Suction use in ureterorenoscopy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies.

Objectives: Ureterorenoscopy is seeing a bloom of technological advances, one of which is incorporating suction. The objective of this study is to systematically review existing literature regarding suction use in rigid and flexible ureterorenoscopy and perform meta-analysis of studies comparing suction versus no suction ureteroscopy or mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

Methods: A literature search was performed (November 2023) in MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL.

An international survey of contemporary practices towards fertility assessment and preservation in patients undergoing radical inguinal orchidectomy for testicular cancer.

Objective: The study aims to assess current international clinician attitudes, practices and barriers towards fertility assessment and preservation in patients undergoing radical inguinal orchidectomy (RIO) for testicular cancer.

Materials And Methods: An international online survey of urologists and urologists in training who perform RIO for testicular cancer was developed by the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) Sections of Andrology and Oncology and the British Urology Researchers in Surgical Training (BURST). The recruitment process used social media and the emailing lists of national urological societies.

Bleeding Risk in Patients Receiving Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Background: There is a potential concern about increased bleeding risk in patients receiving omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The aims of this study-level meta-analysis were to determine the risk of bleeding and to assess whether this relationship is linked to the received dose of omega-3 PUFAs or the background use of antiplatelet treatment.

Methods And Results: Electronic databases were searched through May 2023 to identify randomized clinical trials of patients receiving omega-3 PUFAs.

Prostatic urethral lift for subjects in urinary retention (PULSAR): 12-Month results of a prospective controlled trial compared with real-world outcomes.

Objective: To examine the safety and efficacy of prostatic urethral lift (PUL) in acute urinary retention (AUR) patients within a controlled (PULSAR) and real-world setting (Real-World Retrospective study).

Materials And Methods: PULSAR was a 12-month prospective study of PUL in AUR patients ( = 51) performed at six centres in the United Kingdom; enrolled BPH patients aged ≥50 years, with prostate volume of ≤100 cc. AUR was defined as being catheter dependent with at least one prior failed trial without catheter (TWOC) while on an alpha-blocker.

Outcomes of transcatheter pulmonary SAPIEN 3 valve implantation: an international registry.

Background And Aims: Transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (TPVI) is indicated to treat right-ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction related to congenital heart disease (CHD). Outcomes of TPVI with the SAPIEN 3 valve that are insufficiently documented were investigated in the EUROPULMS3 registry of SAPIEN 3-TPVI.

Methods: Patient-related, procedural, and follow-up outcome data were retrospectively assessed in this observational cohort from 35 centres in 15 countries.

Arginine Vasopressin Plays a Role in Microvascular Dysfunction After ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Background Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) predicts mortality after ST-elevation-myocardial infarction (STEMI). Arginine vasopressin (AVP) may be implicated, but data in humans are lacking, and no study has investigated the link between arginine vasopressin and invasive measures of CMD. Methods and Results We invasively assessed CMD in 55 patients with STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), by measuring the index of microcirculatory resistance after PPCI.

Surgical Prehabilitation in Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancers: Impact of Unimodal and Multimodal Programs on Postoperative Outcomes and Prospects for New Therapeutic Strategies-A Systematic Review.

The advantages of prehabilitation in surgical oncology are unclear. This systematic review aims to (1) evaluate the latest evidence of preoperative prehabilitation interventions on postoperative outcomes after gastrointestinal (GI) cancer surgery and (2) discuss new potential therapeutic targets as part of prehabilitation. Randomized controlled trials published between January 2017 and August 2022 were identified through Medline.

Cardiovascular Complications of Down Syndrome: Scoping Review and Expert Consensus.

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in individuals with Down syndrome. Congenital heart disease is the most common cardiovascular condition in this group, present in up to 50% of people with Down syndrome and contributing to poor outcomes. Additional factors contributing to cardiovascular outcomes include pulmonary hypertension; coexistent pulmonary, endocrine, and metabolic diseases; and risk factors for atherosclerotic disease.

Incidentalomas in the head & neck.

Incidental findings (IFs) in the head & neck are a frequent challenge to the reporting radiologist. A combination of complex anatomy, widely varied imaging techniques and the high prevalence of benign pathology, makes safe and appropriate management of head & neck IFs problematic. The non-head & neck radiologist is unlikely to have prior personal experience of the relevant specialties or current involvement with the pertinent multidisciplinary teams, creating unfamiliarity with both the clinical aspects of head & neck disease and the value of examination techniques.

Benchmarking of minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy: European multicentre study.

Background: Benchmarking is the process to used assess the best achievable results and compare outcomes with that standard. This study aimed to assess best achievable outcomes in minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (MIDPS).

Methods: This retrospective study included consecutive patients undergoing MIDPS for any indication, between 2003 and 2019, in 31 European centres.

Development of a physiological model of human middle ear epithelium.

Introduction: Otitis media is an umbrella term for middle ear inflammation; ranging from acute infection to chronic mucosal disease. It is a leading cause of antimicrobial therapy prescriptions and surgery in children. Despite this, treatments have changed little in over 50 years.

Minimally invasive versus open distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (DIPLOMA): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Recently, the first randomized trials comparing minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) with open distal pancreatectomy (ODP) for non-malignant and malignant disease showed a 2-day reduction in time to functional recovery after MIDP. However, for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), concerns have been raised regarding the oncologic safety (i.e.

Intravascular imaging-guided intracoronary lithotripsy: First real-world experience.

Background And Aims: Coronary calcification remains a significant challenge for the contemporary interventional cardiologist. We aim to describe the use of intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) in a range of real-world settings.

Methods: A retrospective two-center analysis of patients treated with IVL between June 2018 and November 2019.

LVAD as a bridge to decision complicated with pump thrombosis and infection.

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) emerged as an effective therapy for the treatment of symptomatic advanced heart failure in spite of maximum tolerated optimal medical treatment. LVADs were initially conceived as a bridge to transplantation, although with the continuing donor shortage, they also serve as a definitive therapy for some patients. Careful evaluation by a multidisciplinary team and proper patient selection are key factors for good outcomes.

Accidental systematic administration of 1 litre of cardioplegia solution during paediatric cardiac surgery.

Cardioplegia is used to induce cardiac arrest in order to facilitate cardiac surgery in patients supported by cardiopulmonary bypass. It is administered directly into the coronary vessels after the heart has been isolated from the systemic circulation. We describe the case of a 9-year-old boy who mistakenly received 1 l of high strength St Thomas' Harefield cardioplegia solution delivered into the systemic circulation during cardiac surgery.

Meta-Analysis of Intensive Lipid-Lowering Therapy in Patients With Polyvascular Disease.

Background Polyvascular atherosclerotic disease is associated with an increased risk of future cardiovascular events. Intensive lipid-lowering therapy (ILT) may mitigate this risk. The aims of this study-level meta-analysis were to examine the effects of ILT in patients with polyvascular disease and whether baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) may determine the level of benefit.

Severe anti-thymocyte globulin-induced cytokine release syndrome in a renal transplant patient.

Cytokine release syndrome is a systemic inflammatory response that can be triggered by a variety of factors such as infection or exposure to certain drugs, particularly novel T cell-engaging immunotherapies. Severe cytokine release syndrome as a complication following treatment with anti-thymocyte globulin, although recognised, is not well-reported in the literature. We report the case of a 64-year-old man who developed catastrophic cytokine release syndrome after receiving anti-thymocyte globulin during kidney transplantation.

Diagnostic Angiograms and Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in Pregnancy.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading indirect cause of maternal mortality in the UK. Pregnancy increases the risk of acute MI (AMI) by three- to fourfold secondary to the profound physiological changes that place an extra burden on the cardiovascular system. AMI is not always recognised in pregnancy and there is concern among both clinicians and patients regarding catheter-based interventions due to fears of foetal irradiation and risks to the foetus.

Is water-soluble contrast enema examination for integrity of rectal anastomosis necessary prior to ileostomy reversal?

Background And Aim: Routine use of water-soluble contrast enema (WSCE) to assess anastomotic integrity is debated. This study aimed to evaluate the role of WSCE to assess anastomotic integrity following anterior resections (AR) with defunctioning stoma prior to reversal and identify factors to limit its selective use.

Methods: This retrospective study evaluated all WSCE performed over a 7-year period at a high-volume colorectal unit.

Detection of β-alanyl aminopeptidase as a biomarker for in the sputum of patients with cystic fibrosis using exogenous volatile organic compound evolution.

A novel, rapid and sensitive analytical method has been developed and applied to 105 sputum samples from patients with cystic fibrosis, including 5 samples from post-lung transplant patients. This new method is specifically targeted to measure β-alanyl aminopeptidase activity which is characteristic of some important Gram-negative pathogens. Of relevance to this study are and pathogens of the complex both of which are commonly associated with respiratory infections as well as increased morbidity and mortality in adult cystic fibrosis patients.

Myocardial Effects of Aldosterone Antagonism in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction.

Background Spironolactone may have prognostic benefit in selected patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. This study assessed the myocardial tissue effects of spironolactone in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Methods and Results A 1:1 randomized controlled study of 6 months of spironolactone versus control in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Effect of Preoperative Tricuspid and/or Mitral Regurgitation on Development of Late Right-Sided Heart Failure After Insertion of the HeartWare Left Ventricular Assist Device.

Right-sided heart failure (RHF) after left ventricular assist device implantation is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Although multiple predictors of early RHF have been described, information on late RHF is scarce. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of late RHF in left ventricular assist device patients.