Comparison of outcomes between minimally invasive and median sternotomy for double and triple valve surgery: A meta-analysis

Background

Limited data exists demonstrating the efficacy of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) compared to median sternotomy (MS) for multiple valvular disease (MVD). This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare operative and peri-operative outcomes of MIS vs MS in MVD.

Methods

PubMed, Ovid, and Embase were searched from inception until August 2019 for randomized and observational studies comparing MIS and MS in patients with MVD. Clinical outcomes of intra- and postoperative times, reoperation for bleeding and surgical site infection were evaluated.

Results

Five observational studies comparing 340 MIS vs 414 MS patients were eligible for qualitative and quantitative review. The quality of evidence assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale was good for all included studies. Meta-analysis demonstrated increased cardiopulmonary bypass time for MIS patients (weighted mean difference [WMD], 0.487; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.365-0.608; P < .0001). Similarly, aortic cross-clamp time was longer in patients undergoing MIS (WMD, 0.632; 95% CI, 0.509-0.755; P < .0001). No differences were found in operative mortality, reoperation for bleeding, surgical site infection, or hospital stay.

Conclusions

MIS for MVD have similar short-term outcomes compared to MS. This adds value to the use of minimally invasive methods for multivalvular surgery, despite conferring longer operative times. However, the paucity in literature and learning curve associated with MIS warrants further evidence, ideally randomized control trials, to support these findings.

     

Endoscopic ultrasonography and small‐bowel endoscopy: Present and future

Over the last decade, impressive technological advances have occurred in ultrasonography and small‐bowel endoscopy. Nowadays, endoscopic ultrasonography is an essential diagnostic tool and a therapeutic weapon for pancreatobiliary disorders. Capsule endoscopy and device‐assisted enteroscopy have quickly become the reference standard for the diagnosis of small‐bowel luminal diseases, thereby leading to radical changes in diagnostic and therapeutic pathways. We herein provide an up‐to‐date overview of the latest advances in endoscopic ultrasonography and small‐bowel endoscopy, focusing on the emerging paradigms and technological innovations that might improve clinical practice in the near future.     

The influence of environmental and health indicators on premature mortality: An empirical analysis of the City of Toronto's 140 neighborhoods

The objective of this paper was to assess the link between premature mortality and a combination of neighbourhood contextual (environmental and health) and compositional (socioeconomic and demographic) characteristics. We statistically and spatially examined six environmental variables (ultrafine particles, carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic pollutants, pollution released to air, tree cover, and walkability index), six health service indicators (number health providers, breast, colorectal and cervical cancer screening uptake rates, student nutrition program uptake rates, and healthy food index), and eight socioeconomic indicators (total income, Gini coefficient, two age categories – below and above 40 years, proportion of females to males, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, education, less than grade 9) among 140 neighbourhoods of the City of Toronto in Ontario (Canada). We applied principal component analysis to identify patterns and to reduce the number of explanatory variables into combined component axes that represent unique variation in these confounded and overlapping factors. We then applied regression analysis to model the relationship between the indices of enviro-health and socioeconomics and their potential relationship with premature mortality. Residual spatial analysis was used to investigate any remaining spatial structure (such as neighbourhoods with higher residual premature mortality rates). Neighbourhood Equity Index was correlated with our enviro-health and socioeconomic indices. Premature mortality within neighbourhoods was predicted by poor cancer screenings, pollution, lack of tree canopy, increased uptake of student nutrition programs and high walkability index. A negative association between premature mortality and pollution was associated low walkability index and presence of visible minorities within neighbourhoods. There was some unexplained residual spatial variation in our model of premature mortality - especially along the shores of Lake Ontario and in neighbourhoods with major highways or road corridors: premature mortality in Toronto neighbourhoods was higher than expected along highway-corridor neighbourhoods and shorelines. Our analysis revealed a significant relationship between neighbourhood contextual features – both environmental and health – and premature mortality, suggesting that these contextual components of neighbourhoods can predict rates of urban premature mortality in Toronto.     

Er:YAG激光桩道预处理的研究进展

本文回顾了Er:YAG激光活化根管冲洗技术的最新研究进展,包括光子诱导光声流(photon initiated photoacoustic streaming,PIPS)技术和冲击波增强发射光声流(shock wave enhanced emission photoacoustic streaming,SWEEPS)技术,探讨Er:YAG激光预处理桩道的原理、优点以及对纤维桩粘接强度的影响,以期为临床选择适宜的桩道处理方法提供新思路。     

Infections and foreign bodies in ENT

Infections of the ear, nose and throat are common. The majority of these infections are managed by the primary care physicians and they settle with conservative and medical management. However, a small group can progress to become troublesome and develop complications to the extent that they may require surgical intervention. Some of the infections can lead to life-threatening complications, therefore awareness and correct diagnosis along with appropriate management is paramount. Foreign bodies in the ear, nose and throat are commonly encountered. The location and type of foreign body can have an implication on the urgency of action and the possible complications. In this article the common ENT infections and foreign bodies and their management are discussed.     

双球囊与缩宫素用于促宫颈成熟以及引产的效果比较

目的比较双球囊与缩宫素用于促宫颈成熟并引产的临床效果。方法选取于2017年7月—2018年7月在本院分娩的足月妊娠孕妇100例为研究对象,随机平均分为观察组和对照组各50例,观察组采用双球囊引产,对照组采用缩宫素进行引产,对比2组孕妇的总产程、宫颈成熟度、引产成功率和新生儿Apgar评分、并发症发生率等。结果观察组促宫颈成熟有效率(100%)、引产成功率(96%)均高于对照组(82%,74%),差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),治疗后新生儿Apgar评分、并发症发生率差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);宫颈Bishop评分观察组(9.12±1.42)高于对照组(7.92±1.56),观察组总产程(8.23±2.54)h,对照组(13.45±3.77)h,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论双球囊用于妊娠引产效果显著,能明显促进宫颈成熟、缩短产程,保障分娩的顺利进行,安全可靠,值得在临床中推广。     

针药并用治疗双心疾病的应用

随着对于双心疾病研究的加深,西医疗法的弊端也开始显现。而中医因其理论架构中早就有对于“心主血脉”和“心主神明”的认识,因此在双心疾病的治疗上有着先天的优势。同时近些年中医疗法的结合应用也取得不错的成绩,本文通过对于双心疾病的病例分析,来研讨这种治疗手段的合理性和先进性。