Outcomes and Satisfaction of Patients with Orthopaedic Implants Left In-Situ For More Than Three Years: A Retrospective Study

Background  There are no clear guidelines on implant removal. Few have assessed the long-term outcomes of patients with implants left in-situ, or removed. Therefore, removal of implants after fracture fixation remains controversial.

Methods  In this retrospective study, we reviewed 53 patients with implant for fracture fixation in-situ for more than 3 years. All patients were younger than 60 years. Quality of life of each patient was assessed with the Chinese (Hong Kong) validated Short Form-36 and the pain was assessed with visual analogue scale (VAS). All patients were clinically examined and plain radiographs were taken.

Results  The total SF-36 score of the patients was not statistically different from the Hong Kong norm (P >0.05). Mean score of VAS was 2.08. Thirty-three patients (62.3%) reported limited range of movement, 9 patients (17%) complained of cosmetic problems, and 10 patients (18.9%) complained of weakness. Clinically, 82.6% of patients had no scarring, 84.7% of patients had full range of movement and all had no tenderness on assessment. Radiologically, no abnormality was detected except for one patient with known avascular necrosis of the femoral head after screw fixation.

Conclusion  As most patients were clinically and radiologically normal with quality of life scores comparable to the norm, removal of implants is not advisable as a routine practice.

     

Optical coherence tomography assessment of edge dissections after drug-eluting stent implantation in coronary artery

Background  Edge dissections after coronary stent implantation are associated with increased short-term risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. The incidence and outcome of edge dissections after coronary stent implantation were reportedly different using different imaging techniques. We used optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess the incidence, morphological findings and related factors of edge dissections after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation.

Methods  Totally 42 patients with 43 de novo lesions in 43 native arteries undergoing DES implantation with OCT imaging were enrolled in this study.

Results  Nine edge dissections were detected in 43 arteries after DES implantation. There were four morphological patterns of stent edge dissections indentified in this study: (1) superficial intimal tears (n=3), (2) subintimal dissections (n=4), (3) split of media (n=1), (4) disruption of the fibrotic cap of plaque (n=1). Stent edge expansion and stent expansion were both higher in the group with dissections than those in the group without dissections (1.682±0.425 vs. 1.229±0.285, P=0.0290; 1.507±0.445 vs. 1.174±0.265, P=0.0072).

Conclusions  The incidence of stent edge dissections detected by OCT was 21%. Stent edge dissection is related with stent edge expansion and stent expansion.

     

Changes in serum levels of soluble osteoclast-associated receptor in human rheumatoid arthritis

Background  Osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR) is a member of the newly identified leukocyte receptor complex, and has recently been described as a key molecule in osteoclastogenesis. In this study, we measured the levels of soluble osteoclast-associated receptor (sOSCAR) in the serum of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and healthy controls to examine whether sOSCAR may play a role in the process of inflammatory arthritis.

Methods  Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the levels of sOSCAR in the serum of 40 healthy controls and 40 RA patients.

Results  The serum levels of sOSCAR were significantly lower in RA patients than in healthy controls, and were inversely associated with inflammatory activity.

Conclusion  sOSCAR is decreased in patients with RA and reduced levels of the protein are associated with increased inflammatory response.

     

First 30 endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspirations: a single institution’s early experience

Background  A new technique developed in 2002, real time endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), has been one of the most important tools in lymph nodes (LNs) staging before lung cancer surgery. EBUS-TBNA was introduced into China in 2008.

Methods  Between June 2009 and October 2009, 30 patients with mediastinal/hilar lymphadenopathy and thoracic masses previously detected with CT scan underwent EBUS-TBNA without rapid onsite cytological examination.

Results  From 30 patients, 33 samples were obtained from LNs and seven samples from intrapulmonary lesions. Twenty out of the 23 lung cancer diagnoses were clarified through the procedure, with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy being 87%, 100%, 100%, 70% and 90%, respectively. All three false negative cases were found in the first five procedures. Additionally, among the 33 LNs examined, three specimens that had no lymphocytes were also found within the first five procedures. There were no major complications, and the procedures were uneventful.

Conclusions  EBUS-TBNA seems a safe and effective technique in making diagnosis for mediastinal/hilar LNs and intrapulmonary masses. For pulmonologists experienced in bronchoscopy, the sensitivity of the procedure for diagnosing lung cancer should be no less than 90% after the initial five procedures .

     

Bleb-associated endophthalmitis treated by sclera patch graft, vitrectomy and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation

Background  Bleb-associated endophthalmitis (BAE) is a rare but severe complication of trabeculectomy with poor outcome. Various surgical methods were explored to treat such patients. However, there is no defined protocol. The aim of this study was to describe a new combined operation, and to demonstrate the outcome of the treatment.

Methods  Nine patients with BAE were enrolled in our study. The combined operation including pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), sclera patch graft (SPG) and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) was used to treat these patients.

Results  In the follow-up of 18–24 months, all patients with the endophthalmitis were cured, the useful visual acuity was preserved in 7 patients, and the intraocular pressure (IOP) of 8 patients was controlled just after first operation, only one needed another trans-scleral cyclophotocoagulation.

Conclusion  This combined operation is a useful method for treating the patients with BAE, with SPG and vitrectomy to control the endophthalmitis and ECP to balance the postoperative IOP.

     

髂静脉受压综合征的腔内治疗

Background  Iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS), the symptomatic compression of the left common iliac vein between the right common iliac artery and the vertebrae, is not an uncommon condition. The aim of this research was to retrospectively evaluate long-term outcome and the significance of endovascular treatment in patients with left IVCS. 

Methods  Between January 1997 and September 2008, 296 patients received interventional therapy in the left common iliac vein. In the second stage, 170 cases underwent saphenous vein high ligation and stripping. Two hundred and thirty-one cases were followed up over a period of 6 to 120 months (average 46 months) and evaluated for symptom improvement with color ultrasound and ascending venography.

Results  The stenotic or occlusive segments of the left iliac vein were successfully dilated in 285 cases, of whom 272 received stent implantation therapy. Most of the patients achieved satisfactory results on discharge. During the follow-up period, varicose veins were alleviated in 98.7% of the patients, and leg swelling disappeared or was obviously relieved in 84% of cases. About 85% of leg ulcers completely healed. The total patency rate was 91.7% as evaluated with color ultrasound and 91.5% with ascending venography.

Conclusions  Endovascular treatment of IVCS provides effective symptomatic improvement and good long-term patency in most patients.

     

Use of covered Cheatham-Platinum stent as the primary modality in the treatment for native coarctation of the aorta

Background  Bare stent implantation in the treatment for native and recurrent coarctation of the aorta (CoA) has become established as an alternative to surgery and balloon angioplasty. However, this modality still encounters significant complications during the procedure and/or follow-up. The covered Cheatham-Platinum (CP) stent commonly used to be chosen as a rescue treatment in these patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of covered CP stent as the primary modality in the treatment for native CoA.

Methods  Twenty-five covered CP stents and 2 bare CP stents were implanted in 25 patients with native CoA. All patients after the intervention were invited for follow-up examinations.

Results  The peak systolic gradient across the lesion decreased significantly from a median value of 67.5 mmHg (quartile range, 19.3 mmHg) to 2 mmHg (quartile range, 4.0 mmHg) (P <0.0001). Stenotic segment diameter increased from a median value of 5.0 mm (quartile range, 1.5 mm) to 17.9 mm (quartile range, 2.5 mm) (P <0.0001). The median ratio of diameter of the coarctation postprocedure to preprocedure was 4.2 (quartile range, 1.6). All of the CP stents were placed in the suitable position without any acute complications. During a follow-up period of up to 72 months, no complications were encountered. Most of the patients (21/25) were normotensive, apart from four patients requiring antihypertensive medication during the follow-up.

Conclusion  The implantation of covered CP stent as the primary modality is safe and effective in the treatment for native CoA in adolescents and adults.

     

Treatment of urinary lithiasis following kidney transplantation with extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy

Background  The incidence of urinary lithiasis following kidney transplantation is very low, and decision-supporting data are not available. The aim of this study was to review the diagnosis and treatment of urinary lithiasis following kidney transplantation, which is of realistic significance to reduce urinary lithiasis following kidney transplantation, prolong the survival of renal allografts.

Methods  The incidence, diagnosis and treatment of urinary lithiasis in ten patients following kidney transplantation were analyzed retrospectively. Seven out of these patients had stones sized approximately 0.4–1.1 cm, and they were treated with low-voltage, low-frequency extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL). Two patients had stones sized <0.3 cm and they underwent cystoscopy and ureteroscopy. The ureteral catheter endoscopes were inserted in a retrograde manner to mobilize stones repeatedly. After elimination of obstruction, a ureteral double J stent was indwelt. One patient had a pelvic stone (1.2 cm), which was removed surgically.

Results  The major clinical manifestations were hematuria, oliguria or anuria. Some patients were asymptomatic and they were diagnosed through laboratory tests and imaging examinations, e.g., ultrasonography. After elimination of obstruction, subjective symptoms disappeared in all patients, and the function of renal allografts recovered. A six-month follow-up indicated no remnant stones or lithiasis relapse.

Conclusions  The diagnosis and treatment of renal allograft lithiasis are challenging. After prompt and appropriate treatment, the prognosis was satisfactory, and permanent renal functional impairment did not occur in most patients.

     

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy for accidental papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: comparison with conventional open thyroidectomy with 5 years follow-up

Background  Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) has received increasing attention for malignant thyroid diseases. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of MIVAT with conventional open thyroidectomy (CT) for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).

Methods  Thirty-one patients were treated with MIVAT and 37 with CT. Their pathological characteristics, surgical complications, 5-year postoperative thyroglobulin (TG) and ultrasonic results were followed up.

Results  All the patients took levothyroxine for suppressing thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) after surgery, and were followed up with measurement of serum TG and neck ultrasonography at intervals of 6 or 12 months. There was no statistically significant difference between the CT and MIVAT groups for sex ratio, operation time, positive lymph nodes, complications and prognosis, but the MIVAT group had better cosmetic results.

Conclusions  MIVAT did not differ significantly from CT for PTMC after 5 years follow-up, but it did have better cosmetic results. MIVAT is a safe and valid surgical technique for selected cases.

     

Transradial artery intervention: an alternative approach for renal artery stent implantation?

Background  Transfemoral artery access is the main approach for the interventional treatment of renal artery stenosis (RAS). This study aimed to investigate the technical feasibility of a transradial interventional (TRI) treatment of renal artery stenosis.

Methods  A series of 23 patients who underwent transradial renal artery stenting from October 2010 to October 2011 were studied. Radial sheath system (Terumo, Japan) was used to get access to the radial artery. Radial tourniquet (Terumo) was used to stop bleeding. A 5Fr MPA (COOK, USA) was used to perform selective renal arteriography. Percutaneous renal artery stent systems were used to perform renal artery stenting. 

Results  Renal artery angiography showed that 15 patients had unilateral renal artery stenosis and eight patients had bilateral renal artery stenosis. The descending aorta could not be catheterized in one patient because of the type III aortic arch. Twenty-two patients successfully underwent transradial renal artery angiography and the technical success rate was 95.7%. There was no puncture site hematoma or pseudoaneurysm. Mean procedure time was (38.4±7.2) minutes, the mean amount of contrast agent used was (93.2±6.3) ml, and the mean postprocedure bleeding time was (3.2±1.9) minutes.

Conclusion  Transradial renal artery intervention is technically reliable with less invasion, rapid recovery, fewer complications and may become an alternative intervention approach for the treatment of renal artery stenosis.

     

Associated factors with repeat coronary angioplasty during the drug eluting stent era: a high volume center investigation

Background  Repeat percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with unfavorable prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease, but there is a current lack of related systematic cross-sectional studies in China. The survey was to investigate a real world of repeat PCIs and their associated factors during the drug eluting stent era in a Beijing high volume center.

Methods  A comprehensive review of the institution’s database between January 2006 and July 2009 was conducted. Demographic information, concomitant diseases, peri-procedure laboratory examinations and angiographic features were collected consecutively. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was undertaken to explore the risk factors associated with repeat PCIs.

Results  A total of 13 404 patients were included in the analysis. Of which, 1946 patients (14.5%) had prior PCI procedure. More males patients had previous PCI than the females (15.7% vs 10.9%, P <0.001). After adjustment for age, gender, concomitant diseases, angiographic and procedural factors, a multivariate model showed that male, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and previous myocardial infarction, left main disease were identified as independent risk factors of repeat PCIs. Of which, previous myocardial infarction (odds ratio: 2.58, 95% confidence interval: 2.27–2.92) was highly related with repeat PCIs.

Conclusion  The frequency of repeat PCIs was 14.5% in this cross-sectional investigation, and their associated factors included male, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and previous MI and left main disease during drug eluting stent era.

     

Helicobacter pylori in middle ear of children with otitis media with effusion

Background  Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a common pediatric disease, but its pathogenesis remains uncertain. The relationship between OME and Helicobacter pylori (HP) is currently being studied, and a relationship has not yet been confirmed. The purpose of this study was to show that a relationship does exist between HP and OME.

Methods  The study consisted of 60 patients who were diagnosed with OME and had ventilation tube insertions with or without an adenoidectomy. This study included an additional 30 patients who had only received an adenoidectomy without being diagnosed with OME. The effusion samples were analyzed with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the campylobacter-like organism (CLO) test. The adenoid tissue samples were analyzed with the CLO test.

Results  Eighteen patients among the 60 patients (30%) tested positive for HP. In the cases with adenoids, 15.6% of the OME patients and 13.3% of the adenoidectomy only patients were positive for HP. There were no differences between the prevalence of HP in the adenoids of OME patients and the patients without OME.

Conclusion  HP can be considered one of the causes of OME.

     

A randomized, prospective, two-center comparison of sirolimus-eluting stent and zotarolimus-eluting stent in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction: The SEZE trial

Background  The zotarolimus-eluting stent has shown larger in-stent late lumen loss compared to sirolimus-eluting stents in previous studies. However, this has not been thoroughly evaluated in ST elevation myocardial infarction.

Methods  This was a prospective, randomized, controlled trial evaluating angiographic outcomes in patients presenting with ST elevation myocardial infarction, treated with zotarolimus-eluting stents or sirolimus-eluting stents. From March 2007 to February 2009, 122 patients were randomized to zotarolimus-eluting stents or sirolimus-eluting stents in a 1:1 fashion. The primary endpoint was 9-month in-stent late lumen loss confirmed by coronary angiography, and secondary endpoints were percent diameter stenosis, binary restenosis rate, major adverse cardiac events (a composite of cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization), and late-acquired incomplete stent apposition.

Results  Angiographic in-stent late lumen loss was significantly higher in the zotarolimus-eluting stent group compared to the sirolimus-eluting stent group ((0.49±0.65) mm vs. (0.10±0.46) mm, P=0.001). Percent diameter stenosis at 9-month follow-up was also larger in the zotarolimus-eluting stent group ((30.0±17.9)% vs. (17.6±14.0)%, P <0.001). In-segment analysis showed similar findings. There were no significant differences in binary restenosis rate, major adverse cardiac events, and late-acquired incomplete stent apposition.

Conclusions  Compared to sirolimus-eluting stents, the zotarolimus-eluting stent is associated with significantly higher in-stent late lumen loss at 9-month angiographic follow-up in the treatment of ST elevation myocardial infarction. Although there was no significant difference in 1-year clinical outcomes, the clinical implication of increased late lumen loss should be further studied.

     

Predictive value of antiplatelet resistance on early stent thrombosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Background  Despite outstanding antiplatelet properties of aspirin and clopidogrel, some patients taking these drugs continue to suffer complications. Antiplatelet resistance appears to be a new prognostic factor in acute coronary syndrome patients for clinical events associated with stent thrombosis (ST). However, there is no optimal method to identify it and assess its correlation to clinical outcomes. This study sought to evaluate the predictive value of antiplatelet resistance assessed by whole blood impedance aggregometry for the risk of early ST in patients with acute coronary syndrome who underwent coronary stenting.

Methods  Platelet responses to aspirin and clopidogrel in 86 patients with acute coronary syndrome were measured by whole blood impedance aggregometry. Spontaneous platelet aggregation was defined as antiplatelet resistance identified by the increased electrical impedance. The clinical endpoint was early stent thrombosis during 30-day follow-up after coronary stenting.

Results  The prevalence of aspirin resistance, clopidogrel resistance and dual resistance of combined clopidogrel and aspirin resistance were 19.8%, 12.8% and 5.8% respectively. Diabetes, female and higher platelet counts were more frequently detected in clopidogrel-resistant and dual-resistant patients. During 30-day follow-up, the patients with clopidogrel resistance and dual resistance had higher incidence of early stent thrombosis (18.2% vs. 1.3%, 40.0% vs. 1.2%, P <0.05). Binary Logistic Regression analysis indicated that dual resistance remained an independent predicator for early stent thrombosis (odds ratio 34.064, 95% CI 1.919–604.656, P=0.016).

Conclusions  Antiplatelet resistance assessed by whole blood impedance aggregometry is paralleled to clinical events, and dual antiplatelet resistance is an independent predicator for early stent thrombosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome. As a physiological assessment of platelet reactivity, whole blood impedance aggregometry is a convenient and accurate option for measuring antiplatelet resistance and hence predicting early stent thrombosis.

     

Endovascular recanalization of superior vena cava, brachiocephalic, and subclavian venous occlusions caused by nonmalignant lesions

Background  Endovascular recanalization (EVR) is becoming the primary therapy for patients with central venous (brachiocephalic, subclavian, and superior vena cava) occlusion (CVO) caused by benign etiology. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed our experience in using EVR to treat benign CVO in 10 patients between April 2005 and September 2010.

Methods  The mean age of the patients was 65.3 years, 2/10 cases were female, and the origin of cause of CVO in 7/10 cases was the hemodialysis access in the upper extremity. The patients were treated with primary stent placement and evaluated with immediate technical success rate and post-interventional patency rate after the procedure.

Results  Eight patients were treated successfully with stent placement and experienced symptomatic relief immediately. No technical complications were observed during EVR treatment. Patients were followed up by ultrasonography and venography. Median follow-up was 13 months. Three patients required secondary procedures to maintain patency.

Conclusions  EVR is an effective and safe treatment in patients with benign CVO. It provides immediate symptom relief and maintains a continuous access for hemodialysis.

     

Breast magnetic resonance imaging in patients with occult breast carcinoma: evaluation on feasibility and correlation with histopathological findings

Background  As an uncommon presentation, occult primary breast cancer remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in clinical practice. This study aimed to retrospectively assess the feasibility of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with malignant axillary lymphadenopathy and unknown primary malignancy, and correlation with histopathological characteristics.

Methods  A total of 35 women with occult breast carcinoma were evaluated with dynamic contrast-enhanced breast MRI. Whole seriate section was used in all cases. MRI performance was assessed and correlated with histopathological findings.

Results  Twenty-one of 35 patients were found to have primary breast carcinoma histologically. Twenty of the 21 patients had abnormal MR findings and 1 patient had a normal MRI study. Of the remaining 14 patients, 10 were negative on both MRI and surgery. Four had suspicious enhancement on MRI and no corresponding tumor was found. Lesions with mass enhancement were found in 55% (11/20) and ductual and segmental enhancement in 45%. The average diameter of the primary tumors was 15 mm. Invasive ductal carcinomas were found in 81% (17/21). One of 17 invasive ductual carcinomas was too small to be graded. Fourteen of the remaining 16 were classified as grade II and 2 as grade I. Thirty-two of the 35 patients had received estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 examinations and the 12 of 32 were triple-negative breast carcinoma.

Conclusions  Mass lesions with small size and lesions with ductal or segment enhancement are common MRI features in patients with occult breast cancer. The dominant types of primary tumors are invasive ductal carcinoma with moderate histopathological grade. The rate of triple-negative breast carcinoma may be higher in occult breast cancer.

     

Treatment of respiratory failure in metastatic pulmonary choriocarcinoma: an experience at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, China

Background  Respiratory failure caused by metastatic pulmonary choriocarcinoma usually develops rapidly and is associated with a high mortality. The clinical management strategy is important in choriocarcinoma patients with acute respiratory failure. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics, treatment outcome and potential risk factors in patients with acute respiratory failure from metastatic pulmonary choriocarcinoma.

Methods  Sixteen patients with acute respiratory failure from pulmonary metastases choriocarcinoma were enrolled and treated at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 1995 to 2010. Clinical characteristics, causes of pulmonary failure, treatment profiles and outcomes were analyzed retrospectively.

Results  The presence of respiratory infection or hemorrhage was associated with acute respiratory failure in patients with metastatic choriocarcinoma. Fifteen (93.8%) patients presented with pulmonary infection, 8 (50.0%) patients with pulmonary hemorrhage. All patients were treated with face mask or mechanical ventilation. Fourteen (87.5%) patients received initial chemotherapy at a low dosage or with modified regimens, with a median of 2 cycles (range 1 to 4). Seven patients achieved a complete remission (CR), two had a partial remission. Six CR patients remained alive with a median follow-up of 59 months (range 16 to 120). Seven patients developed progressive diseases and subsequently died.

Conclusions  Respiratory infection and hemorrhage were associated with acute respiratory failure in metastatic pulmonary choriocarcinoma. The initial administration of gentle chemotherapy regimens, accompanied with mechanical ventilation, is feasible and effective in attenuating respiratory failure in patients with metastatic pulmonary choriocarcinoma.

     

No significant association between halitosis and upper gastrointestinal endoscopic findings: a prospective study

Background  Previous studies have focused on the relationship between halitosis, gastroesophageal reflux disease and Helicobacter pylori. In this study we aimed to investigate the interaction between halitosis and upper gastrointestinal endoscopic findings.

Methods  Patients who previously had dyspepsia and had undergone endoscopic examination were included in the study. Symptoms of dyspepsia were investigated by means of a questionnaire that investigated halitosis. Patients who suffered from objective halitosis (confirmed by questions both to the patient and their relatives) were further investigated. Patients with known local or systemic causes of halitosis or structural disorders at endoscopy were excluded.

Results  The study included 358 patients (121 men and 237 women) with dyspeptic symptoms. The patients with and without halitosis had mean ages of (39.4±13.5) and (43.1±14.9) years, respectively. Patients without halitosis were significantly older than those in the halitosis group (P <0.05). Patients in the halitosis group had significantly higher frequencies of regurgitation, bloating and nausea (P <0.05) when compared to patients without halitosis. Endoscopic findings, including esophagitis, open cardia, hiatal hernia, gastritis and duodenitis, were comparable in the two groups.

Conclusions  The frequency of halitosis was high in patients with dyspepsia who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Halitosis had a close relationship with several upper gastrointestinal symptoms, including regurgitation, nausea and bloating. There was no significant association between upper gastrointestinal endoscopic findings and halitosis.

     

Clinical characteristics and therapeutic strategies of atypical meningioma

Background  Atypical meningioma accounts for about 4.7% to 7.2% of all kinds of meningiomas, which is invasive with a relatively high recurrence and mortality. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical manifestations and therapeutic strategies of atypical meningioma.

Methods  A total of 74 patients who underwent surgical treatment and pathologically confirmed for atypical meningioma in Neurosurgery Department of Beijing Tiantan Hospital from January 2003 to December 2008 were enrolled in this study. The characteristics of the tumors as well as therapeutic regimens and follow-up data were reviewed. After surgery, 56 patients underwent radiotherapy. Patients were followed up for about 3.5 years (range, 0.5–6.0 years), and 58 patients completed follow-up.

Results  Of the 58 patients who completed follow-up, good recovery was found in 30, neurological dysfunction in 15, and death in 13. Of the 58 patients, 21 had recurrent meningioma and 18 underwent a second surgery.

Conclusions  Atypical meningioma is difficult to manage, with a high recurrence rate and poor survival. The extent of tumor resection and histological grade are the key determinants of outcome. Radiation therapy can be used as an adjunctive treatment after total or partial resection.

     

Evaluation and treatment of marginal grafts with surgical diseases in kidney transplantation

Background  Marginal renal grafts may alleviate the shortage of suitable organs to meet an increasing demand of kidney transplantation, especially when live donors are currently limited to relatives of patients in China. The aim of this study was to investigate how to increase the available donors pool, evaluation, and treatment of marginal donors.

Methods  We had performed 121 kidney transplantation cases with living relative donors. Five out of these cases applied marginal grafts with surgical diseases, including one renal stone, one duplex kidney, one renal leiomyoma and two cases of simple renal cysts. In each case, particular surgical interventions were exerted on the graft prior to standard engrafting procedures.

Results  All recipients recovered with functioning transplants given that their serum creatinine levels declined to a normal range within one week after operation. These recipients were subsequently followed up for 10 months on average and their kidney functions remained stable.

Conclusions  Marginal renal grafts with surgical diseases, which can be treated surgically before engrafting, may provide satisfying transplantation outcomes. Positive and cautious consideration of these grafts may increase renal donor pool.