Surgical treatment of liver cancer and pancreatic cancer under the China Healthcare Security Diagnosis Related Groups payment system

BACKGROUND Data from the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer reported that China had the highest prevalence of cancer and cancer deaths in 2022.Liver and pancreatic cancers accounted for the highest number of new cases.Real-world data(RWD)is now widely preferred to traditional clinical trials in various fields of medicine and healthcare,as the traditional research approach often involves highly selected populations and interventions and controls that are strictly regulated.Additionally,research results from the RWD match global reality better than those from traditional clinical trials.AIM To analyze the cost disparity between surgical treatments for liver and pancreatic cancer under various factors.METHODS This study analyzed RWD 1137 cases within the HB1 group(patients who underwent pancreatectomy,hepatectomy,and/or shunt surgery)in 2023.It distinguished different expenditure categories,including medical,nursing,technical,management,drug,and consumable costs.Additionally,it assessed the contribution of each expenditure category to total hospital costs and performed cross-group comparisons using the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test.This study used the Steel–Dwass test for post-hoc multiple comparisons and the Spearman correlation coefficient to examine the relationships between variables.RESULTS The study found that in HB11 and HB13,the total hospitalization costs were significantly higher for pancreaticoduodenectomy than for pancreatectomy and hepatectomy.Although no significant difference was observed in the length of hospital stay between patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy and pancreatectomy,both were significantly longer than those who underwent liver resection.In HB15,no significant difference was observed in the total cost of hospitalization between pancreaticoduodenectomy and pancreatectomy;however,both were significantly higher than those in hepatectomy.Additionally,the length of hospital stay was significantly longer for patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy than for those who underwent pancreatectomy or liver resection.CONCLUSION China Healthcare Security Diagnosis Related Groups payment system positively impacts liver and pancreatic cancer surgeries by improving medical quality and controlling costs.Further research could refine this grouping system and ensure continuous effectiveness and sustainability.

Effectiveness of negative pressure wound therapy in complex surgical treatment of necrotizing fasciitis of the upper limb

BACKGROUND Necrotizing fasciitis(NF)of the upper extremities is a severe surgical pathology,and the incidence of this disease has been steadily increasing in recent decades.Surgical treatment is accompanied by the formation of extensive wounds,which can be treated with significant difficulties.In recent years,negative pressure wound therapy(NPWT)has proven to be highly effective.It is also promising for the treatment of NF.AIM To explore the effectiveness of NPWT in the treatment of NF of the upper extremities.METHODS The results of the treatment of 36 patients with NF of the upper extremities in two groups(NPWT group and control group;2022−2023)were retrospectively analyzed.In the NPWT group,the NPWT method(120 mmHg;constant mode)was used after surgical treatment.The number of vacuum-assisted dressings in patients ranged from 1 to 3,depending on the dynamics of the wound process.The duration of fixation of one bandage was up to 2−3 d.In the control group,conventional methods of local wound treatment were used.The following indicators were analyzed:The treatment delay,the prevalence of inflammation,the microbial landscape,the number of debridements,the duration of wound preparation for surgical closure,and the nature of skin plastic surgery.RESULTS Most patients experienced a significant treatment delay[4 d,interquartile range(IQR):2–7 d],which led to the spread of the pathological process to the forearm and shoulder.The most common pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus(14;38.9%)and Streptococcus pyogenes(22;61.1%).The average number of debridements per patient was 5(IQR:3–7),with no difference between groups.The average time to prepare wounds for surgical closure was 11±4 d in the NPWT group and 29±10 d(P=0.00001)in the control group.In the NPWT group,the wounds were more often closed with local tissues(15;83.3%),and in the control group,split-thickness skin grafts were more often used(4;50%).CONCLUSION The predominant isolation of Staphylococcus aureus and/or Streptococcus pyogenes from the lesions allowed us to classify these patients as NF type II.Multiple debridement procedures have become a feature of this disease treatment.The use of NPWT has significantly reduced the time required to prepare wounds for surgical closure.Early closure of wounds allows for more frequent use of local tissue repair,which ensures better results.NPWT is a highly effective way to prepare wounds for early surgical closure in patients with upper extremity NF.

Cost of Medical Treatment for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma in Relation to Patients’ Income and Its Impact on the Prognosis of the Disease, in Bouaké University Hospital

Introduction: Medical treatment for POAG is continuous and lifelong treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the cost of this treatment and patients’ income and the impact of this relationship on treatment compliance. Materials and Methods: Prospective cross-sectional study with a descriptive aim covering sociodemographic data, average incomes, and direct and indirect costs of treatment of 57 patients followed for POAG during the period from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2016 (5 years). Results: The patients were aged 25 to 77 years (mean = 54.4 years) with a male predominance (sex ratio = 1.5). Retirees were the most represented (26.32%), followed by workers in the informal sector (14.04%) and housewives (12.28%). Patients who had an annual income less than or equal to 900,000 CFA francs (€1370.83) per year represented 56.14% and those who did not have health coverage represented 57.89%. The treatment was monotherapy (64.91%), dual therapy (31.58%) or triple therapy (3.05%) and the average ratio of “annual cost of treatment to annual income” was 0.56 with for maximum 2.23 and 0.02 as minimum. Patients who considered the cost of treatment unbearable for their income represented 78.95%. Conclusion: Prevention of blindness due to glaucoma requires early detection but also the establishment of health coverage mechanisms to improve compliance with medical treatment. In addition, consideration should be given to the development of glaucoma surgery in our country, the indication of which could be the first intention in certain patients, considering for those patients, the geographical and financial accessibility of medical treatment. .

Results of Open Surgical Treatment of Humeral Paddle Fractures about 63 Cases

Fractures of the humeral paddle, common to young adults, are most often complex, linked to violence and an increase in road accidents. The objective of our work is to evaluate our functional results, in the medium term, correlated with a review of the literature. This is a retrospective study of 63 patients, carried out in the traumatology-orthopedics department 1 of the IBN EL JAZZAR hospital in KAIROUAN, over a period of 7 years from January 2015 to December 2021. The average age of patients was 39 years (17 - 68 years). Predominantly male. The etiologies are dominated by falls and accidents on public roads. Fractures are classified according to the Müller and Allgöwer classification where type C is found in 51% of cases. All our patients undergo an olecranon osteotomy in 71% of cases. Osteosynthesis using a Lecestre plate combined with screwing or plugging is used in 84% of cases. The evolution is marked by complications observed in eight patients (16%), including two cases of sepsis, four cases of elbow stiffness (8%), one case of joint callus and one case of pseudarthrosis. Our results are evaluated according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, they are excellent and good in 71% of cases, average in 18% of cases and poor in 11% of cases. Fractures of the humeral paddle are fractures with a satisfactory functional prognosis, requiring ad integrum anatomical restoration and solid osteosynthesis allowing early rehabilitation of the elbow. One case of joint callus and one case of pseudarthrosis.

Surgical Treatment of Upper Urinary Tract Lithiasis in Conakry

Introduction: The management of urinary lithiasis in our settings has long been conventional surgery. The recent introduction of endoscopy of the upper urinary tract represents a major advance in our department. The aim was to contribute to the study of the treatment of lithiasis of the upper urinary tract in Conakry and to report on our initial experience of ureteroscopy in Conakry. Methodology: This is a prospective descriptive study lasting one year, from January 1 to December 31, 2022, carried out at the Urology Department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital and at the PERCHIN Urological Clinic. The study included all patients treated surgically for lithiasis of the upper urinary tract who met the selection criteria. Results: The study included 57 patients. The mean age was 30 years, with extremes of 20 and 73 years;the most represented age group was 31 to 40 years, followed by 20 to 30 years with 29.9% and 26.3% respectively. Males predominated in 36 cases (63.15%), with a M/F sex ratio of 1.71. Left-sided renal colic was the most common, at 75.43% (n=43), and right-sided renal colic at 40.35%, associated with digestive signs at 43.85%. 77.19% had normal creatinine levels before surgery, versus 22.81% with elevated creatinine levels, i.e. 15.78% improvement in renal function after surgery. Urinary tract infection was found in 47.36%, and Escherichia coli in 31.57%, followed by staphylococcus aureus in 8.77%. Overall, 82.45% of patients had organic damage to the kidneys or ureters. Right ureterohydronephrosis was noted in 56.14%, followed by left hydronephrosis in 26.32%. Open surgery was predominant in 52.63% of cases, with endoscopic surgery (URS) accounting for a significant 47.36% during the study period. The endoscopic treatment used was laser ureteroscopy. In our study, 73.68% underwent drainage of the upper excretory tract, including 64.91% with a JJ catheter. The average length of stay was 07 days, with extremes of 02 and 28 days, and 81.4% of patients who underwent URS had a length of stay of less than 4 days. Conventional surgery had the highest complication rate (14.28%). The stone free rate for the two surgical treatment methods (open and endoscopic surgery) was 73% and 92.59%.

Analysis of the Clinical Value of Surgical Treatment and Postoperative Anti-Infection Treatment of Acute Suppurative Appendicitis

Objective: To explore the clinical value of surgical treatment and postoperative anti-infection treatment for acute suppurative appendicitis. Methods: A total of 116 patients with acute suppurative appendicitis were enrolled in this study. The collection period was from December 2021 to December 2023. The patients were randomly grouped into a control group (surgical treatment) and an observation group (surgical treatment and postoperative anti-infection treatment), of 58 patients each. At the end of the treatment, the results of each index of the two groups were compared. Results: The length of hospitalization time, exhaust time, and incidence of complications in the observation group were shorter than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: It is crucial to perform anti-infective treatment promptly after surgical treatment in patients with acute suppurative appendicitis. It can effectively prevent the occurrence of complications and improve the clinical efficacy. Hence, it is worthy of research and promotion.

Surgical treatment for rectal cancer:An international perspective on what the medical gastroenterologist needs to know

Rectal cancer accounts for one third of all colorectal cancers.The age adjusted death rates from colorectal cancer have declined over recent decades due to a combination of colorectal cancer screening,improved diagnostic tests,improved standardized surgical technique,improved medical support,neoadjuvant chemotherapies and radiation treatment or combinations of these.Because of complex treatment algorithms,use of multidisciplinary teams in the management of rectal cancer patients has also been popularized.Medical gastroenterologists performing colonoscopies are frequently the first health care provider to raise the suspicion of a rectal cancer.Although the diagnosis depends on histological confirmation,the endoscopic presentation is almost diagnostic in many cases.In order to meet the patient's immediate needs for information,it is important that the endoscopist has knowledge about the investigations and treatment options that will be required for their patient.The aim of this paper is to describe the modern preoperative investigations and operative procedures commonly offered to rectal cancer patients taking into account perspectives of three colorectal surgeons,practicing in the USA,Europe and Asia.

Surgical Treatment of Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head Using Minimally Invasive Surgical Drilling and Cancellous Grafting at Brazzaville University Hospital

Introduction: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONTF) is a debilitating condition. Several treatments have been proposed with controversial results. The aim of our study was to evaluate treatment by surgical drilling coupled with in situ cancellous grafting. Materials and methods: Our study was a case-control study conducted at Brazzaville University Hospital from 1st January 2018 to 31 December 2023. It compared two groups of patients with ONTF: non-operated (13 patients, 20 hips) and operated (22 patients, 35 hips). We used the visual digital scale (VDS) for pain assessment, the Merle D’Aubigne-Postel (MDP) scoring system for clinical and functional assessment, and the evolution of necrosis. Results: The group of non-operated patients had a mean age of 35.69 ± 3.4 years, no improvement in pain with an EVN above seven at the last recoil and a mean global MDP score falling from 12.7 before offloading to 10.13 at one year. The group of patients operated on had a mean age of 37.86 ± 7.02 years, a significant reduction in pain (p = 0.00004) and a significantly increased MDP score (p = 0.0034). A comparison of the two groups of patients showed significant stabilization of the necrotic lesions in the operated patients (p = 0.00067), with better satisfaction in the same group. Conclusion: Surgical drilling combined with grafting in the treatment of early-stage ONTF has improved progress in our series. The technique is reproducible and less invasive. It has made it possible to delay unfavorable progression and, consequently, hip replacement surgery.

Multiple methods of surgical treatment combined with primary IOL implantation on traumatic lens subluxation/dislocation in patients with secondary glaucoma

AIM:To describe clinical findings and complications from cases of traumatic lens subluxation/dislocation in patients with secondary glaucoma,and discuss the multiple treating methods of operation combined with primary intraocular lens(IOL)implantation.METHODS:Non-comparativeretrospectiveobservational case series.Participants:30 cases(30 eyes)of lens subluxation/dislocation in patients with secondary glaucoma were investigated which accepted the surgical treatment by author in the Ophthalmology of Xi’an No.4Hospital from 2007 to 2011.According to the different situations of lens subluxation/dislocation,various surgical procedures were performed such as crystalline lens phacoemulsification,crystalline lens phacoemulsification combined anterior vitrectomy,intracapsular cataract extraction combined anterior vitrectomy,lensectomy combined anterior vitrectomy though peripheral transparent cornea incision,pars plana lensectomy combined pars plana vitrectomy,and intravitreal cavity crystalline lens phacofragmentation combined pars plana vitrectomy.And whether to implement trabeculectomy depended on the different situations of secondary glaucoma.The posterior chamber intraocular lenses(PC-IOLs)were implanted in the capsular-bag or trassclerally sutured in the sulus decided by whether the capsular were present.Main outcome measures:visual acuity,intraocular pressure,the situation of intraocular lens and complications after the operations.RESULTS:The follow-up time was 11-36mo(21.4±7.13).Postoperative visual acuity of all eyes were improved;28 cases maintained IOP below 21 mm Hg;2cases had slightly IOL subluxation,4 cases had slightlytilted lens optical area;1 case had postoperative choroidal detachment;4 cases had postoperative corneal edema more than 1wk,but eventually recovered transparent;2 cases had mild postoperative vitreous hemorrhage,and absorbed 4wk later.There was no postoperative retinal detachment,IOL dislocation,and endophthalmitis.CONCLUSION:To take early treatment of traumatic lens subluxation/dislocation in patients with secondary glaucoma by individual surgical plan based on the different eye conditions would be safe and effective,which can effectively control the intraocular pressure and restore some vision.

Recent advances in the surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy. The treatment of HCC is complex and complicated by the severity of associated chronic liver disease, the stage of HCC, and the clinical condition of the patient. Liver resection(LR) is one of the most efficient treatments for patients with HCC, with an expected 5-year survival of 38%-61% depending on the stage of the disease. Improved liver function assessment, increased understanding of segmental liver anatomy from advanced imaging studies, and surgical technical progress are important factors that have led to reduced mortality in patients with HCC. The indication for LR may be expanded due to emerging evidences from laparoscopic hepatectomies and combined treatments with newly developed chemotherapies. Liver transplantation(LT) is considered as an ideal treatment for removal of existing tumors and the injured/preneoplastic underlying liver tissue with impaired liver function and the risk of multicentric carcinogenesis that results from chronically injured liver. However, LT is restricted to patients with minimal risk of tumor recurrence under immunosuppression. The expansion of criteria for LT in HCC patients is still under trial and discussion. Limited availability of grafts, as well as the risk and the cost of transplantation have led to considerable interest in expansion of the donor pool, living donor-related transplantation, and combined treatment involving LR and LT. This highlight presents evidence concerning recent studies evaluating LR and LT in HCC patients. In addition, alternative therapies for the treatment of early stage tumors and the management of patients on transplant waiting lists are discussed.

Surgical treatment of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis:experience in 33 cases

BACKGROUND: Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) is a rare presentation of chronic cholecystitis, characterized by xanthogranuloma, severe fibrosis and foam cells, and can be a cause of difficulty in cholecystectomy. Patients with XGC are frequently misdiagnosed intraoperatively as having carcinoma of the gallbladder and are treated with extensive excision. This study aimed at providing proper surgical treatment for patients with XGC. METHODS: The clinical data of 33 patients with XGC definitely diagnosed by pathological examination over a period of 10 years were analyzed retrospectively (mean age of onset, 60 years; male/female ratio, 1.5: 1). RESULTS: Preoperatively, the 33 patients were examined by abdominal B-ultrasonography while 20 of them were further examined by computed tomography (CT). Intraoperatively, XGC associated with cholecystolithiasis was found in 97.0% of the patients, thickening of the gallbladder wall in 90.9%, xanthogranulomatous tissue invading into other tissues in 87.9%, XGC associated with choledocholithiasis in 15.2%, and Mirizzi syndrome in 9.1%. In addition, a gallbladder fistula was observed in 4 patients. Open cholecystectomy was performed on 15 patients, partial cholecystectomy on 7, cholecystectomy and partial liver wedge resection on 5, and gallbladder cancer radical correction on 6. The intraoperative misdiagnosis rate was 24.2%. Frozen-section examination was carried out in 9 patients. Postoperative complications were observed in 5 patients. CONCLUSIONS: XGC is difficult to diagnose either preoperatively or intraoperatively and definite diagnosis depends exclusively on pathological examination. Firm adhesions of the gallbladder to neighboring organs and tissues are common and lead to difficulty in surgical treatments. The mode of operation depends on specific conditions in varying cases, and since frozen-section examination plays an important role in determining the nature of the lesions, intraoperative frozen-section examination should be carried out to differentiate XGC from carcinoma of the gallbladder.

Surgical treatment of familial adenomatous polyposis: Dilemmas and current recommendations

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominant inherited syndrome characterized by multiple adenomatous polyps (predisposing to colorectal cancer development) and numerous extracolonic manifestations. The underlying genetic burden generates variable clinical features that may influence operative management. As a precancerous hereditary condition, the rationale of performing a prophylactic surgery is a mainstay of FAP management. The purpose of the present paper is to bring up many controversial aspects regarding surgical treatment for FAP, and to discuss the results and perspectives of the operative choices and approaches. Preferably, the decision-making process should not be limited to the conventional confrontation of pros and cons of ileorectal anastomosis or restorative proctocolectomy. A wide discussion with the patient may evaluate issues such as age, genotype, family history, sphincter function, the presence or risk of desmoid disease, potential complications of each procedure and chances of postoperative surveillance. Therefore, the definition of the best moment and the choice of appropriate procedure constitute an individual decision that must take into consideration patient&#x02019;s preferences and full information about the complex nature of the disease. All these facts reinforce the idea that FAP patients should be managed by experienced surgeons working in specialized centers to achieve the best immediate and long-term results.

Prognostic analysis of surgical treatment of peripheral cholangiocarcinoma: Two decades of experience at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital

AIM: To analyze the prognostic factors influencing the overall survival of peripheral cholangiocarcinoma (PCC) patients undergoing surgical treatment during 25 years at a single institution. METHODS: This study retrospectively reviewed prospectively collecting data about 373 patients with historically proven PCC who underwent surgical treatment between 1977 and 2001. RESULTS: Three hundred and seventy-three PCC patients (159 men and 214 women) underwent surgical treatment from 1977 to 2001. Among them, 187 PCC patients underwent hepatectomy and 135 had curative resection (curative resectability rate: 36.2%). The follow-up duration ranged from 1.05 to 167.6 mo (mean/median = 14.1/7.2 mo). Overall cumulative survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 32.5%, 9.2%, and 4.1%, respectively. Univariate log-rank analysis identified the following as adverse influences on overall survival: presence of symptoms, absence of mucobilia, elevated CEA and CA 19-9 levels, non-papillary tumor type, receiving non-hepatectomy, advanced tumor staging, lack of post-operative chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Meanwhile, multivariate Cox's proportional hazard analysis demonstrated that absence of mucobilia, non-papillary tumor type, advanced tumor staging, non-hepatectomy, and lack of post-operative chemotherapy were the five independent prognostic factors that adversely affected overall survival. CONCLUSION: Favorable overall survival of PCC patients undergoing surgical treatment depends on early tumor stage, presence of mucobilia, papillary tumor type, hepatic resection, and post-operative chemotherapy.

Recurrent lithiasis after surgical treatment of elderly patients with choledocholithiasis

BACKGROUND: The recurrence rates of choledocholithiasis depend on the type of the disease. This study was undertaken to examine recurrent lithiasis after surgical treatment of elderly patients with choledocholithiasis, especially with primary common bile duct stones, and thereby to determine the best treatment modality for choledocholithiasis in the elderly. METHODS: The recurrence rates of choledocholithiasis were calculated from the records of 193 outpatients who had been treated from January 1993 to January 2005 and monitored for periods ranging from I to 12 years (mean 6.7 years). The patients were divided into 3 groups: 81 who had undergone choledocholithotomy and T-tube drainage, 41 who had had choledochoduodenostomy. and 71 patients who had received choledochojejunostomy. RESULTS: Since the 41 choledochoduodenostomy cases had only one recurrence of choledocholithiasis, the recurrence rate was analyzed for the remaining 152 cases, which were divided into two groups: group A with recurrent lithiasis (13 cases), and group B without recurrence (139 cases). The recurrence was found in 7 patients after choledocholithotomy and T-tube drainage (7/81, 8.6%), and in 6 patients after choledochojejunostomy (6/71, 8.5%). The recurrence rates for these procedures were higher than for choledochoduodenostomy (1/41, 2.4%, P<0.05). Moreover, stones recurred in 4 of the 11 patients with primary bile duct stones who underwent choledocholithotomy an T-tube drainage (4/11, 36.4%), and in 5 of the 34 patients who had choledochojejunostomy (5/34, 14.7%). The recurrence rates for these procedures were higher than for choledochoduodenostomy (1/39, 2.6%, P<0.05). The diameter of the common bile duct was more dilated in group A (14.6 +/- 3.9 mm) than in group B (10.8 +/- 4.5 turn, P<0.05). Primary bile duct stones were found in 9 cases of group A (69.2%), and in 36 cases of group B (25.9%, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Choledochoduodenostomy should be recommended for elderly patients with primary bile duct stones to prevent postoperative recurrent lithiasis.

Surgical treatment of gastric cancer:Current status and future directions

Surgery is the most important and effective method for the treatment of gastric cancer.Since the first gastrectomy in the early 19th century,surgical treatment of gastric cancer has undergone more than 100 years of development.With the increasing understanding of gastric cancer and the promotion of a series of clinical trials,the concept of gastric cancer surgery has evolved from the initial"bigger is better"to today’s"standardized surgery"and is developing towards individualized surgery focusing on accurate resection and quality of life.This trend has had a tremendous impact on the development of surgical treatments,such as minimally invasive surgeries,functionpreserving surgeries,and the optimal extent of lymph node dissection.Understanding the development and current status of gastric cancer surgery and exploring the remaining academic controversies are goals that every gastric surgeon should constantly pursue.However,how should gastric cancer surgery develop in the future?What opportunities and challenges will we encounter?In this review,we elaborate on the development and current status of gastric cancer surgery based on a series of clinical studies and discuss the controversy in the development of gastric cancer surgery.

Traditional Chinese surgical treatment for anal fistulae with secondary tracks and abscess

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese surgical treatment for anal fistulae with secondary tracks and abscess.METHODS:Sixty patients with intersphincteric or transsphincteric anal fistulas with secondary tracks and abscess were randomly divided into study group [suture dragging combined with pad compression(SDPC)] and control group [fistulotomy(FSLT)].In the SDPC group,the internal opening was excised and incisions at external openings were made for drainage.Silk sutures were put through every two incisions and knotted in loose state.The suture dragging process started from the first day after surgery and the pad compression process started when all sutures were removed as wound tissue became fresh and without discharge.In the FSLT group,the internal opening and all tracts were laid open and cleaned by normal saline postoperatively till all wounds healed.The time of healing,postoperative pain score(visual analogue scale),recurrence rate,patient satisfaction,incontinence evaluation and anorectal manometry before and after the treatment were examined.RESULTS:There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding age,gender and fistulae type.The time of healing was significantly shorter(24.33 d in SDPC vs 31.57 d in FSLT,P < 0.01) and the patient satisfaction score at 1 mo postoperative followup was significantly higher in the SDPC group(4.07 in SDPC vs 3.37 in FSLT,P < 0.05).The mean maximal postoperative pain scores were 5.83 ± 2.5 in SDPC vs 6.37 ± 2.33 in FSLT and the recurrence rates were 3.33 in SDPC vs 0 in FSLT.None of the patients in the two groups experienced liquid and solid fecal incontinence and lifestyle alteration postoperatively.The Wexner score after treatment of intersphincter fistulae were 0.17 ± 0.41 in SDPC vs 0.40 ± 0.89 in FSLT and transsphincter fistulae were 0.13 ± 0.45 in SDPC vs 0.56 ± 1.35 in FSLT.The maximal squeeze pressure and resting pressure declined after treatment in both groups.The maximal anal squeeze pressures after treatment were reduced(23.17 ± 3.73 Kpa in SDPC vs 22.74 ± 4.47 Kpa in FSLT) and so did the resting pressures(12.36 ± 2.15 Kpa in SDPC vs 11.71 ± 1.87 Kpa in FSLT),but there were neither significant differences between the two groups and nor significant differences before or after treatment.CONCLUSION:Traditional Chinese surgical treatment SDPC for anal fistulae with secondary tracks and abscess is safe,effective and less invasive.

Diagnosis and surgical treatment of hepatic hilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND: Hepatic hilar cholangiocarcinoma can be diagnosed early with the progress in diagnostic imaging, and thus the rate of resection of the tumor has increased markedly. To assess the effectiveness of resection, we reviewed 185 cases of hepatic hilar cholangiocarcinoma diagnosed and treated at our hospital. METHODS: The clinical data of 185 patients with hepatic hilar cholangiocarcinoma who had been treated surgically from 1972 to 2006 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The records of the 185 patients were divided into first stage (1972-1986) or second stage (1987-2006) according to the incidence of the tumor and its resection rate. Primary symptoms included upper abdominal discomfort or pain, anorexia, tiredness, weight loss and progressive jaundice. Ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) were first line methods for atraumatic diagnosis. If the patients displayed intrahepatic bile duct dilatation or were diagnosed as suffering from extrahepatic obstructive jaundice, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC), MRCP or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) should be used. In this series, 87 patients underwent resection of the tumor (47.0%). Of the 87 patients, 43 received radical resection and 44 palliative resection. Fifteen patients underwent resection in the first stage and 72 in the second stage. A total of 74 patients were followed up after the resection. The median survival time of the radical resection group was 37 months and that of the palliative resection group was 17 months (P<0.001). The other 62 patients receiving no resection died within 1.5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Once patients are diagnosed with hepatic hilar cholangiocarcinoma, they should undergo exploratory laparotomy. Resection is the most effective method for the treatment of hepatic hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Diagnosis and surgical treatment of intraveneous leiomyomatosis extending into the heart:two cases report and review of the literature

Objective： To investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and surgical treatment of intravenous leiomyomatosis （IVL）, and outline the differences between Chinese and overseas cases. Methods： Clinical data of two IVL cases, treated in our hospital, were analyzed retrospectively and the related literature was also reviewed. The data of preoperative diagnostic rate, surgical procedures, and postoperative recurrence between patients in China and other countries were compared. Results： The first stage operation was performed successfully in 2 patients. However, they refused subsequent therapies, including a second stage operation to excise the remnants Of the tumor, uterus, bilateral oviducts and ovaries, and anti-estrogen therapy. Both suffered from IVL recurrence, one at 6-month and the other at 9-month, and died at 16-month and 12-month respectively after the first stage surgery. Worldwide reports of 110 IVL cases were reviewed, which included 28 cases in China and 82 cases in other countries. In the majority of the Chinese patients, tumors only extended into the fight atrium rather than the right ventricle （RA 22 cases vs RV 4 cases）. However, among the overseas patients, the rate of extension into the right atrium was similar to that of extension into the right ventricle （RA 41 cases vs RV 38 cases）. The rate of hysterectomies was not significantly different between Chinese and overseas patients （ 67.86% vs 55.9%, P=0.278）. The rate of correct preoperative diagnosis in the Chinese patients was significantly lower than that in the overseas patients （32.14% vs 80%, P=0.000002.）, as well asthe rate of complete excision of the tumor （22.7@0 vs 75.5%, P=0.000001）. The proportion of patients who undergoing a single-stage or a two-stage operation was similar in Chinese and overseas patients. The recurrence rate was significantly higher in the Chinese patients than in the overseas patients （36.8% vs 9.1%, P=0.0055）, and the patients with tumor recurrence were partial tumor excision patients. Conclusion： The possibility of IVL should be considered if echocardiography in female patients demonstrates a tumor in the right heart and a mass in the inferior vena cava （IVC）. Further imaging should be performed to confirm the diagnosis. The correct diagnosis and accurate preoperative delineation of tumor extension are essential for an optimal surgical outcome. The key point in IVL treatment is the complete excision of tumors （single-stage or two-stage surgical procedure）.

Posterior quadrantic disconnection maintains the activity of isolated temporal-parietal-occipital nerve tissue: neuroprotective measures in the surgical treatment of epilepsy

Extensive lesions involving the posterior quadrant of the cerebral hemisphere （temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes） induce intractable epilepsy. These patients are potential candidates for surgical treatmenttu. Maintenance of isolated nerve tissue activity after surgery plays a crucial role in the neuroprotective effects of neurosurgery treatment. Disconnection surgery of the posterior quadrant is used to completely isolate nerve fibers, while blood supply at the isolated lobes is maintained. Subsequently, cavities caused by cystic or necrotic nerve tissues should be reduced as much as possible,

Long-term medical treatment of patients with severe burns at exposed sites

BACKGROUND Body parts such as the face and hands are highly exposed during daily life and burns may accumulate in these areas.In addition,residual wounds,scar hyperplasia and contracture often exist in the late stage of a deep burn in these areas,which may affect patients’appearance,movements,and mental health.However,inadequate attention has been paid to this issue which can result in problems,such as difficulty in healing,possibility of carcinoma,chronic pain and a heavy mental burden.AIM To investigate the long-term medical treatment of patients with severe burns at exposed sites following a mass burn casualty event.METHODS A retrospective analysis of 13 patients with severe burns at exposed sites was performed to determine their respective long-term medical treatment.A combined wound dressing scheme consisting of traditional Chinese and Western medicine was introduced to repair residual wounds.Active and passive functional exercises with massage,Chinese herbal baths and compression fixation were proposed to ameliorate the condition of the hands.A combination of physical,chemical and photoelectrical measures was adopted for anti-scar treatment.A psychological intervention and recovery guide was provided which corresponded to the patients’psychological status.RESULTS Compared to patients who did not simultaneously receive the same treatment,patients who underwent systematic treatment recovered with a lower woundinfection rate(P<0.05),a shorter healing time(13.6±3.2 d)compared with(19.1±3.5 d)and more bearable pain during wound dressing at three days,one week and two weeks after a Chinese herbal bath(P<0.05).Satisfactory results were achieved with regard to restored function of patients’joints and blood supply to nerve endings,closure of the eyelids and the size of mouth opening tended to be normal,and only 7.1%of patients were diagnosed with severe scar hyperplasia and contracture deformity compared with 30.7%in the control group.In addition,the color,thickness,vascular distribution and softness score of the scars improved(P<0.01),and the effects of the psychological intervention was remarkable as shown by the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and Self-Rating Depression Scale.CONCLUSION A better prognosis can be achieved in patients in the late stage of a burn with active residual wound repair,limb functional exercise,anti-scar and psychological rehabilitation.