Comparison of splenic embolization and splenectomy for traumatic splenic rupture: a meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to assess the safety and clinical efficacy of percutaneous splenic embolization (PSE) and splenectomy as approaches to treating cases of traumatic splenic rupture (TSR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eligible articles published throughout August 2023 were identified. Endpoints compared between PSE and splenectomy patient groups included operative time, intraoperative hemorrhage, duration of hospitalization, postoperative complication rates, and measures of immune function. RESULTS: Thirteen studies, involving 474 and 520 patients in the PSE and splenectomy groups respectively, were incorporated into this meta-analysis. As compared to the splenectomy group, individuals treated via PSE exhibited a significant reduction in pooled operative time (p < 0.00001) and hospitalization duration (p < 0.00001), with corresponding reductions in rates of intraoperative hemorrhage (p < 0.00001), total complications (p < 0.0001), incisional infection (p < 0.0001), ileus (p = 0.0004), and abdominal infection (p = 0.02). The immune status of these PSE group patients was also improved, as evidenced by significantly higher pooled CD4+ (30 days), CD4+/CD8+ (30 days), and CD3+ (30 days) values (p < 0.0001, 0.0001, and 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to splenectomy, PSE-based TSR treatment can significantly reduce operative time, rate of postoperative complications, and incidence of intraoperative hemorrhage, while improving post-procedural immune functionality.

Exploration of risk factors for hemoglobinuria and acute kidney injury following iliofemoral venous mechanical thrombectomy.

Objective: To evaluate the risk factors for hemoglobinuria and acute kidney injury (AKI) after percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (MT) with or without catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) for iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (IFDVT). Methods: Patients with IFDVT who had MT with the AngioJet catheter (group A), MT plus CDT (group B), or CDT alone (group C) from January 2016 to March 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Hemoglobinuria was monitored throughout the treatment course, and postoperative AKI was assessed by comparing the preoperative (baseline) and postoperative serum creatinine (sCr) levels from the electronic medical records of all patients. AKI was defined as an elevation in the sCr level exceeding 26.5 â€‹µmol/L within 72 â€‹h after the operation according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria. Results: A total of 493 consecutive patients with IFDVT were reviewed, of which 382 (mean age, 56 â€‹± â€‹11 years; 41% of them were females; 97 in group A, 128 in group B, and 157 in group C) were finally analyzed. Macroscopic hemoglobinuria was evident in 44.89% of the patients of the MT groups (101/225, 39 in group A, and 62 in group B), with no significant difference between the groups (P â€‹= â€‹0.219), but not in the patients in group C. None of the patients developed AKI (mean sCr difference -2.76 â€‹± â€‹13.80 â€‹µmol/L, range â€‹= â€‹-80.20 to 20.60 â€‹µmol/L) within 72 â€‹h after surgery. Conclusions: Rheolytic MT is an independent risk factor for hemoglobinuria. A proper aspiration strategy, hydration, and alkalization following thrombectomy are particularly favorable for preventing AKI.

Percutaneous recanalization in hepatic vein-type Budd-Chiari syndrome: hepatic or accessory hepatic vein.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to assess the clinical efficiency and long-term outcomes of hepatic vein (HV) and accessory hepatic vein (AHV) recanalization in patients with HV-type Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 27 patients with HV-type BCS underwent AHV recanalization and 94 patients had HV recanalization at our center from January 2012 to December 2019. The treatment effectiveness and long-term outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Technical success was accomplished in all patients, without any procedure-related complications. The clinical success rates were 96.3% (26/27) and 95.7% (90/94) (p = 1.000). In the AHV and HV groups, re-obstruction was observed in 5 and 36 patients, respectively (p = 0.056). The median primary durations of AHV and HV patency were 64 and 49 months, respectively (p = 0.036), while the median secondary durations of AHV and HV patency were 70 and 64 months, respectively (p = 0.134). The median overall survival after AHV and HV recanalization was 73 and 78 months, respectively (p = 0.263). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that AHV could be employed as a replacement for HV, as a hepatic drainage vein, in HV-type BCS patients.

Preoperative computed tomography-guided localization for multiple lung nodules: a Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Approximately 20% of patients with lung nodules (LNs) have multiple LNs (MLNs). This meta-analysis was performed to assess the safety and efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided localization of MLNs in comparison with those of single LN (SLN) localization. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched to collect relevant articles published till February 2022. The meta-analysis was performed using the RevMan v5.3. RESULTS: In total, seven studies met the inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis. No significant difference was observed between patients with MLNs and SLN in terms of pooled successful localization rate based on LNs (p = 0.64) and patients (p = 0.06). The pooled duration of localization was significantly shorter and the pooled pneumothorax and lung hemorrhage rates were significantly lower in the SLN group than in the MLNs group (p < 0.00001 for all). The pooled duration of hospital stay was comparable between the MLNs and SLN groups (p = 0.96). Significant heterogeneity was observed in the endpoints of duration of localization (I2 = 75%) and pneumothorax (I2 = 53%). CONCLUSIONS: CT-guided simultaneous MLN localization is clinically safe and effective, despite requiring a longer procedural time and having higher incidence of pneumothorax and lung hemorrhage than SLN localization.

Comparison between coil and hook-wire localization before video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for lung nodules: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Both coil and hook-wire localization techniques are commonly employed prior to video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) resection in patients with lung nodules (LNs), but the relative advantages of each remain uncertain. Aim: This meta-analysis was performed to explore the relative safety and efficacy of coil localization (CL) and hook-wire localization (HWL) for patients with LNs. Material and methods: The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, and CINK databases were searched to identify relevant studies published as of February 2022, after which pooled analyses of study outcomes were conducted. Results: In total, 8 studies met the inclusion criteria for the present meta-analysis. Successful localization rates were higher for the CL group relative to the HWL group (p = 0.0001). The CL group additionally exhibited significantly lower pooled total complication, pneumothorax, and lung hemorrhage rates relative to the HWL group (p = 0.01, p = 0.0001, p = 0.0009). Pooled duration of localization, VATS procedure duration, and wedge resection duration values were comparable in both groups (p = 0.69, p = 0.16, p = 0.76), as were chest pain scores (p = 0.06). When specifically analyzing the subset of patients with ground-glass LNs, pooled pneumothorax rates were significantly lower in the CL group relative to the HWL group (p = 0.03). Significant publication bias was detected with respect to rates of lung hemorrhage (Egger test, p = 0.029), but was not evident for other analyzed variables. Conclusions: These results suggest that the coil-based localization of LNs before VATS resection is safer and more effective than hook-wire localization.

Computed tomography-guided lung biopsy for molecular tests: a meta-analysis.

Introduction: Computed tomography (CT)-guided lung biopsy has been widely used for molecular testing. Aim: To evaluate the potential clinical effectiveness of computed tomography (CT)-guided lung biopsy in molecular tests. Material and methods: We searched the related studies from the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library until July 2021. The endpoints included adequacy rates for molecular tests, positive rates of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) translocation, and Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutations. Results: Initially, we were able to identify 1783 potentially relevant studies, among which only 12 were ultimately included in the present meta-analysis. All the studies were retrospective in nature. A total of 2559 patients underwent CT-guided lung biopsy and 1414 of them received molecular testing. We found that the pooled adequacy rate for molecular tests, positive rate of EGFR mutations, and positive rate of ALK translocation were 95%, 49%, and 7%, respectively. Significant heterogeneity was detected in the endpoints of adequacy rate for molecular tests (I 2 = 86.2%) and positive rate of EGFR mutations (I 2 = 77.7%). We did not identify any variables that could significantly influence the adequacy rate for molecular tests and positive rate of EGFR mutations. A high risk of publication bias was also found in the endpoint of adequacy rate for molecular tests. Conclusions: CT-guided lung biopsy can serve as an effective method to provide sufficient lung cancer samples for molecular testing. The EGFR gene was found to be the most frequently mutated during the analysis.

Bilateral stenting for hilar biliary obstruction: a meta-analysis of side-by-side versus stent-in-stent.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of stent-in-stent (SIS) and side-by-side (SBS) bilateral stenting for treating malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Relevant studies in Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were identified through June 2020. This meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan v5.3, using relevant endpoint data relating to clinical and technical success, complications, stent dysfunction, and overall survival (OS) rates extracted from these studies. RESULTS: We identified six relevant studies which included 315 MHBO patients treated with either SBS (n = 161) or SIS bilateral (n = 154) stenting. We saw no significant difference between these two groups with respect to clinical success (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.46, 2.49, p = .87), complication (HR: 0.12; 95% CI: -0.04, 0.27, p = .15), stent dysfunction (OR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.42, 1.10, p = .11), or OS (HR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.82, 1.16, p = .74). However, the SBS group exhibited significantly lower technical success rates (OR: 6.55; 95% CI: 1.10, 38.83, p = .04). Significant heterogeneity was only detected for the endpoint of complication rates (I2 = 60%). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that SIS bilateral stenting yields better rates of technical success than does SBS bilateral stenting in MHBO patients.

Irradiation stent insertion for distal biliary obstruction secondary to primary common biliary cancer.

PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness and safety of irradiation stent insertion for patients with distal biliary obstruction (DBO) secondary to primary common biliary cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-two consecutive patients with DBO secondary to primary common biliary cancer were treated via either normal (n = 45) or irradiation stenting (n = 37) between January 2013 and December 2019. The instant and long-term outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Technical success rates of normal and irradiation stenting were both 100%. Clinical success rates of normal and irradiation stenting were 91.1 and 100%, respectively (p = .179). Stent reobstruction was observed in 13 and 7 patients in the normal and irradiation stenting groups, respectively (p = .295). The median stent patency was 162 and 225 days in the normal and irradiation stenting groups, respectively (p < .001). The median survival was 178 and 250 days in the normal and irradiation stenting groups, respectively (p < .001). Cholangitis was, respectively, observed in 8 and 12 patients in normal and irradiation stenting groups (p = .124). CONCLUSION: Irradiation stenting is effective and safe for patients with DBO secondary to primary common biliary cancer and can prolong stent patency and survival.

Comparison of different embolic particles for superior rectal arterial embolization of chronic hemorrhoidal bleeding: gelfoam versus microparticle.

BACKGROUND: Whether different embolic particles with comparable diameter lead to similar beneficial effects in endovascular embolization of hemorrhoidal disease remains to be established. We sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of different types of agents for superior rectal arterial embolization (SRAE) in patients with bleeding hemorrhoids. METHODS: Patients with recurrent episodes of internal hemorrhoidal bleeding and chronic anemia treated by SRAE in three tertiary hospitals between March 2017 and June 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were divided into two study groups based on the embolic materials: embolization with coils (2-3 mm) + gelfoam particles at 350-560 µm (Group A, n = 23), embolization with coils (2-3 mm) + microparticles at 300-500 µm (Group B, n = 18). The technical success, preliminary clinical efficacy (percentage of patients without hematochezia), postoperative complications and short-term follow-up outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients (27 males) with symptomatic hemorrhoids were included in the study, mean age was 47 ± 12 years (range 25-72). 39% (16) patients with grade II hemorrhoids while 61% (25) patients with grade III. The technical success rate of the embolization procedure was 100%, and the preliminary clinical efficacy (87.0% vs 88.9%) showed no significant difference between the 2 groups (p = 0.098). No patients reported post-procedural and short-term serious complications, such as infection, intestinal ischemia or massive hemorrhage during the follow-up period (range 6-15 months). CONCLUSIONS: Both gelfoam particles and microparticles with comparable diameter in the endovascular treatment of hemorrhoidal bleeding demonstrated similarly good short-term efficacy and safety profile.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt: a meta-analysis of 8 mm versus 10 mm stents.

INTRODUCTION: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an approach that is used to alleviate portal hypertension-related symptoms. The optimal stent diameter for TIPS remains controversial. AIM: To assess outcomes in patients who underwent TIPS using 8 mm and 10 mm stents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were queried for all pertinent studies. The meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan v5.3. This meta-analysis was registered at the PROSPERO website (Number: CRD42020212392). RESULTS: Eighty-two potentially relevant articles were initially detected, with seven of these ultimately being included in this meta-analysis. Patients in the 10 mm stent group exhibited a significantly higher Δportosystemic pressure gradient (ΔPPG) relative to the 8 mm group (p = 0.04), whereas no differences between groups were observed with respect to postoperative hepatic encephalopathy (HE, p = 0.25), re-bleeding (p = 0.82), liver transplantation (p = 0.45), or mortality (p = 0.43) rates. The TIPS dysfunction rate was significant lower in the 10 mm group (p = 0.01). In Asian studies, the postoperative HE rate was found to be significantly lower in the 8 mm group relative to the 10 mm group (p = 0.02), whereas all other endpoints were comparable between these groups. In Western studies, ΔPPG values were significantly greater in the 10 mm group (p < 0.0001), whereas all other endpoint data were comparable between these groups. CONCLUSIONS: TIPS with 10 mm stents provides a lower TIPS dysfunction rate. However, 8 mm stents may be recommended for Asian patients, as they can decrease the risk of postoperative HE.

I-125 seed-loaded versus normal stent insertion for obstructive esophageal cancer: a meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Malignant esophageal obstruction is usually caused by esophageal and other chest cancers. More than 80% of cases of obstructive esophageal cancer (OEC) have lost the chance of curative resection. Stent insertion is a first-line palliative approach used to treat incurable OEC. AIM: To gauge the relative clinical efficacy of I-125 seed-loaded stent (ISS) versus normal stent (NS) insertion as a treatment for OEC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Querying of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted to find all relevant studies published up to November 2020. The meta-analysis was undertaken using RevMan v5.3. RESULTS: We identified 158 studies initially, eight (4 randomized controlled trials and 4 retrospective studies) of which were used in this meta-analysis. We found that the two groups exhibited the comparable pooled Δdysphagia scores (MD = 0.02; p = 0.80), stent restenosis rates (OR = 0.97; p = 0.89), stent migration rates (OR = 0.81; p = 0.63), severe chest pain rates (OR = 1.05; p = 0.81), hemorrhage rates (OR = 1.53; p = 0.16), aspiration pneumonia rates (OR = 0.72; p = 0.38), and fistula formation rates (OR = 1.47; p = 0.44). The pooled time-to-restenosis and survival were both significantly longer in the ISS group (p = 0.04 and < 0.0001, respectively). Significant heterogeneity was detected in the endpoints of Δdysphagia scores and survival (I2 = 73% and 86%, respectively). Funnel plot analysis indicated an absence of publication bias related to the selected study endpoints. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with OEC, our meta-analysis indicated that ISS insertion could provide longer stent patency and survival than NS insertion.

Endoscopic metal stenting for malignant hilar biliary obstruction: an update meta-analysis of unilateral versus bilateral stenting.

INTRODUCTION: Malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO) can arise in patients with malignant hilar hepatobiliary tumors or lymph nodules. Most MHBO patients are not suitable for surgical resection due to the advanced tumor stage. The only palliative treatment available is provided by endoscopic or percutaneous stenting. AIM: To compare the efficacy of endoscopic unilateral versus bilateral metal stent insertion for treating MHBO. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases identified all relevant studies published until June 2020. The meta-analysis was undertaken using RevMan v5.3. RESULTS: We identified 154 studies initially, eight of which were used in our meta-analysis. The eight studies included 818 MHBO patients treated using either endoscopic unilateral (n = 396) or bilateral (n = 422) metal stenting. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in clinical success rate (OR = 2.64; p = 0.18), complication rate (OR = 0.63; p = 0.46), or OS (HR = 1.03; p = 0.53). The bilateral group had a lower stent dysfunction rate without significance (OR = 1.43; p = 0.09). Significantly longer stent patency was observed in the bilateral group (HR = 1.28; p = 0.01). Technical success rate was significantly higher in the unilateral group (OR = 0.26; p = 0.04). Funnel plot analysis indicated an absence of publication bias related to the selected study endpoints. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis indicated that endoscopic unilateral stenting had a greater technical success rate for MHBO patients than bilateral stenting. However, the bilateral stenting could achieve longer stent patency.

Computed tomography-guided lung biopsy: A meta-analysis of low-dose and standard-dose protocols.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare the relative diagnostic utility of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) and standard-dose computed tomography (SDCT)-guided lung biopsy approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant studies published through August 2020. Data pertaining to endpoints including technical success, diagnostic performance, operative time, radiation dose, and complications, were extracted, and meta-analysis was performed using RevMan v5.3. RESULTS: Three retrospective analyses and three randomized controlled trials, were included. The studies included 1977 lung lesions across 1927 patients who underwent LDCT-guided lung biopsy, and 887 lung lesions across 879 patients who underwent SDCT-guided lung biopsy. No significant differences were observed between these LDCT and SDCT groups with respect to the rates of technical success (99.0% vs. 99.5%, odds ratio [OR]: 1.82, P = 0.35,), diagnostic yield (79.6% vs. 76.2%, OR: 0.93, P = 0.47), diagnostic accuracy (96.1% vs. 96.1%, OR: 0.93, P = 0.69), operative time (mean difference [MD]: 1.04, P = 0.30), pneumothorax (19.9% vs. 21.3%, OR: 0.92, P = 0.43) or hemoptysis (4.6% vs. 5.8%, OR: 1.14, P = 0.54). Patients in the LDCT group received a significantly lower radiation dose (MD: ‒209.87, P < 0.00001) than patients in the SDCT group. Significant heterogeneity was observed with respect to the operative duration and radiation dose endpoints (I2 = 84% and 100%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Relative to SDCT-guided lung biopsy, an LDCT-guided approach is equally safe and can achieve comparable diagnostic efficacy while exposing patients to lower doses of radiation.

Stent Insertion With High Intensity-Focused Ultrasound Ablation for Biliary Obstruction Caused by Pancreatic Carcinoma: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to assess the clinical efficacy of stent insertion with high intensity-focused ultrasound ablation (HIFUA) in patients with malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) as a consequence of pancreatic carcinoma (PC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single-center, open-label, prospective, randomized controlled trial. Consecutive patients with MBO caused by PC were randomly assigned to undergo stent insertion with or without HIFUA from June 2019 to February 2020. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03962478). RESULTS: In total, 92 patients were enrolled in this study and assigned to the stent-only (n=46) or combined (stent+HIFUA; n=46) treatment groups. Stent insertion was associated with a 100% technical success rate. For patients in the combination treatment group, 26, 18, and 2 patients underwent 2, 3, and 4 cycles of HIFUA, respectively. A positive clinical response to HIFUA treatment was noted in 38 patients (82.6%). Stent dysfunction was detected in 9 and 15 patients in the combination and stent-only groups, respectively (P=0.154), while median stent patency in these 2 groups was 188 and 120 days, respectively (P<0.001). All patients died over the course of the follow-up, with median survival periods of 218 and 140 days in the combination and stent-only treatment groups, respectively (P=0.001). The only detected predictor of prolonged survival was HIFUA treatment (P=0.004), and there were no significant differences in complication rates between these 2 treatment groups. CONCLUSION: A combination of stent insertion and HIFUA can improve stent patency and overall survival in patients suffering from MBO because of PC relative to stent insertion alone.

Uncovered stent insertion for isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study is to describe our clinical outcomes in isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection (SMAD) patients that underwent uncovered stent insertion.Between January 2016 and August 2019, consecutive isolated SMAD patients at our center were treated via uncovered stent insertion. Both short- and long-term outcomes in these patients were analyzed.Over the course of the study period, 11 total isolated SMAD patients meeting the criteria for stent insertion at our hospital were treated via uncovered stent insertion. Stent placement across the SMAD site was successful in all patients, with 1 stent being used per patient. There were no instances of procedure-related complications, and the median operative duration was 60 minutes. Patency of the distal superior mesenteric artery and branches thereof was achieved in all cases. Patients experienced progressive SMAD-related symptom relief and were followed for 6 to 49 months (median: 22 months). Over this follow-up period, the obliteration of the dissection was observed within 3 months in all patients. We did not detect any instances of stent occlusion, bowel ischemia, or anti-platelet-related bleeding during the follow-up period.Uncovered stent insertion can achieve favorable short- and long-term outcomes in isolated SMAD patients.

Computed Tomography-Guided Trans-scapular Coil Localization for Pulmonary Nodules.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of preoperative computed tomography (CT)-guided trans-scapular coil localization (TSCL) of scapula-blocked pulmonary nodules (PNs). METHODS: Between November 2015 and May 2020, 11 patients underwent preoperative CT-guided TSCL procedures owing to PN occlusion by scapula. RESULTS: A 100% technical success rate was achieved for CT-guided TSCL, with one coil being used for each PN. One patient (9.1%) developed pneumothorax. Successful video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)-guided wedge resection of these scapula-blocked PNs was conducted in all patients. CONCLUSION: CT-guided TSCL can be simply and safely used to facilitate successful VATS-guided wedge resection of scapula-blocked PNs.

Irradiation stent insertion for inoperable malignant biliary obstruction: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The purpose of the study was to compare the relative clinical efficacies of irradiation stent (IRS) and conventional stent (CVS) insertions for the treatment of patients with malignant biliary obstruction (MBO). Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from the date of inception through to August 2020. Data analysis was performed using RevMan v5.3. This meta-analysis included eight RCTs which included a total of 319 patients who had undergone IRS insertion, and 328 who had undergone CVS insertion. No significant differences in pooled Δ total bilirubin values (MD 0.34; P = 0.92), incident rates of cholangitis (P = 0.47), hemobilia (P = 0.60), or pancreatitis (P = 0.89) were detected between two groups. The rate of stent dysfunction was significantly lower in the IRS group compared to the CVS group (22.2% vs. 37.7%, P = 0.02). The pooled stent patency (P < 0.00001) and survival (P < 0.00001) were significantly longer in the IRS group compared to the CVS group. Significant heterogeneity was detected in the endpoints of rate of stent dysfunction (I2 = 52%; P = 0.08) and survival (I2 = 77%; P = 0.0005). Subgroup analysis was performed based on the different IRS types and showed significantly longer survival in the IRS group based on both types of IRS. Funnel plot analyses did not detect any evidence of publication bias. This meta-analysis included eight RCTs which included a total of 319 patients who had undergone IRS insertion, and 328 who had undergone CVS insertion. No significant differences in pooled Δ total bilirubin values (MD 0.34; P = 0.92), incident rates of cholangitis (P = 0.47), hemobilia (P = 0.60), or pancreatitis (P = 0.89) were detected between 2 groups. The rate of stent dysfunction was significantly lower in the IRS group compared to the CVS group (22.2% vs. 37.7%, P = 0.02). The pooled stent patency (P < 0.00001) and survival (P < 0.00001) were significantly longer in the IRS group compared to the CVS group. Significant heterogeneity was detected in the endpoints of rate of stent dysfunction (I2 = 52%; P = 0.08) and survival (I2 = 77%; P = 0.0005). Subgroup analysis was performed based on the different IRS types and showed significantly longer survival in the IRS group based on both types of IRS. Funnel plot analyses did not detect any evidence of publication bias. Our meta-analysis demonstrates that IRS insertion can prolong stent patency and the survival of patients with MBO compared to CVS insertion.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt through left branch versus right branch of portal vein: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcomes between patients that underwent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) via the left and right portal veins (PVs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: All relevant studies in the Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases published as of June 2020 were identified by searching, after which RevMan v5.3 was used to conduct the present meta-analysis. Relevant endpoint data were extracted from each study, related to postoperative hepatic encephalopathy (HE) rates, TIPS dysfunction, re-bleeding, and mortality. RESULTS: A total of eight studies were identified as being relevant for inclusion in this meta-analysis. These studies included 2592 total patients suffering from liver cirrhosis that underwent TIPS treatment via the left (n = 1500) or right (n = 1092) PVs. Rates of postoperative HE were significantly lower in the left PV group relative to the right PV group (5.7% vs. 18.1%, OR 0.19; P < 0.00001), as were rates of TIPS dysfunction (8.1% vs. 16.5%, OR 0.41; P < 0.00001). In contrast, the rates of re-bleeding did not differ significantly between these groups (12.0% vs. 14.9%, OR 0.76; P = 0.11), nor did mortality rates (30.9% vs. 31.0%, OR 0.85, P = 0.22). We did not detect any significant heterogeneity among included studies for any analyzed endpoints, nor was any risk of publication bias pertaining to these studies detected through the use of funnel plots. CONCLUSIONS: TIPS conducted via the left PV was associated with decreased rates of postoperative HE and TIPS dysfunction relative to TIPS conducted via the right PV.

Methylene Blue versus Coil-Based Computed Tomography-Guided Localization of Lung Nodules.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative computed tomography (CT)-guided localization has been shown to significantly improve lung nodule video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)-based wedge resection technical success rates. However, at present, there was insufficient research regarding the optimal approaches to localization of these nodules prior to resection. We aimed to compare the relative clinical efficacy of preoperative CT-guided methylene blue and coil-based lung nodule localization. METHODS: In total, 91 patients with lung nodules were subjected to either CT-guided methylene blue (n = 34) or coil (n = 57) localization and VATS resection from January 2014 to December 2018. We compared baseline data, localization-associated complication rates, as well as the technical success of localization and resection between these two groups of patients. RESULTS: In total, 42 lung nodules in 34 patients underwent methylene blue localization, with associated localization and wedge resection technical success rates of 97.6 and 97.6%, respectively. A total of 71 lung nodules in 57 patients underwent coil localization, with associated localization and wedge resection technical success rates of 94.4 and 97.2%, respectively. There were no significant differences in technical success rates of localization or wedge resection between these groups (p = 0.416 and 1.000, respectively). The coil group sustained a longer duration between localization and VATS relative to the methylene blue group (13.2 vs. 2.5 hours, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Both methylene blue and coil localization can be safely and effectively implemented for conducting the diagnostic wedge resection of lung nodules. The coil-based approach is compatible with a longer period of time between localization and VATS procedures.

Unilateral Stent Insertion With High-intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation for Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and long-term outcomes of unilateral stent insertion with high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation (HIFUA) in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2016 to June 2019, consecutive patients presenting with HCCA were treated with single stent insertion or stent with HIFUA. The long-term outcomes of the 2 groups were compared. RESULTS: During the study period, 37 patients were included who underwent single stent insertion and 32 patients who underwent stent insertion with HIFUA. Eight (21.6%) patients in the single stent group and 6 (18.8%) in the combined group experienced stent dysfunction (P=0.767). Median stent patency in the single stent and combined groups was 169 and 225 days, respectively (P<0.001). All patients died because of tumor progression. The median poststent overall survival for patients in the single stent and combined groups were 178 and 246 days, respectively (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: HIFUA after unilateral stent insertion can prolong stent patency and survival of patients with inoperable HCCA.