Abnormality of standing posture improves in patients with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy following lower limb surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The degree of abnormality of the gait pattern of children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (BSCP) can be reduced by lower limb orthopaedic surgery. However, little attention is paid to the effects of surgery on standing posture. Here, we investigated the abnormality of standing posture in young people with BSCP as well as the effects of surgery on standing posture. METHODS: We have developed an index of standing posture, the Standing Posture Score (SPS), which is similar in composition to the gait profile score (GPS). We applied SPS retrospectively to 32 typically developing children and 85 children with BSCP before and after surgery to the lower limbs aimed at improving gait. We investigated the relationship between SPS and GPS before surgery and also the relationship between changes in these variables before and after surgery. RESULTS: SPS is significantly higher in young people with BSCP. SPS reduces after surgery and this reduction is correlated with the reduction in GPS. INTERPRETATION: Successful surgery improves the alignment of the lower limbs in BSCP in standing and may have a positive impact on the activities of daily living which depend on a stable and efficient standing posture.

Correlation between experience targets and competence for general surgery certification.

BACKGROUND: Working time restrictions and public expectation have stimulated competence-based assessment in surgery. Nevertheless, certification of completion of training, and board accreditation across the developed world, still rely on experiential models based on indicative numbers as markers of operative competence. This study assessed the correlation between trainer assessment of competence and completion of indicative numbers. METHODS: Analysis of UK Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme portfolios of general surgical trainees in a single Local Education and Training Board allowed comparison of Procedure Based Assessment (PBA) scores (level of competence) for cholecystectomy, segmental colectomy and Hartmann's procedure with operative numbers. RESULTS: Among 121 trainees, there was a positive correlation between operative numbers and 1058 PBA scores for cholecystectomy (rs = 0·532, P < 0·001), segmental colectomy (rs = 0·552, P < 0·001) and Hartmann's procedure (rs = 0·663, P < 0·001). Of those who completed the indicative numbers defined for each procedure to achieve certification of completion of training, only eight of 30 performing cholecystectomy, eight of 52 undertaking segmental colectomy and seven of 36 performing Hartmann's procedure had achieved three PBAs at the level considered to represent independent operating (level 4). More than half of all assessments (259 of 428, 60·5 per cent; 85 of 132 cholecystectomy, 140 of 217 colectomy and 34 of 79 Hartmann's) performed after trainees had completed their indicative numbers were scored below level 4. CONCLUSION: A minimum number of index procedures did not reflect competence in a significant proportion of trainees. A more reliable tool is required for certification.

Cost-effectiveness of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation or surgery as treatment for primary varicose veins from the randomized CLASS trial.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of patients with varicose veins constitutes a considerable workload and financial burden to the National Health Service. This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) compared with conventional surgery as treatment for primary varicose veins. METHODS: Participant cost and utility data were collected alongside the UK CLASS multicentre randomized clinical trial, which compared EVLA, surgery and UGFS. Regression methods were used to estimate the effects of the alternative treatments on costs to the health service and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) at 6 months. A Markov model, incorporating available evidence on clinical recurrence rates, was developed to extrapolate the trial data over a 5-year time horizon. RESULTS: Compared with surgery at 6 months, UGFS and EVLA reduced mean costs to the health service by £655 and £160 respectively. When additional overhead costs associated with theatre use were included, these cost savings increased to £902 and £392 respectively. UGFS produced 0·005 fewer QALYs, whereas EVLA produced 0·011 additional QALYs. Extrapolating to 5 years, EVLA was associated with increased costs and QALYs compared with UGFS (costing £3640 per QALY gained), and generated a cost saving (£206-439) and QALY gain (0·078) compared with surgery. Applying a ceiling willingness-to-pay ratio of £20 000 per QALY gained, EVLA had the highest probability (78·7 per cent) of being cost-effective. CONCLUSION: The results suggest, for patients considered eligible for all three treatment options, that EVLA has the highest probability of being cost-effective at accepted thresholds of willingness to pay per QALY.

Proximal femoral resection without post-operative traction for the painful dislocated hip in young patients with cerebral palsy: a review of 79 cases.

Proximal femoral resection (PFR) is a proven pain-relieving procedure for the management of patients with severe cerebral palsy and a painful displaced hip. Previous authors have recommended post-operative traction or immobilisation to prevent a recurrence of pain due to proximal migration of the femoral stump. We present a series of 79 PFRs in 63 patients, age 14.7 years (10 to 26; 35 male, 28 female), none of whom had post-operative traction or immobilisation. A total of 71 hips (89.6%) were reported to be pain free or to have mild pain following surgery. Four children underwent further resection for persistent pain; of these, three had successful resolution of pain and one had no benefit. A total of 16 hips (20.2%) showed radiographic evidence of heterotopic ossification, all of which had formed within one year of surgery. Four patients had a wound infection, one of which needed debridement; all recovered fully. A total of 59 patients (94%) reported improvements in seating and hygiene. The results are as good as or better than the historical results of using traction or immobilisation. We recommend that following PFR, children can be managed without traction or immobilisation, and can be discharged earlier and with fewer complications. However, care should be taken with severely dystonic patients, in whom more extensive femoral resection should be considered in combination with management of the increased tone.

Nitrous oxide exposure does not seem to be associated with increased mortality, stroke, and myocardial infarction: a non-randomized subgroup analysis of the General Anaesthesia compared with Local Anaesthesia for carotid surgery (GALA) trial.

BACKGROUND: Nitrous oxide has been associated with increased vascular risk in the perioperative period. Here, we conducted a secondary analysis of the GALA trial to ascertain the impact of nitrous oxide on outcomes after carotid surgery under general anaesthesia (GA). METHODS: One thousand seven hundred and seventy-three patients underwent GA, but 158 patients were excluded from this analysis as nitrous oxide use was unknown. The decision to use nitrous oxide was at the discretion of the anaesthetist and was not randomized. Six hundred and seventy-one patients received nitrous oxide and 944 patients did not. Logistic regression was used to analyse the same primary outcome as the original trial (risk of death, stroke, or myocardial infarction within 30 days of the operation). RESULTS: Patients who received nitrous oxide were more likely to have had coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, and atrial fibrillation (all P<0.05). Overall, there were 35 (5.2%) primary outcome events in patients receiving nitrous oxide compared with 44 (4.7%) in those who did not [relative risk 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI: 0.73, 1.73); P=0.63]. The adjustment for the imbalanced baseline variables using logistic regression reduced the point estimate of harm for nitrous oxide [adjusted odds ratio 1.09, 95% CI (0.68, 1.74); P=0.73]. CONCLUSIONS: Given the greater prevalence of vascular risk factors in the nitrous oxide group and the lack of any definite effect on the primary outcome measure, these data do not support a clinically meaningful adverse effect of nitrous oxide on our composite outcome in patients undergoing carotid surgery.

Comparative stability of sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STD) and polidocanol foam: impact on vein damage in an in-vitro model.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the half-life of STD and polidocanol air-based foams and the damage they inflict upon human great saphenous vein in an in-vitro model. METHODS: The time for the volume of 3% STD and polidocanol foams to reduce by 10% (T(90)) and 50% (T(50)) was recorded in an incubator at 37 °C. Segments of proximal GSV harvested during varicose vein surgery were filled with foam for 5 or 15 min. Histological analysis determined percentage endothelial cell loss and depth of media injury. RESULTS: Median (±IQR) T(90) and T(50) for polidocanol were 123.3 s (111.7-165.6) and 266.3 s (245.6-383.1) versus 102.03 s (91.1-112) and 213.13 s (201-231.6) for STD (T(90)p = 0.008, T(50)p = 0.004). Median endothelial loss with polidocanol was; 63.5% (62.2-82.8) and 85.9% (83.8-92.5) versus 86.3% (84.8-93.7) and 97.64% (97.3-97.8) for STD after 5 and 15 min (p = 0.076 and p = 0.009). The median depth and % media thickness injured were 0 µm (0-0 µm) and 0% for both assessments with polidocanol versus 37.4 µm (35.3-45.8 and 43.4 µm (42.1-46.7) and 3.5% (3.1-3.6) and 5.3% (3.7-6.0) after 5 and 15 min for STD (p < 0.01 for all comparisons). CONCLUSION: Although polidocanol foam shows greater stability than STD foam perhaps remaining in the vein for longer, endothelial cell loss and damage to the media were significantly greater with STD.

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) to treat recurrent varicose veins.

OBJECTIVES: This cohort study assesses the effectiveness and safety of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) in the management of recurrent varicose veins (RVVS). METHOD: 104 limbs (95 patients) undergoing EVLA for RVVS were grouped according to pattern of reflux. For patients with recurrent SFJ/great saphenous vein (GSV) (Group GR) and SPJ/small saphenous vein (SSV) (Group SR) varicosities ablation rates and QoL (Aberdeen Varicose Vein Severity Scores (AVVSS)) were compared with those for age/sex matched patients undergoing EVLA for primary GSV/SSV dependent varicose veins (Groups GP and SP). RESULTS: In patients with RVVS the axial vein was ablated in 102/104 (98%) limbs whilst 2 GSVs (group GR) partially recanalised by 3 months (GSV ablated in 49/51 (96%) limbs versus 50/51 (98%) limbs in GP [p = 0.2]). Improvements in AVVSS at 3 months (median GR: 14.2 (inter-quartile range (IQR) 10.2-18.9) to 3.2(1.2-6.4), p < 0.001; GP: median 15.9(IQR 11.4-22.7) to 3.8(1.1-5.6), p < 0.001, Mann-Whitney u-test) were similar (78% versus 76%, p = 0.23). The SSV was ablated in 24/24 limbs in groups SR and SP and the % improvement in AVVSS was 83% (median 14.4 (IQR 8.2-19.4) to 2.4 (1.9-4.6), p < 0.001, Mann-Whitney u-test) and 84% (median 13.8 (IQR 6.3-17.5) to 2.2 (1.2-5.1), p < 0.001) respectively (p = 0.33). These improvements persisted at 1 year follow-up. A further 29 limbs with isolated anterior accessory great saphenous vein (AAGSV) or segmental GSV/SSV reflux were successfully ablated. Complication rates for primary and RVVS were similar. CONCLUSIONS: EVLA is a safe and effective option for the treatment of RVVS and could be a preferred option for suitable patients.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of general anaesthesia versus local anaesthesia for carotid surgery (GALA Trial).

BACKGROUND: Health outcomes and costs are both important when deciding whether general (GA) or local (LA) anaesthesia should be used during carotid endarterectomy. The aim of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of carotid endarterectomy under LA or GA in patients with symptomatic or asymptomatic carotid stenosis for whom surgery was advised. METHODS: Using patient-level data from a large, multinational, randomized controlled trial (GALA Trial) time free from stroke, myocardial infarction or death, and costs incurred were evaluated. The cost-effectiveness outcome was incremental cost per day free from an event, within a time horizon of 30 days. RESULTS: A patient undergoing carotid endarterectomy under LA incurred fewer costs (mean difference pound178) and had a slightly longer event-free survival (difference 0.16 days, but the 95 per cent confidence limits around this estimate were wide) compared with a patient who had GA. Existing uncertainty did not have a significant impact on the decision to adopt LA, over a wide range of willingness-to-pay values. CONCLUSION: If cost-effectiveness was considered in the decision to adopt GA or LA for carotid endarterectomy, given the evidence provided by this study, LA is likely to be the favoured treatment for patients for whom either anaesthetic approach is clinically appropriate.

The impact of different concentrations of sodium tetradecyl sulphate and initial balloon denudation on endothelial cell loss and tunica media injury in a model of foam sclerotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Recanalisation rates (20-32%) 1-3 years after truncal vein foam sclerotherapy (FS) suggest thrombotic occlusion rather than irreversible vein wall injury. This study examines the injury inflicted by sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STD) foam before and after balloon endothelial denudation (BD). METHODS: In 20 patients undergoing great saphenous vein (GSV) stripping 1.5 cm proximal GSV were harvested (controls). The next 1.5 cm were harvested after in situ BD (n = 10) or no denudation (n = 10). These test segments were filled with 1% or 3% STD foam (5 min), flushed and fixed in formalin. Percentage endothelial cell loss (ECL) and tunica media injury were determined (H&E staining) and collagen structure assessed (transmission electron microscopy, TEM). RESULTS: Controls showed no injury. 1% and 3% STD foam caused 86.3% and 92.2% ECL (p < 0.001 versus controls; 1% versus 3%, p = 0.55). Endothelial cells persisted in all sections. BD increased ECL (1%: 96.9%, 3%: 98.1%, p = 0.01) Tunica media injury (smooth muscle vacuolation) was minimal (8.9% (1% STD) and 12% (3% STD) of its depth) and not enhanced by BD (1%: 8.7%, p = 0.93; 3%: 11.3%; p = 0.86). No collagen disruption occurred (TEM). CONCLUSIONS: Balloon denudation increased ECL but did not facilitate tunica media injury. Equivalent injury was inflicted by 1% and 3% STD.

Relationship of carotid plaque echomorphology to presenting symptom.

BACKGROUND: Attempts to stratify carotid plaques according to clinical risk using single longitudinal view (SLV) echomorphology have not been uniformly successful. We compared SLV grey scale median measurements (SLV-GSM) with a newer technique of multiple cross-sectional view echomorphology (MCSV-GSM) in carotid plaques from 3 patient groups (asymptomatic, ocular, and hemispheric symptoms). METHODS: SLV and MCSV images were obtained from 109 carotid stenoses (70-99%; 41 hemispheric, 17 ocular, 51 asymptomatic). SLV-GSM and MCSV-GSM(min) (lowest plaque MCSV image GSM) were determined to assess echolucency whilst MCSV-GSM(max-min) (highest minus lowest MCSV-GSM) assessed heterogeneity. RESULTS: Echolucency was greater (lower GSM) in plaques causing hemispheric symptoms versus asymptomatic plaques (MCSV-GSM(min), P = .002; SLV-GSM, P = .002). Only MCSV imaging detected differences in echolucency between asymptomatic plaques and those causing ocular symptoms (SLV-GSM, p = 0.84; MCSV-GSM(min), p = .003). Symptomatic plaques showed greater heterogeneity versus asymptomatic plaques, significantly in those causing ocular symptoms (hemispheric P = .126; AF P = .011). CONCLUSIONS: Both SLV and MCSV echomorphology confirm increased echolucency in plaques causing hemispheric symptoms. Plaques causing ocular symptoms could only be distinguished from asymptomatic plaques with MCSV assessment (increased echolucency and heterogeneity). This suggests that amaurosis fugax may be associated with a more focal plaque instability that is best detected with MCSV imaging.

Influence of warfarin on the success of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of the great saphenous vein (GSV).

BACKGROUND: Although warfarin is routinely stopped prior to varicose vein surgery the absence of incisions may make this unnecessary prior to EVLA. Nevertheless continuing therapy may compromise ablation rates resulting in treatment failure. Since EVLA is particularly suitable for older patients with co-morbidities this study investigates whether warfarin influences outcome. METHOD: A prospective observational cohort study was designed to assess ablation rates (1 year, duplex ultrasound), Aberdeen varicose vein symptom severity scores (AVVSS) and patient satisfaction following GSV EVLA in 22 patients ("warfarin group": 12 female, 10 male; 24 limbs) taking warfarin and 24 age/sex and disease-severity matched controls who were not taking anticoagulants ("no-warfarin group"). RESULTS: Complete ablation of the treated-length of GSV was achieved in 20/24 (83%) limbs in the "warfarin group" versus 23/24 (96%) in the "no-warfarin" group (p=0.347, chi squared). Suboptimal energy densities were delivered to 3/4 failures in the "warfarin group". A similar, significant (p<0.001, Wilcoxon) improvement in AVVSS occurred in both groups [warfarin: median 14.6 (inter-quartile range 8.9-19.1) to 3.8 (1.9-6.2), no-warfarin: median 13.9 (IQR 7.6-20.1) to 3.5 (2.2-6.4)]. Patients were equally satisfied with outcomes (warfarin=92%, no-warfarin=90%; p=0.391, Mann-Whitney). No major complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: EVLA in patients taking warfarin is safe and effective. Since cessation of therapy is unnecessary it should provide a valuable alternative to surgery in these patients.

Neovascularisation and recurrence 2 years after varicose vein treatment for sapheno-femoral and great saphenous vein reflux: a comparison of surgery and endovenous laser ablation.

OBJECTIVE: Neovascularisation is a major cause of recurrent varicosities following surgery. This prospective cohort study compares recurrence rates and the occurrence of neovascularisation following surgery or endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) for great saphenous vein reflux. METHOD: 118 consecutive patients (72 female, 46 male, median age 48 [range 32-68 years]), 129 limbs were reviewed at a median of 24 months (range 18-30) after surgery (n=60 limbs) or EVLA (n=69 limbs) for primary sapheno-femoral and GSV reflux. Varicose vein recurrence, ultrasound detected groin neovascularisation and patient satisfaction (visual analogue scale) were recorded. RESULTS: Recurrence rates at 2 years were: surgery group 4/60 (6.6%; mid-thigh perforator n=2, residual GSV with neovascularisation n=2), EVLA group 5/69 (7%; GSV recanalisation n=3 (all received <50 J/cm laser energy), mid-thigh perforator n=1, new anterior saphenous vein reflux n=1) p=0.631. Neovascularisation was detected in 11/60 (18%) of the surgery group and 1/69 (1%) of the EVLA group, p=0.001. Patient satisfaction rates were 90% and 88% respectively (p=0.37). CONCLUSIONS: Although the frequency of recurrent varicosities 2 years after surgery and EVLA was similar, neovascularisation, a predictor of future recurrence, was less common following EVLA. Further, current recommendations on delivering > or =70 J/cm laser energy should reduce recanalisation rates and recurrence after EVLA.

Arterio-venous fistula following endovenous laser ablation for varicose veins.

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) obliterates incompetent truncal veins as an alternative to varicose veins surgery. We describe 3 patients who developed an arterio-venous fistula (AVF) following great (GSV: 1) or small (SSV: 2) saphenous vein EVLA. Two fistulae closed spontaneously with conservative management. Concomitant venous and arterial wall thermal injury or needle trauma during administration of tumescent anaesthesia may cause this rare complication. Haemodynamic effects appear minimal and spontaneous closure is likely, supporting a non-interventional policy.