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The primary aim of this study was to identify factors associated with nonresponse to routinely collected patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after hand surgery. The secondary aim was to investigate the impact of nonresponder bias on postoperative PROMs. We identified 4357 patient episodes for which the patients received pre- and 1-year postoperative questionnaires. The response rate was 55%. Univariate and regression analyses were undertaken to determine factors predicting nonresponse. We developed a predictive model for the postoperative Quick version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) scores for nonresponders using imputation. Younger age, increasing deprivation, higher comorbidity, worse preoperative QuickDASH scores and unemployment predicted nonresponse. No significant difference in mean postoperative QuickDASH score was observed between the responders, and the scores for the responders combined with the predicted scores for the nonresponders. Preoperative function was the primary predictor of postoperative outcome. These results challenge the dogma that ‘loss to follow-up’ automatically invalidates the results of a study. Level of evidence: III

Background: The association between ankle fractures in elderly patients and low bone mineral density (BMD) has recently been recognized, but the effect of BMD on the postoperative outcome of these fractures is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of BMD on the postoperative outcome of ankle fractures in elderly patients to evaluate the need for BMD screening. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 48 patients aged 65 years or older who had ankle fractures and underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry to assess BMD after surgical treatment of the fracture. Postoperative outcomes were assessed using the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, Kellgren and Lawrence (K&L) grading scale score, and quality of fracture reduction. The correlation between the BMD and the outcome measures at 12 months after surgery was analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: The mean absolute value of BMD was 0.6 ± 0.1 g/cm2 (T-score, –1.5 ± 1.2) at the femoral neck and 0.8 ± 0.2 g/cm2 (T-score, –1.2 ± 1.5) at the lumbar spine. Osteoporosis was present in 33% of female patients and in 11% of male patients. At 12 months after surgery, the OMAS was 70 ± 17 and the VAS score for pain was 18 ± 17. Of the patients, 20, 21, 5, 1, and 1 had K&L grades of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. None of the clinical and radiographic outcome measures were correlated with the BMD values of the patients. Conclusion: The postoperative outcome of the ankle fractures in elderly patients at 12 months after surgery showed no correlation with femoral neck or lumbar spine BMD at the time of fracture. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Surgical innovation 28(6), 714-722 (2021). doi:10.1177/1553350621991223, Published by Sage, Thousand Oaks, Calif.

Background: In osteoarthritis of the knee, subchondral bone marrow lesion (BML) is known to be significantly associated with the severity of pain. However, little is known about the influence of preoperative BML on postoperative outcomes after medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO). Purpose: To compare patient-reported outcomes for those who underwent MOWHTO according to the severity of BML based on magnetic resonance imaging. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 136 patients who underwent MOWHTO between June 2011 and May 2016 with clinical and radiologic assessments before and after surgery were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence or absence of BMLs. They were then subdivided into 4 or 3 groups based on the sum of BML scores of the medial femoral condyle and tibial plateau according to MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) Osteoarthritis Knee Score or Filardo classification, respectively. Associations between the severity of BML and postoperative 1- and 2-year Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) subscores were evaluated through linear regression analysis. At postoperative 2 years, the rate of patients having a WOMAC score improvement of 15 points based on minimum clinically important difference and patient satisfaction were compared between groups. Results: BMLs were present in 96 (70.6%) of 136 cases. There were no significant differences in demographics or radiographic variables between groups according to the presence/absence or severity of BMLs (all P > .05). There was a significant association between preoperative or 1-year postoperative WOMAC pain/function score and the extent or intensity of BMLs (all P < .05). After adjusting for age, body mass index, osteoarthritis grade, and hip-knee-ankle angle, the significance persisted in the association between the extent or intensity of BMLs and WOMAC pain/function score at 1 year after surgery (all P < .05). However, a significant association was not found at postoperative 2 years (all P > .05). All groups showed similar rates of WOMAC score showing 15 points of improvement and satisfaction after MOWHTO (all P > .05). At 2 years after surgery, 82.5% of patients with BMLs were satisfied with their operation, as compared with 84.4% of those without BMLs ( P = .801). Conclusion: Although worse clinical outcomes were associated with severe BML during the recovery period, MOWHTO provided a high degree of clinical improvement on patient-reported outcomes regardless of the severity of BML at 2 years postoperatively.

Pancreatic cancer with synchronous liver metastasis has an extremely poor prognosis, and surgery is not recommended for such patients by the current guidelines. However, an increasing body of studies have shown that concurrent resection of pancreatic cancer and liver metastasis is not only technically feasible but also beneficial to the survival in the selected patients. In this review, we aim to summarize the short- and long-term outcomes following synchronous liver metastasectomy for pancreatic cancer patients, and discuss the potential criteria in selecting appropriate surgical candidates, which might be helpful in clinical decision-making.

The discovery of epidermal growth factor receptor ( EGFR) somatic mutations and the availability of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) as targeted therapies have altered the therapeutic prospects of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). G719X and S768I are uncommon mutations, and they often exist as compound mutations. A few reports have described the efficacy of first- and second-generation EGFR-TKIs. However, the efficacy of osimertinib in patients with these uncommon compound mutations is unknown. In this study, we reported the postoperative outcome of a patient with NSCLC and uncommon compound EGFR G719X and S768I mutations. After postoperative recurrence, the patient was treated with osimertinib, and an excellent and long-lasting clinical response was achieved. The patient has taken osimertinib for 31.0 months and exhibited a partial response, and her follow-up is ongoing.

Context: Liver transplantation is a complex intervention, and early anticipation of personnel and logistic requirements is of great importance. Early identification of high-risk patients could prove useful. We therefore evaluated prognostic values of recipient parameters commonly available in the early preoperative stage regarding postoperative 30- and 90-day outcomes and intraoperative transfusion requirements in liver transplantation. Design, Setting, and Participants: All adult patients undergoing first liver transplantation at Hannover Medical School between January 2005 and December 2010 were included in this retrospective study. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data as well as clinical courses were recorded. Prognostic values regarding 30- and 90-day outcomes were evaluated by uni- and multivariate statistical tests. Identified risk parameters were used to calculate risk scores. Results: There were 426 patients (40.4% female) included with a mean age of 48.6 (11.9) years. Absolute 30-day mortality rate was 9.9%, and absolute 90-day mortality rate was 13.4%. Preoperative leukocyte count >5200/μL, platelet count Conclusion: A score based on preoperative creatinine, leukocyte, and platelet values allowed early estimation of postoperative 30- and 90-day outcomes and intraoperative transfusion requirements in liver transplantation. Results might help to improve timely logistic and personal strategies.

The predictive value of the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been demonstrated in several cardiovascular diseases. The aim of our study was to investigate the association between the preoperative NLR and aneurysm characteristics as well as 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) undergoing aortic surgical repair. Consecutive patients (n = 75) with TAA were retrospectively included over a 10-year period. Clinical characteristics, aneurysm characteristics, and 30-day postoperative outcome were recorded. The median age of patients was 71 (67-80) years. The median preoperative NLR was 3.5 (2.3-5.8). The proportion of asymptomatic TAA was significantly lower in patients with an NLR > 3.5 compared with those with an NLR < 3.5 (52.6% vs 75.7%; P = .054). The proportion of patients with pain or with ruptured TAA was significantly higher in patients with an NLR > 3.5 compared with those with NLR < 3.5 (42.1% vs 16.2%; P = .022 and 26.3% vs 2.7%; P = .007, respectively). No significant difference was observed regarding the 30-day overall postoperative mortality and morbidity. The preoperative NLR did not correlate with TAA diameter. A high preoperative NLR is significantly associated with symptomatic and ruptured TAA, suggesting a potential interest as a marker and/or player in the disease.

Background: Sarcopenia, reduced skeletal muscle mass, is associated with frailty, injuries, and mortality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of computed tomography–determined sarcopenia on surgical complications and outcomes after resection of non-small cell lung cancer. Methods: For a total 272 non-small cell lung cancer patients that underwent surgery between 2011 and 2016, cross-sectional area of muscle at the third lumbar vertebra (L3) was retrospectively measured using preoperative chest computed tomography images. Sarcopenia was defined as an L3 muscle index of 2/m2 for men and of 2/m2 for women. Clinical characteristics, postoperative complications, disease-free survival, and overall survival of patients with or without sarcopenia were compared. Results: A total of 60.3% ( n = 164) were male, and mean patient age was 62.9 ± 9.6 years. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 22.4% for all study subjects, 32.9% for men, and 6.5% for women. No significant difference was observed between patients with or without sarcopenia in terms of intensive care unit or hospital stay ( p = 0.502 and p = 0.378, respectively), and the presence of sarcopenia was not associated with postoperative complications. Furthermore, no significant difference was observed between the 3-year disease-free survival rate (74.3% vs 66.7%, p = 0.639) or 3-year overall survival rate (83.9% vs 87.7%, p = 0.563) of patients with or without sarcopenia. Conclusion: Sarcopenia as determined by preoperative computed tomography does not appear to have a negative impact on surgical outcome or overall survival for resected non-small cell lung cancer patients.

Background: Persistent acetabular dysplasia is a common reason for the failure of hip arthroscopic surgery; however, the effect of prior hip arthroscopic surgery on functional outcomes after subsequent periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is unknown. Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to (1) compare demographic and radiological findings in patients who had and had not undergone previous hip arthroscopic surgery before PAO for symptomatic acetabular dysplasia and (2) compare the short-term, hip-specific patient-reported outcomes in these same patient populations. It was hypothesized that prior hip arthroscopic surgery is associated with worse early functional outcomes in PAO. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A retrospective cohort study design was utilized. Patients undergoing PAO were enrolled from a single-center, prospective hip preservation registry from March 2011 to April 2015. Patients with a minimum of 1-year clinical follow-up with preoperative and postoperative outcome scores undergoing PAO were eligible for inclusion (n = 93 patients; mean clinical follow-up, 24 months [range, 11-58 months]). The study group consisted of patients undergoing PAO for symptomatic hip dysplasia after prior hip arthroscopic surgery (PREVSCOPE group; 22 patients, 25 hips). Patients undergoing PAO without prior hip arthroscopic surgery (PAOALONE group; 71 patients, 85 hips) were included as a comparison group. Demographic and radiological variables were recorded. Postoperative functional outcome scores (modified Harris Hip Score [mHHS], Hip Outcome Score [HOS], and International Hip Outcome Tool [iHOT-33]) were recorded at 6 months and annually postoperatively. Results: There were no demographic differences between the 2 groups at baseline. Acetabular version, femoral version, Tönnis grade, preoperative lateral center edge angle, and intraoperative procedures were not different between the 2 groups. At 1-year follow-up from the last hip surgical procedure, the mean (±SD) mHHS (73 ± 14 vs 86 ± 14, respectively; P < .001), HOS–Activities of Daily Living (84 ± 12 vs 93 ± 11, respectively; P = .007), HOS-Sport (62 ± 25 vs 85 ± 18, respectively; P < .001), and iHOT-33 (62 ± 21 vs 79 ± 20, respectively; P = .004) were decreased in the PREVSCOPE group versus the PAOALONE group. At last follow-up (mean, 18 months from the last hip surgical procedure), the mHHS and HOS-Sport were lower in the PREVSCOPE group versus the PAOALONE group. There was no difference in complication or reoperation rates between the 2 groups. Conclusion: Failed hip arthroscopic surgery before PAO for symptomatic hip dysplasia is associated with lower hip-specific functional outcomes within the first 1 year of follow-up despite similar baseline demographic and radiological characteristics. These differences persisted in certain outcome scores (mHHS, HOS-Sport) at last follow-up but were less pronounced than at 1 year.

Study Design: Retrospective study. Objective: To determine the presence of any potential associations between anesthesia time with postoperative outcome and complications following elective anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Methods: Patients who underwent elective ACDF were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Program database. Patient demographics, medical comorbidities, and perioperative and postoperative complications up to 30 days were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: A total of 3801 patients undergoing elective ACDF were identified. Patients were subdivided into quintiles of anesthesia time: Group 1, 48 to 129 minutes (n = 761, 20%); Group 2, 129 to 156 minutes (n = 760, 20%); Group 3, 156 to 190 minutes (n = 760, 20%); Group 4, 190 to 245 minutes (n = 760, 20%); and Group 5, 245 to 1025 minutes (n = 760, 20%). Univariate analysis showed significantly higher rates of any complication ( P < .0001), pulmonary complication ( P < .0001), intra-/postoperative blood transfusions ( P < .0001), sepsis ( P = .017), wound complications ( P = .002), total length of stay >5 days ( P < .0001), and return to operating room ( P = .006) in the highest quintile compared to those of other groups. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that prolonged anesthesia was an independent factor for increased odds of overall complications (odds ratio [OR] = 2.71, P = .012), venous thromboembolism (OR = 2.69, P = .011), and return to the operating room (OR = 2.92, P = .004). The 2 groups with the longest anesthesia durations (quintiles 4 and 5) had increased total length of stay more than 5 days (for quintile 4, OR = 3.10, P = .0004; for quintile 5, OR = 3.61, P < .0001). Conclusion: Prolonged anesthesia duration is associated with increased odds of complication, venous thromboembolism, increased length of stay, and return to the operating room.

Improper patient selection for septal surgery often has been found to result in therapeutic failure, and there needs to be an objective assessment of nasal obstruction before the surgery and for postoperative follow-up that can be applied in the routine otolaryngology practice. The purpose of this study is to assess the usefulness of a cost-effective device for objective measurement of the nasal airway partitioning in selecting patients for septal surgery and for postoperative outcome evaluation. A hospital-based, prospective, observational study was carried out in a tertiary-care teaching institution involving 74 patients waiting for septal surgery. Each patient was exposed to subjective assessment of nasal obstruction by the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale and objective measurement by Nasal Partitioning Ratio (NPR) using a new device, Nasal Airway Partition Meter (NAPM), once before and twice after surgery. Overall, average NOSE score and NPR values were 66.42 ± 9.42 and 0.57 ± 0.18, respectively, at preoperative assessment (correlation coefficient 0.441). Sixty of the 74 patients had high values for both NPR and NOSE scores (Group 1), but in the remaining 14, NPR values were found to be lower despite high NOSE scores (Group 2). Postsurgery, the NOSE score and NPR values were significantly reduced in Group 1. In contrast, participants in Group 2 showed no alteration in the values of both the parameters after the same operative maneuver. However, 2 patients in Group 1 had NOSE score and NPR values unaltered, while 1 patient in Group 2 had a reduced NOSE score after surgery. Therefore, the validity of the new equipment was calculated to be 96.7% sensitive and 92.9% specific to identify patients who needed to undergo septal surgery for their nasal obstruction. It can be deduced from the present study that NAPM can be a cost-effective device for clinicians to objectively measure nasal airway obstruction and screen patients for septal surgery.

Objective To investigate the effect of pulmonary ventilation reserve function on perioperative pulmonary function and postoperative outcome in patients undergoing spinal orthopedic surgery. Methods Ninety patients undergoing spinal orthopedic surgery in our hospital from June 2019 to December 2020 were divided into two groups according to the percentage of preoperative pulmonary reserve function index MVV in the predicted value. Arterial oxygen partial pressure, carbon dioxide partial pressure, oxygenation index (OI), airway plateau pressure (Pplat), and airway resistance (AR) of patients in each group were observed before the start of surgery (T0), at 1 h (T1) and 2 h (T2) after the start of surgery, and at the end of surgery (T3). After the end of surgery, the probability of patient transfer to ICU, time to resume spontaneous breathing, and time to extubation were recorded, and PaO2 and inflammatory factors interleukin-6, procalcitonin, and C-reactive protein of patients were followed up for 1 week. Results In both groups, PaO2 and OI decreased obviously while Pplat and AR increased significantly at T1, T2, and T3, but in Group A, Pplat and AR were markedly lower than those in Group B while PaO2 and OI were notably higher than those in Group B ( p < 0.05). Both time to resume spontaneous breathing and time to extubation in Group B were longer than those in Group A ( p < 0.05). The probability of entering ICU in Group B is higher than that in Group A. Both PaO2 and OI at day 3 after surgery in Group B were lower than those in Group A. While, there is no difference at T2. Conclusion For patients, both intraoperative pulmonary function and time to postoperative resuscitation can be predicted by measuring the preoperative MVV, and long-term prognosis will not be affected by the pulmonary function impairment.

Term infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) typically present between 4 and 6 weeks. There is limited consensus, however, regarding age of presentation of premature infants. We aim to determine if there is an association between the degree of prematurity and chronological age of presentation of HPS. A total of 2988 infants who had undergone a pyloromyotomy for HPS were identified from the 2012 and 2013 NSQIP-P Participant Use Files. Two hundred seventeen infants (7.3%) were born prematurely. A greater degree of prematurity was associated with an older chronological age of presentation ( P < .0001). Prematurity was significantly associated with an increase in overall postoperative morbidity, reintubation, readmission, and postoperative length of stay. When clinicians evaluate an infant with nonbilious emesis with a history of prematurity, they should consider pyloric stenosis if the calculated postconceptional age is between 44 and 50 weeks. When counseling families of premature infants, surgeons should discuss the increased incidence of postpyloromyotomy morbidity.

Case series summary A retrospective study was undertaken to review outcomes of keratectomy and corneoconjunctival transposition in cats with superficial and deep corneal sequestra. Information including pertinent history, signalment, ophthalmological findings and postoperative outcome was collected from medical records. Follow-up was obtained by clinical examination, contact with the referring veterinarians and review of medical records or telephone contact with owners. Ninety-seven cats (109 eyes) were included from 2005–2015. The most commonly affected breeds included Persian, Burmese and Himalayan. The mean age at the time of surgery was 6.8 years (median 6.5 years; range 8.0 months–18.0 years). A corneal sequestrum in the contralateral eye was diagnosed in 28 cats (28.9%). Recurrent corneal sequestration was diagnosed in eight cats (nine eyes), with recurrence occurring a mean of 703 days after surgery (range 29–1750 days). Age, sex, breed, depth of sequestration and concurrent ocular disease in the contralateral eye were compared between cats with and without recurrence, with no risk factors for recurrence identified. Relevance and novel information Excellent surgical outcomes have previously been described in a series of 17 cats with superficial and mid-stromal corneal sequestra. This paper adds further information to the literature by describing a larger series of cats, with corneal sequestra affecting the full range of corneal thickness, and good long-term postoperative outcomes.

Objectives: Resilience, which is a psychometric property related to “hardiness” or the ability to respond to challenging situations, is a recognized predictor in many outcomes’ domains. This has been studied extensively in stressful situations such as military returning from deployment, serious disease, and traumatic injury. To date however, no study has assessed the role of patient resiliency with respect to surgical outcome. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of preoperative resiliency as calculated by the Brief Resiliency Score (BRS) on relevant surgical outcomes, including the time required to return to full unrestricted activity following an arthroscopic Bankart repair. In addition the correlation between pre-operative BRS with post-operative BRS, post-operative Western Ontario Instability Index (WOSI), American Shoulder and Elbow (ASES) and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) scores was also assessed. Methods: This is a retrospective review of prospectively gathered data on 25 consecutive active duty military patients undergoing an arthroscopic Bankart repair for instability. The mean follow-up was 24.3 months (range, 23-27) as the primary outcome was return to unrestricted duty which occurs within the first year post-intervention. There were 24 males and 1 female. All patients were on unrestricted active military duty prior to injuring the operative shoulder. All patients completed BRS, WOSI, ASES, and SANE questionnaires prior to operative intervention. They then completed the same questionnaires at the most recent follow-up as well as an additional questionnaire on military duty status (unrestricted duty, limited duty, medical separation from the military). Patients were divided into low resiliency and high resiliency groups based on a score of Results: All patients had been cleared for return to full-duty or were undergoing a medical separation at final follow-up. There were no differences between groups in demographics, glenoid bone loss, or glenoid track status. Pre-operative BRS was significantly correlated with time to return to full duty, need for medical separation from the military, post-operative WOSI, SANE and ASES scores and change between pre- and post-operative WOSI, ASES and SANE scores. Those patients with high resiliency returned to full duty significantly faster than the low resiliency group (4.4 v 6.7 months, pConclusion: Preoperative resiliency was highly predictive of the time required to return to full, unrestricted military duty. It was also predictive of post-operative subjective and objective outcomes as well as overall improvement between pre- and post-operative outcomes scores. Highly resilient patients were able to return to duty 2 months faster with significantly fewer requiring medical separation from the military than those lacking resiliency.

Objectives: There is international consensus that elderly patients with head and neck cancer should be treated curatively, like younger patients. Because of common comorbidities in elderly patients, perioperative complications are likely. The McPeek postoperative outcome score was used to evaluate the success of surgical interventions in patients with head and neck cancer. Methods: We included 168 patients in the study (56 in the study group, 75 years of age or more; and 112 in the control group, less than 60 years of age). All patients underwent major surgery for head and neck cancer. Results: The median McPeek scores were 8 in the study group and 9 in the control group (p = 0.04). Regression analysis revealed that neither age (p = 0.085) nor the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status score (p = 0.342) were independent predictors of the McPeek score. Synchronous surgical interventions (p = 0.00051) and duration of surgery (p = 0.0015) had a significant impact on McPeek score performance. Conclusions: The McPeek score seems to be an appropriate tool for comparing major surgeries for head and neck cancer in different age groups. It is possible to assess the influence of anesthetic and surgical interventions and complications that affect the length of hospitalization. The results confirm that the overall complication rate after surgery in elderly patients does not differ significantly from that in their younger counterparts. Therefore, extended surgical treatment should be offered to both age groups when no serious comorbidities are present. The postoperative outcome seems to depend on the duration and extent of the surgical intervention.

Objective: To summarize the current evidence on the effects of preoperative exercise therapy in patients awaiting invasive surgery on postoperative complication rate and length of hospital stay. Data sources: A primary search of relevant key terms was conducted in the electronic databases of PubMed, EMBASE, PEDro and CINAHL. Review methods: Studies were included if they were controlled trials evaluating the effects of preoperative exercise therapy on postoperative complication rate and length of hospital stay. The methodological quality of included studies was independently assessed by two reviewers using the PEDro scale. Statistical pooling was performed when studies were comparable in terms of patient population and outcome measures. Results were separately described if pooling was not possible. Results: Twelve studies of patients undergoing joint replacement, cardiac or abdominal surgery were included. The PEDro scores ranged from 4 to 8 points. Preoperative exercise therapy consisting of inspiratory muscle training or exercise training prior to cardiac or abdominal surgery led to a shorter hospital stay and reduced postoperative complication rates. By contrast, length of hospital stay and complication rates of patients after joint replacement surgery were not significantly affected by preoperative exercise therapy consisting of strength and/or mobility training. Conclusion: Preoperative exercise therapy can be effective for reducing postoperative complication rates and length of hospital stay after cardiac or abdominal surgery. More research on the utility of preoperative exercise therapy and its long-term effects is needed as well as insight in the benefits of using risk models.

With an increasing number of available kidney transplant donors comes greater demand for systematic screening of prospective donors to ensure the integrity of the donor's decision and to minimize the risk of a poor postoperative outcome. The present study was intended to explore psychosocial outcomes after kidney donation, aspects of donors' decision making, and donors' experience of the transplantation process. It was hoped that this pilot study would inform the design of a large-scale longitudinal prospective investigation of psychosocial outcomes of kidney donation. In this cross-sectional, retrospective investigation, all patients who had received psychosocial screening before their kidney donation were approached. Seventeen of 43 previous kidney donors responded to a postal questionnaire. Donors' health-related quality of life was higher than population norms on all dimensions. Most participants reported involving someone else in the decision-making process. Donors indicated high levels of satisfaction with virtually all aspects of the donation process. The generalizability of the findings in the context of the limitations of the present pilot study is discussed and specific suggestions for the design of future studies are provided.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether preoperative contracture and the amount of intraoperative correction can be used to predict the postoperative outcome of fasciectomy for Dupuytren’s disease. A prospective study of 52 patients undergoing primary fasciectomy during an 18 month period was undertaken. The contracture of each joint was measured preoperatively, after fasciectomy during the operation and 6 months after surgery. Forty-two metacarpophalangeal (MCPJ) and 58 proximal interphalangeal (PIPJ) joints were treated surgically. Full intraoperative correction was achieved in 41 MCPJs. Thirty-seven had full correction at follow-up. Full intraoperative correction was obtained in 35 PIPJs and 13 had complete correction at follow-up. The extent of the preoperative deformity was a significant predictor of complete intraoperative correction. The extent of both preoperative deformity and intraoperative correction were significant predictors of loss of surgical correction after operation.

The objectives of this study are to define the distinguishing features between elective and emergency colonic surgery. The records of adult patients who underwent elective and emergent colonic resection over a 4-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Univariate analysis was performed to compare outcomes for elective and emergency procedures and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the significant predictors of outcome. Three hundred and thirty-eight elective and 147 emergency colonic resections were performed. Diverticular disease was most common in the emergency group (43.5% vs 14.2%, P = 0.001) whereas malignancy predominated in the elective group (56.2% vs 5.4%, P = 0.001). The emergency group accounted for 54.7 per cent and 79.3 per cent of the total morbidity and mortality. Emergency colonic surgery has distinctive features and significance. Emergency surgery for colonic obstruction and total/subtotal resection are associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Diverticular disease compares favorably to other pathologies in postoperative outcome.

The purpose of this study was to identify the pathologic features that predict postoperative outcome in children with cortical dysplasia adjacent to dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors. We reviewed the records of children with dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor who underwent epilepsy surgery and who had at least 1 year of surgical follow-up. We divided the dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors into three pathology classes (simple, complex, and nonspecific), categorized adjunctive cortical dysplasia into four types, and compared histopathology with seizure outcomes. We identified 26 children with dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors. Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors were complex in 19 patients (73%), simple in 6 (23%), and nonspecific in 1 (4%). Cortical dysplasia was adjacent to dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors in 18 patients. Six patients had type IA cortical dysplasia, 5 had type IB, 3 had type IIA, and 1 had type IIB. The 3 remaining patients had repeated surgeries; of these, 2 patients had cortical dysplasias of type IA/IB and 1 was type IIA/IIB. Eight (39%) of 18 patients with dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors and cortical dysplasia required further surgery for recurrent intractable seizures ( P < .05), whereas none of 8 patients without cortical dysplasia required additional surgery. Of 13 patients with type I cortical dysplasia, only 4 had a poor seizure outcome, whereas all 5 patients with type II had a poor seizure outcome postoperatively ( P < .05). Children with dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor and cortical dysplasia often had recurrent intractable seizures postoperatively and required further epilepsy surgery. Cortical dysplasia adjacent to dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor can play a role in the epileptogenicity of dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor. Complete resection of a dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor and its adjacent cortical dysplasia should be considered. ( J Child Neurol 2005;20:377—384).

Purpose. To evaluate the serial changes in clinical results and the intradural and extradural spaces on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after bilateral fenestration in 48 patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSCS). Methods. A prospective interventional study was performed to study the clinical results, magnetic resonance imaging scans among patients who were followed up for more than 3 years. Results. All patients showed improvement in clinical symptoms after operation, but clinical results deteriorated in 9 (19%) patients. Postoperative MRI scans showed that poor dural tube expansion, grouping of the cauda equina, and decrease in the cross-sectional area of the dural tube were factors associated with poor outcomes. The cross-sectional area of the dural tube and images of the cauda equina observed by MRI, before and after fenestration and during follow-up, reflected changes in clinical symptoms involving decompressed segments. Conclusion. Serial changes in the cross-sectional area of the dural tube and images of the cauda equina observed preoperatively, postoperatively, and on follow-up by MRI may be useful when evaluating patients' condition before and after operation. It is also useful for predicting outcomes.

Objectives: There is no consensus on whether knee hyperextension affects postoperative outcome after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R). A limitation of previous studies is that they evaluated only static joint laxity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of dynamic hyperextension on postoperative dynamic in vivo kinematics and clinical outcomes. It was hypothesized that patients with a high degree of knee hyperextension in the contralateral normal knee would have larger ranges of anterior translation and internal-external rotation of the ACL reconstructed knee during dynamic activities, and lower patient-reported outcome (PRO) subjective scores compared to the patients who have less contralateral knee hyperextension. Methods: Forty-one patients (22±8 y.o., 27 male / 14 female) underwent unilateral ACL-R. According to the maximum extension angle of the contralateral normal knee during gait using dynamic stereo X-ray (DSX) images, subjects were divided into 2 groups at the median value (4.7°): Hyperextension group (n = 21, knee extension: 7.8±2.2°), and Normal extension group (n = 20, knee extension: 2.4±2.0°). Six and twenty-four months after ACL-R, subjects performed level gait and downhill running on a treadmill while DSX images were acquired at 100Hz (gait) or 150Hz (running). Tibiofemoral motion was determined from DSX images using a previously validated model-based tracking process, and tibiofemoral translations/rotations from initial contact to initial loading (gait cycle: 0-10%) were calculated. The side-to-side differences (SSD) of range of tibiofemoral motions at 6 and 24 months after surgery were calculated. KT-1000 measurements and PRO (IKDC Subjective Knee Form and KOOS scores) at 24 months after surgery were also evaluated. Results of kinematics were analyzed using 2-way repeated-measures ANOVA, and the SSD of kinematics, KT-1000 measurements and PROs were analyzed using student t-test ( P < 0.05). Results: The ACL reconstructed knee was significantly more extended in Hyperextension group than in Normal extension group at 6 months (3.9±4.7° vs -0.5±5.3°, P = 0.007) and 24 months (4.8±3.2° vs 0.5±4.6°, P = 0.001) after surgery. Regarding the kinematics of affected knees, there were no significant differences in anterior translation or internal rotation between the 2 groups at 6 months and 24 months after surgery, although there were trends of increased anterior translation and internal rotation over time in both groups (Figure 1). Even in SSD, there was no significant difference between 2 groups. There were also no significant differences in terms of KT-1000 measurements and PRO. Conclusion: This is the first study to assess the effect of dynamic knee hyperextension on in vivo kinematics after ACL reconstruction. The main findings of this study were that there were no significant differences of dynamic in vivo kinematics and clinical outcomes between Hyperextension and Normal extension groups, contrary to the hypothesis. Although knee hyperextension is believed to be a risk factor for poor outcome, the results of this study do not show significant influence of knee hyperextension on the functional kinematics and clinical outcomes after ACL-R. [Figure: see text]

One hundred ninety-seven patients who underwent surgical repair for a presumed unilateral perilymphatic fistula were reviewed. Of those patients, 87% with vestibular symptoms reported complete or near-complete relief of their symptoms. Forty percent of the patients with sudden hearing loss had an improvement in their hearing levels. An analysis of several diagnostic tests revealed their sensitivity and specificity ratings. A review of the patients' operative records showed a marked disparity between the visual identification of an actual fluid leak during surgery and their postoperative outcome. This review supports the premise that at the present time, the patient's surgical outcome is the best way of documenting a successfully repaired perilymphatic fistula.

Pulmonary complications are the main source of postop erative morbidity and mortality, with respiratory failure and pneumonia resulting in 50% of postoperative deaths after lung surgery. Despite the high incidence of postop erative complications, pulmonary resection remains the only effective treatment for lung cancer. Substantial resources are ascribed for the perioperative care of these high-risk patients. Clinical experience would dic tate that predicting outcome could be of immense value in allocating resources. This review will consider the predictive value of preoperative testing, including spi rometry, split lung function, blood gas analysis, carbon monoxide diffusion capacity, pulmonary vascular resis tance, and exercise testing, as well as recent efforts to develop a combined cardiopulmonary index.

Laparoscopy has come to be used for a large variety of surgical procedures. This has necessarily led to its use in patients who have a variety of interrelated diseases. While the postoperative course tends to be more benign than in traditional "open" procedures, the intraoperative period may be even more stressful to the patient from a physiological perspective. Use of sophisticated monitoring techniques in selected patients can help yield the optimal postoperative outcome.

The middle cranial fossa surgical approach has been used for the removal of acoustic neuromas in 43 patients at the University of Iowa since 1974. Hearing was maintained in 50% of patients with tumors 1.5 cm or less outside the porus acusticus. Postoperative hearing, facial nerve function, and complications were similar to reports using the suboccipital or retrosigmoid approach to preserve hearing for this size tumor. The character of the tumor appears to dictate the postoperative outcome rather than the surgical approach.

Clinical observations in developing countries and experimental studies in animals suggest that preoperative weight loss adversely affects postoperative morbidity. Since it is not clear whether these findings can be applied to surgical series in European countries, we have studied 106 surgically-treated patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Patients were divided into three groups according to the degree of preoperative weight loss. The groups were well matched in all other respects. Postoperative morbidity was monitored independently. The outcome in all three groups was similar so that in these patients, at least, preoperative weight loss did not adversely affect the postoperative outcome.