Long-term survival after hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastases: a single-center study in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Surgical resection of colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) has been associated with improved survival in these patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of liver metastasectomy, also finding independent factors related to survival after liver metastasectomy. METHODS: In a retrospective study, all patients with CRLM who underwent resection of liver metastases between 2012 and 2022 at Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex in Tehran, Iran, were enrolled. All patients were actively followed based on clinicopathologic and operative data. RESULTS: A total of 248 patients with a median follow-up time of 46 months (Range, 12 to 122) were studied. Eighty-six patients (35.0%) underwent major hepatectomy, whereas 160 (65.0%) underwent minor hepatectomy. The median overall survival was 43 months (Range, 0 to 122 months), with estimated 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival rates of 91%, 56%, and 42%, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that a metastasis size > 6 cm, major hepatectomy, rectum as the primary tumor site, and involved margin (< 1 mm) were independent factors associated with decreased overall survival (OS). CONCLUSION: Surgical resection is an effective treatment for patients with CRLM that is associated with relatively favorable survival. A negative margin of 1 mm seems to be sufficient for oncological resection.

When is it safe for the liver donor to be discharged home and prevent unnecessary re-hospitalizations? - A systematic review of the literature and expert panel recommendations.

BACKGROUND: Few data are available on discharge criteria after living liver donation (LLD). OBJECTIVES: To identify the features for fit for discharge checklist after LLD to prevent unnecessary re-hospitalizations and to provide international expert recommendations. DATA SOURCES: Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central. METHODS: Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines and recommendations using the GRADE approach derived from an international expert panel. The critical outcomes included were complications rates and liver function (defined by elevated bilirubin and INR) (CRD42021260725). RESULTS: Total 57/1710 studies were included in qualitative analysis and 28/57 on the final analysis. No randomized controlled trials were identified. The complications rate was reported in 20/28 studies and ranged from 7.8% to 71.2%. Post hepatectomy liver function was reported in 13 studies. The Quality of Evidence (QoE) was Low and Very-Low for complications rate and liver function test, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Monitoring and prevention of donor complications should be crucial in decision making of discharge. Pain and diet control, removal of all drains and catheters, deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis, and use routine imaging (CT scan or liver ultrasound) before discharge should be included as fit for discharge checklist (QoE; Low | GRADE of recommendation; Strong). Transient Impaired liver function (defined by elevated bilirubin and INR), a prognostic marker of outcome after liver resection, usually occurs after donor right hepatectomy and should be monitored. Improving trends for bilirubin and INR value should be observed by day 5 post hepatectomy and be included in the fit for discharge checklist. (QoE; Very-Low | GRADE; Strong).

Percutaneous Sclerotherapy for Budd-Chiari Syndrome Secondary to Giant Hepatic Venous Malformations (Hemangiomas).

This prospective study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous sclerotherapy in the treatment of secondary Budd-Chiari syndrome due to hepatic venous malformations (HVMs). Four patients (mean age, 40 years; 3 women) with 5 HVMs underwent 7 sessions of percutaneous sclerotherapy with a mixture of bleomycin and lipiodol. All patients had chronic Budd-Chiari syndrome, determined based on imaging findings, with the main symptom being abdominal discomfort and distention. On physical examination, 2 patients had ascites and the other 2 had an epigastric mass. The indication for treatment was intractable abdominal symptoms due to hepatic and/or inferior vena cava (IVC) outflow compression. All procedures were technically successful, with no major complications. Three patients underwent a second session because of incomplete IVC decompression. The patients' symptoms completely resolved at 6 and 12 months of follow-up. There was a significant reduction in lesion volume (P = .007) and an increase in IVC luminal area (P = .018) at 12 months of follow-up.

Computed Tomography Fluoroscopy-Guided Percutaneous Transhepatic Bleomycin/Ethiodized Oil Sclerotherapy for Symptomatic Giant Hepatic Hemangioma.

PURPOSE: To determine the safety and efficacy of computed tomography (CT) fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous transhepatic sclerotherapy with a bleomycin/ethiodized oil emulsion for symptomatic giant hepatic hemangiomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The procedure was performed on 22 patients with symptomatic giant hepatic hemangiomas in an outpatient setting between 2018 and 2020. All patients were followed clinically and underwent contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging after 1 month and again at a mean time of 15 months ± 2. Adverse events were classified according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE, v5.0), in which a severe adverse event was defined as an adverse event with a grade of ≥3. The desired radiologic response (volume and index size) and improvement of pain intensity (visual analog scale [VAS]) and other symptoms were recorded as outcomes. RESULTS: Overall, patients showed a 36.4% ± 8.6 reduction in volume and a 14% ± 1.6 reduction in index size after 1 month, with P values of .002 and .001, respectively. The final follow-up volume and index size were 194.7 cm3 ± 25.8 and 77 mm ± 36, respectively. Moreover, a 53.0% ± 7 reduction in volume and 22% ± 3.7 reduction in index size during the final imaging were reported, with the P values of .001 and .001, respectively. Significant reductions in the mean pain intensity (90% of patients with lower VAS scores after intervention) and symptoms were reported. Four patients were classified as clinically unsuccessful, and were recommended further procedures for residual pain. CONCLUSIONS: CT fluoroscopy-guided transhepatic sclerotherapy is an effective, safe, and minimally invasive method to manage giant hepatic hemangiomas in an outpatient setting.

Characterization of occult hepatitis B infection among Iranian liver transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) among Iranian liver transplant recipient patients has not been explored yet. The present study aimed to determine the OBI prevalence among Iranian liver transplant recipients. METHODS: This study encompassed 97 patients having undergone liver transplantation due to several clinical backgrounds in the Liver Transplantation Center, Tehran, Iran. After serological evaluation, two different types of PCR methods were applied for amplification of HBV DNA, followed by the direct sequencing of whole hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface genes. RESULTS: At the time of admission, none of the patients were positive for HBsAg. However, 24 (25%), 12 (12.3%), and 5 (5.1%) cases were positive for anti-HBc, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis delta virus (HDV) antibodies, respectively. Moreover, two males were positive for OBI (2.1%). Both were positive for anti-HBc and negative for anti-HBs, anti-HCV, and anti-HDV. HBV-related cirrhosis was the underlying reason for their liver transplantation. HBsAg sequences revealed no amino acid substitution. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of OBI in the Iranian liver transplantation patients was relatively low. Future longitudinal studies with a larger sample size are suggested to explore the significance of this clinical finding, including the reactivation of cryptic HBV DNA, in liver transplant subjects.

Studying the Effectiveness of One Type of Iranian Traditional Massage on Lumbar Radiculopathy.

BACKGROUND: Low-back pain is one of the most common human morbidities worldwide, which is damaging individually, socially and economically. Recent studies have shown that its prevalence is rising. Most of the low-back pains are non-specific though specific ones need more complicated and more expensive treatments. Sciatica or lumbar radiculopathy is one of these specific low-back pains and is explained in Iranian traditional medicine textbooks in detail. Massage is one of the therapeutic modalities, advised for sciatica. Due to different aspects of sciatica in modern medicine, massage is not indicated as treatment, but it is advised in Iranian traditional medicine. In Iran, many patients resort to traditional massage for sciatica and are satisfied. Thus, the effectiveness of one type of Iranian traditional massage "Kermanshahi family" and conventional treatment were compared based on three outcomes of pain, disability, and quality of life score. METHODS: A total of 50 patients were observed in two groups (25 per group) of case (massage) and control (classic treatment) in a non-randomized controlled clinical trial. Patients suffering from lumbar radicular pain for 8 weeks or longer, before referring to each center (neurosurgery or traditional massage clinic), were enrolled continuously. In the case group, patients underwent traditional massage sessions whereas in the control group they were prescribed as routine. Three outcomes were observed during three periods of before intervention, 1-month, and 3-month after intervention. RESULTS: The mean difference of pain severity decrease in both groups was meaningful (P=0/007). The mean difference of disability decrease in both groups was meaningful (P=0/003). However, the mean difference of quality of life increase in both groups was not meaningful. CONCLUSION: Iranian traditional massage may be useful for the treatment of non-acute sciatica, but more studies are required to confirm and clarify the protocols.

Surgical infrainguinal revascularization for peripheral arterial disease: factors affecting patency rate.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral arterial disease is a source of morbidity and mortality. Surgical vascular reconstruction is a treatment option but probability of failure and complications are important concerns. In this study, we evaluated outcome of surgical infrainguinal reconstruction and factors affecting graft patency for a period of one year. METHODS: In this cohort study, 85 consecutive patients with chronic ischemia who underwent lower extremity surgical vascular reconstruction (including 52 femoropopliteal and 25 femorofemoral bypass) from March 2007 to Feb 2009 were recruited. Graft patency was evaluated before discharge from hospital and one year after the surgical operation using duplex ultrasonography. Association between possible risk factors and graft patency were evaluated. RESULTS: In general, 71% (37 patients) of femoropopliteal and 52% (13 patients) of femorofemoral reconstructions were patent during the follow up period. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, opium use and ischemic heart disease were significantly associated with decreased rate of patency (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Assessing risk factors that predict perioperative mortality and graft patency is essential for selecting patients that would benefit from surgery. Omitting surgical reconstruction and endovascular intervention may be preferable especially when multiple risk factors are present or in the absence of critical limb ischemia.

Liver Transplant for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Post-Milan Criteria Era: A Long-Term Single-Center Experience.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the outcomes of liver transplant in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospectively, recipients of deceased donor liver transplants from 2007 to 2021 at Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, were enrolled into the study. The Milan criteria were applied for selection of liver transplant candidates diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients with diagnosis of acute liver failure and who underwent secondary liver transplant were excluded. All patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma were given mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitor with calcineurin inhibitor minimization 4 weeks after liver transplant. Patients were assigned to the experimental group (with hepatocellular carcinoma; n = 82) or the control group (without hepatocellular carcinoma; n = 1076). We recorded the etiologies of liver cirrhosis in the experimental group, demographic data from all patients, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Of 1158 total patients, mean age was 44.15 ± 14.71 years (range, 1-73 years) and 712 were male patients (61.5%). In the experimental group (n = 82), there were 76 patients (92.68%) who were within the Milan criteria; others were excluded intraoperatively. All patients were followed for a median of 65.3 ± 40.8 months (range 10-197 months). Patient survival rates in the experimental group and control group at 3 months, 1 year, and 3 years were 89%, 80%, and 78% versus 84%, 81%, and 70%, respectively (P = .742). Hepatocellular carcinoma reoccurred in 6 patients (7.31%) at mean of 16.83 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Liver transplant for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in the post-Milan criteria era is associated with acceptable outcomes.

Liver Transplant in Patients With Autoimmune Hepatitis: A Large Single-Center Study.

OBJECTIVES: Autoimmune hepatitis is a rare indication for liver transplant in Western countries. Our goal was to identify characteristics and long-term outcomes of patients who underwent liver transplant for autoimmune hepatitis-related end-stage liver disease at our center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult patients who underwent primary liver transplant from January 2007 to March 2022 at Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, were enrolled in our study. RESULTS: Among 1107 patients enrolled in our study, mean age was 45.94 ± 12.43 years (range, 16-73 years) and 423 (38.2%) female patients were included. Autoimmune hepatitis was the underlying cause of cirrhosis in 177 patients (experimental group); the other 930 patients did not have autoimmune hepatitis (control group). All patients were followed for a median of 60 ± 40.3 months (range, 3-187 months) after transplant. In the experimental group, patient survival rates at 1 month, 1 year, and 3 years were 87%, 81%, and 78%, which were not significantly different between the 2 groups (P = .445). Recurrence of autoimmune hepatitis was detected in 8 patients (4.5%) in the experimental group. Acute allograft rejection was more significantly detected in the patients with recurrence of autoimmune hepatitis than in patients without recurrence of autoimmune hepatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Liver transplant in patients with autoimmune hepatitis is safe and is associated with good outcomes.

Liver Transplant for Patients With Neuroendocrine Tumor: A Report of 2 Exceptional Cases and Literature Review.

Patients with neuroendocrine tumors with unresec-table liver involvement can benefit from liver transplant. There is a specific set of guidelines for neuroendocrine tumors with liver metastasis that involve less than 50% of the liver. However, beyond those guidelines, there are reports of exceptional criteria patients who benefited from liver transplant. Here, we present 2 unusual cases of patients with exceptional circumstances and with neuroendocrine tumors who underwent liver transplant. The first case describes a patient with an extremely rare neuroen-docrine tumor of the proximal common bile duct that caused liver biliary cirrhosis. The patient underwent tumor resection and liver transplant concurrently. The second case describes a patient with a neuroendocrine tumor of unknown primary origin with more than 50% hepatic involvement who received a liver transplant after downstaging. In our center, patients with unresectable hepatic metastases from neuroendoc-rine tumors are currently selected for liver transplant based on well-established criteria. However, these 2 cases did not meet the criteria for consideration of liver transplant; thus, multidisciplinary team sessions were held to discuss these 2 cases. After a period of nonsurgical treatment and evaluation of the tumor behavior, we selected the patients as candidates for liver transplant based on the favorable tumor behavior and favorable response to treatment. For both patients, we did not observe any signs of tumor recurrence during follow-up. The outcomes were acceptable, and the patients tolerated treatment well. Considering the favorable tumor pathology (G1 phase and low Ki67 index), we suggest that more studies should be conducted to evaluate the outcomes of patients with low-grade tumors and that the criteria for patients with low-grade tumors could be extended based on such future data.

A Comparative Study of the Effect of Labetalol and Remifentanil on Pain Control After Bariatric Surgery.

Background: Finding the optimal combination of anesthetics to maintain hemodynamic stability during surgery can be challenging. Traditionally, strong opioid analgesics such as fentanyl and its newer analogs have been used. However, the use of narcotics is associated with certain side effects. Objectives: This study compares the effects of labetalol and remifentanil in pain control after bariatric surgery in Hazrat Rasool Akram Hospital. Methods: This randomized, double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 48 laparoscopic bariatric surgery patients. The participants were randomly divided into two groups receiving remifentanil or labetalol. Postoperative pain was measured in the recovery unit using the numerical rating scale (NRS). This score was recorded upon entering recovery, and 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and 120 minutes after surgery for each patient. Also, the duration of anesthesia, the duration of the operation, the recovery time, the dose of the administered opioids, the volume of intravenous fluids, and the dose of administered propofol were recorded for each patient. Nausea and vomiting after the operation were also recorded as outcomes. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding the mean duration of surgery and anesthesia, dose of the administered anesthetics, recovery period, nausea and vomiting, and the dose of analgesics after the operation. The mean pain intensity during the given period and also the trend of pain intensity changes between the two groups demonstrated no statistically significant differences (P = 0.112). During the operation, 9 subjects (37.5%) in the labetalol group and 16 (66.7%) in the remifentanil group needed more analgesics (rescue drug); in this regard, a significant difference was observed between the two groups (P = 0.043). Conclusions: Based on the study's findings, there were no significant differences between labetalol and remifentanil in post and perioperative pain control. However, rescue drugs needed to maintain hemodynamic stability during laparoscopic surgery were significantly lower in patients who received labetalol than remifentanil. Postoperative complications were also comparable between labetalol and remifentanil.

Simple Separate Sutures Versus Continuous Sutures on Hepatic Artery Anastomosis in Liver Transplant: A Prospective Study.

OBJECTIVES: Liver transplant is the definitive treatment for liver failure of various causes. There are various operation methods, of which the conventional approach is most frequently performed. In the conventional technique, 4 anastomoses are required, and different subtleties in these techniques are known to cause different rates of complications. We assessed the outcome of a simple separate (ie, interrupted) suture technique compared with a the continuous suture technique in 194 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There were 194 patients included in this single-center, controlled study. The exclusion criteria were patients who died during the surgical procedure and patients with incomplete medical records. The data recorded were age, sex, past medical history of liver disease, tobacco use, comorbidities, and whetherthe livertransplant was for the first time or retransplant. All patients included in this study were recipients of liver transplants from deceased donors. The patients were categorized as those who received either simple sutures (n = 16) or continuous sutures (n = 178). The continuous suture operations were performed first, and the simple suture operations were performed at a later time (ie, the 2 groups were temporally separated). The results included the duration of surgery, hepatic artery thrombosis rate, hepatic artery stenosis rate, 2-year survival, and further complications. RESULTS: No evidence of hepatic artery thrombosis or hepatic artery stenosis was observed in the study groups. The duration of surgery was equal in both groups. The 2-year mortality rate was significantly higher in the simple suture group. CONCLUSIONS: The continuous suture method seems to be accompanied by a similar duration of operation and rate of complications compared with the simple suture process.

Comparison of Effects of Stress and Midazolam on Retrograde and Anterograde Amnesia in Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia.

Background: The identification of different factors affecting anesthesia and physiological changes during anesthesia can be effective in improving the quality of anesthesia. Midazolam is a benzodiazepine that has been used for many years for sedation under anesthesia. Stress is also an important factor affecting memory and other physiological changes, such as blood pressure and heart rate. Objectives: his study aimed to investigate the effects of stress on retrograde and anterograde amnesia among patients undergoing general anesthesia. Methods: This multi-center, parallel, stratified, randomized controlled trial was performed on patients undergoing non-emergency abdominal laparotomy. The patients were divided into high- and low-stress groups according to the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale. Then, both groups were randomly divided into three subgroups receiving 0, 0.02, or 0.04 mg/kg of midazolam. Recall cards were shown to patients at 4 minutes, 2 minutes, and immediately before injection to determine retrograde amnesia and at 2 minutes, 4 minutes, and 6 minutes after injection to determine anterograde amnesia. Hemodynamic changes were recorded during intubation. The chi-square and multiple regression tests were used to analyze the data. Results: Midazolam injection was associated with the development of anterograde amnesia in all groups (P < 0.05); however, it had no effect on the development of retrograde amnesia (P < 0.05). Midazolam could decrease the systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate during intubation (P < 0.05). Stress also caused retrograde amnesia in patients (P < 0.05); nevertheless, it had no effect on anterograde amnesia (P > 0.05). Stress and midazolam injection could not affect the oxygen levels during intubation. Conclusions: The results showed that midazolam injection could induce anterograde amnesia, hypotension, and heart rate; nonetheless, it had no effect on retrograde amnesia. Stress was associated with retrograde amnesia and increased heart rate; however, it was not associated with anterograde amnesia.

Does COVID-19 infection significantly affect liver transplantation? Results of liver transplantation in the COVID-19 era at a single, high-volume centre.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation is a proven management method for end-stage cirrhosis and is estimated to have increased life expectancy by 15 years. The COVID-19 pandemic posed a challenge to patients who were candid for a solid-organ transplant. It has been suggested that the outcomes of liver transplants could be adversely affected by the infection, as immunosuppression makes liver transplant candidates more susceptible to adverse effects while predisposing them to higher thrombotic events. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, the cases who received liver transplants from January 2018 to March 2022 were assessed regarding early postoperative mortality rate and hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) with COVID-19 infection. This study included 614 cases, of which 48 patients were infected. RESULTS: This study shows that the early COVID-19-related early postoperative mortality rates substantially increased in the elective setting (OR: 2.697), but the results for the acute liver failure were insignificant. The average model for end-stage liver disease score increased significantly during the pandemic due to new regulations. Although mortality rates increased during the pandemic, the data for the vaccination period show that mortality rates have equalised with the prepandemic era. Meanwhile, COVID-19 infection is assumed to have increased HAT by 1.6 times in the elective setting. CONCLUSION: This study shows that COVID-19 infection in an acute liver failure poses comparatively little risk; hence transplantation should be considered in such cases. Meanwhile, the hypercoagulative state induced by the infection predisposes this group of patients to higher HAT rates.

Vitamin D status as a predictor for liver transplant outcomes.

It is well known that vitamin D plays a pivotal role in immune system modulation; however, its role in liver transplantation (LT) has not yet been well elucidated. This study aimed to assess the association between vitamin D status and LT outcomes. This retrospective cohort study was conducted on 335 registered cirrhotic patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) who underwent LT during 2019-2021 and had measurement of serum vitamin D before LT. The association of vitamin D levels before LT with the odds of acute cellular rejection (ACR) and risk mortality was assessed by applying logistic and cox regression, respectively. The mean MELD-Na and serum level of vitamin D were 20.39 ± 9.36 and 21.52 ± 15.28 ng/ml, respectively. In the final adjusted model, there was a significant association between vitamin D deficiency in the pre-transplant period and odds of ACR (odds ratio [OR] 2.69; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.50-4.68). Although in the crude model, vitamin D deficiency in the pre-transplant period was significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality after two years of follow-up (Hazard ratio (HR) = 2.64, 95% CI 1.42-4.33), after adjustment for potential confounders, the association of vitamin D status and mortality became non-significant (HR = 1.46, 95% CI 0.71-3.00). The present study provides evidence that pre-transplant serum vitamin D levels may be a predictor for ACR in patients with cirrhosis undergoing LT.

Establishing a cGMP pancreatic islet processing facility: the first experience in Iran.

It has been predicted that one of the greatest increase in prevalence of diabetes will happen in the Middle East bear in the next decades. The aim of standard therapeutic strategies for diabetes is better control of complications. In contrast, some new strategies like cell and gene therapy have aimed to cure the disease. In recent years, significant progress has occurred in beta-cell replacement therapies with a progressive improvement of short-term and long term outcomes. In year 2005, considering the impact of the disease in Iran and the promising results of the Edmonton protocol, the funding for establishing a current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) islet processing facility by Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center was approved by Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Several islet isolations were performed following establishment of cGMP facility and recruitment of all required equipments for process validation and experimental purpose. Finally the first successful clinical islet isolation and transplantation was performed in September 2010. In spite of a high cost of the procedure it is considered beneficial and may prevent long term complications and the costs associated with secondary cares. In this article we will briefly describe our experience in setting up a cGMP islet processing facility which can provide valuable information for regional countries interested to establish similar facilities.

Comparative Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Acupuncture and Cupping for Treatment of Patients with Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome: A Double-blinded, Randomized Clinical Trial: Comparison of the Effects of LLL Acupuncture and Cupping.

Background: Myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome (MPDS) is among the most common causes of facial pain. This study compared the efficacy of low-level laser (LLL) acupuncture and cupping for the treatment of MPDS. Materials and Methods: This double-blind, before-after, randomized clinical trial evaluated 60 MPDS patients that were divided into two groups for LLL acupuncture (808 nm, 0.5 W, 30 J, 4 J/cm2 energy density, 60 seconds; group 1), and cupping (group 2) of masticatory muscle trigger points. Both treatments were performed for maximally eight sessions once every other day. The level of pain at the trigger points was measured upon admission, before and 5 minutes after treatment in each session, at ten days, and two months after treatment completion by a visual analog scale (VAS). The painless maximum mouth opening (MMO) and patient satisfaction with treatment were also assessed at the time as mentioned earlier points. Results: Averagely, 4.5 treatment sessions were required to achieve a 50% reduction in VAS pain score, with no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.9). Both treatments significantly decreased the number of trigger points and pain score, but this reduction occurred significantly sooner in the cupping group (P=0.01). MMO significantly improved in both groups after treatment with no significant difference between them (P=0.2). Patients were significantly more satisfied with LLL acupuncture (P=0.05). Conclusion: Both cupping and LLL acupuncture are equally effective for MPDS; thus, the patient can choose the type of treatment after receiving sufficient information regarding the two modalities.

Identifying Situational Awareness Behaviors in Trauma Teams; a Nominal Group Technique Study.

Introduction: Situational awareness (SA), as a nontechnical human factor, is critical to the success of a trauma team. This study aimed to identify representatives of behaviors supporting (desirable) and diminishing (undesirable) SA for trauma teams while performing the initial assessment of multi-trauma patients. Methods: This Nominal Group Technique Study was conducted on twenty attending physicians from various specialties affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences, who were invited to a nominal group technique meeting in 2020. Participants were asked to write down their proposed behaviors in silence. Subsequently, each participant shared their list with the group in a round-robin format, and clarifications were made through discussion. After categorizing the ideas, we asked participants to rate each behavior's importance on a five-point Likert scale. The consensus was defined as ≥70% agreement on a rating of 4 and 5. Results: The final SA behaviors for the trauma team consisted of 29 (22 desirable and 7 undesirable) behaviors arranged in seven dimensions: resource allocation, anticipate and plan, avoid fixation errors, call for help if needed, prioritize attention, reassess patient, and shared mental model. The most important desirable and undesirable behaviors were identified in resource allocation (n=8) and avoid fixation errors (n=7) dimensions, respectively. Resource allocation behaviors consist of 'checking necessary equipment', 'allocating an alternative person(s) to do the required task if needed', 'assigning tasks to the right person(s)', and 'Addressing each team member with a requested task'. Avoid fixation errors behaviors were 'insisting on performing the procedure', 'making decisions without considering all available information', and 'emphasizing others' expertise in the diagnostic process'. Conclusion: The proposed team SA behaviors may be used in assessing the trauma team performance and training program to promote trauma team SA.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical education: A survey and narrative review.

Background: Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, medical education has been a concerning issue, especially in surgical fields. Due to the postponement of many elective surgeries and even alternations in the pattern of emergent surgeries, concerns have been raised about whether residents of surgical disciplines are experienced enough after graduation or not. We aimed to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical residency training in different fields. Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with a 20-item questionnaire on residents of surgical disciplines from three different educational hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran in 2020. In addition, we reviewed the current literature regarding the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on surgical education worldwide. Results: Our survey, with a response rate of 56.8% demonstrated significant reduction in the time spent in elective surgeries, surgical clinics and even in emergent surgeries for residents. Besides, it has reported that significant time has been spent in COVID 19 wards which resulted in decreased satisfaction of educational activities. Conclusions: The impacts of COVID 19 pandemic on surgical education are significant and inevitable. Thus, we must integrate novel educational methods in surgical curriculum to optimize training and minimize the adverse effects of the pandemic on surgical education.

The Effect of Softening of Endotracheal Tubes on the Decrement of Postoperative Hoarseness and Sore Throat.

Background: Hoarseness, cough, and sore throat are the most prevalent complications after removing patients' endotracheal tube and general anesthesia. Various methods have been proposed to reduce these complications after intubation. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the effect of softening the endotracheal tube with normal warm saline on reducing post-intubation complications such as sore throat and hoarseness. Methods: This double-blind, randomized controlled trial was performed on patients undergoing general anesthesia at Rasoul Akram and Firoozgar hospitals in Tehran, Iran. In the present study, 58 patients were randomly divided into 2 groups of 29 patients. All patients underwent the same premedication with fentanyl and lidocaine. Anesthesia was induced with propofol and atracurium. Three to 5 minutes after atracurium injection, the laryngoscopy test was performed. Randomly, some patients were intubated with a thermally softened endotracheal tube, and some were intubated with a normal tube. At the end of the operation, when the spontaneous breathing was adequate, and the patients could carry out oral instructions, the endotracheal tube was removed immediately after suctioning. All patients were evaluated for sore throat and hoarseness before discharge from recovery and 24 hours after surgery. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS software package version 25. Results: The mean incidence of sore throat in recovery in the intervention group (20.7%) decreased compared to the control group (75.8%). Moreover, the mean incidence of hoarseness in the intervention group (17.2%) decreased in comparison to the control group (41.4%, P < 0.029). Based on the data of our study, we observed that 24 hours after surgery, the mean incidence of sore throat among the patients of the intervention group was significantly lower compared to the control group, where patients in the intervention group did not feel any sore throat (P < 0.002). We also observed that 24 hours after surgery, the amount of hoarseness in the intervention group (3.4%) also decreased compared to the control group (24.1%, P < 0.022). Conclusions: Based on the results, it can be concluded that thermal softening of the endotracheal tubes with normal warm saline before intubation could be significantly effective in decrement of sore throat and hoarseness during recovery and 24 hours after surgery.