Carbon footprint of a laser unit: a study of two centres in the UK.

PURPOSE: Climate change has serious consequences for our wellbeing. Healthcare systems themselves contribute significantly to our total carbon footprint, of which emissions from surgical practice are a major component. The primary sources of emissions identified are anaesthetic gases, disposal of single-use equipment, energy usage, and travel to and from clinical areas. We sought to quantify the waste generated by laser surgery which, to our knowledge, has not been previously reported. METHODS: The carbon footprint of two laser centres operating within the United Kingdom were measured. The internationally recognised Greenhouse Gas Protocol was used as a guiding framework to classify sources of waste and conversion factors issued by the UK government were used to quantify emissions. RESULTS: The total carbon footprints per day at each unit were 299.181 carbon dioxide equivalents (kgCo2eq) and 121.512 kgCO2eq, respectively. We found the carbon footprint of individual laser treatments to be approximately 15 kgCO2eq per procedure. The biggest overall contributor to the carbon footprint was found to be the emissions generated from staff, patient and visitor travel. This was followed by electricity usage, and indirect emissions from physical waste and laundry. CONCLUSIONS: The carbon footprint of laser procedures was considerably less than the average surgical operation in the UK. This initial study measures the carbon footprint of a laser center in a clinical setting and allows us to identify where improvements can be made to eventually achieve a net carbon zero health care system.

Efficacy of long-term indomethacin therapy in prolonging pregnancy after fetoscopic laser surgery for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: a collaborative cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of long-term indomethacin therapy (LIT) in prolonging pregnancy and reducing spontaneous preterm birth (PTB) in patients undergoing fetoscopic laser surgery (FLS) for the management of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data. SETTING: Collaborative multicentre study. POPULATION: Five hundred and fifty-seven consecutive TTTS cases that underwent FLS. METHODS: Long-term indomethacin therapy was defined as indomethacin use for at least 48 hours. Log-binomial regression was used to estimate the relative risk of PTB in the LIT group compared with a non-LIT group. Cox regression was used to evaluate the association between LIT use and FLS-to-delivery survival. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Gestational age (GA) at delivery. RESULTS: Among the 411 pregnancies included, a total of 180 patients (43.8%) received LIT after FLS and 231 patients (56.2%) did not. Median GA at fetal intervention did not differ between groups (20.4 weeks). Median GA at delivery was significantly higher in the LIT group (33.6 weeks) compared with the non-LIT group (31.1 weeks; P < 0.001). FLS-to-delivery interval was significantly longer in the LIT group (P < 0.001). The risks of PTB before 34, 32, 28 and 26 weeks of gestation were all significantly lower in the LIT group compared with the non-LIT group (relative risks 0.69, 0.51, 0.37 and 0.18, respectively). The number needed to treat with LIT to prevent one PTB before 32 weeks of gestation was four, and to prevent one PTB before 34 weeks was five. CONCLUSION: Long-term indomethacin after FLS for TTTS was found to be associated with prolongation of pregnancy and reduced risk for PTB. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Long-term indomethacin used after fetoscopic laser surgery for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is effective in prolonging pregnancy and reducing the risk for preterm birth; especially extreme preterm birth.

Selective fetal reduction in complicated monochorionic twin pregnancies: A comparison of techniques.

OBJECTIVE: To compare perinatal outcomes associated with three methods of selective reduction in complicated monochorionic (MC) twin pregnancies: bipolar cord coagulation (BC), fetoscopic or ultrasound guided laser cord occlusion and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of complicated MC twin pregnancies undergoing selective fetal reduction at a tertiary fetal center over a 20-year period. Obstetric and perinatal outcomes were compared. RESULTS: 105 procedures met inclusion criteria: 74 RFAs, 17 lasers and 14 BCs. Procedure duration was significantly shorter for RFA (27.4 ± 15.8 minutes) compared to BC (91.7 ± 38.7 minutes) and laser (83.4 ± 40.4 minutes), P < .0001). The incidence of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) and co-twin demise did not differ between groups, however preterm delivery <34 weeks occurred less frequently following RFA (29.7%), compared to laser (64.7%) or BC (42.9%) (P = .02); delivery <37 weeks was also less frequent following RFA (45.9%), compared to laser (76.5%) or BC (78.6%)(P = .01). The difference in preterm birth<34 weeks between RFA and laser was maintained after adjusting for cord occlusion indication and amnionicity (OR 3.96, 95% CI 1.27-12.31). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, RFA procedures were simpler, faster and associated with a lower risk of preterm delivery <34 and <37 weeks, compared to laser or BC.

Dual demise following laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome: Analysis of 52 cases at a single fetal surgery center.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate all individual cases of dual twin demise following laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). METHOD: This is an analysis of all monochorionic diamniotic twin gestations with TTTS complicated by dual demise following laser surgery from 2006 to 2019. Cases were reviewed by (1) a fetal surgeon researcher and (2) a panel of independent experienced maternal-fetal medicine specialists to code an etiology of demise for the donor and recipient, and to assess for possible preventability. RESULTS: Of 753 twins that underwent laser surgery for TTTS, 52 (6.9%) had postoperative dual demise. In this subgroup, gestational age at surgery was 19.5 (16.1-24.9) weeks, and 36 (69.2%) patients were Quintero stage III and IV. The most common etiology was the spectrum of disorders leading to preterm delivery, which included cervical insufficiency, preterm premature rupture of membranes, and preterm labor (44.2% and 48.1%, donor and recipient, respectively). Some degree of preventability was estimated for 23.1% of dual demises. CONCLUSIONS: The most common cause of dual demise post laser surgery for TTTS was preterm birth, reinforcing the need for studies regarding the etiology and prevention of post-fetoscopy prematurity. Nearly one-quarter of dual demise cases were deemed potentially preventable.

Fetal and neonatal brain lesions following laser ablation for twin-to-twin-transfusion-syndrome as detected by pre- and post-natal brain imaging.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the rate of and risk factors for fetal and neonatal brain lesions following laser ablation for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 83 women with monochorionic twin pregnancies who underwent ablation for TTTS at a single tertiary hospital. Post-laser survivors were followed-up with fetal neurosonogram every 2 weeks and fetal brain MRI at 28-32 weeks of gestation; post-natal brain imaging included neurosonogram. Cases with pre- and post-natal brain lesions were compared to those without. RESULTS: 153 fetuses survived the immediate post-laser period and underwent brain imaging. Of these, 17 (11.11%) exhibited brain lesions on prenatal imaging studies, and 36 (32.4%) on post-natal ultrasound. Later gestational age (GA) at the time of ablation (23.0 vs. 21.4 weeks, p = 0.0244), post-laser twin-anemia-polycythemia-sequence (TAPS) (29.41% vs. 9.56%, p = 0.035) and birthweight discordancy (30% vs. 9%, p = 0.0025) were associated with prenatal brain lesions. Earlier GA at delivery (31.0 weeks vs. 32.2, p = 0.0002) and post-laser TAPS (25% vs. 9.33%, p = 0.038) were associated with post-natal brain lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Survivors of ablation for TTTS are at risk for brain lesions, which can be detected prenatally. Incorporation of neurosonogram and fetal brain MRI into the routine surveillance of such pregnancies should be considered.

Laser peripheral iridoplasty for chronic angle closure.

BACKGROUND: In at least a third of primary angle closure cases, appositional angle closure persists after laser peripheral iridotomy, and further intervention may be considered. Laser peripheral iridoplasty (LPIp) can be used in treating chronic angle closure when angle closure persists after laser peripheral iridotomy. Previous reviews have found insufficient data to determine its clinical effectiveness, compared to other interventions. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2008 and updated in 2012. It examines all studies to date to establish whether LPIp shows any effectiveness over other available treatment options. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of laser peripheral iridoplasty in the treatment of people with chronic angle closure, when compared to laser peripheral iridotomy, medical therapy or no further treatment. SEARCH METHODS: We searched various electronic databases. The date of the search was 20 December 2020. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the use of LPIp in cases of suspected primary angle closure (PACS), confirmed primary angle closure (PAC), or primary chronic angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). We applied no restrictions with respect to gender, age or ethnicity of participants. Trials evaluating LPIp for acute attacks of angle closure were not eligible. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Two authors independently assessed studies for risk of bias using Cochrane's 'risk of bias' tool. We collected adverse effects information from the trials. MAIN RESULTS: We included four RCTs involving 252 participants (276 eyes). In total, three different methods of intervention were used and 15 outcomes reported, with different time points. We used narrative synthesis to describe the majority of the findings, as meta-analysis was only possible for a limited number of outcomes due to the variation in study design and outcomes assessed. Study Characteristics Participants were adults recruited from outpatient settings in the UK, Singapore, China and Korea with either PACS, PAC or PACG. All studies compared argon LPIp (as either a primary or secondary procedure) to an alternative intervention or no further treatment. Three studies were of parallel group design, and one within-person, randomised by eye. All studies showed elements of high risk of bias. Due to the nature of the intervention assessed, a lack of masking of both participants and assessors was noted in all trials. Findings Laser peripheral iridoplasty with iridotomy versus iridotomy alone as a primary procedure Two RCTs assessed the use of argon LPIp as a primary procedure with peripheral iridotomy, compared with peripheral iridotomy alone. However, neither study reported data for the primary outcome, disease progression. Argon LPIp showed no evidence of effect on: final mean intraocular pressure (IOP) at 3 months and 12 months (mean difference (MD) 0.39 mmHg, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.07 to 1.85; I2 = 38%; 2 studies, 174 participants; low-certainty evidence); further surgical or laser intervention at 12 months (risk ratio (RR) 1.21, 95% CI 0.66 to 2.21; 1 study, 126 participants; low-certainty evidence); or mean number of additional medications required at 12 months (MD 0.10, 95% CI -0.34 to 0.54; 1 study, 126 participants; low-certainty evidence). Complications were assessed at 3 to 12 months (2 studies, 206 participants; low-certainty evidence) and found to be mild and uncommon, with comparable levels between groups. The only severe complication encountered was one case of malignant glaucoma in one study's argon LPIp group. Quality of life measures were not assessed. In the other study, investigators found that argon LPIp showed no evidence of effect on final mean anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) measurements, including anterior chamber depth (MD 0.00 mm, 95% CI -0.10 to 0.10; 24 participants, 48 eyes; very low-certainty evidence). Laser peripheral iridoplasty as a secondary procedure versus no treatment One RCT assessed the use of argon LPIp as a secondary procedure compared with no further treatment in 22 participants over three months. Disease progression, additional medications required, complications, further surgical or laser intervention, and quality of life outcomes were not assessed. There was only very low-certainty evidence regarding final maximum IOP value (MD -1.81 mmHg, 95% CI -3.11 to -0.51; very low-certainty evidence), with no evidence of effect on final minimum IOP values (MD -0.31 mmHg, 95% CI -1.93 to 1.31; very low-certainty evidence). The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of argon LPIp on AS-OCT parameters. The trial did not report AS-OCT measurements for the control group. Laser peripheral iridoplasty as a secondary procedure versus medication One RCT assessed the use of argon LPIp as a secondary procedure compared with travoprost 0.004% in 80 participants over 12 months. The primary outcome of disease progression was reported for this method: argon LPIp showed no evidence of effect on mean final cup/disk ratio (MD -0.03, 95% CI -0.11 to 0.05; low-certainty evidence). Argon LPIp showed no evidence of effect for: mean change in IOP (MD -1.20 mmHg, 95% CI -2.87 to 0.47; low-certainty evidence) or mean number of additional medications (MD 0.42, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.61; low-certainty evidence). Further surgical intervention was required by one participant in the intervention group alone, with none in the control group  (low-certainty evidence). No serious adverse events were reported, with mild complications consisting of two cases of 'post-laser IOP spike' in the argon LPIp group. Quality of life measures were not assessed. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of argon LPIp on AS-OCT parameters. The trial did not report AS-OCT measurements for the control group. Adverse events Availability of data were limited for adverse effects. Similar rates were observed in control and intervention groups, where reported. Serious adverse events were rare. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: After reviewing the outcomes of four RCTs, argon LPIp as an intervention may be no more clinically effective than comparators in the management of people with chronic angle closure. Despite a potential positive impact on anterior chamber morphology, its use in clinical practice in treating people with chronic angle closure is not supported by the results of trials published to date. Given these results, further research into LPIp is unlikely to be worthwhile.

Safe and effective transvenous lead extraction for elderly patients utilizing non-laser and laser tools: a single-center experience in Japan.

Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) for cardiac implantable electric device (CIED) infection is becoming increasingly common, but is believed to be particularly risky in elderly patients. This study aimed to clarify the safety and effectiveness of TLE in the elderly, evaluating the use of both non-laser and laser extraction tools. We retrospectively analyzed the characteristics, device type, indications, procedures, and clinical results in younger (YG; age: 15-79 years; n = 48) and elderly groups (EG; age: ≥ 80 years; n = 27) of patients who underwent percutaneous TLE between April 2014 and December 2019 at our hospital. The average age was 68 and 88 years in the YG and EG, respectively. Indications for TLE were infection in 33 (68.8%) patients and other in 15 (30.6%) patients in the YG, and infection in all 27 (100%) EG patients. Bloodstream infection was detected in 9 and 4 patients in the YG and EG, respectively, with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis being the most common causative pathogen. All TLE procedures were performed under general anesthesia in an operating room with cardiovascular surgeon backup. An excimer laser sheath (76 leads), a laser followed by a mechanical sheath (45 leads), Evolution RL® (17 leads), a mechanical sheath (9 leads), and manual traction (one lead) were employed to extract a total of 148 leads (98 and 50 in the YG and EG, respectively). A mechanical sheath or Evolution RL® was more frequently used in the YG. The respective average implantation durations in the YG and EG were 5.3 and 5.0 years, respectively, which were comparable (p = 0.46). Procedural success rates were identical between the YG and EG (99% vs. 100%, respectively). There was only one procedure-related complication in the entire cohort (cardiac tamponade in a YG patient). Taken together, the success rates of TLE were high in the EG, with no complications, with extraction being the indication for infection in all EG patients. Percutaneous TLE was safe and effective in elderly patients using both non-laser and laser techniques.

Eradication of Posterior Capsule Opacification: Documentation of a Marked Decrease in Nd:YAG Laser Posterior Capsulotomy Rates Noted in an Analysis of 5416 Pseudophakic Human Eyes Obtained Postmortem.

OBJECTIVE: (1) To report the neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy rate (%) of eight rigid and foldable intraocular lens (IOL) designs in a series of 5416 pseudophakic human eyes obtained postmortem, accessioned in our center between January 1988 and January 2000. (2) To identify factors that are instrumental in reducing the incidence of posterior capsule opacification, (PCO, secondary cataract) and hence the need for Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy. DESIGN: Comparative autopsy tissue analysis. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 5416 globes with posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC-IOLs) obtained postmortem received from Lions Eye Banks between 1988 and 2000. METHODS: Miyake-Apple posterior photographic technique. Special reference was given to the presence or absence of Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy orifice on the posterior capsule of each eye. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy rate (%) as of January 2000 was documented. In addition, the Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy rate for each lens was plotted on a monthly basis for the same period, creating a computerized trend or "timeline" for each IOL style. RESULTS: Relatively high Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy rates ranging from 20.3% to 33.4% were noted with four relatively older designs (high incidence of implantation between 1988 and the early 1990s). Four modern foldable lOLs manufactured from silicone and acrylic materials had significantly lower Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy rates ranging from 0.9% (Alcon Acrysof) to 17.1%. The difference in Nd:YAG rates among the eight IOL designs was found to be significant (P < 0.0001, chi-square test). Comparing foldable versus rigid designs, the foldable IOLs were associated with a much lower Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy rate (14.1% vs. 31.1%). CONCLUSIONS: By use of the six factors regarding surgical technique and IOL choice described in this article, we strongly believe that the overall incidence of PCO and hence the incidence of Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy is now rapidly decreasing from rates as high as 50% in the 1980s to early 1990s. Surgical tools and IOLs are now available to bring these rates down to single digits. Careful application and use of these tools by surgeons can genuinely lead in the direction of virtual eradication of secondary cataract, the second most common cause of visual loss worldwide.

Randomised trial of bipolar resection vs holmium laser enucleation vs Greenlight laser vapo-enucleation of the prostate for treatment of large benign prostate obstruction: 3-years outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare transurethral resection in saline (TURIS), Greenlight laser vapo-enucleation of the prostate (GL.PVEP), and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), for controlling lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to large benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and to assess non-inferiority of 3-year re-treatment rates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eligible patients with BPH (prostate size 80-150 mL) were randomly assigned to one of the intervention groups. Non-inferiority of re-treatment rate was evaluated using a one-sided test at 5% level of significance. RESULTS: At the time of analysis, 60 GL.PVEP, 60 HoLEP and 62 TURIS procedures were included. Perioperative parameters were comparable between groups; however, the operative time was longer in GL.PVEP vs HoLEP and TURIS, at a mean (SD) of 92 (32) vs 73 (30) and 83 (28) min (P = 0.005); and was less effective with a mean (SD) removal of 1.2 (0.4) vs 1.7 (0.7) and 1.4 (0.6) g/min (P < 0.001), respectively. Perioperative complications and need for auxiliary procedures were similar in the three groups; however, there was a significantly higher rate of capsular perforation in TURIS group (five, 8%) compared to one (1.6%) in the GL.PVEP group and none in the HoLEP group (P = 0.01). There was a significantly longer hospital stay, catheter-time and higher rate of blood transfusion in the TURIS group. There was significant but comparable improvements in the International Prostate Symptom Score in three groups at different follow-up points. At 3 years, re-treatment for recurrent bladder outlet obstruction was required more after GL.PVEP and TURIS. More re-do surgeries for recurrent obstructing prostate adenoma was reported after GL.PVEP (four, 6.7%) and TURIS (six, 9.7%) than for HoLEP (none) (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: The perioperative outcomes of GL.PVEP and HoLEP surpassed that of TURIS for the treatment of large prostates, but with a significantly prolonged operative time with GL.PVEP. The three techniques achieve good functional outcomes; however, 3-year re-treatment rates following TURIS and GL.PVEP were inferior to HoLEP.

The cost-effectiveness of transurethral resection of the prostate vs thulium laser transurethral vaporesection of the prostate in the UNBLOCS randomised controlled trial for benign prostatic obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the cost-effectiveness of the current 'gold standard' operation of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) compared to the new laser technique of thulium laser transurethral vaporesection of the prostate (ThuVARP) in men with benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) within the UK National Health Service (NHS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The trial was conducted across seven UK centres (four university teaching hospitals and three district general hospitals). A total of 410 men aged ≥18 years presenting with either bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) or urinary retention secondary to BPO, and suitable for surgery, were randomised (whilst under anaesthetic) 1:1 to receive the TURP or ThuVARP procedure. Resource use in relation to the operation, initial inpatient stay, and subsequent use of NHS services was collected for 12 months from randomisation (equivalent to primary effectiveness outcome) using hospital records and patient questionnaires. Resources were valued using UK reference costs. Quality adjusted life years (QALYs) were calculated from the EuroQoL five Dimensions five Levels (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire completed at baseline, 3- and 12-months. Total adjusted mean costs, QALYs and incremental Net Monetary Benefit statistics were calculated: cost-effectiveness acceptability curves and sensitivity analyses addressed uncertainty. RESULTS: The total adjusted mean secondary care cost over the 12 months in the TURP arm (£4244) was £9 (95% CI -£376, £359) lower than the ThuVARP arm (£4253). The ThuVARP operation took on average 21 min longer than TURP. The adjusted mean difference of QALYs (0.01 favouring TURP, 95% CI -0.01, 0.04) was similar between the arms. There is a 76% probability that TURP is the cost-effective option compared with ThuVARP at the £20 000 per QALY willingness to pay threshold used by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). CONCLUSION: One of the anticipated benefits of the laser surgery, reduced length of hospital stay with an associated reduction in cost, did not materialise within the study. The longer duration of the ThuVARP procedure is important to consider, both from a patient perspective in terms of increased time under anaesthetic, and from a service delivery perspective. TURP remains a highly cost-effective treatment for men with BPO.

Laser treatment of epidermal nevi: A multicenter retrospective study with long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Patients with epidermal nevi strongly demand cosmetic improvement. Laser treatment appears appealing and is frequently used in clinical practice. Nevertheless, large series with long-term follow-up are missing, preventing definitive conclusions about its real benefit. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term effectiveness and safety of lasers for epidermal nevi. METHODS: Bicentric, retrospective, cohort study, including all patients treated with a laser for an epidermal nevus with more than a 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: Seventy patients were treated for different types of epidermal nevi, mostly with ablative lasers: 23 verrucous epidermal nevi, 16 nevi sebaceous, 26 Becker nevi, 2 inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevi, 1 smooth-muscle hamartoma, 1 rounded and velvety epidermal nevus, and 1 nevus lipomatosus superficialis. The follow-up period was a median of 37 months (range, 12-127 months). Better results, fewer recurrences, and higher patient satisfaction were noted in treatments for verrucous epidermal nevi than for nevi sebaceous. Q-switched lasers failed to show any degree of improvement in almost all patients with Becker nevus. LIMITATIONS: The retrospective nature of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Ablative lasers can treat verrucous epidermal nevi with good long-term esthetic results but have limited long-term efficacy for nevus sebaceous. Q-switched lasers failed to improve Becker nevi.

Prognostic factors, treatment, and survival in cutaneous pleomorphic sarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Limited information exists on the influence of demographics, tumor characteristics, and treatment on survival in cutaneous pleomorphic sarcoma (CPS). OBJECTIVE: To describe incidence rates and prognostic factors affecting survival in CPS. METHODS: National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data (1972-2013) was analyzed for 2423 patients with CPS diagnoses. RESULTS: The age-adjusted incidence rate was 0.152 cases/100,000 person-years and was 4.5-fold higher in male than female patients. Male sex, white race, and increasing age >40 years were significantly associated with decreased overall survival. Head and neck tumors, tumors >15 mm, and tumors with grade III or IV histology were associated with significantly decreased survival. Surgical excision had a survival benefit compared with no treatment. Radiation therapy did not provide a survival benefit. Patients with localized disease had the greatest survival followed by regional and distant disease. LIMITATIONS: Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data might not be reflective of all CPS patients. Recurrences, restaging, or other nonmortality events over time were not tracked. CONCLUSION: Tumor size, grade, sex, age at diagnosis, and race appear to influence survival as prognostic factors in CPS. Surgical tumor extirpation provides a survival benefit over no treatment whereas primary or adjuvant radiation does not provide a survival benefit.

Neurodevelopmental impairment at 3 years of age after fetoscopic laser surgery for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Data on neurodevelopmental outcomes of children surviving after fetoscopic laser surgery (FLS) for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) are scarce. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated children surviving after FLS for TTTS at 16 to 26 weeks' gestation between 2003 and 2014. Children were evaluated by standardized neurologic examinations using the Kyoto Scale 2001 at a corrected age of 3 years ± 6 months. Neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) was defined as cerebral palsy (CP), bilateral blindness, bilateral deafness or a developmental quotient (DQ) < 70 points. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at term-equivalent age. RESULTS: A total of 188 children from 110 twin pregnancies were evaluated. NDI was detected in 16/188 (8.5%) children, including six cases of CP (3.2%). No children had bilateral blindness or deafness. An earlier gestational age at delivery was associated with a higher incidence of NDI (P < .001). Abnormal brain MRI findings were detected in 9/16 (56%) of children with NDI, including 6/6 (100%) with CP. CONCLUSION: The incidence of NDI in children following FLS at 3 years old was 8.5%. Prematurity is a strong risk factor for NDI. Brain MRI may predict the development of CP.

Intrafetal laser for midtrimester TRAP sequence-experience from a single center.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience and evaluate outcomes in monochorionic pregnancies with Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion sequence with intrafetal laser therapy. METHODS: Retrospective review of records of all pregnancies with TRAP sequence treated by intrafetal laser therapy between 2011 January and 2015 December that were retrieved and analysed. RESULTS: Electronic search of the scan database retrieved 57 cases of TRAP sequence during the study period, 7 triplets and 50 monochorionic twins. Intrafetal laser was done in 27 cases, 22 cases of twins and 5 cases of triplets. In the twins group, median gestational age at intervention was 22.5 weeks, the earliest done at 16.3 weeks. The median gestational age at delivery and birth weight was 37 weeks and 2.5 Kgs. The median procedure and delivery interval was 14 weeks. Live birth rate was 17/22 (77%) the pump survival rate was 16/22 (73%). Pregnancies with non-surviving pump were 5 in numbers (5/22). A repeat procedure was warranted in one case. In the triplet group, median gestational age at intervention, delivery and procedure delivery interval was 18, 35 and 17 weeks. CONCLUSION: Intrafetal laser is simple, effective and the treatment of choice to interrupt the vascular supply to acardiac twin.

Er:YAG laser in hysterectomized women with stress urinary incontinence: a VELA retrospective cohort, non-inferiority study.

Objective: To test whether the erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) SMOOTH® laser treatment efficacy on stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in hysterectomized patients is non-inferior to its efficacy in non-hysterectomized patients.Methods: In this real-world, retrospective cohort study performed in Turkey, Croatia and Italy, we enrolled a consecutive sample of 35 hysterectomized and 34 non-hysterectomized patients with SUI. We used the Er:YAG SMOOTH® laser (Fotona, Slovenia) with a wave length of 2940 nm. The primary outcome was median reduction of SUI symptoms measured by the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short-Form (ICIQ-SF) with the non-inferiority margin defined as the minimum clinically important difference of ICIQ-SF (δ < 2.52 points).Results: In hysterectomized patients, the ICIQ-SF was reduced by 5 points (95% confidence interval 3-8; p < 0.001), a reduction of 45% (95% confidence interval 36-67%). After adjustment for baseline ICIQ-SF and five covariates, the reduction of symptoms in the hysterectomized group was not inferior to the reduction in the non-hysterectomized group.Conclusion: The Er:YAG SMOOTH® laser treatment seems to improve the symptoms of SUI in hysterectomized women not clinically relevantly less than in non-hysterectomized women. It seems that the beneficial effect of Er:YAG SMOOTH® laser treatment for SUI in hysterectomized women is time-limited.

Laser Plume From Human Papillomavirus-Infected Tissue: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Laser procedures are becoming more prevalent across multiple medical specialties for a variety of indications. The plumes created by these lasers have raised concern for the dissemination of an infectious material. OBJECTIVE: To review and summarize the information on viral dissemination in laser plumes available in the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data Sources A systematic review was performed on English and non-English articles using the PubMed and the Cochrane databases. A manual search of bibliographies from relevant articles was also performed to collect additional studies. STUDY SELECTION: Only articles in the English language with full texts available that pertained to viral particles in laser plumes were included. Data Extraction Two authors performed independent article selections using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: There have been case reports of possible transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV) by inhalation of laser-produced aerosols. Multiple investigators have attempted to recreate this scenario in the laboratory to qualify this risk. Others have conducted clinical experiments to determine the presence of HPV in laser plumes. CONCLUSION: The current body of the literature suggests that laser surgeons are at a risk for HPV exposure by inhalation of laser-derived aerosols. We offer best practice recommendations for laser operators.

Population-based assessment of re-treatment and healthcare utilisation after photoselective vaporisation of the prostate or electrosurgical transurethral resection of the prostate.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the healthcare utilisation and repeat surgical treatment rate amongst older men undergoing an electrosurgical-transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) vs photoselective vaporisation of the prostate (PVP), as the real-world implementation and outcomes of laser-based treatment have not been well studied. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We used administrative data from the province of Ontario, Canada, to identify all men aged >66 years who underwent their first electrosurgical-TURP/PVP between 2003 and 2016. Our primary exposure was type of procedure (PVP or electrosurgical-TURP). Our primary outcome was need for repeat surgical treatment. The primary analysis was an adjusted marginal Cox model approach, which accounted for clustering of patients within surgeons; adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) or odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are reported. RESULTS: We identified 52 748 men: 6838 (13%) underwent PVP, and 45 910 (87%) underwent electrosurgical-TURP. The median age was similar, and PVP became more common with time. Compared to the PVP group, more patients in the electrosurgical-TURP group had prior gross haematuria or urinary retention, and fewer had used anticoagulants, α-blockers, or 5α-reductase inhibitors. The need for repeat surgical treatment was significantly higher amongst men who had PVP (aHR 1.57, 95% CI 1.38-1.78; absolute risk difference +2.3%). PVP was also associated with a slightly higher risk of return to the emergency room within 30 days (aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01-1.22) and a significantly lower risk of blood transfusion (aOR 0.24, CI 0.16-0.37); the majority of PVP cases were done with a <24 h stay (73%) vs electrosurgical-TURP (7%). CONCLUSIONS: While some of the expected benefits of PVP (such as reduced transfusion risk and shorter length of stay) were observed, the significantly higher rate of repeat surgical treatment compared to electrosurgical-TURP may represent an important difference in implementation of this technology outside of clinical trials.

Transoral laser microsurgery in early glottic cancer involving the anterior commissure.

PURPOSE: Treatment modalities for glottic cancer comprise surgery, (chemo-)radiation, and combined treatment options. Glottic cancer involving the anterior commissure (AC) requires special preoperative assessment and surgical skills, as it is commonly considered a risk factor for local recurrence. The aim of this study is to analyze the oncological effectiveness of transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) in the early glottic cancer involving the AC. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of all patients with primary, early staged (T1-2) glottic squamous cell carcinoma who were treated between 2004 and 2014. Patients were preferably treated by TLM (rather than open surgical techniques) if appropriated transoral exposure of the endolarynx was ensured. Voice outcomes were not assessed. RESULTS: 186 patients with early glottic cancer were included, 143 were treated by TLM and 43 by other therapy modalities [OT open surgical techniques (n = 32) or primary (chemo-)radiation (n = 11)], respectively. In 84 patients (59%) of the TLM cohort, the AC was involved (OT cohort n = 29 (73%), p = 0.143). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year local control rates after TLM were 91%, 86%, and 81% in patients without AC infiltration and 84%, 74%, and 70% in patients with AC infiltration, respectively, showing no statistical difference (p = 0.180). The 5-year disease-free survival and laryngeal preservation rate (LPR) did not differ with regard to AC infiltration (p = 0.215 and p = 0.261). Comparing the treatment modalities, the 5-year LPR was 90% for TLM and 83% for OT regardless of infiltration of the AC (p = 0,653 and p = 0.267, respectively). CONCLUSION: TLM is an effective surgical treatment for early glottic cancer with AC involvement in patients with adequate transoral laryngeal exposure.

Trends in glaucoma procedures and surgeries at the eye foundation hospital group, Nigeria.

AIMS: To review the trends in glaucoma procedural treatments from January 2009 to December 2017. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective search was carried out from the operating theater and laser room records of the Eye Foundation Hospitals in Lagos, Abuja, and Ijebu-Imushin. Consecutive glaucoma procedures for each year from January 2009 to December 2017 were recorded in the data sheet prepared for the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. RESULTS: From 2009 to 2017, trabeculectomy had been decreasing in frequency from 117 to 65 (44%), except for 2015. The frequency of use of glaucoma drainage device (GDD) has been steadily increasing from 1 in 2013 to 26 in 2017, but this is not statistically significant. The frequency of cataract extraction with trabeculectomy reduced drastically from 20 in 2009 to 3 (566%) in 2014. Bleb review (BR) increased from 2 in 2009 to 18 (800%) in 2015, however, it dropped to 6 in 2017 (66%). Among the laser procedures, transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (g-probe) is commonly done. It increased from 40 procedures in 2009 to 98 in 2014 (145%). There has been an increase in laser trabeculoplasty from 15 in 2009 to 44 in 2013 (193%). Laser iridotomy increased from 12 in 2009 to 26 in 2015 (116%). From 2009 to 2015, there was an increase in glaucoma procedures and surgeries - 206 to 325 (58%) but this declined by 27% from 2015 to 2017. CONCLUSION: Trabeculectomy is the most performed procedure at our centers. This is followed by g-probe and laser trabeculoplasty. The rate of trabeculectomy is on the decrease, while the rate of GDD is increasing. The laser procedures are also on the increase.

Multicentre international experience of 532-nm laser photoselective vaporization with GreenLight XPS in men with very large prostates.

OBJECTIVES: To describe peri-operative results, functional outcomes and complications of laser photoselective vaporization, using the GreenLight system, of prostate glands ≥200 mL in volume. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained multicentre database was performed to select a subgroup of patients with very large prostates (volume ≥200 mL) treated with the GreenLight XPS laser. A subgroup of patients with prostate volumes 100-200 mL was used for comparison. International Prostate Symptom Score, maximum urinary flow rate, postvoid residual urine volume and prostate-specific antigen levels were measured at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months. Durability was evaluated using benign prostatic hyperplasia re-treatment rate at 12, 24 and 36 months. Additionally, complications were recorded using Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: A total of 33 patients (38%) had prostates ≥200 mL. Baseline characteristics were similar between patients with prostates ≥200 mL and those with prostates 100-200 mL. Patients with very large prostates (≥200 mL) had longer operating times (129 vs 93 min), less energy delivered, a greater number of fibres used (3 vs 2) and a higher conversion rate to transurethral resection of the prostate (16% vs 4%). In terms of complications and functional outcomes, we did not find any differences between the groups. Retreatment rate was also comparable. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that PVP GreenLight XPS-180W is an acceptable technique for very large prostates (≥200 mL); however, operating times, energy delivery, fibres used and conversion to TURP are a concern in this particular subgroup. This should be used for patient counselling and surgery planning.