Survival outcomes in pediatric patients with metastatic Ewing sarcoma who achieve a rapid complete response of pulmonary metastases.

PURPOSE: Our objectives were to compare overall survival (OS) and pulmonary relapse between patients with metastatic Ewing sarcoma (EWS) at diagnosis who achieve rapid complete response (RCR) and those with residual pulmonary nodules after induction chemotherapy (non-RCR). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included children under 20 years with metastatic EWS treated from 2007 to 2020 at 19 institutions in the Pediatric Surgical Oncology Research Collaborative. Chi-square tests were conducted for differences among groups. Kaplan-Meier curves were generated for OS and pulmonary relapse. RESULTS: Among 148 patients with metastatic EWS at diagnosis, 61 (41.2%) achieved RCR. Five-year OS was 71.2% for patients who achieved RCR, and 50.2% for those without RCR (p = .04), and in multivariable regression among patients with isolated pulmonary metastases, RCR (hazards ratio [HR] 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.17-0.99) and whole lung irradiation (WLI) (HR 0.35; 95% CI: 0.16-0.77) were associated with improved survival. Pulmonary relapse occurred in 57 (37%) patients, including 18 (29%) in the RCR and 36 (41%) in the non-RCR groups (p = .14). Five-year pulmonary relapse rates did not significantly differ based on RCR (33.0%) versus non-RCR (47.0%, p = .13), or WLI (38.8%) versus no WLI (46.0%, p = .32). DISCUSSION: Patients with EWS who had isolated pulmonary metastases at diagnosis had improved OS if they achieved RCR and received WLI, despite having no significant differences in rates of pulmonary relapse.

Comparison of Outcomes Between Surveillance Ultrasound and Completion Lymph Node Dissection in Children and Adolescents With Sentinel Lymph Node-Positive Cutaneous Melanoma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of nodal basin ultrasound (US) surveillance versus completion lymph node dissection (CLND) in children and adolescents with sentinel lymph node (SLN) positive melanoma. BACKGROUND: Treatment for children and adolescents with melanoma are extrapolated from adult trials. However, there is increasing evidence that important clinical and biological differences exist between pediatric and adult melanoma. METHODS: Patients ≤18 years diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma between 2010 and 2020 from 14 pediatric hospitals were included. Data extracted included demographics, histopathology, nodal basin strategies, surveillance intervals, and survival information. RESULTS: Of 252 patients, 90.1% (n=227) underwent SLN biopsy (SLNB), 50.9% (n=115) had at least 1 positive node. A total of 67 patients underwent CLND with 97.0% (n=65/67) performed after a positive SLNB. In contrast, 46 total patients underwent US observation of nodal basins with 78.3% (n=36/46) of these occurring after positive SLNB. Younger patients were more likely to undergo US surveillance (median age 8.5 y) than CLND (median age 11.3 y; P =0.0103). Overall, 8.9% (n=21/235) experienced disease recurrence: 6 primary, 6 nodal, and 9 distant. There was no difference in recurrence (11.1% vs 18.8%; P =0.28) or death from disease (2.2% vs 9.7%; P =0.36) for those who underwent US versus CLND, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Children and adolescents with cutaneous melanoma frequently have nodal metastases identified by SLN. Recurrence was more common among patients with thicker primary lesions and positive SLN. No significant differences in oncologic outcomes were observed with US surveillance and CLND following the identification of a positive SLN.

Gastric Outlet Obstruction from Stomach-Containing Groin Hernias: Case Report and a Systematic Review.

Most abdominopelvic structures can find their way to a groin hernia. However, location, and relative fixation are important for migration. Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) from a stomach-containing groin hernia (SCOGH) is exceedingly rare. In the current report, we present a 77-year-old man who presented with GOO from SCOGH to our facility. We performed a review of the literature following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) of patients presenting with SCOGH since it was first reported in 1802. Ninety-one cases of SCOGH were identified (85 inguinal and six femoral) over the last two centuries (1802-2023). GOO from SCOGH occurred in 48% of patients in one review and 18% in our systematic analysis. Initial presentation ranged from a completely asymptomatic patient to peritonitis. Management varied from entirely conservative treatment to elective hernia repair to emergent laparotomy. Only one case of laparoscopic management was documented. Twenty-one deaths from SCOGH were reported, with most occurring in early manuscripts (1802-1896 [n = 9] and 1910-1997 [n = 10]). In the recent medical era, outcomes for patients with this rare clinical presentation are satisfactory and treatment ranging from conservative, non-operative management to surgical repair should be tailored towards patients' clinical presentation.

A priority nursery area for the conservation of the scalloped hammerhead shark Sphyrna lewini in Mexico.

This study describes the genetic diversity and level of genetic differentiation of the scalloped hammerhead shark Sphyrna lewini from eight putative nursery areas in the Mexican Pacific Ocean, using the mtDNA control region. Genetic analyses revealed a particular spatial divergence between La Reforma and all the remaining sites, with five exclusive haplotypes and the highest genetic diversity. This pattern may be interpreted as the signature of regional female philopatry, relatively to a particular female-mediated gene flow for La Reforma, which shows a strong subdivision in the Gulf of California.

Terapia de electroestimulación para el tratamiento de la atrofia diafragmática inducida por ventilación mecánica / Electrostimulation therapy for the treatment of diaphragmatic atrophy induced by mechanical ventilation / Terapia de eletroestimulação para o tratamento da atrofia diafragmática induzida por ventilação mecânica

Resumen: Introducción: La atrofia y disfunción del músculo diafragmático es frecuente en pacientes sometidos a ventilación mecánica. La terapia de electroestimulación diafragmática transcutánea (TEDT) ha demostrado mejorar la fuerza en pacientes con debilidad muscular; sin embargo, no ha sido evaluada como tratamiento para la atrofia en la disfunción diafragmática inducida por ventilación mecánica (DDIVM). Objetivo: Determinar si la TEDT puede mejorar el grosor diafragmático de los pacientes que se encuentran bajo ventilación mecánica. Material y métodos: Se realizó un ensayo clínico aleatorizado en dos grupos independientes: un grupo intervención con 15 pacientes y un grupo control con 17 pacientes. El grupo de intervención recibió TEDT con sesiones de 20 minutos cada seis horas en las 72 horas subsecuentes a su inclusión al estudio. El grosor diafragmático basal fue medido mediante ecografía en ambos grupos, después de la TEDT para el grupo intervención y 72 horas después en el grupo control. Resultados: De los 32 pacientes evaluados se documentó una media de grosor diafragmático inicial para el grupo control de 2.04 ± 0.43 mm y de 1.9 ± 0.52 mm para el grupo intervención con un valor de p = 0.652. Posterior a la intervención, se registró una media de grosor diafragmático final de 1.7 ± 0.43 mm para el grupo control y 2.3 ± 0.55 mm para el grupo intervención con un valor de p = 0.002 al comparar ambos grupos. Conclusión: Se encontró diferencia estadísticamente significativa en ambos grupos al aplicar la TEDT, evidenciando un aumento del grosor diafragmático basal en el grupo intervención y disminución del mismo en el grupo control.

Abstract: Introduction: Muscle involvement in critically ill patients is present in the majority of those admitted to the intensive care unit, including alteration of the diaphragmatic muscle, especially during mechanical ventilation (MV). Transcutaneous diaphragmatic electrostimulation therapy (TEDT) has been shown to improve respiratory strength in patients with muscle weakness. However, it has not been evaluated as a treatment for atrophy in Ventilation-Induced Diaphragmatic Dysfunction (DDIVM). Objective: To determine if TEDT can improve diaphragmatic thickness in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. Material and methods: A randomized clinical trial was carried out in two independent groups: an intervention group with 15 patients and a control group with 17 patients. The intervention group received TEDT with sessions of 20 minutes every 6 hours in the 72 hours after their inclusion in the study. Baseline diaphragm thickness was measured by ultrasound in both groups, after TEDT for the intervention group and 72 hours later in the control group. Results: Of the 32 patients evaluated, a mean initial diaphragmatic thickness was documented for the control group of 2.04 ± 0.43 mm and of 1.9 ± 0.52 mm for the intervention group with a p value of 0.652. After the intervention, a mean final diaphragmatic thickness of 1.7 ± 0.43 mm was recorded for the control group and 2.3 ± 0.55 mm for the intervention group with a p value of 0.002 when comparing both groups. Conclusion: A statistically significant difference was found in both groups when applying TEDT, showing an increase in baseline diaphragmatic thickness in the intervention group and a decrease in it in the control group.

Resumo: Introdução: Atrofia e disfunção do músculo diafragmático é comum em pacientes submetidos à ventilação mecânica. A terapia de estimulação elétrica diafragmática transcutânea (TEDT) demonstrou melhorar a força em pacientes com debilidade muscular, mas não foi avaliada como tratamento para atrofia na disfunção diafragmática induzida pela ventilação (DDIVM). Objetivo: Determinar se a TEDT pode melhorar a espessura diafragmática de pacientes com ventilação mecânica. Material e métodos: Realizou-se um ensaio clínico randomizado em 2 grupos independentes: um grupo intervenção com 15 pacientes e um grupo controle com 17 pacientes. O grupo intervenção recebeu TEDT com sessões de 20 minutos a cada 6 horas por 72 horas após a inclusão no estudo. A espessura diafragmática basal foi medida por ultra-som em ambos os grupos, após TEDT para o grupo de intervenção e 72 horas depois no grupo controle. Resultados: Dos 32 pacientes avaliados, (17 grupo controle, 15 grupo intervenção). Documentou-se uma média da espessura diafragmática basal para o grupo controle de 2.04 ± 0.43 mm e 1.9 ± 0.52 mm para o grupo intervenção com um valor de p = 0.652. Após a intervenção, foi registrada uma espessura média final do diafragma de 1.7 ± 0.43 mm para o grupo controle e 2.3 ± 0.55 mm para o grupo intervenção, com valor de p = 0.002 na comparação entre os dois grupos. Conclusão: Encontrou-se diferença estatisticamente significativa em ambos os grupos na aplicação do TEDT, mostrando aumento da espessura basal do diafragma no grupo intervenção e diminuição da mesma no grupo controle.

A comparative analysis of outcomes of open, laparoscopic, and robotic elective (procto-) colectomies for benign and malignant disease.

Laparoscopy has emerged as a common alternative to the open approach for colorectal operations. Robotic surgery has many advantages, but cost and outcomes are an area of study. There are no randomized-controlled trials of all techniques. The present study evaluated a cohort of veterans undergoing (procto-) colectomy for benign or malignant colorectal disease. This is a single-institution retrospective review. We compared open, laparoscopic, and robotic colectomies. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. The secondary endpoints included morbidity, operative times, estimated blood loss (EBL), length of stay (LOS), conversion rate, and the learning curve (LC). Subgroup analyses were undertaken for: (1) right hemicolectomies (RHC) and (2) by specific surgeons most familiar with each approach. The cohort included 390 patients (men = 95%, White = 70.8%, BMI = 29.3 ± 6.4 kg/m2, age = 63.7 ± 10.2 years) undergoing (open = 117, laparoscopic = 168, and robotic = 105), colorectal operations for colorectal adenocarcinoma (52.8%) and benign disease. Thirty-day morbidity was similar across all techniques (open = 46.2%, laparoscopic = 42.9%, and robotic = 38.1%; NS). EBL and LOS were decreased with minimally invasive techniques compared to open. Operative time was longer in robotic, but equalized to laparoscopic after 90 cases. The learning curve was reduced to 20 when performed by the surgeon most familiar with the robot. EBL and operative time independently predicted complications for the entire cohort. The best technique for colorectal operations rests on the surgeon's experience, but minimally invasive techniques are gaining momentum over open colectomies. Robotic colectomy is emerging as a non-inferior approach to laparoscopy in terms of outcomes, while maintaining all its technical advantages.

Local VS. other forms of anesthesia for open inguinal hernia repair: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: There is variation in the anesthetic technique for open inguinal hernia repair (OIHR) worldwide. Factors determining the anesthetic technique remains equivocal. We hypothesize that outcomes and operative room times are superior with local anesthesia (LA) compared to AO [all others (general and spinal anesthesia)]. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines and set inclusion and exclusion criteria, various databases were reviewed and 18 RCT's were isolated. Using ReviewManager 5.3, multiple parameters were used to test for overall effect between the included studies. RESULTS: Overall complication rate was similar in LA vs. AO (p = 0.06). Wound infection and hematomas were similar between LA vs. OA, but urinary retention was significantly decreased in LA (p = 0.0002). Patient satisfaction was not inferior with LA (p = 0.10). Surgical time was similar in LA vs. AO (p = 0.86), but operating room time was significantly decreased with LA (p < 0.0001). The literature review also showed a decrease in the LOS and cost when LA was used. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis demonstrates that LA is a well-tolerated for OIHR with OR times and urinary retention being significantly decreased.

Open, Laparoscopic, and Robotic Inguinal Hernia Repair: Outcomes and Predictors of Complications.

BACKGROUND: The robotic approach to an inguinal hernia has not been compared head to head with the open and laparoscopic techniques in randomized controlled trials. Furthermore, long-term outcomes for robotic inguinal hernia repair (RHR) are lacking. In this study, we compared laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LHR) and RHR with open inguinal hernia repair (OHR) in veteran patients performed by surgeons most familiar with each approach. METHODS: A retrospective single-institution analysis of 1299 inguinal hernia repairs performed at the VA North Texas Health Care System between 2005 and 2017 was undertaken. Three surgeons performed the operations, each an expert in one approach, and there was no crossover in techniques. A total of 1100 OHRs, 128 LHRs, and 71 RHRs were performed. Univariable analysis was undertaken to determine associations between techniques and outcomes (OHR versus LHR; OHR versus RHR; LHR versus RHR). Setting complications as a dependent variable, multivariable analyses were undertaken to determine an association with complications as well as independent predictors of complications. RESULTS: Patient demographics were similar among groups except for age that was higher in the OHR cohort. The average follow-up was 5.2 ± 3.4 y. In the present report, recurrence was associated with a higher rate in the RHR versus OHR (5.6% versus 1.7%; P < 0.02), but not in the LHR versus OHR (3.9% versus 1.9%; P = 0.09). Inguinodynia was more likely to occur in both the LHR and RHR compared with the OHR (9.4% and 14.1 versus 1.5%; both P's < 0.001). Urinary retention was also more common in the LHR and RHR than in the OHR (5.5% and 5.6% versus 1.8%, both P's < 0.05) as was the rate of overall complications (34.4% and 38.0% versus 11.2%, both P's < 0.001). Multivariable regression analysis showed femoral hernias, ASA, serum albumin, operative room time, a recurrent hernia, and the minimally invasive approaches were independent predictors of overall complications. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes in the OHR cohort were, in general, superior compared with both the LHR and RHR. However, these strategies should be viewed as complementary. The best approach to an inguinal hernia repair rests on the specific expertise of the surgeon.

A case report of a groin pseudocyst following inguinal hernia repair and a review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Groin hernias are one of the most common general surgery operations performed worldwide and in the United States. We present an exceedingly unusual complication of a patient who underwent a posterior repair of an inguinal hernia. PRESENTATION: A 48-year-old man presented to our hospital with a chronically enlarging left groin mass for five years following a total extraperitoneal repair of a unilateral inguinal hernia. Two separate aspiration interventions led to rapid re-accumulation of the fluid. Physical exam demonstrated a large inguinoscrotal mass in the left groin. It was non-tender and there were no overlying skin changes. His testicles were palpable at the bottom of the scrotum. A computed tomography exam demonstrated evidence of a prior left inguinal hernia repair. The left groin/scrotum had a 12 cm fluid collection with incomplete peripheral calcification, consistent with previous history of seroma. An indirect hernial sac could not be excluded from the diagnosis. During groin exploration an inguinal canal pseudocyst was removed in its entirety without violating the capsule. The patient recovered well; there was no recurrence at a six month follow up. Review of the literature revealed that only two other cases had been reported, but in contrast to our case, the previous cases had an anterior repair for the index operation and the pseudocysts were open and partly resected. CONCLUSION: Post-operative inguinal pseudocysts are exceedingly rare. Our case is the third reported in the literature. They can develop following open and laparoscopic mesh repair. Surgical intervention is required for definitive management.

Use of teriparatide in osteoporotic fracture patients.

Teriparatide [PTH (1-34)] is a genetically engineered analog of human parathyroid hormone that acts as an anabolic drug by increasing activity in both osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Intermittent (once-daily) doses of teriparatide seem to stimulate osteoblast activity and therefore result in a net increase of bone formation. It is recommended for use in post-menopausal women (PMW), men with hypogonadal osteoporosis, as well as men and women with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. In vivo studies have generated important findings regarding teriparatide's role in the enhancement of fracture healing. The intention of this article is to review the clinical findings of teriparatide to stimulate fracture healing. The drug was shown in a prospective randomized, double blind study to achieve earlier radiographic cortical bridging of three of four cortices (7.4 weeks) compared to patients who were assigned to the placebo group (9.1 weeks). Another study compared mean time for healing and functional outcome in two groups of elderly women who had suffered osteoporotic pelvic fractures: one group received daily 100 µg parathyroid hormone (1-84) injections, while the other group received no treatment. Patients who received the PTH (1-84) injections accelerated radiographic and clinical fracture healing (7.8 weeks) when compared to patients who received no treatment (12.6 weeks, p<0.001). Numerous case series state the safety and potential benefits of teriparatide use in patients recovering from fractures. In the following scenarios, teriparatide might be considered in patients with osteoporosis and a fracture: (1) patients with severe osteoporosis with use of bisphosphonates for a number of years with a fracture not expected to predictably unite, e.g. atypical femur fracture or open tibia fracture, (2) in cases where an osteoporotic patient has failed fracture healing and is considering surgical treatment e.g. non-union surgery. It seems prudent to reevaluate these patients frequently and reconsider which drug class of osteoporotic drug is best for the patient. Finally, it must be stressed that we do not recommend teriparatide in osteoporotic patients that may be well treated with bisphosphonates and a fracture is expected to heal uneventfully, nor when patients with metabolically normal bone have a fracture.