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Global Spine Journal Dec 2023A register-based retrospective series and a systematic review of literature.
STUDY DESIGN
A register-based retrospective series and a systematic review of literature.
OBJECTIVES
Tarlov cysts are meningeal cysts typically found in the sacral region. They have a dualistic nature ranging from an incidental finding to a symptomatic pathology. There are no established treatment protocols and predictors of operative outcome. Therefore, we aimed to study the outcome of surgical treatment for Tarlov cysts and to characterize patient-, and treatment-related factors predicting outcomes.
METHODS
A systematic review of previous literature was performed and a retrospective cohort of all patients operated on for Tarlov cysts at BLINDED between 1995 and 2020 was collected. Patient records were evaluated along with radiological images.
RESULTS
Ninety-seven consecutive patients were identified with follow-up data available for 96. Improvement of symptoms after surgery was observed in 76.0% of patients (excellent or good patient-reported outcome) and the complication rate was 17.5%. Sacral or lower back pain as a preoperative symptom was associated with improvement after surgery ( = .007), whereas previous lower back surgery was more common in patients who did not benefit from surgery ( = .034). No independent predictors of outcome were identified in a regression analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
This is the second-largest study on the treatment of Tarlov cysts ever published. Operative treatment in a selected patient population will likely produce improvement in the symptoms when balanced with the complication rate and profile of surgery. Preoperative lower back or sacral pain is a potential indicator for improvement after surgery.
PubMed: 38069780
DOI: 10.1177/21925682231221538 -
Frontiers in Surgery 2023It was aimed at assessing the benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) for patients with node-negative colorectal cancer (CRC) either with or without perineural invasion... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
It was aimed at assessing the benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) for patients with node-negative colorectal cancer (CRC) either with or without perineural invasion (PNI).
METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science from database inception through October 1, 2023. Survival outcomes were analyzed using hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Heterogeneity for the descriptive meta-analyses was quantified using the statistic.
RESULTS
Ten studies included in this review. ACT improved overall survival (OS) (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.40-0.69) and disease-free survival (DFS) (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.35-0.82) in PNI + patients but did not affect DFS (HR 1.13, 95% CI 0.72-1.77) in PNI- patients. A disease-specific survival (DSS) benefit with chemotherapy was observed in PNI + (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.58-0.99) and PNI- patients (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.57-1.00). And PNI decreased DFS (HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.52-2.47) and OS (HR 1.75, 95% CI 0.96-3.17) in node-negative CRC.
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, chemotherapy appears most beneficial for survival outcomes in node-negative patients with PNI, but may also confer some advantage in those without PNI.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
Identifier INPLASY2021120103.
PubMed: 38033531
DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2023.1308757 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2023(1) Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize current evidence regarding the prognostic role of perineural invasion (PNI) in patients with... (Review)
Review
(1) Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize current evidence regarding the prognostic role of perineural invasion (PNI) in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). (2) Methods: We searched Cochrane Central, ProQuest, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science, using relevant keywords to identify eligible articles. Two independent reviewers conducted two-stage screening, data extraction, and quality assessment. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) criteria. All analyses were performed using comprehensive meta-analysis (CMA; version 3.3.070) software. (3) Results: The study included 101 published articles encompassing 26,062 patients. The pooled analyses showed that PNI was associated with significantly worse overall survival (OS; HR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.32-1.58; < 0.001), worse disease-specific survival (DSS; HR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.65-2.12; < 0.001), and worse disease-free survival (DFS; HR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.65-2.12; < 0.001). Similarly, both local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) and regional recurrence-free survival (RRFS) were worse in patients with PNI (HR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.72-3.10, < 0.001; and HR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.51-2.74, < 0.001), respectively. The random-effect estimate of three studies demonstrated that the presence of PNI was associated with worse failure-free survival (FFS; HR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.12-5.98, < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: The current evidence suggests that PNI can be used as an independent predictor of the prognosis for patients with OSCC. The presence of PNI was associated with worse OS, DFS, DSS, FFS, and with recurrence. Asian patients and patients with extra-tumoral or peripheral PNI invasion were associated with worse prognosis.
PubMed: 37958235
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13213339 -
Cancers Aug 2023The outcomes of orbital exenteration (OE) in patients with craniofacial lesions (CFLs) remain unclear. The present review summarizes the available literature on the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The outcomes of orbital exenteration (OE) in patients with craniofacial lesions (CFLs) remain unclear. The present review summarizes the available literature on the clinical outcomes of OE, including surgical outcomes and overall survival (OS).
METHODS
Relevant articles were retrieved from Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane according to PRISMA guidelines. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes.
RESULTS
A total of 33 articles containing 957 patients who underwent OE for CFLs were included (weighted mean age: 64.3 years [95% CI: 59.9-68.7]; 58.3% were male). The most common lesion was squamous cell carcinoma (31.8%), and the most common symptom was disturbed vision/reduced visual acuity (22.5%). Of the patients, 302 (31.6%) had total OE, 248 (26.0%) had extended OE, and 87 (9.0%) had subtotal OE. Free flaps (33.3%), endosseous implants (22.8%), and split-thickness skin grafts (17.2%) were the most used reconstructive methods. Sino-orbital or sino-nasal fistula (22.6%), flap or graft failure (16.9%), and hyperostosis (13%) were the most reported complications. Regarding tumor recurrences, 38.6% were local, 32.3% were distant, and 6.7% were regional. The perineural invasion rate was 17.4%, while the lymphovascular invasion rate was 5.0%. Over a weighted mean follow-up period of 23.6 months (95% CI: 13.8-33.4), a weighted overall mortality rate of 39% (95% CI: 28-50%) was observed. The 5-year OS rate was 50% (median: 61 months [95% CI: 46-83]). The OS multivariable analysis did not show any significant findings.
CONCLUSIONS
Although OE is a disfiguring procedure with devastating outcomes, it is a viable option for carefully selected patients with advanced CFLs. A patient-tailored approach based on tumor pathology, extension, and overall patient condition is warranted.
PubMed: 37686561
DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174285 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2023Interscalene block (ISB) is widely regarded as the gold standard treatment for acute pain following arthroscopic shoulder surgery. However, a single injection of a local...
Comparison of dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone as adjuvants to the ultrasound-guided interscalene nerve block in arthroscopic shoulder surgery: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
INTRODUCTION
Interscalene block (ISB) is widely regarded as the gold standard treatment for acute pain following arthroscopic shoulder surgery. However, a single injection of a local anesthetic for ISB may not offer sufficient analgesia. Various adjuvants have been demonstrated to prolong the analgesic duration of the block. Hence, this study aimed to assess the relative efficacy of dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine as adjuncts to prolong the analgesic duration for a single- shot ISB.
METHODS
The efficacy of adjuvants was compared using a network meta-analysis. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool. A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Embase databases was conducted with a search deadline of March 1, 2023. Various adjuvant prevention randomized controlled trials have been conducted in patients undergoing interscalene brachial plexus block for shoulder arthroscopic surgery.
RESULTS
Twenty-five studies enrolling a total of 2,194 patients reported duration of analgesia. Combined dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone (MD = 22.13, 95% CI 16.67, 27.58), dexamethasone administered perineurally (MD = 9.94, 95% CI 7.71, 12.17), high-dose intravenous dexamethasone (MD = 7.47, 95% CI 4.41, 10.53), dexmedetomidine administered perineurally (MD = 6.82, 95% CI 3.43, 10.20), and low-dose intravenous dexamethasone (MD = 6.72, 95% CI 3.74, 9.70) provided significantly longer analgesic effects compared with the control group.
DISCUSSION
The combination of intravenous dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine provided the greatest effect in terms of prolonged analgesia, reduced opioid doses, and lower pain scores. Furthermore, peripheral dexamethasone in prolonging the analgesic duration and lowering opioid usage was better than the other adjuvants when used a single medication. All therapies significantly prolonged the analgesic duration and reduced the opioid dose of a single-shot ISB in shoulder arthroscopy compared with the placebo.
PubMed: 37396910
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1159216 -
European Review For Medical and... May 2023We conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review to compare the efficacy of perineural vs. intravenous dexmedetomidine as local anesthetic adjuvant. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
We conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review to compare the efficacy of perineural vs. intravenous dexmedetomidine as local anesthetic adjuvant.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Two researchers searched MEDLINE, OVID, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central, Web of Science and Wanfang data for randomized controlled trials comparing the effect of intravenous vs. perineural injection of dexmedetomidine as a local anesthetic adjuvant in prolongation of analgesia for peripheral nerve block, without any language restrictions.
RESULTS
We identified 14 randomized controlled trials. The results revealed that the duration of analgesia [Standard mean difference (SMD): -0.55, 95% CI, (-1.05, -0.05) p=0.032, I2=85.4%] and the duration of sensory block [SMD: -2.68, 95% CI, (-4.53, -0.83) p=0.004, I2=97.3%], were significantly longer, the onset time of motor block [SMD: 0.65, 95% CI, (0.02, 1.27) p=0.043, I2=85.0%] was shorter in the perineural dexmedetomidine group, when compared with the systematic dexmedetomidine group. There was no significant difference in the duration of motor block [SMD: -0.32, 95% CI, (-1.11, -0.46) p=0.416, I2=89.8%] and the onset time of sensory block [SMD: 0.09, 95% CI, (-0.33, 0.52) p=0.668, I2=59.9%] between the two groups. Meanwhile, perineural dexmedetomidine reduced analgesic consumption in 24 hours [SMD: 0.43, 95% CI, (0.06, 0.80) p=0.022, I2=58.7%] compared with the intravenous dexmedetomidine group.
CONCLUSIONS
Our meta-analysis currently generates the evidence that perineural dexmedetomidine administration offers advantages not only in prolonging the duration of analgesia and sensory block, but also in shortening the onset time of motor block, when compared with the intravenous administration.
Topics: Dexmedetomidine; Adjuvants, Anesthesia; Anesthetics, Local; Analgesia; Administration, Intravenous; Peripheral Nerves
PubMed: 37203838
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202305_32321 -
Skin Health and Disease Apr 2023Malignant Chondroid Syringomas (MCS) are very rare malignant tumours arising from cutaneous sweat glands, with only 51 reported cases in the literature. These tumours...
Malignant Chondroid Syringomas (MCS) are very rare malignant tumours arising from cutaneous sweat glands, with only 51 reported cases in the literature. These tumours can metastasize and cause death if not treated adequately. While there are histological criteria to diagnose MCS tumours, there are no established criterion to determine which tumours are more or less likely to metastasize. A systematic review was performed to establish if any features of the primary MCS tumour are associated with risk of metastasis or patient mortality, as well as the efficacy of common treatment options. The literature search was performed using the Ovid Medline and Web of Science databases from inception through March 2020. This yielded 47 case reports corresponding to 51 unique patients. Statistical analysis of the collected data revealed none of the commonly accepted malignant histopathologic findings (including nuclear atypia and/or pleomorphism, mitotic figures, an infiltrative growth pattern, presence of satellite nodules, necrosis, and vascular and/or perineural invasion) of the primary tumour to be significantly more associated with metastatic risk or death. However, gross characteristics of the tumour, including size (greater than 5 cm) and truncal location of the primary lesion, were found to be associated with a higher risk of metastasis. The most effective treatment modality was wide local excision. Overall, primary MCS tumours, especially those greater than 5 cm or located on the trunk, should be treated with a wide local excision and followed closely to confirm no lesion recurrence or distant metastasis.
PubMed: 37013126
DOI: 10.1002/ski2.144 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2023Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral entrapment, and recently, ultrasound-guided perineural injection (UPIT) and percutaneous flexor retinaculum... (Review)
Review
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral entrapment, and recently, ultrasound-guided perineural injection (UPIT) and percutaneous flexor retinaculum release (UPCTR) have been utilized to treat CTS. However, no systematic review or meta-analysis has included both intervention types of ultrasound-guided interventions for CTS. Therefore, we performed this review using four databases (i.e., PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane) to evaluate the quality of evidence, effectiveness, and safety of the published studies on ultrasound-guided interventions in CTS. Among sixty studies selected for systemic review, 20 randomized treatment comparison or controlled studies were included in six meta-analyses. Steroid UPIT with ultrasound guidance outperformed that with landmark guidance. UPIT with higher-dose steroids outperformed that with lower-dose steroids. UPIT with 5% dextrose in water (D5W) outperformed control injection and hydrodissection with high-volume D5W was superior to that with low-volume D5W. UPIT with platelet-rich plasma outperformed various control treatments. UPCTR outperformed open surgery in terms of symptom improvement but not functional improvement. No serious adverse events were reported in the studies reviewed. The findings suggest that both UPIT and UPCTR may provide clinically important benefits and appear safe. Further treatment comparison studies are required to determine comparative therapeutic efficacy.
PubMed: 36980446
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13061138 -
Pain Physician Dec 2022Nalbuphine has been increasingly used as a local anesthetic adjuvant to extend the duration of analgesia in brachial plexus block (BPB). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Nalbuphine has been increasingly used as a local anesthetic adjuvant to extend the duration of analgesia in brachial plexus block (BPB).
OBJECTIVES
To systematically and firstly evaluate the available evidence on the efficacy of nalbuphine as an adjuvant to local anesthetics in BPB.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO, PubMed, and additional databases were searched. Randomized controlled trials comparing combination of perineural nalbuphine with local anesthetics to local anesthetics alone in BPB for upper extremity surgical procedures were eligible for inclusion.
RESULTS
Nineteen randomized controlled trials involving 1,355 patients met the inclusion criteria. Perineural use of nalbuphine prolonged the duration of analgesia in BPB (mean difference [MD], 162.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 119.0 to 205.9; P < 0.00001; very low quality of evidence). The duration of sensory block was also extended (MD, 141.6; 95% CI, 100.3 to 182.9; P < 0.00001; very low quality of evidence). Furthermore, nalbuphine shortened the onset time of sensory block (MD, -2.6; 95% CI, -3.6 to -1.5; P < 0.00001; very low quality of evidence). There were no significant differences in side effect-related outcomes, including nausea (risk radio [RR], 1.56; 95% CI, 0.82 to 2.59; P = 0.17; moderate quality of evidence) and vomiting (RR, 1.41; 95% CI, 0.66 to 3.02; P = 0.38; moderate quality of evidence).
LIMITATIONS
The study was limited by substantial heterogeneity, a relatively small sample size and difference-in-differences in how outcomes of interest were described and assessed.
CONCLUSIONS
Perineural use of nalbuphine in BPB is an effective strategy for analgesia in adult patients undergoing upper extremity surgery.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Brachial Plexus Block; Anesthetics, Local; Nalbuphine; Adjuvants, Anesthesia; Anesthesia, Local; Pain, Postoperative
PubMed: 36608006
DOI: No ID Found -
Frontiers in Oncology 2022To evaluate the consistencies and inconsistencies between distal cholangiocarcinoma (DCCA) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDCA) regarding their biological...
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the consistencies and inconsistencies between distal cholangiocarcinoma (DCCA) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDCA) regarding their biological features and long-term prognosis.
METHODS
PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE were searched to find comparative studies between DCCA and PDCA. RevMan5.3 and Stata 13.0 software were used for the statistical analyses.
RESULTS
Eleven studies with 4,698 patients with DCCA and 100,629 patients with PDCA were identified. Pooled results indicated that patients with DCCA had a significantly higher rate of preoperative jaundice (p = 0.0003). Lymphatic metastasis (p < 0.00001), vascular invasion (p < 0.0001), and peri-neural invasion (p = 0.005) were more frequently detected in patients with PDCA. After curative pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), a significantly higher R0 rate (p < 0.0001) and significantly smaller tumor size (p < 0.00001) were detected in patients with DCCA. Patients with DCCA had a more favorable overall survival (OS) (p < 0.00001) and disease-free survival (DFS) (p = 0.005) than patients with PDCA. However, postoperative morbidities (p = 0.02), especially postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) (p < 0.00001), more frequently occurred in DCCA.
CONCLUSION
Patients with DCCA had more favorable tumor pathological features and long-term prognosis than patients with PDCA. An early diagnosis more frequently occurred in patients with DCCA. However, postoperative complications, especially POPF, were more frequently observed in patients with DCCA.
PubMed: 36578941
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1042493