Calidad de Vida en pacientes con hiperplasia benigna de próstata (HBP): cirugía endoscópica (RTU bipolar) versus cirugía láser (LBO 120 W) / Quality of life of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): endoscopic surgery versus laser therapy

OBJETIVO: Contrastar los resultados observados en la calidad de vida de los pacientes intervenidos mediante resección transuretral de próstata (RTU bipolar) o mediante la cirugía láser. MÉTODO: Se trata de un estudio observacional, retrospectivo, de cohortes: una constituida por los pacientes intervenidos con cirugía endoscópica y otra por aquellos sometidos a cirugía láser (vaporización). En total 106 pacientes distribuidos en dos cohortes. A todos aquellos que cumplían los criterios de inclusión se les realizó dos cuestionarios, el International Prostate Sympton Score (IPSS), dos meses antes y seis meses después de la fecha de intervención y el Benign Prostate Hyperplasia Patient Impact Measure (HBP -PIM) seis meses después del acto quirúrgico. Se considera un nivel de significación estadística una p < 0.05% y un intervalo de confianza (IC) del 95 % RESULTADOS: La media del tamaño de próstata es de 55 centímetros cúbicos (cc) en los intervenidos con cirugía endoscópica frente a 40 cc en los operados mediante cirugía láser (p = 0,02). El 35,8% de los pacientes intervenidos con cirugía láser presentaron una clínica irritativa miccional frente al 6,2% de los intervenidos con cirugía endoscópica (p = 0,01). Dentro del grupo intervenido con láser, el 26,4% de los pacientes padecieron fuga de orina frente al 4,4% de los intervenidos mediante RTU bipolar (p = 0,03). El 86,7% de los pacientes de la cohorte de RTU bipolar dicen encontrarse muy felices tras la intervención frente al 53,6 % de la cohorte con cirugía láser (p = 0,03). CONCLUSIONES: En este estudio observacional retrospectivo los pacientes intervenidos mediante cirugía láser con láser LBO (LBO = triborato de litio) presentaron un empeoramiento de la calidad de vida en los seis meses posteriores de la intervención con respecto a los que fueron intervenidos mediante resección transuretral bipolar

OBJETIVE: To compare the results observed in the quality of life of patients after transurethral prostate resection (bipolar TUR) or laser therapy. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational cohort study: one cohort includes patients who underwent endoscopic surgery, and the other patients undergoing laser therapy (vaporization). A total of 106 patients were included, divided into two cohorts. Two questionnaires were prepared for those who fulfilled inclusion criteria, the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), two months before and six months after the date of surgery, and Benign Prostate Hyperplasia Patient Impact Measure (BPH - PIM) six months after surgery. We consider a statistical significance level, p < 0.05% and a confidence interval (CI) of 95 %. RESULTS: Mean prostate size was 55 cc in the endoscopic surgery cohort versus 40 cc in the laser therapy cohort (p = 0.02). 35.8 % of patients treated with laser therapy had urinary irritative symptoms compared with 6.3 % in the endoscopic surgery group (p = 0.01). Within the laser group, 26.4 % of patients had urine leakage compared to 4.4 % among those operated by bipolar TUR (p = 0,03). 86.7 % of patients in the cohort of bipolar TUR were fully satisfied after surgery compared to 53.6 % of the laser therapy cohort (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: In this retrospective observational cohort study, the patients of LBO laser therapy cohort had a worse quality of life the following six months after surgery compared to those who underwent bipolar transurethral resection

[Comparative evaluation of efficacy of the upper part of the face endoscopic lifting in dynamics of postoperative period].

Comparative estimation of results for endoscopic lifting of the face upper part in dynamics of early and late postoperative period was adduced. In accordance to results of analysis, concerning the eyebrows height in a control terms, there was established, that through one year postoperatively the eyebrows have a tendency towards ptosis due to activity of the eyes circular muscles. Deterioration of the result achieved post-operatively is less prominent in patients after preliminary chemical denervation of mimic muscles. Chemical denervation of the eyes circular muscles, using injections of botulinic toxine type A before 2 weeks preoperatively secures a stable fixation of tissues in early postoperative period, what permits to escape loss of the result achieved, secures the results improvement in late postoperative period in 3.7 times.

A novel endoscopic treatment of pancreas divisum (un tratamiento endoscópico nuevo para el páncreas divisum)

El páncreas divisum es la malformación congénita más común del páncreas que resulta de la no fusión ó fusión incompleta de las porciones ventral y dorsal del páncreas embrionario. Se encuentra en 7% de los estudios de autopsias (rango 1-14%), siendo generalmente asintomática. Un 5% de estos pacientes presentan síntomas, que son básicamente dolor abdominal y casos de pancreatitis recurrente. Se reporta el caso de una paciente mujer de 52 años, con 2 episodios de pancreatitis postcolecistectomía con imagen por colangioresonancia de páncreas divisum con comunicación entre el páncreas dorsal y ventral. Se procedió a dilatar el conducto mayor; y luego se hizo una papilotomia del conducto menor y se pasó un balón hidroneumático hasta más allá de su diámetro mayor. El procedimiento ha tenido éxito en 9 meses de seguimiento.

Pancreas divisum is the most common congenital malformation of the pancreas that results from the non-fusion or incomplete fusion of the ventral and dorsal portionts of the embryonic pancreas. It is found in 7% of autopsy studies (range 1-14%) and is generally asymptomatic. 5% of the patients have symptoms, wich are basically cases of abdominal pain and recurrent pancreatitis. We report the case of a woman of 51y, postcholecystectomy with 2 episodes of pancreatitis with imaging from magnetic resonance of pancreatic divisum with communication between the dorsal and ventral pancreas. We proceeded bye endoscopy (ERCP) to dilate the major duct, and them made a minor duct papillotomy and made a hydropneumatic ball dilatation with the catheter balloon up the waist portion. The procedure was successful with 9 months of follow up.

Tracheal diameter at birth in severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia treated by fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate tracheal dimensional differences seen at birth following fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO) in cases of severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and to report on their clinical follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In chest X-rays, taken within 48 h after birth, we measured the tracheal diameter at the level of the tracheal entry into the chest, 1 cm above the level of the carina and at middistance between these sites in 37 fetuses with severe CDH treated by FETO. These measurements were compared with those in 74 preterm and term neonates with no congenital lung abnormalities. RESULTS: In the CDH group, compared to the controls, the tracheal diameter corrected for gestational age was significantly larger at all three levels of the trachea. Regression analysis showed that significant predictors of the tracheal diameter at the level of tracheal entry into the chest were the observed to expected (o/e) lung area to head circumference ratio (LHR) and the duration of tracheal occlusion. In the CDH group, postnatal follow-up until the age of 22 months (1-70) showed that 5 of 24 neonates had an effort-induced barking cough. CONCLUSION: A large number of infants with severe CDH surviving after FETO have a degree of tracheomegaly that is associated with the severity of CDH as assessed by pre-FETO LHR. This tracheomegaly does not constitute an obvious clinical problem.

[The importance of postoperative care after functional endoscopic sinus surgery]. / Znaczenie postepowania pooperacyjnego w operacjach czynnosciowych nosa i zatok przynosowych.

INTRODUCTION: In this work we wish to emphasize the importance of postoperative care of patients who underwent FESS in ENT Department Medical University in Poznan. We feel that too little attention is still being paid to this treatment as we mostly focus on surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our observation are based on nine year experience in functional endoscopic sinus surgery. The analysis covers patients hospitalized in our Department from January 1998 to August 2007. The schedule of postoperative care has been presented. RESULTS: 1463 FESS operation were carried out in our Department from January 1998 to August 2007. Similar postoperative procedures were used with each patient. Full recovery of mucous membrane depended on a few parameters such as: if the patient underwent FESS for the first time, what kind of changes were observed: polips or chronic infection, as well as the method of surgery ("aggressive" versus "delicate"). Healing time ranged from 6 week to 3 month. CONCLUSIONS: The scheme of procedures employed comes useful in postoperative treatment after FESS.

Arthroscopy of the great toe.

The few available reports of arthroscopic treatment of the first MTP joint in the literature indicate favorable outcome. However, arthroscopy of the great toe is an advanced technique and should only be undertaken by experienced surgeons.

Open versus arthroscopic decompression for subacromial impingement. A comprehensive review of the literature from the last 25 years.

The operative management (open versus arthroscopic) of subacromial impingement was investigated through a search of the English-language literature from 1970 to 1996. Thirty-four clinical studies comprising 1,935 patients met the following selection criteria: a study published in a peer reviewed journal, a valid materials and methods section (describing age, gender, number of subjects, follow-up period, treatment modality, and impingement stage), and acromioplasty without rotator cuff repair. Six hundred and ninety-eight patients had an open decompression (OD) and 1,237 had an arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) for Stage II and III impingement. When possible, only Stage II patients were reviewed. A few studies combined Stage II and III patients in their results; thus, the patients were placed into two groups (OD and ASD) composed of four categories: OD of Stage II impingement (494 patients), OD of Stage II and III impingement (204 patients), ASD of Stage II impingement (727 patients), and ASD of Stage II and III impingement (510 patients). The average duration of symptoms before surgery ranged from 6 months to 43 months in the OD group and 6 months to 61 months in the ASD group. The average age was 41.8 and 42.1 years, clinical follow-up 6 months to 62 months and 12 months to 41 months in the OD and ASD groups, respectively. The objective success rates were 83.3% versus 81.4% and the subjective success rates were 90.0% versus 89.3% for OD versus ASD, respectively. Return to work ranged from 43% to 100% in the OD group and 74% to 100% in the ASD group. Based on our review, the outcome from ASD is similar to OD. For persistent stage II primary impingement, we recommend starting with ASD and reserve OD for surgical failures. ASD allows earlier rehabilitation than OD because complete detachment of the deltoid is not performed, yet ASD is technically more demanding and has a long learning curve.

Retrospective analysis of minimal-incision, endoscopic, and open procedures for heel spur syndrome.

Forty-four patients with recalcitrant heel spur syndrome who underwent surgical correction (54 procedures) were studied retrospectively. The results of minimal-incision, endoscopic, and open plantar fasciotomy procedures were compared. This study focuses on patient satisfaction, pain reduction, convalescence, and postoperative problems. Although all procedure groups reported high degrees of patient satisfaction and reduction of pain, some notable differences among the three groups were observed.

Subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery is associated with significantly less morbidity and shorter hospital stay than open operation (Linton's procedure)

BACKGROUND: Subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery (SEPS) is the minimally invasive alternative to the open (Linton's) procedure. This new technique may allow perforating vein interruption with fewer complications and a shorter postoperative hospital stay. METHODS: This study was a case note review of 67 procedures: 30 SEPS and 37 Linton's. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups in age, sex and indication for surgery. SEPS was associated with a significantly reduced postoperative stay in hospital (median 2 (range 1-49) days) compared with the Linton's procedure (median 9 (range 3-36) days) (P < 0.01). Nine patients who had Linton's procedure suffered a calf wound complication compared with none who had SEPS. The presence of an open ulcer at the time of surgery did not prolong the duration of stay in either group, nor did it increase the incidence of calf wound complications. CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing calf perforator interruption for chronic venous insufficiency, SEPS is associated with significantly less morbidity and a shorter hospital stay than Linton's procedure. SEPS can be performed safely at the same time as skin grafting and in the presence of an open ulcer without any increase in wound complications.

A prospective trial of local versus general anaesthesia for arthroscopic surgery of the knee.

We set out to determine if arthroscopic knee surgery was acceptable to patients and their surgeon when carried out using a local anaesthetic infiltration technique. Patients awaiting arthroscopy were randomly allocated to have either a local or a general anaesthetic. The same surgeon (NPT) carried out all the procedures. The demographic profile was similar in the two groups, as were the diagnosis and the surgical procedures. The only difference between the two groups was that those performed under local anaesthesia did not have a limb tourniquet inflated. The time spent in the theatre suite was similar in each group. This did not include the recovery time in the general anaesthetic group. The duration of the operation was longer in the local anaesthetic group (P = 0.05). A simple 0 to 10 scoring system indicated that patients preferred a local anaesthetic but the surgeon preferred to have the patient asleep (P > 0.05). Those having a local anaesthetic required less physiotherapy (P = 0.025) and more of them returned to work and sport earlier (P = 0.05). We attributed this to not having sustained pressure-induced tissue damage to the thigh muscle as they did not have a tourniquet inflated. We had a 4% failure rate in the local anaesthetic group. Arthroscopic surgery is already a well-established day case procedure and our findings have a financial implication (a saving of 25 pounds per case) as well as identifying a safer technique in the medically unfit. Unfortunately, this technique is not suitable for the investigation and treatment of all knee problems. There are certain constraints, viz the very anxious patient, acute problems, children, larger arthroscopic procedures and the inability to perform an examination under anaesthetic but, overall, it is a useful and effective way of performing a common surgical procedure.

Assessing the need for extensive supervised rehabilitation following arthroscopic ACL reconstruction.

To determine the necessity of extensive supervised therapy, we reviewed the records of 39 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using mid-1/3 bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft, followed by a minimal therapy program. This study group was subdivided into a noncompliant group averaging 1.7 visits over 6 months (range, 0 to 5), (subgroup I), and a minimally compliant group averaging 12 visits over 6 months (range, 5 to 24), (subgroup II). Thirty patients who underwent similar surgeries and postoperative protocols, but participated in an extensive supervised outpatient therapy program, served as controls. The control group was fully compliant and averaged 60 visits over 6 months. After 6 months, the minimally compliant study subgroup was equivalent to the fully compliant control group in Lysholm score, patient satisfaction, and return to preoperative activity level. Both of these groups fared better in all of these indices than did the noncompliant subgroup. These results suggest that extensive supervised rehabilitation does not afford a measurable advantage over a minimally supervised program of two visits monthly. Complete noncompliance, however, was associated with suboptimal outcome.

Accelerated rehabilitation after arthroscopic meniscal repair: a clinical and magnetic resonance imaging evaluation.

Twenty-two patients who underwent meniscal repair using the outside-in technique combined with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction were submitted to an accelerated rehabilitation protocol that included immediate full range of motion and weightbearing. The patients were reviewed postoperatively by means of clinical assessment and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after an average of 28 months. Clinical evaluation was performed according to the International Knee Documentation Committee form, and sagittal knee laxity was measured with a KT-2000 arthrometer (MedMetric Corp, San Diego, CA). The MRI scans were obtained using a 0.2-T high-resolution MRI unit dedicated to the study of limbs, and the meniscal signal was graded according to a modified Crues classification. Overall, 77.3% of patients reported clinically good results. Loss of extension of < 5 degrees was detected in only 2 patients (9.1%). Three out of 22 patients showed clinical signs of meniscal retear. One of these patients had a second operation for a bucket-handle tear. The presence of a full-thickness rim at MRI evaluation, present in 10 patients (45.5%), did not correlate with the presence of clinical symptoms of retear. Instead, the 3 symptomatic patients presented a complete rim with a gap > 1 mm between the meniscal wall and the fragment of the posterior horn. This finding is believed to be a more reliable indicator for retear following meniscal repair. The low failure rate in this series suggests that an aggressive rehabilitation regimen may be prescribed without deleterious effects in subjects undergoing ACL reconstruction and concomitant meniscus repair.

Rehabilitation programmes following arthroscopic meniscectomy in athletes.

The athlete with a meniscal injury can be returned to activity quickly and safely with appropriate treatment and rehabilitation. When injuries occur in the relatively avascular inner zones of the meniscus, partial meniscectomy is usually the treatment of choice. The rehabilitation programme should emphasise decreasing inflammation, restoring motion, increasing strength, and safe return to competition. This can begin preoperatively and progress through a phased programme which allows the athlete to participate in goal setting and advancement. By outlining the different phases of knee rehabilitation, the athlete and support team (coach, parent, trainer, therapist, physician) can progress to and plan appropriate return to sport. During this process, preventive measures for reinjury can be addressed, thereby maximising performance and safety.

Rehabilitation following arthroscopic meniscectomy.

Meniscal injuries are reported to be the most common injury sustained by athletes, with sports injuries being responsible for over 30% of the total number of lesions. Treatment of meniscal lesions has evolved considerably over the past 20 years and partial meniscectomies, or menisci repairs, are now the treatment of choice for the majority of lesions. Following arthroscopic meniscectomy, patients are routinely able to walk without support within 1 to 3 days, return to work after 1 to 2 weeks, resume athletic training by 2 to 4 weeks and return to competition in 3 to 4 weeks. Physiotherapy has been widely prescribed following arthroscopic meniscectomy and exercise protocols have been described in the literature. However, few studies have actually ascertained whether or not physiotherapy accelerates recovery. From these studies, there is little doubt that some form of rehabilitation, e.g. pain control or exercises, may be effective in accelerating the recovery of muscle strength to preoperative values. Therefore, whether or not physiotherapy is required following arthroscopic meniscectomy may depend on the presence or absence of preoperative strength deficits, and thus, on whether it is the dominant or nondominant leg that is injured. In patients with no preoperative deficits, and a normal post-surgery evolution, full recovery may be expected within 6 weeks if pain and swelling are brought under control. Physiotherapy intervention may not, perhaps, be justified for these patients, except in professional athletes where a faster return to preoperative values may be desired.