Ultrasound-guided adductor canal block for arthroscopic medial meniscectomy: a randomized, double-blind trial

Purpose

The saphenous nerve block using a landmark-based approach has shown promise in reducing postoperative pain in patients undergoing arthroscopic medial meniscectomy. We hypothesized that performing an ultrasound-guided adductor canal saphenous block as part of a multimodal analgesic regimen would result in improved analgesia after arthroscopic medial meniscectomy.

Methods

Fifty patients presenting for ambulatory arthroscopic medial meniscectomy under general anesthesia were prospectively randomized to receive an ultrasound-guided adductor canal block with 0.5% ropivacaine or a sham subcutaneous injection of sterile saline. Our primary outcome was resting pain scores (numerical rating scale; NRS) upon arrival to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). Secondary outcomes included NRS at six hours, 12 hr, 18 hr, and 24 hr; postoperative nausea; and postoperative opioid consumption.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference in mean NRS pain scores upon arrival to the PACU (P = 0.03): block group NRS = 1.71 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73 to 2.68) vs sham group NRS = 3.25 (95% CI 2.27 to 4.23). Cumulative opioid consumption (represented in oral morphine equivalents) over 24 hr was 71.8 mg (95% CI 56.5 to 87.2) in the sham group vs 44.9 mg (95% CI 29.5 to 60.2) in the block group (P = 0.016).

Conclusions

An ultrasound-guided block at the adductor canal as part of a combined multimodal analgesic regimen significantly reduces resting pain scores in the PACU following arthroscopic medial meniscectomy. Furthermore, 24-hr postoperative opioid consumption and pain scores were also reduced.     

Effect of pulsed radiofrequency in treatment of facet-joint origin back pain in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis

Background

Degenerative spondylolisthesis is a well-recognized source of low back pain mainly induced by facet joint pain. Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) allows heat dissipation, thus producing a temporary injury that affects only type C fibers responsible for pain conduction.

Objectives

We attempted to test whether PRF is a better choice for facet pain due to spondylolisthesis compared to routine steroid injection.

Methods

Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: group one received pulsed RF, and group 2 received injection by steroids (triamcinolone) and bupivacaine.

Outcomes assessment

Multiple outcome measures were utilized which included the numeric rating scale (NRS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), satisfaction status, and analgesic intake with assessment at 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment. Significant pain relief was defined as 50 % or more, whereas significant improvement in disability score was defined as reduction of 40 % or more.

Results

Eighty patients were enrolled in the study and were divided into the two groups of study. PRF significantly reduced NRS at 6-month follow-up compared to steroid + bupivacaine. 75.6 ± 14.3 % at pre-treatment and 19.3 ± 9.5 % at 6 months (p = 0.001) in PRF group. The mean ODI is depicted in two groups of study (Fig. 1). Interestingly, ODI% was significantly lower in PRF group at 12 weeks and 6 months compare to steroid + bupivacaine group (p = 0.022 and 0.03, respectively), but it was not significantly different at 6 weeks (p = 0.31). Proportion of patients who did not require analgesics were significantly higher in PRF group compared to other group (p = 0.001) in Log-rank (Mantel–Cox) test.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that the application of PRF might be more effective than steroid and bupivacaine injection in decreasing back pain due to degenerative facet pain and improvement in function of patients.     

Histological assessment of transmurality after repeated radiofrequency ablation of the left atrial wall

Objective

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) makes the Cox-Maze procedure less complicated but cannot always achieve transmural lesions. In this study, we assessed whether repeated application of RFA could improve histological transmurality even in thick lesions.

Methods

Left atrial appendages (LAA) amputated from 20 consecutive patients (age 68 ± 9 years, 9 males) who underwent the Cox-Maze procedure using bipolar RFA devices were studied. Three different segments in the amputated LAA were ablated once, twice, or three times. Thereafter, cross sections made along each of the ablation lines were histologically assessed. Transmurality, which was defined as completion of transmural fibrotic changes, and wall thickness were investigated at an average of 3 different sites in each section.

Results

A total of 177 sites were investigated and divided into groups with single, double, and triple RFA treatments for 56, 61, and 60 lesions, respectively. Transmural lesions were observed in 25 (45 %), 27 (44 %), and 41 (68 %) lesions, respectively (P = 0.011). The transmurality was 100 % for all lesions with a thickness of 1.0 mm or less. In the thicker lesions (>1.0 mm), however, wall thickness impaired transmurality, though triple RFA was associated with significantly higher transmurality than single and double RFA (P = 0.005).

Conclusions

Triple repetition of RFA was associated with higher transmurality of lesions than double RFA, especially for thicker lesions. Increasing the number of repetitions could improve the success rate of the Cox-Maze procedure using RFA devices.     

Thermometry during coblation and radiofrequency ablation of vertebral metastases: a cadaver study

Purpose

To evaluate safety of coblation of simulated lytic metastases in human cadaveric vertebral bodies by measuring heat distribution during thermal tissue ablation and comparing it to radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Materials and methods

Three devices were compared: a 10 mm single-needle RFA electrode, a 20 mm array RFA electrode and the coblation device. To simulate bone metastases, a spinal tumor model was used stuffing a created lytic cavity with muscle tissue. Measuring of heat distribution was performed during thermal therapy within the vertebral body, in the epidural space and at the ipsilateral neural foramen. Eight vertebral bodies were used for each device.

Results

Temperatures at heat-sensitive neural structures during coblation were significantly lower than using RFA. Maximum temperatures measured at the end of the procedure at the neural foramen: 46.4 °C (±2.51; RFA 10 mm), 52.2 °C (±5.62; RFA 20 mm) and 42.5 °C (±2.88; coblation). Maximum temperatures in the epidural space: 46.8 °C (±4.7; RFA 10 mm), 49.5 °C (±6.48; RFA 20 mm) and 42.1 °C (±2.5; coblation). Maximum temperatures measured within the vertebral body: 50.6 °C (±10.48; RFA 10 mm), 61.9 °C (±15.39; RFA 20 mm) and 54.4 °C (±15.77; coblation).

Conclusion

In addition to RFA, the application of coblation is a safe method to ablate vertebral lesions with regards to heat distribution at heat-sensitive neural spots. The measured temperatures did not harbor danger of thermal damage to the spinal cord or the spinal nerves.     

Preoperative patient counseling for diagnostic renal biopsy and complications with renal radiofrequency ablation

Purpose

To identify preoperative factors associated with surgical complications and successful diagnostic renal biopsy in both laparoscopic and percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of renal masses in order to help aid in preoperative patient counseling for renal RFA.

Methods

We reviewed our Institutional Review Board approved database from November 2001 to January 2011, containing 335 tumors treated with either laparoscopic (LRFA) or percutaneous RFA (CTRFA). Preoperative patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and intraoperative surgical data were collected along with biopsy results and clinicopathologic outcomes.

Results

RFA was performed on 335 renal tumors (124 LRFA, 211 CTRFA). Non-diagnostic biopsy occurred in 18 (5.5%) tumors. Of the 317 procedures performed, 121 complications occurred in 103 (30.7%) procedures. Multivariate analysis only showed CTRFA (vs LRFA) to increase the likelihood of non-diagnostic biopsy (OR 5.1, 95% CI 1.2–22, p = 0.032). Increased tumor size (p = 0.007) and synchronous ablations (p = 0.019) increased the risk for major complications, while decreased surgeon experience (p = 0.003) and tumors close to the collecting system (p = 0.005) increased the risk of any complication.

Conclusions

Preoperative recommendations can be made to patients in the future. We suggest counseling patients that when undergoing RFA, percutaneous approach increases the risk of non-diagnostic biopsy, increased tumor size increases the risk of major complications, having more than 1 tumor ablated increases the risk of a major complication, and tumors close to the collecting system may increase the risk of complications.     

Prospective,randomized-controlled trial comparing postoperative pain after plug and patch open repair with totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare postoperative pain between the open tension-free plug and patch (PP) technique and the totally extraperitoneal patch (TEP) hernioplasty.

Methods

One hundred and fifty-four male patients with unilateral inguinal hernia were randomized to undergo PP and TEP from 2005 to 2009. Pain assessment was conducted using the numerical rating scale (NRS) and the McGill Pain Questionnaire preoperatively, 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively. All patients received the same analgesic regimen and documented pain in a NRS-based 4-week diary.

Results

Of the 154 patients 77 underwent TEP and 77 PP. Median follow-up was 3.8 years. One recurrent hernia was observed in the TEP and two in the PP group (p = 0.56). Median preoperative NRS scores were 2 and 2, 0.3 and 0.4 at 6 months, 0.1 and 0.3 at 12 months, 0.2 and 0.1 at 24 months postoperatively in the PP and TEP groups, respectively (p > 0.05). Data from the 4-week pain diaries revealed significant differences in pain intensity between the two different techniques from the second postoperative week (p < 0.05). Patients in the PP group required more additional analgesics on day four and five postoperatively (p = 0.037 and 0.015, respectively).

Conclusions

Our data favor the TEP technique concerning postoperative pain as primary endpoint between tension-free PP and TEP hernia repair.     

Percutaneous CT-guided radio-frequency ablation of osteoid osteoma of the foot and ankle

Introduction

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been considered, in recent years, the standard treatment for osteoid osteoma (OO) of the appendicular skeleton. The variable clinical presentations in the foot and ankle pose problems in diagnosis, localization and thus treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of RFA for patients with osteoid osteoma of the foot and ankle.

Materials and methods

A total of 29 patients (22 males, 7 females; mean age 16.7?years; range 8?C44?years) with OO of the foot and ankle (distal tibia, n?=?17; distal fibula, n?=?6; talus, n?=?3; calcaneus, n?=?3) were enrolled in the study. A CT-guided RFA was performed, using a cool-tip electrode without the cooling system, heating the lesion up to 90?°C for 4?C5?min. Clinical success, assessed at a minimum follow-up of 1?year, was defined as complete or partial pain relief after RFA. Pain and clinical outcomes were scored pre-operatively and at the follow-up with a visual analogue scale (VAS) and with the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. Complications and local recurrences were also recorded.

Results

Clinical success was achieved in 26 patients (89.6?%). After RFA, mean VAS and AOFAS score significantly improved from 8?±?1 to 2?±?1 (p?<?0.05) and from 60.7?±?12.7 to 89.6?±?7.1 (p?<?0.05), respectively. Two patients experienced partial relief of pain and underwent a second successful ablation. Local recurrences were found in three patients, always associated with pain. These underwent conventional excision through open surgery. No early or late complications were detected after RFA.

Conclusion

CT-guided RFA of foot and ankle osteoid osteoma is a safe and effective procedure, showing similar results for the rest of the appendicular skeleton.     

Prior Fundoplication Does not Improve Safety or Efficacy Outcomes of Radiofrequency Ablation: Results from the U.S. RFA Registry

Background

Ongoing gastroesophageal reflux may impair healing and re-epithelialization after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of Barrett’s esophagus (BE). Because prior fundoplication may improve reflux control, our aim was to assess the relationship between prior fundoplication and the safety/efficacy of RFA.

Methods

We assessed the U.S. RFA Registry, a nationwide registry of BE patients receiving RFA at 148 institutions, to compare the safety and efficacy of ablation between those with prior fundoplication and those with medical management (proton pump inhibition).

Results

Among 5,537 patients receiving RFA, 301 (5.4 %) had prior fundoplication. Of fundoplication subjects, 1.0 % developed stricture and 1.0 % were hospitalized after RFA. Rates of stricture, bleeding, and hospitalization were not statistically different (p?=?ns) between patients with and without prior fundoplication. Complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia and complete eradication of dysplasia were achieved in 71 % and 87 % of fundoplication patients, and 73 % and 87 % of patients without fundoplication, respectively (p?=?ns for both). Patients with prior fundoplication needed similar numbers of RFA sessions for eradication compared with those without fundoplication.

Conclusions

Radiofrequency ablation, with or without prior fundoplication, is safe and effective in eradicating BE. Prior fundoplication was associated with similar adverse event and efficacy rates when compared with medical management.     

Fractures of the sustentaculum tali

Objective

Anatomical reconstruction of displaced sustentaculum tali fractures via a direct medial approach.

Indications

Displaced fractures of the sustentaculum tali with incongruity or depression of the medial facet of the subtalar joint, entrapment of the flexor hallucis longus or flexor digitorum longus tendons, fracture line extending into the posterior facet of the subtalar joint.

Contraindications

Infected or grossly contaminated soft tissue, severely restricted vascular supply to the foot, high perioperative risk.

Surgical technique

Direct medial approach over the sustentaculum tali, retraction of the tendons, joint exploration, fracture reduction using the medial facet and cortical outline as guidelines, fracture fixation with two small fragment screws from medial to lateral directed slightly plantarly and posteriorly. Fractures with depression of the medial facet as a whole can alternatively be reduced and fixed percutaneously.

Postoperative management

Lower leg splint for 5–7 days, partial weight-bearing with 20 kg for 6–8 weeks (until radiographic signs of consolidation) in the patient’s own shoewear, early range of motion exercises of the ankle, subtalar and mid-tarsal joints.

Results

Over a course of 15 years, 31 patients were treated operatively for sustentacular fractures. In all, 27 patients (87?%) had additional fractures to the same foot and ankle. Eighteen patients with a mean age of 41 years treated at our institution with screw fixation for a unilateral fracture of the sustentaculum tali could be followed for a mean of 80 months (range 15–151 months). No wound healing problems or infections were seen with the medial approach. At the time of follow-up, 15 sustentaculum tali fractures had an average Foot Function Index of 21.6 and an average AOFAS Ankle–Hindfoot Score of 83.6. Patients with isolated fractures of the sustentaculum tali had significantly better scores than those with additional injuries. In 1 patient, an additional lateral process fracture of the talus required subtalar fusion due to persistent pain. Care must be taken not to overlook these atypical calcaneal fractures and accompanying injuries to the mid-tarsal joint and the lateral talar process as seen in 45% and 23%, respectively, in the present series.     

Intraoperative Ablation for Small HCC not Amenable for Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation in Child A Cirrhotic Patients

Background

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was initially started by radiologists as a percutaneous treatment, but surgeons started to use RFA by surgical approach for patients with tumors at locations difficult for the percutaneous procedure. The aim was to evaluate the results of intraoperative RFA for small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) (<3 cm) in locations difficult for a percutaneous approach.

Methods

Two hundred forty-seven patients with small solitary HCC (<3 cm) were treated; 196 via percutaneous RFA while 51 patients presented at sites not amenable for percutaneous route. Twenty-seven out of 51 patients underwent surgical resection, while 24/51 patients underwent intraoperative RFA.

Results

The location and depth of the tumor from the liver capsule was the only significant factors in the choice of the surgeon between resection and RFA. RFA was successful in all tumors (complete ablation rate of 100 %). In the surgery group, all patients achieved R0 resection. Complication rate was comparable (p?=?1.0). After a median follow-up of 37 months (range, 10–45 months), no tumors showed neither local progression nor local recurrence and no significant difference was observed between two groups as regards early recurrence and number of de novo lesions (p?=?0.49). One-year and 3-year survival rates were 93 % and 81 %, respectively, in the resection group comparable to the corresponding rates of 92 % and 74 % in the RFA group (p?=?0.9).

Conclusion

For small HCC in locations difficult for a percutaneous approach, intraoperative RFA can be an alternative option for deep-seated tumors necessitating more than one segmentectomy achieving similar tumor control, and overall and disease-free survival.     

Radiofrequency Ablation of Hepatic Metastases: Factors Influencing Local Tumor Progression

Background

Although radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of nonresectable hepatic metastases has gained wide acceptance by showing survival benefit in selected patients, scattered reports are available regarding risk factors of local control of percutaneous RFA. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the factors influencing local tumor progression after percutaneous RFA of hepatic metastases.

Methods

Sixty-nine hepatic metastatic lesions in 54 patients were treated by percutaneous RFA. Efficacy was evaluated by contrast-enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging at 1 month after ablation, then at 3-month intervals for the first year and biannually thereafter.

Results

The results of the log-rank test showed that tumor size of <3 cm (p = 0.024) and the absence of tumor contiguous with large vessels (p = 0.002) significantly correlated with local control for hepatic metastases. Cox regression analysis showed that the tumor size <3 cm and the absence of tumor contiguous with large vessels were independent factors (p = 0.055 and 0.009, respectively). The results of the log-rank test showed that neither the threshold post-ablation margin of 1.8 cm (p = 0.064) nor the presence of a tumor with subcapsular location (p = 0.134) correlated with the success of local control.

Conclusions

Percutaneous RFA is more effective in achieving local control in patients with hepatic metastases when the tumor size is <3 cm and not contiguous with large vessels.     

Outcomes of posterior facet versus pedicle screw fixation of circumferential fusion: a cohort study

Purpose

To compare single-level circumferential spinal fusion using pedicle (n = 27) versus low-profile minimally invasive facet screw (n = 35) posterior instrumentation.

Method

A prospective two-arm cohort study with 5-year outcomes as follow-up was conducted. Assessment included back and leg pain, pain drawing, Oswestry disability index (ODI), pain medication usage, self-assessment of procedure success, and >1-year postoperative lumbar magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

Significantly less operative time, estimated blood loss and costs were incurred for the facet group. Clinical improvement was significant for both groups (p < 0.01 for all outcomes scales). Outcomes were significantly better for back pain and ODI for the facet relative to the pedicle group at follow-up periods >1 year (p < 0.05). Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging found that 20 % had progressive adjacent disc degeneration, and posterior muscle changes tended to be greater for the pedicle screw group.

Conclusion

One-level circumferential spinal fusion using facet screws proved superior to pedicle screw instrumentation.     

Parameters influencing the outcome after total disc replacement at the lumbosacral junction. Part 2: distraction and posterior translation lead to clinical failure after a mean follow-up of 5 years

Purpose

The aim of the second part of the study was to investigate the influence of parameters that lead to increased facet joint contact or capsule tensile forces (disc height, lordosis, and sagittal misalignment) on the clinical outcome after total disc replacement (TDR) at the lumbosacral junction.

Methods

A total of 40 patients of a prospective cohort study who received TDR because of degenerative disc disease or osteochondrosis L5/S1 were invited to an additional follow-up for clinical (ODI and VAS for overall, back, and leg pain) and radiographic analysis (a change in disc height, lordosis, or sagittal vertebral misalignment compared with the preoperative state). Based on the final ODI, patients were retrospectively distributed into groups N (normal: <25 %) or F (failure ≥25 %) for radiographic parameter comparison. A correlation analysis was performed between the clinical and radiological results.

Results

A total of 34 patients were available at a mean follow-up of 59.5 months. Both groups (N = 24; F = 10 patients) presented a significant improvement in overall pain, back pain, and ODI over time. At the final follow-up, higher clinical scores correlated with a larger disc height, increased lordosis, and posterior translation of the superior vertebra, which was also reflected by significant differences in these parameters in the group comparison.

Conclusions

Parameters associated with increased facet joint capsule tensile forces lead to an inferior clinical outcome at mid-term follow-up. When performing TDR, we therefore suggest avoiding iatrogenic posterior translation and overdistraction (and consecutive lordosis).     

Endoscopic versus Open Radiofrequency Ablation for Treatment of Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

Surgical radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with superior oncological outcome in comparison with percutaneous RFA. The present study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the relative perioperative safety and postoperative outcome of the laparoscopic or thoracoscopic approach versus the open approach to RFA for small HCC.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed in 55 consecutive patients who underwent open (n = 32) or laparoscopic/thoracoscopic (LTS) RFA (n = 23) for primary unresectable HCC between January 2005 and December 2010. Baseline characteristics, survival/recurrence rates, and complications after treatment were compared between the two groups.

Results

There was a trend showing that LTS RFA was performed for tumors located in the anterior segment (e.g., segments III, V, VIII). The LTS RFA group had a significantly lower intraoperative blood loss, shorter operative time, and shorter postoperative hospital stay, compared with the open RFA group. No major postoperative complications occurred in patients who underwent LTS RFA. No significant differences in overall survival, recurrence-free survival and local recurrence rates were observed between the two groups.

Conclusions

In consideration of operative invasiveness and postoperative recovery, LTS RFA is superior to the open approach in patients with small HCC. Moreover, the surgical outcome did not differ between the two approaches. Laparoscopic/thorascopic RFA can be considered to be a useful procedure for ablation therapy.     

Combined surgical resection and radiofrequency ablation as treatment for metastatic ocular melanoma

Purpose

Ocular melanoma is a rare disease with a strong predilection for the liver. Systemic and locoregional treatments for metastatic ocular melanoma have had disappointing results, with an average survival of 5–7 months. Resection and/or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of liver lesions were attempted to improve the patient outcomes.

Methods

Eight patients with liver metastasis from ocular melanoma underwent surgery and/or RFA at the University of Southern California, University Hospital from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2009. Their charts were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

All patients had undergone eye enucleation as the primary treatment. Four patients had all metastatic liver lesions addressed: one patient underwent left lateral segmentectomy and three patients had combinations of left lateral segmentectomies, wedge resections and RFA of two to four lesions. Two patients underwent surgical biopsies for diagnosis, one patient was unresectable and one patient underwent RFA of a dominant lesion. The median survival was 36 months. The median survival of patients who underwent surgery alone or in conjunction with RFA to address all liver lesions was 46 months.

Conclusions

There are few reports of RFA for metastatic ocular melanoma. RFA of liver lesions in addition to resection can perhaps lead to improved survival and may play a critical role in the future management of this disease.     

A Critical Analysis of Postoperative Morbidity and Mortality After Laparoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation of Liver Tumors

Background

Although the laparoscopic approach provides certain advantages over the percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA), the morbidity needs to be defined. The aim of this study is to analyze the morbidity and underlying risk factors after laparoscopic RFA of liver tumors.

Methods

Between 1996 and 2012, 910 patients underwent 1,207 RFA procedures for malignant liver tumors in a tertiary academic center. The 90-day morbidity and mortality were extracted from a prospective IRB-approved database. Statistical analyses were performed using regression, t, and χ ² tests.

Results

Complications occurred in 50 patients (4 %) and were gastrointestinal in 13 patients (1.1 %), infections in 10 (0.8 %), hemorrhagic in 9 (0.7 %), urinary in 7 (0.6 %), cardiac in 4 (0.3 %), pulmonary in 3 (0.3 %), hematologic in 2 (0.2 %), and neurologic in 2 (0.2 %). The complication rates for an RFA done alone (5 %) versus concomitantly with ancillary procedure (6 %) were similar (p = .6). In all patients who developed postoperative bleeding from the liver, the ablations had been performed on lesions located in the right posterior sector. Of 9 patients with bleeding, 5 (55 %) required a laparotomy. Also, 60 % of liver abscesses occurred in patients with a prior bilioenteric anastomosis (BEA). The 90-day mortality was 0.4 % (n = 5). Hospital stay was 1.2 ± 0.1 days and was prolonged to 4.4 ± 0.3 days in case of complications.

Conclusions

This study describes the morbidity and mortality to be expected after a laparoscopic RFA procedure. Our results show that additional caution should be used to prevent bleeding complications in patients with tumors located in the right posterior sector and infections in patients with a history of BEA.     

Complementary Use of Resection and Radiofrequency Ablation for the Treatment of Colorectal Liver Metastases: An Analysis of 395 Patients

Background

Liver resection and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are two surgical options in the treatment of patients with colorectal liver metastases (CLM). The aim of this study was to analyze patient characteristics and outcomes after resection and RFA for CLM from a single center.

Methods

Between 2000 and 2010, 395 patients with CLM undergoing RFA (n = 295), liver resection (n = 94) or both (n = 6) were identified from a prospective IRB-approved database. Demographic, clinical and survival data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

RFA patients had more comorbidities, number of liver tumors and a higher incidence of extrahepatic disease compared to the Resection patients. The 5-year overall actual survival was 17 % in the RFA, 58 % in the Resection group (p = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, multiple liver tumors, dominant lesion >3 cm, and CEA >10 ng/ml were independent predictors of overall survival. Patients were followed for a median of 20 ± 1 months. Liver and extrahepatic recurrences were seen in 69 %, and 29 % of the patients in the RFA, and 40 %, and 19 % of the patients in the Resection group, respectively.

Conclusions

In this large surgical series, we described the characteristics and oncologic outcomes of patients undergoing resection or RFA for CLM. By having both options available, we were able to surgically treat a large number of patients presenting with different degrees of liver tumor burden and co-morbidities, and also manage liver recurrences in follow-up.     

Multimodal analgesic approach incorporating paravertebral blocks for open radical retropubic prostatectomy: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study

Introduction

Perioperative pain management influences both the quality as well as the speed of recovery following surgery.

Methods

This was a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study designed to assess the effectiveness of a multimodal analgesic approach (MMA) vs patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) alone in patients undergoing open prostatectomy. Prior to surgery, paravertebral blocks (PVBs) were performed with either 0.5% ropivacaine in the MMA group or saline in the PCA group. Patients in the MMA group also received celecoxib (400 mg po prior to surgery and 200 mg po bid for seven days following surgery) and ketamine 10 mg iv. Following surgery, every patient had free access to morphine PCA. A pain numerical rating scale (NRS) at 24 hr was chosen as the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included morphine consumption at 24 hr and SF-36 (36-Item Short-Form Health Survey) scores from two weeks to 24 weeks following surgery.

Results

The primary endpoint, average pain NRS at 24 hr, was 2.6 in the MMA group compared with 3.9 in the PCA group (difference = ?1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: ?2.3 to ?0.4; P = 0.01). The average morphine consumption at 24 hr was 4.8 mg in the MMA group compared with 10.5 mg in the PCA group (difference = ?5.7, 95% CI: ?13.0 to 0.5; P = 0.01). Higher SF-36 scores at two, four, eight, and 12 weeks were observed in the MMA group compared with the PCA group, but no statistically significant (P < 0.05) between-group difference was found after Bonferroni correction of comparisons conducted repeatedly over time. Postoperative adverse effects included low episodes of postoperative nausea and vomiting, bladder spasms, constipation, and pruritus.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that PVBs combined with celecoxib and ketamine provide better immediate postoperative pain control and facilitate earlier functional recovery in patients undergoing an open radical prostatectomy when compared with PCA alone.     

Influence of Nonclinical Factors on Choice of Therapy for Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

Initial therapy for early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with well-compensated cirrhosis is controversial. While we previously reported on the effect of clinical factors and surgeon specialty on choice of therapy for early HCC, other nonclinical factors also may impact decision-making.

Methods

Surgeons who treat HCC were invited to complete a web-based survey that included ten case scenarios. Choice of therapy—liver transplantation (LT), liver resection (LR), or radiofrequency ablation (RFA)—was analyzed using regression models.

Results

There were 336 responses for analysis. Most respondents were in academic centers (86 %) that offered LT (71 %). The median number of patients annually evaluated for HCC was 30. Both practice type and HCC case volume were associated with choice of therapy, but these associations were not independent of surgeon specialty. LT surgeons who did not also perform RFA were less likely than those LT surgeons who did offer RFA to choose RFA over LT (relative risk ratios (RRR) 0.38, P < 0.001). Non-LT surgeons were more likely than LT surgeons who also offered RFA to choose RFA over LT (RRR 2.24, P < 0.001). Surgeons who worked at hospitals where LT was performed were much more likely to choose LT over LR and RFA even if they did not personally perform LT (RRR 1.27 and RRR 3.33, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Surgeon- and institution-related factors impact choice of therapy for early HCC even after adjustment for differences in clinical presentation. These data suggest that choice of therapy for patients with early HCC varies across providers independent of case selection.