Epidemiological Characteristics of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries in Multi-Center Retrospective Study in Northwest China, 2017-2020.

Introduction: Traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCI) are worldwide public health problems. There has been a lack of extensive multi-center study of TSCI epidemiology in Northwest China in pre- and post-pandemic period of COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A multi-center retrospective study of 14 hospitals of Northwest China was conducted on patients with TSCI between 2017 and 2020. Variables assessed included patient demographics, etiology, segmental distribution, treatment, waiting time for treatment and outcomes.Results: The number of patients with TSCI showed an increasing trend from 2017 to 2019 while there were fewer patients in 2020 than in 2019. The male-to-female ratio was 3.67:1 and the mean age was 48±14.9. The major cause of TSCI was high fall (38.8%), low fall (27.7%), traffic accidents (23.9%), sports (2.6%) and others (7.0%). The segmental distribution showed a bimodal pattern, peak segments were C6 and Tl1, L1(14.7%) was the most frequently injured segments. Incomplete injury (72.8%) occurred more often than complete injury (27.2%). ASIA scale of most patients did not change before and after treatment both in operational or conservative group. 975 patients from urban and 1646 patients from rural areas were conducted, most urban residents could rush to get treatment after injured immediately (<1 h), whereas most rural patients get treatment spend several hours since injured. The rough annual incidence from 2017-2020 are 112.4, 143.4,152.2 and 132.6 per million people calculated by the population-coverage-rate.Conclusion: The incidence of TSCI in Northwest China is high and growing. However, under the pandemic policy reasons, it has decreased in 2020. The promotion of online work may be an effective primary prevention measures for trauma. Also, due to the distance from the hospitals with proper conditions, rural patients need to spend long time to there, the timely treatment of them should be paid attention.

Analysis of Fracture Midshaft Clavicle Treated by Intramedullary Device Versus Conservative

Clavicle fractures account for about 2.6 to 4 % of all fractures. The best method to treat the displaced midshaft fracture of the clavicle remains a topic of debate. Although there is a large number of studies published about this topic, it is still relatively unknown as to which modality provides better long term functional outcomes and low complications rates. In our study, we have analyzed midshaft clavicle fracture treated with intramedullary device versus conservatively in terms of clinical, functional and radiological outcomes. The mean age of the patients in our study was 35.766 years. Male: Female ratio was 5.0:1.0. The mean time interval between injury and intervention was 2.1 days. Out of 30 patients, 11 patients (36.666%) had left sided fractures, while 19 patients (63.333%) had right sided fractures. Out of 30 patients, 12 patients (40%) had type 2B1 fracture according to Robinson's classification, followed by type 11 patients (36.666%) type 2B2, 6 patients (20%) type 2A1 and 1 patient (3.333%) type 2A2 fracture. Inoperative group, the mean Constant and Murley score before the intervention, at 1 month follow up, 3 months follow up and at 6 months follow up were 47.46, 76.73, 82.8 and 90.73, while in a conservative group, it was 47.53, 71.66, 79.2 and 89.46 respectively. Inoperative group, the mean Q-DASH score before the intervention, at 1 month follow up, 3 months follow up and at 6 months follow up were 29.33, 19.33, 16.86 and 13.8, while in a conservative group, it was 31.266, 22.533, 18.8 and 15.66 respectively. The final outcome, on the basis of the final Constant and Murley score in 13 patients (43.33%), was excellent, 11 patients (36.66%) was good and 6 patients (20%) was fair. Inoperative group, complications were seen in 6 patients (40%), while in the conservative group, complications were seen in 10 patients (66.66%). Thus, the functional, clinical and radiological outcome of the patients managed surgically with an intramedullary device was significantly better when compared with patients treated conservatively.

Effect of Minimally Invasive Puncture Drainage and Conservative Treatment on Prognosis of Patients with Cerebral Hemorrhage

The objective of this study was to explore the effect of minimally invasive puncture drainage under unsupervised learning algorithm and conservative treatment on the prognosis of patients with cerebral hemorrhage. Fifty patients with cerebral hemorrhage were selected as the research objects. The CT images of patients were segmented by unsupervised learning algorithm, and the application value of unsupervised learning algorithm on CT images of patients with cerebral hemorrhage was evaluated. According to the treatment wishes of the patients themselves and their authorizers, they were divided into 30 patients with cerebral hemorrhage in the minimally invasive group and 20 patients with cerebral hemorrhage in the conservative group. The incidence rate of complications of cerebral hemorrhage, the length of hospitalization of the two groups, hematoma volume at admission, 3 days and 7 days after operation, and the hematoma dissipation rate on the 3rd and 7th day after operation were used as the evaluation index of therapeutic effect. MRS and ADL scores were used as prognostic indicators. The results show that K-means clustering algorithm has high quality and short time for CT image segmentation. The overall incidence rate of complications in minimally invasive group was 10%, lower than that in conservative group (25%) ( P < 0.05 ), and the length of hospitalization in minimally invasive group was longer than that in conservative group ( P < 0.05 ). The hematoma volume of minimally invasive group was 16.5 ± 2.4 mL on the 3rd day after operation, and that of conservative group was 27.4 ± 1.8 mL. There was significant difference between the two groups ( P < 0.05 ). In addition, CT showed that the hematoma reduction degree of minimally invasive group was higher than that of conservative group, and the hematoma dissipation rate was higher than that of conservative group on the 3rd and 7th day ( P < 0.05 ). The good MRS score in minimally invasive group was 3.15 times that in conservative group, and the good ADL score was 1.6 times that in conservative group, and there was significant difference in the total score between the two groups ( P < 0.05 ). Minimally invasive puncture drainage is better than conservative treatment in the clearance of hematoma, which is conducive to the recovery of neurological function and daily life of patients with cerebral hemorrhage and is of great help to the prognosis of patients.

Anastomotic Leaks following Esophagectomy for Esophageal and Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer: The Key Is the Multidisciplinary Management

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy is associated with high mortality and impaired quality of life. <b><i>Aim:</i></b> The objective of this work was to determine the effectiveness of management of esophageal anastomotic leakage (EAL) after esophagectomy for esophageal and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Patients submitted to esophagectomy for esophageal and GEJ cancer at a tertiary oncology hospital between 2014 and 2019 (<i>n</i> = 119) were retrospectively reviewed and EAL risk factors and its management outcomes determined. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Older age and nodal disease were identified as independent risk factors for anastomotic leak (adjusted OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.00–1.13, and adjusted OR 4.89, 95% CI 1.09–21.8). Patients with EAL spent more days in the intensive care unit (ICU; median 14 vs. 4 days) and had higher 30-day mortality (15 vs. 2%) and higher in-hospital mortality (35 vs. 4%). The first treatment option was surgical in 13 patients, endoscopic in 10, and conservative in 3. No significant differences were noticeable between these patients, but sepsis and large leakages were tendentially managed by surgery. At follow-up, 3 patients in the surgery group (23%) and 9 in the endoscopic group (90%) were discharged under an oral diet (<i>p</i> = 0.001). The in-hospital mortality rate was 38% in the surgical group, 33% in the conservative group, and 10% in endoscopic group (<i>p</i> = 0.132). In patients with EAL, the presence of septic shock at leak diagnosis was the only predictor of mortality (<i>p</i> = 0.004). ICU length-of-stay was non-significantly lower in the endoscopic therapy group (median 4 days, vs. 16 days in the surgical group, <i>p</i> = 0.212). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Risk factors for EAL may help change pre-procedural optimization. The results of this study suggest including an endoscopic approach for EAL.

Arthroscopic capsular release for adhesive capsulitis secondary to diabetes provides better functional outcome than conservative management

Objectives: Comparison of outcome of subacromial bursal resection with capsular release for adhesive capsulitis of shoulder secondary to diabetes, with conservative management. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 68 patients of adhesive capsulitis of shoulder secondary to diabetes. The patients were divided into two groups: Arthroscopic capsular release group (group I n 32) and Conservative management group (Group II n 36) after fulfilling inclusion/ exclusion criteria. Follow-up was done at 2, 6, 24 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. In addition to pre-operative measurement, at each follow-up pain was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS), range of motion (ROM) was assessed by goniometer and functional outcome was assessed by Constant-Murley score. Values obtained were filled in Excel sheet and analyzed by independent t-test, Wilcoxon Rankosin test, and Analysis of Variance test on Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Results: Two patients in Group I and six in Group II were lost to follow-up. There was statistically significant improvement in VAS of both groups at each follow-up, but the noticeable difference was that the patients in arthroscopic release group were pain free by 6 weeks and the pain relief was sustained till final follow-up. In contrast, though there was pain relief in conservative group but they were not completely pain free till final follow-up. There was statistically significant improvement in Constant Murley score in both groups at each follow-up but arthroscopic release group achieved near normal score by 6 months and the improvement was maintained till last follow-up. The comparison of mean and median values of ROM, between the arthroscopic capsular release group and conservative group were statistically significant (P value of 0.001) for each movement. Conclusion: The improvement in ROM, decrease in pain, and functional outcome are better in diabetic patients with adhesive capsulitis undergoing Arthroscopic capsular release than conservative management.

Long-term results of treatment of pharmacoresistant temporal lobe epilepsy

The aim of the study wasto evaluate the long-term results ofsurgicaltreatment of patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy.Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of treatment outcomes in patients with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy was performed. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 96 patients were selected for the study. Group 1 contained 49 operated patients with MR-positive epilepsy and Group 2 contained 47 operated patients with MR-ne‑ gative epilepsy. The control group consisted of 53 unoperated patients. The outcomes ofsurgical treatment were assessed after 6, 12, and 24 months. Results. Unfavorable outcomes occurred more frequently among nonoperated patients compared to both surgical groups (p <0.001). The probability of the 2-year remission after surgery in operated MRI positive patients was 60 %, in MRI negative group was 45 %, and in conservative group – only 2 %. The mean duration of the seizures-free period was greatest̆in the MRI positive surgical group (15.4 ± 1.5 months), and shortest in the control group (3.3 ± 0.9 months).Conclusion. The presented results prove the effectiveness and safety of surgical treatment of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.

Study of mid and long term outcome of hip fracture in elderly operated within 48 hours versus conservative management

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background: </strong>Hip fractures are commonly associated with high morbidities and mortalities. This study aimed to determine post-hip fracture outcomes and survival among patients who underwent operation within 48 hours of fracture diagnosis and among those being treated conservatively.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Hospital Seberang Jaya among patients diagnosed with hip fracture from January to December 2016; confirmed clinical and radiological method. Descriptive analysis was conducted using Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 23.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results: </strong>The mean (SD) age of the 61 operated patients was 74 (7.7) years and for the 19 conservatively managed patients 79 (8.0) years. At 12 months, 30 (37.5%) of operated ones, required assisted mobility compared to 8 (10%) of conservatively managed patients. Other outcomes comparable between operated and conservative patients at 12 months post-intervention include: ability to feed on own 46 (57.5%) versus 7 (8.8%), able to dress on own, 45 (56.3%) versus 6 (7.5%); able to bathe on own; 43 (53.8%) versus 2 (2.5%), and independently attending to own toilet needs 44 (55.0%) versus 1 (1.3%). Our study revealed, overall survival were comparatively better among those operated to conservative at 12 months; 52 (85%) versus 9 (47.4%). The mortality at 12 months in the conservative group is much higher than operative group.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Ambulatory mobility and survival are significantly better at 12 months post-fracture among the operated patients. Hip fracture must be treated as an emergency and its surgical management given priority.</p><p class="abstract"> </p>

Distribution of FFRCT in Single Obstructive Coronary Stenosis and Predictors for Major Adverse Cardiac Events: A Propensity Score Matching Study

Background: Fractional flow reserve derived from computed tomography (FFRCT) has been demonstrated significantly improved identification of lesion-specific ischemia compared with coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). It remains unclear the distribution of FFRCT values in obstructive stenosis between patients who received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or not in routine clinical practice, as well as its association with clinical outcome. This study aims to reveal the distribution of FFRCT value in patients with single obstructive coronary artery stenosis, and explored the independent factors for predicting major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Methods: This was a retrospective study of adults with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome undergoing FFRCT assessment by using CCTA data from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020. Propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to account for patient selection bias. The risk factors for predicting MACE were evaluated by a Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Results: Overall, 655 patients with single obstructive (³ 50%) stenosis shown on CCTA were enrolled and divided into PCI group (376 cases) and conservative group (279 cases) according to treatment. The PSM cohort analysis demonstrated that the difference in history of unstable angina, CCSC and FFRCT between PCI group (188 cases) and conservative group (315 cases) was statistically significant, with all P values < 0.05, while the median follow-up time between them was no statistically significant (24 months vs 22.5months, P = 0.912). The incidence of MACE in PCI group and conservative group were 14.9% (28/188) and 23.5% (74/315) respectively, P = 0.020. Multivariate analysis of Cox proportional hazards regression revealed that history of unstable angina (adjusted odds ratio (adjOR), 3.165; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.087-4.800; P < 0.001), FFRCT £ 0.8 (OR, 1.632;95% CI, 1.095-2.431; P = 0.016), and PCI therapy (OR, 0.481; 95% CI, 0.305-0.758) were the independent factors for MACE. Conclusions: History of unstable angina and FFRCT value of £ 0.8 were the independent risk factors for MACE, while PCI therapy was the independent protective factor for MACE.

Quality of life and satisfaction in surgical versus conservative treatment of nonsyndromic children with craniosynostosis

OBJECTIVE Craniosynostosis represents the second most common reason for referral to pediatric neurosurgery. However, the quality of life and neurodevelopmental impact of leaving this physical disorder uncorrected is poorly understood. METHODS This multicenter cross-sectional study identified previously managed nonsyndromic infants (< 24 months of age) with single-suture craniosynostosis at both pediatric neurosurgical centers in Alberta, Canada. The primary variable of interest was the allocated treatment (surgical vs conservative). The primary outcome was the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), a validated measure of quality of life examining physical, emotional, social, and school functioning. Treatment decision satisfaction and the reasons for selected management were quantified and collected directly from caregivers. RESULTS One hundred fourteen children met the inclusion criteria: 78% underwent surgery and 22% had conservative treatment. The most common suture affected was sagittal (54%), followed by metopic (33%), coronal (10%), and lambdoid (3%). Caregivers most commonly opted for surgery because of severe appearance (80%). Seventy-six percent and 72% of the caregivers of children with conservative management did so due to concerns of surgical risks and mild appearance, respectively. There was a statistically significant relationship between both the parents’ (p < 0.001) and the surgeon’s (p = 0.001) impression of a severe head shape and surgical management. Parental satisfaction with their child’s appearance as well as satisfaction with their treatment decision did not differ between management types. Regarding quality of life, on univariate analysis, the conservative group had a statistically higher physical summary score (p = 0.01), psychosocial summary score (p = 0.004), and mean total scale score (p = 0.003) compared to the surgical group. However, after adjusting for severity and age at consult, no significant independent associations between management type and any of the PedsQL summary scores were found. CONCLUSIONS Alberta families have a high number of children with craniosynostosis treated with conservative management. Conservatively managed infants were largely minimally affected patients, particularly those with metopic synostosis. The study found no independent association between management type (surgery vs conservative) and quality of life when adjusted for important patient factors.

1565 In Covid-19 Pandemic, Following the Updated Royal College of Surgeons of England Guidelines in Management of Acute Appendicitis; A General District Hospital Audit

Aim The Aim of the study is assessment of the compliance with the updated Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS) guidelines in management of acute appendicitis in a general district hospital during COVID-19 pandemic. Conservative treatment of acute appendicitis is encouraged unless unresponsiveness to treatment or complications ensues. Method Collection of retrospective data using hospital coding system was done from 63 patients medical records who were diagnosed with acute appendicitis from April 2020 to June 2020. Results The collected data analysis showed adherence to conservative treatment in 16 out of 63 (16/63) patients (25.4%). It succeeded in 10/16 patients (63 %). 6/16 patients were switched to operative intervention (37 %). There were no complications in patients who needed operative intervention after failure of conservative management. Operative management was primarily chosen in 47/63 patients (74.6 %). Re-admissions were 3/16 patients (18.75 %) in conservative group in comparison to 1/47 patient (2.12 %) in primarily operative group. Conclusions The work showed a promising rate of success of conservative treatment. However, there is a low level of compliance with RCS guidelines in management of acute appendicitis during COVID-19 pandemic. The study showed increased re-admission rate for conservative management versus primarily operative management pathways. No complications were detected in cases who needed operative intervention after failure of conservative management. Re-auditing is to follow. The study recommends national comparison of data as it might be worthwhile considering primary management of acute appendicitis.