Digital Glomus Tumor - A Commonly Undiagnosed Cause of Finger Pain: Case Report.

Glomus tumors are rare vascular hamartomas most commonly found in the subungual region of the fingers. They present with a classic triad of paroxysmal pain, point tenderness, and cold sensitivity. The diagnosis is often missed for several years due to under recognition of this condition. A 42-year-old female presented with a several year history of pain in the middle finger when it was struck or exposed to cold. She had point tenderness on the fingernail, and increased curvature of the nail. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed a 7mm subungual glomus tumor. The tumor was surgically excised via a transungual approach, resulting in complete relief of her pain. Glomus tumors are diagnosed clinically based on the presence of classic symptoms and positive provocative tests. These tests include point tenderness on palpation and pain when ice is placed on the digit. MRI imaging can be used when the diagnosis is unclear or to localize the tumor prior to surgery. Increased awareness of this condition among physicians could reduce the time to diagnosis and treatment.

Laparoscopic versus open pancreaticoduodenectomy for ampullary cancer: A retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Studies comparing laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) with open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) for ampullary carcinoma (AC) are limited. This study aimed to compare short- and long-term outcomes between LPD and OPD for AC. METHODS: This study included patients with AC who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) with curative intention at Ogaki Municipal Hospital from April 2008 to March 2023. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients underwent LPD (n = 26) or OPD (n = 29). There were no significant differences in the demographics between the two groups. The LPD group had a significantly longer operative time (268 vs. 225 min), less blood loss (125 vs. 450 mL), and shorter postoperative hospital stay (18 vs. 23 days) than the OPD group. There was no significant difference in the morbidity ratio. Fewer lymph nodes were harvested in the LPD group than OPD group (9.5 vs. 16.0), but there were no significant differences in lymph node metastasis or pathological stages. There were no significant differences in overall survival (OS) or recurrence-free survival (RFS). The 3- and 5-year OS rates in the LPD group and the OPD group were 63.0% and 54%, 64.8%, and 61.2%, respectively. The 3- and 5-year RFS rates were 57.4% and 57.4%, 58.1%, and 54.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: LPD for AC had short- and long-term outcomes comparable with those of OPD. LPD could be considered the standard treatments for AC because of less blood loss and a shorter hospital stay.

A phase III randomized clinical trial comparing laparoscopic radical hysterectomy based on open state with abdominal radical hysterectomy in patients with early-stage cervical cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in women, The standard treatment recommendation for women with early cervical cancer is radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection, however, articles published in recent years have concluded that the treatment outcome of laparoscopic surgery for cervical cancer is inferior to that of open surgery. Thus, we choose a surgically new approach; the laparoscopic cervical cancer surgery in the open state is compared with the traditional open cervical cancer surgery, and we hope that patients can still have a good tumor outcome and survival outcome. This trial will investigate the effectiveness of laparoscopic cervical cancer surgery in the open-state treatment of early-stage cervical cancer. METHOD AND DESIGN: This will be an open-label, 2-armed, randomized, phase-III single-center trial of comparing laparoscopic radical hysterectomy based on open state with abdominal radical hysterectomy in patients with early-stage cervical cancer. A total of 740 participants will be randomly assigned into 2 treatment arms in a 1:1 ratio. Clinical, laboratory, ultrasound, and radiology data will be collected at baseline, and then at the study assessments and procedures performed at baseline and 1 week, 6 weeks, and 3 months, and follow-up visits begin at 3 months following surgery and continue every 3 months thereafter for the first 2 years and every 6 months until year 4.5. The primary aim is the rate of disease-free survival at 4.5 years. The secondary aims include treatment-related morbidity, costs and cost-effectiveness, patterns of recurrence, quality of life, pelvic floor function, and overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective trial aims to show the equivalence of the laparoscopic cervical cancer surgery in the open state versus the transabdominal radical hysterectomy approach for patients with early-stage cervical cancer following a 2-phase protocol. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2300075118. Registered on August 25, 2023.

Family Environment, Social Support, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Adolescents Following Kidney Transplant.

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for pediatric end-stage renal disease. Transplant recipients often have better neurocognitive, academic, and health-related outcomes. While there is some evidence that health-related quality of life (HRQOL) improves following kidney transplant, other studies have found adolescent transplant recipients report lower overall HRQOL than healthy peers. Current research has focused on individual-level factors affecting adjustment to organ transplant, warranting examination of HRQOL from a systems perspective. Family environment and social support contribute to a system of proximal relationships that are crucial in adolescents' development, making them important factors to study in relation to HRQOL post-transplant. METHODS: The current study utilized archival data of adolescent renal transplant patients who completed surveys about their family environment, social support, and HRQOL during routine transplant clinic visits. RESULTS: Family cohesion, as well as social support from parents, classmates, and people in school, were positively correlated with HRQOL. Social support from people in school uniquely predicted variance in HRQOL, beyond the contribution of overall family environment after controlling for demographic factors. Relative to comparable adolescent samples, transplant recipients reported more optimal overall family environment, greater social support from teachers, and lower social support from close friends. CONCLUSION: Psychosocial interventions for adolescent kidney transplant recipients may be enhanced by collaborating with school professionals and further bolstering strengths in the family environment. Kidney transplant recipients may benefit from long-term intervention, as decreased HRQOL appears to persist years post-transplant.

Simultaneous bilateral video-assisted thoracic surgery is safe and feasible for multiple primary lung cancers.

BACKGROUND: The treatment for bilateral synchronous multiple primary lung cancers (MPLC) remains challenging. Simultaneous bilateral video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) may be an optimal treatment with curative intent, but its safety and feasibility are controversial. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-eight patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral VATS (simultaneous group) and 79 who underwent two-staged bilateral VATS (two-staged group) were included in this study. Their medical records were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: The majority of patients were female and non-smokers. The most common surgical plan was lobectomy and contralateral wedge resection in both groups. There was no significant difference in the postoperative complication rate between the simultaneous groups and two-staged group (13.3% vs. 11.4%, p = 0.73). Patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral resection had shorter hospital stays, shorter anesthesia time and less chest drainage compared with those who underwent two-staged resection. Advanced TNM stage, complicated surgical plan and aggressive lymph node resection were risk factors for postoperative complications in simultaneous bilateral VATS. Patients in two groups had similar overall survival and disease free survival (p = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous bilateral VATS for bilateral lung nodule resection is as safe and feasible as two-staged bilateral VATS. Patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral resection had similar or even better outcomes compared to that of the two-staged group. Simultaneous bilateral VATS is potentially an optimal treatment option for patients with erarly cTNM stage and good physical condition.

Plate fixation of inferior ramus in pubis-ischium ramus improves mechanical stability in Tile B pelvic injures: a cadaveric biomechanical analysis and early clinical experience.

BACKGROUND: Management of inferior ramus of the pubis-ischium ramus remains controversial, and related research is sparse. The main intention of this study is to describe the biomechanical and clinical outcomes of pubis-ischium ramus fractures in Tile B pelvic injuries and to identify the feasibility and necessity of fixation of the inferior ramus of the pubis-ischium ramus. METHODS: This study comprised two parts: a biomechanical test and a retrospective clinical study. For the biomechanical tests, Tile B-type pelvic injuries were modeled in six cadaver specimens by performing pubis-ischium osteotomies and disruption of the anterior and interosseous sacroiliac ligaments. The superior and/or inferior rami of the pubis-ischium ramus were repaired with reconstruction plates and separated into three groups (A, B, and C). Specimens were placed in the standing position and were loaded axially with two-leg support for three cycles at 500 N. The displacements of sacroiliac joints at osteotomy were measured with Vernier calipers and compared using statistical software. To investigate the clinical outcomes of this technique, 26 patients were retrospectively analyzed and divided into a superior ramus fixation group (Group D) and a combined superior and inferior ramus of the pubis-ischium ramus fixation group (Group E). The main outcome measures were time of operation, blood loss, postoperative radiographic reduction grading, and functional outcomes. RESULTS: In the vertical loading test, Group E showed better pelvic ring stability than Group D (P < 0.05). However, the shift of the sacroiliac joints was almost identical among the three groups. In our clinical case series, all fractures in Group E achieved bony union. Group E demonstrated earlier weight-bearing functional exercise (2.54 ± 1.45 vs 4.77 ± 2.09; P = 0.004), earlier bony union (13.23 ± 2.89 vs 16.55 ± 3.11; P = 0.013), and better functional outcomes (89.77 ± 7.27 vs 82.38 ± 8.81; P = 0.028) than Group D. The incidence of sexual dysfunction was significantly lower in Group E than that in Group D (2/13 vs 7/13; P = 0.039). Bone nonunion occurred in two patients in Group D, and two patients in Group E had heterotopic ossification. None of the patients exhibited wound complications, infections, implant failures, or bone-implant interface failures. CONCLUSIONS: Fixation of the inferior ramus of a pubis-ischium ramus fracture based on conventional fixation of the anterior pelvic ring is mechanically superior in cadaveric Tile B pelvic injury and shows rapid recovery, good functional outcomes, and low incidence of complications.

Ablation apprentices and their first experience of pulmonary vein isolation procedure on paroxysmal atrial fibrillation with different sheaths.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at exploring how using different kinds of sheaths will affect the very first ablation procedure of apprentices. METHODS: 15 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were randomized to used fixed-curve, conventional steerable or visualized steerable sheath, and received complete isolation of pulmonary veins. All ablations were the very first procedure performed by 15 ablation apprentices. The use of fluoroscopy and catheter stability during the PVI were analyzed. RESULTS: Procedure duration was much longer in the fixed-curve group (116.8 ± 27 vs. 62.2 ± 17 vs. 60.4 ± 17, p < 0.001). X-ray exposure was lowest with visualized sheath (17.6 ± 5 vs. 18.6 ± 6 vs. 5.2 ± 6, p < 0.001). CF SD differed significantly, especially at the anterior aspect of LSPV (7.90 ± 2.90 vs. 5.04 ± 2.18 vs. 4.52 ± 2.40, p < 0.001) and posterior aspect of RSPV (6.84 ± 2.79 vs. 3.42 ± 2.04 vs. 3.50 ± 2.30, p < 0.001) in the fixed-curve group. Impedance drop was significantly smaller in the fixed-curve group at the anterior aspect of LSPV (8.74 ± 3.02 vs. 11.49 ± 5.48 vs. 12.57 ± 5.96, p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Even for the very first ablation procedure of an ablation apprentice, the use of steerable sheaths will significantly reduce the procedure duration and improve the catheter stability, but only visualized steerable sheath can reduce fluoroscopic time.

Bi-institutional analysis of microbiological spectrum and therapeutic management of parotid abscesses.

BACKGROUND: A parotid abscess (PA) is a complication of an acute bacterial parotitis with a potentially life-threatening course. To date, data on the diagnosis and therapy of PA is sparse and mostly consists of case reports or case series. Therefore, this study aimed at comprehensively analyzing the microbiological spectrum and the therapeutic management in a bi-institutional setting. METHODS: A retrospective clinical chart review was performed to identify all patients surgically treated for PA at two tertiary care centers in Germany. Data on demographics, clinical management and microbiological data including species identification, pathogenicity, type of antibiotic therapy, adjustment of antibiotics, antibiotic sensitivity testing, and smear test results were extracted. Intervention-related variables and etiology were analyzed for their statistical association with outcome variables. RESULTS: Overall, 85 patients were included. Most patients (92.9%) underwent surgical incision. Around half of the patients (45.9%) were treated under local anesthesia. No facial nerve palsy was observed. The most frequently detected pathogens were Streptococci (n = 23), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (n = 6) including one case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Most patients (68.2%) received an aminopenicillin ± beta-lactamase inhibitor as empiric antibiotic therapy. In 6 cases the antibiotic therapy was modified after receiving the antibiogram. Four patients (5.2%) presented with recurrent PA. Etiology was idiopathic (42.4%), followed by tumorous (12.9%), obstructive, and immunosuppressive (each 11.8%). Patients with a dental focus (p = 0.007) had a longer duration of hospitalization. CONCLUSION: The results show that the surgical therapy of PA under local anesthesia is safe. A dental examination should routinely be performed to rule out a dental focus. Obtaining a microbiological specimen in order to modify antibiotic therapy if necessary and a histopathological specimen to rule out a tumorous etiology is obligate.

The effect of large channel-based foraminoplasty on lumbar biomechanics in percutaneous endoscopic discectomy: a finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of foraminoplasty using large-channel endoscopy during TESSYS on the biomechanics of the lumbar spine. METHODS: A complete lumbar spine model, M1, was built using 3D finite elements, and models M2 and M3 were constructed to simulate the intraoperative removal of the superior articular process of L5 using a trephine saw with diameters of 5 mm and 8.5 mm, respectively, and applying normal physiological loads on the different models to simulate six working conditions-anterior flexion, posterior extension, left-right lateral bending, and left-right rotation-to investigate the displacement and facet joint stress change of the surgical segment, and the disc stress change of the surgical and adjacent segments. RESULTS: Compared with the M1 model, the M2 and M3 models showed decreased stress at the L4-5 left FJ and a significant increase in stress at the right FJ in forward flexion. In the M2 and M3 models, the L4-5 FJ stresses were significantly greater in left lateral bending or left rotation than in right lateral bending or right rotation. The right FJ stress in M3 was greater during left rotation than that in M2, and that in M2 was greater than that in M1. The L4-5disc stress in the M3 model was greater during posterior extension than that in the M1 and M2 models. The L4-5disc stress in the M3 model was greater in the right rotation than in the M2 model, and that in the M2 model was greater than that in the M1 model. CONCLUSION: Foraminoplasty using large-channel endoscopy could increase the stress on the FJ and disc of the surgical segment, which suggested unnecessary and excessive resection should be avoided in PTED to minimize biomechanical disruption.

Doing a double take: when transthoracic echocardiography fails for mitral valve annuloplasty ring endocarditis with Streptococcus pyogenes: a case report.

BACKGROUND: This case highlights several complications of a late and rare presentation of culture-negative Streptococcus pyogenes endocarditis of a previously repaired mitral valve with an annuloplasty ring including recurrent cardioembolic strokes, which was initially missed on transthoracic echocardiography. CASE PRESENTATION: A 66-year-old Caucasian female with prior mitral valve prolapse status post mitral valve annuloplasty and left atrial appendage occlusion, followed by two strokes, presented with supraventricular tachycardia that resolved spontaneously. During an inpatient admission, she developed symptoms of another stroke, and imaging studies were suggestive of recurrent cardioembolic phenomenon. Additional workup revealed two small intra-atrial masses adherent to the mitral annuloplasty ring missed on prior evaluation for recurrent stroke. She underwent surgical repair in the setting of a chronic culture-negative infectious endocarditis with Streptococcus pyogenes and recovered well with no further cardioembolic phenomenon. CONCLUSION: This case serves to highlight the importance of having a higher index of suspicion in any cardiac prosthesis patient for endocarditis when presenting with symptoms such as recurrent stroke, arrhythmias, and abnormal cardiac lab work. It also demonstrates the need for appropriate imaging with transthoracic echocardiography followed by transesophageal echocardiography and reviews surgical indications to diagnose and treat culture-negative endocarditis.

Periendoscopic Care Continuum in Acute Cholangitis Caused By Common Bile Duct Stone.

Acute cholangitis (AC) is a biliary tract infection with in-hospital mortality rates reaching up to 14.7%. The underlying condition is biliary obstruction caused by benign and malignant etiologies, as well as bacteriobilia, with commom bile duct (CBD) stone being one of the most common causes. Currently, the diagnosis is validated using Tokyo Guidelines 2018 criteria. Acute cholangitis due to CBD stone should be managed in a comprehensive manner, i.e., periendoscopic care continuum, consisting of pre-endoscopic care, endoscopic management, and post-endoscopic care. Pre-endoscopic care is primarily comprised of supportive therapy, antibiotic administration, optimal timing of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), pre-ERCP preparation, and informed consent. Endoscopic management is biliary decompression with stone extraction facilitated via ERCP procedure. Selective biliary cannulation should be performed meticulously. Bile aspiration and minimal bile duct contrast injection should be done to minimize the worsening of biliary infection. Endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy, endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation, and/or endoscopic papillary large balloon dilatation are all safe procedures that can be used in AC. Special precautions must be undertaken in critical and severe acute cholangitis patients who may not tolerate bleeding, in whom endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy may be postponed to decrease the risk of bleeding, and biliary decompression may be only attempted without CBD stone extraction. Nasobiliary tubes and plastic biliary stents are equally effective and safe for patients who have only undergone biliary decompression. In post-endoscopic care, management of adverse events and observation of therapy response are mandatory.

Spontaneous Rupture of Abdominal Aorta Pseudoaneurysm: a Case Report.

Pseudoaneurysms are false aneurysms that mostly occur at the site of arterial injury. Pseudoaneurysm is the most frequent complication after catheter-associated interventions and occurs because of an insufficient closure of the puncture site. However, there are several reported cases of patients with pseudoaneurysm without a prior history of vascular intervention. We described a case of ruptured giant abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysm in a patient with no prior history of vascular intervention, with an initial complaint of abdominal pain. The patient successfully received EVAR therapy using a kissing graft.

Synchronous Primary Synovial Chondromatosis of the Hip: An Integrated Perspective on Physiotherapeutic Support.

abstract: Primary synovial chondromatosis of the hip is a rare joint condition characterized by the abnormal proliferation of cartilaginous tissue within the synovial membrane, which leads to the formation of clusters of chondrocytes floating in the joint space. This commentary provides a comprehensive overview of the pathology, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options and long-term management. Patients with primary synovial chondromatosis complaint pain and functional impairment, together with a peculiar joint popping sensation during movement, so determining early disability. The early treatment can lead to better clinical outcomes, with increased preservation of joint function and reduced risk of long-term disability, but strictly depend on symptoms acknowledgement and proper imaging interpretation. As a chronic pathology, surgical approach must necessarily be part of a larger medical and rehabilitative care planning, with long period follow-up. Multidisciplinary team management, with the active involvement of the patient is pivotal in improving the clinical outcomes and quality of life.

Eggshell membrane as a regenerative material in alveolar bone grafting in combination with advanced platelet rich fibrin.

Abstract: The eggshell and the eggshell membrane (ESM) are significant by-products of the poultry industry and are being utilized for various valuable purposes in health care, like soft tissue healing and pain alleviation. The aim and objective of our study are to assess the effect of the eggshell membrane on alveolar bone regeneration after tooth extraction. A total of 40 extraction sockets (bilateral) among 20 patients were assessed clinically for healing, and radiographic parameters of bone density and socket volume were assessed on CBCT at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Advanced platelet-rich fibrin was created from 5 ml of autologous blood from the patient and centrifuged for 15 minutes at 1500 RPM/168 RCF. The commercially available powdered form of egg shell membrane was used in the study. Based on the randomized allotment (coin-flip), A-PRF alone or A-PRF mixed with eggshell membrane was placed inside the extraction socket and was stabilized using 3-0 silk sutures. It was ob-served that wound healing was uneventful in all 20 patients. No evidence of dry sockets or allergic reactions was noted in any patient. Statistical analysis was done using the un-paired t-test and Mann-Whitney U test with SPSS version 20.0. P<0.05 was considered significant. On comparison of the mean bone density at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, the socket density in the eggshell with the PRF group was higher compared to the control group. To conclude, eggshell membrane has good regenerative properties and excellent osteogenic capacity; therefore, it could be a useful graft due to its low cost, abundant availability, and simple application.

Type III fetal redundancy of the foramen ovale flap mimics hemodynamic changes of mitral stenosis.

Type III redundancy of the foramen ovale flap (RFOF) mimics hemodynamic changes of mitral stenosis(MS), which has not been particularly highlighted in previous literature but carries a favorable prognosis.

Recognition of an extralobar pulmonary sequestration during lung resection.

BACKGROUND: Extralobar pulmonary sequestration is located outside the lung parenchyma and is covered by a separated pleural sac, which comprises approximately 25% of all pulmonary sequestration. CASE PRESENTATION: This article reported one case of an extralobar pulmonary sequestration originated from the mesoesophagus, which was recognized and excised during a lung resection. Histologic examination revealed an ectopic lung tissue with hyperplasia of bronchioles, which was accord with an extralobar pulmonary sequestration. CONCLUSIONS: CT angiogram, ultrasound and MRI can be used to clarify the diagnosis and detect the abnormal feeding arteries of extralobar pulmonary sequestration. Carefulness should be taken while dissecting and ligating the potential feeding arteries. Endovascular occlusion might be an alternative option to surgery.

Comparison of microscopic full-laminectomy (open surgery) and microendoscopic minimally invasive hemilaminectomy for thoracic extramedullary spinal tumours.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive treatments for spinal cord tumours are common. The aim of this study was to compare the perioperative outcomes of patients with thoracic extramedullary spinal tumours (TEST) treated by microendoscopic minimally invasive surgery-hemilaminectomy through a homemade tubular retractor (MIS-TR) and microscopic full laminectomy (open surgery). METHODS: Between February 2016 and February 2021, 51 patients with TEST were included. According to their clinical data, patients were classified into the MIS-TR group (n = 30) and the open surgery group (n = 21) and assessed. RESULTS: In both groups, the mean operation time, change in perioperative ASIA score, and modified Macnab score were comparable. The average postoperative hospital stay in the MIS-TR group was substantially shorter than that in the open surgery group (p < 0.0001). The mean blood loss volume in the MIS-TR group was substantially lower than that in the open surgery group (p = 0.001). The perioperative complication rate in the MIS-TR group was considerably lower than that in the open surgery group (p < 0.0001). At the 3-month follow-up, there was no substantial difference in the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score improvement between the two groups. Nonetheless, at the 12-month follow-up, the average ODI in the MIS-TR group was considerably lower than that in the open surgery group (p = 0.023). The main influencing factors for complete postoperative recovery were preoperative ASIA score (OR 7.848, P = 0.002), surgical complications (OR 0.017, P = 0.008) and age (OR 0.974, P = 0.393). CONCLUSIONS: MIS-TR is safer and more effective than open surgery for treating TEST, but the long-term recovery of MIS-TR is not better than that of open surgery.