Buttonhole needling is reported to be associated with less pain than standard needling. The purpose of this study was to compare patient perceived pain and fistula complications in buttonhole and standard needling. In this study, 140 conventional hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to buttonhole or standard needling. The primary outcome ...

BACKGROUND: Preoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis is widely used in pediatric patients undergoing appendectomy, but evidence showing a reduction of postoperative infectious complications is lacking. METHODS: A prospective consecutive cohort study on changing from preoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis to no prophylaxis in children undergoing urgent appendectomy was undertaken. The impact of this change ...

Randomized Trial of ICE During CTI Ablation. Introduction: Despite a high success rate, radio-frequency ablation (RFA) of the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) can be unusually challenging in some cases. We postulated that visualization of the CTI with intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) could maximize the succes rate, decrease the procedure and ablation time, ...

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to elucidate differences in preoperative cerebral glucose metabolism between patients who did and did not become seizure free after unilateral mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) surgery. We hypothesized that regional glucose metabolism on preoperative fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in patients with seizure-free outcomes differed from ...

Legg-Calvé-Perthes (LCP) disease is currently managed by mechanical containment of the femoral head in the hip socket. As evidence suggests that hip distraction may offer a new treatment strategy, we used arthrodistraction as a primary treatment for active forms of LCP disease and prospectively compared the results with the Salter ...

Purpose:  Surgery in frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) has a worse prognosis regarding seizure freedom than anterior lobectomy in temporal lobe epilepsy. The current study aimed to assess whether intracranial interictal and ictal EEG findings in addition to clinical and scalp EEG data help to predict outcome in a series of ...

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the relationship between CHADS(2) scores and the rate of antithrombotic drug use and clinical outcomes in patients with an initial cardioembolic stroke who had nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). METHODS: In 234 patients (135 men and 99 women; mean age [±SD] 76 ± 11 years) with initial ...

INTRODUCTION: Interferons, pegylated interferons (PegIFN), and oral antivirals are used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus infection. The number of studies comparing the efficacy of PegIFNs in the treatment of HBe antigen-negative CHB is rather limited. In this trial, the efficacy of two PegIFN products used in ...

Background: In resource-limited settings the monitoring of tuberculosis (TB) patients is challenging, and early identification of TB patients with a high mortality risk is important. The aim of this study was to investigate prospectively whether early changes in a clinical scoring system (TB score) can predict treatment outcome in Ethiopian ...

BACKGROUND: Boosted protease-inhibitor monotherapy (bPImono) potentially has substantial cost, safety and operational benefits. It has never been evaluated as second-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Africa. METHODS: After 24 weeks lopinavir/ritonavir-containing second-line therapy, DART participants were randomised to remain on combination-therapy(CT), or change to bPImono maintenance (SARA trial: ISRCTN53817258). Co-primary endpoints ...

Background: Recently, Radachlorin has been shown to be a promising photosensitizer in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of adjunctive application of Radachlorin-mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) compared to scaling and root planing (SRP) alone on clinical parameters and cytokine levels in gingival ...

PURPOSE: Current guidelines recommend prophylactic antibiotic therapy for all patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy. We examined the effects of antibiotic prophylaxis in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy with negative preoperative urine cultures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of the 5,803 patients in the CROES (Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society) Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Global ...

BACKGROUND: We evaluated discrepancy of calcium detection between gray scale intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and virtual histology (VH)-IVUS and the association between coronary calcium and plaque composition. METHODS: Study population consisted of 162 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with VH-IVUS study. Subjects were divided into 3 groups based on ...

Background:Nitrous oxide (N(2)O) has been widely used in clinical anesthesia for >150 years. However, use of N(2)O has decreased in recent years because of concern about the drug's metabolic side effects. But evidence that routine use of N(2)O causes clinically important toxicity remains elusive. We therefore evaluated the relationship between ...

Purpose: This study attempted to observe the effect of feeding regulation measures (FRM) for the construction of an esophageal channel function in a neoesophagus using an artificial nitinol esophagus. Methods: Experiments were divided among groups: group 1, receiving FRM; and group 2, the non-feeding regulation measures (NFRM) group. Results: Ten ...

BACKGROUND: Perioperative antithrombotic treatment for gastric cancer patients receiving chronic anticoagulation and/or antiplatelet agents requires an understanding of potential bleeding and thromboembolic risks. However, no study has examined the safety aspects of perioperative antithrombotic treatment during radical gastrectomy. This study sought to evaluate postoperative bleeding and thromboembolic complications after radical ...

Citation information: Lee TE & Kim SH. Accommodative and tonic convergence and anatomical contracture in partially accommodative and non-accommodative esotropia. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2012. doi: 10.1111/j.1475-1313.2012.00924.x ABSTRACT: Purpose:  To compare accommodative convergence, tonic convergence, and anatomical contracture quantitatively in partially accommodative esotropia vs non-accommodative esotropia. Methods:  Patients with an esotropia ...

BACKGROUND: Patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) has not been widely used after gastrectomy, although, in other abdominal surgery, it benefits patients more than patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA). We attempted to determine the effect of PCEA compared with PCIA on postoperative pain control and recovery after gastrectomy for gastric cancer. METHODS: A ...

BACKGROUND: While some clinical reports suggest minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques improve recovery and reduce pain in the first months after TKA, it is unclear whether it improves gait and thigh muscle strength. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We hypothesized TKA performed through a mini-subvastus approach would improve subjective and objective and subjective function ...

Arthroscopic Bankart repair and capsular shift is a well-established technique for the treatment of anterior shoulder instability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes following arthroscopic Bankart repair and capsular shift and to identify risk factors that are predictive of recurrence of glenohumeral instability. We performed a ...

PURPOSE: Internal anal sphincter (IAS) achalasia is a clinical condition with presentation similar to Hirschsprung's disease, but with the presence of ganglion cells on rectal suction biopsy (RSB). The diagnosis is made by anorectal manometry (ARM), which demonstrates the absence of the rectosphincteric reflex on rectal balloon inflation. The recommended ...

Achilles tendon lengthening can decrease plantar pressures, leading to resolution of forefoot ulceration in patients with diabetes mellitus. However, this procedure has been reported to have a complication rate of 10% to 30% and can require a long period of postoperative immobilization. We have developed a new technique, selective plantar ...

BACKGROUND & AIMS: We performed a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Enoxaparin, a low molecular weight heparin, in preventing portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in patients with advanced cirrhosis. METHODS: In a non-blinded, single-center study, 70 outpatients with cirrhosis (Child-Pugh classes B7-C10) with demonstrated patent portal ...

BACKGROUND: /st>For several types of non-cardiac surgery, the cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET)-derived variables anaerobic threshold (AT), peak oxygen consumption ( peak), and ventilatory equivalent for CO(2) () are predictive of increased postoperative risk: less physically fit patients having a greater risk of adverse outcome. We investigated this relationship in patients ...

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of fixed combination brimonidine-timolol (FCBT) in comparison with brimonidine tartrate 0.2% and control for the treatment of intraocular pressure (IOP) spikes after neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy. Methods: One hundred five eyes of 105 patients were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomized to ...

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is one of the most common approaches used to revise post-bariatric patients with inadequate weight loss or significant weight regain. Previous studies have analyzed the outcomes of open revisional RYGB versus primary RYGB, but no case-control matched analysis comparing revisional LRYGB versus primary LRYGB ...

BACKGROUND: We conducted a randomized clinical trial to investigate the efficacy of the selective α(1A)-adrenoceptor antagonist tamsulosin in preventing acute voiding difficulty after rectal cancer surgery. METHODS: A total of 94 rectal cancer patients with an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) of ≤7 were randomly assigned (1:1) to the tamsulosin ...

To address a paucity of literature and treatment guidelines regarding the management of butterfly glioblastomas, we performed a ten year retrospective analysis of data from twenty-three consecutive patients treated for this disease at a single institution. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were assessed. Median age was 59 years; 52 % were female; median ...

Controversy exists regarding the optimal technique for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The purpose of this multicenter, randomized, double-blind controlled study was to compare the functional outcomes and healing rates after use of single-row and double-row suture techniques for repair of the rotator cuff. Ninety patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair ...

Study design:This was a multicentre, prospective, randomised study.Objectives:To compare the outcomes of intradetrusor and suburothelial onabotulinumtoxinA injections in patients with spinal cord injury and refractory neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO).Setting:Urology departments of two tertiary hospitals in the Czech Republic.Methods:A total of 32 spinal cord injury patients with severe NDO refractory to ...

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the percentage of disc hernias that have disappeared after one year of follow-up and the time to disappearance. To determine whether gadolinium enhancement is useful for predicting whether the hernia will disappear. To analyze whether the pattern of enhancement can help predict whether the fragment will disappear. ...

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Strokes secondary to acute internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion are associated with extremely poor prognosis. The best treatment approach to acute stroke in this setting is unknown. We sought to determine clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke attributable to ICA occlusion treated with intravenous (IV) ...

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictors of de novo stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in patients undergoing a tension-free vaginal mesh procedure (TVM) for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). METHODS: Sixty-five patients without SUI were assessed with regard to voiding function by a pressure flow ...

OBJECTIVE: The Heart Rhythm Society, European Heart Rhythm Association, and European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society jointly recommend indefinite warfarin anticoagulation in patients with CHADS(2) (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age, diabetes, and stroke) score of at least 2 who have undergone ablation for atrial fibrillation. This study determined the impact of CHADS(2) ...

BACKGROUND:: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography may fail because of malignant involvement of the second portion of the duodenum and the major papilla. Alternatives include percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) or surgical bypass. Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CD) has been reported as an alternative. OBJECTIVE:: To prospectively compare EUS-CD and PTBD in patients ...

BACKGROUND: Quality of life (QOL) outcomes become critical for survivors of head and neck cancer. Most QOL studies were based on <5-year outcomes and very few addressed >5-year outcomes. This study focused late complications and >5-year outcomes and also compared the 2 standard treatments. METHODS: The long-term problems were identified ...

Background: Central venous access systems are frequently used for delivery of medications; however, few studies have compared surgical and postoperative complications of right versus left access via the subclavian vein (SCV). The aim of this study was to compare the surgical and postoperative complications associated with Port-A-Cath system insertion via ...

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of IV lidocaine in decreasing complication rate and improving the outcome in dogs with gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). DESIGN: Prospective non-controlled study of 83 lidocaine-treated dogs with GDV compared to 47 untreated historical controls with GDV. SETTING: University veterinary teaching hospital. ANIMALS: One hundred and ...

INTRODUCTION: The hypothesis of this study is that computer-aided navigation experience could improve the ability to better place components in the coronal plane and to improve visual/spatial awareness based on the ability of navigation to provide instant feedback. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the educational role of ...

BACKGROUND: Five percent of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are primarily localized in the rectum. We analyzed the outcome of multimodality treatment for rectal GIST in a multicenter retrospective series. METHODS: All surgically treated patients with a rectal GIST were identified from four specialized centers in the Netherlands. Primary endpoints were ...

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate changes in transfusion practice over time in liver transplantation surgery and to evaluate potential causes for changes in practice and report associated perioperative morbidity and mortality. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. SETTING: A single tertiary referral academic hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Two cohorts ...

Proximal femur external rotation osteotomy is a common procedure used for the correction of increased femur anteversion and hip internal rotation in cerebral palsy (CP). Different levels of osteotomy have been used at the proximal femur, but there are no studies in the literature comparing the results in CP. Patients ...

We studied the efficacy of culture-specific antibiotic therapy for chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP) patients with or without prostatic calculi. This study included 101 patients (21-62 years old) who met the consensus criteria for CBP (National Institutes of Health category II). According to the results of transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS), all patients ...

Abstract Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the Sonalleve high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU; Philips Healthcare, Vantaa, Finland) system in ablating uterine fibroids in a 3T magnet. Material and methods: Seven women were included in this study. Treatment was performed according to the ...

Objective. To investigate the possible reasons for repeated urethral dilatation or optical internal urethrotomy rather than urethroplasty in the treatment of male urethral strictures. Patients and methods. Men referred to the stricture clinic of our institution during the period April 2007 - March 2008 were reviewed and the operative urological ...

New generation oxygenators with integrated arterial line filters have been marketed to improve the efficacy of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Differences in designs, materials, coating surfaces, pore size of arterial filter, and static prime exist between the oxygenators. Despite abundant preclinical data, literature lacks clinical studies. From September 2010 to March ...

Centrifugal pump (CP) and roller pump (RP) designs are the dominant main arterial pumps used in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Trials reporting clinical outcome measures comparing CP and RP are controversial. Therefore, a meta-analysis was undertaken to evaluate clinical variables from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Keyword searches were performed on Medline ...

Abstract Objective.This article reports the early results of a novel sling used for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). This sling has a piece of autologous rectus fascia in its middle part and two arms of polypropylene mesh. Material and methods. The study included 44 women with SUI. ...

The effects of altering patients' femoral offset (FO) during total hip arthroplasty on postoperative pain and function have not been well described. This study compared clinical outcomes as assessed by the Short Form 12 Health Survey and Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index between patients who had their FOs ...

Despite clinical success, it is unclear which one, posterior-substituting (PS) or cruciate-retaining (CR) insert, has superior functional outcomes or longevity. We compared the collected results from 2 institutional review board-approved, multicenter, prospective observational studies following CR (412) and PS inserts (328). Participants were evaluated preoperatively, at 6 weeks, at 3 ...