Identifying risk factors for urologic complications in placenta accreta spectrum surgical management.

PURPOSE: To describe urologic complications associated with the surgical management of placenta accreta spectrum and determine their risk factors. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on all patients diagnosed with abnormal invasive placentation who underwent surgery and delivered between 2002 and 2023 at a single expert maternity centre. Intra-operative and post-operative complications were described, with a special focus on urologic intra-operative injuries, including vesical or ureteral injuries. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine risk factors of intra-operative urologic injuries associated with placenta accreta spectrum surgical management. Additionally, using the Clavien-Dindo classification, the effects of intra-operative urologic injury and ureteral stent placement on post-operative outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 216 patients were included, of which 47 (21.48%) had an intra-operative bladder and/or ureteral injury. Placenta percreta was associated with a higher rate of intra-operative urologic injury than placenta accreta (72.34% vs. 6.38%, p < 0.001). Multivariate analyses showed that patients who had placenta percreta and bladder invasion or emergency hysterectomy were associated with more intra-operative urologic injuries (OR = 8.07, 95% CI [2.44-26.75] and OR = 3.87, 95% CI [1.09-13.72], respectively). Patients with intra-operative urologic injuries had significantly more severe post-operative complications, which corresponds to a Clavien-Dindo score of 3 or more, at 90 days (21.28% vs. 5.92%, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Surgical management of placenta accreta spectrum is associated with significant urologic morbidity, with a major impact on post-operative outcomes. Urologic complications seem to be correlated with the depth of invasion and the emergency of the hysterectomy.

Challenges and Triumphs in Enterocutaneous Fistula Management: A Case Report of Complex Surgical Intervention and Multidisciplinary Care.

Enterocutaneous fistulas (ECF) present complex challenges following abdominal surgery, involving abnormal communication between the gastrointestinal system and skin. We report an intriguing case of a 50-year-old female with a history of appendiceal perforation, primarily managed by right hemicolectomy with ileotransverse anastomosis, which led to an anastomotic leak and eventually an ECF. Failed conservative management, prompting re-exploratory laparotomy revealing extensive adhesions and iatrogenic enterotomies secondary to attempted adhesiolysis, led to multiple fistulae, further complicated by failed abdominal closure leading to a large abdominal wound to be managed along with the numerous enteroatmospheric fistulae. Our comprehensive, structured approach included surgical care, nutritional support, and meticulous wound management, emphasizing patient comfort and recovery. If there were a graphical representation of the patient's smile and hope during the hospital stay, there would be a remarkable upward trend, symbolizing recovery and resilience. This case underscores the critical decisions and multidisciplinary teamwork required for the successful management of severe ECF, emphasizing holistic, patient-centered care. ECF is one such field that has been well researched in the medical literature, but what makes this case report special is the multifaceted management of a case complicated at all three phases of surgical management, that is, preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative.

Surgical Complications in Hepatitis C Patients Undergoing Cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C (HCV) affects over 2.2 million people in the United States and is associated with liver cirrhosis and gallstone formation. However, cholecystectomy outcomes of HCV patients compared to non-HCV patients are not well studied. This study aims to examine differences in cholecystectomy outcomes among patients with untreated, treated, and no HCV history. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single institution including data over a 12-year period. Patients were excluded if they had a prior chronic hepatitis B or HIV diagnosis. Non-HCV patients were matched to HCV patients based on age, sex, and race/ethnicity. RESULTS: We identified 66 patients with untreated HCV and 33 patients with treated HCV. 324 non-HCV patients were matched to the HCV cohort. The overall postoperative complication rate was 10.9%. There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative complication rates between groups (p=0.71). There was no significant difference in the level of intervention required to treat these complications based on the Clavien-Dindo classification (p=0.97), postoperative ICU admission (p=0.43), or reoperation rate (p=0.45). CONCLUSION: Despite having a longer average length of stay and increased risk for intraoperative blood product transfusion, both untreated and treated HCV patients have similar rates of postoperative complications and complication severity compared to controls. These findings suggest that HCV patients tolerate cholecystectomy at a comparable level to non-HCV patients. The lack of difference in postoperative complication rates between untreated and treated HCV patients indicates that lack of antiviral treatment should not delay cholecystectomy.

The incidence, clinical features and risk factors for postoperative retropharyngeal hematoma and related dyspnea following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: a single-center study of 10615 patients.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Postoperative retropharyngeal hematoma (PRH) and related dyspnea are rare but life-threatening complications following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) that require urgent recognition and treatment. However, current knowledge of PRH after ACDF is limited. Meanwhile, whether the morphological features of upper airway are the risk factors of PRH remains unknown. PURPOSE: The study aimed to investigate the incidence, clinical features, and risk factors, especially the morphological features of upper airway, of PRH and related dyspnea following ACDF. STUDY DESIGN: A nested case‒control study. PATIENT SAMPLE: Consecutive patients who underwent ACDF at a single institute from January 2010 to December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. OUTCOME MEASURES: The outcome measures included the incidence, clinical features, intervention, outcome and risk factors for PRH and related dyspnea. METHODS: All patients with PRH were classified into the hematoma group. For each PRH subject, 3 control subjects without PRH were randomly selected as the control group. The clinical features, interventions and outcomes of patients were described. Potential risk factors were evaluated, including demographics, comorbidities, surgical characteristics, coagulation function, blood loss, preoperative blood pressure, and the morphological features of upper airway [prevertebral soft tissue thickness (PVT) and location of transverse arytenoid muscle (TAM) and epiglottis]. Univariate tests and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to determine the risk factors for PRH. Subgroup analysis was also conducted for PRH patients with and without dyspnea. RESULTS: Among the 10615 patients who underwent ACDF, 18 (0.17%) developed PRH. The median time from the index surgery to PRH formation was 8.5 hours (25 and 75 percentile: 4 hours to 24 hours). All the PRH patients initially presented with wound swelling. Twelve (0.11%) patients presented dyspnea due to PRH, 2 of whom received urgent intubation and 1 of whom received emergent tracheotomy. All patients underwent hematoma evacuation, and most of them presented with completely relieved symptoms after evacuation, except for 1 patient who died from ischemic hypoxic encephalopathy. A level between the epiglottis and the TAM (LET) greater than 2, ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and higher diastolic blood pressure (DBP) before surgery were found to be risk factors for PRH formation. Subgroup analysis revealed that a smaller prevertebral soft tissue thickness at C5 was associated with the development of dyspnea. CONCLUSION: This study is the largest study to date focusing on the PRH and related dyspnea after ACDF. Our study showed that the incidences of PRH and related dyspnea after ACDF were 0.17% and 0.11%, respectively. The predominant symptoms of PRH were wound swelling and acute dyspnea. Most PRH cases occurred in the acute postoperative period. We demonstrated the risk factors for PRH to be (1) OPLL, (2) LET≥2 and (3) higher DBP before surgery and advocate paying increased attention to upper airway morphological features for identifying the risk of PRH after ACDF. With urgent recognition and timely intervention, severe clinical outcomes could be avoided.

An Uncommon Cause of Testicular Infarct: A Case Report and Review of the Literature of Testicular Infarcts From Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair.

BACKGROUND: Testicular ischemia requires timely diagnosis and definitive management to avoid serious consequences such as orchiectomy. It is almost always caused by testicular torsion; however, there are other causes to be aware of. CASE REPORT: A 32-year-old man developed testicular ischemia following a laparoscopic robotic-assisted inguinal hernia repair with preperitoneal mesh. The ischemia progressed to a fully infarcted testicle with no evidence of torsion on subsequent surgical exploration. He ultimately did require an orchiectomy. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: While extremely rare, testicular ischemia or infarct must be considered in patients presenting with testicular pain shortly after inguinal hernia repair. Emergent surgical evaluation and loosening of the hernia mesh may be required to salvage the testicle.

Early to late explantation of Hydrus microstent MIGS device: A case series.

Purpose: The Hydrus microstent was approved by the FDA in August 2018 for use with cataract surgery to reduce IOP in patients with mild to moderate primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Pivotal clinical trials demonstrated its overall safety and efficacy in lowering IOP. However, malpositioning of the implant can result in uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema (UGH) syndrome necessitating device explantation. Here we report four such cases and their associated challenges. We also highlight the importance of early recognition of post-operative complications for ease of implant removal. Observations: Case 1: A 75-year-old female patient was referred for chronic granulomatous anterior uveitis with cystoid macular edema (CME) and uncontrolled IOP in the left eye after cataract extraction with Hydrus implantation. On gonioscopy, the implant was occluded and embedded in the iris. The patient underwent removal of the Hydrus implant 10 months after the initial surgery with canaloplasty to control IOP.Case 2: A 71-year-old male patient on dual anti-platelet developed intraoperative hyphema during cataract extraction with Hydrus microstent in the right eye. Post-operatively, clopidogrel was stopped, but hyphema persisted with uncontrolled IOP. The Hydrus was noted to be syneched against the iris face. The patient underwent anterior chamber washout with Hydrus explantation and Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation 16 days after the first surgery.Case 3: A 76-year-old patient developed persistent granulomatous anterior uveitis in the left eye after cataract extraction with Hydrus microstent. On gonioscopy, the Hydrus ostium was seen resting on the iris without occlusion, and the patient underwent Hydrus removal with nasal goniotomy 3 months after initial surgery.Case 4: A 63-year-old patient underwent cataract extraction with endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation and a complex Hydrus microstent implantation requiring multiple attempts. Eleven months later, the patient was found to have uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema syndrome and macular edema, and the Hydrus was noted to be insufficiently inserted and posteriorly rotated with contact against the iris. The Hydrus was explanted, and nasal goniotomy was performed. Conclusions and importance: Hydrus microstents that are malpositioned can result in persistent uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema syndrome. Explantation between 2 weeks and 11 months successfully resolved post-operative uveitis and hyphema, but all cases required additional glaucoma-hyphema syndrome. Early recognition is important since late removal was more challenging due to the implant becoming embedded in the iris.

Evaluation of post-surgical complications of hidradenitis suppurativa lesions explored with presurgical ultra-high frequency ultrasound mapping.

OBJECTIVE: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the hair follicle. Its treatment often requires a surgical approach. The aim of our study was to evaluate the occurrence of post-surgical complications following a new standard of surgical management. This included presurgical lesion mapping by ultra-high frequency ultrasound (UHFUS) with a 70MHz probe. Postoperative management was based on the principles of HS-TIME (time, inflammation/infection, moisture, edges). METHOD: A single-centre, retrospective study was conducted by the Department of Dermatology of the University of Pisa. Patients with moderate and severe HS, refractory to previous medical and surgical therapies, were enrolled. All of the patients were treated with wide surgical excision of lesions, previously explored through a UHFUS evaluation with VEVO MD (Fujifilm VisualSonics, Inc., Canada) using a 48MHz and a 70MHz ultrasound probe. Following surgery, all patients were treated with secondary intention healing following the principles of HS-TIME. For each patient, we assessed the occurrence of post-surgical complications at follow-up visit six months after surgery. For each patient we assessed the occurrence of early post-surgical complications at every follow-up visit after surgery until complete wound healing. The occurrence of delayed complications was then assessed in all patients with an observation time after complete healing of >3 months (n=23). RESULTS: A total of 26 patients were enrolled in the study. There were no reported cases of post-surgical bleeding or haematoma occurrence, while three (11.5%) patients developed minor surgical site infection. The average severity of pain decreased from a numerical rating scale of 5.3 immediately after surgery to 1.3 after four weeks. The average healing time was 33.3±16.8 days, and only five (19.2%) patients reported a complete wound healing time of >6 weeks. Focusing on delayed complications: 1/23 (4.3%) patient had hypertrophic scarring; 2/23 (8.7%) patients reported dysaesthesia; and 2/23 (8.7%) cases of clinical relapse were reported. No cases of limited mobility at the surgery site were registered. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study demonstrated the efficacy of a novel surgical protocol, including a preoperative ultrasound evaluation and appropriate postoperative wound management. Further prospective studies are needed to validate the observed results; however, we conclude that the low recurrence rates and post-surgical complications confirmed that our proposed protocol would represent an effective strategy for the management of patients with HS eligible for surgical therapy.

Complications of chest wall around malignant tumors: differences based on reconstruction strategy.

BACKGROUND: Malignant chest wall tumors need to be excised with wide resection to ensure tumor free margins, and the reconstruction method should be selected according to the depth and dimensions of the tumor. Vascularized tissue is needed to cover the superficial soft tissue defect or bone tissue defect. This study evaluated differences in complications according to reconstruction strategy. METHODS: Forty-five patients with 52 operations for resection of malignant tumors in the chest wall were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were categorized as having superficial tumors, comprising Group A with simple closure for small soft tissue defects and Group B with flap coverage for wide soft tissue defects, or deep tumors, comprising Group C with full-thickness resection with or without mesh reconstruction and Group D with full-thickness resection covered by flap with or without polymethyl methacrylate. Complications were evaluated for the 52 operations based on reconstruction strategy then risk factors for surgical and respiratory complications were elucidated. RESULTS: Total local recurrence-free survival rates in 45 patients who received first operation were 83.9% at 5 years and 70.6% at 10 years. The surgical complication rate was 11.5% (6/52), occurring only in cases with deep tumors, predominantly from Group D. Operations needing chest wall reconstruction (p = 0.0016) and flap transfer (p = 0.0112) were significantly associated with the incidence of complications. Operations involving complications showed significantly larger tumors, wider areas of bony chest wall resection and greater volumes of bleeding (p < 0.005). Flap transfer was the only significant predictor identified from multivariate analysis (OR: 10.8, 95%CI: 1.05-111; p = 0.0456). The respiratory complication rate was 13.5% (7/52), occurring with superficial and deep tumors, particularly Groups B and D. Flap transfer was significantly associated with the incidence of respiratory complications (p < 0.0005). Cases in the group with respiratory complications were older, more frequently had a history of smoking, had lower FEV1.0% and had a wider area of skin resected compared to cases in the group without respiratory complications (p < 0.05). Preoperative FEV1.0% was the only significant predictor identified from multivariate analysis (OR: 0.814, 95%CI: 0.693-0.957; p = 0.0126). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical complications were more frequent in Group D and after operations involving flap transfer. Severe preoperative FEV1.0% was associated with respiratory complications even in cases of superficial tumors with flap transfer.

Timely Shaver Treatment Removes Chronic Tophaceous Mass Improve Surgical Outcomes.

Background: Current treatments with urate-lowering therapy (ULT) are effective for most patients with gout. However, approximately 10% of these patients do not respond well to ULT and develop chronic tophus lesions. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of surgery involving the shaver technique against chronic tophus lesions. Methods: This single-center, retrospective cohort study included 217 patients who had cumulatively undergone 303 shaver-assisted procedures between 2002 and 2018. Surgical outcomes were assessed in terms of the length of hospital stay (LOS) and wound healing time. Results: LOS and wound healing time were longer in patients with a preoperative tophus infection and lower extremity lesions than in those without infection and with upper extremity lesions (respectively, LOS: 12.7 vs. 8.6 days; wound healing time: 22.7 vs. 16.3 days). However, factors such as age, sex, body mass index, renal function, or uricemia level exerted no significant effect on surgical outcomes. Conclusion: Surgery involving the shaver technique should be performed before tophus infection. Clinical outcomes tend to be better for upper extremity lesions than for lower extremity lesions.

Evaluation of Short-Term Effects on Colorectal Surgery Elective Patients after Implementing a Patient Blood Management Program: A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis.

Introduction: Patients who undergo surgery may require a blood transfusion and patients undergoing major colorectal surgery are more prone to preoperative and perioperative anemia. Blood transfusions have, however, long been associated with inflammatory and oncological complications. We aim to investigate the effects of an optimal implementation of a patient blood management (PBM) program in our hospital. Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed data from two different prospectively maintained databases of all patients undergoing elective major colorectal surgery with either a laparoscopic, open, or robotic approach from January 2017 to December 2022 at two different high-volume colorectal surgery Italian centers: the Colorectal Surgery Unit of Fondazione Policlinico Campus Bio-Medico in Rome and the Colorectal Surgery Unit of Fondazione Cardinale Panico in Tricase (Lecce). Our study compares the first group, also known as pre-PBM (January 2017-December 2018) and the second group, known as post-PBM (January 2021-December 2022). Results: A total of 2495 patients, who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria, were included in this study, with, respectively, 1197 patients in the pre-PBM group and 1298 in the post- PBM group. The surgical approach was similar amongst the two groups, while the operative time was longer in the pre-PBM group than in the post-PBM group (273.0 ± 87 vs. 215.0 ± 124 min; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in preparatory Hb levels (p = 0.486), while anemia detection was significantly higher post-PBM (p = 0.007). However, the rate of transfusion was drastically reduced since the implementation of PBM, with p = 0.032 for preoperative, p = 0.025 for intraoperative, and p < 0.001 for postoperative. Conclusions: We confirmed the need to reduce blood transfusions and optimize transfusion procedures to improve short-term clinical outcomes of patients. The implementation of the PBM program was associated with a significant reduction in the rate of perioperative transfusions and an increase in only appropriate transfusions.

Quantitative Threshold of Intraoperative Radiological Parameters for Suspecting Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion Cage Malposition Triggering Contralateral Radiculopathy.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to clarify the quantitative threshold of intraoperative radiological parameters for suspecting posterior malposition of the oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) cage triggering contralateral radiculopathy. METHODS: We measured the sagittal center and axial rotation angle (ARA) of the cage using postoperative computed tomography (CT) in 130 patients (215 cages) who underwent OLIF. The location of the cage tip was determined from axial magnetic resonance imaging in selected cases based on CT simulations to assess whether the cage was in contact with the contralateral exiting nerve or whether the surgical instruments could contact the nerve during intradiscal maneuvers. RESULTS: The sagittal center of the cages was on average 41.5% from the anterior edge of the endplate (shown as AC/AP value: anterior end plate edge-cage center/anterior-posterior endplate edge ×100%), and posterior cage positioning ≥50% occurred in 14% of the cages. The ARA was -2.9°, and posterior oblique rotation of the cages ≥10° (ARA ≤ -10°) was observed in 13%. CT simulation showed that the cage tip could directly contact the contralateral nerve when the cage was placed deep in the posterior portion ≥50% of the AC/AP values with concomitant posterior axial rotation ≥10° (ARA ≤ -10°), or deep in an extremely rare portion ≥60% of the AC/AP values with posterior axial rotation ≥0° (ARA ≤ 0°). Six percent of the cages (13/215) were placed in these posterior oblique areas (potential contact area: PCA). Three cages in the PCA were in direct contact with the contralateral nerves, and 9 were placed deep just anterior to the nerves. Symptomatic contralateral radiculopathy occurred in 2 cages (2/13/215, 15.3%/0.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Two intraoperative radiological parameters (AC/AP and ARA) measurable during OLIF procedures may become practical indicators for suspecting cage malposition in PCA and may be available when determining whether to consider cage revision intraoperatively to a more ventral disc space or anteriorly from the opposite endplate edge.

Anterior Abdominal Wall Necrotizing Fasciitis Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy With Hiatal Hernia Repair: A Case Report.

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF), commonly known as necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI), or flesh-eating disease is a rare but rapidly fatal aggressive bacterial infection of soft tissue and deep skin that results in the destruction of the underlying fascia. Symptoms include fever, tachycardia, hypotension, leukocytosis, pain, and large areas of red and swollen skin. Early diagnosis and aggressive management are compulsory for a better prognosis. In this case report, we present a 58-year-old obese woman who initially presented to the emergency department three weeks post-sleeve gastrectomy with hernia repair and was initially suspected of having a large, uncomplicated abdominal wall abscess. Several repeated drainages of the abdominal wall abscess and continued deterioration of the patient revealed foul-smelling, necrotic tissue and the subsequent diagnosis of NF. This case report highlights the importance of high clinical suspicion for NF and early, aggressive debridement and treatment to improve patient outcomes.

Surgical outcomes of profunda artery perforator flap in head and neck reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap in head and neck reconstruction. METHODS: A single arm meta-analysis was performed for flap survival rate (primary outcome), reoperation for major complication, and overall complication rates (secondary outcomes). RESULTS: The search strategy yielded a total of 295 potentially relevant publications, of which 13 were included. A total of 305 patients (males: 80.8%, n = 232/281), with a median age of 56.1 years (n = 305/305; 95% CI 53.9-63), who underwent a total of 307 PAP flap reconstructions for head and neck defects were included. Flap survival rate was 100% (n = 306/307; 95% CI 99.6%-100%), with a reoperation rate for major complications of 3.7% (n = 15/307; 95% CI 1.85%-6.1%) and an overall complication rate of 26.5% (n = 92/307; 95% CI 15.7%-38.9%). Notable postoperative complications included wound dehiscence (n = 15/307, 4.9%), delayed healing (n = 14/307, 4.6%), and wound infection (n = 12/307, 3.9%). Partial flap necrosis and hematoma occurred in 2.6% of cases (n = 8/307), while arterial and venous thrombosis were documented in 0.7% (n = 2/307) and 1.3%, respectively (n = 4/307). CONCLUSION: The application of the PAP flap in head and neck reconstructions showed several favorable aspects, such as an exceptionally low flap failure rate, versatility in achieving variable dimensions, and a relatively low incidence of complications. PAP flap might be considered as a compelling alternative to the traditionally employed soft tissue free flaps in head and neck reconstruction.

Locally advanced breast cancer patients should be cautious about the immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy: a pooling analysis of safety and efficacy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare safety and efficacy outcomes between immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) and mastectomy alone in locally advanced breast cancer patients. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive literature search of PUBMED, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. The primary outcomes evaluated were overall survival, disease-free survival, and local recurrence. The secondary outcome was the incidence of surgical complications. All data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.3. RESULTS: Sixteen studies, involving 15,364 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled data demonstrated that patients underwent IBR were more likely to experience surgical complications than those underwent mastectomy alone (HR: 3.96, 95%CI [1.07,14.67], p = 0.04). No significant difference was found in overall survival (HR: 0.94, 95%CI [0.73,1.20], p = 0.62), disease-free survival (HR: 1.03, 95%CI [0.83,1.27], p = 0.81), or breast cancer specific survival (HR: 0.93, 95%CI [0.71,1.21], p = 0.57) between IBR group and Non-IBR group. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that IBR after mastectomy does not affect the overall survival and disease-free survival of locally advanced breast cancer patients. However, IBR brings with it a nonnegligible higher risk of complications and needs to be fully evaluated and carefully decided.

WHOLE-LUNG torsion following bilateral lung transplant, a rare complication: A case report.

Whole lung torsion following bilateral lung transplant is a rare complication. This case report describes the diagnostic difficulties and consequences in a 59 year old patient. This study also includes a brief description of other cases in the literature.

Minimally Invasive Direct Internal Cyclopexy in the Management of Goniotomy-Related Cyclodialysis Cleft with Hypotony Maculopathy.

Introduction: Although ab-interno trabeculotomy-related (goniotomy-related) surgeries has a favorable safety profile, cyclodialysis cleft refractory to conservative management could occur, thereby requiring additional surgical treatment. External and, more recently, internal cycloplexy have been attempted to treat cyclodialysis clefts with hypotony maculopathy, however the traditional methods require conjunctival or scleral incisions and have been inappropriate for glaucoma patients who need to undergo future trabeculectomy. Therefore, we report two cases who underwent a novel reliable technique for suture fixation of the detached ciliary body onto the original scleral bed directly through the intraocular approach without conjunctival or scleral incision, minimally invasive direct internal cyclopexy, in the management of goniotomy-related cyclodialysis cleft with hypotony maculopathy. Case Description: Goniotomy-related cyclodialysis cleft exceeded 45° and vision-threatening hypotony maculopathy was observed in two eyes in two patients with normal tension glaucoma and myopia gravis without a prior history of trauma who had undergone Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy combined with cataract surgery. The patients were followed conservatively for a while, however the cyclodialysis clefts and hypotony maculopathies did not resolve. Therefore, a 72-year-old man underwent minimally invasive direct internal cyclopexy on postoperative day 65 after the goniotomy, and another 67-year-old man underwent minimally invasive direct internal cyclopexy on postoperative day 149. In both cases, topical antibiotic and steroid eye drops were prescribed postoperatively. The cyclodialysis clefts were repaired successfully; however, the latter patient developed delayed-onset acute transient ocular hypertension 33 days after minimally invasive direct internal cyclopexy and required glaucoma medications. The hypotony maculopathies resolved approximately 3 months after suturing, and eventually visual acuity improved from preoperative levels and good intraocular pressure control was achieved in both. No further postoperative complications have been observed to date. Conclusion: We successfully managed two cases of goniotomy-related cyclodialysis cleft with hypotony maculopathy using minimally invasive direct internal cyclopexy.

Lumbar Total Disc Replacement Leads to Increased Subsequent Facet Injections Compared to Anterolateral Lumbar Interbody Fusions.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective Matched Cohort. OBJECTIVE: Despite known consequences to the facet joints following lumbar total disc replacement (TDR), there is limited data on facet injection usage for persistent postoperative pain. This study uses real-world data to compare the usage of therapeutic lumbar facet injections as a measure of symptomatic facet arthrosis following single-level, stand-alone TDR vs anterolateral lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF/LLIF). METHODS: The PearlDiver database was queried for patients (2010-2021) with lumbar degenerative disc disease who received either a single-level, stand-alone TDR or ALIF/LLIF. All patients were followed for ≥2 years and excluded if they had a history of facet injections or spinal trauma, fracture, infection, or neoplasm. The two cohorts were matched 1:1 based on age, sex, insurance, year of operation, and medical comorbidities. The primary outcome was the use of therapeutic lumbar facet injections at 1-, 2-, and 5-year follow-up. Secondary outcomes included subsequent lumbar surgeries and surgical complications. RESULTS: After 1:1 matching, each cohort had 1203 patients. Lumbar facet injections occurred significantly more frequently in the TDR group at 1-year (6.07% vs 1.66%, P < .0001), 2-year (8.40% vs 3.74%%, P < .0001), and 5-year (11.47% vs 6.40%, P < .0001) follow-up. 5-year injection-free probability curves demonstrated an 87.1% injection-free rate for TDR vs 92.9% for ALIF/LLIF. There was no clinical difference in the incidence of subsequent lumbar surgeries or complications. CONCLUSION: Compared with ALIF/LLIF, patients who underwent TDR received significantly more facet injections, suggesting a greater progression of symptomatic facet arthrosis. TDR was not protective against reoperations compared to ALIF/LLIF.

The cost of lung transplantation in the United States: How high is too high?

Objectives: To identify patient and process factors that contribute to the high cost of lung transplantation (LTx) in the perioperative period, which may allow transplant centers to evaluate situations in which transplantation is most cost-effective to inform judicious resource allocation, avoid futile care, and reduce costs. Methods: The MarketScan Research databases were used to identify 582 privately insured patients undergoing single or bilateral LTx between 2013 and 2019. The patients were subdivided into groups by disease etiology using the United Network of Organ Sharing classification system. Multivariable generalized linear models using a gamma distribution with a log link were fit to examine the associations between the etiology of lung disease and costs during the index admission, 3 months before admission, and 3 months after discharge. Results: Our results indicate that the index admission contributed the most to the total transplantation costs compared to the 3 months before admission and after discharge. The regression-adjusted mean index hospitalization cost was 35% higher for patients with pulmonary vascular disease compared to those with obstructive lung disease ($527,156 vs $389,055). The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, mechanical ventilation, and surgical complications in the post-transplantation period were associated with higher costs during the index admission. Surprisingly, age ≥55 was associated with lower costs during the index admission. Conclusions: This analysis identifies pivotal factors influencing the high cost of LTx, emphasizing the significant impact of the index admission, particularly for patients with pulmonary vascular disease. These insights offer transplant centers an opportunity to enhance cost-effectiveness through judicious resource allocation and service bundling, ultimately reducing overall transplantation costs.

Transient anterior subcapsular vacuolar lens opacities after Tanito microhook trabeculotomy: report of six cases.

OBJECTIVE: To present six cases exhibiting transient anterior subcapsular vacuolar lens opacities following early postoperative Tanito microhook trabeculotomy (TMH) performed by the same surgeon. METHODS: Six patients who underwent lens-sparing TMH at Meizankai Shimizu Eye Clinic from November 2021 to May 2023, and developed anterior subcapsular vacuolar lens opacities postoperatively were reviewed. Detailed records of surgeries, follow-up findings were collected and reported. RESULTS: In all six cases, anterior vacuolar subcapsular lens opacities were observed on the day after surgery, gradually decreasing without affecting visual acuity or contrast sensitivity. In all cases, without any specific interventions, the opacities disappeared by 21 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Anterior subcapsular cataracts, characterized by a vacuolar appearance and transient existence, should be recognized as an early complication of ab interno glaucoma surgery, possibly linked to use of distributed ophthalmic viscosurgical devices and excessive anterior chamber irrigation leading to traumatic cataracts on the lens surface.

Systematic review and meta-analysis comparing surgical site infection in abdominal surgery between triclosan-coated and uncoated sutures.

PURPOSE: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a frequent complication after abdominal surgery and impacts morbidity, mortality and medical costs. This systematic review evaluates whether the use of triclosan-coated sutures for closing the fascia during abdominal surgery reduces the rate of SSI compared to uncoated sutures. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using the PRISMA guidelines. On February 17, 2024, a literature search was performed in Medline ALL, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Embase. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on abdominal fascial closure in human adults, comparing triclosan-coated and uncoated sutures, were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Pooled meta-analysis was performed using RevMan. RESULTS: Out of 1523 records, eleven RCTs were included, with a total of 10,234 patients: 5159 in the triclosan-coated group and 5075 in the uncoated group. The incidence of SSI was statistically significantly lower in the triclosan-coated group (14.8% vs. 17.3%) with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.84 (95% CI [0.75, 0.93], p = 0.001). When polydioxanone was evaluated separately (coated N = 3999, uncoated N = 3900), triclosan-coating reduced SSI; 17.5% vs. 20.1%, OR 0.86 (95% CI [0.77; 0.96], p = 0.008). When polyglactin 910 was evaluated (coated N = 1160, uncoated N = 1175), triclosan-coating reduced the incidence of SSI; 5.4% vs. 7.8%, OR 0.67 (95% CI [0.48; 0.94], p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: According to the results of this meta-analysis the use of triclosan-coated sutures for fascial closure statistically significantly reduces the incidence of SSI after abdominal surgery with a risk difference of about 2%.