Nephrectomies in Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Analysis of Outcomes from a High-Volume Minimally Invasive Surgery Center.

Literature reporting on the outcomes of the different procedures of nephrectomies (open vs laparoscopic vs robotic) in Saudi Arabia remains limited. Compare surgical and oncological outcomes between open and minimally invasive nephrectomies. A retrospective cohort study. The present study included all adult patients who underwent nephrectomies between January 1, 2015 and January 31, 2023. We collected demographic, preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data on 408 adult cancer patients who underwent nephrectomies at our center between January 2015 and January 2023. Statistical differences were calculated between procedure types. Overall survival was calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves with log-rank tests. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Measures of operative success (intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and hospital stay) and oncological outcomes (local recurrence, metastatic progression, and chemotherapy use) between different procedure and nephrectomy types for cancer patients. A total of 408 cancer patients underwent nephrectomies. In cancer patients, open nephrectomy was associated with significantly higher intraoperative blood loss (p<0.001), incidence of blood transfusions (p<0.001), hospital stay (p<0.001), intraoperative complications (p=0.027 and p=0.001, respectively), local recurrence (p<0.001), metastatic progression (p=0.001), and chemotherapy (p=0.001) than minimally invasive surgery, but survival differences across procedure types were not statistically significant (log-rank p-value = 0.054). Regarding nephrectomy type, significant differences were observed in tumor size (p < 0.001), initial procedure type (p<0.001), operation time (p<0.001), blood transfusion (p=0.033), length of hospital stay (p=0.004), intraoperative complications (p=0.020), postoperative complications (p=0.025), Clavien classification (p=0.003), mortality (p=0.022), metastatic progression (p<0.001), and chemotherapy use (p=0.001) between simple/total nephrectomy, radical nephrectomy (RN), partial nephrectomy (PN), and nephroureterectomy. Survival differences between the four nephrectomy types were statistically significant (log-rank p value = 0.001). Minimally invasive nephrectomies reduce inpatient morbidity while conferring equivalent oncological and surgical outcomes.

Staged hip replacement for neglected bilateral Crowe's Grade 4 dysplasia.

Factors such as consanguinity, breech presentation, and family history have been attributed to the diagnosis of developmental dysplastic hip (DDH) in Saudi Arabia. The prevalence of DDH in Saudi Arabia is higher in females than in males, with 10.46 cases per 1000 live births. Cases with bilateral high hip dislocation rarely cause early symptoms and can easily be neglected; therefore, these cases present later in life with degenerative osteoarthritis requiring a challenging hip replacement. This report presents the case of a 54-year-old female with bilateral high dislocated dysplastic hip joints. A successful staged bilateral total hip replacement resulted in painless and stable hip joints. The surgery was conducted successfully by ensuring the availability of personnel with the necessary skills, equipment, and an experienced treatment team. Therefore, the results stress the need to utilize screening tests for the early diagnosis and treatment of developmental dysplastic hip.

Cervical Joint Position Sense and Its Correlations with Postural Stability in Subjects with Fibromyalgia Syndrome.

Cervical joint position sense (JPS) and postural stability are vital to maintaining balance and preventing falls in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Impaired cervical JPS may influence postural stability, and understanding the relationship between them can aid in formulating treatment strategies in individuals with FMS. This study aims to (1) assess cervical JPS and postural stability between FMS and control group and (2) determine the correlation between cervical JPS and postural stability in the FMS group. This cross-sectional study recruited 92 FMS patients (mean age: 51.52 ± 7.7 yrs.) and 92 healthy controls (mean age: 49.36 ± 6.9 yrs.). A cervical range of motion (CROM) unit was utilized to assess cervical JPS. The postural stability was assessed using an IsoFree force platform, and anterior-posterior (A/P) and medial-lateral (M/L) directions of sway and ellipse area were measured. Cervical JPS and postural stability tests were assessed and compared between FMS and control groups. Cervical JPS was significantly impaired in FMS compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The JPS errors in FMS group were larger in flexion (FMS = 5.5°, control = 2.4°), extension (FMS = 6.4°, control = 3.0°), and rotation in left (FMS = 5.4°, control = 2.2°) and right directions (FMS = 5.1°, control = 2.8°). FMS individuals demonstrated statistically significant impaired postural stability compared to control in both the dominant and non-dominant legs tested (p < 0.001). The cervical JPS test showed moderate to strong positive correlations with postural stability variables. Statistically significant correlations were observed in all the JPS directions tested with all the postural stability variables (A/P and M/L sway and ellipse area). The correlation coefficients ranged between r = 0.37 (moderate) to 0.75 (strong). Cervical JPS and postural stability are impaired in FMS individuals. A moderate to strong relationship existed between JPS and postural stability. Individuals with FMS who had a greater magnitude of cervical JPS errors exhibited more severe postural control deficits. Therefore, cervical JPS and postural stability tests should be incorporated into routine clinical practice when assessing or formulating treatment strategies for patients with FMS.

Targeting Hydrogen Sulfide Modulates Dexamethasone-Induced Muscle Atrophy and Microvascular Rarefaction, through Inhibition of NOX4 and Induction of MGF, M2 Macrophages and Endothelial Progenitors.

Long-term use of Glucocorticoids produces skeletal muscle atrophy and microvascular rarefaction. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has a potential role in skeletal muscle regeneration. However, the mechanisms still need to be elucidated. This is the first study to explore the effect of Sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) H2S donor, against Dexamethasone (Dex)-induced soleus muscle atrophy and microvascular rarefaction and on muscle endothelial progenitors and M2 macrophages. Rats received either; saline, Dex (0.6 mg/Kg/day), Dex + NaHS (5 mg/Kg/day), or Dex + Aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA), a blocker of H2S (10 mg/Kg/day) for two weeks. The soleus muscle was examined for contractile properties. mRNA expression for Myostatin, Mechano-growth factor (MGF) and NADPH oxidase (NOX4), HE staining, and immunohistochemical staining for caspase-3, CD34 (Endothelial progenitor marker), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), CD31 (endothelial marker), and CD163 (M2 macrophage marker) was performed. NaHS could improve the contractile properties and decrease oxidative stress, muscle atrophy, and the expression of NOX4, caspase-3, Myostatin, VEGF, and CD31 and could increase the capillary density and expression of MGF with a significant increase in expression of CD34 and CD163 as compared to Dex group. However, AOAA worsened the studied parameters. Therefore, H2S can be a promising target to attenuate muscle atrophy and microvascular rarefaction.

Total Hip Replacement in Sickle Cell Disease Patients with Avascular Necrosis of Head of Femur: A Retrospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Femoral head avascular necrosis leads to osteoarthritis of the hip joint and affects its functional capacity in sickle cell disease patients. The functional outcomes of total hip replacement (THR) on patients with congruous joints who underwent hip replacement after having a failed joint preservation surgery are unknown. This study aimed to compare the functional outcomes of THR in patients with sickle cell disease having avascular necrosis with and without loss of hip joint congruency. METHODS: This retrospective study included 35 patients (age, 20-52 years; 18 males and 17 females) who underwent uncemented THR. Patients were divided into Group-A (n = 18, good hip joint congruency) and Group-B (n = 17, obliterated hip joint congruency). The Harris Hip Score (HHS) was used to assess functional outcomes. All patients were followed up at 6-weekly intervals then 6-monthly intervals. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 8.26 ± 3.01 years. The mean preoperative HHSs of Group-A and Group-B were 45.22 ± 3.021 and 25.94 ± 4.437, respectively. Postoperatively, a subsequent increase in HHS was found in both groups, and a significant difference between the groups was observed at 6 weeks (p < 0.0001*) and 1 year (p < 0.0006*). Interestingly, HHS was not significantly different (p = 0.0688) at 5-year follow-up between the groups. The differences in HHS within the group at each subsequent follow-up were also statistically significant (ANOVA, p < 0.0001*). CONCLUSION: A significant improvement was observed with THR in both groups. Nevertheless, the flattened hip joint congruency group showed significantly better HHS improvements than the normal congruency groups. These findings may aid in the decision-making capabilities of the surgeons.

Total knee replacement at Southwestern Saudi Arabia: A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Knee replacement enables the surgical management of end-stage knee joint osteoarthritis. In Saudi Arabia, there has been a recent increase in total joint replacement surgery. However, there is insufficient literature regarding patient outcomes in this region. Here, we assessed characteristics of patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty and their improvements on knee society score, timed up and go test, and 2-min. walk test. METHODS: Patients who underwent primary total knee replacement at our tertiary care private hospital in Abha from January 2013 to January 2020 were included. The same orthopedic surgery performed primary cemented cruciate-substituting knee replacement. Knee function was evaluated using the knee society scoring system, timed up and go test, and 2-min. walk test. RESULTS: Out of 420 patients, 350 were females (83.33%) and 70 males (16.67%). The mean age was 69.50 ± 7.48 years (range, 48-90). Most patients had osteoarthritis (84.5%), either degenerative or secondary because of trauma. Knee society functional and knee scores were poor preoperatively (mean, 38.21 ± 9.65; SD, 36.89 ± 8.23) but improved postoperatively (mean, 81.42 ± 12.74; SD, 85.49 ± 11.69; P < 0.001). The timed up and go test significantly changed from 28.51 ± 3.29 s to 18.18 ± 3.17 s (P < 0.001) and 2-min. walk test from 51.83 ± 6.48 m to 85.72 ± 8.92 m (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Despite knee replacement's late acceptance in Saudi Arabia, there have been increased cases in recent years and excellent improvements in knee function. The resulting knee society functional and knee scores, timed up and go tests, and 2-min. walk tests were better or similar to results seen by other researchers worldwide.

Western-designed total knee implants mismatch Saudi patient knees. Anatomical bony measurements documented by computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the anthropometric features of Saudi knees compared with knees of other ethnicities and reveal mismatches among different knee implant systems. METHODS: All knee computed tomography images obtained between January 2016 and September 2016 for varying medical reasons in a tertiary care hospital in Southwestern Saudi Arabia were retrospectively evaluated. Patients aged less than 18 years, with trauma or soft tissue or bone tumors were excluded.  Eleven parameters were measured for each knee joint. RESULTS: We evaluated 100 knees of 50 Saudi patients (25 men, 25 women) aged 28-85 (mean, 57.3) years. No statistically significant differences were found in age and Sasaki angle measurements between male and female patients. All other parameters were significantly larger in male than female knees. Our measurements were close to those published for Chinese, Thai, and Korean patients; however, published measurements were larger for Caucasian and Indian knees than our measurements. CONCLUSION: The Saudi population has morphological features of knee bone anatomy that do not match with the widely available prostheses designed for Caucasian knees. As several studies of different ethnicities have documented considerable prosthesis mismatch; our study further indicates the need for new implant designs that take these variations into account.

Tumoral Calcinosis Presentation in Operated Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Tumoral calcinosis has long been a disputed clinical-pathological subject. It has been characterized by the deposition of calcium salt and hydroxyapatite in different periarticular soft tissue regions. It is most commonly seen in adults, and rarely seen in children. In this report, we present the case of a six-year-old girl referred to our institution for one year with a history of left hip pain and swelling. The patient underwent an open reduction of left hip and acetabuloplasty for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) at the age of two years. Systematic investigations were performed and showed that the patient had abnormal calcifications and large, ill-defined lesions with an irregular margin on the left hip extended to the left gluteal area with skin ulceration suggestive of primary tumor calcinosis. Medical therapy has started, and a follow-up appointment was given to her in a pediatric metabolic clinic. In addition, we present a brief literature review of the effect of medical and surgical treatments on tumor calcinosis.

Characterization of Date Palm Fiber-Reinforced Different Polypropylene Matrices.

In this study, the effect of different polypropylene (PP) matrices (homopolymer (HPP), impact copolymer (ICP), and recycled polypropylene (rPP)) on the mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties of date palm fiber (DPF)-reinforced PP composites was investigated. The DPFs were treated with an alkali solution, and composites were fabricated with different DPF loadings (5, 10, and 15 wt %) and lengths (less than 2 mm and 8-12 mm). It was found that the tensile properties of the DPF/ICP and DPF/rPP composites were similar to those of the DPF/HPP composites. The addition of fiber to the matrix reduced its tensile strength but increased the modulus. The alkali treatment improved the compatibility between the fibers and the matrix by removing hemicellulose and other impurities. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed hemicellulose removal. The morphology of the alkali-treated fractured tensile specimen revealed improved adhesion and less fiber pull out. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed that the alkali treatment enhanced the crystallinity index. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the addition of DPFs into the PP matrix reduced the thermal stability of the composite. However, the thermal stability of the treated fiber-reinforced rPP and ICP composites was similar to that of the DPF/HPP composite. Hence, rPP can be used as an alternative to HPP with DPFs.

Future ophthalmology practice pattern: A survey of Saudi Board of Ophthalmology residents.

PURPOSE: The main purpose of the study was to examine and identify factors that influence the future practice pattern of Saudi Board of Ophthalmology residents as well as their academic goals. This study also aimed to compare the plans and career goals of the current Saudi ophthalmology residents with a former cohort of Saudi ophthalmology residents. METHODS: All current residents of Saudi Board of Ophthalmology were invited to complete an anonymous online survey in March 2017. Residents were contacted by email. The survey contained questions on demographics, plans and factors influencing career choice of the residents in their future. Data were categorized by gender. Chi-square was used to assess the effect of gender on outcomes where appropriate. RESULTS: Of 150 residents surveyed, 91 (61%) responded to the survey. Having the ability to combine medicine and surgery was the most motivating factor for pursuing an ophthalmology residency training program (81% of respondents). Most residents expressed an interest in providing refractive surgery (62%), being involved in research activities (85%) and working part-time in the private sector (73%). The majority (81%) expressed a desire to practice in an urban setting as well as pursuing fellowship training (81%). Anterior segment (31%) and surgical retina (15%) were the most popular choices for fellowship training. CONCLUSION: Increasing interest in joining fellowship training programs (mostly in surgical subspecialties) and being involved in research activities among current generation of ophthalmology residents have been observed compared to a previous cohort study in the same country.

The impact of renal angiomyolipoma on estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex.

BACKGROUND: There is a growing concern that renal impairment may develop in patients with renal angiomyolipomas (AMLs) associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) as a consequence of the disease itself and/or the interventions to mitigate the risk of hemorrhage. OBJECTIVE: To assess the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients with bilateral renal AMLs and the impact of tumor burden and intervention on renal function. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Urology department of a tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All adult patients (>=18 years of age) with TSC-associated renal AMLs seen from October 1998 to June 2015. We included only patients with bilateral tumors or solitary kidneys at the last follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The eGFR, renal volume, and number and type of interventions. RESULTS: We identified 12 patients (median age 27.6, interquartile range 23.7-39.9 years), a median follow-up period of 1266 days (33-3133), and a median renal size of 454.7 mL (interquartile range 344.7-1016.9 on the right side; 558.1 mL, interquartile range 253.7-1001.4 on the left). In 11 (91.7%) patients, the eGFR was > 60 mL/min/1.77 m2. Six patients had three total nephrectomies, one had a contralateral partial nephrectomy, and seven had selective arterial embolizations. Intervention was associated with a significantly reduced eGFR. The renal size did not correlate with the eGFR. CONCLUSIONS: TSC-associated renal AMLs may attain a large size but normal renal function is maintained in 92% of patients. Interventions to mitigate the risk of hemorrhage are associated with decreased renal function. LIMITATIONS: The renal size was used as a surrogate for tumor size. Other limitations were the limited number of patients and lack of split renal function testing.

Hypofractionated Volumetric Modulated Arc Radiotherapy with simultaneous Elective Nodal Irradiation is feasible in prostate cancer patients: A single institution experience.

PURPOSE: To assess feasibility, toxicity and biochemical relapse-free survival (b-RFS) for a group of organ confined (OC) Saudi prostate cancer patients treated by hypo-fractionated Volumetric Modulated Arc Radiation Therapy (VMAT) Simultaneous Integrated Boost (SIB) Elective Nodal Irradiation (ENI) whole pelvic radiotherapy (WPRT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between March 2009 and January 2014, 29 OC prostate cancer patients; median age 64years, PS 0-1 were treated in King Faisal Specialist Hospital - Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia using VMAT-SIB-ENI-WPRT, to a total dose of 70Gy in 28 fractions. Twenty Four patients (83%) were treated with neo-adjuvant; concurrent androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Median follow-up (FU) was 42months (range: 18-72months). RESULTS: The 3-year actuarial b-RFS for low/intermediate and high risk groups were 100%, and 48%, respectively (p=0.09) with a median FU period of 34months (range: 14-53months). Gleason Score (p=0.02), and pretreatment PSA (p=0.01) were predictive for biochemical failure on univariate analysis; with no observed prostate cancer-related deaths. Grade 2 acute/late GI and GU toxicities were 28%/0% and 17%/10% respectively with no reported grade 3/4 toxicities. Four (50%) out of the 8 patients with baseline partial potency, retained sexual function on long term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Hypo-fractionation dose escalation VMAT-SIB-ENI-WPRT using 2 arcs is a feasible technique for intermediate/high risk OC prostate cancer patients, with acceptable rates of acute/late toxicities, much favorable planning target volume (PTV) coverage, and shorter overall treatment time. Prospective randomized controlled trials are encouraged to confirm its equivalence to other fractionation schemes.

Robotic transmesocolonic Pyelolithotomy of horseshoe kidney.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this video is to demonstrate the use of the robot to perform a transmesocolonic pyelolithotomy of a horseshoe kidney. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 35-year old female presented with vague abdominal pain. CT scan imaging revealed the presence of a left horseshoe kidney with multiple pelvicalyceal stones. The patient was positioned in the supine position. A total of 4 ports were introduced. A 3-arm da Vinci robotic surgical system was docked, and the arms were connected. First, the dilated renal pelvis was identified behind the thin mesocolon. The mesocolon was entered and renal pelvis was dissected completely from the surrounding fat. Then, the renal pelvis was opened after adequate dissection and stones were visualized inside the calyces. By Prograsp forceps, stones were removed from all the calyces under vision and were extracted from the assistant trocar. Finally, the pylotomy incision was closed using 4 0 Maxon in a continuous fashion and the mesocolon was closed using 3 0 PDS interrupted sutures. A JP drain was placed. RESULT: Operative time was forty-five minutes, blood loss was 100 ml. The patient was discharged after 48 hours with no immediate complications. CONCLUSION: The utilization of minimal invasive surgery using the robot to extract multiple pelvicalyceal stones from a horseshoe kidney without reflecting the mesocolon proved to be a feasible and novel way in the management of complex stone disease improving the outcome with minimal morbidity.

Robotic transmesocolonic Pyelolithotomy of horseshoe kidney

Introduction The purpose of this video is to demonstrate the use of the robot to perform a transmesocolonic pyelolithotomy of a horseshoe kidney. Materials and Methods A 35-year old female presented with vague abdominal pain. CT scan imaging revealed the presence of a left horseshoe kidney with multiple pelvicalyceal stones. The patient was positioned in the supine position. A total of 4 ports were introduced. A 3-arm da Vinci robotic surgical system was docked, and the arms were connected. First, the dilated renal pelvis was identified behind the thin mesocolon. The mesocolon was entered and renal pelvis was dissected completely from the surrounding fat. Then, the renal pelvis was opened after adequate dissection and stones were visualized inside the calyces. By Prograsp forceps, stones were removed from all the calyces under vision and were extracted from the assistant trocar. Finally, the pylotomy incision was closed using 4 0 Maxon in a continuous fashion and the mesocolon was closed using 3 0 PDS interrupted sutures. A JP drain was placed. Result Operative time was forty-five minutes, blood loss was 100 ml. The patient was discharged after 48 hours with no immediate complications. Conclusion The utilization of minimal invasive surgery using the robot to extract multiple pelvicalyceal stones from a horseshoe kidney without reflecting the mesocolon proved to be a feasible and novel way in the management of complex stone disease improving the outcome with minimal morbidity. .

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic excision of gossypiboma simulating bladder wall mass after 35 years of appendectomy.

Gossypiboma or textiloma are terms commonly used to describe a retained sponge in the body that is composed of sponge invested within a layer of foreign body reaction in the form of an abscess or an aseptic fibrotic reaction. These cases are rarely reported despite an incidence of 1:1,000-1,500 of abdominal or pelvic surgery. We report a patient who presented with an incidental supravesical mass discovered upon work up for frequency and suprapubic pain. He had appendectomy 35 years ago. The mass was excised by robotic-assisted laparoscopic technique. The pathologic evaluation came as gossypiboma.

Robotic extramucosal excision of bladder wall leiomyoma.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple case reports and reviews have been described in the literature for bladder wall leiomyoma resection via different approaches. The minimally invasive partial cystectomy remains the most widely accepted technique; however, case reports for enucleation of bladder wall leiomyoma have also been described. The purpose of this video is to demonstrate the robotic extramucosal excision of a bladder wall leiomyoma, without cystotomy, but with complete removal of the muscular layer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 35-year old male present with lower urinary tract symptoms and imaging showed bladder wall mass with histopathology showed leiomyoma. The patient consented for mass excision with the possibility of a partial cystectomy. The patient was placed in the supine, 30-degree Trendelenburg position during the procedure. A total of 4 ports were inserted. A 3-arm da Vinci robotic surgical system was docked, and the arms were connected. Extramucosal excision was accomplished without cystotomy and muscle approximation was achieved by 2 0 Vicryle. RESULT: The operative time was 90 minutes, blood loss of approximately 50mL and the patient was discharged after 72 hours with no immediate complications and a 6 months follow-up showed no recurrence. CONCLUSION: Such a technique results in complete excision of the tumor, without cystotomy, and also maintains an intact mucosa. These steps, in addition to decreasing the risk of local recurrence, also shorten the period of postoperative catheterization and hospitalization.

Robotic partial cystectomy for lymphangioma of the urinary bladder in an adult woman.

Lymphangioma of the urinary bladder is a very rare tumour in adulthood. Robotic partial cystectomy is evolving for treatment of a limited number of bladder tumours. We describe a case of an adult woman with a bladder dome lymphangioma for which robotic partial cystectomy was carried out.

Saudi Oncology Society clinical management guidelines for testicular germ cell tumors.

In this report, guidelines for the evaluation, medical and surgical management of testicular germ cell tumors is presented. It is categorized according to the stage of the disease using the tumor node metastasis staging system, 7th edition. The recommendations are presented with supporting level of evidence.

Saudi Oncology Society clinical management guidelines for prostate cancer.

In this report, guidelines for the evaluation, medical and surgical management of testicular germ cell tumors is presented. It is categorized according to the stage of the disease using the tumor node metastasis staging system, 7th edition. The recommendations are presented with supporting level of evidence.

Saudi Oncology Society clinical management guidelines for renal cell carcinoma.

In this report, guidelines for the evaluation, medical and surgical management of renal cell carcinoma is presented. It is categorized according to the stage of the disease using the tumor node metastasis staging system, 7(th) edition. The recommendations are presented with supporting evidence level.