Osteonecrosis bilateral de rodilla tratada con descompresión y concentrado de aspirado de médula ósea / Bilateral knee osteonecrosis with decompression and bone marrow concentrate

Descripta por Ahlbäck en 1968, la osteonecrosis de rodilla es una patología con un gran potencial de morbilidad. Está dividida en tres grandes grupos: primaria/espontánea, postoperatoria y secundaria/atraumática. Esta última podría estar directamente relacionada con el consumo prolongado de corticoides. Su tratamiento constituye un desafío para el cirujano ortopedista. Va a depender del estadio de la enfermedad y del colapso articular, y se intentará siempre preservar la superficie articular nativa. Dentro de las distintas opciones terapéuticas, las terapias biológicas constituyen una herramienta potencialmente valiosa como complemento al tratamiento quirúrgico, y muestran resultados clínicos esperanzadores. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con una osteonecrosis de rodilla bilateral, secundaria al consumo crónico de corticoides, tratada con una artroscopía bilateral asociada a perforaciones subcondrales descompresivas y aplicación subcondral de concentrado de médula ósea (CMO), con evolución satisfactoria de los síntomas a los treinta meses de seguimiento en la rodilla derecha, mientras que en la rodilla izquierda presentó una evolución tórpida de los síntomas a partir de los veinticuatro meses, por lo que está en plan de reemplazo articular.

Described by Ahlbäck in 1968, osteonecrosis of the knee is a pathology with great potential for morbidity. It is divided into three large groups: primary/spontaneous, postoperative, and secondary/atraumatic. The latter might be directly related to prolonged consumption of steroids. Its treatment is a challenge for the orthopedist. It will depend on the disease stage and articular collapse, always trying to preserve the native articular surface. Within the different therapeutic options, biological therapies are a potentially valuable tool as a complement to surgical treatment, showing encouraging clinical results. We present the case of a female patient with bilateral osteonecrosis of the knee, secondary to chronic consumption of steroids, treated with bilateral arthroscopy associated with decompressive subchondral perforations and subchondral application of bone marrow concentrate (BMC), with a satisfactory evolution of symptoms after thirty months of follow-up in the right knee. However, the left knee showed a torpid evolution of symptoms after twenty-four months of follow-up, so she is on a joint replacement plan

Impacto del grado de cumplimiento de un protocolo ERAS en la recuperación funcional después de cirugía colorrectal / ERAS protocol compliance impact on functional recovery in colorectal surgery

INTRODUCCIÓN: El grado de cumplimiento de los protocolos de Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) es una medida de calidad del proceso, que además se asocia a mejores resultados. El objetivo del presente estudio es analizar la relación existente entre el grado de cumplimiento del protocolo, el estrés quirúrgico y la recuperación funcional. Se plantea como objetivo secundario, la identificación de factores independientes asociados a la recuperación funcional. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo observacional unicéntrico de pacientes sometidos a cirugía colorrectal programada dentro de un programa ERAS entre enero de 2017 y junio de 2018. Se analizó el grado de cumplimiento del protocolo porcentual y su relación con el estrés quirúrgico (definido por los niveles plasmáticos de proteína C reactiva al tercer día), y la recuperación funcional (definida por el cumplimiento de los criterios de alta el quinto día postoperatorio o antes). Se llevó a cabo un análisis multivariante de factores independientes asociados a recuperación funcional. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 313 pacientes. Por cada punto porcentual de cumplimiento adicional del protocolo disminuye 1,46 mg/dL la proteína C reactiva del tercer día y aumenta un 7% la probabilidad de cumplir criterios de alta (p < 00,1 ambos). Los factores asociados a recuperación funcional fueron ASA III-IV (OR 0,26; 0,14-0,48), puntuación CR-POSSUM quirúrgico (OR 0,68; 0,57-0,83), movilización precoz (OR 4,22; 1,43-12,4) y retirada precoz de sonda vesical (OR 3,35; 1,79-6,27), todos ellos p < 0,001. CONCLUSIÓN: El aumento del grado de cumplimiento del protocolo ERAS en cirugía colorrectal, disminuye el estrés quirúrgico y acelera la recuperación funcional

INTRODUCTION: Compliance to ERAS protocols is a process quality measure that is associated to better outcomes. The main objective of this study is to analyze the association between protocol compliance, surgical stress and functional recovery. The secondary objective is to identify independent factors associated to functional recovery. METHODS: A prospective observational single-centre study was performed. Patients who had scheduled colorectal surgery within an ERAS program from January 2017 to June 2018 were included. We analysed the relationship between protocol compliance percentage and surgical stress (defined by C reactive protein [CRP] blood levels on postoperative 3rd day), and functional recovery (defined by the proportion of patients who meet the discharge criteria on the 5th PO day or before). Multivariate analysis was performed to asses independent factor associated to functional recovery. RESULTS: 313 were included. For every additional percentage point of compliance to the protocol 3rd day C reactive protein plasmatic level decreases 1,46 mg/dL and increases 7% the probability to meet the discharge criteria (p < 0.001 both). Independent factors associated to functional recovery were ASA III-IV (OR 0.26; 0.14-0.48), surgical CR-POSSUM score (OR 0.68; 0.57-0.83), early mobilization (OR 4.22; 1.43-12.4) and removal of urinary catheter (OR 3.35; 1.79-6.27), p < 0,001 each of them. CONCLUSION: Better copliance to ERAS protocol in colorectal surgery decreases surgical stress and accelerates functional recovery

Do patient outcomes and follow-up completion rates after shoulder arthroplasty differ based on insurance payor?

BACKGROUND: Disparities associated with socioeconomic status (SES) and insurance coverage have been shown to affect outcomes in different medical conditions and surgical procedures. We hypothesized that patients insured by Medicaid will be associated with lower follow-up rates and inferior outcomes relative to those with Medicare or private insurance. METHODS: Patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty, including anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty, reverse arthroplasty, and hemiarthroplasty, were enrolled preoperatively in an institutional database. Preoperative demographics, payor (Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance), and baseline American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) scores were recorded. Postoperatively, patients completed ASES scores at multiple time points. Follow-up completion rate was calculated as the number of follow-up visits completed relative to possible visits. Continuous variables were compared between groups with 1-way analyses of variance, and chi-squared tests were used for categorical variables. Significance was defined as P < .05. RESULTS: There were 491 shoulder replacements performed for 438 patients from 2012-2017. The mean follow-up completed percentage was significantly lower (P < .001) for Medicaid patients (62.6% ± 33.7%) relative to Medicare patients (80.2% ± 26.7%; P < .001) and private insurance patients (77.8% ± 22.1%; P = .001). The ASES Composite score increased significantly for all patients from baseline to final follow-up. At each time point, including before surgery and each postoperative time point, patients with Medicaid insurance had significantly lower ASES Composite scores. The final ASES Composite score was significantly lower in the Medicaid patients (66.1 ± 28.7) relative to private insurance patients (78.3 ± 20.8; P = .023). Medicaid patients had significantly lower preoperative (P < .001) and postoperative (P = .018) ASES Pain subscores. In multivariate regression analysis, Medicaid insurance was associated with both inferior preoperative and postoperative ASES scores relative to patients with Medicare or private insurance. CONCLUSIONS: We observed that all patients, regardless of insurance payor, improved by similar magnitudes after shoulder arthroplasty, though patients with Medicaid insurance had significantly lower preoperative and postoperative ASES scores, primarily because of the ASES Pain subscore. Patients with Medicaid insurance also have lower follow-up rates than other payors.

Un plan protocolizado de rehabilitación domiciliaria tuvo mejores resultados que el tratamiento habitual en pacientes operados de prótesis total de rodilla: cohorte prospectiva / A protocolized home rehabilitation program had better outcomes than the usual care following total knee replacement: a prospective cohort study

Objetivo: comparar los resultados funcionales y de calidad de vida, y algunos indicadores de calidad y satisfacción, entre dos estrategias de cuidados posoperatorios de prótesis total de rodilla: 1) Cuidados protocolizados brindados por la Unidad de Rehabilitación del Hospital Italiano (URED) para pacientes que residen en CABA; 2) Cuidados habituales brindados por el sistema tercerizado de rehabilitación kinésica. Materiales y métodos: cohorte prospectiva de pacientes que fueron sometidos a una cirugía de reemplazo articular de la rodilla en el Hospital Italiano. Fueron evaluados mediante cuestionarios de funcionalidad y calidad de vida percibida, y goniometría, a los 45 días, por kinesiólogos entrenados. Resultados: se incluyeron 81 pacientes en el grupo de cuidados protocolizados y 28 en el de cuidados habituales. Se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en todas las variables evaluadas y destacamos la relevancia clínica de que solamente el 2,43% de los pacientes atendidos en la URED continuaban usando andador a los 45 días frente al 35,71% de los que habían sido atendidos con los cuidados habituales (p = 0,004), así como la menor proporción de pacientes con déficit de flexión (2,47% vs. 46%, respectivamente; p < 0,001) y de extensión (18,52 vs. 75%; p < 0,001) en el mismo lapso, requisitos que son importantes para lograr una marcha funcional. Conclusión: un programa de rehabilitación domiciliaria protocolizada y supervisada por kinesiólogos entrenados mostró ser eficaz para una progresión más rápida hacia una marcha independiente con un menor riesgo de déficit de flexión o de extensión a los 45 días. (AU)

Objective: to compare functionality and quality of life, and some indicators of patient satisfaction, between two postoperative rehabilitation care following total knee replacement: 1) Protocolized care provided by the Italian Hospital Rehabilitation Unit for patients who live in CABA; 2) Usual care provided by the outsourced rehabilitation system. Materials and methods: prospective cohort of patients who underwent total knee replacement at the Italian Hospital were evaluated using questionnaires of functionality and quality of life at 45 days. Results: 81 patients were included in the protocolized care group and 28 in the usual care group. Statistically significant differences were observed in all the variables evaluated, highlighting clinical relevance that only 2.43% of the patients treated by the URED continued using the walker at 45 days vs 35.71% of those who had been treated with the usual care (p = 0.004); as well as the lower proportion of patients with flexion deficit (2.47 vs. 46%, respectively; p < 0.001) and extension (18.52 vs. 75%; p < 0.001) at the same time. Conclusion: a home protocolarized rehabilitation program supervised by a physical therapist proved to be effective for a quicker progression to an independent walk with lower risks of flexion or extension deficits at 45 days. (AU)

Aspectos da hipertensão arterial sistêmica antes e após a cirurgia bariátrica do tipo Fobi capella com desvio de y de Roux / Aspects of systemic arterial hypertension before and after fobi capella with deviation Roux-en-y bariatric surgery

A obesidade é uma doença crônica multifatorial que desencadeia diversas comorbidades, sendo a hipertensão arterial uma das principais complicações, tornando-se um risco para o desenvolvimento das doenças cardiovasculares e mortalidade precoce. Assim, este estudo objetivou abordar os aspectos da hipertensão relacionada à obesidade antes e após a realização de cirurgia bariátrica. Tratou-se de um estudo descritivo, envolvendo indivíduos de ambos os gêneros, com idade superior a 18 anos submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica pelo método Fobi Capella com desvio de Y de Roux na cidade de Toledo-PR. Para tanto, 30 participantes responderam um questionário semiestruturado investigando dados sobre a pressão arterial. Os resultados demonstraram que no pré-operatório 66,66% dos avaliados apresentavam hipertensão, sendo os gêneros igualmente afetados, 46,66% referiram três ou mais sintomas da comorbidade e escore de saúde mental (40,8 ±16,7) com repercussão relevante. No pós-operatório os parâmetros de normalidade da pressão arterial foram evidenciados em todos os participantes, 57,14% deixaram de necessitar de medicação de controle e houve uma melhora exponencial do escore de saúde mental (81,9 ±21,7). Concluindo que a cirurgia bariátrica compõe um tratamento altamente eficaz para perda ponderal de peso corroborando para normalização da pressão arterial, redução dos sintomas da hipertensão, da necessidade de tratamento medicamentoso para essa finalidade e melhora da saúde geral do indivíduo.

Obesity is a chronic multifactorial disease that triggers several comorbidities, with arterial hypertension being one of the main complications, becoming a risk for the development of cardiovascular diseases and early mortality. Thus, this study aimed at addressing aspects of hypertension related to obesity before and after bariatric surgery. This is a descriptive study, involving individuals of both genders, aged over 18 years submitted to bariatric surgery by the Fobi Capella method with deviation of Roux-en-Y in the city of Toledo, in the state of Paraná, Brazil. For that purpose, 30 participants answered a semi-structured questionnaire investigating blood pressure data. The results showed that in the pre-surgery period, 66.66% of the patients had arterial hypertension, and the genres were equally affected; 46.66% reported three or more symptoms of comorbidity and mental health score (40.8 ± 16.7) with relevant repercussions. In the post-surgery period, normal blood pressure parameters were evident in all participants, 57.14% no longer required control medication and there was an exponential improvement in the mental health score (81.9 ± 21.7), thus concluding that bariatric surgery is a highly effective treatment for weight loss, corroborating blood pressure normalization, reduction of symptoms of hypertension, the need for drug treatment for this purpose and improvement of the individual's general health.

WebPalestra: cirurgia bariátrica no pós operatório tardio, sinais de alerta

Serão abordados os aspectos normais no pós operatório tardio (após 18 meses) e os sinais de alerta para investigação e referência ao cirurgião bariátrico.

Perioperative care in adults

This guideline covers care for adults (aged 18 and over) having elective or emergency surgery, including dental surgery. It covers all phases of perioperative care, from the time people are booked for surgery until they are discharged afterward. The guideline includes recommendations on preparing for surgery, keeping people safe during surgery and pain relief during recovery.

Postoperative outcomes following rehabilitation in patients with left ventricular assist devices.

Postoperative rehabilitation is a cornerstone of the recovery pathway following left ventricular assist device implantation (LVAD), and patients are expected to conduct an autonomous life thanks to improved technology and increased knowledge of mechanical circulatory support. The primary purpose of the present study was to quantify clinical changes related to rehabilitation, in patients with LVAD: functional capacity, disability, and quality of life were identified as reliable outcomes to detect such changes. The current study was a scoping review conducted searching three primary databases, namely PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library, from their inception until January 2020. After the selection process was completed, 12 citations were included in the present study. Three hundred eight three patients were included in the current analysis. Functional capacity, disability, and quality of life were investigated in 157, 215, 18 patients, respectively. Significant differences were found before and after rehabilitation. The mean walked distance at 6-Minute Walk Test improved from 319±96 to 412.8±86.2 metres (p<0.001), the mean score of the Functional Independence Measure from 68.4±11.8 to 92.5±10.8 points (p<0.001), the mean score of the Short Form-36 physical component from 32.7±29.9 to 55.5±24.7 points (p=0.009) and the mental component from 55.8±19.8 to 75.4±21.4 points (p=0.002). Postoperative rehabilitation is effective at improving functional capacity, disability, and quality of life in patients with left ventricular assist device; all these three domains are particularly expressive of the entity of patients' functional recovery.

Effect of Multimodal Prehabilitation vs Postoperative Rehabilitation on 30-Day Postoperative Complications for Frail Patients Undergoing Resection of Colorectal Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Research supports use of prehabilitation to optimize physical status before and after colorectal cancer resection, but its effect on postoperative complications remains unclear. Frail patients are a target for prehabilitation interventions owing to increased risk for poor postoperative outcomes. Objective: To assess the extent to which a prehabilitation program affects 30-day postoperative complications in frail patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection compared with postoperative rehabilitation. Design, Setting, and Participants: This single-blind, parallel-arm, superiority randomized clinical trial recruited patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection from September 7, 2015, through June 19, 2019. Patients were followed up for 4 weeks before surgery and 4 weeks after surgery at 2 university-affiliated tertiary hospitals. A total of 418 patients 65 years or older were assessed for eligibility. Of these, 298 patients were excluded (not frail [n = 290], unable to exercise [n = 3], and planned neoadjuvant treatment [n = 5]), and 120 frail patients (Fried Frailty Index,≥2) were randomized. Ten patients were excluded after randomization because they refused surgery (n = 3), died before surgery (n = 3), had no cancer (n = 1), had surgery without bowel resection (n = 1), or were switched to palliative care (n = 2). Hence, 110 patients were included in the intention-to-treat analysis (55 in the prehabilitation [Prehab] and 55 in the rehabilitation [Rehab] groups). Data were analyzed from July 25 through August 21, 2019. Interventions: Multimodal program involving exercise, nutritional, and psychological interventions initiated before (Prehab group) or after (Rehab group) surgery. All patients were treated within a standardized enhanced recovery pathway. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome included the Comprehensive Complications Index measured at 30 days after surgery. Secondary outcomes were 30-day overall and severe complications, primary and total length of hospital stay, 30-day emergency department visits and hospital readmissions, recovery of walking capacity, and patient-reported outcome measures. Results: Of 110 patients randomized, mean (SD) age was 78 (7) years; 52 (47.3%) were men and 58 (52.7%) were women; 31 (28.2%) had rectal cancer; and 87 (79.1%) underwent minimally invasive surgery. There was no between-group difference in the primary outcome measure, 30-day Comprehensive Complications Index (adjusted mean difference, -3.2; 95% CI, -11.8 to 5.3; P = .45). Secondary outcome measures were also not different between groups. Conclusions and Relevance: In frail patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection (predominantly minimally invasive) within an enhanced recovery pathway, a multimodal prehabilitation program did not affect postoperative outcomes. Alternative strategies should be considered to optimize treatment of frail patients preoperatively. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02502760.

Osteosynthesis of sternal fractures with double locking compression plate fixation: a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Sternal fractures are rare injuries and mostly treated non-operatively. In selected cases, internal fixation becomes necessary. No standard operative approach has been determined yet among experts. The aim of this study is to describe our treatment algorithm and results after operative stabilisation of sternal fractures with locking compression plates (LCP), mainly focusing on the functional outcome. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. We included all patients after operative stabilisation of a sternal fracture between 2008 and 2016. Endpoints were the functional outcome using the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) score, pain analysed by the numeric rating scale (NRS), breathing ability, complications and implant removal. RESULTS: Eighteen out of 153 (12%) patients with a sternal fracture underwent operation. Three patients were lost to follow-up. Eleven out of 15 (73%) patients were treated with double straight LCP 3.5 mm implants and 4 (27%) patients with pre-countered LCP 3.5 mm implants. Mean follow-up was 57 months. The median ADL score was 1 (1-4), the median NRS was 0 (0-9), and respiratory complaints scored a median of 1 (1-4). No non-union, hardware failure or implant-related complication occurred. Post-operative complications were pneumonia (20%) and respiratory insufficiency (20%). Implants were removed in 4/15 (27%) patients; three times due to implant-related irritation, once on patient's request. CONCLUSION: Operative stabilisation of sternal fractures with double LCP 3.5 mm provides excellent long-term functional results and seems to be an appropriate option for internal fixation. The rate of post-operative complications is low; however, 27% had a second operation for implant removal.

"Tomydesis" might be a reliable technique for lesions of the long head of the biceps tendon associated with rotator cuff tears: a minimum 6-month prospective clinical follow-up study.

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcomes of self-locking T-tenotomy called "tomydesis" to three different techniques of tenodesis for lesions of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) associated with rotator cuff tears. HYPOTHESIS: Tomydesis could provide similar clinical outcomes than the other LHBT tenodesis techniques. METHODS: This prospective multicentre study included 77 patients who underwent rotator cuff repair concomitant with one of four surgical techniques on the LHBT. All patients had a minimum of 6-month follow-up post-operatively. Outcomes were evaluated based on the Constant score, SSV, pain on visual analogue scale, biceps-specific pain and Popeye deformity on photographs. RESULTS: There was no difference for the pain at the biceps muscle belly (p = 0.58), the bicipital groove (p = 0.69) and during resisted supination (p = 0.53), as well as for muscle cramps (p = 0.09), VAS for pain (p = 0.12) and Popeye deformity (p = 0.18). There was more pain in resisted flexion in the tomydesis group (p = 0.032), and significantly better Constant scores and SSV (< 0.001) in the patients who underwent the double lasso loop technique, but non-repairable cuff tears were most frequent in the tomydesis group. CONCLUSIONS: Tomydesis might be a reliable alternative that combines advantages of tenodesis and tenotomy. It should be considered in cases of rotator cuff tears, whose repair and healing are the key for good functional outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Comparison of magnesium versus titanium screw fixation for biplane chevron medial malleolar osteotomy in the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus.

PURPOSE: This retrospective study aimed to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients who underwent biplane chevron medial malleolar osteotomy (MMO) for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT), fixed with either magnesium (Mg) or titanium (Ti) screws. METHODS: A total of 22 patients (12 male and 10 female) with a mean age of 40.6 ± 12.5 years (range 18-56 years) who underwent MMO for OLT treatment were included in this retrospective study. Of the 22 patients, MMO was fixed with bioabsorbable Mg screws (Alloy: MgYREZr) in 11 patients, and in the remaining 11 patients (one bilateral) MMO was fixed with Ti screws. All patients were followed up for at least 1 year with a mean of 20.7 ± 8.9 months (range 12-49 months). The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale and the visual analog scale (VAS) were used to evaluate the clinical results. Union of the osteotomy, postoperative displacement and all other complications were followed and analyzed. RESULTS: An improvement in the AOFAS scale and VAS points were recorded in both groups with no statistically significant difference between the groups (p 0.079 and 0.107, respectively). Complete union of the osteotomy was obtained in all patients. One patient in the Ti group required implant removal due to pain and irritation. There were no other significant complications in either group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that bioabsorbable Mg compression screws have similar therapeutic efficacy to Ti screws in respect of functional and radiological outcomes in MMO fixation. Bioabsorbable Mg screw is an alternative fixation material which can be safely used for MMO in ankle surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Influence of Early versus Late supplemental ParenteraL Nutrition on long-term quality of life in ICU patients after gastrointestinal oncological surgery (hELPLiNe): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Nutrition plays a major role in intensive care unit (ICU) treatment, influencing ICU length of stay and patient's survival. If preferable enteral nutrition administration is not feasible, ESPEN and ASPEN guidelines recommend initiation of a supplemental parenteral route between the first and seventh day, but exact timing remains elusive. While rapid development in critical care enabled significant reduction in the mortality rate of ICU patients, this improvement also tripled the number of patients going to rehabilitation. Thus, it is quality of life after ICU that has become the subject of interest of clinicians and healthcare policy-makers. A growing body of evidence indicates that protein turnover in the early phase of critical illness may play a crucial role in the preservation of lean body mass. A negative protein balance may lead to muscle wasting that persists weeks and months after ICU stay, resulting in deterioration of physical functioning. Folliwing oncological gastrointestinal tract surgery, patients are threatened with negative protein turnover due to cancer and extensive surgical insult. METHODS: This is a multi-centre, single-blinded, randomised controlled trial. The study population includes patients admitted to ICU units after major oncological gastrointestinal surgery that require supplemental parenteral nutrition. After initiation of enteral nutrition, the intervention group receives remaining daily requirement via supplemental parenteral nutrition on the first day of ICU stay while the control group is not supplemented parenterally until the seventh day of ICU stay while enteral nutrition is gradually increased. Primary endpoint: long-term quality of life measured in the physical component score (PCS) of SF-36 questionnaire at 3 and 6 months after ICU admission. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this is the first trial to investigate the influence of early supplemental parenteral nutrition on long-term quality of life after major oncological gastrointestinal surgery. We assume that, particularly in this population of patients, early supplemental parenteral nutrition may increase the long-term quality of life. The study construction also allows establishment of patients' PCS SF-36 score prior to surgery and mean change in PCS SF-36 score during the recovery period, which is rarely seen in studies on critically ill patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03699371 registered on 12 October 2018.

The importance of topical steroids after adhesiolysis in erosive lichen planus and graft versus host disease.

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a postoperative steroid regimen in maintaining vulvovaginal architecture and vaginal patency following surgical adhesiolysis in severe erosive lichen planus (ELP) and genital graft versus host disease (GVHD). Sixteen women applied potent topical steroids to the vulva and vagina from 48 hours after surgery. Sexual and urinary function and vulvovaginal anatomy were assessed at 6 weeks, 6, 12 and 24 months. All of the patients had failed sexual function due to vaginal stenosis. Eleven patients were unable to have cervical smears and three had associated haematocolpos. Vaginal adhesiolysis achieving complete patency occurred in all patients with stenosis. Fifteen (93.7%) patients were compliant with the regimen. After two years, 12 (75%) patients had maintained complete vaginal patency. Four patients (25%) developed vaginal restenosis. This study demonstrates that the potent topical steroids used post-operatively are very effective in maintaining vaginal patency and function. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Potent topical steroids are the first line treatment for ELP and GVHD and have been reported to be helpful after surgery to release adhesions. What do the results of this study add? Topical steroids used immediately after surgical adhesiolysis in patients with vulvo-vaginal lichen planus and graft-versus-host disease improves the outcomes and maintains function, which can give a prolonged benefit. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The use of potent topical steroids should be considered as routine practice after surgery in erosive inflammatory disease to control inflammation and improve the long term outcomes for these patients.

Hybrid assistive limb (HAL) treatment for patients with severe thoracic myelopathy due to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) in the postoperative acute/subacute phase: A clinical trial.

Context/Objective: The hybrid assistive limb (HAL) is a wearable exoskeleton robot that assists walking and lower limb movements via real-time actuator control. Our aim was to clarify the safety and feasibility of using the HAL robotic suit for rehabilitation in patients with severe thoracic myelopathy due to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (T-OPLL). Design: Uncontrolled case series; pre- and post-intervention measurement. Setting: In-patient rehabilitation unit. Intervention: HAL training was provided in 60-minuts session, 2-3 sessions per week, for a total of 10 sessions. HAL training was initiated on average 27.5 days post-surgery. Patients: Eight patients (four males and four females; mean age, 60.9 ± 10.2 years) with severe myelopathy, who had undergone posterior decompression with instrumented fusion, were enrolled. Outcome Measures: Gait speed, step length and cadence were measured along a 10-m walkway every session. The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) motor score (lower extremities) and Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury (WISCI) II were also evaluated at baseline and after 10 sessions. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was calculated over time after surgery. Results: All participants completed the 10 training sessions, with no serious adverse effect noted. Gait speed, step length and cadence improved over time. Both the WISCI-II and ASIA motor (lower extremities) scores improved from baseline after 10 sessions. The JOA score improved over time post-surgery. Conclusion: HAL training can be feasibly initiated in the early postoperative period, without severe adverse events in patients, with T-OPLL-related severe gait disturbance.

Enhanced Recovery after Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Procedures with Bowel Surgery: A Systematic Review.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is an evidence-based approach to perioperative care of the surgical patient. A mounting body of literature in gynecologic surgery has demonstrated that ERAS improves postoperative outcomes, shortens hospital length of stay, and reduces cost without increasing complications or readmissions. Most of the existing literature has concentrated on open surgery, questioning if patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery also derive benefit. Our aim was to systematically review the literature on ERAS after minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS) with and without bowel surgery. Given the paucity of studies on ERAS in MIGS with bowel surgery (1 study), we expanded our search to include studies of ERAS in patients undergoing minimally invasive colorectal resections alone. Twelve studies were identified through an electronic database search of PubMed, Medline, and Ovid EMBASE. These studies included patients undergoing MIGS for benign and/or malignant indications and showed that ERAS pathways decreased length of stay and/or increased the proportion of same-day discharge surgeries, improved patient satisfaction, and reduced hospital costs while maintaining low postoperative complication and readmission rates. Although limited, data from a single study suggest that ERAS in MIGS with bowel surgery leads to shortened hospital stay, stable postoperative morbidity, and less readmissions. Although the variation between the published protocols underscores the need for standardization, existing literature supports the adoption of ERAS as safe and effective when planning MIGS.

Prospective application of an implementation framework to improve postoperative nutrition care processes: Evaluation of a mixed methods implementation study.

AIM: To describe prospective application of an implementation framework to guide and evaluate a quality improvement (QI) project to improve adherence to evidence-based postoperative diet guidelines (consistent with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery, ERAS) in older surgical patients. METHODS: A hybrid mixed methods study guided by the integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS) framework was used. A pre-implementation audit identified gaps in nutrition-related care practices against ERAS guidelines for older surgical patients. Qualitative interviews explored barriers to practice change, informing development of the facilitated implementation strategy. Iterative facilitation interventions were identified by field notes and classified using i-PARIHS facilitator's tool-kit. Post-implementation audit measured implementation outcomes, and clinical processes and outcomes using controlled before-after comparative study. RESULTS: Implementation involved 17 discrete facilitation activities. Early postoperative diet upgrade was acceptable, well adopted (79%) and appropriate for 89% of patients. Fidelity (i.e. protocol delivered as intended) was 59%, with loss of fidelity primarily because of incorrect diet codes. Clinical processes and outcome evaluation (n = 155) compared data pre-implementation (intervention: n = 45, control: n = 27; mean age 73 (SD 6) years, 60% male) and post-implementation (intervention: n = 47, control: n = 36; mean age 74 (SD 6) years, 57% male). Patients on the intervention ward had higher odds of receiving early nutrition post-implementation (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI]: 6.5 [1.9-22.4], P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Prospective application of an implementation framework supported planning and successful implementation in this QI project. Multi-level evaluation of facilitation strategies, implementation outcomes, and clinical processes and outcomes helps to understand areas of success and continuing challenges.

Postoperative rehabilitation after deep brain stimulation surgery for movement disorders.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a highly efficient, evidence-based therapy for a set of neurological and psychiatric conditions and especially movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor and dystonia. Recent developments have improved the DBS technology. However, no unequivocal algorithms for an optimized postoperative care exist so far. The aim of this review is to provide a synopsis of the current clinical practice and to propose guidelines for postoperative and rehabilitative care of patients who undergo DBS. A standardized work-up in the DBS centers adapted to each patient's clinical state and needs is important, including a meticulous evaluation of clinical improvement and residual symptoms with a definition of goals for neurorehabilitation. Efficient and complete information transfer to subsequent caregivers is essential. A coordinated therapy within a multidisciplinary team (trained in movement disorders and DBS) is needed to achieve the long-range maximal efficiency. An optimized postoperative framework might ultimately lead to more effective results of DBS.

Fisioterapia en la incontinencia urinaria severa y disfunción eréctil posprostatectomía: estudio de un caso / Physiotherapy in severe urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction after prostatectomy: a case study

Antecedentes y objetivo: La prostatectomía radical se ha convertido en el gold standard para tratar el cáncer de próstata. Se han desarrollado nuevas técnicas quirúrgicas para intentar maximizar los resultados en la resección del tumor y minimizar las secuelas, naciendo así la prostatectomía radical robótica. Aunque parece mostrar unos mejores resultados, el porcentaje de pacientes con secuelas como la incontinencia urinaria y la disfunción eréctil sigue siendo importante. Se ha probado que la fisioterapia puede contribuir a la resolución de estas secuelas acortando los tiempos de curación en la prostatectomía abierta y en la laparoscópica. El objetivo de este trabajo es conocer los efectos del tratamiento de fisioterapia en las secuelas de la prostatectomía radical robótica. Descripción del caso: Paciente de 63 años intervenido de prostatectomía radical robótica por adenocarcinoma de próstata, Gleason 6 (3+3), bilateral. Al inicio del tratamiento el paciente presenta incontinencia muy severa, con una pérdida de 332g en el Pad test 1h y una disfunción severa con una puntuación de 5 en el cuestionario International Index of Erectile Function(IIEF-15). Intervención: Aplicación de un programa de fisioterapia que consiste en toma de conciencia, biofeedback barométrico y electroestimulación intracavitaria, de la musculatura suelo pélvico, realizado 3 días/semana con una duración de 1h durante 32 semanas. Resultados y discusión: El paciente alcanza la función eréctil a los 6 meses, con una puntuación de 26 en el IIEF-15 y la continencia a los 8 meses, con 0g de pérdida en el Pad test 1h

Background and objective: Radical prostatectomy has become the reference method for treating prostate cancer. New surgical techniques have been developed to try to maximize results in tumour resection and minimize sequelae, resulting in radical robotic prostatectomy. Although there appear to be better outcomes, there are still a significant percentage of patients with sequelae, such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. It has been shown that physiotherapy can contribute to the resolution of these sequelae by shortening healing times in open and laparoscopic prostatectomy. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of physiotherapy treatment on the sequelae of radical robotic prostatectomy. Case report: A 63-year-old patient underwent robotic radical prostatectomy for prostate adenocarcinoma, Gleason 6 (3+3), bilateral. At the beginning of the treatment, the patient had very severe incontinence, with a loss of 332g in the 1-h pad test, and a severe dysfunction with a score of 5 in the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF-15). Intervention: Application of a physiotherapy program consisting of awareness, barometric biofeedback, and intracavitary electrostimulation of the pelvic floor musculature, performed 3 days/week, 1h for 32 weeks. Results and discussion: The patient achieved erectile function at 6 months, with a score of 26 in the IIEF-15, and continence at 8 months, with 0g of loss in the 1-h pad test

Spinal Surgeons' Opinions on Pre- and Postoperative Rehabilitation in Patients Undergoing Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery: A Survey-Based Study in the Netherlands and Sweden.

STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey in the Netherlands and Sweden. OBJECTIVE: To investigate Dutch and Swedish spinal surgeons' opinions on spinal fusion pre- and postoperative rehabilitation. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Lumbar spinal fusion surgery is increasingly provided in patients with chronic low back pain. No guidelines however exist for pre- and postoperative rehabilitation and it is unknown what opinions spinal surgeons currently have about pre- and postoperative rehabilitation. METHODS: A survey was circulated to Dutch and Swedish spinal surgeons. Reminders were sent after 4 and 8/9 weeks. Data of completed questionnaires of orthopedic- and neurosurgeons currently performing lumbar spinal fusion were included for analysis. Analysis comprised a range of descriptive summaries (numerical, graphical, and tabular). RESULTS: Surveys of 34 Dutch and 48 Swedish surgeons were analyzed. Surgeons provided preoperative information on postoperative mobilization. Spinal fusion techniques varied, but technique did not influence postoperative treatment. Swedish surgeons recommended slightly faster mobilization than Dutch (direct vs. 1-day postoperative), and more activities the first day (sitting, standing, walking). Stair climbing was the most reported discharge criterion; however, time point to start varied. More Swedish surgeons referred to postoperative physiotherapy than Dutch (88% vs. 44%). Time-point to start home activities varied from 1 week to more than 6 months. Pain increase was allowed for less than 24 hours (The Netherlands 81%, Sweden 92%). CONCLUSION: Findings reflect variability in lumbar spinal fusion rehabilitation in two European countries, especially in postoperative phase. The study proposes many new research topics and acts as starting point for future research valuable for the spinal community. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.