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BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent malignancy, and transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) has emerged as a pivotal therapeutic modality. However, TAE may induce symptom distress and fatigue, adversely affecting the quality of life of patients. AIM: To investigate symptom distress, fatigue, and associated factors in HCC patients undergoing TAE. METHODS: We used a cross-sectional design and purposive sampling to enroll HCC patients who underwent TAE at our institution from January to December 2022. Questionnaires were utilized to collect data on symptom distress and fatigue scores from the first to the third day after TAE. RESULTS: Our study revealed a significant reduction in fatigue and symptom distress among patients after TAE. Pain, fatigue, insomnia, fever and abdominal distension were the most common symptoms troubling patients during the first 3 d post-TAE. Marital status, presence of family support, physical functional status, age, and symptom distress were identified as predictors of fatigue in patients. CONCLUSION: Healthcare professionals should educate HCC patients on symptom distress and fatigue, offering personalized relief strategies to lessen their psychological burden.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility and efficacy of modified minimally invasive percutaneous pedicle screws osteosynthesis for the treatment of thoracolumbar vertebral compression fracture. METHODS: Twenty cases of thoracolumbar fracture without neural impairment were enrolled. None needed laminotomy decompression. With the aid of C-arm image intensifier, the GSS II pedicle screws were inserted through four small longitudinal incisions and modified surgical instruments. Perioperative parameters and postoperative imaging indices were compared with those undergoing conventional open pedicle screws osteosynthesis in other 20 cases. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in operative time between minimal invasive group and conventional group (P > 0.05); but the length of incisions, length of hospital stay, the volume of operative hemorrhage and post-operative drainage in minimal invasive group were significantly shorter than those in conventional group (P < 0.05); in each group, the comparisons of Cobb's angle, anterior vertebral height and disc height between pre and post-operation were all significantly different (P > 0.05); The incidence rate of chronic lower back pain in minimal invasive group was obviously lower than conventional group during the follow-up visit. CONCLUSION: The percutaneous internal pedicle screw fixation using modified instruments has the advantages of simple manipulation, less trauma and hemorrhage, quicker recovery, less pain, shorter hospital stay and a lower incidence rate of chronic lower back pain.
