The role of the RAPID score in surgical planning for empyema.

Background: The RAPID [Renal (urea), Age, fluid Purulence, Infection source, Dietary (albumin)] score is a validated scoring system which allows risk stratification in patients with pleural infection at presentation. Surgical intervention plays a key role in managing pleural empyema.

Methods: A retrospective study of patients with complicated pleural effusions and/or empyema undergoing thoracoscopic or open decortication admitted to multiple affiliated Texas hospitals from September 1, 2014 to September 30, 2018.

What's in a name? The heterogeneous clinical spectrum and prognostic factors in a cohort of adults with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

Purpose: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in adults is rare but frequently fatal. Diagnosis is often delayed and treatment approaches vary significantly in contrast to the protocol-driven approach typically used in pediatric HLH. To improve care of these complex patients, this study retrospectively examined the prevalence, clinical characteristics, therapies and outcomes of adult HLH patients at two large tertiary care centers.

Cost Analysis of Vaginal Mid Urethral Sling Suburethral Removal.

Introduction: For cost analysis of mid urethral sling surgery there is a lack of data on costs associated with long-term complications. Therefore, we studied the costs related to a vaginal suburethral synthetic sling removal procedure over 2 consecutive years.

Methods: From a prospectively maintained database of consecutive women who underwent 1 vaginal suburethral synthetic sling removal only, we analyzed the cost of suburethral synthetic sling removal for 2013 and 2014.

Factors Influencing the Rate of Lost to Followup after Suburethral Synthetic Sling Removal.

Introduction: We report on variables associated with lost to followup in women undergoing suburethral synthetic sling removal for complications of mid urethral slings.

Methods: Following institutional review board approval a prospectively maintained database of consecutive women with nonneurogenic bladder who underwent 1 synthetic sling removal only was reviewed. Data reviewed by a third party investigator included distance traveled for appointment, marital status, employment status, if the patient received primary care from the institution, if patient's last followup visit was routine or for ongoing urological treatment, type of insurance coverage and UDI-6 (Urogenital Distress Inventory Short Form) questionnaire scores.

Management of Urinary Incontinence Following Suburethral Sling Removal.

Purpose: We evaluated urinary incontinence outcomes following synthetic suburethral sling removal in women.

Materials And Methods: We reviewed a prospectively maintained database of 360 consecutive women who underwent transvaginal suburethral sling removal from 2005 to 2015. We excluded patients with neurogenic bladder, nonsynthetic or multiple slings, prior mesh for prolapse, concomitant surgery during sling excision, urethral erosion or fistula, postoperative retention or less than 6-month followup.

Skene's gland cyst excision.

Introduction And Hypothesis: We review our experience with long-term outcome after Skene's gland cyst excision.

Materials And Methods: After receiving institutional review board approval, we reviewed a surgical database of all procedures performed by two surgeons at one institution for Skene's gland cyst excision. Parameters evaluated include presenting symptoms, preoperative evaluation, excision site, perioperative complications, and clinical outcomes.