Cysto-Vaginoscopy of a 3D-Printed Cloaca Model: A Step toward Personalized Noninvasive Preoperative Assessment in Patients with Complex Anorectal Malformations

Simulation and training for pediatric colorectal surgery and anorectal malformation: a scoping review

PURPOSE

To study the published literature for various models used for simulation and training in the field of pediatric colorectal surgery.

METHOD

A PubMed search was conducted for studies of simulation models in anorectal malformation on 24 March 2024 with the search words 'simulation pediatric colorectal surgery' followed by another search on 'simulation AND anorectal malformation' that gave 22 and 14 results, respectively (total 36). After removing 4 duplicate publications, 12 were found relevant to simulation and training in colorectal diseases. One publication relevant to the topic was added from literature, thirteen articles were studied.

RESULTS

Of these, 5; 1; 4; and 3 were on inanimate models; animate model; 3D reconstructions; and training, respectively. Simulation models are available for posterior sagittal anorectoplasty. The same inanimate model was used in five articles. The animate model was based on a chicken cadaver. 3D models have been made for personalized preoperative assessment and to understand the imaging in anorectal malformation. One 3D model was made by regeneration of organoid epithelium. Training modules were made to evaluate surgical dissection, standardize surgical techniques, and improve proficiency.

CONCLUSION

Simulation models are an important tool for teaching the steps of surgery and discussing the nuances of operative complications among mentors and peers. With advances in this field, the development of high-fidelity models, more training modules, and consensus on surgical techniques will benefit surgical training.

Correlation Analysis of Serum Pepsinogen, Interleukin, and TNF-α with Hp Infection in Patients with Gastric Cancer: A Randomized Parallel Controlled Clinical Study

Background

Gastric cancer pathological biopsy and visual examination have been the gold standard for gastric cancer diagnosis, but their operation is costly, demanding, and risky, so it is especially important to find an effective examination method in clinical practice.

Aims

To investigate the correlation between serum pepsinogen I (PGI), pepsinogen II (PGII), pepsinogen I and II ratio (PGR), IL-6, and TNF-α and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection in patients with gastric cancer.

Materials and Methods

Fifty patients with Hp-infected gastric cancer admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology of our hospital from January 2019 to December 2021 were selected for the study as the observation group, and another 50 patients without Hp-infected gastric cancer were selected as the comparison group to compare the correlation analysis of PGI, PGII, PGR, IL-6, and TNF-α with Hp infection between the two groups after admission and treatment.

Results

After measurement, PGI and PGII in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the comparison group, and TNF-α, IL-18, and IL-6 in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the comparison group, and the comparative differences were all statistically significant (P < 0.05). The results of multivariate logistic regression model analysis of independent risk factors for gastric cancer showed that IL-18, hs-CRP, and tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α were risk factors for Hp infection in gastric cancer.

Conclusion

The expression of IL-18, hs-CRP, and TNF-α factors in Hp-infected gastric cancer patients is correlated. IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α are involved in the entire process from the onset to the development of Hp-positive gastric mucosal inflammation in patients, which is of great value in the diagnosis of gastric cancer and helps to assess the degree of progression and prognosis of gastric cancer.

Fluorescence-Guided Surgery and Novel Innovative Technologies for Improved Visualization in Pediatric Urology

Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS), three-dimensional (3D) imaging technologies, and other innovative devices are rapidly revolutionizing the field of urology, providing surgeons with powerful tools for a more complete understanding of patient-specific anatomy. Today, several new intraoperative imaging technologies and cutting-edge devices are available in adult urology to assist surgeons in delivering personalized interventions. Their applications are also gradually growing in general pediatric surgery, where the detailed visualization of normal and pathological structures has the potential to significantly minimize perioperative complications and improve surgical outcomes. In the field of pediatric urology, FGS, 3D reconstructions and printing technologies, augmented reality (AR) devices, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), and intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) have been increasingly adopted for a more realistic understanding of the normal and abnormal anatomy, providing a valuable insight to deliver customized treatments in real time. This narrative review aims to illustrate the main applications of these new technologies and imaging devices in the clinical setting of pediatric urology by selecting, with a strict methodology, the most promising articles published in the international scientific literature on this topic. The purpose is to favor early adoption and stimulate more research on this topic for the benefit of children.

Effect of Vaginoscopy versus Conventional Hysteroscopy on Pain, Complications, and Patient Satisfaction in Patients with Endometrial Polyps

Background

Hysteroscopy is considered the gold standard for diagnosing intrauterine pathology. Traditional hysteroscopy requires the placement of a vaginal speculum and cervical forceps, which are large in diameter, causing discomfort and pain to the patient and even causing vagal reflexes.

Aims

To investigate the impact and clinical value of vaginoscopy versus conventional hysteroscopy on pain, complications, and patient satisfaction in patients with endometrial polyps and to analyse the advantages of clinical application of vaginoscopy examination.

Materials and Methods

One hundred and twenty-five patients with endometrial polyps treated in our hospital from May 2021 to December 2021 were selected for this study and divided into 52 cases in the hysteroscopy group and 73 cases in the vaginoscopy group according to the random remainder grouping method. Conventional hysteroscopy was used, and in the vaginoscopy group, vaginoscopy was performed. The impact of pain, complications, patient satisfaction, and clinical value of the two groups was observed and compared.

Results

The time taken for the examination varied between the different hysteroscopic methods, with the hysteroscopy group taking the longest time compared to the vaginoscopy group (P < 0.01). The VAS scores immediately after the examination and 30 minutes after the examination were both significantly higher in the hysteroscopy group than in the vaginoscopy group (P < 0.01). The difference in NPY, PGE2, and 5-HT after the pain-causing mediator intervention was significantly better in the vaginoscopy group than in the hysteroscopy group. The difference in the incidence of complications such as abortion syndrome, cervical laceration, uterine perforation, and haemorrhage after treatment was significantly lower in the vaginoscopy group than in the hysteroscopy group. In the vaginoscopy group, the satisfaction rate was 91% significantly higher than that of the hysteroscopy group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The vaginoscopy technique shortens the examination and treatment time, reduces patient pain, improves patient compliance, reduces the use of preintervention drugs and anaesthetics, and reduces complications.