Brachytherapy: An emblematic example of extreme hypofractionated regimen

In order to provide more convenient irradiation regimens for patient comfort, radiation facility organization and health expenses, new hypofractionated protocols have been evaluated. Moderately (dose/fraction: 2.3 to 3 Gy), then ultra (dose/fraction: 5.2 to 6.1 Gy) hypofractionated irradiations were first validated. The current question is: is it possible to go forward using extreme hypofractionated regimens (EHR) based on 1 to 3 fractions. Different irradiation techniques are under investigation. However, brachytherapy remains the smartest way to deliver a high dose in a small volume. We report prospective and retrospective study results which evaluated EHR for breast and prostate brachytherapy. While oncological outcome and toxicity profile appear extremely encouraging for low-risk breast cancer after a 1 to 4 fractions (6.25 to 20 Gy/fraction), the use of a single fraction of 19 to 23 Gy appears debatable for prostate cancer. Brachytherapy represents an emblematic example of EHR but longer follow-up and more mature results are awaited in order to specify the right indications and refine the EQD2 calculation method including new biological and technical factors.     

骨盆骨折大出血救治技术与流程

由于骨盆的特殊结构,其内侧的血管网损伤导致不可压迫性出血。即使创伤中心和救治体系的建设,以及损害控制技术等发展,病死率仍然高达30%~60%。损害控制性复苏、骨盆带、外固定支架、复苏性腹主动脉内球囊阻断(REBOA)、动脉栓塞和腹膜外填塞等技术不断发展,部分已经得到普及,但迄今仍没有公认的确定性止血流程。我国正在普遍建设创伤中心,亟待制订适合我国的骨盆骨折大出血患者的救治流程,以提高救治成功率。本文阐述控制骨盆骨折大出血的外科技术和流程进展供同道参考。     

An Evidence-Based Review of Total Body Irradiation

The purpose of this literature review is to investigate clinical treatment methods of total body irradiation within the context of a clinical department adopting a paediatric cohort with no existing technique. An extensive review of the literature was conducted using PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Clinicians Knowledge Network. Articles were limited to nonhelical tomotherapy, nonparticle therapies, and those using hyperfractionated regimes. Total marrow irradiation was excluded because of national treatment and trial limitations. Of the numerous patient positioning methods present within the literature, the most comfortable and reproducible positioning methods for total body irradiation include both supine and the supine and/or prone combination. These positions increased stability and patient comfort during treatment, while also facilitating computed tomography data acquisition at the simulation stage. Ideally, dose calculations should be performed using a three-dimensional treatment planning system and quality assurance procedures that include in vivo dosimetry measurements. The available literature also suggests inhomogeneity correction factors and intensity modulation are superior to conventional open field techniques and should be implemented within developing protocols. Dynamic machine dose modulation is suggested to reduce department impact, removing the need for tissue compensators and accessory shielding devices, while providing significant improvements to treatment time and dose accuracy. Further long-term survival and intensity modulation studies are warranted, including direct comparisons of both dose modulation and treatment efficiency.     

Research Priorities in Pelvic Venous Disorders in Women: Recommendations from a Multidisciplinary Research Consensus Panel

Pelvic venous disorders (PeVDs) in women can present with chronic pelvic pain, lower-extremity and vulvar varicosities, lower-extremity swelling and pain, and left-flank pain and hematuria. Multiple evidence gaps exist related to PeVDs with the consequence that nonvascular specialists rarely consider the diagnosis. Recognizing this, the Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation funded a Research Consensus Panel to prioritize a research agenda to address these gaps. This paper presents the proceedings and recommendations from that Panel.     

Análisis del tratamiento del prolapso de órganos pélvicos mediante colposacropexia mínimamente invasiva con 24 horas de ingreso

ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to analyze the impact (in terms of safety and saving of hospital costs) of the implementation of a new protocol for the correction of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) by minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy (MISC) with 24-hour hospital stay.Material and methodsProspective observational study of the first 78 MISC procedures performed consecutively. 46 procedures (59%) were performed with 24-hour hospital stay, and 32 (41%) required more than 24 hours. The postoperative complications were determined for each group: visits to the Emergency Department, reoperations, and the average cost per procedure regarding hospital stay and ER visits. The cost model was established according to the data of the Analytical Accounting System of the Jiménez Díaz Foundation Hospital and of the Official State Gazette of Madrid.ResultsThere were no differences regarding intraoperative or postoperative complications between both groups. The number of visits to the Emergency Department, reinterventions or hospital re-admissions was lower in the 24-hour hospital stay group, without reaching statistical significance. The implementation of the MISC protocol with 24-hour hospital stay represented a saving of 607.91€ per procedure in hospital costs.ConclusionsCorrection of the POP with MISC with a 24-hour hospital discharge policy was feasible and safe in at least 59% of the patients, with similar complications, visits to the Emergency Department or hospital readmission rates.     

阴道锥体训练联合生物反馈盆底肌治疗尿失禁老年人盆底肌康复研究现状

目的研究阴道锥体训练联合生物反馈盆底肌治疗尿失禁老年人的临床疗效及对盆底肌的影响。方法选取84例从2016年9月至2018年3月本院收治的尿失禁老年患者进行研究,以随机抽签法将其均分为联合组及对照组,每组42例。对照组予以常规盆底肌训练治疗,联合组则予以阴道锥体训练联合生物反馈盆底肌治疗。对比两组在临床疗效、治疗前后盆底肌力情况、治疗前后尿动力学参数指标水平以及生活质量变化情况等方面的差异。结果联合组与对照组在总有效率方面比较,前者高于后者(P<0.05)。治疗后联合组盆底肌力分级为Ⅳ级、Ⅴ级的人数占比相比对照组较高(P<0.05)。治疗后联合组与对照组在VLPP、PMUC水平方面比较,前者高于后者(P<0.05)。治疗后联合组与对照组I-QOL评分相比治疗前较高,且联合组相比对照组较高(P<0.05)。结论阴道锥体训练联合生物反馈盆底肌治疗老年尿失禁患者的疗效显著,有利于促进盆底肌力的恢复,且有效改善患者尿动力学参数,提高生活质量,具有较高的临床推广应用价值。     

Anatomical structures at risk using different approaches for sacrospinous ligament fixation

For 50 years now, sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) has been used to treat pelvic organ prolapse consequent on altered integrity of the pelvic myofascial structures. It is usually performed vaginally, but it has recently been performed laparoscopically through either an anterior or a posterior approach, with the broad ligament as a landmark to differentiate the two. In the present study, these two laparoscopic approaches were assessed using Thiel-embalmed cadavers. The anterior and posterior approaches were compared in terms of the closest distance to anatomical structures at risk, including pelvic viscera, the obturator nerve, and vascular structures. The posterior approach was more often closer to the investigated vessels and the rectum. The obturator nerve and the ureter were close to both the anterior and posterior approaches. The urinary bladder was closer using the anterior approach. From an anatomical standpoint, therefore, the anterior laparoscopic approach for SSLF is more likely to cause injury to the urinary bladder, whereas the posterior approach is more prone to causing rectal and vessel injuries. This study illustrates, from a basic science perspective, the importance of combining fascia research, novel endoscopic or minimally invasive surgical exposures informed by anatomy, and contemporary trends in gynecology in order to improve patient outcomes. Clin. Anat. 33:522–529, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Psychosocial mechanisms of a behavioral treatment for urinary incontinence of prostate cancer survivors

Abstract

Purpose: We examined underlying psychosocial processes of a behavioral treatment for urinary incontinence (UI) of prostate cancer survivors.

Design: Secondary analysis of data collected from a clinical trial.

Sample: Two hundred forty-four prostate cancer survivors who participated in a clinical trial of behavioral intervention to UI as intervention or control subjects.

Methods: The participants had a 3-month behavioral intervention or usual care and were followed up for an additional 3?months. They were assessed at baseline, 3, and 6?months. Latent growth curve models were performed to examine trajectories of each study variable and relationships among the variables.

Findings: Increasing self-efficacy and social support were significantly and independently associated with more reduction of urinary leakage frequency over time.

Implications for psychosocial oncology: Providing problem-solving skills and social support, including peer support, are essential for empowering patients to reduce UI.