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Background/Objectives: Structural incomplete response (SIR) (persistence/recurrence) may occur in 2–6% of low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC)-cases and in 67–75% of high risk. Regarding locoregional disease, surgery is the optimal therapeutic modality if the smallest dimension of the targeted node is ≥8 mm or ≥10 mm (central or lateral compartment). In the presence of smaller nodes, contraindications or the patient's unwillingness for reoperation, active surveillance (AS) or minimally invasive treatments (MITs) may be considered. Methods: We retrospectively studied eight DTC patients with SIR confirmed by ultrasound (U/S)-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and the measurement of Thyroglobulin (Tg) in the washout fluid. Fourteen malignant lesions were ablated by radiofrequency (RF). We assessed prior to RF ablation (RFA) and consecutively at one month, three months and, then, every three months the volume of each lesion, serum Tg and Anti-Tg antibodies and calculated the volume reduction ratio (VRR). Results: Patients were followed for a mean period of 13.25 months (range: 4–24) after RFA was performed. The targeted lesions reduced significantly from a median volume of 0.24 mL (range: 0.09–0.9) to 0.02 mL (range: 0–0.03) (p < 0.05), with a median VRR of 94.5% (range: 78–100%) and concomitant significant biochemical remission (decrease in serum Tg from a median of 1.05 ng/mL to 0.2 ng/mL, p < 0.05). In one patient with an aggressive radioiodine (RAI)-refractory histological variant, re-recurrence was documented, which was successfully re-ablated by RF. In two patients, Horner syndrome was diagnosed as an RFA complication, which was totally resolved within six months. Conclusions: RFA may be considered as an effective and safe MIT in selective DTC patients with SIR, especially in cases of smaller lesions. Additional prospective studies are needed, including aggressive DTC histological variants towards a tailored therapeutic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Structural incomplete response (SIR) (persistence/recurrence) may occur in 2–6% of low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC)-cases and in 67–75% of high risk. Regarding locoregional disease, surgery is the optimal therapeutic modality if the smallest dimension of the targeted node is ≥8 mm or ≥10 mm (central or lateral compartment). In the presence of smaller nodes, contraindications or the patient’s unwillingness for reoperation, active surveillance (AS) or minimally invasive treatments (MITs) may be considered. Methods: We retrospectively studied eight DTC patients with SIR confirmed by ultrasound (U/S)-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and the measurement of Thyroglobulin (Tg) in the washout fluid. Fourteen malignant lesions were ablated by radiofrequency (RF). We assessed prior to RF ablation (RFA) and consecutively at one month, three months and, then, every three months the volume of each lesion, serum Tg and Anti-Tg antibodies and calculated the volume reduction ratio (VRR). Results: Patients were followed for a mean period of 13.25 months (range: 4–24) after RFA was performed. The targeted lesions reduced significantly from a median volume of 0.24 mL (range: 0.09–0.9) to 0.02 mL (range: 0–0.03) (p < 0.05), with a median VRR of 94.5% (range: 78–100%) and concomitant significant biochemical remission (decrease in serum Tg from a median of 1.05 ng/mL to 0.2 ng/mL, p < 0.05). In one patient with an aggressive radioiodine (RAI)-refractory histological variant, re-recurrence was documented, which was successfully re-ablated by RF. In two patients, Horner syndrome was diagnosed as an RFA complication, which was totally resolved within six months. Conclusions: RFA may be considered as an effective and safe MIT in selective DTC patients with SIR, especially in cases of smaller lesions. Additional prospective studies are needed, including aggressive DTC histological variants towards a tailored therapeutic approach.

A high-power ultrasonic transducer for minimally invasive treatments is proposed, capable of treating areas inaccessible by high-intensity focused ultrasound treatments. This transducer employs two elliptical reflectors that efficiently focus ultrasound waves into a thin waveguide by utilizing mode conversion. Additionally, a slit structure is introduced to suppress wave diffraction, further enhancing the focusing capabilities of the transducer. Finite element analysis demonstrates that the proposed transducer achieves an impressive energy density magnification factor of 325, with an energy efficiency of 24.2 %. This efficiency is 3.4 times higher than that of a conventional transducer, Double Parabolic refLector wave-guided Ultrasonic transducer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: COVID-19 led to the adoption of containment measures including the temporary closure of dental clinics. However, dental emergencies have not ceased during this pandemic. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze patient profiles and the offered management options to pediatric patients presenting with dental emergencies during a COVID-19 lockdown. Method and materials: Retrospective analysis was performed of patient records of children seeking emergency dental treatment during a 7-week lockdown period in 2020 in a university pedodontic clinic in Germany, and compared to a similar cohort from 2019. Data on patient, tooth, and session level were collected. Results: The 2020 cohort consisted of 83 patients, and the 2019 cohort included 46 patients, showing a 45% greater need for emergency treatment in 2020. The most common chief complaint was plaque-induced gingivitis/oral mucosal conditions in 2020 (26.4%), and irreversible pulpitis in 2019 (25.5%). Dental caries (without spontaneous pain) was the second most common chief complaint in both cohorts (20.7% and 23.4%, respectively). Most interventions in 2020 were minimally invasive treatments (eg, Hall Technique, silver diammine fluoride; 20.3%), which were in 2019 not considered at all; followed by pharmacologic treatment (16.9%), which was in 2019 also highly used (35.9%). Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in emergency pediatric dental visits and shifted treatment options towards less invasive procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic pain is one of the most challenging diseases for physicians as its etiology and manifestations can be extremely varied. Many guidelines have been published and many therapeutic options are nowadays available for the different types of pain. Given the enormous amount of information that healthcare providers must handle, it is not always simple to keep in mind all the phases and strategies to manage pain. We here present the acronym PATIENT (P: patient's perception; A: assessment; T: tailored approach; I: iterative evaluation; E: education; N: non-pharmacological approach; T: team), a bundle which can help to summarize all the steps to follow in the management of chronic pain. Methods: We performed a PubMed search with a list of terms specific for every issue of the bundle; only English articles were considered. Results: We analyzed the literature investigating these topics to provide an overview of the available data on each bundle's issue; their synthesis lead to an algorithm which may allow healthcare providers to undertake every step of a patient's evaluation and management. Discussion: Pain management is very complex; our PATIENT bundle could be a guide to clinicians to optimize a patient's evaluation and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The opportunities and the development of minimally invasive treatments have led to a paradigm shift from „cosmetic surgery" to „aesthetic medicine". This development has made it possible to implement aesthetic treatments for a wide range of patients and to significantly increase the circle of possible medical and non-medical practitioners. The variety of different treatment options, the speed with which new ones are advertised, but also complex and difficult-to-understand modes of action pose a number of problems for both - patients and practitioners. This article is intended to provide an overview of proven and new treatment concepts in aesthetic medicine, in particular with regard to non-surgical, so-called „minimally-invasive" treatments to enable a structured entry into aesthetic medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high-power ultrasonic transducer for minimally invasive treatments is proposed, capable of treating areas inaccessible by high-intensity focused ultrasound treatments. This transducer employs two elliptical reflectors that efficiently focus ultrasound waves into a thin waveguide by utilizing mode conversion. Additionally, a slit structure is introduced to suppress wave diffraction, further enhancing the focusing capabilities of the transducer. Finite element analysis demonstrates that the proposed transducer achieves an impressive energy density magnification factor of 325, with an energy efficiency of 24.2 $ \% .$ This efficiency is 3.4 times higher than that of a conventional transducer, Double Parabolic refLector wave-guided Ultrasonic transducer.

Objective. The aim of the study was to analyze the effectiveness of modern treatments in 485 patients with chronic hemorrhoids stage II-III-IV over the past 3 years. Results. An individual-combined approach to the treatment of hemorrhoids has been introduced, as many patients can have nodules at different stages of the disease at the same time. Used a combination of methods with different ways to influence the pathogenesis of hemorrhoids. Thanks to the introduction of a set of systemic measures, good results were obtained, namely the healing time of postoperative wounds was reduced by 35-40% and the intensity of postoperative pain was reduced by 3-4 points on a 10-point analog visual scale. Conclusions. The use of an individual integrated approach to each patient in choosing the tactics of surgical treatment of hemorrhoids and the widespread introduction of modern techniques, has reduced the duration of the postoperative period, preserve radical intervention and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Objective: To assess the comparative effectiveness and ranking of minimally invasive treatments (MITs) for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Materials and Methods: We searched multiple databases up to 24 February 2021. We included randomized controlled trials assessing the following treatments: convective radiofrequency water vapour thermal therapy (WVTT; or Rezūm); prostatic arterial embolization (PAE); prostatic urethral lift (PUL; or Urolift); temporary implantable nitinol device (TIND); and transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) compared to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or sham surgery. We performed a frequentist network meta‐analysis. Results: We included 27 trials involving 3017 men. The overall certainty of the evidence of most outcomes according to GRADE was low to very low. Compared to TURP, we found that PUL and PAE may result in little to no difference in urological symptoms, while WVTT, TUMT and TIND may result in worse urological symptoms. MITs may result in little to no difference in quality of life, compared to TURP. MITs may result in a large reduction in major adverse events compared to TURP. We were uncertain about the effects of PAE and PUL on retreatment compared to TURP, however, TUMT may result in higher retreatment rates. We were very uncertain of the effects of MITs on erectile function and ejaculatory function. Among MITs, PUL and PAE had the highest likelihood of being the most efficacious for urinary symptoms and quality of life, TUMT for major adverse events, WVTT and TIND for erectile function and PUL for ejaculatory function. Excluding WVTT and TIND, for which there were only studies with short‐term (3‐month) follow‐up, PUL had the highest likelihood of being the most efficacious for retreatment. Conclusions: Minimally invasive treatments may result in similar or worse effects concerning urinary symptoms and quality of life compared to TURP at short‐term follow‐up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although there are different treatments for benign prostate hyperplasia, their efficacy and safety differ. We are currently exploring a new minimally invasive interventional therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Purpose: To determine the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of ultrasound-guided transperineal laser ablation (US-TPLA) for the treatment of BPH. Material and Methods: Twenty patients with BPH (mean age = 73.9 ± 9.2 years) who underwent US-TPLA from June 2018 to January 2020 with a subsequent six-month follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. After local anesthesia, a 21-G trocar was inserted into the prostate tissue under ultrasound monitoring, followed by 1064 nm diode laser irradiation. Changes in international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), postvoid residual (PVR), prostate volume, and complications were evaluated six months after surgery. Results: All patients underwent the operation successfully without serious complications. After six months, the average IPSS improved from 22.7 ± 5.3 to 9.1 ± 3.2 (P < 0.001), the QoL improved from 4.9 ± 1.7 to 2.3 ± 1.3 (P < 0.001), the Qmax improved from 8.5 ± 3.0 to 15.2 ± 4.8 mL/s (P < 0.001), the PVR increased from 78.7 ± 58.8 to 30.3 ± 34.2 (P < 0.05), and the mean prostate volume ranged from 70.8 ± 23.8 to 54.7 ± 20.9 mL (P < 0.05). Conclusion: US-TPLA is safe and feasible for the treatment of BPH. An evaluation at the six-month follow-up is effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benign thyroid nodules are a common clinical occurrence and usually do not require treatment unless symptomatic. During the last years, ultrasound-guided minimally invasive treatments (MIT) gained an increasing role in the management of nodules causing local symptoms. In February 2018, the Italian MIT Thyroid Group was founded to create a permanent cooperation between Italian and international physicians dedicated to clinical research and assistance on MIT for thyroid nodules. The group drafted this list of statements based on literature review and consensus opinion of interdisciplinary experts to facilitate the diffusion and the appropriate use of MIT of thyroid nodules in clinical practice. (#1) Predominantly cystic/cystic symptomatic nodules should first undergo US-guided aspiration; ethanol injection should be performed if relapsing (level of evidence [LoE]: ethanol is superior to simple aspiration = 2); (#2) In symptomatic cystic nodules, thermal ablation is an option when symptoms persist after ethanol ablation (LoE = 4); (#3) Double cytological benignity confirmation is needed before thermal ablation (LoE = 2); (#4) Single cytological sample is adequate in ultrasound low risk (EU-TIRADS ≤3) and in autonomously functioning nodules (LoE = 2); (#5) Thermal ablation may be proposed as first-line treatment for solid, symptomatic, nonfunctioning, benign nodules (LoE = 2); (#6) Thermal ablation may be used for dominant lesions in nonfunctioning multinodular goiter in patients refusing/not eligible for surgery (LoE = 5); (#7) Clinical and ultrasound follow-up is appropriate after thermal ablation (LoE = 2); (#8) Nodule re-treatment can be considered when symptoms relapse or partially resolve (LoE = 2); (#9) In case of nodule regrowth, a new cytological assessment is suggested before second ablation (LoE = 5); (#10) Thermal ablation is an option for autonomously functioning nodules in patients refusing/not eligible for radioiodine or surgery (LoE = 2); (#11) Small autonomously functioning nodules can be treated with thermal ablation when thyroid tissue sparing is a priority and ≥80% nodule volume ablation is expected (LoE = 3).

The article presents the results of surgical treatment of patients with stages III to IV hemorrhoids followed by an observation period of 45 days, which is designed to improve the results of surgical treatment of this category of patients. The surgical treatment methods included doppler-guided transanal hemorrhoiddearterialization with mucopexy (DDM) (Group I) and harmonic scalpel hemorrhoidectomy (HSH) (Group II). Operated patients underwent all necessary examinations according to the “per protocol” principle. Study Design: single-center controlled randomized prospective. The effectiveness of DDM was comparable to that of hemorrhoidectomy (HE), which made it possible to significantly reduce the duration of the operation (DDM 17.9 ± 6.1 min, GE 34.5 ± 10.1 min (p

Vacuum-assisted aspiration biopsy (VAB) has been in use for over 20 years. It is an accurate and safe procedure with a sensitivity of 97 %, specificity of 100 %, and accuracy of 99 %. VAB is used for the evaluation of nonpalpable tumors suspicious for breast cancer. Since 2000, VAB is widely used as a therapeutic method for total biopsy or resection of benign breast tumors (breast fibroadenoma, recurrent cysts, and intraductal or intracyctic hyperplasia). Many authors consider VAB as an alternative to standard surgery. VAB demonstrates good results in the minimally invasive treatment of nodular mastopathy. VAB technique is continuously being improved, which indicates the progress in medical science and successful implementation of minimally invasive treatments into clinical practice.

Purpose:To compare technique efficacy and safety of laser ablation (LA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in treatment of benign thyroid nodules. Materials and methods:Institutional review board approval was obtained, and patients’ consent was waived. 601 nodules were treated from May 2009 to December 2014 at eight centres, 449 (309 females, age 57 ± 14 years) with LA and 152 (107 females, age 57 ± 14 years) with RFA. A matched cohort composed of 138 patients from each group was selected after adjustment with propensity score matching. Factors influencing volume reduction at 6 and 12 months and complications were evaluated. Results:No significant differences were observed in the baseline characteristics between groups after propensity score matching adjustment. Mean nodule reduction at 6 and 12 months was −67 ± 19% vs. −57 ± 21% (p < 0.001) − 70 ± 19% vs. −62 ± 22% (p= 0.001) in LA group and in RFA group, respectively. Nodules with volume >30 mL had significantly higher percentage volume reduction at 6 and 12 months (−69 ± 19 vs. −50 ± 21,p = 0.001) and (−73 ± 18 vs. −54 ± 23 8,p = 0.001) in the LA group than in the RFA group, respectively. In both groups, operator’s skills affected the results. Major complications occurred in 4 cases in each group (p = 0.116) Conclusions:LA and RFA showed nearly similar outcome but LA was slightly more effective than RFA in large nodules. Operator’s skills could be crucial in determining the extent of nodule volume reduction regardless of the used technique. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: To assess the feasibility and safety of transperineal laser ablation (TPLA) for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).Materials and Methods: Institutional review board approval was obtained for this prospective non-randomized trial. Eightteen patients (age 71.7 ± 9.4 years) with urinary symptoms secondary to BPH underwent TPLA under local anesthesia. Under US guidance, up to four 21G applicators were inserted in the prostatic tissue. Each treatment was performed with diode laser operating at 1064 nm changing the illumination time according to prostate size. Primary endpoints were technical success and safety of TPLA. Secondary endpoints included operation time, ablation time, energy deployed, hospitalization time, catheterization time, and change in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Quality of Life (QoL), peak urinary flow rate (Q max), post-void residual (PVR), and prostatic volume at 3 months. χ 2 and Fisher exact tests were used.Results: All procedures were technically successful. No complications occurred. Mean operation time was 43.3 ± 8.7 min, mean ablation time 15.9 ± 3.9 min, mean energy deployed 10,522 ± 3290.5 J, mean hospital stay 1.5 ± 0.4 days, and mean catheterization time 17.3 ± 10.0 days. At 3 months, IPSS improved from 21.9 to 10.7 (P < 0.001), QoL from 4.7 ± 0.6 to 2.1 ± 1.2 (P < 0.001), Q max from 7.6 to 13.3 mL/s (P = 0.001), PVR from 199.9 ± 147.3 to 81.5 ± 97.8 (P < 0.001), and mean prostate volume from 69.8 to 54.8 mL (P < 0.001).Conclusions: TPLA is feasible and safe in the treatment of BPH, providing significant clinical results at 3 months.Level Of Evidence: Case series, Level IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The liver is involved in about half of patients with metastatic breast cancer. Unfortunately systemic chemotherapy as the treatment of choice is limited. Due to multifocality and/or insufficient remnant liver volume, the majority of liver metastases are also unresectable. Currently, thermal ablations are used in these patients with acceptable impact. Methods: We reviewed studies on radiofrequency ablation (RFA), laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT) and microwave ablation (MWA) regarding local tumour response, progression and survival indexes in patients with breast cancer liver metastases (BCLM). Results: The reviewed literature showed positive response rates of 63 % to 97 % in RF-ablated lesions, 98.2 % in LITT-treated lesions and 34.5-62.5 % in MW-ablated lesions. Median survival was 10.9-60 months using RFA, 51-54 months after LITT and 41.8 months using MWA. Five-year survival rates were 27-30 %, 35 % and 29 %, respectively. Local tumour progression ranged from 13.5 % to 58 % using RFA, 2.9 % with LITT and 9.6 % with MWA. Conclusion: The reviewed literature demonstrated that ablation therapies either as single therapy or combined with other locoregional therapies are a good alternative as an adjunction to resection in patients with resectable lesions or with positive response using chemotherapy. However, multicentre randomised studies should be conducted to obtain further evidence of the benefits of these treatments in patients with BCLM. Key points: • Thermal ablation is an alternative treatment for hepatic metastases from breast cancer • This review assesses thermal ablation therapies and local chemoembolisation techniques • It helps prioritise treatment options for managing hepatic metastases from breast cancer [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimal treatment strategy for esophageal cancer continues to be a topic of debate. Improvements in chemotherapy drugs, surgical techniques, and radiotherapy planning and delivery have led to the design of treatment approaches that are specific to both the stage of the tumor and the overall performance status of the patient. Surgery continues to be the standard treatment option for localized disease, but multimodality treatments that include radiation and chemotherapy with surgery are increasingly used. The next few years will continue to see improvements in radiation techniques, especially proton beam treatment; the development of additional minimally invasive surgical approaches to minimize postoperative side effects; and the discovery of molecular biomarkers to help specifically target treatment of esophageal cancer in individual patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pain represents a foremost feature of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS). Similar to other persistent pain conditions, the physical discomfort associated with NTOS can cause severe and often debilitating symptoms. In fact, those suffering from the syndrome report a quality of life impacted as significantly as those with chronic heart failure. This evidence-based literature review focuses on the classification, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic measures, and surgical treatment of NTOS, with a focus on nonoperative therapies such as physical modalities, pharmacological therapies, and more contemporary minimally invasive intramuscular treatments with botulinum toxin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/objective. The isthmocele represents a discontinuity of the anterior uterine wall that appears as a result of a deficient healing at the level of hysterorraphy after caesarean section, which involved both gynecological and obstetric complications. Depending on the thickness of the overlying myometrium, there may be a large defect, affecting more than 50% of it, or a small defect with an interest of less than 50% or a thickness of more than 3 mm of the myometrium. This classification is important in the therapeutic decision to establish a hysteroscopic or laparoscopic treatment. Methodology. The present paper aims to present the case of a 27-year-old patient who presents to the clinic for secondary infertility, dysmenorrhea, intermenstrual spotting and severe dyspareunia. Ultrasound examination reveals a wide niche after caesarean section. Results. The patient undergoes laparoscopic correction of the isthmocele. The follow-up at six weeks postoperatively showed a significant improvement of symptoms and a normal ultrasound examination, with the disappearance of the niche. Discussion and conclusions. Although a still incompletely understood entity, the diagnosis of isthmocele is constantly increasing, which is why the treatment should be chosen depending on the presence of symptoms, the size of the defect, the secondary infertility and the desire to conceive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is one of the most common diseases of aging men and can be associated with bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms that affect quality of life by interfering with normal daily activities and sleep patterns. Standardized methodologies for diagnosis and assessment of symptom severity to direct treatment selection have been promulgated. Patients with bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms are more likely to benefit from intervention with either medical, surgical or one of the emerging minimally invasive therapies. Medical therapy is the first line of therapy for symptomatic patients, reserving surgical intervention for patients with complications from benign prostatic hyperplasia or for those desiring more definitive initial therapy. Phytotherapeutic (herbal supplement) therapies are very popular around the world and many men take them without a prescription. Minimally invasive therapies seek to emulate the results of surgical resection, while avoiding the morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Back pain in young athletes is common. Adolescents are at an increased risk for back pain related to several factors including rapid growth. Traditionally, the conversation around back pain in the adolescent age group has been centered around diagnosis and treatment; however, there are emerging studies regarding prevention., Objective: The purpose of the present investigation is to summarize sport-specific risk factors, to describe the growing emphasis on prevention/screening, and report results on minimally invasive and surgical options., Methods: The literature search was performed in Mendeley. Search fields were varied until redundant. All articles were screened by title and abstract and a preliminary decision to include an article was made. The full-text screening was performed on the selected articles. Any question regarding the inclusion of an article was discussed by at least 3 authors until an agreement was reached., Results: Adolescent athletes have a higher risk of developing spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis than their non-athletic counterparts. Participation in athletic activity alone, increased body mass index, varsity status, and nationally/internationally competitive status are identified are demographic risk factors. Weightlifters, gymnasts, football players, and combat athletes may be at higher risks. Increased lumbar lordosis, abdominal muscle weakness, hip flexor tightness, hamstring tightness, thoracolumbar fascia tightness, femoral anteversion, genu recurvatum, and thoracic kyphosis also predispose. Recent cadaveric and kinematic studies have furthered our understanding of pathoanatomic. There is some evidence to suggest that isokinetic testing and electromyographic data may be able to identify at-risk individuals. Perturbation-based exercise interventions can reduce the incidence of adolescent athletic back pain. There is a large body of evidence to support the efficacy of physical therapy. There is some data to support minimally invasive treatments including external bone growth simulators, steroid injections, and chemonucleolysis for specific pathologies. Endoscopic surgery results for a limited subset of patients with certain disease processes are good., Conclusions: Back pain in adolescent athletes is common and may not lead to appropriate alterations in athletes' level of participation. Athletes with a higher body mass index should be counseled regarding the benefits of losing weight. Isokinetic testing and electromyographic data have the potential as diagnostic and screening tools. Strength deficits and postural control could be used to identify patients requiring early intervention and thus reduce the incidence. External bone growth simulators, steroid injections, and chemonucleolysis could potentially become conservative options in the future. When surgery is indicated, the endoscopic intervention has the potential to decrease operative time, decrease cost, and promote healing., Competing Interests: We have no disclosures or potential conflicts of interest.

Nasal enhancement is one of the most challenging and intriguing of aesthetic procedures. Although the nose is the most central and prominent facial feature, it should not be dominant while maintaining both a harmonious relationship with the face and its own intrinsic beauty. In this article, the first author shares his experience on how to specifically apply intradermal soft-tissue fillers (for particular indications) in nasal enhancement and incorporates patient assessment, anatomy of the nose, and injection techniques to provide guidance. Intradermal injections are required for specific regions, as for example in the treatment of internal and external valve collapse; however, several precautionary measures need to be implemented to minimize risks resulting in vascular compromise., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Fungal keratitis (FK) remains a serious clinical problem worldwide, so the ultimate goal of the treatment is to develop a minimally invasive, safe, and effective method for ocular drug delivery. Here, a minimally invasive delivery system is reported for treating FK by using a dissolving microneedle (MN)-array patch based on Poly(D,L-lactide) (PLA) and hyaluronic acid (HA). By altering the concentration of PLA, MN patches with excellent properties are modified and optimized. The 30% PLA-HA MN patches penetrate the corneal epithelial layer reversibly with no apparent ocular irritation as well as a short recovery time of less than 12 h, and increase the residence time by 2.5 h in the conjunctival sac, thereby offering higher drug bioavailability. Remarkably, the rabbit model of FK shows that the topical MN(+) patch medication exerts superior therapeutic effects compared with the conventional eye drop formulation, and also presents comparable therapeutic efficacy with that of the clinical mainstay strategy (i.e., intrastromal injection). Therefore, the MN patch, acting as an ocular drug delivery system with high efficacy and ability of rapid corneal healing, promises a cost-effective household solution for the treatment of FK, which may also lead to a new approach for treating FK in clinics., (© 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Context: A large number of minimally invasive techniques have been developed for the surgical management of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) presumed to be secondary to benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) over the last 3 decades. Many have not stood the test of time often because they were overpromoted before there were sufficient data., Objective: The scope of this paper is to consider whether new devices, for the treatment of male LUTS/BPO, have been implemented prematurely in the past. We also examine the relative certainty of evidence (CoE) that is currently available for newer developing technologies and make recommendations about the CoE that should be demanded in the future before widespread implementation., Key Messages: This evidence must provide adequate length of follow-up to allow proper information to be provided for patients before treatment choices are made and to be able to create recommendations in high-quality guidelines such as those of the European Association of Urology. It is not just within the domain of LUTS treatments that this is important, other urological devices, such as mesh devices, have been equally "guilty" and likewise devices in most other (surgical) specialities. We believe that there is a need for a set of requirements built around primary randomised controlled trials (RCTs) looking at both efficacy and safety, and secondary studies to confirm the reproducibility and generalisability of the first pivotal studies. Otherwise, there is a danger that a single pivotal study can be overexploited by device manufacturers. Studies that are needed include (1) proof of concept, (2) RCTs on efficacy and safety, as well as (3) cohort studies with a broad range of inclusion and exclusion criteria to confirm both reproducibility and generalisability of the benefits and harms. It is not the purpose of this paper to make judgements about individual treatments but simply to look at different treatments to provide verification for this debate., Patient Summary: Many new treatment devices have been developed over the last 20-30 yr, often with inadequate medium- to long-term results. Many have not stood the test of time, but were heavily promoted by manufacturers, the press, and some doctors when they were first released, meaning that many patients had unsatisfactory results. This paper proposes minimum standards for the investigation of new treatments before their widespread promotion to patients., (Copyright © 2019 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)