Preoperative high lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio is associated with intraoperative type I endoleak in patients with TAA with TEVAR

Objectives Various inflammatory factors are closely associated with the incidence of thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs). Furthermore, the severity of inflammation is closely related to the absolute value and proportion of each leukocyte subgroup. Only few reports have analyzed the importance of lymphocyte–monocyte ratio (LMR) as a potential inflammatory marker in vascular diseases. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of peripheral blood LMR on thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in patients with TAA. Methods A retrospective study of the clinical data collected in our hospital between January 2016 and January 2021 was performed on 162 patients with TAA treated with TEVAR, based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria for patient selection. Based on whether the patient had the clinical symptoms at admission and the occurrence of type I endoleaks during operation, patients were divided into two groups, respectively: an intraoperative type I endoleak group ( n = 34) and a group without intraoperative type I endoleak ( n = 128), and a group with clinical symptoms ( n = 31) and a group without clinical symptoms ( n = 131). The clinical data of these two groups were compared, the free from second intervention rates related to endoleak and the preoperatively LMR of the two groups was calculated. LMR was calculated preoperatively. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the cut-off for preoperative LMR values. Based on the cut-off point, patients were divided into a high LMR group ( n = 34) and a low LMR group ( n = 128). The clinical data of the two groups were compared, and further stratified analysis was performed. Results A total of 162 patients were included in the analysis. All patients were successfully implanted with a thoracic aorta stent graft. The preoperative LMR level and postoperative endoleak-related secondary intervention rate were higher in the type I endoleak group than those in the group without intraoperative type I endoleaks. The preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) level of patients with TAA with clinical symptoms was higher than that of asymptomatic patients. There was a negative correlation between preoperative CRP and LMR levels. In addition, in symptomatic or asymptomatic patients, the LMR level was associated with the occurrence of intraoperative type I endoleaks. After excluding the influence of type of endografts, our results showed that the clinical symptoms did not affect the occurrence of the intraoperative type I endoleak, and patients with intraoperative type I endoleak had a higher rate of postoperative secondary intervention. Conclusion Patients with TAA with type I endoleaks during TEVAR had an increased rate of secondary intervention related to endoleaks. Patients with TAA with high LMR levels before TEVAR were more likely to have endoleaks during operation.

Needling and open filtering bleb revision after XEN-45 implantation—a retrospective outcome comparison

Purpose To compare efficacy and safety of needling and open bleb revision after XEN-45 surgery. Methods This retrospective study represents real-life data of patients who underwent XEN-45 surgery between November 2014 and June 2018 in the Vienna General Hospital. The following groups were formed for data evaluation: (PSEA) primary surgery secondary intervention allowed (n = 268); (PS) primary surgery until secondary intervention (n = 268); (N) first needling until additional secondary intervention (n = 55); (BR) first bleb revision until additional secondary intervention (n = 105). Main outcome measures were pre- and postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), number of glaucoma medication (GM), Kaplan–Meier success rates, and secondary intervention rates. Success was defined as postoperative IOP < 21 mmHg and < 18 mmHg together with ≥ 20% IOP reduction with medication allowed. Results IOP (and GM) was lowered from 23.5 ± 8.0 (GM 3.1 ± 1.0) to 14.9 ± 8.2 mmHg (1.2 ± 1.4) in group PSEA and 18.1 ± 8.2 mmHg (1.5 ± 1.4) in group PS, in group N from 23.2 ± 10.1 (1.5 ± 1.0) to 19.3 ± 8.5 mmHg (2.2 ± 1.3) and in group BR from 22.0 ± 8.0 mmHg (2.5 ± 1.1) to 15.5 ± 6.4 mmHg (1.3 ± 1.5) after a median follow-up of 16.0, 8.4, 4.8, and 7.3 months, respectively. Success rates at 1 year were significantly higher in group BR (50.7%) compared to PS (37.7%, p = 0.019) and N (24.3%; p = 0.015). An additional intervention was required less frequently in group BR (17.1%) compared to group PS (49.6%, p < 0.001) and group N (54.5%, p < 0.001). Conclusion Our data appear to indicate favorable outcomes for open XEN bleb revision in terms of Kaplan–Meier success rates and secondary intervention rate compared to the needling procedure.

Avoidance and Correction of Deformities in Body Contouring

Body contouring procedures are highly impactful because of their potential to improve a patient's quality of life. These procedures, particularly when performed on patients following massive weight loss, may require secondary intervention to treat residual contour abnormalities. Presently, there is a paucity of information in the literature detailing the avoidance and correction of body contouring deformities. Herein, we will discuss the management of patients seeking revisional body contouring procedures.

The Effect of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Size on Endoleak, Secondary Intervention and Overall Survival Following Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) size on endoleak development and secondary intervention after endovascular repair (EVAR), as well as to examine the effect on overall survival and cause of mortality. Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on all non-ruptured AAA treated by elective EVAR using FDA-approved endografts in our facility from July 2004 to December 2017. Patients were grouped into 3 cohorts based on preoperative aneurysm size: Group I (<5.5 cm), Group II (5.5-6.4 cm), and Group III (≥ 6.5 cm). Occurrences of endoleak, secondary intervention and overall survival underwent univariate and multivariate analysis. Cause of death data on deceased patients was similarly examined. Results: A total of 517 patients were analyzed. There was no difference between size groups in the rate of endoleak (Group I 48/277, 17.3%; Group II 33/160, 20.6%; Group III 18/80, 22.5%; p = 0.46) or time until endoleak development. Univariate analysis showed no difference in the rate of secondary intervention (Group I 36/277, 13.0%; Group II 24/160, 15.0%; Group III 18/80, 22.5%; p = 0.11), time until intervention or number of interventions performed. Multivariate analysis showed an association with shorter time to secondary intervention for both Group III aneurysms (HR 2.03, 95% CI 1.11-3.73; p = 0.02) and female patients (HR 1.79, 95% CI 1.02-3.13; p = 0.04). There was no difference in overall survival, aneurysm-related mortality or overall cause of mortality. Conclusion: AAA diameter prior to EVAR was not associated with any differences in rates of endoleak or secondary intervention, and was not associated with poorer overall survival or greater aneurysm-related mortality. Patients with suitable anatomy for EVAR can be considered for this intervention without concern for increased complications or poorer outcomes related to large aneurysm diameter alone.

Comparison of uterine artery embolization and myomectomy: A long-term analysis of 863 patients

Objectives: The objective of this study is to compare the rates of secondary intervention following uterine artery embolization (UAE) versus myomectomy for the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids. Material and Methods: This is a multicenter retrospective cohort study. Eight hundred and sixty-three patients are included in this analysis, 451 patients who underwent UAE and 412 patients who underwent myomectomy between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2012. The UAE group was significantly older than the myomectomy group with a median age of 46 versus 38 (P < 0.0001). Patient data were collected from electronic medical records between the time of their initial procedure and December 31, 2017. The primary endpoint was secondary intervention rate. Secondary endpoints included time to secondary intervention, post-procedural complications, differences in mean hemoglobin levels following the procedures, symptomatic improvement, and subsequent pregnancy outcomes. All statistical analyses were two sided and performed using SAS EG 7.13 (Cary, NC). Results: The median follow-up for the UAE and myomectomy groups was 7 and 7.3 years, respectively. Overall, the rates of secondary intervention were not statistically significant between the UAE and myomectomy groups, 8.9% and 11.2%, respectively (P = 0.26). However, stratified analysis in women aged 30–39 years old demonstrated an increased rate of secondary intervention in the UAE arm with a hazards ratio of 3.76 (P = 0.0099). In patients ≥40 years old, there was no significant difference in secondary intervention rate. Both groups demonstrated a significant increase in mean hemoglobin at 1 year following initial procedure with a mean difference (SD) of 1.8 (2.1) in the UAE group and 1.8 (2.5) in the myomectomy group (P < 0.0001 for both groups). The myomectomy group had a higher rate of post-procedural blood transfusion than the UAE group, 2.9% versus 0.9%, respectively (P = 0.028). Both groups had comparable rates of post-procedural pelvic infection and rehospitalization. Patients with pre-procedural menorrhagia who received UAE reported a higher rate of symptomatic improvement when compared to the myomectomy group, 75.4% versus 49.5% (P < 0.0001). Both groups reported similar rates of improvement in bulk symptoms, 46.1% and 43.2%, respectively (P = 1.0). Conclusion: Overall, UAE and myomectomy have comparable rates of secondary intervention during a median 7-year follow-up period. However, in women between 30 and 39 years of age, UAE resulted in higher rates of secondary intervention. UAE may be more effective in controlling patients’ menorrhagia and has lower rates of post-procedural blood transfusions.

Swim bladder as an alternative biomaterial for bioprosthetic valves

Valvular structural deterioration and calcification are the main indications for secondary intervention after bioprosthetic valve replacement, promoting an urgent requirement for more durable cardiovascular biomaterials for clinical applications.

Comparative Study Between Holmium Laser versus Pneumatic Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy for Proximal Ureteric Stones Close to Pelvi-ureteric Junction (PUJ) -A Prospective Trial

Objective: To compare the outcomes of ureteroscopic lithotripsy with pneumatic lithotripter versus Holium:Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (Ho:YAG) laser in the management of upper ureteric stones. Materials and methods: Patients who underwent ureteroscopic lithotripsy with pneumatic lithotripter or Ho:YAG laser for upper ureteric stones were reviewed. Patients with urinary tract infection, ,loss of follow-up, concurrent middle or lower third ureteral stones or acute renall failure were excluded. Patient age, stone size and burden (based on KUB or computerized tomography), stone upward migration, double J stent insertion rate, stone free rate and secondary intervention rate for residual stones were compared in both groups. Results: There were 70 patients with upper ureteric stones (35 in pneumatic group and 35 in laser group) meeting the study criteria. Patients’ age, gender, stone size and burden were similar in both groups. The Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy group had better stone free rate, less double J stent insertion rate and less upward migration and secondary intervention rate, sepsis as compared with pneumatic lithotripsy (94.2% vs. 60%; 85% vs. 100%; 5.7% vs 40%; 5.7% vs 34.2%; 2.8 vs 2.8 respectively, all p < 0.05). In patients with stones sizes 8-10 mm, Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy had significantly lower upward migration rate, lower double J stent insertion rate, higher stone free rate and less secondary intervention rate. Conclusions: Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy is better and much effective than pneumatic lithotripsy in the management of upper ureteric stones in terms of, stone free rate and secondary intervention rate for stones of sizes about 8 to 10 mm.Although the access of upper ureter is difficult but our small calibre (4.5 fr) ureteoscope and gentle manuevre have made the procedures safe and successful. Bangladesh Journal of Urology, Vol. 23, No. 2, July 2020 p.188-192

Ultrasound-guided Percutaneous Tenotomy Shows Sustained Clinical and Sonographic Outcomes for Recalcitrant Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy at 7.5 Years

Objectives: In our previously published study, 20 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous tenotomy for recalcitrant lateral elbow tendinopathy were followed up clinically and sonographically for 3 years, demonstrating sustained pain relief and functional improvement, with sonographic evidence of tissue healing. We aim to explore the long-term clinical and sonographic results of ultrasound-guided percutaneous tenotomy. Methods: The same cohort of patients were recalled at 7-8 years and assessed for visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores, need for secondary intervention, and overall satisfaction. They were also reassessed with ultrasound imaging to evaluate tendon hypervascularity, tendon thickness, and the progress or recurrence of the hypoechoic scar tissue. Results: We successfully scored 19 subjects and performed ultrasound on 16 subjects, with a follow up of 90 (median±standard deviation: 90±2.7; range: 86-94) months. Among them, one patient had subsequently undergone surgical fixation for an ipsilateral radial head fracture 6 years after ultrasound-guided percutaneous tenotomy, and was thus excluded from the study. There were no adverse outcomes and satisfaction remained at 100% (6 satisfied, 12 very satisfied). No patient developed a recurrence of lateral elbow tendinopathy, and therefore no secondary intervention was required. The improvement from baseline and early term scores was sustained as seen in figure 1. There was no significant change in VAS score (median±SD: 0±1.0; range: 0-4) at 7.5 years, compared to 3 years (0±0.9; 0-3) (p=1.000) or DASH-Compulsory score (0±4.51; 0-13.3) at 7.5 years compared to 3 years (0±0.644; 0-2) (p=0.627) or DASH-Work score (0±6.61; 0-25) at 7.5 years compared to 3 years (0±0; 0)(p=1.000), although there were isolated cases of increased DASH scores due to rotator cuff issues, as described by the patients, which were consistent with degeneration. DASH-Sports/performing arts had too few responses for analysis. At current, hypervascularity remained resolved in 13/16 (81%) subjects, 16/16 (100%) subjects had reduced tendon swelling, and 15/16 (94%) had sustained resolution or reduction of the hypoechoic lesion (Figure 2). Conclusion: At long term follow up, ultrasound-guided percutaneous tenotomy, previously shown to enhance recovery of lateral elbow tendinopathy, demonstrates good sustainability of pain relief and functional recovery that was previously achieved, accompanied with sonographic evidence of tissue healing at 7.5 years. [Figure: see text][Figure: see text]

Management of late hemorrhage after pancreatic surgery: treatment strategy and prognosis

Objective Postpancreatectomy hemorrhage is a life-threatening complication. Hemorrhage occurring >24 hours after the index operation is defined as late hemorrhage. This study was performed to analyze the therapeutic management and prognostic factors of late hemorrhage after pancreatectomy. Methods We identified 87 patients with late hemorrhage among 2031 patients who underwent pancreatic surgery from January 2013 to December 2017. The patients’ demographic characteristics, perioperative treatment, hemorrhage details, and prognosis were retrospectively analyzed. Results Of the 87 patients, 53 were men. Bleeding occurred at a mean of 8.9 ± 6.0 days postoperatively. Extraluminal and intraluminal hemorrhage occurred in 58 and 29 patients, respectively. The primary intervention was successful in 66 patients, and 16 patients required a secondary intervention. The primary and total recovery rates were 72.4% and 89.7%, respectively. Of the 87 patients, 9 died. Male sex, hemorrhage on a later postoperative day, a significantly decreased hemoglobin level, and pancreatic fistula showed statistical significance as possible risk factors for mortality. Conclusions Male sex, hemorrhage on a later postoperative day, a significantly decreased hemoglobin level, and pancreatic fistula are possible risk factors for mortality in patients with late hemorrhage after pancreatectomy. Hemorrhage is a dynamic process, and a secondary intervention may be necessary.