Long-Term Follow-Up of Early Cochlear Implant Device Activation

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Stefanie Bruschke ◽  
Uwe Baumann ◽  
Timo Stöver

Background: The cochlear implant (CI) is a standard procedure for the treatment of patients with severe to profound hearing loss. In the past, a standard healing period of 3–6 weeks occurred after CI surgery before the sound processor was initially activated. Advancements of surgical techniques and instruments allow an earlier initial activation of the processor within 14 days after surgery. Objective: Evaluation of the early CI device activation after CI surgery within 14 days, comparison to the first activation after 4–6 weeks, and assessment of the feasibility and safety of the early fitting over a 12 month observation period were the objectives of this study. Method: In a prospective study, 127 patients scheduled for CI surgery were divided into early fitting group (EF, n = 67) and control group (CG, n = 60). Individual questionnaires were used to evaluate medical and technical outcomes of the EF. Medical side effects, speech recognition, and follow-up effort were compared with the CG within the first year after CI surgery. Results: The early fitting was feasible in 97% of the EF patients. In the EF, the processor was activated 25 days earlier than in the CG. No major complications were observed in either group. At the follow-up appointments, side effects such as pain and balance problems occurred with comparable frequency in both groups. At initial fitting, the EF showed a significantly higher incidence of medical minor complications (p < 0.05). When developing speech recognition within the first year of CI use, no difference was observed. Furthermore, the follow-up effort within the first year after CI surgery was comparable in both groups. Conclusions: Early fitting of the sound processor is a feasible and safe procedure with comparable follow-up effort. Although more early minor complications were observed in the EF, there were no long-term wound healing problems caused by the early fitting. Regular inspection of the magnet strength is recommended as part of the CI follow-up since postoperative wound swelling must be expected. The early fitting procedure enabled a clear reduction in the waiting time between CI surgery and initial sound processor activation.

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yevhen Haidarzhi ◽  
Andrii Nykonenko

Abstract   Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication (LNF) is well-established surgical treatment of GERD with best long-term postoperative outcomes in controlling reflux. Usually it is associated with a high risk of dysphagia, flatulence, inability to belch, bloating, which appear due to total over-tight wrap around esophagus. Partial fundoplication can avoid these effects, but unfortunately does not have the same long-term postoperative reflux control. So, new approach to prophylaxis of post-fundoplication side effects during LNF is needed. Methods Modified extra-soft LNF for GERD during 2016–2020 years were proposed in 75 patients. Prior to the fundoplication wrap formation the operation was performed according to the standard procedure. The proposed surgical techniques were: performing of an extra mobilization of the stomach (mandatory fundus and more ½ part of a large curvature) by crossing the gastro-splenic ligament completely and the gastro-colonic ligament partially and formation of a short extra-soft fundoplication wrap around the esophagus less 1.5 cm in the length with no more than 3 non-absorbable sutures with obligatory fixation to the esophagus. We examined twelve months follow-up. Results Along with the disappearance of GERD symptoms, no post-fundoplication dysphagia, flatulence, inability to belch and bloating were marked in any patient. Routine application of the above-described techniques allowed us to perform a modified LNF in all 75 patients by the extra mobilization of the stomach and formation of an extra-soft total fundoplication wrap with obligatory fixation to the esophagus without mandatory use of a thick (56–60 Fr) gastric fundoplication tube. Conclusion According to our study, in comparison with standard LNF, the proposed surgical techniques is effective in the prevention of post-fundoplication complications (dysphagia, flatulence, inability to belch, bloating) and support routine use of this modified Laparoscopic Nissen Extra Soft Fundoplication in treatment of GERD.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 279-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Merve Ozbal Batuk ◽  
Mehmet Yarali ◽  
Betul Cicek Cinar ◽  
Aysun Parlak Kocabay ◽  
Munir Demir Bajin ◽  
...  

Background: Cochlear implantation (CI) is an effective treatment option for patients with severe-to-profound hearing loss. When CI first started, it was recommended to wait until at least 4 weeks after the CI surgery for the initial activation because of possible complications. Advances in the surgical techniques and experiences in fitting have made initial activation possible within 24 h. Objectives: To compare the complaints and complications after early activation between behind-the-ear (BTE) and off-the-ear (OTE) sound processors and to show the impact of early activation on the electrode impedance values. Method: CI surgeries performed between March 2013 and July 2018 were retrospectively analyzed from the database. In total, 294 CI users were included in the present study. The impedance measurements were analyzed postoperatively at the initial activation prior to the stimulation, and 4 weeks after the initial activation in the first-month follow-up visit. A customized questionnaire was administered in the first-month follow-up fitting session to caregivers and/or patients who were using CI at least for 6 months. Medical records were also reviewed to identify any postoperative complications. Results: In the early activation group, impedance values were significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.05) at first fitting. At the first-month follow-up, no significant difference was found between the groups (p > 0.05). The most common side effects were reported to be edema (6.1%) and pain (5.7%) in the early activation group. In patients with OTE sound processors, the rate of side effects such as skin infection, wound swelling, skin hyperemia, and pain was higher than in patients with BTE sound processors; however, a statistical significance was only observed in wound swelling (p = 0.005). Selecting the appropriate magnet was defined as a problem for the OTE sound processors during the initial activation. Conclusion: This study revealed that early activation of CI was clinically safe and feasible in patients with BTE sound processors. When using OTE sound processors, the audiologists should be careful during the activation period and inform patients of possible side effects. The first fitting should be delayed for 4 weeks after CI for OTE sound processors. This current study is the first to report this finding with 5 years of experience in a large cohort.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Teresa G. Vos ◽  
Kevin D. Brown ◽  
Emily Buss ◽  
Andrea L. Bucker ◽  
Matthew M. Dedmon ◽  
...  

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The objective of this study was to assess the influence of postponing the first post-activation follow-up due to the COVID-19 pandemic on the aided sound field detection thresholds and speech recognition of cochlear implant (CI) users. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A retrospective review was performed at a tertiary referral center. Two groups of adult CI recipients were evaluated: (1) patients whose first post-activation follow-up was postponed due to COVID-19 closures (postponed group; <i>n</i> = 10) and (2) a control group that attended recommended post-activation follow-ups prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (control group; <i>n</i> = 18). For both groups, electric thresholds were estimated at initial activation based on comfort levels and were measured behaviorally at subsequent post-activation follow-ups. For the control group, behavioral thresholds were measured at the 1-month follow-up. For the postponed group, behavioral thresholds were not measured until 3 months post-activation since the 1-month follow-up was postponed. The aided pure-tone average (PTA) and word recognition results were compared between groups at the 3-month follow-up and at an interim visit 2–9 weeks later. <b><i>Results:</i></b> At the 3-month follow-up, the postponed group had significantly poorer word recognition (23 vs. 42%, <i>p</i> = 0.027) and aided PTA (42 vs. 37 dB HL, <i>p</i> = 0.041) than the control group. No significant differences were observed between 3-month data from the control group and interim data from the postponed group. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The postponed follow-up after CI activation was associated with poorer outcomes, both in terms of speech recognition and aided audibility. However, these detrimental effects were reversed following provision of an individualized map, with behaviorally measured electric threshold and comfort levels. While adult CI recipients demonstrate an improvement in speech recognition with estimated electric thresholds, the present results suggest that behavioral mapping within the initial weeks of device use may support optimal outcomes.


VASA ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 474-481 ◽  
Author(s):  
Radak ◽  
Babic ◽  
Ilijevski ◽  
Jocic ◽  
Aleksic ◽  
...  

Background: To evaluate safety, short and long-term graft patency, clinical success rates, and factors associated with patency, limb salvage and mortality after surgical reconstruction in patients younger than 50 years of age who had undergone unilateral iliac artery bypass surgery. Patients and methods: From January 2000 to January 2010, 65 consecutive reconstructive vascular operations were performed in 22 women and 43 men of age < 50 years with unilateral iliac atherosclerotic lesions and claudication or chronic limb ischemia. All patients were followed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery and every 6 months thereafter. Results: There was in-hospital vascular graft thrombosis in four (6.1 %) patients. No in-hospital deaths occurred. Median follow-up was 49.6 ± 33 months. Primary patency rates at 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year were 92.2 %, 85.6 %, 73.6 %, and 56.5 %, respectively. Seven patients passed away during follow-up of which four patients due to coronary artery disease, two patients due to cerebrovascular disease and one patient due to malignancy. Limb salvage rate after 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year follow-up was 100 %, 100 %, 96.3 %, and 91.2 %, respectively. Cox regression analysis including age, sex, risk factors for vascular disease, indication for treatment, preoperative ABI, lesion length, graft diameter and type of pre-procedural lesion (stenosis/occlusion), showed that only age (beta - 0.281, expected beta 0.755, p = 0.007) and presence of diabetes mellitus during index surgery (beta - 1.292, expected beta 0.275, p = 0.026) were found to be significant predictors of diminishing graft patency during the follow-up. Presence of diabetes mellitus during index surgery (beta - 1.246, expected beta 0.291, p = 0.034) was the only variable predicting mortality. Conclusions: Surgical treatment for unilateral iliac lesions in patients with premature atherosclerosis is a safe procedure with a low operative risk and acceptable long-term results. Diabetes mellitus and age at index surgery are predictive for low graft patency. Presence of diabetes is associated with decreased long-term survival.


2013 ◽  
Vol 154 (33) ◽  
pp. 1291-1296 ◽  
Author(s):  
László Romics Jr. ◽  
Sophie Barrett ◽  
Sheila Stallard ◽  
Eva Weiler-Mithoff

Introduction: (Pre)malignant lesion in the breast requiring mastectomy conventionally may be treated with breast conservation by using oncoplastic breast surgical techniques, which is called therapeutic mammaplasty. However, no reliable data has been published so far as regards the oncological safety of this method. Aim: The aim of the authors was to analyse the oncological safety of therapeutic mammaplasty in a series of patients. Method: 99 patients were treated with therapeutic mammaplasty and data were collected in a breast surgical database prospectively. Results were analysed with respect to intraoperative, postoperative and long-term oncological safety. Results: Incomplete resection rate was 14.1%, which correlated with tumour size (p = 0.023), and multifocality (p = 0.012). Time between surgery (therapeutic mammaplasty) and chemotherapy was similar to time between conventional breast surgeries (wide excision, mastectomy, mastectomy with immediate reconstruction) and chemotherapy (mean 29–31 days; p<0.05). Overall recurrence rate was 6.1%, locoregional recurrence rate was 2% during 27 month (1–88) mean follow-up. Conclusions: Since literature data are based on relatively short follow-up and low patient number, it is highly important that all data on therapeutic mammaplasty is collected in a prospectively maintained breast surgical database in order to determine true recurrence after long-follow-up. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 1291–1296.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 415-422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bianca K. den Ottelander ◽  
Robbin de Goederen ◽  
Marie-Lise C. van Veelen ◽  
Stephanie D. C. van de Beeten ◽  
Maarten H. Lequin ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEThe authors evaluated the long-term outcome of their treatment protocol for Muenke syndrome, which includes a single craniofacial procedure.METHODSThis was a prospective observational cohort study of Muenke syndrome patients who underwent surgery for craniosynostosis within the first year of life. Symptoms and determinants of intracranial hypertension were evaluated by longitudinal monitoring of the presence of papilledema (fundoscopy), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA; with polysomnography), cerebellar tonsillar herniation (MRI studies), ventricular size (MRI and CT studies), and skull growth (occipital frontal head circumference [OFC]). Other evaluated factors included hearing, speech, and ophthalmological outcomes.RESULTSThe study included 38 patients; 36 patients underwent fronto-supraorbital advancement. The median age at last follow-up was 13.2 years (range 1.3–24.4 years). Three patients had papilledema, which was related to ophthalmological disorders in 2 patients. Three patients had mild OSA. Three patients had a Chiari I malformation, and tonsillar descent < 5 mm was present in 6 patients. Tonsillar position was unrelated to papilledema, ventricular size, or restricted skull growth. Ten patients had ventriculomegaly, and the OFC growth curve deflected in 3 patients. Twenty-two patients had hearing loss. Refraction anomalies were diagnosed in 14/15 patients measured at ≥ 8 years of age.CONCLUSIONSPatients with Muenke syndrome treated with a single fronto-supraorbital advancement in their first year of life rarely develop signs of intracranial hypertension, in accordance with the very low prevalence of its causative factors (OSA, hydrocephalus, and restricted skull growth). This illustrates that there is no need for a routine second craniofacial procedure. Patient follow-up should focus on visual assessment and speech and hearing outcomes.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baoshan Li ◽  
Xin Zhang ◽  
Yi Man ◽  
Jiadong Xie ◽  
Wei Hu ◽  
...  

Abstract Porcine small intestine submucosa (SIS) biologic patch has been used in inguinal hernia repair. However, there are little data available to assess the long-term effect after repair. This study aimed to explore the long-term effect of SIS patch in open inguinal hernia repair. Sevent-six patients with unilateral inguinal hernia were treated with Lichtenstein tension-free hernia repair using SIS patch (Beijing Datsing Bio-Tech Co., Ltd.) and Surgisis patch (COOK, USA) in Tianjin Union Medical Center and China-Japan Friendship Hospital. In the trial, the long-term efficacy of the treatment group and the control group were compared. A total of 66 patients in both groups received long-term follow-up (&gt; 5 years) after surgery, with a follow-up rate of 86.8%. During the follow-up period, there was one case of recurrence, one case of chronic pain in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference (P &gt; 0.05) in terms of recurrence, chronic pain, foreign body sensation and infection between the two groups of patients. After long-term observations, it has been found that the porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) biological patch is safe and effective for inguinal hernia Lichtenstein repair, and has a low recurrence rate and complication rate.


Author(s):  
Claire Marcus Bernstein ◽  
Diane Majerus Brewer ◽  
Matthew H. Bakke ◽  
Anne D. Olson ◽  
Elizabeth Jackson Machmer ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Increasing numbers of adults are receiving cochlear implants (CIs) and many achieve high levels of speech perception and improved quality of life. However, a proportion of implant recipients still struggle due to limited speech recognition and/or greater communication demands in their daily lives. For these individuals a program of aural rehabilitation (AR) has the potential to improve outcomes. Purpose The study investigated the effects of a short-term AR intervention on speech recognition, functional communication, and psychosocial outcomes in post lingually deafened adult CI users. Research Design The experimental design was a multisite clinical study with participants randomized to either an AR treatment or active control group. Each group completed 6 weekly 90-minute individual treatment sessions. Assessments were completed pretreatment, 1 week and 2 months post-treatment. Study Sample Twenty-five post lingually deafened adult CI recipients participated. AR group: mean age 66.2 (48–80); nine females, four males; months postactivation 7.7 (3–16); mean years severe to profound deafness 18.4 (2–40). Active control group: mean age 62.8 (47–85); eight females, four males; months postactivation 7.0 (3–13); mean years severe to profound deafness 18.8 (1–55). Intervention The AR protocol consisted of auditory training (words, sentences, speech tracking), and psychosocial counseling (informational and communication strategies). Active control group participants engaged in cognitive stimulation activities (e.g., crosswords, sudoku, etc.). Data Collection and Analysis Repeated measures ANOVA or analysis of variance, MANOVA or multivariate analysis of variance, and planned contrasts were used to compare group performance on the following measures: CasperSent; Hearing Handicap Inventory; Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire; Client Oriented Scale of Improvement; Glasgow Benefit Inventory. Results The AR group showed statistically significant improvements on speech recognition performance, psychosocial function, and communication goals with no significant improvement seen in the control group. The two groups were statistically equivalent on all outcome measures at preassessment. The robust improvements for the AR group were maintained at 2 months post-treatment. Conclusion Results of this clinical study provide evidence that a short-term AR intervention protocol can maximize outcomes for adult post lingually deafened CI users. The impact of this brief multidimensional AR intervention to extend CI benefit is compelling, and may serve as a template for best practices with adult CI users.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michał Waszczykowski ◽  
Bożena Dziankowska-Bartkowiak ◽  
Michał Podgórski ◽  
Jarosław Fabiś ◽  
Arleta Waszczykowska

AbstractThe aim of this study was to estimate the long-term results of complex and supervised rehabilitation of the hands in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. Fifty-one patients were enrolled in this study: 27 patients (study group) were treated with a 4-week complex, supervised rehabilitation protocol. The control group of 24 patients was prescribed a home exercise program alone. Both groups were evaluated at baseline and after 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-months of follow-up with the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DAHS) as the primary outcome, pain (VAS—visual analog scale), Cochin Hand Function Scale (CHFS), Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI), Scleroderma-HAQ (SHAQ), range of motion (d-FTP—delta finger to palm, Kapandji finger opposition test) and hand grip and pinch as the secondary outcomes. Only the study group showed significant improvements in the DASH, VAS, CHFS and SHAQ after 1, 3 and 6 months of follow-up (P = 0.0001). Additionally, moderate correlations between the DASH, CHFS and SHAQ (R = 0.7203; R = 0.6788; P = 0.0001) were found. Complex, supervised rehabilitation improves hand and overall function in SSc patients up to 6 months after the treatment but not in the long term. The regular repetition of this rehabilitation program should be recommended every 3–6 months to maintain better hand and overall function.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7_suppl4) ◽  
pp. 2325967121S0020
Author(s):  
Michael Ryan ◽  
Benton Emblom ◽  
E. Lyle Cain ◽  
Jeffrey Dugas ◽  
Marcus Rothermich

Objectives: While numerous studies exist evaluating the short-term clinical outcomes for patients who underwent arthroscopy for osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum, literature on long-term clinical outcomes for a relatively high number of this subset of patients from a single institution is limited. We performed a retrospective analysis on all patients treated surgically for OCD of the capitellum at our institution from January 2001 to August 2018. Our hypothesis was that clinical outcomes for patients treated arthroscopically for OCD of the capitellum would be favorable, with improved subjective pain scores and acceptable return to play for these patients. Methods: Inclusion criteria for this study included the diagnosis and surgical treatment of OCD of the capitellum treated arthroscopically with greater than 2-year follow-up. Exclusion criteria included any surgical treatment on the ipsilateral elbow prior to the first elbow arthroscopy for OCD at our institution, a missing operative report, and/or any portions of the arthroscopic procedure that were done open. Follow-up was achieved over the phone by a single author using three questionnaires: American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons – Elbow (ASES-E), Andrews/Carson KJOC, and our institution-specific return-to-play questionnaire. Results: After the inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to our surgical database, our institution identified 101 patients eligible for this study. Of these patients, 3 were then excluded for incomplete operative reports, leaving 98 patients. Of those 98 patients, 81 were successfully contacted over the phone for an 82.7% follow-up rate. The average age for this group at arthroscopy was 15.2 years old and average post-operative time at follow-up was 8.2 years. Of the 81 patients, 74 had abrasion chondroplasty of the capitellar OCD lesion (91.4%) while the other 7 had minor debridement (8.6%). Of the 74 abrasion chondroplasties, 29 of those had microfracture, (39.2% of that subgroup and 35.8% of the entire inclusion group). Of the microfracture group, 4 also had an intraarticular, iliac crest, mesenchymal stem-cell injection into the elbow (13.7% of capitellar microfractures, 5.4% of abrasion chondroplasties, and 4.9% of the inclusion group overall). Additional arthroscopic procedures included osteophyte debridement, minor synovectomies, capsular releases, manipulation under anesthesia, and plica excisions. Nine patients had subsequent revision arthroscopy (11.1% failure rate, 5 of which were at our institution and 4 of which were elsewhere). There were also 3 patients within the inclusion group that had ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction/repair (3.7%, 1 of which was done at our institution and the other 2 elsewhere). Lastly, 3 patients had shoulder operations on the ipsilateral extremity (3.7%, 1 operation done at our institution and the other 2 elsewhere). To control for confounding variables, scores for the questionnaires were assessed only for patients with no other surgeries on the operative arm following arthroscopy (66 patients). This group had an adjusted average follow-up of 7.9 years. For the ASES-E questionnaire, the difference between the average of the ASES-E function scores for the right and the left was 0.87 out of a maximum of 36. ASES-E pain was an average of 2.37 out of a max pain scale of 50 and surgical satisfaction was an average of 9.5 out of 10. The average Andrews/Carson score out of a 100 was 91.5 and the average KJOC score was 90.5 out of 100. Additionally, out of the 64 patients evaluated who played sports at the time of their arthroscopy, 3 ceased athletic participation due to limitations of the elbow. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study demonstrated an excellent return-to-play rate and comparable subjective long-term questionnaire scores with a 11.1% failure rate following arthroscopy for OCD of the capitellum. Further statistical analysis is needed for additional comparisons, including return-to-play between different sports, outcome comparisons between different surgical techniques performed during the arthroscopies, and to what degree the size of the lesion, number of loose bodies removed or other associated comorbidities can influence long-term clinical outcomes.


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