Assessing number and quality of urology open access journals: 2011 to 2018

Background/Aims:There is clear evidence that publishing research in an open access (OA) journal or as an OA model is associated with higher impact, in terms of number of reads and citation rates. The development of OA journals and their quality are poorly studied in the field of urology. In this study, we aim to assess the number of OA journals, their quality in terms of CiteScore, percent cited and quartiles, and their scholarly production during the period from 2011 to 2018.Methods:We obtained data about journals from www.scopus.com, and we filtered the list for urology journals. We obtained data for all Scopus indexed journals during the period from 2011 to 2018. For each journal, we extracted the following indices: CiteScore, Citations, scholarly output, and SCImago quartiles. We analyzed the difference in quality indices between OA and non-OA urology journals.Results:Urology journals have increased from 66 journals in 2011 to 99 journals in 2018. The number of OA urology journals has increased from only 10 (15.2%) journals in 2011 to 33 (33.3%) journals in 2018. The number of quartile 1 (the top 25%) journals has increased from only 1 journal in 2011 to 5 journals in 2018. Non-OA urology journals had significantly higher CiteScore compared with OA journals till the year 2015, after which the mean difference in CiteScore became smaller with insignificant p-value.Conclusion:Number and quality of OA journals in the field of urology have increased throughout the last few years. Despite this increase, non-OA urology journals still have higher quality and output.     

Online access to nephrology journals: the FUTON bias

Sir, The editorial by Drueke et al. [1], on having NDT availableonline for developing countries, should receive the most enthusiasticsupport. It is widely appreciated that the     

Perioperative adverse events in percutaneous versus open brachial access

ObjectiveThe objective of the present study was to compare the incidence of complications at the access site after percutaneous brachial access (PBA) and open brachial access (OBA) in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease.MethodsFrom November 2016 to November 2021, all patients who had undergone peripheral artery revascularization with brachial access were included. The primary outcome was the 30-day rate of postoperative complications at the access site. The complications included hematoma, arteriovenous fistula, and pseudoaneurysms that had resulted in prolonged hospitalization and/or reintervention.ResultsOverall, 259 procedures with brachial access had been performed (PBA, n = 101; OBA, n = 158). The baseline clinical and demographic characteristics were well-balanced between the two groups. The sheath size was larger for the OBA procedures. Complications had occurred in 11 of 101 patients (11.1%) in the PBA group and 5 of 158 patients (3.2%) in the OBA group (P = .01). The mean duration of the procedure was significantly shorter for the PBA group (73.5 ± 46.5 minutes vs 101.2 ± 60.8 minutes; P = .0001).ConclusionsFor patients who had undergone brachial access for peripheral vascular disease, the rate of access site-related complications was significantly lower for the patients who had undergone open access compared with that for the patients who had undergone percutaneous access.     

Providing a primary care open access clinic for osteoporosis

Osteoporosis International -     

Anterior access to the lumbar spine: laparoscopic versus open

The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential advantages and complications of a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach for anterior spinal exposure as compared with the open technique and to quantify differences in operative time, blood loss, transfusion requirements, analgesia, and morbidity. A retrospective review was performed on all patients undergoing access for anterior spinal procedures. Demographics, operation-related variables, complications, and estimated cost were analyzed. Categorical data were analyzed using the Fisher's exact test and continuous variables were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney U test. We performed a total of 65 anterior spinal access procedures between February 1997 and April 2001 at our institution. Forty-five operations were performed at the L5-S1 level: 31 using transperitoneal laparoscopic techniques and 14 using an open minilaparotomy. Mean follow-up was 12 months (range 1-50). No significant differences between the groups were found when comparing analgesia requirements, time to resumption of oral intake, length of hospitalization, and complication rates. Statistical analysis showed that laparoscopic procedures were associated with shorter operating room times (P = 0.08) and less intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.029). The laparoscopic approach was estimated to cost $1,374 more than the open technique. Transperitoneal laparoscopic techniques for anterior spinal exposure are comparable to the standard open approach and offer no substantive advantages. The overall cost of laparoscopic spinal surgery is higher compared with conventional open procedures.     

An open access technique to create pneumoperitoneum in laparoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND: An open access technique might reduce severe vascular and visceral injuries. An open access technique through the umbilical cicatrix tube has been developed as a routine method with the goal to be easy, safe and used by all surgeons in patients without a previous midline incision. AIM: To evaluate the open technique in a prospective study in 100 consecutive laparoscopic operations regarding time for entrance, surgeons experience and BMI of the patients. METHODS: A midline incision from the linea alba up into the inverted umbilicus was performed in the cicatrix tube and the peritoneum was penetrated allowing air to flow into the abdominal cavity followed by a blunt trocar insertion. RESULTS: Time for access was median 93 seconds. Entrance time in patients with BMI >30 (n=18) was 100 sec and with BMI <30 it was 90 sec (p = 0.71). The median time for consultants was 88 sec and for residents 120 sec (p = 0.003). No gas leakage was seen. Prolonged time for access was seen in three patients; two equipment failures and one obese patent. CONCLUSION: The open access technique is applicable in all patients without a former midline incision. It is fast, easy to learn with very few associated problems.     

Bilateral open treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax: a new access.

A new technique for bilateral apical bullectomy and pleurectomy via axillary minithoracotomy and transmediastinal access to the contralateral side, was used in 13 patients with bilateral apical blebs and/or pneumothorax. The contralateral space is reached at the posterior superior mediastinum, passing between the first thoracic vertebral bodies (T1-T4) and the oesophagus. The contralateral lung apex is then pulled into the thoracotomy side and apical bullectomy carried out by linear stapler. The obvious advantages of avoiding a second thoracotomy while providing complete solution to the clinical problem are particularly important in young patients with spontaneous pneumothorax caused by bilateral apical blebs.     

Fascial suture technique versus open femoral access for thoracic endovascular aortic repair

Background

Fascial suture technique (FST) has proved to be a safe and effective access closure technique after endovascular repair of the abdominal aorta. FST has not yet been investigated for closure of large-bore access after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). The aim of this study was to compare FST with open femoral access in terms of access safety, hemostasis efficacy, and reintervention rate after TEVAR.

A safe and simple method for routine open access in laparoscopic procedures

Background: Access to the peritoneal cavity in laparoscopic procedures is generally achieved by means of a pneumoperitoneum, following introduction of a Veress needle. Because this procedure must be done blindly, it is not without visceral or vascular hazards. Therefore, we sought an alternative technique that might obviate these complications. Methods: In a series of 803 patients, a modified Hasson technique was used to obtain a pneumoperitoneum without risking the complications associated with the introduction of a Veress needle. Results: The modified Hasson technique proved to be feasible in all cases. No visceral or vascular complications resulted, but 10 patients had a transient serous discharge. Follow-up ranged between 5 and 52 months. Conclusion: The modified Hasson technique should always be used in laparoscopic procedures. Received: 17 December 1997/Accepted: 7 May 1998     

The open access Continence Resource Centre for Greater Glasgow Health Board.

The development of an open access Continence Resource Centre is described. The role of the Centre in helping the sufferers and carers is highlighted. The educational role exceeded expectations. The benefits of the centre in education, research and potential cost saving are discussed. The aims and achievements are in accord with the Department of Health document "An Agenda for Action on Continence". From its opening in August 1989 to the end of February 1992 the centre has served 8070 incontinent individuals and 4736 carers. At a cost of 44,000 pounds per annum this represents good value for money.     

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy by extraperitoneal access with duplication of the open technique

INTRODUCTION: The laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is a continually developing technique. Transperitoneal access has been preferred by the majority of centers that employ this technique. Endoscopic extraperitoneal access is used by a few groups, nevertheless it is currently receiving a higher acceptance. In general, the antegrade technique is used, with dissection from the bladder neck to the prostate apex. The objective of the present paper is to describe the extraperitoneal technique with reproduction of the open surgery's surgical steps. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: With this technique, the dissection of the prostate apex is performed and, following the section of the urethra while preserving the sphincteric apparatus, the Foley catheter is externally tied and internally recovered, which allows cranial traction, similarly to the way it is performed in conventional surgery. The retroprostatic space is posteriorly dissected and the seminal vesicles are identified by anterior and posterior approach, obtaining with this method an optimal exposure of the posterolateral pedicles and the prostate contour. The initial impression is that this technique does not present higher bleeding rate or difficulty level when compared with antegrade surgery. Potential advantages of this technique would be the greater familiarity with surgical steps, isolated extraperitoneal drainage of urine and secretions and a good definition of prostate limits and lateral pedicles, which are critical factors for preserving the neurovascular bundles and avoiding positive surgical margins. A higher number of cases and a long-term follow-up will demonstrate its actual value as a technical option for endoscopic access to the prostate.     

The impact of open access flexible sigmoidoscopy: a comparison of two services

BACKGROUND: Open access flexible sigmoidoscopy (OAFS) is an integral part of colorectal cancer services. This study compares the impact of two types of open-access flexible sigmoidoscopy services on the utilisation of barium enema and tumour-stage migration. METHODS: This was a non-randomised comparison (over two one-year periods, four years apart) of two unselected groups of patients, with different inclusion criteria, in adjacent similarly populated health districts. One offered a nurse practitioner endoscopy service while the other had a doctor-led colorectal clinic. RESULTS: The doctor-led service with its broad inclusion criteria detected more colorectal cancers [13.2% versus 0.7%; OR = 16.05; 2.16-119.2]. Neither nurse practitioner (130 cases) nor doctor-led (262 cases) flexible sigmoidoscopy reduced the total number of barium enemas [Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.16 (95% CI 1.03-1.3)]. However, the doctor-led service did reduce the number of barium enemas requested by general practitioners (from 249 to 152). The total number of colorectal cancers (detected by all available methods) were similar [OR = 0.82 (0.53-1.25)] and both services resulted in a similar tumour-stage migration [OR = 1.39 (0.31-6.23)]. CONCLUSION: Open access flexible sigmoidoscopy services have minimal impact on the utilisation of radiology services. Broader inclusion criteria of doctor-led services produce a higher cancer-yield. Tumour-stage migration may be related to greater awareness of colorectal cancer symptoms rather than to the type of OAFS.