Correlation of Hamstring Tendon Size in Pre-Operative MRI Measurement with Intra-Operative Graft Size in Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction

Background: The size of Hamstring autograft of less than 8.0 mm in ACL re-construction is one of the key factors that may contribute to the failure of the graft. In this study, we are going to assess the correlation of pre-operative MRI measurement of Hamstring tendons with the intra-operative ACL graft. Thus, it may help surgeons to anticipate the needs for graft augmentation should the final graft size be smaller than expected. Methods: We retrospectively re-viewed 41 cases of ACL reconstructions in which MRI were done pre-operatively, in Hospital Pakar Sultanah Fatimah (HPSF), Muar between January 2019 until December 2022. MRI measurements of Hamstring tendon (semitendinosus: ST, and gracilis) were done by a radiologist, and the in-tra-operative notes were reviewed for the final graft size. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relationship between graft size and tendon cross-sectional area. The intraclass correlation (ICC) by using two-way mixed model with type consistency, the reliability based on average measure was 0.41 (95% CI: ?0.10, 0.69). A p-value < 0.05 was considered sig-nificant. Results: Of 105 patients with primary ACL reconstruction done be-tween January 2019 to December 2022, only 41 patients were included in this study. There was fair correlation (p = 0.048) between pre-operative MRI measurement and the graft diameter intra-operatively. The mean of 17.0 mm of combined diameter of ST and gracilis tendon in MRI may results in graft diameter of 8.3 mm. There was also positive correlation between patients’ height and the intra-operative graft size. Conclusion: These results showed good correlation between pre-operative MRI measurement of Hamstring ten-don size with the intra-operative graft size, hence it is a reliable tool to predict the Hamstring autograft size in ACL reconstruction.

Pre-operative factors that can predict neoplastic polypoid lesions of the gallbladder

AIM:To investigate the preoperative factors that can predict neoplastic polypoid lesions of the gallbladder(PLGs) as well as malignant PLGs.METHODS:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the 210 consecutively enrolled patients who underwent cholecystectomy due to a PLG larger than 10 mm,as was determined by preoperative trans-abdominal ultrasonography or endoscopic ultrasonography.We ana-lyzed the medical,laboratory,radiologic data and the pathologic results.RESULTS:In 210 cases,146 had non-neoplastic polyps(69.5%) and 64 cases were neoplastic polyps(30.5%).An older age(≥ 65 years),the presence of diabetes mellitus(DM) and the size of polyp(≥ 15 mm) were revealed to be independent predictive variables for neoplastic polyps with odd ratios(OR) of 2.27(P = 0.044),2.64(P = 0.021) and 4.94(P < 0.01),respectively.Among the neoplastic PLGs,an older age(≥ 65 years),the presence of DM and polyp size(≥ 15 mm) were associated with malignancy with ORs of 4.97(P = 0.005),6.13(P = 0.001) and 20.55(P < 0.001),respectively.CONCLUSION:Among patients with PLGs larger than 10 mm in size,higher risk groups such as elderly patients more than 65 years old,those with DM or a large polyp size(≥ 15 mm) should be managed by cholecystectomy.

Hypo-Calories with Micronutrients and Fat Emulsion of Pre-Operative Peripheral Parenteral Nutrition in Malnutrition Risk Rectal Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Malnutrition has been recognized as a significant risk factor for the post operated patients, especially for those patients undergoing abdominal operations. This study evaluated the effect of hypo-calories with micronutrients of pre-operative peripheral parenteral nutrition support (PPPN) for rectal cancer patients. Retrospective cross sectional study method was used to investigate. We screened rectal cancer patients past year pre-operative with malnutrition risk from our cancer database and divided into 2 groups, received or not received PPPN and compared the post-operative outcomes. The results showed that the post-operative serum albumin of the 25 patients received PPPN averaged 2.5 ± 0.32 g/dl;significantly better than those of the 15 patients not received PPPN (non-PPPN), which averaged 1.92 ± 0.42 g/dl. The first ambulatory time required 3.0 ± 0.8 days for the PPPN, significantly shorter than those for the non-PPPN, which averaged 4.9 ± 2.4 days. Post-operative hospital days for the patients received PPPN were 18.2 ± 10.5 day, also significantly fewer than the non-PPPN, which averaged 33.7 ± 20.0 day. More than 25% of the non-PPPN was infected with sepsis, while none was infected in the PPPN patients. In conclusion, this study verified the benefits of micronutrients of pre-operative peripheral parenteral nutrition support for rectal cancer patients.

Possibility of Extension of Pre-operative Patient Preparation by Antiseptic Shower at the University Hospital Brno

Ensuring complex pre-operative patient preparation before planned surgery is an essential preventive measure of SSIs （surgical site infections）. The aim of this study was to evaluate the difference in the effectiveness of the use of common soap and a tested product to reduce the occurrence of bacterial microorganisms on the skin surface in the area of the assumed surgical incision. Two hypotheses have been identified： H0： the tested product can be considered as beneficial for common pre-operative patient preparation in the incision area in order to significantly reduce the microbial load （decrease in CFU on a defined area of the blood agar by half of the original number and less）. H1： the tested product exceeds common soap by at least 20% when reducing the microbial load in the incision area. There were 80 microbiological prints examined on filter paper using the cultivation method on culture medium. The statistical method of the classic hypothesis test on the binomial distribution parameter versus the one-sided alternative has been used to process the results for the occurrence of microorganisms. The statistical processing of the results obtained by microbiological examination of prints allows for the confirmation of H0 and rejection of the H1 hypothesis. The results have shown the importance of proper pre-operative hygiene of the patient’s skin, regardless of the detergent base.

Pre-Operative Hyponatremia in a High Dependency Cardiovascular Surgical Center of a Tertiary Health Facility in Nigeria: Risk Factors, Prevalence, Clinical Correlates and Treatment Outcome. A Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction: Hyponatremia is the commonest electrolyte derangement seen in medical and surgical wards and in high dependency treatment units. It is associated with prolonged hospital stay, high economic burden and increased morbidity and mortality. Hyponatremia is well reported in medical and surgical conditions but literature is scanty concerning its relationship with treatment outcome in patients managed in high dependency heart and vascular surgical centers. Objectives: To determine the prevalence, determinants, clinical correlates and outcome of pre-operative hyponatremia. Methods: Retrospective study involving patients that had surgery (cardiac and vascular) between January 2015 and December 2019. Data were obtained from patients’ case files, perioperative and intensive unit charts. All participants with preoperative hyponatremia had their serum sodium corrected to ≥135 mmol before surgical incision and those with hypernatremia had their sodium corrected to <145 mmol. The socio-demographic, clinical, laboratory findings were entered. Statistical analysis was done using student’s t-test and Chi square. Results: Of the 305 participants (186 males and 119 females), pre-operative hyponatremia was found in 30.8% and normonatremia in 59.7%. Pre-operative hyponatremia was more common in advance age, overweight, those presenting for open heart and other major surgeries and those with background chronic heart failure and chronic liver disease. Participants with pre-operative hyponatremia had shortened and also prolonged hospital stay and higher risk of death than with normonatremia. Conclusion: Pre-operative hyponatremia is common in high dependency surgical unit particularly in the elderly, those with comorbidities and those presenting for major heart surgeries. It impacts negatively on the morbidity and mortality as it could shorten hospital stay through death, and could prolong hospital stay with increased health burden on patients, their care givers and the general population. The impact of this finding across different races needs further evaluation.

Effective Communication in the Pre-Operative Environment

Introduction: Building a strong patient rapport is a founding principle instilled early on in medical education. For many specialties, this relationship can be developed through repeated encounters. However, anesthesiologists are limited in opportunity for which such rapport can be built. Therefore, it is critical that the pre-operative visit is used effectively to develop a strong patient-physician relationship and help relieve patient anxiety. Methods: The primary objective of this study was to determine what communication aspects are most important to patients in the pre-operative period. Secondary objectives were to evaluate the effectiveness of our current communication practices and their impact on patient’s anxiety. This study was an anonymous and voluntary survey conducted in the pre-operative area prior to elective surgical cases at Mayo Clinic Arizona from Dec. 2018-Jan. 2019. Patients completed a one-page questionnaire ranking the importance of various communication aspects and its subsequent impact on their anxiety level. Results: Of the communication qualities evaluated, patients most valued their physician’s thoroughness and ability to describe their anesthetic plan. Greater than 95% of patients felt “very satisfied” with their anesthesia provider encounter and on a 1 - 5 point scale, with 5 being the highest, there was an average reduction of 0.75 in anxiety level after completion of the anesthesia interview. Conclusion: Incorporation of and improving these communication aspects during your pre-operative evaluation can help improve rapport, reduce patient anxiety, and improve the patient’s overall experience. Implementing a communication-focused curriculum during training may prove beneficial in improving resident’s effectiveness in communicating.

Transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation(TAES)for pre-operative anxiety:a prospective observational pilot investigation

Objective:Transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation(TAES)treatment is effective for post-operative anxiety.The investigation was designed to study the feasibility and effectiveness of TAES treatment for pre-operative anxiety.Methods:62 volunteered surgical patients were included in the pilot investigation.They all received TAES treatment for 30 minutes in the evening of the day before operation.Hegu(LI4)and Neiguan(PC6)of both sides were selected as the treatment acupoints.The anxiety degrees were measured by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory.Heart rate and blood pressure were also recorded.Results:After TAES,pre-operative anxiety measured by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory dropped by almost 12%,and both heart rate and systolic blood pressure decreased significantly.Conclusion:The pilot investigation of TAES for pre-operative anxiety can successfully test the feasibility of outcome measurements and provide necessary data for calculating the sample size of a subsequent randomized controlled trial.

Pre-operative total parenteral nutrition improves post-operative outcomes in a subset of Crohn’s disease patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

Background:Despitemajor advances in themedicalmanagement of Crohn’s disease(CD),a significant proportion of patients will require surgery within 5 years of diagnosis.Malnutrition is an independent risk factor for adverse post-operative outcomes following gastrointestinal surgery.Data on the value of pre-operative total parenteral nutrition(TPN)in CD patients aremixed and there is a paucity of data in the biologic era.We aimed to define the role of pre-operative TPN in this population.Methods:This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at a tertiary referral center.CD patients who underwent major abdominal surgery were identified.Patients receiving pre-operative TPN were compared to controls.We compared the incidence of 30-day infectious and non-infectious post-operative complications between the two groups.Results:A total of 144 CD patients who underwent major abdominal surgery between March 2007 and March 2017 were included.Fifty-five patients who received pre-operative TPN were compared to 89 controls.Twenty-one(14.6%)patients developed infectious complications(18.2%in TPN group vs 12.3%in non-TPN group,P=0.34)and 23(15.9%)developed noninfectious complications(14.5%in TPN group vs 16.9%in non-TPN group,P=0.71).In a multivariate analysis,controlling for differences in baseline disease severity and malnutrition between groups,patients receiving pre-operative TPN for60 days had significantly lower odds of developing non-infectious complications(odds ratio 0.07,95%confidence interval:0.01–0.80,P=0.03).Weight loss of>10%in the past 6 months was a significant predictor of post-operative complications.Conclusions:In a subset of malnourished CD patients,TPN is safe and allows comparable operative outcomes to controls.Pre-operative TPN for60 days reduced post-operative non-infectious complications without associated increase in infectious complications.

Pre-operative biliary drainage is associated with shortened survival time in patients with cholangiocarcinoma

Background and objective:Although pre-operative biliary drainage(PBD)is frequently performed in patients with cholangiocarcinoma(CCA),its impact on patient survival is unclear.Our aim was to evaluate the impact of PBD on overall survival of patients with extra-hepatic CCA.Methods:This was a retrospective study using the Surveillance,Epidemiology,and End Results(SEER)-Medicare data.Patients who underwent biliary drainage within 3 months prior to and/or after diagnosis of CCA were included in the PBD cohort.Patients who did not receive biliary drainage were included in the non-PBD cohort.Cox proportional hazard regression was used to determine independent predictors of survival.Results:Of 3862 patients with extra-hepatic CCA,433(11.2%)underwent curative surgical resection,with a median survival of 14 months(95%confidence interval[95%CI],10-21months)in the PBD cohort(n=126)vs 31 months(95%CI,26-39 months)in the non-PBD cohort(n=307)(P<0.001),during the median follow-up duration for the surgical cohort of 26 months(range,1-60 months).Among the 433 patients,126(29.1%)underwent PBD and had significantly higher Charlson comorbidity index and advanced SEER stage than those without PBD before surgery.On multivariable analysis in patients who underwent curative surgical resection,after adjusting patient demographics,tumor characteristics,Charlson comorbidity index,radiotherapy and chemotherapy,PBD was significantly associated with shortened survival time(hazard ratio,2.35;95%CI,1.34-4.10;P=0.003).Conclusions:PBD appears negative impact on long-term survival in patients with potentially resectable CCA and should be avoided if possible.

Oxaliplatin-containing adjuvant chemotherapy improves the survival of locally advanced rectal cancer patients with pathological complete response after pre-operative chemoradiotherapy

Background:The necessity for adjuvant chemotherapy(ACT)in locally advanced rectal cancer(LARC)patients who achieve pathological complete response(pCR)after pre-operative chemoradiotherapy(CRT)is still not identified.We aimed to investigate the therapeutic value of ACT in these patients.Methods:Clinical data were retrospectively collected from 105 consecutive LARC patients who achieved pCR after pre-operative CRT and underwent radical tumor resection between December 2008 and April 2014 in a comprehensive cancer center.Perioperative chemotherapy(CT)was administered by combining oxaliplatin with capecitabine(XELOX regimen).Disease-free survival(DFS)and overall survival(OS)rates of patients with or without ACT were compared.Results:Eighty-three(79.0%)patients received ACT and 22(21.0%)did not.With a median follow-up of 49 months,the ACT group had a significantly higher 3-year DFS rate(92.8 vs 86.4%,p=0.029)and 3-year OS rate(95.1 vs 86.1%,p=0.026)than the non-ACT group.In multivariable analyses,the presence of ACT was an independent prognostic factor for DFS(hazard ratio[HR]:0.271;95%confidence interval(CI):0.080–0.916;p=0.036)but not for OS.This benefit was more obvious in patients younger than 60 years via subgroup analysis(adjusted HR:0.106;95%CI:0.019–0.606;p=0.012).Conclusions:Oxaliplatin-containing ACT may confer survival benefits to patients with pCR,particularly younger patients.However,the routine use of ACT in patients with pCR needs further validation.

Pre-operative stereotactic radiosurgery treatment is preferred to post-operative treatment for smaller solitary brain metastases

Background:While the optimal combination of whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and surgical resection in the treatment of brain metastases, is controversial, the addition of SRS to surgical resction of solitary metastasis may enhance local control while potentially minimizing toxicity associated with adjuvant WBRT. This study seeks to determine whether pre-operative SRS to the lesion versus post-operative SRS to the resection bed may reduce irradiation of adjacent normal brain tissue. Methods:A retrospective study of 12 patients with 13 surgically resected cerebral metastases was performed. The pre-operative contrast-enhancing tumors and post-operative resection cavities plus any enhancing residual disease were contoured to yield the gross target volume (GTV). In turn these GTV''''s were uniformly expanded by 3-mm to generate the pre-operative, as well as post-operative planning target volume (PTV.) For each lesion, a 7-static-conformal-beam, non-coplanar plan utilizing 6 MV photons was generated to encompass the PTV within the 85％isodose line. Excess normal brain volume irradiated was defined as the volume outside the GTV receiving the prescribed dose. Results:When lesions were divided into two groups-Group A (pre-operative GTV''''s<15 cc, n=9) and Group B (pre-operative GTV''''s>15 cc, n=4)-the average volume of normal brain irradiated was significantly smaller if pre-operative SRS was used for treatment of lesions in Group A (9.5 vs. 16.8 cc, paired t-test, p=0.0045). In contrast, this volume was smaller for Group B lesions if post-operative SRS was used for treatment of these lesions (27.6 vs. 51.2 cc, p=0.252). A comparison of groups with respect to mean volume differences between pre-and post-operative SRS was significantly different (two-sample t-test p=0.016). GTV and the difference between pre-and post-operative volume were highly correlated (Pearson correlation=?0.875, p<0.0001). Conclusions:Pre-operative treatment of smaller metastases may result in reduced radiation dose to normal tissue and, thus, reduced treatment-related morbidity compared to post-operative irradiation of the resection cavity.

Correlation study between pre-operative platelet aggregation rate and peri-operative blood product application in patients with off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

Objective To explore the impact of pre-operative platelet aggregation rate(PAR)on off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting(OPCABG),meanwhile to study the relationship between platelet function and blood product application during peri-operative period in relevant patients.Methods A total of 172 patients receiving OPCABG in our hospita from 2014-01 to 2015-09 were en-

Role of artificial intelligence in colorectal cancer

The sphere of artificial intelligence(AI)is ever expanding.Applications for clinical practice have been emerging over recent years.Although its uptake has been most prominent in endoscopy,this represents only one aspect of holistic patient care.There are a multitude of other potential avenues in which gastrointestinal care may be involved.We aim to review the role of AI in colorectal cancer as a whole.We performed broad scoping and focused searches of the applications of AI in the field of colorectal cancer.All trials including qualitative research were included from the year 2000 onwards.Studies were grouped into pre-operative,intra-operative and post-operative aspects.Preoperatively,the major use is with endoscopic recognition.Colonoscopy has embraced the use for human derived classifications such as Narrow-band Imaging International Colorectal Endoscopic,Japan Narrow-band Imaging Expert Team,Paris and Kudo.However,novel detection and diagnostic methods have arisen from advances in AI classification.Intra-operatively,adjuncts such as image enhanced identification of structures and assessment of perfusion have led to improvements in clinical outcomes.Post-operatively,monitoring and surveillance have taken strides with potential socioeconomic and environmental savings.The uses of AI within the umbrella of colorectal surgery are multiple.We have identified existing technologies which are already augmenting cancer care.The future applications are exciting and could at least match,if not surpass human standards.

Disposable circumcision suture device： clinical effect and patient satisfaction

In our experience patients undergoing circumcision are mostly concerned about pain and penile appearances. We conducted a prospective randomized trial to assess the benefits of a new disposable circumcision suture device （DCSD）. A total of 942 patients were equally divided into three groups （conventional circumcision, Shang ring and disposable suture device group）. Patients in the DCSD group were anesthetized with compound 5% lidocaine cream, the others with a 2% lidocaine penile block. Operation time, intra-operative blood loss, incision healing time, intra-operative and post-operative pain, the penile appearance and overall satisfaction degree were measured. Operation time and intra-operative blood loss were significantly lower in the Shang ring and suture device groups compared to the conventional group （P 〈 0.001）. Intra-operative pain was less in the suture device group compared With the other two groups （P 〈 0.001）; whereas post-operative pain was higher in the conventional group compared to the other two groups （P 〈 0.001）. Patients in the suture device （80.57%） and Shang ring （73,57%） groups were more satisfied with penile appearances compared with the conventional circumcision group （20.06%, P 〈 0.05）. Patients in suture device group also healed markedly faster than the conventional group （P 〈 0.01）. The overall satisfaction rate was better in the suture device group （78.66%） compared with the conventional （47.13%） and Shang ring （50.00%） groups （P 〈 0.05）. The combination of DCSD and lidocaine cream resulted in shorter operation and incision healing times, reduced intra-operative and post-operative pain and improved patient satisfaction with the cosmetic appearances.

Bariatric surgery and long-term nutritional issues

Bariatric surgery is recognized as a highly effective therapy for obesity since it accomplishes sustained weight loss, reduction of obesity-related comorbidities and mortality, and improvement of quality of life. Overall, bariatric surgery is associated with a 42% reduction of the cardiovascular risk and 30% reduction of all-cause mortality. This review focuses on some nutritional consequences that can occur in bariatric patients that could potentially hinder the clinical benefits of this therapeutic option. All bariatric procedures, to variable degrees, alter the anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract; this alteration makes these patients more susceptible to developing nutritional complications, namely, deficiencies of macro-and micro-nutrients, which could lead to disabling diseases such as anemia, osteoporosis, protein malnutrition. Of note is the evidence that most obese patients present a number of nutritional deficits already prior to surgery, the most important being vitamin D and iron deficiencies. This finding prompts the need for a complete nutritional assessment and, eventually, an adequate correction of pre-existing deficits before surgery. Another critical issue that follows bariatric surgery is post-operative weight regain, which is commonly associated with the relapse of obesity-related comorbidities. Nu-tritional complications associated with bariatric surgery can be prevented by life-long nutritional monitoring with the administration of multivitamins and mineral supplements according to the patient's needs.

Outcomes of patients with cirrhosis undergoing non-hepatic surgery:Risk assessment and management

The reported mortality rates in patients with cirrhosis undergoing various non-transplant surgical procedures range from 8.3% to 25%. This wide range of mortality rates is related to severity of liver disease, type of surgery, demographics of patient population, expertise of the surgical, anesthesia and intensive care unit team and finally, reporting bias. In this article, we will review the pathophysiology, morbidity and mortality associated with non-hepatic surgery in patients with cirrhosis, and then recommend an algorithm for risk assessment and evidence based management strategy to optimize post-surgical outcomes.

Enhanced recovery after surgery strategy to shorten perioperative fasting in children undergoing non-gastrointestinal surgery:A prospective study

BACKGROUND Enhanced recovery after surgery strategies are increasingly implemented to improve the management of surgical patients.AIM To evaluate the effects of new perioperative fasting protocols in children≥3 mo of age undergoing non-gastrointestinal surgery.METHODS This prospective pilot study included children≥3 mo of age undergoing nongastrointestinal surgery at the Children’s Hospital(Zhejiang University School of Medicine)from January 2020 to June 2020.The children were divided into either a conventional group or an ERAS group according to whether they had been enrolled before or after the implementation of the new perioperative fasting strategy.The children in the conventional group were fasted using conventional strategies,while those in the ERAS group were given individualized fasting protocols preoperatively(6-h fasting for infant formula/non-human milk/solids,4-h fasting for breast milk,and clear fluids allowed within 2 h of surgery)and postoperatively(food permitted from 1 h after surgery).Pre-operative and postoperative fasting times,pre-operative blood glucose,the incidence of postoperative thirst and hunger,the incidence of perioperative vomiting and aspiration,and the degree of satisfaction were evaluated.RESULTS The study included 303 patients(151 in the conventional group and 152 in the ERAS group).Compared with the conventional group,the ERAS group had a shorter pre-operative food fasting time[11.92(4.00,19.33)vs 13.00(6.00,20.28)h,P<0.001],shorter preoperative liquid fasting time[3.00(2.00,7.50)vs 12.00(3.00,20.28)h,P<0.001],higher preoperative blood glucose level[5.6(4.2,8.2)vs 5.1(4.0,7.4)mmol/L,P<0.001],lower incidence of thirst(74.5%vs 15.3%,P<0.001),shorter time to postoperative feeding[1.17(0.33,6.83)vs 6.00(5.40,9.20),P<0.001],and greater satisfaction[7(0,10)vs 8(5,10),P<0.001].No children experienced perioperative aspiration.The incidences of hunger,perioperative vomiting,and fever were not significantly different between the two groups.CONCLUSION Optimizing fasting and clear fluid drinking before non-gastrointestinal surgery in children≥3 mo of age is possible.It is safe and feasible to start early eating after evaluating the recovery from anesthesia and the swallowing function.

Fine needle aspiration diagnosis of isolated pancreatic tuberculosis: A case report

Tuberculosis(TB) involving the pancreas are uncommon, especially when present in immunocompetent hosts. Pancreatic TB is more frequently associated with miliary TB or widely disseminated disease. Pancreatic TB may present as cystic or solid pancreatic masses, pancreatic abscess or acute or chronic pancreatitis. Majority of the cases are diagnosed after surgical exploration for presumed pancreatic malignancy and preoperative diagnosis is quite difficult. However, improvement in imaging techniques and the resulting imageguided interventions gradually can obviate the need for more invasive diagnostic surgical procedures and expedite the planning of therapy. Herein, we report a rare case of isolated pancreatic TB which presented with pancreatic mass lesion in an immunocompetent host. Diagnosis was made by contrast enhanced computed tomography and guided fine needle aspiration of the pancreatic mass which revealed acid-fast bacillion Ziehl-Neelsen stain. The case was treated successfully with antituberculous drugs. Pancreatic tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a pancreatic mass when the patient is young, residing in the endemic zone of tuberculosis. Every attempt should be made to diagnose the cases to prevent unnecessary operation.

Exercise manual for liver disease patients

AIM: To increase inspiratory muscle strength and improve the quality of life of candidates for liver transplantation.METHODS: Twenty-three candidates for liver transplantation participated in the control group and 14 made up the intervention group. The control group consisted of 18 men and 5 women, body mass index(BMI) 27.3 ± 4.5 kg/m2 and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease(MELD) 18.2 ± 6.1. The intervention group consisted of 11 men and 3 women, BMI 28.6 ± 5.4 kg/m2 and MELD 18 ± 4.5. The presence or absence of ascites was identified in the first patient evaluation and after three months. We evaluated maximal inspiratory pressure(MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure, spirometry, root mean square(RMS) of diaphragm and rectus abdominis, and the quality of life. The exercises were performed daily by patients at home for three months and were supervised at distance monthly. The manual consisted of diaphragmatic breathing exercises, diaphragmatic isometric exercise, Threshold IMT&#174;, lifting upper limbs with a bat and strengthening the abdomen. RESULTS: There was significant difference(P = 0.01) between the first(initial) and the third month(final) MIP in the control group and in the intervention group, but there was no difference(P = 0.45) between the groups.The RMS of the diaphragm was lower(P = 0.001) and the functional capacity was higher(P = 0.006) in the intervention group compared to the control. The general health and mental health domains received higher scores after three months in the control group(P = 0.01) and the intervention group(P = 0.004), but there was no significant difference between them. The comparison between the presence of initial ascites with the presence of ascites was performed after three months in the control group(P = 0.083) and intervention group(P = 0.31). There was no significant difference, in relation to the presence of ascites after three months between groups(P = 0.21). In the intervention group, patients with ascites at the end of the time period had decreased scores on the social aspects SF-36 domain(P = 0.023) compared to those who had no ascites. CONCLUSION: The proposed exercises provide an increase in the inspiratory muscle strength and improve functional capacity, consequently bettering the quality of life of liver disease patients.

Preoperative physiological esophageal assessment for anti-reflux surgery:A guide for surgeons on high-resolution manometry and pH testing

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most commonlyencountered digestive diseases in the world, with the prevalence continuing toincrease. Many patients are successfully treated with lifestyle modifications andproton pump inhibitor therapy, but a subset of patients require more aggressiveintervention for control of their symptoms. Surgical treatment with fundoplicationis a viable option for patients with GERD, as it attempts to improve the integrityof the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). While surgery can be as effective asmedical treatment, it can also be associated with side effects such as dysphagia,bloating, and abdominal pain. Therefore, a thorough pre-operative assessment iscrucial to select appropriate surgical candidates. Newer technologies arebecoming increasingly available to help clinicians identify patients with true LESdysfunction, such as pH-impedance studies and high-resolution manometry(HRM). Pre-operative evaluation should be aimed at confirming the diagnosis ofGERD, ruling out any major motility disorders, and selecting appropriate surgicalcandidates. HRM and pH testing are key tests to consider for patients with GERDlike symptoms, and the addition of provocative measures such as straight legraises and multiple rapid swallows to HRM protocol can assess the presence ofunderlying hiatal hernias and to test a patient’s peristaltic reserve prior tosurgery.