Medicina
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Observational Study
The Role of Imaging Investigations in Evaluation of Cochlear Dimensions in Candidates for Cochlear Implantation-Our Experience.
Background and Objectives: The Cochlear implant is the first approved cranial nerve stimulator that works by directly stimulating the cochlear nerve. Various attempts have been made to evaluate the dimensions of the cochlea related to cochlear implantation. The preoperative computed tomographic examination is essential not only in assessing the anatomical aspect of the cochlea, but also in determining its dimensions to choose an appropriate electrode and obtain the best possible audiological performance. ⋯ Conclusions: From the study carried out, it can be concluded that the evaluation of the dimensions of the cochlea is important for cochlear implantation. The size variables, although small, are still an element to be considered in correlation with the age of the patient and the implanted ear. This increase is statistically insignificant, but it still exists, even if, from a theoretical point of view, it is considered that the dimensions of the cochlea remain constant.
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Background and Objectives: By definition, acute kidney injury (AKI) is a clinical syndrome diagnosed when the increase in serum creatinine concentration is >0.3 mg/dL in 48 h or >1.5-fold in the last seven days or when diuresis < 0.5 mL/kg/h for a consecutive 6 h. AKI is one of the severe complications that may occur in the early postoperative period in patients undergoing heart valve surgery, significantly increasing the risk of death. Early implementation of renal replacement therapy increases the chances of improving treatment results in patients with postoperative AKI. ⋯ Thirty-eight patients with AKI requiring renal replacement therapy died in intrahospital follow-up. Conclusions: The results of the presented study indicate that a high preoperative level of NT-proBNP and postoperative hemodynamic instability may be associated with a significant risk of a postoperative AKI requiring renal replacement therapy. The results of the study may also suggest that qualifying for heart valve surgery earlier may be associated with improved prognosis in this group of patients.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Topical Fibrin Sealant (Tisseel@) Does Not Provide a Synergic Blood-Conservation Effect with Tranexamic Acid in Total Knee Arthroplasty-A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.
Background and Objectives: The efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) in reducing perioperative blood loss during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is well established. However, the potential synergistic blood-conservation effect of topical fibrin sealant (Tisseel@) remains unclear. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the combination of Tisseel and TXA during TKA. ⋯ The reduction in blood loss in the topical Tisseel@ + TXA group was not significantly different from that achieved in the TXA-only group. The clinical results of TKA up to the 6-week follow-up were comparable between the groups. Conclusions: The combination of the topical fibrin sealant Tisseel@ and perioperative IV TXA administration, following the described protocol, demonstrated no significant synergistic blood-conservation effect in patients undergoing TKR.
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Background and objectives: VATS segmentectomy has been proven to be effective in the treatment of stage I NSCLC, but its technical complexity remains one of the most challenging aspects for thoracic surgeons. Furthermore, 3D-CT reconstruction images can help in planning and performing surgical procedures. In this paper, we present our personal experience of 11 VATS anatomical resections performed after accurate pre-operative planning with 3D reconstructions. ⋯ The mean value of the closest surgical margin was 13.7 mm. Conclusion: Image-guided reconstructions are a useful tool for surgeons to perform complex resections in order to spare healthy parenchyma and to ensure disease-free margins. Nevertheless, human skill and surgeon experience still remain fundamental for the final decisions regarding the proper resection to perform.
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Background and Objectives: This review paper highlights the key alternatives to the blue dye/radioisotope method of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). It analyses the research available on these alternative methods and their outcomes compared to the traditional techniques. Materials and Methods: This review focused on fifteen articles, of which five used indocyanine green (ICG) as a tracer, four used magnetic tracers, one used one-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) and Metasin (quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction), one used the photosensitiser talaporfin sodium, one used sulphur hexafluoride gas microbubbles, one used CT-guided lymphography and two focused on general SLNB technique reviews. ⋯ Conclusions: Indocyanine green fluorescence (ICG) and magnetic tracers have been proven non-inferior to traditional blue dye and isotope regarding SLNB localisation. Further studies are needed to investigate the use of these techniques in conjunction with each other and the possible use of language learning models. Dedicated studies are required to assess cost efficacy and longer-term outcomes.