Retrospective analysis of 51 intralesionally treated cases with progressed giant cell tumor of the bone: local adjuvant use of hydrogen peroxide reduces the risk for tumor recurrence.

BACKGROUND: Giant cell tumor of the bone (GCT) has high local recurrence rates and the prognosis is hard to predict. We therefore retrospectively analyzed clinical outcome and recurrences of 51 GCT cases focusing on the effects of adjuvant local use of hydrogen peroxide. METHODS: The series enclosed 51 advanced GCT cases of the upper and lower extremities (n = 27 Campanacci grade III; n = 24 grade II; n = 39 surgery at our institution, n = 12 elsewhere). Mean follow-up was 88.3 (± 62.0) months. Surgical details, histology, metastases, recurrences, and interview-based data on satisfaction and function including the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score were evaluated. It was investigated whether hydrogen peroxide was additionally used or not to clean the tumor cavity after curettage as we hypothesized influence on recurrences. To analyze the underlying mechanisms, GCT-derived stromal cell lines were cultured in vitro and tested for cell viability and apoptosis after treatment with hydrogen peroxide. Statistical analysis was performed with Student's t tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc testing, Mann-Whitney U tests, chi-square tests, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and multivariate Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: The whole series had 21 recurrences (41%). Eleven recurrences were found (28%) after surgery at our institution. Kaplan-Meier analysis of cumulative recurrence-free survival revealed at 2 years follow-up 69% (72%, only our institution) and at 10 years follow-up 54% (68%, only our institution). Intralesional resection was performed by vigorous curettage, burring, and defect filling with either polymethylmethacrylate bone cement (n = 45) or cancellous bone from the iliac crest (n = 6). Univariate chi-square analysis showed significantly lower recurrence rate after bone cement filling (2.3-fold, p = 0.024). Cleaning of the lesion cavity with hydrogen peroxide significantly reduced recurrence rate (whole collective 2.9-fold, p = 0.004; our institution 2.8-fold, p = 0.04) and significantly increased cumulative recurrence-free survival rate (whole collective at 10 years follow-up 74% versus 31%, p = 0.002; our institution 79% versus 48%, p = 0.02) compared to cases without hydrogen peroxide treatment. In multivariate analysis, significant risk factors for recurrence were pathological fracture (hazard ratio 3.7; p = 0.04), high mitosis rate (hazard ratio 15.6; p = 0.01), and lack of hydrogen peroxide use (hazard ratio 6.0; p = 0.02). In vitro cell culture analyses found apoptotic nature of hydrogen peroxide induced GCT cell death. CONCLUSIONS: The present series proved for the first time that additional cleaning of the tumor cavity with hydrogen peroxide before defect filling significantly reduced recurrence rate and significantly increased recurrence-free survival in advanced but intralesionally treated GCT cases.

Outcome of conservative and surgical treatment of enchondromas and atypical cartilaginous tumors of the long bones: retrospective analysis of 228 patients.

BACKGROUND: Sufficient data on outcome of patients with clinically and radiologically aggressive enchondromas and atypical cartilaginous tumors (ACT) is lacking. We therefore analyzed both conservatively and surgically treated patients with lesions, which were not distinguishable between benign enchondroma and low-grade malignant ACT based upon clinical and radiologic appearance. METHODS: The series included 228 consecutive cases with a follow-up > 24 months to assess radiological, histological, and clinical outcome including recurrences and complications. Pain, satisfaction, functional limitations, and the musculoskeletal tumor society (MSTS) score were evaluated to judge both function and emotional acceptance at final follow-up. RESULTS: Follow-up took place at a mean of 82 (median 75) months. The 228 patients all had comparable clinical and radiological findings. Of these, 153 patients were treated conservatively, while the other 75 patients underwent intralesional curettage. Besides clinical and radiological aggressiveness, most lesions were histologically judged as benign enchondromas. 9 cases were determined to be ACT, while the remaining 7 cases had indeterminate histology. After surgery, three patients developed a recurrence, and a further seven had complications of which six were related to osteosynthesis. Both groups had excellent and almost equal MSTS scores of 96 and 97%, respectively, but significantly less functional limitations were found in the non-surgery group. Further sub-analyses were performed to reduce selection bias. Sub-analysis of histologically diagnosed enchondromas in the surgery group found more pain, less function, and worse MSTS score compared to the non-surgery group. Sub-analysis of smaller lesions (< 4.4 cm) did not show significant differences. In contrast, larger lesions displayed significantly worse results after surgery compared to conservative treatment (enchondromas > 4.4 cm: MSTS score: 94.0% versus 97.3%, p = 0.007; pain 2.3 versus 0.8, p = 0.001). The majority of lesions treated surgically was filled with polymethylmethacrylate bone-cement, while the remainder was filled with cancellous-bone, without significant difference in clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: Feasibility of intralesional curettage strategies for symptomatic benign to low-grade malignant chondrogenic tumors was supported. Surgery, however, did not prove superior compared to conservative clinical and radiological observation. Due to the low risk of transformation into higher-grade tumors and better functional results, more lesions might just be observed if continuous follow-up is assured.

Enchondromas and atypical cartilaginous tumors at the proximal humerus treated with intralesional resection and bone cement filling with or without osteosynthesis: retrospective analysis of 42 cases with 6 years mean follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Enchondromas and atypical cartilaginous tumors (ACT) are often located at the proximal humerus. Most lesions can be followed conservatively, but surgical resection may alleviate pain, avoid pathological fractures, and prevent transformation into higher grade chondrosarcomas. Rigorous intralesional resection and filling with polymethylmethacrylate bone cement has been proposed for enchondromas but also for ACT, as an alternative for extralesional resection. We intended to analyze radiological, clinical, and functional outcome of this strategy and compare bone cement without osteosynthesis to bone cement compound osteosynthesis, which has not been analyzed so far. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 42 consecutive patients (mean follow-up 73 months; range 8-224) after curettage and bone cement filling with or without osteosynthesis. Exclusion criteria were Ollier's disease and cancellous bone filling. Twenty-five patients only received bone cement. Seventeen patients received additional proximal humerus plate for compound osteosynthesis to increase stability after curettage. Demographics and radiological and clinical outcome were analyzed including surgery time, blood loss, hospitalization, recurrences, and complications. An additional telephone interview at the final follow-up assessed postoperative satisfaction, pain, and function in the quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score and the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score. Statistics included the Student T tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and chi-square tests. RESULTS: No osteosynthesis compared to compound osteosynthesis showed smaller tumors (4.2 (± 1.5) cm versus 6.6 (± 3.0) cm; p = 0.005) and smaller bone cement fillings after curettage (5.7 (± 2.1) cm versus 9.6 (± 3.2) cm; p = 0.0001). A score evaluating preoperative scalloping and soft-tissue extension did not significantly differ (1.9 (± 0.9) versus 2.0 (± 1.0); rating scale 0-4; p = 0.7). Both groups showed high satisfaction (9.2 (± 1.5) versus 9.2 (± 0.9); p = 0.5) and low pain (1.0(±1.7) versus 1.9(±1.8); p = 0.1) in a rating scale from 0 to 10. Clinical and functional outcome was excellent for both groups in the DASH score (6.0 (± 11.8) versus 11.0 (± 13.2); rating scale 0-100; p = 0.2) and the MSTS score (29.0 (± 1.7) versus 28.7 (± 1.1); rating scale 0-30; p = 0.3). One enchondroma recurrence was found in the group without osteosynthesis. Complications (one fracture and one intra-articular screw) were only detected after osteosynthesis. Osteosynthesis had longer surgery time (70 (± 21) min versus 127 (± 22) min; p < 0.0001), more blood loss (220 (± 130) ml versus 460 (± 210) ml; p < 0.0001), and longer stay in the hospital (6 (± 2) days versus 8 (± 2) days; p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Intralesional tumor resection was oncologically safe and clinically successful with or without osteosynthesis. Osteosynthesis did not reduce the risk for fracture but was more invasive.

Factors Associated With Missed Appointments at an Academic Pain Treatment Center: A Prospective Year-Long Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND: Interventional pain treatment centers represent an integral part of interdisciplinary care. Barriers to effective treatment include access to care and financial issues related to pain clinic operations. To address these challenges, specialty clinics have taken steps to identify and remedy missed clinic appointments. However, no prospective study has sought to identify factors associated with pain clinic "no-shows." METHODS: We performed a prospective, longitudinal year-long study in an inner-city, academic pain clinic in which patients scheduled for office visits and procedures were categorized as to whether they showed up or did not show up for their scheduled appointment without cancelling the day before. Twenty demographic (age, employment status), clinical (eg, diagnosis, duration of pain), and environmental (season, time and day of appointment) variables were assessed for their association with missing an appointment. The logistic regression model predicting no-shows was internally validated with crossvalidation and bootstrapping methods. A predictive nomogram was developed to display effect size of predictors for no-shows. RESULTS: No-show data were collected on 5134 patients out of 5209 total appointments for a capture rate of 98.6%. The overall no-show rate was 24.6% and was higher in individuals who were young (<65 years), single, of ethnic minority background, received Medicare/Medicaid, had a primary diagnosis of low back pain or headaches, were seen on a day with rain or snow or for an initial consult, and had at least 1 previous pain provider. Model discrimination (area under curve) was 0.738 (99% confidence interval, 0.70-0.85). A minimum threshold of 350 points on the nomogram predicted greater than 55% risk of no-shows. CONCLUSIONS: We found a high no-show rate, which was associated with predictable and unpredictable (eg, snow) factors. Steps to reduce the no-show rate are discussed. To maximize access to care, operation managers should consider a regression model that accounts for patient-level risk of predictable no-shows. Knowing the patient level, no-show rate can potentially help to optimize the schedule programming by staggering low- versus high-probability no-shows.

Single-port live donor nephrectomy using a novel Curved Radius r2 Surgical System in an in vivo model.

OBJECTIVE: Single-port laparoscopic donor nephrectomy provides low morbidity and satisfactory cosmetic results for patients. The aim of this animal study was to establish a surgical technique of single-site (LESS) living donor nephrectomy using novel curved r2 CURVE manipulators specially designed for single-port access. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of six LESS nephrectomies were performed in three female pigs. r2 CURVE-instruments (Tuebingen Scientific Medical GmbH) were used providing a curved rotatable shaft, endless tip rotation, as well as 90° tip deflection. A 10 mm 30° extra long laparoscope, r2-curved Grasper, Maryland dissector and bipolar scissors were used for mobilization and dissection. RESULTS: All LESS nephrectomies were performed successfully. Average operative time was 80 min (range, 42-149 min). No technical problems were observed. Insertion and extraction of the instruments through the single-port were easy to conduct. The diameter of the used single-port was sufficient for safe manual organ harvesting. Potential conflict between the laparoscope and the instrument handles was avoided by using an extra long laparoscope. CONCLUSIONS: The new curved and deflectable instruments showed that single-port nephrectomy using the R2 manipulators is feasible. Single-port laparoscopic nephrectomy might be more patient-friendly and improve the willingness of potential donors to donate live organs.

Incidence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia type II and postoperative recovery of platelet count in liver graft recipients: a retrospective cohort analysis.

BACKGROUND: Thrombocytopenia in patients with end-stage liver disease is a common disorder caused mainly by portal hypertension, low levels of thrombopoetin, and endotoxemia. The impact of immune-mediated heparin-induced thrombocytopenia type II (HIT type II) as a cause of thrombocytopenia after liver transplantation is not yet understood, with few literature citations reporting contradictory results. The aim of our study was to demonstrate the perioperative course of thrombocytopenia after liver transplantation and determine the occurrence of clinical HIT type II. METHOD: We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 205 consecutive adult patients who underwent full-size liver transplantation between January 2006 and December 2010 due to end-stage or malignant liver disease. Preoperative platelet count, postoperative course of platelets, and clinical signs of HIT type II were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 155 (75.6%) of 205 patients had thrombocytopenia before transplantation, significantly influenced by Model of End-Stage Liver Disease score and liver cirrhosis. The platelet count exceeded 100,000/µL in most of the patients (n = 193) at a medium of 7 d. Regarding HIT II, there were four (1.95%) patients with a background of HIT type II. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of HIT in patients with end-stage hepatic failure is, with about 1.95%, rare. For further reduction of HIT type II, the use of intravenous heparin should be avoided and the prophylactic anticoagulation should be performed with low-molecular-weight heparin after normalization of platelet count.

Surgical outcome of deep infiltrating colorectal endometriosis in a multidisciplinary setting.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis as a benign disease appears frequently in premenopausal women with highly variable symptoms. In advanced stages bowel involvement is common. In symptomatic disease the adequate treatment requires complete resection of all residues. Indications of colorectal resection for endometriosis remain controversial because of the risk of major complications. The purpose of this study was to show the feasibility of planned complete laparoscopic management of symptomatic deep pelvic endometriosis with bowel involvement performing segmental colorectal resection in a center of excellence. METHODS: Between 2007 and 2012 all patients treated for symptomatic colorectal endometriosis in our institution were included and retrospectively evaluated. Laparoscopic excision of all visible disease was planned. Data analysis included age, previous history of endometriosis, intraoperative findings, operative procedure and intra- and postoperative complications. RESULTS: In this time period 35 patients with bowel infiltrating endometriosis were treated. Affected locations were the rectovaginal space in 31 patients (89 %), the rectum in 32 patients (91 %), the sigmoid colon in 10 patients (29 %), the coecum in 2 patients (5.7 %), the appendix in 3 patients (8.6 %) and the terminal ileum in 1 patient (2.9 %). In the majority of patients (85.7 %) the resection was achieved laparoscopically, in 3 patients a conversion to laparotomy was necessary and in 2 patients a primary laparotomia was performed. Complications occurred in 2 cases with anastomotic leakage in 1 patient (2.8 %) and a rectovaginal fistula in another patient. Radical resection was achieved in almost all patients (97 %). CONCLUSIONS: A well-trained interdisciplinary team can perform treatment of deep infiltrating endometriosis laparoscopically with low incidence of major complications as anastomotic leakage or rectovaginal fistula. Criteria of complete endometriosis restoration of the rectum can be achieved by total or subtotal rectal excision.

Internet program for facilitating dietary modifications limiting kidney stone risk.

INTRODUCTION: Certain dietary modifications limit the risk of stone recurrence. Compliance is an important component of dietary therapy for stone prevention, and self-efficacy is an important ingredient of compliance. We developed an internet program to facilitate dietary compliance for stone prevention and performed a pilot study to assess its effectiveness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The internet program provides information regarding dietary modifications including increased fluid consumption, limited animal protein, sodium, and oxalate intake, and adequate calcium consumption. Participants record their daily food and fluid intake and receive immediate feedback as to whether they were compliant or not. Five adult calcium stone formers collected three 24 hour urine specimens on self-selected diets, three 24 hour urine specimens while on a stone preventive metabolic diet, and three 24 hour urine specimens after utilizing the internet program for 1 month. Urinary stone risk parameters were measured, and data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Student's t test. RESULTS: All participants recorded their meals and snacks for each day and found the program easy to navigate. The mean time in hours from food consumption to log in was 35.25 +/- 70.8 hours. There were no statistically significant differences in stone risk factors between the controlled and internet dietary phases. Oxalate excretion was significantly higher during the self-selected dietary intake (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study demonstrates that subjects appear to be compliant with utilization of an interactive internet program for stone prevention with dietary modifications. In addition, improvement in certain stone risk parameters occurred.

The association of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome with nephrolithiasis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review describes the relationship between nephrolithiasis, vascular disease and metabolic syndrome. RECENT FINDINGS: There is increasing evidence that kidney stone formation is associated with a number of systemic problems including cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and its components. Some of these associations are bidirectional. The reasons for these associations are not totally clear, but potential factors include metabolic responses associated with these disorders that promote a stone forming milieu in urine, environmental factors such as diet, oxidative stress and inflammation and molecular changes impacting the transport of certain analytes in urine. SUMMARY: Urologists need to be cognizant of these associations as they may be able to contribute to an early diagnosis of a significant medical problem, or provide counseling to patients to prevent their occurrence.

Evaluating the diagnostic value of zoom endoscopic surveillance compared to routine biopsy after intestinal transplantation.

BACKGROUND: After intestinal transplantation, close allograft monitoring especially during the early postoperative period is crucial since the intestine is a highly immunogenic organ. Current protocols are based on endoscopic and histologic examination with the latter one being linked to the risk of bleeding and perforation. AIMS: Evaluation of the diagnostic value of endoscopy utilizing magnification to predict acute cellular rejection compared to routine allograft biopsies. METHODS: Fourteen patients underwent the protocol with longitudinal zoom endoscopic and histological graft monitoring during the first year after transplantation. The intestinal mucosa was analyzed during endoscopy utilizing the SASAKI score while a minimum of two biopsies were taken during each examination. A new graduation of severity for acute cellular rejection based on the findings of the SASAKI score is established. RESULTS: Endoscopic findings of 385 examinations and more than 1000 intestinal allograft biopsies were analyzed. A total of 7 acute cellular rejection episodes in 6/14 patients occurred. Allograft endoscopy was able to diagnose ACR with a sensitivity of 76% and a specificity of 82%. CONCLUSIONS: Our results will be critical for refining protocols for allograft monitoring after intestinal transplantation thus paving the way towards less invasive measures.

Impact of Resection Volume/Stapler Firings-Ratio on Perioperative Complications and Weight Loss After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Major postoperative morbidity after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is often related to staple line leaks (SLL). Of note, a recent study suggested a central role of the absolute numbers of stapler firings as a predictive factor for postoperative morbidity due to SLL. In addition, a larger gastric remnant volume could be responsible for lower weight loss after LSG, and nevertheless, the gastric resection volume (GRV) is strictly related to the residual volume. METHODS: Prospectively, collected data of 384 consecutive patients with complete follow-up at 12 months after LSG at our institution were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were stratified according to three different variables (i.e., number of stapler firings, GRV, and GRV/stapler firings-ratio), and respective impact on postoperative complications and weight loss was analyzed. RESULTS: High absolute number of stapler firings was linked to increased intraoperative and postoperative bleeding and prolonged hospitalization, but was not associated with SLL, transfusion rate or revisional procedures. Absolute GRV showed no impact on both complications and outcome after LSG. Interestingly, higher ratio of GRV/stapler firings was not only linked to decreased intraoperative bleeding and shorter hospital stay but also to higher Excess Body Mass Index Loss (EBMIL) at 12 months after LSG. CONCLUSIONS: Here, we introduce GRV/stapler firings-ratio as a simple predictive factor for identifying patients at risk for postoperative complications and impaired weight loss that is superior compared with absolute number of stapler firings or GRV alone.

Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Depression: Role of Body Image.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that psychosocial functioning improves after bariatric surgery, but the mechanism of this effect remains unclear. We propose that body image mediates the association between %EWL and improvement in depressive symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To investigate this hypothesis, we conducted a mediation analysis in longitudinal data from 52 patients after LSG. RESULTS: %EWL had no direct effect on depressive symptoms as assessed through the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9), but a small indirect effect that was mediated through negative evaluation of the body (BIQ-20). CONCLUSIONS: We interpret this observation in the context of complex individual etiologies of obesity and argue for a stronger focus on psychological interventions in aftercare regimes. This may be specifically relevant for patients with eating disorders or a desire for body contouring surgery.

Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy for Staple Line Leaks after Sleeve Gastrectomy.

PURPOSE: Management of staple line leaks (SLL) after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) modality in the management of sleeve leaks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight patients were treated with EVT for SLL. Therapy data and outcome measures including duration of therapy, therapy success, and change of treatment strategy were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: During the study period, SLL occurred in 1.6% of patients who underwent SG. After 9.8 ± 8.6 days of EVT, 3.3 ± 2.2 endoscopies, and 19 ± 15.1 days of hospitalization, endoscopic treatment using EVT was successful in seven out of eight patients (87.5%). CONCLUSIONS: EVT is an effective method for the management of staple line leaks after sleeve gastrectomy. The use of the intraluminal open-pore film drainage (OFD) could be considered as an advantageous modality of EVT, regarding placement and complications.

Malnutrition as a Complication of Bariatric Surgery - A Clear and Present Danger?

Obesity is a chronic life-threatening disease, and bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment in those patients. The two main operations are laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). LSG carries a smaller risk for nutritional deficiencies, while gastric bypass procedures are associated with increased nutritional deficiencies because the procedure is more complex and changes the gastrointestinal anatomy. Recent studies comparing LSG and RYGB have proven that these types of operation may lead to a similar weight reduction effect but cause different micronutrient deficiencies. Types of malnutrition after bariatric surgery include protein-energy malnutrition and deficiencies of micronutrients, such as iron, folate, vitamin A, and vitamin B12. Bariatric patients who do not adhere to the recommended diets are at a greater risk of developing relevant malnutrition. Therefore, life-long postoperative clinical and laboratory monitoring is necessary to diagnose deficiencies of vitamins, trace elements, and minerals and to correct them with supplements. Unfortunately, no standardized aftercare regimes exist for these patients, and the costs for nutritional supplements are paid by the patients themselves.

Oxygen Venous Embolism After Hydrogen Peroxide Use During Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy.

Background: Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a common antiseptic that is available without a prescription in the United States, and it is indicated for minor dermal abrasion; mouth, gum, or dental irritations; and removal of oral secretion. Several other medical uses have also been described, including clot dissolution during endoscopic gastrointestinal evaluation, cleansing of orthopedic surgical sites, and bladder irrigation. However, these uses of H2O2, as well as high-dose ingestion, have been associated with a wide variety of medical complications, including but not limited to air pulmonary embolism and stroke. Case Presentation: Our patient is a 51-year-old female with a medical history of hypertension, familial, hypercholesterolemia, gallstones, depression, coronary artery disease (identified on calcium study because of familial hypercholesterolemia), nephrolithiasis, and recurrent cystitis. She required percutaneous nephrolithotomy and had H2O2 administered for clot dissolution. The clinical and temporal evidence would suggest a transient pulmonary air embolus after the intrarenal administration of or irrigation with H2O2, large amounts under high pressure. Conclusion: This represents the first reported incidence of air embolus as a result of intrarenal administration of H2O2.

Ursodeoxycholic Acid for 6 Months After Bariatric Surgery Is Impacting Gallstone Associated Morbidity in Patients with Preoperative Asymptomatic Gallstones.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a predisponing factor for gallstone formation with a prevalence > 10% in patients undergoing gastric bypass procedure. Although there is a strong recommendation for concomitant cholecystectomy in patients with symptomatic gallstones, the evidence level for patients with asymptomatic gallstones is weak. According to recent literature, up to 21% of asymptomatic gallstones become symptomatic after bariatric surgery. Secondary prophylaxis with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), which is altering the composition and excretion of the bile acid pool, was the objective of this study. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the patient records of all patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SGx) at our center between January 2007 and October 2017. RESULTS: We enrolled a total of 704 patients with routine preoperative ultrasound. In 61 patients, asymptomatic gallstones were detected and these patients were treated with UDCA for 6 months after bariatric surgery. One patient developed a single episode of symptoms 3 months after SGx, which did not require surgery. One patient developed chronic cholecystitis and underwent cholecystectomy 6 months after SGx. All other patients (n = 59; 96.8%) remained asymptomatic under UDCA therapy. CONCLUSION: UDCA for 6 months after bariatric surgery seems to reduce the incidence of gallstone-associated morbidity when compared to the current literature. Thus, our results call the concept of prophylactic concomitant cholecystectomy in patients with asymptomatic gallstones into question while at the same time paving the way for a future clinical trial.

The role of intravenous acetaminophen in post-operative pain control in head and neck cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the role of intravenous acetaminophen for alleviation of postoperative pain after surgical resection of head and neck cancers. METHODS: A single-center study was conducted, which investigated a prospective group of 48 participants who underwent surgery between April 2016 and May 2017 and postoperatively received scheduled IV acetaminophen (1 g every 6 hours for 4 doses) plus the standard opioid PCA and breakthrough narcotics. These were compared to a similar retrospective cohort of 51 patients who had surgery between January 2014 to March 2015 and only received an opioid patient controlled analgesia (PCA) pump and breakthrough narcotics. Outcome measures included averaged pain scores, total amount of narcotics received (in morphine equivalents), and number of PCA attempts measured in 8-hour intervals over the first 24 hours, as well as duration of PCA and length of stay. Statistical measures included descriptive analysis and gamma regression analysis. RESULTS: The acetaminophen group achieved equally low pain scores (0.8 ± 1.2 vs. 1.0 ± 1.3, P = .408) with significantly less total narcotics in the first 8 hours after surgery (13.5 ± 13.3 vs. 22.5 ± 21.5 MEs, P = .014). This group had a significantly decreased length of stay (7.8 ± 4.6 vs. 10.6 ± 7.6 days, P = .03). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that intravenous acetaminophen may play a role in reducing the total narcotic requirement in the first 8 hours after surgery and contribute to a decreased length of stay and potentially decrease cost to the patient and hospital overall. Future research should be aimed at comparing these groups in a randomized control study/setting. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Patients with Schizophrenia Do Not Demonstrate Worse Outcome After Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Short-Term Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare surgical and psychiatric outcome and weight loss in schizophrenia patients with mentally healthy patients after sleeve gastrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort study design was selected, comprising patients with schizophrenia with mentally healthy patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy and were adherent to a follow-up at least 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: Seven schizophrenia (5 male, 2 female) and 59 (12 male, 47 female) mentally healthy patients were included in this study. A laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was performed safely in all 66 patients. The calculated excess weight loss (%EWL) showed no significant differences in both groups and reached 51.68 ± 15.84% for schizophrenia group and 60.68 ± 19.95% for mentally healthy group at 24-month follow-up (p = 0.33). The decrease in the HbA1c levels within 2 years after sleeve gastrectomy was similar in both groups (p = 0.79, 0.88, 0.82, 0.73 for surgery time, time of 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up respectively). The psychiatric status of the patients of the schizophrenia group was stable in all cases and no exacerbation of psychiatric symptoms was observed during time of follow-up. Furthermore, an overall significant improvement of the self-estimated mood and satisfaction was observed in both groups (Manova: f = 1.26, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The results 2 years after sleeve gastrectomy in stable patients with schizophrenia and after an adequate psychological evaluation were encouraging and comparable to the outcome in mentally healthy patients.

Comparative Outcomes of Conventional and Miniaturized Percutaneous Nephrostolithotomy for the Treatment of Kidney Stones-Does a Miniaturized Tract Improve Quality of Care?

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous nephrostolithotomy is the method of choice to treat renal stones larger than 2 cm due to its high stone-free rates but it has potentially increased blood loss, postoperative pain and hospital stay compared to other treatments. Miniaturizing the percutaneous tract has recently gained interest. We performed a quality improvement study to investigate whether mini percutaneous nephrostolithotomy would reduce postoperative analgesic use, blood loss, operative time and/or hospital stay relative to the conventional approach while maintaining stone-free rates in our patient population. METHODS: The outcomes of 29 consecutive mini percutaneous nephrostolithotomies were compared to 27 conventional procedures performed by a single surgeon at our institution. Inclusion criteria were age 18 years or older, body mass index 18 to 40 kg/m2 and first look percutaneous nephrostolithotomy for stones 1 to 3.5 cm. Conventional percutaneous nephrostolithotomy was performed through a 30Fr tract, whereas the mini approach was done through a 16.5Fr tract. All percutaneous access was performed by the surgeon. RESULTS: A total of 17 patients in the conventional percutaneous nephrostolithotomy group and 19 in the mini approach group were stone-free after 1 procedure. There was no significant difference in residual stone burden, operative time or postoperative analgesic use between groups. There was significantly less blood loss (p = 0.02) in the mini percutaneous nephrostolithotomy group. CONCLUSIONS: Conventional and mini percutaneous nephrostolithotomies are effective methods of removing renal stones 1 to 3.5 cm in greatest dimension. There is no difference in residual stone volume, postoperative analgesic use or operative time between the 2 modalities, but blood loss is less in the mini percutaneous nephrostolithotomy group.