Standardized approach to extract candidate outcomes from literature for a standard outcome set: a case- and simulation study.

AIMS: Standard outcome sets enable the value-based evaluation of health care delivery. Whereas the attainment of expert opinion has been structured using methods such as the modified-Delphi process, standardized guidelines for extraction of candidate outcomes from literature are lacking. As such, we aimed to describe an approach to obtain a comprehensive list of candidate outcomes for potential inclusion in standard outcome sets. METHODS: This study describes an iterative saturation approach, using randomly selected batches from a systematic literature search to develop a long list of candidate outcomes to evaluate healthcare. This approach can be preceded with an optional benchmark review of relevant registries and Clinical Practice Guidelines and data visualization techniques (e.g. as a WordCloud) to potentially decrease the number of iterations. The development of the International Consortium of Health Outcome Measures Heart valve disease set is used to illustrate the approach. Batch cutoff choices of the iterative saturation approach were validated using data of 1000 simulated cases. RESULTS: Simulation showed that on average 98% (range 92-100%) saturation is reached using a 100-article batch initially, with 25 articles in the subsequent batches. On average 4.7 repeating rounds (range 1-9) of 25 new articles were necessary to achieve saturation if no outcomes are first identified from a benchmark review or a data visualization. CONCLUSION: In this paper a standardized approach is proposed to identify relevant candidate outcomes for a standard outcome set. This approach creates a balance between comprehensiveness and feasibility in conducting literature reviews for the identification of candidate outcomes.

Combination of subcutaneous abdominal wall retraction and optical trocar to minimize pneumoperitoneum-related effects and needle and trocar injuries in laparoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Both pneumoperitoneum and blind needle and trocar insertion may cause complications: because of the well-known physiological effects, CO2 insufflation is not indicated in patients with impairment of cardiorespiratory function and high-risk patients; injuries to underlying viscera and vessels by needles and trocars have been reported even when the open technique is used. METHODS: A technique which combines abdominal wall suspension by a new subcutaneous lifter (LaparoTenser) and optical trocar (OptiView) insertion has been evaluated in a random series of 22 patients undergoing various laparoscopic procedures. The optic trocar was inserted without previous insufflation, but low-pressure (1-5 mmHg) pneumoperitoneum was associated during the course of the procedure in 16 cases. RESULTS: The exposure of the operating field was good or sufficient in 21 cases (95%), while the placement of the optical trocar was always safe. One complication related to the insertion of the subcutaneous needles of the wall lifter occurred (suprafascial hematoma). CONCLUSIONS: The subcutaneous retractor allows the use of conventional cannulae and the combination of abdominal wall suspension with or without low-pressure pneumoperitoneum, thus enhancing the quality of exposure with no effect on the hemodynamic and respiratory functions.

[A case of nodular pseudosarcomatous fasciitis treated with "presuture" technique]. / Su di un caso di fascite nodulare pseudosarcomatosa trattato con tecnica di "presutura".

This paper reviews a case of nodular (pseudosarcomatous) fasciitis. It consists of a rare benign lesion of the soft tissues. The rapidity of its growth and the cellular features represent a diagnostic challenge when compared with that of a sarcoma. The patient, a 36 year old female, 20 days before surgical treatment, noticed the growth of a nodular lesion on the left forearm skin. After echotomography and ultrasound guided needle biopsy diagnosis of nodular pseudosarcomatous fasciitis was established and the patient underwent surgical treatment. The nodular lesion, noncapsulated, (diameter 2.5 x 1.2 cm) greyish-white colored, with slimy consistency, and myxoid character, was microscopically composed by atypical fibroblasts, with myxoid ground substance. The nodular lesion was removed using the "pressure" technique by Serge Baux of Rothschild Hospital in Paris using two Kirschner threads pulling the skin surrounding the biopsy wound. By this technique was possible to achieve a rapid skin expansion. The nodular pseudosarcomatous fasciitis remains a very difficult lesion to recognise unless the aid of a biopsy.

Pectus excavatum in adults: destructive surgery or simple correction of an aesthetic defect?

Pectus excavatum, a congenital depressive malformation of the sternum, is described since 1594 by Johannes Schenk and has successively been the subject of many studies because of its various inherent problems. The repercussions on the respiratory and cardiac dynamics caused by the compression on the mediastinal structures and by the reduction of the respiratory volume have only recently been valuated completely with the application of the latest techniques to diagnosis, cardiology and radiology. The aesthetic defect, often the first aspect to attract the attention of patient and doctor, has serious psychological implications, especially for what concerns the affective life and relationships in general. The surgical therapy consists in radical interventions with large sternocostal resections and repositioning of the sternum (turnover), or in interventions with a less invasive technique to correct only the aesthetic defect. In this study have been examined 7 cases of patients affected by pectus excavatum who were operated at the Institute of General Surgery IV and the Department of Plastic surgery of the University of Rome "La Sapienza" between 1983 and 1993. The patients were divided in two groups: a first group of 4 patients who underwent a sternal turnover, and a second group of 3 patients who were operated with conservative methods to correct the aesthetic defect. In both groups the results were good without any post-operatory complications. The experience gained during these years consents us to propose radical interventions for patients who have a severe malformation with evident physiopathological implications; this intervention is especially indicated if the patient is young, to prevent further disabling complications. Less invasive methods, on the other hand, should be applied to all other cases, considering the higher degree of tolerance of the intervention, the absence of postoperatory complications and the minor cost, thanks to a shorter hospital stay.

Following new tax rules on charitable deductions.

The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 established new rules governing individuals who make donations to charitable organizations and organizations that provide goods and services in return for charitable donations. Healthcare financial managers and fund-raising personnel need to become familiar with these rules so they can assure that donors of charitable contributions to their organizations will receive appropriate tax deductions and that the organizations themselves will not incur penalties for failing to make proper disclosures.