Angle-closure glaucoma associated with vitreous prolapse after neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminumgarnet laser posterior capsulotomy.

Capsulotomy with neodymium-doped yttriumaluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser is an effective treatment for posterior capsule opacification following cataract surgery. A wide opening of the posterior capsule associated with the ruptured anterior hyaloid can cause anterior chamber vitreous prolapse. Two patients who developed angle-closure glaucoma associated with vitreous prolapse following Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy were successfully treated with antiglaucoma medication and peripheral iridotomies. Patient identification for potential risk factors and a careful postoperative follow-up are essential to avoid these serious complications.

Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery versus conventional phacoemulsification: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: The main purpose of our study is to compare the adverse events occurrence, complications, and postoperative outcomes of Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS) versus conventional phacoemulsification surgery (CPS) in adult patients undergoing cataract surgery. METHODS: We conducted our research using PubMed, Scopus, and MEDLINE through EBSCOhost from 2012 to July 2022 with English and Spanish language restriction, including only Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). The PRISMA guidelines were observed for data abstraction, including a random-effects model for each outcome. RESULTS: We analyzed 4844 eyes from 23 RCTs with some low risk of bias according to RoB 2 tool. We found statistically significant differences between the FLACS and CPS groups for the mean absolute error (MD = -0.12, 95% CI:-0.22-[-0.02], p = 0.01), the circularity of capsulorhexis (MD = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.04-0.05, p ≤ 0.00001), IOL centration (D = -0.07, 95% CI:-0.09-[-0.05], p ≤ 0.00001), CDE count (MD = -1.75, 95% CI: -2.75-[-0.74], p = 0.0006), mean phacoemulsification time (MD = -12.90, 95% CI:-20.89-[-4.92], p = 0.002), EPT (MD = -0.93, 95% CI: -1.68-[-0.019], p = 0.01) and endothelial cell density loss ((MD = -0.6, 95% CI: -1-[-0.19], p = 0.004). Also, the safety analysis showed a lower incidence of posterior capsule tear (PCT) in the FLACS group (OR =0.29, 95% CI: 0.09-1, p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that FLACS might be helpful for patients with relatively dense cataracts and low preoperative endothelial cell values.

Laser-sclerosing foam hybrid treatment, a non-tumescent technique for insufficient great saphenous vein ablation.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to report on the Laser-Sclerosing Foam Hybrid Treatment (LSFHT) and its outcomes when used on patients with great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency. METHODS: This was a single center retrospective cohort study on patients with GSV insufficiency that were treated with the LSFHT technique, a surgical procedure that comprises the use of both sclerosing foam and endovenous ablation and avoids the use of tumescent anesthesia. Occlusion rates and complications were reported. RESULTS: 139 legs from 106 patients were operated, achieving a 100% occlusion rate, while only a small burn and 2 popliteal vein thrombosis cases occurred. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that the LSFHT is a feasible fast procedure that proved both effective and safe for the treatment of GSV insufficiency.

Endovenous laser ablation vs phlebectomy of foot varicose veins.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes and complications of selected patients treated with endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) or ambulatory phlebectomy for foot varicose veins. METHODS: From October 2016 to February 2022, selected patients undergoing EVLA (using 1470-nm with radial-slim or bare-tip fibers) or phlebectomy of foot varicose veins for cosmetic indications were analyzed, and the outcomes were compared. Patients were classified according to the Clinical, Etiologic, Anatomical, and Pathophysiological (CEAP) classification. Anatomic criteria provided the basis for the decision to perform EVLA or phlebectomy. Clinical and ultrasound assessments were performed on postoperative days 7, 30, and 90 for visualization of the sapheno-femoral and sapheno-popliteal junctions and the deep venous system. Disease severity was graded with the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), and quality of life was measured with the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ) before and after treatment. Treatment outcomes were evaluated based on changes in VCSS and AVVQ scores. The groups were also compared for procedure-related complications. Data were statistically analyzed in SPSS v. 20.0 using the χ2, Student t test, Mann-Whitney test, Wilcoxon test, and analysis of variance. The results were presented as mean (standard deviation or median (interquartile range). RESULTS: The study included 270 feet of 171 patients. Mean patient age was 52.3 (standard deviation, 13.1) years, ranging from 21 to 84 years; 133 (77.8%) were women. Of 270 feet, 113 (41.9%) were treated with EVLA and 157 (58.1%) with phlebectomy. The median preoperative CEAP class was 2 (interquartile range, 2-3) in the phlebectomy and EVLA groups, with no statistically significant difference between the groups (P = .507). Dysesthesia was the most common complication in both groups. Only transient induration was significantly different between EVLA (7.1%) and phlebectomy (0.0%) (P = .001). The two approaches had an equal impact on quality of life and disease severity. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment complications were similar in phlebectomy and EVLA and to those previously described in the literature.

Effects of long-pulsed 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser on telangiectasias and reticular veins: a human in-vivo histological study.

BACKGROUND: Telangiectasias and reticular veins are associated with aesthetic disorders. Sclerotherapy is the gold standard treatment, but long-pulsed 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser (LP1064 laser) is also used. No data on the human histological effects of these lasers are reported. The objective was to test different LP1064 laser parameters and their histological effects on the dermis, collagen, telangiectasias, and reticular veins. METHODS: This was a single-center, prospective, single-arm, case-control, human study. During surgery (dermolipectomy), the abdominal section of 10 female patients was irradiated with 6 different transdermal LP1064 laser parameters after anesthesia. Ten pieces with areas of varying irradiation were evaluated according to the characteristics of the vessels identified by area. In each piece, two irradiation areas were performed per group, totaling 12 irradiation areas per piece, with 120 regions later analyzed at the end of the ten samples. After removing the surgical product, histological sections were extracted, and the dermis, telangiectasias, and reticular veins were analyzed. RESULTS: Histological analysis showed that exposition to six different parameters from LP1064 laser led to significant dermal layer separation and collagen alterations. The effects were inconsistent on the loss of endothelial cells, intravascular thrombus formation, and fusion of vascular walls for both telangiectasias and reticular veins. In reticular veins, effects on intravascular thrombus formation and vascular wall fusion were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: The LP1064 laser in monotherapy with fixed settings did not lead to a consistent vascular lesion to promote immediate occlusion in telangiectasias and reticular veins. This strategy may not work as monotherapy for small vein treatment, but the possible late response to the LP1064 laser cannot be ruled out and require further investigation.

A randomized trial comparing vaginal laser therapy and pelvic floor physical therapy for treating women with stress urinary incontinence.

INTRODUCTION: Female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is considered a major public health issue. Physical therapy is an important conservative treatment; however, it is primarily limited by poor long-term compliance. Furthermore, surgical treatment entails significant risks. Therefore, new treatment techniques must be identified. OBJECTIVE: To compare the use of laser therapy and pelvic floor (PF) physical therapy for treating postmenopausal women with SUI. METHODS: This pilot study enrolled 40 women with a clinical and urodynamic diagnosis of SUI who were randomized into two groups: those who received erbium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser therapy implemented over three sessions with a 1-month interval (n = 20) and those who received physical therapy with supervision twice a week for 3 months (n = 20). In total, 16 women completed the treatment in each group. The patients were assessed for PF function using the modified Oxford scale and for pelvic organ prolapse using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System. The 1-h pad test and quality of life questionnaires, King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), and Incontinence Quality of Life (IQOL) were also administered. Patients were re-evaluated at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 62.7 ± 9.1 and 57.9 ± 6.1 years, median Oxford score at baseline was 3 (2-4.5) and 4 (3-4), mean IQOL score was 79.8 ± 17 and 74.6 ± 18 for physical therapy group (PTG) and laser group (LG), respectively. For the amount of urine leak in the 1-h pad test evaluation, we found significance for the interaction of group and time points only for the Laser intragroup. The cure rate, that is, the rate of reaching an insignificant score in the pad test, at 6 and 12 months was 43.75% and 50% in PTG and 62.5% and 56.25% in the LG, respectively (p > 0.05). IQOL scores demonstrated considerable improvement in both groups (p > 0.05). Upon comparing the initial and follow-up results, the LG showed an improvement at all consultations, whereas the PTG showed improvements at 1, 3, and 6 months but not at 12 months after treatment. KHQ analysis revealed a considerable improvement in the quality of life (QOL) of patients over time, with no substantial difference between the groups. QOL comparison before and after treatment revealed that the vaginal LG improved more consistently in some domains. Only the PTG showed a significant increase in the mean Oxford score from pretreatment to 1 and 3 months after treatment (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the groups. CONCLUSION: Both treatments are safe and have a positive influence on the impact of UI on patients' QOL. The laser caused a greater reduction in the urinary loss, as measured using the weight of pad test, at 6-month and 12-month after treatment without difference with PTG at the end of the follow-up.

Management of Late Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome beyond 26 Weeks: Comparison between Fetoscopic Laser Therapy versus Traditional Management.

INTRODUCTION: A proportion of monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies complicated by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) can present after 26 weeks of gestation. The aim of this study was to compare perinatal outcomes of late TTTS treated by fetoscopic laser coagulation versus traditional management with amniodrainage and/or emergency preterm cesarean delivery (CD). METHODS: Retrospective cohort from January 2012 to January 2023 of consecutive MCDA twin pregnancies complicated by TTTS after 26 weeks and evaluated in our referring centers. We analyzed perinatal outcomes of cases treated with fetoscopic laser surgery at our national referral fetal surgery center in Queretaro, Mexico, and compared them with those managed with traditional management (amniodrainage and/or emergency preterm CD). The primary outcome was survival at discharge and the secondary outcome was gestational age (GA) at birth. RESULTS: Among the study population, 46 TTTS cases were treated by fetoscopy at 27+6 (26+0-31+0) weeks+days and were compared with a group of 39 cases who underwent emergency preterm CD. In comparison to the group who underwent traditional management, the group treated by laser fetoscopy showed a significantly higher GA at birth (32+3 vs. 29+1 weeks+days, p < 0.001), lower frequency of preterm delivery below 37 weeks (91.3% vs. 100%, p = 0.06), 34 weeks (63.0% vs. 100%, p < 0.001), 32 weeks (50% vs. 74.4%, p = 0.02), or 30 weeks (28.3% vs. 53.8%, p = 0.01), and significantly higher perinatal survival (89.1% vs. 71.8%, p < 0.05 of at least one twin; and 65.2% vs. 38.5%, p = 0.01 of both twins, respectively). CONCLUSION: MCDA twins complicated with TTTS can be treated with fetoscopic laser surgery between 26 and 31 weeks of gestation, which is a feasible and safe option, and such cases are associated with a higher GA at birth and better perinatal survival than those managed with amniodrainage and/or emergency preterm CD.

Efficacy of femtosecond laser for anterior capsulotomy in complex white cataracts.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the advantages and complication rate of capsulotomy performed with femtosecond laser in white complex cataract cases. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. PARTICIPANTS: Sixteen eyes of 16 patients. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective review of white cataract surgery cases in which the femtosecond laser (LenSx, Alcon Laboratories, Fortworth, Texas, USA) was used between May 2019 and February 2021. Outcome measures included an assessment of the capsulotomy, identification of tags, surgical time, cumulative dispersed energy (CDE) and postoperative management. RESULTS: Sixteen eyes of 16 patients were included in this study; capsule tags occurred in six patients (37.5%). In 2 patients, the capsule presented small adhesions that were identified and removed. One patient presented a very significant contraction of the anterior capsule with an incomplete cut zone of 2 to 4hours. In a patient with nystagmus, the capsulotomy was performed without complications under peribulbar anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: The femtosecond laser permitted capsulotomies of better shape, size and regularity in complex cases of white cataract and in combination with conditions such as nystagmus and prior corneal transplantation. The microadhesions and untreated areas were identified with trypan blue, which is essential to use in these cases to avoid associated complications.

Thermal damage and excision time of micro and super pulsed diode lasers: A comparative ex vivo analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this ex vivo study was to evaluate thermal damage and cutting efficiency of micro and super pulsed diode lasers. The secondary aim was to suggest a guideline to perform simple surgical excisions adequate for histopathological evaluation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten groups of 10 specimens of pig tongues were excised using a blade (G1), a micro pulsed (G2-G9), and a super pulsed diode (G10) lasers. Different output power, pulse duration, pulse interval, and duty cycle were tested. Quantitative measures of thermal damage and excision times were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed at a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The control group (G1) presented no thermal damage. Within the laser groups (G2-G10), no statistically significant differences in depth of thermal damage (µm) were noted. G3 showed significantly less area of thermal damage (mm2 ) when compared with G7 and G9 (p < .05). The median excision time of the control group and super pulsed diode laser group were significantly lower (p < .001) than the micro pulsed diode laser groups. CONCLUSIONS: The cutting efficiency of the super pulsed diode laser is comparable to traditional blade, and with appropriate parameters, these lasers can produce predictable surgical outcomes with less collateral damage.

Laser therapy for treating hypertrophic and keloid scars.

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic and keloid scars are common skin conditions resulting from abnormal wound healing. They can cause itching, pain and have a negative physical and psychological impact on patients' lives. Different approaches are used aiming to improve these scars, including intralesional corticosteroids, surgery and more recently, laser therapy. Since laser therapy is expensive and may have adverse effects, it is critical to evaluate the potential benefits and harms of this therapy for treating hypertrophic and keloid scars. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of laser therapy for treating hypertrophic and keloid scars. SEARCH METHODS: In March 2021 we searched the Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL EBSCO Plus and LILACS. To identify additional studies, we also searched clinical trials registries for ongoing and unpublished studies, and scanned reference lists of relevant included studies as well as reviews, meta-analyses, and health technology reports. There were no restrictions with respect to language, date of publication, or study setting. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) for treating hypertrophic or keloid scars (or both), comparing laser therapy with placebo, no intervention or another intervention. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently selected studies, extracted the data, assessed the risk of bias of included studies and carried out GRADE assessments to assess the certainty of evidence. A third review author arbitrated if there were disagreements. MAIN RESULTS: We included 15 RCTs, involving 604 participants (children and adults) with study sample sizes ranging from 10 to 120 participants (mean 40.27). Where studies randomised different parts of the same scar, each scar segment was the unit of analysis (906 scar segments). The length of participant follow-up varied from 12 weeks to 12 months. All included trials had a high risk of bias for at least one domain: all studies were deemed at high risk of bias due to lack of blinding of participants and personnel. The variability of intervention types, controls, follow-up periods and limitations with report data meant we pooled data for one comparison (and only two outcomes within this). Several review secondary outcomes - cosmesis, tolerance, preference for different modes of treatment, adherence, and change in quality of life - were not reported in any of the included studies. Laser versus no treatment: We found low-certainty evidence suggesting there may be more hypertrophic and keloid scar improvement (that is scars are less severe) in 585-nm pulsed-dye laser (PDL) -treated scars compared with no treatment (risk ratio (RR) 1.96; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11 to 3.45; two studies, 60 scar segments). It is unclear whether non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL) impacts on hypertrophic scar severity when compared with no treatment (very low-certainty evidence). It is unclear whether fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser impacts on hypertrophic and keloid scar severity compared with no treatment (very low-certainty evidence). Eight studies reported treatment-related adverse effects but did not provide enough data for further analyses. Laser versus other treatments: We are uncertain whether treatment with 585-nm PDL impacts on hypertrophic and keloid scar severity compared with intralesional corticosteroid triamcinolone acetonide (TAC), intralesional Fluorouracil (5-FU) or combined use of TAC plus 5-FU (very low-certainty evidence). It is also uncertain whether erbium laser impacts on hypertrophic scar severity when compared with TAC (very low-certainty evidence). Other comparisons included 585-nm PDL versus silicone gel sheeting, fractional CO2 laser versus TAC and fractional CO2 laser versus verapamil. However, the authors did not report enough data regarding the severity of scars to compare the interventions. As only very low-certainty evidence is available on treatment-related adverse effects, including pain, charring (skin burning so that the surface becomes blackened), telangiectasia (a condition in which tiny blood vessels cause thread-like red lines on the skin), skin atrophy (skin thinning), purpuric discolorations, hypopigmentation (skin colour becomes lighter), and erosion (loss of part of the top layer of skin, leaving a denuded surface) secondary to blistering, we are not able to draw conclusions as to how these treatments compare. Laser plus other treatment versus other treatment: It is unclear whether 585-nm PDL plus TAC plus 5-FU leads to a higher percentage of good to excellent improvement in hypertrophic and keloid scar severity compared with TAC plus 5-FU, as the certainty of evidence has been assessed as very low. Due to very low-certainty evidence, it is also uncertain whether CO2 laser plus TAC impacts on keloid scar severity compared with cryosurgery plus TAC. The evidence is also very uncertain about the effect of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser plus intralesional corticosteroid diprospan plus 5-FU on scar severity compared with diprospan plus 5-FU and about the effect of helium-neon (He-Ne) laser plus decamethyltetrasiloxane, polydimethylsiloxane and cyclopentasiloxane cream on scar severity compared with decamethyltetrasiloxane, polydimethylsiloxane and cyclopentasiloxane cream. Only very low-certainty evidence is available on treatment-related adverse effects, including pain, atrophy, erythema, telangiectasia, hypopigmentation, regrowth, hyperpigmentation (skin colour becomes darker), and depigmentation (loss of colour from the skin). Therefore, we are not able to draw conclusions as to how these treatments compare.  AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to support or refute the effectiveness of laser therapy for treating hypertrophic and keloid scars. The available information is also insufficient to perform a more accurate analysis on treatment-related adverse effects related to laser therapy. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies, conflicting results, study design issues and small sample sizes, further high-quality trials, with validated scales and core outcome sets should be developed. These trials should take into consideration the consumers' opinion and values, the need for long-term follow-up and the necessity of reporting the rate of recurrence of scars to determine whether lasers may achieve superior results when compared with other therapies for treating hypertrophic and keloid scars.

A systematic review of the outcomes of percutaneous treatment modalities for pathologic saphenous and perforating veins.

OBJECTIVE: Minimally invasive techniques have been increasingly used to treat pathologic perforator veins (PVs). The goal of the present study was to summarize the current literature and determine the outcomes of treating PVs with or without the great saphenous vein/small saphenous vein using endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy (USGS). METHODS: A systematic review of the literature on the percutaneous treatment of PVs (35 studies) was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) guidelines. Studies reported up to March 2020 were included. The incidence of several end points at different follow-up periods were calculated according to the availability of data within 3 to 12 months after the index procedure. RESULTS: Of the 35 studies, 15 (n = 1677) had reported on EVLA with or without sclerotherapy and/or microphlebectomy, 12 (n = 1477) had investigated the outcomes of RFA ablation with/without sclerotherapy, and 8 (n = 331) had investigated USGS alone. All techniques were safe in terms of periprocedural adverse events, with only a few complications occurring in each group. Immediate procedural success (within 30 days) was 95% in the EVLA group, 91% in the RFS group, and 58% to 70% in the USGS group. At 12 months of follow-up, the occlusion rates were 89%, 77%, and 83% in the EVLA, RFA, and USGS groups, respectively. The 12-month pooled estimate of ulcer healing between the EVLA and RFA groups was similar, although no direct comparisons were performed. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of PVs with percutaneous techniques, such as EVLA, RFA, and USGS, is safe and associated with high technical success. EVLA and RFA exhibited the most favorable outcomes. Additional research is needed to validate these results, which were based on the limited level of evidence available to better determine the most optimal treatment approach for lower limb pathologic PVs.

Prevalence and risk factors of incidental prostate cancer in certain surgeries for benign prostatic hyperplasia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the prevalence and clinical risk factors in patients diagnosed with incidental prostate cancer (IPC) during certain surgeries (transurethral resection of the prostate [TURP], open prostatectomy [OP], and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate [HoLEP]) after clinically suspected benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature search of the MEDILINE, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was performed to identify eligible studies published before June 2021. Multivariate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the prevalence and clinical risk factors of IPC were calculated using random or fixed-effect models. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies were included in the meta-analysis. Amongst the 94.783 patients, IPC was detected in 24.715 (26.1%). Results showed that the chance of IPC detection (10%, 95% CI: 0.07-4.00; P<0.001; I2=97%) in patients treated with TURP is similar to that of patients treated with HoLEP (9%, 95% CI: 0.07-0.11; P<0.001; I2=81.4%). However, the pooled prevalence estimate of patients treated with OP was 11% (95% CI: -0.03-0.25; P=0.113; I2=99.1%) with no statistical significance. We observed increased incidence of IPC diagnosis after BPH surgery amongst patients with higher prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level (OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04-1.23; P=0.004; I2=89%), whereas no effect of age (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.97-1.06; P=0.48; I2=78.8%) and prostate volume (OR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.96-1.03; P=0.686; I2=80.5%) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of IPC was similar amongst patients undergoing TURP, HoLEP, and OP for presumed BPH. Interestingly, increased PSA level was the only independent predictor of increasing risk of IPC after BPH surgery rather than age and prostate volume. Hence, future research should focus on predictors which accurately foretell the progression of prostate cancer to determine the optimal treatment for managing patients with IPC after BPH surgery.

Outpatient 180 W XPS GreenLight Laser Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate: 7-Year Experience.

Purpose: GreenLight XPS Laser System (GL-XPS) photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) is not only noninferior to transurethral resection of the prostate, but also with shorter rates of hospital stay and length of catheterization. Scarce literature has been published about the feasibility and safety of performing GL-XPS PVP in an outpatient setting. Our aim is to report our 7-year experience with outpatient GL-XPS PVP. Methods: Medical charts of all patients who underwent GL-XPS PVP between 2013 and 2020 were reviewed. Patients were discharged after careful monitoring in the recovery room and the catheter was removed either at home or at a scheduled hospital visit. We used the Shapiro-Wilk test to assess for normal distribution, and the evaluation of homoscedasticity was performed with the SD test. For qualitative variables, the comparison between groups was carried using the chi-square test and for the quantitative variables we used the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test. Results: A total of 537 patients were treated, 517 in an outpatient basis. Median age was 68 years (interquartile range [IQR] 62-76), median prostate volume 50 cc (IQR 40-70). 22.8% were on anticoagulants or antiplatelet therapy. Median operative time was 100 minutes (IQR 75-125), length of hospital stay 5 hours (IQR 4-6.45), mean length of catheterization 48 hours (SD 14.92). Readmission rate within 90 days of surgery was 11.7%, 58 (10.8%) for surgical-related complications. Median time for readmission was 4 days (IQR 2-24). Immediate readmission (within 10 days) was recorded in 7.6% of patients, urinary retention was the main cause. No significant differences were found trying to find perioperative predictors for readmission. Conclusions: Our experience suggests that outpatient GL-XPS PVP could be performed safely with a predefined outpatient pathway, with a low readmission and complication rate. (IRB number CEI-521).

"Split-Face" Evaluation of Collagen Changes Induced by Periorbital Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing.

BACKGROUND: Periorbital fractional CO2 laser resurfacing has been employed for facial rejuvenation purposes. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study has objectively assessed periorbital neoformation and remodeling of local cutaneous collagen, in a split-face model, from skin samples obtained during upper blepharoplasty. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to objectively evaluate neoformation and remodeling of local cutaneous collagen after periorbital skin fractional CO2 laser resurfacing. METHODS: Sixteen female patients presenting with dermatochalasis and periorbital rhytids were evaluated in a prospective and comparative study. All patients underwent unilateral periorbital fractional CO2 laser resurfacing 30 days before upper blepharoplasty. Quantification of types I and III collagen from laser-treated and untreated eyelid skin samples obtained during upper blepharoplasty was assessed with histochemical analysis (Picrosirius Red staining). Laser resurfacing treatment was applied to the untreated side immediately after the upper blepharoplasty. Two blinded, independent physicians evaluated clinical improvement in pretreatment and 1- and 6-month posttreatment digital images. RESULTS: Histochemical analysis showed significantly higher intensity in collagen types I (treated: 158.7 ± 5.3, untreated: 139.2 ± 5.0; P < 0.0001) and III (treated: 105.1 ± 7.7, untreated: 104.1 ± 7.1; P < 0.0001) in the fractional CO2 laser treatment samples; a greater difference was detected in collagen type I. A significant improvement in periorbital rhytidosis was observed 1 month after laser resurfacing (23%); a greater improvement in the periorbital region was observed 6 months after laser resurfacing and upper blepharoplasty (43.67%). CONCLUSIONS: Periorbital fractional CO2 laser resurfacing was an effective method to improve palpebral skin, with histochemical evidence of increase in collagen types I and III.

Median Lobe Urethral Embolus After Focal Ablation of Gleason 7 Prostate Cancer.

This is the case of a man, aged 56 years, who presented with urinary intermittency, frequency, urgency, and dysuria 5 months after undergoing focal laser ablation (FLA) of Gleason 3+4=7 prostate cancer (PC). Cystoscopy revealed a foreign body obstruction of the bladder and the patient experienced immediate relief after its removal. Final pathology confirmed the diagnosis of the foreign body as a piece of necrotic prostatic tissue originating from the median lobe. To our knowledge, this is the first case of intermittent urethral obstruction by a sloughed median prostatic lobe following FLA. FLA is an emerging therapy for low- or intermediate-grade PCs, and this case highlights the need for continued evaluation of long-term outcomes of this procedure.

State of the art on cryo-laser cryo-sclerotherapy in lower limb venous aesthetic treatment.

Here we describe a combination of neodymium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet 1064-nm laser emission and injection of 75% dextrose solution to treat lower limb reticular veins. The strategy is known as cryo-laser cryo-sclerotherapy. Preliminary outcomes are reported, showing ecchymosis in up to 30% of cases and intravenous thrombus in 14%. A satisfactory vessel elimination is found in 86% of cases. No improvement or worsening was reported in 14% of patients. The paper provides technical details with the aim of promoting homogeneity in future data collection, so fostering publication of long-term effectiveness and related comparative evaluation with sclerotherapy and laser treatment alone.

Laser-induced Damage to Disposable Single-mirror Trabeculoplasty Lens During Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate disposable trabeculoplasty lens damage after routine selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) for primary open-angle glaucoma. METHODS: Disposable single-mirror laser lenses were used to perform SLT in 2 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. Images of the single-use mirrors were taken before and after treatment. RESULTS: One lens showed heavy focal loss of reflectivity of its mirror with SLT settings of 0.8 to 0.9 mJ × 97 shots on a patient with a lightly pigmented angle. Aiming beam splashing or loss was noted after most shots. The second lens showed much less damage with 0.6 mJ × 90 shots in a heavily pigmented angle. CONCLUSION: Although single-use Gonio lenses have gained popularity for their role in infection control and elimination of wear and tear of reusable lenses, our cases show that damage occurs to the silver mirror because of high laser fluence, interfering with proper aiming and possibly diminishing delivered energy and treatment efficacy.

Functional outcomes and safety of GreenLight photovaporization of the prostate in the high-risk patient with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement.

AIMS: Photovaporization of the prostate (PVP) with GreenLight Laser is a surgical treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms. It is considered safe in elderly patients with comorbidities, however, the evidence is inconclusive. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety outcomes of PVP according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASAPS). METHODS: A cohort of 675 patients who underwent PVP between 2012 and 2018 was evaluated. Patients were classified according to their ASAPS as low (I and II) and high risk (III and IV). Surgical characteristics and improvement of symptoms and Quality of Life (QoL) were evaluated. RESULTS: The median age of high-risk group was higher than low-risk group. The high-risk group had more history of anticoagulation, antiaggregation, urinary catheterization, urinary retention and urethral stricture. Longer times of hospitalization (23.7 [interquartile range {IQR} = 18.9-41.35] vs 21.8 hours [IQR = 18.7-26.6], P = .008) and catheterization (19.55 [IQR = 15.6-35.57] vs 17.67 hours [IQR = 14.76-22.5], P = .004) were found in the high-risk group. Conversion and bleeding control were not different between groups. In the follow-up, improvement of International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) and QoL was significant in all patients when compared before and after surgery scores (P < .001). There were no difference between groups for QoL, however, IPSS was lower for the low-risk group (8 [IQR = 4-14.5] vs 5 [2-12], P = .001). CONCLUSION: PVP with GreenLight Laser is a safe and efficient procedure for all patients despite their comorbidities, with comparable middle-term outcomes which makes it a standard treatment for the entire aging population, improving their QoL.

Association between varicose veins anatomical pattern and procedural complications following endovascular laser photothermolysis for chronic venous insufficiency.

We sought to assess clinical characteristics and pattern of collateral network involvement associated with development of truncal (systematized) versus diffuse/non-truncal (non-systematized) varicose veins (VVs) in patients undergoing endovascular laser photothermolysis for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Secondly, we aimed to assess whether the type of VVs influenced the procedural complications of endovascular laser therapy. A total of 508 patients with hydrostatic VVs of the lower limbs who underwent endovenous laser treatment were included, out of which 84.1% (n=427) had truncal VVs (group 1) and 15.9% (n=81) had diffuse (non-systematized) VVs (group 2). Patients with truncal varices were significantly older (47.50±12.80 vs 43.15±11.75 years, P=0.004) and those with associated connective tissue disorders were more prone to present diffuse VVs (P=0.004). Patients in group 1 presented a significantly higher number of Cockett 1 (P=0.0017), Cockett 2 (P=0.0137), Sherman (P<0.0001), and Hunter (P=0.0011) perforator veins compared to group 2, who presented a higher incidence of Kosinski perforators (P<0.0001). There were no significant differences regarding postoperative complications: thrombophlebitis (P=0.773), local inflammation (P=0.471), pain (P=0.243), paresthesia (P=1.000), or burning sensation (P=0.632). Patients with more advanced CEAP (clinical, etiologic, anatomic, pathophysiologic) classes were older (P<0.0001), more were males (39.05 vs 27.77%, P=0.0084), more were prone to present ulcers (P<0.0001) and local hyperthermia (P=0.019), and presented for endovenous phlebectomy after a longer time from symptom onset. In patients with CVI, systematized VVs were associated with a more severe clinical status and a distinct anatomical pattern of perforators network compared to non-systematized VVs, which is more common in advanced stages.

West Indies Glaucoma Laser Study (WIGLS) 3. Anterior Chamber Inflammation Following Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty in Afro-Caribbeans with Open-angle Glaucoma.

PRECIS: In the absence of prophylactic anti-inflammatory therapy, anterior chamber inflammation (characterized by cells and less commonly flare) is minimal and transient after selective laser trabeculoplasty in Afro-Caribbean glaucoma patients. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to characterize the prevalence, severity, and duration of anterior chamber inflammation (cells and flare) following selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in Afro-Caribbean eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: In total 144 eyes of 72 POAG patients underwent first-time 360-degree SLT treatment following washout of all topical medications in the prospective West Indies Glaucoma Laser Study. No anti-inflammatory therapy was used post-SLT. Anterior chamber cells and flare were characterized pre-SLT after medication washout, and 1 week, 6 weeks, and 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post-SLT using the standardized methodology described by the Society for Uveitis Nomenclature (SUN) in which cells and flare are each graded on a scale of 0-4+ using specific slit-lamp settings. RESULTS: Mean cell scores in both right and left eyes rose significantly (P<0.0001) from baseline to week 1 after SLT before returning to baseline values at all subsequent time points. Mean flare scores in right eyes (P=0.0185) but not left eyes (P=0.1816) rose from baseline to week 1 after SLT before returning to baseline values at all subsequent time points. Cells appeared in 40.3% of eyes and flare appeared in 9.7% of eyes after SLT. One subject developed bilateral symptomatic anterior iritis one day postoperatively and reported a previously undisclosed history of recurrent iritis; the iritis resolved with topical steroid therapy. CONCLUSIONS: SLT in Afro-Caribbean people with POAG is associated with mild, short-lived and self-limited anterior chamber inflammation. Routine anti-inflammatory therapy to suppress posttreatment inflammation after SLT is unnecessary in this population.