Critical considerations for the management of acute abdomen in transplant patients

The number of solid organ transplantations performed annually is increasing and are increasing in the following order:Kidney,liver,heart,lung,pancreas,small bowel,and uterine transplants.However,the outcomes of transplants are impro-ving(organ survival>90%after the 1st year).Therefore,there is a high probability that a general surgeon will be faced with the management of a transplant patient with acute abdomen.Surgical problems in immunocompromised patients may not only include graft-related problems but also nongraft-related problems.The perioperative regulation of immunosuppression,the treatment of accompanying problems of immunosuppression,the administration of cortisol and,above all,the realization of a rapidly deteriorating situation and the accurate evaluation and interpretation of clinical manifestations are particularly important in these patients.The perioperative assessment and preparation includes evaluation of the patient’s cardiovascular system and determining if the patient has hypertension or suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis,or if the patient has had any coagulation mechanism abnormalities or thromboembolic episodes.Immunosuppression in transplant patients is associated with the use of calci-neurin inhibitors,corticosteroids,and antiproliferation agents.Many times,the clinical picture is atypical,resulting in delays in diagnosis and treatment and leading to increased morbidity and mortality.Multidetector computed tomo-graphy is of utmost importance for early diagnosis and management.Transplant recipients are prone to infections,especially specific infections caused by cytomegalovirus and Clostridium difficile,and they are predisposed to intraop-erative or postoperative complications that require great care and vigilance.It is necessary to follow evidence-based therapeutic protocols.Thus,it is required that the clinician choose the correct therapeutic plan for the patient(conservative,emergency open surgery or minimally invasive surgery,including laparoscopic or even robotic surgery).

Global dissemination of minimally invasive living donor hepatectomy: What are the barriers?

Minimally invasive donor hepatectomy(MIDH)is a relatively novel procedure that can potentially increase donor safety and contribute to faster rehabilitation of donors.After an initial period in which donor safety was not effectively validated,MIDH currently seems to provide improved results,provided that it is conducted by experienced surgeons.Appropriate selection criteria are crucial to achieve better outcomes in terms of complications,blood loss,operative time,and hospital stay.Beyond a pure laparoscopic technique,various approaches have been recommended such as hand-assisted,laparoscopic-assisted,and robotic donation.The latter has shown equal outcomes compared to open and laparoscopic approaches.A steep learning curve seems to exist in MIDH,mainly due to the fragility of the liver parenchyma and the experience needed for adequate control of bleeding.This review investigated the challenges and the opportunities of MIDH and the barriers to its global dissemination.Surgeons need expertise in liver transplantation,hepatobiliary surgery,and minimally invasive techniques to perform MIDH.Barriers can be categorized into surgeon-related,institutionalrelated,and accessibility.More robust data and the creation of international registries are needed for further evaluation of the technique and the acceptance from more centers worldwide.

Evolving role of Sorafenib in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is one of the most common malignant diseases worldwide and comes third in cancer-related mortality.Although there is a broad spectrum of treatment options to choose from,only a few patients are eligible candidates to receive a curative therapy according to their stage of disease,and thus palliative treatment is implemented in the majority of the patients suffering from liver cancer.Sorafenib,a multikinase inhibitor,is the only currently approved agent for systemic therapy in patients with advanced stage HCC and early stage liver disease.It has been shown to improve the overall survival,but with various side effects,while its cost is not negligible.Sorafenib has been in the market for a decade and has set the stage for personalized targeted therapy.Its role during this time has ranged from monotherapy to neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment with surgical resection,liver transplantation and chemoembolization or even in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents.In this review our aim is to highlight in depth the current position of Sorafenib in the armamentarium against HCC and how that has evolved over time in its use either as a single agent or in combination with other therapies.

Molecular factors,diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal tract neuroendocrine tumors:An update

The prevalence of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors(GI-NETs) is increasing,and despite recent advances in their therapy,it remains inadequate in patients with advanced well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors.These tumors present many challenges concerning the molecular basis and genomic profile,pathophysiology,clinicopathological features,histopathologic classification,diagnosis and treatment.There has been an ongoing debate on diagnostic criteria and clinical behavior,and various changes have been made over the last few years.Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gastrointestinal system is a rare but highly malignant neoplasm that is genetically distinct from gastrointestinal system neuroendocrine tumors(NETs).The diagnosis and management have changed over the past decade.Emerging novel biomarkers and metabolic players in cancer cells are useful and promising new diagnostic tools.Progress in positron emission tomography-computerized tomography and scintigraphy with new radioactive agents(^(64)Cu-DOTATATE or ^(68)Ga-DOTATATE) replacing enough octreoscan,has improved further the current diagnostic imaging.Promising results provide targeted therapies with biological agents,new drugs,chemotherapy and immunotherapy.However,the role of surgery is important,since it is the cornerstone of management.Simultaneous resection of small bowel NETs with synchronous liver metastases is a surgical challenge.Endoscopy offers novel options not only for diagnosis but also for interventional management.The therapeutic option should be individualized based on current multidisciplinary information.

Surgical treatment outcome of painful traumatic neuroma of the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve during total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Development of infrapatellar saphenous neuroma(ISN)is a well-recognized reason for knee pain following total knee arthroplasty(TKA).So far,very few studies have addressed the development of painful ISN after TKA and its impact on functional outcome and patient satisfaction.AIM To present the results of surgical treatment for ISN after primary TKA,the level of pain relief,and the improvement of knee motion and function.METHODS Fifteen patients(13 women,2 men)with persistent medial pain for more than six months after primary TKA,due to osteoarthritis,underwent surgical excision of ISN.ISN diagnosis was confirmed with the presence of Tinel’s sign along the course of the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve and with pain relief after selective nerve block using local anesthetic.Component loosening,malalignment,instability and infection were excluded systematically in all patients as a source of pain.Pain relief in terms of visual analog scale(VAS),active knee range of motion(ROM),and the Knee Society Score(KSS)for pain and function were evaluated preoperatively and at least six months postoperatively.RESULTS The mean patients’age was 71.3±5.4 years old.The mean interval between TKA and neuroma excision was 10 mo(range,6 to 14 mo),while the mean follow-up was 8 mo(range:6 to 11 mo).All 15 patients experienced almost complete immediate pain relief and resolution of allodynia and hyperesthesia after surgery.Pain on the VAS scale improved from 8.6±1.3 preoperatively to 0.8±0.9 at the final follow-up(P=0.001).KSS pain and function scores were improved from 49.3±5.9 and 62.7±12.8 before surgery to 91.8±4.2 and 75.3±11.3 after surgery,respectively(P=0.001 and P=0.015).Active knee ROM was also increased postoperatively from 96±4 to 105±6 degrees(P=0.001).There were no complications and no further operations required.CONCLUSION ISN should be considered a potential cause of persistent pain following TKA.Neuroma excision not only provides immediate pain relief and resolution of symptoms but may also improve the knee range of motion.

Minimally invasive outpatient management of iliopsoas muscle abscess in complicated spondylodiscitis

BACKGROUND Iliopsoas muscle abscess(IPA)and spondylodiscitis are two clinical conditions often related to atypical presentation and challenging management.They are both frequently related to underlying conditions,such as immunosuppression,and in many cases they are combined.IPA can be primary due to the hematogenous spread of a microorganism to the muscle or secondary from a direct expansion of an inflammatory process,including spondylodiscitis.Computed tomographyguided percutaneous drainage has been established in the current management of this condition.AIM To present a retrospective analysis of a series of 8 immunocompromised patients suffering from spondylodiscitis complicated with IPA and treated with percutaneous computed tomography-guided drainage and drain insertion in an outpatient setting.METHODS Patient demographics,clinical presentation,underlying conditions,isolated microorganisms,antibiotic regimes used,abscess size,days until the withdrawal of the catheter,and final treatment outcomes were recorded and analyzed.RESULTS All patients presented with night back pain and local stiffness with no fever.The laboratory tests revealed elevated inflammatory markers.Radiological findings of spondylodiscitis with unilateral or bilateral IPA were present in all cases.Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 3 patients and Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 2 patients.Negative cultures were found in the remaining 3 patients.The treatment protocol included percutaneous computed tomographyguided abscess drainage and drain insertion along with a course of targeted or empiric antibiotic therapy.All procedures were done in an outpatient setting with no need for patient hospitalization.CONCLUSION The minimally invasive outpatient management of IPA is a safe and effective approach with a high success rate and low morbidity.

Assessing the accuracy of arthroscopic and open measurements of the size of rotator cuff tears: A simulation-based study

BACKGROUND Arthroscopic procedures are commonly performed for rotator cuff pathology.Repair of rotator cuff tears is a commonly performed procedure.The intraoperative evaluation of the tear size and pattern contributes to the choice and completion of the technique and the prognosis of the repair.AIM To compare the arthroscopic and open measurements with the real dimensions of three different patterns of simulated rotator cuff tears of known size using a plastic shoulder model.METHODS We created three sizes and patterns of simulated supraspinatus tears on a plastic shoulder model(small and large U-shaped,oval-shaped).Six orthopaedic surgeons with three levels of experience measured the dimensions of the tears arthroscopically,using a 5 mm probe,repeating the procedure three times,and then using a ruler(open technique).Arthroscopic,open and computerized measurements were compared.RESULTS A constant underestimation of specific dimensions of the tears was found when measured with an arthroscope,compared to both the open and computerized measurements(mean differences up to-7.5±5.8 mm,P<0.001).No differences were observed between the open and computerized measurements(mean difference-0.4±1.6 mm).The accuracy of arthroscopic and open measurements was 90.5%and 98.5%,respectively.When comparing between levels of experience,senior residents reported smaller tear dimensions when compared both to staff surgeons and fellows.CONCLUSION This study suggests that arthroscopic measurements of full-thickness rotator cuff tears constantly underestimate the dimensions of the tears.Development of more precise arthroscopic techniques or tools for the evaluation of the size and type of rotator cuff tears are necessary.

Diagnostic biopsy of cutaneous melanoma, sentinel lymph node biopsy and indications for lymphadenectomy

The incidence of cutaneous melanoma appears to be increasing worldwide and this is attributed to solar radiation exposure.Early diagnosis is a challenging task.Any clinically suspected lesion must be assessed by complete diagnostic excision biopsy(margins 1-2 mm);however,there are other biopsy techniques that are less commonly used.Melanomas are characterized by Breslow thickness as thin(<1 mm),intermediate(1-4 mm)and thick(>4 mm).This thickness determines their biological behavior,therapy,prognosis and survival.If the biopsy is positive,a wide local excision(margins 1-2 cm)is finally performed.However,metastasis to regional lymph nodes is the most accurate prognostic determinant.Therefore,sentinel lymph node biopsy(SLNB)for diagnosed melanoma plays a pivotal role in the management strategy.Complete lymph node clearance has undoubted advantages and is recommended in all cases of positive SLN biopsy.A PET-CT(positron emission tomography-computed tomography)scan is necessary for staging and follow-up after treatment.Novel targeted therapies and immunotherapies have shown improved outcomes in advanced cases.

Pulmonary embolism after shoulder surgery:Is it a real threat?

Pulmonary embolism(PE)is a rare but devastating complication of shoulder surgery.Apart from increased morbidity and mortality rates,it may significantly impair postoperative recovery and functional outcome.Its frequency accounts for up to 5.7%of all shoulder surgery procedures with a higher occurrence in women and patients older than 70 years.It is most commonly associated with thrombophilia,diabetes mellitus,obesity,smoking,hypertension,and a history of malignancy.PE usually occurs secondary to upper or lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis(DVT).However,in rare cases,the source of the thrombi cannot be determined.Prophylaxis for PE following shoulder surgery remains a topic of debate,and the standard of care does not routinely require prophylactic medication for DVT prophylaxis.Early ambulation and elastic stockings are important preventative measures for DVT of the lower extremity and medical agents such as aspirin,low-molecular-weight heparin,and vitamin K antagonists are indicated for high-risk patients,long-lasting operations,or concomitant severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection.The most common symptoms of PE include chest pain and shortness of breath,but PE can also be asymptomatic in patients with intrinsic tolerance of hypoxia.Patients with DVT may also present with swelling and pain of the respective extremity.The treatment of PE includes inpatient or outpatient anticoagulant therapy if the patient is hemodynamically unstable or stable,respectively.Hemodynamic instability may require transfer to the intensive care unit,and cardiovascular arrest can be implicated in fatal events.An important issue for patients with PE in the postoperative period after shoulder surgery is residual stiffness due to a delay in rehabilitation and a prolonged hospital stay.Early physiotherapy and range-of-motion exercises do not adversely affect the prognosis of PE and are highly recommended to preserve shoulder mobility and function.

Transforming urinary stone disease management by artificial intelligence-based methods:A comprehensive review

Objective:To provide a comprehensive review on the existing research and evidence regarding artificial intelligence(AI)applications in the assessment and management of urinary stone disease.Methods:A comprehensive literature review was performed using PubMed,Scopus,and Google Scholar databases to identify publications about innovative concepts or supporting applications of AI in the improvement of every medical procedure relating to stone disease.The terms“endourology”,“artificial intelligence”,“machine learning”,and“urolithiasis”were used for searching eligible reports,while review articles,articles referring to automated procedures without AI application,and editorial comments were excluded from the final set of publications.The search was conducted from January 2000 to September 2023 and included manuscripts in the English language.Results: A total of 69 studies were identified.The main subjects were related to the detection of urinary stones,the prediction of the outcome of conservative or operative management,the optimization of operative procedures,and the elucidation of the relation of urinary stone chemistry with various factors.Conclusion: AI represents a useful tool that provides urologists with numerous amenities,which explains the fact that it has gained ground in the pursuit of stone disease management perfection.The effectiveness of diagnosis and therapy can be increased by using it as an alternative or adjunct to the already existing data.However,little is known concerning the potential of this vast field.Electronic patient records,containing big data,offer AI the opportunity to develop and analyze more precise and efficient diagnostic and treatment algorithms.Nevertheless,the existing applications are not generalizable in real-life practice,and high-quality studies are needed to establish the integration of AI in the management of urinary stone disease.

Graft choices for anterolateral ligament knee reconstruction surgery: Current concepts

The anterolateral ligament(ALL)is a primary structure of the anterolateral complex of the knee that contributes to internal rotational stability of the joint.Injury of the ALL is commonly associated with rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament.If left untreated,ALL lesions may lead to residual anterolateral rotational instability of the knee after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction,which is a common cause of anterior cruciate ligament graft failure.The function of the ALL can be restored by lateral extraarticular tenodesis or anterolateral ligament reconstruction(ALLR).In the lateral extraarticular tenodesis procedure,a strip of the iliotibial band is placed in a non-anatomical position to restrain the internal rotation of the tibia,while in ALLR,a free graft is fixed at the insertion points of the native ALL.Gracilis and semitendinosus grafts have mainly been utilized for ALLR,but other autografts have also been suggested.Furthermore,allografts and synthetic grafts have been applied to minimize donor-site morbidity and maximize the size and strength of the graft.Nevertheless,there has been no strong evidence to fully support one method over another thus far.The present review presents a detailed description of the graft choices for ALLR and the current literature available in regard to the effectiveness and outcomes of published surgical techniques.

Network meta-analyses: Methodological prerequisites and clinical usefulness

It is an undeniable fact that systematic reviews play a crucial role in informing clinical practice;however,conventional head-to-head meta-analyses do have limitations.In particular,studies can only be compared in a pair-wise fashion,and conclusions can only be drawn in the light of direct evidence.In contrast,network meta-analyses can not only compare multiple interventions but also utilize indirect evidence which increases their precision.On top of that,they can also rank competing interventions.In this mini-review,we have aimed to elaborate on the principles and techniques governing network meta-analyses to achieve a methodologically sound synthesis,thus enabling safe conclusions to be drawn in clinical practice.We have emphasized the prerequisites of a well-conducted Network Meta-Analysis(NMA),the value of selecting appropriate outcomes according to guidelines for transparent reporting,and the clarity achieved via sophisticated graphical tools.What is more,we have addressed the importance of incorporating the level of evidence into the results and interpreting the findings according to validated appraisal systems(i.e.,the Grade of Recommendations,Assessment,Development,and Evaluation system-GRADE).Lastly,we have addressed the possibility of planning future research via NMAs.Thus,we can conclude that NMAs could be of great value to clinical practice.