Outcomes and complications of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in the elderly: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) may be used to treat degenerative spinal pathologies while reducing risks associated with open procedures. As an increasing number of lumbar fusions are performed in the aging United States population, MIS-TLIF has been widely adopted into clinical practice in recent years. However, its complication rate and functional outcomes in elderly patients remain poorly characterized. The objective of this study was to assess complication rates and functional outcomes in elderly patients (≥ 65 years old) undergoing MIS-TLIF. METHODS The PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched for relevant records in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed original research; English language; full text available; use of MIS-TLIF; and an elderly cohort of at least 5 patients. Risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I (Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies—of Interventions) tool. Pooled complication rates were calculated for elderly patients, with subgroup analyses performed for single versus multiple-level fusions. Complication rates in elderly compared to nonelderly patients were also assessed. Postoperative changes in patient-reported outcomes, including Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) back pain (BP) and leg pain (LP) scores, were calculated. RESULTS Twelve studies were included in the final analysis. Compared to nonelderly patients, MIS-TLIF in elderly patients resulted in significantly higher rates of major (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.07–4.34) and minor (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.22–3.95) complications. The pooled major complication rate in elderly patients was 0.05 (95% CI 0.03–0.08) and the pooled minor complication rate was 0.20 (95% CI 0.13–0.30). Single-level MIS-TLIF had lower major and minor complication rates than multilevel MIS-TLIF, although not reaching significance. At a minimum follow-up of 6 months, the postoperative change in ODI (−30.70, 95% CI −41.84 to −19.55), VAS-BP (−3.87, 95% CI −4.97 to −2.77), and VAS-LP (−5.11, 95% CI −6.69 to −3.53) in elderly patients all exceeded the respective minimum clinically important difference. The pooled rate of fusion was 0.86 (95% CI 0.80–0.90). CONCLUSIONS MIS-TLIF in elderly patients results in a high rate of fusion and significant improvement of patient-reported outcomes, but has significantly higher complication rates than in nonelderly patients. Limitations of this study include heterogeneity in the definition of elderly and limited reporting of risk factors among included studies. Further study of the impact of complications and the factors predisposing elderly patients to poor outcomes is needed.

Study of Effects of Soaking Oro-Pharyngeal Pack with Triamcinolone Acetonide in Or-Base Form on Postoperative Throat Discomfort in Patients Undergoing Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgeries

Background Post-operative throat complaints frequently arise after general anesthesia in the first 2 postoperative days, but they are of limited intensity and duration and often regard it as a relatively minor complication. Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the effect of adding triamcinolone acetonide to Oropharyngeal packs on decreasing the postoperative throat discomfort. Patients and Methods After obtaining approval from the Research Ethical Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University No. FWA 000017585 at 10th of April 2019, this study was conducted in the operating theaters of Otorhinolaryngology department, Ain Shams University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt. Prospective, interventional double – blinded, randomized, controlled trial. Study Period: From 10th of April 2019 to 10th of September 2019. Results Post was followed up in the studied patients in 30 minutes postoperative, and at the duration of 2 to 6 hours postoperative and 24 hours postoperative and the median was calculated. The median IQR of patients who developed sore throat after use of oral packs in our study from 2 to 6 hours postoperative in control group was 4 with range (3 -5), median IQR in study group during the same period was 3 with range (4 -5) with test value 2.194 using Mann-Whitney test with P-value 0.028 with significant result. Conclusion The use of oral packs with triamcinolone acetonide showed lower proportion of patients who developed dysphagia and hoarseness of voice in patients group compared to control group, while no one of the studied patients showed postoperative nausea and vomiting as complication of use of oral packs.

The Result of Re-Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor in Eight Years

Objective: To analyses the residual tumor and staging after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT). Moreover, to analyze the recurrence and free survival patients who received treatment by re-transurethral resection of bladder tumor (RE-TURBT) and their complications. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study from 35 patients operated by RE-TURBT between January 2010 and December 2018 was done. The patients in the present study were qualified by 1) incomplete resection from the first TURBT, 2) the detrusor muscle did not appear in specimen for high grade transition cell carcinoma, 3) any T1 lesion, or 4) large or multifocal lesion. The analysis of the residual tumor included staging, recurrence-free survival, and complication after RE-TURBT from the pathology report and follow up method. Results: Thirty-five patients were included in this study. The average age of the patients operated by RE-TURBT was 69 years old, with a range of 44 to 87 years old. The presenting symptom was hematuria with gross hematuria in 28 patients (80%) and microhematuria in seven patients (20%). Twenty-five patients (71.4%) were male. The relative factor was smoking in 23 patients (65%) and coexisting with irritative voiding symptom in 11 patients (31.4%). The present study found that there was incomplete resection in 11 patients (31.4%), with under-staging in five patients and incomplete resection in six patients. There were 14 months recurrence-free survival and minor complication in RE-TURBT patients. Conclusion: One third of the patients operated by RE-TURBT had unreasonable staging, especially in Ta high grade staging. This could change the treatment in two patients (5.7%), which found minor complication from RE-TURBT, and improve recurrence-free survival. Keywords: Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT); Re Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (Re-TURBT)

APPROACH TO UNCINECTOMY BY SWING DOOR TECHNIQUE VS STANDARD TECHNIQUE – A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Introduction: Uncinectomy is the most important step in endoscopic sinus surgery which can be performed by various methods. The present study aimed to compare the results and complications of performing uncinectomy and middle meatus antrostomy using the standard and swing door techniques during FESS. Methods: In this study, 50 patients of both gender (aged 18–50 years) suffering from chronic maxillary sinusitis underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) from January 2019 to December 2019 at a tertiary care centre. The patients were divided on random basis into two groups of 25. Group Apatients underwent uncinectomy using standard technique while Group B underwent uncinectomy using swing door technique. Results:The mean VAS scores for Group Aand Group B were 78.50 ± 16.63 and 80.58 ± 14.34, respectively, suggesting that Group B patients have better symptomatic improvement. No major complications were observed in both groups. At the end of Week 2, minor complications were observed in 8 (26.7%) of the patients from Group Aand 2 (6.7%) from Group B. By the sixth week, the minor complication rate was 1 (3.3%) and 0 in Group A and Group B, respectively. When compared statistically during the second week using chi-square test, the difference in minor complication rate was found to be statistically signicant (p < 0.05, 2 = 4.81), with lower incidence of complications in Group B. Conclusion: Uncinectomy performed by swing door technique produces better postoperative results, with lesser complications, when compared to the standard technique.

Delayed Recurrent Post Cochlear Implantation Hydroma: A Four Patients Series

Objective: we report our series of late hydroma after cochlear implantation, this complication has not been widely reported in the literature. Method: retrospective study. Results: four children who had undergone a cochlear implantation aged between 3.2 and 5.3 years (median 4.5 years) were studied. The hydroma episode occurred 4 months to 3 years after cochlear implantation. Two patients had two recurrent episodes. No obvious etiological factors were found, including trauma or infection. No patient benefited from a fine needle aspiration or drainage, all the patients were treated with a broad-spectrum antibiotic with corticosteroid and a slightly compressive bandage with good results in all cases. Conclusion: Late-onset hydroma is a minor complication with no obvious etiology and good evolution and risk of recurrence, its management remains no codified due to the limited number of cases reported in the literature.

Prolonged surgical time increases the odds of complications following total knee arthroplasty

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of operating time on complications and readmission within 30 days of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and to determine if there were specific time intervals associated with worse outcomes. Methods: The American College of Surgeons’ National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify patients 18 years of age and older who underwent TKA between 2006 and 2017, using procedural codes. Patient demographic characteristics, operation length and 30-day major and minor complication and readmission rates were captured. We used multivariable regression to determine if the rates of complications and readmission differed depending on the length of the operation, while adjusting for relevant covariables. Results: A total of 263 174 patients who underwent TKA were identified from the database. Their mean age was 66.8 (standard deviation 9.7) years. Within 30 days of the index procedure, 5700 patients (2.2%) experienced a major complication, 5185 (2.0%) experienced a minor complication and 7730 (3.1% of 249 746 patients from 2011 to 2017) were readmitted. Mean operation length was 91.7 minutes (range 30–240 min). After adjustment for relevant covariables, an operating time of 90 minutes or more was a significant predictor of major and minor complications as well as readmission. There was no difference in the odds of complications or readmission for operations lasting 30–49, 50–69 or 70–89 minutes (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Our data suggest that operating times of 90 minutes or more may be associated with an increase in the 30-day odds of complications and readmission following TKA. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and determine the influence of surgical time on outcomes when there is increased case complexity.

Success and reliability of extrafemoral Exoseal vascular closure device: “Off-label” usage

Aim The aim of this study is to present the reliability and efficacy of Exoseal vascular closure device (EVCD) for closure of extrafemoral punctures. Materials and methods All patients who were treated with EVCD following arterial endovascular treatment involving an extrafemoral puncture between April 2013 and January 2014 were examined retrospectively. This study included 11 patients (4 women and 7 men between the ages of 48 and 87 years; average age = 65 years). A total of 13 procedures were performed in 11 patients involving the following access routes: brachial artery (n = 5), popliteal artery (n = 4), and polytetrafluoroethylene graft (n = 4). Results Twelve out of 13 EVCD procedures achieved technical success and procedural success. One minor and one major complications occurred. Both complications were revealed to be pseudoaneurysms, both in the brachial artery. Pseudoaneurysm of the minor complication was treated by Fibrin Sealant (Tisseel) injection guided by ultrasonography and the other pseudoaneurysm was treated by covered stent placement. Conclusions The femoral artery is an essential access route of arterial endovascular procedures; however, in some cases, the extrafemoral arterial route is necessary. In this study, EVCD was found to be useful for closing extrafemoral arterial routes. This study had a limited number of cases and more large-scale studies are needed.

Complications Associated With Midline Incision for Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy

Background: The midline-incision trans-achillary approach (MITA) is frequently used for addressing all pathologies of insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT). The aim of this study was to assess the complication rate and possible influencing factors following a MITA for IAT treatment. Methods: Presented is a retrospective cohort study with current follow-up. Patients treated surgically by a MITA, addressing all pathologies of IAT, between January 2010 and October 2016 at a single reference center with at least 12 months of follow-up were included. General demographics (age, sex, and body mass index), medical history, surgical details (individual and sum of pathologies addressed), and duration of in-hospital stay were assessed. Patient satisfaction, shoe conflict, current employment status, time to return to sports, and type of sports were recorded using a custom questionnaire. Standard statistics, chi-square, and t tests were performed using SPSS. A total of 118 patients (follow-up, 63.4%) with a mean age (± SD) of 50 ± 12 years and a mean final follow-up time (± SD) of 4.2 ± 2.1 were included. Results: Fourteen percent of patients had a minor complication, the majority (75%) of which were surgical site infections. Forty-one percent were limited in their shoe selection, and 32% reported a shoe conflict. Seventy-eight percent were very satisfied, and 89% would recommend the surgery. Neither the individual surgical procedures, their sum, nor any other parameter showed a significant influence on the complication rate. The only factor negatively affecting patient satisfaction was a shoe conflict ( P < .001). Conclusion: The MITA for IAT treatment showed a moderate minor complication rate with good midterm patient satisfaction. However, the approach might predispose patients to shoe conflict, which negatively influences their satisfaction. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective cohort study.

Two-Stage Pediatric Penile Reconstruction after Postcircumcision Gangrene

Background Postcircumcision penile gangrene is a devastating complication that may lead to total or subtotal penile loss requiring penile reconstruction. Pediatric penile reconstruction poses diverse challenges for most plastic surgeon. Patients and Methods Retrospective cohort study of 12 children ranged from 6 to 36 months old suffered from total or partial penile loss secondary to electrocautery burn during circumcisions. Reconstruction was done by island groin flap for phallus in first stage and urethral reconstruction by tubularized scrotal flap 6 months later. The outcome was evaluated by assessment of flap survival, the esthetic appearance, urethral competence and rate of complication. Results Follow-up was ranged from 6 to 24 months. A new phallus of satisfactory dimensions was achieved in all cases. Complications included partial necrosis of the flap in two cases, fistulas in two cases, and stenosis of the urethral anastomosis in one case. These complications were successfully resolved by corrective surgery. Good satisfactory result regarded as shape and urination stream. Conclusion Penile reconstruction can be performed in children with good results and low complication rate. The use of island groin flap for phallus reconstruction followed by urethral reconstruction by tubularized scrotal flap 6 months later was found effective, time saving, and with minor complication.

Evaluation of Endovenous Laser Ablation in Management of Varicose Veins

Background There have been tremendous changes to the treatment of varicose veins over the years. High ligation of the SFJ and stripping of the GSV have been considered as standard treatments for GSV insufficiency for more than one century and it is still adopted as the preferred method in the majority of the surgical centers. Aim of the Work To discuss the advances in the treatment of varicose veins and their advantages over traditional methods in an attempt to choose the best method of treatment with least complications and highest success rate of cure and to review the recently advanced endovenous laser ablation as a promising line of management of primary varicose veins. Patients and Methods This observational prospective was conducted on 30 patients 30 patients with varicose veins in multiple centers carrying out endovenous laser ablation.during the period from October 2017 till March 2018. Results After the EVL ablation +/- sclerotherapy, no major complications occurred, minor complication however, was quite common and included bruising (33.3%), ecchymosis (16.6%), postoperative pain (66%) that require analgesic, superficial thrombophlebitis (16.6%) and skin burn (3.3%). Conclusion EVLA is continuing to be an outstanding minimal invasive method for treatment of varicose veins with minimal complications and a very short recovery period which sounds appealing to the patients.