A Case of Huge Vocal Polyp in a Patient With Difficult Laryngeal Exposure Treated by Fiberoptic Laryngeal Laser Surgery Under Local Anesthesia

Indications of fiberoptic laryngeal laser surgery (FLS) procedure have broadened by the development of flexible fiberoptic endoscopes and flexible laser systems. FLS procedure performed under local anesthesia and it is the unique value of FLS. The surgery can be performed on patients who are impossible to undergo general anesthesia and difficult to be exposed by laryngeal microsurgery. Main indication of FLS procedure was small to moderate sized hemorrhagic vocal polyp, but we experienced a case of huge vocal polyp with difficult laryngeal exposure treated by FLS procedure under local anesthesia. The vocal polyp was removed successfully without vocal fold scar through fiberoptic laryngeal laser surgery under local anesthesia.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Urologic Oncology Surgery: Implications for Moving Forward

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the destruction of routine hospital services globally, leading to an increase in the backlog of elective surgery cases. The aim of the study was to retrospectively investigate the pandemic’s impact on the urologic oncology surgical activity of a high-volume center located in Milan, Italy. The number and type of procedures performed in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic was evaluated using 2019 data as control. Waiting times for each surgical procedure were compared, on a bimonthly basis, between the two different years. Overall, a 26.7% reduction in the number of urologic oncology surgeries between 2019 and 2020 was observed (2019: 720, 2020: 528). Both the main indication for surgery and the type of procedure performed significantly differed between 2019 and 2020 (all p < 0.0001), with a decrease in the number of radical prostatectomies and an increase in the number of radical cystectomies and radical nephrectomies/nephroureterectomies performed in 2020. Waiting time decreased by 20% between 2019 and 2020, with the most significant reduction seen after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (July-October 2020), in particular for partial nephrectomy and radical prostatectomy, possibly due to the underdiagnosis of cases. In conclusion, in accordance with recommendations by international urological societies on prioritization strategies for oncological procedures, a higher proportion of surgeries for high-risk tumors was performed in 2020 at our center at the expense of procedures for lower risk diseases; however, future implications for patients’ prognosis still need to be determined.

Glutathione-Dependent Mechanisms of Antioxidant Defense in Men with Pathozoospermia after COVID-19 Infection

The article presents results of studying the influence of COVID-19 infections on glutathione metabolism in men with pathozoospermia and COVID-19. In erythrocyte cytolysate, we determined concentration of reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione and the GSH/GSSG ratio as the main indication of cell redox-status and an important factor in cell redox-dependent signaling control along with the effect GSH-dependent enzymes. Results of our study allowed us to determine the peculiarity of the influence of COVID-19 infection on thee glutathione metabolic pathway. The understanding of the influence mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 on metabolic processes in the body of men with pathozoospermia has been expanded. The data obtained give grounds and opportunities for a more reasonable approach to the organization of preventive, curative, and rehabilitative measures for COVID-19 infection.

MRI of the Elbow: How to Do It

The diagnostic cascade for elbow complaints starts with the physical examination and radiographs that already can clarify or rule out many causes. Depending on the suspected pathology, additional imaging is necessary. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the advantage of accurately demonstrating a broad spectrum of diseases. The main indication for noncontrast MRI of the elbow is chronic epicondylitis. For magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography, it is suspected chondral and osteochondral abnormalities. Indirect MR arthrography is an option when direct arthrography is not practicable. MR arthrography of the elbow with traction is feasible, with promising results for the assessment of the radiocapitellar cartilage.

The Matryoshka technique in percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Objective: Miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) reduces the risk of haemorrhagic complications, but the limited field of work represents a drawback. To obtain the best outcomes, the percutaneous access size should be intraoperatively tailored. Our purpose is to describe the indications and the procedural steps of the Matryoshka technique and to report its clinical outcomes. Materials and methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of the data from consecutive Matryoshka PCNL procedures from October 2016 to January 2018. Collected data included patients’ history, stone characteristics, intra- and post-operative items, stone clearance and need for retreatment. The main indication to the Matryoshka technique is the inability to securely position a guidewire due to an obstruction or narrowness in the pyelocalyceal system. This technique begins by puncturing the calyx hosting the stone and advancing a hydrophilic guidewire through the needle. If the guidewire cannot proceed beyond the stone, the Matryoshka technique is employed for tract stabilization. The tract is carefully dilated with small-bore instruments and a cautious lithotripsy is performed to create enough space to introduce the guidewire beyond the stone under visual control. Once the access has been stabilized the surgeon can upsize the tract to the optimum to complete the procedure. Additionally, the technique can be employed when an intraoperative reassessment induces the surgeon to further dilate the tract to quicken the procedure. Results: Sixteen patients were included, with a median stone volume of 3.49 cm3. Median operative time was 112 minutes. Three Clavien I-II (postoperative fever) and one Clavien IIIB (colon perforation) complications were reported. No blood transfusions were recorded. Three patients underwent scheduled retreatment as part of a multistep procedure. Out of the remaining 13 patients, 10 (76.9%) obtained a complete stone clearance.Conclusions: The Matryoshka technique helps the urologist to obtain a secure percutaneous access and makes PCNL flexible and progressive, potentially minimizing the risk of access-related complications.

POS0819 EMERGENCE OF DE NOVO MANIFESTATIONS DURING INFLIXIMAB TREATMENT IN BEHÇET SYNDROME

Background:Infliximab (IFX) is increasingly used in the management of severe, relapsing or refractory manifestations of Behçet Syndrome (BS). Emergence of de novo manifestations have been reported during IFX treatment, despite efficacy for the initial manifestation that required IFX use1.Objectives:We aimed to survey a sizeable cohort of BS patients treated with IFX for the development of de novo manifestations during treatment.Methods:A chart review was conducted to identify all BS patients who were given IFX in our Behçet Disease Research Center between 2004 and 2020. Demographic data, indications for IFX initiation, concomitant drugs, prior treatments, and outcomes were recorded. De novo manifestations were defined as new BS manifestations that had not occurred before IFX treatment.Results:A total of 252 patients used IFX with the main indications being uveitis in 122, vascular involvement in 82, parenchymal central nervous system involvement in 32, gastrointestinal involvement in 11, arthritis in 10, mucocutaneous involvement in 4, and secondary amyloidosis in 1. Of these patients, 17 (6%) had developed a total of 21 de-novo manifestations during a mean follow-up of 38.4 ± 92 (SD) months (Table 1). Vascular involvement was the main indication for IFX in the majority (n=12; 71%) of these 17 patients followed by eye involvement (n=3; 18%), central nervous system involvement (n=1), and joint involvement (n=1). Concomitant medications were prednisolone in 14 patients, azathioprine in 6 patients, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine-A and methotrexate in 1 patient each. Thirteen patients (76%) were in remission for the main indication when de-novo manifestations emerged. In 10 patients IFX treatment was intensified either by increasing the dose to 10 mg/kg (2 patients) or by shortening the infusion intervals to 4 weeks (2 patients) along with the addition of corticosteroids or immunosuppressives. In the remaining 7 patients IFX was switched to another agent (cyclophosphamide in 5, adalimumab in 1 and anakinra in 1). At the time of this survey 8/17 patients were still on IFX for a mean follow-up of 32.5 ± 24.6 (SD) months, with concomitant low dose prednisolone in 5, azathioprine in 3 and mycophenolate mofetil in 3. In addition to the 7 patients who discontinued IFX at the time of de-novo manifestations, 2 more patients had discontinued IFX due to allergic reactions.Conclusion:De novo manifestations developed during IFX treatment in 6% of BS patients, despite efficacy for the initial manifestation. Appearance of de novo manifestations mostly in patients with vascular involvement is noteworthy. Intensification of IFX treatment was efficacious in managing de novo manifestations in more than half of these patients.References:[1]Hamuryudan V et al. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2015;45(3):369-73.Table 1.Distribution of de novo manifestations that have emerged in 17 patientsDe-novo manifestations21Pulmonary artery aneurysm1Pulmonary artery thrombosis2Coronary artery involvement3Superficial thrombophlebitis5Arthritis5Erythema nodosum3Gastrointestinal involvement1Central nervous system involvement1Disclosure of Interests:None declared

P412 Effectiveness of ustekinumab in fistulising perianal Crohn′s disease refractory or intolerant to anti-TNF

Background The management of fistulising perianal Crohn′s disease (pCD) is a challenging problem for patients and physicians. New therapeutic alternatives are needed, particularly in anti-TNF refractory patients. Data regarding ustekinumab (UST) effectiveness in pCD are scarce. Our aim was to evaluate the clinical and radiologic effectiveness of UST in pCD patients refractory or intolerant to anti-TNF. Methods We conducted a multi-center retrospective observational study. All patients with anti-TNF refractory pCD treated with UST were evaluated. Demographic and clinical variables including concomitant drugs were registered. Clinical response was evaluated at 16 weeks and 12 months and was defined as a reduction of 50% of draining fistulas or a marked reduction in fistula drainage. In patients with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after treatment initiation, radiologic response was defined according to Ng Score (healed, partial response, unchanged, deterioration). Results Thirty-two patients were included, 68.8% female, median age 44,11 (IQR 36.28-48.56). Median time from diagnosis to UST initiation was 12.94 years (IQR 7.52-19.52), 90.6% had received previously 2 anti-TNF (37.5% also vedolizumab) and 46.9% had more than 2 fistulas. In 22 patients (68.8%) pCD was the main indication for UST treatment while in the remaining 31.2% the main indication was luminal disease. Fifteen patients (46.9%) received antibiotics at the initiation of UST, 8 (25%) combo therapy with thiopurines and 21 (65.6%) had setons. Patients received a 6mg/kg IV dose and 87.5% received 90mg/8 week SQ for maintenance. Dose intensification was needed in 20 patients (62.5%) at a median of 13 months (IQR 8.00-19.5). Fifteen patients (46,9%) achieved clinical response at week 16, while 18/30 (60%) had clinical response at 12 months (three of them were in clinical remission). Nineteen patients (59,4%) had an MRI performed pre and post-treatment at a median of 15 months (IQR 10-19). 10/19 patients (52.6%) achieved a radiological response although no patient had all fistulas healed. In the multivariate analysis the only factor associated with clinical response at 12 months was the presence of setons at UST initiation (OR 7.0; IC95% 1.3-37.9). There were no factors significantly associated with radiological response or clinical response at week 16. Four patients experienced adverse effects (three perianal abscesses and one transient skin rash). Conclusion Ustekinumab was effective in achieving clinical and radiological response in anti-TNF-refractory fistulising pCD patients, although clinical and radiological remission was rare. Most patients needed UST dose intensification in this highly refractory cohort. Adverse effects were infrequent, mainly perianal abscesses.

Safety and Efficacy of the Draf IIb Procedure: A Systematic Review

Objectives To systematically review the literature to evaluate the indications, safety, and efficacy of the Draf IIb procedure and to evaluate the added advantages of technical factors such as stents and flaps. Data Sources Articles published until July 2019 on Medline and Cochrane databases. Review Methods After a systematic review based on the 2018 PRISMA guidelines was conducted, 26 of 1533 articles were included and reviewed for indications of Draf IIb; surgical technique; use of flaps, stents, grafts, or mitomycin; complications during and after surgery; and success or recurrence rate. Results The main indication for Draf IIb was chronic frontal rhinosinusitis (61.82%). The postoperative patency rate was 87.85%. When flaps/grafts were applied, the rate was 93.5%, but their added value was not statistically significant. Stents could be an alternative for revision surgery. Treating frontal pathologies other than chronic rhinosinusitis was also satisfying. Safety was comparable to Draf III: no perioperative complications were reported, only a few postoperative ones (eyelid ecchymosis and periorbital cellulitis in 0.2% of the cases, hyposmia in 1.55%). Conclusion When properly indicated, Draf IIb frontal drilling is a safe and highly effective surgical technique for frontal pathology treatment, with efficiency and safety comparable to the Draf III, making it a valid option when a bilateral approach is not needed. More studies are required to confirm the added values of flaps, grafts, and stents.

Herpes Simplex Virus Keratitis in a University Tertiary Referral Centre – Clinical Features and Surgical Approaches

Purpose To assess prevalence, clinical manifestations, required keratoplasties, follow-up, and outcome in patients with Herpes Simplex Virus Keratitis (HSK) attending a University Tertiary Referral Center. Design Retrospective (12 years), descriptive, observational study. Methods A total of 817 eyes with clinical diagnosis of HSK from 779 patients were classified by the type of presentation. We gathered data on the visual acuity, refraction, IOP, and required surgical procedures. Results Stromal involvement including scars represented the most common diagnosis in our department and the main indication of penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). Epithelial keratitis (16%) presented with the best visual acuity at the first visit. Necrotizing keratitis represented 17% of the patients, 78% of whom required PKP; this group also had the worst visual acuity at first examination and was the main indication for emergency PKP. Among all eyes, 288 (35%) required PKP. A total of 230 (28%) PKPs were elective procedures and 58 (7%) PKPs were performed as emergency procedures. Two patients with quiet endothelial decompensations after recurrent HSV endotheliitis were treated with DMEK and had good visual outcomes without HSV recurrence at last follow-up. Conclusions HSK is a prevalent disease with severe consequences when not treated appropriately and on time. Even when making an accurate diagnosis, the disease can be extremely aggressive, with all the implications it brings to the patients and health system. Elective PKP had better outcomes in terms of visual acuity and clear graft percentage compared to emergency PKP.

Validation of Prognostic Scores in Extracorporeal Life Support: A Multi-Centric Retrospective Study

Multiple prognostic scores have been developed for both veno-arterial (VA) and veno-venous (VV) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), mostly in single-center cohorts. The aim of this study was to compare and validate different prediction scores in a large multicenter ECMO-population. Methods: Data from five ECMO centers included 300 patients on VA and 329 on VV ECMO support (March 2008 to November 2016). Different prognostic scores were compared between survivors and non-survivors: APACHE II, SOFA, SAPS II in all patients; SAVE, modified SAVE and MELD-XI in VA ECMO; RESP, PRESET, ROCH and PRESERVE in VV ECMO. Model performance was compared using receiver-operating-curve analysis and assessment of model calibration. Survival was assessed at intensive care unit discharge. Results: The main indication for VA ECMO was cardiogenic shock; overall survival was 51%. ICU survivors had higher Glasgow Coma Scale scores and pH, required cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) less frequently, had lower lactate levels and shorter ventilation time pre-ECMO at baseline. The best discrimination between survivors and non-survivors was observed with the SAPS II score (area under the curve [AUC] of 0.73 (95% CI 0.67–0.78)). The main indication for VV ECMO was pneumonia; overall survival was 60%. Lower PaCO2, higher pH, lower lactate and lesser need for CPR were observed among survivors. The best discrimination between survivors and non-survivors was observed with the PRESET score (AUC 0.66 (95% CI 0.60–0.72)). Conclusion: The prognostic performance of most scores was moderate in ECMO patients. The use of such scores to decide about ECMO implementation in potential candidates should be discouraged.