Evaluating the Impact of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Patients Undergoing Inguinal Hernia Surgery: A Meta- Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective:A comprehensive meta-analysis based on the latest randomized controlled trials(RCTs)was conducted to investigate the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(TENS)on patients undergoing treatment after inguinal hernia surgery.Methods:A detailed search of Embase,PubMed,Web of Science,and the Cochrane Library was performed for RCTs investigating the use of TENS during inguinal hernia surgery up to September 28,2021.The Cochrane tool was applied to assess the risk of bias in the included studies.Results:Seven eligible RCTs with a total of 379 cases were included.The meta-analysis showed a mean difference(MD)in VAS of-1.61[95%CI:-2.20-1.02,P<0.00001]at 2 hours post-operation,VAS MD=-1.33 at 4 hours post-operation[95%CI:-2.84-0.18,P=0.09],VAS MD=-2.36 at 8 hours post-operation[95%CI:-4.04-0.69,P=0.006],and VAS MD=-1.75 at 24 hours post-operation[95%CI:-2.64-0.85,P=0.0001].The cortisol level MD at 24 hours post-operation was-52.56[95%CI:-168.8-63.76,P=0.38].Conclusion:TENS significantly reduces postoperative pain following inguinal hernia surgery and promotes patient recovery.TENS is recommended for patients undergoing inguinal hernia surgery.However,further high-quality studies are needed to confirm additional effects.

Promoting axonal regeneration following nerve surgery： a perspective on ultrasound treatment for nerve injuries

Nerve injury is often associated with limited axonal regeneration and thus leads to delayed or incomplete axonal reinnervation.As a consequence of slow nerve regeneration,target muscle function is often insufficient and leads to a lifelong burden.Recently,the diagnosis of nerve injuries has been improved and likewise surgical reconstruction has undergone significant developments.However,the problem of slow nerve regeneration has not been solved.In a recent meta-analysis,we have shown that the application of low-intensity ultrasound promotes nerve regeneration experimentally and thereby can improve functional outcomes.Here we want to demonstrate the experimental effect of low intensity ultrasound on nerve regeneration,the current state of investigations and its possible future clinical applications.

Efficacy of fascia iliaca compartment nerve block as part of multimodal analgesia after surgery for femoral bone fracture

BACKGROUND: Fascia iliaca compartment nerve block(FICNB) has been an established technique for postoperative analgesia after surgery for femoral bone fracture. FICNB is technically easy, effective for postoperative pain control after operation for femoral bone fracture and decreases the complications induced by systemic analgesic drugs. The severity of postoperative pain is affected by genetics, cultural and social factors across the world. In this study we assessed the efficacy of fascia iliaca compartment nerve block when it is used as part of multimodal analgesia after surgery for femoral bone fracture.METHODS: An institution-based case control study was conducted from September, 2013 to May, 2014. All patients who had been operated on under spinal anesthesia for femoral bone fracture were included. The patients divided into a FICNB group(n=20) and a control group(n=20). The FICNB group was given 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine at the end of the operation. Postoperative pain was assessed within the f irst 24 hours, i.e. at 15 minutes, 2 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours and 24 hours using 100 mm visual analogue scale(VAS), total analgesic consumption, and the time for the f irst analgesic request.RESULTS: VAS pain scores were reduced within the f irst 24 hours after operation in the FICNB group compared wtih the control group. VAS scores at 2 hours were taken as median values(IQR) 0.00(0.00) vs.18.00(30.00), P=0.001; at 6 hours 0.00(0.00) vs. 34.00(20.75), P=0.000; at 24 hours 12.50(10.00) vs. 31.50(20.75), P=0.004; and at 12 hours(17.80±12.45) vs.(29.95±12.40), P=0.004, respectively. The total analgesic consumption of diclofenac at 12 and 24 hours was reduced in the FICNB group, and the time for the fi rst analgesic request was signifi cantly prolonged(417.50 vs. 139.25 minutes, P=0.000).CONCLUSIONS: A single injection for FICNB could lead to postoperative pain relief, reduction of total analgesic consumption and prolonged time for the fi rst analgesic request in the FICNB group after surgery for femoral bone fracture. We recommend FICNB for analgesia after surgery for femoral bone fracture and for patients with femoral bone fracture at the emergency department.

Electrophysiological neuromonitoring of the laryngeal nerves in thyroid and parathyroid surgery: A review

Recurrent laryngeal nerve(RLN) injury is one of the most common complications of thyroid surgery. Injury to the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve is less obvious and affects the voice variably; however, it can be of great significance to professional voice users. Recent literature has led to an increase in the use of neuromonitoring as an adjunct to visual nerve identification during thyroid surgery. In our review of the literature, we discuss the application, efficacy and safety of neuromonitoring in thyroid surgery. Although intraoperative neuromonitoring(IONM) contributes to the prevention of laryngeal nerves injury, there was no significant difference in the incidence of RLN injury in thyroid surgery when IONM was used compared with visual identification alone. IONM use is recommended in high risk patients; however, there are no clear identification criteria for what constitutes "high risk". There is no clear evidence that IONM decreases the risk of laryngeal nerve injury in thyroid surgery. However, continuous IONM provides a promising tool that can prevent imminent nerve traction injury by detecting decreased amplitude combined with increased latency.

Effect of femtosecond laser-assisted lens surgery on the optic nerve head and the macula

AIM: To evaluate the effect of femtosecond laser-assisted lens surgery(FLALS;cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange) on the structure of the optic nerve head and the macula.METHODS: This prospective longitudinal study included healthy eyes undergoing FLALS. Eyes with glaucoma or any other ocular disease that could alter optical coherence tomography results were excluded. Retinal nerve fiber layer(RNFL), Bruch’s membrane opening-minimum rim width(BMO-MRW) and macular thickness(MT) were measured preoperatively, 1 and 6 mo after surgery using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT). Changes between preoperative and postoperative values were evaluated.RESULTS: A total of 87 eyes of 46 patients were included in this study. Preoperative RNFL, BMO-MRW and MT in microns(μm) were 100.77±10.39, 330.31±49.99 and 276.30±33.39, respectively. Postoperative RNFL, BMO-MRW and MT were 104.74±11.55, 348.32±54.05 and 279.83±22.65 1 mo after surgery and 102.93±11.17, 343.11±53.4 and 278.90±22.19 6 mo after surgery, respectively;which equals an increase of 3.93%, 5.45% and 1.27%,respectively, 1 mo after surgery, and 2.14%, 3.87% and 0.94% 6 mo after surgery. The differences between the preoperative and the postoperative RNFL and BMO-MRW values were statistically significant(P<0.001). Regarding MT values, there were not statistically significant differences(P=0.26).CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that FLALS does not have a negative impact on the structural status of the optic nerve head in healthy eyes, assessed by SD-OCT. There is a slight increase in the values of RNFL, BMO-MRW and MT 1 mo and 6 mo after surgery.

Ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block for anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome after laparoscopic surgery:A case report

BACKGROUND Anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome is defined as abdominal pain due to entrapped intercostal nerves.This is the first report of a patient successfully treated for anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome after laparoscopic surgery with an ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block.The rectus sheath block physically lysed adhesions and relieved pain from anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome.CASE SUMMARY The patient is a 44-year-old man who presented with severe left upper abdominal pain at an operative scar one month after laparoscopic ulcer repair.Diagnosis and treatment were performed using an ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block with 0.1%lidocaine 20 mL.The pain was relieved after the block.The diagnosis was anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome.Rectus sheath block may be effective for patients with anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome.CONCLUSION Ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block is a promising treatment modality for patients with postoperative anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome due to adhesions.

Surgical Reports of the Inferior Laryngeal Nerve and the Inferior Thyroid Artery in General Surgery and in ENT

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of the hurts of the inferior laryngeal nerve, according to its anatomical reports with the inferior thyroid artery during the thyroid surgery. Methodology: We realized a forward-looking and retrospective study from January, 1979 till December, 2017 in the service of surgery “B” to the University hospital of the Point G of Bamako and in the service of ENT and cervico-facial surgery of the Teaching Hospital “Mother-Child”, the Luxembourg of Bamako (Mali). All the patients operated in both services for mild goiters were retained. Cancers and other thyroid pathologies were not included. The diagnosis of mild goiter was paused by the histological examination realized on all the surgical specimens. Results: On 2109 dissections of the inferior laryngeal nerve realized during the surgical operations on the thyroid, the frequency of lesion of the inferior laryngeal nerve was 1.09% (20 cases) when it passed dorsally with regard to the inferior thyroid artery (1837 cases) and when 4.04%, it was transvascular or prevascular (272 cases). Conclusion: The prevascular route or transvascular of the inferior laryngeal nerve favors its lesion per operating.

Anatomical Variations of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve: The Danger in Thyroid Surgery

Objectives: We report two types of anatomical variations of the recurrent laryngeal nerve in two patients. Through these two patients we wanted to highlight our surgical approach of the recurrent nerve in an unusual position and to describe the surgical implication of these almost rare variations. Case report: patient aged 28 and 58 admitted for goiter. They underwent a right lobisthmectomy. Both recurrences were approached retrograde. The anatomical variations of the nerve concerned the non-recurrent laryngeal nerve in the first patient. In the second patient there were three anatomical variations, namely an extra laryngeal bifurcation of the nerve, a pre-vascular position of the nerve and a branch connecting the vagus nerve and the recurrent nerve. No recurrence nerve injury was noted. Conclusion: The anatomical variations of the nerve are numerous. A careful dissection is a guarantee of a good prognosis.

A study evaluating the impact of nerve preserving surgery and adjuvant pelvic irradiation for rectal cancer on quality of life

Objective： Preservation of the pelvic autonomic nerves in order to lower bladder and sexual dysfunction after radical rectal cancer surgery ＆ to evaluate functional outcome, local recurrence. Methods： A prospective study was under- taken on Egyptian patients. Forty one patients participated in the study in the period from December 2002 till June 2004 where they underwent radical surgery but with preservation of the pelvic autonomic nerves this was followed by adjuvant pelvic radiotherapy. Results： Six months, 1-year and 2-year follow-up of urinary function was complete in 32 out of 41 （78%）, 30 out of 41 （73%） and 27 out of 41 patients （65%） respectively There was no statistically significant correlation between the extent of nerve preservation and the reported minor voiding dysfunction. None of the patients reported major incontinence. Six months, 1-year and 2-year follow-up of sexual function revealed that 22 out of 41 patients （53%） were sexually active. Three out of 41 patients （7.3%） developed local recurrence. 38 （92.7%） patients were free of local recurrence, regarding pa- tients who received adjuvant radiotherapy 3 out of the 34 （8.8%） patients developed local pelvic recurrence while 9 patients （26.5%） developed distant metastases （3 of them did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy）, while patients who received adju- vant chemotherapy, 2 out of 20 patients （10%） developed local recurrence while distant metastases developed in 6 patients （30%）. Conclusion： Preservation of the pelvic autonomic nerves minimizes bladder and sexual dysfunction especially in male patients after rectal cancer surgery.

Effects of dexmedetomidine combined with ultrasound-guided nerve block on hemodynamics, immune function and cortisol levels in patients undergoing inguinal surgery

Objective:To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine combined with ultrasound guided nerve block on the hemodynamics, immune function and cortisol level in the patients undergoing inguinal surgery.Methods:A total of 120 patients who underwent unilateral inguinal surgery in our hospital were randomly divided into control group and observation group, 60 cases in each group. The control group was induced by intravenous anesthesia with sufentanil. The observation group was given dexmedetomidine combined with ultrasound guided ilioinguinal/iliac hypogastric nerve block. Hemodynamics, immune function and cortisol levels were compared between the two groups before and after anesthesia induction. Results:After anesthesia, in surgical incision and recovery time, the levels of HR in the two groups were significantly lower than that before the anesthesia, and the levels of HR in the observation group were significantly lower than that in the control group. After anesthesia, in surgical incision and recovery time, the levels of CD3+, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ in the control group were significantly lower than that of the group before anesthesia. After anesthesia, the levels of CD3+, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ in the observation group were significantly lower than that of the group before anesthesia. In surgical incision and recovery time, there was no significant difference in the levels of CD3+, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ in the observation group before anesthesia. After anesthesia, in surgical incision and recovery time, the levels of CD3+, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ in the observation group were significantly higher than that of the control group. The levels of serum PI3K, ET -1, CRP and cortisol of the two groups were significantly higher than those before anesthesia, and the levels of PI3K, ET -1, CRP and cortisol in the serum of the patients in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group.Conclusion: The effect of dexmedetomidin combined with ultrasound guided nerve block anesthesia on the patients with inguinal surgery can effectively maintain the hemodynamic stability of the patients and have less influence on the immune function and the stress response. The security is higher.

Styloid Process Is the Robust Landmark for Identification of the Facial Nerve during Parotid Surgery

Objective: To identify the facial nerve trunk (FNT) very easily. quickly and accurately considering the styloid process as the robust anatomically consistent landmark during parotid surgery. Patients and Methods: This prospective study was conducted between January 2010 to December 2022 at a Tertiary care hospital. It included 130 patients: 84 (65%) males and 46 (35%) females with a mean age of 43.52 ± 15.63 years. Patients presented with pleomorphic adenoma (90), chronic sialectasis (05), parotid cyst (03), parotid sinus (01), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (28), adenoid cystic carcinoma (02) and squamous cell carcinoma (01) were subjected to superficial parotidectomy and total parotidectomy. The outcome was evaluated regarding the clinical success of facial nerve function that considered the location of the styloid process in the triangle technique for identification of the FNT during parotid surgery. Results: All 130 patients underwent superficial and total parotidectomy. The facial nerve trunk was successfully identified as the location of the styloid process in the triangle technique in all the patients with no intra-operative complications. Operative time ranged from 50 to 180 minutes with a mean time 90.70 ± 15.68 minutes. Dysfunction of the angle of the mouth due to the deficit of the marginal mandibular nerve (MMN) was noted in 5 patients (3.8%), 02 had difficulty in eye closure (1.5%). No patient reported surgical site infection, skin flap necrosis and hematoma in this series. Conclusion: Styloid process is the prominent robust landmark in the triangle technique for the identification of facial nerve trunk with relative ease, safety and accuracy in the parotid surgical procedure. This can be a very useful method to locate the FNT and minimize facial nerve injury during parotid surgery.

Premature Division of the Inferior Laryngeal Nerve in Surgery and in ENT and Cervico-Facial Surgery in Mali

The purpose of this study was to study the frequency of premature division of the inferior laryngeal nerve and its consequences in thyroid surgery. Methodology: We realized a forward-looking and retrospective study from January, 1979 till December, 2017 in the service of surgery B to the University hospital of the Point G of Bamako and in the service of ENT and cervico-facial surgery of the CHU “mother-child”, the Luxembourg of Bamako (Mali). All the patients operated in both services for mild goiters were included. Cancers and other thyroid pathologies were not included. The diagnosis of mild goiter was paused by the histological examination realized on all the surgical specimens. Results: On 2109 dissections of the lower laryngeal nerve realized during the surgical operations on the thyroid 95.1% of the cases, the nerve had a single branch;in 4.1% of the cases, the nerve had two branches;and in 0.8% of the cases, the nerve had more than 2 branches. Conclusion: The complications of the thyroid surgery in touch with the hurts of the lower laryngeal nerve are known. However, our study shows that these do not seem to be influenced by the premature division of the lower laryngeal nerve.

Regional Block Anesthesia in Breast Surgery: What Do We Know So Far?

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women worldwide, and pain following mastectomy is a major post-surgical complication. This paper highlights the risk factors for chronic pain in breast surgery and evaluates various regional block techniques used to reduce post-operative pain, and minimize hospital stays in high-risk patients. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of novel regional anaesthesia techniques in an enhanced recovery context, and to assess their role in preventing or reducing chronic pain.

Influence of distal portion compression of facial nerve in hemifacial spasm surgery

Objective To study influence of distal portion compression of facial nerve in hemifacial spasm surgery. Methods 120 hemifacial spasm patients were undergone lateral spread response monitoring during microvascular decompression surgery. 39 patients’LSR remained after decompression of the root exit zone of the facial nerve.

Positioning patients for spine surgery: Avoiding uncommon position-related complications

Positioning patients for spine surgery is pivotal for optimal operating conditions and operative-site exposure. During spine surgery, patients are placed in positions that are not physiologic and may lead to complications. Perioperative peripheral nerve injury(PPNI) and postoperative visual loss(POVL) are rare complications related to patient positioning during spine surgery that result in significant patient disability and functional loss. PPNI is usually due to stretch or compression of the peripheral nerve. PPNI may present as a brachial plexus injury or as an isolated injury of single nerve, most commonly the ulnar nerve. Understanding the etiology, mechanism and pattern of injury with each type of nerve injury is important for the prevention of PPNI. Intraoperative neuromonitoring has been used to detect peripheral nerve conduction abnormalities indicating peripheral nerve stress under general anesthesia and to guide modification of the upper extremity position to prevent PPNI. POVL usually results in permanent visual loss. Most cases are associated with prolonged spine procedures in the prone position under general anesthesia. The most common causes of POVL after spine surgery are ischemic optic neuropathy and central retinal artery occlusion. Posterior ischemic opticneuropathy is the most common cause of POVL after spine surgery. It is important for spine surgeons to be aware of POVL and to participate in safe, collaborative perioperative care of spine patients. Proper education of perioperative staff, combined with clear communication and collaboration while positioning patients in the operating room is the best and safest approach. The prevention of uncommon complications of spine surgery depends primarily on identifying high-risk patients, proper positioning and optimal intraoperative management of physiological parameters. Modification of risk factors extrinsic to the patient may help reduce the incidence of PPNI and POVL.

Corneal re-innervation following refractive surgery treatments

Laser refractive surgery is one of the most performed surgical procedures in the world. Although regarded safe and efficient, it has side effects. All of the laser based refractive surgical procedures invoke corneal nerve injury to some degree. The impact of this denervation can range from mild discomfort to neurotrophic corneas. Currently, three techniques are widely used for laser vision correction: small incision lenticule extraction, laser-assisted keratomileusis in situ and photorefractive keratotomy. Each of these techniques affects corneal innervation differently and has a different pattern of nerve regeneration. The purpose of this review is to summarize the different underlying mechanisms for corneal nerve injury and compare the different patterns of corneal reinnervation.

Corneal neuromediator profiles following laser refractive surgery

Laser refractive surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures worldwide.In laser refractive surgery,Femtosecond Laser in Situ Keratomileusis and Refractive Lenticule Extraction have emerged as promising alternatives to microkeratome Laser in Situ Keratomileusis and Photorefractive Keratectomy.Following laser refractive surgery,the corneal nerves,epithelial and stromal cells release neuromediators,including neurotrophins,neuropeptides and neurotransmitters.Notably,nerve growth factor,substance P,calcitonin gene-related peptide and various cytokines are important mediators of neurogenic inflammation and corneal nerve regeneration.Alterations in neuromediator profiles and ocular surface parameters following laser refractive surgery are attributed to the surgical techniques and the severity of tissue insult induced.In this review,we will discuss the(1)Functions of neuromediators and their physiological and clinical significance;(2)Changes in the neuromediators following various laser refractive surgeries;(3)Correlation between neuromediators,ocular surface health and corneal nerve status;and(4)Future directions,including the use of neuromediators as potential biomarkers for ocular surface health following laser refractive surgery,and as adjuncts to aid in corneal regeneration after laser refractive surgery.

PECS Block Provides Effective Postoperative Pain Management for Breast Cancer Surgery—A Retrospective Study

We investigated the efficacy of ultrasound-guided pectoral nerves (PECS) block for modified radical mastectomy surgery retrospectively. Methods: We measured that pain scores and the use of additional analgesic drugs were recorded in the postoperative care unit within 24 hours after the operation. Postoperative complications (i.e., nausea and vomiting) were noted. Results: Patients who received the PECS block under general anesthesia (PECS group) reported lower visual analog scale pain scores at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24 hours after the operation than patients who did not receive PECS block under general anesthesia (control group). Moreover, the use of additional analgesic drugs during the first 24 hours after surgery was lower in the PECS group than in the control group. While in the postoperative care unit, the PECS group had less nausea and vomiting than the control group. Conclusion: The PECS block provides effective postoperative analgesia within the first 24 hours after breast cancer surgery.

Quality of life in rectal cancer surgery:What do the patient ask?

Rectal cancer surgery has dramatically changed with the introduction of the total mesorectal excision(TME), which has demonstrated to significantly reduce the risk of local recurrence. The combination of TME with radiochemotherapy has led to a reduction of local failure to less than 5%. On the other hand, surgery for rectal cancer is also impaired by the potential for a significant loss in quality of life. This is a new challenge surgeons should think about nowadays: If patients live more, they also want to live better. The fight against cancer cannot only be based on survival, recurrence rate and other oncological endpoints. Patients are also asking for a decent quality of life. Rectal cancer is probably a paradigmatic example: Its treatment is often associated with the loss or severe impairment of faecal function, alteration of body anatomy, urogenital problems and, sometimes, intractable pain. The evolution of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in the last decades is an important example, which emphasizes the importance that themes like scar, recovery, pain and quality of life might play for patients. The attention to quality of life from both patients and surgeons led to several surgical innovations in the treatment of rectal cancer: Sphincter saving procedures, reservoir techniques(pouch and coloplasty) to mitigate postoperative faecal disorders, nerve-sparing techniques to reduce the risk for sexual dysfunction. Even more conservative procedures have been proposed alternatively to the abdominal-perineal resection, like the local excisions or transanal endoscopic microsurgery, till the possibility of a wait and see approach in selected cases after radiation therapy.

Intraperitoneal wound in abdominal surgery

The intraperitoneal wound is often forgotten after transperitoneal surgery. This review is a on the peritoneum and the implications of peritoneal injury after surgery. This review will focus on the intraperitoneal wound response after surgical injury.