Oncologic outcomes of transoral laser surgery of supraglottic carcinoma compared with a transcervical approach

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the oncologic effectiveness of transoral laser surgery of supraglottic cancer, we compared a group of patients treated with laser surgery, with a stage-matched group treated with a transcervical approach. METHODS: Twenty-six patients who underwent laser surgery were retrospectively compared with 26 patients who underwent a transcervical approach. In both groups, the patients were classified as follows: 8% stage I, 23% stage II, 46% stage III, and 23% stage IV. RESULTS: The 5-year disease-specific survival rates were 80% for the laser group and 72% for the transcervical group (p = .5). The ultimate 5-year laryngeal preservation rate was 86% in the laser group and 80% in the transcervical group (p = .6). In both arms, all patients classified as T1 and T2 who survived 5 years after the surgical treatment of tumors retained the larynx. CONCLUSIONS: The oncologic results of transoral laser surgery of supraglottic cancer are equivalent to those of the classic transcervical approach.     

Surgical results of the intraoral removal of the submandibular gland

OBJECTIVES: Most patients with benign submandibular disorders have been treated surgically without difficulty via the transcervical approach. An alternative to the standard transcervical approach has been reported such as an intraoral approach. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Retrospective chart review of the 77 patients with benign submandibular disorders. All patients underwent an excision of the submandibular gland via intraoral approach. RESULTS: Early postoperative complications developed in 74.0% of the temporary lingual sensory paresis followed by 70.1% of temporary limitation of tongue movement. However, these complications soon resolved in all patients spontaneously. Two cases of postoperative bleeding and 1 case of abscess formation were developed. Whereas late complications developed in 4 cases of residual salivary gland and abnormal sense of mouth floor and 1 case of gustatory sweating (Frey's) syndrome. CONCLUSION: The major advantages of this approach are no external scar, no injury to the marginal mandibular nerve. The disadvantage is a more difficult dissection to transcervical approach before proper expert, especially in the severe adhesion of salivary gland to surrounding tissue.     

Intraoral removal of the submandibular gland: A new surgical approach

The transcervical procedure used for treating sialolithiasis in the submandibular gland has been generally accepted by head and neck surgeons. However, several clinical problems after surgery through the transcervical approach have been described. We introduce a new surgical approach for excision of the submandibular gland indicated in the chronically inflamed salivary gland with or without calculus and benign mixed tumor of the submandibular gland. Thirty-one cases of submandibular gland excision through the intraoral approach were reviewed, analyzing surgical technique and morbidity. Early postoperative discomforts developed, such as a temporary lack of function of lingual nerve and a temporary limitation of tongue movement, but recovery was within a short period of time in all patients involved. No symptomatic late complications appeared, such as residual inflammation of Wharton's duct and neurologic sequelae. We suggest that this approach can be extended to the excision of the submandibular gland as an alternative to the transcervical approach. The major advantages of this approach are the avoidance of an external scar and injury to the marginal mandibular nerve or the hypoglossal nerve.     

Operative Risks Associated with Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy: A Single Institution Experience

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine if newly diagnosed breast cancer patients undergoing contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) experience more complications than patients undergoing unilateral mastectomy (UM).

Methods

A total of 600 patients underwent either UM or CPM between January 2009 and March 2012 for unilateral breast cancer. Operative complications were classified as minor (aspirations, infection requiring antibiotics, partial flap and nipple necrosis, minor bleeding, delayed wound healing) or major (hematoma or seroma requiring operation, infection requiring rehospitalization, blood product transfusion, total flap or nipple loss, implant removal), mixed (both minor and major complications), or multiple. Chi-square and multivariate logistic regressions were used for the analysis.

Results

Of the 600 patients, 391 (65 %) underwent UM and 209 (35 %) underwent CPM. Across all complication groups, there were significantly more complications in the CPM group versus the UM group (41.6 vs. 28.6 %, p = 0.001). Major complications alone were significantly greater in the CPM versus the UM group (13.9 vs. 4.1 %, p < 0.001). When adjusting for age, body mass index, smoking and diabetes history, AJCC stage, reconstruction, previous radiation therapy, and adjuvant therapy, CPM patients were 1.5 times more likely to have any complication (odds ratio [OR] 1.53; 95 % CI 1.04–2.25, p = 0.029) and 2.7 times more likely to have a major complication compared with UM patients (OR 2.66; 95 % CI 1.37–5.19, p = 0.004).

Conclusions

CPM patients have an increased risk of complications, especially major complications requiring rehospitalization or reoperation. These complications may influence patient and physician decisions to choose CPM.     

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate: the safety, efficacy, and learning experience in China

PURPOSE: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is a well established procedure for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Here we report our experience of the learning curve, efficacy, and safety of HoLEP. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data from 190 consecutive patients who had undergone HoLEP for benign prostatic hyperplasia. The patients were divided into three groups: group 1--patients 1 to 50; group 2--patients 51 to 100; and group 3--patients 101 to 190. This analysis included our initial experience with the technique reflecting our learning curve. All patients were assessed preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. Patient baseline characteristics, perioperative data, and postoperative outcome were compared in the three groups. All complications were noted. RESULTS: HoLEP resulted in a significant improvement in voiding symptoms and urodynamic parameters. The improvements in peak urinary flow rate, post-void residual urine, International Prostate Symptom Score, and quality-of-life index did not change significantly as experience increased. However, the operative time decreased significantly as experience increased. The surgeon became more confident with the HoLEP technique after about 15 cases in those with moderate-sized prostates. The postoperative rates for complications such as bladder mucosal injury, recatheterization and transient urinary incontinence were higher in group 1 than in the other two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate is a safe and effective treatment option for benign prostatic hyperplasia, even when performed by inexperienced surgeons. The incidence of complications decreases with increasing experience with the procedure.     

Retrograde ureteropyeloscopic holmium laser lithotripsy for large renal calculi

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of the retrograde ureteropyeloscopic holmium laser for treating renal stones that are too large to treat with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty patients (22 men and eight women, mean age 43 years, range 18-62) with a renal stone burden of > 2 cm were selected for laser treatment. The stones were in the renal pelvis in 16 patients, lower calyx in five, middle calyx in two, upper calyx in one and multiple pelvic and calyceal in six. Lithotripsy was undertaken using a holmium laser through 550 microm and 200 microm laser fibres passed through a semi-rigid fibre-optic long ureteroscope or the actively deflectable flexible ureteropyeloscope, respectively. Success was defined as total fragmentation of the stone to < 2 mm in diameter and/or clear imaging on renal ultrasonography and plain films within the 3-month follow-up. Patients in whom the treatment failed received either alternative therapy or complementary ESWL. RESULTS: Endoscopic access and complete stone fragmentation was achieved in 23 of the 30 patients (77%). The treatment failed in seven patients because of poor visualization, the initial presence of stones in, or migration of their large fragments to, an inaccessible calyx. There were no major intraoperative complications. Minor complications after treatment included haematuria that persisted for 2 days in one patient and high-grade fever in two patients; all were treated conservatively. CONCLUSION: Large renal calculi that are not amenable to ESWL monotherapy can be safely and effectively treated with a retrograde endoscopic technique that seems to compete well with the more invasive percutaneous or open surgical manoeuvres.     

Double-blind comparative clinical study of cefpiramide (SM-1652) and cefsulodin on complicated urinary tract infections due to P. aeruginosa

The therapeutic efficacy and safety of Cefpiramide (CPM, SM-1652) at a 2 g/day dose were objectively compared with those of Cefsulodin (CFS) at a 2 g/day dose in patients with chronic complicated urinary tract infections (UTI) by P. aeruginosa in a double-blind study at 46 institutions in Japan. The results are as follows: The therapeutic efficacy was analyzed in 254 patients (136 cases administered CPM and 118 cases administered CFS) after excluding 20 cases as drop-out. Among 254 cases, the number of patients with infection of P. aeruginosa was 190 cases (100 cases administered CPM and 90 cases administered CFS), while that with infection of organisms other than P. aeruginosa was 64 cases (36 cases administered CPM and 28 cases administered CFS). By the administration of a 2 g/day dose for 5 days, the overall clinical effective rate of CPM was significantly higher than that of CFS in total patients. When the patients were classified into 2 groups with respect to causative organisms (P. aeruginosa and others), the clinical effective rate of CPM in patients with infections of P. aeruginosa was significantly higher than that of CFS, while the clinical effective rate of CPM in patients with infection of other organisms than P. aeruginosa was the same as that of CFS. As to the bacteriological effect on bacteriuria, the eradication rate of CPM was significantly higher than that of CFS not only against all causative organisms but also against P. aeruginosa. The rate of replacement by S. faecalis was significantly higher in the CFS-treated group than in the CPM-treated group. The same result was obtained on the rate of replacement by other organisms. The MIC values of CPM for isolated organisms before drug administration were lower than those of CFS. The incidence rates of side effects and the abnormal findings of clinical laboratory tests were the same for the CPM- and CFS-treated groups. From the results, it was concluded that CPM is a useful drug for the treatment of patients with chronic complicated urinary tract infections caused by P. aeruginosa.     

静脉内射频消融术与激光消融术治疗大隐静脉曲张的比较

目的 比较静脉内射频消融术和激光消融术治疗大隐静脉曲张的安全性和有效性.方法 回顾性分析2018年4～12月接受静脉内射频和激光消融术治疗的80例大隐静脉曲张患者临床资料,其中射频组39例,激光组41例.比较两种方法的手术并发症发生率、术后疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)、静脉临床...     

Combined endoscopic and transcervical approach for free flap reconstruction of nasopharyngeal and clival defects: A case report

We report a case during which a new method of reconstruction for a nasopharyngeal and skull base defect was successfully performed. A 45‐year‐old female with granulomatosis with polyangiitis presented with computed tomography (CT) findings demonstrative of chronic clival and cervical spine osteomyelitis secondary to nasopharyngeal destruction. The posterior nasopharyngeal defect, evident as a wide area of mucosal erosion exposing the clivus centrally, was successfully reconstructed with an anterior serratus muscle‐free tissue transfer via both transcervical and endoscopic transnasal approaches utilizing a laparoscopic fixation device, a previously unreported method for free flap inset, to secure the free flap. The patient tolerated this well and no major complications were encountered. At 2‐year follow‐up, the patient was without signs of cerebrospinal fluid leak or sequelae of infectious complications, including meningitis and osteomyelitis. A combined transcervical and endoscopic transnasal approach using a laparoscopic fixation device for free flap inset can be an effective method to reconstruct posterior nasopharyngeal defects in those patients whom local reconstructive options are not available.     

Endoscopic image-guided odontoidectomy for decompression of basilar invagination via a standard anterior cervical approach. Technical note

Symptomatic irreducible basilar invagination has traditionally been approached through a transoral-transpharyngeal route with resection of the anterior portion of C-1 and the odontoid. Modification of this exposure with either a Le Fort osteotomy or a transmandibular osteotomy and circumglossal approach has increased the access to pathological conditions in this region. These traditional routes all require traversing the oral cavity and accepting the associated potential complications. The authors have developed a novel surgical approach, an endoscopic transcervical odontoidectomy, which allows access for resection of the odontoid and for brainstem and spinal cord decompression without traversing the oral cavity. In this paper they describe the technique and its advantages and present three cases in which patients underwent the endoscopic transcervical odontoidectomy for basilar invagination. Three consecutive patients (age range 42-74 years) who had irreducible basilar invagination underwent the endoscopic transcervical odontoidectomy. All were symptomatic and had neck pain and myelopathy. All were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. In all cases the procedure resulted in complete decompression. There were no serious complications. No patient required prolonged intubation, tracheostomy, or enteral tube feeding. One patient had an intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak, which had no postoperative sequelae. The authors present an alternative surgical approach for treating ventral compression of the brainstem and spinal cord. The technique is safe and effective for decompression and provides a surgical route that can be added to the armamentarium of treatments for pathological conditions in this region.     

Gastric bypass for obesity: Results of a community hospital series

Seven hundred patients at a community hospital underwent gastric bypass for morbid obesity. Postoperative complications developed in 14.9 percent. The incidence of major complications was particularly low. Both weight loss and the percentage of excess weight lost in the postoperative period were very satisfactory. The criteria for selecting patients for gastric bypass are presented and preoperative evaluation is reviewed. Major technical points in the operation are stressed. Roux-Y reconstruction of gastrointestinal continuity is the preferred technique in our hands. This report reemphasizes the safety and efficacy of gastric bypass as a treatment for morbid obesity. When careful patient selection, preoperative evaluation and operative techniques are combined, excellent results can be expected in the community hospital.     

控制气管导管套囊压力对全麻手术患者气管插管相关性并发症的影响:前瞻性、多中心、随机、双盲研究

目的 探讨控制气管导管套囊压力对全麻手术患者气管插管相关性并发症的影响.方法 本研究为前瞻性、多中心、随机、双盲研究.择期拟行全麻手术患者509例,ASA分级Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,年龄11～89岁,体重35～92kg,性别不限,随机分为2组:对照组(C组)和套囊压力测定组(CPM组),记录手术时间和带管时间.各组随机选取20例带管时间120～180 min的患者,于拔除气管导管时行纤维支气管镜检查.拔除气管导管后24 h内随访咳嗽及痰中带血等气管插管相关性并发症的发生情况.结果 两组患者年龄、性别构成比、手术时间及带管时间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).与C组比较,CPM组患者咽喉痛及痰中带血的发生率降低(P＜0.05);随带管时间延长,C组咽喉痛及痰中带血的发生率均升高,CPM组仅咽喉痛的发生率升高(P＜0.01).纤维支气管镜检查可见气管粘膜不同程度损伤,C组较CPM组严重.结论 控制气管导管套囊压力有助于减少全麻手术患者术后气管插管相关性并发症的发生.     

Multislice CT fluoroscopy-assisted cervical transforaminal injection of steroids: technical note

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study of 19 consecutive patients who underwent multislice computed tomography (CT)-guided cervical transforaminal steroid injection. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and the outcome of cervical transforaminal steroid injection guided by multislice CT fluoroscopy. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Cervical transforaminal steroid injection has been accepted as an effective therapeutic modality for radiculopathy that results from a cervical herniated disc or stenosis. However, there has been debate on the safety of the transforaminal approach technique, with C-arm fluoroscopy guidance, compared with the posterior interlaminar approach. We present an advanced approach technique for cervical transforaminal steroid injection guided by multislice CT fluoroscopy and the clinical outcomes. METHODS: Nineteen consecutive patients presenting with radiating pain to the shoulder or arm had CT or magnetic resonance image scan findings compatible with cervical herniated disc or foraminal stenosis and were recruited to participate in this study. They underwent cervical transforaminal steroid injection using multislice CT fluoroscopy guidance up to 3 times with a minimal interval of 2 weeks. The participants were evaluated for the safety and efficacy of this technique for a follow-up period of 16 weeks. RESULTS: No serious complications were found during and after the procedures. Eleven patients received a second steroid injection but none required a third injection over the 16-week follow-up period. The mean visual analog scale score improved significantly at 2, 4, 8, and 16 weeks (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The multislice CT fluoroscopy-guided approach is feasible and a safe and effective approach for cervical transforaminal steroid injection. With the advantages of safety for the patient and precise placement of the needle for injection, this technique might be an additional option and may eventually replace the conventional C-arm fluoroscopy-guided cervical transforaminal steroid injection technique.     

Carbon dioxide laser resurfacing

The carbon dioxide laser has become the gold standard for resurfacing because of its predictability, safety, and efficacy. Careful patient selection, well-planned preoperative regimens, attention to technique, and close postoperative care all contribute to better outcomes. These points as well as possible complications and their treatment are reviewed.     

Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy improves the outcome of selected patients undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer

BACKGROUND: Risk factors for contralateral breast cancer (CBC) may indicate a benefit for contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) at the time of unilateral mastectomy for breast cancer. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of CPM in preventing CBC. METHODS: sixty-four patients undergoing CPM and a control group of 182 patients not undergoing CPM and matched for age, stage, surgery, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy were retrospectively compared for CBC rate, disease-free survival, and overall survival. RESULTS: Thirty-six CBCs occurred in the control group. In the CPM group, 3 CBCs were found at the time of prophylactic mastectomy, but none occurred subsequently (P = 0.005). Disease-free survival at 15 years in the CPM group was 55% (95% confidence interval [CI] 38% to 69%) versus 28% (95% CI 19% to 36%) in the control group (P = 0.01). Overall survival at 15 years was 64% (95% CI 45% to 78%) CPM versus 48% (95% CI 39% to 58%) in controls (P = 0.26). CONCLUSION: CPM prevented CBC and significantly prolonged disease-free survival. Future studies will need to address risk assessment and contralateral breast cancer prevention in patients treated for early breast cancer.     

Optimum drainage method in descending necrotizing mediastinitis

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is a rare but often fatal disease. Transcervical mediastinal drainage and transthoracic mediastinal drainage are the most commonly employed drainage methods for treating patients with DNM. It remains controversial as to whether transcervical mediastinal drainage alone would be adequate for the treatment of DNM, which is a life-threatening disease. Between 1996 and 2004, 13 patients with DNM were treated at our department. We performed transcervical mediastinal drainage in 6 patients with localized DNM, in whom the infection remained limited to above the level of the carina. A more aggressive approach, that is, transthoracic mediastinal drainage, was employed in the remaining 7 patients who had extensive DNM, with the infection extending below the carina. The overall mortality rate was 8%. All the 6 patients treated by transcervical drainage survived without major postoperative complications. Six out of the 7 patients treated by transthoracic drainage survived, while one died of pneumonia. Our results suggest that transcervical mediastinal drainage may be adequate for treating patients with localized DNM in whom the infection does not extend beyond the carina, while transthoracic mediastinal drainage must be adopted for patients with more extensive disease.     

单侧椎弓根螺钉结合对侧关节突螺钉固定应用于Wiltse入路经椎间孔腰椎椎间融合术的早期疗效观察

背景：目前,多数腰椎微创融合手术多需双侧的旁正中切口以完成椎管减压、椎间融合和后路固定。本研究介绍了一种新的术式,相比以往的方法更加简单、创伤更小,同时固定强度满意。 目的：介绍一种用于微创腰椎经椎间孔融合术（transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion,TLIF）的新的后路内固定技术,并对其安全性和有效性进行评估。 方法：回顾性分析2009年9月至2010年10月,采用单节段的腰椎管减压＋TLIF,同时辅以同侧的椎弓根螺钉固定＋对侧的关节突螺钉固定的40例患者。男20例,女20例,年龄27-82岁,平均57．5岁。手术节段：IA-523例,15-S114例,B-43例。总结临床疗效及并发症。 结果：手术时间97-167min,平均124min。术中出血100-200ml,平均140ml,无输血。术后住院时间3d,平均1-6d。2例患者术后在关节突螺钉侧出现小腿疼痛,行翻修手术取出关节突螺钉,其中1例术后症状缓解,另1例无缓解。无伤口感染和脑脊液漏发生。所有患者术后随访时间均超过10个月,期间融合节段无脊柱不稳发生。 结论：单侧椎弓根螺钉辅以对侧关节突螺钉可以用于单节段Wihse入路的微创腰椎TLIF术,其固定强度满意。与传统的双侧旁正中入路相比,该技术可避免双侧切口的显露和剥离,减少组织损伤,同时具有缩短手术时间、减少出血的优点,但该技术在置入关节突螺钉时需要警惕神经根损伤的风险。     

A randomized trial of ultrasound image-based skin surface marking versus real-time ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein catheterization in infants

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization has been recommended to increase the procedural success rate and enhance patient safety. However, few studies have examined the potential advantages of one ultrasound technique with another, specifically in small infants. METHODS: The authors randomly assigned 60 neonates and infants weighing less than 7.5 kg to an ultrasound-guided skin-marking method (n = 27) versus real-time ultrasound-assisted internal jugular venous catheterization (n = 33). The times to successful puncture of the internal jugular vein and to catheterization were measured. Attempts at needle punctures for successful catheterization were counted. Procedural complications were recorded. RESULTS: In the real-time group, compared with the skin- marking group, venous puncture was completed faster (P = 0.03), the time required to catheterize was shorter (P < 0.01), and fewer needle passes were needed. Specifically, fewer than three attempts at puncture were made in 100% of patients in the real-time group, versus 74% of patients in the skin-marking group (P < 0.01). A hematoma and an arterial puncture occurred in one patient each in the skin-marking group. CONCLUSIONS: The real-time ultrasound guidance method could enhance procedural efficacy and safety of internal jugular catheterization in neonates and infants.     

Efficacy and safety of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): a prospective and randomized study comparing regional epidural anesthesia with general anesthesia

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of regional epidural anesthesia and general anesthesia in patients who underwent PCNL. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients submitted to percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) were randomized into two groups: Group I (N = 26) received general anesthesia and Group II (N = 24) received regional epidural anesthesia. Demographic and operative data including age, BMI, stone position, stone size, postoperative pain, amount of postoperative analgesic usage, length of hospital stay, patient satisfaction, preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit, adverse effects and surgical complications were compared between both groups. Results: Average pain score at 1 hour. was 6.88 in group I and 3.12 in group II (p < 0.001), at 4 hours. 5.07 in group I and 3.42 in group II (p = 0.025). Less morphine was required in the regional epidural anesthesia group compared to the general anesthesia group. Higher satisfaction was found in the regional epidural group. 6 (23.07 %) patients in Group I and 1 patient (4.19 %) in Group II had postoperative nausea and vomiting, respectively (p = 0.05). Pain score at 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit, length of hospital stay, and adverse effects were no different between the two groups. Conclusion: Regional epidural anesthesia is an alternative technique for PCNL which achieves more patient satisfaction, less early postoperative pain and less adverse effects from medication with the same efficacy and safety compared to general anesthesia.     

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic nephrectomy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic nephrectomy. METHODS: From June 1994 to November 1999, 10 patients underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy at Osaka University Medical Hospital and Osaka Rosai Hospital. Laparoscopic nephrectomy was performed either via transperitoneal or retroperitoneal approach under general anesthesia. These 10 cases were reviewed in respect of primary disease of the kidney, operative time, complications and postoperative convalescence. RESULTS: Of the 10 patients, five were preoperatively diagnosed as having a non-functioning kidney with hydronephrosis, two patients were diagnosed as having an atrophic kidney, two had renal cell carcinoma and one had renal pelvic tumor. The average operative time was 374 min (range 270-675 min). The mean blood loss was 330 mL (range 60-800 mL). One patient required transfusion due to postoperative oozing. The average hospital stay after operation was 7 days. No major postoperative complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic nephrectomy is an option in surgically managing renal disorders, including malignancies, although it has a longer operative time compared to conventional open surgery.