METHODS FOR QUANTIFYING BREAST CANCER-RELATED LYMPHEDEMA IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING A CONTRALATERAL PROPHYLACTIC MASTECTOMY

Patients treated for breast cancer are at risk of developing breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). A significant proportion of patients treated for breast cancer are opting to undergo a contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM). Currently, it remains unclear as to whether the relative volume change (RVC) equation may be used as an alternative to the weight adjusted change (WAC) equation to quantify BCRL in patients who undergo CPM. In order to simplify BCRL screening, our cohort of patients who underwent a CPM (n=310) was matched by BMI to a subset of patients who underwent unilateral breast surgery (n=310). Arm volume measurements were obtained via an optoelectronic perometer preoperatively, postoperatively, and in the follow-up setting every 6-12 months. The correlation of ipsilateral RVC and WAC values for those who underwent bilateral surgery was calculated (r=0.60). Contralateral WAC values for patients in both cohorts were compared, and there was no significant difference between the two distributions in variance (p=0.446). The RVC equation shows potential to be used to quantify ipsilateral postoperative arm volume changes for patients who undergo a CPM. However, a larger trial in which RVC and WAC values are prospectively assessed is needed.

Correlation Between Objective and Subjective High-Pitched Voice Impairment in Patients After Thyroid Surgery

ObjectivesHigh-pitched voice impairment (HPVI) is not uncommon in patients without recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) or external branch of superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) injury after thyroidectomy. This study evaluated the correlation between subjective and objective HPVI in patients after thyroid surgery.MethodsThis study analyzed 775 patients without preoperative subjective HPVI and underwent neuromonitored thyroidectomy with normal RLN/EBSLN function. Multi-dimensional voice program, voice range profile and Index of voice and swallowing handicap of thyroidectomy (IVST) were performed during the preoperative(I) period and the immediate(II), short-term(III) and long-term(IV) postoperative periods. The severity of objective HPVI was categorized into four groups according to the decrease in maximum frequency (Fmax): <20%, 20-40%, 40-60%, and >60%. Subjective HPVI was evaluated according to the patient’s answers on the IVST.ResultsAs the severity of objective HPVI increased, patients were significantly more to receive bilateral surgery (p=0.002) and have subjective HPVI (p<0.001), and there was no correlation with IVST scores. Among 211(27.2%) patients with subjective HPVI, patients were significantly more to receive bilateral surgery (p=0.003) and central neck dissection(p<0.001). These patients had very similar trends for Fmax, pitch range, and mean fundamental frequency as patients with 20-40% Fmax decrease (p>0.05) and had higher Jitter, Shimmer, and IVST scores than patients in any of the objective HPVI groups; subjective HPVI lasted until period-IV.ConclusionThe factors that affect a patient’s subjective HPVI are complex, and voice stability (Jitter and Shimmer) is no less important than the Fmax level. When patients have subjective HPVI without a significant Fmax decrease after thyroid surgery, abnormal voice stability should be considered and managed. Fmax and IVST scores should be interpreted comprehensively, and surgeons and speech-language pathologists should work together to identify patients with HPVI early and arrange speech therapy for them. Regarding the process of fibrosis formation, anti-adhesive material application and postoperative intervention for HPVI require more future research.

Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis Damage in Mice: From Histological and Micro–Computed Tomodensitometric Changes to Gait Disturbance

Objectives Osteoarthritis is a painful joint disease responsible for walking impairment. Its quantitative assessment by gait analysis in mice may be a relevant and noninvasive strategy to assess the disease severity. In this study, we aimed to determine the severity of osteoarthritis at the tissular and gait levels in unilateral and bilateral posttraumatic murine osteoarthritis. Methods Twenty-four C57BL/6 male mice were randomly assigned to 3 groups ( n = 8/group): controls, unilateral surgery, and bilateral surgery. Posttraumatic osteoarthritis was induced unilaterally or bilaterally by destabilization of the medial meniscus. Gait analysis was performed weekly with the CatWalkTM XT system until the 16th week after surgery. After animal sacrifices, histological and micro–computed tomographic assessment was performed. Results Operated knees showed a significant increase in the histological score compared with controls ( P < 0.001). Calcified anterior medial meniscal bone volume was higher on the ipsilateral side after unilateral destabilization of the medial meniscus ( P < 0.001) and on both sides after bilateral intervention ( P < 0.01). One week after surgery, the mice mean speed decreased significantly in both operated groups ( P < 0.001 and P < 0.05). In the unilateral group, a significant increase in the contralateral hind print area appeared from week 4 to week 16. Conclusions While bilateral destabilization of the medial meniscus induced no detectable gait modification except 1 week after surgery, unilateral model was responsible for a gait disturbance on the contralateral side. Further studies are needed to better define the place of the CatWalkTM in the evaluation of mouse models of osteoarthritis.

Use of Younger Patient Age and Greater Anterior Center-Edge Angle to Predict the Need for Bilateral Hip Arthroscopy in Patients With Bilateral Femoroacetabular Impingement–Related Hip Pain

Background: In patients with symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, bilateral hip pain has been reported to occur in high frequency. However, not all patients require bilateral hip arthroscopy. Purpose: To determine the incidence, patient-specific variables, and postoperative outcomes in patients who presented with bilateral hip pain at the time of index hip arthroscopy and underwent subsequent contralateral arthroscopic hip surgery. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Patients who presented with bilateral hip pain, underwent primary hip arthroscopy between January 2012 and June 2018 for indication of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, and had minimum 2-year follow-up were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline descriptive data, preoperative hip range of motion, and radiographic measurements were recorded with pre- and postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Independent samples t test was used to compare continuous variables, and chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables between patients undergoing unilateral and bilateral surgery. Bivariate correlations and a multivariable binary logistic regression were performed to determine factors predictive of the need for future contralateral hip arthroscopy. Results: In total, 108 patients were identified who reported bilateral hip pain during the index evaluation, underwent primary hip arthroscopy, and had 2-year follow-up. Among these, 42% (n = 45) elected to undergo hip arthroscopy on the contralateral hip at a mean of 6.0 months (range, 1-17 months) after the index surgery. Patients requiring bilateral surgery were significantly younger ( P = .004) and had a larger preoperative anterior center-edge angle (ACEA; P = .038) when compared with patients who had unilateral surgery. There were no significant differences in alpha angle measurements between patients who had unilateral and bilateral surgery. On bivariate analysis, younger age at the time of the index surgery ( r = −0.272; P = .005) and preoperative ACEA ( r = 0.249; P = .016) were significantly correlated with the need for bilateral surgery. On multivariate analysis, younger age remained a significant predictor for bilateral surgery (odds ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91-0.99). Patients who underwent bilateral hip arthroscopy reported significant improvement in all PROs ( P < .001), with a significantly greater mean Hip Outcome Score− Sports Specific Subscale score when compared with patients undergoing unilateral surgery ( P = .037). Conclusion: Subsequent contralateral hip arthroscopy was performed in 42% of patients who presented with bilateral hip pain. Younger age at the time of the index surgery and greater ACEA were predictive of the need for contralateral surgery. Patients undergoing bilateral surgery reported significantly improvement in PROs at minimum 2-year follow-up.

Seizure outcome in moyamoya after indirect revascularization in pediatric patients: Retrospective study and literature review

Background: Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a unique cerebrovascular disorder characterized by progressive stenosis of anterior cerebral circulation. Moyamoya is not an uncommon disease in Saudi Arabia. Although a less common symptom of the disease, the incidence of seizure in MMD ranges from 6 to 30%. Indirect revascularization through Encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis technique is one of the surgical treatment options for MMD. In our cohort, we aim to evaluate seizure outcome in pediatric patients with moyamoya. Methods: Eleven patients with seizure as primary presentation for MMD over a period of 10 years were included in the study. All patients underwent EDAS surgery. All patients underwent pre- and postoperative assessment of multiple factors contributing to seizure outcome. Patients were evaluated for surgery control clinically and radiologically. Results: About 73% of MMD patients with seizures improved after EDAS surgery (P < 0.0005). Six patients out of 11 became seizure free. Patients with bilateral involvement of disease undergoing bilateral surgery had better seizure control than those undergoing unilateral surgery (P < 0.07). Conclusion: Patients with controlled seizure before surgery are more likely to be seizure free after intervention. Seizure outcome is favorable after indirect surgical revascularization in pediatric moyamoya patients.

Neuromonitoring of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Reduces the Rate of Bilateral Vocal Cord Dysfunction in Planned Bilateral Thyroid Procedures

Purpose: Bilateral vocal cord dysfunction (bVCD) is a rare but feared complication of thyroid surgery. This long term retrospective study determined the effect of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) during thyroid surgeries with regard to the rate of bVCD and evaluated the frequency as well as the outcome of staged operations. Methods: Retrospective analysis of prospectively documented data (2000–2019) of a tertiary referral centers’ database. IONM started in 2000 and, since 2010, discontinuation of surgery was encouraged in planned bilateral surgeries to prevent bVCD, if non-transient loss of signal (ntLOS) occurred on the first side. Datasets of the most recent 40-month-period were assessed in detail to determine the clinical outcome of unilateral ntLOS in planned bilateral thyroid procedures. Results: Of 22,573 patients, 65 had bVCD (0.288%). The rate of bVCD decreased from 0.44 prior to 2010 to 0.09% after 2010 (p < 0.001, Chi2). Case reviews of the most recent 40 months period identified ntLOS in 113/3115 patients (3.6%, 2.2% NAR), of which 40 ntLOS were recorded during a planned bilateral procedure (n = 952, 2.1% NAR). Of 21 ntLOS occurring on the first side of the bilateral procedure, 15 procedures were stopped, subtotal contralateral resections were performed, and thyroidectomy was continued in 3 patients respectively, with the use of continuous vagal IONM. Eighteen cases of VCD were documented postop, and all but one patient had a full recovery. Seven patients had staged resections after 1 to 18 months (median 4) after the first procedure. Conclusion: IONM facilitates reduced postoperative bVCD rates. IONM is, therefore, recommendable in planned bilateral procedures. The rate of non-complete bilateral surgery after intraoperative non-transient LOS was 2%.

Efficacy of Bladder Ultrasound in Prediction of Resolution of Vesicoureteral Reflux after Endoscopic Subureteral Hyaluronic Acid/Dextranome (Deflux®) Injection

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the efficacy of bladder ultrasound to predict resolution of vesicoureteral reflux after subureteral endoscopic Hyaluronic acid/dextranome (Deflux) injection.METHODS: Between 2010 and 2018, 120 patients (220 ureters) underwent Subureteral Deflux injection for reflux in children. Male/female ratio was 1: 5. All patients had voiding cystourethrography and bladder ultrasound at 3 months and one year after surgery. Outcome analysis included: Success rates and presence/ absence of Deflux mount by bladder ultrasound. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 48 months. Mean age at surgery 72 months. Grades of reflux were grade II in 100 ureters (45.4%), III in 90 ureters (41%) and IV-V in 30 ureters (13.6%). Bilateral surgery was performed in 40 patients. Single Deflux injection cured reflux (Success rate) in 85% (187 ureters) at 3 months which improved to 88.2% (194 ureters) at last follow-up. Ultrasound was able to detect Deflux mounts at the base of the bladder in 200 ureters (91%). Sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound was 92.68% and 20% of the correction of reflux at the last follow up. Positive Predictive Value of bladder ultrasound was 94 % and accuracy was 87.7 % at the last follow up. Ultrasound did not detect the mount in 20 ureters (9 %) and 8 of these ureters (3.6%) had persistence of their reflux. Ultrasound was able to detect bilateral mounts as well as unilateral mounts.CONCLUSION: Bladder-US was highly sensitive for detection of Deflux implants and can predict resolution of reflux in 82.7% of refluxing ureters. Postoperative bladder-US could be adjusted as a screening tool in the follow-up of patients with primary low-grade VUR patients treated by Deflux injection, while VCUG could be preserved for follow-up of high-grade VUR patients.

Subxiphoid uniportal bilateral lung wedge resection

Subxiphoid uniportal bilateral lung wedge resection, in which all manipulations are performed via a 3-cm wound positioned below the xiphoid process, can be performed in the supine position without the patient having to change positions. It also enables one-stage bilateral lung resection. We report the surgical procedure and initial results of subxiphoid uniportal bilateral lung wedge resection. A 3-cm transverse incision was made 1 cm caudally below the xiphoid process. A port for uniportal surgery was inserted. After CO2 insufflation at 8 mmHg, the lung was grasped and lifted with bent grasping forceps, and by bending the tip of a stapler, the surgeon resected the affected portion of the bilateral lungs. In this approach, there is one incision, no intercostal nerve damage and bilateral surgery can be performed in the same procedure; therefore, the technique may have the benefit of lesser invasiveness for the patient. Furthermore, a detailed comparison of subxiphoid uniportal bilateral lung wedge resection with the one-stage lateral intercostal approach with a larger subject sample is needed.

Radiographic Outcomes And Recurrence Following 126 Primary Lapidus Surgeries For Hallux Valgus

Category: Bunion; Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Treatment for symptomatic hallux valgus encompasses a spectrum of surgical options to appropriately address the degree of deformity. The modified Lapidus has emerged as a powerful surgical option to address moderate to severe deformity as well as hallux valgus with 1st ray hypermobility. Unlike metatarsal osteotomies, the literature is lacking in clinical and radiographic outcomes. Previous retrospective series have reported recurrence rates less than 15%, but our experience suggested recurrence rates were higher. Methods: After obtaining institutional board review approval, patients were identified by procedural billing codes from 2012- 2016. Only patients who underwent a primary Lapidus surgery with greater than 1 year radiographic follow-up were included. Larger midfoot fusions and flatfoot reconstructions were excluded. Charts were reviewed to identify complications and reoperations. Radiographs were reviewed and HVA, IMA, sesamoid position (0-4), and Meary’s angle measured on preoperative, 1st weigh-bearing post-operative, and final follow-up radiographs. Data was analyzed utilizing statistical analysis software (SAS v9.4). Results: 114 patients were identified with 12 undergoing bilateral surgery (126 surgeries). There were 106 females and 8 males, and median age was 57.5 years at time of surgery. Median follow-up from index surgery was 2.9 years. Using HVA>=20 as cutoff for recurrence, 58 (46%) recurrences were identified, but only 15 (12%) underwent revision surgery. There were 32 total reoperations, including 8 nonunions ( table 1A ). Median preoperative HVA was greater in group with recurrence than group without recurrence (38 vs 30, p<0.0001, table 1B ). In addition, less correction of HVA and IMA was seen in group with recurrence (ΔHVA=20 vs 22, p<0.0001; ΔIMA 6 vs 9, p<0.0001, table 1B ). When there was recurrence at final follow-up, it appears corrected IMA was maintained while HVA increased (ΔIMA=2, ΔHVA=10, table 1B ). We used a receiver operative curve (ROC) to define the HVA cut-off of HVA>=30 with an AUC of 0.75. That indicated that in 75% of cases, preoperative HVA>=30 predicted recurrence. We identified that HVA<30 has a reduced odds of recurrence (OR=0.165; 95% CI=0.062-0.536). Preoperative IMA and arch alignment were not associated with risk of recurrence ( table 1C ). [Table: see text] Conclusion: As has been determined in other hallux valgus series evaluating metatarsal osteotomies, increased HVA>=30 is a risk factor for recurrence. Despite being acknowledged as a powerful operation for hallux valgus correction, the modified Lapidus still had a high rate (46%) of radiographic recurrence when used to treat severe deformity. However, only 12% underwent revision surgery in our series. This is important when counseling patients before surgery as the modified Lapidus operation does not obviate the risk of recurrence as has been previously suggested, but the lower revision rate suggests radiographic outcomes alone do not drive satisfaction. Further outcome measures are needed on this cohort to better identify surgical variables associated with maintained correction, other risk factors for recurrence, as well as patient reported outcomes.

A modified single-armed microsurgical vasoepididymostomy for epididymal obstructive azoospermia: intraoperative choice and postoperative consideration

Background: To evaluate the clinical outcomes and the duration required for the sperm to return to the ejaculate after a modified single-armed 2-suture longitudinal intussusception vasoepididymostomy (SA-LIVE). Methods: From March 2015 to December 2018, 134 patients with epididymal obstruction azoospermia underwent the modified single-armed vasoepididymostomy at Shanghai General Hospital. The outcomes and clinical findings were documented and evaluated. The mean follow-up period was 17 (range: 3–36) months. Results: Patency was assessed by the return of sperm in the ejaculate. The overall patency rate was 55.2%, and the patency rates were 58.9%, 40.7%, 36.4%, and 58.9% for bilateral surgery, unilateral surgery, proximal anastomosis, and distal anastomosis, respectively. The average time to achieve patency was 4.11±2.74 months. In the first six months, 87.8% (65/74) patency patients reported sperm in the ejaculate. The overall pregnancy rate was 40.9% (29/66) at the follow-up of 3–36 months, and the natural pregnancy rate was 30.3% (20/66). The natural pregnancy rate was 32.1% post-bilateral surgery and 33.3% for the site of distal anastomosis; surprisingly, it was 0% for the site of proximal anastomosis. Conclusion: Modified SA-LIVE is safe and may achieve favorable patency and pregnancy rates. When double-armed sutures are not accessible, single-armed may be preferable. The expected patency time was within one year. Moreover, because of the low natural pregnancy rate for proximal anastomosis, sperm banking is preferred to SA-LIVE.