Blood salvage and autotransfusion during orthotopic liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant cause of oncologic mortality worldwide. Liver transplantation represents a curative option for patients with significant liver dysfunction and absence of metastases. However, this therapeutic option is associated with significant blood loss and frequently requires various transfusions and intraoperative blood salvage for autotransfusion (IBS-AT) with or without a leukocyte reduction filter. This study aimed to analyze available evidence on long-term oncologic outcomes of patients undergoing liver transplantation for HCC with and without IBS-AT. METHODS: Per PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review of keywords "Blood Salvage," "Auto-transfusion," "Hepatocellular carcinoma," and "Liver-transplant" was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS. Studies comparing operative and postoperative outcomes were screened and analyzed for review. RESULTS: Twelve studies totaling 1704 participants were included for analysis. Length of stay, recurrence rates, and overall survival were not different between IBS-AT group and non IBS-AT group. CONCLUSION: IBS-AT use is not associated with increased risk of recurrence in liver transplant for HCC even without leukocyte filtration. Both operative and postoperative outcomes are similar between groups. Comparison of analyzed studies suggest that IBS-AT is safe for use during liver transplant for HCC.

Single-port versus multiport robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis on the da Vinci SP platform.

CONTEXT: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men; robotic prostatectomy has cemented itself as part of the standard of care. Since its approval by the Food and Drug Administration in 2018, the SP console's application has been increasingly studied and compared with the multiport (MP) robotic approach. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines and PROSPERO registration CRD42021228744, a systematic review was performed in April 2021 on single-port robotic-assisted radical prostatectomies (SP-RARPs) compared to MP. Outcomes of interest were operative time, bleeding, complications, analgesic use, and postoperative continence, and erectile function. Data were analyzed with Review Manager 5.3. RESULTS: Seven studies were included, of which six studies met the inclusion criteria for quantitative synthesis, totalling 1068 patients, out of which 324 underwent SP-RARP and 744 underwent MP-RARP. No differences were found in baseline characteristics such as age, body mass index, prostatic-specific antigen, or stage. No differences in blood loss-15.77 mL [-42.44, 10.89], p = 0.25, operative time 3.93 min [-4.12, 11.98], p = 0.34, or positive surgical margins, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.78 [0.55, 1.10], p = 0.15-were found. Length of stay was significantly shorter in SP -0.94 days [-1.56, -0.33], p = 0.003, with no differences in complication rates, with an OR of 1.29 [0.78, 2.14], p = 0.32, continence rates, with an OR of 1.29 [0.90, 1.83], p = 0.16, erectile function, with an OR of 0.86 [0.52, 1.40], p = 0.54, or biochemical recurrence. Qualitative evidence suggests decreased opioid consumption. CONCLUSION: SP-RARPs are feasible alternatives to the traditional MP with possible benefits in pain management and length of stay. Future high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings.

EVAR in Patients With Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Horseshoe Kidney: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: A systematic review of all patients that have been reported in the literature with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) concomitant with horseshoe kidney (HSK) treated electively by endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is presented. A new grouping system for describing HSK vasculature is implemented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched for published manuscripts using the Medical Subject Headings terms "abdominal aortic aneurysm," "AAA," "EVAR," "endovascular aneurysm repair," and "horseshoe kidney" in PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and National Center for Biotechnology Information databases. Inclusion criteria include all published material of patients with AAA with HSK treated electively by an endovascular approach. We excluded patients who were treated by a hybrid or open repair or patients with ruptured AAA. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS Statistics version 25 (IBM Corp, Armonk, New York) software. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients from 30 studies were included for analysis. Males made up 88% (n=44) of the population. The median age for this cohort was 70 years (range: 47-86 years). Median aneurysmal diameter was 6.0 cm (range: 4.0-10.3 cm). The median operative time for endovascular repair was 84 minutes (range: 40-332 minutes). The most common graft used was Zenith, used in 40% (n=20) of the cases, followed by Endurant in 14% (n=7). The overall complication rate was 14% (n=7). The median follow-up was 19 months (range: 1-108 months). While comorbidities did not appear to impact outcomes significantly, median operative times for smokers were higher than those in nonsmokers, 84 versus 118 minutes, respectively (p=0.048). Univariate linear regression modeling of aneurysmal size with age, operative time, and length of stay revealed a significant coefficient association between aneurysmal size and operative times. After adjusting for comorbidities and aneurysmal size, prior history of chronic kidney disease significantly increased odds for renal infarction. CONCLUSION: This review presents the most complete data set possible of patients with concomitant HSK and AAA treated by an endovascular approach. Furthermore, the A + B + C classification for grouping the HSK vasculature is implemented. This systematic review suggests EVAR to be an excellent option with low complication rates for the treatment of AAA in patients with HSK.

Endovascular Treatment of Transplant Renal Artery Stenosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular treatment through either percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) alone or stenting has been previously used as a treatment for transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS). This review aimed to investigate the results of endovascular treatment for renal artery stenosis in transplanted kidneys as compared with the outcomes of interventions, medical management, and graft survival in non-TRAS patients. METHODS: A systematic review of PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, and Scopus was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines in which studies that reported outcomes of the treatment of TRAS via the endoluminal approach were identified, and their results were meta-analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty-four studies with a total of 1522 patients were included. A significant reduction of serum creatinine level was found, favoring the stenting group, with a mean difference of 0.68 mg/dL (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.17-1.19; Z=2.60, p=0.0009). Comparison of pre- and post-intervention values of any intervention revealed a significant decrease in overall serum creatinine level (0.65 mg/dL; 95% CI, 0.40-0.90; Z=5.09, p=0.00001), overall blood pressure, with a mean difference of 11.12 mmHg (95% CI, 7.29-14.95; Z=5.59, p=0.00001), mean difference in the use of medications (0.77; 95% CI, 0.29-1.24; p=0.002), and peak systolic velocity (190.05; 95% CI, 128.41-251.69; p<0.00001). The comparison of serum creatinine level between endovascular interventions and best medical therapy favored endovascular intervention, with a mean difference of 0.23 mg/dL (95% CI, 0.14-0.32; Z=5.07, p<0.00001). Graft survival was similar between the treated patients and those without TRAS (hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.75-1.28; p=0.091). The overall pooled success rate was 89%, and the overall complication rate was 10.4%, with the most prevalent complication being arterial dissection. CONCLUSION: The endovascular treatment of TRAS improves graft preservation and renal function and hemodynamic parameters. PTA + stenting appears to be a more effective option to PTA alone in the stabilization of renal function, with additional benefits from decreased restenosis rates. Further high-quality studies could expand on these findings.

Use of the self-reported critical view of safety in laparoscopic cholecystectomy during residency.

BACKGROUND: Even though the goal of safely performing cholecystectomy is already a priority in general surgical training programs, we aimed to study how many residents and attendings reached the critical view of safety (CVS) in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of prospectively collected data of all patients with biliary surgical conditions, which underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and their corresponding postoperative notes with self-reported CVS from May 2019 to May 2020 in an academic hospital. Comparisons of operative variables between postgraduate year and attendings were made. RESULTS: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in 126 elective cases (62.6%) and 75 (37.3%) emergency cases. On 105 (83.3%) of the elective cases and on 54 (66.7%) emergency cases, a CVS was successfully performed. PGY3 and PGY5 had higher odds of achieving CVS compared to attendings OR 6.09 (95% CI 2.05 to 8.07) and 4.51 (95% CI 1.0 to 10.20), respectively. Overall, attendings had decreased odds ratio of achieving CVS of 0.488 when compared to all residents. Elective procedures had increased odds ratios of achieving CVS of 3.44 (95% CI 1.52 to 7.74). On elective cases, attendings performed significantly faster procedures when compared to PGY2-4, but not PGY5. No differences were seen between operative speeds between PGY. Third-year residents were identified as having the highest frequency of CVS; however, these differences were not statistically significant. In emergency cases, blood loss, operative time, CVS, and bile duct injuries revealed non-significant differences between operators. CONCLUSION: CVS was reached significantly more often in elective than in emergency surgeries. There is still a lack of residents and attending surgeons who still failed to complete CVS during LC, highlighting the need for further education. Future studies should be attempted to repeat this study with a larger sample size and multiple coaching sessions to determine long-term efficacy.

Revisional Roux-en-Y gastric bypass after failed gastric banding: a case-matched study.

BACKGROUND: Revisional surgery is technically demanding and is usually associated with higher intraoperative and perioperative risks than primary procedures. The objective of this study is to compare outcomes of patients who had gastric bypass procedures performed as a rescue procedure for failed gastric banding, with those who had a primary gastric bypass. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The group of patients undergoing revisional gastric bypass for failed gastric band was matched in a 1:2 ratio with control patients who underwent a primary RYGB, based on gender, score, preoperative body mass index, and comorbidities. Data were retrospectively retrieved. RESULTS: Thirty one (33.3%) patients underwent band removal and gastric bypass (group A) and 62 (66.6%) only primary gastric bypass (group B). Nonsignificant differences were seen in operative time, operative bleeding, or length of stay. Complications were more frequent in group A. Postoperative weight at 12-month follow-up was greater in group A, however, not statistically significant. Changes in weight, both absolute, and percentage were not different between groups. This observation was also true for BMI, in which no significant differences were seen. Overall, mean follow-up was 16 ± 3.2 months. CONCLUSION: Gastric bypass can be performed as revisional bariatric surgery, with low complication rates and acceptable outcomes, though not with the same safety as a primary procedure. Gastric bypass is a satisfactory option for patients with a failed gastric band.

Biliary reconstruction after choledochal cyst resection: a systematic review and meta-analysis on hepaticojejunostomy vs hepaticoduodenostomy.

Choledochal cysts are a rare pediatric biliary pathology. Excision of the extrahepatic cyst and restoration of biliary-enteric continuity through either hepaticoduodenostomy (HD) or Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) is the mainstay treatment. This study aims to determine if either method provides an advantage. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted, identifying studies comparing hepaticojejunostomy to hepaticoduodenostomy in patients with choledochal cysts. Data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.3. Nine studies were included, operative time was shorter - 97.50 [- 172.31, - 22.69] p = 0.01 and bleeding reduced - 48.98 [- 88.25, - 9.71] p = 0.01 in HD. HD was associated with shorter length of stay 2.18 [- 3.87, - 0.50] p = 0.01 and similar cholangitis and reintervention rates. Time to a normal diet was similar between groups. Biliary reflux was seen more frequently in HD 19.14 [2.60, 140.63] p = 0.004. Complications such as leak and cholangitis were similar between groups. HD represents a viable alternative to HJ with various advantages such as shorter operative time, decreased bleeding and shorter length of hospital stay. Bile reflux remains a major limitation.Level of evidence IV.

Laparoscopic vs open portoenterostomy in biliary atresia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Hepatoportoenterostomy remains the cornerstone of treatment for biliary atresia. Current employed techniques include laparoscopy and open surgery. This study aims to determine if either method provides an advantage. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted. Nineteen studies were included. Mean operative time 34.98 (95% CI 20.10, 49.85; p ≤ 0.00001) was longer in laparoscopic while bleeding volumes - 16.63 (95% CI - 23.39, - 9.86; p ≤ 0.00001) as well as the time to normal diet - 2.42 (95% CI - 4.51, - 0.32; p = 0.02) were lower in the laparoscopic group. No differences were observed in mean length of stay - 0.83. Similar complication, transfusions, postoperative cholangitis 0.97, and transplant free survival rates 1.00 (0.63, 1.60; p = 0.99) were seen between groups. Laparoscopic portoenterostomy provides advantages on operative time and bleeding as well as to normal diet when compared to open procedures. Both procedures showed no differences in length of stay, complications, cholangitis, and importantly, native liver survival. Level of evidence: III.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and acceptance in Mexico: a web-based nationwide survey.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and acceptance among the Mexican population. METHODS: In a web-based nationwide survey in early December 2020, respondents were inquired about their sociodemographic characteristics and their willingness to accept a hypothetical COVID-19 vaccine given a 50% or 90% effectiveness. A logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with hesitancy and acceptance. RESULTS: A total 3 768 responses were analyzed. A 90% effective vaccine was accepted by 85% of respondents, while only 46% would accept being vaccinated with a 50% effective vaccine. In univariate analysis, each age group (40-49, 50-59, and ≥60) was strongly associated with vaccine hesitancy for a 90% effective vaccine (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.38, 0.63; OR 0.33, 95 CI 0.26, 0.41; and OR 0.28, 95 CI 0.21, 0.38, respectively) compared to the 18-39 age group. After multivariable adjustment, similar magnitudes of association were observed. Being female and higher socioeconomic status were also associated with higher vaccine hesitancy. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccine hesitancy represents a major public health problem in Mexico and is driven by multiple factors. Our study provides relevant insights for the development of effective policies and strategies to ensure widespread vaccination in Mexico.

Establishing consensus on the perioperative management of cholecystectomy in public hospitals: a Delphi study with an expert panel in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Several guidelines have put forward recommendations about the perioperative process of cholecystectomy. Despite the recommendations, controversy remains concerning several topics, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to develop uniform recommendations for perioperative practices in cholecystectomy in Mexico to standardize this process and save public health system resources. METHODS: A modified Delphi method was used. An expert panel of 23 surgeons anonymously completed two rounds of responses to a 29-item questionnaire with 110 possible answers. The consensus was assessed using the percentage of responders agreeing on each question. RESULTS: From the 29 questions, the study generated 27 recommendations based on 20 (69.0%) questions reaching consensus, one that was considered uncertain (3.4%), and six (20.7%) items that remained open questions. In two (6.9%) cases, no consensus was reached, and no recommendation could be made. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides recommendations for the perioperative management of cholecystectomy in public hospitals in Mexico. As a guide for public institutions in low- and middle-income countries, the study identifies recommendations for perioperative tests and evaluations, perioperative decision making, postoperative interventions and institutional investment, that might ensure the safe practice of cholecystectomy and contribute to conserving resources.

Effect of Surgical Expertise on Biomechanical Properties of Sutures After Abdominal Wall Closure.

BACKGROUND: Despite preventive methods and careful surgical technique, surgical site infection and incisional hernias are of main concern after the closure of surgical incisions and keep haunting abdominal wall wound healing. The aim of this study is to find how surgical expertise level modifies biomechanical properties of sutures commonly used in abdominal wall fascial closure (polypropylene, polyglactin 910, polydioxanone). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surgery residents with different experience levels performed abdominal wall fascial closure in swine models with the previously mentioned suture materials. A standardized technique was used. Sutures were removed, and a tensile stress test was performed on the removed sutures. A total of 81 abdominal fascial closures were achieved. Time, extension, maximum tensile force (Ftmax), and maximum stress were measured and analyzed. RESULTS: The results of the polydioxanone stress test present a trend in three variables: extension, tensile force, and stress. The trend shows higher medians in the expert group and lower medians in the novice group. While using polypropylene sutures, medians in the expert group are the highest; however, a trend is not observed. Polyglactin 910 sutures have nonspecific behavior among the different experience groups and variables. Polypropylene is the material with the lowest Ftmax tested and fails at 42.64 (IQR 40.98-44.89) N. Regarding the elastic properties of the material, polyglactin demonstrates the least extension of all sutures tested, with a 14 (IQR 13.33-14.83) mm extension. This study demonstrates that polydioxanone has a superior Ftmax compared with polypropylene and has a superior extension at failure properties compared with polyglactin, confirming that polydioxanone could be the suture of choice used for abdominal wall fascial closure. CONCLUSIONS: Study results do not show statistically significant differences regarding the impact of the experience level of different general surgery residents in the biomechanical properties of sutures used in abdominal wall fascial closure.

LAPKaans: Tool-Motion Tracking and Gripping Force-Sensing Modular Smart Laparoscopic Training System.

Laparoscopic surgery demands highly skilled surgeons. Traditionally, a surgeon's knowledge is acquired by operating under a mentor-trainee method. In recent years, laparoscopic simulators have gained ground as tools in skill acquisition. Despite the wide range of laparoscopic simulators available, few provide objective feedback to the trainee. Those systems with quantitative feedback tend to be high-end solutions with limited availability due to cost. A modular smart trainer was developed, combining tool-tracking and force-using employing commercially available sensors. Additionally, a force training system based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) phantoms for sample stiffness differentiation is presented. This prototype was tested with 39 subjects, between novices (13), intermediates (13), and experts (13), evaluating execution differences among groups in training exercises. The estimated cost is USD $200 (components only), not including laparoscopic instruments. The motion system was tested for noise reduction and position validation with a mean error of 0.94 mm. Grasping force approximation showed a correlation of 0.9975. Furthermore, differences in phantoms stiffness effectively reflected user manipulation. Subject groups showed significant differences in execution time, accumulated distance, and mean and maximum applied grasping force. Accurate information was obtained regarding motion and force. The developed force-sensing tool can easily be transferred to a clinical setting. Further work will consist on a validation of the simulator on a wider range of tasks and a larger sample of volunteers.

Transjejunal Laparoscopic Assisted ERCP in a Patient with Roux-en-Y Hepaticojejunostomy.

Background and Objectives: Nowadays, with the increasing laparoscopic expertise and accessibility to modern surgical tools, laparoscopic assisted ERCP (LAERCP) has become an effective approach for the management of bile stone disease in patients with modified gastrointestinal anatomy. In contrast to patients with gastric bypass in whom a transgastric LAERCP approach is usually performed, the resultant anatomy of Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy precludes a gastric approach as the newly formed bilioenteric anastomosis is not reachable through the stomach. Therefore, a transjejunal approach has been described as an alternative LAERCP technique. To the best of our knowledge this is the tenth case of transjejunal LAERCP reported worldwide. Materials and Methods: We present the case of a 50-year-old female with history of biliary injury during a cholecystectomy corrected with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy who presented to our center with manifestations of acute abdomen. After laboratory and image analysis, diagnosis of intrahepatic lithiasis was confirmed. The decision to perform a transjejunal LAERCP was made due to the complex anatomy in this patient. No complications were found during surgery and in the follow up period. Conclusions: Transjejunal LAERCP is an effective approach for endoscopic management of biliary complications in patients with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy and other modified gastrointestinal anatomy. Previous recommendations by more experienced teams have been reported, nonetheless, there are too few cases reported to make definitive recommendations and conclusions. In limited settings, such as ours, some of these recommendations may not be applicable. We are certain that, with the increasing expertise and innovations in laparoscopy surgery for the management of complications that cannot be addressed by endoscopic or noninvasive measures, more cases will be reported.

Noncholestatic acute hepatocellular injury following candesartan administration.

Arterial hypertension is a highly manageable disorder due to a variety of drugs available for its treatment. Since the late 1990s, angiotensin II receptor blockers have been widely prescribed, achieving appropriate control in patients' blood pressure. Few cases of serious adverse effects have been reported to date. Here, we present a case of acute hepatocellular injury secondary to candesartan administration. Further studies should be performed in patients who present with this adverse effect, in order to prevent more serious outcomes.

Liver transplantation for acute liver failure. / Trasplante hepático debido a fallo hepático agudo.

Before liver transplantation became widely applicable as a treatment option, the mortality rate for acute liver failure was as high as 85%. Today, acute liver failure is a relatively common transplant indication in some settings, but the results of liver transplantation in this context appear to be worse than those for chronic forms of liver disease. In this review, we discuss the indications and contraindications for urgent liver transplantation. In particular, we consider the roles of auxiliary, ABO-incompatible, and urgent living donor liver transplantation and address the management of a «status 1¼ patient with total hepatectomy and portocaval shunt for toxic liver syndrome.

Endoscopic gastric polypectomy assisted by laparoscopy for giant gastric and duodenal lesion treatment: Case series from two centres.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopy has developed rapidly, generating new challenges. Today, there are several procedures done endoscopically with very good results. In the past, the assisted laparoscopic colon polypectomy has been described, reducing the morbidity of a bigger procedure. Nonetheless, little has been said about the use of hybrid surgery in the management of gastric or duodenal polyps. OBJECTIVES: Evaluating the safety and efficacy of the assisted laparoscopic gastric endoscopic polypectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of the database at our two centres was performed from 1996 to 2014. Thirteen patients were found in whom an assisted laparoscopic gastric or duodenal endoscopic tumour resection was performed. RESULTS: Thirteen patients, eight males and five females, with a median age of 61 years and average body mass index of 29.3. The procedure was done effectively and no need for further procedures was required for any patient. No complications were reported in the early post-operative period. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that assisted laparoscopic gastric endoscopic polypectomy is a feasible and safe procedure that can be used for the management of giant polyps, which cannot be resected with the classical endoscopic polypectomy reducing the morbidity and complications associated with larger procedures.

Unusual presentation of Gilbert disease with high levels of unconjugated bilirubin. Report of two cases.

Gilbert's syndrome is a benign condition characterized by asymptomatic sporadic episodes of jaundice, due to a mild unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia caused by a deficiency in bilirubin glucoronidation. Under certain physiologic or pathologic events bilirubin level rises but according to literature it does not reach out more than 3 mg/dl. We report 2 cases of Gilbert's syndrome, genetically tested, which presented with bilirubin levels above 6 mg/dl without any trigger or coexisting condition. In conclusion, bilirubin levels higher than 6 mg/dL in Gilbert syndrome are rare, hemolytic and other metabolism diseases must be ruled out, and genetic testing may be necessary in some cases.

Prognostic impact of liver resection side in peri-hilar cholangiocarcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) is a highly lethal hepatobiliary cancer. Radical resection offers the best chance for extended survival, but the efficacy of left-sided hepatectomy (LH) versus right-sided hepatectomy (RH) remains controversial. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of non-randomized cohort studies comparing LH and RH in patients with resectable pCCA was conducted. Subanalyses were performed based on year of publication, region, number of cases and Bismuth classification (BC) ≥ III. RESULTS: Nineteen studies involving 3838 patients were included, with 1779 (46 %) undergoing LH and 2059 (54 %) undergoing RH. LH was associated with increased overall survival (OS) in subgroup analysis of studies reporting hazard ratios (HR) (logHR 0.59; p = 0.04). LH showed higher rates of arterial resection (14 % vs. 1 %), transfusion (51 % vs. 41 %), operation time (MD 31.44 min), and bile leakage (21 % vs. 18 %), but lower rates of post-hepatectomy liver failure (9 % vs. 21 %) and 90-day mortality (8 % vs 16 %). Three-year disease-free survival rates increased in Western centers but decreased in Eastern centers. CONCLUSION: LH is linked to higher OS in this analysis but is a more demanding technique. Resection side decision should consider several factors, including future liver remnant, tumor location, vascular involvement, and surgical expertise.

Relationship of age at menarche, coitarche and first gestation: A retrospective cohort analysis.

Introduction: Teenage pregnancy is defined as a pregnancy occurring between ages 10 and 19 (Loredo-Abdlá et al., 2017; Belitzky, 1985; Kaplanoglu et al., 2015), and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality for both mother and child. Several factors have been identified with increased risk of a teenage pregnancy, including incomplete sexual education awareness and increased exposure at a young age. In addition, an earlier onset of sexual intercourse, or coitarche, has been linked to a higher risk of teenage pregnancy. Early menarche, defined as first menstruation before the age of 12 has been previously identified as a risk factor for an earlier coitarche, possibly linking an early menarche with a higher incidence of teenage pregnancy. This study aims to compare and determine the relationship between the incidence of teenage pregnancy with early menarche and coitarche in a low income setting. Design Setting Participants Interventions Main Outcome Measures: A cross sectional review of electronic records of women admitted for delivery in a second level center in northeastern Mexico, being a low-income setting, where 814 teenage and 1474 adult mothers were included. Results: Primigravid teenagers had earlier menarche and coitarche than adult counterparts and opted for postpartum contraception more frequently. Linear regression analysis revealed significant unadjusted beta coefficients between age at first pregnancy and coitarche (0.839) and menarche (0.362). Menarche and coitarche had a significant linear regression association of 0.395. Conclusion: We found amongst primigravid patients that teenagers had earlier menarche and coitarche than adults, which in turn correlated to their age at their first pregnancy.

Tranexamic acid vs placebo and its impact on bleeding, transfusions and stone-free rates in percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the standard of care for the treatment of large renal stones. Bleeding-related complications remain a major concern when performing this procedure. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has recently been studied in both urologic and non-urologic procedures to reduce bleeding, transfusions and complications. Material and methods: In June 2021 a systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines on randomized prospective studies comparing the effects of TXA on bleeding complications during PCNL. Data was analyzed using Review Manager 5.3. Results: Eight studies were included with a total 1,201 patients, of which 598 received TXA and 603 received placebo. TXA was associated with less bleeding (decreased change in hemoglobin) -0.79 Hb g/dl [-1.09, -0.65] p <.00001 and decreased transfusion rates (OR 0.31 [0.18, 0.52] p <0.0001). This was also associated with lower complication rates, both minor, major and overall, OR 0.59[0.41, .85] p = 0.005, OR 0.31 [0.17, 0.56] p = 0.0001 and OR 0.40 [0.29, 0.56] p <0.00001 respectively. TXA was also associated with improved stone-free rates as compared with placebo (OR 1.79 [1.23, 2.62] p = 0.003). TXA resulted in shorter operative times (11.51 minutes [-16.25, -6.77] p =.001) and length of stay (-0.74 days [-1.13 -0.34] p = 0.0006). Two pulmonary embolisms were registered in a single study in the TXA group. Conclusions: In this meta-analysis, the use of TXA during PCNL was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the following parameters when compared with placebo: change in hemoglobin, transfusion rates, complication rates, operative time, and length of stay. It was also associated with improvement in stone-free rates. These data should be considered by surgeons performing PCNL.