Redo Surgeries in Anorectal Malformations: A Single-center Experience.

Aims and Objectives: Complications following posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) for ARM are well known. In this article, we present our experience of managing five patients who required major redo surgeries for complications resulting from previous attempts to correct ARM. Materials and Methods: We reviewed all patients who underwent major redo surgeries in our hospital for complications from previous repairs for ARM, from June 2013 to June 2019. Data was obtained from hospital records and analysed. Results: Five patients whose ages ranged from 5 months to 14 years were included in the study. Four were boys and 1 was a girl. All patients had undergone PSARP in other hospitals. The presentations were retained distal bowel causing urinary retention and constipation (n=1), pulled through proximal urethra and bladder neck presenting as passage of urine from neo-anus (n=1), retained common channel (of cloaca) causing a 'H' type configuration (n=1), mispositioned neo-anus (n=1) following a primary PSARP and lastly undivided recto-urethral fistula causing fecaluria (n=1). All of them underwent redo repairs by posterior sagittal approach with documented improvement in their symptoms. Two of them required total bowel management to remain clean. Conclusion: All the complications reported here have been described in literature nevertheless, this report will add to the body of experience. Posterior sagittal approach (PSA) has proved to be very successful technique in correcting these complications.

Transplanting Livers in Young Children - Looking Back at 100 Cases.

Introduction: Despite advances in medical therapy, liver replacement continues to be the only definitive mode of therapy for children with end-stage liver disease (ESLD). However, its acceptance in India has been discouraging more due to financial and logistic reasons than the availability of expertise. This report outlines our journey and highlights issues pertinent to circumstances in an emerging economy like India. Aim: The aim is to review a single center's 100 case experience with liver transplantation (LT). Materials and Methods: A prospective analysis of all children who underwent LT since 2005 at our institute was done. The data were collated from a maintained structured database. Results: Hundred children underwent LT. Sixty-four were boys. Age ranged from 5 to 144 months, with a median of 17 months. The mean weight of the cohort was 7.5 kg (ranging from 3.7 to 31.5 kg), with 60% of our children weighing between 5 and 10 kg. Biliary atresia is the most common indication (57%); others include metabolic disorders, progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis, and hepatoblastoma. Two patients were for acute liver failure. Ninety-one children underwent live donor LT (mothers being the majority of the donors). None of the donors had any major postoperative complications. Major intraoperative complications include sepsis (39%), vascular complications (17%), biliary leak (11%), and intestinal complications (11%). Early postoperative deaths occurred in 18% of patients with sepsis being most common cause. The mean follow-up was 8.5 years and the overall survival is 70%. The mean survival is time (months) = 176.1. All surviving patients were followed up and had achieved good catch up growth by 3rd and 5th years posttransplant. The long-term sequalae include recurrent intercurrent infections, graft rejection (9%), posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (5%), and portal vein stenosis (5%). Conclusion: Our experience demonstrates the feasibility of LT in children with ESLD in India. With longer-living grafts, patients often struggle with other issues such as compliance with follow-up, financial issues, recurrent infections, and neurological problems. Close monitoring with regular follow-up of patients helps in early recognition and treatment of late-onset complications, thus helping the overall long-term outcomes.

Sestamibi-guided thoracoscopic excision of functional mediastinal parathyroid adenoma in a child: A case report and review of literature.

Primary hyperparathyroidism secondary to ectopic parathyroid (in anterior mediastinum) is rare in children. We report the case of a 12-year-old girl with a history of multiple fractures, renal calculi and limb deformities. She was diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism secondary to an intrathymic parathyroid adenoma. Sestamibi scan showed a lesion in the anterior mediastinum. A biochemical evaluation revealed hypercalcaemia, elevated alkaline phosphatase and parathormone levels. The lesion was marked with radioisotope and confirmed intraoperatively using a gamma camera. The child underwent thoracoscopic left thymectomy with the adenoma. Immediate decrease in calcium and parathyroid hormone values were noted intraoperatively and serial monitoring showed a downward trend. On follow-up, the child is doing well. Ectopic parathyroid adenoma is very rare. CT with radioisotope scans is helpful in diagnosis. Thoracoscopic excision of ectopic adenoma is safe in children.

Paraprofessional delivery of online narrative exposure therapy for firefighters.

Firefighters are at increased risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and face numerous barriers to accessing mental health care. Innovative ways to increase access to evidence-based interventions are needed. This study was a case series testing the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of a paraprofessional-delivered, virtual narrative exposure therapy (eNET) intervention for PTSD. Participants were 21 firefighters who met the criteria for clinical or subclinical probable PTSD and completed 10-12 sessions of eNET via videoconference. Participants completed self-report measures pre- and postintervention and at 2- and 6-month follow-ups as well as a postintervention qualitative interview. Paired samples t tests evidenced statistically significant decreases in PTSD, anxiety, and depressive symptom severity and functional impairment from pre- to postintervention, ds = 1.08-1.33, and in PTSD and anxiety symptom severity and functional impairment from preintervention to 6-month follow-up, ds = 0.69-1.10. The average PTSD symptom severity score fell from above to below the clinical cutoff for probable PTSD at postintervention and follow-ups. Qualitative interviews indicated that paraprofessionals were considered central to participants' success and experience with the intervention. No adverse events or safety concerns were raised. This study is an important step in demonstrating that appropriately trained and supervised paraprofessionals can effectively deliver eNET to firefighters with PTSD.

Fatigue Symptoms Associated With COVID-19 in Convalescent or Recovered COVID-19 Patients; a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence and prognosis of post-acute stage SARS-CoV-2 infection fatigue symptoms remain largely unknown. AIMS: We performed a systematic review to evaluate the prevalence of fatigue in post-recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHOD: Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, trial registries, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar were searched for studies on fatigue in samples that recovered from polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnosed COVID-19. English, French, and Spanish studies were included. Meta-analyses were conducted separately for each recruitment setting. RESULTS: We identified 41 studies with 9,362 patients that recovered from COVID-19. Post-COVID-19 patients self-report of fatigue was higher compared to healthy controls (risk ratio (RR) = 3.688, 95%CI [2.502, 5.436], p < .001). Over 50% of patients discharged from inpatient care reported symptoms of fatigue during the first (event rate [ER] = 0.517, 95%CI [0.278, 0.749]) and second month following recovery (ER = 0.527, 95%CI [0.337, 0.709]). Ten percent of the community patients reported fatigue in the first-month post-recovery. Patient setting moderated the association between COVID-19 recovery and fatigue symptoms (R2 = 0.11, p < .001). Female patients recovering from COVID-19 had a greater self-report of fatigue (odds ratio [OR] = 1.782, 95%CI [1.531, 2.870]). Patients recruited through social media had fatigue above 90% across multiple time points. Fatigue was highest in studies from Europe. CONCLUSION: Fatigue is a symptom associated with functional challenges which could have economic and social impacts. Developing long-term planning for fatigue management amongst patients beyond the acute stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection is essential to optimizing patient care and public health outcomes. Further studies should examine the impact of sociodemographic, pandemic-related restrictions and pre-existing conditions on fatigue.

Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer Detection After a Negative Prebiopsy MRI Examination: Comparison of Biparametric Versus Multiparametric MRI.

BACKGROUND. The frequency of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) following negative biparametric MRI (bpMRI) and multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) has not been well investigated in direct comparative studies. OBJECTIVE. The purposes of this study were to compare the frequency of csPCa after negative prebiopsy bpMRI and mpMRI and to evaluate factors predictive of csPCa in the two cohorts. METHODS. This retrospective study included 232 men (mean age, 64.5 years) with negative bpMRI from August 2017 to March 2020 and 193 men (mean age, 69.0 years) with negative mpMRI from January 2018 to December 2018. PI-RADS category 1 or 2 was defined as negative. The study institution offered bpMRI as a low-cost self-pay option for patients without insurer coverage of prebiospy mpMRI. Patient characteristics and subsequent biopsy results were recorded. CsPCa was defined as Gleason score of 3 + 4 or greater. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of csPCa. The AUC of PSA density (PSAD) for csPCA was computed, and the diagnostic performance of PSAD was assessed at a clinically established threshold of 0.15 ng/mL2. RESULTS. Systematic biopsy was performed after negative bpMRI for 41.4% (96/232) of patients and after negative mpMRI for 30.5% (59/193) (p = .02). Among those undergoing biopsy, csPCa was present in 15.6% (15/96) in the bpMRI cohort versus 13.6% (8/59) in the mpMRI cohort (p = .69). The NPV for csPCa was 84% (81/96) for bpMRI and 86% (51/59) for mpMRI. In multivariable analyses, independent predictors of csPCa included smaller prostate volume (OR, 0.27; p < .001) and greater PSAD (OR, 3.09; p < .001). In multivariable models, bpMRI (compared with mpMRI) was not independently predictive of csPCa (p > .05). PSAD had an AUC for csPCa of 0.71 (95% CI, 0.56-0.87) in the bpMRI cohort versus 0.68 (95% CI, 0.42-0.93) in the mpMRI cohort. For detecting csPCa, a PSAD threshold of 0.15 ng/mL2 had NPV of 90% and PPV of 28%, in the bpMRI cohort versus NPV of 92% and PPV of 44% in the mpMRI cohort. CONCLUSION. The frequencies of csPCa were not significantly different at systematic biopsy performed after negative bpMRI and mpMRI examinations. PSAD had similar diagnostic utility for csPCa in the two cohorts. CLINICAL IMPACT. Either bpMRI or mpMRI, in combination with PSAD measurement, can help avoid negative prostate biopsies.

Ethics on the Learning Curve.

Advances in surgical techniques and technologies require surgeons to constantly retrain and adopt these into their practices. Until the surgeon gains proficiency in the new technique, he is said to be on the learning curve. During this time, the patient is at higher risk of adverse outcomes. This poses significant ethical challenges. Several factors impact the surgeon's decision-making and ability to obtain a truly informed consent. These factors include personal bias - both the surgeons and the patients, absence of high-quality evidence, and market forces. This paper describes the ethical dilemmas faced by surgeons as they adopt newer technologies into their practice. It suggests measures that can ensure that surgical progress does not happen at the cost of patient safety.

Concealed Penile Duplication - Presenting Late.

We report a case of concealed penile duplication without many symptoms and normally looking external genitalia in a 10-year-old boy. He was evaluated with appropriate imaging and had successful surgical reconstruction of his genitalia with good cosmesis and functional outcome.

Hair Tourniquet of the Uvula.

Hair tourniquet syndrome (HTS) is a condition, where a strand of hair encircles the base of an appendage. We report a rare case of HTS of the uvula and review relevant literature.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone-Independent Hypercortisolism Managed by Bilateral Retroperitoneoscopic Adrenalectomy: Report of a Case and Review of Literature.

Bilateral adrenalectomy is the reference treatment for Cushing's syndrome related to adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (AIMAH). We report a case of AIMAH managed by sequential retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy and review the literature of the same.

Past, Present, and Future of Serum Tumor Markers in Management of Ovarian Cancer: A Guide for the Radiologist.

The ability to accurately detect early ovarian cancer and subsequently monitor treatment response is essential to improving survival for patients with ovarian malignancies. Several serum tumor markers (STMs)-including cancer antigen 125 (CA-125), human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), cancer antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-have been used as a noninvasive method of identifying ovarian cancer in conjunction with imaging. Although current guidelines do not recommend use of STMs as screening tools for ovarian cancer, these markers have clinical utility in both diagnosis and surveillance for women with ovarian cancer. CA-125 is the most commonly used STM; its level may be elevated in several types of ovarian cancer, including epithelial cell tumors, carcinosarcoma, teratomas, and secondary ovarian malignancies. An elevated level of CA 19-9 is associated with clear cell tumors, teratomas, and secondary malignancies. CEA is most commonly associated with mucinous ovarian cancers. Finally, HE4 is being increasingly used to identify certain subtypes of epithelial ovarian cancers, particularly serous and endometrioid tumors. Diagnosis of ovarian cancers relies on a combination of CA-125 levels and US findings, which include a large adnexal mass or high-risk features, including septa and increased vascularity. CT is preferred for staging and is used along with PET and STM monitoring for surveillance. Increasingly, MRI is being used to characterize ovarian lesions that are indeterminate at US or CT. The future of STM testing involves development of "liquid biopsies," in which plasma samples are analyzed for evidence of tumors, including circulating tumor DNA or tumor cells and tumor micro-RNA. When combined with traditional imaging techniques, liquid biopsies may lead to earlier diagnosis and improved survival. An invited commentary by Shinagare is available online. ©RSNA, 2021.

Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder Status Post-Solid Organ Transplant Presenting to the Emergency Department: Single Institute Experience.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical, laboratory, imaging, and pathology findings associated with emergency department presentations of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) after solid organ transplant (SOT). METHODS: Fifteen patients presenting to a single tertiary care center between 2004 and 2019 with PTLD after SOT were identified from a pathology database. Twelve patients presenting through the emergency department were included in the study. Demographic, clinical, imaging, pathology, treatment, and outcome data were reviewed. RESULTS: Among this 12 patient cohort (7 men; mean age, 44.2 years), transplant history included 4 combined kidney/pancreas, 4 kidney, 2 liver, 1 cardiac, and 1 lung. Mean time from transplant to diagnosis was 7.6 years. Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder was identified on initial computed tomography scans in 10 of 12 patients. The most common sites for PTLD development were the gastrointestinal tract (4/12) and liver (3/12). Outcomes included resolution of PTLD in 9 of 12 patients, with 3 patients dying within 6 months of diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder is a serious consequence of solid organ transplantation that can present in various locations and with varied symptomatology in the emergency setting. Other posttransplant complications may present similarly including chronic rejection and infection. Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder should be considered in SOT patients presenting with worsening abdominal pain or constitutional symptoms, even with normal laboratory workup.

The Past, Present, and Future (Liquid Biopsy) of Serum Tumor Markers in Lung Cancer: A Primer for the Radiologist.

ABSTRACT: Lung cancer continues to be a major cause of death throughout the world. The ability to both accurately diagnose lung cancer in its early stages and monitor response to treatment is essential to reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. Serum tumor markers have been identified as potential biomarkers that may aid in lung cancer diagnosis and surveillance. These markers, when combined with cross-sectional imaging, may result in more robust screening and surveillance protocols. The future role of serum tumor markers in lung cancer includes the advancement of "liquid biopsies," in which peripheral blood samples are analyzed for tumor components without the need for a tissue biopsy.

Diagnostic utility of computed tomography in patients presenting to the emergency department with unintended weight loss.

PURPOSE: Unintended weight loss (UWL) is a common presenting symptom in the emergency department (ED) with several etiologies. Our study looks to evaluate the diagnostic utility of computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of UWL in the ED. METHODS: We identified all patients who underwent CT of the chest, abdomen, or pelvis in the ED at our institution for the diagnosis of UWL from 2004 to 2020 and retrospectively reviewed their clinical history and imaging. CT findings were organized into 4 types: (1) definite cause for UWL identified, (2) possible findings for UWL, (3) incidental findings unrelated to UWL, and (4) normal scan. Associations between clinical and laboratory findings with positive CT scans were also examined. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-three eligible patients were identified; 40 patients were excluded due to history of malignancy or inadequate follow-up. One hundred thirty-three patients were included in the final cohort. Overall, the most common causes of UWL were non-malignant gastrointestinal (GI) conditions (n = 41, 30%) and cancer (n = 30, 23%). True-positive CT findings were identified in 48.8% of patients (65/133). Elevated white blood cell counts (p = <0.0001) and physical exam abnormalities (p = 0.02) were both significantly associated with CT abnormalities. CONCLUSION: The use of CT scanning in the evaluation of UWL in the ED yielded a diagnosis in approximately half of all cases, indicating good diagnostic value. The most common causes of UWL were non-malignant GI conditions and cancer in this cohort.

Melanotic Neuroectodermal Tumor of Infancy: Does Enucleation Alone Suffice?

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) is a rare melanin-containing mesenchymal tumor of neural crest origin. We present a case of MNTI in a 1-year-old girl. It was managed successfully with conservative excision (enucleation).

Endoscopic Appendectomy for Inverted Appendix: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Inverted appendix is a very rare anomaly and presents a diagnostic challenge. We report a case of inverted appendix in a 10-year-old boy and its management.

Prognostic factors for return to work of employees with common mental disorders: a meta-analysis of cohort studies.

PURPOSE: To examine prognostic factors for return to work (RTW) of employees with common mental disorders (CMDs). METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed using data from 18 published cohort studies with 24,579 participants. The studies were identified from MEDLINE/PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, SocINDEX, and Human resource management databases from 1995 to 2016. Two authors independently screened selected studies and assessed the quality of the studies as well as the extracted data. RESULTS: We screened 7755 abstracts, from which 211 full text articles were reviewed. Eighteen cohort studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Significant prognostic factors for RTW included age, contact with medical specialists, RTW-self-efficacy, and work ability. The pooled hazard ratios and 95% confidence interval (CI) for age, RTW-SE, contact with medical specialists, and high work ability/low work demands in relation to RTW were 0.77 (95% CI 0.65-0.88), 1.79 (95% CI 1.24-2.33), 0.64 (95% CI 0.49-0.80) and 1.08 (95% CI 1.06-1.11), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Self-efficacy (SE) is a key factor in the enhancement of work ability and RTW. Improving employee's SE and collaborating with employers to enhance work ability may help to facilitate RTW. As the RTW process is complex, exploring theoretical frameworks for RTW in individuals with a CMD is also needed.

Quality of Life of Indian Pediatric Surgeons: Results of a Survey (of Indian Association of Pediatric Surgeons Members).

INTRODUCTION: Much is debated on the quality of life of pediatric surgeons practicing in India, all based on anecdotal and personal experiences. There is no systematic study on this. This study addresses this and attempts to glean a clearer picture of the life as a pediatric surgeon in India. METHODOLOGY: This questionnaire-based study was administered via an online survey to all Indian Association of Pediatric Surgeons members. The responses were anonymous and investigators blinded. Data were collated and analyzed using STAT11.1. RESULTS: A total of 173 pediatric surgeons responded. Eighty-six percent were men. About 73.7% of the surgeons were between 31 and 50 years of age. Almost 63.4% practiced in urban areas, whereas 36% in other smaller towns. About 0.6% reported that their practice was rural. Almost 26.4% were in private/solo practices, whereas 53.4% were in institution-based practice. Almost 80% felt that they were adequately trained while starting their practice. About 78% are professionally satisfied with their work. Only 44.5% of surgeons felt that they were compensated adequately financially. Reading was the favorite pass time. Almost 40% of the surgeons felt that they were either overweight or obese. About 41% of the surgeons exercise more than 3 times a week. Only 11.4% smoke, whereas 36% drink. Fifty-three percent of surgeons felt that their personal savings were adequate. Seventy-six percent use Facebook. Sixty-eight percent were satisfied with their quality of life. Age was significantly associated with professional satisfaction, financial satisfaction, and quality of life and all improve as one's age progresses. None were affected with one's gender, type of practice, and the place of practice. Age, weight, exercise, and one's savings significantly affected ones quality of life. CONCLUSION: This is the first study which objectively highlights that most surgeons are happy professionally and financially in due course of time and demolishes the common belief that pediatric surgeons are unsatisfied. It also acts as a point of reference and encouragement to newer aspirants in pediatric surgery.