Cervicofacial non-tuberculous mycobacterial lymphadenitis: clinical determinants of incomplete surgical removal

In patients with non-tuberculous mycobacterial cervicofacial lymphadenitis, incomplete surgical removal of infected lymph nodes leads to delayed healing and a higher recurrence rate, with eventual spontaneous drainage through the skin. However, complete surgical removal is not always achievable due to the extent of the infected tissue and proximity to vulnerable structures, such as the facial or accessory nerve. The aim of this study was to identify the clinical determinants of the (in)ability to perform complete surgical removal. The electronic health records of patients aged 0–15 years with bacteriologically proven non-tuberculous mycobacterial cervicofacial lymphadenitis, who underwent surgical treatment and preoperative sonographic imaging, were analysed. This was a case–control study. A total of 103 patients met the inclusion criteria. Most of the infections were unilateral, submandibular, and caused by Mycobacterium avium. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that higher age (odds ratio 1.24, 95% confidence interval 1.04–1.47) and fistulization (odds ratio 3.15, 95% confidence interval 1.13–8.75) were significantly associated with a limited ability to surgically remove all infected tissue. However, a larger sonographic lymph node size was not significantly associated. These findings could aid clinicians when informing the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the patient preoperatively and in properly estimating the intraoperative and postoperative course.     

Early onset scoliosis and current treatment methods

ObjectiveProvide an update of the management options for early onset scoliosis patients, including general assessment, conservative and surgical options.MethodsWe included the updated information about the assessment and management options of Early Onset Scoliosis, taking into consideration the non-fusion methods, including the burden on the patient and their family.ResultsWith the heterogeneity of this population, it is difficult to get a consensus about a unified protocol for management. Accordingly, the surgeon dealing with these cases needs to be aware of the broad range of surgical and non-surgical methods when treating these patients.ConclusionThe main aim of early onset scoliosis treatment is to gain a flexible spine associated with normal lung development and thoracic growth. Management needs to be individualized between the surgeon and patient in relation to the etiology and patient conditions.     

The marks of gunshot wounds to the face

IntroductionThis article deals with the occurrence of health problems due to gunshot wounds to the face among military police officers, in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro, who were submitted to surgery at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Traumatology Clinic of Hospital Central da Polícia Militar.ObjectiveTo identify the profile of patients submitted to surgery as a result of gunshot wounds, the anatomical distribution of maxillofacial fractures, the identified sequelae and complications, the health specialties involved in the rehabilitation of these patients, and to discuss the social, emotional and work performance-related effects of work among these subjects.MethodsA retrospective epidemiological study was carried out based on secondary data from military police officers who were submitted to surgery at Hospital Central da Polícia Militar due to gunshot wounds from June 2003 to December 2017.ResultsDuring the study period, 778 surgeries were performed in the operating room by the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Traumatology service at Hospital Central da Polícia Militar, 186 of which were due to gunshot wounds (23.9%). All patients were males and the mean age 34.7 years. Bone segment loss was the most common sequela. Facial esthetic impairment and reports of insomnia were the most often identified late consequences of impact on health and social life. Regarding the occupational impacts of the sustained injury, the mean time away from work due to medical leave for the treatment of maxillofacial injuries was 11.7 months.ConclusionThe treatment of gunshot wounds patients with facial injuries requires multiple surgical interventions and their rehabilitation requires the involvement of different health specialties. Further studies are needed to qualitatively analyze the impact of this type of facial trauma on the patients' lives and their social consequences.     

可吸收明胶海绵棒在椎弓根内止血的应用

[目的]观察评价可吸收明胶海绵棒在椎弓根置钉过程中的止血效果。[方法]2017年10月~2018年6月,48例胸腰椎骨折即将行后路手术的患者纳入本研究,采用随机数字表法分为明胶海绵组和骨蜡组。明胶海绵组共23例,置钉过程中应用明胶海绵棒填塞至椎弓根孔道止血;骨蜡组共25例,在透视定位时应用骨蜡封闭椎弓根孔道。记录置钉情况;记录术中出血量、自体血回输量、置钉过程中的出血量、输血量;检测术前和术后5 d RBC、HB和HCT。[结果]两组在置钉总数、伤椎置钉数、伤椎位置各椎置钉数量的差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术后两组各出现1例小腿肌间静脉血栓,抗凝治疗后于复查时消失。术后两组均无明胶海绵或骨蜡导致的不良反应。两组在术中出血量、术中自体血回收量、输血量的差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),但明胶海绵组上述指标均小于骨蜡组。每钉置入过程中明胶海绵组的出血量显著少于骨蜡组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组术后5 d的RBC、HB和HCT均较术前显著减少,两时间点间差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。术前两组在RBC、HB和HCT的差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05),术后5 d两组在RBC、HB和HCT的差异亦均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。[结论]应用明胶海绵棒填塞椎弓根孔道止血可显著减少安置椎弓根螺钉过程中的出血,是一种简单、安全、有效的脊柱外科术中止血方法。     

Pulmonary Carcinosarcoma: A Surveillance,Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Analysis

IntroductionPulmonary carcinosarcoma (PC) is a rare malignant neoplasm composed of epithelial and mesenchymal components. It accounts for < 1% of thoracic cancers and is not fully understood. This study examined Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data to describe demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with PC and assessed survival outcomes by treatment modality and stage.Patients and MethodsSEER data were reviewed to identify patients diagnosed with primary PC (1973-2012). Overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) were analyzed by univariate/multivariable Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan-Meier methods.ResultsA total of 411 patients were included. Median age was 67 (range, 24-96) years. Disease stage at the time of initial diagnosis was known for 74.7% of the identified patients (307/411). Of these patients, 23.1% had localized disease. Survival was significantly better for patients with localized disease (OS: 31 vs. 6 months, P < .001; DSS: 54 vs. 8 months, P < .001). Additionally, patients who received surgery alone had significantly improved OS (20 months; P < .001) and DSS (32 months; P < .001) compared to patients who received combined surgery and radiotherapy (OS: 7 months; DSS: 8 months) or radiotherapy alone (OS: 4 months; DSS: 4 months).ConclusionTreatment with surgery alone resulted in superior survival outcomes compared to other treatment modality combinations, regardless of patient age and disease stage. Within the limitations of this study, providers may wish to consider these findings when devising patient treatment plans.