Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgery for indeterminate thyroid nodules (THYCOVID): a retrospective, international, multicentre, cross-sectional study.

Background: Since its outbreak in early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has diverted resources from non-urgent and elective procedures, leading to diagnosis and treatment delays, with an increased number of neoplasms at advanced stages worldwide. The aims of this study were to quantify the reduction in surgical activity for indeterminate thyroid nodules during the COVID-19 pandemic; and to evaluate whether delays in surgery led to an increased occurrence of aggressive tumours.

Methods: In this retrospective, international, cross-sectional study, centres were invited to participate in June 22, 2022; each centre joining the study was asked to provide data from medical records on all surgical thyroidectomies consecutively performed from Jan 1, 2019, to Dec 31, 2021.

Combined Shear Wave Elastography and EU TIRADS in Differentiating Malignant and Benign Thyroid Nodules.

Although multimodal ultrasound approaches have been suggested to potentially improve the diagnosis of thyroid cancer; the diagnostic utility of the combination of SWE and malignancy-risk stratification systems remains vague due to the lack of standardized criteria. The purpose of the study was to assess the diagnostic value of the combination of grey scale ultrasound assessment using EU TIRADS and shear wave elastography. 121 patients (126 nodules−81 benign; 45 malignant) underwent grey scale ultrasound and SWE imaging of nodules between 0.

Diagnostic Value of AngioPLUS Microvascular Imaging in Thyroid Nodule Diagnosis Using Quantitative and Qualitative Vascularity Grading.

This study investigated the diagnostic value of the Angio Planewave Ultrasensitive (AngioPLUS) Doppler ultrasound in improving the efficacy of grey scale ultrasound in thyroid nodule diagnosis. The EU TIRADS was used for the grey scale ultrasound assessment of 94 thyroid nodules. conventional Doppler and AngioPLUS Doppler ultrasound images were evaluated using qualitative vascularity grading, where predominant central vascularity indicated malignancy-suspicion, and quantitative regional vascularity assessment, where predominant peripheral vascularity using a ratio vascularity index (RVI) of > 1 indicated benign disease.

Comparative Analysis of Computer-Aided Diagnosis and Computer-Assisted Subjective Assessment in Thyroid Ultrasound.

The value of computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) and computer-assisted techniques equipped with different TIRADS remains ambiguous. Parallel diagnosis performances of computer-assisted subjective assessments and CAD were compared based on AACE, ATA, EU, and KSThR TIRADS. CAD software computed the diagnosis of 162 thyroid nodule sonograms.

A prospective 5-year study on the use of transient elastography to monitor the improvement of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease following bariatric surgery.

Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by transient elastography (TE) is a non-invasive assessment for diagnosing and staging liver fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Evidence on its role as a longitudinal monitoring tool is lacking. This study aims to evaluate the role of TE in monitoring NAFLD improvement following bariatric surgery.

The effect of bariatric surgery on the improvement of lower urinary tract symptoms in morbidly obese male patients.

Background: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are strongly linked with obesity. Whether bariatric surgery can effectively alleviate LUTS in morbidly obese men is unknown. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of bariatric surgery in reducing the prevalence and severity of male LUTS in obese patients.

Bariatric surgery for Prader-Willi syndrome was ineffective in producing sustainable weight loss: Long term results for up to 10 years.

Background: Obesity control in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is notoriously difficult. The role of bariatric surgery in PWS remains controversial as long-term data are lacking.

Objectives: To evaluate the 10-year outcomes of bariatric surgery in PWS.

Portomesenteric vein thrombosis following laparoscopic greater curve plication for morbid obesity.

Portomesenteric venous thrombosis (PMVT) is an uncommon condition associated with intra-abdominal visceral ischemia that is often difficult to manage. While postoperative PMVT has been rarely reported following laparoscopic abdominal surgery, its occurrence in morbidly obese patients is gaining increasing concern due to its relatively higher incidence after laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Diagnosis of PMVT can be readily accomplished by computed tomography scan.

Clinical pattern and prevalence of upper gastrointestinal toxicity in patients abusing ketamine.

Objective: Evaluations of upper gastrointestinal toxicity from ketamine abuse are uncommon. This study investigated the clinical pattern of upper gastrointestinal symptoms in patients inhaling ketamine.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study of 611 consecutive patients who were seeking treatment for ketamine uropathy in a tertiary hospital setting between August 2008 and June 2016, their clinical pattern of upper gastrointestinal symptoms was evaluated and compared with a control population of 804 non-users.

Bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy: review of evidences.

The bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) is one of the most popular contemporary remote-access thyroidectomy techniques. While the initial experiences with BABA endoscopic thyroidectomy (ET) were associated with some technical challenges and safety concerns, many limitations of the technique could now be substantially overcome by BABA robotic thyroidectomy (RT). In this review, the current literature evidences of BABA RT were analyzed.

Aldosterone-producing Adenoma in Primary Aldosteronism: CT-guided Radiofrequency Ablation-Long-term Results and Recurrence Rate.

Purpose To evaluate the long-term biochemical, clinical, and recurrence outcomes of radiofrequency (RF) ablation in treating primary aldosteronism due to aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA). Materials and Methods Institutional review board approval and written informed consent were obtained. The use of computed tomographically (CT) guided percutaneous RF ablation was evaluated in 36 patients (19 men; mean age ± standard deviation, 52.

Is Preoperative Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in Obese Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery Mandatory? An Asian Perspective.

Background: The role of routine preoperative oesopha gogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) for all bariatric surgery candidates is controversial. We aim to investigate the prevalence of clinically significant OGD findings in a primarily Chinese obese population and identify factors that predict a normal screening OGD.

Methods: Medical records of patients who underwent primary bariatric surgery in our centre from August 2002 to December 2014 were reviewed.

Robotic versus Open Thyroidectomy for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: An Evidence-Based Review.

While open thyroidectomy (OT) is advocated as the gold standard treatment for differentiated thyroid cancer, the contemporary use of robotic thyroidectomy (RT) is often controversial. Although RT combines the unique benefits of the surgical robot and remote access thyroidectomy, its applicability on cancer patients is challenged by the questionable oncological benefits and safety. This review aims to analyze the current literature evidence in comparing RT to OT on thyroid cancers for their perioperative and oncological outcomes.

Revisiting robotic approaches to endocrine neoplasia: do the data support their continued use?

Purpose Of Review: Although the advent of the robot has revolutionized the modern treatment of endocrine neoplasia, substantial controversies exist on its applicability, safety and benefits over the conventional laparoscopic operations. The present review aims to review the recent literature on various robotic approaches in treating thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal and pancreatic endocrine neoplasia and see whether its continued use should be supported.

Recent Findings: In summary, the role of robotic thyroidectomy has been clearly established and should be continued by experienced surgeons on selected patients.

Long-term Results on Weight Loss and Diabetes Remission after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy for A Morbidly Obese Chinese Population.

Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is an effective stand-alone bariatric procedure with favorable short-term results on weight reduction and comorbidity resolution. This study aims to evaluate the long-term results of LSG to see if weight reduction and diabetic improvement are sustainable.

Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study on patients receiving LSG as an index stand-alone bariatric operation in our unit.

Novel oesophago-gastro-duodenal stenting for gastric leaks after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

The management of gastric leak after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) can be complex and challenging. Whilst operative interventions are mostly complicated and reserved for unstable or refractory cases, endoscopic self-expandable metal stenting (SEMS) is increasingly preferred as a safer treatment option. Yet, SEMS carries the problems of frequent stent migration and inconsistent healing as ordinary SEMS is designed mainly for stenotic disease.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy for treatment of achalasia: from bench to bedside (with video).

Background: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a novel approach to performing esophageal myotomy through a long submucosal tunnel.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and safety of POEM for treatment of achalasia.

Design: Preclinical animal study and prospective clinical study.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) compared with gastrectomy for treatment of early gastric neoplasia: a retrospective cohort study.

Introduction: This study aims to compare perioperative outcomes and oncological clearance of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) versus gastrectomy for treatment of early gastric cancer (EGC).

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study including all cases of EGC or severe dysplasia treated at a university-affiliated hospital from 1993 to 2010. Preoperative endoscopic ultrasound and image-enhanced endoscopy were employed to determine depth of invasion.

Recognition of changes in microvascular and microstructural patterns upon magnifying endoscopy predicted the presence of extranodal gastric MALToma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Gastric MALToma is difficult to recognize upon endoscopy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the application of microstructural and microvascular patterns in recognizing gastric MALToma on magnifying endoscopy. METHOD: All patients with diagnosis of gastric MALToma upon histology were recruited.

Functional performance and quality of life in patients with squamous esophageal carcinoma receiving surgery or chemoradiation: results from a randomized trial.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the 2-year functional performance and quality of life in patients with operable squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, who have received either surgery or definitive chemoradiation (CRT).

Summary Background Data: The functional outcomes and quality of life in patients receiving esophagectomy or definitive CRT is uncertain.

Methods: Data were extracted from the database of a prospective randomized controlled trial that included patients with resectable mid or lower thoracic esophageal cancers.

Radiofrequency ablation for benign aldosterone-producing adenoma: a scarless technique to an old disease.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in treating primary aldosteronism (PA) due to aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA).

Background: Radiofrequency ablation is an established technique for treating malignant solid organ neoplasm. Its application on benign functional adrenal adenoma has never been prospectively described.

Giant Meckel's diverticulitis: a rare condition complicating pregnancy.

A 33-year-old pregnant woman presented with peritonitis at the right iliac fossa. Preoperative ultrasonography identified an 8-cm tubular structure at the tender point that was mistaken as appendicitis. Emergency operation finally confirmed a 12-cm giant Meckel's diverticulum with genuine inflammation and imminent perforation.

Chilaiditi's syndrome: a nonemergent cause of "free gas under diaphragm".

A 52-year-old woman had a chest radiograph performed for dysphagia. Apart from the related esophageal abnormality, another striking feature was noted: free gas under the diaphragm. The patient, however, complained of no other gastrointestinal symptom and showed no sign of peritonism.