Surgical treatment of vidianneurectomy and selective vidianneurectomy in 60 cases of refractory allergic rhinitis / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To explore the effect of vidian neurectomy and selective vidian neurectomy in the treatment of moderate and severe persistent allergic rhinitis (AR). Methods: A total of 60 patients with moderate-to-severe persistent AR treated in Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from June 2018 to June 2020 were selected, including 28 males and 32 females. A total of 40 cases in the observation group were subjected to vidianneurectomy, while, 20 cases in the control group underwent selective vidianneurectomy. Patients in the two groups were followed up at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years, respectively, and evaluated according to AR diagnostic and efficacy assessment criteria. Four symptoms of sneezing, clear runny nose, nasal congestion, and nasal itching were scored as efficacy indices before and at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery. The regression of the lower turbinate swelling after surgery was assessed by nasal endoscopy or sinus CT. Postoperative tear secretion was followed up in both groups, and patients with dry eyes were counted in combination with ocular symptoms. SPSS 19.0 software was used to statistically analyze the data before and after the surgery and between the two groups. Results: The preoperative, 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year postoperative inferior turbinate signs were (2.73±0.45), (1.20±0.41), (1.25±0.49) and (1.30±0.56) points in the observation group and (2.75±0.44), (1.45±0.69), (1.75±0.72) and (1.90±0.85) points in the control group, respectively, with a statistically significant difference in the between-subjects effect test between the two groups (F=8.28, P<0.05), indicating a more durable surgical effect in the observation group. The total effective rate at 2 years after surgery was 95.0% (38/40) in the observation group and 50% (10/20) in the control group. The difference between the two groups by Fisher's exact test was statistically significant. No dry eye patient was found in either group at a 1.5-year postoperative follow-up. Conclusion: Both vidianneurectomy and selective vidianneurectomy have good recent treatment effects, vidianneurectomy has better long-term curative effects than selective vidianneurectomy.

Evaluation of the efficacy of endoscopic posterior nasal neurectomy with pharyngeal neurectomy of allergic rhinitis combined with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of posterior nasal neurectomy（PNN） with pharyngeal neurectomy （PN） on chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps （CRSwNP）complicated with perennial allergic rhinitis （PAR）. Methods:83 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis combined with chronic group-wide sinusitis with nasal polyps who attended our hospital from July 2020 to July 2021 were selected. All patients underwent conventional functional endoscopic sinusitis surgery（FESS）+ nasal polypectomy. Patients were divided according to whether they underwent PNN+PN. 38 cases in the experimental group underwent FESS combined with PNN+PN; 44 cases in the control group underwent conventional FESS alone. All patients underwent the VAS, RQLQ, and MLK before treatment, and at 6 months and 1 year after surgery. Meanwhile, other relevant data were collected and the preoperative and postoperative follow-up data were collected and analyzed to assess the differences between the two groups. Results:The total postoperative follow-up period was 1 year. The recurrence rate of nasal polyps at 1 year postoperatively and the nasal congestion VAS score at 6 months postoperatively were not statistically significant in the two groups（P>0.05）. However, the patients in the experimental group had statistically significantly lower effusion and sneezing VAS scores, MLK endoscopy scores and RQLQ scores at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively, and nasal congestion VAS scores at 1 year postoperatively compared to the control group（P<0.05）. Conclusion:For patients with perennial AR complicated with CRSwNP, the combination of the PNN+PN in FESS can significantly improve the short-term curative effect, and PNN+PN is a safe and effective surgical treatment.

Intervencionismo para el control del dolor por metástasis óseas / Interventionism for pain control due bone metastases

Objetivo: El dolor óseo por cáncer óseo o metástasis es un dolor de difícil manejo asociado a dolor incidental. Hay distintas estrategias quirúrgicas para su tratamiento, sin embargo, no todos los pacientes con metástasis óseas pueden beneficiarse de un tratamiento quirúrgico. La presente revisión bibliográfica tiene como objetivo identificar terapias intervencionales mínimamente invasivas para el control del dolor por metástasis óseas. Métodos: Revisión bibliográfica acerca de terapias intervencionales para el control del dolor por metástasis óseas utilizando la base de datos PubMed (www.pubmed.gov) y el motor de búsqueda Google (www.google.cl). Tipos de participantes: Pacientes con metástasis óseas dolorosas de cualquier tumor primario. Tipos de intervenciones: Bloqueos anestésicos, bloqueos neurolíticos, terapias ablativas, cementoplastías. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 384 resultados que incluyeron revisiones sistemáticas, revisiones bibliográficas, ensayos clínicos controlados, series de casos y reporte de casos. Todos los artículos relevantes en inglés y español se incluyeron para su análisis. Conclusión: Las metástasis óseas son un evento común en los pacientes con cáncer, y el dolor óseo es un dolor de difícil manejo asociado a dolor incidental. Se han desarrollado terapias intervencionales no invasivas o mínimamente invasivas para tratar el dolor, mejorar la calidad de vida y la funcionalidad, disminuir el consumo de fármacos, y reducir el tamaño del tumor. La gran mayoría ha demostrado ser terapias seguras y eficaces, con pocos eventos adversos y de rápida resolución, y que si son combinadas mejoran los resultados.

Objective: Bone pain from bone cancer or metastasis is a pain that is difficult to manage associated with incidental pain. There are different surgical strategies for its treatment, however, not all patients with bone metastases can benefit from a surgical treatment. This literature review aims to identify minimally invasive interventional therapies for the control of pain due to bone metastasis. Methods: Literature review of interventional therapies for the control of pain due to bone metastases was done using the PubMed database (www.pubmed.gov) and the Google search engine (www.google.cl). Types of participants: Patients with painful bone metastases from any primary tumor. Types of interventions: Anesthetic blocks, neurolytic blocks, ablative therapies, cementoplasties. Results: We obtained 384 results that included systematic reviews, literature reviews, controlled clinical trials, case series and case reports. All relevant articles in English and Spanish were included for analysis. Conclusion: Bone metastases are a common event in cancer patients, and bone pain is a difficult-to-manage pain associated with incidental pain. Non-invasive or minimally invasive interventional therapies have been developed to treat pain, improve quality of life and functionality, decrease drug use, and reduce tumor size. The vast majority therapies have been shown to be safe and effective ones, with few adverse events and rapid resolution, and that if combined they improve the outcomes.

Endoscopic posterior nasal neurectomy for the treatment of allergic rhinitis: anatomy and analysis of clinical efficacy / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To propose total posterior nasal neurectomy with transection of sphenopalatine neurovascular bundle from anatomy for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, and to explore its clinical application. Methods: Two fresh cadaveric heads (4 sides) were dissected through endoscopic transnasal middle meatus approach at Otorhinolaryngology Anatomy Laboratory of China-Japan Friendship Hospital. The structures of the craniofacial bone related to the surgical approach were observed. Twelve patients with allergic rhinitis who treated in Department of Otorhinolaryngology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital from Feb. 1 2019 to Jun. 10 2021 were selected. All the patients were treated by posterior nasal neurotomy with the technique of complete transection of sphenopalatine neurovascular bundle and followed up for 1 year after sugery. During the follow-up, 2 patients were lost. The other 10 patients included 4 males and 6 females, aging from 29 to 69 years. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) were used to evaluate the effect of the surgery. SPSS 25.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: Important anatomic landmarks of transnasal middle meatus approach were obtained during anatomy, such as ethmoid crest, sphenopalatine foramen/notch, palatine orbital process and sphenopalatine process. The postoperative VAS scores of nose, eye, pharynx, ear and whole body and total VAS scores were significantly lower than those before operation, with statistically significant difference (nose 2.50±1.70 vs 6.47±2.17, eyes 1.15±0.89 vs 3.60±2.57, pharynx 1.30±1.36 vs 4.25±3.64, ear 1.10±1.03 vs 2.67±2.00, whole body 1.08±1.24 vs 3.60±1.17, total 7.13±4.31 vs 20.58±9.05, all P<0.05). The postoperative RQLQ scores of sleep, nose, eyes, practical problems, emotion, activity and the total RQLQ scores of patients were significantly lower than those before operation, with statistically significant difference (sleep 0.80±0.69 vs 2.93±1.33, nose 1.38±1.18 vs 3.93±1.50, eyes 0.58±0.66 vs 1.80±1.25, practical problems 1.10±1.22 vs 3.03±1.84, emotion 1.00±1.81 vs 2.58±2.00, activity 2.77±2.93 vs 6.00±1.85, total 8.99±8.92 vs 22.42±8.69, all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in preoperative and postoperative scores of non-nasal/ocular symptoms (1.37±1.60 vs 2.16±1.12, P=0.166). There was no other complication except 2 cases with short-term postoperative numbness. Conclusions: Total posterior nasal neurectomy with transection of sphenopalatine neurovascular bundle is a safe, effective and feasible method for the treatment of intractable allergic rhinitis, and its long-term efficacy needs further observation.

Estratificação de Risco e Avaliação da Atividade Simpática Cardíaca Utilizando Imagem Miocárdica com [123I] MIBG na Denervação Renal / Risk Stratification and Cardiac Sympathetic Activity Assessment Using Myocardial [123I] MIBG Imaging in Renal Denervation

Resumo A hiperativação do sistema nervoso simpático desempenha um papel central na fisiopatologia da hipertensão. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade simpática cardíaca e investigar o papel da cintigrafia miocárdica com metaiodobenzilguanidina com 123I ([123I] MIBG) na estratificação de risco cardiovascular de pacientes com hipertensão resistente tratados com denervação renal (DR). Dezoito pacientes foram incluídos neste estudo prospectivo (média de idade de 56 ± 10 anos, 27,8% mulheres). Ecocardiograma transtorácico, análise geral do sangue e cintilografia miocárdica com [(123I) MIBG] foram realizados antes e seis meses após a DR. Um paciente era considerado respondedor (R) se uma diminuição ≥ 5 mmHg na pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) média ambulatorial fosse observada no seguimento de seis meses. 66,7% dos pacientes foram R (diminuição na PAS de 20,6 ± 14,5 mmHg, vs. menos 8 ± 11,6 mmHg em não-respondedores (NR), p = 0,001). A relação coração-mediastino (RCM) inicial foi significativamente menor na linha basal no grupo R (1,6 ± 0,1 vs. 1,72 ± 0,1, p <0,02), mas semelhante em seis meses. Considerando os dois momentos no tempo, o grupo R teve valores iniciais de RCM mais baixos do que o grupo NR (p <0,05). Tanto o RCM tardio quanto a taxa de washout foram idênticos e nenhuma correlação significativa entre a resposta à DR ou qualquer índice de imagem com MIBG foi encontrada. A denervação renal efetivamente reduziu a pressão arterial na maioria dos pacientes, mas a imagem com [123I] MIBG não foi útil na previsão da resposta. Entretanto, houve evidência de overdrive do sistema nervoso simpático e, tanto a RCM inicial quanto tardia estavam reduzidas em geral, provavelmente colocando essa população em um risco maior de eventos adversos.

Abstract Hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system plays a central role in the pathophysiology of hypertension. The aim of this study was to assess cardiac sympathetic activity and investigate the role of myocardial123I-labelled meta-iodo benzyl guanidine ([123I] MIBG) scintigraphy in cardiovascular risk stratification of patients with resistant hypertension treated with renal denervation (RDN). Eighteen patients were included in this prospective study (mean age 56 ± 10 years old, 27.8% females). Transthoracic echocardiogram, general blood analysis and myocardial ([123I] MIBG scintigraphy were performed before and six-months after RDN. A patient was considered a responder (R) if a drop ≥ 5mmHg on mean systolic ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring was observed at the six-month follow-up. 66.7% of patients were R (drop in systolic BP of 20.6 ± 14.5mmHg, vs minus 8 ± 11.6mmHg in non-responders (NR), p=0.001). Early heart-mediastinum ratio (HMR) was significantly lower at baseline in the R group (1.6 ± 0.1 vs 1.72 ± 0.1, p<0.02) but similar at six months. Considering both instants in time, the R group had lower early HMR values than the NR group (p<0.05). Both the late HMR and the washout rate were identical and no significant correlation between response to RDN or any MIBG imaging index was found. Renal denervation effectively lowered blood pressure in the majority of patients but [123I] MIBG was not useful in predicting the response. However, there was evidence of sympathetic overdrive and, both early and late HMR were overall reduced, probably putting this population at a higher risk of adverse events.

White matter hyperintensities: repercussion on grey matter structures of the brain / Hiperintensidades da substância branca: repercussão em estruturas da substância cinzenta do cérebro

The extensive white matter of the brain, which comprises about one half of its volume, is constituted by an intricate and interwoven assemble of nerve fibers. The WMH (leukoaraiosis) represent the most frequent ischemic type of lesion of SVD, affecting the white matter. These lesions may be apparent or normal appearing on neuroimaging. In both cases such lesions may interrupt the affected white matter fibers, with consequent disconnection syndromes, and atrophy of the denervated grey matter structures. These conditions affect the structural neural networks (connectome), with functional repercussion on the cognitive and behavioral domains.

A extensa substância branca do cérebro, que compreende cerca da metade do seu volume, é constituída por um intricado e entrelaçado conjunto de fibras nervosas. As HSB (hiperintensidades da substância branca) (leucoaraiose) representam o mais frequente tipo de lesão isquêmica da DPV (doença dos pequenos vasos) que afeta a substância branca. Essas lesões podem ser aparentes ou de aparência normal na neuroimagem. Em ambos os casos tais lesões podem interromper essas fibras da substância branca, com consequente síndromes por desconexão e atrofia de estruturas de substância cinzenta desnervadas. Essas condições afetam as redes neurais estruturais (conectoma), com repercussão funcional nos domínios cognitivo e do comportamento.

Terminology and Legislation referring to Percutaneous Facet Procedures to Treat Low Back Pain in Brazil ­ Current Status

Incongruities in the terminology and in the Brazilian legislation about percutaneous facet procedures (PFPs) for the treatment of chronic lower back pain are frequently the subject of litigations between health professionals and supplementary healthcare providers. The Brazilian Hierarchical Classification of Medical Procedures (CBHPM, in the Portuguese acronym) describes four types of PFPs, while the Brazilian Unified Supplementary Health Terminology (TUSS, in the Portuguese acronym) describes five distinct lumbar PFPs, which correlate with the ones described on the List of Procedures and Events in Health, created by the Brazilian National Agency of Supplementary Health (ANS, in the Portuguese acronym). In the present paper, we review the terminology of the procedures, proposing the unification of the terminology and the abolition of redundancies in the tables. Finally, we developed a single terminology proposal for the PFPs based on their complexity and objectives to be used for the treatment of lower back pain.

Abordaje multidisciplinario del dolor inguinal crónico luego de hernioplastia inguinal / Multidisciplinary approach to chronic postoperative inguinal pain

RESUMEN Antecedentes: el dolor inguinal crónico posoperatorio representa una complicación que altera la ca lidad de vida después de la hernioplastia inguinal. Su incidencia es variable con informes de hasta el 16%. Objetivo: describir el tratamiento y los resultados en pacientes con dolor inguinal crónico luego de una hernioplastia inguinal con malla. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo, observacional y retrospectivo. Se definió como dolor ingui nal crónico posoperatorio la presencia de dolor inguinal por daño nervioso o afectación del sistema somatosensorial tisular que persiste por más de 6 meses luego de la cirugía inicial. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de los pacientes que cursaban el posoperatorio de hernioplastia inguinal convencio nal y laparoscópica en el período 2010-2018. Se realizó la encuesta EuraHS Quality of life score antes y después del abordaje terapéutico multidisciplinario para evaluar cambios en el dolor y restricción de la actividad física. Los resultados fueron analizados y comparados. Resultados: se identificaron 8 pacientes con dolor inguinal crónico posoperatorio grave. El 100% fue evaluado por el Servicio de tratamiento del dolor y requirieron 3 o más fármacos para manejo del do lor. Posteriormente requirieron bloqueo guiado por tomografía computarizada a causa de la persisten cia de los síntomas. Se realizaron 3 (50%) exploraciones quirúrgicas con retiro de material protésico y 2 triples neurectomías. Se observó una disminución estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,05) en el dolor en reposo, dolor durante la actividad y dolor que experimentaron en la última semana. Conclusión: el abordaje multidisciplinario y escalonado permitiría seleccionar a los pacientes que se beneficiarán con el tratamiento quirúrgico.

ABSTRACT Background: Chronic postoperative inguinal pain represents a complication that alters the quality of life after inguinal hernioplasty. Its incidence is variable with reports of up to 16%. Objective: To describe the treatment and results in patients with chronic inguinal pain after an inguinal hernioplasty with mesh. Material and methods: Descriptive, observational and retrospective study. The postoperative chronic inguinal pain was defined as the presence of inguinal pain due to nerve damage or involvement of the somatosensory tissue system that persists for more than 6 months after the initial surgery. The medical records of patients in the postoperative period of conventional and laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty in the period 2010-2018 were reviewed. The EuraHS Quality of life score pre and post multidisciplinary therapeutic approach was used to evaluate changes in pain and restriction of physical activity. The results were analyzed and compared. Results: 8 patients with severe chronic postoperative inguinal pain were identified. 100% were eva luated by the pain management service and required 3 or more drugs for pain management. Sub sequently, they required block guided by computed tomography due to persistence of symptoms. 3 (50%) surgical examinations were performed with removal of prosthetic material and 2 triple neurec tomies. A statistically significant decrease (p <0.05) was observed in pain at rest, pain during activity and pain experienced in the last week. Conclusion: The multidisciplinary and step up approach would allow selecting the patients who will benefit from the surgical treatment.

Denervação renal no tratamento de arritmias ventriculares: revisão sistemática e metanálise / Renal denervation in the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias: systematic review and meta-analysis

FUNDAMENTO: As arritmias ventriculares (AV) constituem importante causa de orbimortalidade em portadores de cardiopatia estrutural. Apesar dos avanços terapêuticos, o tratamento desta condição continua sendo um desafio na prática clínica. Publicações prévias avaliaram o efeito da denervação simpática renal (DR) no manejo das AVs refratárias ao tratamento medicamentoso e por meio da ablação por cateter. Conduzimos uma revisão sistemática e metanálise para avaliar a eficácia e segurança deste tratamento. Métodos: Uma revisão sistemática da literatura foi realizada para identificar estudos que avaliaram o emprego da DR no tratamento de AVs refratárias. Artigos de revisão e estudos em animais foram excluídos. Os desfechos primários foram a redução do número de AVs (taquicardia ventricular e fibrilação ventricular) e redução do número de terapias pelo cardiodesfibrilador implantável (CDI). Alterações da pressão arterial e de função renal constituíram desfechos secundários de segurança. Resultados: Dez estudos (152 pacientes) foram incluídos na metanálise. No grupo de pacientes submetidos à intervenção, observou-se uma redução no número de AV, ATP, choques e terapias apropriadas pelo CDI de 3,53 eventos/paciente/mês (IC95% = -5,48 a -1,57), 2,86 eventos/paciente/mês (IC95% = -4,09 a -1,63), 2,04 eventos/paciente/mês (IC95% = -2,12 a -1,97) e 2,68 eventos/paciente/mês (IC95% = - 3,58 a -1,78), respectivamente. Complicações periprocedimento ocorreram em apenas 1,23% dos pacientes e não houve alterações significativas nas pressões arteriais sistólica e diastólica (redução de 3,3mmHg, IC95% = -7,1 a 0,4, e de 0,2mmHg IC95%= -3,6 a 4,1, respectivamente). Não se observaram variações significativas na função renal (queda de 0,22mg/dL na creatinina sérica, IC95%= -0,48 a 0,05, e aumento de 2,37 mL/min/1.73m2 na taxa de filtração glomerular, IC95%= -9,98 a 14,71). Conclusões: A denervação simpática renal associou-se a uma redução do número de arritmias ventriculares e terapias apropriadas pelo CDI. O procedimento se mostrou seguro, com poucas complicações e eventos adversos.

Effect of Renal Denervation on Suppression of PVC and QT Prolongation in a Porcine Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Antiarrhythmic effect of renal denervation (RDN) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains unclear. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of RDN on ventricular arrhythmia (VA) after AMI in a porcine model.METHODS: Twenty pigs were randomly divided into 2 groups based on RDN (RDN, n=10; Sham, n=10). After implanting a loop recorder, AMI was induced by occlusion of the middle left anterior descending coronary artery. Catheter-based RDN was performed for each renal artery immediately after creating AMI. Sham procedure used the same method, but a radiofrequency current was not delivered. Electrocardiography was monitored for 1 hour to observe VA. One week later, the animals were euthanized and the loop recorder data were analyzed.RESULTS: Ventricular fibrillation event rate and the interval from AMI creation to first VA in acute phase were not different between the 2 groups. However, the incidence of premature ventricular complex (PVC) was lower in the RDN than in the Sham. Additionally, RDN inhibited prolongation of the corrected QT (QTc) interval after AMI. The frequency of non-sustained or sustained ventricular tachycardia, arrhythmic death was lower in the RDN group in the early period.CONCLUSIONS: RDN reduced the incidence of PVC, inhibited prolongation of the QTc interval, and reduced VA in the early period following an AMI. These results suggest that RDN might be a therapeutic option in patients with electrical instability after AMI.

Is Renal Denervation Using Radiofrequency a Treatment Option for the Ventricular Arrhythmia Following Acute Myocardial Infarction?

No abstract available.

The anatomic analysis of the vidian canal and the surrounding structures concerning vidian neurectomy using computed tomography scans / Avaliação anatômica do canal vidiano e estruturas adjacentes por tomografia computadorizada para a neurectomia do vidiano

Abstract Introduction: The type of endoscopic approach chosen for vidian neurectomy can be specified by evaluating the vidian canal and the surrounding sphenoid sinus structures. Objective: The variations and morphometry of the vidian canal were investigated, focusing on the functional correlations between them which are crucial anatomical landmarks for preoperative planning. Methods: This study was performed using paranasal multidetector computed tomography images that were obtained with a section thickening of 0.625 mm of 250 adults. Results: The distributions of 500 vidian canal variants were categorized as follows; Type 1, within the sphenoid corpus (55.6%); Type 2, partially protruding into the sphenoid sinus (34.8%); Type 3, within the sphenoid sinus (9.6%). The pneumatization of the pterygoid process is mostly seen in vidian canal Type 2 (72.4%) and Type 3 (95.8%) (p < 0.001). The mean distances from the vidian canal to the foramen rotundum and the palatovaginal canal were greater in the vidian canal Type 2 and 3 with the pterygoid process pneumatization (p < 0.001). The prevalence of the intrasphenoid septum between the vidian canal and the vomerine crest and lateral attachment which ending on carotid prominence were much higher in vidian canal Type 3 than other types (p < 0.001). The mean angle between the posterior end of the middle turbinate and the lateral margin of the anterior opening of the vidian canal was measured as 33.05 ± 7.71°. Conclusions: Preoperative radiologic analysis of the vidian canal and the surrounding structures will allow surgeons to choose an appropriate endoscopic approach to ensure predictable postoperative outcomes.

Resumo Introdução: O tipo de abordagem endoscópica para a neurectomia do vidiano pode ser definido pela avaliação do canal do vidiano e das estruturas adjacentes aos seios esfenoidais. Objetivo: Investigar as variações e a morfometria do canal vidiano com enfoque nas suas correlações funcionais, pois são parâmetros anatômicos cruciais para o planejamento pré-operatório. Método: Esse estudo foi realizado utilizando-se imagens de tomografia computadorizada multidetectores dos seios paranasais com espessura de corte de 0,625 mm obtidas de 250 indivíduos adultos. Resultados: A distribuição das 500 variantes do canal vidiano foi categorizada da seguinte forma: Tipo 1, dentro do corpo ósseo esfenoidal (55,6%); Tipo 2, protrusão parcial no interior do seio esfenoidal (34,8%); Tipo 3, no interior do seio esfenoidal (9,6%). A pneumatização do processo pterigoide foi observada principalmente no canal vidiano Tipo 2 (72,4%) e Tipo 3 (95,8%) (p < 0,001). As distâncias médias do canal vidiano até o forame redondo e o canal palatovaginal foram maiores no canal vidiano do Tipo 2 e 3, com a pneumatização do processo pterigoide (p < 0,001). A presença do septo intraesfenoidal entre o canal vidiano e a crista vomeriana e a extensão lateral, que termina na proeminência da carótida, foi muito maior no canal vidiano Tipo 3 do que nos outros tipos (p < 0,001). A angulação média entre a cauda da concha média e a margem lateral da abertura anterior do canal vidiano foi de 33,05° ± 7,71°. Conclusões: A análise radiológica pré-operatória do canal do vidiano e das estruturas circunjacentes permitem ao cirurgião escolher uma abordagem endoscópica apropriada e prever resultados pós-operatórios.

Losartan improves erectile function through suppression of corporal apoptosis and oxidative stress in rats with cavernous nerve injury / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

This study aimed to investigate the functional and morphological changes in the corpus cavernosum after cavernous nerve (CN) injury or neurectomy and then reveal whether treatment with the angiotensin II Type 1 receptor antagonist losartan would improve erectile function as well as its potential mechanisms. A total of 48 10-week-old Sprague-Dawley male rats, weighing 300-350 g, were randomly divided into the following four groups (n = 12 per group): sham operation (Sham) group, bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) group, losartan-treated BCNI (BCNI + Losartan) group, and bilateral cavernous neurectomy (Neurectomy) group. Losartan was administered once daily by oral gavage at a dose of 30 mg kg-1 day-1 for 4 weeks starting on the day of surgery. The BCNI and the Neurectomy groups exhibited decreases in erectile response and increases in apoptosis and oxidative stress, compared with the Sham group. Treatment with losartan could have a modest effect on erectile function and significantly prevent corporal apoptosis and oxidative stress. The phospho-B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated death promoter (p-Bad)/Bad and phospho-the protein kinase B (p-AKT)/AKT ratios were substantially lower, while the Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax)/Bcl-2 ratio, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap-1), transforming growth factor-β 1 (TGF-β 1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels, and caspase-3 activity were higher in the BCNI and Neurectomy groups than in the Sham group. After 4 weeks of daily administration with losartan, these expression levels were remarkably attenuated compared with the BCNI group. Taken together, our results suggested that early administration of losartan after CN injury could slightly improve erectile function and significantly reduce corporal apoptosis and oxidative stress by inhibiting the Akt/Bad/Bax/caspase-3 and Nrf2/Keap-1 pathways.

Validation of targeted microsurgical spermatic cord denervation: comparison of outcomes to traditional complete microsurgical spermatic cord denervation / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

The aim of this study was to validate the effectiveness of targeted microsurgical spermatic cord denervation (MSCD) of the trifecta nerve complex in comparison to traditional full MSCD with complete skeletonization of the spermatic cord in men with chronic orchialgia. Retrospective chart review was performed by a single fellowship-trained microsurgeon between 2011 and 2016. Patients had follow-ups at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. Thirty-nine men with chronic orchialgia underwent full MSCD between 2011 and 2013. In July 2013, after the publication of an anatomic study with identification of Wallerian degeneration of the trifecta nerve complex in men with chronic orchialgia, the technique was changed to targeted MSCD. From July 2013 to March 2016, 43 men underwent targeted MSCD. When comparing the full MSCD group to the targeted MSCD group, there was no significant difference in resolution of pain (66.7% vs 69.8%, P = 0.88), no difference in partial relief of pain (17.9% vs 23.3%, P = 0.55), and no difference in failure to respond rates (15.4% vs 7.0%, P = 0.22) between the two groups. There was no difference in mean change of visual analog pain scale scores between the two groups (P = 0.27). Targeted MSCD had a shorter operative time (53 min vs 21 min, P = 0.0001). Targeted MSCD offers patients comparable outcomes to traditional full MSCD, with a shorter operative time, a less technically challenging surgery, and potentially less risk to cord structures which should be preserved.

Renal sympathetic nerve activation via α₂-adrenergic receptors in chronic kidney disease progression

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing worldwide without an effective therapeutic strategy. Sympathetic nerve activation is implicated in CKD progression, as well as cardiovascular dysfunction. Renal denervation is beneficial for controlling blood pressure (BP) and improving renal function through reduction of sympathetic nerve activity in patients with resistant hypertension and CKD. Sympathetic neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE) via adrenergic receptor (AR) signaling has been implicated in tissue homeostasis and various disease progressions, including CKD. Increased plasma NE level is a predictor of survival and the incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with end-stage renal disease, as well as future renal injury in subjects with normal BP and renal function. Our recent data demonstrate that NE derived from renal nerves causes renal inflammation and fibrosis progression through alpha-2 adrenergic receptors (α₂-AR) in renal fibrosis models independent of BP. Sympathetic nerve activation-associated molecular mechanisms and signals seem to be critical for the development and progression of CKD, but the exact role of sympathetic nerve activation in CKD progression remains undefined. This review explores the current knowledge of NE-α₂-AR signaling in renal diseases and offers prospective views on developing therapeutic strategies targeting NE-AR signaling in CKD progression.

Microsurgical Denervation of Spermatic Cord for Chronic Idiopathic Orchialgia: Long-Term Results from an Institutional Experience

PURPOSE: Chronic testicular pain remains an important challenge for urologists. At present there are many treatment modalities available for chronic orchialgia. Some patients remain in pain despite a conservative treatment. Microsurgical denervation of spermatic cord appears to be successful in relieving pain in patients who fail conservative management. We assessed the long-term efficacy, complications and patient perceptions of microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord in the treatment of chronic orchialgia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted from January 2007 to January 2016 which included men with testicular pain of >3 months duration, failure of conservative management, persistent of pain for >3 months after treating the underlying cause. Total 48 patients with 62 testicular units (14 bilateral) showed the response to spermatic cord block and underwent Microsurgical Denervation of Spermatic Cord. RESULTS: Out of 62 testicular units (14 bilateral) which were operated, complete 2 years follow-up data were available for 38 testicular units. Out of these 38 units, 31 units (81.57%) had complete pain relief, 4 units (10.52%) had partial pain, and 3 units (7.89%) were non-responders. Complications were superficial wound infection in 3 units (4.83%), hydrocele in 2 units (3.22%), subcutaneous seroma in 2 units (3.22%), and an incisional hematoma in 1unit (1.61%) out of 62 operated testicular units. CONCLUSIONS: Idiopathic chronic orchialgia remains a difficult condition to manage. If surgery is considered, microsurgical denervation of spermatic cord should be considered as a first surgical approach to get rid of pain and sparing the testicle.

Architectural Changes in the Medial Gastrocnemius on Sonography after Nerve Ablation in Healthy Adults

Architectural changes in healthy muscle after denervation have not yet been reported. This study aimed to investigate architectural changes in the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle (GCM) after aesthetic tibial nerve ablation in healthy adults using ultrasonography (US). The effects of tibial nerve ablation were verified by visual observation and surface electromyography analysis. US images of medial GCMs were taken by one trained physician using B-mode and real-time US with a linear-array probe before nerve ablation, at 1 week after nerve ablation and at 3 months after nerve ablation in an anatomic standing position with the feet about shoulder-width apart in 19 healthy adults (17 females and 2 males). Muscle thickness was significantly reduced on the left side at 1 week and 3 months after the procedure and on the right side at 3 months after the procedure (p<0.050). Although fascicle length was not significantly changed, pennation angle was significantly reduced on both sides at 3 months after the procedure (p<0.050). Muscle thickness and pennation angle of the muscle fascicle were significantly reduced, although fascicle length was not significantly changed, after tibial nerve ablation in the medial GCM of healthy adults.

A Man Presenting with Sudden Weakness and Pain of the Right Hand, by Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with Brain Metastases

Unexplained pain and weakness, i.e., without obvious predisposing factors, are often encountered by physiatrists and efforts should be made to determine the cause. A 63-year-old male presented with radiating pain in his right arm and mild weakness of the right hand. An electrodiagnostic examination revealed distal symmetric sensory polyneuropathy in the upper and lower extremities, and denervation potentials in the forearm muscles, which were inconsistent with the cervical spine MRI images and symptoms. A predisposing undiscovered disease was revealed, i.e., squamous cell carcinoma in the lung; brain metastasis affecting the left primary motor cortex was also detected. Therefore, we concluded that the pain and weakness were related to paraneoplastic syndrome and brain metastases of the hand knob. The observed denervation potentials were characterized as trans-synaptic changes in the brain metastasis. This case highlights the importance of unexplainable focal pain and weakness in the increasing prevalence of cancer.

Arthroscopic denervation of patella combined with microfracture for patellofemoral arthritis / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical effect of knee denervation combined with micro-fracture under arthroscope in the treatment of patellofemoral arthritis.@*METHODS@#From May 2015 to May 2018, 60 patients with knee joint degenerative patellofemoral arthritis were treated, including 28 males and 32 females, aged from 24 to 56(40.5±3.35) years old. Among them, 30 cases underwent arthroscopic debridement alone(control group), 30 cases underwent arthroscopic debridement, peripatellar denervation combined with cartilage cone and patellofemoral articular surface microfracture treatment (treatment group). VAS, Lysholm and Kujala scores were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect.@*RESULTS@#No complications such as wound infection, vascular nerve injury and deep venous thrombosis occurred in all patients. The patients were followed up for 7 to 36 months with an average of 12.5 months. The VAS scores of the two groups were improved 4 weeks after operation, and the improvement of the treatment group was significantly better than that of the control group, the difference was statistically significant (<0.05). Lysholm and Kujala scores were compared at the last follow-up of the two groups, the improvement of the treatment group was significantly better than that of the control group.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The treatment of patellofemoral arthritis with patellar denervation combined with microfracture can better relieve pain and improve knee function.