-
Cureus Jan 2024Appendectomy remains the gold standard for treating appendicitis, but advancements in laparoscopic techniques have shifted the paradigm. Natural orifice transluminal... (Review)
Review
Appendectomy remains the gold standard for treating appendicitis, but advancements in laparoscopic techniques have shifted the paradigm. Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and transvaginal appendectomy (TVA) offer a potentially less invasive alternative to traditional laparoscopic appendectomy (LA). This article systematically reviews the procedures, perceptions, and complications of TVA to assess its viability as a surgical option. Between January 1, 2003, and November 1, 2023, 4832 case reports, case series, and experimental and observational peer-reviewed publications were examined and filtered using the keyword "Transvaginal Laparoscopic Appendectomy." The publications were screened using PRISMA guidelines, and 20 studies were included for analysis and review. Survey results showed that women's acceptance of TVA was 43%, citing reduced invasiveness as a major reason for positive reception. TVA procedures exhibited consistency, with variations in appendectomy methods, appendix removal, and posterior fornix incision closure. Positive outcomes included shorter operation times, reduced postoperative pain, and minimal scarring. Complications were uncommon but included bladder puncture, urinary tract infections, and intra-abdominal abscesses. Indications primarily focused on surgical safety, reduced scarring, and postoperative benefits. Sexual function post-TVA exhibited no significant differences in most cases, with a recovery period of two to four weeks. This systematic review suggests that TVA is a promising alternative to traditional LA, offering potential advantages in terms of postoperative complications. While the existing literature indicates positive outcomes, further research with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-ups is needed to validate the efficacy and safety of TVA and assess how the procedure impacts the reproductive function of patients.
PubMed: 38333466
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51962 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2023The aim of the current study was to investigate the potential relationship between anatomical characteristics of pulmonary veins (PVs) and atrial fibrillation recurrence... (Review)
Review
Relationship between anatomical characteristics of pulmonary veins and atrial fibrillation recurrence after radiofrequency catheter ablation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
The aim of the current study was to investigate the potential relationship between anatomical characteristics of pulmonary veins (PVs) and atrial fibrillation recurrence (AFR) following radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA), specifically focusing on PV diameter and cross-sectional orifices index (CSOA). The analysis was based on a comprehensive review of currently available literature, providing valuable insights for the prevention and treatment of AFR.
METHODS
Data was collected from five databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane, spanning the period from 2004 to October 2022. The search strategy utilized Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms related to PV diameter, PV size, PV anatomy, and AFR. Indicators of PV diameter and CSOA from the included studies were collected and analyzed, with Weight mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) representing continuous variables.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis included six studies. The results revealed that patients with AFR had a significant larger mean PV diameter compared to those without AFR (MD 0.33; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.66; = 0.04; = 33.80%). In a meta-analysis of two studies involving a total of 715 participants, we compared the diameters of the left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV), left inferior pulmonary vein (LIPV), right superior pulmonary vein (RSPV), right inferior pulmonary vein (RIPV) between patients with AFR and patients without AFR. The results showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in any of the four data items (all > 0.05). Additionally, the pooled estimate revealed that LSPV-CSOA, LIPV-COSA, RSPV-COSA, and RIPV-CSOA were greater in the AFR group compared to the non-AFR group, but the differences were not statistically significant (all > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
We found evidence supporting the notion that the PV diameter of patients who experienced AFR after RFCA was significantly larger than that of patients without AFR. The findings suggested that the PV diameter could serve as a potential predictor of the risk of AFR following RFCA.
PubMed: 37795484
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1235433 -
Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy Feb 2022Inaccurate sizing of left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion devices is associated with increased stroke risk. We compared the LAA size to implant the Watchman device... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Comparison of left atrial appendage parameters using computed tomography vs. transesophageal echocardiography for watchman device implantation: a systematic review & meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Inaccurate sizing of left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion devices is associated with increased stroke risk. We compared the LAA size to implant the Watchman device assessed by computed tomography (CT) to transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).
METHODS
Databases were searched to identify studies comparing LAA anatomical measurements and procedural outcomes across imaging modalities for the Watchman device implantation.
RESULTS
Seven studies were included in the analysis (242 patients on TEE, and 232 on CT). The LAA orifice was larger when sized with CT compared to TEE (CT mean vs TEE SMD 0.30 mm, 95%CI 0.09-0.51 mm, P < 0.01; and CT max vs TEE SMD 0.69 mm, 95%CI 0.51-0.87 mm, P < 0.001). Additionally, CT, including CT-based 3-dimensional models, had higher odds of predicting correct device size compared to TEE (OR 1.64; 95%CI 1.05-2.56; P = 0.03). CT resulted in a lower fluoroscopy time vs TEE (SMD -0.78 min, 95% CI -1.39 to -0.18, P = 0.012). No significant differences were found in device clinical outcomes.
CONCLUSION
Compared to TEE, CT resulted in larger LAA orifice measurements, improved odds of predicting correct device size, and reduced fluoroscopy time in patients undergoing LAA occlusion with the Watchman device. There were no significant differences in other procedural outcomes.
Topics: Atrial Appendage; Atrial Fibrillation; Cardiac Catheterization; Echocardiography, Transesophageal; Humans; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35172121
DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2022.2043745 -
The Laryngoscope Dec 2020In 2009, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of the surgical robotic system for removal of benign and malignant conditions of the upper aerodigestive...
OBJECTIVES
In 2009, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of the surgical robotic system for removal of benign and malignant conditions of the upper aerodigestive tract. This novel application of robotic-assisted surgery, termed transoral robotic surgery (TORS), places robotic instruments and camera system through the mouth to reach recessed areas of the pharynx and larynx. Over the successive decade, there was a rapid adoption of TORS with a surgical growth rate that continues to increase. Despite the rapid clinical acceptance, the field of TORS has not yet seen substantive changes or advances in the technical shortcomings, the lack of which has restricted objective TORS-specific surgical skills assessment as well as subsequent skills improvement efforts. One of the primary technical challenges of TORS is operating in a confined space, where the robotic system is maneuvered within the restrictive boundaries of the mouth and throat. Due to these confined boundaries of the pharynx, instruments can frequently collide with anatomic structures such as teeth and bone, producing anatomic collisions. Therefore, we hypothesized that anatomic collisions negatively impact TORS surgical performance. Secondarily, we hypothesized that avoidance of unwanted anatomic collisions could improve TORS surgical proficiency.
METHODS
Design and fidelity testing for a custom TORS training platform with an integrated anatomic collision-sensing system providing real-time tactile feedback is described. Following successful platform assembly and testing, validation study using the platform was carried through prospective surgical training with trial randomization. Twenty otolaryngology-head and neck surgery residents, each trainee performing three discrete mock surgical trials (n = 60), performed the initial system validation. Ten of the 20 residents were randomized to perform the surgical trials utilizing the real-time feedback system. The remaining 10 residents were randomized to perform the surgical trials without the feedback system, although the system still could record collision data. Surgical proficiency was measured by Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills (GEARS) score, time to completion, and tumor resection scores (categorical scale ranging 0-3, describing the adequacy of resection).
RESULTS
Major anatomic collisions (greater than 5N of force) negatively affected GEARS robotic skills. A mixed model analysis demonstrated that for every additional occurrence of a major collision, GEARS robotic skills assessment score would decrease by 0.29 points (P = .04). Real-time collision awareness created significantly fewer major (> 5 N) anatomic collisions with the tactile feedback system active (n = 30, mean collisions = 2.9 ± 4.2) as compared with trials without tactile feedback (n = 30, mean collisions = 12.53 ± 23.23) (P < .001). The second assessment measure of time to completion was unaffected by the presence of collisions or by the use of tactile feedback system. The third proficiency assessment was measured with tumor resection grading. Tumor resection scores was significantly (P = .02) improved with collision awareness system activated than trials without collision awareness.
CONCLUSION
In order to test our primary hypothesis, a novel TORS training platform was successfully developed that provides collision force measurements including frequency, severity, and duration of anatomic collisions. Additionally, the platform was modulated to provide real-time tactile feedback of the occurrence of out-of-field collisions. Utilizing this custom platform, our hypothesis that anatomic collisions during TORS diminishes surgical performance was supported. Additionally, our secondary hypothesis that subsequent reduction of anatomic collisions improves TORS proficiency was supported by the surgical trial. Dedicated investigation to characterize the effect size and clinical impact is required in order to translate this finding into training curriculums and into clinical utilization.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
II (Randomized trial) Laryngoscope, 130:S1-S17, 2020.
Topics: Anatomic Landmarks; Clinical Competence; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Intraoperative Complications; Mouth; Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Surgery, Computer-Assisted
PubMed: 32865822
DOI: 10.1002/lary.29034 -
Saudi Medical Journal Jun 2020To systematically review the literature and to summarize all evidence related to the diagnosis and management of patulous eustachian tube. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
To systematically review the literature and to summarize all evidence related to the diagnosis and management of patulous eustachian tube.
METHODS
The present study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement.
RESULTS
Overall, 59 articles were retrieved and included in the analysis. Studies investigating treatments enrolled 1279 patients collectively, with follow-up duration varying from few days and up to 2 years. Eight studies reported medical treatments with intranasal saline instillation as the most frequently studied option. Other studies reported various surgical treatments varying from simple tympanostomy to invasive procedures targeting the orifice of the ET or the anatomical features surrounding it. In addition, 10 studies including 367 subjects investigated different diagnostic methods.
CONCLUSION
Currently, there is a wide spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions with minimal clinical efficacy, a persistent lack of systematic guidelines, and several gaps in previous research endeavours.
Topics: Administration, Intranasal; Adult; Aged; Diagnostic Techniques, Otological; Ear Diseases; Eustachian Tube; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Otolaryngology; Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures; Saline Solution
PubMed: 32518922
DOI: 10.15537/smj.2020.6.25083 -
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial... 2018The purpose of this paper is to systematically review the various studies and case reports on the morphology and prevalence of middle canals in the mandibular molars.
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this paper is to systematically review the various studies and case reports on the morphology and prevalence of middle canals in the mandibular molars.
METHODOLOGY
Electronic databases such as MEDLINE, PubMed, EBSCOhost, ScienceDirect and various journals were screened to identify published literature till March 2017 and earlier for articles related to middle canals in the human permanent mandibular molars. Obtained articles were categorized as original researches, case reports and review articles. Well-defined review questions were developed using the patient population, intervention, comparison and outcome framework to summarize the objectives: "Does middle canal vary in morphology and anatomic location? What is the prevalence of middle canals in mandibular molars? Does ethnicity affect the prevalence of middle canals in mandibular molars?" Morphology was studied and prevalence rates were determined from the evaluation of data extracted from the articles.
RESULTS
The search strategy resulted in 87 articles, of which 36 were original research papers and 51 were case reports. The prevalence of middle canals in the various populations ranged from 0.26% to 53.8%. Middle canals were reported in Europeans, Asians, Africans and South and North American populations. The prevalence of middle mesial canal and middle distal canal in various races was reported as up to 53.8% and 10%, respectively. The orifice of middle canal exists below a dentinal projection in the groove between the two main canals. They were observed in fin, confluent and independent configuration. Out of these, confluent configuration was more prevalent.
CONCLUSION
Middle canal varies in morphology and anatomic location. Ethnicity affects the prevalence of middle canals in the mandibular molars.
PubMed: 30158775
DOI: 10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_194_17 -
Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery Sep 2016The craniovertebral junction (CVJ) is a complex region of the spine with unique anatomical and functional relationships. To alleviate symptoms associated with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECT
The craniovertebral junction (CVJ) is a complex region of the spine with unique anatomical and functional relationships. To alleviate symptoms associated with pathological processes involving the odontoid process, decompression is often required, including odontoidectomy. Accurate knowledge of the complication rates following the transoral and transnasal techniques is essential for both patients and surgeons.
METHODS
We conducted MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science database searches for studies reporting complications associated with the transoral and transnasal techniques for odontoidectomy. Case series presenting data for less than three patients were excluded. Rates of complication and clinical outcomes were calculated and subsequently analyzed using a fixed-effects model to assess statistical significance.
RESULTS
Of 1288 articles retrieved from MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science, twenty-six met inclusion criteria. Transoral and transnasal procedures resulted in the following respective complication rates: arterial injury 1.9% and 0.0%, intraoperative CSF leak 0.3% and 30.0%, postoperative CSF leak 0.8% and 5.2%, 30-day mortality 2.9% and 4.4%, medical complications 13.9% and 28.6%, meningitis 1.0% and 4.0%, pharyngeal wound dehiscence 1.7% (transnasal not reported), pneumonia 10.3% (transnasal not reported), prolonged or re-intubation 5.6% and 6.0%, reoperation 2.5% and 5.1%, sepsis 1.9% and 7.7%, tracheostomy 10.8% and 3.4%, velopharyngeal insufficiency 3.3% and 6.4% and wound infection 3.3% and 1.9%. None of these differences were statistically significant, except for postoperative tracheostomy, which was significantly higher after transoral odontoidectomy 8.4% (95% CI 4.9% -11.9%) compared to transnasal odontoidectomy 0.8% (95% CI -1.0% -2.9%). Neurologic outcome was improved in 90.0% and worse in 0.9% of patients after transoral compared to 94.0% and 0.0% after transnasal odontoidectomy (p=0.30).
CONCLUSIONS
This work presents a systematic review of complications reported for transoral or transnasal odontoidectomy across a heterogeneous group of surgeons and patients. Due to inconsistent reporting, statistical significance was only achieved for postoperative tracheostomy, which was significantly higher in the transoral group. This investigation sets the framework for further discussions regarding odontoidectomy approach options and their associated complications during the informed consent process.
Topics: Humans; Intraoperative Complications; Mouth; Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery; Odontoid Process; Postoperative Complications; Transanal Endoscopic Surgery
PubMed: 27442001
DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2016.07.019 -
BMC Pediatrics May 2016Although anorectal malformations (ARMs) are frequently encountered, rare variants difficult to classify have been reported. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Although anorectal malformations (ARMs) are frequently encountered, rare variants difficult to classify have been reported.
METHODS
This study describes a patient with ARM and rectopenile fistula. The literature was reviewed systematically to assess the anatomical characteristics, clinical presentations and operations of this rare type of ARM.
RESULTS
Eight patients were reported in the six included articles. In three patients, the fistula extended from the rectum to the anterior urethra without communication with the skin. In one patient, the fistula, located deep in corpus spongiosum, opened to the ventral aspect of the penis without communication with the urethra. In the remaining four patients, the fistula extended from the rectum to the cutaneous orifice in the ventral aspect of penis, with communication or a short common channel with the urethra.
CONCLUSIONS
Imperforate anus with fistula extending into the penis is a rare variant of anorectal malformation. Unawareness of this lesion resulted in a delay of correct diagnosis and appropriate management. A thorough examination, including colonourethrography and fistulography, should be performed in all patients with a fistula opening in the ventral aspect of the penis.
Topics: Anorectal Malformations; Anus, Imperforate; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Male; Penile Diseases; Rectal Fistula; Urethral Diseases; Urinary Fistula
PubMed: 27176040
DOI: 10.1186/s12887-016-0604-z -
International Journal of Legal Medicine May 2016Body packing is the term used for the intracorporeal concealment of illicit drugs, mainly cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and cannabinoids. These drugs are produced in... (Review)
Review
Body packing is the term used for the intracorporeal concealment of illicit drugs, mainly cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and cannabinoids. These drugs are produced in the form of packages and are swallowed or placed in various anatomical cavities and body orifices. Basing on these two ways of transportation a distinction between body stuffers and body pushers can be made, with the former described as drug users or street dealers who usually carry small amounts of drugs and the latter as professional drug couriers who carry greater amounts of drugs. A review of the literature regarding body packing is presented, with the aim to highlight the toxicological and radiological features related to this illegal practice. Raising awareness about the encountered mean body levels of the drugs and the typical imaging signs of the incorporated packages could be useful for clinicians and forensic pathologists to (a) identify possible unrecognized cases of body packing and (b) prevent the serious health consequences and deaths frequently occurring after the packages' leakage or rupture or the packages' mass obstructing the gastrointestinal lumen.
Topics: Chromatography, Liquid; Diagnostic Imaging; Drug Trafficking; Foreign Bodies; Forensic Sciences; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Humans; Illicit Drugs
PubMed: 26932867
DOI: 10.1007/s00414-015-1310-3 -
Catheterization and Cardiovascular... Feb 2016Transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) for severely calcified native mitral valve disease recently emerged as a treatment option in patients deemed inoperable by... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) for severely calcified native mitral valve disease recently emerged as a treatment option in patients deemed inoperable by conventional techniques. Yet no systematic appraisal currently exists characterizing this novel treatment paradigm.
METHODS
A systematic literature review summarizing the clinical, anatomical, peri- and post-procedural characteristics underscoring the technical feasibility of this procedure was performed.
RESULTS
Nine publications describing 11 patients [mean age 68 ± 10 years, 82% female, 82% severe mitral stenosis (MS), 18% severe mitral regurgitation (MR)] were identified. Mean STS score, trans-mitral gradient and effective orifice area were 10.5 ± 4.6%, 12 ± 2.4 mm Hg and 0.93 ± 0.06 cm(2) respectively. All patients had severe, circumferential mitral annular calcification on imaging. Dedicated balloon-expanding transcatheter aortic valves were used in 10/11 cases, with 8/11 cases involving a true percutaneous approach with peri-procedural 3D trans-esophageal echocardiographic guidance; 3/11 cases involved an open left atrial approach. Following initial balloon inflation and valve deployment, procedural success rate was 73%, without residual paravalvular leaks (PVL). Successful immediate re-deployment of a 2nd valve was needed in 2 instances following significant PVL detection. Residual trans-valvular gradients ranged from 3 to 7 mm Hg, with no patient demonstrating >grade 2 MR. All patients survived the procedure, with 2 reported deaths on days 10- and 41 post-TMVI being non-cardiac-related. Mid-term clinical follow-up, reported in 8 patients, revealed 6 patients to be alive at 3-months with much improved functional status.
CONCLUSIONS
TMVI for native severely calcified mitral valve disease appears technically feasible with acceptable initial acute and mid-term hemodynamic and clinical outcomes. The outcomes of an ongoing, dedicated global Sapien TMVI registry will shed further light on this evolving treatment paradigm.
Topics: Aged; Balloon Valvuloplasty; Calcinosis; Cardiac Catheterization; Echocardiography, Doppler, Color; Echocardiography, Transesophageal; Female; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; Hemodynamics; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mitral Valve; Mitral Valve Insufficiency; Mitral Valve Stenosis; Prosthesis Design; Recovery of Function; Severity of Illness Index; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 26577250
DOI: 10.1002/ccd.26262