Endoscopic-Guided Suture Lateralization for Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis: Surgical Tips for Better Outcome.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe a precise description of suture lateralization (SL) technique and evaluate its effectiveness and safety in management of bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP). METHOD: A preclinical cadaveric study followed by application on a case series of BVFP patients. After the preliminary study executed to precisely localize the optimal sites for needle insertion, a prospective interventional study was conducted on 19 subjects presenting with respiratory distress due to BVFP. Data collection included their clinical presentation and a detailed assessment including auditory perceptual assessment, laryngoscopy (rigid or flexible), and video fluoroscopic swallowing study. RESULTS: Widening of the inter-glottic distance at the site of the sutures was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Decannulation was achieved in three out of four tracheotomized patients. The suturing led to a significant difference in loudness, jitter, and harmonic-to-noise ratio (P = 0.042, 0.004, and ≤0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that SL is a feasible and effective technique with low incidence of adverse events and the potential of reversibility. Optimal localization of the suture insertion points translated into less intraoperative manipulation of the cords and shorter operative time.

Health-related quality of life following TAVI or cardiac surgery in patients at intermediate and low risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Recent randomised trials have shown that clinical outcomes with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are non-inferior to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis at intermediate to low risk. Health-related quality of life (HrQoL) outcomes in these patient groups remain uncertain. A systematic search of the literature was conducted that included nine trials and 11,295 patients. Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ), a heart-failure-specific measure and EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) (a generic health status tool) changes were the primary outcomes. New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification was the secondary outcome. Improvement in KCCQ scores was greater with TAVI (mean difference (MD)=13.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 11.67-15.46, p<0.001) at 1 month, as was the improvement in EQ-5D (MD=0.07, 95% CI 0.05-0.08, p<0.001). There was no difference in KCCQ (MD=1.05, 95% CI -0.11 to 2.21, p=0.08) or EQ-5D (MD=-0.01, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.01), p=0.37) at 12 months. NYHA functional class 3/4 was lower in patients undergoing TAVI at 1 month (MD=0.51, 95% CI 0.34-0.78, p=0.002), but there was no difference at 12 months (MD=1.10; 95% CI 0.87-1.38, p=0.43). Overall, TAVI offers early benefit in HRQoL outcomes compared with SAVR, but they are equivalent at 12 months.

The readability of online patient education materials on maxillomandibular advancement surgery.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) is an effective surgical option for patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). As a relatively new treatment option, patients may turn to the Internet to learn more. However, online patient education materials (OPEMs) on MMA may be written at a higher literacy level than recommended for patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the readability of OPEMs on MMA. METHODS: A Google search of "maxillomandibular advancement" was performed, and the first 100 results were screened. Websites that met eligibility criteria were analyzed for their readability using the Automated Readability Index (ARI), Coleman-Liau Index (CLI), Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Gunning Fog (GF), and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) and compared to the recommended sixth-grade reading level using one-tailed t tests. Readability scores were compared based on the type of website, including hospitals/universities or physician clinics, using ANOVA tests. RESULTS: The mean (SD) for ARI, CLI, FKGL, GF, and SMOG was 11.91 (2.43), 13.42 (1.81), 11.91 (2.06), 14.32 (2.34), and 13.99 (1.56), respectively. All readability scores were significantly higher than a sixth-grade reading level (p < 0.001). After comparing readability scores between different website types (university/hospital, clinic, and other), there was no statistical difference found. CONCLUSIONS: The available OPEMs on MMA surgery for OSA are above the recommended sixth-grade reading level. Identifying and reducing the gap between the reading levels of OPEMs and the reading level of the patient are needed to encourage a more active role, informed decisions, and better patient satisfaction.

The Role of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound in the Treatment of Fibroadenomas: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: Fibroadenomas are solid, mobile, and non-tender benign breast lumps, with highest prevalence amongst young women aged between 15 and 35. Symptoms can include discomfort, and they can become problematic, particularly when they enlarge, resulting in many referrals for biopsies, with fibroadenomas accounting for 30-75% of the cases. Diagnosis is based on triple assessment that involves a clinical examination, ultrasound imaging, and mammography, as well as core needle biopsies. Current management includes observation for 6-12 months, with the indication of definitive surgery, in cases that are older than 35 years or with fibroadenoma persistence. Serious adverse effects of surgery might include nipple areolar distortion, scarring, and damage to the breast tissue, as well as the risks associated with surgery and anesthesia, making it a non-feasible option. Methods: A literature search was performed on the databases Embase, MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar, and Ovid for English language papers published between January 1, 2000, and March 17, 2021. A structured protocol was employed to devise a comprehensive search strategy with keywords and Boolean operators defined by the research question. The keywords used for the search were "HIFU", "High Intensity Focused Ultrasound," "Fibroadenoma," "Breast," "Lesion." This review was carried out in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: Recently, a thermal ablative technique, high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), was found to be a safe, noninvasive, and technically successful alternative, having displayed promising outcomes in reducing the volume of fibroadenomas, pain experienced by patients, and the length of hospitalization. Quality of life improvement was also evidenced, exhibited by the disappearance of symptoms, and enhanced physical activity post-intervention, in addition to patients' satisfaction with the cosmetic results and future recommendation of the procedure to other patients. Conclusion: Overall, HIFU is a well-tolerated treatment associated, with low risk of complications, that can potentially include erythema, skin discoloration, and bruising with the majority of these self-resolving shortly after the procedure.

Maxillomandibular Advancement Efficacy in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients With Class 2 Versus 3 Dentofacial Deformity.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with class 2 versus 3 dentofacial deformities (DFDs). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Tertiary sleep surgery center. METHODS: Patients with OSA and DFD class 2 versus 3 undergoing MMA at Stanford Sleep Surgery between 2014 and 2021 were matched by preoperative body mass index (BMI), age, and sex. Postoperative outcome was compared with polysomnography measures and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). RESULTS: Twenty-eight matched subjects, 14 in each deformity group were identified and assessed. The mean age (standard deviation) was 34.29 (10.21) and 33.86 (10.23) for classes 2 and 3, respectively. The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) decreased from 43.42 (28.30) to 9.6 (5.29) (p < .001) and 37.17 (35.77) to 11.81 (15.74) (p = .042) in class 2 and 3 subjects, respectively. The oxygen desaturation index (ODI) changed from 30.48 (24.02) to 6.88 (3.39) (p = .024) and 11.43 (11.40) to 5.44 (7.96) (p = .85) in class 2 and 3 subjects, respectively. The Epworth sleepiness scale changed from 8.93 (5.28) to 3.91 (2.70) (p = .018) and 10.23 (4.38) to 4.22 (3.07) (p = .006) in class 2 and 3 subjects, respectively. CONCLUSION: Among age, sex, and BMI-matched subjects, MMA is equally effective in both dentofacial class 2 and 3 groups, both objectively and subjectively. Preoperatively, dentofacial class 2 patients with OSA presented with the more severe disease with higher AHI and ODI. Dentofacial class 3 patients with OSA may require additional attention to improve nasal function outcomes.

Antidiabetic activity of Ipomoea cairica (L.) Sweet leaves: in-vitro and in-silico antidiabetic potential of isolated flavonoid glycosides and sulphated flavonoids.

Antidiabetic activity of methanolic extract, petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions of Ipomoea cairica (L.) Sweet leaves was performed in-vitro using α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition methods. Phytochemical study of the ethyl acetate fraction which possessed the highest antidiabetic activity led to isolation of five flavonoids for the first time from this plant, including two rare flavonoid sulphates, ombuin-3-sulphate [1] and rhamnetin-3-sulphate [2] and three flavonoid glycosides, kaempferol 7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside [3], kaempferol 3,7-di-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside [4] and quercetin 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranoside [5]. The 1H and 13C NMR of 1 and 13C NMR of 2, were reported here for the first time. Compounds [1-4] showed a concentration-dependent in-vitro inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Furthermore, in-silico study predicted that compounds (1-5) showed good interactions with α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1b.

A Systematic Review of the Need for Guideline Recommendations; Slow Tapering vs. Maintenance Dose in Long-Term Antipsychotic Treatment: 2022.

The act of discontinuing the antipsychotic medication may be directly associated with relapse. This relationship might be due to adaptations that continue to exist after treatment is stopped, such as dopaminergic hypersensitivity. Therefore, more progressive weaning off antipsychotic medication may help reduce the likelihood of relapse when the medication is stopped. As there is a need to gradually reduce or stop using antipsychotic medication, our team tried to conduct a more in-depth search to give further answers to the suggested recommendations. Around 192 articles were gathered for our research, but we could only narrow our search to 36, which were further filtered, and eight were used. We went through all of the pertinent information available until May 2022 and reviewed it to determine the risks associated with prolonged antipsychotic usage and abrupt cessation in the psychotic spectrum of diseases. PubMed, Google Scholar, and Psychiatry Online were the databases used, and the keywords that were looked for and utilized were antipsychotics, tapering, relapse, maintenance dosage, schizophrenia, and psychosis. The recurrence incidence was high in patients in whom antipsychotics were stopped and in whom the dosage was quickly lowered. Patients who were gradually weaned off their antipsychotic medication and kept on the lowest effective dose had a much lower risk of experiencing a relapse. We suggest more studies, including randomized clinical trials and monitoring, considering the enhancement of guidelines for the total cessation of antipsychotic medication use.

Value of Surgical and Nonsurgical Treatment for Sleep Apnea: A Closer Look at Health Care Utilization.

OBJECTIVE: To determine how surgery, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and no treatment impact health care utilization in patients who have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients between the ages of 18 and 65 that were diagnosed with OSA (9th International Classification of Diseases) from January 2007 to December 2015. Data were collected over 2 years, and prediction models were generated to evaluate trends over time. SETTING: A population-based study using real-world data and insurance databases. METHODS: A total of 4,978,649 participants were identified, all with at least 25 months of continuous enrollment. Patients with previous soft tissue procedures not approved for OSA (nasal surgery), or without continuous insurance coverage were excluded. A total of 18,050 patients underwent surgery, 1,054,578 were untreated, and 799,370 received CPAP. IBM Marketscan Research database was utilized to describe patient-specific clinical utilization, and expenditures, across outpatient, and inpatient services, and medication prescriptions. RESULTS: When the cost of the intervention was eliminated in the 2-year follow-up, the monthly payments of group 1 (surgery) were significantly less than group 3 (CPAP) in overall, inpatient, outpatient, and pharmaceutical payments (p < .001). The surgery group was associated with less cumulative payments compared to the other 2 groups when the cost of the intervention (CPAP or surgery) was eliminated in all comorbidities and age groups. CONCLUSION: Treating OSA with surgery can lessen overall health care utilization compared to no treatment and CPAP.

Changes in tongue morphology predict responses in pharyngeal patency to selective hypoglossal nerve stimulation.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The major goal of the study was to determine whether changes in tongue morphology under selective hypoglossal nerve therapy for obstructive sleep apnea were associated with alterations in airway patency during sleep when specific portions of the hypoglossal nerve were stimulated. METHODS: This case series was conducted at the Johns Hopkins Sleep Disorders Center at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. Twelve patients with apnea implanted with a multichannel targeted hypoglossal nerve-stimulating system underwent midsagittal ultrasound tongue imaging during wakefulness. Changes in tongue shape were characterized by measuring the vertical height and polar dimensions between tongue surface and genioglossi origin in the mandible. Changes in patency were characterized by comparing airflow responses between stimulated and adjacent unstimulated breaths during non-rapid eye movement sleep. RESULTS: Two distinct morphologic responses were observed. Anterior tongue base and hyoid-bone movement (5.4 [0.4] to 4.1 [1.0] cm (median and [interquartile range]) with concomitant increases in tongue height (5.0 [0.9] to 5.6 [0.7] cm) were associated with decreases in airflow during stimulation. In contrast, comparable anterior hyoid movement (tongue protrusion from 5.8 [0.5] to 4.5 [0.9] cm) without significant increases in height (5.2 [1.6] to 4.6 [0.8] cm) were associated with marked increases in airflow during sleep. CONCLUSIONS: Tongue protrusion with preservation of tongue shape predicted increases in patency, whereas anterior movement with concomitant increases in height were associated with decreased pharyngeal patency. These findings suggest that pharyngeal patency can be best stabilized by stimulating lingual muscles that maintain tongue shape while protruding the tongue, thereby preventing it from prolapsing posteriorly during sleep. CITATION: Fleury Curado T, Pham L, Otvos T, et al. Changes in tongue morphology predict responses in pharyngeal patency to selective hypoglossal nerve stimulation. J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(5):947-955.

What changes in maxillary morphology from distraction osteogenesis maxillary expansion (DOME) correlate with subjective and objective OSA measures?

OBJECTIVES: To correlate skeletal and airway measures on imaging with polysomnographic and self-reported measures after distraction osteogenesis maxillary expansion (DOME), in the effort to identify clinically relevant sites of expansion to guide treatment for adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study reviewing subjects who underwent DOME and had the complete set of the following data: peri-treatment cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, polysomnography (PSG), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and nasal obstruction symptom (NOSE) scores. RESULTS: Of 132 subjects who underwent DOME, 35 met inclusion criteria (71% men, mean age 27.7 ± 6.5 years, mean BMI 26.0 ± 6.4 kg/m2) and were enrolled in the study. There was a significant reduction in the NOSE score from 11.4 ± 5.5 to 3.6 ± 3.1, in the ESS score from 12.0 ± 4.6 to 7.1 ± 4.7, and in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) from 17.1 ± 15.8 to 7.01 ± 6.2 (p < 0.0001), after DOME. Nasal floor width at the nasopalatine canal level showed a statistically significant correlation with AHI reduction (p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: DOME is significantly associated with reduction of nasal obstruction, sleepiness, and severity of OSA. The findings suggest that expansion at the anterior third of the bony nasal passage, specifically where the nasopalatine canal is located predicts its clinical efficacy. This site may be a useful target anatomically via imaging.

Outcomes of liver resection for huge hepatocellular carcinoma exceeding 10 cm in size: A single center experience.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate our experience of resection for huge hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (exceeding 10 cm in diameter). METHODS: We reviewed the patients' data who underwent liver resection for huge HCC between 2010 and 2019. We divided them into two groups according to liver resection extent (minor/major). RESULTS: 40 patients were included. Minor Group included 19 patients (47.5%), and Major Group included 21 patients (52.5%). Longer operation time, hospital stay, and more severe complications were found in Major Group. The 1-, 3-, and 5-years OS rates were 76.6%, 39.5%, and 39.5%, respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year DFS rates were 65.6%, 40%, and 0%, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding OS (p = 0.598) and DFS (p = 0.564). CONCLUSION: Liver resection for huge HCC is associated with average morbidities and mortality. Proper selection, adequate techniques and standardized care can provide favorable patients' survival.

Patient's Perception of Nasal Function and Cosmesis After Maxillomandibular Advancement for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Background: Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) remains one of the most effective surgeries for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but it can be difficult to manage nasal and midfacial esthetics for patients requiring significant maxillary advancement. Objective: To evaluate changes in the Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey (SCHNOS) after the modified MMA approach. Methods: This prospective study was conducted on subjects undergoing MMA at a tertiary referral center from September 2020 to August 2021. Nasal function, cosmesis, and sleepiness were assessed perioperatively with the SCHNOS, visual analog scale for nasal function and cosmesis, and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS). Objective polysomnography data were also investigated. Results: Thirty-one subjects met inclusion criteria. After MMA, SCHNOS-O (obstruction domain) improved from 44.38 ± 26.21 to 19.03 ± -4.75 (p < 0.001). The SCHNOS-C (cosmesis domain) improved significantly from 13.95 ± 19.32 to 5.27 ± 8.93 (p = 0.029). Specific items evaluating self-esteem, nasal straightness, and symmetry showed significant improvement (p = 0.006, 0.025, 0.044). The ESS also improved from 9.41 ± 6.11 to 3.26 ± 3.03 (p < 0.001), and it correlated with nasal obstruction scores. Conclusion: In this study, patients' perception of nasal obstruction and appearance improved after applying the nasal modifications to MMA described for OSA.

New-Onset Diabetes Mellitus in Post-renal Transplant Patients on Tacrolimus and Mycophenolate: A Systematic Review.

A frequent complication in kidney transplantation is post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM). The primary goal of this study is to review the risk factors and preventive methods and compare the different available anti-diabetic medications for the management of PTDM. We searched databases like Pubmed and Google Scholar for related articles using specific terms and phrases. Following a thorough investigation, we applied the inclusion and exclusion criteria and completed a quality assessment. Modifiable risk factors have a significant role in the development of PTDM. The combinations of immunosuppressive treatment tacrolimus (TAC), cyclosporine A (CYC), and everolimus (EVL), steroids increase the incidence of PTDM significantly. Insulin is the most effective treatment for PTDM in the early transplant period; however, oral anti-diabetic medications look promising. Further clinical trials are required to determine the optimum treatment method for reducing the occurrence of PTDM and treating the existing condition with novel anti-hyperglycemic medications.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of artificial intelligence among doctors and medical students in Syria: A cross-sectional online survey.

Artificial intelligence has been prevalent recently as its use in the medical field is noticed to be increased. However, middle east countries like Syria are deficient in multiple AI implementation methods in the field of medicine. So, holding these AI implementation methods in the medical field is necessary, which may be incredibly beneficial for making diagnosis more accessible and help in the treatment. This paper intends to determine AI's knowledge, attitude, and practice among doctors and medical students in Syria. A questionnaire conducted an online cross-sectional study on the google form website consisting of demographic data, knowledge, and perception of AI. There were 1,494 responses from both doctors and medical students. We included Syrian medical students and doctors who are currently residing in Syria. Of the 1,494 participants, 255 (16.9%) are doctors, while the other 1,252 (83.1%) are undergraduate medical students. About 1,055 (70%) participants have previous knowledge about AI. However, only 357 (23.7%) participants know about its application in the medical field. Most have shown positive attitudes toward its necessity in the medical field; 689 (45.7%) individuals strongly agree, and 628 (41.7%) agree. The undergraduate students had 3.327 times more adequate knowledge of AI than students in the first year. In contrast, the undergraduate 6th-year students had 2.868 times the attitude toward AI higher than students in the first year. The residents and assistant professors had 2.371 and 4.422 times the practice of AI higher than students, respectively. Although most physicians and medical students do not sufficiently understand AI and its significance in the medical field, they have favorable views regarding using AI in the medical field. Syrian medical authorities and international organizations should suggest including artificial intelligence in the medical field, particularly when training residents and fellowship physicians.

Potential Benefits of Sodium-Glucose Transporter-2 Inhibitors in the Symptomatic and Functional Status of Patients With Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This review evaluates the potential benefits of sodium-glucose transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors on symptom burden/health-related quality of life (HRQoL), functional improvement, hospitalization for heart failure (HHF), cardiovascular mortality (CVM), and all-cause mortality (ACM) in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced or preserved ejection fraction (EF). We analyzed 12 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) accessed through 11 records and three secondary analyses from PubMed and Scopus following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. These studies evaluated 23,389 patients treated with either an SGLT-2 inhibitor or placebo in addition to the standard of care. Four studies recruited diabetic patients, some of whom had HF at the baseline and were evaluated as a subgroup. One study had diabetes and HF present in all patients at the baseline. Ten studies recruited patients with HF at their baseline irrespective of diabetic status. Eight studies evaluated the SGLT-2 inhibitors for a composite of hospitalization for heart failure or cardiovascular mortality (HHF/CVM) and ACM. Five of these studies showed a decreased risk for HHF/CVM, and two showed a reduced risk for ACM. One trial showed benefits in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) only and not in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Other studies revealed benefits but did not reach statistical significance. Ten studies assessed the SGLT-2 inhibitors for improvement in symptoms and HRQoL; four demonstrated a significant improvement, three showed a slight improvement, and three did not find any benefit. Five trials evaluated participants' functional progress by assessing for a six-minute walk test (6MWT). Two studies showed a significant increase in the distance walked by the patient, while three others did not. The SGLT-2 inhibitors reduce the risk of HHF/CVM irrespective of ejection fraction and result in a symptomatic improvement.

Physical Activity Status and Diabetic Retinopathy: A Review.

Substantial evidence highlights the association between physical inactivity and diabetes onset and complications. Little is known regarding the link between physical inactivity and diabetic retinopathy in terms of onset, progression, and severity. This review aims to investigate these associations and understand the underlying mechanisms behind these associations. Decreased sedentary times and the inclusion of more physical activity have been linked to the delayed onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy and less severe forms of said condition. Physical activity provides both protective and anti-inflammatory effects on the retina. Further research is needed to understand and elucidate the exact mechanisms by which lack of physical activity affects retinal health and the onset, progression, and severity of diabetic retinopathy.

Incidence and risk factors of chronic opioid use after sleep apnea surgery.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To assess the incidence and risk factors of chronic opioid use after obstructive sleep apnea surgery. METHODS: Using IBM MarketScan research database, adults (>18 years) who underwent a variety of sleep surgery procedures between 2007 and 2015 were identified. Individuals with 1 year of insurance coverage before and after the surgical procedure were included. Additional anesthesia event(s) in the year following the procedure of interest and those who filled an opioid prescription within the year prior to surgery (not naive) were excluded. Outcomes included rates of persistent opioid use (additional opioid prescriptions filled 90-180 days postoperatively), prolonged use (additional opioid prescriptions filled 181-365 days postoperatively), and inappropriate use (> 100 morphine milligram equivalents). Evaluated variables include demographics, surgical procedures, and comorbidities. RESULTS: A total of 10,766 surgical procedures met the inclusion criteria. There was a trend of increased rates of perioperative opioid prescription. After multivariable logistic regression analysis, perioperative opioid prescription and smoking were independent risk factors for inappropriate opioid use (odds ratio [OR] = 31.51, P < .001; OR = 1.41, P = .016, respectively). Opioid prescription and hypertension were independent risk factors for persistent opioid use (OR = 37.8, P < .001, OR = 1.38, P = .008). Perioperative opioid prescription, previous opioid dependence diagnosis, smoking, and male sex were associated with continuous prolonged opioid use (OR = 73.1, 8.13, 1.95, and 1.55, respectively; P < .001, P = .020, P = .024, and P = .032, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: While efforts by different societies are being implemented to control the opioid crisis, we found that perioperative opioid prescription for airway surgery targeting obstructive sleep apnea is an independent risk factor for persistent, prolonged, and inappropriate opioid use. CITATION: Abdelwahab M, Marques S, Howard J, et al. Incidence and risk factors of chronic opioid use after sleep apnea surgery. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(7):1805-1813.

Impact of rapid palatal expansion on the size of adenoids and tonsils in children.

INTRODUCTION: Adenoid and tonsillar hypertrophy in children often leads to adverse respiratory symptoms and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Current clinical guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery recommend tonsillectomy as the first line of pediatric OSA treatment for children with tonsillar hypertrophy. Rapid palatal expansion (RPE) performed by orthodontists improves obstructive sleep apnea in children by reducing nasal airway resistance, increasing nasal volume, raising tongue posture, and enlarging pharyngeal airway. However, the role of RPE in alleviating adenoid and tonsillar hypertrophy remains elusive. In this study, we aim to evaluate the changes in adenoid and palatine tonsil sizes following RPE using 3D volumetric analysis of cone beam computational tomography (CBCT) imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, a total of 60 pediatric patients (mean age: 8.00, range: 5-15, 32 females and 28 males) who had tonsillar hypertrophy (size 3 and 4) were included and divided into the control group (n = 20) and expansion group (n = 40). The control group did not undergo any treatment. The expansion group underwent RPE using a conventional Hyrax expander, activated 0.25 mm per day for 4-6 weeks. Final CBCT scans (T2) were performed 13.8 ± 6.5 months after the initial scan (T1). Pediatric sleep questionnaire (PSQ) and BMI were obtained at each timepoint. Volumetric analysis of adenoid and palatine tonsils was performed using a combination of bony and soft tissue landmarks in CBCT scans through Anatomage Invivo 6 imaging software. Paired t-tests were used to evaluate the difference between the initial and final adenoid and tonsil volumes. p values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the expansion group experienced a statistically significant decrease in both adenoid and tonsil volume. There was non-statistically significant increase in volume from T1 to T2 for the control group. For the expansion group, 90.0% and 97.5% of patients experienced significant reduction in adenoid and tonsil volume, respectively. The average volume decrease of adenoids was 16.8% while that of tonsils was 38.5%. The patients had up to 51.6% and 75.4% reduction in adenoid and tonsil size, respectively, following RPE orthodontic treatment. Pearson correlation ranged from 0.88 to 0.99 for each measurement, representing excellent internal consistency. There was a significant reduction in the PSQ scores from 5.81 ± 3.31 to 3.75 ± 2.38 in expansion group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that RPE significantly reduced the size of both adenoid and palatine tonsils and revealed another long-term benefit of RPE treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first study to quantify the changes of adenoids and tonsils following RPE. RPE treatment can be considered as a valid and effective treatment option for pediatric OSA population with narrow high arch palate and adenotonsillar hypertrophy.

The Efficacy of Suspensory Ligament Release and Pubic Lipectomy Via Penopubic Z Plasty During Penile Prosthesis Implantation in Improving Sexual Satisfaction: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The utility of penile suspensory ligament release (SLR) in the setting of penile prosthesis implantation (PPI) has received limited attention in the literature. AIM: To assess the efficacy and safety of penile SLR release, pubic lipectomy (PL), and the utility of penopubic Z-plasty (ZP) during malleable PPI in improving sexual satisfaction compared to that achieved with the conventional method. METHODS: Between August 2018 and April 2020, 61 patients with refractory erectile dysfunction were prospectively randomized into 2 groups; group A included 31 patients who underwent PPI with SLR and PL via ZP, and group B included 30 patients who underwent conventional PPI via a penoscrotal incision. OUTCOMES: Penile length was assessed at 3 months, and sexual satisfaction was assessed up to 1 year after PPI using both validated and non-validated tools. RESULTS: The median operative time was higher in group A than in group B (170 min; interquartile range [IQR] [160-190] vs 97.5 min; IQR [90-110] P < .001).The median pre- to postoperative differences in functional and visible penile lengths for group A were 1.5 cm; IQR [0-2] and 2.5 cm; IQR [1-3.5], respectively, while those in group B were both 0 cm; IQR [-1 to 0] P < .001). Group A patients reported higher scores in the International Index of Erectile Function satisfaction domains than the group B patients did (13; IQR [12-14] and 9; IQR [8-10] vs 11; IQR [9.5-12] and 8; IQR [6.5-8.5], respectively, P < .001). Moreover, the postoperative Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction score was higher in group A than that in group B (95.40; IQR [91-97.7] vs 85.20; IQR [72.7-91], respectively, P < .001). Common complications in group A were penile edema (77.4%), penile instability (9.7%) and glans numbness (9.7%). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The benefit in patient satisfaction following SLR and PL via ZP during PPI may outweigh the incremental increase in complications. STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first prospective randomized controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SLR, PL, and ZP during PPI. However, because an optimal tool for assessing sexual satisfaction after PPI is lacking at this time, we alternatively adopted the most used assessment tools. Further, our data applies only to malleable penile prosthesis. CONCLUSION: SLR and PL via ZP during PPI resulted in a substantial improvement of the patients' sexual satisfaction without serious complications. Fotouh El Gharably MA, Ghoneima W, Lotfi MR, et al. The Efficacy of Suspensory Ligament Release and Pubic Lipectomy Via Penopubic Z Plasty During Penile Prosthesis Implantation in Improving Sexual Satisfaction: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial. J Sex Med 2022;19:852-863.