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PubMed2026

Could the preoperative urethral curve be used to predict immediate urinary continence following Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy? A retrospective multi-center study.

PURPOSE: Immediate urinary continence (UC) recovery following Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP) remains highly variable, highlighting the need for reliable preoperative prediction. We aimed to develop and validate models to identify patients likely to achieve immediate UC recovery following RS-RARP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 580 prostate cancer patients who underwent RS-RARP from four medical centers were assigned to a training set (n=348), an internal validation set (n=103) and an external validation set (n=129). Independent predictors were identified through univariate analysis and LASSO regression. A nomogram was constructed using multivariate logistic regression. Its performance was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis. RESULTS: Immediate UC recovery was observed in 84.5% (294/348) of patients in the training cohort, 80.6% (83/103) in the internal validation cohort, and 81.4% (105/129) in the external validation cohort, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified membranous urethral length (MUL) (OR=1.23, P=0.029) and urethral curvature (OR=2.84, P<0.001) as independent predictors, while prostate volume (PV) (OR=0.84, P <0.001) as a protective factor. The nomogram integrating MUL, PV, and urethral curvature demonstrated superior predictive accuracy, with an AUC of 0.87 (95% CI, 0.83-0.91) in the training cohort. The bootstrap-corrected calibration slope was 0.96, and the Brier score was 0.08. Calibration curves and decision curve analysis confirmed the predictive accuracy and clinical utility of the nomogram. CONCLUSIONS: Our study introduces a novel quantitative method for assessing urethral curvature. The mpMRI-based model, integrating urethral curvature and prostate spatial configuration, offers enhanced predictive accuracy for postoperative immediate UC recovery.

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PubMed2026

King's Mill anterior-posterior and transverse versus paracervical block in operative outpatient hysteroscopy: a randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Pain control during operative outpatient hysteroscopy remains a clinical challenge, with the paracervical block (PCB) showing inconsistent efficacy. The King's Mill Anterior-Posterior and Transverse (KAPT) block targets the Lee-Frankenhauser plexus within the uterosacral ligament complex, where the highest density of uterine and cervical sensory fibres lies. We compared the KAPT block with the PCB in operative outpatient hysteroscopy. METHODS: Single-centre, participant- and outcome assessor-blinded randomised controlled trial in a UK district general hospital. Forty-eight women undergoing operative outpatient hysteroscopy were randomised 1:1 to the KAPT block or the PCB, each delivered with 10 ml of prilocaine. Pain was measured on a 10-point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) during the procedure and 10 minutes post-procedure (co-primary endpoints), and during cervical dilatation (exploratory). Analyses used the Mann-Whitney U test on an intention-to-treat basis, with Hodges-Lehmann median differences, percentile bootstrap 95% confidence intervals, and a hierarchical fixed-sequence testing strategy. RESULTS: Median intra-procedural VAS was 1 (IQR 0 to 3) with the KAPT block versus 2 (IQR 1 to 6) with the PCB (Hodges-Lehmann median difference -1.00, 95% CI -3.00 to 0.00; p = 0.040). At 10 minutes post-procedure, median VAS was 0 (IQR 0 to 1.25) versus 2 (IQR 0 to 3.25) (median difference -1.00, 95% CI -2.00 to 0.00; p = 0.011). Both co-primary endpoints reached significance under hierarchical testing. Cervical dilatation pain did not differ significantly (p = 0.146). Satisfaction was 100% in both arms; willingness to recommend was 100% (KAPT) versus 95.8% (PCB). No serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The KAPT block was associated with lower intra-procedural and post-procedural pain than the PCB, with effect sizes consistent with a clinically meaningful difference. These findings support the KAPT block as a superior, anatomically targeted alternative to the PCB and justify evaluation in a larger multicentre trial.Trial registration: ISRCTN15619382.

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PubMed2026

Preoperative Olanzapine and Quality of Recovery after Ambulatory Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Postdischarge nausea and vomiting negatively impact recovery after surgery. Preoperative administration of 10 mg olanzapine decreases postdischarge nausea and vomiting but increases sedation. No data are available on the impact of olanzapine on global quality of recovery. METHODS: This was a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in female patients 18 to 50 yr old undergoing ambulatory surgery during general anesthesia. Participants received 5 mg oral olanzapine or placebo in addition to antiemetic prophylaxis with dexamethasone and ondansetron. The primary outcome was Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR-40) on postoperative day (POD) 1. Secondary outcomes included QoR-40 on POD 2, postdischarge nausea (any and severe) through POD 2, and postanesthesia care unit length of stay. QoR-40 analyses used mixed-effects models adjusted for baseline preoperative QoR-40 scores. The group differences and corresponding 95% CI are reported. RESULTS: A total of 384 participants received olanzapine (n = 191) or placebo (n = 193). Compared with placebo, olanzapine was associated with higher QoR-40 scores on POD 1 (difference, 9.0 points; 95% CI, 6.1 to 11.8; P < 0.001). The POD 2 difference was 4.8 points (95% CI, 2.0 to 7.6; nominal P = 0.001), and this secondary outcome remained significant after false discovery rate correction. Olanzapine was associated with lower odds of any nausea (odds ratio [OR], 0.43; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.66) and severe nausea (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.14 to 0.48) on POD 1. On POD 2, olanzapine was associated with lower odds of any nausea (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.30 to 0.76), but not severe nausea (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.30 to 1.40). Postanesthesia care unit length of stay did not differ between groups. The significance of these prespecified secondary outcomes was unchanged after false discovery rate correction. CONCLUSIONS: When combined with dexamethasone and ondansetron, a single preoperative dose of 5 mg olanzapine improved global quality of recovery after discharge from ambulatory surgery.

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PubMed2026

Vaginal Hysterectomy Versus Vaginal Assisted Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery Hysterectomy; Results of a Randomised Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare Vaginal Hysterectomy (VH) with Vaginal Assisted Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) hysterectomy (VANH) as a day-care procedure. DESIGN: Single-blind, multicentre randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Two Dutch non-academic teaching hospitals. POPULATION: Women aged ≥ 18 years undergoing hysterectomy for benign indications. METHODS: Women were randomised 1:2 (VH or VANH). Primary outcome was SDD. Secondary outcomes included operative time, rate of elective salpingectomies, intraoperative blood loss, complications (Clavien-Dindo), pain scores (NRS) and analgesic use, post-operative recovery (RI-10), and quality of life (EQ-5D-5L). Analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis. RESULTS: A total of 113 patients were included in the analyses (n = 42 VH, and n = 71 VANH). SDD occurred significantly more frequently in the VANH group (87.3%) than VH group (71.4%; OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.04-7.25; p = 0.04). VANH was associated with a significantly shorter operative time (median 55 min versus 65 min; p = 0.005), less blood loss (median 50 mL vs. 150 mL; p < 0.001) and more often elective opportunistic salpingectomy compared to VH (100% vs. 77.4%; p = 0.008). NRS were significantly lower in the VANH group the first hour post-operative (3 vs. 1, p < 0.001). Post-operative complications (VH 9.5% vs. VANH 15.5%; p = 0.34), readmission (VH 4.8% vs. VANH 8.5%; p = 0.47), analgesic use, recovery, and quality of life were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: VANH is a safe and effective alternative to VH, offering a higher likelihood of SDD, shorter operative time, reduced blood loss, and more often an elective salpingectomy, without increased complications or differences in pain, recovery, or quality of life.

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PubMed2026

Theta-range SEEG stimulation for intracranial mapping: extending conventional 1-Hz and 50-Hz protocols.

OBJECTIVE: Electrical brain stimulations (EBS) are central to epileptic network identification and functional mapping during stereo-electroencephalography, yet stimulation frequencies remain empirical, and standardized across patients and brain regions, producing false negatives and false positives, and potentially compromising surgical outcome. We prospectively investigated theta-range EBS (7 Hz) in the temporal lobe, a prominent physiological frequency band in this region, and compared it with conventional 1-Hz and 50-Hz protocols. METHODS: We analyzed 1,408 temporal EBS in 25 drug-resistant epileptic patients. Epileptic responses (afterdischarges, seizures) and clinical signs were assessed across the epileptic network and temporal structures (amygdala, hippocampus, neocortex, parahippocampal gyrus, white matter), and confronted to stimulation parameters (frequency, intensity, duration, total charge). RESULTS: At matched intensity and duration, 7-Hz EBS were associated with a higher occurrence of afterdischarges and clinical signs than 1-Hz EBS in several temporal structures. Effects on usual seizure induction were less consistent. Comparisons with 50 Hz showed no systematic significant differences, with responses observed at one or both frequencies depending on structure and outcome. When controlling for total charge, frequency-related differences were attenuated. Some effects were sporadically observed at both intermediate frequency and charge quantity. CONCLUSIONS: EBS responses emerge from the interaction between all electrical parameters and anatomical location and local excitability, and can hardly be disentangled. However, 7-Hz EBS can provide complementary clinical information during temporal-lobe mapping, with a targeted approach. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings support targeted evaluation of broader stimulation parameter spaces, including intermediate frequencies, rather than routine reliance on fixed low- and high-frequency protocols alone.

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PubMed2026

Alterations in Spatiotemporal Parameters in Patients With Lower-Limb Amputation: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate differences in spatiotemporal gait parameters in individuals with transfemoral (TFA) and transtibial amputation (TTA) compared with physically able individuals. METHODS: This systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted according to the MOOSE guidelines. Cross-sectional studies or clinical trials that assessed spatiotemporal gait parameters in adults with unilateral TFA or TTA were included. Searches were performed in Medline (via PubMed), CINAHL, Scopus, LILACS, Cochrane Library, and Embase using descriptors related to amputation and gait. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute scale for cross-sectional studies, whereas the meta-analysis was performed using quantitative data for the following outcomes: walking speed, step length, stride length, step width, cadence, stance time, swing time, step time, or stride time. RESULTS: A total of 12 cross-sectional studies involving 150 individuals with amputation (86 TTA and 64 TFA) and 138 healthy controls were included. Meta-analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in walking speed (mean difference of -0.24; 95% CI -0.32 to -0.17; p < 0.0001; I2 = 61%) and cadence (mean difference of -6.01; 95% CI -9.69 to -2.34; p = 0.001; I2: 54%) in patients with amputation compared with healthy individuals. A reduction in stride length (mean difference of -11.71; 95% CI -23.37 to -0.04; p = 0.05; I2: 85%) and an increase in step width (mean difference of 5.22; 95% CI 2.99 to 7.45; p < 0.0001; I2: 71%) were also observed. Step time showed no significant difference between groups (mean difference of 0.06; 95% CI -0.01 to 0.14; p = 0.11; I2: 93%). Patients with TFA amputation exhibited greater impairment in gait variables, particularly cadence, when compared with a healthy individual. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with lower limb amputation present with functionally compromised gait, characterized by reduced walking speed. Increased step width and reduced stride length are findings that may suggest compensatory strategies during gait and improved balance, which are important requirements for amputee patients. These findings reinforce the need for rehabilitation interventions focused on improving propulsion and postural safety. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO: CRD42024620098.

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PubMed2026

Comparison of a Modified Regimen of Prophylactic Phenylephrine Boluses Versus Variable Rate Infusion During Elective Cesarean Delivery Under Spinal Anesthesia: A Noninferiority Randomized Double-Blind Study.

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic phenylephrine boluses have been found to be as effective as variable rate infusions during elective cesarean delivery but require a higher number of physician interventions to maintain blood pressure near baseline values. Therefore, there is a need to find a feasible regimen of bolus administration that is equally efficacious to the infusion regimen while at the same time requires a comparable number of physician interventions and is thus non-inferior to the infusion regimen. METHODS: Healthy pregnant women with term, uncomplicated, singleton pregnancies undergoing elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia were randomly divided into two groups. The Bolus group received a phenylephrine bolus 100 μg immediately after spinal anesthesia and then at every systolic blood pressure value <90% of the baseline. The infusion group received a prophylactic variable-rate infusion of phenylephrine beginning at 50 μg/min and titrated to maintain systolic blood pressure at 90-99% of baseline. The primary outcome was the number of physician interventions needed to maintain the target systolic blood pressure; the secondary outcomes included phenylephrine requirements, incidence of hypotension/hypertension/bradycardia, umbilical arterial and venous blood gas analysis, Apgar scores, and maternal complications. The primary outcome was analyzed in terms of non-inferiority using a non-inferiority margin of two interventions. RESULTS: Eighty patients were included in the study. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) number of physician interventions was 6 (5-8) in the infusion group and 3 (2-4) in the bolus group (P < .001). The difference of medians (95% confidence interval [CI]) between the two groups was -3 (-4 to -2). Phenylephrine requirements were higher in the infusion group (630 [426-765] μg) compared to the bolus group (300 [200-400] μg; P < .001). Blood pressure was higher at certain time points in the infusion group, but overall accuracy of blood pressure control was not different between the groups. Incidence of hypotension, hypertension, and bradycardia, neonatal outcomes, and maternal complications did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The modified regimen of prophylactic boluses is non-inferior to variable rate prophylactic phenylephrine infusion in terms of physician interventions needed to maintain systolic blood pressure within the target range and maternal and neonatal outcomes.

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PubMed2026

Colchicine to prevent cardiovascular events in thoracic surgery patients with or without coronary artery disease: a secondary analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This exploratory post hoc secondary analysis of the Colchicine for the Prevention of Perioperative Atrial Fibrillation (COP-AF) randomised controlled trial evaluated the association between coronary artery disease (CAD) and postoperative ischaemic outcomes after non-cardiac thoracic surgery and assessed whether colchicine had differential effects by CAD status. METHODS: Patients were randomised to colchicine 0.5 mg or placebo two times per day for 10 days. Follow-up was 14 days. The primary outcome was myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery (MINS). A key secondary outcome was the composite of death, MINS and stroke. Cox proportional hazards models assessed the association between CAD and outcomes, with interaction terms to explore whether colchicine had differential effects by CAD status. RESULTS: Of 3209 patients enrolled, 331 (10.3%) had CAD. MINS occurred in 29.3% (n=97) and 18.2% (n=523) of patients with and without CAD, adjusted HR (aHR) 1.53 (95% CI 1.22 to 1.92; p<0.001). For colchicine versus placebo, the HR for MINS was 0.82 (95% CI 0.55 to 1.22) in CAD versus 0.91 (95% CI 0.77 to 1.08) in non-CAD patients (p for interaction=0.61). Death, stroke or MINS occurred in 30.2% (n=100) vs 18.6% (n=535), respectively (aHR 1.53, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.91; p<0.001). Colchicine HRs were 0.77 (95% CI 0.52 to 1.14) vs 0.91 (95% CI 0.76 to 1.07; p for interaction=0.45). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CAD undergoing thoracic surgery had a higher risk of MINS and other ischaemic outcomes than non-CAD patients. There was no evidence that the effect of colchicine differed between patients with and without CAD; however, these analyses were limited by sample size and do not exclude modest differences between subgroups.

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PubMed2026

Perioperative analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block and posterior transversus abdominis plane block in paediatric patients undergoing open pyeloplasty: A prospective randomised trial.

PURPOSE: Open pyeloplasty in the paediatric population involves extensive tissue dissection and manipulation, resulting in significant postoperative pain. Ultrasound-guided fascial plane blocks have emerged as an important component of multimodal analgesia in abdominal surgeries. This study compared the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided Erector spinae plane block (ESP) and posterior transversus abdominis plane (pTAP) block in children undergoing open pyeloplasty. METHODS: It is a prospective, randomised, double-blind study conducted at a single paediatric centre in a tertiary care hospital in Asia from January 2022 to June 2023. 40 ASA I-II children were randomised to receive either the ESP block (Group E) or the pTAP block (Group T). Both groups received 0.4 ml/kg, 0.2% ropivacaine with 1 mcg/kg dexmedetomidine. Children with an allergy to local anaesthetics, cardiac, renal or hepatic dysfunction and local site infection were excluded. The primary outcome was cumulative 24 h postoperative acetaminophen consumption. Secondary outcomes included the effects on intraoperative hemodynamics, perioperative opioid consumption, FLACC and Watcha scores, time to first rescue analgesia, and any block-related complications. RESULTS: Weight-normalised 24 h postoperative acetaminophen consumption was significantly lower in the ESP group (13.5 ± 4.7 mg/kg) compared to the pTAP group (25.4 ± 8.3 mg/kg), with a mean difference of -12 mg/kg (p < 0.001, 95%CI -16 to -7.6). The median time to first rescue analgesia was significantly longer in the ESP group (18 h [95% CI, 18-24]) than in the TAP group (9 h [95% CI, 6-12]), p < 0.001. Although FLACC scores were significantly lower in the ESP group at 30 min and 12 h postoperatively, the overall longitudinal analysis using a linear mixed-effects model showed no significant difference in the trend of FLACC scores over time between the two groups. There were no block-related complications. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided ESPB provides better, longer-lasting analgesia than posterior TAP block in children undergoing open pyeloplasty. Hence, it may serve as an effective component of multimodal pain management in paediatric open pyeloplasty. CTRI REGISTRATION (CTRI/2022/04/041876) DATED 13/04/2022): https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/rmaindet.php?trialid=67747&EncHid=42257.14515&modid=1&compid=19.

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PubMed2026

HSK21542 for Postoperative Analgesia in Gynecological Surgery: A Pooled Post-Hoc Analysis of Two Phase III Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Effective postoperative pain management in gynecological surgery is challenging because of complex visceral-somatic pain interactions and the adverse effects of conventional analgesics. HSK21542, a novel peripherally restricted kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) agonist that selectively targets visceral pain pathways enriched with KORs, may provide adequate analgesia without systemic adverse events. METHODS: We conducted a pooled post-hoc analysis of data from two phase III, multicenter, triple-blinded, randomized controlled trials (Study 301, HSK21542 vs placebo; Study 303, HSK21542 vs tramadol vs placebo). Eligible patients undergoing elective gynecological surgery were included. The primary outcome was the summed pain-intensity difference over 12 and 24 hours (SPID 12h and SPID 24h ). Secondary outcomes were pain-relief quality (proportion of patients relieved from severe pain with a pain numerical rating score ≤ 3 between 0 and 24 hours) and rescue-analgesic requirements (number of doses and time to first rescue analgesic). Adverse events were also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 370 patients were analyzed: 150 received HSK21542, 139 received a placebo, and 81 received tramadol. After inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) adjustment, baseline characteristics were well-balanced across treatment groups (all standardized mean differences [SMD] <0.1; see Table 1 for 95% CIs). HSK21542 produced greater reductions in pain intensity over 12 and 24 hours than placebo (least-squares mean differences -8.1 and -16.3 for SPID 12h and SPID 24h , respectively. Both P < .001) and no statistically significant difference was observed between HSK21542 and tramadol ( P > .05). Significantly more patients in the HSK21542 group were relieved from severe pain at 0 to 12 hours (92.7% vs 82.7%, P < .001) and required fewer rescue doses at 0 to 12 hours (0.00 [IQR 0.00-1.00] vs 1.00 [IQR 0.00-2.00], P < .001) and 0 to 24 hours (0.00 [IQR 0.00-1.00] vs 1.00 [IQR 0.00-2.00], P < .001) than those in the placebo group, whereas no significant differences with tramadol both in 0 to 12 and 0 to 24 hours. HSK21542 was also associated with significantly lower incidences of nausea (24.7% vs 66.7%) and vomiting (21.3% vs 60.5%) than tramadol. Only one case of dizziness occurred in the tramadol group. CONCLUSIONS: HSK21542 could provide adequate postoperative analgesia with few adverse events in patients undergoing gynecological surgery.

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PubMed2026

Robot-assisted bladder diverticulectomy in adults: a systematic review and pooled analysis of perioperative and functional outcomes.

Robot-assisted bladder diverticulectomy (RABD) is used for symptomatic acquired bladder diverticula, but evidence is dispersed across small single-centre series and the only dedicated systematic review dates from 2010. We reviewed contemporary perioperative and functional outcomes of RABD. Following a protocol registered on the Open Science Framework ( https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/54CFT ), PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of Science were searched from inception to 30 August 2026 (initial search June 2026, re-run and broadened for this version), following PRISMA 2020. Eligible studies were original series of five or more adults undergoing robot-assisted bladder diverticulectomy reporting extractable outcomes. Two reviewers independently screened, extracted data and appraised risk of bias with the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for case series, with third-reviewer adjudication. Binary outcomes were pooled as proportions with Wilson 95% confidence intervals (CI); continuous outcomes were summarised as patient-number-weighted descriptive values, because mixed median/mean reporting and clinical heterogeneity precluded a formal pooled-effect meta-analysis. Twelve studies (146 patients) were included and all outcomes were extracted from the full-text reports. A transperitoneal route was used throughout. There were no conversions to open surgery (0/129; 95% CI 0-2.9%). Major complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ III) occurred in 3.0% (4/135; 95% CI 1.2-7.4%). Patient-number-weighted descriptive values (combining study-level medians and means, and therefore not a pooled mean) were: operative time 163 min, blood loss 99 mL, length of stay 3.6 days and catheter duration 7.7 days. Symptom scores and post-void residual improved in every reporting series, significantly in five. The single non-randomised comparison with open surgery reported fewer major complications after RABD (5% [1/20] vs. 50% [3/6], p = 0.007), but the open arm comprised only six patients and this finding should not be regarded as comparative evidence. Across these series, RABD was feasible with low reported short-term morbidity in selected patients: no conversions to open surgery were recorded in the studies reporting conversion status, the major-complication rate was low, and symptom scores and post-void residual improved in every series that measured them. A minority of patients had an incidentally detected intradiverticular tumour; oncological outcomes were not an endpoint of this review. Evidence remains limited by small, heterogeneous, mostly retrospective series, so these findings should be read as descriptive; prospective comparative data are warranted.

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PubMed2025

Outcome of conservative management of small renal stones in prepubertal children.

INTRODUCTION: Renal stones are relatively uncommon in the pediatric population. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of conservative management of small renal stones in prepubertal children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for children (≤12 years old) with small renal stones (3-10 mm) from 2016 to 2023 who underwent conservative management. Management included periodic renal ultrasonography, every 6 months, in addition to good hydration. Stones were confirmed by two consecutive ultrasounds. We recorded the patient's demographics and ultrasound findings (stone side, size, laterality, location, number, and associated hydronephrosis). Surgical intervention was indicated if recurrent loin pain, recurrent UTI, or worsening hydronephrosis (obstructing stone). Nephrolithiasis was considered resolved if stones were not visualized on 2 consecutive ultrasounds. Moreover, we evaluated conservative management outcomes for those presented during infancy (<12 months) versus later. RESULTS: We included 52 patients (65renal units) who presented at a median age of 46.1months (5.3-155.1). Seventy-five percent of patients had incidental renal stones. The median stone size was 4 mm (3-10). Forty-six percent of stones were in the lower calyx. The majority (70.8 %) had no hydronephrosis at presentation. During a median follow-up of 39months, 15patients with 17units (26.2 %) were documented stone-free. Ten patients (19.2 %) had symptomatic stone events, all measured ≥4 mm. Of them, 6 patients (6 units) underwent surgical interventions, and 4 patients (4 units) experienced complications. A ROC curve analysis identified a stone size cutoff of 4 mm (sensitivity 100 % and 29 % specificity) that could be associated with symptomatic stone events. Using a multivariate Cox regression model, stone size was the only significantly associated factor with subsequent surgical intervention (p = 0.007). 19 % (10patients,12units) presented during infancy. Notably, the incidence of stone-free rate was significantly higher during infancy compared to older children (58.3 % vs 18.9 %,respectively). DISCUSSION: During a 39-month follow-up, 4 patients developed complications (2recurrent pain and 2 experienced UTI), supporting the safety of conservative management of small renal stones. This study is limited due to its retrospective design and the reliance on ultrasound as the main imaging method. To minimize that, all ultrasound images were carefully reviewed by two pediatric urologists. Moreover, renal stones were confirmed using strict criteria, which required detection in two consecutive ultrasounds. CONCLUSION: Although 26.2 % of units had spontaneously resolved nephrolithiasis, surgical intervention was only required in 11.5%of patients, all of whom had renal stones≥4 mm. Infants had higher spontaneous resolutions without complications, suggesting that conservative management may be especially effective in this subgroup.

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PubMed2026

Robotic-assisted transbronchial biopsy versus computed tomography-guided transthoracic needle biopsy for peripheral pulmonary lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis of direct comparative studies.

Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (RAB) and computed tomography-guided transthoracic biopsy (CTTB) are competing strategies for sampling peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). Whether they differ in yield or safety is uncertain. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review restricted to direct comparisons. We searched MEDLINE, Europe PMC, Scopus, Web of Science and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to 7 July 2026 for studies directly comparing RAB with CTTB in adults with PPLs. The primary outcome was strict 2024 American Thoracic Society/American College of Chest Physicians diagnostic yield. Risk of bias was assessed with ROBINS-I and certainty with GRADE. A cohort-genealogy step identified, per outcome, the largest set of cohorts sharing no patients; only that set was pooled, with Hartung-Knapp and Mantel-Haenszel sensitivity analyses. Five retrospective studies from one US health system were eligible. Four share patients; at most three cohorts are mutually independent. Across those three, diagnostic yield was comparable (risk ratio [RR] 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.93-1.06; I²=24%; Hartung-Knapp 0.87-1.13), with an identical relative effect under strict and intermediate definitions although absolute yields fell from 88% to 74-84% under strict criteria. Pneumothorax requiring a chest tube and/or admission was about three-quarters less frequent with RAB across all three cohorts (RR 0.25, 95% CI 0.14-0.46; I²=0%; Hartung-Knapp 0.07-0.96). Strict yield (RR 0.99) and any pneumothorax (RR 0.06) were reported by two cohorts each and neither survives the few-studies correction. RAB took about 50 min longer than CTTB where same-session staging endobronchial ultrasound was counted in the robotic time, but only about 8 min longer than CTTB where it was not. Only one cohort reported yield by lesion size category and none reported yield by bronchus sign or lung zone, so lesion-level subgroups could not be pooled. Certainty was low for pleural complications and very low elsewhere. Low-certainty evidence indicates that RAB is associated with fewer pleural complications, with no statistically detectable difference in diagnostic yield; equivalence was not formally established. Because all evidence is retrospective, confined to one health system, and almost never stratified by lesion size or accessibility, these findings are hypothesis-generating and require a multicenter randomized trial.

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PubMed2026

Quality of life and gender identity in females with congenital adrenal hyperplasia after genital restoration surgery: A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Legislation restricting surgical interventions in children with differences of sex development (DSD) has intensified debate about female genital restoration surgery (FGRS) in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Long-term patient-reported outcomes are needed regarding the optimal timing of surgery. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL), gender identity, and family satisfaction regarding surgical timing and outcome in females with CAH following genital restoration surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey of CAH patients who underwent surgery between January 2007 to December 2016 at our institution. Validated instruments (KINDL questionnaire for HRQoL, Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale, UGDS) and structured telephone interviews were employed. RESULTS: Data on HRQoL was available for 25 patients (self- and/or parent-reported) out of 56 eligible patients (45% response rate). Median age at first surgery was 6 months (range: 3-137 months). Patients' age at time of participation ranged from 2 to 28 years. All had 21-hydroxylase deficiency (92% salt-wasting form) with Prader grades ranging from II-V. Wound dehiscence requiring secondary suturing occurred in 15% of patients with primary surgery at our center, while only one (4%) patient developed vaginal stenosis after early primary vaginoplasty. Two additional patients (8%) with prior outside surgery required vaginal revision after FGRS at age 12. HRQoL scores were comparable to healthy reference populations across most age groups. Children aged 3-6 and adolescents and young adults showed no significant difference from reference values, while children aged 7-13 showed a slight elevation. None of five patients ≥14 years demonstrated gender dysphoria (all UGDS scores <40, threshold ≥40). 14 patients and families were also interviewed by telephone. All preferred early surgical timing. No family expressed regret about the decision or preferred delayed surgery. DISCUSSION: This study provides validated intermediate-term patient- and parent-reported outcomes after FGRS in CAH. Key limitations include the small sample size, single-center design, and young age of most patients. Selection bias may exist, though participating families included those who underwent revision surgery. The absence of a non-operated comparison group reflects current clinical reality, as nearly all CAH patients with urogenital sinus underwent surgical correction. CONCLUSIONS: Females with CAH reported normal HRQoL and a comfortable female gender identity after early FGRS. The patients and their families expressed a preference for early surgery. However, there is need for longer-term follow-up to assess sexual function and reproductive outcomes as well comparison of outcomes with a non-operated group.

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PubMed2026

Higher Rates of PASS and SCB After Arthroscopic Subspine Decompression Are Associated With a Positive Diagnostic AIIS Injection: A Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Hip arthroscopy effectively treats femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS), but persistent pain may be related to concomitant extra-articular pathology such as subspine impingement syndrome (SSI). Standard diagnosis of SSI often relies on 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) morphology (Hetsroni type II/III), although this morphology is common in individuals who are asymptomatic and correlates poorly with symptoms. PURPOSE: To compare minimum 2-year clinical outcomes after arthroscopic subspine decompression in patients with concurrent FAIS and type II/III anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) morphology, stratified by diagnostic method: 3D-CT morphology alone versus 3D-CT morphology plus a positive ultrasound-guided diagnostic injection. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: This study included patients aged 18 to 55 years with type II/III AIIS morphology who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS and SSI between January 2021 and November 2023 and had minimum 2-year follow-up. Patients diagnosed by CT morphology alone (CT classification group) were propensity score matched 1:1 to patients with a positive ultrasound-guided AIIS injection (injection group), with 57 patients per group. Matching variables were age, sex, body mass index, lateral center-edge angle, alpha angle, Tönnis grade, and Beighton score. All patients underwent arthroscopic subspine decompression. Patient-reported outcomes and rates of achieving the minimal clinically important difference, Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS), and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) were compared. RESULTS: Preoperative patient-reported outcome scores were similar between groups (all P > .05). At minimum 2-year follow-up, the injection group had significantly better scores on the modified Harris Hip Score (90.8 vs 84.2), Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (88.4 vs 82.4), Hip Outcome Score-Sports Subscale (71.9 vs 64.1), 12-item International Hip Outcome Tool (83.9 vs 76.1), and visual analog scale for pain (1.2 vs 2.0) (all P < .001). Minimal clinically important difference rates were high in both groups, with higher rates in the injection group for modified Harris Hip Score (93% vs 77%; P = .033) and Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (91% vs 75%; P = .042). PASS and SCB rates were significantly higher in the injection group across all patient-reported outcome measures (all P < .05). Revision and complication rates were low and did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSION: Both groups improved significantly after arthroscopic subspine decompression. However, patients with a positive ultrasound-guided diagnostic AIIS injection achieved higher PASS and SCB rates than those selected by CT morphology alone, suggesting that injection-confirmed SSI may improve patient selection for subspine decompression.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Interactive gaming during inhalational induction of anesthesia reduces pediatric patient anxiety and improves induction compliance: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative anxiety affects up to 75% of pediatric surgical patients and is associated with adverse postoperative outcomes. Traditional anxiolytic strategies with premedication carry drawbacks including delayed recovery and paradoxical reactions, driving interest in non-pharmacologic alternatives. Audiovisual distraction represents one approach, encompassing passive methods (e.g. watching a video) and active modalities (e.g. interactive gaming). The Bedside Entertainment and Relaxation Theater (BERT) is a projection-based environment that enables audiovisual distraction during induction. Whether BERT-based interactive gaming reduces anxiety and improves induction compliance compared to standard perioperative care remains unknown. METHODS: This single-center RCT enrolled 74 pediatric patients aged 4 to 14 undergoing inhalational induction, randomized to standard care (SOC) or interactive gaming via BERT added to SOC during induction (BERT). The primary outcome was change in patient anxiety from baseline to induction, measured using the Modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS). Secondary outcomes included caregiver anxiety, induction compliance, OR efficiency, opioid administration, and OR staff perceptions. RESULTS: Patients in the BERT group experienced significantly smaller increases in anxiety from baseline to induction than SOC (median mYPAS increase [IQR]: 0 [0 to 0] vs 10 [0 to 38], p < 0.001). Induction compliance improved, with lower Induction Compliance Checklist (ICC) scores indicating fewer induction-related disruptive behaviors than SOC (median: 0 vs 1, shift -1 [95% CI: -2 to 0]; p = 0.004). Caregiver anxiety increased less in the BERT group than SOC (mean STAI increase: 0.18 vs 1.89, difference - 1.7, [95% CI: -3.2 to -0.26]; p = 0.022). OR staff reported high acceptability, with 97% supporting continued use. No differences were observed in OR efficiency or opioid administration between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Interactive gaming via BERT attenuated increases in patient anxiety, improved induction compliance, and reduced the rise in caregiver anxiety without prolonging OR time. These findings support BERT as an effective, workflow-compatible anxiolytic strategy for pediatric inhalational induction.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Skin cell suspension autograft as an evidence-based innovation in burn and wound treatment: A systematic review of global evidence across two decades.

BACKGROUND: Skin cell suspension autograft (SCSA) is a point-of-care approach to wound management facilitating epithelialization while reducing burden associated with conventional autografting. Despite growing clinical use of SCSA across diverse wound etiologies, the global clinical evidence describing its use has not yet been comprehensively synthesized. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA) guidelines to identify studies between January 2000 and December 2024 reporting clinical use of SCSA for wound closure. Data on patient demographics, wound characteristics, and treatment methods were extracted. Clinical, safety, and health economic outcomes were extracted for comparative studies evaluating SCSA against control treatments. RESULTS: Ninety-nine studies across 13 countries were included. Across the overall dataset, SCSA was used alone or in combination with autografting for burns, surgical wounds, traumatic injuries, inflammatory conditions, and chronic wounds. Among comparative studies (n=27), SCSA consistently reduced donor skin, and healing outcomes favored SCSA in 61%, while 39% reported equivalent outcomes. Pain and esthetic outcomes more frequently favored SCSA, while safety outcomes were generally similar, with some studies favoring comparators. Health-economic outcomes suggested potential reductions in length of stay and resource utilization, although findings were variable across studies. CONCLUSION: The available global evidence supports SCSA as a versatile modality for supporting epidermal coverage across wound types and clinical contexts. However, the findings should be interpreted in the context of the limitations of this review, which include heterogenous study designs, variable outcome reporting, predominance of non-randomized data, and the absence of a formal quantitative analysis. Nevertheless, the demonstrated clinical and economic benefits in comparative studies reinforce the role of SCSA as an evidence-based innovation for burn and wound treatment.

Humans↗

PubMed2025

Application of Perioperative Real-Time Fluorescence Imaging to Achieve High-Quality Debridement: A Randomized Control Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of real-time fluorescence imaging (RTFI)-assisted debridement in managing chronic wounds compared with standard surgical debridement. APPROACH: This study was a patient-blinded, randomized clinical trial conducted from February 17, 2021, to July 30, 2021, on patients with chronic wounds. Patients were randomized to an RTFI group (M group) or conventional group (C group). The primary outcomes were as follows: percentage of residual bacterial area (preoperative and postoperative), number of debridements, high-quality debridement ratio, operation duration, and wound healing duration. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were enrolled in both groups. No significant difference in the percentage of preoperative residual bacterial area or high-quality debridement ratio was seen. The M group underwent debridement an average of 2.6 times and had a significantly longer duration of operation (33.5 ± 12.7 min) than the C group (29.9 ± 10.4 min; p = 0.031). The postoperative residual bacterial area was significantly lower in the M than in the C group (6.83% ± 1.39% vs. 30.0% ± 12.37%, respectively; p < 0.001). The M group required significantly fewer wound healing days (49.2 ± 25.3 vs. 63.0 ± 27.9, p < 0.001). Secondary outcomes also demonstrated statistically significant differences in total hospitalized days (17.5 ± 9.3 vs. 21.5 ± 12.5, p < 0.01), days of antibiotic use (15.5 ± 8.7 vs. 18.7 ± 6.7, p < 0.01), and reinfection rates (4 of 100 vs. 22 of 100, p < 0.001). INNOVATION: RTFI can detect signals from normal skin components and bacterial metabolites. Therefore, interpretation of RTFI results should be correlated with the clinical condition. RTFI is associated with high-quality debridement. This technique can also be applied in targeted biopsy and in training young staff to mature debridement procedures. CONCLUSION: RTFI in debridement is associated with favorable clinical outcomes and may have a positive influence on chronic wound healing.

Humans↗