Surgical reporting for laparoscopic cholecystectomy based on phase annotation by a convolutional neural network (CNN) and the phenomenon of phase flickering: a proof of concept.

PURPOSE: Surgical documentation is an important yet time-consuming necessity in clinical routine. Beside its core function to transmit information about a surgery to other medical professionals, the surgical report has gained even more significance in terms of information extraction for scientific, administrative and judicial application. A possible basis for computer aided reporting is phase detection by convolutional neural networks (CNN). In this article we propose a workflow to generate operative notes based on the output of the TeCNO CNN. METHODS: Video recordings of 15 cholecystectomies were used for inference. The annotation of TeCNO was compared to that of an expert surgeon (HE) and the algorithm based annotation of a scientist (HA). The CNN output then was used to identify aberrance from standard course as basis for the final report. Moreover, we assessed the phenomenon of 'phase flickering' as clusters of incorrectly labeled frames and evaluated its usability. RESULTS: The accordance of the HE and CNN was 79.7% and that of HA and CNN 87.0%. 'Phase flickering' indicated an aberrant course with AUCs of 0.91 and 0.89 in ROC analysis regarding number and extend of concerned frames. Finally, we created operative notes based on a standard text, deviation alerts, and manual completion by the surgeon. CONCLUSION: Computer-aided documentation is a noteworthy use case for phase recognition in standardized surgery. The analysis of phase flickering in a CNN's annotation has the potential of retrieving more information about the course of a particular procedure to complement an automated report.

[Urologic cancer care during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic : Role of federal cancer registration in Germany]. / Uroonkologische Therapie in der ersten Welle der COVID-19-Pandemie : Was sagen uns die Krebsregister der deutschen Bundesländer?

Urologic cancer care needs to be prioritized despite multiple health care restrictions during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, therapies and procedures may be delayed and complicated. In Germany, analysis of the multiple cancer registries provides insights into the actual numbers of treated patients. We provide a review on the registration of urologic cancer care during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany and on potential surgical complications of urologic interventions. We found that during the year 2020 there were generally fewer registrations of newly diagnosed patients with major urologic neoplasms in a representative federal database. The number of surgical interventions in patients with renal cell carcinoma and urothelial bladder cancer decreased, whereas equal numbers of radical prostatectomies were performed when compared to the year 2019. COVID-19 may increase non-urological postoperative complications following surgical treatment of urologic malignancies; however, available data are still very limited.

MicroNiche: an R package for assessing microbial niche breadth and overlap from amplicon sequencing data.

Niche is a fundamental concept in ecology. It integrates the sum of biotic and abiotic environmental requirements that determines a taxon's distribution. Microbiologists currently lack quantitative approaches to address niche-related hypotheses. We tested four approaches for the quantification of niche breadth and overlap of taxa in amplicon sequencing datasets, with the goal of determining generalists, specialists and environmental-dependent distributions of community members. We applied these indices to in silico training datasets first, and then to real human gut and desert biological soil crust (biocrust) case studies, assessing the agreement of the indices with previous findings. Implementation of each approach successfully identified a priori conditions within in silico training data, and we found that by including a limit of quantification based on species rank, one could identify taxa falsely classified as specialists because of their low, sparse counts. Analysis of the human gut study offered quantitative support for Bacilli, Gammaproteobacteria and Fusobacteria specialists enriched after bariatric surgery. We could quantitatively characterise differential niche distributions of cyanobacterial taxa with respect to precipitation gradients in biocrusts. We conclude that these approaches, made publicly available as an R package (MicroNiche), represent useful tools to assess microbial environment-taxon and taxon-taxon relationships in a quantitative manner.

MIEO: a micro-invasive endoscopic operation port system for transluminal interventions-an acute and survival porcine study.

BACKGROUND: A reliable and sterile access through the intestinal wall to ease flexible endoscopic transluminal interventions is still appealing but lacks a suitable port system. METHODS: In a granted industry cooperation, we developed the MIEO-Port, a flexible three components overtube system that provides a temporary hermetic sealing of the intestinal wall to allow endoscopic disinfection and manipulation to gain access to the abdominal cavity. The port features an innovative head part which allows for coupling the port to the intestinal wall by vacuum suction and for controlled jetting the isolated intestinal surface with a disinfectant. The device was tested in vivo in 6 pigs for acute and long-term usability. All animal tests were approved by the local ethics committee. RESULTS: In the acute experiment, the port system supported sealed endoscopic mucosa resection and transluminal cholecystectomy. In the survival study on 5 animals, the MIEO-Port proved its reliability after transcolonic peritoneoscopy. In one animal, a port dislocation occurred after extensive retroperitoneal preparation, one animal revealed bacterial contamination at necropsy; however, all animals showed a favourable course over ten days and offered no signs of peritonitis or abscedation during post-mortem examination. DISCUSSION: To the best of our knowledge, the MIEO-Port system is the first device to provide a reliable and sterile flexible access to the peritoneal cavity that can be used throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract regardless of the access route and which combines hermetic sealing with local sterilization. Further studies are warranted.

[Model-based treatment in surgery]. / Modellgestützte Therapie in der Chirurgie.

BACKGROUND: The "magic triangle" in surgery and other disciplines consists of the demand for increasingly gentler forms of treatment, simultaneous cost reduction and the fundamental primacy of improving the quality of results. The digitalization of medicine offers a promising opportunity to do justice to this, also in the sense of "Surgery 4.0". The aim is to create a cognitive, collaborative diagnostics and treatment environment to support the surgeon. METHODS: In the sense of a "theory building" for analysis and planning, process modeling is the cornerstone for modern treatment planning. The main distinction is made between the patient model and the treatment model. The course of the actual surgical treatment can also be modeled: in principle it is possible to describe the course of an operation in such fine detail that the surgical procedure can be mapped and reproduced down to each single step, such as a single implementation of forceps. Basically, this has already been achieved. So-called neural networks also open up completely new forms of knowledge acquisition, machine learning and flexible reaction to nearly all conceivable possibilities in highly complex processes. CONCLUSION: "Digitalization" is a necessary development in surgery. It offers not only countless possibilities to support the surgeon in the field of activity but also the chance of more precise data acquisition with respect to academic surgery. Modeling is an indispensable part of this and must be rigorously implemented and further developed.

Addressing the needs of terminally-ill patients in Bosnia-Herzegovina: patients' perceptions and expectations.

BACKGROUND: Many terminally ill patients in Bosnia-Herzegovina (BiH) fail to receive needed medical attention and social support. In 2016 a primary healthcare centreer (PHCC) in Doboj (BiH) requested the methodological and technical support of a local partner (Fondacija fami) and the Geneva University Hospitals to address the needs of terminally ill patients living at home. In order to design acceptable, affordable and sustainable solutions, we involved patients and their families in exploring needs, barriers and available resources. METHODS: We conducted interviews with 62 purposely selected patients using a semi-structured interview guide designed to elicit patients' experiences, needs and expectations. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted, using an inductive thematic approach. RESULTS: While patients were aware that their illnesses were incurable, they were poorly informed about medical and social support resources available to them. Family members appeared to be patients' main source of support, and often suffered from exhaustion and financial strain. Patients expressed feelings of helplessness and lack of control over their health. They wanted more support from health professionals for pain and other symptom management, as well as for anxiety and depression. Patients who were bedridden or with reduced mobility expressed strong feelings of loneliness, social exclusion, and stigma from community members and - occasionally - from health workers. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a wide gap between patients' end-of-life care needs and existing services. In order to address the medical, psychological and social needs of terminally ill patients, a multi-pronged approach is called for, including not only better symptom management through training of health professionals and improved access to medication and equipment, but also a coordinated inter-professional, inter-institutional and multi-stakeholder effort aimed at offering comprehensive medical, psycho-social, educational and spiritual support.

[Comprehensive system integration and networking in operating rooms]. / Umfassende Systemintegration und Vernetzung im Operationssaal.

BACKGROUND: A comprehensive surveillance and control system integrating all devices and functions is a precondition for realization of the operating room of the future. STATE OF THE ART: Multiple proprietary integrated operation room systems are currently available with a central user interface; however, they only cover a relatively small part of all functionalities. INNOVATIVE APPROACHES: Internationally, there are at least three different initiatives to promote a comprehensive systems integration and networking in the operating room: the Japanese smart cyber operating theater (SCOT), the American medical device plug-and-play interoperability program (MDPnP) and the German secure and dynamic networking in operating room and hospital (OR.NET) project supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. PRELIMINARY RESULTS: Within the framework of the internationally advanced OR.NET project, prototype solution approaches were realized, which make short-term and mid-term comprehensive data retrieval systems probable. An active and even autonomous control of the medical devices by the surveillance and control system (closed loop) is expected only in the long run due to strict regulatory barriers.

[Antithyroid agents related agranulocytosis: Literature review]. / Agranulocytoses aux antithyroïdiens de synthèse : revue de la littérature.

The antithyroid agents (carbimazole, methimazole, thiamazole, propylthiouracil and benzylthiouracile) are the drug class that is associated with a high risk of agranulocytosis. Acute and profound (<0.5×10(9)/L) isolated neutropenia occurring in a subject treated with antithyroid agents should be considered as a drug-induced agranulocytosis, until proven otherwise. The clinical spectrum ranges from discovery of acute severe but asymptomatic neutropenia, to isolated fever, localized infections (especially ear, nose and throat, or pulmonary) or septicemia. With an optimal management (discontinuation of antithyroid agents, antibiotics in the presence of fever or a documented infection, or use of hematopoietic growth factor) the current mortality is close to 2%.

Impact of introduction of mid-trimester scan on pregnancy outcome of open spina bifida in The Netherlands.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of introduction of the mid-trimester scan on pregnancy outcome in cases of open spina bifida in two regions of The Netherlands. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of 190 cases of open spina bifida diagnosed pre- or postnatally, with an estimated date of delivery between 2003 and 2011. RESULTS: With implementation of the mid-trimester scan the percentage of cases of open spina bifida detected before the 24(th) week of pregnancy increased from 43% to 88%. The rise in prenatal detection rate was associated with a significant increase in the number of terminated pregnancies and a decrease in the rate of perinatal loss; the percentage of children born alive did not change significantly. In the subgroup that underwent a scan between 18 and 24 weeks of pregnancy, cranial signs were present in 94.4% of cases. CONCLUSION: Introduction of the mid-trimester scan has led to an increase in early identification of pregnancies complicated by open spina bifida. Pregnancies previously destined to end in perinatal loss are now terminated whilst pregnancies with a relatively good prognosis are frequently continued; the number of children with open spina bifida who are born alive has not changed significantly. Our study confirms that prenatal diagnosis is usually triggered by visualization of a lemon-shaped skull or a banana-shaped cerebellum.

Novel approaches to preventing ischemia-reperfusion injury during liver transplantation.

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) results in profound allograft damage during liver transplantation. The process of IRI results in adenosine triphosphatase (ATP) depletion, the production of reactive oxygen species, and progressive tissue destruction. This injury process is accelerated on reperfusion in the recipient. Over the last decade an increasing body of literature has identified a complex interplay of molecular and cellular pathways responsible for causing IRI. This article summarizes recent developments, drawing on preclinical and clinical studies, focusing on how the detrimental effects of IRI can be prevented in liver transplantation. We present a balanced overview on how machine preservation technologies, the coagulation system, antioxidants, cytoprotective agents, cytokines, preservation solutions, and the innate and adaptive immune system can be targeted to prevent IRI in liver transplantation.

[Outcome 4 years after isolated single-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction]. / Vierjahresergebnisse nach Isolierter Hinterer Kreuzbandrekonstruktion in Einbündeltechnik.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results after isolated reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) using semitendinosus (ST) and gracilis (GT) tendon grafts with the arthroscopic single-bundle technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following PCL reconstruction using the single-bundle technique performed between 2002 and 2005, 14 patients (2 women, 12 men) prospectively underwent a standardized follow-up examination after an average postoperative time of 4 years. All patients included in this study had isolated insufficiency of the PCL and symptomatic instability. The exclusion criteria were the presence of a complex knee joint instability and the implementation of additional stabilizing measures or another method of PCL reconstructive surgery. The mean follow-up time was 47.2 ± 8.7 months. Preoperative and postoperative stress radiographs were taken using the Telos stress instrument in order to evaluate the posterior translation. Knee joint function and degree of activity were recorded using the Tegner activity score, the subjective IKDC score and the overall IKDC score. RESULTS: The posterior tibial translation of 10.1 ± 1.7 mm had an overall average improvement to a postoperative value of 4.6 ± 2.3 mm (p < 0.001). The patients showed a significant improvement in the Tegner activity score from an average 2.7 ± 0.8 points to 5.7 ± 1.3 points (p < 0.001). Evaluation of the subjective IKDC showed a significant improvement from a preoperative score of 41.32 ± 11.23 points to a postoperative score of 65.08 ± 13.51 points (p < 0.001). In total, 10 patients (71.5%) exhibited a normal or nearly normal outcome. According to the objective IKDC score, 4 patients (28.5%) were categorized as moderate. CONCLUSION: The above mentioned reconstruction technique can achieve a stable knee function in patients with isolated PCL insufficiency. The isolated single-bundle PCL reconstruction offers a medium-term improvement regarding the activity level and stability of the knee joint.

Cranial neuroendoscopy: novel applications and next frontiers.

Neuroendoscopy is an ever-evolving frontier in neurosurgery and its use has spanned decades with safe and efficacious treatment in a variety of cranial procedures. There are areas of technology that are broadening the cranial use of the endoscope. Here we discuss the foundations of cranial neuroendoscopy in the areas of cerebrospinal fluid diversion and tumor biopsy and discuss the recent advancements in the areas of craniosynostosis, endonasal surgery, ventriculo-cisternal approaches, brain parenchymal surgery and skull base surgery. We highlight the ongoing evolution of neuroendoscopic technology and consider the potential future applications that will help to revolutionize the current standards in endoscopy and its use inn neurosurgical practice.

[Modfied technique for intramedullary femur nail removal]. / Modifizierte Technik zur Entfernung von Oberschenkelnägeln.

BACKGROUND: The indication of implant removal of intramedullary nails is a subject of much discussion. The main concern is the increased morbidity of the preparation of the proximal nail end which can cause postoperative discomfort. The aim of the present study was to develop a soft-tissue protecting extraction technique and to evaluate it in comparison to the standard procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: With the modified technique the proximal end of the nail is preparated by a guidewire and the standard reamer used for implantation. This allows a soft-tissue protection with reduced morbidity, especially in patients with ossification. The outcome was assessed 4-20 weeks postoperatively and the operation times compared with those of 10 patients operated with the conventional technique. RESULTS: From 5/09 to 12/10 we treated 9 patients with the mentioned technique. The operation time was reduced from a mean of 74.8 minutes to 32.0 minutes. Eight of nine patients had reduced or no discomfort postoperatively. Eight of nine patients stated that they had a benefit from the operation. CONCLUSION: The modified operation technique is capable of reducing operation time and morbidity in the implant removal of intramedullary nails.

[False aneurysm of the deep femoral artery due to pertrochanteric fracture of the hip with displaced fragment of the lesser trochanter]. / Aneurysma spurium der A. profunda femoris - Komplikation nach pertrochantärer Femurfraktur mit Dislokation des Trochanter minor.

We report the case of an 82-year-old man with a pertrochanteric fracture of the hip and an avulsion of the lesser trochanter. During the third postoperative week after unproblematic correction with a gamma nail, a swelling of the proximal thigh occurred. Angiographs showed a false aneurysm of the deep femoral artery which was treated by suture.

Health benefits of physical activity in older patients: a review.

As the number of elderly persons in our country increases, more attention is being given to geriatric healthcare needs and successful ageing is becoming an important topic in medical literature. Concept of successful ageing is in first line on a preventive approach of care for older people. Promotion of regular physical activity is one of the main non-pharmaceutical measures proposed to older subjects as low rate of physical activity is frequently noticed in this age group. Moderate but regular physical activity is associated with a reduction in total mortality among older people, a positive effect on primary prevention of coronary heart disease and a significant benefit on the lipid profile. Improving body composition with a reduction in fat mass, reducing blood pressure and prevention of stroke, as well as type 2 diabetes, are also well established. Prevention of some cancers (especially that of breast and colon), increasing bone density and prevention of falls are also reported. Moreover, some longitudinal studies suggest that physical activity is linked to a reduced risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease in particular.

Longitudinal outcomes after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair (EVAR) is increasingly used, but there is insufficient evaluation of long-term outcomes. METHOD: Retrospective cohort study using the linked Washington State hospital discharge database. RESULT: 3,350 patients underwent elective repair of AAA (1181 EVAR) between 2000 and 2005. EVAR patients were older and had higher comorbidity scores. The 30-day readmission rate after EVAR was 11.6%. The 30-day readmissions included cardiac complications (18.5%) and device complications (10.4%). 46% of the 30-day readmissions after EVAR underwent procedures: abdominal/ iliac angiography (7.4%), angioplasty (8.9%), and device revision (8.2%). Mean time to late interventions was 611 days. CONCLUSION: Readmission, reintervention, and complication rates after EVAR occur more commonly than previously described. Cardiac complications were the most common readmission. Almost half of the 30-day readmissions required a secondary intervention. Long-term complications after EVAR occurred before two years. Population-based assessment may be more reflective of "real world" complication rates after EVAR.