Κυριακή 18 Σεπτεμβρίου 2022

The T‐shaped FST pharyngoplasty step‐by‐step closure technique

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Abstract

Pharyngocutaneous fistula is one of the most common and serious complications associated with total laryngectomy. Numerous studies tried to evaluate causative and predisposing factors associated with this complication, but data are considerably variable and there is still no international consensus. Incidence rate varies considerably between studies, with reported rates from 3% to 65%. This 4K video presents our T-shaped four-step technique (FST) for closing the pharyngeal mucosa after total laryngectomy in a step-by-step manner. All sutures were performed by braided absorbable 3/0 26 mm 1/2c (Vicryl plus 3.0; Ethicon, Somerville, NJ, USA). Recordings were performed using a Karl Storz 4K 3D VITOM® exoscope (Karl Storz SE & Co. KG, Tuttlingen, Germany). We have been described this technique through a high-definition video, showing each step, and tips from the authors. Our T-shaped pharyngoplasty closure technique can be divided into four steps: 1. "Key Stitches"; 2. "A rea Refinement Stitches"; 3. "Modified Connell Suture"; 4. "Modified Purse String Suture." Our T-shaped FST closure technique proved to be an effective and reproducible method, which we feel could be the preferred choice for primary pharyngoplasty closure.

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Effectiveness of root canal treatment for vital pulps compared with necrotic pulps in the presence or absence of signs of periradicular pathosis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

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Abstract

Background

Pre-operative pulpal status may influence the outcomes of root canal treatment (RCTx) according to various measures used.

Objectives

To compare effectiveness of RCTx of teeth with a vital pulp versus a necrotic pulp using a range of clinical and patient-related outcomes, for the development of S3-Level clinical practice guidelines.

Methods

A search was conducted in the PubMed-MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, Google scholar databases and available repositories, followed by hand searches, until 29 March 2022. Clinical studies published in English language comparing the stipulated outcomes of RCTx of teeth with vital versus necrotic pulp were included. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was adapted to assess study quality. Effects of pulpal status were estimated and expressed as risk ratio (RR) using fixed- and random-effect meta-analyses. The quality of evidence was assessed through the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tool.

Results

Twenty-eight studies published between 1961 and 2021 were included. Five studies have investigated the 'tooth survival' outcome, four reported pulpal status was not a significant predictor, consistent with meta-analysis finding (RR: 1.00; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.00; n=3). Seven studies reported pulpal status had no significant influence on post-operative pain, regardless of duration after treatment. Sixteen studies have analysed 'periapical health', eleven revealed pulpal status had no significant influence. Meta-analyses revealed the influence was not significant if pre-operative periapical radiolucency was absent (RR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.90, 1.00; n=9) but significant if it was present (RR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.19; n=11). Most studies were classified as 'some concerns' (n=16) to 'low' (n=10) risk of bias (RoB).

Discussion

Evidence is limited and only available for three outcomes when comparing the effectiveness of RCTx in permanent teeth with vital pulp versus pulp necrosis. Nevertheless, the quality of available evidence was moderate to high. The 'periapical health' data heterogeneity could be explained by pre-operative radiolucency, thus RCTx was found more effective for prevention than resolution of apical periodontitis.

Conclusions

There was no significant difference in the 'tooth survival', 'post-operative pain' and 'evidence of apical radiolucency' outcomes of RCTx in teeth with vital or necrotic pulps.

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Response assessment in pediatric craniopharyngioma: recommendations from the Response Assessment in Pediatric Neuro-Oncology (RAPNO) working group

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Abstract
Craniopharyngioma is a histologically benign tumor of the suprasellar region for which survival is excellent but quality of life often poor secondary to functional deficits from tumor and treatment. Standard therapy consists of maximal safe resection with or without radiation therapy. Few prospective trials have been performed, and response assessment has not been standardized. The Response Assessment in Pediatric Neuro-Oncology (RAPNO) committee devised consensus guidelines to assess craniopharyngioma response prospectively. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the recommended radiologic modality for baseline and follow-up assessments. Radiologic response is defined by two-dimensional measurements of both solid and cystic tumor components. In certain clinical contexts, response of solid and cystic disease may be differentially considered based on their unique natural histories and responses to treatment. Importantly, the committee incorporated fu nctional endpoints related to neuro-endocrine and visual assessments into craniopharyngioma response definitions. In most circumstances, cystic disease should be considered progressive only if growth is associated with acute, new-onset or progressive functional impairment. Craniopharyngioma is a common pediatric CNS tumor for which standardized response parameters have not been defined. A RAPNO committee devised guidelines for craniopharyngioma assessment to uniformly define response in future prospective trials.
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Risk Characteristics of Hydrogen Sulphide Exposure in Wastewater Collection and Treatment Related Occupations

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Abstract
Objectives
Water and wastewater workers can be exposed to hydrogen sulphide (H2S), with an unpredictable exposure pattern, dominated by sharp peaks. These peaks can often be high above the ceiling value (CV) at 10 ppm.
Methods
We have analyzed self-administrated H2S exposure data among 60 wastewater workers in the Municipality of Trondheim, Norway, from 2015 till 2021. The detection range of the personal alarm equipment used was 1.6 to 100 ppm H2S. The workers were divided in four similar exposed groups (SEGs): wastewater collection net, wastewater treatment plants, wastewater pumping stations and water distribution net.
Results
We identified measurements from 7083 different workdays, approximately 10% of the workdays between 2015 and 2021. Within these, 1295 days had readings above 1.6 ppm H2S, and 424 (33%) of these days had readings that exceeded the CV of 10 ppm H2S. This percentage was similar across the SEGs. Only one workday had a time weighted average (TWA) exceeding the occupational exposure limit (OEL) of 5 ppm H2S, and only 14 days exceeded 0.5 ppm H2S, 1/10th of the OEL.
Conclusions
Wastewater workers in this study are regularly exposed to short peaks of H2S, but even high peaks do not influence the 8-h TWA values significantly. A preliminary measurement program over 3 days according to EN 689 to evaluate the need for further measurements would probably not find TWA values greater than 1/10 of OEL; the EN 689 standard is not made for evaluation to peak exposures. Exceedances of CV at 10 ppm H2S occur in 6% of workdays, and in 33% of days with exposure above 1.6 ppm. The toxicity and exposure profile of H2S makes continuous exposure monitoring necessary for alarm purposes. Reliance on the 8-h occupational exposure limit as has been the normal in Norway, will not be ade quately protective for wastewater workers. H2S alarm equipment should continue to be used.
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Extracapsular dissection with a transparotid facial nerve dissection approach versus partial superficial parotidectomy for benign tumours in the tail of the parotid gland: a single-centre retrospective study of 89 patients

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The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate the transparotid facial nerve dissection approach (TFND), in which the intraparotid cervicofacial or temporofacial division is identified first through a superficial lobe incision; and (2) to compare extracapsular dissection with a TFND (ECD-TFND) with partial superficial parotidectomy with a retrograde approach (PSP) for benign tumours in the tail of the parotid gland with respect to surgical outcomes. Eighty-nine patients underwent PSP or ECD-TFND for benign tumours in the tail of the parotid gland: 49 were treated surgically with PSP and 40 with ECD-TFND. (Source: International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery)
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Comparative effectiveness of BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 booster dose after BNT162b2 primary vaccination against the Omicron variants: A retrospective cohort study using large-scale population-based registries in Japan

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Abstract
Background
Direct comparative effectiveness of booster doses of BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 after BNT162b2 primary vaccination is unknown.
Methods
We investigated comparative effectiveness of BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 booster dose using data from registry systems for vaccination and COVID-19 infection in a local city in Japan. We followed participants aged ≥16 years who completed the BNT162b2 primary vaccination between November 22, 2021, and April 15, 2022. We collected information on age, sex, vaccination status, vaccine type, and infection status. Age was categorized as 16–44, 45–64, 65–84, and ≥85 years. Vaccine effectiveness for mRNA-1273 and no booster vaccination against BNT162b2 was estimated using age-stratified Cox regression adjusted for age, sex, and days since the second vaccination. The estimated hazard ratios for mRNA-1273 and no booster vaccinations were integrated separately using random effects meta-analyses .
Results
During the study period, we identified 62,586 (40.4%), 51,490 (33.2%), and 40,849 (26.4%) participants who received BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, and no booster dose, respectively. The median age was 69, 71, and 47 years for BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, and no booster dose, respectively. The integrated hazard ratio with reference to BNT162b2 was 1.72 for no booster vaccination and 0.62 for mRNA-1273. The comparative effectiveness of mRNA-1273 was similar across age categories.
Conclusions
Both homologous and heterologous vaccinations are effective against Omicron variants. In the head-to-head comparison, the effect was stronger in people who received heterologous vaccination than in those who received homologous vaccination. These findings may help improve logistics and decision making in future vaccination programs.
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