Strictureplasty may lead to increased preference in the surgical management of Crohn's disease: a case-matched study.

BACKGROUND: Resection and strictureplasty are the two surgical modalities used in the management of Crohn's disease (CD). The objective of this study was to compare morbidity and clinical recurrence between patients who underwent strictureplasty and patients who underwent resection. METHODS: Patients with CD who underwent strictureplasty between January 2012 and December 2022 were enrolled. The patients were well matched with patients who underwent resection without strictureplasty. Patient- and disease-specific characteristics, postoperative morbidity, and clinical recurrence were also analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 118 patients who underwent a total of 192 strictureplasties were well matched to 118 patients who underwent resection. The strictureplasty group exhibited significantly less blood loss (30 ml versus 50 ml, p < 0.001) and stoma creation (2.5% versus 16.9%, p < 0.001). No significant difference was found regarding postoperative complications or length of postoperative stay. At the end of the follow-up, the overall rate of clinical recurrence was 39.4%, and no difference was observed between the two groups. Postoperative prophylactic use of biologics (odds ratio = 0.2, p < 0.001) was the only protective factor against recurrence. CONCLUSION: Strictureplasty does not increase the risk of complications or recurrence compared with resection. It represents a viable alternative to resection in selected patients, and as such, it should have a broader scope of indications and greater acceptance among surgeons.

[Consideration of surgeons participating in 2019 coronavirus disease emergency medical rescue].

As a newly epidemic, 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) with a concentrated outbreak poses a great challenge to medical treatment. The severe and critical patients are complex complicatied with the psychological problems, and the medical staff are overworked and under tremendous psychological pressure. The surgeon participated in emergency medical rescue could provide professional treatment for the patients combined with surgical diseases, as well as specialized training for the non-surgeon crew, to reduce surgical-related mortality. With the advantages of good team consciousness, strong aseptic concept and good psychological quality, the surgeons can quickly adapt to and carry out rescue work under the premise of good self-protection. Surgeons need to develop critical care management concepts and focus on the critical care support equipment. Some suggestions are put forward for the standardized training of resident surgeons to cultivate compound talents. It is hoped that this article can lead to the thinking of how to participate in the emergency medical rescue of infectious diseases among surgeons and provide some enlightenment for future surgical education.

Aerobic and resistance exercise training program intervention for enhancing gait function in elderly and chronically ill Taiwanese patients.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to develop an effective exercise training program for enhancing the postural stability and gait function of chronically ill patients to avoid falls. STUDY DESIGN: Pre training-post-training. Analyses were limited to those randomized to the exercise intervention. METHODS: The participants were chronically ill patients over 45 years old (47-89 years), of whom 25 completed the 12-week training regimen and assessment in the exercise group, whereas 29 completed the assessment in the control group, suffering from cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, or osteoporosis. The average age of the participants was 67.56 ± 10.70 years in the intervention group. All patients in this study signed institutional review board (IRB) agreements before participating (IRB approval no: FEMH-IRB-101029-E, v. 02, date: 20120429). RESULTS: The results revealed the beneficial effects of regular aerobic and resistance training, which improved in elderly, chronically ill patients. According to our data, most of the gait function measurements exhibited significant differences between the exercise group and control group. The duration of the 'timed up-and-go' test decreased from 7.67 s to 6.76 s (P = 0.00013), and the 'the base of support area' increased from 392.0 cm(2) to 433.2 cm(2) (P = 0.0088). Women attained more significant differences than men in the exercise and control groups (P = 0.0008), and the participants aged 45-65 years had a more satisfactory outcome than those aged > 65 years (P = 0.0109). CONCLUSION: Regular exercise regimens, such as aerobic, resistance or combination exercise training, enhance the gait function and sense of postural stability in elderly, chronically ill patients. Younger patients attained more positive results than older patients, and women attained more positive results than men. Regular exercise is a means of preventing falls; thus, the government and hospitals should increase promotional measures in aging communities to encourage regular exercise among elderly, chronically ill outpatients.

Design of a hybrid implementation effectiveness cluster randomized controlled trial of delivering written exposure therapy for PTSD in underserved primary care settings.

INTRODUCTION: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) results in substantial costs to society. Prevalence of PTSD among adults is high, especially among those presenting to primary care settings. Evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs) for PTSD are available but dissemination and implementation within primary care settings is challenging. Building Experience for Treating Trauma and Enhancing Resilience (BETTER) examines the effectiveness of integrating Written Exposure Therapy (WET) within primary care collaborative care management (CoCM). WET is a brief exposure-based treatment that has the potential to address many challenges of delivering PTSD EBPs within primary care settings. METHODS: The study is a hybrid implementation effectiveness cluster-randomized controlled trial in which 12 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) will be randomized to either CoCM plus WET (CoCM+WET) or CoCM only with 60 patients within each FQHC. The primary aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of CoCM+WET to improve PTSD and depression symptom severity. Secondary treatment outcomes are mental and physical health functioning. The second study aim is to examine implementation of WET within FQHCs using FQHC process data and staff interviews pre- and post-intervention. Exploratory aims are to examine potential moderators and mediators of the intervention. Assessments occur at baseline, and 3- and 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: The study has the potential to impact practice and improve clinical and public health outcomes. By establishing the effectiveness and feasibility of delivering a brief trauma-focused EBP embedded within CoCM in primary care, the study aims to improve PTSD outcomes for underserved patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: (Clinicaltrials.govNCT05330442).

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Increase Cancer Screening and Reduce Depression Among Low-Income Women.

Low-income women of color receive fewer cancer screenings and have higher rates of depression, which can interfere with cancer screening participation. This study assessed the comparative effectiveness of two interventions for improving colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer screening participation and reducing depression among underserved women in Bronx, NY, with depression. This comparative effectiveness randomized controlled trial (RCT) with assessments at study entry, 6, and 12 months utilized an intent-to-treat statistical approach. Eligible women were aged 50 to 64, screened positive for depression, and were overdue for ≥ 1 cancer screening (colorectal, breast, and/or cervical). Participants were randomized to a collaborative depression care plus cancer screening intervention (CCI + PCM) or cancer screening intervention alone (PCM). Interventions were telephone-based, available in English or Spanish, delivered over 12 months, and facilitated by a skilled care manager. Cancer screening data were extracted from electronic health records. Depression was measured with a validated self-report instrument (PHQ-9). Seven hundred fifty seven women consented and were randomized (CCI + PCM, n = 378; PCM, n = 379). Analyses revealed statistically significant increases in up-to-date status for all three cancer screenings; depression improved in both intervention groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the interventions in improving cancer screening rates or reducing depression. CCI and PCM both improved breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening and depression in clinical settings in underserved communities; however, neither intervention showed an advantage in outcomes. Decisions about which approach to implement may depend on the nature of the practice and alignment of the interventions with other ongoing priorities and resources.

Comparison of entecavir and lamivudine in preventing hepatitis B reactivation in lymphoma patients during chemotherapy.

During chemotherapy for lymphoma, the administration of cytotoxic agents and rituximab often results in hepatitis B reactivation (incidence, 14-72%). This study was designed to compare the efficacy of entecavir and lamivudine in preventing hepatitis B reactivation in lymphoma patients. Between January 2007 and February 2009, patients treated in four hospitals in China were screened to identify those most appropriate for analysis. These patients received either entecavir or lamivudine during chemotherapy and for 6 months after completion of chemotherapy. A total of 34 patients received entecavir and 89 patients received lamivudine. Compared with the lamivudine group, the entecavir group had significantly lower rates of hepatitis (5.9 vs 27.0%, P = 0.007), hepatitis B reactivation (0 vs 12.4%, P = 0.024) and disruption of chemotherapy (5.9 vs 20.2%, P = 0.042). All patients with hepatitis B reactivation had B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (stage III-IV). In lymphoma patients under chemotherapy treatment, entecavir is more effective than lamivudine in preventing hepatitis B reactivation. For patients with advanced stage disease, entecavir should be considered the primary preventive therapy.

Integrating Cancer Screening and Mental Health Services in Primary Care: Protocol and Baseline Results of a Patient-Centered Outcomes Intervention Study.

BACKGROUND: Low-income and minority women are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with preventable, late-stage cancers and suffer from depression than the general population. Intervention studies aiming to reduce depression to increase cancer screening among underserved minority women are sparse. METHODS: This patient-centered outcomes trial compared Collaborative Care Intervention plus Cancer Prevention Care Management (CCI+PCM) versus PCM alone. Participants from six Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) were interviewed at baseline, 6-and 12-month follow-up to monitor adherence to screening guidelines, depressive symptoms, quality of life, barriers to screening, and other psychosocial and health-related variables. RESULTS: Participants included 757 English-or Spanish-speaking women (ages 50-64) who screened positive for depression on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 and were not up-to-date for breast, cervical, and/or colorectal cancer screening. CONCLUSIONS: Study methodology and baseline participant characteristics are reported to contribute to the literature on evidence-based interventions for cancer screening among underserved, depressed women.

Vascular stents in the management of portal venous complications in living donor liver transplantation.

To evaluate the efficacy of stent placement in the treatment of portal vein (PV) stenosis or occlusion in living donor liver transplant (LDLT) recipients, 468 LDLT records were reviewed. Sixteen (10 PV occlusions and 6 stenoses) recipients (age range, 8 months-59 years) were referred for possible interventional angioplasty (dilatation and/or stent) procedures. Stent placement was attempted in all. The approaches used were percutaneous transhepatic (n = 10), percutaneous transsplenic (n = 4), and intraoperative (n = 2). Technical success was achieved in 11 of 16 patients (68.8%). The sizes of the stents used varied from 7 mm to 10 mm in diameter. In the five unsuccessful patients, long-term complete occlusion of the PV with cavernous transformation precluded catherterization. The mean follow-up was 12 months (range, 3-24). The PV stent patency rate was 90.9% (10/11). Rethrombosis and occlusion of the stent and PV occurred in a single recipient who had a cryoperserved vascular graft to reconstruct the PV during the LDLT operation. PV occlusion of >1 year with cavernous transformation seemed to be a factor causing technical failure. In conclusion, early treatment of PV stenosis and occlusion by stenting is an effective treatment in LDLT. Percutaneous transhepatic and transsplenic, and intraoperative techniques are effective approaches depending on the situation.

[Management strategy for the resumption of regular diagnosis and treatment in gastrointestinal surgery department during the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)].

Acute abdomen, abdominal trauma, gastrointestinal bleeding and gastrointestinal tumors are the main conditions that are routinely treated in gastrointestinal surgery department with high incidence and critical condition. These conditions need emergency or selective operations. During the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), it's a great challenge for us to meet the patients' requirement under the situation. As the COVID-19 was brought under control in China, the Department of General Surgery in Nanfang Hospital resumed regular medical services gradually. Based on our clinical practice, the four major measures of strengthening pre-hospital screening, perioperative prevention and control, medical staff protection, and ward management were adopted. These main measures include the strict implementation of the appointment system and triage system before admission; the conduction of epidemiological and preliminary screening of viral nucleic acids; the chest CT examination during the perioperative period to re-screen COVID-19; the reduction of the risk of droplets and aerosol transmission; the minimally invasive surgery combined with enhanced recovery program in order to reduce patient's susceptibility and shorten the length of postoperative hospital stay; the reinforcement of specific infection control training for medical staff; the strict implementation of hierarchical protection; the establishment of gastrointestinal surgery prevention and control system; the rehearsal of emergency exercise; the installation of quarantine wards; the screening and management of family care-givers; the strict disinfection of environment and materials. Our preliminary practice shows that following the work guidelines issued by the Guangdong Province COVID-19 Prevention and Control Office and adopting precise management strategies in combination with the specific clinical features of gastrointestinal surgery, it is possible to safely resume regular care for the patients and comply to epidemic control at the same time.

Quality of Life After Motor Cortex Stimulation: Clinical Results and Systematic Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Motor cortex stimulation (MCS) is routinely used for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain but its effect on quality of life remains uncertain. OBEJCTIVE: To systematically review the published literature on MCS and quality of life and report the effects of this therapy in a series of patients prospectively followed in our center. METHODS: The systematic literature review was conducted using the search words "motor cortex stimulation and pain and neurosurgery" and "motor cortex stimulation and pain and quality of life." Quality of life in our clinical trial was investigated in a series of 10 patients with chronic neuropathic pain prospectively followed for 12 mo after MCS. RESULTS: Two hundred eighteen nonreplicated articles were pooled for analysis. Of these, 6 described measures of quality of life in the pre- and postoperative period. In these studies, 64 patients with different clinical conditions associated with neuropathic pain were followed for 6 to 84 mo after MCS surgery. Improvement in quality of life ranged from 35% to 85%. In our clinical series, visual analog scale (VAS), SF-12 physical (PhysCS), and mental scores (MenCS) recorded 12 mo after MCS were improved by 60 ± 10% (P = .002), 50 ± 13% (P = .002), and 22 ± 6% (P = .01), respectively. No significant correlation was found between postoperative improvement in pain and either PhysCS (r = 0.18; P = .6) or MenCS (r = -0.24; P = .5). CONCLUSION: MCS improves quality of life in patients with chronic refractory neuropathic pain. Additional factors other than a simple analgesic effect may contribute to these results.

Successful heterotopic heart transplant after cardiopulmonary bypass rescue of an arrested donor heart.

Global heart transplantation has declined due to the donor shortage. The use of marginal donors has therefore been reintroduced. According to the history of heart transplantation, heterotopic heart transplant has played an important role in the precyclosporine era. In those circumstances, native heart and donor heart worked together to support each other against rejection or progressive heart failure. However, heterotopic transplantation has complicated surgical techniques and requirements for postoperative surveillance. Most training fellows have limited experience with this approach. At present more than 1000 cardiac surgical centers perform heart transplantation, but only 50 centers have experience in performing-heterotopic procedures. Using mechanical circulatory support for the posttransplant period is well developed in most centers. However, using mechanical circulatory support for heart donor with the intention of rescuing the heart has not been reported. Herein, we report a successful heterotopic heart transplantation after rescue with cardiopulmonary bypass of an arrested donor heart.

Liver transplantation from an uncontrolled non-heart-beating donor maintained on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Liver transplantation, a definitive treatment for end-stage liver disease, has achieved excellent results. However, potential recipients on the waiting list outnumber donors. To expand the donor pool, marginal grafts from older donors, steatotic livers, and non-heart-beating liver donors (NHBD) have been used for transplantation. Reducing the warm ischemia time of NHBD is the critical factor in organs preservation. Liver transplantation using grafts from NHBD have been reported to display a high incidence of primary graft nonfunction and biliary complications. The authors report a liver graft donor who was maintained on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Core body temperature was 5 degrees C. Procurement of the liver using a rapid flush technique was performed 4 hours after instituting ECMO. Graft function recovered fully after transplantation. In conclusion, ECMO may be used to reduce warm ischemia time in liver grafts obtained from uncontrolled NHBD, thereby increasing graft salvage rates.

Refining the diagnosis of schizophreniform disorder.

Schizophreniform disorder, a potentially useful construct, is difficult to operationalize either for clinical or research purposes. According to DSM-III-R, schizophreniform disorder is descriptively identical to schizophrenia, differing only in duration of symptoms. This study suggests several features that, at initial examination, differentiate schizophreniform disorder from schizophrenia, such as higher DSM-III axis V ratings, lack of flattened affect, and better rapport with the examiner. The data suggest that when defined according to appropriate clinical criteria, schizophreniform disorder can be distinguished from either schizophrenia or affective disorder.

Home-based resistance training: predictors of participation and adherence.

This study identified factors associated with exercise participation and adherence in a sample of 102 sedentary, functionally limited, community-dwelling adults aged 60 to 94 years who participated in a home-based resistance training program. Stepwise regression analyses revealed that baseline physical factors (i.e., higher levels of mobility, weaker muscle strength, and fewer numbers of new medical conditions) were associated with higher rates of participation in the home program. Positive attitudes and a sense of control toward exercise, lower levels of confusion and depressive moods, and the development of fewer new medical problems during the program were related to higher levels of adherence to the program. Findings revealed that although physical health variables were the primary indicators of an older person's overall participation in the program, it was the psychological factors that were most important to adherence to this home-based program.

Antioxidant activity of tannin components from Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.

Reactive oxygen molecules have been implicated as important pathological mediators in many clinical disorders and periodontal disease. To provide possible alternative treatment of periodontal disease, six tannins isolated from Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. were evaluated for anti-lipid peroxidation, anti-superoxide formation and free radical scavenging activity. The results showed that cinnamtannin B1 displayed the strongest anti-lipid peroxidation activity, proanthocyanidin A-1 displayed the strongest superoxide scavenging activity, and epicatechin-(4beta--> 6)-epicatechin-(4beta-->8, 2beta-->O--> 7)-catechin had the strongest anti-superoxide formation effect. We conclude that tannins isolated from V. vitis-idaea L. exhibited multiple antioxidant activity, and could be used for the treatment of periodontal disease.

Transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy in the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis--with emphasis on perioperative management (1,360 case analyses).

BACKGROUND: Primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PH) is very common, and can be disabling. Various surgical methods for endoscopic sympathectomy have been advocated. We present a simple and effective method of treating PH by means of transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy (TES). METHODS: From July 1994 to May 1998, a total of 1,360 patients with hyperhidrosis palmaris underwent TES. There were 544 males and 816 females with a mean age of 23.1 years old (range, 5 to 60 years). All patients were placed in a half-sitting position under single-lumen intubational anesthesia. We performed the ablation of the T2 ganglion using either a 6- or 8-mm, 0-degree thoracoscope (Karl Storz Company, Germany) RESULTS: In these 1,360 patients, 2,715 sympathectomies were performed. TES was usually accomplished within 15 min. Surgical complications were minimal: six cases of pneumothorax (0.44%), four cases of segmental collapse of lung (0.29%), and two wound infections (0.15%). There was no surgical mortality. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 27.8 months. A total of 1,292 patients (95%) had highly satisfactory results, although 1,140 patients (84%) have developed compensatory sweating of the trunk and lower limbs. The affected area was the axillae, back, abdomen, lower limbs (16%, 82%, 52%, and 78%, respectively). The recurrence rates of PH were 0.4% in the first year, 0.6% in the second year, and 1.1% in the third year. CONCLUSIONS: TES is a simple, safe, and effective method of treating PH.

Reoperation for recurrent trigeminal neuralgia after microvascular decompression.

BACKGROUND: Microvascular decompression (MVD) is an effective technique for those who have trigeminal neuralgia (TN) but cannot tolerate, or show no response to medicine. Though the initial success rate is high, some patients may develop severe recurrent neuralgia, especially after a longer period of follow-up. The efficacy of reoperation needs to be evaluated. To know the possible risk factors of recurrence after initial MVD is mandatory to the management of recurrent TN. METHODS: Among the 80 cases of TN treated with MVD, five cases showed severe recurrent symptoms within a follow-up period from 9 months-4 years. The symptoms recurred on the same side of the face, and were unresponsive to medical treatment. Brain computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may reveal the etiology of recurrence. Repeat decompression of the trigeminal nerve was the main goal of reoperation, which was done via a suboccipital approach. RESULTS: Over the past 17 years, 80 MVDs for TN have been performed at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. There were five cases of serious postoperative recurrence, which could not be relieved by medicine. Recurrence occurred 1 day-12 months after the initial surgery. Three cases were due to vascular compression, while two were caused by the local effect of Teflon felt. Reoperation produced complete remission in four patients, and partial remission in one. CONCLUSIONS: An increasing number of patients may experience severe recurrent TN after initial MVD during a long period of follow-up. Reoperation is safe and beneficial for these patients, but the results are dependent on the etiology of the recurrence. Further vascular compression of the trigeminal nerve can be relieved by MVD. Otherwise, in cases of severe adhesion caused by Teflon, complete microneural lysis can achieve satisfactory results.

Transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis in children and adolescents: analysis of 350 cases.

Primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PH) often commences in childhood and adolescence and can be a disabling condition. There are few reports regarding endoscopic sympathectomy for PH in children and adolescents. Therefore, I present our experience with transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy (TES) in treating PH in children and adolescents. From July 1994 to March 1998, a total of 350 patients underwent TES. There were 93 males and 257 females with a mean age of 12.9 years (range 5-17 years). All patients were placed in a half-sitting position under single-lumen intubated anesthesia. We performed ablation of the T2 ganglion using either a 6- or an 8-mm 0 degree thoracoscope (Karl Storz Company, Germany) via one 0.8-cm incision just below each axilla. Among these 350 patients, 699 sympathectomies were performed. Usually, TES was accomplished within 15 minutes (range 7-20 minutes). The surgical complications were minimal: one pneumothorax and one segmental lung collapse. There were no surgical deaths. With a mean postoperative follow-up period of 25 months (range 5-44 months), the result of TES was highly satisfactory in 331 patients (94.6%), although 301 patients (86%) developed compensatory sweating of the trunk and lower limbs, the distribution being the axillae (12%), back (86%), abdomen (48%), or lower limbs (78%). The recurrence rates of palmar hyperhidrosis were 0.6% in the first year, 1.1% in the second year, and 1.7% in the third year. Transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy is a safe and effective method for treating PH in children and adolescents.

The pattern of diabetes in a primary health care setting in Singapore.

This is a study of Diabetes mellitus and its treatment in a single doctor government primary health care clinic in Singapore. Data was collected on the entire 349 patients with diabetes attending this clinic over a three month period in 1987. We found there was an increasing number of diabetics with age and a substantial proportion was above 70 years of age. Only 7% had their diabetes treated with diet alone and 9.6% were treated with insulin. Most (61%) patients were on tolbutamide, with 17.6% on glibenclamide and 5.9% on chlorpropamide. Hypertension was found in 38% of the diabetic patients but was not associated with increase in age of the patient. The duration of diabetes, but not the age of the patient, was positively associated with the number of drugs taken by the patient (chi-squared, p less than 0.05).

Prevention of hypotension after spinal anesthesia for cesarean section: dextran 40 versus lactated Ringer's solution.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to compare the efficacy of 10% dextran 40 with lactated Ringer's (LR) solution in reducing the incidence and severity of hypotension after spinal anesthesia for Cesarean section. METHODS: Sixty ASA grade I patients scheduled for Cesarean section were randomized into two groups in a double-blind fashion to receive either 500 ml of dextran 40 or 1000 ml of LR solution prior to induction of spinal anesthesia. RESULTS: The incidence of hypotension was 16 in 30 (53.3%) in the LR solution group and 8 in 30 (26.7%) in the dextran group (P < 0.05). The required dose of ephedrine for treatment of hypotension was significantly greater in the LR solution group than in the dextran group (15.5 mg versus 3.2 mg, P < 0.05). Neonatal outcome, as determined by Apgar score, was good and similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that 500 ml of dextran 40 is more effective than 1000 ml of lactated Ringer's solution in reducing the incidence of hypotension induced by spinal anesthesia.