Impact of clinical parameters and vascular haemodynamics on arterio-venous fistula maturation in patients with end stage renal disease: A prospective study on Indian patients.

BACKGROUND: About 18%-65% of Arterio-Venous fistula (AVF) made to facilitate haemodialysis in end stage renal disease patient fail to mature. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of clinical parameters and vascular haemodynamics on maturation of AVF on Indian patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective observational study. Eligible patients' clinical profiles and vascular haemodynamics by Doppler ultrasonography were noted. All patients underwent radio-cephalic AVF on the non-dominant arm under local anaesthesia. Clinical definition was used to assess success rate of AVFs which is defined as successful six settings of satisfactory dialysis. Data were analysed using Stata/12.0 software. Independent t-test, chi-square test, logistic regression analysis and multivariate analysis were used. The p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 205 patients were enrolled and analysed. Among clinical factors, age, sex, serum creatinine, hypertension had no significant association with failure (p = 0.5, 0.08, 0.76 and 0.74). Patient's BMI and presence of diabetes had significant impact on outcome (p < 0.001 and 0.02 respectively). Among vascular haemodynamics, radial vein diameter of >2.5 mm and radial artery flow rate >40 ml/min had no significant association with failure (p = 0.12 and 0.28). Diameter of radial artery (>2 mm) and intra-operatively immediate thrill were independent predictor of success (p = 0.002 and <0.001). CONCLUSION: In the present study rate of fistula, maturation was 73.2% without any post-operative radiological intervention. Radial artery diameter >2 mm and presence of immediate thrill post-operatively were significantly associated with successful cannulation.

A Prospective Study Comparing Quality of Life after Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy versus Open Donor Nephrectomy.

Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) has advantages over open donor nephrectomy (ODN), with less bleeding and pain, and earlier discharge. However, the quality of life (QOL) has not been compared between these techniques. All consecutive donors undergoing left LDN or ODN from 2013 to 2015 at our center were included. The donors' QOL was measured with the brief World Health Organization QOL (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaires preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Cosmesis was measured by the body image questionnaire, and patient satisfaction was scored on a verbal rating scale at 3 and 6 months. Of the 264 donors, 228 met the inclusion criteria (100 - LDN and 128 - ODN). The LDN group showed no difference in WHOQOL-BREF scores at 3 months, and significant improvements in the psychological and social domains at 6 months versus the baseline. The ODN group showed a significant decrease in the physical, psychological, and environmental domains at 3 and 6 months versus the baseline. Compared with the ODN group, the LDN group had better QOL scores at 3 and 6 months in all domains. The responses to the HADS questionnaire were similar between the groups at all time points. The mean body image, cosmesis, and satisfaction scores were significantly better in the LDN group. LDN minimized the negative effects of surgery on the donors' QOL, with improvements in the long-term psychological and social aspects versus the baseline. LDN was more cosmetic and was associated with higher satisfaction than ODN.

Long-term Outcomes Following Primary Closure of Common Bile Duct Following Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct (CBD) Exploration: Experience of 355 Cases at a Tertiary Care Center.

INTRODUCTION: Primary closure of common bile duct (CBD) after laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) is now becoming the preferred technique for closure of choledochotomy. Primary CBD closure not only circumvents the disadvantages of an external biliary drainage but also adds to the advantage of LCBDE. Here, we describe our experience of primary CBD closure following 355 cases of LCBDE in a single surgical unit at a tertiary care hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients undergoing LCBDE in a single surgical unit were included in the study. Preoperative and intraoperative parameters including the technique of CBD closure were recorded prospectively. The postoperative recovery, complications, hospital stay, antibiotic usage, and postoperative intervention, if any, were also recorded. RESULTS: Three hundred fifty-five LCBDEs were performed from April 2007 to December 2018, and 143 were post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography failures. The overall success rate was 91.8%. The mean operative time was 98±26.8 minutes (range, 70 to 250 min). Transient bile leak was seen in 10% of patients and retained stones in 3 patients. Two patients required re-exploration and 2 patients died in the postoperative period. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 10 years, with a median follow-up of 72 months. No long-term complications such as CBD stricture or recurrent stones were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Primary closure of CBD after LCBDE is safe and associated with minimal complications and no long-term problems. The routine use of primary CBD closure after LCBDE is recommended based on our experience.

Totally Extraperitoneal Repair in Inguinal Hernia: More Than a Decade's Experience at a Tertiary Care Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: There are 2 standard techniques of laparoscopic groin hernia repair, totally extraperitoneal repair (TEP) and transabdominal preperitoneal repair (TAPP). TEP has the advantage that the peritoneal cavity is not breached but is, however, considered to be more difficult to master when compared with TAPP. We describe herein our experience of TEP repair of inguinal hernia over the last 14 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of all patients with groin hernia who underwent TEP repair in a single surgical unit between January 2004 and January 2018. Patients' demographic profile and hernia characteristics (duration, side, extent, content, and reducibility) were noted in the prestructured proforma. Clinical outcomes included the operation time, intraoperative and postoperative complications, length of postoperative hospital stay, hernia recurrence, chronic pain, recurrence, seroma, and wound infections. Long-term follow-up was carried out in the outpatient department. RESULTS: Over the last 14 years, TEP repair was performed in 841 patients and a total of 1249 hernias were repaired. The mean age of patients was 50.7 years. There were 748 primary and 345 unilateral hernias. The majority were direct (61%) inguinal hernias. Telescopic dissection was the commonest method of space creation. The average operating time was 54.8 and 77.9 minutes for unilateral and bilateral hernias, respectively. With 81 conversions, the success rate for TEP was 93.5%. Seroma was the most common postoperative complication seen in 81 patients. The incidence of chronic groin pain was 1.4%. The follow-up ranged from 3 months to 10 years, and there were only 3 recurrences (<1%). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, TEP repair is an excellent technique of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair with acceptable complications after long-term follow-up.

A prospective randomized comparison of testicular functions, sexual functions and quality of life following laparoscopic totally extra-peritoneal (TEP) and trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repairs.

BACKGROUND: There is very scant literature on the impact of inguinal hernia mesh repair on testicular functions and sexual functions following open and laparoscopic repair. The present randomized study compares TAPP and TEP repairs in terms of testicular functions, sexual functions, quality of life and chronic groin pain. METHODS: This study was conducted from April 2012 to October 2014. A total of 160 patients with uncomplicated groin hernia were randomized to either trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) repair or totally extra-peritoneal (TEP) repair. Testicular functions were assessed by measuring testicular volume, testicular hormone levels preoperatively and at 3 months postoperatively. Sexual functions were assessed using BMSFI, and quality of life was assessed using WHO-QOL BREF scale preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Chronic groin pain was evaluated using the VAS scale at 3 months, 6 months and at 1 year. RESULTS: The median duration of follow-up was 13 months (range 6-18 months). The mean preoperative pain scores (p value 0.35) as well as the chronic groin pain were similar between TEP and TAPP repairs at 3 months (p value 0.06) and 6 months (p value 0.86). The testicular resistive index and testicular volume did not show any significant change at follow-up of 3 months (p value 0.9) in the study population. No significant difference was observed in testicular resistive index and testicular volume when comparing TEP and TAPP groups at at follow-up of 3 months (p value >0.05). There was a statistically significant improvement in the sexual drive score, erectile function and overall satisfaction over the follow-up period following laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. However, sexual function improvement was similar in patients undergoing both TEP and TAPP repairs. All the domains of quality of life in the study population showed a significant improvement at a follow-up of 3 and 6 months. Subgroup analysis of all the domains of quality of life in both TAPP and TEP groups showed a similar increment as in the study population (p value <0.001); however, the mean scores of all the domains were comparable between the two subgroups (p value >0.05), preoperatively and 3 and 6 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic groin hernia repair improves the testicular functions, sexual functions and quality of life, but TEP and TAPP repairs are comparable in terms of these long-term outcomes.

Outcomes of Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration After Failed Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Patients with Concomitant Gall Stones and Common Bile Duct Stones: A Prospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to compare the outcomes of secondary laparoscopic CBD exploration (LCBDE) following failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and primary laparoscopic common bile duct (CBD) exploration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred eighty-five patients undergoing LCBDE were divided into Group I consisting of patients undergoing a primary LCBDE (n = 102) and Group II consisting of patients undergoing LCBDE after failure of ERCP to clear the CBD stones (n = 83). Primary outcome measure was successful laparoscopic CBD clearance. The secondary outcome measures were degree of difficulty, operative time, complications, hospital stay, and the cost of treatment. RESULTS: Success rate was similar in both groups (85.3% versus 80.7%). Mean operative time, degree of difficulty, hospital stay, and cost of procedure were significantly higher in Group II (P value <.05). CONCLUSION: It may be prudent to consider ERCP failure patients for primary LCBDE than risk the complications of ERCP if they are suitable for primary surgery.

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2/neu overexpression in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder and its prognostic significance: Is it worth hype?

AIMS: In urothelial tumors of the urinary bladder, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2)/neu expression has been reported over 10 years, but there is no clear correlation between prognosis and recurrence rate. The present study evaluates prognostic implication of HER-2/neu expression. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this study, 100 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens of primary transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder were processed. HER-2/neu monoclonal antibody immunohistochemistry staining procedure used for the study. RESULTS: A total of 70 (70%) patients were positive for overexpression of HER-2/neu. HER-2/neu was positive in patients with 42 (70%) superficial tumor, 28 (70%) muscle invasive tumor, 41 (75.9%) high-grade tumor, 29 (63%) low grade tumor, 31 (68.9%) recurrent tumor, and 6 (66.6%) had positive lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2/neu over expression was not correlated with the tumor stage, lymphnode metastasis or recurrence of the disease. HER-2/neu overexpression was statistically insignificantly correlated with the differentiation grade (P < 0.161) as compared to previous studies. Future studies on HER-2 expression with chemo-sensitivity and efficacy of HER-2-targeted therapies in urothelial carcinomas is needed.