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In Vivo (Athens, Greece) 2024The integration of AI and natural language processing technologies, such as ChatGPT, into surgical practice has shown promising potential in enhancing various aspects of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND/AIM
The integration of AI and natural language processing technologies, such as ChatGPT, into surgical practice has shown promising potential in enhancing various aspects of abdominopelvic surgical procedures. This systematic review aims to comprehensively evaluate the current state of research on the applications and impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT in abdominopelvic surgery summarizing existing literature towards providing a comprehensive overview of the diverse applications, effectiveness, challenges, and future directions of these innovative technologies.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic search of major electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, was conducted from October to November 2023, to identify relevant studies. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies that investigated the utilization of AI and ChatGPT in abdominopelvic surgical settings, including, but not limited to preoperative planning, intraoperative decision-making, postoperative care, and patient communication.
RESULTS
Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The majority of the studies were analysing ChatGPT's data output and decision making while two studies reported patient and general surgery resident perception of the tool applied to clinical practice. Most studies reported a high accuracy of ChatGPT in data output and decision-making process, however with an unforgettable number of errors.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review contributes to the current understanding of the role of AI and ChatGPT in abdominopelvic surgery, providing insight into their applications and impact on clinical practice. The synthesis of available evidence will inform future research directions, clinical guidelines, and development of these technologies to optimize their potential benefits in enhancing surgical care within the abdominopelvic domain.
Topics: Humans; Abdomen; Artificial Intelligence; Natural Language Processing; Pelvis
PubMed: 38688653
DOI: 10.21873/invivo.13534 -
European Journal of Surgical Oncology :... Jun 2024There has been a lack of research comparing the efficacy of various treatments for low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
There has been a lack of research comparing the efficacy of various treatments for low anterior resection syndrome (LARS).
METHODS
We conducted a comprehensive search across six electronic databases and a paired meta-analysis was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of the interventions. Furthermore, a network meta-analysis was utilized to compare the efficacy of different treatments for LARS.
RESULTS
This study encompassed nine randomized controlled trials, involving a total of 450 patients. Compared to routine care, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists (follow-up<3 months) and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (3 months ≤ follow-up <6 months) were effective in reducing the LARS score. Pelvic floor rehabilitation (follow-up≤3 months) was effective in decreasing daily number of bowel movements when compared to routine care. The network meta-analysis indicated that 5-HT3 receptor antagonists (follow-up<3 months) were the most effective in reducing both the LARS score and the daily number of bowel movements. Transanal irrigation (3 months ≤ follow-up ≤ 12 months) was most effective in reducing the LARS score. Additionally, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists demonstrated relative efficacy in improving patients' quality of life (follow-up ≤ 1 month).
CONCLUSIONS
This review indicates that 5-HT3 receptor antagonists and anal irrigation show significant promise in the treatment of LARS. Nevertheless, the contributions of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation and pelvic floor rehabilitation to LARS treatment should not be overlooked. Given the clinical heterogeneity observed among the studies, the results should be interpreted with caution.
Topics: Humans; Network Meta-Analysis; Pelvic Floor; Postoperative Complications; Proctectomy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rectal Neoplasms; Serotonin 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists; Tibial Nerve; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation
PubMed: 38626589
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2024.108336 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024The global aging population faces significant health challenges, including an increasing vulnerability to disability due to natural aging processes. Wearable lower limb... (Review)
Review
The global aging population faces significant health challenges, including an increasing vulnerability to disability due to natural aging processes. Wearable lower limb exoskeletons (LLEs) have emerged as a promising solution to enhance physical function in older individuals. This systematic review synthesizes the use of LLEs in alignment with the WHO's healthy aging vision, examining their impact on intrinsic capacities and functional abilities. We conducted a comprehensive literature search in six databases, yielding 36 relevant articles covering older adults (65+) with various health conditions, including sarcopenia, stroke, Parkinson's Disease, osteoarthritis, and more. The interventions, spanning one to forty sessions, utilized a range of LLE technologies such as Ekso, HAL, Stride Management Assist, Honda Walking Assist, Lokomat, Walkbot, Healbot, Keeogo Rehab, EX1, overground wearable exoskeletons, Eksoband, powered ankle-foot orthoses, HAL lumbar type, Human Body Posturizer, Gait Enhancing and Motivation System, soft robotic suits, and active pelvis orthoses. The findings revealed substantial positive outcomes across diverse health conditions. LLE training led to improvements in key performance indicators, such as the 10 Meter Walk Test, Five Times Sit-to-Stand test, Timed Up and Go test, and more. Additionally, enhancements were observed in gait quality, joint mobility, muscle strength, and balance. These improvements were accompanied by reductions in sedentary behavior, pain perception, muscle exertion, and metabolic cost while walking. While longer intervention durations can aid in the rehabilitation of intrinsic capacities, even the instantaneous augmentation of functional abilities can be observed in a single session. In summary, this review demonstrates consistent and significant enhancements in critical parameters across a broad spectrum of health conditions following LLE interventions in older adults. These findings underscore the potential of LLE in promoting healthy aging and enhancing the well-being of older adults.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Exoskeleton Device; Healthy Aging; Postural Balance; Time and Motion Studies; World Health Organization
PubMed: 38610440
DOI: 10.3390/s24072230 -
Colorectal Disease : the Official... May 2024Restorative proctocolectomy with transabdominal ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (abd-IPAA) has become the standard surgical treatment for medically refractory ulcerative... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIM
Restorative proctocolectomy with transabdominal ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (abd-IPAA) has become the standard surgical treatment for medically refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). However, it requires a technically difficult distal anorectal dissection and anastomosis due to the bony confines of the deep pelvis. To address these challenges, the transanal IPAA approach (ta-IPAA) was developed. This novel approach may offer increased visibility and range of motion compared with abd-IPAA, although its postoperative benefits remain unclear. The aim of this work was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare and inform the frequency of postoperative outcomes between ta-IPAA and abd-IPAA for patients with UC.
METHOD
Several databases were searched from inception until May 2022 for studies reporting postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing ta-IPAA. Reviewers, working independently and in duplicate, evaluated studies for inclusion and graded the risk of bias. Odds ratios (OR), mean differences (MD) and prevalence ratio (PR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models. Sensitivity analysis was performed.
RESULTS
Ten retrospective studies comprising 284 patients with ta-IPAA were included. Total mesorectal excision was performed in 61.8% of cases and close rectal dissection in 27.9%. There was no difference in the odds of Clavien-Dindo (CD) I-II complications, CD III-IV and anastomotic leak (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.27-3.40; OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.65-2.16; OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.58-3.23; respectively) between ta-IPAA and abd-IPAA. The ta-IPAA pooled CD I-II complication rate was 18% (95% CI 5%-35%) and for CD III-IV 10% (95% CI 5%-17%), and the anastomotic leak rate was 6% (95% CI 2%-10%). There were no deaths reported.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis compared the novel ta-IPAA procedure with abd-IPAA and found no difference in postoperative outcomes. While the need for randomized controlled trails and comparison of functional outcomes between both approaches remains, this evidence should assist colorectal surgeons to decide if ta-IPAA is a viable alternative.
Topics: Humans; Proctocolectomy, Restorative; Colitis, Ulcerative; Postoperative Complications; Treatment Outcome; Colonic Pouches; Anal Canal; Female; Male; Adult; Retrospective Studies; Middle Aged; Anastomosis, Surgical; Anastomotic Leak; Transanal Endoscopic Surgery; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
PubMed: 38594838
DOI: 10.1111/codi.16977 -
Injury Jun 2024Optimal thromboprophylaxis in orthopaedic procedures is crucial in an attempt to lower the risk of venous thromboembolism, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Optimal thromboprophylaxis in orthopaedic procedures is crucial in an attempt to lower the risk of venous thromboembolism, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. We aim to: 1) identify clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and recommendations (CPRs) on thromboprophylaxis in adult patients undergoing orthopaedic procedures, and 2) assess the methodological quality and reporting clarity of these guidelines.
METHODS
The study was conducted following the 2020 PRISMA guidelines for a systematic review and has been registered on the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) under the registration number (CRD42023406988). An electronic search was conducted using Medline, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, Google Scholar and medRxiv. The search terms used were ""adults", "orthopedic surgery", "orthopedic surgeries", "orthopedic surgical procedure", "orthopedic surgical procedures" "english language", "venous thromboembolism", in all possible combinations (January 2013 to March 2023). The eligible studies were evaluated by four blind raters, employing the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II (AGREE-II) analysis tool.
RESULTS
The literature research resulted in 931 studies. Finally, a total of 16 sets of guidelines were included in the current analysis. There were 8 national and 8 international CPGs. Eight CPGs made specific recommendations for orthopaedic surgery and referred mostly to joints; one guideline focused on pelvi-acetabular trauma, while the rest were more inclusive and non-specific. Four guidelines, one from the American Society of Hematology (ASH), two from the United Kingdom (UK) and one from India were found to have the highest methodological quality and reporting clarity according to the AGREE-II tool. Inter-rater agreement was very good with a mean Cohens Kappa 0.962 (95 % CI, 0.895-0.986) in the current analysis. So, the reliability of the measurements can be interpreted as good to excellent.
CONCLUSION
Optimal thromboprophylaxis in orthopaedic procedures is crucial. The available guidelines were found to be mostly of high methodological quality and inter-rater agreement was very good, according to our study.
Topics: Humans; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Venous Thromboembolism; Orthopedic Procedures; Anticoagulants; Pulmonary Embolism; Postoperative Complications; Venous Thrombosis
PubMed: 38582056
DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2024.111517 -
Actas Urologicas Espanolas May 2024Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common disorder in women that has a negative impact on quality of life. Pregnancy and childbirth are considered important risk... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common disorder in women that has a negative impact on quality of life. Pregnancy and childbirth are considered important risk factors that directly affect the pelvic floor during pregnancy and labour, increasing the risk of pelvic floor dysfunction, with prevalence rates of SUI in the postpartum period ranging from 30 to 47% during the first 12 months.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) in the prevention of SUI in women during the antenatal and postnatal period by reviewing and evaluating the available scientific literature.
METHODS
This is a systematic review, using only randomised controlled trials. We searched the databases Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane and PEDro. We reviewed 7 prospective studies in English and Portuguese, which included 1,401 pregnant women of legal age who underwent PFMT to prevent SUI.
RESULTS
The results allowed us to establish that PFMT is used for pelvic floor muscles and that this intervention, applied with the appropriate methodology, can prevent or cure SUI.
CONCLUSIONS
The application of PFMT in an early stage of pregnancy has positive effects on the continence capacity after delivery.
Topics: Humans; Urinary Incontinence, Stress; Female; Pelvic Floor; Exercise Therapy; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Pregnancy Complications
PubMed: 38556125
DOI: 10.1016/j.acuroe.2024.01.007 -
Journal of Endourology Jun 2024Renal transplantation is the treatment for end-stage renal disease that offers better quality of life and survival. Among the possible complications that might affect...
Renal transplantation is the treatment for end-stage renal disease that offers better quality of life and survival. Among the possible complications that might affect allografts, urolithiasis might have severe consequences, causing acute kidney injury (AKI) or septic events in immunocompromised patients. Allograft stones might be treated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). The aim of this Cochrane style review was to assess the safety and efficacy of PCNL in patients with renal transplant. A comprehensive search in the literature was performed including articles between July 1982 and June 2023, with only English original articles selected for this review. The final review encompassed nine articles (108 patients). The mean age was 46.4 ± 8.7 years, with a male:female ratio of 54:44. The average time from transplantation to urolithiasis onset was 47.54 ± 23.9 months. Predominant symptoms upon presentation were AKI (32.3%), followed by urinary tract infection and fever (24.2%), and oliguria (12.9%). The mean stone size was 20.1 ± 7.3 mm, with stones located in the calices or pelvis (41%), ureteropelvic junction (23.1%), or proximal ureter (28.2%). PCNL (22F-30F) was more frequently performed than mini-PCNLs (16F-20F) (52.4% 47.6%). Puncture was guided by ultrasound (42.9%), fluoroscopy (14.3%), or both (42.9%). The stone-free rate (SFR) and complication rates were 92.95% (range: 77%-100%) and 5.5%, respectively, with only one major complication reported. Postoperatively, a ureteral stent and nephrostomy were commonly placed in 47%, with four patients needing a second look PCNL. During an average follow-up of 32.5 months, the recurrence rate was 3.7% (4/108), and the mean creatinine level was 1.37 ± 0.28 mg/dL. PCNL remains a safe and effective option in allograft urolithiasis, allowing to treat large stones in one-step surgery. A good SFR is achieved with a low risk of minor complications. These patients should be treated in an endourology center in conjunction with the renal or transplant team.
Topics: Humans; Kidney Transplantation; Nephrolithotomy, Percutaneous; Urolithiasis; Postoperative Complications; Treatment Outcome; Male; Middle Aged; Female
PubMed: 38545755
DOI: 10.1089/end.2023.0398 -
Surgical Endoscopy May 2024Despite recent advancements, the advantage of robotic surgery over other traditional modalities still harbors academic inquiries. We seek to take a recently published... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Despite recent advancements, the advantage of robotic surgery over other traditional modalities still harbors academic inquiries. We seek to take a recently published high-profile narrative systematic review regarding robotic surgery and add meta-analytic tools to identify further benefits of robotic surgery.
METHODS
Data from the published systematic review were extracted and meta-analysis were performed. A fixed-effect model was used when heterogeneity was not significant (Chi p ≥ 0.05, I ≤ 50%) and a random-effects model was used when heterogeneity was significant (Chi p < 0.05, I > 50%). Forest plots were generated using RevMan 5.3 software.
RESULTS
Robotic surgery had comparable overall complications compared to laparoscopic surgery (p = 0.85), which was significantly lower compared to open surgery (odds ratio 0.68, p = 0.005). Compared to laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery had fewer open conversions (risk difference - 0.0144, p = 0.03), shorter length of stay (mean difference - 0.23 days, p = 0.01), but longer operative time (mean difference 27.98 min, p < 0.00001). Compared to open surgery, robotic surgery had less estimated blood loss (mean difference - 286.8 mL, p = 0.0003) and shorter length of stay (mean difference - 1.69 days, p = 0.001) with longer operative time (mean difference 44.05 min, p = 0.03). For experienced robotic surgeons, there were less overall intraoperative complications (risk difference - 0.02, p = 0.02) and open conversions (risk difference - 0.03, p = 0.04), with equivalent operative duration (mean difference 23.32 min, p = 0.1) compared to more traditional modalities.
CONCLUSION
Our study suggests that compared to laparoscopy, robotic surgery may improve hospital length of stay and open conversion rates, with added benefits in experienced robotic surgeons showing lower overall intraoperative complications and comparable operative times.
Topics: Humans; Abdomen; Conversion to Open Surgery; Laparoscopy; Length of Stay; Operative Time; Pelvis; Postoperative Complications; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Robotic Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 38528261
DOI: 10.1007/s00464-024-10773-3 -
International Urogynecology Journal May 2024The objective was to evaluate the prevalence of levator ani avulsion (LAA) among primiparous women with obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) and how this association... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS
The objective was to evaluate the prevalence of levator ani avulsion (LAA) among primiparous women with obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) and how this association could affect future pelvic floor dysfunction.
METHODS
Three electronic databases (MEDLINE/PubMed/EMBASE) were searched in December 2018 and again in October 2022. Nine full-text articles were included in the analysis. The exclusion criteria were language other than English, studies not based on primiparous women only, conference abstracts, and evaluation without ultrasound or MRI.
RESULTS
The overall prevalence of LAA was 24% (95% CI: 18-30%). Those with OASI, were at a higher risk of LAA, OR 3.49 (95% CI: 1.46 to 8.35). In women with LAA + OASI versus OASI alone, Three of Five studies showed worsened AI symptoms. Three of Five studies assessing urinary incontinence (UI) reported no significant difference in UI, whereas two reported increased UI. All studies that looked at pelvic organ prolapse reported a higher incidence of symptomatic prolapse and reduced pelvic floor muscle strength in women with LAA + OASI compared with those without LAA.
CONCLUSION
Levator ani avulsion is prevalent following vaginal birth and is strongly associated with OASI. Incidence of AI does not increase in women with LAA and OASI, but they had greater symptom bother. OASI with LAA appears to increase the incidence of pelvic floor weakness and pelvic organ prolapse. There is no consensus agreement on the effect of LAA + OASI on UI.
Topics: Humans; Female; Anal Canal; Prevalence; Pregnancy; Pelvic Floor Disorders; Pelvic Floor; Delivery, Obstetric; Fecal Incontinence; Obstetric Labor Complications; Urinary Incontinence
PubMed: 38523161
DOI: 10.1007/s00192-024-05756-w -
The Journal of Sexual Medicine Apr 2024Despite several treatments that have been used for women reporting vaginal laxity (VL), to our knowledge no systematic review is available on the topic so far. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Despite several treatments that have been used for women reporting vaginal laxity (VL), to our knowledge no systematic review is available on the topic so far.
AIM
In this study, we sought to summarize the best available evidence about the efficacy and safety of interventions for treating VL, whether conservative or surgical.
METHODS
A comprehensive search strategy was performed in Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for reports of clinical trials published from database inception to September 2022. Studies selected for inclusion were in the English language and were performed to investigate any type of treatment for VL, with or without a comparator, whether nonrandomized studies or randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Case reports and studies without a clear definition of VL were excluded.
OUTCOMES
The outcomes were interventions (laser, radiofrequency, surgery, and topical treatment), adverse effects, sexual function, pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength, and improvement of VL by the VL questionnaire (VLQ).
RESULTS
From 816 records, 38 studies remained in the final analysis. Laser and radiofrequency (RF) were the energy-based treatment devices most frequently studied. Pooled data from eight observational studies have shown improved sexual function assessed by a Female Sexual Function Index score mean difference (MD) of 6.51 (95% CI, 5.61-7.42; i2 = 85%, P < .01) before and after intervention, whether by RF (MD, 6.00; 95% CI, 4.26-7.73; i2 = 80%; P < .001) or laser (MD, 6.83; 95% CI, 5.01-8.65; i2 = 92%; P < .01). However, this finding was not shown when only 3 RCTs were included, even when separated by type of intervention (RF or laser). When RF treatment was compared to sham controls, VLQ scores did not improve (MD, 1.01; 95% CI, -0.38 to 2.40; i2 = 94%; P < .001). Patient PFM strength improved after interventions were performed (MD, 4.22; 95% CI, 1.02-7.42; i2 = 77%; P < .001). The ROBINS-I (Risk Of Bias In Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions) tool classified all non-RCTs at serious risk of bias, except for 1 study, and the risk of bias-1 analysis found a low and unclear risk of bias for all RCTs. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) certainty of the evidence was moderate for sexual function and the VLQ questionnaire and low for PFM strength.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Sexual function in women with VL who underwent RF and laser treatment improved in observational studies but not in RCTs. Improvement in PFM strength was observed in women with VL after the intervention.
STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS
Crucial issues were raised for the understanding of VL, such as lack of standardization of the definition and for the development of future prospective studies. A limitation of the study was that the heterogeneity of the interventions and different follow-up periods did not make it possible to pool all available data.
CONCLUSIONS
Vaginal tightening did not improve sensation in women with VL after intervention, whereas RF and laser improved sexual function in women with VL according to data from observational studies, but not from RCTs. PFM strength was improved after intervention in women with VL.
Topics: Humans; Female; Vagina; Laser Therapy; Pelvic Floor; Radiofrequency Therapy; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological
PubMed: 38508858
DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdae028