Publications by authors named "Morta Lapkus"

Article Synopsis
  • The study focuses on the effects of different doses of radioactive iodine therapy (RAIT) on survival and recurrence rates in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) that has spread to nearby lymph nodes (N1).
  • A retrospective analysis was conducted involving 81 patients with N1 PTC, comparing outcomes between those receiving low (less than 150 mCi) and high doses (greater than or equal to 150 mCi) of RAIT over an average follow-up of 9 years.
  • Results indicated no significant differences in recurrence rates, side effects, or mortality between the two groups, suggesting higher doses may not offer additional benefits; further larger studies are necessary for more personalized treatment guidelines.
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Background: The American Society of Breast Surgeons released a consensus statement that genetic testing should be made available to all patients with a personal history of breast cancer. However, it is not clear whether physicians feel comfortable with universal genetic testing (UGT) or if they have sufficient knowledge to interpret results and manage them appropriately.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore breast surgeons' attitudes toward UGT.

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Massive splenomegaly in children can complicate minimally invasive splenectomy. Splenic artery embolization (SAE) before splenectomy has been shown to decrease splenic volume, reduce intraoperative blood loss, and decrease conversion rates in laparoscopic surgery. Our objective was to review our recent experience with immediate preoperative SAE in massive splenomegaly for pediatric patients using both laparoscopic and robotic techniques.

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Background: The clinical impact of vascular invasion in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC) is not well understood. Our aim was to determine if there was an association between vascular invasion and other tumor characteristics and patient outcomes in PTC.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of 536 patients with PTC between January 2007-December 2011.

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Background: Recent studies have demonstrated that patients undergoing cervical endocrine surgery could be comfortably discharged with minimal opioid analgesia. However, no study to date has examined the efficacy of limiting administration of opioids intraoperatively. We have developed a novel protocol for patients undergoing cervical endocrine surgery that eliminates perioperative opioids.

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Post-extubation respiratory failure requiring reintubation in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) results in significant morbidity. Data in the pediatric population comparing various therapeutic respiratory modalities for avoiding reintubation is lacking. Our objective was to compare therapeutic respiratory modalities following extubation from mechanical ventilation.

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