Constipation and risk of death and cardiovascular events in patients on hemodialysis.

Background: Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder and is often accompanied by alteration in the gut microbiota. Recently, several studies have disclosed its association with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality in the general population. Despite the high prevalence of constipation, data on the clinical impact of constipation in patients with chronic kidney disease are limited.

Difference in Stiffness-Related Functional Disability Between Decompression Alone and Decompression with Short Segments Fusion (1 or 2 Levels) in the Lower Lumbar Region: A Propensity Score Matching Study.

Background Context: Stiffness-related functional disability (SRFD) is a well-known complication after long-segment fusion surgery. However, SRFD following decompression with short-segment fusion (1 or 2 levels) compared with decompression alone surgery in the lower lumbar region, which accounts for a significant portion of lumbar range of motion, is poorly documented.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare SRFD after decompression alone (D-A) surgery and decompression with short-segment fusion (D+F) surgery in the lower lumbar region.