A systematic review and network meta-analysis comparing different epidural steroid injection approaches.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) and lumbosacral radiculopathy are frequent disorders that cause nerve root injury, resulting in a variety of symptoms ranging from loss of sensation to loss of motor function depending on the degree of nerve compression. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of various epidural injection procedures in adult LBP patients. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and network meta-analysis. SETTING: Egypt. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Database, and Embase were used to conduct an electronic literature search. We included RCTs, cohorts, case controls, patients 30 years old with a clinical presentation of low back pain, and comprehensive data on the effects of the intervention on patients with lumbosacral radicular pain who got epidural steroid injections via various techniques. Only papers written in English were eligible. RESULTS: Our analysis showed that parasagittal intralaminar (PIL) was the most effective approach in decreasing VAS (0-10) in the short term (< 6 months) (MD = -1.16 [95% CI -2.04, -0.28]). The next significant approach was transforaminal (TF) (MD = -0.37 [95% CI -1.14, -0.32]) in the long term; TF was the most effective approach (MD = -0.56 [95% CI -1, -0.13]). According to VAS (0-100) in the short term (< 6 months), our analysis showed an insignificant difference among the injection approaches and in the long term; TF was the most effective approach (MD = -24.20 [95% CI -43.80, -4.60]) and the next significant approach was PIL (MD = -23.89 [95% CI -45.78, -1.99]). LIMITATIONS: The main limitations are the heterogeneity encountered in some of our analyses in addition to studies assessed as high risk of bias in some domains. CONCLUSION: TF was the most effective steroid injection approach. In decreasing VAS for short-term PIL and TF were the most significant approaches, but TF was the most effective approach in decreasing VAS for the long term. Also, TF was the most effective approach in decreasing ODI for the long term.

Hypospadias with Intact Prepuce: A Spectrum of Anomalies and their Reconstruction.

Aims: The aim of the study was to perform a detailed analysis of the clinical characteristics of megameatus with intact prepuce (MIP) and to audit our results of reconstructive surgeries on MIP. Materials and Methods: Design: Retrospective analysis. Setting: Pediatric surgery department of tertiary level. Subjects, methods: Hospital records and pictures of MIP operated over a 9-year period. Age, size of penis, circumcised or not, shape of glans, external urethral meatus (EUM), urethral plate (UP), chordee, distal urethra, reconstructive surgery, and complications were analyzed. Postoperative result was objectively assessed by Hypospadias Objective Scoring Evaluation (HOSE). Results: Twelve of 254 hypospadias were MIP (incidence = 4.72%). The mean age at operation was 38.25 months (12-87 m). Patients sought circumcision or surgical correction of anomaly. Two patients were precircumcised. MIP was coronal 7, subcoronal 3, and glanular 2. Meatus was wide in 10 and normal in 2. Glans penis was wide in 9 and conical in 3. UP was wide (9), moderately wide (2), or narrow and shallow (1). In two cases of wide deep UP, distal septum was present. Distal urethra was nondilated in all but 1, which had megalourethra. Reconstructive surgery was Tubularized Urethral Plate Urethroplasty (7 cases) or classical Snodgrass (Tubularised incised plate urethroplasty (TIPU), with superimposed vascular dartos flap (5 cases). The megalourethra underwent partial excision and TIPU. Distal UP-septum was incised. Urethral injury (2 cases) and UP injury (1 case) were intraoperative complications. One postoperative complication (ventral glans necrosis) resulted. The mean follow-up period was 4.79 months (1-12 m). In the postoperative follow-up, 11 (92%) had HOSE score 14-16, whereas one had HOSE 13. Conclusion: Some hypospadias cases which have intact prepuce have no megameatus; hence, they cannot be termed MIP. All cases of hypospadias having intact prepuce can be covered by the umbrella term "Hypospadias with Intact Prepuce (HIP);" MIP is a large subgroup under HIP. HIP presents with a spectrum of anomalies of glans, EUM, and UP. Repair by tubularization of UP without or with midline incision gives excellent results.

10-Dehydrogingerdione Attenuates Tramadol-Induced Nephrotoxicity by Modulating Renal Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Apoptosis in Experimental Rats: Role of HO-1 Activation and TLR4/NF-κB/ERK Inhibition.

Tramadol represents a synthetic opioid analgesic especially for mild to severe pain. Its dose must be commonly monitored according to pain status and to alleviate the appearance of any adverse effects such as renal cellular damage during its excretion. Present work aimed mainly to study the effects of tramadol intake on renal tissues and 10-dehydrogingerdione (10-DHGD) potential as a protective agent. Tramadol administration induced an increase in serum levels of urea, creatinine, uric acid, the renal immune expression of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), and caspase-3 which turned out to be decreased by 10-DHGD intake. Our results also recorded a significant increase in renal malondialdehyde (MDA), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase-1 (ERK1) along with glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) decrease due to tramadol intake, which were counteracted by 10-DHGD administration as illustrated and supported by the histopathological findings. Our conclusion refers to renoprotective potential of 10-DHGD against tramadol adverse effects.

Alveolar Cleft Reconstruction Using Double Iliac Corticocancellous Bone Plates Grafting Technique in Mixed Dentition Phase.

OBJECTIVE: The primary goal of maxillary alveolar cleft reconstruction in patients with cleft lip/palate at the phase of mixed dentition is to build bone in the cleft area which in turn allows closure of the oronasal fistula, establishes arch continuity, and improve maxillary stability. This study aimed to evaluate the double iliac corticocancellous bone plates grafting technique for initial alveolar cleft grafting. DESIGN: This prospective study was conducted on 12 consecutive patients with unilateral complete alveolar cleft and previous cleft lip and palate corrective surgery. INTERVENTION: For all patients, the iliac crest graft was harvested and cut into 2 cortical bone plates and adapted labially and palatally. Both plates were fixed with screws then the gap between the 2 plates was filled with cancellous bone. The grafted side was compared to the contralateral side 9 months postoperatively regarding labio-palatal alveolar width and bone density, while the 9 months postoperative graft height was compared to the immediate postoperative height using computed tomography scans. RESULTS: All grafted sides showed similarity to the contralateral sides regarding both alveolar width and bone density with minimal crestal bone resorption. CONCLUSION: The double iliac corticocancellous bone plate grafting technique seems to be a reliable method for alveolar cleft reconstruction with adequate bone quality and contour.

Blood loss from transverse versus longitudinal uterine incision in abdominal myomectomy: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether transverse uterine incision is non-inferior to longitudinal incision during myomectomy with regard to bleeding. Our aim was to compare between transverse and longitudinal uterine incisions in myomectomy. METHODS: A parallel randomized controlled single-blinded study in a university affiliated hospital, in the period between January 2017 and April 2018, in which 52 women candidates for abdominal myomectomy were randomized into transverse uterine incision or longitudinal uterine incision groups (26 in each group). Intraoperative blood loss (estimated directly by blood volume in suction bottle and linen towels and indirectly by difference between preoperative and postoperative hematocrit), operative time and postoperative fever were analyzed. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between transverse and longitudinal incisions regarding intraoperative blood loss (389.7 ± 98.56 ml vs 485.04 ± 230.6 ml respectively, p value = 0.07), operative time (59.96 ± 16.78 min vs 66.58 ± 17.33 min respectively, p value = 0.18), and postoperative fever (4% vs 8.33%, p value = 0.6). CONCLUSION: Transverse uterine incision does not cause more blood loss than longitudinal incision and is a reasonable option during abdominal myomectomy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03009812 at clinicaltrials.gov, registered January 2017.

Ovarian Reserve Following Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy vs Cyst Deroofing for Endometriomas.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Because laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy of endometriomas is known to adversely impact patient ovarian reserve, the search for other techniques of surgical management is ongoing. The present study was undertaken to evaluate laparoscopic cyst deroofing as a feasible alternative. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized clinical trial (Canadian Task Force classification I). SETTING: University maternity hospital. PATIENTS: Women diagnosed with unilateral or bilateral ovarian endometriomas. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were managed with either laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy or cyst deroofing. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 122 women with endometriomas were randomized to either laparoscopic cystectomy (group 1) or laparoscopic cyst deroofing (group 2). The primary endpoint was the effect on ovarian reserve based on changes in anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) values. At 1 month postsurgery, anti-Müllerian hormone values were significantly decreased (p < .001) from preoperative values, from 4.25 ± 0.87 ng/mL to 1.66 ± 1.02 ng/mL in group 1 and from 4.2 ± 1.69 ng/mL to 2.15 ± 1.48 ng/mL in group 2. In addition, antral follicle count and ovarian volume decreased significantly (p < .001) in both groups by 1 month postsurgery. The decreases in these 3 parameters were more significant (p < .001) in group 1 than in group 2. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic cyst deroofing of endometriomas appears to be a promising alternative to laparoscopic cystectomy, with less postoperative decrease in ovarian reserve; however, the higher rate of endometrioma recurrence warrants future clinical research to determine the optimal surgical management of endometriomas.

Changes in ovarian reserve and ovarian blood flow in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome following laparoscopic ovarian drilling.

This prospective cohort study was conducted on 80 patients with clomiphene citrate (CC)-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD). Pre- and post-LOD ovarian reserve parameters (anti-Mullerian hormone: AMH, ovarian volume: OV, and antral follicle count: AFC) and ovarian stromal blood flow indices (Vascularization index: VI, flow index: FI, and vascularization flow index: VFI) were measured to explore the effect of LOD and to find out the correlation between serum AMH and different clinical, hormonal, and ultrasonic variables. There was a highly significant reduction of the serum AMH (p < .001) after LOD with significant reduction in OV, AFC and vascular indices (VI, FI and VFI) of the right and left ovaries (p < .05). LOD significantly reduced ovarian reserve parameters (AMH, OV and AFC) and ovarian stromal blood flow indices (VI, FI and VFI) with no observed correlation between AMH levels and Doppler indices.

Rectal vs. sublingual misoprostol before cesarean section: double-blind, three-arm, randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: The commonest surgical procedure for women is cesarean delivery. Postpartum hemorrhage and intra-operative blood during cesarean delivery is a major concern to all obstetricians. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of the adjuvant use of misoprostol and oxytocin in decreasing intra-operative blood loss in cesarean delivery. METHODS: This was a double-blinded randomized clinical trial including 636 term pregnant woman scheduled for cesarean section at Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital, Cairo, Egypt, between February 2013 and February 2014. Participants received either 400-µg misoprostol rectally or sublingually or placebo before cesarean section together with 5-IU oxytocin IV. The main outcome measure was intra-operative blood loss. Difference between the three groups was analyzed using one-way ANOVA test (for numeric variables) and Chi-square test (for categorical variables). P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Intra-operative blood loss was higher in patients who did not receive misoprostol (Placebo Group) (295-1075 ml, 641.7 ± 135.7) than those who received it, regardless the route of administration, rectal (135-830 ml, 457.5 ± 140.7; P < 0.001), and sublingual (135-680 ml, 357.8 ± 129.7; P < 0.001). In addition, sublingual route was associated with significantly lower estimated intra-operative blood loss compared to rectal administration (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Misoprostol with oxytocin is an effective drug-combination for decreasing intra-operative blood loss during cesarian section with clinical superiority to sublingual over rectal route.

Vanillin as a new modulator candidate for renal injury induced by cisplatin in experimental rats.

Cisplatin is commonly prescribed for the treatment of various solid tumors but its use is limited due to certain side effects and renal injury is a true example. Oxidative stress and inflammation may contribute to the cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity. Accordingly, we evaluated the effect of oral vanillin intake (100mg/kg body weight) daily for 4weeks to combat this hazard. The present results have demonstrated significant attenuation of oxidative stress and renal injury where reduced glutathione (GSH) showed significant increase along with malondialdehyde (MDA) decrease. Fibrotic markers like fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), inflammatory mediators such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) showed also significant decrease in vanillin treated rats as compared with the control group. Renal function showed also significant improvement where urea and creatinine demonstrated significant decrease and the histopathological study presented a good support to the biochemical markers results. Our conclusion that vanillin is a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic agent. Additionally, it is a good modulator candidate for the renal injury induced by cisplatin intake.

Correlation between uterine artery Doppler indices and menstrual irregularities among levonorgestrel releasing intrauterine system and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate users: a prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain whether menstrual irregularities among users of levonorgestrel releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), were associated with changes in uterine artery Doppler indices or not. METHODS: This three-year prospective observational study included 102 women using LNG-IUS and 104 women using DMPA for contraception. Participants were followed at regular intervals over three years with performance of transvaginal ultrasound to measure uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) before starting the method and at six months, 12 months, two and three years thereafter. Data was collected and tabulated. RESULTS: Significant changes in uterine artery PI and RI were detected. PI indices were reduced after six months of use in both groups and elevated significantly at 12 months in both groups compared to initial values (p < .001) while RI significantly reduced after six months in both groups and elevated significantly at 12 months, two and three years in both groups compared to initial values (p < .001). Both PI and RI significantly reduced in women suffered abnormal uterine bleeding and significantly elevated in women experienced amenorrhea irrespective of the method used (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: LNG-IUS and DMPA induce hemodynamic changes in the uterine arteries denoting positive correlation with menstrual irregularities. Larger multicentre studies are warranted to potentiate our findings.

Investigating mid-block pedestrian crossing behaviour and safety at urban streets in Cairo.

Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users in the transportation system. Understanding pedestrian behaviour and road safety culture is critical for improving traffic safety in developing countries. The primary goal of this 2-fold study is to provide an investigation of pedestrian behaviour in Egypt, a developing country. The first part of this study validated the applying of Pedestrian Behaviour Scale (PBS) to investigate pedestrian behaviour in Egypt. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was applied to 533 participants to assess the pedestrian's behavioural factors based on four validated categories: transgressions, lapses, aggressive and positive behaviours. The second part investigated pedestrian crossing behaviour at five different mid-block locations using video recordings. Then, logistic regression models were conducted to investigate pedestrian crossing safety. Males reported more aggressive behaviour than females. Pedestrians previously involved in a collision committed more transgressions and lapses. The presence of forced pedestrian crossing facilities, such as raised pedestrian crossings or traffic signals, significantly reduced the number of unsafe crossings when compared to uncontrolled pedestrian crossings. The aforementioned findings can be used by policymakers to improve road safety programs, create effective traffic safety campaigns, and enact appropriate laws, which could reduce the number of pedestrian-related crashes.

Safety and Efficacy of Autologous Cartilage Graft in Augmentation Rhinoplasty.

Augmentation rhinoplasty or commonly known as "nose jobs" is one of the most common plastic surgical procedures aimed to improve cosmetic appearance. This procedure is considerably safer, less time consuming with faster recovery and immediate cosmetic effect. This procedure needs of highly experienced and well-trained plastic surgeon. According to facial analysis you can select the type of rhinoplasty. Open discussion with the patient to select appropriate surgical technique and its possible risks with your plastic surgeon to ensure the highest level of safety and satisfaction. Autologous grafting materials are safe, efficient and also the first choice for rhinoplasty due to it can survive without a vascular supply, the resorption rate of cartilage is much lower than that of a bone graft. Autologous grafting materials are stable and resistant to infection and extrusion over time so, they are successfully used for dorsal augmentation. To perform successful augmentation rhinoplasty, surgeons should be highly experienced and well-trained and augmentation materials that are currently available and understand their risks, benefits and uses. Autologous cartilage graft regarded as the graft of choice in augmentation rhinoplasty because of their lower rate of infection, rejection, resorption, extrusion, donor site morbidity, easy reshaping.

Bat Ear Correction Steps and Outcomes for Better Life Support.

An unusually projecting human ear is known as a prominent ear, otapostasis, or bat ear. It might be both bilateral and unilateral. The scapha and antihelix of the big concha are not well formed. It is the outcome of cartilage deformity that occurred during early ear development in utero. After the child reaches five years old, the abnormality can be corrected at any time. In order to prevent psychological suffering, the procedure should ideally be performed as soon as possible. Otoplasty correction is reshaping the ear cartilage to bring the ear closer to the side of the head. The cartilage is reshaped, but the skin is left in place. Hearing remains unaffected by the operation. It is mainly done for aesthetic reasons. Although they are uncommon, the post-operative consequences from the operation include hematoma development, keloid formation, infection, and asymmetry in the ears. Otoplasty is a cosmetic operation that involves permanent sutures to alter the size, shape, or location of the ear. The main purpose of otoplasty is to treat promin auris, or bulging ears. Promin auris, the principal indication for otoplasty, is the subject of this review. The indications, contraindications, and method utilized in otoplasty are reviewed in this exercise, which also emphasizes the need of pre- and post-operative care for patients having this surgery. Otoplasty results are generally lifelong and will improve the self-confidence. The goals of otoplasties are to make the ears appear more natural in comparison to the head and help with the overall contour of the ears. Final ear surgery results will be visible after a two week recovery period, with small improvements appearing for up to 12 months post-procedure. A proper understanding of the diagnosis, indications, and surgical techniques will lead to positive outcomes in otoplasty.

Clinical and radiographic assessment of patient-specific transantral reconstruction of orbital floor fractures: A case series.

To clinically and radiographically evaluate patient-specific titanium meshes via a trans-antral approach for correction of enophthalmos and orbital volume in patients with recent unilateral orbital floor fracture. Seven patients with unilateral orbital floor fractures received patient-specific titanium meshes that were designed based on a mirror-image of the contralateral intact orbit. The patient-specific implants (PSIs) were inserted via a trans-antral approach without endoscopic assistance. The patients were evaluated clinically for signs of diplopia and restricted gaze as well as radiographically for enophthalmos and orbital volume correction. Diplopia was totally resolved in two of the three patients who reported diplopia in the upward gaze. Whereas enophthalmos significantly improved in all but two patients, with a mean value of 0.2229 mm postoperatively compared to 0.9914 mm preoperatively. CT scans showed excellent adaptation of the PSIs to the orbital floor with a mean reduction of the orbital volume from 29.59 cc to 27.21 cc, a mean of 0.6% smaller than the intact orbit. It can be concluded that the proposed PSI can offer good reconstruction of the orbital floor through an isolated intraoral transantral approach with minimal complications. It could of special benefit in extensive orbital floor fractures.

The significance of upper glycolytic components in regulating retinal pigment epithelial cellular behavior.

Cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix and its natural outcome of cell spreading, along with the maintenance of barrier activity, are essential behaviors of epithelial cells, including retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Disruptions in these characteristics can result in severe vision-threatening diseases such as diabetic macular edema and age-related macular degeneration. However, the precise mechanisms underlying how RPE cells regulate their barrier integrity and cell spreading are not fully understood. This study aims to elucidate the relative importance of upper glycolytic components in governing these cellular behaviors of RPE cells. Electric Cell-Substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS) technology was utilized to assess in real-time the effects of targeting various upper glycolytic enzymes on RPE barrier function and cell spreading by measuring cell resistance and capacitance, respectively. Specific inhibitors used included WZB117 for Glut1 inhibition, Lonidamine for Hexokinase inhibition, PFK158 for PFKFB3/PFK axis inhibition, and TDZD-8 for Aldolase inhibition. Additionally, the viability of RPE cells was evaluated using a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity assay. The most significant decrease in electrical resistance and increase in capacitance of RPE cells were observed due to dose-dependent inhibition of Glut1 using WZB117, as well as Aldolase inhibition with TDZD-8. LDH level analysis at 24-72 h post-treatment with WZB117 (1 and 10 µM) or TDZD-8 (1 µM) showed no significant difference compared to the control, indicating that the disruption of RPE functionality was not attributed to cell death. Lastly, inhibition of other upper glycolytic components, including PFKFB3/PFK with PFK158 or Hexokinase with Lonidamine, did not significantly affect RPE cell behavior. This study provides insights into the varied roles of upper glycolytic components in regulating the functionality of RPE cells. Specifically, it highlights the critical roles of Glut1 and Aldolase in preserving barrier integrity and promoting RPE cell adhesion and spreading. Such understanding will guide the development of safe interventions to treat RPE cell dysfunction in various retinal disorders.

Assessment of bone gain and neurosensory affection with the sandwich osteotomy technique for vertically deficient posterior mandible using a full digital workflow versus conventional protocol: A randomized split mouth study.

BACKGROUND: Using the sandwich osteotomy technique in the posterior mandible is delicate. This study aimed to assess the safety and the amount of bone gain using a full digital workflow versus the conventional procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This split mouth study included 10 patients with bilateral vertically deficient posterior mandible. One side received conventional sandwich interpositional bone grafting (control group), while the other side received the same protocol using two patient-specific guides. The first guide (cutting guide) was used to place the osteotomies safely and accurately according to the predetermined dimensions and locations, and the second guide was used to fix the mobilized bony segment, leaving the desired gap to be filled with a particulate xenogenic bone graft. RESULTS: Full neurosensory recovery was documented at 2 months postoperative for all patients and bilaterally. After 4 months, there was a statistically significant difference in vertical bone gain between both groups (p = 0.001), measuring an average of 3.76 ± 0.72 mm in the study group and 2.69 ± 0.37 mm in the control group. No statistically significant difference was found between the planned vertical augmentation (3.85 ± 0.58 mm) and the obtained vertical bone gain (3.76 ± 0.72 mm) in the study group (p = 0.765) proving the accuracy of the guided procedure. CONCLUSION: Computer-guided sandwich interpositional grafting is predictable regarding the execution of the osteotomies and the accuracy of fixation of the transport segment.

Isolation and identification of multidrug resistance bacterial agents implicated in duck enteritis with first record of Salmonella enterica subspecies arizonae in Egypt.

Background: Bacterial infections causing digestive problems are among the most serious threats to Egypt's duck industry, owing to their effects on feed utilization and body weight gain. Aim: As a result, the goal of this study was to identify bacterial pathogens causing enteritis in ducks as well as testing their antimicrobials resistance capabilities. Methods: Forty-two duck flocks from different localities at four Egyptian Governorates (El-Sharkia, El-Gharbia, El-Dakahlia, and El-Qaliobia) have been subjected to clinical and postmortem examination as well as bacterial isolation and identification. The liver samples have been collected aseptically from freshly euthanized ducks for bacterial isolation followed by identification using conventional biochemical tests, VITEK 2 system, and confirmatory polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of the uid A gene (beta-glucuronidase enzyme) of Escherichia coli. In addition, antimicrobial sensitivity testing for the isolates against different antimicrobials by the VITEK 2 system was used. Results: Forty-six positive bacterial isolates were identified using conventional methods and the VITEK 2 system including Staphylococcus spp. (52.17%), E. coli (41.30%), and 2.17% for each of Enterococcus casseli lavus, Salmonella enterica subspecies arizonae, and Enterobacter cloacae. PCR was positive for E. coli uid A gene at 556 bp. The antibiogram patterns of isolated pathogens from naturally infected ducks in our work demonstrated 87% multidrug resistance with varying results against different antimicrobial drugs tested. Such findings supported the fact of the upgrading multidrug resistance of Staphylococci and Enterobacteriacae. Conclusion: The most prevalent bacterial pathogens associated with duck enteritis were Staphylococcus spp. and E. coli with the first report of S. enterica subspecies arizonae causing duck enteritis in Egypt.

Inter-Semispinalis Plane Block Versus General Anesthesia for Postoperative Analgesia in Posterior Cervical Spine Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Postoperative pain management is crucial for improving patient outcomes following posterior cervical spine surgery. Opioids are effective but carry a risk of respiratory depression. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used but may not provide adequate pain relief and have potential complications. The inter-semispinalis plane (ISPB) block is a novel technique for postoperative analgesia in cervical spine surgery. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy of the ISPB with general anesthesia in terms of analgesia, postoperative Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores, patient-surgeon satisfaction levels, and the occurrence of postoperative complications. Methods: This double-blind, randomized controlled trial was blinded to both the patient and the assessor. Fifty adult patients (18 - 60 years old) undergoing elective posterior cervical spine surgery were enrolled. The participants were divided into 2 groups: The ISPB group (receiving bilateral ultrasound-guided ISPB at the C5 level) and the control group (receiving general anesthesia only), with each group comprising 25 patients. The study assessed intraoperative fentanyl use, postoperative VAS pain levels, the need for rescue analgesia, and complications. Results: The ISPB group showed significantly lower intraoperative fentanyl consumption (median 100 vs. 100 - 150 µg, P = 0.022) and lower postoperative pain scores at 1, 8, 12, and 48 hours (P = 0.016, 0.009, 0.005, 0.016). Additionally, the ISPB group required less postoperative pethidine (20% vs. 64%, P = 0.002) and had a longer delay before requesting pethidine (hazard ratio 0.215, P = 0.001). Surgeon satisfaction was significantly higher in the ISPB group (P = 0.003). These results suggest that the ISPB can effectively reduce pain and analgesic requirements. Conclusions: The ISPB is an effective analgesic technique for posterior cervical spine surgery, reducing opioid consumption, providing better pain control, and enhancing surgeon satisfaction without increasing complications. This approach has the potential to improve postoperative care and patient outcomes in this surgical population.