Comparative effectiveness of manual intermittent cervical longitudinal mobilization versus pain modalities in cervical radiculopathy: A double blinded randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Cervical radiculopathy is a common condition encountered in clinical practice and is characterized by compression or irritation of the nerve roots in the cervical spine. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of manual intermittent cervical longitudinal mobilization (mICLM) and therapeutic modalities in managing acute, sub-acute and chronic radiculopathy pain. METHODS: This was a multicenter, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Individuals with radiculopathies were randomized into interventional; (IG, n= 18) receiving mICLM and control group; (CG, n= 17), receiving Microwave Diathermy (MWD) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) at the cervico-dorsal area daily for two weeks. The neck pain disability index (NPDI), numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), and global rating of change score (GRoC) were used as outcome measures. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 23.0. RESULTS: Both mICLM and MWD with TENS were equally effective in reducing the pain and disability in either group. However, it was noted that mICLM had a better impact on acute, sub-acute and chronic cases of radiculopathy pain comparatively. Mean age was 42.3 (SD =± 10.9) years. 54.3% were between the age group of 40-60 years out of which 51.4% were male and 48.6% were female. 51.4% were in IG and 48.6% were in CG. The mean comparison of NPAD and NPRS within groups was significant with p< 0.01*. Post treatment mean comparison of NPAD outcomes in IG and CG remain significant with p= 0.004* and p< 0.01* respectively. The post NPAD and NPRS between IG and CG were found statistically insignificant with p= 0.75 and p= 0.57 respectively. CONCLUSION: mICLM and therapeutic modalities showed similar outcomes in managing radiculopathy pain. The study highlights the need for further research to understand the effectiveness of these interventions in larger patient populations.

Effectiveness of cryo plus ultrasound therapy versus diathermy in combination with high-intensity laser therapy for pain relief in footballers with muscle injuries: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Muscle injuries are common traumatic events in the clinical practice of the rehabilitation field. There is still a gap in the scientific literature on the effectiveness of physical agent modalities in the management of muscle injuries in athletes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of cryo plus ultrasound therapy com-pared to diathermy in combination with high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) for pain relief in professional footballers with muscle injuries. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted on 31 professional footballers with a muscle injury of the lower limbs. Of these, 17 patients, assigned to a Group A (AG), were treated with HILT and cryoultrasound therapy; the remaining 14 patients, assigned to a Group B (BG), underwent HILT and diathermy. We assessed the extent of the pain, the size of the muscle injury, frequency of recurrence and number of days to recovery, at the time of recruitment, at the end of the rehabilitation and 3 months after the injury. RESULTS: Group A athletes had a greater benefit on pain (4.65 ± 0.61 vs 3.24 ± 0.63; p< 0.05) and muscle injury recurrence. The return to play in the athletes of group A took place 4.73 days earlier. CONCLUSION: HILT and cryo plus ultrasound therapy, in combination with therapeutic exercise, rep-resent a valid strategy in the treatment of muscle injuries in professional footballers.

Efectividad de la diatermia por radiofrecuencia en el tratamiento de las patologías de rodilla. Una revisión sistemática / Effectiveness of radiofrequency diathermy in the treatment of knee pathologies. A systematic review

Objetivo La diatermia es una terapia que permite aumentar la temperatura y el metabolismo de los tejidos biológicos mediante la emisión de radiaciones electromagnéticas. A pesar de que esta forma de terapia está ampliamente extendida, no existen revisiones acerca de su utilidad en el tratamiento de patologías de rodilla. Por eso, en la presente revisión bibliográfica se valoró la efectividad de la diatermia por radiofrecuencia como tratamiento conservador en el abordaje de diferentes patologías de rodilla. Material y métodos Se realizó una búsqueda de ensayos clínicos controlados y aleatorizados en las bases de datos PubMed, Web of Science (WOS) y Scopus con las palabras clave «Radiofrequency», «Capacitive», «Resistive», «Dielectric», «Knee» y «Diathermy». Se seleccionaron ensayos clínicos aleatorizados publicados desde 2011 hasta la fecha actual, en inglés y en español. Para valorar la calidad de estos, se usó la escala PEDro. Resultados Cuatro ensayos clínicos aleatorizados fueron seleccionados atendiendo a los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Todos ellos mostraron resultados positivos a favor del grupo experimental en las variables de dolor percibido y funcionalidad. Conclusión La diatermia por radiofrecuencia es una terapia no invasiva eficaz para mejorar la funcionalidad y reducir el dolor a corto plazo en pacientes con diferentes patologías de rodilla (AU)

Objective Radiofrequency diathermy is a treatment technique that increase temperature and metabolism of the biologic tissues by the emission of electromagnetic radiation. Even though this therapy is widely used, there are no reviews about its effectiveness in the treatment of knee pathologies. For this reason, the aim of this systematic review is to assess the efficacy of radiofrequency diathermy as conservative treatment for different knee pathologies. Methods A bibliographic search of randomized clinical trials was carried out in Pubmed, Scopus and WOS, using «Radiofrequency», «Capacitive», «Resistive», «Dielectric», «Knee» and «Diathermy» as descriptors. Only randomized clinical trials in English and Spanish from 2011 to date were chosen. PEDro scale was used to assess the quality of the studies. Results Four randomized clinical trials were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All studies showed positive results in favor to the experimental group regarding pain reduction and knee function. Conclusions Radiofrequency diathermy is an effective non-invasive therapy to improve the quality of life, the functionality and the pain in short-term in patients with different knee conditions (AU)

Comparison of three common tonsil surgery techniques: cold steel with hot hemostasis, monopolar and bipolar diathermy.

PURPOSE: To analyze the risk of postoperative hemorrhage in tonsil surgery with different surgical methods, instruments, indications, and age groups. Monopolar diathermy compared to bipolar diathermy was of particular interest. METHODS: The data from tonsil surgery patients were retrospectively collected between 2012 and 2018 in the Hospital District of Southwest Finland. The surgical method, instruments, indication, sex and age and their association with a postoperative hemorrhage were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 4434 patients were included. The postoperative hemorrhage rate for tonsillectomy was 6.3% and for tonsillotomy 2.2%. The most frequently used surgical instruments were monopolar diathermy (58.4%) cold steel with hot hemostasis (25.1%) and bipolar diathermy (6.4%) with the overall postoperative hemorrhage rates 6.1%, 5.9% and 8.1%, respectively. In tonsillectomy patients, the risk for a secondary hemorrhage was higher with bipolar diathermy compared to both monopolar diathermy (p = 0.039) and the cold steel with hot hemostasis technique (p = 0.029). However, between the monopolar and the cold steel with hot hemostasis groups, the difference was statistically non-significant (p = 0.646). Patients aged > 15 years had 2.6 times higher risk for postoperative hemorrhage. The risk of a secondary hemorrhage increased with tonsillitis as the indication, primary hemorrhage, tonsillectomy or tonsillotomy without adenoidectomy, and male sex in patients aged ≤ 15 years. CONCLUSION: Bipolar diathermy increased the risk for secondary bleedings compared to both monopolar diathermy and the cold steel with hot hemostasis technique in tonsillectomy patients. Monopolar diathermy did not significantly differ from the cold steel with hot hemostasis group regarding the bleeding rates.

Tonsillectomy Outcomes for Coblation Versus Bipolar Diathermy Techniques in Adult Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: There is no consensus on the optimal tonsillectomy technique in adult patients. The study aims to identify all studies comparing the outcomes of coblation versus bipolar diathermy in adult patients undergoing tonsillectomy. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Primary outcomes were hemorrhage and postoperative pain. Secondary outcome measures included return to theatre, analgesia, intraoperative bleeding, diet, tonsillar healing, and operation time. Fixed-effects modeling was used for the analysis. RESULTS: Six studies were identified enrolling a total of 1824 patients. There were no significant differences in terms of reactionary hemorrhage (OR = 1.81, P = .51), delayed hemorrhage (OR = 0.72, P = .20), or postoperative pain (mean difference = -0.15, P = .45); however, there is a general trend favuring coblation. For secondary outcomes, no significant differences noted in terms of intraoperative bleeding, diet, and cases returning to theatre. Analgesia administration was either insignificant or higher in the coblation group. The coblation group had longer operation time and greater healing effect on tonsillar tissue. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in outcomes for coblation and bipolar diathermy for adult tonsillectomy patients in this systematic review and meta-analysis.

A randomised control trial of intraoperative and early outcome in scalpel versus monopolar diathermy for midline abdominal incisions.

BACKGROUND: Cutting diathermy is an alternative to scalpel for all layers of abdominal entry despite the perception that it impairs healing, increases infection risk and has worse cosmesis. This prospective, randomised, controlled trial was carried out to compare the intraoperative and early outcome in diathermy to scalpel for midline abdominal incisions in general surgery. METHODS: The study was conducted from 1 October 2014 to 31 May 2016. Ethical approval was obtained. The incision time, wound size or area, and volume of blood loss were determined for each group of diathermy and scalpel. Results were analysed with SPSS version 23.0. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-four patients (93.6%) met the inclusion criteria and were successfully randomised to mode of entry incision - group A monopolar diathermy (118 patients), and group B scalpel (116 patients). The mean incision time was 3.9 ± 1.6 minutes, wound size or area was 54.8 ± 24.4 cm2, volume of blood loss was 46.0 ± 25.5 ml and volume of blood loss per area was 0.99 ± 0.7 ml/cm2 for group A, while the mean incision time was 5.6 ± 2.5 minutes, wound size or area was 57.3 ± 27.3 cm2, volume of blood loss was 62.2 ± 30.6 ml and volume of blood loss per area was 1.3 ml/cm2 ± 0.8 for group B, respectively. The differences in these means were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Incisions made with diathermy resulted in shorter incision time and lesser blood loss when compared to that made with the scalpel. There was no difference in the rate of surgical site infection. These procedural results favour the use of diathermy for abdominal entry.

Fine-needle diathermy for corneal vascularisation.

Background: Corneal angiogenesis occurs as a sequel to an insult and it brings with it cells that mediate immunity as well as repair and aids in flushing toxins out. These vessels are formed in haste and leak lipid and cells, ultimately resulting in loss of transparency, lipid keratopathy and immunogenicity. So, they may need treatment prior to an optical keratoplasty. Purpose: To demonstrate the procedure of Fine Needle Diathermy (FND) to treat corneal neovascularization, its indications and contraindications. Synopsis: FND uses coagulating current from a monopolar cautery unit to occlude the afferent and efferent blood vessels. FND works best at the stage of mature vessel formation. The needle is placed across a tuft of vessels or parallel to a single large vessel, being mindful of the depth and direction. FND is avoided in necrotic tissue where the blood vessel is needed for healing process. Occlusion of the vessel in these situations may result in tissue melt. Highlights: Corneal neovascularization follows the stages of latent phase, active neovascularization, mature vessel formation and then regression. The treatment modality depends on the stage of angiogenesis. FND works best for neovascularization due to infectious keratitis. Keratoplasty is best performed 3 to 4 months later when regression of corneal vascularization occurs. Video Link: https://youtu.be/2RK6d_a2Gdc.

Ovarian reserve and recurrence 1 year post-operatively after using haemostatic sealant and bipolar diathermy for haemostasis during laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Is there a difference in the ovarian reserve 1 year post-operatively in those who used a haemostatic sealant or bipolar diathermy for haemostasis during laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy for ovarian endometriomas? DESIGN: This was an extended follow-up observational study of a previous randomized controlled trial where women aged 18 to 40 years with 3-8 cm unilateral or bilateral endometriomas were randomized to receive haemostasis by a haemostatic sealant or bipolar diathermy following ovarian cystectomy. The primary outcome was the ovarian reserve as assessed by antral follicle count (AFC) 1 year post-operatively. Secondary outcomes included the recurrence rate of ovarian endometrioma, the change in anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and FSH concentrations, and reproductive outcomes. RESULTS: The significant increase in AFC at 3 months after initial surgery (P = 0.025) in the haemostatic sealant group compared with the diathermy group was sustained at 1 year (P = 0.024) but there was no difference in AMH or FSH concentrations between the groups throughout the follow-up period. The recurrence rate in the FloSeal group was 7.7% (n = 3/39) compared with 22.2% (n = 8/36) in the diathermy group (P = 0.060). The recurrence rate in women who had bilateral lesions was significantly higher than those with unilateral lesions (risk ratio 5.33, interquartile range 1.55-18.38). No difference in reproductive outcomes was found between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Applying haemostatic sealant after laparoscopic cystectomy of ovarian endometriomas produces a significantly greater improvement in AFC, which was apparent at 3-month follow-up, and was sustained at 1-year follow-up without compromising the recurrence rate.

Cutting Edge: Novel Treatment Options Targeting Corneal Neovascularization to Improve High-Risk Corneal Graft Survival.

PURPOSE: Corneal neovascularization is an important risk factor for graft rejection after keratoplasty, although its role in posterior lamellar keratoplasty is not yet well defined. The aim of this work was to describe clinically available approaches that target corneal neovascularization preoperatively to improve graft survival after subsequent penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and to present findings on Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in eyes with neovascularization. METHODS: Recent work on the use of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents, fine needle diathermy (FND), and corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) to regress corneal neovascularization before PK is summarized. Furthermore, studies that have investigated the outcome of DMEK in vascularized eyes are presented. RESULTS: Pretreatment of recipient corneas with FND combined with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents is an effective method to reduce long-standing corneal neovascularization and results in relatively low rejection rates after subsequent high-risk PK. Peripheral CXL also seems to be a potent method to regress corneal neovascularization, although data on the impact of pretransplant CXL on long-term graft survival are not yet available. There are only limited data on graft rejection rates after DMEK in vascularized eyes, but initial studies indicate that DMEK seems to be a viable therapeutic option when no stromal scars are present. Furthermore, preexisting stromal neovascularization seems to regress after high-risk DMEK. CONCLUSIONS: Several angioregressive strategies to treat corneal neovascularization before PK have entered the clinic with promising initial results, which warrants larger trials with longer follow-up. Studies will also have to define the precise role of preexisting corneal neovascularization in high-risk DMEK.

Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the mechanism of sonodynamic therapy combined with a RAS inhibitor in the setting of hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Ras activation is a frequent event in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Combining a RAS inhibitor with traditional clinical therapeutics might be hampered by a variety of side effects, thus hindering further clinical translation. Herein, we report on integrating an IR820 nanocapsule-augmented sonodynamic therapy (SDT) with the RAS inhibitor farnesyl-thiosalicylic acid (FTS). Using cellular and tumor models, we demonstrate that combined nanocapsule-augmented SDT with FTS induces an anti-tumor effect, which not only inhibits tumor progression, and enables fluorescence imaging. To dissect the mechanism of a combined tumoricidal therapeutic strategy, we investigated the scRNA-seq transcriptional profiles of an HCC xenograft following treatment. RESULTS: Integrative single-cell analysis identified several clusters that defined many corresponding differentially expressed genes, which provided a global view of cellular heterogeneity in HCC after combined SDT/FTS treatment. We conclude that the combination treatment suppressed HCC, and did so by inhibiting endothelial cells and a modulated immunity. Moreover, hepatic stellate secretes hepatocyte growth factor, which plays a key role in treating SDT combined FTS. By contrast, enrichment analysis estimated the functional roles of differentially expressed genes. The Gene Ontology terms "cadherin binding" and "cell adhesion molecule binding" and KEGG pathway "pathway in cancer" were significantly enriched by differentially expressed genes after combined SDT/FTS therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, some undefined mechanisms were revealed by scRNA-seq analysis. This report provides a novel proof-of-concept for combinatorial HCC-targeted therapeutics that is based on a non-invasive anti-tumor therapeutic strategy and a RAS inhibitor.

Comparison of PEAK PlasmaBlade™ to conventional diathermy in abdominal-based free-flap breast reconstruction surgery-A single-centre double-blinded randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Electrosurgery makes dissection with simultaneous haemostasis possible. The produced heat can cause injury to the surrounding tissue. The PEAK PlasmaBlade™(PPB) is a new electrosurgery device which may overcome this by having the ability to operate on a lower temperature, therefore reducing collateral thermal damage. METHOD: A single-centre, double-blinded, randomised controlled trial (RCT) was conducted which included 108 abdominal-based free-flap breast reconstruction patients who had their flap raise performed using either the PPB (n = 56) or the conventional diathermy (n = 52). Data were collected during their in-patient stay and out-patient appointments. The primary outcome value was the number of days the abdominal drains were required. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups, except a significantly lower flap weight in the PPB group. The median number of days the drains were required did not differ significantly (p = 0.48; 6.0 days for the diathermy and 5.0 days for the PPB). The total drain output (p = 0.68), the inflammatory cytokine in the drain fluid (p>0.054) and complications (p>0.24) did not differ significantly between the two groups. At the 2-week follow-up appointment, there was a trend towards less abdominal seromas on abdominal ultrasound (p = 0.09) in the PPB group which were significantly smaller (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: The use of the PPB did not result in a significant reduction of drain requirement, total drain output or inflammatory cytokines but did reduce the size of seroma collections at the 2-week follow-up appointment. Therefore, the use of the PPB device could reduce early seroma formation after drain removal.

Effect of Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Combined With Ultrashort Wave Diathermy on Fibrosis and Contracture of Muscle.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the intervention effect of radial extracorporeal shock wave combined with ultrashort wave diathermy on immobilization-induced fibrosis and contracture of muscle. DESIGN: The groups included male rabbits for the group (control group). To cause joint contracture, rabbits underwent plaster fixation of a left knee joint at full extension. After immobilization for 4 wks, all rabbits were randomly divided into five groups: model group, natural recovery group, radial extracorporeal shock wave treatment group, ultrashort wave diathermy group, and radial extracorporeal shock wave combined with ultrashort wave diathermy group. All intervention effects were assessed by evaluating the cross-sectional area and the collagen deposition of muscle, the knee joint range of motion and the protein levels for transforming growth factor ß1 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α. RESULTS: The combined treatment group got the best recovery of the knee joint function. The combined treatment was more effective than radial extracorporeal shock wave or ultrashort wave diathermy alone against the fibrosis and contracture of muscle, as well as the overexpression of transforming growth factor ß1 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α. CONCLUSIONS: Radial extracorporeal shock wave combined with ultrashort wave diathermy was effective in alleviating immobilization-induced contracture and fibrosis of muscle, as well as reducing the molecular manifestations of muscle fibrosis.

The Effect of Diathermy Power Settings on Oral Cavity Mucosal Contraction: A Rat Model.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The effects of different electrocautery power settings on mucosal contraction and margin status in the oral cavity have not been well established. The aim of this study was to examine how different levels of electrocautery energy outputs affect oral mucosal tissue margins. STUDY DESIGN: Animal model. METHODS: A model of 23 adult rats was used (two specimens per rat). After anesthetizing the animals, a 6-mm biopsy punch marked the resection margin on the buccal mucosa (one per cheek). The specimens were excised by means of three energy levels, a cold knife, and monopolar diathermy that was set on either 20 W or 30 W cut modes. The specimens were evaluated for extent of contraction. RESULTS: A total of 45 samples were obtained and measured, including 15 specimens in the cold-knife group, 15 specimens in the 20 W group, and 15 specimens in the 30 W group. The median diameters of the specimens after resection were 4.5 mm for the cold-knife group (interquartile range [IQR] = 4.0-5.0), 3.5 mm for the 20 W group (IQR = 3.5-4.0), and 2.8 mm for the 30 W group (IQR = 2.5-3.0). Specimen contraction was 25.0%, 41.7%, and 53.3%, respectively. The difference in shrinkage between each pair was statistically significant: cold knife versus 20 W, P = .001; cold knife versus 30 W, P < .0001; and 20 W versus 30 W, P < .001. CONCLUSIONS: Diathermy power settings result in a significant difference of mucosal tissue contraction, with higher outputs resulting in a narrower mucosal margin. It is imperative that the surgical team take into consideration the diathermy settings during initial resection planning. Laryngoscope, 131:E1514-E1518, 2021.

Fibrin glue treatment associated or not with diathermy for recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula: our results after more than 20 years' experience. / Tratamiento con adhesivo de fibrina asociado o no a diatermia para las fístulas traqueoesofágicas recurrentes: resultados tras más de 20 años de experiencia.

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula (RTEF) is a frequent complication (5-10%) in patients with esophageal atresia (EA). Open RTEF surgery has a high morbidity and mortality, so the endoscopic approach represents a promising alternative. We present the long-term results of fibrin glue (FG) bronchoscopic application in patients with RTEF secondary to EA, which was first used by our team in 1994. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with RTEF following EA repair and treated with FG bronchoscopic application from 1993 to 2019 was carried out. In most cases, diathermy was applied prior to FG sealing. The maximum number of endoscopic sessions was 5. In case of persistent RTEF following the fifth session, open surgery was performed. RESULTS: 14 RTEF patients were treated with FG. In all but the first 3 cases (11 patients, 78.6%), diathermy was applied concomitantly. Mean first treatment day was day 85 of life (range: 14-770). Patients received a mean of 2.1 (1-5) endoscopic sessions. Mean follow-up was 12.1 (10-20) years. Overall success rate was 71.4%, without significant differences according to whether diathermy was concomitantly applied or not (72.7% vs. 66.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Fibrin glue bronchoscopic application associated or not associated with diathermy is an excellent option for RTEF treatment in EA patients. The endoscopic approach should be considered as the first-choice treatment for RTEF.

INTRODUCCION: La fístula traqueoesofágica recurrente (FTER) representa una complicación frecuente (5-10%) en los pacientes con atresia de esófago (AE). La cirugía abierta de FTER implica una alta morbimortalidad, por lo que los abordajes endoscópicos suponen una alternativa prometedora. Presentamos los resultados a largo plazo de la aplicación broncoscópica de adhesivo de fibrina (AF) en pacientes con FTER secundaria a AE, técnica utilizada por primera vez en 1994 por nuestro equipo. METODOS: Revisión retrospectiva de 1993 a 2019, incluyendo a todos los pacientes diagnosticados de FTER tras la reparación de AE, y tratados con aplicación broncoscópica de AF. En la mayoría de los casos se aplicó diatermia previamente al sellado con AF. El número máximo de sesiones endoscópicas se estableció en cinco; en caso de persistir FTER tras la quinta sesión, se procedió a cirugía abierta. RESULTADOS: 14 pacientes con FTER fueron tratados con AF; en todos salvo los primeros 3 casos (11 pacientes, 78,6%) se aplicó diatermia concomitante. El día promedio del primer tratamiento fue el día 85 de vida (14 a 770). Los pacientes recibieron una media de 2,1 (1-5) sesiones endoscópicas. El seguimiento medio fue de 12,1 (10-20) años. El éxito global fue del 71,4%, sin apenas variar con la aplicación o no de diatermia concomitante (72,7% vs. 66,6%). CONCLUSIONES: La aplicación broncoscópica de adhesivo de fibrina asociado o no a diatermia representa una excelente opción para el tratamiento de FTER en pacientes con AE. El abordaje endoscópico debe considerarse como tratamiento de primera elección para FTER.

Tratamiento con adhesivo de fibrina asociado o no a diatermia para las fístulas traqueoesofágicas recurrentes: resultados tras más de 20 años de experiencia / Fibrin glue treatment associated or not with diathermy for recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula: our results after more than 20 years' experience

INTRODUCCIÓN: La fístula traqueoesofágica recurrente (FTER) representa una complicación frecuente (5-10%) en los pacientes con atresia de esófago (AE). La cirugía abierta de FTER implica una alta morbimortalidad, por lo que los abordajes endoscópicos suponen una alternativa prometedora. Presentamos los resultados a largo plazo de la aplicación broncoscópica de adhesivo de fibrina (AF) en pacientes con FTER secundaria a AE, técnica utilizada por primera vez en 1994 por nuestro equipo. MÉTODOS: Revisión retrospectiva de 1993 a 2019, incluyendo a todos los pacientes diagnosticados de FTER tras la reparación de AE y tratados con aplicación broncoscópica de AF. En la mayoría de los casos se aplicó diatermia previamente al sellado con AF. El número máximo de sesiones endoscópicas se estableció en cinco; en caso de persistir FTER tras la quinta sesión, se procedió a cirugía abierta. RESULTADOS: 14 pacientes con FTER fueron tratados con AF; en todos salvo los primeros 3 casos (11 pacientes, 78,6%) se aplicó diatermia concomitante. El día promedio del primer tratamiento fue el día 85 de vida (14 a 770). Los pacientes recibieron una media de 2,1 (1-5) sesiones endoscópicas. El seguimiento medio fue de 12,1 (10-20) años. El éxito global fue del 71,4%, sin apenas variar con la aplicación o no de diatermia concomitante (72,7% vs. 66,6%). CONCLUSIONES: La aplicación broncoscópica de adhesivo de fibrina asociado o no a diatermia representa una excelente opción para el tratamiento de FTER en pacientes con AE. El abordaje endoscópico debe considerarse como tratamiento de primera elección para FTER

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula (RTEF) is a frequent complication (5-10%) in patients with esophageal atresia (EA). Open RTEF surgery has a high morbidity and mortality, so the endoscopic approach represents a promising alternative. We present the long-term results of fibrin glue (FG) bronchoscopic application in patients with RTEF secondary to EA, which was first used by our team in 1994. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with RTEF following EA repair and treated with FG bronchoscopic application from 1993 to 2019 was carried out. In most cases, diathermy was applied prior to FG sealing. The maximum number of endoscopic sessions was 5. In case of persistent RTEF following the fifth session, open surgery was performed. RESULTS: 14 RTEF patients were treated with FG. In all but the first 3 cases (11 patients, 78.6%), diathermy was applied concomitantly. Mean first treatment day was day 85 of life (range: 14-770). Patients received a mean of 2.1 (1-5) endoscopic sessions. Mean follow-up was 12.1 (10-20) years. Overall success rate was 71.4%, without significant differences according to whether diathermy was concomitantly applied or not (72.7% vs. 66.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Fibrin glue bronchoscopic application associated or not associated with diathermy is an excellent option for RTEF treatment in EA patients. The endoscopic approach should be considered as the first-choice treatment for RTE

Randomized controlled study comparing tonsillectomy safety and patient satisfaction outcomes between HARMONIC ACE® + shears and monopolar diathermy in an adult population - A pilot study.

PURPOSE: Various types of the harmonic scalpel blades have been used for tonsillectomy since the early 2000s with varying successes. The HARMONIC ACE® + 23 cm shears is a relatively new blade which has not been studied in an adult population yet. METHODOLOGY: A randomized controlled pilot study was performed comparing the HARMONIC ACE® + 23 cm shears (HS) and monopolar electrocautery (EC) tonsillectomy in 20 patients. Intraoperative blood loss, pain control, return to normal diet and activity as well as patient satisfaction outcomes were compared between these two arms. RESULTS: The operative time was comparable. Compared to the EC arm, there was less intraoperative bleeding, lower risks of delayed haemorrhage and readmission in the HS arm. Post-operative pain scores and use of analgesia were similar. There was earlier return to normal diet and activity in the HS arm compared to the EC arm. More patients in the HS arm recommended using HARMONIC ACE® + 23 cm shears compared to those in the EC arm. This is a non-inferiority study which suggests that the HARMONIC ACE® + 23 cm shears is comparable to monopolar electrocautery in terms of efficacy and post-operative complication rates with better patient satisfaction outcomes. The main weakness of the study is a small study population. CONCLUSION: This is the first reported study comparing the use of the HARMONIC ACE® + 23 cm shears with monopolar cautery in tonsillectomy. A prospective adequately powered study validated by objective outcome measures would be useful to verify the findings from this pilot study.

Reproductive outcome after operative hysteroscopy for uterine septum: scissors or diathermy?

INTRODUCTION: Hysteroscopic septoplasty is a safe and routinely used procedure for the treatment of septate uterus. The aim of this paper is to determine which hysteroscopic technique (scissors, monopolar/bipolar diathermy) is superior for post-treatment reproductive outcome. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Two different hysteroscopic septoplasty instruments (scissors and monopolar/bipolar diathermy) were compared, focusing on the pregnancy outcome. In addition, all published studies and reviews regarding pregnancy outcomes that occurred after operative hysteroscopy using different techniques (bipolar, monopolar electrodes, resectoscope, VERSAPOINT™ [Ethicon LLC] and scissors) were reviewed. Dichotomous analysis, with use of the Mantel-Haenszel method, was performed for all five outcomes, with fixed effect analysis model and odds ratio (OR) as the effect measure. Analysis details included totals and subtotals with 95% confidence interval. The Multinomial CI package for the R statistical language was also used. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Out of 26 full-text articles available in the literature, two studies were finally selected as eligible, with a total number of 125 patients. Pregnancy rate for scissors was 88.8% and for resectoscope was 75.6% (OR: 2.13, I2=29%; P=0.23). Delivery rate for scissors was 78.1% and for resectoscope was 75.0% (OR: 1.29, I2=0%; P=0.53). Miscarriage rate for scissors was 21.8% and for resectoscope was 27.1% (OR: 0.78, I2=0%; P=0.53). Preterm delivery rate for scissors was 6.2% and for resectoscope was 6.7% (OR: 0.85, I2=0%; P=0.94). Term delivery rate for scissors was 71.8% and for resectoscope was 66.1% (OR: 1.32, I2=0%; P=0.47). The lack of evidence in literature regarding the potential influence in the reproductive outcome of the instrument used when performing a hysteroscopy to treat a septate uterus became radically clear. CONCLUSIONS: No statistically significant differences were observed in reproductive outcomes between women treated for septate uterus using resectoscope or scissors.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation and shortwave diathermy in unrecovered Bell palsy: A randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Unrecovered Bell palsy is difficult to treat, because until now in literature there is not a gold standard. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and shortwave diathermy (SWD) therapy for chronic Bell palsy. METHODS: After 5 months of conventional therapy, this 2-arm randomized controlled trial enrolled and randomly allocated 20 patients to a treatment group with NMES+SWD and supervised exercises (n = 10) or a sham group with supervised exercise alone (n = 10). The administration of NMES or sham NMES, as intervention, was performed 30 min/session, 5 sessions/wk, for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was assessed by Sunnybrook scale. The secondary outcomes were evaluated by the Kinovea©, a movement analysis software. All primary and secondary outcomes were measured at baseline (T0), at the end of 4-week treatment (T1). RESULTS: At the end of 4-week treatment, the patients in the treatment group did not achieve better outcomes in resting symmetry, but we observed an increase of the perceived a significant improvement (P < .05) for symmetry of voluntary movements by the Sunnybrook subscale, with a score of 55.4 ±â€Š9 compared to 46.4 ±â€Š3.7 to control group and an increase in zygomatic muscle movement symmetry ratio (P < .05) by Kinovea©. No adverse events occurred in either group. CONCLUSION: The improvements in the symmetry of voluntary movements demonstrated that combining diathermy with neuromuscular electrostimulation is valid and reliable in the treatment of chronic Bell palsy.

Effects of Short Wave Diathermy Added on Dextrose Prolotherapy Injections in Osteoarthritis of the Knee.

Objective: To show the effects of short wave diathermy (SWD) added on prolotherapy injections in osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee on pain, physical functioning, and quality of life. Design: This is a single-blinded randomized controlled study. Setting: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department of a university hospital. Subjects: Sixty-three patients with OA of the knee with Kellgren-Lawrence class 2 or 3 were included in the study. Methods: Patients were randomized into two groups, first being dextrose prolotherapy+SWD and the second being dextrose prolotherapy with sham SWD. Patients were injected with dextrose prolotherapy solutions in the beginning, third, and sixth week of the study, for a total of three times, and took 20 min of SWD after injection (true or sham). Outcome measures: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were applied before, after (sixth week), and at the third month of treatment. Results: Both groups showed improvements in VAS, WOMAC, and SF-36 scores (p < 0.05). Between-group analyses showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study shows that prolotherapy is effective for pain, functionality, and quality of life in patients with OA of the knee. The effects of additional SWD require more evidence. More studies of higher quality are required to make a statement.

Diathermy versus scalpel for skin incision in patients undergoing open inguinal hernia repair: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare outcomes of diathermy and scalpel for skin incision in patients undergoing open inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: We performed a systematic review in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement standards. We conducted a search of electronic information sources to identify all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing use of diathermy and scalpel for skin incision in patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair. Surgical site infection (SSI) was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures included haematoma, seroma, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score at 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h, and incision time. We used Cochrane risk of bias tool and ROBINS-I tool to assess the risk of bias of randomised and non-randomised studies. Fixed-effect model was applied to calculate pooled outcome data. RESULTS: We identified 9 studies, 4 randomised controlled trials and 5 prospective cohort studies, enrolling a total of 830 patients. Meta-analysis of RCTs showed no difference between the diathermy and scalpel groups in terms of surgical site infection (OR: 0.77, 95% CI 0.34, 1.75, P = 0.53), seroma (OR: 0.86, 95% CI 0.29, 2.55, P = 0.78), VAS pain score at 6 h (MD: -0.10, 95% CI -0.31, 0.11, P = 0.34), 12 h (MD: -0.10, 95% CI -0.13, 0.33, P = 0.40), and 24 h (MD: 0.03, 95% CI -0.16, 0.21, P = 0.79). Use of diathermy for skin incision was associated with shorter incision time (MD: -36.00, 95% CI -47.92, -24.08, P < 0.00001) and lower risk of haematoma (OR: 0.14, 95% CI 0.03, 0.65, P = 0.01). Meta-analysis of observational studies showed no difference between the diathermy and scalpel groups in terms of surgical site infection (OR: 0.87, 95% CI 0.54, 1.39, P = 0.55), haematoma (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.02-1.23, P = 0.08), seroma (OR: 0.86, 95% CI 0.29, 2.55, P = 0.78), VAS pain score at 6 h (MD: -0.10, 95% CI -0.44, 0.24, P = 0.56), 12 h (MD: -0.10, 95% CI -0.26, 0.46, P = 0.58), and 24 h (MD: 0.10, 95% CI -0.27, 0.47, P = 0.59). Use of diathermy for skin incision was associated with shorter incision time (MD: -39.40, 95% CI -41.02, -37.78, P < 0.00001). The results remained consistent through sensitivity analyses. The between-study heterogeneity was low and the quality of the available evidence was moderate. CONCLUSIONS: There is no difference between use of diathermy and scalpel for skin incision in patients undergoing open inguinal hernia repair in terms of surgical site infection, seroma and postoperative pain. Use of diathermy for skin incision may be associated with shorter incision time and may reduce the risk of haematoma formation.