The Effect of Hope Therapy on the Management of Hemodialysis Outcomes: A Review Article.

Hemodialysis can have specific adverse effects, so it's critical to minimize them by employing non-pharmacological techniques. This review's primary goal was to assess how hope therapy affected the treatment of hemodialysis patients. This review was conducted by analyzing the results of previous studies published between 1996 and 2023. We chose sixteen studies in consideration of the inclusion and exclusion criteria and by employing Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms to the literature discussed in international databases. The findings of the current study revealed that hope therapy can significantly reduce anxiety, stress, and depression and also considerably increase happiness, quality of life, and adherence to treatment in hemodialysis patients. In addition, effective interventions for improving hope in hemodialysis patients included spiritual counseling, spiritual therapy, stress management training, intervention based on disease perception, positive thinking training, and other similar methods. Based on the findings, we concluded that the caregivers of hemodialysis patients and their families must use other non-pharmacological methods, especially hope therapy, to reduce the adverse outcomes of hemodialysis.

How to convert a submuscular/dual plane reconstruction to a pre-pectoral pocket implant reconstruction.

A conversion from subpectoral breast reconstruction to pre-pectoral breast reconstruction can help with animation resolution and improved patient satisfaction. We describe the conversion technique involving removal of the existing implant, creating a neo-pre-pectoral pocket and restoring the pectoral muscle to its natural position.

The Modified M-plasty Approach to Mastectomy: Avoiding the Lateral Dog-ear.

Postmastectomy "dog-ears" are cosmetically displeasing, can contribute to a poorly fitting bra, and may cause discomfort for patients. They occur most commonly in patients with high body mass index and/or large breasts and can be challenging to manage. To avoid the lateral dog-ear following simple mastectomy, we describe the M-plasty with the addition of a lipodermal flap. We demonstrate that the addition of a lipodermal flap not only flattens the lateral contour of the chest wall but also facilitates a tension-free closure. This helps reduce wound-healing issues in high-risk patients with multiple comorbidities, high body mass index, and large breast size.

Early Outcomes of Surgical Stabilisation of Traumatic Rib Fractures: Single-Center Review With a Real-World Evidence Perspective.

BACKGROUND: Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) in selected trauma patients is associated with potential benefits. This study evaluates the real-world outcomes of SSRF since its implementation at Westmead Hospital, Australia. We hypothesize these outcomes to be similar to that reported by best-evidence in the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of data on all consecutive SSRF performed between January 2013 to December 2018 was completed. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients (54 male; average age 55.9 ± 14.1 y) with median ISS 24 (IQR 17;30) underwent SSRF. Thirty-seven patients were admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU), with median ICU length of stay (LOS) 10.0 (5.0-17.0) d. Median hospital LOS was 15.5 (10.0-24.8) d. Fifty-five (87.3%) patients did not have any surgery-specific complications. The highest observed surgical morbidity was wound infection (n = 4, 4.7%). There was one mortality after rib fixation that was not related to surgery. SSRF within 3 d of hospital presentation in ventilated patients with flail chest was associated with significantly reduced median ICU LOS (3.0 [2.0;4.0] versus 10.0 [9.3;13.0] d; P = 0.03). Early (2013-2015) versus late (2015-2018) phase SSRF implementation demonstrated no significant difference in outcome variables. CONCLUSION: Experience with SSRF demonstrates early outcomes similar to best-evidence in the existing literature. As a quality assurance tool, ongoing evaluation of real-world data is needed to ensure that outcomes remain consistent with benchmarks available from best-evidence.

Salvaging the Unsalvageable: Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Severe Infection of Prosthetic Breast Reconstruction.

Severe infections of implant-based breast reconstruction are challenging to treat. Traditional management is removal of the implant with a further attempt at reconstruction months later once the infection has settled. This study evaluates an alternative management protocol using negative pressure wound therapy with instillation (NPWTi). METHODS: Consecutive patients with severe peri-prosthetic infection following breast reconstruction were managed using the Implant Salvage Protocol: removal of the prosthesis with application of a NPWTi dressing, changed every 3 days until a negative culture was obtained. A new prosthesis was then placed in the pocket. Data were collected on patient demographics, microbiological, hospital/operative information, and overall success of salvage. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. RESULTS: In total, 30 breast prostheses in 28 patients were treated for severe peri-prosthetic infection. Twenty-five (83%) implants were salvaged. Mean time from initial reconstruction surgery to presentation was 49.5 days (median 23, range 7-420). Mean hospital stay was 11.5 days (median 12.0, range 6-22), mean number of returns to the operating theater was 3.7 (median 3.0, range 2-7), and mean number of days to negative culture was 5.2 (median 4.0, range 1-14). The most common organisms were methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (n = 9) and Serratia marcescens (n = 4). Most had a tissue expander (n = 24, 80%) or implant (n = 5, 16.7%) placed at the completion of therapy. There was no record of capsular contracture nor recurrent infection during follow-up (mean 39.4 months, range 6-74 months). CONCLUSION: An estimated 83% of prosthetic breast reconstructions with severe infection were successfully salvaged using NPWTi.

Endovascular management of iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula of the breast.

Arteriovenous fistula formation after ultrasound-guided core biopsy of a breast lesion occurs rarely. This is the first reported case of experience with endovascular coil embolization in the management of this rare complication.

Laparoscopic versus open cholecystectomy in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The operative management of symptomatic cholelithiasis during pregnancy is either laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) or open cholecystectomy (OC). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare the outcomes of the laparoscopic and open approach for cholecystectomy during pregnancy. METHOD: A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL and Current Contents Connect using appropriate search terms. All comparative studies reporting maternal, fetal, and/or surgical complications were included. RESULTS: Eleven comparative studies, with a total of 10,632 patients, were included. The laparoscopic approach was performed at mean 18-week gestation and the open approach at mean 24-week gestation. LC was associated with decreased risks for fetal (OR 0.42; 95 % CI 0.28-0.63; p < 0.001), maternal (OR 0.42; 95 % CI 0.33-0.53; p < 0.001) and surgical (OR 0.45; 95 % CI 0.25-0.82, p = 0.01) complications. The average length of hospital stay (LOS) was: LC 3.2 days and OC 6.0 days (p = 0.02). The conversion rate from LC to OC was 3.8 %. CONCLUSION: The results of this first meta-analysis suggest that LC is associated with fewer maternal and fetal complications than OC during pregnancy. However, 91 % of included patients were in the first or second trimester at the time of surgery. These findings do not account for gestational age during pregnancy, which may be a significant confounding factor. The results support intervention for symptomatic gallstones in the first and second trimester with a laparoscopic approach.

Implant salvage in breast reconstruction with severe peri-prosthetic infection.

BACKGROUND: Although treatment of mild peri-prosthetic infection in implant-based breast reconstruction results in high rates of resolution, successful management of severe peri-prosthetic infection remains a significant challenge. METHODS: In this case series, a protocol utilizing a novel dressing - negative pressure wound therapy with instillation (NPWTi) - for the management of severe peri-prosthetic infection in breast reconstruction patients is described. This is an operative technique involving: (i) explantation of the breast prosthesis and application of the NPWTi dressing to the implant pocket; (ii) change of the NPWTi dressing; (iii) intraoperative fluid/tissue cultures; and (iv) reimplantation of the breast prosthesis when cultures yield no growth. RESULTS: This protocol was utilized in six cases of severe peri-prosthetic infection in five patients with immediate breast reconstruction for breast cancer or risk-reducing surgery. Cultures of fluid/tissue grew typical and/or unusual organisms. Only one case did not yield an organism. The hospital length of stay upon completion of the protocol ranged from 7-16 days (mean, 12 days). Successful implant salvage was achieved in five of six cases. The protocol was aborted in one case to allow for completion of adjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Early findings from this case series suggest that in cases of severe peri-prosthetic infection this novel operative protocol may result in successful implant salvage for breast reconstruction patients. Further studies are needed to more fully elaborate the role of NPWTi to achieve implant salvage in challenging cases of peri-prosthetic infection.

Exposure of medical students to surgery: the Nepean summer vacation surgical program.

BACKGROUND: Methods to increase the exposure of junior medical students to surgery have been described and developed by academic and clinical surgical departments. Most methods have exposed students to surgery within a simulated environment. The Summer Vacation Surgical Program is a method which exposes junior medical students to the clinical environments of surgery. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed of surveys completed by medical students after each Summer Vacation Surgical Program from 2008 to 2011. Responses were both quantitative and qualitative. All qualitative responses were read by 3 independent researchers from which category headings were generated. All data were accounted for and analyzed using these categories. RESULTS: One hundred and seven medical students completed the Summer Vacation Surgical Program between 2008 and 2011. Fifty-five medical students completed the voluntary survey (response rate = 51.4%). The highest-scored responses were demonstrated for meeting learning needs and helping with career choices. Three category headings were generated from the qualitative responses, which consist of placement structure, learning experience, and career decision-making. From these categories it was demonstrated that respondents perceived positive learning environments and improved generic and surgical skills. Some respondents also clarified their career choices and progressed their career development. CONCLUSIONS: An intensive exposure to the spectrum of surgical practice may assist junior medical students in their career decision-making and planning, while also providing other learning opportunities valued by students. Prospective studies are needed to assess the influence of such exposure on career choice and applications to surgical training.

The effect of mode of delivery and anaesthesia on neonatal blood pressure.

BACKGROUND: Many factors may effect blood pressure (BP) in the early neonatal period, including mode of delivery and anaesthesia, on which there is little reported. AIMS: To determine whether the mode of delivery, anaesthesia and maternal age have an effect on neonatal BP in the first three days of life. METHODS: Healthy, term neonates from August 2003-2005 were enrolled in the study. Infants of mothers with hypertension of any cause, diabetes of any cause, illicit substance use, congenital or chromosomal anomaly, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit were excluded. Information on maternal age, duration of labour, mode of delivery, anaesthesia and postdelivery analgesic use was obtained. Blood pressure readings from day one to three of life were analysed. RESULTS: Four hundred and six infants were enrolled into the study. Both spinal anaesthesia and elective caesarean delivery were associated with a lower systolic BP reading on day one, but not on day two or three (P = 0.004 and P = 0.023, respectively). Multivariate analysis indicated that spinal anaesthesia was the most significant variable for a lower systolic BP on day one (P = 0.022). There was no correlation between maternal age and BP on day one to three. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal anaesthesia is associated with a statistically lower systolic BP on the first day of life; the clinical significance is as yet unclear.

The reproducibility of a clinical grading system of motor control in patients with low back pain.

OBJECTIVE: Over the past decade, instrument and palpation methods for quantifying the activation and recruitment of the transversus abdominis and lumbar multifidus have been proposed. Palpation methods however have recently been described and therefore have been subjected to little evaluation. One such palpation method is the Wisbey-Roth grading system. The recruitment of the transversus abdominis and lumbar multifidus is assessed in a series of functional body positions and movements. The ability to recruit these muscles is quantified by assigning 1 of 6 defined grades. The purpose of this study was to investigate the reproducibility of this grading system. METHODS: A total of 2 meetings and 3 pilot trials were held with raters before commencement of the study to establish an agreed grading system protocol. Interrater reproducibility was investigated using a Latin square repeated measures design. Thirty-four subjects (62% male and 38% female; age range, 15-70 years) with a history of low back pain participated. A total of 4 practicing physiotherapists and 1 sports medicine physician graded subjects using the Wisbey-Roth grading system protocol. RESULTS: Pair-wise weighted kappa values ranged from -0.01 (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.33 to 0.31) to 0.56 (95% CI, 0.25 to 0.87), with average weighted kappa being 0.29. The intraclass correlation coefficient (2,1) was 0.30 (95% CI, 0.15 to 0.48), and the standard error of the measurement was 1.6 units. CONCLUSIONS: The Wisbey-Roth grading system shows fair to poor reproducibility between raters. Therefore, it should not be used to exchange meaningful information between clinicians. Recommendations are made for further research and toward improving its reproducibility.