Background: Recent national trends and distribution of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) procedures for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) are unknown. We examined the frequency of use of elective IPAA procedures among patients with UC and the distribution of IPAA procedures across more than 140 U.S. academic medical centers and their affiliates. Methods: Data were obtained from the University HealthSystem Consortium for patients with a primary diagnosis of UC admitted electively between 2012 and 2015. Results: The mean age of the study population (n=6,875) was 43 years and 57% were men. Among these, one-third (n=2,307) underwent an IPAA, while two-thirds (n=4,568) underwent colectomy, proctectomy, proctocolectomy or other procedures. The proportion of IPAA cases among all elective admissions was relatively stable at 33-35% during the years under study. A total of 131 hospitals, out of 279 hospitals participating in the UHC, performed IPAA. The median number of IPAA cases performed annually was 1.9 [IQR 0.8 – 4.3]. Nearly one half (48%) of these cases were performed by the top ten hospitals. Overall, only a total of 30 centers performed ³ five elective IPAA cases annually. Conclusions: Although the frequency of elective IPAA surgery in recent years has been stable, nearly one half of all IPAA cases was performed at ten hospitals. The concentration of IPAA cases at high-volume centers, and the steady number of cases performed annually, have potential implications for fellowship training, patient clinical outcomes and access to care.

Background: Treatment decisions for elderly patients with gallbladder pathology are complex. Little is known about what factors go into treatment decisions in this population. We used Medicare data to examine gender-based differences in the use of cholecystectomy vs. cholecystostomy tube placement in elderly patients with acute cholecystitis. Methods: We queried a 5% random sample of Medicare data (2009-2011) for patients >65 admitted for acute cholecystitis (by ICD-9 code) who subsequently underwent a cholecystectomy and/or cholecystostomy tube placement. Demographic information (age, race), clinical characteristics (Elixhauser index, presence of biliary pathology), and hospital outcomes (case fatality rate, length of stay, need for ICU care) were compared by gender. A multivariable model was used to examine predictors of cholecystectomy vs. cholecystostomy tube placement. Results: Of 4063 patients admitted with cholecystitis undergoing the procedures of interest just over half (58%) were women. The majority of patients (93%) underwent cholecystectomy. Compared to women, men were younger (average age 76 vs. 78, p value < 0.01) and had few comorbidities (average Elixhauser 1.2 vs. 1.4 p value < 0.01). Case fatality rate was similar between men (2.5%) and women (2.4% p value 0.48). A higher percentage of men spent time in the ICU (36%) compared to women (31% p value < 0.01). On multivariable analysis men were 30% less likely to undergo cholecystectomy (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.53-0.91). Conclusion: Elderly men are less likely than elderly women to undergo cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis despite being younger with less co morbidity and are more likely to spend time in the ICU. More research is needed to determine whether a difference in treatment is contributing to the higher rate of ICU utilization in elderly men with acute cholecystitis.

Background: Following passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, 30-day hospital readmissions have come under greater scrutiny. Excess readmissions for certain medical conditions and procedures now result in penalizations on all Medicare reimbursements. We examined the risk factors, outcomes, and costs of 30-day readmissions after colorectal surgery (CRS). Methods: The University HealthSystem Consortium database was queried for adults (≥ 18 years) who underwent colorectal resection for cancer, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or benign tumors between January 2008 and December 2011. Our outcomes of interest were readmission within 30-days of the patient’s index discharge, hospital readmission outcomes, and total direct hospital costs. Results: A total of 70,484 patients survived the index hospitalization after CRS during the years under study, 13.7% (9,632) of which were readmitted within 30 days of discharge. The strongest independent predictors of readmission were: LOS ≥4 days (OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.32-1.57), stoma (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.45-1.61), and discharge to skilled nursing (OR 1.63; 95% CI 1.49-1.76) or rehabilitation facility (OR 2.93; 95% CI 2.54-3.40). Of those readmitted, half occurred within 7 days of the index admission, 13% required ICU care, 6% had a reoperation, and 2% died during the readmission stay. The median combined total direct hospital cost was over twice as high ($26,917 v. $13,817) for readmitted than for nonreadmitted patients. Conclusions: Readmissions following colorectal resection occur frequently and incur a significant financial burden on the healthcare system. Future studies aimed at targeted interventions for high-risk patients may reduce readmissions and curb escalating healthcare costs. Categorization: Outcomes research; Cost analysis; Colon and Rectal Surgery

Stroke is the third most common cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. The existing treatments of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) involve pharmaceutical thrombolytic therapy and/or mechanical thrombectomy. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) administration for treatment of stroke is efficacious, but has a short treatment time window and is associated with a risk of symptomatic hemorrhage. Other than tPA, the Mechanical Embolus Removal in Cerebral Ischemia (MERCI) retriever system and the Penumbra Aspiration system are both approved by the FDA for retrieval of thromboemboli in AIS patients. However, the previous clinical studies have shown that the recanalization rate of the MERCI system and the clinical outcome of the Penumbra system are not optimal. To identify the variables which could affect the performance of the thrombectomy devices, much effort has been devoted to evaluate thrombectomy devices in model systems, both in vivo and in vitro, of vascular occlusion. The goal of this study is to establish a physiologically realistic, in vitro model system for the preclinical assessment of mechanical thrombectomy devices. In this study, the model system of cerebrovascular occlusion was mainly composed of a human vascular replica, an embolus analogue (EA), and a simulated physiologic mock circulation system. The human vascular replica represents the geometry of the internal carotid artery (ICA)/middle cerebral artery (MCA) that is derived from image data in a population of patients. The features of the vasculature were characterized in terms of average curvature (AC), diameter, and length, and were used to determine the representative model. A batch manufacturing was developed to prepare the silicone replica. The EA is a much neglected component of model systems currently. To address this limitation, extensive mechanical characterization of commonly used EAs was performed. Importantly, the properties of the EAs were compared to specimens extracted from patients. In the preliminary tests of our model system, we selected a bovine EA with stiffness similar to the thrombi retrieved from the atherosclerotic plaques. This EA was used to create an occlusion in the aforesaid replica. The thrombectomy devices tested included the MERCI L5 Retriever, Penumbra system 054, Enterprise stent, and an ultrasound waveguide device. The primary efficacy endpoint was the amount of blood flow restored, and the primary safety endpoint was an analysis of clot fragments generated and their size distribution. A physiologically realistic model system of cerebrovascular occlusion was successfully built and applied for preclinical evaluation of thrombectomy devices. The recanalization rate of the thrombectomy device was related to the ability of the device to capture the EA during the removal of the device and the geometry of the cerebrovasculature. The risk of the embolic shower was influenced by the mechanical properties of the EA and the design of the thrombectomy device.

Costimulation blockade based on a donor-specific transfusion and anti-CD154 mAb is effective for establishing mixed allogeneic hematopoietic chimerism and inducing transplantation tolerance. Despite its potential, recent evidence suggests that the efficacy of costimulation blockade can be reduced by environmental perturbations such as infection or inflammation that activate toll-like receptors (TLR). TLR agonists prevent costimulation blockade-induced prolongation of solid organ allografts, but their effect on the establishment of hematopoietic chimerism has not been reported. In this dissertation, we hypothesized that TLR activation during costimulation blockade would prevent the establishment of mixed hematopoietic chimerism and shorten skin allograft survival. To test this hypothesis, costimulation blockade-treated mice were co-injected with TLR2 (Pam3Cys), TLR3 (poly I:C), or TLR4 (LPS) agonists and transplanted with allogeneic bone marrow and skin grafts. Supporting our hypothesis, we observed that TLR agonists administered at the time of costimulation blockade prevented the establishment of mixed hematopoietic chimerism and shortened skin allograft survival. To investigate underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms, we first determined that LPS administration during costimulation blockade did not increase production of alloantibodies or activate natural killer cells. Similarly, costimulation blockade-treated mice depleted of CD4+ or CD8+ cells did not become chimeric when co-injected with LPS. In contrast, mice depleted of both CD4+ and CD8+cell subsets were resistant to the effects of LPS. We next observed that alloreactive T cells were activated by TLR agonists in mice treated with costimulation blockade, and this activation correlated with LPS-induced maturation of donor and host alloantigen-presenting cells. In contrast, TLR4-deficient mice treated with costimulation blockade and LPS did not upregulate costimulatory molecules on their APCs, and mixed chimerism and permanent skin allograft survival were readily achieved. We further observed that injection of recombinant IFN-β recapitulated the detrimental effects of LPS, and that LPS-injected mice deficient in the type I IFN receptor were partially protected. Importantly, alloantigen-presenting cells did not upregulate costimulatory molecules in response to LPS, and mixed chimerism and permanent skin allograft survival were readily established in type I IFN receptor and MyD88 double deficient mice treated with costimulation blockade. We conclude that the TLR4 agonist LPS prevents the establishment of mixed hematopoietic chimerism and shortens skin allograft survival in mice treated with costimulation blockade by inducing the production of type 1 IFN and MyD88-dependent factors that upregulate costimulatory molecules on APCs, leading to the generation of activated alloreactive T cells.

Background Female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) greatly affects quality of life. The midurethal sling (MUS) procedure has been widely accepted as the standard of care treatment for SUI, although there is little information regarding patients' subjective reports of symptom improvement. Objectives The objective of this study was to identify clinical and demographic characteristics that predict subjective symptom improvement following MUS procedures in women with SUI. Materials and Methods The study design was retrospective cohort. Subjects included women who underwent MUS between 2006 and 2008, returned mailed surveys and met our predefined inclusion criteria. Pre-operative data included demographics, prior surgery, co-morbid diseases, urodynamics and concomitant reconstructive surgery. Subjective improvement was measured by score improvement on the UIQ-7, UDI-6, the UDI stress subscale and Question 3 of the UDI, "Do you experience urine leakage related to physical activity, coughing, or sneezing?" Results The mean age of the study sample was 57 years, parity was 2.5 and BMI was 28. Subjects with lower MUCP demonstrated more improvement on the UIQ-7. ΔUDI-6 stress subscale scores were more sensitive to symptom change than either the ΔUDI-6 or ΔUIQ-7. Older, menopausal subjects with urethral hypermobility and concomitant vaginal suspension showed less improvement than subjects without these characteristics. After controlling for urethral straining angle, PVR, menopause and time out from surgery, older age and concomitant vaginal suspension were associated with persistent post-op symptoms on the UDI-6 Question 3 and age remained the only variable associated with persistent symptoms on the UDI-6 stress subscale. Conclusion Concurrent vaginal suspension and advancing age were risk factors for persistent symptoms following MUS procedures in patients with SUI. Symptoms may recur after 24 post-operative months. Clinicians are encouraged to provide additional preoperative counseling to those women who are at greatest risk for persistent symptoms.

<p>UVOD: Drenaža grudnog ko&scaron;a nakon resekcija pluća je osnovni grudno hirur&scaron;ki postupak, koji omogućuje pro&scaron;irenje (reekspanziju) pluća iz kolabiranog stanja, evakuaciju vazduha, krvi i izliva iz pleuralnog prostora i potpomognuta je primenom aspiracije na drenove (sukciona ili aspiraciona drenaža). Iako je drenaža&nbsp; svakodnevna grudno hirur&scaron;ka procedura, postupak sa drenovima je zasnovan prvenstveno na iskustvu, a manje na osnovu naučnih studija. Pri mirnom disanju inspiratorni pritisak u pleuralnom prostoru je prosečno - 8 cm H2O, a ekspiratorni - 4 cm H2O. Pri forsiranom disanju pritisci mogu dostići - 50 cm H2O i +70 cm H2O. Na osnovu tih fiziolo&scaron;kih podataka, većina hirurga primenjuje aspiraciju od - 10 do - 40 cm H2O. Koncepta pleuralnog deficita - disproporcije volumena preostalog plućnog tkiva i zapremine grudnog ko&scaron;a doveo je do razvoja tehničkih postupaka za postizanje nove fiziolo&scaron;ke ravnoteže u pleuralnom prostoru i razmatranja rutinske primene podvodne (pasivne) drenaže nakon resekcija pluća. Pritisak na zdravstvenu službu za smanjenje tro&scaron;kova i skraćenje postoperativne hospitalizacije uz mogućnost rane mobilizacije pacijenta čine podvodnu drenažu zanimljivom alternativom tradicionalno prihvaćenoj aktivnoj aspiraciji na drenove.&nbsp; CILJ: Da se utvrdi da li aplikacija aktivne aspiracije na drenove nakon lobektomije pluća u poređenju da podvodnom drenažom ima povoljno terapijsko dejstvo na postizanje i održavanje reekspanzije pluća; Da se kvantitativno uporede različiti modovi aktivne aspiracije preko drenova; Da se uporedi dužina hospitalizacije i pojava hirur&scaron;kih i nehirur&scaron;kih komplikacija između grupa ispitanika kod kojih se primenjuje podvodna (pasivna) drenaža i aspiracija preko drenova. METODOLOGIJA: Prospektivna studija bez randomizacije obuhvatila je 301 ispitanika kojima je načinjena lobektomija pluća zbog karcinoma pluća na Klinici za grudnu hirurgiju Instituta za plućne bolesti Vojvodine u Sremskoj Kamenici u periodu od 01.01.2008. - 28.02.2010. godine. Beleženi su i analizirani podaci o preoperativnom stanju: plućnoj funkciji, prethodno primljenoj neoadjuvantnoj hemioterapiji i pridruženim bolestima. Analizirani su hirur&scaron;ki operativni podaci o postojanju buloznog emfizema, adhezija u pleuralnom prostoru, anatomskoj vrsti lobektomije, dodatnim hirur&scaron;kim procedurama i postojanju gubitka vazduha na kraju operacije. Analizirani su postoperativni podaci o secernaciji na drenove tokom prva 24 h i ukupno, trajanju gubitka vazduha na drenove u danima, ukupnom trajanju drenaže, ukupnom trajanju hospitalizacije, pojavi produženog gubitka vazduha na dren definisanog kao gubitak duže od 7 dana, potrebi za redrenažom grudnog ko&scaron;a (broj drenova upotrebljenih za redrenažu), kompletnost reekspanzije pluća pre vađenja drenova, pojavi drugih hirur&scaron;kih komplikacija, pojavi op&scaron;tih medicinskih komplikacija i pojavi kasnih komplikacija &ndash; vi&scaron;e od 30 dana nakon operacije ili nakon otpusta. Prvu grupu ispitanika sačinjavaju pacijenti kojima je načinjena lobektomija pluća, nakon čega je aplikovana aspiracija od -20 cm vodenog stuba do klemovanja i vađenja drenova. Drugu grupu ispitanika sačinjavaju pacijenti kojima je aplikovana aspiracija od -20 cm vodenog stuba na dan operacije i zatim -10 cm vodenog stuba do klemovanja i vađenja drenova. Treću grupu ispitanika sačinjavaju pacijenti kojima je načinjena lobektomija pluća, nakon čega je aplikovana aspiracija od -20 cm vodenog stuba na dan operacije i zatim podvodna drenaža do klemovanja i vađenja drenova. Četvrtu grupu ispitanika sačinjavaju pacijenti kojima je načinjena lobektomija pluća, nakon čega je aplikovana aspiracija od -20 cm vodenog stuba na dan operacije i zatim dnevna procena i modifikacija na sledeći način: aspiracija od -20 cm vodenog stuba do postizanja reekspanzije pluća, zatim postepeno smanjenje aspiracije po nahođenju operatera do klemovanja i vađenja drenova. REZULTATI: Između grupa ispitanika ne postoji statistički značajna razlika po starosti (p=0,77),&nbsp; parametrima plućne funkcije: vrednost FEV1 (p=0,6316), vrednost ITGV (p=0,6202), vrednost TLC (p=0,6922) i za vrednost RV ne postoji razlika (p=0,6552). Razlika ne postoji između grupa ni u učestalosti pridruženih bolesti (p=0,4522). Grupe su međusobno homogene po preoperativnim parametrima. Snižen FEV1 u ukupnoj populaciji pacijenata nije uticao na pojavu produženog gubitka vazduha (P=0,571), kao ni povi&scaron;enje ITGV (P=0,22), RV (p=0,912), niti vrednost TLC (0,521). Upoređene su međusobno osnovne vrste lobektomija: desna gornja, leva gornja, desna donja, leva donja, srednja lobektomija, kao i donja i gornja bilobektomija desno. Kako je učestalost svake pojedinačne lobektomije u 4 grupe ispitanika mali da bi se uporedile iste lobektomije između grupa, poređenje je moguće samo između anatomski različitih lobektomija kumulativno u svim grupama. Razlika u pojavi produženog gubitka vazduha između različitih lobektomija postoji, ali nije dostigla statističku značajnost (p=0,061). Međutim, kada se analizira svaka lobektomija pojedinačno, uočava se da desna donja bilobektomija ima značajno veću učestalost produženog gubitka vazduha u odnosu na sve ostale lobektomije zajedno (P=0,009). Razlika u dužini drenaže kod&nbsp; različitih lobektomija je dostigla statistički značaj (p=0,0356), kao i u ukupnoj dužini hospitalizacije (p=0,0007). Dodatak resekcije perikarda, grudnog zida ili dijafragme, klinasta resekcija susednog režnja ili sleeve resekcija bronha kao dodatne procedure nisu uticali na pojavu produženog gubitka vazduha (p=0,58). Podaci o učestalosti adhezija u ispitivanoj populaciji pacijenata i njihovom uticaju na pojavu produženog gubitka vazduha daju granične vrednosti. I ovde je broj pacijenata u svakoj pojedinačnoj kategoriji adhezija (postojanje adhezija na skali od 0-3) mali da bi testiranje povezanosti sa produženim gubitkom vazduha moglo dostići statističku značajnost - razlika postoji, ali nije značajna (p=0,065). Radi povećanja statističke snage je izvedeno testiranje za podelu ima ili nema adhezija. Razlika postoji, ali ni ovim testiranjem nije dostignuta statistički značajna razlika (p=0,057). Postojanje buloznog emfizema takođe dovodi do povećanja učestalosti produženog gubitka vazduha, ali ni ovde razlika nije značajna (p=0,063).&nbsp; Primena hemoterapije pre operacije nije dovela do statistički značajne razlike u pojavi produženog gubitka vazduha (p=0,0623) i ukupnoj stopi komplikacija (p=0,088), kao ni dužine hospitalizacije (p=0,2), iako razlika postoji i paradoksalno rezultat je bolji kod pacijenata koji su primili hemioterapiju, &scaron;to može ukazivati na uticaj selekcije pacijenata za operaciju. Između 4 grupe ispitanika nije uočena razlika u potrebi za redrenažom grudnog ko&scaron;a (p=0,101), potrebi za povećanjem nivoa aktivne aspiracije (p=0,326), ukupnoj pojavi komplikacija (p=0,087) i pojavi produženog gubitka vazduha (P=0,323). Razlika postoji i visoko je značajna u dužini trajanja drenaže (p=0,001) i dužini hospitalizacije (P=0,000). Broj drenova (1 ili 2 drena postavljena intraoperativno) nije uticao na pojavu produženog gubitka vazduha (p=0,279), ali je značajno kraća hospitalizacija kod pacijenata sa jednim drenom (p=0,0001). Logistička regresiona analiza je pokazala da je samo donja bilobektomija značajno uticala na pojavu produženog gubitka vazduha na dren, dok nije nađen uticaj aktivne aspiracije na drenove, prisustva adhezija, buloznog emfizema, sniženih vrednosti FEV1, primene redukcije pleuralnog prostora (space reducing), broja drenova i dodatne operacije (resekcije). ZAKLJUČAK: Sprovedenim istraživanjem utvrđeno je da primena aktivne aspiracije na drenove ne pokazuje razliku u odnosu na podvodnu drenažu u postizanju i održavanju reekspanzije pluća nakon lobektomije. Aktivna aspiracija ne utiče na pojavu produženog gubitka vazduha na drenove definisanog kao gubitak vazduha duže od 7 dana, ali utiče na produženje ukupnog trajanja drenaže i hospitalizacije. Nivo aktivne aspiracije ili primena dnevnih modifikacija nivoa aspiracije ne utiče na rezultate lečenja.&nbsp; U ovom istraživanju preoperativna plućna funkcija, kao ni preoperativna hemoterapija ne utiču na pojavu produženog gubitka vazduha na drenove. Desna donja bilobektomija u odnosu na sve druge lobektomije dovodi do če&scaron;će pojave produženog gubitka vazduha, produžene drenaže i hospitalizacije. Dodatne resekcije okolnih tkiva u sklopu lobektomije ili primena redukcije pleuralnog prostora ne utiču na pojavu produženog gubitka vazduha. Intraoperativni nalaz adhezija u pleuri i buloznog emfizema pluća povećavaju rizik produženog gubitka vazduha, ali je taj uticaj na granici statističke značajnosti. Primena jednog drena nakon lobektomije umesto dva ne utiče na pojavu produženog gubitka vazduha, ali utiče na skraćenje drenaže i hospitalizacije. U multivarijatnoj analizi samo je donja bilobektomija značajno uticala na pojavu produženog gubitka vazduha na dren, dok nije nađen uticaj aktivne aspiracije na drenove, prisustva adhezija, buloznog emfizema, sniženih vrednosti FEV1, primene redukcije pleuralnog, broja drenova i dodatne resekcije okolnih tkiva.</p> / <p>INTRODUCTION: The drainage of the thorax after pulmonary resection is a basic thoracic surgery procedure which enables reexpansion after lung collapse and the evacuation of air, blood and effusion from the pleural cavity. It is supported by the use of drainage aspiration (suction or aspiration drainage). Although drainage is an everyday procedure in thoracic surgery, the use of drains is based mainly on specialist experience and less on scientific research. During calm breathing the inspiratory pressure in the pleural cavity is &ndash; 8cm H2O on average, while the expiratory pressure is &ndash; 4cm H2O. During forced breathing the pressures can reach up to &ndash; 50 cm H2O and + 70 cm H2O. Based on this physiological data, most surgeons apply the aspiration from &ndash; 10 to &ndash; 40 cm H2O. The concept of pleural deficit (the disproportion of the volume of the remaining pulmonary tissue and the volume of the thorax) has attributed to development of new technical procedures in order to achieve a new physiological balance in the pleural cavity. It has also brought upon the consideration of routine underwater seal drainage after pulmonary resection. Underwater seal drainage represents an interesting alternative to the traditional active drainage aspiration, especially considering the need to reduce medical expenses and shorten the postoperative hospitalization period. AIM: To determine whether active drainage aspiration after pulmonary lobectomy has a favorable therapeutic effect on achieving and maintaining pulmonary reexpansion in comparison with underwater seal drainage; to quantitatively compare the different modes of active drainage aspiration; to compare hospitalization duration and surgical and non-surgical complication with groups of patients on whom either underwater seal drainage or aspiration drainage was applied. METHODOLOGY: The prospective study without randomization has covered 301 patients on whom pulmonary lobectomy was performed due to lung carcinoma at the Thoracic Surgery Clinic of the Institute of Pulmonary Diseases of Vojvodina from 1st January 2008 to 28th February 2010. The data collected in the pre-operative state included: pulmonary function, previous neoadjuvant chemotherapy and comorbidities. In the research, surgical operative data and postoperative data were analyzed. Surgical operative data included information about the bullous emphysema, adhesion in the pleural cavity, anatomic type of lobectomy, additional surgical procedures and air leak after surgery. Postoperative data involved information about amount of fluid on drainage during the first 24 hours and in total, air leak duration in days, total drainage period, overall hospitalization period, prolonged air leak defined as leak longer than 7 days, the need for redrainage of thorax (number of tubes used for redrainage), completeness of pulmonary reexpansion before the end of drainage, other surgical complications, comorbidities and late complications (after more than 30 days following the surgery or release). The first group consists of patients on whom pulmonary lobectomy was performed, after which an aspiration of &ndash; 20 cm H2O was applied before clamping and tube extraction. The second group consists of patients on whom pulmonary lobectomy was performed, after which an aspiration of &ndash; 20 cm H2O was applied on surgery day and again &ndash; 10 cm H2O before clamping and tube extraction. The third group consists of patients on whom pulmonary lobectomy was performed, after which an aspiration of &ndash; 20 cm H2O was applied on surgery day and underwater seal drainage was applied before clamping and tube extraction. The fourth group consists of patients on whom pulmonary lobectomy was performed, after which an aspiration of &ndash; 20 cm H2O was applied on surgery day, and then daily monitored and modified in such a way that an aspiration of &ndash; 20 cm H2O was applied until pulmonary reexpansion and then gradually lowered according to individual surgery experience before clamping and tube extraction. RESULTS: There is no significant statistical difference between groups of patients in: age (p=0.77), FEV1 (p=0.6316), ITGV (p=0.6202), TLC (p=0.6922) and RV (p=0.6552) and comorbidities (p=0.4522). The groups are homogenous in pre-operative parameters. Lowered FEV1 among all patients did not affect prolonged air leak (p=0.571), nor the increase in values of ITGV (p=0.22), RV (p=0.912) and TLC (p=0.5211). The lobectomies that were compared were: upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left, middle, as well as upper and lower right bilobectomy. The comparison was implemented only on anatomically different lobectomies cumulatively among groups, due to the low occurrence of each type of lobectomy in groups. The difference in prolonged air leak does exist, but is not statistically significant (p=0.061). Prolonged air leak has a significantly higher occurrence in lower right bilobectomies (p=0.009). Drainage duration and hospitalization period variations in different kinds of lobectomy are statistically significant (p=0.0356 and p=0.0007, respectively). Additional pericardial, thoracic or diaphragm resection, wedge resection of the neighboring lobe, or sleeve bronchial resection did not affect prolonged air leak (p=0.58). The research has established that the occurrence of adhesion (on a scale 0-3) in patients and bulous emphysema attribute to prolonged air leak (p=0.065 and p=0.063, respectively).&nbsp; Comparison between patients with and without adhesions revealed similar result. Difference exists, but it is not statistically significant (p=0,057).&nbsp; Pre-operative chemotherapy had no statistical significance on prolonged air leak (p=0.0623), total rate of complications (p=0.088), nor hospitalization period (p=0.2). Paradoxically, the treatment was in favor of those patients who had taken pre-operative chemotherapy, which could be due to the selection of patients for surgery.&nbsp; Among the four groups, there was no difference in need for thoracic redrainage (p=0.101), need for increase in level of active aspiration (p=0.326), overall complication occurrence (p=0.087) and prolonged air leak occurrence (p=0.323). There is a statistically significant difference in drainage duration (p=0.001) and hospitalization period (p=0.000). The number of tubes (1 or 2 tubes set intraoperatively) did not affect prolonged air leak occurrence (p=0.279). The hospitalization period in patients with one tube set intraoperatively is significantly shorter (p=0.0001). Logistic regression analysis has shown that only lower bilobectomy had a significant impact on prolonged air leak, unlike active drainage aspiration, the presence of adhesions, bullous emphysema or lowered FEV1 values, pleural cavity space reducing, number of tubes and resection. CONCLUSION: The research has shown: Active drainage aspiration has no difference in effect in achieving and maintaining pulmonary reexpansion after lobectomy when compared to underwater seal drainage; Active drainage aspiration does not affect prolonged air leak, defined as air leak longer than 7 days; Active drainage aspiration has an impact on the overall drainage duration and hospitalization period; The level of active drainage aspiration and daily modification of the mentioned do not affect treatment results; Preoperative pulmonary function does not affect prolonged air leak occurrence; Preoperative chemotherapy does not affect prolonged air leak occurrence; Prolonged air leak and drainage and hospitalization period occur most often in lower right bilobectomies; Nor additional resections nor pleural cavity reduction affect prolonged air leak occurrence; The presence of pleural adhesions and bullous emphysema rarely attribute to the increase of prolonged air leak occurrence; The number of tubes implemented intraoperatively does not affect prolonged air leak occurrence, but it shortens drainage and hospitalization periods; By multivariate analysis, that only lower bilobectomy has a significant impact on prolonged air leak, unlike active drainage aspiration, the presence of adhesions, bulous emphysema or lowered FEV1 values, pleural cavity space reducing, number of tubes and resection.</p>

Rationale: The purpose of this study is to investigate the stored stability of dilutions of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs), namely cisatracurium, rocuronium, and vecuronium, for skin prick/intradermal testing. Methods: Concentrations of NMBAs were monitored by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for a period of 14 days. Dilutions of NMBAs were prepared in saline by factors of 10x, 100x, 1,000x, 10,000x, and 100,000x as sensitivity of the assay allowed. Diluted drug products were stored in a laboratory refrigerator until sampling. On sampling days, aliquots of each dilution were removed and compared to a freshly prepared set of reference dilutions. Results: The results are measured as beyond use date (BUD) defined as recovery of drug versus the reference (90-110%). Based on the LC-MS/MS data, the BUD for cisatracurium diluted to 10x and 100x is 96 hours. Higher dilutions (1,000x to100,000x) should be used immediately following preparation (within less than 24 hours). Vecuronium at 10x and 100x, also has a BUD of 96 hours, and the 1,000x dilution is stable for 24 hours. The 10,000x dilution should be used immediately. Rocuronium at 10x to 1,000x has a BUD of 48 hours, yet higher dilutions (10,000x and 100,000x) should be used immediately. Conclusions: With increasing dilution factors, the stability of these drugs in saline decreases, increasing deviation between samples and references. The most stable dilutions for each of the drugs tested were 10x and 100x. Stability of these drugs is likely compromised by hydrolysis of the ester bonds in the drug molecules.

Aims Use of 3D printed models in Endodontics has been gaining popularity since the technology to create them became more affordable. Currently, there are no studies that evaluate the influence of 3D models on endodontic surgical treatment planning and on operator confidence. Therefore, aims of this study were to: (i) Determine whether the availability of a 3D printed analogue can influence treatment-planning and operator confidence; and, (ii) Assess which factors of operator confidence are influenced, if any. Materials and Methods Endodontists were asked to analyze a pre-selected CBCT scan of an endodontic surgical case and to answer a questionnaire that determined their surgical approach for that case. After 30 days, the same participants were asked to analyze again the same CBCT scan. This time however, a 3D printed model of the scan was made available to the participants and to perform a mock osteotomy on the model. The participants were then asked to respond to the same questionnaire that they responded to 30 days prior to determine if there would be any changes to their treatment plan. A new set of questions were added to the survey to evaluate the influence of the 3D printed model on participants’ confidence in performing endodontic surgery. The responses were statistically analyzed using Chi square test followed by either logistic or ordered regression analysis while adjusting for experience of participant. Adjustment for multiple comparison analysis was done using Bonferroni correction. Statistical significance was set at £0.005. Results Availability of the 3D printed model and the CBCT scan together resulted in statistically significant differences in the participants’ responses to their ability to clearly detect bone landmarks, accurately predict the location of osteotomy, and in determining the following: size of osteotomy, angle of instrumentation, involvement of critical structures in flap reflection and involvement of vital structures during curettage. In addition, the participants’ confidence in performing surgery was significantly higher versus having CBCT scans alone. There were no statistically significant changes with decisions on flap design and extent, visualizing critical structures, lesion size, injury to vital structures during osteotomy, the length of root that could be resected and the number of roots involved. Conclusions The availability of 3D printed models did not alter the participants’ surgical approach, but it significantly improved their confidence for endodontic microsurgery, which can be attributed to better visualization of anatomical structures.

En cirugía abierta, piel y el tejido se cortan lograr tener proximidad a un órgano o estructura, extirpar la lesión y mantener intacta a través de una barrera protectora. Los guantes pueden reducir el peligro de exhibición del personal de la salud durante la cirugía abierta a microorganismos patógenos, como el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) y los virus de la hepatitis, que pacientes portadores pueden transmitir a los trabajadores de la salud. Sin embargo, las perforaciones en los guantes son bastante comunes. El propósito de este análisis secundario es verificar si da seguridad el uso de dos guantes al equipo médico durante varios procedimientos quirúrgicos. El método utilizado es la enfermería basada en la evidencia; la pregunta de investigación fue: ¿es efectivo el uso del doble guante para el equipo médico en quirófano? Se buscó información en las siguientes bases de datos: Biblioteca Virtual en Salud, PUBMED y ELSEIVER, se encontraron 359 artículos de revistas, donde solo 13 fueron escogidos, todos estos artículos fueron remitidos a Gálvez. Toro Finalmente, el artículo fue seleccionado y analizado utilizando las guías PRISMA, por tratarse de un tipo de estudio científico. Para cuestiones clínicas, verificar que usar dos guantes tiene mayor efectividad que uno solo, siempre dependiendo de la especialidad y el tiempo de la cirugía. / In open surgery, skin and tissue are cut to achieve proximity to an organ or structure, excising the lesion and keeping it intact through a protective barrier. Gloves can reduce the danger of exposure of healthcare personnel during open surgery to pathogenic microorganisms, such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis viruses, which patient carriers can transmit to healthcare workers. However, glove perforations are quite common. The purpose of this secondary analysis is to verify whether it is safe for the medical team to wear two gloves during various surgical procedures. The method used is evidence-based nursing; The research question was: is the use of double gloves effective for the medical team in the operating room? Information was searched in the following databases: Virtual Health Library, PUBMED and ELSEIVER, 359 journal articles were found, where only 13 were chosen, all these articles were sent to Gálvez. Bull Finally, the article was selected and analyzed using the PRISMA guidelines, as it is a type of scientific study. For clinical issues, verify that using two gloves is more effective than one, always depending on the specialty and the time of surgery.