Bone marrow aspirate concentration provided better results in cartilage regeneration to microfracture in knee of osteoarthritic patients

PURPOSE

To determine whether microfracture with bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) improves functional outcome and cartilage regeneration better than microfracture alone in patients undergoing high tibial osteotomy (HTO) for medial unicompartmental osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

Among 436 patients treated with HTO for medial unicompartmental OA with varus deformity between 2010 and 2016, clinical outcomes were retrospectively compared between the microfracture alone group (group I, 43 cases) and microfracture with BMAC augmentation group (group II, 48 cases). Of these, 64 patients underwent a second-look arthroscopic assessment. Clinical outcomes were compared based on the Knee Society Score (KSS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC). Cartilage regeneration was assessed according to Koshino's staging system and the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) Cartilage Repair Assessment (CRA) grading system.

RESULTS

At the last follow-up, there were no significant intergroup differences in terms of KSS for pain and function (p > 0.05). Moreover, WOMAC scores were similar between the two groups (p > 0.05). Regarding second-look arthroscopy findings, according to Koshino's staging system, there was no significant intergroup difference in terms of defect coverage (p = 0.187). However, group II showed a significantly better mean CRA score than group I (p = 0.035).

CONCLUSION

There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes and cartilage regeneration between the groups. However, the CRA score was significantly higher with BMAC augmentation and microfracture than microfracture alone. Therefore, BMAC augmentation had a synergistic effect for a better cartilage regeneration, although studies with a longer follow-up might help to confirm whether microfracture with BMAC augmentation would ensure better clinical outcomes than microfracture alone for the treatment of knee OA.

Outcomes of adhesion barriers in gynecologic surgeries: A retrospective study at a medical center

During second-look surgery or hospitalization, intra-abdominal surgeries may cause severe postoperative complications, such as pelvic adhesion, postoperative ileus, and severe pain. However, only few studies have analyzed the outcomes of antiadhesive barriers in second-look surgery. This retrospective study aims to identify the outcomes of different antiadhesive barriers by analyzing surgical images. The study included patients who received an adhesion barrier during second-look surgery between January 2011 and November 2017. Four brands of adhesive barriers were used: Interceed, Seprafilm, Adept, and SurgiWrap. Adhesion scores were calculated for four quadrants of the uterus and surrounding structures before and after the use of antiadhesive barriers. The differences between the data of 2 observers and surgery times were also determined. A total of 18 patients were enrolled in the study. The adhesion scores were not significantly different before and after the placement of antiadhesive barriers. The difference in the adhesion scores between the two observers was also not significant, except in the Seprafilm group (P = .029). Furthermore, no significant change in the adhesion scores was observed between the first and second surgeries. Therefore, using adhesion barriers may not decrease the adhesion scores in the current setting.

Conversion Surgery for Gastric Cancer with Peritoneal Metastasis Based on the Diagnosis of Second-Look Staging Laparoscopy

BACKGROUND

Patients with positive peritoneal cytology (CY1) or peritoneal dissemination (P1) have significantly poor prognosis. We performed pre-therapeutic staging laparoscopy (SL) to diagnose peritoneal metastasis for patients with advanced gastric cancer. When peritoneal metastasis disappears by chemotherapy for patients with CY1 or P1, we have intention to perform conversion surgery (CS). This study aims to clarify the clinical significance of CS for such patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed clinical outcomes of 115 patients with advanced gastric cancer (large type 3, type 4, serosa-invasion) who underwent SL between 2005 and 2014. Disappearance of peritoneal metastasis was confirmed by second-look SL.

RESULTS

CY0P0, CY1P0, and P1 were found in 56, 26, and 33 patients, respectively. In patients with CY1P0, 12 patients (66.7%) underwent CS (R0) as peritoneal cytology turned negative. All cases received S-1-based regimens, with median five treatment courses. The survival of patients with CS was significantly longer than those without CS (median survival time (MST); 41 vs. 11 months, respectively, P < 0.001). We observed no difference in overall survival between patients who underwent CS and patients with CY0P0 at the first SL (P = 0.913). All patients with P1 received chemotherapy. As peritoneal metastasis of five patients (15.2%) disappeared by chemotherapy, those patients underwent the CS (R0). The survival of patients who underwent CS was significantly longer than those who did not (MST; 31 vs. 10 months, respectively, P = 0.034).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that conversion surgery contributes to improvement in survival of patients with peritoneal metastasis.

Reoperation after Ladd's procedure in the neonatal period

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate (1) the indications for reoperation after neonatal Ladd's procedure, (2) the type of reoperation and (3) its outcome.

METHODS

We reviewed all neonatal Ladd's procedures in our hospital from 2003 to 2017 and the outcomes of reoperation in these patients.

MAIN RESULTS

252 neonates had Ladd's procedure: 59 were laparoscopic (23.4%) and 193 open (76.6%). 15 (6.0%) required reoperation with no difference between laparoscopic and open (p = 0.12). Overall, the indications for reoperation were: adhesive intestinal obstruction (n = 10, 4.0%), recurrent midgut volvulus (n = 4, 1.6%), and missed diagnosis of associated anomaly (n = 1, 0.4%). The incidence of recurrent midgut volvulus was higher after laparoscopic Ladd's procedure (3/59; 5.1%) compared to open Ladd's procedure (1/193; 0.5%) (p = 0.04). Adhesive intestinal obstruction developed after both open (8/193, 4.1%) or laparoscopic Ladd's procedure (2/59, 3.3%). The duration of reoperation and the length of post-operative hospital stay were 63.4 ± 27.1 min and 10.1 ± 5.2 days, respectively. After reoperation, there were no post-operative complications. All children were well at follow-up (6 months-14 years).

CONCLUSIONS

In neonates, laparoscopic Ladd's procedure compared to the open Ladd's procedure is associated with a significantly higher risk of recurrent volvulus. The risk of developing this potentially dangerous complication after laparoscopic Ladd's procedure raises doubts about the effectiveness and safety of the laparoscopic approach in neonates.

Surgical practice among pediatric surgeons and pediatric urologists in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the management of suspected testicular torsion

Objectives:

To review and compare clinical practice and experience among pediatric surgeons (PS) and pediatric urologists (PU) for the management of testicular torsion (TT) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted between August 2016 and November 2017, among all PU and PS involved in the management of suspected TT in KSA. A questionnaire was distributed to participants through the Survs.com platform, and direct email when requested by participant.

Results:

Most PU (12/20, 60%) utilized ultrasound with Doppler before exploration, while 29 (74.4%) PS performed immediate exploration without imaging, representing a statistically significant difference (p=0.03). When the explored testis was dusky (not frank gangrenous), 27 PS (69.2%) performed fixation, 6 (15.4%) followed the second look policy, and 6 (15.4%) performed orchiectomy. With respect to PU, 6 (30%) performed fixation, 8 (40%) followed the second look policy, and 6 (30%) performed orchiectomy. The differences between the 2 specialties were statistically significant (p=0.02). Most consultants in both specialties performed fixation of the contralateral testis during the same operation. Also, there is a variation in practice when there is other pathology than TT.

Conclusion:

There were significant variations between the 2 specialties in the management of TT. National guidelines are needed to provide homogenous clinical practice and training of trainees.

Blind Pouch Syndrome in Gastrojejunostomy

Blind pouch syndrome is a rare complication of a gastrojejunostomy. Its presentation may differ from blind pouches at other locations in that a small pouch can cause significant symptoms of mechanical obstruction before it is large enough to develop bacterial overgrowth. The effect of a small pouch may be overlooked at endoscopy and a high clinical index of suspicion is required. Here we present a case report of Gastrojejunostomy Blind Pouch Syndrome to highlight this clinically distinct entity.

How to treat stenosis after sleeve gastrectomy?

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has increasingly gained worldwide acceptance among bariatric surgeons during the past 10 years. Numerous articles have been written about the different approaches to the management of gastric fistulas, but limited data can be found concerning gastric stenosis after LSG.

SETTING

Private hospital, France.

METHODS

A total of 18 patients received endoscopic treatment for stenosis after LSG between May 2007 and June 2015. Stenosis was classified according to the endoscopic findings as functional (the passage of the endoscope was possible, but the sleeve was twisted with various degrees of rotation) or mechanical (the passage of the endoscope was very difficult or impossible).

RESULTS

This study included 13 women and 5 men, with an average age of 37.2±8.4 years and an average body mass index of 41.6±8.7 kg/m². The average number of endoscopic procedures was 1.3 (range, 1-4). No patient had stent migration. The successful rate of endoscopic approach for stenosis of LSG was 94.4%, with one patient requiring conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The mean time from the LSG to the first endoscopic intervention was 28.2 days. All patients presented with midsleeve stricture, located near the incisura angularis, and no patient showed a stenosis in the upper part of the gastric tube.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment of stenosis after LSG must be tailored to the clinical status of the patient and endoscopic findings. Both balloon dilation and stent deployment are useful and safe tools and must be used when appropriate.

Injection of Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Supplementary Strategy of Marrow Stimulation Improves Cartilage Regeneration After Lateral Sliding Calcaneal Osteotomy for Varus Ankle Osteoarthritis: Clinical and Second-Look Arthroscopic Results

PURPOSE

To compare the clinical and second-look arthroscopic outcomes in patients undergoing arthroscopic marrow stimulation combined with lateral sliding calcaneal osteotomy for varus ankle osteoarthritis, with or without adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) injection.

METHODS

In this retrospective comparative study, 49 patients with varus ankle osteoarthritis underwent second-look arthroscopy after arthroscopic marrow stimulation combined with lateral sliding calcaneal osteotomy between January 2010 and November 2012; 23 ankles underwent marrow stimulation alone (group 1), and 26 underwent marrow stimulation with MSC injection (group 2). The decision whether to receive the MSC injection, which was free of charge, was solely up to the patients. Second-look arthroscopies were performed at a mean of 12.5 months and 12.4 months postoperatively in group 1 and group 2, respectively. Clinical outcome measures included a visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain and the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. The radiologic outcome variable was the talar tilt angle. On second-look arthroscopy, cartilage regeneration was evaluated using the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grade.

RESULTS

The mean VAS score improved significantly from 7.3 ± 0.9 to 3.9 ± 1.2 in group 1 and from 7.4 ± 0.8 to 3.1 ± 1.5 in group 2 at final follow-up (P < .001 for both groups). The mean AOFAS score also improved significantly from 64.4 ± 4.1 to 79.6 ± 7.7 in group 1 and from 63.5 ± 4.2 to 84.2 ± 7.9 in group 2 at final follow-up (P < .001 for both groups). The VAS and AOFAS scores were significantly better in group 2 than in group 1 (P = .040 and P = .047, respectively). ICRS grades were significantly correlated with clinical outcomes in both groups (all P < .05), and there were significant differences in ICRS grades between the groups (P < .05). The mean talar tilt angle improved significantly after lateral sliding calcaneal osteotomy in both groups and was significantly correlated with clinical outcomes and ICRS grade (all P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with varus ankle osteoarthritis who underwent lateral sliding calcaneal osteotomy, significant improvements in VAS and AOFAS scores, as well as better ICRS grades, were achieved at short-term follow-up after marrow stimulation with additional MSC injection compared with after marrow stimulation alone.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Delayed bleeding and hemorrhage of mucosal defects after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection on second-look endoscopy

BACKGROUND

Although second-look endoscopy is performed within several days after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), there has been no evidence supporting the usefulness of the intervention. We investigated the relationship between delayed bleeding and hemorrhage of mucosal defects after ESD on second-look endoscopy and analyzed risk factors of active bleeding on second-look endoscopy.

METHODS

A total of 441 consecutive ESD cases with gastric cancer or adenoma were retrospectively analyzed. Second-look endoscopy was performed in the morning after the day of ESD. Bleeding of mucosal defects on second-look endoscopy was classified according to the Forrest classification, and active bleeding was defined as Forrest Ia or Ib. Delayed bleeding was defined as hematemesis or melena after second-look endoscopy.

RESULTS

A total of 406 second-look endoscopies were performed, and delayed bleeding occurred in 11 patients. The incidence rate of delayed bleeding after second-look endoscopy in patients with Forrest Ia or Ib was significantly higher than that in patients with Forrest IIa, IIb or III (7.69 vs. 2.02 %, p < 0.05). Complication of a histological ulcer, large size of the resected specimen and long ESD procedure time were shown to be risk factors for hemorrhage of mucosal defects after ESD on second-look endoscopy by univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis indicated that only large size of the resected specimen was a risk factor. In a specimen size of >35 mm, the odds ratio of active bleeding on second-look endoscopy was 1.9.

CONCLUSION

Active bleeding of mucosal defects on second-look endoscopy is a risk factor for delayed bleeding.

Review of Arthroscopic and Histological Findings Following Knee Inlay Arthroplasty

The phenomenon of cartilage rim loading in defects exceeding the threshold diameter of 10 mm is well documented. Contoured defect fill off-loads the perimeter and counteracts further delamination and progression of defects. When biological procedures have failed, inlay arthroplasty follows these concepts. The human biological response to contoured metallic surface implants has not been described. Four patients underwent non-implant-related, second-look arthroscopy following inlay arthroplasty for bi- (n=3) and tricompartmental (n=1) knee arthrosis without subchondral bone collapse. Arthroscopic probing of the implant-cartilage interface of nine prosthetic components did not show signs of implant-cartilage gap formation, loosening, or subsidence. The implant periphery was consistently covered by cartilage confluence leading to a reduction of the original defect size diameter. Femoral condyle cartilage flow appeared to have more hyaline characteristics. Trochlear cartilage flow showed greater histological variability and less organization with fibrocartilage and synovialized scar tissue. This review reconfirmed previous basic science results and demonstrated effective defect fill and rim off-loading with inlay arthroplasty.

Second-look endoscopy with prophylactic hemostasis is still effective after endoscopic submucosal dissection for gastric neoplasm

AIM: The clinical value of second-look endoscopy (SLE) after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been doubted continuously. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of SLE based on the risk of delayed bleeding after ESD.

METHODS: A total of 310 lesions of gastric epithelial neoplasms treated by ESD were reviewed. The lesions were divided into two groups based on the risk of post-procedural bleeding estimated by Forrest classification. The high risk of rebleeding group (Forrest Ia, Ib and IIa) required endoscopic treatment, while the low risk of rebleeding group (Forrest IIb, IIc and III) did not. Delayed bleeding after ESD was investigated.

RESULTS: Sixty-six lesions were included in the high risk of rebleeding group and 244 lesions in the low risk of rebleeding group. There were no significant differences in delayed bleeding between the high risk group (1/66) and the low risk group (1/244) (P = 0.38). The high risk of rebleeding group tended to be located more often in the mid-third and had higher appearance of flat or depressed shape than the low risk group (P = 0.004 and P = 0.006, respectively).

CONCLUSION: SLE with pre-emptive prophylactic endoscopic treatment is still effective in preventing delayed bleeding after ESD.

Clinical results and second-look arthroscopic findings after treatment with adipose-derived stem cells for knee osteoarthritis

PURPOSE

In the present study, the clinical outcomes and second-look arthroscopic findings of intra-articular injection of stem cells with arthroscopic lavage for treatment of elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) were evaluated.

METHODS

Stem cell injections combined with arthroscopic lavage were administered to 30 elderly patients (≥65 years) with knee OA. Subcutaneous adipose tissue was harvested from both buttocks by liposuction. After stromal vascular fractions were isolated, a mean of 4.04 × 10(6) stem cells (9.7 % of 4.16 × 10(7) stromal vascular fraction cells) were prepared and injected in the selected knees of patients after arthroscopic lavage. Outcome measures included the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores, visual analog scale, and Lysholm score at preoperative and 3-, 12-, and 2-year follow-up visits. Sixteen patients underwent second-look arthroscopy.

RESULTS

Almost all patients showed significant improvement in all clinical outcomes at the final follow-up examination. All clinical results significantly improved at 2-year follow-up compared to 12-month follow-up (P < 0.05). Among elderly patients aged >65 years, only five patients demonstrated worsening of Kellgren-Lawrence grade. On second-look arthroscopy, 87.5 % of elderly patients (14/16) improved or maintained cartilage status at least 2 years postoperatively. Moreover, none of the patients underwent total knee arthroplasty during this 2-year period.

CONCLUSION

Adipose-derived stem cell therapy for elderly patients with knee OA was effective in cartilage healing, reducing pain, and improving function. Therefore, adipose-derived stem cell treatment appears to be a good option for OA treatment in elderly patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic case series study, Level IV.

Supramalleolar Osteotomy With Bone Marrow Stimulation for Varus Ankle Osteoarthritis: Clinical Results and Second-Look Arthroscopic Evaluation

BACKGROUND

Supramalleolar osteotomy (SMO), which redistributes the load line within the ankle joint, has been reported as an effective treatment for varus ankle osteoarthritis. However, no study has examined cartilage regeneration in the medial compartment of the ankle after SMO.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes of SMO and to identify the association between the outcomes of SMO and cartilage regeneration evaluated by second-look arthroscopy. The hypothesis was that cartilage regeneration would be an important predictor of the outcomes of SMO and that arthroscopic marrow stimulation would aid in cartilage regeneration.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A total of 31 ankles were retrospectively evaluated after arthroscopic marrow stimulation with SMO for varus ankle osteoarthritis; second-look arthroscopy was conducted for all these ankles. Clinical outcome measures included a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. Radiological outcome variables included the tibial-ankle surface angle (TAS), talar tilt (TT), and tibial-lateral surface angle (TLS), and progression of degenerative arthritis of the ankle was assessed. In the second-look arthroscopy, cartilage regeneration was evaluated using the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grade.

RESULTS

The mean ± standard deviation VAS and AOFAS scores were 7.1 ± 0.8 and 62.9 ± 4.0 preoperatively, and they significantly improved to 3.4 ± 1.3 and 83.1 ± 7.5, respectively (P < .001, for both) at the time of the second-look arthroscopy (mean, 13.2 months postoperatively). However, at final follow-up (mean, 27.4 months postoperatively), they were significantly decreased to 4.1 ± 1.6 and 79.9 ± 8.0, respectively, compared with the values at second-look arthroscopy (P < .001, for both). The mean TAS, TT, and TLS improved significantly after SMO but showed no significant correlation with the clinical outcomes and ICRS grade (P > .05 for all three). At second-look arthroscopy, the ICRS overall repair grades were normal in 1 (3%), nearly normal in 7 (23%), abnormal in 13 (42%), and severely abnormal in 10 (32%). Progressive degenerative arthritis was observed in 13 cases (42%). The ICRS grade was significantly associated with the clinical outcomes (P < .0001) and development of degenerative arthritis of the ankle joint (P = .002).

CONCLUSION

This study showed improved clinical outcomes after SMO for varus ankle osteoarthritis in comparison to the preoperative assessments. Furthermore, the ICRS grade was significantly associated with the clinical outcomes of SMO at final follow-up and significantly associated with the development of degenerative arthritis of the ankle joint. Therefore, arthroscopic marrow stimulation should be considered with SMO to ensure adequate cartilage regeneration. However, given the ICRS grades observed at the time of the second-look arthroscopies and the progression of degenerative arthritis in 42%, the long-term prognosis in this group of patients is uncertain.

Second-look arthroscopic evaluation of the articular cartilage after primary single-bundle and double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions

BACKGROUND

Several reports have shown the progression of articular cartilage degeneration after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. No report has been published about the cartilage comparing changes after single-bundle (SB) and double-bundle (DB) ACL reconstructions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the articular cartilage changes after SB and DB ACL reconstructions by second-look arthroscopy.

METHODS

Ninety-nine patients who received arthroscopic ACL reconstruction were retrospectively reviewed at an average of 14 months after reconstruction, 58 patients underwent SB ACL reconstruction and 41 patients underwent DB ACL reconstruction. Hamstring tendon autografts were used in all patients. Second-look arthroscopy was done in conjunction with the tibial staple fixation removal at least one year after the initial ACL reconstruction. Arthroscopic evaluation and grading of the articular cartilage degeneration for all patients were performed at the initial ACL reconstruction, and at the second-look arthroscopy.

RESULTS

The average cartilage degeneration at the patellofemoral joint (PFJ) was found significantly worsened after both SB and DB ACL reconstructions. This worsening were not seen at medial tibiofemoral joint (TFJ) and lateral TFJ. Grade II cartilage damage was the most common. At second-look arthroscopy, the average patellar cartilage degeneration was 1.14 ± 0.14 (at first look 0.52 ± 0.11) for the SB group, and 1.22 ± 0.15 (at first look 0.56 ± 0.12) for the DB group. The average trochlear cartilage degeneration was 1.05 ± 0.16 (at fist look 0.10 ± 0.06) and 0.66 ± 0.17 (at fist look 0.17 ± 0.09), respectively. The average patellar cartilage degeneration showed no significant difference in both groups. However, the average trochlea cartilage degeneration in DB group was significantly less than in SB group.

CONCLUSIONS

Patellofemoral cartilage degeneration continued to aggravate after ACL reconstruction. DB ACL reconstruction could significantly decrease the trochlea cartilage degeneration compared with SB ACL reconstruction.

Medial meniscus root tear refixation: comparison of clinical, radiologic, and arthroscopic findings with medial meniscectomy

PURPOSE

To investigate the clinical, radiologic, and arthroscopic findings of pullout repair in medial meniscus root tear (MRT) and to compare the results of pullout repair and partial meniscectomy.

METHODS

This study enrolled 58 consecutive patients with medial MRT who underwent partial meniscectomy (M group, n = 28) or pullout repair (R group, n = 30) between September 2003 and August 2007. The patients were evaluated by the Lysholm knee score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee score, joint space narrowing, and Kellgren-Lawrence grade on simple radiographs. Medial meniscal extrusion and the state of the meniscus and articular cartilage on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were documented. We performed second-look arthroscopy in 14 patients with pullout repair and evaluated fixation strength and hoop tension of the meniscus and the state of the articular cartilage.

RESULTS

There were no differences in demographic data (age, sex, and body mass index) between the 2 groups. The mean follow-up was 48.5 months in the R group and 46.1 in the M group. Lysholm and IKDC scores improved significantly in both groups (P < .05). However, the R group had better Lysholm and IKDC scores and less joint space narrowing and progression of the Kellgren-Lawrence grade than the M group did (P < .05). In a subgroup analysis of the R group, medial meniscal extrusion on MRI decreased from 3.13 to 2.94 mm. Of the patients, 28 (93.3%) showed complete or partial healing of the meniscus. On MRI, 6 (20%) showed arthrosis progression. On second-look arthroscopic examinations in 14 patients in the R group, 9 (64.3%) showed normal fixation strength, 10 (71.4%) had normal restoration of hoop tension, 5 (35.7%) showed arthrosis progression, and 2 (6.7%) had repeat tears of the meniscus.

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic pullout repair of a medial MRT gave significantly better clinical and radiologic results than partial meniscectomy, and sound healing with restoration of hoop tension of the meniscus was observed on MRI and second-look arthroscopy. We propose that this method is an effective treatment for medial MRT.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Tympanomastoidectomy: planned second-look tympanotomy

OBJECTIVE

To review the outcome following surgery for cholesteatoma/retraction pocket disease where second-look tympanotomy was recommended for selected patients.

DESIGN

Retrospective outcome analysis following canal wall down mastoid surgery for cholesteatoma/retraction pocket disease.

SUBJECTS

The study included 158 patients (163 ears) operated on between 1993 and 2003. Data were collected on the recommendation for second-look tympanotomy, the findings at second-look tympanotomy, and hearing threshold.

RESULTS

Second-look tympanotomy was recommended for 36 patients, 32 had surgery, and 30 were free of residual disease. The respective mean pre- and postoperative bone conduction threshold was 8.9 dB and 18 dB for single-stage surgery and 15.8 dB and 16.8 dB for second-look tympanotomy. The mean preoperative air-bone gap (0.5, 1, 2, 4 kHz) was 27.1 dB for single-stage surgery and 27.9 dB for staged surgery. The 1-year air-bone gap was 24.6 dB and 28.6 dB, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Planned second-look tympanotomy demonstrated excellent early disease control and allowed management of the middle ear pathology.

Outcome of interval debulking in advanced ovarian cancer patients

Interval debulking and neoadjuvant chemotherapy have been used in management of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer for many years in order to achieve optimal residual disease and reduce surgical morbidity. The present study was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of advanced ovarian cancer patients treated with these two approaches prior to cytoreductive surgery in Chiang Mai University Hospital between January 2001 and December 2006. The medical records of 29 patients who met the criteria were retrospectively reviewed. Most had stage IIIC serous cystadenocarcinomas. We found that the 5-year progression free survival and overall survival were 10% and 22% while the median values were 13 months and 34 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that a suboptimal residual tumor volume was a statistically significant adverse prognostic factor for overall survival. In conclusion, interval debulking surgery and neoadjuvant chemotherapy before cytoreductive surgery lead to a more favorable outcome with advanced epithelial ovarian cancers.

[Routine second look endoscopy after bleeding ulcers]

Treatment of peptic duodenal and gastric ulcers has improved in efficiency and become less invasive. There is still a considerable risk of re-bleeding (15-20%) and the mortality remains high (5-14%). A Danish study from 2000 showed that scheduled second look endoscopy (SLE) the day after the primary intervention decreased the re-bleeding rate. Studies have questioned this and suggest that SLE decreases the risk of re-bleeding, but do not reduce mortality. Since SLE is debated and a recent national survey found a variable practice, the evidence has been reviewed critically.

Planned second-look laparoscopy in the management of acute mesenteric ischemia

AIM: To investigate the role of second-look laparoscopy in patients with acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI).

METHODS: Between January 2000 and November 2005, 71 patients were operated for the treatment of AMI. The indications for a second-look were low flow state, bowel resection and anastomosis or mesenteric thromboembolectomy performed during the first operation. Regardless of the clinical course of patients, the second-look laparoscopic examination was performed 72 h post-operatively at the bed side in the ICU or operating room.

RESULTS: The average time of admission to the hospital after the initiation of symptoms was 3 d (range, 5 h-9 d). In 14 patients, laparotomy was performed. In 11 patients, small and/or large bowel necrosis was detected and initial resection and anastomosis were conducted. A low flow state was observed in two patients and superior mesenteric artery thromboembolectomy with small bowel resection was performed in one patient. In 13 patients, a second-look laparoscopic examination revealed normal bowel viability, but in one patient, intestinal necrosis was detected. In two of the patients, a third operation was necessary to correct anastomotic leakage. The overall complication rate was 42.8%, and in-hospital mortality rate was 57.1% (n = 6).

CONCLUSION: Second-look laparoscopy is a minimally invasive, technically simple procedure that is performed for diagnostic as well as therapeutic purposes. The simplicity and ease of this method may encourage wider application to benefit more patients. However, the timing of a second-look procedure is unclear particularly in a patient with anastomosis.

Prognostic significance of tumor necrosis in ovarian cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and interval surgical debulking

The objective of this study was to study the significance of tumor necrosis documented at the time of interval surgical debulking after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Retrospective chart reviews were carried out from 1997 to 2005 to identify ovarian cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients' demographics together with disease characteristics, treatment-related variables, and outcomes were recorded. Cox proportional hazard models were built to model time to progression using predictor variables such as age, cancer stage, tumor grade, residual disease, percentage change in CA125 level from baseline, and degree of necrosis in resected tumor specimens. One hundred one patients were included in the study. Optimal debulking was achieved in 74% of the patients. Cox regressions revealed three significant predictive variables of time to first progression: younger age (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.95, 95% CI 0.92-0.98, P= 0.004), residual disease (P= 0.048), and the absence/minimal tumor necrosis after three cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (HR = 1.97, 95% CI 1.01-3.87, P= 0.048). The estimated median survival was 50.66 months (95% CI 46.12-55.20). The lack of or minimal tumor necrosis after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is an independent risk factor for recurrent disease.

Adhesion-prevention effects of fibrin sealants after laparoscopic myomectomy as determined by second-look laparoscopy: a prospective, randomized, controlled study

OBJECTIVE

To examine the adhesion prevention effects of 2 types of fibrin sealant after laparoscopic myomectomy (LM).

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective, randomized study (Canadian Task Force I) was conducted at a University-affiliated hospital. A total of 91 patients showing a minimal myoma > 5 cm, excluding pedunculated myomas, underwent LM alone: 32 patients in the control group, 29 in the fibrin gel group and 30 patients in the fibrin sheet group. After LM, postoperative adhesions were evaluated by second-look laparoscopy. The frequency of postoperative adhesions was the main outcome.

RESULTS

The frequency of postoperative adhesions of the uterus was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the fibrin gel group, with 20/32 (62.5%) in the control group, 10/29 (34.5%) in the fibrin gel group and 20/30 (67.7%) in the fibrin sheet group. Although no significant differences were found in the incidence of de novo adnexal adhesions, the lowest rate was found in the fibrin gel group, with 4/32 patients (12.5%) in the control group, 2/29 patients (6.8%) in the fibrin gel group and 5/30 patients (16.7%) in the fibrin sheet group. No bilateral adnexal adhesions were observed in the 3 groups.

CONCLUSION

After LM for myomas as large as > or = 5 cm, postoperative adhesions were observed in > or = 50% of patients. The use of fibrin gel after LM is recommended.

Laparoscopic "second-look" in the management of mesenteric ischemia

Mesenteric ischemia is a major cause of mortality in surgery. Despite the advances in medicine, considerable number of patients undergoes reoperations for a better assessment of intestinal viability. Although great majority of these second-look operations are "negative explorations," progressive nature of this devastating disease pushes surgeons to re-explore the abdomen. This study compares open and laparoscopic "second-look" procedures in patients with mesenteric ischemia. In the first group (n = 41), abdomen was closed and second-look laparotomy was performed to 23 patients. In the second group (n = 36), a 10-mm trocar was inserted before closing the abdomen and second-look intervention was performed by a telescope to 23 patients. Sixteen of relaparotomies in the first group (70%) revealed nothing and were unnecessary. Two patients (8%) in the laparoscopy group needed re-resection while 20 patients (87%) were rescued from unnecessary laparotomies. Conclusively, patients with mesenteric ischemia are "ill enough" to deserve the "minimal invasion" spirit of laparoscopic surgery.

[18F]FDG PET as a substitute for second-look laparotomy in patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma

The aim of this study was to compare the prognostic value of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) with that of second-look laparotomy (SLL) in patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma following primary chemotherapy. Fifty-five patients who had undergone cytoreductive surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy for advanced ovarian carcinoma were enrolled in the study. Thirty patients underwent SLL after primary treatment (SLL group), while 25 underwent FDG PET after primary treatment without SLL (PET group) We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of the 55 patients for comparison of progression-free interval and disease-free interval between the two groups. Ovarian carcinomas recurred in 37 of the 55 patients. When the progression-free interval and the disease-free interval in patients in the PET group were compared with those in the SLL group, no significant differences were observed. The progression-free interval in the PET and SLL groups were 28.8 +/- 12.7 months and 30.6 +/- 13.7 months, respectively (P = 0.29). The disease-free interval in the negative PET group was 40.5 +/- 11.6 months, and that in the negative SLL group was 48.6 +/- 12.1 months (P = 0.12). In conclusion, FDG PET has a similar prognostic value to SLL, and can substitute for SLL in the follow-up of patients who have had ovarian carcinoma, especially when there is a high risk for recurrence.

Laparoscopic management of surgical complications after a recent laparotomy

BACKGROUND

The use of laparoscopy in the scarred abdomen is now well established. However, recent laparotomy and the presence of a fresh abdominal wound usually preclude laparoscopic intervention. Thus, early postlaparotomy complications, which mandate surgical interventions, are usually treated by a second laparotomy. We report our experience with the use of laparoscopy for the treatment of postoperative complications, after open abdominal procedures.

METHODS

Fourteen patients were operated for a variety of conditions, and postoperative complications, such as bowel obstruction, intraabdominal infection, or anastomotic insufficiency, were handled laparoscopically.

RESULTS

Eleven patients recovered from the acute condition. One patient died from sepsis, one retroperitoneal abscess was missed and later drained percutaneously, and one conversion to open surgery was necessary because of adhesions and lack of working space.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that a recent laparotomy is not a contraindication for laparoscopic management of acute abdominal conditions. Postlaparotomy complications can be successfully treated by laparoscopy. Avoiding the reopening of the abdominal wound and a second laparotomy may reduce the additional surgical trauma, and thus result in easier recovery.

Paediatric small cavity mastoid surgery: second look tympanotomy

OBJECTIVE

Following surgery for retraction pocket/cholesteatoma there is risk of residual disease, after canal wall up surgery a second look tympanotomy is routinely recommended. After canal wall down (CWDM) surgery this is not routine. In certain situations the senior author recommends second look tympanotomy. This report examines the outcome of this management paradigm applied to small cavity mastoid surgery for children.

METHOD

A retrospective review of small cavity mastoid surgery for children with cholesteatoma or discharging retraction pocket disease. The primary procedure and surgical findings at second look tympanotomy are reported as well as the pre- and 1 year post-operative air and bone conduction thresholds and air-bone gap averaged across frequencies 0.5, 1, 2 and 4kHz and the mean pre- and post-operative bone conduction threshold at 4kHz. A Student t-test was used to compare hearing results.

RESULTS

Forty five were children reviewed at 1 year. Twelve (27%) were recommended second look tympanotomy, of which 10 had surgery; all were free of residual disease. At second look two children had ossiculoplasty performed, four had adhesions divided. Six children had formed a myringostapediopexy after their first surgery. The mean pre-op bone conduction threshold was 6.3dB for those having single stage surgery and 5.6dB for those having a second look and the post-operative thresholds were 7.8 and 10.2dB, respectively. The mean preoperative air conduction threshold was 32.6dB for single stage surgery and 31.1dB for staged surgery and at 1 year 29.2 and 40.8dB. This was a significant difference. After second look, the air conduction threshold was 34.5dB, and not significantly different from those who had single stage surgery. The mean pre-treatment 4kHz bone conduction threshold was 6.3 and 5.6dB for single stage surgery and second look tympanotomy and after surgery, respectively, 9.8 and 14.5dB. These changes are not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

The small cavity mastoidectomy approach allows meticulous removal of disease from the middle ear and for certain indications second look tympanotomy is recommended. Planned second look tympanotomy has demonstrated excellent early disease control as well as allowing timely management of any pathology affecting the middle ear sound transformation mechanism.

Pelvic Adhesions: Laparoscopic Approach

A retrospective study using the American Fertility Society's Adhesion Scoring Method and the MCASM (More Comprehensive Adhesion Scoring Method) and a prospective, randomized, controlled, multicenter trial (Canadian Task Force Classification I) were conducted. Of 2124 cases operated by laparoscopy, 465 patients had adhesions. Fifty-one female patients underwent open or laparoscopic myomectomy procedures with vs. without application of SprayGel adhesion barrier prevention, followed by second-look laparoscopy to evaluate postoperative adhesions. Details of the 465 cases of adhesiolysis are given. In subgroup 1 (n = 34) there were no preexisting adhesions. All 34 patients were assessed at a second-look laparoscopy for adhesion occurrence after 6-8 weeks; 29.4% were found to have no adhesions and 70.6% of patients had significant or mild adhesions. In subgroup 2, 21 patients who had undergone previous surgery for adhesiolysis were operated upon again, and 24% revealed an increased adhesion score, 57% the same adhesion score, and 19% a reduced adhesion score at second-look laparoscopy. Out of 51 patients enrolled, 45 were randomized to either treatment (n = 24) or control (n = 21). Three to sixteen weeks following surgery, 18 of 24 treatment patients (75%) and 13 of 21 controls (61.9%) had second-look laparoscopies (SLL). SLL showed 5 of 18 treatment patients (27.8%) were adhesion free vs. 1 in 13 of controls (7.7%). Patients randomized to SprayGel treatment were 3.6 times more likely to be adhesion free than patients randomized to control. Compared to the initial surgery, the severity score showed a 22% reduction in the treated group vs. a 39% increase in the control group, and a 12% reduction of adhesion area in the treated group vs. a 37% increase in the control group at SLL. New data confirmed previous knowledge: To avoid adhesions you must avoid surgery. If surgery has to be performed, laparoscopic surgery causes fewer adhesions than laparotomy. SprayGel was shown to be effective in reducing postoperative adhesions after laparoscopic and open myomectomy. Application of this adhesion barrier prevention system is fast, easy, and safe. Further studies are needed to confirm the promising results of this interim analysis.

Second look endoscopy by a laryngo-fiberscope passed via the feeding tube of the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

The most commonly used techniques for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) require two passes of the gastroscope. The aim of this study was to clarify whether the second per oral gastroscopy can be replaced by passing a laryngo-fiberscope through the previously inserted PEG feeding tube. Twelve patients with head and neck cancer undergoing "pull through" PEG procedures were included in this prospective study. Instead of the second per oral pass of the gastro-intestinal fiberscope, a laryngo-fiberscope was passed through the inserted feeding tube to assess the correct position of the PEG internal disc. To gain more deflection to the tip of the instrument a string was led through the instrument channel and was brought back to the hand of the examiner outside the instrument. Pulling the string provided a bigger angulation to the end of the scope and thus a good view. In all twelve patients the "trans tubal" endoscopy was successful and provided a good second look to judge the position PEG internal disc. The procedure caused no inconvenience for the patient. "Trans tubal" endoscopy is a simple, safe and painless procedure to assess the position of the PEG feeding tube without having to pass the gastro-intestinal fiberscope a second time.

Laparoscopical insertion of intraperitoneal catheters for intraperitoneal chemotherapy

BACKGROUND AND METHODS

Eight patients (seven clinically negative stage Ill ovarian cancer and one peritoneal mesothelioma) respectively underwent second-look laparoscopy for staging, adhesiolysis and insertion of an intraperitoneal catheter and fixation of a portal. All patients had received six courses of cisplatin-paclitaxel-based chemotherapy intravenously. At the end of the laparoscopic staging, a 5-mm catheter was inserted under direct vision through a 5-mm trocar in the abdomen. A preaponevrotic forceps was used to grasp the catheter and bring it to the portal, which is located on the intercostal aponevrosis 2 or 3 cm above the laparoscope entry.

RESULTS

Although previously operated, laparoscopy was possible in all patients and the catheters were easily inserted. All patients received intraperitoneal chemotherapy on the second postoperative day. We did not observe any complication after a mean follow-up of 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic insertion of intraperitoneal catheters is a feasible and safe procedure but requires experience in laparoscopic surgery. In many cases it might preclude from performing non-useful laparotomies. It might help to reduce the hospital stay and the morbidity in relation to second-look laparotomies. Compared with the blind surgical technique of insertion of intraperitoneal catheters, this technique also allows intraabdominal staging. Nevertheless, further studies are necessary to confirm our results.

Evaluation of adhesion formation after laparoscopic myomectomy by systematic second-look microlaparoscopy

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate adhesion formation after laparoscopic myomectomy by second-look laparoscopy using a microlaparoscope.

DESIGN

Prospective, nonrandomized study. (Canadian Task Force classification II-1).

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENTS

One hundred fifteen women who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy and 51 who underwent second-look minilaparoscopy.

INTERVENTION

Laparoscopic myomectomy, in which fibrin glue spray was applied to prevent postoperative adhesion formation, and second-look laparoscopy.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The mean interval between surgeries was 5.1 +/- 3.0 months (range 2-18 mo). The mean size of enucleated myomas was 6.1 +/- 1.5 cm (range 3.0-10.5 cm), and mean number of myomas removed/patient was 3.0 +/- 2.2 (range 1-9 myomas). At assessment of 152 myomectomy sites, the rate of adhesions was 29.4%/patient and 11.2%/myomectomy site. Risk factors that influenced adhesion formation were posterior location and intramural myoma. In most cases the organ adhered to the myomectomy site was sigmoid colon. The frequency of adnexal adhesions was 17.6%/patient and 9.8%/site.

CONCLUSION

The rate of adhesion formation after laparoscopic myomectomy was low, and routine second-look microlaparoscopy was useful to evaluate the efficacy of the first surgery.

The influences of biomechanical factors on cartilage regeneration after high tibial osteotomy for knees with medial compartment osteoarthritis: clinical and arthroscopic observations

PURPOSE

A high tibial osteotomy (HTO) is often performed on knees with medial compartment osteoarthritis. However, in varus knees with medial compartment osteoarthritis, degeneration of the articular cartilage tends to progress due to medial deviation of the mechanical axis. This can result in eburnated bone. A widening of the medial joint space has been observed after HTO with a proper correction as a result of decreased stress on the load-bearing cartilage in the medial compartment. Researchers have reported obtaining a repair of the articular cartilage with both eburnation and clinical improvement using HTO in patients showing a medial deviation of the mechanical axis. However, which factors influence cartilage regeneration remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the influence of cartilage regeneration after a high tibial osteotomy for knees with medial compartment osteoarthritis.

TYPE OF STUDY

Observational cohort study.

METHODS

The study involved 58 knees in 47 patients. A modified Noyes classification was used for arthroscopic grading. The patients underwent a second look arthroscopic evaluation of the articular cartilage 18 months after surgery. The articular cartilage was classified as no regenerative change (grade 1), white scattering with fibrocartilage (grade 2), partial coverage with fibrocartilage (grade 3), and even coverage with fibrocartilage (grade 4). The functional results were evaluated according to the Japanese Orthopedic Association score for osteoarthritic knees (JOA score), femorotibial angle (FTA), percentage of mechanical axis, and body mass index (BMI).

RESULTS

Partial or even coverage with fibrocartilage (grade 3 and 4) was achieved on 55% of the femorotibial joint surfaces. A repair with white scattering with fibrocartilage (grade 2) was achieved in 34%, and 3 knees showed no regenerative change (grade 1). At follow up, significant differences were seen between grade 4 and grade 1 in JOA score and percentage of mechanical axis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the correlation between the visible improvement of the articular surface, the functional score, and the degree of correction obtained with a lateral closing wedge HTO.

Second-look laparotomy for epithelial ovarian cancer: a reappraisal

Although second-look laparotomy (SSL) has been used in the management of ovarian cancer for over three decades, its current clinical use is limited. On average, over 50% of patients with a clinical complete response are noted to have disease at the time of SLL, emphasizing our lack of accurate noninvasive methods for determining pathologic response. Although findings at SLL have some prognostic significance, there is no definitive evidence that those patients undergoing SLL have improved survival, and even 50% of patients with negative findings at SLL have recurrences. The lack of survival advantage for patients enduring SLL highlights the need to identify consistently effective salvage and consolidation regimens. Few published studies provide definitive evidence regarding efficacy of treatment. Prospective, randomized, controlled trials are needed to evaluate the various therapies available. In general, the performance of SLL should be confined to those patients enrolled in clinical trials.