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Statement of problem Whether oral rehabilitation with dental implants in patients with Down syndrome leads to an increased complication rate is unclear. Purpose The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the effectiveness of dental implants placed in patients with Down syndrome and whether the condition is a risk factor or contraindication for dental implant placement. Material and methods Searches were conducted in 6 databases, including the non–peer-reviewed literature, up to February 2021 by 2 independent reviewers according to established inclusion and exclusion criteria to answer this question: Is Down syndrome a risk factor or contraindication for oral rehabilitation with dental implants? Results A total of 655 studies were initially found in the databases. Five were included in this systematic review, all of which were observational studies. A total of 50 patients with 186 implants were evaluated, with a reported effectiveness of 79.1%. The risk of bias assessment determined that 3 of the 5 studies had a high risk of bias. Conclusions Treatment with dental implants in patients with Down syndrome is a suitable option, but more complications are to be expected than with patients without this condition. Controlled studies with better methodological design and less risk of bias should be developed to improve the scientific evidence for the treatment of these patients.

The aim of this study is to present radiologically designated LAPC found to be resectable upon surgical exploration and evaluate the outcomes of such resections.Sequential LAPC patients between 2013 and 2019 were staged and underwent resection were included in the analysis of both perioperative and long-term outcomes.Twenty-eight patients with radiologically-designated LAPC underwent surgical resection after chemotherapy with a median follow-up of 31.7 m,75% underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. The margin positivity and local recurrence rates were 21.4% and 35.7%, respectively. When compared to the 30 BRPC controls, the LAPC group had a higher rates of an arterial resection (11vs.1; p = 0.002), but the groups were similar with regard to all other preoperative and intraoperative variables (p 0.05). Perioperative morbidity rates were similar (25.9%vs21.4%; p = 0.53). The LAPC and BRPC groups were also equivalent with respect to median recurrence-free survival (9.0mo; 95%CI 6.3, 11.7vs.8.3mo; 95%CI 5.4, 11.2) and median overall survival (19.9mo; 95%CI 17.0, 22.7 vs. 19.9mo; 95%CI 14.8, 25.1), respectively.Despite a radiologic designation of locally advanced pancreatic cancer, certain subtypes of LAPC warrant surgical exploration provided the operative surgeon is prepared for major arterial and/or venous resection. Pancreatectomy in these patients has acceptable morbidity and oncologic outcomes, similar to patients who are radiologically borderline resectable.

Current guidelines consider obesity to be a relative contraindication to venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) for refractory cardiogenic shock. The authors investigated the effect of body mass index (BMI) on clinical outcomes in patients treated with VA-ECMO for cardiogenic shock.This was a retrospective and observational study.University hospital.The study comprised 150 adult patients who underwent VA-ECMO for cardiogenic shock.The primary outcome was intensive care unit (ICU) mortality. Of the 150 included patients, 10 were underweight (BMI18.5 kg/m²), 62 were normal weight (BMI = 18.5-24.9 kg/m²), 34 were overweight (BMI = 25.0-29.9 kg/m²), 34 were obese class I (BMI = 30.0-34.9 kg/m²), and 10 were obese class II (BMI = 35.0-39.9 kg/m²). All-cause ICU mortality was 62% (underweight, 70%; normal weight, 53%; overweight, 65%; class I obese, 71%; class II obese, 70%). After multivariate logistic regression, BMI was not associated with ICU mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.99 [0.92-1.07], p = 0.8). Analysis by BMI category showed unfavorable mortality trends in underweight patients (aOR 3.58 [0.82-19.6], p = 0.11) and class I obese patients (aOR 2.39 [0.95-6.38], p = 0.07). No statistically significant differences were found among BMI categories in the incidences of complications.The results suggested that BMI alone should not be considered an exclusion criterion for VA-ECMO. The unfavorable trend observed in underweight patients could be the result of malnutrition.

Introduction The efficacy and safety of the rapid intravenous rehydration (RIR) guidelines in children affected by dehydration secondary to acute gastroenteritis is supported by current scientific evidence, but there is also great variability in its use in clinical practice. Objective To prepare a document with evidence-based recommendations about RIR in paediatric population. Methods The project was developed based on GRADE methodology, according to the following work schedule: Working Group training; creation of a catalogue of questions about research and definition of «relevant outcomes»; score and selection criteria for each item; bibliographic review; scientific evidence evaluation and synthesis (GRADE); review, discussion and creation of recommendations. 10 clinical questions and 15 relevant outcomes were created (7 about efficacy and 8 about security). Results Sixteen recommendations were set up, from which we can highlight as the main ones: (1) RIR is safe for children affected by mild-moderate dehydration secondary to acute gastroenteritis, unless expressly contraindicated or acute severe comorbidity (strong recommendation and moderate evidence). (2) Its use is recommended in this situation when oral rehydration has failed or due to contraindication (strong and high). (3) Isotonic fluids are recommended (strong and high), suggesting saline fluid as the first option (light and low), supplemented by glucose (2.5%) in those patients showing normoglycemia and ketosis (strong and moderate). (4) A rhythm of 20 cc/kg/h is recommended (strong and high) during 1-4 h (strong and moderate). Conclusions This document establishes consensus recommendations, based on the available scientific evidence, which could contribute to the standardisation of the use of RIR in our setting.

Objective This study was aimed to compare the oncologic outcomes of patients with non-endometrioid endometrial cancer who underwent minimally invasive surgery with the outcomes of patients who underwent open surgery. Method This is a retrospective, multi-institutional study of patients with non-endometrioid endometrial cancer who were surgically staged by either minimally invasive surgery or open surgery. Oncologic outcomes of the patients were compared according to surgical approach. Results 113 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. 57 underwent minimally invasive surgery and 56 underwent open surgery. Patients who underwent minimally invasive surgery had smaller tumors (median size, 3.3 vs. 5.2%, p = 0.0001) and a lower lymphovascular space invasion rate (29.8% vs. 48.2%, p = 0.045). In the overall population, the numbers and rate of recurrence were significantly higher in the open surgery group (p = 0.016). In multivariate analysis, disease stage and tumor size were associated with DFS in contrast to surgical procedure. Conclusion Minimally invasive surgery showed similar survival outcomes when compared to open surgery in non-endometrioid endometrial cancer patients, irrespective of disease stage. When minimally invasive surgery is managed by expert surgeons, non-endometrioid histological subtypes should not be considered a contraindication for minimally invasive surgery.

Background The use of iliac vein stenting for the treatment of pelvic pain secondary to pelvic venous insufficiency has significantly increased. In women of childbearing age, the effect of the gravid uterus on stent function and patency is unclear. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of pregnancy on stent patency and reintervention rate in women with iliac vein stents. Methods A retrospective chart review and email survey was performed to identify women treated at the Center for Vascular Medicine who were treated with iliac vein stenting and who had subsequent pregnancies. Medical and surgical comorbidities, stent type, location, length, number of stents, reintervention rates, number of pregnancies after stenting, anticoagulation usage during pregnancy, and type of delivery were assessed. Results From January 2014 to December 2020, 15 women with 16 iliac vein stents and who had 17 subsequent pregnancies were identified. The average age at stenting was 35.3 ± 4.13 years. The average interval between stenting and conception was 350 ± 287 days. Before pregnancy, stent location was in the right common/right external iliac veins in 1 patient and left common/external iliac veins in 14 patients. The average stent diameter and length were 19.6 ± 3 and 79.5 ± 20.3 mm, respectively. Thirteen Boston Scientific Wallstents and three Bard Venovo stents were used before pregnancy. One patient with a Wallstent required a stent extension before pregnancy and one patient had two stents placed at the initial procedure. Two women were pregnant twice after stenting for a total of 17 pregnancies. There were 16 term and 1 premature delivery of single infants. Patients were treated with enoxaparin (Lovenox) for stent-related thrombosis prophylaxis in 11 of 17 pregnancies, 5 had no prophylaxis, and the status of 1 pregnancy is unknown. One asymptomatic patient underwent a stent venoplasty after delivery. Conclusions Iliac vein stents tolerate a gravid uterus well. No stents thrombosed during or after pregnancy and none required reintervention secondary to pregnancy-related compression. Anticoagulation with low-molecular-weight heparin should be considered for stent thrombosis prophylaxis. Potential pregnancy should not be considered a contraindication to iliac vein stenting for the treatment of symptomatic pelvic venous insufficiency.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) has previously been considered a contraindication to liver transplantation (LT). However, recent series showed favorable outcomes for LT after neoadjuvant therapy. Our center developed a protocol for neoadjuvant therapy and LT for patients with locally advanced, unresectable iCCA in 2010. Patients undergoing LT were required to demonstrate disease stability for 6 months on neoadjuvant therapy with no extrahepatic disease. During the study period, 32 patients were listed for LT and 18 patients underwent LT. For transplanted patients, the median number of iCCA tumors was 2, and the median cumulative tumor diameter was 10.4 cm. Patients receiving LT had an overall survival at 1-, 3-, and 5-years of 100%, 71%, and 57%. Recurrences occurred in seven patients and were treated with systemic therapy and resection. The study population had a higher than expected proportion of patients with genetic alterations in fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) and DNA damage repair pathways. These data support LT as a treatment for highly selected patients with locally advanced, unresectable iCCA. Further studies to identify criteria for LT in iCCA and factors predicting survival are warranted.

The presence of an intact distal fibula is reported as a prerequisite when considering total ankle replacement and its lack is usually considered a contraindication. The purpose of the study was to describe the results of a surgical technique to reconstruct the distal fibula (Milanese fibular reconstruction technique) in the setting of a total ankle replacement and insufficient fibula.Retrospective analysis of 15 patients (15 ankles) who underwent rotational fibular reconstruction technique with minimum follow-up of 24 months. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at the last follow-up with AOFAS Ankle and Hindfoot score, VAS pain scale, SF-12 and range of motion. Standard weightbearing radiographs were used for radiographic assessment.The average of all clinical scores significantly improved (P.001). The average radiographic parameters showed a neutral alignment. No cases of reabsorption of the new lateral malleolus were observed even in cases with complications that accounted for 2 superficial wound infection and 2 deep infections.The Milanese fibular reconstruction technique can successfully reestablish a lateral strut and in the setting of an ankle prosthesis in patients with an insufficient fibula.

Introduction Surgery plays a key role in the management of Neuroblastic tumours (NB), where the standard approach is open surgery, while minimally invasive surgery (MIS) may be considered an option in selected cases. The indication(s) and morbidity of MIS remain undetermined due to small number of reported studies. The aim of this study was to critically address the contemporary indications, morbidity and overall survival (OS) and propose guidelines exploring the utility of MIS for NB. Materials & Methods: A SIOPEN study where data of patients with NB who underwent MIS between 2005 and 2018, including demographics, tumour features, imaging, complications, follow up and survival, were extracted and then analysed. Results A total of 222 patients from 16 centres were identified. The majority were adrenal gland origin (54%) compared to abdominal non-adrenal and pelvic (16%) and thoracic (30%). Complete and near complete macroscopic resection (>95%) was achieved in 95%, with 10% of cases having conversion to open surgery. Complications were reported in 10% within 30 days of surgery. The presence of IDRF (30%) and/or tumour volume >75 ml were risk factors for conversion and complications in multivariate analysis. Overall mortality was 8.5%. Conclusions MIS for NB showed that it is a secure approach allowing more than 95% resection. The presence of IDRFs was not an absolute contraindication for MIS. Conversion to open surgery and overall complication rates were low, however they become significant if tumour volume >75 mL. Based on these data, we propose new MIS guidelines for neuroblastic tumours.

Drug labeling informs physicians and patients on the safe and effective use of medication. However, recent studies suggested discrepancies in labeling of the same drug between different regulatory agencies. Here, we evaluated the hepatic safety information in labeling for 549 medications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Limited discrepancies were found regarding risk for hepatic adverse drug reactions (ADRs) (8.7% in hepatic ADR warnings and 21.3% in contraindication for liver disease), while caution should be exercised over drugs with inconsistencies in contraindications for liver disease and evidence for hepatotoxicity (4.9%). Most discrepancies were attributable to less-severe hepatic events and low-frequency hepatic ADR reports and had limited implication on clinical outcomes.

Background Graft plus flap urethroplasty is gaining momentum in patients with nearly or completely obliterated urethral strictures, in whom staged procedures or perineal urethrostomy is the only possible alternative. However, graft plus flap urethroplasty is mainly adopted for strictures involving the penile urethra. Objective To report our experience on graft plus flap urethroplasty for bulbar and penobulbar reconstruction. Design, setting, and participants Between January 2014 and June 2020, patients with nearly or completely obliterated long (>4 cm) bulbar or penobulbar strictures, who required graft plus flap urethroplasty, were considered for this study. Surgical procedure The bulbar and the penile urethra were accessed through a perineal incision and penile invagination when required. Grafts were harvested from cheek, lingual, or preputial skin and quilted over the corpora to reconstruct the dorsal plate of the neourethra. The fasciocutaneous penile flap recreated the ventral plate of the neourethra. The corpus spongiosum was flapped over the neourethra to prevent the formation of diverticula. Measurements Any need for instrumentation after surgery was defined as the primary failure. Obstructive symptoms or maximum flow rate (Qmax) below 10 ml/s, with or without a need for instrumentation, was defined as a secondary failure. Results and limitations We identified 15 patients who met the inclusion criteria. The median stricture length was 7 cm (interquartile range [IQR] 5–8 cm). The inner cheek was the preferred site for graft harvesting (53.3%). No perioperative complication of Clavien-Dindo grade ≥III were recorded in the first 30 postoperative days. The median Qmax at catheter removal was 23 ml/min (IQR 21.5–26 ml/min). The median follow-up was 25 mo (IQR 10–30 mo). The primary success rate was 86.7% (13/15) and the secondary success rate was 73.3% (11/15). Post-traumatic strictures represent a contraindication for this technique. Conclusions In referral centers, graft plus flap urethroplasty represents a feasible option for patients with nearly or completely obliterated long (>4 cm) strictures. Our study demonstrated that this option is also feasible for strictures involving mainly the bulbar urethra. Patient summary Perineal urethrostomy should be considered as the last option in patients with a nearly or completely obliterated bulbar urethral stricture. Nowadays, graft plus fasciocutaneous penile flap augmentation enriched our armamentarium of bulbar urethra reconstruction.

To determine the impact of clinical depression on outcomes after rotator cuff repair (RCR), as measured by Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) health domains.RCR patients were given PROMIS CAT assessments for physical function (PROMIS UE), pain interference (PROMIS PI), and depression (PROMIS D) during preoperative and postoperative clinic visits. PROMIS D scores ≥55 correlate with mild clinical depression; thus patients with PROMIS D scores ≥ 55 were placed in the clinical depression (CD) group, whereas patients with scores55 were placed in the "no clinical depression" (NCD) group. Categorical variables were compared at preoperative and postoperative (6 months and ≥1 year) timepoints using χOf the 340 RCR patients included in this study, 65 (19.1%) were found to have mild clinical depression preoperatively, with that number being reduced to 23 (6.8%) at 6 months and 19 (5.6%) at ≥1 year after surgery. Compared with preoperative PROMIS scores, CD patients had significant postoperative improvements at 6 months and ≥1 year in mean PROMIS UE (26.7 vs 35.5 vs 38.9; P.001) and PROMIS PI (67.6 vs 56.7 vs 56.4; P.001). NCD patients had similar postoperative improvements at 6 months and ≥1 year in mean PROMIS UE (30.8 vs 38.6 vs 46.9; P.001) and PROMIS PI (61.7 vs 53.0 vs 47.6; P.001). The improvement in PROMIS scores was similar for the CD and NCD groups in both PROMIS UE (12.2 vs 16.1, respectively) and PROMIS PI (-11.2 vs -14.1, respectively).Despite starting with worse PROMIS UE and PROMIS PI scores, patients undergoing RCR with symptoms of CD experienced significant improvement in function, pain, and depressive symptoms. Preoperative depression should not be a contraindication to arthroscopic RCR in patients who are otherwise appropriate operative candidates.Level III, retrospective comparative trial.

Background To evaluate long-term efficacy of left atrial appendage occlusion with multiple devices. Methods All consecutive patients who underwent left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with a follow-up of at least 4 years, were included in this single center, retrospective registry. No specific exclusion criteria were applied. LAA occlusion was performed with the Watchman, Watchman FLX, Amplatzer Cardiac plug or Amplatzer Amulet occluder devices. Results A total of 224 consecutive patients underwent LAAO occlusion. Mean age was 72.5 ± 9.0 years. A history of stroke was present in 29%, TIA in 8.5% and a previous episode of bleeding in 64.7% of patients. In 63% there was a contraindication to oral anticoagulants. The average CHADS-VASc was 4.0 ± 1.6 and the average HAS-BLED was 3.4 ± 1.3. There was a reduction of strokes of 72.9%, thromboembolic events of 59.7% and major bleeding events of 70.9% compared to historic data. During follow-up, 48.3% of the ischemic and major bleeding events occurred within the first year. The annual mortality rate of 7.5 deaths/ 100 patients years. There were no significant differences in terms of outcome between the devices used and there were no late events associated with any device. The main antithrombotic regimen in the long term was with single antiplatelet therapy and the second one was no therapy. Conclusion LAAO is a safe and effective procedure, that reduces ischemic and bleeding events in the long-term, regardless of the type of device used, in AF patients at high risk of ischemic stroke and major bleeding, without the need of anticoagulation.

Background Historically, a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of less than 50 mL/min per 1.73 m2 has been considered a contraindication to lung transplantation. Combined or sequential lung–kidney transplantation is an option for those with a GFR less than 30 mL/min per 1.73 m2. Patients with a GFR of 30 to 50 mL/min per 1.73 m2 are provided with no options for transplantation. This study explores factors associated with improved survival in patients who undergo isolated lung transplantation with a GFR of 30 to 50 mL/min per 1.73 m2. Methods The United Network for Organ Sharing database was queried for adult patients undergoing primary isolated lung transplantation between January 2007 and March 2018. Regression models were used to identify factors associated with improved survival in lung recipients with a preoperative GFR of 30 to 50 mL/min per 1.73 m2. The propensity score method was used to match highly performing patients (outpatient recipients aged less than 60 years) with a GFR of 30 to 50 mL/min per 1.73 m2 with patients who had a GFR greater than 50 mL/min per 1.73 m2. Kaplan-Meier, Cox, and logistic regression analyses compared outcomes in matched populations. Results A total of 21,282 lung transplantations were performed during the study period. Compared with patients with a GFR greater than 50 mL/min per 1.73 m2, survival was significantly worse for patients with a GFR of 30 to 50 mL/min per 1.73 m2. Multivariate analysis of patients with a GFR of 30 to 50 mL/min per 1.73 m2 demonstrated outpatient status and age less than 60 years to be predictive of superior survival. After propensity matching, survival of this highly performing subset with a GFR of 30 to 50 mL/min per 1.73 m2 was no different from that of patients with a normal GFR. Conclusions Outpatient recipients aged less than 60 years represent an optimal subset of patients with a GFR of 30 to 50 mL/min per 1.73 m2. Lung transplant listing should not be declined based only on a GFR less than 50 mL/min per 1.73 m2.

Objective To determine whether pharmacist prescription of combined hormonal contraception is associated with inappropriate prescription to women with medical contraindications. Study design We conducted a retrosopective cohort study of all short-acting, hormonal contraceptive users (pill, patch, ring, injectable) in Oregon's All Payer All Claims database from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018. Our primary outcome was the proportion of women receiving a combined hormonal method who had a Medical Eligibility Category (MEC) 3 or 4 condition. We identified potential contraindications using International Classification of Disease codes. We conducted descriptive analyses of contraindication prevalence and prescription error rate by prescriber type. We used a multivariable logistic regression model to test the association between pharmacist prescriber and population characteristics. Results Our study sample consisted of 439,240 contraceptive users, of which 3782 (0.86%) received their prescriptions from a pharmacist. Women aged 25 to 29 were more likely than women over age 35 to receive contraception from a pharmacist (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.44–3.08). Pharmacist prescriptions were slightly less likely in rural areas (aOR 0.78, 95% CI 0.69–0.89) and among women on Medicaid, relative to those with commercial insurance (aOR 0.21, 95% CI 0.19–0.24). Among women given contraception in a clinical setting, 4.25% had evidence of an MEC 3 or 4 contraindication, compared to 0.9% for women seen by a pharmacist. Rates of prescribing a combined method to women with a potential contraindication were not meaningfully different by prescriber type (2.16% for clinicians vs 0.74% for pharmacists). Conclusion Rates of contraceptive prescribing with a contraindication were relatively low and did not differ between clinicians and pharmacists. Implications Pharmacists can safely screen for medical contraindications to combined hormonal contraception.

BACKGROUND: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is no longer a contraindication for liver transplantation (LT). While therapeutic anticoagulation (tAC) is recommended during the waiting period, there is no evidence for its usefulness in the prevention of PVT recurrence after LT.OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of tAC post-LT in the prevention of PVT recurrence.PATIENTS/METHODS: All adult LTs performed in 2 high volume centres between 2003 and 2018, were retrospectively analysed. Only patients with PVT classified as Yerdel grade I or II and with standard portal reconstruction were included. PVT recurrence and tAC-associated morbidity within 1 year were compared between patients receiving tAC or not.RESULTS: During the study period, out of 2612 LTs performed, 235 (9%) patients with PVT were included. 113 patients (48.1%) received post-LT tAC (tAC group) while 122 (51.9%) did not (non-tAC group). The incidence of bleeding events was significantly higher in the tAC group (26 (23%) vs. 5 (4.1%), pCONCLUSION: Therapeutic anticoagulation is not necessary in the prevention of grade I/II PVT recurrence and is associated with higher morbidity and longer hospital stay.

Background The outcome of lung transplantation (LT) is correlated with donor selection. A donor age of 65 years is classically considered a contraindication to lung procurement, and the results of LT from elderly donors remain to be established. Methods This was a retrospective study of a prospectively maintained database including all LTs performed in a single institution (Bichat Hospital, University of Paris, Paris, France) from January 2014 to March 2019. Donors65 years of age or older were included in the elderly group, whereas donors younger than 65 years of age were included in the control group. Results The study group included 241 LTs, including 44 (18%) in the elderly group and 197 (82%) in the control group. As compared with the control group, the elderly group was characterized by the following: donors of shorter stature (166 cm vs 172 cm; P = .04) and with less smoking history (14% vs 40%; P = .001), less bronchoscopic abnormality (20% vs 36%; P = .042), and less chest opacity (16% vs 30%; P = .048); and recipients of shorter stature (166 cm vs 170 cm; P = .04) but with similar diagnoses and gravity. There was no significant difference between the groups in any of the outcomes studied, including primary graft dysfunction, 30-day mortality, 1-year survival, chronic lung allograft dysfunction–free survival, and overall survival. In univariate analysis, the Oto lung donor score was the only factor associated with 1-year survival (score of 6 in alive patients vs score of 7 in dead patients; P = .04); donor age 65 years old or older was not. Conclusions Carefully selected lung grafts from donors 65 years of age or older are associated with outcomes similar to those reported with grafts from younger donors Grafts from older donors thus provide an interesting option to expand the donor pool during a shortage.

Background Medication errors are the errors that impact the efficacy and safety of the therapy. The impact of medication errors is higher for certain subjects, such as pediatrics, who require more attention. Hence, the current study aimed to investigate the types and frequency of outpatient medication errors of pediatric subjects related to different prescription types. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried in several community pharmacies to record the medication errors found in outpatient pediatric prescriptions by gathering data from the outpatient prescriptions besides direct counseling with the subjects and their parents. Many medical resources (disease and drug-related) were used for checking the different aspects of medication errors. The data collection process included a preprepared sheet containing several items representing the medication errors in addition to a counseling session. Data were expressed as percentages and compared through the Chi-square test for results of handwritten and computerized prescriptions. Results 752 outpatient pediatric prescriptions were recruited in the study as they involve medication errors. Among the highest percentage of medication errors was the absence of essential data in the prescription, such as diagnosis, age, and weight. The duration of the therapy and contraindication for some of the prescribed medications were among the highest recorded errors. Among the critical errors were the drug interaction and drug duplication that directly affect the drug's efficacy and safety. There was a significant difference between computerized and handwritten prescriptions regarding the number of medication errors related to each type. Conclusion Medication errors related to outpatient pediatric prescriptions vary from one to another prescription with predominant errors that influence the therapy's safety or efficacy. The role of patient counseling and prescription checking is critical for improving patient therapy.

Introduction Benign prostatic hyperplasia is considered the most frequent cause of lower urinary tract symptoms. Urinary catheterization is the emergency treatment for patients with urinary retention and surgery is indicated in patients refractory to medical treatment. There is a group of people with important comorbidities that make them ineligible for surgery. Prostatic arterial embolization (PAE) could be presented as a safe and effective alternative to achieve bladder emptying and spontaneous urination, thus avoiding permanent urinary catheterization in patients with significant comorbidities that represent a contraindication for surgery. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the efficacy of PAE in patients with permanent urinary catheterization who are ineligible for surgical treatment. Material and methods Retrospective study of 26 patients with permanent urinary catheter who underwent prostatic embolization. Demographic and clinical data (age, use of anticoagulation, prostate volume, length of hospital stay, unilateral or bilateral embolization), Charlson comorbidity index evaluation and Clavien-Dindo classification for procedural complications were reviewed. Successful removal of permanent urinary catheter was analyzed at one month after the procedure. Results A total of 26 patients were included in the review. The median age was 85 years with a median prostate volume of 90 mL. A Charlson comorbidity score above 7 was obtained in 88.5% of the subjects. Only one patient had one Clavien-Dindo III complication. Of the 26 subjects, 17 (65.4%) had spontaneous micturition and a postvoid residual lower than 100 mL at one month post procedure. Overall, catheter removal was achieved in 19 out of 26 subjects (73.1%). Conclusion PAE is a safe and effective treatment for patients with permanent urinary catheterization who are ineligible for surgical treatment.

Purpose The mainstay empiric treatments of bacterial endophthalmitis are intravitreal vancomycin and ceftazidime. In the United States, up to 10% of the general population has a reported penicillin (PCN) allergy. Despite low cross-reactivity between PCN and later-generation cephalosporins, some providers alter the intravitreal antibiotic choice for endophthalmitis because of concern for allergic reactions. We evaluated the management strategies of infectious endophthalmitis in the setting of self-reported systemic antibiotic allergies and the association with adverse reactions after standard intravitreal antibiotic administration. Design Single-center, retrospective cohort study. Participants All patients with endophthalmitis between 2005 and 2019 and documented PCN, PCN-analog, cephalosporin, or vancomycin allergy who received intravitreal antibiotics on the basis of International Classification of Diseases 9th and 10th Revisions, and Current Procedural Terminology codes. Methods Retrospective chart review. Main Outcome Measures Any allergic reaction after intravitreal injection, additional surgical interventions required for treatment, and visual function at last recorded visit. Results Of the 65 patients included in this cohort, the most common causes of endophthalmitis were postcataract extraction surgery (n = 23, 35.4%) and postintravitreal injection (n = 11, 16.9%). All patients (65/65) received intravitreal vancomycin, and 81.5% (53/65) received intravitreal ceftazidime. Of the 53 patients who received intravitreal ceftazidime, 46 (86.8%) had allergies to PCNs alone, 5 (9.4%) had a cephalosporin allergy alone, and 2 (3.8%) had reported allergies to both PCN and cephalosporin antibiotics. Two patients (3.1%) with a documented vancomycin allergy received intravitreal vancomycin without complication. No patients exhibited any systemic or local allergic reactions or complications after intravitreal injection. Conclusions There were no documented allergic reactions in this cohort of patients with systemic antibiotic allergies who were treated for infectious endophthalmitis. Our findings are consistent with previous reports of a low allergic cross-reactivity between PCN and later-generation cephalosporins. Ophthalmologists should use evidence-based practices and a careful informed consent process when choosing intravitreal antibiotics for patients with specific antibiotic allergies. In the routine patient with suspected bacterial endophthalmitis, PCN allergy may not be an absolute contraindication to intravitreal cephalosporin use.

Background Historically, obesity was considered a relative contraindication to left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation with less invasive surgery (LIS). The present study aimed to compare the outcomes of obese patients who underwent LVAD implantation through LIS with those who received full sternotomy (FS) implantation. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all patients implanted with HeartMate 3 LVAD in our institution between September 2015 and June 2020. Obese patients (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 ) were included and dichotomized based on surgical approach into the FS or LIS cohort. Results Of 231 implanted patients, 107 (46%) were obese and included in the study. FS was performed in 26 (24%) patients and LIS approach in 81 (76%) patients. Preoperative patient characteristics were similar between the cohorts. Postoperatively, patients in LIS cohort had less bleeding (p = 0.029), fewer transfusions (p = 0.042), shorter duration of inotropic support ( p = 0.049), and decreased incidence of severe RV failure (11.1% vs 30.8%, p = 0.028). Survival to discharge for the obese population was 87.5% overall and did not differ based on an approach (91.4% LIS vs 76.9% FS, p = 0.079). More LIS patients were discharged home (60.0% vs 82.4%, p = 0.041) rather than to rehabilitation center . Conclusion Our results showed that the LIS approach in obese patients is associated with fewer postoperative complications and a trend towards better short-term survival. These results suggest that less invasive LVAD implantation is a safe and effective approach for obese patients. Future prospective randomized trials are required to substantiate these results.

Over decades, surgery has been the only accepted mode of treatment for liver hydatid cysts. It had been a surgical dogma for a long that hydatid disease is an absolute contraindication for needle puncture/aspiration as it can cause anaphylaxis, death, and dissemination. We envisaged prospectively perform percutaneous drainage as a primary form of treatment for hepatic hydatidosis. Through extensive and very careful experimentation, we proved that aspiration of hydatid cysts can be performed safely and is the ideal way to manage a subset of patients with hydatid cysts in the liver. The patient and cyst characteristics good and not good for percutaneous drainage were carefully selected. The procedure of percutaneous drainage of hepatic hydatid cysts involves four sequential steps as defined in the alphabets of the title PAIR, denoting puncture (P), Aspiration (A), Instillation (I), and Reaspiration (R). During and postprocedure, we enforced strict monitoring given the anticipated anaphylaxis. The first PAIR procedure was performed in June 1988. The results of percutaneous drainage of 21 cysts in 12 patients were reported in 1991. Next, a prospective study was done to show that concomitant Albendazole therapy is recommended as an adjuvant to percutaneous drainage for hepatic hydatidosis. In a seminal prospective study comparing percutaneous drainage and surgery, we showed that percutaneous drainage is as good as surgery in the management of uncomplicated hydatid cysts with fewer complications and shorter hospital stays. Lastly, long-term follow-up results of percutaneous drainage on a large cohort of patients with hepatic hydatid cysts were reported, with excellent results and no evidence of local, peritoneal or systemic dissemination. Based on these data percutaneous drainage, the so-called PAIR technique has established itself as a novel therapeutic advance in hepatic hydatid disease.

The increasing in primary total knee arthroplasty has led to an increase in infectious complications, revision surgery, and bone loss. Knee joint bone defects (KJBD) may be managed using bone transport and arthrodesis with Ilizarov or bone transport over nail (BTON) techniques. The aim of this study is to compare both techniques in the reconstruction of KJBDs.This was a retrospective cohort study of 29 patients with extensive KJBD. All patients underwent reconstruction of the KJBD using bone transport (either Ilizarov or BTON techniques). The primary outcome variables for comparison between the two groups included time in frame (days), external fixation index (EFI, days/cm), residual limb length discrepancy (cm), and complications (Caton classification).Gender and age profiles were comparable. Mean time spent in frame for bone transport was 566 days (σ = 236, 95% CI 429-702) for the Ilizarov cohort and 191 days (σ = 162, 95% CI 101-280) for BTON (P.0001). EFI for the period of bone transport was 75.1 d/cm (σ = 41.5, 95% CI 51.1- 99.1) for the Ilizarov cohort and 24.7 d/cm (σ = 24.0, 95% CI 11.4-38) for BTON (P = .0004). Union, limb length discrepancy and complication rates were comparable between both groups.For the management of KJBD after failed total knee arthroplasty, BTON is preferred due to significantly less time spent in frame, lower EFI, and higher rates of normal mechanical alignment. The Ilizarov method may be useful when there is a contraindication to BTON.

Current guidelines recommend deferring liver transplantation (LT) in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection until clinical improvement occurs and two PCR tests collected at least 24 hours apart are negative. We report a case of an 18‐year‐old, previously healthy African‐American woman diagnosed with COVID‐19, who presents with acute liver failure (ALF) requiring urgent LT in the context of SARS‐CoV‐2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positivity. The patient was thought to have acute Wilsonian crisis on the basis of hemolytic anemia, alkaline phosphatase:bilirubin ratio 2.2, elevated serum copper, and low uric acid, although an unusual presentation of COVID‐19 causing ALF could not be excluded. After meeting criteria for status 1a listing, the patient underwent successful LT, despite ongoing SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR positivity. Remdesivir was given immediately posttransplant, and mycophenolate mofetil was withheld initially and the SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR test eventually became negative. Three months following transplantation, the patient has made a near‐complete recovery. This case highlights that COVID‐19 with SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR positivity may not be an absolute contraindication for transplantation in ALF. Criteria for patient selection and timing of LT amid the COVID‐19 pandemic need to be validated in future studies.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is an effective treatment of blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI). However, the risks and benefits of administering intraoperative heparin in trauma patients are not well-defined, especially with regard to bleeding complications.The Vascular Quality Initiative registry was queried from 2013 to 2019 to identify patients who had undergone TEVAR for BTAI with or without the administration of intraoperative heparin. Univariate analyses were performed with the Student t test, Fisher exact test, or χA total of 655 patients were included, of whom most had presented with grade III (53.3%) or IV (20%) BTAI. Patients receiving heparin were less likely to have an injury severity score (ISS) of ≥15 (70.2% vs 90.5%; P .0001) or major head or neck injury (39.6% vs 62.9%; P .0001). Patients receiving heparin also had a lower incidence of inpatient death (5.1% vs 12.9%; P .01). Across all injury grades, heparin use was not associated with the need for intraoperative transfusion or postoperative transfusion or the development of hematoma. In patients with grade III BTAI, the nonuse of heparin was associated with an increased risk of lower extremity embolization events (7.4% vs 1.8%; P .05). On multivariable logistic regression analysis for inpatient mortality, intraoperative heparin use (odds ratio [OR], 0.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11-0.86; P .05) and female gender (OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.11-0.86; P .05) were associated with better survival, even after controlling for head and neck trauma and injury grade. In contrast, increased age (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.03-1.1; P .001), postoperative transfusion (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02-1.11; P .01), higher ISS (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.07; P .05), postoperative dysrhythmia (OR, 4.48; 95% CI, 1.10-18.18; P .05), and postoperative stroke or transient ischemic attack (OR, 5.54; 95% CI, 1.11-27.67; P .05) were associated with increased odds of inpatient mortality.Intraoperative heparin use was associated with reduced inpatient mortality for patients undergoing TEVAR for BTAI, including those with major head or neck trauma and high ISSs. Heparin use did not increase the risk of hemorrhagic complications across all injury grades. Also, in patients with grade III BTAI, heparin use was associated with a reduced risk of lower extremity embolic events. Heparin appears to be safe during TEVAR for BTAI and should be administered when no specific contraindication exists.

Purpose Autoimmune connective tissue disease (CTD) has historically represented a relative contraindication to breast conservation (BC) among patients with early-stage breast cancer. Controversy exists regarding the use of hypofractionated radiation therapy (RT) among patients with CTDs. We evaluated acute and late toxicity in patients with breast cancer and CTD treated with BC. Methods and Materials Of 1983 patients treated with BC from 2012 to 2016, we identified 91 patients with an autoimmune disease (AD). Each patient was matched to a control without AD based on age, RT field, and fractionation. RT toxicity and clinician-rated cosmesis were compared between cases and controls. Overall survival, disease-free survival, and local recurrence-free survival were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results The median follow-up was 49.9 months for cases and 53.0 months for controls, and 67% of cases and controls were treated with hypofractionated RT. There was no difference in grade 2/3 acute toxicity between cases and controls (26.4% vs. 16.5%, respectively; P = .148). There was a significantly higher rate of grade 2/3 late toxicity among cases (25.8% vs 12.1% among controls; P = .049). Active AD at the time of RT increased the rate of grade 2/3 late toxicity compared with controls (41.7% in cases vs. 11.4% in controls; P = .018). Among patients treated with hypofractionated RT, there was no difference in acute or late grade 2/3 toxicity between cases and controls (acute: 13.1% in cases vs. 11.5% in controls [P > 0.9]; late: 11.9% in cases vs. 13.1% in controls [P > 0.9]). The rates of good/excellent clinician-rated cosmesis were similar between groups (92.9% in cases vs. 98.9% in controls; P = .142). Conclusions In the largest matched case-control study of patients with CTD treated with conventional and hypofractionated RT, we demonstrate low rates of radiation toxicity, with good to excellent clinician-rated cosmesis. There was increased late toxicity in cases, especially in patients with active AD at time of RT. There was no increase in acute or late toxicity in the patients treated with hypofractionation.

Background Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) is advantageous over open surgery in the treatment of benign pancreatic lesions and low-grade malignancies. Yet the evidence on the relationship between comorbidities and the outcomes of LDP remains scarce. Methods Patients who had undergone LDP for all indications between April 1997 and December 2019 were included. Preoperative physical status was defined according to the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) criteria. Perioperative outcomes were compared between the patients with high (ASA III–IV) and low/moderate anesthetic risk (ASA I–II). Results A total of 605 patients were eligible for analysis including 190 with ASA III–IV and 415 with ASA I–II. The former was associated with older age, male gender, preexisting medical conditions, greater total number of comorbidities and red blood cell transfusion. The rate of medical complications was significantly higher in high-risk patients. Multivariable analysis identified ASA III–IV and operative time as independent predictors for medical complications. Overall/severe morbidity, surgical complications and mortality rates were similar. Conclusions Poor physical status defined as ASA grades III–IV predicts medical complications, but has a limited impact on surgical complications and severe morbidity of LDP. Thus, it should not be considered as a contraindication for LDP.

Statement of problem Immunosuppression and coinfections associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection pose a relative contraindication for dental implant therapy. However, although implants have been placed in patients with HIV with reasonable success, how HIV infection affects their survival is unclear. Purpose The purpose of this systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis was to analyze the data on the survival of dental implants in patients with HIV. Material and methods A search for relevant articles published up to November 2019 was performed in PubMed/Medline and Cochrane databases, Clinicaltrials.gov , and Google Scholar. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were adopted for the conduct of the systematic review. The most pertinent data were extracted and pooled for qualitative and quantitative analyses with 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity was analyzed by using I-squared statistics. Results A total of 8 studies involving 411 individuals with HIV and 1109 implants were included in the meta-analysis. The mean follow-up period was 2.8 years. A pooled estimate of 95% of implant survival rate with 95% confidence interval(92% to 96%) was noted. Heterogeneity across the 8 studies was found to be 41% with moderate true variability. Conclusions This systematic review demonstrated that HIV infection does not pose a serious threat to implant survival on short-term evaluation, but the evidence is of low quality.

Background: Biological data suggest that short-term anticoagulation would be more effective than dual antiplate -let therapy (DAPT) to reduce the thrombotic risk following left atrial appendage closure (LAAC). This study sought to assess the safety and efficacy of direct oral anticoagulation (DOAC) versus DAPT immediately post-LAAC. Methods: Multicenter study including 592 consecutive patients with relative contraindication to chronic anticoagulation who underwent LAAC and received either DAPT or DOAC for 1-3 months. Each patient receiving DOAC was matched with 2 patients on DAPT based on propensity-score (propensity-matched population of 285 patients). Outcomes recorded were death, stroke, non-procedural related severe bleeding, serious adverse event (SAE: composite of death, stroke, bleeding) and early (within 3 months post-LAAC) device-related thrombosis (DRT). Results: Early outcomes (within 3-month post-LAAC) did not significantly differ between groups, but a numeri-cally higher rate of early death (3.7% vs. 1.1%), non-procedural related severe bleeding (7.4% vs. 3.2%), and SAE (11.1% vs. 5.3%) were observed in patients receiving DAPT. After a median follow-up of 22 (8-38) months, similar outcomes were observed in DAPT and DOAC groups regarding death (HR: 1.18; 95% CI: 0.58-2.37; p = 0.652), stroke (HR: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.22-5.45; p = 0.908), non-procedural related severe bleeding (HR: 1.68; 95% CI: 0.69-4.12; p = 0.257), and SAE (HR: 1.28; 95% CI: 0.73-2.24; p = 0.383). DRT was identified in 4 patients (2.6%) receiving DAPT versus 0 patient receiving DOAC (p = 0.162). Conclusions: Short-term DOAC following LAAC in patients with contraindications to chronic anticoagulation was safe and tended to associate with a lower rate of SAE and DRT compared to DAPT. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Lung transplantation is an established treatment for a variety of end-stage lung diseases; however, chest wall deformities such as an asymmetric pectus excavatum are often considered a contraindication for lung transplantation. Consequently, the published experience of lung transplants and simultaneous chest wall reconstruction is limited to a few case reports. This article aims to provide a detailed description of surgical steps as well as technical challenges and pitfalls of lung transplantation with a simultaneous modified Ravitch procedure. Exemplary technical aspects will be discussed for a pediatric patient in whom such a combined procedure resulted in an excellent outcome.

Considering the poor prognosis, severe and refractory ascites is a milestone in cirrhotic patients. Liver transplantation must be considered first. In the case of contraindication to liver transplantation or when the waiting period is estimated to be more than 6 months, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt should be discussed in eligible patients. Regardless of the type of treatment, a careful selection of patients is crucial to avoid further decompensation and specific complications of each treatment.

In the present study, we sought to determine whether early pre-emptive scheduling of inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) removal during the preoperative IVCF placement visit would affect the IVCF removal rate.All electronically documented IVCF placements at a single institution were reviewed from April 2015 to July 2019. The baseline characteristics included age, the clinical indications for IVCF placement, inpatient/outpatient status, and type of IVCF placed. Statistical analysis was performed using the χA total of 599 patients (mean age, 68 years; 273 women and 326 men) had undergone technically successful IVCF placement. During the preoperative consent process for placement, 232 patients had been scheduled for IVCF removal within 3 months after placement. However, 367 patients had not been scheduled for removal at the preoperative consent process. The indications for placement included failure of anticoagulation, a contraindication to anticoagulation (eg, bleeding), preoperative prophylaxis, and others. Of the 232 patients scheduled for IVCF removal during preoperative consent for IVCF placement, 103 (44%) had undergone successful IVCF removal (mean interval from placement, 107 ± 100 days). Of the 367 nonscheduled patients, 89 (24%) had undergone successful IVCF removal (mean time, 184 ± 215 days). We found a significant improvement in the IVCF removal rate between the scheduled and nonscheduled patients (P .0001). Three patients (all from the scheduled group) had a clot burden within the IVCF, which meant they were inappropriate for removal. These patients were rescheduled and had eventually undergone uncomplicated removal.Scheduling IVCF removal during the placement encounter significantly increased the IVCF removal rate. This approach could be a viable option for institutions where clinic time and/or resources are limited or unavailable and for patients who have difficulty traveling for clinical evaluations.

Objectives Presence of nephrolithiasis in a living donor has been at least a relative contraindication to living donor nephrectomy. The concern for stone recurrence and outcomes has been one of the reasons for reluctance to consider these medically complex donors. We evaluate long-term outcomes in recipients of kidney grafts from donors with nephrolithiasis, or history of nephrolithiasis, and provide results from our experience at Indiana University. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed 57 donor-recipient pairs, where the allograft was received from a living donor with symptomatic calculi, or with imaging evidence of kidney stones, between 2003 and 2018. This research study was done in compliance with the ethical standards set forth in the Helsinki Congress. Results The mean age of recipients was 46±19 years and 58% were male. Kidney recipients were followed for a median of 3.5 years and 59.6% of patients had follow-up imaging studies. None of the recipients had obstructing renal calculi or related infections. None of the recipients required any interventions for recurrent calculi and no stone episode lead to adverse event to the graft. Hyperoxaluria and hypercalciuria were the most common risk factors in 24-hour urine collections obtained from donors. Conclusions Our findings from a single large center looking at kidney recipient outcomes over a long follow-up period found that gifted lithiasis is a safe procedure. Careful selection of “medically complex donors” with kidney stones based on appropriate guidelines is a key step. Further studies are needed to help develop consensus guidelines.

Video capsule endoscopy is indicated in a broad range of clinical settings, most commonly in evaluating suspected small bowel bleeding. It is also useful in diagnosing Crohn's disease and monitoring patients with known Crohn's. Video capsule endoscopy has a role in evaluating patients with refractory celiac disease symptoms and in surveying patients with polyposis syndromes. The only absolute contraindication to video capsule endoscopy is luminal gastrointestinal tract obstruction. Despite manufacturer statement, video capsule endoscopy can be used safely in patients with implantable cardiac devices including pacemakers, defibrillators, and ventricular assist devices.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication after intracranial hemorrhage (ICH); the incidence has been reported to vary between 18% to 50% for deep vein thrombosis and between 0.5% to 5% for pulmonary embolism (PE). According to current clinical practice guidelines, patients with acute VTE should receive anticoagulant treatment for at least 3 months in the absence of contraindications. Anticoagulant treatment reduces mortality, prevents early recurrences and improves long-term outcome in patients with acute VTE. However, recent ICH is an absolute contraindication for anticoagulant treatment due to the potential increased risk of hematoma expansion or recurrent ICH. Hematoma expansion occurs in approximately a third of patients within 24 h following the diagnosis of a spontaneous ICH. The risk for recurrent ICH depends on patients' features as well as on the feature of index ICH. Limited evidence is available on the risks of therapeutic anticoagulation started shortly after ICH. Expert consensus around the introduction of therapeutic anticoagulation suggests delaying therapeutic anticoagulation for at least 2 weeks after spontaneous ICH, until the risk re-bleeding becomes acceptable. Vena cava filters should be inserted to reduce the risk for (non) fatal PE until therapeutic anticoagulation can be started; antithrombotic prophylaxis should be started as soon as possible to avoid recurrent VTE after vena cava filter insertion. For patients presenting PE with hemodynamic compromise, percutaneous embolectomy should be considered. Most patients will be able to receive anticoagulant treatment within 4 weeks following spontaneous ICH; direct oral anticoagulants are probably the treatment of choice for those ICH patients tolerating anticoagulant treatment.

Objective Managing retraction of the lumbar plexus is critical to safely perform lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) via the transpsoas approach. Occasionally, a transitional psoas is encountered at L4/5 and has been postulated to be a contraindication to transpsoas LLIF. A case series of patients with transitional psoas who underwent L4/5 LLIFs is presented. Methods This retrospective review assessed 79 consecutive patients who underwent L4/5 LLIF during a 24-month period. Preoperative imaging was reviewed, and patients were classified into 2 groups: normal psoas or transitional psoas. Intraoperative features and outcomes were compared between groups. Results Seventy-nine patients underwent L4/5 LLIFs, of whom 23 had transitional psoas anatomy and 56 had normal psoas anatomy. Among patients with transitional psoas, the center of the psoas was a mean (range) of 11.2 (5.2–26.6) mm in front of the center of the vertebral body compared with 2.0 (0–4) mm in the normal psoas group. The mean (range) retraction time was similar between groups (10.8 [6.7–14.9] minutes in the transitional psoas group vs. 11.0 [7.8–15.0] minutes in the normal psoas group). No permanent motor injuries occurred in either group, and no differences in length of stay or preoperative or postoperative Oswestry Disability Index scores were found between the groups. The protocol for L4/5 LLIF in patients with transitional psoas anatomy is described. Conclusions Transitional psoas anatomy is frequently encountered in surgical candidates for L4/5 LLIF. Through careful identification of the lumbar plexus and judicious retraction, the transpsoas LLIF can safely be performed in these patients.

Summary Introduction The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy of transcanalicular diode laser assisted dacryocystorhinostomy (TDL-DCR) for the treatment of primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Material and methods This was a single center retrospective study. We included all patients who underwent TDL-DCR between July 2015 and October 2017 for chronic epiphora or chronic dacryocystitis. All procedures were performed under local anesthesia with sedation. The anatomical and functional success rates were studied as a function of each operative indication. Results Thirty-seven patients were included (18 had chronic epiphora and 19 had chronic dacryocystitis). All but one patient had bicanalicular silicone stent intubation . Irrigation of the lacrimal system demonstrated postoperative patency in 78% of patients operated for chronic epiphora and 76% of those with chronic dacryocystitis. The functional success of the surgery (as defined by the Munk score) was higher if the operative indication was chronic dacryocystitis (62%) (whereas it was only 41% for the indication of chronic epiphora). Conclusion TDL-DCR has a lower anatomical and functional success rate than those reported in the literature for external or endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy. However, it retains a place in the treatment of primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (in particular when it is complicated by chronic dacryocystitis), especially if there is an absolute or relative contraindication to the two other dacryocystorhinostomy techniques.

Background Class II obesity (body mass index BMI ≥35 kg/m2) is a contraindication to heart transplantation (HT). Although few single-center studies (case reports/series and small cohorts) have reported promising outcomes of bariatric surgery (BS) in patients with obesity and ventricular assist devices, low sample sizes have made their analysis and interpretation challenging. Methods and Results We conducted a systematic search in ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane, Embase, PubMed, Google Scholar, and most relevant bariatric and heart failure journals. We extracted baseline and outcome individual participant data for every ventricular assist device patient undergoing BS with reported postoperative BMI and their respective timepoints when BMI data were measured. Fourteen references with 29 patients were included. The mean age was 41.9 ± 12.2 years, 82.8% underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and 39.3% had reported perioperative adverse events. The mean pre-BS BMI was 45.5 ± 6.6 kg/m2 and decreased significantly during follow-up (rho –0.671; P Conclusions BS may help patients with obesity and ventricular assist devices to lose a significant amount of weight and improve their candidacy for HT or even achieve myocardial recovery.

International audience; Background: Most cases of left-sided native valve infective endocarditis (IE) involve a single valve and little is known concerning IE that simultaneously affects the aortic and mitral valves. Methods: We aimed to determine the characteristics, identify the prognostic factors, and define the effect of early surgery for patients with left-sided native bivalvular IE. This analysis included 1340 consecutive patients who presented with definite acute left-sided native valve IE in a 2-centre cohort study. Results: A bivalvular involvement was present in 257 patients (19%). Patients with bivalvular IE had more embolic events (P = 0.044), congestive heart failure (P = 0.016), vegetations, and perivalvular complications (both P < 0.001) than those with monovalvular IE. Early surgery was more frequent for patients with bivalvular IE (P < 0.001). Thirty-day mortality was higher for patients with bivalvular IE than for those with monovalvular IE (24.5% vs 17.6%; P = 0.008), even after adjustment (odds ratio, 1.86 [95% confidence interval, 1.26-2.73]; P < 0.001). Estimated 10-year survival was 70% +/- 1% for monovalvular IE and 59% +/- 3% for bivalvular IE (P = 0.002). Bivalvular IE was still associated with mortality in multivariable Cox analysis, after adjustment for covariates including age, neurological events, congestive heart failure, Staphylococcus spp infection, perivalvular complications, and early surgery (hazard ratio, 1.70 [95% confidence interval, 1.31-2.11]; P < 0.001). Early surgery was associated with increased survival for patients with bivalvular IE (79% +/- 4% vs 35% +/- 6%; P < 0.001). Conclusions: Bivalvular involvement is frequent in left-sided native valve IE, is associated with more embolic events and congestive heart failure than monovalvular IE, and patients are at a high risk of death. Early surgery is associated with improved survival and should be systematically discussed in the absence of contraindication.

It is not uncommon for liver transplant (LT) recipients to have had previous abdominal surgery (PAS) preceding transplant. The impact of PAS on morbidity and mortality in LT patients remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the correlation between PAS and LT outcomes in a high-acuity patient population.This is a single-center retrospective review of 936 adult primary LT recipients between 2012 and 2018. Patients were divided based on PAS history. PAS was subdivided into upper abdominal surgery (UAS) and lower abdominal surgery (LAS). UAS was separated into high-impact UAS and low-impact UAS. Finally, we studied patients with PAS ≤90 d versus PAS90 d.Extensive adhesiolysis was the only significant perioperative factor between the PAS group (n = 367) and the non-PAS group (n = 569) (P 0.001). Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion (20U versus 17U, P = 0.044) and abdominal packing (24.2% versus 13.3%, P = 0.008) were significantly higher in the UAS group (n = 186) versus the LAS group (n = 181). Patients with high-impact UAS required greater RBC (P = 0.021) and fresh frozen plasma transfusion (P = 0.005), and arterial conduits (P = 0.016) during LT. Compared with recipients with PAS90 d (n = 338), recipients with PAS ≤90 d (n = 29) had significantly higher RBC transfusion (P = 0.046), fresh frozen plasma transfusion (P = 0.022), and abdominal packing (P = 0.025). No differences in patient and graft survival was observed.These findings suggest that, with appropriate care in the perioperative setting, PAS is not a contraindication to successful LT. Careful consideration is warranted when risk stratifying patients with multiple comorbidities who had PAS, especially those with UAS or PAS ≤90 d.

Background An intact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is thought to be prerequisite for successful unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), but recent studies reported successful midterm results of UKA in ACL-deficient (ACLD) knees. We hypothesized that ACLD is not always a contraindication for medial UKA when preoperative radiographs showed typical anteromedial knee patterns. Methods From April 2012 to March 2016, 401 Oxford mobile-bearing UKAs in 282 patients were retrospectively identified from our database. Patients whose ACL was severely damaged, but preoperative X-rays showed typical anteromedial osteoarthritis patterns, were categorized into the ACLD group. From intraoperative data, those whose ACL was intact were categorized into the ACL functional (ACLF) group. There were 32 and 369 knees in the ACLD and ACLF groups, respectively, and mean follow-up periods were 66.1 and 63.8 months for the ACLD and ACLF groups, respectively. We compared the postoperative clinical outcome and component survivorship, with an endpoint of component revision, between ACLD groups and ACLF groups. Results In both groups, the Oxford knee score, Knee Society score, Tegner activity score, and knee range of motion in extension were improved after surgery. The UKA component survival rate at five years was 100% in the ACLD group and 98.9% in the ACLF group. There were no significant differences between the groups. Conclusion Mid-term clinical outcomes of Oxford mobile-bearing UKA in ACLD knees were similar to those in ACLF knees. ACL deficiency is not always a contraindication for medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty in patients with typical anteromedial osteoarthritis radiographs.

Objectives To evaluate intraprocedural assessments using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and fluoroscopy during left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with the WATCHMAN device. Method A total of 208 patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing LAAO were included in this study[101 standard procedures (retrospective cohort) and 107 with fluoroscopy-alone approach (prospective cohort). Individual device position, anchoring, compression and peri-device leak (PDL) were successively analyzed based on TEE and fluoroscopy in the retrospective cohort to summarize detailed fluoroscopic assessments for prospective application. Clinical outcomes were assessed between two cohorts. Results For retrospective cohort, TEE and fluoroscopy agreed on device position and anchoring. Compression upon fluoroscopy was well correlated with 2D-TEE (r = 0.908) and the difference in overall detection of PDL was not statistically significant between two imaging modalities (p = 0.304). For the prospective cohort with fluoroscopy-guidance alone, implantation success was similar to that of the retrospective cohort (98.13% vs 100%, p = 0.498). The incidence rate of major clinical adverse events was relatively higher in prospective cohort during hospitalization and follow-up but did not reach significant difference (5.61% vs 1.98%; 0.99% vs 0.93%, p > 0.05). Moreover, the prospective group presented with shorter procedural duration, shorter in-hospital stay and lower total hospitalization cost than retrospective group. Conclusion LAAO performed by experienced operators in large volume centers is feasible under fluoroscopy guidance. However, there is still a trend in favor of TEE for greater procedural safety and more complete LAA seal. We suggest that this minimalist approach could be proposed in cases with contraindication to general anesthesia and/or TEE.

Background It is commonly stated that identification of the infecting organism is a prerequisite to single-stage revision arthroplasty of the hip for deep infection. We have performed single-stage revision in a series of patients where the organism was not identified preoperatively. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the rate of infection eradication following single-stage revision was affected by preoperative knowledge of the infecting organism. Methods We identified all patients who had undergone a single-stage revision for a deep infection at our hospital between 2006 and 2015. One hundred five patients were assigned into 2 groups based upon whether the infecting organism had been identified preoperatively (group A = 28) or not (group B = 77). Results The reinfection rates were 3.6% in group A and 9.1% for group B (P = .679). Re-revision rates were 7.1% and 9.1%, respectively (P = 1.00). Overall, the implant survival rate at 6 years was 87.9% (95% confidence interval, 97.4-78.4). In group B, preoperative aspiration was performed in 36.4% (28/77) of cases. Staphylococci species were the predominant causative organisms, with gram-negative involvement in 19.0% (20/105) of cases. Conclusion The rate of infection eradication and overall survivorship with single-stage revision was similar in our series to that reported in the literature. While desirable, we did not find identification of the infecting organism before surgery influenced the outcome. Given the functional and economic benefits of single-stage revision, we suggest that failure to identify an organism is not an absolute contraindication to this approach.

Severe chest wall deformities are considered an absolute contraindication for lung transplantation. The significantly impaired chest compliance associated with pectus excavatum is thought to result in a high risk of postoperative respiratory complications and significant morbidity and mortality. We herein report our pooled institutional experience consisting of 3 patients who underwent bilateral lung transplantation and simultaneous correction of a pectus excavatum. Two of the patients were children and 1 patient had severe asymmetric pectus. All patients received a size‐reduced double lung transplant and the deformity was corrected by a Nuss or modified Ravitch procedure. The perioperative course was complicated by prolonged weaning requiring tracheostomy in 2 of the 3 patients. However, long‐term results were good and all 3 patients are alive in excellent clinical condition 72, 60, and 12 months after the transplantation. This case series demonstrates that patients with severe chest wall deformities should not a priori be excluded from lung transplantation, and a combined approach is feasible for selected patients., This case series suggests that, for selected cases, lung transplantation with simultaneous correction of severe chest wall deformity may be feasible.

Background Allergy to iodinated contrast (IC) agent and advanced chronic kidney disease are major limitations to endovascular repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). We describe our experience combining CO2-assisted EVAR with intraoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in an attempt to avoid contrast-induced allergy or nephropathy. Methods Observational cohort study using prospectively acquired data on patients undergoing CO2-assisted EVAR in single institution. EVAR planning was performed using computed tomographic angiography or magnetic resonance aortography in patients contraindicated for IC. Patients were considered if their estimated glomerular filtration rate was Results Fifteen patients (10 male) were treated across a 5-year period. Technical success was achieved in all cases. Completely IC-free EVAR was performed in 9 cases, whereas the remaining 6 required IC administration for adjunct procedures. CO2 completion angiography detected all type I endoleaks (2 Ia and 1 Ib) but was less sensitive to type II. Intraoperative CEUS confirmed all type I and 2 cases of type II endoleaks. Median hospital stay was 4 days. No significant deterioration in renal function was seen postoperatively. Conclusions In patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms and with contraindication for IC, a combined approach of using CO2 digital subtraction angiography and CEUS can be used safely and efficiently to minimize or obviate the need for IC agents with satisfactory mid-term results.

A lot of debate is present about Cesarean myomectomy (CM) in women with uterine myoma whether to consider it a feasible and safe procedure or an absolute contraindication.To assess the safety and feasibility of myomectomy during cesarean section in women with uterine myoma.Electronic search was made on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, ISI web of knowledge and Scopus from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2019 using terms "Caesarean section", "Myomectomy", "Fibroid", "Caesarean myomectomy".All full length studies either prospective or retrospective that address caesarean myomectomy were included.The outcomes studied were haemorrhage, mean change in haemoglobin, operative time, need for blood transfusion, febrile morbidity and duration of hospital stay.Total 249 studies were assessed for eligibility and 17 studies included in analysis with 6545 women. There were 4702 (71.85 %) women in caesarean myomectomy (CM) group and 1843 (28.15 %) women in cesarean section (CS) group. There was statistically significant but clinically insignificant decrease in hemoglobin [MD = 0.27, 95 %CI = 0.08-0.45, p = 0.005; very low quality], significant higher need for blood transfusion [RR = 1.45, 95 %CI = 1.05-1.99, p = 0.02; high quality] in CM group versus CS alone. The mean operative time (minutes) [MD = 14.77, 95 %CI = 6.91-22.64, p = 0.0002; moderate quality] and mean hospital stay (days) [MD = 0.36, 95 %CI = 0.19-0.53, p 0.00001; high quality] was significantly less in CM group, though of not any clinical significance. No difference in incidence of haemorrhage [RR = 1.16, 95 %CI = 0.86-1.56, p = 0.32; moderate quality evidence] and fever [RR = 1.17, 95 %CI = 0.83-1.65), p = 0.36; moderate quality] in two groups.The meta-analysis suggests CM is associated with clinical insignificant increase in operative time, blood loss and hospital stay, especially with multiple and large size myomas. CM should be preferred over CS alone especially by experienced surgeons with appropriate haemostatic techniques and tertiary care centres.

Interventional cardiology is increasingly being offered to frail elderly people thanks to significant technical progress. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation allows the treatment of aortic stenosis by implanting an aortic bioprosthesis through a catheter, without surgery. The left atrial appendage occlusion limits the risk of ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation who have a contraindication to anticoagulants. These procedures remain invasive and must be proposed after multidisciplinary consultation.

The present study aimed to assess the associations between dosing of DOACs and outcomes in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) require dose adjustment according to patient or clinical factors for patients with NVAF. We conducted a single-center prospective registry of NVAF patients with DOACs: DIRECT registry (UMIN000033283). In the present analysis, we categorized the patients (n = 2,216) into 5 groups: appropriate standard-dose (n = 907, 40.9%), appropriate low-dose (n = 833, 37.6%), overdose (n = 117, 5.3%), underdose (n = 338, 15.3%), and contraindication (n = 21, 0.9%). The efficacy endpoints were major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE: a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, and stroke/systemic embolism) and its individual components. The safety end points were adverse bleeding events including clinically significant bleeding, major bleeding, and gastro-intestinal bleeding. All NVAF patients treated with DOACs in our institution from 2011 to 2017 were enrolled (71.6 ± 10.8 years, 36.4% female, follow-up duration: 407.2 ± 388.3 days). Appropriate low-dose group were older, more likely female, had a higher CHADS2 and ORBIT scores than the other groups. MACE (7.4%) and clinically significant bleeding (26.2%) occurred most frequently in the appropriate low-dose group. However, after adjustment for various confounders, appropriate dose reduction of DOAC showed 35.4% risk reduction of clinically significant bleeding (adjusted hazard ratio 0.646, 95% CI [0.469 to 0.890], p = 0.007) with no impairment of efficacy end points. In the real-world Asian clinical practice, four fifths of the NVAF patients received appropriate dose of DOACs. Appropriate dose reduction was associated with decrease in clinically significant bleeding and no significant impairment in efficacy end points.

Although numerous studies have demonstrated that concomitant low back pain (LBP) is associated with worse functional outcomes in patients undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty, no study has analyzed its impact on patients undergoing total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of LBP in people undergoing TAA and analyze its impact on patient reported functional outcome measures (PROMs). A retrospective review was performed on data from the Vancouver End Stage Ankle Arthritis Database. In total, 87 patients undergoing TAA were studied, with patient demographics collected preoperatively, including the absence or presence of LBP. Postoperative follow-up was performed at 5 years, primarily analyzing disease-specific PROMs including the Ankle Osteoarthritis Score and Ankle Arthritis Score. The Short Form-36 was used as a secondary outcome measure to assess global function. Multivariable linear mixed-effects regression models were conducted to compare the PROM between patients with LBP with those without LBP. In total, 30 patients (35%) presented with concomitant LBP. There were no significant differences at baseline between the LBP group and no LBP group in terms of demographics or baseline primary disease-specific PROMs. At 5 years, the patients with LBP had significantly worse Ankle Arthritis Score (32 ± 23 vs 22 ± 17, p = .03), Ankle Osteoarthritis Score Total (34 ± 23 vs 22 ± 16, p = .01), and Short Form-36 physical (PCS) components summaries (33 ± 12 vs 44 ± 9, p = .001) compared to the no-LBP group. Both groups improved significantly from baseline across all outcome measures. Our study demonstrated that the prevalence of concomitant LBP in end stage ankle arthritis undergoing TAA is similar to that described in arthritic knees and hips. If present, it can be associated with worse functional outcomes in the intermediate term. However it is not a contraindication to surgery, with patients still experiencing significant improvements from baseline. Further studies are needed to evaluate if LBP influences complications, implant failure rates and survival.

Background Codeine and tramadol are commonly used analgesics in surgery. In 2013, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a contraindication to the use of codeine in tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy patients aged below 18 y. This warning was expanded in April 2017 to include tramadol and all children aged below 12 y. We sought to describe the prescribing of codeine and tramadol to contraindicated populations in Wisconsin before and after the release of the expanded FDA warning. Materials and methods Using a statewide Wisconsin claims database, we identified common pediatric ambulatory surgical procedures across the specialties of otolaryngology, urology, general surgery, orthopedics, and ophthalmology. For these procedures, we examined the rates of perioperative codeine and tramadol prescription fills and change in prescribing after the FDA contraindication. Results Surgeons in all of the specialties studied continued to prescribe codeine to pediatric patients after the contraindication, but tramadol was rarely prescribed. Procedures with relatively high rates of codeine fills were strabismus repair (65% of opioid fills), circumcision >1 yo (22%), and laparoscopic appendectomy (15%). Codeine fills significantly declined after the contraindication to 6% for circumcision >1 yo and 5% for orchiopexy and inguinal hernia repair. Otolaryngology, which was subject to the 2013 codeine contraindication, has low rates of codeine fills (under 2.5%) for the whole period studied. Codeine prescribing for strabismus repair showed no significant decline. Conclusions Codeine, and to a lesser extent tramadol, continue to be prescribed to contraindicated populations of children. This represents a target for future de-implementation interventions.