Total Intravenous Anesthesia with Propofol Reduces Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Undergoing Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy: A Prospective Randomized Trial

Purpose

We investigated the effect of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RLRP) in patients at low risk of developing PONV, in comparison to balanced anesthesia with desflurane.

Materials and Methods

Sixty two patients were randomly assigned to the Des or TIVA group. Propofol and remifentanil were used for induction of anesthesia in both groups and for maintenance of the anesthesia in the TIVA group. In the Des group, anesthesia was maintained with desflurane and remifentanil. In both groups, postoperative pain was controlled using fentanyl-based intravenous patient controlled analgesia, and ramosetron 0.3 mg was administered at the end of surgery. The incidence of PONV, severity of nausea and pain, and requirements of rescue antiemetics and analgesics were recorded.

Results

The incidence of nausea in the post-anesthetic care unit was 22.6% in the Des group and 6.5% in the TIVA (p=0.001) group. The incidence of nausea at postoperative 1-6 hours was 54.8% in the Des group and 16.1% in the TIVA group (p=0.001). At postoperative 6-48 hours, there were no significant differences in the incidence of nausea between groups.

Conclusion

In order to prevent PONV after RLRP in the early postoperative period, anesthesia using TIVA with propofol is required regardless of patient-related risk factors.     

Sleep Disorders and their Association with Laboratory Pain Sensitivity in Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Study Objectives:

We characterized sleep disorder rates in temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and evaluated possible associations between sleep disorders and laboratory measures of pain sensitivity.

Design:

Research diagnostic examinations were conducted, followed by two consecutive overnight polysomnographic studies with morning and evening assessments of pain threshold.

Setting:

Orofacial pain clinic and inpatient sleep research facility

Participants:

Fifty-three patients meeting research diagnostic criteria for myofascial TMD.

Interventions:

N/A

Measurements and Results:

We determined sleep disorder diagnostic rates and conducted algometric measures of pressure pain threshold on the masseter and forearm. Heat pain threshold was measured on the forearm; 75% met self-report criteria for sleep bruxism, but only 17% met PSG criteria for active sleep bruxism. Two or more sleep disorders were diagnosed in 43% of patients. Insomnia disorder (36%) and sleep apnea (28.4%) demonstrated the highest frequencies. Primary insomnia (PI) (26%) comprised the largest subcategory of insomnia. Even after controlling for multiple potential confounds, PI was associated with reduced mechanical and thermal pain thresholds at all sites (P < 0.05). Conversely, the respiratory disturbance index was associated with increased mechanical pain thresholds on the forearm (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

High rates of PI and sleep apnea highlight the need to refer TMD patients complaining of sleep disturbance for polysomnographic evaluation. The association of PI and hyperalgesia at a non-orofacial site suggests that PI may be linked with central sensitivity and could play an etiologic role in idiopathic pain disorders. The association between sleep disordered breathing and hypoalgesia requires further study and may provide novel insight into the complex interactions between sleep and pain-regulatory processes.

Citation:

Smith MT; Wickwire EM; Grace EG; Edwards RR; Buenaver LF; Peterson S; Klick B; Haythornthwaite JA. Sleep disorders and their association with laboratory pain sensitivity in temporomandibular joint disorder. SLEEP 2009;32(6):779–790.     

The Effects of Two Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs,Bromfenac 0.1% and Ketorolac 0.45%, on Cataract Surgery

Purpose

To compare the additive effects of two types of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), bromfenac 0.1% or ketorolac 0.45%, relative to topical steroid alone in cataract surgery.

Materials and Methods

A total 91 subjects scheduled to undergo cataract operation were randomized into three groups: Group 1, pre/postoperative bromfenac 0.1%; Group 2, pre/postoperative preservative-free ketorolac 0.45%; and Group 3, postoperative steroid only, as a control. Outcome measures included intraoperative change in pupil size, postoperative anterior chamber inflammation control, change in macular thickness and volume, and ocular surface status after operation.

Results

Both NSAID groups had smaller intraoperative pupil diameter changes compared to the control group (p<0.05). There was significantly less ocular inflammation 1 week and 1 month postoperatively in both NSAID groups than the control group. The changes in central foveal subfield thickness measured before the operation and at postoperative 1 month were 4.30±4.25, 4.87±6.03, and 12.47±12.24 µm in groups 1 to 3, respectively. In the control group, macular thickness and volume increased more in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), compared to those without DM. In contrast, in both NSAID groups, NSAIDs significantly reduced macular changes in subgroups of patients with or without DM. Although three ocular surface parameters were worse in group 1 than in group 2, these differences were not significant.

Conclusion

Adding preoperative and postoperative bromfenac 0.1% or ketorolac 0.45% to topical steroid can reduce intraoperative miosis, postoperative inflammation, and macular changes more effectively than postoperative steroid alone.     

Analysis of Rating Appropriateness and Patient Outcomes in Cataract Surgery

Purpose

Using the RAND/UCLA methodology to create the appropriateness criteria, we assessed that the appropriate ratings in cataract surgery can be a better prognosis of outcomes in postoperative 12 months than uncertain or inappropriate ratings. In addition, we indentified the degree of the appropriate rating surgery associated with the outcome changes in postoperative 12 months.

Materials and Methods

The patients in this study were followed up prospectively in preoperative and postoperative 12 months periods. The 20 ophthalmologists in 14 hospitals were asked to refer about 20 patients who were scheduled to undergo cataract surgery from March and June of 1997. A multiple regression analysis was used to identify the degree of the appropriate surgery associated with the changes of outcomes. The outcomes were designed as the clinical and functional outcomes (visual acuity, visual function, satisfaction with vision, and satisfaction with overall care).

Results

The outcome changes of vision acuity (p < 0.001), vision function-14 (p < 0.001), and symptom score (p < 0.006) were significantly different between four appropriateness ratings (crucial, appropriate, uncertain, and inappropriate). There was a trend that the appropriate rating surgeries were related to the successful change of the vision function (2.29, p = 0.015) and satisfaction with vision (3.84, p = 0.014) in 12 month postoperative period.

Conclusion

The crucial or appropriate rating surgeries may indicate better outcomes than uncertain or inappropriate rating surgeries do. The appropriate rating surgeries were more closely related to functional outcome vision function, VF-14 and subjective outcome (satisfaction with vision) in postoperative 12 months than inappropriate rating surgeries.     

Perioperative Psychological and Music Interventions in Elderly Patients Undergoing Spinal Anesthesia: Effect on Anxiety,Heart Rate Variability,and Postoperative Pain

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of perioperative psychological and music interventions in elderly patients undergoing elective surgery on anxiety, post-operative pain, and changes in heart rate variability (HRV) to ascertain if perioperative psychological and music interventions can affect overall anxiety levels.

Materials and Methods

Fourty elderly patients undergoing elective surgery were randomized to two groups; one group received psychological and music intervention, and the other was the control. The intervention group underwent psychological intervention and listening to music for 30 min before surgery.

Results

The mean change in HRV as determined by low frequency (LF) power measurements. After the intervention, the ratio of mean LF to high frequency (HF) power decreased significantly in the intervention group compared to before the intervention (p<0.05). In the control group, mean LF measurements and the ratio of LF:HF did not change significantly. In the intervention group, mean HF power was significantly higher after the procedure than before (p<0.01). Moreover, the mean self-rating anxiety score of the intervention group decreased after the procedure compared to before (p<0.05). The mean visual analogue score of the intervention group 6 hours after surgery was significantly lower than that of the control group (p<0.01).

Conclusion

Perioperative psychological and music interventions can reduce anxiety and postoperative pain in elderly patients.     

EEG Spectral Analysis in Primary Insomnia: NREM Period Effects and Sex Differences

Study Objectives:

To compare NREM EEG power in primary insomnia (PI) and good sleeper controls (GSC), examining both sex and NREM period effects; to examine relationships between EEG power, clinical characteristics, and self-reports of sleep.

Design:

Overnight polysomnographic study.

Setting:

Sleep laboratory.

Participants:

PI (n = 48; 29 women) and GSC (n = 25; 15 women).

Interventions:

None.

Measurements:

EEG power from 1–50 Hz was computed for artifactfree sleep epochs across four NREM periods. Repeated measures mixed effect models contrasted differences between groups, EEG frequency bands, and NREM periods. EEG power-frequency curves were modeled using regressions with fixed knot splines.

Results:

Mixed models showed no significant group (PI vs. GSC) differences; marginal sex differences (delta and theta bands); significant differences across NREM periods; and group*sex and group*NREM period interactions, particularly in beta and gamma bands. Modeled power-frequency curves showed no group difference in whole-night NREM, but PI had higher power than GSC from 18–40 Hz in the first NREM period. Among women, PI had higher 16 to 44-Hz power than GSC in the first 3 NREM periods, and higher 3 to 5-Hz power across all NREM periods. PI and GSC men showed no consistent differences in EEG power. High-frequency EEG power was not related to clinical or subjective sleep ratings in PI.

Conclusions:

Women with PI, but not men, showed increased high-frequency and low-frequency EEG activity during NREM sleep compared to GSC, particularly in early NREM periods. Sex and NREM period may moderate quantitative EEG differences between PI and GSC.

Citation:

Buysse DJ; Germain A; Hall ML; Moul DE; Nofzinger EA; Begley A; Ehlers CL; Thompson W; Kupfer DJ. EEG spectral analysis in primary insomnia: NREM period effects and sex differences. SLEEP 2008;31(12):1673–1682.     

Efficacy of Intrathecal Morphine Combined with Intravenous Analgesia versus Thoracic Epidural Analgesia after Gastrectomy

Purpose

Epidural analgesia has been the preferred analgesic technique after major abdominal surgery. On the other hand, the combined use of intrathecal morphine (ITM) and intravenous patient controlled analgesia (IVPCA) has been shown to be a viable alternative approach for analgesia. We hypothesized that ITM combined with IVPCA is as effective as patient controlled thoracic epidural analgesia (PCTEA) with respect to postoperative pain control after conventional open gastrectomy.

Materials and Methods

Sixty-four patients undergoing conventional open gastrectomy due to gastric cancer were randomly allocated into the intrathecal morphine combined with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IT) group or patient-controlled thoracic epidural analgesia (EP) group. The IT group received preoperative 0.3 mg of ITM, followed by postoperative IVPCA. The EP group preoperatively underwent epidural catheterization, followed by postoperative PCTEA. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores were assessed until 48 hrs after surgery. Adverse effects related to analgesia, profiles associated with recovery from surgery, and postoperative complications within 30 days after surgery were also evaluated.

Results

This study failed to demonstrate the non-inferiority of ITM-IVPCA (n=29) to PCTEA (n=30) with respect to VAS 24 hrs after surgery. Furthermore, the IT group consumed more fentanyl than the EP group did (1247.2±263.7 µg vs. 1048.9±71.7 µg, p<0.001). The IT group took a longer time to ambulate than the EP group (p=0.021) and had higher incidences of postoperative ileus (p=0.012) and pulmonary complications (p=0.05) compared with the EP group.

Conclusion

ITM-IVPCA is not as effective as PCTEA in patients undergoing gastrectomy, with respect to pain control, ambulation, postoperative ileus and pulmonary complications.     

Pre-Emptive Tramadol Could Reduce Pain after Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy

Purpose

Optimal analgesia in ambulatory urology patients still remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to examine if the pre-emptive use of intravenous tramadol can reduce pain after ureteroscopic lithotripsy in patients diagnosed with unilateral ureteral stones.

Materials and Methods

This prospective pilot cohort study included 74 patients diagnosed with unilateral ureteral stones who underwent ureteroscopic lithotripsy under general anesthesia in the Urology Clinic at the Clinical Center of Serbia from March to June 2012. All patients were randomly allocated to two groups: one group (38 patients) received intravenous infusion of tramadol 100 mg in 500 mL 0.9%NaCl one hour before the procedure, while the other group (36 patients) received 500 mL 0.9%NaCl at the same time. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were recorded once prior to surgery and two times after the surgery (1 h and 6 h, respectively). The patients were prescribed additional postoperative analgesia (diclofenac 75 mg i.m.) when required. Pre-emptive effects of tramadol were assessed measuring pain scores, VAS1 and VAS2, intraoperative fentanyl consumption, and postoperative analgesic requirement.

Results

The average VAS1 score in the tramadol group was significantly lower than that in the non-tramadol group. The difference in average VAS2 score values between the two groups was not statistically significant; however, there were more patients who experienced severe pain in the non-tramadol group (p<0.01). The number of patients that required postoperative analgesia was not statistically different between the groups.

Conclusion

Pre-emptive tramadol did reduce early postoperative pain. The patients who received pre-emptive tramadol were less likely to experience severe post-operative pain.     

Revisiting stapled and handsewn loop ileostomy closures: a large retrospective series

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the surgical outcomes of stapled and handsewn closures in loop ileostomies.

METHODS:

The data of 225 patients requiring loop ileostomies from 2002 to 2007 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients underwent partial small-bowel resections and either handsewn or stapled anastomoses for the ileostomy closures. They were followed up postoperatively with routine surgical examinations.

RESULTS:

The study group consisted of 124 men and 101 women with a mean age of 49.12 years. The ileostomy closure was performed with handsewn in 129 patients and with stapled in 96 patients. The mean time to the first postoperative flatus was 2.426 days in the handsewn group and 2.052 days in the stapled group (p<0.05). The mean time to the first postoperative defecation was 3.202 days in the handsewn group and 2.667 days in the stapled group (p<0.05). The mean duration of patient hospital stay was 8.581 days for the handsewn group and 6.063 days for the stapled group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients who underwent ileostomy closure with stapled recovered faster in the postoperative period and required shorter hospital stays than those whose closures were performed with handsewn. In our opinion, stapled should be considered the gold standard for loop ileostomy closures.     

Does adding corticosteroids to periarticular injection affect the postoperative acute phase response after total knee arthroplasty?

BackgroundPeriarticular injection (PAI) can reduce pain and improve early outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Although corticosteroid PAI has been reported to be safe and effective, investigations on the postoperative acute phase response (APR) are scarce.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study with propensity score matching investigated two groups of patients after TKA: the steroid group (n = 50) received an intraoperative corticosteroid PAI (methylprednisolone 40 mg); the non-steroid group (n = 50) did not receive the corticosteroid. To evaluate the APR, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR) were determined preoperatively and on postoperative day (POD) 2, 4, 6, 14, and 28. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to measure pain on the night of surgery and on POD 1, 2, 4, and 6. Maximal flexion at discharge (POD 7), morphine equivalent dose (MED), and complications were also evaluated.ResultsThe steroid group showed significantly lower CRP levels on POD 2 (P < .05) and POD 4 (P < .05) but a higher CRP level on POD 6 (P < .05). However, ESR levels did not differ between the two groups in all measurements. Peak values in CRP and ESR in the steroid group (POD 4 and 6) appeared two days later compared with the non-steroid group (POD 2 and 4). The VAS pain score was significantly lower in the steroid group on POD 2 (P < .05). Maximal flexion on discharge, MED and complication rate were similar in the two groups.ConclusionsAdding a corticosteroid to the PAI following TKA attenuated the APR, and also provided significant pain relief.     

Microsurgical ligation for painful varicocele: effectiveness and predictors of pain resolution

Purpose

We evaluated the effectiveness of microsurgical ligation for painful varicocele and predictive factors of pain resolution.

Materials and Methods

Between January 2006 and March 2009, a total of 114 patients (mean age, 30.2±8.9 years), who underwent microsurgical inguinal varicocelectomy for painful varicocele, were included and followed up for 1 year after the surgery. The quantity of preoperative and postoperative pain was assessed by means of 11-point numeric rating scale (NRS). We retrospectively analyzed the outcome of surgical ligation and predictive factors of pain resolution using patient age, height, weight, body mass index, grade and location of varicocele, duration, quantity and quality (dull, dragging, aching) of pain, and postoperative pain resolution.

Results

In 104 patients (91.2%), complete or marked resolution of pain was reported at follow-up 1 year after surgery. Only 10 patients (8.8%) had recurrent or persistent pain (≥3 points in NRS scores). On multivariate analysis, low quantity (≤6 points in NRS scores) and dull or dragging natured preoperative pain were independent factors associated with surgical success rates (p=0.004; odds ratio=1.62, p=0.012; odds ratio=1.76, respectively).

Conclusion

Microsurgical ligation is an effective treatment of painful varicocele. The quantity and quality of preoperative pain are independent predictive factors of pain resolution after surgery.     

Patient satisfaction with point-of-care testing in general practice

Background

Point-of-care testing is increasingly being used in general practice to assist GPs in their management of patients with chronic disease. However, patient satisfaction and acceptability of point-of-care testing in general practice has not been widely studied.

Aim

To determine if patients are more satisfied with point-of-care testing than with pathology laboratory testing for three chronic conditions.

Design of study

As part of a large multicentre, randomised, controlled trial assessing the use of point-of-care testing in Australian general practice, satisfaction was measured for patients having pathology testing performed by point-of-care testing devices or pathology laboratories. Patients in the trial were managed by GPs for diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, and/or anticoagulant therapy.

Method

Patient satisfaction was measured using level of agreement with a variety of statements at the end of the study with a patient satisfaction questionnaire for both the intervention and control groups. Analysis was performed using a mixed model analysis of variance (ANOVA) with allowance for clustering at the practice level following Box–Cox transformations of the data to achieve normality.

Results

Overall, intervention patients reported that they were satisfied with point-of-care testing. In comparison with the control group, the intervention group had a higher level of agreement than control patients with statements relating to their satisfaction with the collection process (P<0.001) and confidence in the process (P<0.001). They also viewed point-of-care testing as strengthening their relationship with their GP (P = 0.010) and motivational in terms of better managing their condition (P<0.001).

Conclusion

The results from this trial support patient satisfaction and acceptability of point-of-care testing in a general practice setting.     

The influence of pre-emptive analgesia on postoperative analgesia and its objective evaluation

Introduction

The evaluation of pain intensity is still a subject of research. Mostly psychological evaluations are used. We started to conduct biochemical evaluation in animal experiments. Now we present biochemical evaluation in postoperative pain in man.

Material and methods

In 67 patients herniotomy was done. For pre-emptive analgesia morphine and pethidine were used and the following indicators were measured: visual analogue scale (VAS), measurement of lipid spectra, saccharides and proteins, thioredoxin, super-oxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and NAD(P)H-oxidase (NOX), and free radicals using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Blood samples were taken and tested: before pre-medication and intervention, 4 h after and 24 h after intervention.

Results

Free radicals (FR) increased in individual samples during the postoperative course in pethidine and without pre-medication. After application of morphine the FR were insignificantly reduced. Statistically significant differences were found in albumin, prealbumin, apolipoprotein A, total cholesterol, atherosclerotic index, CRP, glucose, and thioredoxin (p ≤ 0.001). A greater difference was seen in VAS values between morphine and pethidine premedications (p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

It was proved that the biochemical markers of lipid, protein and saccharide metabolisms and free radicals as well as singlet oxygen can serve as very good indicators of the intensity of pain and nociception. In patients it was proved that pre-emptive analgesia plays an important role in reducing the intensity of postoperative pain. From the three modalities of pre-emptive analgesia morphine represents the best solution.     

Safety and Efficacy of Conversion from Twice-Daily Tacrolimus to Once-Daily Tacrolimus One Month after Transplantation: Randomized Controlled Trial in Adult Renal Transplantation

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare once-daily tacrolimus with twice-daily tacrolimus in terms of safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction.

Materials and Methods

This prospective, randomized, open-label, multicenter study was conducted at three institutes. Patients in the investigational group were converted from tacrolimus twice daily to the same dose of extended-release tacrolimus once daily at 1 month post-transplantation, while patients in the control group were maintained on tacrolimus twice daily. The efficacies, safeties, and patient satisfaction for the two drugs at 6 months post-transplantation were compared.

Results

Sixty patients were enrolled and randomized to the investigational group (28 of 29 patients completed the study) or the control group (26 of 31 patients completed the study). At 6 months post-transplantation, composite efficacy failure rates including the incidences of biopsy-confirmed acute rejection in the investigational and control groups were 0% and 10.7%, respectively; patient survival was 100% in each group. No difference in estimated glomerular filtration rate values were observed at 6 months post-transplantation (p=0.97). The safety and satisfaction profile (immunosuppressant therapy barrier scale) of once-daily tacrolimus was comparable with that of twice-daily tacrolimus (p=0.35).

Conclusion

Conversion from twice-daily tacrolimus to once-daily tacrolimus one month after transplantation is safe and effective.     

The First Experiences of Robotic Single-Site Cholecystectomy in Asia: A Potential Way to Expand Minimally-Invasive Single-Site Surgery?

Purpose

Herein, we firstly present the robotic single-site cholecystectomy (RSSC) as performed in Asia and evaluate whether it could overcome the limitations of conventional laparoscopic single-site cholecystectomy.

Materials and Methods

From October 2013 to November 2013, RSSC for benign gallbladder (GB) disease was firstly performed consecutively in five patients. We evaluated these early experiences of RSSC and compared factors including clinicopathologic factors and operative outcomes with our initial cases of single-fulcrum laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SFLC).

Results

Four female patients and one male patient underwent RSSC. Neither open conversion nor bile duct injury or bile spillage was noted during surgery. In comparisons with SFLC, patient-related factors in terms of age, sex, Body Mass Index, diagnosis, and American Society of Anesthesiologist score showed no significant differences between two groups. There were no significant differences in the operative outcomes regarding intraoperative blood loss, bile spillage during operation, postoperative pain scale values, postoperative complications, and hospital stay between the two groups (p<0.05). Actual dissection time (p=0.003) and total operation time (p=0.001) were significantly longer in RSSC than in SFLC. There were no drain insertion or open conversion cases in either group.

Conclusion

RSSC provides a comfortable environment and improved ergonomics to laparoscopic single-site cholecystectomy; however, this technique needs to be modified to allow for more effective intracorporeal movement. As experience and technical innovations continue, RSSC will soon be alternative procedure for well-selected benign GB disease.     

Shoulder adhesive capsulitis: systematic review of randomised trials using multiple corticosteroid injections

Background

Adhesive capsulitis is a common, painful, and disabling condition that has been managed with corticosteroid injections for over 50 years. There is debate over the use of single or multiple injections, but no systematic review has investigated the effects of administering multiple injections.

Aim

To assess the efficacy of treating adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder with multiple corticosteroid injections.

Design of study

Systematic review.

Method

An English language search for randomised controlled trials was conducted from: MEDLINE®, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro, SIGLE, National Technical Information Service, British National Bibliography, Index of Scientific and Technical Proceedings® databases, and the Cochrane Library. Randomised controlled trials were identified from reference lists of review and eligible articles. The studies were assessed using a recognised rating system of methodological trial quality. The conclusions and results of the identified studies, based on their main outcome measures, were then summarised.

Results

Nine randomised controlled trials were identified and four studies were rated as high quality. Three high quality studies showed a beneficial effect for the use of multiple corticosteroid injections with outcome measures of pain reduction, improved function, and increased range of shoulder movement.

Conclusion

The evidence suggested that multiple injections were beneficial until 16 weeks from the date of the first injection. Up to three injections were beneficial, with limited evidence that four to six injections were beneficial. No evidence was found to support giving more than six injections.     

Systemic Trans- and Postoperative Evaluations of Patients Undergoing Dental Implant Surgery

OBJECTIVE:

The aims of this study were to examine the trans- and postoperative systemic characteristics of patients undergoing dental implant surgery and to investigate the relationship between pre- and post- surgery anxiety levels.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

Thirty-nine patients were analyzed in 3 call centers to determine anxiety levels, pain levels, and preoperative and postoperative histories using the State–Trait (STAI) questionnaire.

RESULTS:

A total of 93 dental implants were installed, with a success rate of 100%. The most frequently reported systemic disease was hypertension. There was a significantly higher rate of effective clamping (torque) to the mandibular bone than to the maxillary bone. The association between postoperative surgical complications and longer operative time was not significant, but there was a significant correlation between the alteration of mouth opening and daily routine activities and a significant decrease in anxiety levels between the day of surgery and the postoperative time point (p=0.006).

CONCLUSION:

A longer surgical time was associated with surgery-related complications and with a higher anxiety index on the preoperative evaluation.     

Curricular Satisfaction Levels of National Athletic Trainers' Association–Accredited Postprofessional Athletic Training Graduates

Context:

Academic programs rely on outcomes assessments to determine if changes in the curriculum are necessary.

Objective:

To examine the overall satisfaction levels of graduates (2005–2006) of National Athletic Trainers'' Association–accredited postprofessional athletic training education programs as related to the 2002 Standards and Guidelines for Development and Implementation of NATA-Accredited Post-Professional Graduate Athletic Training Education Programs.

Design:

Original survey instrument and demographic questionnaire.

Setting:

Online survey instrument.

Patients or Other Participants:

Of 211 survey recipients, 123 returned surveys (58.29% response rate).

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Demographic information and satisfaction levels in 10 standard areas (depth of learning, breadth of learning, critical thinking, instructor availability, theoretic basis, writing skills, scholarly growth, community return, leadership, and overall program satisfaction) were obtained. Satisfaction scores were categorized into 10 percentage brackets (eg, 80%–89%) for each standard area.

Results:

No differences were noted in relation to any of the standard satisfaction areas for evaluation of time off from school. However, graduates who required more than the allotted amount of time to complete their degree were less satisfied in the areas of depth of learning (P  =  .027), breadth of learning (P  =  .001), instructor availability (P  =  .005), writing (P  =  .022), and overall program satisfaction (P  =  .016).

Conclusions:

Graduates were generally satisfied across all areas of their didactic curriculum. However, satisfaction levels were affected if graduates required more than the allotted amount of time to complete their degrees.     

Incidence and Risk Factors for Falling in Patients after Total Knee Arthroplasty Compared to Healthy Elderly Individuals

Background

It is possible that patients who have undergone total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are at a high risk of falling. However, there are insufficient data to confirm the incidence and risk factors for falling in patients after TKA compared with healthy elderly counterparts. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the incidence and risk factors for falling in patients after TKA compared to the age- and gender-matched healthy elderly.

Methods

Subjects who underwent TKA consisted of 252 patients over 60 years of age. Controls were 150 healthy elderly individuals over 60 years of age living independently in the community. A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to patients after TKA and a similar questionnaire was distributed to the controls by investigators during the town-sponsored healthy aging program. The questionnaire included questions for ambulatory ability, functional status in daily living, knee pain, other joint pain and information on falls.

Results

Self-administered questionnares were returned by 192 of the 252 patients (76.1%) and 146 of the 150 controls (97.3%). Age and gender matching was performed for respondents between 70 and 80 years of age. There were 81 patients and 80 controls who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, and all of them agreed to participate. In the previous year, 34 of the 81 patients (38.2%) fell. The incidence of falls was significantly higher in patients than controls (23.8%, P = 0.041). In controls, ability to stand up from a chair without using the arms and restriction from joining social activities due to knee pain showed the strongest association with recent falls. In patients, self-reported kyphosis showed the strongest association with recent falls.

Conclusion

Patients after TKA are more likely to fall than the general Japanese population. Kyphosis showed the strongest association with recent falls in patients after TKA, which was different from the results obtained in the healthy elderly.