Diagnostic accuracy and complication rate of image-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle lung biopsy for subsolid pulmonary nodules: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives: To determine the diagnostic accuracy and complication rate of percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) for subsolid pulmonary nodules and sources of heterogeneity among reported results. Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane libraries (until November 7, 2020) for studies measuring the diagnostic accuracy of PTNB for subsolid pulmonary nodules. Pooled sensitivity and specificity of PTNB were calculated using a bivariate random-effects model. Bivariate meta-regression analyses were performed to identify sources of heterogeneity. Pooled overall and major complication rates were calculated. Results: We included 744 biopsies from 685 patients (12 studies). The pooled sensitivity and specificity of PTNB for subsolid nodules were 90% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 85–94%) and 99% (95% CI: 92–100%), respectively. Mean age above 65 years was the only covariate significantly associated with higher sensitivity (93% vs 85%, p = 0.04). Core needle biopsy showed marginally higher sensitivity than fine-needle aspiration (93% vs 83%, p = 0.07). Pooled overall and major complication rate of PTNB were 43% (95% CI: 25–62%) and 0.1% (95% CI: 0–0.4%), respectively. Major complication rate was not different between fine-needle aspiration and core needle biopsy groups (p = 0.25). Conclusion: PTNB had acceptable performance and a low major complication rate in diagnosing subsolid pulmonary nodules. The only significant source of heterogeneity in reported sensitivities was a mean age above 65 years. Advances in knowledge: This is the first meta-analysis attempting to systemically determine the cause of heterogeneity in the diagnostic accuracy and complication rate of PTNB for subsolid pulmonary nodules.

Complications of Radiofrequency Ablation for Hepatic Hemangioma: A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis on 291 Cases

PurposeTo report the complications of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatic hemangioma.Patients and MethodsInvestigators from six centers performed RFA for hepatic hemangioma and used a standardized follow-up protocol. Data were collected from 291 patients, including 253 patients with hepatic hemangioma 5 to 9.9 cm in diameter (group A) and 38 with hepatic hemangioma ≥ 10 cm (group B). Technical success, complete ablation, and complications attributed to the RFA procedure were reported. Analysis of variance was used to determine whether the major complication rate was related to tumor size or clinical experience.ResultsA total of 304 lesions were treated in 291 patients. Technical success was achieved without adverse events in all cases. A total of 301 lesions were completely ablated, including 265 of 265 (100%) lesions in group A, and 36 of 39 (92.31%) in group B. The rate of technology-related complications was similar in groups A and B (5.14% (13/253) and 13.16% (5/38), respectively; P = 0.121). Moreover, all technology-related complications occurred during the early learning curve period. The rate of hemolysis-related complications in two groups were 83.40% (211/253) and 100% (38/38) (P =0.007) and the systemic inflammatory response syndrome-related complications in two groups were 33.99% (86/253) and 86.84% (33/38) (P<0.001). There were no delayed complications in either group.ConclusionRFA is minimally invasive, safe, and effective for hepatic hemangiomas 5 to 9.9 cm in diameter. More clinical data are needed to confirm the safety of RFA for hepatic hemangiomas ≥ 10 cm.

Impact of body mass index on the early experience of robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy

Obesity increases surgical morbidity and mortality in open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD). Its influence on robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the impact of body mass index (BMI) on the early experience of RPD. Between June 2015 and April 2020, 68 consecutive RPDs were performed at the National Cheng Kung University Hospital. The patients were categorized as normal-weight (BMI < 23 kg/m2), overweight (BMI = 23–27.5 kg/m2), and obese (BMI > 27.5 kg/m2) according to the definition of obesity in Asian people from the World Health Organization expert consultation. Preoperative characteristics, operative details, and postoperative outcomes were prospectively collected. The cumulative sum was used to assess the learning curves. The average age of the patients was 64.8 ± 11.7 years with an average BMI of 24.6 ± 3.7 kg/m2 (23 normal-weight, 29 overweight, and 16 obese patients). Eighteen patients were required to overcome the learning curve. The overall complication rate was 51.5%, and the major complication rate (Clavien grade ≥ III) was 19.1%. The normal-weight group showed the most favorable outcomes. The blood loss, major complication rate, peripancreatic fluid collection rate, and conversion rate were higher in the obese group than in the non-obese group. There were no differences in the operative time, clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula, postoperative hemorrhage, delayed gastric emptying, bile leak, wound infection, reoperation, hospital stay, and readmission rate between the obese and non-obese groups. Multivariate analysis showed obesity as the only independent factor for major complications (OR: 5.983, CI: 1.394–25.682, p = 0.001), indicating that obesity should be considered as a surgical risk factor during the implementation of RPD.

Learning curve for robot-assisted Ivor Lewis esophagectomy

Summary This study aimed to demonstrate the learning curve of robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE). A retrospective analysis of the first 124 consecutive patients who underwent RAMIE with intrathoracic anastomosis (Ivor Lewis) by a single surgeon between May 2015 and August 2020 was performed. An risk-adjusted cumulative sum (RA-CUSUM) analysis was applied to generate a learning curve of RAMIE considering the major complication rate, which reflected the technical proficiency. The overall 30-day morbidity rate was 38.7%, while the major complication rate was 25.8%. The learning curve was divided into two phases based on the RA-CUSUM analysis: phase I, the initial learning phase (cases 1–51) and phase II, the proficiency phase (cases 52–124). As we compared the proficiency phase with the initial learning phase, significantly decreased trends were observed in relation to the major complication rate (37.3% vs. 18.7%, P = 0.017), total operation time (330.9 ± 55.6 vs. 267.3 ± 39.1 minutes, P &lt; 0.001), and length of hospitalization (10 [IQR, 9–14] days vs. 9 [IQR, 8–11] days, P = 0.034). In conclusion, the learning curve of RAMIE consisted of two phases, and at least 51 cases were required to gain technical proficiency.

Risk Stratification of Elderly Patients Undergoing Spinal Surgery Using the Modified Frailty Index

Study Design: Retrospective cohort. Objectives: To validate the 11-item modified Frailty Index (mFI) as a perioperative risk stratification tool in elderly patients undergoing spine surgery. Methods: All consecutive cases of spine surgery in patients aged 65 years or older between July 2016 and June 2018 at a state-wide trauma center were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcome was post-operative major complication rate (Clavien-Dindo Classification ≥ III). Secondary outcome measures included the rate of all complications, 6-month mortality and surgical site infection. Results: A total of 348 cases were identified. The major complication rate was significantly lower in patients with an mFI of 0 compared to ≥ 0.45 (18.3% versus 42.5%, P = .049). As the mFI increased from 0 to ≥ 0.45 there was a stepwise increase in risk of major complications ( P < .001). Additionally, 6-month mortality rate was considerably lower when the mFI was 0 rather than ≥ 0.27 (4.2% versus 20.4%, P = .007). Multivariate analysis demonstrated an mFI ≥ 0.27 was significantly associated with an increased incidence of major complication (OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.46-5.35, P = .002), all complication (OR 2.93, 95% CI 1.70-15.11, P < .001), 6-month mortality (OR 7.39, 95% CI 2.55-21.43, P < .001) and surgical site infection (OR 4.43, 95% CI 1.71-11.51, P = .002). The American Society of Anesthesiologists’ (ASA) index did not share a stepwise relationship with any outcome. Conclusion: The mFI is significantly associated in a gradated fashion with increased morbidity and mortality. Patients with an mFI ≥ 0.27 are at greater risk of major complications, all-complications, 6-monthy mortality, and surgical site infection.

Retrospective analysis of difficulties during mastoid surgeries in tertiary referral center in Nepal

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Complications can occur during and following mastoidectomy because of the variation in the temporal bone anatomy and surgical factors. The operating surgeon needs to be aware of potential difficulties and their clinical relevance to avoid the dread complication. This study aims to study various per-operative difficulties and complications encountered during mastoid surgery.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A retrospective study was conducted, including 152 cases of chronic otitis media squamous type who underwent mastoidectomy from June 2017 to January 2019. Revision cases and cases with missing records on per-operative findings, early postoperative status, hearing assessment were excluded from the study. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Out of 152 cases, there were 80 males and 72 females with a mean of 27.5 years. Dural plate breach was recognized in 19 cases (12.5%) with iatrogenic injury in 16 cases. Breach of sinus plate and exposure of sigmoid sinus was noted in 11 cases (7.24%) and all were iatrogenic. Korner’s septum was noted in five cases (3.29%). The facial canal was dehiscence in 25 cases (16.4%) with the majority in the horizontal segment, but the sheath was intact in all cases. Immediate postoperative facial nerve palsy was seen in four cases (2.6%). Fistula in the lateral semi-circular canal was noted in two cases. Taste disturbance was noted in 13 cases. Local complications related to the surgical site was seen in 19 cases.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The anatomic variations and surgical difficulty are common in mastoid surgery. The major complication rate is around 2-3% despite various mastoid variation and difficulties.</p>

DVT and Abdominoplasty: A Holistic 8-point Protocol Based Approach to Prevent DVT

Background Plastic surgery as a specialty is afflicted with one of the highest incidence rates of thromboembolic events, with abdominoplasty procedures known to assimilate the greatest rates of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Objectives To develop a prophylactic protocol to reduce the rate of DVT occurrence post-abdominoplasty. Methods A total of 1078 abdominoplasty patients were enrolled onto an 8-point prophylaxis protocol with an inclusive holistic approach over a 7-year period. A 4-week smoking, HRT and COC cessation period was imposed on all patients and a maximum BMI score of 40 was required of all preoperative patients. Participants were administered with compression stockings, flowtrons and enoxaparin. Individuals with a DVT history were also required to be 1-year treatment free prior to surgery. Furthermore, the protocol necessitated post-operative deambulation of fit patients within 4 hours. Results Between 2008 and 2013, no incidence of DVT was recorded in all 1078 abdominoplasty surgery patients, indicating the potential for this protocol to lead to a significantly lower incidence than any previously published methodology. Different hypotheses of DVT proportions were investigated to identify rates statistically significant with our sample, thereby providing conservative incidence rate estimates. Conclusions This 8-point DVT prophylaxis protocol is the first non-criteria based inclusive protocol aimed at preventing abdominoplasty-associated DVT. As a result, not a single incident of DVT was recorded over the seven-year period of this study. We believe that a holistic and procedure-specific approach to prophylaxis can drastically reduce the occurrence of DVT in abdominoplasty surgery. With over 116,000 procedures performed annually in the United States, abdominoplasty has become one of the most popular and sought-after surgeries in the plastic and cosmetic field 1. Despite its ever-increasing popularity and the advancement of techniques, abdominoplasty, as with any other surgery, has its complications. Such complications can include infection, seroma, haematoma, thrombosis, embolism, scarring and even death. Complications rates have been reported as high as 37%, with some studies reporting a 16% major complication rate 2. One of the most serious and troubling complications for both the surgeon and patient is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). With over 1 million patients tested, an estimated 250,000 cases of DVT are diagnosed per year in the United States alone.

Use of microspheres in embolization for unruptured renal angiomyolipomas

Purpose To describe our initial experience with use of microspheres in transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for unruptured sporadic renal angiomyolipomas (AMLs). Materials and methods Seven consecutive patients with seven unruptured sporadic renal AMLs, 6 females and 1 male, with a median age of 45 years (range, 30–69 years), underwent TAE using microspheres between November 2016 and February 2020. We evaluated the technical success rate, complications related to the procedure, clinical success rate, and the shrinkage rate of renal AML. Technical success was defined as the completion of TAE. Clinical success was defined as presence of shrinkage of the renal AML after TAE. Results In all patients, TAE using microspheres was accomplished and technical success rate was 100% (7/7). Three patients exhibited slight pain, but it improved with only observation, and the minor complication rate was 43% (3/7) and major complication rate was 0% (0/7). After the TAE, shrinkage of renal AML was confirmed in 6 of 7 patients, and clinical success rate was 86% (6/7). The median of shrinkage rate was 47% (range, 26–83%) with a median follow-up period of 19 months (range, 4–30 months). Conclusion TAE using microspheres appears to be effective and safe for unruptured sporadic renal AMLs.

Laparoscopic versus open right posterior sectionectomy: an international, multicenter, propensity score-matched evaluation

Background Although laparoscopic liver resection has become the standard for minor resections, evidence is lacking for more complex resections such as the right posterior sectionectomy (RPS). We aimed to compare surgical outcomes between laparoscopic (LRPS) and open right posterior sectionectomy (ORPS). Methods An international multicenter retrospective study comparing patients undergoing LRPS or ORPS (January 2007—December 2018) was performed. Patients were matched based on propensity scores in a 1:1 ratio. Primary endpoint was major complication rate defined as Accordion ≥ 3 grade. Secondary endpoints included blood loss, length of hospital stay (LOS) and resection status. A sensitivity analysis was done excluding the first 10 LRPS patients of each center to correct for the learning curve. Additionally, possible risk factors were explored for operative time, blood loss and LOS. Results Overall, 399 patients were included from 9 centers from 6 European countries of which 150 LRPS could be matched to 150 ORPS. LRPS was associated with a shorter operative time [235 (195–285) vs. 247 min (195–315) p = 0.004], less blood loss [260 (188–400) vs. 400 mL (280–550) p = 0.009] and a shorter LOS [5 (4–7) vs. 8 days (6–10), p = 0.002]. Major complication rate [n = 8 (5.3%) vs. n = 9 (6.0%) p = 1.00] and R0 resection rate [144 (96.0%) vs. 141 (94.0%), p = 0.607] did not differ between LRPS and ORPS, respectively. The sensitivity analysis showed similar findings in the previous mentioned outcomes. In multivariable regression analysis blood loss was significantly associated with the open approach, higher ASA classification and malignancy as diagnosis. For LOS this was the open approach and a malignancy. Conclusion This international multicenter propensity score-matched study showed an advantage in favor of LRPS in selected patients as compared to ORPS in terms of operative time, blood loss and LOS without differences in major complications and R0 resection rate.

Frequency and risk factors for major complications after stereotactic radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors in 1235 ablation sessions: a 15-year experience

Objectives To assess the frequency of major complications after multi-probe stereotactic radiofrequency ablation (SRFA) in a large cohort of patients over 15 years and to elucidate risk factors for adverse events. Materials and methods A retrospective study was carried out between July 2003 and December 2018. Seven hundred ninety-three consecutive patients (median 65.0 years (0.3–88), 241 women and 552 men, were treated in 1235 SRFA sessions for 2475 primary and metastatic liver tumors with a median tumor size of 3.0 cm (0.5–18 cm). The frequency of major complications was evaluated according to SIR guidelines and putative predictors of adverse events analyzed using simple and multivariable logistic regression. Results Thirty-day mortality after SRFA was 0.5% (6/1235) with an overall major complication rate of 7.4% (91/1235). The major complication rate decreased from 11.5% (36/314) (before January 2011) to 6.0% (55/921) (p = 0.001). 50.5% (46/91) of major complications were successfully treated in the same anesthetic session by angiographic coiling for hemorrhage and chest tube insertion for pneumothorax. History of bile duct surgery/intervention, number of coaxial needles, and location of tumors in segment IVa or VIII were independent prognostic factors for major complications following multivariable logistic regression analysis. Simple logistic regression revealed the number of tumors, tumor size, location close to the diaphragm, tumor conglomerate, and segment VII as other significant predictors. Conclusion SRFA of liver tumors is safe and can extend the treatment spectrum of conventional RFA. Adaptations over time combined with increasing experience resulted in a significant decrease in complications. Key Points • In 1235 ablation sessions in 793 patients over 15 years, we found a mortality rate of 0.5% (6/1235) and an overall major complication rate of 7.4%, which fell from 11.5 (36/314) to 6.0% (55/921, p = 0.001) after January 2011, likely due to procedural adaptations. • History of bile duct surgery/intervention (p = 0.013, OR = 3.290), number of coaxial needles (p = 0.026, OR = 1.052), and location of tumors in segment IVa (p = 0.016, OR = 1.989) or VIII (p = 0.038, OR = 1.635) were found to be independent prognostic factors. • Simple logistic regression revealed that number of tumors, tumor size, location close to the diaphragm, tumor conglomerates, and segment VII were other significant predictors of major complications.