Primary non-refluxing megaureter: Natural history, follow-up and treatment.

Primary non-refluxing megaureter (PMU) is a congenital dilation of the ureter which is not related to vesicoureteral reflux, duplicated collecting systems, ureterocele, ectopic ureter, or posterior urethral valves and accounts for 5 to 10% of all prenatal hydronephrosis (HN) cases. The etiology is a dysfunction or stenosis of the distal ureter. Most often PMU remains asymptomatic with spontaneous resolution allowing for non-operative management. Nevertheless, in selective cases such as the development of febrile urinary tract infections, worsening of the ureteral dilatation, or reduction in relative renal function, surgery should be considered. CONCLUSION: Ureteral replantation with excision of the dysfunctional ureteral segment and often ureteral tapering is the gold-standard procedure for PMU, although endoscopic treatment has been shown to have a fair success rate in many studies. In this review, we discuss the natural history, follow-up, and treatment of PMU. WHAT IS KNOWN: • PMU is the result of an atonic or stenotic segment of the distal ureter, resulting in congenital dilation of the ureter, and is frequently diagnosed on routine antenatal ultrasound. WHAT IS NEW: • Most often, PMU remains asymptomatic and clinically stable, allowing for non-operative management. • Nevertheless, since symptoms can appear even after years of observation, long-term ultrasound follow-up is recommended, even up to young adulthood, if hydroureteronephrosis persists. • Ureteral replantation is the gold standard in case surgery is needed. In selected cases, however, HPBD could be a reasonable alternative.

Application of Digital Artery Transposition in the Replantation of Severed Fingers with Vessel Defects and its Influence on Nerve Function and Joint Function Recovery.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application of digital artery transposition in replanting severed fingers with vascular defects and its impact on nerve and joint function recovery. METHODS: 200 patients who received replantation of severed fingers were randomly divided into artery transposition group (n = 100) and vein transplantation group (n = 100). The digital artery transposition technique was used in the artery transposition group, and the autologous vein bridging technique was used in the vein transplantation group. The clinical efficacy and survival rate of severed fingers were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The clinical excellent and good rate in artery transposition group was significantly higher than that in vein transplantation group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The transposition of digital artery is effective and safe in replantation of severed fingers with vascular defects.

Inactivation and replantation of the knee joint: an infeasible surgical method.

BACKGROUND: The inactivation and replantation of autologous tumor bones are important surgical methods for limb salvage in patients with malignancies. Currently, there are few reports on the inactivation and replantation of the knee joint. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of our surgical approach. METHODS: This is a retrospective case series study. We retrospectively collected the clinical data of patients with sarcoma treated with knee joint inactivation and replantation and analyzed the efficacy of this surgical method. The bone healing and complications in these patients after inactivated autograft replantation were assessed. RESULTS: This study included 16 patients. Fifteen patients had osteosarcoma, and one had Ewing's sarcoma. The average length of the inactivated bone is 20.2 cm (range 13.5-25.3 cm). All the patients underwent internal plate fixation. The average follow-up duration was 30 months (range 8-60 months). Before the data deadline of this study, eight (50%) patients were still alive, and eight (50%) died of sarcoma metastasis. Eight (50%) patients achieved bone healing at the diaphysis site of the inactivated tumor bone, with an average bone healing time of 21.9 months (range, 12-36 months). Five (31%) patients died due to metastases and did not achieve bone healing. Two (12.5%) patients did not achieve bone healing because of infection, and one (6.3%) patient underwent amputation due to tumor recurrence. Ten (62.5%) patients experienced fractures around the joint ends of the inactivated replanted bone, and eight of these ten patients were combined with joint dislocation. CONCLUSION: The incidence of joint deformities after the knee-joint inactivation and replantation is extremely high and is not recommended for use.

Patient satisfaction after lower limb replantation surgery for traumatic amputation - a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: The majority of published literature clinically assesses surgical outcomes after lower limb replantation for traumatic amputations. However, patients' satisfaction and quality of life may not be accurately measured through rigid scoring using standardized patient reported outcome measures. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to qualitatively assess patient satisfaction and factors associated with achieving good outcomes after successful lower limb replantation surgery. METHODS: A semi-structured interview was conducted with 12 patients who underwent lower limb replantation surgery following traumatic amputation injuries. The interview focused on the patients' experience and satisfaction throughout their injury, surgical journey, rehabilitation and reintegration into their communities. An inductive and deductive thematic analysis was applied using the recorded transcripts to evaluate the overall satisfaction of the patients after lower limb replantation surgery. RESULTS: The following observations emerged from the structured themes among all the patients interviewed: (1) Family and social support was significantly associated with improved qualities of life and satisfaction after lower limb replantation; (2) Patients were generally satisfied with their outcomes despite limitations in physical capabilities; (3) Satisfaction was associated with acceptance of their cosmetic deformity; (4) Social integration and being able to participate in a meaningful manner was associated with greater satisfaction after recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who undergo lower limb replantation can have a significantly improved quality of life if they have strong social support, are able to contribute in a meaningful manner to their communities after surgery, and are accepting of their cosmetic deficiencies.

Histological effects of photobiomodulation on delayed tooth replantation: a systematic review.

This systematic review evaluated preclinical studies to assess whether PBM has a more favorable histological response than other treatments used before delayed replantation of avulsed teeth. This review followed the PRISMA checklist and was registered in PROSPERO. MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Scopus and Web of Science were searched from their inception to July 14, 2022. Data were independently extracted by two reviewers. Data were collected about species, number of animals, number and type of teeth, groups evaluated, extra-alveolar time, parameters for PBM and other study groups, presence and characteristics of containment, observation time points, evaluation methods, characteristics evaluated, and significant results. The ARRIVE and SYRCLE tools were used to assess the methodological quality and risk of bias (RoB) of the studies. After screening, six studies were included in the review synthesis. Three of the four studies that evaluated root resorption as an outcome found that PBM decreases its occurrence after delayed tooth replantation. A meta-analysis was not conducted because some data were missing in the included studies. Half of the studies evaluating ankylosis found an increase in its occurrence after PBM. Two studies evaluated inflammatory responses and found a reduction of inflammation after PBM. In general, studies had high methodological heterogeneity, intermediate reporting quality and high RoB. Despite the methodological quality and RoB limitations of the studies, the histological responses after delayed tooth replantation were more favourable in the PBM groups. Preclinical studies supported by guidelines should define laser parameters for future clinical studies.

Informed Consent and Digit Replantation: Current State and Recommendations for Ethical Patient Care.

The importance of informed consent and the value of shared decision-making in hand surgery are well-established and particularly critical in the setting of digit amputation when considering replantation. Informed consent requires an understanding of not only the immediate and long-term risks and benefits of surgery, as well as the risks and alternatives involved, but also the capacity of the patient to make a medical decision. However, patients who have acutely sustained a disfiguring trauma are often in distress and may not fully process the consent discussion. Digit replantation is an "elective emergency"-the decision must be made immediately but is not lifesaving-which poses a difficult dilemma: are surgeons acting in patients' best interests by pursuing replantation if we engage those patients in informed consent discussions when they may not have capacity? This article explores the relevant bioethical principles associated with digit replantation, summarizes updated literature regarding informed consent and shared decision-making, and provides recommendations for patient education materials to standardize informed consent discussions for surgeons approaching patients at this unique intersection of considering revision amputation versus replantation.

Effect of intra-alveolar delivery of Frondoside A on inflammatory response of delayed tooth replantation.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Frondoside A is a sea cucumber extract which is well known for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Frondoside A application in the alveolar socket on inflammatory responses after delayed replantation in rat teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human periodontal ligament cells were cultured and exposed to Frondoside A. Cell-counting kit-8 assay was performed to evaluate the cell viability and nitric oxide assay was performed to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of Frondoside A. Molars were extracted from 32 Sprague-Dawley rats and randomly divided into control and Frondoside A groups. After 30 min of extra-oral dry time, molars were replanted. In the Frondoside A group, Frondoside A solution was applied in the alveolar socket before replantation. The animals were sacrificed after 28 days and histologically and immunohistochemically evaluated. RESULTS: 0.5 µM Frondoside A showed higher cellular viability at 6 h and lower production of nitric oxide compared with other Frondoside A solutions (p < .05). The Frondoside A group demonstrated lower inflammatory resorption scores in both middle 1/3 and apical 1/3 of root compared to the control group (p < .05). The Frondoside A group showed lower levels of expression in both cathepsin K and CD45 compared with the control group (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this study, intra-alveolar delivery of Frondoside A alleviates inflammatory root resorption in delayed replantation of rat teeth.

Tooth intentional replantation from 1964 to 2023: A bibliometric analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: There is no thorough overview of intentional tooth replantation techniques. We performed a bibliometric analysis of the development of intentional tooth replantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive search of the Web of Science and SCOPUS databases was conducted in February 2023. Original articles and reviews of human studies with "intentional replantation" or synonyms in the titles, abstracts, or keywords were included. A descriptive analysis of bibliographic data, co-occurrence analysis, and coupling of publications was performed. Multivariate analysis was used to explore the bibliometric parameters associated with the citation counts. RESULTS: The study included 171 papers, which were co-authored by 500 individuals affiliated with 217 institutions from 28 countries/regions. The USA contributed the greatest number of publications, followed by China, and Japan. The USA had 694 citations, followed by Japan (210), and Turkey (210). The Journal of Endodontics and Dental Traumatology contributed the most citations. Five directions for future research were identified based on the coupling relationships of publications, including "managing vertical root fractures with adhesive resin using the intentional replantation technique," "intentional replantation for periodontally hopeless or endodontically compromised teeth," "intentional replantation for treating abnormalities of morphological development," "outcomes and prognosis factors of intentional replantation," and "treating root replacement resorption by intentional replantation." Multivariate analysis showed that the publication year, Journal Citation Reports ranking of journals, study design, and disease type were predictors of citation counts. CONCLUSIONS: This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive description of the intentional replantation technique. The USA published the greatest volume of papers and generated the most citations. The Journal of Endodontics and Dental Traumatology are considered the most influential. The Journal Citation Reports journal ranking (Q1, Q2), study design (case reports, cohort studies), and disease type (crown root fractures) were associated with the citation counts.

Risk of ankylosis of avulsed teeth immediately replanted or stored under favorable storage conditions before replantation: A long-term clinical study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: There are few long-term clinical follow-up studies on human teeth replanted immediately or after storage in a suitable storage medium prior to replantation. This study aimed to assess the risk of ankylosis in avulsed human teeth replanted immediately or after storage in physiological media for a short time. MATERIAL: Data from 116 patients with 145 replanted avulsed permanent teeth were selected from a comprehensive dental trauma database in Copenhagen University Hospital. The following teeth were selected: Group 1 comprised 36 teeth replanted immediately (dry time <6 min; wet time <6 min). Group 2 comprised 61 teeth replanted after physiologic storage media (saliva and saline) (dry time <6 min; wet time >5 min; wet time ranged from 7 to 170 min, and mean wet time was 59 min). Group 3 (control) included 48 teeth replanted after dry storage (dry time > 60 min). METHOD: Clinical and radiographic registrations were carried out according to a standardized protocol; follow-up ranged from 7 months to 23 years. Ankylosis was diagnosed by percussion test and radiographs and related to the conditions prior to replantation and stage of root development. RESULTS: The overall risk of ankylosis was 17.2% [95% CI: 4.61; 29.79] for immediately replanted teeth, 55.3% [95% CI: 42.54; 68.00] for teeth stored in physiologic media before replantation, and 85.7% [95% CI: 75.70; 95.73] for teeth stored dry more than 1 h. Mature teeth showed a significantly higher risk of ankylosis than immature teeth. CONCLUSION: This clinical long-term study has verified earlier experimental studies showing that immediate reimplantation has the lowest risk of ankylosis. Physiologic storage media are good alternatives that also reduce the risk of ankylosis compared to dry storage, where ankylosis is more likely although not always seen. Mature teeth are significantly more likely to develop ankylosis.

Study on the preservation effects of the amputated forelimb by machine perfusion at physiological temperature.

PURPOSE: Ischemia and hypoxia are the main factors limiting limb replantation and transplantation. Static cold storage (SCS), a common preservation method for tissues and organs, can only prolong limb ischemia time to 4 - 6 h. The normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) is a promising method for the preservation of tissues and organs, which can extend the preservation time in vitro by providing continuous oxygen and nutrients. This study aimed to evaluate the difference in the efficacy of the 2 limb preservation methods. METHODS: The 6 forelimbs from beagle dogs were divided into 2 groups. In the SCS group (n = 3), the limbs were preserved in a sterile refrigerator at 4 °C for 24 h, and in the NMP group (n = 3), the perfusate prepared with autologous blood was used for the oxygenated machine perfusion at physiological temperature for 24 h, and the solution was changed every 6 h. The effects of limb storage were evaluated by weight gain, perfusate biochemical analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and histological analysis. All statistical analyses and graphs were performed using GraphPad Prism 9.0 one-way or two-way analysis of variance. The p value of less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: In the NMP group, the weight gained percentage was 11.72% ± 4.06%; the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α contents showed no significant changes; the shape of muscle fibers was normal; the gap between muscle fibers slightly increased, showing the intercellular distance of (30.19 ± 2.83) µm; and the vascular α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) contents were lower than those in the normal blood vessels. The creatine kinase level in the perfusate of the NMP group increased from the beginning of perfusion, decreased after each perfusate change, and remained stable at the end of perfusion showing a peak level of 4097.6 U/L. The lactate dehydrogenase level of the NMP group increased near the end of perfusion and reached the peak level of 374.4 U/L. In the SCS group, the percentage of weight gain was 0.18% ± 0.10%, and the contents of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α increased gradually and reached the maximum level of (164.85 ± 20.75) pg/mL at the end of the experiment. The muscle fibers lost their normal shape and the gap between muscle fibers increased, showing an intercellular distance of (41.66 ± 5.38) µm. The contents of vascular α-SMA were much lower in the SCS group as compared to normal blood vessels. CONCLUSIONS: NMP caused lesser muscle damage and contained more vascular α-SMA as compared to SCS. This study demonstrated that NMP of the amputated limb with perfusate solution based on autologous blood could maintain the physiological activities of the limb for at least 24 h.

Management options and long-term follow-ups for permanent double incisors: six to eleven-year case reports.

BACKGROUND: Double teeth are dental anomalies that can lead to aesthetic and orthodontic problems. CASE PRESENTATION: This report discusses two cases involving the multidisciplinary management of permanent maxillary left lateral incisors fused with a supernumerary tooth in two girls aged 9 and 10. Following intraoral and radiographic examinations, one was diagnosed with fusion, and the other was diagnosed with concrescence. The crown of the fused incisor was separated using a burs and extracted intraorally. The concrescent incisor was separated along its length using a laser and intentionally replanted extraorally. After a 6-year follow-up, no pathological signs were observed in the fused incisor. However, after an 11-year follow-up, external resorption was observed in the concrescent incisor. CONCLUSIONS: Both incisors remained asymptomatic throughout the observation period. This case report highlights two different and effective methods employed to preserve the natural function, form, and aesthetics of double incisors.

A novel surgical treatment approach for the vertical root fracture of posterior teeth: a case report with 24-month review.

BACKGROUND: Up to 25% of the tooth extraction after root canal treatment could be attributed to the vertical root fracture (VRF). The treatment choice for teeth with VRF would mostly be the extraction despite some repairing methods were also reported. The repairing treatment result of VRF would mostly depend on the fixation strength and the bioactivity of the repairing materials, especially for the posterior teeth with high masticating stresses. This case report designed a novel surgical treatment approach for the VRF of posterior teeth. METHODS: a maxillary premolar with buccal-palatal complete VRF was treated with a new dual-layered repairing approach using adhesive resin + iRoot BP Plus bioceramic cement to fill the modified fracture line with retention forms through the intentional replantation. RESULTS: At the 24-month review, the tooth showed desirable periodontal healing and normal function. CONCLUSIONS: This case report indicated that the dual-layered repairing approach might be effective for saving the posterior teeth with VRF. Nevertheless, further clinical trials are needed for its long-term result.

Microsurgical replantation after forehead avulsion - success or failure? A case report.

In this article we would like to present, to our best knowledge, the very first published replantation of a forehead/part of a forehead as a single unit. The patient is a 57-year-old male smoker who sustained an avulsion forehead injury after a dog bite. Replantation was performed using microanastomosis of the supratrochlear vessels with restoration of good blood circulation after the procedure. Unfortunately, 5 days after the surgery, ischemia of the flap occurred followed by successful acute revision surgery. Nevertheless, the day after the ischemia reoccurred due to the time that passed, circumstances and unfavorable conditions affecting the sutured vessels, no further revision surgery was indicated. Observation continued and eventual wound necrosis after demarcation was left to be treated with skin grafting or per secundam intentionem. Only partial necrosis of the flap occurred, approximately 50%, which was subsequently treated with a full-thickness skin graft with very good results leading to the satisfaction of the patient.

The expression of NOTUM in replantation of severed fingers may be an important treatment factor.

BACKGROUND: After years of development, digital replantation has become a mature treatment. Although the NOTUM gene has been shown to be involved in the formation of vertebrate nerves, whether it contributes to the osteogenic mechanism of severed finger replantation remains unknown. In response to this, this study investigates the specific details of NOTUM involvement in replantation of severed fingers. METHODS: The experimental subjects are patients with replantation of severed fingers from Shulan International Medical College of Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University. In addition to using bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) as an in vitro system, this experiment also involves quantitative polymerase chain reaction, microarray analysis, cell counting Kit-8, ethynyl deoxyuridine staining and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: The expression level of NOTUM in the severed finger replantation group is lower than that in the normal group. NOTUM inhibits cell growth and cell transfer, osteogenic differentiation and ß-catenin gene expression in BMSCs. Luciferase reporter assay illustrated that ß-catenin wild type closely correlated with NOTUM. The inhibition of ß-catenin increases the effects of NOTUM on cell growth, cell transfer and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. CONCLUSIONS: Considering that NOTUM can inhibit cell growth, cell transfer, osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, as well as the gene expression of ß-catenin, it may be a biomarker of osteogenic differentiation and a potential therapeutic target for replantation of severed fingers.

Effect of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway-based clustered nursing care combined with papaverine injection on vascular inflammation and vascular crisis after replantation of severed fingers.

This research aimed to investigate the effect of PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase)/AKT (protein kinase B)/mTOR (mammalian target protein of rapamycin) signaling pathway-based clustering care combined with papaverine injection on vascular inflammation and vascular crisis after finger amputation and replantation. 100 patients admitted in General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from April 2022 to December 2022 for replantation of severed fingers were selected and divided into a control group (n = 50) and an observation group (n = 50) using the randomized grouping principle. The control group received a papaverine injection and general nursing care, the observation group received a papaverine injection and clustered care. The pain score; constipation incidence; replantation finger survival rate; physician, nurse, and patient satisfaction; serum inflammatory factors; vascular crisis parameters; and occurrence of adverse reactions were compared between the two patient groups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to detect PI3K, AKT, and mTOR protein concentrations in the venous blood of the two groups, and statistical analysis of the data was performed. On postoperative day 7, the pain score and incidence of constipation in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05); the survival rate of reimplanted fingers in the observation group was 88.00%, which was higher than that in the control group 80.00% (P < 0.05); the satisfaction of doctors, nurses, and patients in the observation group was higher than that in the control group; the concentrations of interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), blood flow resistance index (RI), and arterial pulsatility index (PI) in the observation group were lower than those in the control group, while the concentration of interleukin-10 (IL-10), vascular diameter, and Vm (mean blood flow velocity) were higher in the observation group than those in the control group; the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The concentrations of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR proteins in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The concentrations of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR proteins in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Overall, these findings suggest that clustered care combined with papaverine injection reduces vascular inflammatory symptoms and vascular crisis in the treatment of severed finger replantation through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Investigation on the relationship between Eysenck personality type and the survival rate of traumatic amputated finger replantation based on preventive psychology.

This paper tried to observe the relationship between the personality of patients with different personalities and the survival rate of replantation of traumatic amputated finger, and analyzed the influencing factors. EPQ psychological quality scores of patients with different gender, average monthly family income and age were significantly different (P < 0.05). In terms of the internal and external tendency score of EPQ, there were statistical requirements for differences in the mean monthly income of patients from different families (P < 0.05). For the concealment degree of EPQ, there were statistical requirements for differences in gender, family income, education level and patient scores (P < 0.05). In terms of mental state, the scores were higher than the standard, whether from the perspective of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, or from the perspective of interpersonal sensitivity, hostility, paranoia and other dimensions, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Patients with different personality types have different psychological problems after accidental amputation and replantation, which is directly related to the survival rate of postoperative finger amputation. Therefore, in order to effectively improve the survival rate of patients with finger amputation, the psychological condition of patients can be assessed, early detection and intervention of patients' psychological problems, and appropriate intervention measures can be taken according to the personality characteristics of patients.

How can we reduce the ischemic time for forearm replantation? Tips to simplify the bone fixation.

PURPOSE: Ischemic time is a key factor in satisfactory functional results after forearm replantation. In this study, we provide a detailed description of our surgical technique, the temporary screw plate fixation technique, which aims to reduce ischemic time. METHODS: From June 2007 to June 2017, we performed a retrospective study of 20 patients who underwent forearm replantation. Eighteen cases involved male patients, and their mean age was 46 years. The mechanism of injury was roller injuries in 5 cases, power saw injuries in 3 cases, traffic accident in 7 cases, rope injuries in 2 cases, machinery injuries in 2 cases, and crushing injuries by rebar beam in 1 case. RESULTS: A total of 20 replantation patients survived. According to injury level, there were 3 cases of the proximal type, 11 cases of the middle type, and 6 cases of the distal type. The average time to revascularization was 331 min. The total operation time was, on average, 5.73 h. In the rest of the 18 cases, the temporary screw plate fixation technique was performed, and the average time required for bone shortening and plate fixation was 38.3 min. CONCLUSIONS: To reduce ischemic time, we need a plan that progressively reduces time at each stage. Among our tips, temporary screw plate fixation can reduce the initial bone surgical operation to < 40 min, does not have many complications, and can be used as definitive surgery. This method for bone fixation should be considered as a strategy to actively reduce operation time during forearm replantation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective study, Level III.

Rare Case of Managing and Evaluating Viability after Replantation of a Serial Self-Amputated Bilateral Testis by a Patient with Schizophrenia: A Case Report.

Amputation of the testis is very rare in clinical situations; therefore, most surgeons have no experience with an amputated testis. In this case, a 31-year-old male with schizophrenia amputated both testes due to self-mutilation. We performed replantation surgery via microscopy. On postoperative day 1, he removed his right testis by using his hand, even though his hands were restrained. The second attack disrupted the viability of the right testis. However, after proper management, we checked the normal sex hormone level by preserving the replanted left testis. We evaluated the viability of the replanted testis by performing five examinations, namely, intraoperative indocyanine green injection, testicular scan with technetium pertechnetate, contrast-enhanced computerized tomography, Doppler ultrasonography, and serum testosterone level. In this report, we aimed to describe our rare experience about management with replantation of the amputated testes and evaluation of their viability.

Effectiveness of intentional replantation in managing teeth with apical periodontitis: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Intentional replantation (IR) to treat disease of endodontic origin remains controversial. While IR has been advocated by some clinicians as another valid treatment option, others consider it as a treatment procedure of last resort. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and critically evaluate the effectiveness of IR compared with nonsurgical root canal treatment/retreatment or apical surgery in terms of clinical and patient-related outcomes in managing permanent teeth with apical periodontitis (AP). METHODS: A literature search of five databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Central register of Controlled Trials), and the grey literature (Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations, Open Access Theses and Dissertations, DART-Europe E-theses Portal, British Library E-Theses Online Service), from inception to November 2021, was conducted. Randomised clinical trials, comparative clinical trials (CCTs), nonrandomised, retrospective, and prospective comparative cohort and case-control two arm studies which evaluated clinical and/or patient-related outcomes of permanent teeth with AP treated with IR compared with nonsurgical root canal treatment/retreatment or apical surgery were identified. The quality of the studies was appraised using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2.0), the Robins-I for nonrandomized controlled clinical trials and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for observational studies. Two independent reviewers were involved in the literature selection, performed the data extraction and the appraisal of the studies identified; disagreements were resolved in conjunction with a third reviewer. RESULTS: No comparative study was identified from the literature search. Four longitudinal studies (one prospective and three retrospective) were identified during the screening of titles and abstracts but were excluded after reading the full text, because only IR was evaluated (single arm studies). DISCUSSION: The available evidence on IR is mainly based on observational studies, which reported high overall mid- to long-term survival, and low complication rates. The results suggest that IR may represent an alternative treatment procedure to solve problems of endodontic origin. However, in the absence of high-quality evidence from CCTs, clinical decision-making should be on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with the clinician's experience and the patient's preference. CONCLUSION: Clinical studies showed that IR may be a treatment modality to manage problems of endodontic origin. However, clinical trials comparing the effectiveness of IR with nonsurgical root canal treatment/retreatment or apical surgery are still required given the paucity of evidence.

Limiting Levels of Fingertip Replantation Without Venous Anastomosis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the success rates of fingertip replantation with and without venous anastomosis. METHODS: This retrospective study included 132 patients with 148 fingertip injuries who had undergone fingertip replantation (Ishikawa's classification I‒IV) between 2003 and 2020 at our hospital. Among them, 117 and 15 were men and women respectively, and their mean age was 43 years. There were 53, 44, and 51 fingertips with Ishikawa subzone II, III, and IV amputations respectively, and no cases were classified as Ishikawa subzone I. Venous anastomosis was performed on 64 fingertips (group A). This was not possible in the remaining 84 fingertips; thus, an external bleeding method was used (group B). Our external bleeding protocol consisted of 4-hourly skin pricks of the distal pulp with a 23-gauge needle for the first 5 days. The analyses included survival rates, hemoglobin levels (Hb), and blood transfusions administered. RESULTS: The overall survival rate was 90.5% (134 of 148). In group A, survival was achieved in 92.3%, 100%, and 94.3% of those with subzones II, III, and IV amputations, respectively. In group B, survival was achieved in 100%, 82.1%, and 62.5% of those with subzones II, III, and IV, respectively. Subzone IV in group B showed a significantly lower rate of replantation success. In groups A and B, the preoperative and 7-day postoperative Hb levels were 14.5 g/dL and 14.6 g/dL, and 11.3 g/dL, and 11.6 g/dL, respectively. In addition, blood transfusion was required for five patients (7.9%) in group A and six patients (7.9%) in group B. Thus, the Hb levels and blood transfusion administered were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Subzone IV is an important threshold for artery-only replantation. Furthermore, our external bleeding protocol is a safe and effective method. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.