Extended anterior cervical decompression without fusion: a long-term follow-up study

We report the long-term outcome in 80 patients who had undergone extended anterior cervical decompression without fusion for cervical nerve root or spinal cord compression. Follow-up ranged from 2 years 4 months to 13 years. Five patients had died from causes unrelated to the original pathology or the surgery. Of the remaining 75 patients, 66 (88%) were symptom free or clearly improved, eight (10%) were unchanged and one patient (1.5%) was worse. Sixty-eight patients (91%) were satisfied with the outcome of treatment. Nineteen patients (25%) had some degree of residual neck pain, but in none was this a major problem. Three patients had required subsequent surgery for cervical disc protrusions at levels adjacent to the first operation, while two patients had developed foraminal stenosis at the level of the surgery and had undergone foraminotomy. One patient had developed a symptomatic flexion deformity. Radiological assessment revealed bony fusion in 71%, some degree of flexion deformity in 13% and some degree of foraminal stenosis in 38%. Our results suggest that the initial good results of extended anterior cervical decompression without fusion are maintained long-term. Although a small number of patients eventually develop problems that might be avoided by an initial spacing procedure/formal fusion, these are no greater than the immediate problems associated with the harvesting and insertion of a bone graft.     

Benefits of carotid patching: A prospective randomized study with long-term follow-up

A prospective study with random selection between primary closure and saphenous vein patching after carotid endarterectomy was conducted. Patients were evaluated with intravenous digital subtraction angiography during the initial postoperative period, followed by duplex scanning at 3 and 6 months, and then yearly examinations. The series consisted of 129 carotid endarterectomies, of which 62 were primary closures and 67 were patch procedures. Both groups were identical with regard to risk factors, symptoms, and postoperative control digital subtraction angiography. Restenosis was defined as a stenosis with 50% diameter reduction, as assessed by duplex scanning. Of special interest was the development of restenosis along with the occurrence of cerebrovascular symptoms at long-term follow-up. The follow-up data from the 129 carotid endarterectomies are presented in a life-table analysis. The mean length of follow-up was 5 years (range 1 to 96 months). During the follow-up period 38 patients who had undergone 39 operations died (mortality rate 30%); three deaths were attributed to cerebral causes (two in-hospital deaths due to intracerebral hemorrhage and one cerebral hemorrhage after 6 months). Restenosis occurred in 25 cases (19%). This restenosis was detected in 5 of 45 men with primary closure (11%), 12 of 17 women with primary closure (70%), 7 of 49 men with patch closure (14%), and 1 of 18 women with patch closure (5.5%). The difference between patch and primary closures was found to be statistically significant (hazard ratio 0.39; 95% confidence interval 0.17 to 0.91;p=0.03). There was no statistical difference in men who had patch and primary closures (hazard ratio 1.23; 95% confidence interval 0.39 to 3.87;p=0.73), but there was a statistically significant difference in women who had patch and primary closures (hazard ratio 0.059; 95% confidence interval 0.0076 to 0.45;p=0.007). The hazard ratios in men and women differed significantly (p=0.014). Late restenoses were seen in all patient groups, patched and nonpatched. Only one patient with an occlusion had cerebrovascular symptoms. In this study recurrence of symptoms within 5 years of follow-up was independent of patching, yet patch closure reduced the risk of recurrent carotid stenosis in women but not in men.Presented at the Eighteenth Annual Meeting of the Peripheral Vascular Surgery Society, Washington, D.C., June 6, 1993.     

Comparison of long-term outcome of laparoscopic and conventional nissen fundoplication: a prospective randomized study with an 11-year follow-up

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the long-term objective and subjective outcomes of laparoscopic and open Nissen fundoplication in a randomized clinical trial with an 11-year follow-up. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication has become the method of choice in antireflux surgery, replacing its open counterpart despite the lack of long-term results from controlled clinical studies. METHODS: Between April 1992 and June 1995, 110 consecutive patients were randomized to either laparoscopic (LAP) or conventional (open) Nissen fundoplication. The objective long-term follow-up consisted of an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and a clinical assessment; the subjective long-term outcome was investigated by personal interviews using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients in the LAP group and 37 patients in the open group were available for evaluation. Late subjective results, including postoperative symptoms and evaluation of the surgical result, were similar in both groups. With the benefit of hindsight, 73.7% of the patients in the open group and 81.8% in the LAP group would again choose surgical treatment (P = 0.3042). In the LAP group, there were 5 (13.2%) partially or totally disrupted plications compared with the 14 (40.0%) disrupted plications in the open group (P = 0.0152). There were 10 incisional hernias in the open group compared with none in the LAP group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: At long-term follow-up, the open and LAP approaches for the Nissen fundoplication have similar long-term subjective symptomatic outcome despite the significantly higher incidence of incisional hernias and defective fundic wraps at endoscopy in the open group defining laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication as the procedure of choice in surgical management of gastroesophageal reflux disease.     

Scaphotrapeziotrapezoid fusion: long-term follow-up study

The long-term effectiveness of scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) fusion is still controversial. We evaluated our clinical and radiological results of 30 STT fusions in 30 patients (average age 41 years; 23 males, 7 females). The follow-up period averaged 84 months. The indications were Kienböck's disease (n = 23), isolated STT arthrosis (n = 6), and dislocation of the trapezium (n = 1). A total of 26 simultaneous associated procedures were performed. Excisional arthroplasty of the lunate was done in all 23 patients with Kienböck's disease. Of the 30 total patients, 5 had postoperative pain ranging from mild to severe; 4 patients were dissatisfied with the results. Postoperative ranges of motion of the wrist were 84% of extension and 91% of flexion compared with preoperative motion. The postoperative grip strength improved to 27?kgf from the preoperative value of 18?kgf. Altogether, 26 patients returned to their previous activities. All patients obtained uneventful STT fusion in an average of 11.2 weeks. Eight patients (27%) experienced postoperative complications; seven had radioscaphoid arthroses, five had trapeziometacarpal arthrodeses, and one had a flexor pollicis longus tendon rupture. Although radioscaphoid arthrosis occurred in 23% of this series after STT fusion, the results suggest that it is an effective procedure for Kienböck's disease and isolated STT arthrosis.     

Noncontiguous anterior decompression and fusion for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a prospective randomized control clinical study

Anterior decompression and fusion is an established procedure in surgical treatment for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (MCSM). However, contiguous corpectomies and fusion (CCF) often induce postoperative complications such as nonunion, graft subsidence, and loss of lordotic alignment. As an alternative, noncontiguous corpectomies or one-level corpectomy plus adjacent-level discectomy with retention of an intervening body has been developed recently. In this study, we prospectively compared noncontiguous anterior decompression and fusion (NADF) and CCF for MCSM in terms of surgical invasiveness, clinical and radiographic outcomes, and complications. From January 2005 to June 2007, 105 patients with MCSM were randomized to NADF group (n = 55) and CCF group (n = 50), and followed up for average 31.5 months (range 24–48 months). Average operative time and blood loss decreased significantly in the NADF group as compared with those in the CCF group (p < 0.05 and <0.001, respectively). For VAS, within 3 months postoperatively, there was no significant difference between the two groups. But at 6 months after surgery and final follow-up, VAS improved significantly in NADF group than that in CCF group (p < 0.05). No significant difference of JOA score was observed between the two groups at every collection time. In NADF group, all 55 cases obtained fusion at 1 year after operation (average 5.1 months). In CCF group, 48 cases achieved fusion 1 year postoperatively, but the other 2 cases were performed posterior stabilization and achieved fusion 6 months later. The differences of cervical lordosis between two groups were insignificant at the same follow-up time. But the loss of lordosis and height of fusion segments in 6 months postoperatively and final follow-up were significantly more in CFF group than in NADF group (p < 0.001). Complications were similar in both groups. But in CCF group three cases needed reoperation, one case with extradural hematoma was immediately re-operated after anterior decompression and two cases mentioned above were performed posterior stabilization at 1 year postoperatively. In conclusion, in the patients with MCSM, without developmental stenosis and continuous or combined ossification of posterior longitudinal ligaments, NADF and CCF showed an identical effect of decompression. In terms of surgical time, blood loss, VAS, fusion rate and cervical alignment, NADF was superior compared with CCF.     

颈椎前路钩椎关节融合与传统椎骨终板间融合的融合时效比较：一项前瞻性随机对照研究

目的 ：比较颈椎前路融合术(anterior cervical discectomy and fusion,ACDF)中,钩椎关节融合(uncovertebral joint fusion,UJF)与传统椎骨终板间融合(traditional interbody fusion,TIF)的融合时效和安全有效性。方法：2020年5月～2021年6月招募并收治44例单节段颈椎病患者,使用计算机随机数表法分为观察组和对照组,每组22例。观察组施行UJF,对照组施行TIF。两组均取自体髂骨进行植骨融合。通过动力位X线片及CT评估两组术后早期(术后3个月、6个月)融合率。通过日本骨科协会(Japanese Orthopaedic Association,JOA)评分、颈椎功能障碍指数(neck disability index,NDI)、疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)评估两组的临床疗效。结果：共有40例患者完成了计划随访,UJF组20例,TIF组20例。两组患者年龄、性别比、体重指数(BMI)均无统计学差异(P>0.05)。两组手术时间(133.0±2...     

Lateral mass fusion. A prospective study of a consecutive series with long-term follow-up

A prospective study of a consecutive series of lateral mass fusion operations was undertaken between 1972 and 1982 in 144 patients, of whom 129 were available for review. The main indications for operation were persistent back pain associated with spondylolisthesis, localized degenerative disease of the lumbar spine and previous laminectomy and disc excision. The minimum follow-up was 2 years. Although 83% of patients were improved overall, the results in spondylolisthesis and degenerative disease without previous surgery were much better than in those who had previously had disc excision. A pseudarthrosis was found in 13% of patients and was significantly more likely (P less than 0.05) when fusion at more than one level was attempted. There were no serious long-term complications.     

Microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia: a long-term follow-up study.

In this report, we present our experience with microvascular decompression (MVD) as treatment for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and discuss factors related to recurrence after this procedure. Between 1986 and 2004, 90 patients underwent MVD for treatment of idiopathic TN at the Marmara University Department of Neurosurgery and Marmara University Neurological Sciences Institute. Individuals with atypical and secondary forms of TN were excluded from the study. The patient characteristics, work-up findings, observations during surgery, and results of MVD for the 90 cases are reviewed. In 87 (97%) of the patients, exposure of the pontocerebellar angle revealed a vascular structure compressing the trigeminal nerve. In the patients with vascular compression, the problem vessel was an artery in 80 (92%) cases and a vein in 7 (8%) cases. In 77 cases, all symptoms were completely resolved by the operation. Ten patients experienced significant partial relief, and the intensity of the residual pain in these cases was not severe enough to require medication. Three patients experienced no improvement after MVD. There was no mortality associated with MVD in the 90 cases. The findings for our series of 90 patients with TN who underwent MVD indicate that this operation is an effective and reliable treatment for this condition. We recommend MVD as the first-line surgical approach for patients with TN who do not respond to medical management.     

Basiliximab induction therapy for live donor kidney transplantation: a long-term follow-up of prospective randomized controlled study

Background/Aims  The effect of basiliximab induction therapy on long-term patient and graft survival is not yet clear. We aimed to evaluate if there is any advantage of routine basiliximab induction on the long-term outcome of living related donor kidney transplantation. Methods  One hundred adult recipients with their first kidney allograft were randomized into two treatment groups, one group received basiliximab and the second served as a control. All patients received a maintenance triple immunosuppressive therapy (steroids, cyclosporine (CsA) micro-emulsion and azathioprinep) and were followed up thoroughly for 7 years. Results  Basiliximab significantly reduced the proportion of patients who experienced acute rejection in the first year (18/50) when compared to the control group (31/50), and in 7 years (28/50) when compared to (37/50) in controls. The cumulative steroid dose used throughout the whole study period was significantly lower in the basiliximab group. The overall incidence of post-transplant complications was comparable among the two treatment groups. There was no significant difference in patient or graft survival; 7 years patient and graft survival were 92, 76% for basiliximab and 92, 80% for the control group, respectively. Conclusion  Routine basiliximab induction significantly reduced the incidence of acute rejection without any noticeble beneficial effect on the long-term renal transplantation outcome.     

One-day nasogastric tube decompression after distal gastrectomy: a prospective randomized study

Purpose

Many surgeons in Japan use 1-day nasogastric tube (NGT) decompression after gastrectomy as a standard procedure. This prospective randomized study aimed to define whether 1-day NGT decompression is necessary after distal gastrectomy.

Methods

The subjects were 233 patients with gastric cancer, randomized into two groups immediately after distal gastrectomy: one group received 1-day NGT decompression (NGT group, n?=?119) and the other did not (no-NGT group, n?=?114). The primary outcome measure was postoperative surgery-related and respiratory complications, whereas secondary measures were the postoperative course to recovery and patient complaints.

Results

The incidence of surgery-related complications did not differ significantly between the NGT and no-NGT groups (21.0 and 19.2%, respectively; p?=?0.87). The rate of respiratory complications was 6.7% in the NGT group and 7.0% in the no-NGT group (p?>?0.99). The time to passage of first flatus and the postoperative hospital stay did not differ between the groups. Twenty-five patients in the NGT group and none in the no-NGT group complained of nasopharyngeal discomfort (p?<?0.0001).

Conclusion

Considering the physical discomfort caused by the NGT, we believe that routine 1-day NGT decompression is unnecessary after distal gastrectomy.

     

In situ versus reversed femoropopliteal vein grafts: long-term follow-up of a prospective, randomized trial.

In a prospective, randomized trial, 226 patients undergoing femoropopliteal bypass for lower limb ischaemia were allocated to reversed (123 patients) or in situ (103) techniques. The groups were comparable for age, sex, incidence of diabetes, and indications for surgery. Eleven veins were rejected at operation, nine in the reversed group and two in the in situ group, leaving 114 reversed and 101 in situ grafts for study. Cumulative patency rates were not significantly different between reversed and in situ grafts at any time up to 6 years after operation, with primary patency rates at 1, 3 and 5 years of 84.8, 69.5 and 62.4 per cent for reversed grafts and 79.9, 71.2 and 63.5 per cent for in situ grafts. Small vein grafts (< 4 mm in diameter) were associated with patency rates at 1, 3 and 5 years of 63.5, 46.7 and 36.0 per cent compared with 93.9, 82.5 and 75.9 per cent for vein grafts > or = 4 mm in diameter (P < 0.002, log rank test). The patency rates of small veins employed in situ and reversed were similar. The in situ technique confers neither short- nor long-term advantage over reversed vein grafting for femoropopliteal bypass.     

Significant benefit for older patients after arthroscopic subacromial decompression: a long-term follow-up study

Background

Patients suffering from isolated subacromial impingement (SI) of their shoulder but who are resistant to other therapies benefit substantially from arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) if they are young (<60 years). Although physical demands rise notably in the older population, it still remains unclear if surgery leads to better results in these patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to focus on the impact of age on the functional outcome in elderly patients suffering from SI.

Methods

In this retrospective analysis, 307 patients (age range: 42–63 years) with isolated SI were enrolled. The 165 patients were allocated to physical therapy whereas 142 underwent ASD. The patient cohort was divided into two groups according to the median age (<57 years). Functional outcome was recorded using the Munich Shoulder Questionnaire (MSQ) allowing for qualitative self -assessment of the Constant, SPADI and Dark Scores.

Results

Median age was 57 (25 %–75 %: 48–63) years, follow-up was 55 (25 %–75 %: 25–87) months. In group I (age < 57 years, n = 165) no significant differences in outcome between physical therapy and ASD were detected. In contrast, in group II (age > 57 years; n = 142) the patients reported significantly better results after ASD in the overall MSQs.

Conclusion

Despite their higher age, elderly patients with isolated SI actually benefit significantly from ASD in comparison to physical therapy.