A biological or a synthetic mesh in immediate breast reconstruction? A cohort-study of long-term Health related Quality of Life (HrQoL)

ObjectivesMeshes/matrices are commonly used in immediate breast reconstruction. There are few studies comparing biological and synthetic meshes and it is unknown what type of mesh gives the best long-term results. The aim of this study was to compare long-term health-related quality of life (HrQoL) and patient satisfaction in implant-based immediate breast reconstruction with a biological mesh (Surgisis®) with that of patients reconstructed with a synthetic mesh (TIGR ® Matrix Surgical Mesh).Material and methodsBoth cohorts were prospectively included and consecutively operated. Clinical data was collected. HrQoL was evaluated with EuroQoL-5 dimension – 3 levels questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Breast-Q.Results and conclusionSeventy-one patients were operated on in the biological group and 49 in the synthetic group. The response rates were 75 and 84 per cent, respectively. Mean follow-up time was 74 months and 23 months, respectively. There were no statistical differences in satisfaction and quality of life between the two groups. Complications and radiation seem to lead to a lower satisfaction. Our findings could indicate that biological and synthetic meshes give an equal long-term result as regards patients’ perceived quality of life.     

The effect of immediate postpartum levonorgestrel contraceptive implant use on breastfeeding and infant growth: a randomized controlled trial

Objective

This study assessed whether immediate postpartum insertion of levonorgestrel contraceptive implants is associated with a difference in infant growth from birth to 6 months, onset of lactogenesis, or breastfeeding continuation at 3 and 6 months postpartum compared to delayed insertion at 6 to 8 weeks postpartum.

Comparison between conventional CT and grayscale inversion CT images in the assessment of the post-operative spinal orthopaedic implants

AimTo compare the accuracy of the inverted greyscale CT versus the conventional CT in the assessment of post-operative spinal orthopaedic implants and osseous fusion.Methods50 patients who had CT as part of their routine spinal implant follow up were evaluated for the presence of fusion, fracture and loosening with conventional CT and with greyscale inverted CT images. 3 independent observers assessed the images 2 months apart. Diagnostic performance (sensitivity and specificity) of the conventional and greyscale inversion images relative to the reference standard were calculated. Agreement with the reference standard was assessed using Cohen's kappa for conventional and greyscale inversion images.ResultsCorrect classifications increased when using the greyscale inverted CT images for each reader compared to conventional CT images (40–46, 39 to 42 and 41 to 44 (out of 50)). Inverted images demonstrated better agreement with the reference standard than conventional grayscale images for assessment of fusion (kappa of 0.588 for inverted CT versus 0.484 for conventional CT) and loosening (kappa 0.386 for inverted versus 0.293 for conventional). Sensitivity was increased for assessment of fusion and loosening. McNemar's test performed for assessment of sensitivity differences showed statistical significance (p = 0.038 for fusion and p = 0.0313 for loosening).ConclusionGreyscale inversion CT is a useful adjunct which has advantages (improved sensitivity and better agreement) over conventional CT imaging in cases of fusion and loosening of metallic implants following spinal instrumentation. We recommend the use of both the greyscale inversion CT images and conventional CT imaging when assessing post-operative spinal orthopaedic implants.     

Bilateral total deafness after preparation of wild boar meat

IntroductionStreptococcus suis is responsible for a zoonosis for which Suidae (pigs and wild boars) constitute the reservoir, mainly in Asia, with a much lower prevalence in Europe. The predominant clinical manifestation is meningitis, possibly resulting in deafness.Case reportWe report the case of a woman hospitalised for meningitis complicated by labyrinthitis, occurring several hours after preparing a meal composed of wild boar meat. Despite the presence of intracochlear fibrosis, the patient was managed by sequential bilateral cochlear implants.DiscussionThe discussion presents a review of the international literature and describes the mechanisms responsible for hearing loss related to this rare zoonosis.     

影像学评估在耳蜗植入术中的价值

目的：评价影像学检查在耳蜗植入术中的价值。方法：37例感音性神经性聋患者术前常规行颞骨HRCT及MRI检查，术后行改良斯氏位X线拍片，其中5例术后行CT复查。结果：CT显示2例Mondini畸形（4耳），2例前庭导水管扩张（4耳），1例迷路骨化（1耳），1例内听道狭窄（2耳）。MRI显示Mondini畸形3例（6耳），前庭导水管扩张2例（4耳），1例并内淋巴囊扩张（2耳），2例迷路纤维化（2耳）。术后改良斯氏位X线拍片显示植入电极形态、位置良好。CT显示1例电极滑脱。结论：CT及MRI对耳蜗植入术术前评估具有重要价值，改良斯氏位X线拍片结合CT对术后评估更有意义。     

组织工程用外科植入物-高分子材料的加工、改性及应用

介绍了组织工程用外科植入物-生物医用高分子材料基本情况．重点从三个方面介绍了我们的工作，首先我们合成了三种可降解材料：聚羟基烷酸酯、两亲性聚氯酯弹性体、可注射性水凝胶．利用各种方法制造了多种复杂形状的组织工程支架，并对医用支架材料表面进行了改性。