation and chronic pain conditions in the foot at short and long term follow-up.MethodsSingle blinded Randomized Controlled Trial with 80 subjects randomized: (1) Standard Intervention, (2) Insole, (3) Exercise, and (4) Insole + Exercise. Exercise – 12 week supervised program. Insoles – individually molded and posted. Pain was measured during walking, resting and running. Static and dynamic foot postures were measured as calcaneal angle, navicular drift, drop and height.ResultsThe average duration of foot pain was 7.3 years. There was a significant pain reduction during walking within all groups at 4 and 12 months follow-up. No differences were seen between groups in any of the pain parameters. Weak correlations between changes in pain and foot postures were observed at baseline and one-year follow-up.ConclusionA significant pain reduction was seen in all groups, none of the treatment modalities seem to be superior with the number of patients included. Compliance in the standard intervention group was a concern at 12 months.     

Prevalence of incidental prostate cancer in patients undergoing radical cystoprostatectomy： data from China and other Asian countries

The purpose of this study is to investigate the frequency of prostate cancer （Pca） discovered incidentally in radical cystoprostatectomy specimens in Asia and to determine the feasibility of prostate-sparing cystectomy （PSC） for Asian patients. Ninety-two male bladder cancer patients who underwent radical cystoprostatectomy at our center between January 2003 and January 2008 were included in this study. The mean age of patients was 67.1 years （range： 32-75 years）. Prostate-specific antigen （PSA） levels and digital rectal examination （DRE） results before surgery were obtained retrospectively. Prostates of all patients were embedded and sectioned at 5-mm intervals. The same pathologist examined the prostatic tissues from radical cystoprostatectomy specimens. Finally, a structured literature review was performed using MEDLINE and PUBMED to estimate the occurrence of incidental Pca in Asia. Of the 92 patients, 3 （3.3%） were found to have Pca; in one out of three （33.3%） patients the disease was clinically significant due to a Gleason grade 4 carcinoma. Eight articles were included in our review. The overall incidence of Pca discovered incidentally in radical cystoprostatectomy specimens in Asia was 9.9% （64/642）. When age was restricted to 〈 60 years, only 7 out of 222 （3.2%） patients were found to have synchronous Pca, and none of the cases was clinically significant. The occurrence of Pca in radical cystoprostatectorny specimens in Asia is much lower than that in Western countries. PSC might be feasible for Asian patients under a strict preoperative selection.     

Does ultrasound-guided popliteal-sciatic nerve block have superior pain control in pediatric foot and ankle surgery? A randomized control trial

BackgroundTendon surgery in the pediatric foot and ankle could cause severe postoperative pain, which may lead to psychologic distress and chronic pain. This study was aimed to compare the efficacy of a peripheral nerve block (PNB) and local surgical site infiltration (LSI) in pediatric foot and ankle tendon surgery.MethodsForty pediatric patients, who underwent foot and ankle tendon surgery were enrolled. Patients age 1–6 years old were allocated to group 1 and 7–15 years old were group 2. The popliteal-sciatic nerve block with 0.5% Bupivacaine (0.25 ml/kg) for group 1A and 2A. Group 1B and 2B received 0.5% Bupivacaine (0.25 ml/kg) local injection before wound closure. Pain score was recorded using CHEOPS in 1–6 years (Group1A, 1B), NRS in age 7–15 years (Group 2A, 2B). The post-operative morphine consumption and complications were recorded.ResultsFor 7–15 years, pain score in group 2B was more than group 2A at postoperative 2 and 6 h [Mean difference (95% CI); -3.4 (-6.4 to -0.3), and -2 (-4.4 to 0.5), respectively], and reached MCID of 2. The number of morphine consumption was significantly higher in group 2 B at 0–6 and 6–12 h post-operatively [Mean difference (95% CI); -0.8 (-1.4 to -0.2), and -0.6 (-1.1 to -0.1), respectively, with p-value < 0.05]. For 1–6 years, there was no significant difference in pain score and number of postoperative morphine consumption.ConclusionsPNB and LSI provided effective pain management in patients aged 1–6 years old with no statistically significant difference. PNB showed significant superior pain control in patients aged 7–15 years old.