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European Urology Focus Sep 2023Surgical management of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)/benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) aims at ablating prostate adenoma by resection, enucleation, or... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
Surgical management of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)/benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) aims at ablating prostate adenoma by resection, enucleation, or vaporisation. Apart from established ablation modes according to the European Association of Urology guidelines, various technologies have emerged as safe/effective alternatives but remain under investigation.
OBJECTIVE
To explore short-term benefits/harms of emerging technologies for surgical management of LUTS/BPO.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
A systematic literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL via Ovid up to June 18, 2022. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) exploring aquablation, prostatic arterial embolisation (PAE), Rezum, prostatic urethral lift (PUL), and temporary implantable nitinol device (iTIND) versus sham/transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
We included ten RCTs (1108 men). Aquablation versus TURP: insignificant change in International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS; mean difference [MD] 0.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] -2.44 to 2.44), quality of life (QoL; MD 0.30, 95% CI -0.81 to 0.21), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax; MD -0.30, 95% CI -3.71 to 3.11), retreatment (risk ratio [RR] 0.18, 95% CI 0.02-1.66), and urinary incontinence (UI; RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.26-1.95). PAE versus monopolar TURP (M-TURP): insignificant change in IPSS (MD 3.33, 95% CI -28.39 to 35.05), QoL (MD 0.12, 95% CI -0.30 to 0.54), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5; MD 3.07, 95% CI -1.78 to 7.92), and UI (RR 0.15, 95% CI 0.01-2.86), and significant change in Qmax (MD -9.52, 95% CI -14.04 to -5.0), favouring M-TURP. PAE versus bipolar TURP: insignificant change in IPSS (MD -2.80, 95% CI -6.61 to 1.01), QoL (MD -0.69, 95% CI -1.46 to 0.08), Qmax (MD -3.51, 95% CI -8.08 to 1.06), UI (RR 0.14, 95% CI 0.01-2.51), and retreatment (RR 1.91, 95% CI 0.19-19.63). PUL versus TURP: insignificant change in QoL (MD 0.40, 95% CI -0.29 to 1.09), UI (RR 0.13, 95% CI 0.02-1.05), and retreatment (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.12-1.86), and significant change in IPSS (MD 3.40, 95% CI 0.22-6.58), and IIEF-5 (MD 3.00, 95% CI 0.41-5.59) and Qmax (MD -9.60, 95% CI -13.44 to -5.76), favouring PUL and TURP, respectively. Rezum and iTIND have not been evaluated in RCTs against TURP to date.
CONCLUSIONS
Supporting evidence for clinical use of aquablation, PAE, PUL, Rezum, and iTIND is very limited. Benefits/harms should be investigated further in high-quality RCTs.
PATIENT SUMMARY
This review summarises the evidence for the clinical use of aquablation, prostatic arterial embolisation (PAE), prostatic urethral lift (PUL), Rezum, and temporary implantable nitinol device (iTIND) to manage lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic obstruction. The supporting evidence for the clinical usage of aquablation, PAE, PUL, Rezum, and iTIND is very limited. Benefits and harms should be investigated further in high-quality randomised controlled trials.
PubMed: 37741783
DOI: 10.1016/j.euf.2023.09.003 -
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology... Aug 2023Adrenal medullary hyperplasia (AMH) is a rare, incompletely described disorder of the adrenal medulla that is associated with catecholamine excess. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
CONTEXT
Adrenal medullary hyperplasia (AMH) is a rare, incompletely described disorder of the adrenal medulla that is associated with catecholamine excess.
OBJECTIVE
To increase knowledge about AMH by reviewing the reported cases of this disorder.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the genotype/phenotype relationship in all reported cases of AMH.
SETTING
Literature review and analysis.
PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS
All cases of AMH published to date.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
Characteristics of AMH cases and genotype-phenotype relationships.
RESULTS
A total of 66 patients, median age of 48 years, were identified from 29 reports. More than one-half were male (n = 39, 59%). The majority had unilateral (73%, n = 48) disease; 71% (n = 47) were sporadic and 23% (n = 15) were associated with the MEN2. Most (91%, n = 60) displayed signs and symptoms of excess catecholamine secretion, particularly hypertension. Elevated catecholamine concentrations (86%, n = 57) and adrenal abnormalities on imaging were common (80%, n = 53). More than one-half (58%, n = 38) had concurrent tumors: pheochromocytoma (42%, n = 16/38); medullary thyroid cancer (24%, n = 9/38); and adrenocortical adenoma (29%, n = 11/38). Most (88%, n = 58) underwent adrenalectomy with 45/58 achieving symptom resolution. Adrenalectomy was less common in patients under 40 years and those with bilateral disease (both P < .05).
CONCLUSION
AMH may be sporadic or associated with MEN2, most have catecholamine excess and imaging abnormalities. Unilateral involvement is more common. Most reported patients have been treated with adrenalectomy, which is usually curative with regard to catecholamine hypersecretion.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Hyperplasia; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Pheochromocytoma; Adrenal Medulla; Adrenalectomy; Catecholamines
PubMed: 36896586
DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad121 -
Acta Neurochirurgica Sep 2023Although there is an increasing body of evidence showing gender differences in various medical domains as well as presentation and biology of pituitary adenoma (PA),... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Although there is an increasing body of evidence showing gender differences in various medical domains as well as presentation and biology of pituitary adenoma (PA), gender differences regarding outcome of patients who underwent transsphenoidal resection of PA are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to identify gender differences in PA surgery.
METHODS
The PubMed/MEDLINE database was searched up to April 2023 to identify eligible articles. Quality appraisal and extraction were performed in duplicate.
RESULTS
A total of 40 studies including 4989 patients were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Our analysis showed odds ratio of postoperative biochemical remission in males vs. females of 0.83 (95% CI 0.59-1.15, P = 0.26), odds ratio of gross total resection in male vs. female patients of 0.68 (95% CI 0.34-1.39, P = 0.30), odds ratio of postoperative diabetes insipidus in male vs. female patients of 0.40 (95% CI 0.26-0.64, P < 0.0001), and a mean difference of preoperative level of prolactin in male vs. female patients of 11.62 (95% CI - 119.04-142.27, P = 0.86).
CONCLUSIONS
There was a significantly higher rate of postoperative DI in female patients after endoscopic or microscopic transsphenoidal PA surgery, and although there was some data in isolated studies suggesting influence of gender on postoperative biochemical remission, rate of GTR, and preoperative prolactin levels, these findings could not be confirmed in this meta-analysis and demonstrated no statistically significant effect. Further research is needed and future studies concerning PA surgery should report their data by gender or sexual hormones and ideally further assess their impact on PA surgery.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Treatment Outcome; Prolactin; Retrospective Studies; Pituitary Neoplasms; Adenoma; Hormones; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 37555999
DOI: 10.1007/s00701-023-05726-z -
Cureus Aug 2023Dexmedetomidine has been widely studied in many surgical settings, with possible benefits in lowering anesthetic requirements, improving perioperative hemodynamic... (Review)
Review
Dexmedetomidine in Patients Undergoing Transsphenoidal Resection of Pituitary Adenoma: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials.
Dexmedetomidine has been widely studied in many surgical settings, with possible benefits in lowering anesthetic requirements, improving perioperative hemodynamic stability, and improving postoperative outcomes. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effects of dexmedetomidine in patients undergoing transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenoma, shedding light on its potential as an adjunctive agent in anesthesia for this specific surgical population. In this review, we searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from inception to July 20, 2023. A total of six randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of dexmedetomidine versus placebo in patients undergoing transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenoma were included in this review. The outcomes of interest were extracted from the included studies as mean difference (MD) and standard deviation (SD), then analyzed using the Review Manager (RevMan, RevMan International Inc., New York, USA) software. Our literature search process retrieved 274 records. Of them, six studies were included in the meta-analysis. There was a significant difference between the dexmedetomidine group compared to the placebo group in terms of heart rate at the end of the surgery (MD = -16.5; CI = [-25.36 to -7.64]; P value = 0.0003) and after extubation (MD = -16.81; CI = [-23.18 to -10.43]; P values < 0.00001). Furthermore, dexmedetomidine significantly reduced the mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) at after both intubation and extubation (MD = -9.11 and -21.5; CI = [-13.56 to -4.65] and [-30.93 to -12.06]; P values < 0.00001). This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that dexmedetomidine appears to have several potential benefits in patients undergoing transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenoma. The use of dexmedetomidine was associated with reductions in heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, blood loss, and duration of surgery, while showing no significant difference in propofol dose or time to extubation of the trachea.
PubMed: 37641722
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44132 -
JAMA Network Open Feb 2024Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally, with increasing incidence and mortality in Latin America. CRC screening programs can... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally, with increasing incidence and mortality in Latin America. CRC screening programs can reduce disease burden, but information on screening programs in Latin America is limited.
OBJECTIVE
To describe characteristics (eg, type of program, uptake, neoplastic yield) of CRC screening programs in Latin America.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, PsycINFO, Web of Science Core Collection, LILACS, and SciELO were searched from inception to February 2023. Relevant references from bibliographies, conference proceedings, and gray literature were considered. The search strategy included English, Spanish, and Portuguese terms.
STUDY SELECTION
Included were studies of CRC screening programs in Latin America using fecal immunochemical test (FIT) or colonoscopy as the primary screening method. Four reviewers independently assessed study eligibility based on titles, with review of abstracts and full texts as needed.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Guidelines from Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) were followed for data abstraction and quality assessment. Descriptive information was extracted, and data were pooled using a random-effects model.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Program performance indicators included rates of participation and FIT positivity, adenoma detection rate (ADR), advanced adenoma detection rate (AADR), CRC detection rate, and colonoscopy quality indicators.
RESULTS
There were 17 studies included from upper middle-income and high-income countries in Latin America with a total of 123 929 participants. Thirteen studies used FIT as the initial screening method, whereas 4 used screening colonoscopy. The participation rate in FIT-based programs was 85.8% (95% CI, 78.5%-91.4%). FIT positivity rates were 15.2% (95% CI, 9.6%-21.8%) for the 50-ng/mL threshold and 9.7% (95% CI, 6.8%-13.0%) for the 100-ng/mL threshold. For FIT-based studies, the pooled ADR was 39.0% (95% CI, 29.3%-49.2%) and CRC detection rate was 4.9% (95% CI, 2.6%-7.9%); for screening colonoscopy-based studies, the pooled ADR was 19.9% (95% CI, 15.5%-24.8%) and CRC detection rate was 0.4% (95% CI, 0.1%-0.8%).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that CRC screening in upper middle-income countries in Latin America is feasible, detecting rates of neoplasia comparable with those of high-income regions. Population-based screening programs should be developed or enhanced in these settings. There is a knowledge gap regarding feasibility and yield of screening programs in lower middle-income countries.
Topics: Humans; Early Detection of Cancer; Latin America; Colonoscopy; Colorectal Neoplasms; Adenoma
PubMed: 38300621
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.54256 -
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy May 2024Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have reported that artificial intelligence (AI) improves endoscopic polyp detection. Different methodologies-namely, parallel and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have reported that artificial intelligence (AI) improves endoscopic polyp detection. Different methodologies-namely, parallel and tandem designs-have been used to evaluate the efficacy of AI-assisted colonoscopy in RCTs. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have reported a pooled effect that includes both study designs. However, it is unclear whether there are inconsistencies in the reported results of these 2 designs. Here, we aimed to determine whether study characteristics moderate between-trial differences in outcomes when evaluating the effectiveness of AI-assisted polyp detection.
METHODS
A systematic search of Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, and IEEE Xplore was performed through March 1, 2023, for RCTs comparing AI-assisted colonoscopy with routine high-definition colonoscopy in polyp detection. The primary outcome of interest was the impact of study type on the adenoma detection rate (ADR). Secondary outcomes included the impact of the study type on adenomas per colonoscopy and withdrawal time, as well as the impact of geographic location, AI system, and endoscopist experience on ADR. Pooled event analysis was performed using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
Twenty-four RCTs involving 17,413 colonoscopies (AI assisted: 8680; non-AI assisted: 8733) were included. AI-assisted colonoscopy improved overall ADR (risk ratio [RR], 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-1.31; I = 53%; P < .001). Tandem studies collectively demonstrated improved ADR in AI-aided colonoscopies (RR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.08-1.30; I = 0%; P < .001), as did parallel studies (RR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.17-1.35; I = 62%; P < .001), with no statistical subgroup difference between study design. Both tandem and parallel study designs revealed improvement in adenomas per colonoscopy in AI-aided colonoscopies, but this improvement was more marked among tandem studies (P < .001). AI assistance significantly increased withdrawal times for parallel (P = .002), but not tandem, studies. ADR improvement was more marked among studies conducted in Asia compared to Europe and North America in a subgroup analysis (P = .007). Type of AI system used or endoscopist experience did not affect overall improvement in ADR.
CONCLUSIONS
Either parallel or tandem study design can capture the improvement in ADR resulting from the use of AI-assisted polyp detection systems. Tandem studies powered to detect differences in endoscopic performance through paired comparison may be a resource-efficient method of evaluating new AI-assisted technologies.
PubMed: 38272274
DOI: 10.1016/j.gie.2024.01.021 -
PloS One 2023This study aimed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for treating... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIMS
This study aimed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for treating colorectal adenomas and tumors.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was conducted using databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. Parameters such as number of patients or lesions, histological diagnosis, lesion size, surgery time, en-bloc resection, R0 resection, severe postoperative complications, and local recurrence were extracted and pooled for analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 12 retrospective studies involving 1289 patients and 1850 lesions were included in the analysis. EMR was found to have a shorter operation time by 53.6 minutes (95% CI: 51.3, 55.9, P<0.001) and fewer incidences of severe postoperative complications such as perforation and delayed bleeding (OR = 0.40, 95%CI: 0.23, 0.71, P<0.001). On the other hand, ESD had higher rates of en-bloc resection (OR = 0.15, 95%CI: 0.07, 0.30, P<0.001) and R0 resection (OR = 0.32, 95%CI: 0.16, 0.65, P<0.001). Recurrence after EMR was found to be significantly higher than that after ESD surgery (OR = 5.88, 95%CI: 2.15, 16.07, P = 0.037).
CONCLUSIONS
The study suggests that the choice of surgical method may have a greater impact on recurrence compared to the pathological type, and that ESD may be more suitable for the treatment of malignant lesions despite its higher rates of severe postoperative complications and longer operation time.
Topics: Humans; Endoscopic Mucosal Resection; Colonoscopy; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Colorectal Neoplasms; Postoperative Complications; Adenoma; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
PubMed: 37768914
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291916 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Feb 2024(1) : Large colonic polyps during colonoscopy can be managed by Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). To decrease the polyp recurrence rate, thermal ablation methods like... (Review)
Review
(1) : Large colonic polyps during colonoscopy can be managed by Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). To decrease the polyp recurrence rate, thermal ablation methods like argon plasma coagulation (APC) and snare tip soft coagulation (STSC) have been introduced. We performed this network meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of these modalities. (2) : We performed a comprehensive literature review, through 5 January 2024, of databases including Embase, PubMed, SciELO, KCI, Cochrane Central, and Web of Science. Using a random effects model, we conducted a frequentist approach network meta-analysis. The risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. Safety and efficacy endpoints including rates of recurrence, bleeding, perforation, and post polypectomy syndrome were compared. (3) : Our search yielded a total of 13 studies with 2686 patients. Compared to placebo, both APC (RR: 0.33 CI: 0.20-0.54, < 0.01) and STSC (RR: 0.27, CI: 0.21-0.34, < 0.01) showed decreased recurrence rates. On ranking, STSC showed the lowest recurrence rate, followed by APC and placebo. Regarding individual adverse events, there was no statistically significant difference between either of the thermal ablation methods and placebo. (4) : We demonstrated the efficacy and safety of thermal ablation after EMR for decreasing recurrence of adenoma.
PubMed: 38592137
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13051298 -
Cureus Jul 2023Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health concern, accounting for significant cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite advancements in early... (Review)
Review
Protective Effects of Long-Term Usage of Cyclo-Oxygenase-2 Inhibitors on Colorectal Cancer in Genetically Predisposed Individuals and Their Overall Effect on Prognosis: A Systematic Review.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health concern, accounting for significant cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite advancements in early detection and treatment modalities, the prevention of CRC remains a critical goal. Cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an inducible enzyme involved in the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, which play a crucial role in various cellular processes, including inflammation, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Elevated COX-2 expression has been consistently observed in colorectal tumors, indicating their role in the pathogenesis of cancer. COX-2 inhibitors, such as celecoxib and rofecoxib, have been studied as potentially effective treatment modalities due to their ability to decrease prostaglandin levels, which are generally higher in cancer patients. Aberrant prostaglandin production is linked to the adenoma-carcinoma sequence, during which adenomas turn dysplastic and accumulate enough damage to become malignant. COX-2 inhibitors have also been shown to modulate various signaling pathways involved in CRC development, such as wingless-related integration site/β-catenin (Wnt/β-catenin), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and phosphoinositide-3-kinase-protein kinase B/Akt (PI3K/Akt) pathways. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the protective effects of long-term usage of COX-2 inhibitors on CRC in genetically predisposed individuals and their overall effect on the prognosis of the disease. The researchers conducted a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines and collected data from several databases, including PubMed, PubMed Central, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. The search strategy combined keywords related to CRC, COX-2 inhibitors, protective effects, and prognosis. They identified 1189 articles and shortlisted 26 full-text articles that met the eligibility criteria. Quality assessment tools, such as the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Review (AMSTAR) for systematic reviews, the Cochrane bias assessment tool for randomized control trials, the scale for the assessment of narrative review articles (SANRA) checklist for narrative reviews, and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool for cross-sectional studies and case reports, are used. This review's conclusions will assist in determining the effectiveness of COX-2 inhibitors to prevent CRC. This review may also contribute to developing guidelines for clinicians to manage genetically predisposed individuals with CRC. Furthermore, the results of this review will shed light on the potential of COX-2 inhibitors as a preventive measure against CRC in genetically predisposed individuals.
PubMed: 37588311
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41939 -
International Journal of Molecular... Oct 2023The incidence of thyroid nodules (TNs) is estimated at 36.5% and 23% in females and males, respectively. A single thyroid nodule is usually detected during ultrasound... (Review)
Review
The incidence of thyroid nodules (TNs) is estimated at 36.5% and 23% in females and males, respectively. A single thyroid nodule is usually detected during ultrasound assessment in patients with symptoms of thyroid dysfunction or neck mass. TNs are classified as benign tumours (non-malignant hyperplasia), benign neoplasms (e.g., adenoma, a non-invasive follicular tumour with papillary nuclear features) or malignant carcinomas (follicular cell-derived or C-cell derived). The differential diagnosis is based on fine-needle aspiration biopsies and cytological assessment (which is burdened with the bias of subjectivity). Raman spectroscopy (RS) is a laser-based, semiquantitative technique which shows for oscillations of many chemical groups in one label-free measurement. RS, through the assessment of chemical content, gives insight into tissue state which, in turn, allows for the differentiation of disease on the basis of spectral characteristics. The purpose of this study was to report if RS could be useful in the differential diagnosis of TN. The Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus were searched from the beginning of the databases up to the end of June 2023. Two investigators independently screened key data using the terms "Raman spectroscopy" and "thyroid". From the 4046 records found initially, we identified 19 studies addressing the differential diagnosis of TNs applying the RS technique. The lasers used included 532, 633, 785, 830, and 1064 nm lines. The thyroid RS investigations were performed at the cellular and/or tissue level, as well as in serum samples. The accuracy of papillary thyroid carcinoma detection is approx. 90%. Furthermore, medullary, and follicular thyroid carcinoma can be detected with up to 100% accuracy. These results might be biased with low numbers of cases in some research and overfitting of models as well as the reference method. The main biochemical changes one can observe in malignancies are as follows: increase of protein, amino acids (like phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan), and nucleic acid content in comparison with non-malignant TNs. Herein, we present a review of the literature on the application of RS in the differential diagnosis of TNs. This technique seems to have powerful application potential in thyroid tumour diagnosis.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Thyroid Nodule; Spectrum Analysis, Raman; Thyroid Neoplasms; Adenocarcinoma, Follicular
PubMed: 37894812
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015131