Risk factors affecting long-term efficacy of ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment for multiple uterine fibroids.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the long-term efficacy of ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) for multiple uterine fibroids and the factors associated with recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five hundred and forty-nine patients with multiple uterine fibroids treated with USgHIFU from June 2017 to June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment Chart (PBAC) was used to assess menstrual blood loss. The patients were asked to undergo pre- and post-USgHIFU magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and complete routine follow-up after USgHIFU. Cox regression analysis was used to investigate the risk factors associated with recurrence. RESULTS: The median number of fibroids per patient was 3 (interquartile range: 3-4), and a total of 1371 fibroids were treated. Among them, 446 patients completed 3 years follow-up. Recurrence, defined as PBAC score above or equal to 100 and/or the residual fibroid volume increased by 10%, was detected in 90 patients within 3 years after USgHIFU, with a cumulative recurrence rate of 20.2% (90/446). The multi-factor Cox analysis showed that age was a protective factor for recurrence. Younger patients have a greater chance of recurrence than older patients. Mixed hyperintensity of fibroids on T2WI and treatment intensity were risk factors for recurrence. Patients with hyperintense uterine fibroids and treated with lower treatment intensity were more likely to experience recurrence than other patients after USgHIFU. No major adverse effects occurred. CONCLUSIONS: USgHIFU can be used to treat multiple uterine fibroids safely and effectively. The age, T2WI signal intensity and treatment intensity are factors related to recurrence.

Third-generation posterior-stabilised cemented system for total knee arthroplasty: Survivorship and outcomes after 20-year follow-up.

Purpose: Total knee arthroplasty is a common procedure due to increased life expectancy and ageing populations, necessitating implants with long-term efficacy. After some initial designs, the third-generation modular posterior-stabilised NexGen® prosthesis aimed to enhance kinematics and reduce complications. This study evaluates the long-term outcomes, survivorship, revision rates and complications of this implant. With promising results observed up to 15 years in previous studies, this investigation aims to assess the implant's performance over extended follow-up periods, aiding in optimal implant selection for improved patient outcomes. Methods: We carried out a retrospective study on 263 total knee arthroplasties performed in our centre between 1998 and 2002. Statistical analysis of complications was performed and study of survival using the Kaplan-Meier method and competing risk analysis were calculated. Description of reinterventions and complications were also included. Results: Results show a 20-year prosthesis survival rate of 90.8% for revision due to any reason, with an estimated survival of 92.3% considering competitive events. Estimated survivorship at 20 years is 98% for aseptic loosening as the end point, and an estimation of 98.80% considering competitive events. Twenty revisions were performed, with 10 cases due to infection and 10 for noninfectious reasons and three of them due to aseptic loosening. Radiographic analysis revealed radiolucent lines, but no clinical evidence of loosening was observed in these cases. Conclusion: This study offers survivorship data from longer follow-up periods, what is difficult to find in the reported literature and showed excellent results of this implant in terms of survivorship and low rates of revision in our cohort. Level of Evidence: Level IV.

[Fifteen-year results of bilateral and unilateral internal mammary artery grafting]. / Pyatnadtsatiletnie rezul'taty revaskulyarizatsii miokarda s ispol'zovaniem dvukh i odnoi vnutrennei grudnoi arterii.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of bilateral internal mammary artery grafting over long-term (15 years) postoperative period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 276 patients divided into two groups: 135 patients (group A) underwent bilateral internal mammary artery grafting and 141 patients (group B) underwent unilateral internal mammary artery grafting together with venous bypass grafts. On-pump surgeries and cardioplegia, parallel CPB and on-pump procedures were performed in equal proportions. Mean age of patients was 57.3±7.6 years. Diabetes mellitus was detected in 21 (15.5%) and 24 (19.1%) patients, respectively (p>0.05). Mean LV ejection fraction was 55.4±9.9%, revascularization index - 3.1±0.8 and 3.0±0.7, respectively. In the 1st group, 43 patients underwent bilateral internal mammary artery grafting alone. Autovenous grafts were additionally used in other 84 patients. RESULTS: Ten-year survival exceeded 90% in both groups. Freedom from adverse cardiac events after 15 years was significantly higher in group A (77.3% vs. 59.3%, p=0.018). In group A, 16 patients died throughout this period due to cancer (50%), myocardial infarction (12.5%), stroke (18.8%) and complications of diabetes mellitus (6.3%). In group B, 22 patients died mainly from cardiac causes (myocardial infarction - 40.9%, cancer - 27.3%). CONCLUSION: Bilateral internal mammary artery grafting has obvious advantages over traditional coronary artery bypass grafting. If we take into account higher proportion of cardiac causes in structure of mortality in group B, we can talk about positive impact of bilateral internal mammary artery grafting not only on the quality of life, but also on life expectancy in long-term postoperative period.

The Value of Aortic Volume and Intraluminal Thrombus Quantification for Predicting Aortic Events after Endovascular Thoracic Aneurysm Repair.

Objectives: To assess the ability of the aortic aneurysm volume (AAV), aneurysmal lumen volume (ALV), and aneurysmal thrombus volume (ATV) to predict the need for aortic reintervention when using the maximal aortic diameter as a reference. Methods: This monocentric retrospective study included 31 consecutive patients who underwent successful thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) to treat an atheromatous thoracic aortic aneurysm. All patients underwent clinical and computed tomography angiography (CTA) for 3 years after TEVAR. The patients were categorized into group 0 if no aortic reintervention was required during the follow-up period and categorized into group 1 if they experienced a type I or III endoleak or aneurysm diameter increase requiring intervention. The maximum aneurysm sac diameter and the AAV, ALV, and ATV were calculated using CTA images obtained preoperatively (T0) and at 6-12 months (T1), 24 months (T2), and 36 months (T3) postoperatively, and their changes over time were analyzed. Correlations between diameter and changes in AAV, ALV, and ATV were assessed, and the association between diameter and volume changes and reintervetion was examined. The cutoff values for predicting the need for reintervention was determined using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The accuracy of volume change versus diameter change for predicting the need for reintervention was analyzed. Results: There were no significant differences in terms of the mean aneurysm diameter or AAV, ALV or ATV between the groups at preoperative CTA or after one year of follow-up imaging. The mean ATV was higher in group 1 than in group 0 at 2 years (187.6 ± 86.3 mL vs. 114.7 ± 64.7 mL; p = 0.057) and after 3 years (195.0 ± 86.7 mL vs. 82.1 ± 39.9 mL; p = 0.013). The maximal diameter was greater in group 1 than in group 0 at 3 years (67.3 ± 9.5 mm vs. 55.3 ± 12.6 mm; p = 0.044). The rate of AAV change between T0 and T1 was significantly higher in group 1 (7 ± 4.5%) than in group 0 (-6 ± 6.8%; p < 0.001). The rate of ATV change between T1-T3 was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 0 (34 ± 40.9% vs. -13 ± 14.4% (p = 0.041)); similar results were observed for the rate of ATV change between T2 and T3 (27 ± 50.1% for group 1 vs. -8 ± 49.5% in group 0 (p < 0.001)). According to our multivariate analysis, the annual growth rate for AAV between T0 and T1 was the only independent factor that was significantly associated with aortic reintervention (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.84, OR = 1.57, p = 0.025; optimal cutoff +0.4%). An increase in the annual growth rate of the ATV between T0 and T3 was independently associated with the need for aortic reintervention (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.90, OR = 1.11, p = 0.0347; optimal cutoff +10.1%). Conclusions: Aortic volume analysis can predict the need for aortic reintervention more accurately and earlier than maximal aortic diameter.

New Radiological Corticalization Index as an Indicator of Implant Success Rate Depending on Prosthetic Restoration-5 Years of Follow-Up.

The new Radiological Corticalization Index (CI) is an indicator that describes bone remodeling near the dental implant's neck at the pixel level and is not visible to the naked eye. The aim of this research was to evaluate the correlation between the CI and bone remodeling using only radiographic (RTG) images. RTG samples were divided into groups depending on prosthetic restoration; the implant neck area around dental implants was examined, and texture features of the RTG images were analyzed. The study also investigated the type of prosthetic restoration and its influence as a factor on bone structure. The statistical analysis included evaluating feature distribution, comparing means (t-test) or medians (W-test), and performing a regression analysis and one-way analysis of variance or the Kruskal-Wallis test, as no normal distribution or between-group variance was indicated for the significant differences in the investigated groups. Differences or relationships were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. The research revealed correlations between single crowns, overdenture restoration, bridge restoration, platform switching, prosthetic fracture, CI, and also marginal bone loss where p was lower than 0.05. However, the corticalization phenomenon itself has not yet been fully explored. The findings suggest that, depending on the type of prosthetic restoration, the corticalization index may correlate with marginal bone loss or not. Further research is necessary, as the index is suspected to not be homogeneous.

Long-terms outcomes of radial head arthroplasty using a bipolar prosthesis.

BACKGROUND: In acute treatment of radial head fractures, a radial head prosthesis can be considered if open reduction and internal fixation are not technically feasible. METHODS: We reviewed the data of 27 consecutive bipolar Judet radial head prostheses implanted in patients with unreconstructable radial head fractures and no other concomitant fractures (coronoid or olecranon factures). The lesions of the lateral collateral ligament were rated according to the McKee classification. Twenty-three patients with more than ten-year follow-up participated in this retrospective study All patients underwent assessments for pain, range of motion and stability using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, the QuickDash questionnaire and a Visual Analogue Scale for pain. Radiography assessment was performed to determine the correct setting of the implant, presence of periprosthetic loosening, prosthetic disassembly, heterotopic ossification, capitellum and ulnohumeral degenerative changes. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 149 months (± 12.2). Mean range of motion in flexion-extension was 111° (± 10.55), mean extension was 18° (± 14.32) and mean flexion was 130° (± 11.4). Mean arc of motion in supination-pronation was 150° (± 12.26). The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 88, the mean QuickDash score was 7.3; 86% of the patients were satisfied. Seven patients (26%) required secondary surgery. The most frequent complication was heterotopic ossification, which had negative consequences on the functional result. CONCLUSIONS: Bipolar radial head prostheses are an option for acute treatment of isolated unreconstructable radial head fractures. During follow-up, three patients required implant revision and removal; the capitellum surface presented severe degenerative changes and the prosthesis was not replaced. Another complication was the risk of implant dislocation, in relation to implant design, incorrect positioning of the radial head stem or else to inadequate reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament. Further work is needed to establish the long-term follow-up results of Judet implants in complex elbow fractures.

The Long-term Efficacy of Total Knee Arthroplasty on End-stage Kashin-Beck Disease of the Knee in Highland Tibetan Areas Patients: A Retrospective Study with 10-Year Follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the established success of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with end-stage osteoarthritis, there is a notable scarcity of research on its long-term outcomes in individuals suffering from end-stage Kashin-Beck disease (KBD). This retrospective study aimed to assess the long-term outcomes and effectiveness of clinical function, quality of life, and complications of TKA and end-stage KBD patients in Tibetan highland areas. METHODS: The retrospective cohort included 43 KBD patients, comprising a total of 59 knees, who had undergone TKA at West China Hospital, Sichuan University between 2008 and 2021. Patients were subsequently followed up for a minimum of 3 years, and received rigorous radiological and clinical assessments at 3, 6, and 12 months post surgery, followed by annual examinations thereafter. The evaluation included various efficacy indices, including visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, hospital for special surgery (HSS) scores, functional score for adult Tibetans with Kashin-Beck disease (FSAT-KBD), and radiographic findings. Comparison of indicators within the same group was conducted using one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance or paired sample t-tests, whereas between-group differences were compared using an independent t-test. RESULTS: Throughout the average follow-up duration of 10.8 years, patients experienced a substantial reduction in knee pain and noteworthy functional improvement. The VAS scores decreased significantly from 77.47 ± 4.12 mm before surgery to 10.91 ± 1.97 mm after surgery, indicating considerable alleviation of knee pain. The HSS scores improved markedly, increasing from 44.26 ± 4.95 preoperatively to 91.26 ± 4.37, indicating enhanced joint function. Similarly, the FSAT-KBD exhibited positive progression, increasing from 25.90 ± 3.12 to 36.95 ± 3.54. Importantly, at the last follow-up, none of the patients presented with periprosthetic infection, prosthesis loosening, or periprosthetic fracture. CONCLUSION: At long-term follow-up, compared with patients in the preoperative period, patients in Tibetan highland areas with KBD of the knee who underwent TKA benefited from a significant reduction in pain, improvement in joint function, and satisfactory improvement in quality of life.

[Long-term efficacy and safety of divozilimab during 2-year treatment of multiple sclerosis patients in randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial BCD-132-4/MIRANTIBUS]. / Effektivnost' i bezopasnost' dvukhletnei terapii divozilimabom u patsientov s rasseyannym sklerozom v ramkakh randomizirovannogo dvoinogo slepogo platsebo-kontroliruemogo klinicheskogo issledovaniya BCD-132-4/MIRANTIBUS.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody divozilimab (DIV) used as an intravenous infusion at a dose of 500 mg every 24 weeks during 100 weeks for the treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), including relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and secondary progressive MS (SPMS) with relapses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The multicenter, randomized, double-blind and double-masked phase III clinical trial (CT) BCD-132-4/MIRANTIBUS (NCT05385744) included 338 adult patients with MS distributed in a 1:1 ratio into two groups: DIV 500 mg and teriflunomide (TRF) 14 mg. After screening, subjects were included in the main CT period, which consisted of two cycles of therapy over 48 weeks, then entered an additional period from weeks 49 to 100, which included three cycles of therapy. The efficacy was assessed based on the results of brain MRI and registration of data on relapses. RESULTS: 308 subjects completed 5 therapy cycles according to the study protocol. An analysis of the effectiveness of DIV therapy over 2 years showed a persistent suppression of MRI and clinical activity of the disease in comparison with TRF, which was confirmed by all the studied MRI indicators (including CUA; total number of gadolinium-enhancing (GdE) lesions on T1-weighted scans ; number of new or enlarged lesions on T2-weighted scans; lesions volume change on T2-weighted scans; change in the volume of hypointense lesions on T1-weighted scans). The use of DIV was associated with a statistically significant decrease in ARR compared to TRF (p=0.0001). The ARR in the DIV group was 0.057, in the TRF group - 0.164 with 95% confidential interval for the frequency ratio [0.202; 0.593]. The incidence of GdE lesions on T1-weighted scans in the DIV group was significantly lower than in the TRF group. The average number of such lesions was 0.0±0.08 and 1.0±4.46 in the DIV and TRF groups, respectively (p<0.0001). Progression of EDSS was detected in 18 (10.7%) and 36 (21.3%) patients in the DIV and TRF groups, respectively (p=0.0075). The proportion of patients with relapses was 11.2% (n=19) in the DIV group and 23.1% (n=39) in the TRF group (p=0.0039). In the subpopulation of patients with SPMS, no cases of increase in EDSS were detected, and not a single case of exacerbation was recorded over 2 years of using DIV. Also, DIV has shown a favorable safety profile. Among the adverse reactions (AR), infusion reactions and laboratory abnormalities, such as a decrease in the number of leukocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes, were most often recorded. Identified AR were expected, had mild to moderate severity, and resolved without any negative consequences. CONCLUSION: The results of the BCD-132-4/MIRANTIBUS CT indicate a high sustained efficacy and safety of long-term use of DIV in comparison with TRF during 2 years of therapy.

Adult and late adolescent complications of pediatric solid organ transplantation.

BACKGROUND: There have been over 51 000 pediatric solid organ transplants since 1988 in the United States alone, leading to a growing population of long-term survivors who face complications of childhood organ failure and long-term immunosuppression. AIMS: This is an educational review of existing literature. RESULTS: Pediatric solid organ transplant recipients are at increased risk for risk for cardiovascular and kidney disease, skin cancers, and growth problems, though the severity of impact may vary by organ type. Pediatric recipients often are able to complete schooling, maintain a job, and form family and social networks in adulthood, though at somewhat lower rates than the general population, but face additional challenges related to neurocognitive deficits, mental health disorders, and discrimination. CONCLUSIONS: Transplant centers and research programs should expand their focus to include long-term well-being. Increased collaboration between pediatric and adult transplant specialists will be necessary to better understand and manage long-term complications.

Long-term outcome of microvascular decompression for typical trigeminal neuralgia with autologous muscle: an analysis of 1025 patients from a developing country.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the long-term outcome of microvascular decompression (MVD) utilizing autologous muscle for trigeminal neuralgia (TGN). METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all first-time MVD patients for typical classic TGN without prior surgical intervention who were treated between 2000 and 2019 at a tertiary supraregional neurosurgery practice. Demographic characteristics, surgical findings, operative results, complications, and recurrence rates at 1 year, 5 years, and last follow-up were collected. Pain outcome was assessed using the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain score. The chi-square test with continuity correction was used to compare categorical variables, and Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression were used to identify factors associated with recurrence. RESULTS: In total, 1025 patients were studied with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) (range) follow-up of 8 (5-13) (3-20) years. In the immediate postoperative period, 889 patients (86.7%) had complete pain relief and 106 (10.3%) had partial pain relief; neither group required medication, and 30 patients (2.9%) had no relief. One hundred forty-one recurrences (13.8%) occurred over a median (IQR) of 3 (2-6) years after surgery. The proportion of patients without recurrence was 97% at 1 year, 90% at 5 years, 85% at 10 years, 82% at 15 years, and 81% at 20 years. There was no significant difference in the probability of recurrence between patients with complete (114/907 [12.6%] recurrences) or partial (19/106 [17.9%] recurrences) postoperative pain relief (p = 0.124, log-rank test). Patients with venous compression (n = 322) had a significantly higher rate of MVD failure (n = 16 [5%]) compared to those with arterial compression (14/703 [2%]) (p = 0.015, chi-square test). In the Cox proportional hazards model, venous compression and lack of immediate postoperative pain relief had hazard ratios of 1.62 (95% CI 1.16-2.27) and 2.65 (95% CI 1.45-4.82) for recurrence, respectively. One hundred twenty-four (12.1%) complications were documented, including facial numbness (44 [4.3%]), facial nerve palsy (37 [3.6%]), CSF leak (13 [1.3%]), and diplopia (5 [0.5%]), which resolved in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: MVD with autologous muscle provides long-lasting pain relief in TGN patients with vascular compression with minimum morbidity and is a viable alternative to synthetic materials.

Advancing immunosuppression in liver transplantation: A narrative review.

Immunosuppression is essential to ensure recipient and graft survivals after liver transplantation (LT). However, our understanding and management of the immune system remain suboptimal. Current immunosuppressive therapy cannot selectively inhibit the graft-specific immune response and entails a significant risk of serious side effects, i.e., among others, de novo cancers, infections, cardiovascular events, renal failure, metabolic syndrome, and late graft fibrosis, with progressive loss of graft function. Pharmacological research, aimed to develop alternative immunosuppressive agents in LT, is behind other solid-organ transplantation subspecialties, and, therefore, the development of new compounds and strategies should get priority in LT. The research trajectories cover mechanisms to induce T-cell exhaustion, to inhibit co-stimulation, to mitigate non-antigen-specific inflammatory response, and, lastly, to minimize the development and action of donor-specific antibodies. Moreover, while cellular modulation techniques are complex, active research is underway to foster the action of T-regulatory cells, to induce tolerogenic dendritic cells, and to promote the function of B-regulatory cells. We herein discuss current lines of research in clinical immunosuppression, particularly focusing on possible applications in the LT setting.

Using In-Shoe Inertial Measurement Unit Sensors to Understand Daily-Life Gait Characteristics in Patients With Distal Radius Fractures During 6 Months of Recovery: Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: A distal radius fracture (DRF) is a common initial fragility fracture among women in their early postmenopausal period, which is associated with an increased risk of subsequent fractures. Gait assessments are valuable for evaluating fracture risk; inertial measurement units (IMUs) have been widely used to assess gait under free-living conditions. However, little is known about long-term changes in patients with DRF, especially concerning daily-life gait. We hypothesized that, in the long term, the daily-life gait parameters in patients with DRF could enable us to reveal future risk factors for falls and fractures. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the spatiotemporal characteristics of patients with DRF at 4 weeks and 6 months of recovery. METHODS: We recruited 16 women in their postmenopausal period with DRF as their first fragility fracture (mean age 62.3, SD 7.0 years) and 28 matched healthy controls (mean age 65.6, SD 8.0 years). Daily-life gait assessments and physical assessments, such as hand grip strength (HGS), were performed using an in-shoe IMU sensor. Participants' results were compared with those of the control group, and their recovery was assessed for 6 months after the fracture. RESULTS: In the fracture group, at 4 weeks after DRF, lower foot height in the swing phase (P=.049) and higher variability of stride length (P=.03) were observed, which improved gradually. However, the dorsiflexion angle in the fracture group tended to be lower consistently during 6 months (at 4 weeks: P=.06; during 6 months: P=.07). As for the physical assessments, the fracture group showed lower HGS at all time points (at 4 weeks: P<.001; during 6 months: P=.04), despite significant improvement at 6 months (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: With an in-shoe IMU sensor, we discovered the recovery of spatiotemporal gait characteristics 6 months after DRF surgery without the participants' awareness. The consistently unchanged dorsiflexion angle in the swing phase and lower HGS could be associated with fracture risk, implying the high clinical importance of appropriate interventions for patients with DRF to prevent future fractures. These results could be applied to a screening tool for evaluating the risk of falls and fractures, which may contribute to constructing a new health care system using wearable devices in the near future.

Gastric bypass - 10 years' results.

INTRODUCTION: Gastric bypass has not gained as much popularity in the Czech Republic as technically simpler restrictive bariatric procedures, frequently with a fading long-term effect. The aim of the presentation is to point out the long-term results after two types of gastric bypasses. METHOD: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data in an initial set of patients after laparoscopic RYGB (Roux Y gastric bypass) and OAGB/MGB (one anastomosis/mini gastric bypass) performed at Breclav Hospital in 2010-2013. Evaluation based on the BAROS system, according to weight development, comorbidities, psychological aspects, complications and reoperations. RESULTS: Data available for evaluation are from 32 patients out of a total of 60; the follow-up rate is 53%. The patients are lighter by 34 kg on average (0-64 kg); TBWL (total basic weight loss): 25.7%. The majority of operated diabetics are free of signs of diabetes, and all others have a reduced need for antidiabetic medication. Hypertension, sleep apnea and psychological assessment of life in 6 domains improved. Eight of the 32 followed patients underwent reoperation during 10 years; only 2 of these procedures were acute for complications (anastomotic ulceration), both in smokers; further elective reoperations included 2 conversions of OAGB/MGB to RYGB due to reflux, 2 corrective surgeries, and 2 procedures for a suspected internal hernia. There was no conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery, no peritonitis associated with a leak, and no mortality within 30 days. The BAROS score (5.56) indicates a "very good result" of the gastric bypasses after 10 years. CONCLUSION: Gastric bypasses are safe and provide a high and lasting metabolic effect that meets the general expectations of an invasive intervention that can fundamentally improve the quality of treatment for otherwise incurable chronic diseases related to adiposity (so-called ABCD), especially type 2 diabetes.

Manually driven versus motor driven hysteroscopic tissue removal system for polypectomy: Long-term results.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this follow-up study is to compare a manually driven hysteroscopic tissue removal system (ResectrTM 9 Fr) with a motor driven system (TruclearTM) in terms of long-term clinical outcomes such as abnormal uterine bleeding and polyp recurrence. STUDY DESIGN: This is a follow-up of a multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing a manually and motor driven hysteroscopic tissue removal system for polypectomy. This prospective cohort study was performed at Ghent University Hospital (Ghent, Belgium) and Catharina Hospital Eindhoven (Eindhoven, the Netherlands). The trial was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (Trial ID = NCT05337605, April 2022). Seventy-five women with abnormal uterine bleeding who participated in the randomized controlled trial and had pathological confirmation of the diagnosis of an endometrial polyp, were contacted. Fifty-five women (70.67 %) were willing to participate in this follow-up study. The primary outcome was the recurrence and/or persistence of abnormal uterine bleeding and the time to the recurrence of abnormal uterine bleeding. Secondary outcomes were polyp recurrence and time to polyp recurrence, symptom relief, satisfaction score regarding symptom relief and general satisfaction score regarding the surgical procedure. RESULTS: In the manually driven group, the mean time to the recurrence or persistence of abnormal uterine bleeding was 26 months (95 % CI 20 - 32). In the motor driven group, the mean time to the recurrence or persistence of abnormal uterine bleeding was 29 months (95 % CI 23- 34). A log-rank test showed a non-significant difference between both groups (P =.77). There was no significant difference in polyp recurrence (P =.22) or symptom relief between the two groups (P =.67). Additionally, the groups did not differ in satisfaction scores regarding symptoms or polypectomy (P =.16 and P =.61, respectively). CONCLUSION: This long-term follow-up study showed no statistically significant difference in the recurrence and persistence of abnormal uterine bleeding between a manually and motor driven hysteroscopic tissue removal system for polypectomy.

Long-term results of orbicularis oris muscle reconstruction in primary cleft lip repair using the "basket-weave method".

The basket-weave method is an orbicularis oris muscle reconstruction method used in primary unilateral cleft lip repair. We compared the long-term results of the basket-weave method with those of a conventional method. For primary unilateral cleft lip repair, we compared the long-term results of 7 cases in which the orbicularis oris muscle was reconstructed by use of the basket-weave method, and of 7 cases in which the reconstruction was performed by use of the conventional method. The average postoperative follow-up period was 12 years and 7 months for the basket-weave method, and 11 years and 9 months for the conventional method. Using photographs of the front and elevation angle views, we evaluated the results as good if the philtrum ridge was formed on the fissure side and was almost symmetrical in height; as fair if the philtrum ridge was lower than the normal side; and as poor if the philtrum ridge had disappeared. For the basket-weave method, the results were good in 6 cases (85.7%), fair in 1 case (14.3%), and poor in 0 cases. For the conventional method, the results were good in 2 cases (28.6%), fair in 4 cases (57.1%), and poor in 1 case (14.3%). A significant difference was found between the 2 groups (Mann-Whitney U test, P = 0.0417). The philtrum ridge shape could be reconstructed by use of the basket-weave method, which gave better results in the long-term than did the conventional method for orbicularis oris muscle reconstruction in primary unilateral cleft lip repair.

Adult outcomes of urinary, sexual functions and fertility after pediatric management of differences in sex development: Who should be followed and how?

The management of Differences of Sex Development (DSD) has evolved considerably in recent years. The questioning of systematic early childhood treatment of DSD requires a better understanding of the outcomes of such treatments and long-term studies are therefore essential to better evaluate the prognosis of DSD. Unfortunately, limitations are numerous including the limited size of the series, the absence of standardized methodology, the evaluation of managements that no longer take place today and the absence of prospective and comparative studies. Despite these difficulties, the purpose of this paper is to present the current data on the long-term follow-up of patients with DSD from the urological, sexual and fertility points of view. Even if it remains difficult at present to establish precise recommendations, we recapitulate the most important points that should drive follow-up of these patients especially the constitution of a multidisciplinary team with a holistic approach, the organization of the transition between adolescence and adulthood, a particular attention to psychological care, a careful communication with the patients and his/her family and the use of standardized data collection systems.

Cochlear implant therapy improves the quality of life and social participation in the elderly: a prospective long-term evaluation.

PURPOSE: In recent years, the number of elderly cochlear implant (CI) candidates is continuously rising. In addition to the audiological improvement, other positive effects of CI treatment can also be observed in clinical routine. The "quality of life" as a parameter of success directly experienced by the patient is increasingly becoming the focus of clinical research. Although there are already clear indications of a rapid and significant improvement in quality of life, there is still a lack of systematic, prospectively collected longitudinal long-term data in patients over the age of 65. METHODS: This prospective longitudinal observational study included 31 patients between the age of 71 and 92 years who had first been treated unilaterally with a CI 6 years ago. In addition to free-field monosyllable recognition, quality of life was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality-of-Life Scale-old (WHOQL-OLD). The results were compared with the data from our previous study, in which we focused on the short- and medium-term effects on quality of life. In both studies, the same patient population was examined. In addition, these study data were compared with an age-matched average population. RESULTS: In speech recognition, there was no significant change from the control 6 months postoperatively compared with the results 6 years postoperatively. No significant changes occurred in the total quality of life score or any of the other six facets of quality of life when comparing the results 6 months postoperatively with the results 6 years postoperatively. In "Social participation", the CI patients even exceed the values of the age-matched average population 6 years after treatment. CONCLUSION: Improvement in the quality of life and especially in social participation appears stable over many years in elderly patients after hearing rehabilitation with a CI.

Convincing 10-Year Follow-up Results of the Banded Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

INTRODUCTION: Several studies have shown the positive effect on weight loss of the banded Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (BRYGB). Thus far, studies describing the 10-year post-operative results are scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the weight loss results, effect on associated medical problems, and complication rates during 10 years of follow-up after BRYGB. METHOD: Data were collected from patients who underwent laparoscopic BRYGB with a non-adjustable silicone gastric ring between January 2011 and March 2013. All patients were included when found to be eligible according to the IFSO criteria. RESULTS: One hundred forty-nine patients were included, 110 received a primary BRYGB and 39 received a conversional BRYGB. The primary BRYGB group consisted of 68% female patients with a mean BMI of 44.5 kg/m2 and a mean age of 46 years old. The conversional group consisted of 77% females and had a mean BMI of 34.8 kg/m2 and a mean age of 48 years. At 10-year follow-up, 67.1% of the data was available. Ten-year post-operative 30% total weight loss was seen in the primary group, and 7% in the conversional group. In 10 years, 23% of the patients had complications of which half were ring-related. CONCLUSION: The addition of a silicon ring to the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass may result in substantial and stable weight loss maintenance 10 years post-operative. Furthermore, the number of patients with long-term complications was low and the number of associated medical problems was significantly reduced.

Thirty-year outcomes of low-intensity anticoagulation for mechanical aortic valve.

The long-term safety, efficacy, and outcomes of low-intensity anticoagulation for mechanical heart valves remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of low-intensity anticoagulation therapy after aortic valve replacement (AVR) with a mechanical prosthesis. This retrospective cohort study consulted medical records and conducted a questionnaire to investigate 519 patients who underwent single AVR with the St. Jude Medical bileaflet valve and were in sinus rhythm. All patients were followed up with an international normalized ratio (INR) target of 1.6-2.5, and their INR values were checked throughout the follow-up period. The survival rate, incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), and risk factors for cardiac death and MACCE were investigated. The total follow-up was 9793 patient-years, and the follow-up periods were 19.9 (standard deviation [SD]: 7.9) years. The mean INR was 2.03 (SD: 0.54). Survival rates from cardiac death were 93.6% in 20 years and 85.2% in 30 years. Advanced age ≥ 70 years was the only significant risk factor for cardiac death and MACCE, and the INR < 2.0 was not significant risk factor for MACCE including thromboembolism or bleeding events. Low-intensity anticoagulation with an INR of 1.6-2.5 for patients with sinus rhythm after AVR with a bileaflet mechanical valve is safe and effective, even over 30 years.

Thumb Arthroplasty as Reliable Long-term Solution for Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis: A Minimum of 15 Years of Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: In patients with symptomatic trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint arthritis resistant to conservative treatment, surgical treatment can be advised. One of the many surgical treatment options is TMC arthroplasty. The Arpe prosthesis is one example of these TMC arthroplasties. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated patients who underwent TMC arthroplasty with the Arpe prosthesis after a minimum of 15 years of follow-up. Clinical, radiologic, and qualitative outcomes were assessed for 43 Arpe arthroplasties in 41 patients, of whom 2 had bilateral arthroplasties. The female to male ratio was 39:4. The mean follow-up time was 197 months (range = 180-225). RESULTS: The cumulative survival rate after a mean of 16.5 years was 84%. Seven failures (16%) were registered, of which 5 during the first 3 years after primary surgery. All patients were successfully converted to a trapeziectomy. Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score improved with 44.9 points and visual analogue pain score with 97% and 91% at rest and during exercise, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This series demonstrates that thumb arthroplasty is a reliable long-term solution for thumb base arthritis, with significant pain reduction and functional improvement, even after 15 years of follow-up.