Different Radiological Indices of Patellar Height Predict Patients' Diverse Outcomes Following Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common surgical procedure for patients with knee osteoarthritis. The patellar component plays a crucial role in knee biomechanics and can influence postoperative outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between radiological indices of patellar height and patient outcomes following TKA. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent TKA for osteoarthritis. Radiographic measurements of patellar height, including the Insall-Salvati (IS) ratio, modified Blackburne-Peel (mBP) ratio, Caton-Deschamps ratio, and plateau-patellar angle (PPA), were obtained. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Knee Society Score (KSS) and the Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12). Patient satisfaction and postoperative complications were also evaluated. Statistical analyses, including correlation analysis and multiple regression models, were performed to determine the association between radiological indices and patient outcomes. Results: The study included 330 cases that met the inclusion criteria. The analysis revealed significant correlations between different radiological indices of patellar height and patient outcomes. Lower postoperative PPA was correlated with worse KSS and range of motion scores. A decreased mBP ratio was associated with poorer FJS-12 responses and higher risks of dissatisfaction and patellar clunk or crepitus. Increased IS ratio was linked to a lower likelihood of incidental giving way of the knee. Advanced age was associated with reduced dissatisfaction and incidental giving way probabilities. Conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrate that radiological indices of patellar height can predict patient outcomes following TKA. Assessing patellar height using various radiographic measurements provides valuable information for surgical planning and prognostic evaluation. Understanding the impact of patellar height on clinical outcomes can aid in optimizing TKA procedures and improving patient satisfaction. These findings emphasize the importance of considering patellar height as a predictive factor in TKA and highlight its potential role in guiding postoperative management and rehabilitation strategies.

Have changes in colorectal surgery training impacted on mortality in cancer patients? A retrospective cohort study of 51,562 procedures.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to explore whether there were any differences in consultant colorectal surgeon training and adjusted 90-day postoperative colorectal cancer mortality rates (AMR). METHODS: We undertook a retrospective analysis of outcomes data published on the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) website. A total of 51,562 procedures for patients in England diagnosed with large bowel cancer between 2010 and 2015, registered under 551 consultants were included. Consultants were split into two cohorts. The first group were the pre-Calman Trained Consultants (pre-CTr), who completed their training before 1998. The second group-the post-Calman Trained Consultants (post-CTr)-included those who received their Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) under the Calman Training Principles (CTC, 1998-2007) and the Modernising Medical Careers Curriculum (MMC, 2008 and onwards). The outcome measure was an AMR. RESULTS: The pre-CTr cohort (n=84) consisted of 3.6% female colorectal consultants (n=3/84), whereas the post-CTr cohort (n=467) consisted of 14.3% female colorectal consultants (n=67/467) (p=0.006). In this cross-sectional analysis over 5 years, the average pre-CTr undertook a greater number of colorectal resections than their post-CTr peers: median procedures (interquartile range, IQR): 104 (59) vs 89 (57) respectively, p=0.008. The median AMR was significantly greater among pre-CTrs compared with post-CTrs, median AMR (IQR): 2.7% (2.0) vs 2.1% (2.9), p=0.022. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that the implementation of the MMC and Calman training principles for colorectal training is associated with a statistically lower AMR compared with other historical training periods. This merits further exploration.

Postoperative Outcomes in Surgical Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: Patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2) who require surgical procedures are likely to experience higher postoperative mortality and morbidity. Our objective was to evaluate the perioperative course of patients infected with SARS-COV-2 undergoing surgical procedures. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics, outcomes, and the effect of the presence of symptoms. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. METHODS: We analyzed the records of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who underwent surgical procedures from March 2020 to March 2021. Patients with ongoing infection at the time of surgery and those who had recently recovered were included. The primary outcome measure was 30-day in-hospital mortality after surgery. Secondary outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) admission, length of stay in ICU, postoperative length of stay, and complications. FINDINGS: Data from 102 patients were analyzed. Twenty-four patients (23.5%) died postoperatively in the hospital within 30 days. Forty-four patients required ICU admission (average stay 13 days). The median postoperative length of stay was 8 days (interquartile range, 3.75 to 19.25 days). Pulmonary, thromboembolic, and surgical complications were noted in 29 (28.4%), 14 (13.7%), and 18 (17.6%), respectively. Patients aged 41 to 60 years experienced higher rates of pulmonary and thromboembolic complications. Comparison of asymptomatic versus symptomatic patients revealed significantly higher 30-day in-hospital mortality (9 [15%] vs 15 [35.7%], P = .019), ICU admission (17 [28.3%] vs 27 [64.3%], P < .001), length of stay in ICU (3 [2 to 11.5] vs 18 [7 to 27], P = .001), postoperative length of stay (6 [3 to 10.75] vs 12 [5 to 25.25], P = .016) and pulmonary complication rates (11 [18.3%] vs 18 [42.9%], P = .008) in the symptomatic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic SARS-COV-2 patients undergoing surgical procedures experience significantly higher 30-day in-hospital mortality, ICU admission, longer ICU and hospital stay, and pulmonary complications.

Quality of life with diverticular disease: translation and validation of the German version of the diverticulitis quality of life questionnaire (DV-QOL).

BACKGROUND: The DV-QoL is a 17-item questionnaire measuring health-related quality of life in patients affected by symptomatic diverticular disease, covering four domains: physical symptoms, concerns, feelings, and behavioral changes. Given the lack of a diverticulitis-specific questionnaire to be used for German-speaking patients, we prospectively validated the German version of the DV-QoL. METHODS: German-speaking patients with CT-confirmed history of recurrent diverticular disease admitted to a Swiss surgical department completed the German version of the DV-QoL, along with short form-36 (SF-36) and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI). Reliability was examined using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, a Martin-Loef test, and Cronbach's alpha. For convergent validity testing, correlations were calculated with the GIQLI and SF-36. Discriminant validity tests included age and gender. RESULTS: We included 121 patients, of whom 77 were admissions for elective surgery and 44 presented with acute diverticulitis treated conservatively. The DV-QoL's total score showed good correlations with the GIQLI (r = - 0.77) and its subscales (r = - 0.76 to - 0.45), as well as with the SF-36's subscales (r = - 0.30 to - 0.57). No relationships were found with age or gender (p < 0.05). The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.89 over all items and 0.69, 0.90, 0.78, and 0.77 for the four separated domains (physical symptoms, cognitions/concerns, feelings, and behavioral changes, respectively). A nonsignificant Martin-Loef test indicated unidimensionality (p = 1), further supported by the exploratory factor analysis, which showed an item information sharing of 65%. CONCLUSION: The German DV-QoL questionnaire can be used as a valid and reliable disease-specific measure for quality of life in patients with recurrent diverticular disease.

Prior traumatic brain injury is a risk factor for in-hospital mortality in moderate to severe traumatic brain injury: a TRACK-TBI cohort study.

Objectives: An estimated 14-23% of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) incur multiple lifetime TBIs. The relationship between prior TBI and outcomes in patients with moderate to severe TBI (msTBI) is not well delineated. We examined the associations between prior TBI, in-hospital mortality, and outcomes up to 12 months after injury in a prospective US msTBI cohort. Methods: Data from hospitalized subjects with Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3-12 were extracted from the Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in Traumatic Brain Injury Study (enrollment period: 2014-2019). Prior TBI with amnesia or alteration of consciousness was assessed using the Ohio State University TBI Identification Method. Competing risk regressions adjusting for age, sex, psychiatric history, cranial injury and extracranial injury severity examined the associations between prior TBI and in-hospital mortality, with hospital discharged alive as the competing risk. Adjusted HRs (aHR (95% CI)) were reported. Multivariable logistic regressions assessed the associations between prior TBI, mortality, and unfavorable outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended score 1-3 (vs. 4-8)) at 3, 6, and 12 months after injury. Results: Of 405 acute msTBI subjects, 21.5% had prior TBI, which was associated with male sex (87.4% vs. 77.0%, p=0.037) and psychiatric history (34.5% vs. 20.7%, p=0.010). In-hospital mortality was 10.1% (prior TBI: 17.2%, no prior TBI: 8.2%, p=0.025). Competing risk regressions indicated that prior TBI was associated with likelihood of in-hospital mortality (aHR=2.06 (1.01-4.22)), but not with hospital discharged alive. Prior TBI was not associated with mortality or unfavorable outcomes at 3, 6, and 12 months. Conclusions: After acute msTBI, prior TBI history is independently associated with in-hospital mortality but not with mortality or unfavorable outcomes within 12 months after injury. This selective association underscores the importance of collecting standardized prior TBI history data early after acute hospitalization to inform risk stratification. Prospective validation studies are needed. Level of evidence: IV. Trial registration number: NCT02119182.

Clinical validation of the nursing outcome "Swallowing status: pharyngeal phase" in patients with laryngeal cancer.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to clinically validate the nursing outcome "Swallowing status: pharyngeal phase" (1013). METHODS: A two-stage study was designed: (1) Chinese translation and cultural adaptation and (2) clinical validation. Internal consistency and interrater reliability tests were performed on 285 patients with laryngeal cancer, and an additional 130 patients were randomly selected from the 285 patients as an independent sample. Criterion-related validity tests were performed using the standardized swallowing assessment (SSA). Nursing outcome sensitivity was detected by scoring two time points. RESULTS: The Cronbach's alpha coefficients were 0.951 for the nursing outcome and 0.942-0.965 for each indicator. The interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values for each indicator ranged from 0.73 to 0.929. The scores of the nursing outcome were negatively correlated with the SSA scores (r = -0.555, p < 0.01). With the exception of two indicators, there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the total scores of the scale and its 11 indicator scores for the two time points. The results indicated that the nursing outcome "Swallowing status: pharyngeal phase" (1013) exhibited satisfactory psychometric properties and high sensitivity to change. CONCLUSIONS: The nursing outcome "Swallowing status: pharyngeal phase" (1013) demonstrated good reliability, validity, and sensitivity in patients with laryngeal cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: The nursing outcome "Swallowing status: pharyngeal phase" (1013) can be used to assess swallowing function in patients with laryngeal cancer and provide guidance for the development of rehabilitation intervention plans and nursing care.

Prognostic relevance of preoperative CA 19-9 values in stage III rectal adenocarcinoma: retrospective analysis and clinical implications.

Aim: To investigate prognostic significance of preoperative levels of the Carbohydrate anti-gen 19-9 (CA 19-9) in patients with stage III rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent a treatment at the Clinical Centre of the University of Sarajevo. Materials: A retrospective cohort study included 84 patients who underwent radical anterior rectal resection due to grade III rectal adenocarcinoma, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy according to the FOLFOX protocol (Oxaliplatin, Leucovorin, 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)). The patients were divided into two groups according to CA 19-9 values (≥27 U/mL and <27 U/mL, respectively). Results: High pre-operative CA 19-9 values predicted an increased probability of postoperative metastases, especially liver, lung and abdominopelvic metastases, as well as three-year disease-free survival (3Y-DFS) and three-year overall survival (3Y-OS). The 3Y-DFS rate for patients with high CA 19-9 was 64.5%, while for those with low CA 19-9 it was 87.2%. The 3Y-OS rate for patients with high CA 19-9 was 89.8%, while for those with low CA 19-9 it was 65.7%. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis confirmed that a high level of CA 19-9 is an independent predictor for DFS and OS shorter than three years. Conclusion: Pre-operatively elevated values of CA 19-9 in rectal adenocarcinoma have a significant role in predicting the outcome in patients with stage III rectal adenocarcinoma.

Clinical effectiveness of a modified muscle sparing posterior technique compared with a standard lateral approach in hip hemiarthroplasty for displaced intracapsular fractures (HemiSPAIRE): a multicenter, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial.

Objectives: Assess the effect of a modified muscle sparing posterior approach; SPAIRE (Save Piriformis and Internus, Repairing Externus), in hip hemiarthroplasty for displaced intracapsular fractures on postoperative mobility and function compared with a standard lateral approach. Design: Pragmatic, superiority, multicenter, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial (with internal pilot). Participants, ward staff, and research staff conducting postoperative assessments were blinded to allocation. A CTU allocated treatments centrally using computer-generated lists. Setting: Six hospitals in Southwest England, recruiting November 25, 2019-April 25, 2022. Participants: 244 adults (≥60 years) requiring hip hemiarthroplasty (122 allocated to each approach). 90 and 85 participants allocated to SPAIRE and lateral, respectively, had primary outcome data within the prespecified data collection window. Interventions: Surgery using SPAIRE or standard lateral approach. Follow-up 3 days and 120 days postoperation. Main outcome measure: Oxford Hip Score (OHS), via telephone at 120 days. Secondary outcomes: function and mobility (3 days), pain (3 days, 120 days), discharge destination, length of hospital stay, complications and mortality (within 120 days), quality of life and place of residence (120 days). Results: Participants' mean age was 84.6 years (SD 7.2); 168 (69%) were women. Primary outcome: little evidence of a difference in OHS at 120 days; adjusted mean difference (SPAIRE-lateral) -1.23 (95% CI -3.96 to 1.49, p=0.37). Secondary outcomes: indication of lower participant-reported pain at 3 days in SPAIRE arm; no differences between arms for remaining outcomes. Conclusions: Participants' mobility and function are similar in the short term (3 days) and longer term (120 days), whether receiving the SPAIRE or lateral approach. Neither approach confers benefit over the other in terms of length of hospital stay, return to prefracture residence, survival within 120 days, or quality of life at 120 days. Participants receiving SPAIRE approach may experience less pain in the early postoperative period. Modifying the posterior approach in hip hemiarthroplasty to the SPAIRE approach gives equivalent patient outcomes to the lateral approach within 120 days. Trial registration number: NCT04095611.

Controversy on the CONVINCE study findings: the PRO take / Controvérsia sobre os achados do estudo CONVINCE: a perspectiva PRO

ABSTRACT The CONVINCE study, recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, reveals a groundbreaking 23% reduction in the relative risk of all-cause mortality among end-stage kidney patients undergoing high convective volume hemodiafiltration. This significant finding challenges the conventional use of high-flux hemodialysis and offers hope for improving outcomes in chronic kidney disease patients. While some controversies surround the study's findings, including concerns about generalizability and the causes of death, it is essential to acknowledge the study's design and its main outcomes. The CONVINCE study, part of the HORIZON 2020 project, enrolled 1360 patients and demonstrated the superiority of hemodiafiltration in reducing all-cause mortality overall, as well as in specific patient subgroups (elderly, short vintage, non-diabetic, and those without cardiac issues). Interestingly, it was shown that hemodiafiltration had a protective effect against infection, including COVID-19. Future research will address sustainability, dose scaling effects, identification of subgroups especially likely to benefit and cost-effectiveness. However, for now, the findings strongly support a broader adoption of hemodiafiltration in renal replacement therapy, marking a significant advancement in the field.

RESUMO O estudo CONVINCE, publicado recentemente no New England Journal of Medicine, revela uma redução inovadora de 23% no risco relativo de mortalidade por todas as causas entre pacientes renais em estágio terminal submetidos à hemodiafiltração de alto volume de convecção. Esse achado significativo desafia o uso convencional da hemodiálise de alto fluxo e oferece esperança de melhoria dos desfechos em pacientes com doença renal crônica. Embora algumas controvérsias cerquem os achados do estudo, incluindo preocupações sobre a generalização e as causas de óbito, é essencial reconhecer o desenho do estudo e seus principais desfechos. O estudo CONVINCE, parte do projeto HORIZON 2020, inscreveu 1.360 pacientes e demonstrou a superioridade da hemodiafiltração na redução da mortalidade por todas as causas em geral, bem como em subgrupos específicos de pacientes (idosos, HD de curta duração, não diabéticos e aqueles sem problemas cardíacos). Curiosamente, demonstrou-se que a hemodiafiltração teve um efeito protetor contra infecções, incluindo a COVID-19. Pesquisas futuras abordarão sustentabilidade, efeitos de escalonamento da dose, identificação de subgrupos especialmente propensos a se beneficiar e a relação custo-benefício. No entanto, por ora, os achados apoiam fortemente uma adoção mais ampla da hemodiafiltração na terapia renal substitutiva, marcando um avanço significativo na área.

Evaluation of the Concept of Value-Based Healthcare Applied to an Integrated Palliative Care Program in Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the "Value-Based Healthcare" concept of an integrated palliative care (PC) program in Bogotá, Colombia, through the measurement of health outcomes and care costs in the last 3 months of life. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study that included patients ≥18 years old who died in 2020 due to medical conditions amenable to PC. The measured health outcomes included pain, wellbeing, comfort, quality of life (QOL), and satisfaction. We analyzed the behavior of overall care costs during the last 3 months of the patients' lives and controlled for the effect of exposure to the program, considering the disease type and insurance coverage, using a linear regression model, nearest-neighbor matching, and sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Among patients exposed to the program, the mean pain score was 2.1/10 (± 1.3) and wellbeing was rated at 3.5/10 (± 1.0), comfort at 1.6/24 (± 1.3), QOL at 3.6/5.0 (± 0.17), and satisfaction at 9.3/100 (± 0.15). The positive changes in these scores were greater for patients who remained in the program for over 3 months. Cost reduction was demonstrated in the last 90 days of life, with statistically significant and chronologically progressive savings during the last 30 days of life exceeding 5 million pesos per patient (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the success of PC in reducing pain, improving wellbeing and QOL, providing comfort, and ensuring high levels of satisfaction. Moreover, PC is an effective value-based healthcare strategy and can significantly enhance the efficiency of healthcare services by reducing end-of-life healthcare costs.

Recent Advances in Digital Technology in Implant Dentistry.

Digital technology has emerged as a transformative tool in dental implantation, profoundly enhancing accuracy and effectiveness across multiple facets, such as diagnosis, preoperative treatment planning, surgical procedures, and restoration delivery. The multiple integration of radiographic data and intraoral data, sometimes with facial scan data or electronic facebow through virtual planning software, enables comprehensive 3-dimensional visualization of the hard and soft tissue and the position of future restoration, resulting in heightened diagnostic precision. In virtual surgery design, the incorporation of both prosthetic arrangement and individual anatomical details enables the virtual execution of critical procedures (e.g., implant placement, extended applications, etc.) through analysis of cross-sectional images and the reconstruction of 3-dimensional surface models. After verification, the utilization of digital technology including templates, navigation, combined techniques, and implant robots achieved seamless transfer of the virtual treatment plan to the actual surgical sites, ultimately leading to enhanced surgical outcomes with highly improved accuracy. In restoration delivery, digital techniques for impression, shade matching, and prosthesis fabrication have advanced, enabling seamless digital data conversion and efficient communication among clinicians and technicians. Compared with clinical medicine, artificial intelligence (AI) technology in dental implantology primarily focuses on diagnosis and prediction. AI-supported preoperative planning and surgery remain in developmental phases, impeded by the complexity of clinical cases and ethical considerations, thereby constraining widespread adoption.

Longer Operative Time for Lower Extremity Bypass Surgery is Associated With Inferior Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to assess the association of operative time with the postoperative length of stay and unplanned return to the operating room in patients undergoing femoral to below knee popliteal bypasses, stratified by autologous vein graft or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of vascular quality initiative database (2003-2021). The selected patients were grouped into the following: vein bypass (group I) and PTFE (group II) patients. Each group was further stratified by a median split of operative time (i.e., 210 min for autologous vein and 155 min for PTFE) to study the outcomes. The outcomes were assessed by univariate and multivariate approach. RESULTS: Of the 10,902 patients studied, 3570 (32.7%) were in the autologous vein group, while 7332 (67.3%) were in the PTFE group. Univariate analysis revealed autologous vein and PTFE graft recipients that had increased operative times were associated with a longer mean postoperative length of stay and a higher incidence of all-cause return to the operating room. In PTFE group, patients with prolonged operative times were also found to be associated with higher incidence of major amputation, surgical site infection, and cardiovascular events, along with loss of primary patency within a year. CONCLUSIONS: For patients undergoing femoral to below knee popliteal bypasses using an autologous vein or PTFE, longer operative times were associated with inferior outcomes. Mortality was not found to be associated with prolonged operative time.

Social determinants of gastrointestinal malformation mortality in Brazil: a national study.

Introduction: In Brazil, approximately 5% are born with a congenital disorder, potentially fatal without surgery. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between gastrointestinal congenital malformation (GICM) mortality, health indicators, and socioeconomic factors in Brazil. Methods: GICM admissions (Q39-Q45) between 2012 and 2019 were collected using national databases. Patient demographics, socioeconomic factors, clinical management, outcomes, and the healthcare workforce density were also accounted for. Pediatric Surgical Workforce density and the number of neonatal intensive care units in a region were extracted from national datasets and combined to create a clinical index termed 'NeoSurg'. Socioeconomic variables were combined to create a socioeconomic index termed 'SocEcon'. Simple linear regression was used to investigate if the temporal changes of both indexes were significant. The correlation between mortality and the different indicators in Brazil was evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: Over 8 years, Brazil recorded 12804 GICM admissions. The Southeast led with 6147 cases, followed by the Northeast (2660), South (1727), North (1427), and Midwest (843). The North and Northeast reported the highest mortality, lowest NeoSurg, and SocEcon Index rates. Nevertheless, mortality rates declined across regions from 7.7% (2012) to 3.9% (2019), a 51.7% drop. The North and Midwest experienced the most substantial reductions, at 63% and 75%, respectively. Mortality significantly correlated with the indexes in nearly all regions (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our study highlights the correlation between social determinants of health and GICM mortality in Brazil, using two novel indexes in the pediatric population. These findings provide an opportunity to rethink and discuss new indicators that could enhance our understanding of our country and could lead to the development of necessary solutions to tackle existing challenges in Brazil and globally.

The quality of dying and death of patients with cancer from Shanghai in China from the perspective of healthcare providers: A cross-sectional study.

Objective: To evaluate the quality of dying and death among deceased patients with cancer in Shanghai from the perspective of healthcare providers. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Shanghai from April to July 2023. A convenience sample of 261 healthcare providers working at eight healthcare institutions participated. Each participant was asked to evaluate the quality of dying and death of one deceased patient who had been cared for recently using the Good Death Scale for patients in China (GDS-PCN). The scale included family companionship (eight items), dying with peace (six items), professional care (six items), preparation & no regrets (five items), maintaining dignity (four items), keeping autonomy (four items), and physical wellbeing (three items) seven dimensions, 36 items. Results: The total GDS-PCN score was 144.11 ± 17.86. The professional care dimension scored the highest (4.21 ± 0.58), whereas the preparation and no regret dimension scored the lowest (3.75 ± 0.70). Significant differences in the GDS-PCN scores were based on the healthcare institution grade, ward type, hospitalization duration, communication about the condition, treatment, and death-related topics with the healthcare provider, and decision-making style (P < 0.05). The quality of dying and death of the deceased patients was higher among those who received care in community health service centers and hospice wards, those who had been hospitalized for more than 15 days, those who had discussed their personal conditions, treatment, and death-related topics with healthcare providers to a greater extent; and those who were involved in decision-making (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The overall quality of dying and death among cancer patients in Shanghai is moderate to high, but the quality of dying and death in the preparation and no regret dimension and the keeping autonomy dimension still have room for improvement. Increased utilization of hospice care and better communication between patients and healthcare providers may enhance decedents' quality of dying and death. Future research on this topic is required from different perspectives and on a broader scale in the mainland of China.

Total Knee Arthroplasty in Patients Who Have Skeletal Dysplasia: A Center's Experience With a Mean 9-Year Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients who have skeletal dysplasia (SD) is a technically challenging surgery due to deformity, joint contracture, and associated comorbidities. Patients presenting with this condition have traditionally been treated with conservative measures, leading to poor outcomes. The aim of this study was to follow-up on patients who had SD following TKA, specifically with regards to clinical outcomes. METHODS: A total of 31 knees (22 patients) with SD that had undergone TKA in our institution were included in our study. The mean follow-up from index surgery was 110.3 months (range: 20 to 291). The type of dysplasia, implant used, and clinical outcomes with patient-reported outcome measures are presented. RESULTS: There were 8 patients (36.3%) who had a diagnosis of achondroplasia, followed by multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (31.8%) and spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (22.7%). There were 14 men and 8 women who had a mean age of 51 years (range: 28 to 73). Custom implants were required in 12 cases (38.7%), custom jigs were used in 6 cases (19.4%), and robotic-assisted surgery was used in 2 (6.5%) TKAs. Hinged prostheses were used in 17 cases (54.8%), posterior-stabilized in 9 (29.0%), and cruciate-retaining implants in 5 (16.1%). There was 1 patient who sustained an intraoperative medial tibial plateau fracture treated with concomitant open reduction and internal fixation. There was 1 revision that occurred during the follow-up period with a patella resurfacing for continued anterior knee pain. Postoperatively, Oxford Knee Scores improved on average by 12.2 points. The 10-year and 20-year all-cause revision-free survival was 96.8, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the technical challenges and complexity associated with this unique patient cohort, we demonstrated excellent implant survivorship and clinical outcomes post-TKA with mid-term to long-term follow-up of more than 20 years. We recommend preoperative cross-sectional imaging for precise planning and implant templating with multidisciplinary team decision-making. Despite our results, functional outcomes remain inferior to primary arthroplasty within the general population, although we still recommend this treatment modality to appropriately counseled patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

The presence of hiatal hernia is a significant predictor for symptomatic recurrence after cessation of vonoprazan therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease: a long-term observational study.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms frequently recur after cessation of acid blockers. The presence of a hiatal hernia may worsen GERD symptoms and increase the risk of esophageal malignancy. The aim of this study is to clarify the timing and predictors for recurrence of GERD symptoms after cessation of vonoprazan (VPZ) therapy. METHODS: A retrospective observational study involved 86 patients who underwent cessation of VPZ therapy for symptomatic GERD. Collated data from medical record review included the endoscopic findings and Izumo scale score. RESULTS: The mean duration of continuous VPZ therapy before cessation was 7.9 months. GERD symptoms requiring the resumption of VPZ therapy recurred in 66 of 86 patients (77%). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that overall recurrence-free rates at 6 months, one and two years after VPZ cessation were 44%, 32% and 23%, respectively. Alcohol use, the presence of a hiatal hernia and long-term therapy for more than six months were identified as significant positive predictors for symptomatic recurrence. Notably, hiatal hernia had the highest hazard ratio in both univariate and multivariate analyses. The recurrence-free rate in patients with a hiatal hernia was much lower at 6 months than in patients without a hiatal hernia (15% and 51%, respectively p = 0.002). After the symptomatic recurrence, GERD symptoms improved significantly after one-month VPZ therapy. CONCLUSION: The rate of symptomatic recurrence after VPZ cessation in patients with GERD is considerable. Cessation of acid suppression therapy should be cautious in patients with both a hiatal hernia and GERD.

Comparison of the perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic transperitoneal versus retraperitoneal partial nephrectomy for posterior-lateral renal tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The study aims to assess the available literature and compare the perioperative outcomes of robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for posterior-lateral renal tumors using transperitoneal (TP) and retroperitoneal (RP) approaches. Systematically searched the Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases for literature. Eligible studies were those that compared TP-RAPN and RP-RAPN for posterior-lateral renal tumors. The data from the included studies were analyzed and summarized using Review Manager 5.3, which involved comparing baseline patient and tumor characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative outcomes, and oncological outcomes. The analysis included five studies meeting the inclusion criteria, with a total of 1440 patients (814 undergoing RP-RAPN and 626 undergoing TP-RAPN). Both groups showed no significant differences in age, gender, BMI, R.E.N.A.L. score, and tumor size. Notably, compared to TP-RAPN, the RP-RAPN group demonstrated shorter operative time (OT) (MD: 17.25, P = 0.01), length of hospital stay (LOS) (MD: 0.37, P < 0.01), and lower estimated blood loss (EBL) (MD: 15.29, P < 0.01). However, no significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of warm ischemia time (WIT) (MD: -0.34, P = 0.69), overall complications (RR: 1.25, P = 0.09), major complications (the Clavien-Dindo classification ≥ 3) (RR: 0.97, P = 0.93), and positive surgical margin (PSM) (RR: 1.06, P = 0.87). The systematic review and meta-analysis suggests RP-RAPN may be more advantageous for posterior-lateral renal tumors in terms of OT, EBL, and LOS, but no significant differences were found in WIT, overall complications, major complications, and PSM. Both surgical approaches are safe, but a definitive advantage remains uncertain.

Pain in Long-Term Cancer Survivors: Prevalence and Impact in a Cohort Composed Mostly of Breast Cancer Survivors.

Cancer survival is becoming more common which means that there is now a growing population of cancer survivors, in whom pain may be common. However, its prevalence has hardly been addressed systematically. We aimed to assess the prevalence and explore the pathophysiology and impact of pain on health outcomes in cancer survivors. We conducted a retrospective-prospective cohort study in cancer-free patients diagnosed with cancer at least five years before the study start date. We used multivariable regression to establish the association of patients' cancer characteristics with pain, and then the association of patients' pain features with health outcomes and related symptoms. Between March and July 2021, 278 long-term cancer survivors were evaluated. Almost half of them (130/278, 46.8%) had pain, of whom 58.9% had a probable neuropathic component, but only 18 (13.8%) were taking specific drugs for neuropathic pain. A history of surgery-related pain syndrome in breast cancer patients was more than twice as frequent in the pain cohort. Post-chemotherapy and post-radiotherapy pain syndromes were uncommon. Pain was associated with lower QoL, emotional functioning, professional performance, and disability scores. Pain is a frequent health determinant in cancer survivors. Referral to specialised pain services may be a reasonable move in some cases.

Long-term follow-up of patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia encounter a number of surgical and medical morbidities that persist into adulthood. As mortality improves for this population, these survivors warrant specialized follow-up for their unique disease-specific morbidities. Multidisciplinary congenital diaphragmatic hernia clinics are best positioned to address these complex long-term morbidities, provide long-term research outcomes, and help inform standardization of best practices in this cohort of patients. This review outlines long-term morbidities experienced by congenital diaphragmatic hernia survivors that can be addressed in a comprehensive follow-up clinic.