clinical

Objectives: The study’s goals are to evaluate the management of Stroke Mimics (SMs), conditions with stroke-like symptoms but non-vascular origins. It seeks to avoid the unnecessary intravenous thrombolysis, the target therapy delays and determine the best SMs diagnosis approach.Materials and methods: A review was conducted of all patients admitted to the Emergency Department under a “stroke code” from January 1, 2018, to January 31, 2019. Anamnestic and clinical data, along with information on neuroimaging protocols and findings, were collected. Advanced MRI sequences, such as Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL) MR perfusion and MR spectroscopy, were revised to confirm the diagnoses.Results: 513 stroke codes were found; a neurovascular disease was diagnosed in 414 cases: 282 ischemic strokes and 73 intracranial hemorrages and 59 TIAs. The 99 SMs included, 13 infections, 12 syncopes, 11 epileptic seizures, 11 hemodinamic conditions, 10 tumors, 9 metabolic disorders, 9 diziness, 7 migraines, 4 drug/alcohol intoxication, 3 functional disorders, 3 acute hydrocefalus, 2 multiple sclerosis, 2 arteriovenous malformations, 1 spinal cord compression and 2 unexplained conditions. Specific neuroimaging findings were evaluated for all cases. Positive and negative predictive values of clinical diagnosis of SM were respectively 0.23 and 0.35. 125 SM patients underwent MRI examination, 40 of which within 3 hours from the activation of stroke code. Advanced MRI sequences as ASL, MR perfusion, MR spectroscopy were used to reach the correct diagnosis.Conclusions: Advanced multimodal MRI can be a valuable tool in the assessment of, particularly in cases where conventional imaging techniques such as DWI-FLAIR mismatch are inconclusive. The novelty of this retrospective study is to demonstrate that the consistent use of arterial spin labeling perfusion in cases with stroke code leads to a rapid and accurate diagnosis of SMs. The implementation of an MRI-based pathway can expedite the diagnosis and treatment of underlying non-vascular causes such as SMs.

As the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of various cancers is now proven to be already acquired knowledge, so does a new challenge arise for clinicians; the understanding, diagnosis, and management of the rarest adverse effects of immunotherapy. We present a case of type-1 diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) in a patient with non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) treated with pembrolizumab. Following ten cycles of treatment, our patient was diagnosed with T1DM after being admitted for diabetic ketoacidosis and stayed hospitalized in the ICU. Later, they continued treatment with insulin, having shown disease response to pembrolizumab, and resumed immunotherapy while on insulin. Immunotherapy-induced T1DM can sometimes occur with PD1/PD-L1 blockage therapies. It has a rapid onset, is characterized by insulin deficiency due to the autoimmune destruction of beta-cells, and usually presents itself with diabetic ketoacidosis. Unlike most of the other adverse effects of immunotherapy, glucocorticoids don’t seem to be of therapeutic value, and insulin substitution is required. Regular glucose monitoring can be key to early diagnosis and prevention of hospitalization. 

This report illustrates and provides a novel explanation for post-trabeculectomy improvements in the visual field, cup disc contours, and apparent deepening of an arcuate nerve fiber layer (NFL) defect after trabeculectomy for open-angle glaucoma. These changes are all plausible manifestations of recovered axonal transport and thickening retina, previously thinned by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Serial pre-and post-operative clinical fundus photos in case 1(A,B) demonstrate increased prominence of an inferior temporal arcuate nerve fiber layer defect, improved cup disc ratio, and visual field following eye pressure lowering by + 50% after trabeculectomy. Case 2 (C,D) also demonstrates obvious cup disc improvement in post-operative photos with associated improvement in visual field after trabeculectomy and lowering IOP by + 30%. We suggest that elevated IOP suppresses primarily orthograde axonal transport resulting in nerve fiber layer (NFL) thinning that can recover back to normal thickness when IOP is surgically lowered by the magnitude achieved in these two examples.

Cardiac revascularization surgery has a long history. Its results and safety are well known. Nonetheless, the long-term patency rate of certain grafts used in cardiac revascularization is non-optimal, and CABG is associated with a risk of cerebrovascular stroke due to aortic manipulation. We have developed a simple control quality protocol of the anastomosis performed in CABG, aiming to improve the long-term patency of certain grafts used in cardiac revascularization surgery and reduce the risk of cerebrovascular stroke in those patients. 

Background: Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a common and serious early pregnancy problem with a significant morbidity rate and the potential for maternal death. Women commonly present with minimal vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain.Objective: The main objective of the study was to evaluate the risk factors, clinical presentation, sites, and management outcomes of ectopic pregnancies. Methodology: It was a prospective descriptive, cross-sectional hospital-based study conducted at Bashair Teaching Hospital during the period January 2021–June 2021.An interview questionnaire was used, and eighty-two (82) women were included after informed consent. Demographic and clinical data concerning personal history, symptoms of presentation, risk, site, and type of management were recorded.Results: Ectopic pregnancy incidence was 2% and most risk factors were infection 29.3%, surgery 15.9%, miscarriage 13.4%, infertility 12.2%, tubal surgery 4.9%, previous ectopic pregnancy 4.9%, intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) 3.6%, and tubal ligation 2.4%. Women presented with bleeding and abdominal pain at 47.5%, bleeding at 18.3%, abdominal pain at 9.7%, and shock at 8.5%.The sites are ampullary (57.3%), fimbria (9.7%), interstitial (8.5%), isthmus (8.5%), ovarian (7.3%), cervical (4.8%), and abdominal (3.6%).Surgical management was 93.9%, medical and surgical management was 3.6% and medical management was 2.4%. A blood transfusion was received at 37.8%.Conclusion: The study concluded that women of reproductive age are at risk of ectopic pregnancy, so healthcare providers and doctors should have a high index of suspicion, prompt diagnosis, and intervention for ectopic pregnancy. Assessment of women at risk factors and modifications will reduce incidence. 

Hypertrophy of the adenoid is a rare condition in adults, often suspicious of malignancy. We present a case of a 31-year-old female with a clinical presentation of a giant nasopharyngeal mass, clinically suspicious for malignancy, given the size and greyish discoloration. She presented with left-side otalgia, hearing loss, and nasal obstruction. After broad investigations on adenoid tissue following adenectomy, a reassuring diagnosis of adenovirus-related adenoiditis could be made. This case demonstrates the importance of broad microbiological testing in ruling out malignancies. The patient recovered completely. 

The prevalence of intra-uterine dysfunction of ductus arteriosus is unknown and the clinical consequences are poorly understood. We report a case of prenatal diagnosis of premature closure of the ductus arteriosus due to maternal intake of metamizole during pregnancy. Fetal echocardiography at 37 weeks of gestation revealed a right ventricular hypertrophy and suspected stenosis of the tricuspid valve. A cesarean section led to an excellent neonatal outcome. The aim of this report is to show echocardiographic abnormalities and outcomes of this rare phenomenom.

Scientific interest in low-molecular-weight pectins is not accidental. Despite the experimental material widely presented in the literature on the pharmacological effects of pectins, the clinical application of the developments has not yet been fully implemented. On the one hand, antitumor potential is registered in polymers with a mass of hundreds of kilodaltons, on the other hand, practically nothing is known about such in pectin derivatives weighing less than 20 kDa. In addition, the issues of assessing the nature of the pharmacological interaction of nanoscale pectin and conventional cytostatics are not covered. The aim of this work is an experimental study of the antitumor potential of low-molecular, low-esterified pectin in combination with a cytostatic agent on a model of Walker’s carcinosarcoma. Pectin therapy of Walker’s transplanted tumor in several series of experiments consistently caused inhibition of its growth from 60% to 80%. The combined use of pectin and cyclophosphane caused inhibition of tumor growth up to 72.4%. The increase in life expectancy in the “pectin + cyclophosphane” group versus the “cyclophosphane” group was 200%. It can be concluded that nanoscale pectin is a promising drug for in-depth study since it meets the criteria of primary screening (increase in animal life expectancy, inhibition of tumor growth, survival without tumor growth).

Background and objectives: Periodontal disease, as an inflammatory pathology, induces hemodynamic changes that can be evaluated by different unbiased methods such as laser Doppler flowmetry. This clinical investigation assesses laser Doppler as a non-invasive procedure to monitor gingival vascularization and its potential relationship with the response to treatment of periodontal disease.Materials & methods: 45 sites of white Spanish patients with active periodontitis undertake a complete periodontal analysis. This included periodontal pathogens identification along with the monitoring of the gingival margin microvascularization using a Doppler laser at the points exhibiting the most periodontal damage. All assessments were performed before and after periodontal combined treatment PCT (scaling, root planing, and antibiotic therapy prescription) (n = 45 sites).Results: Parameters of periodontal disease showed a positive correlation with pathogen levels. Blood flow readings decreased significantly after PCT (p < 0,05), although this parameter was not statistically correlated with periodontal nor microbial assessments in a significant range.Conclusion: Laser Doppler is a complementary method of monitoring periodontal inflammation to traditional techniques of clinical periodontal evaluation. Further studies are necessary to determine its usefulness as a predictive method of periodontal disease evolution.

Background: Postdated pregnancy is one of the most common obstetric problems associated with increased maternal morbidity, prenatal morbidity, and mortality. Pregnancy at 37-40 weeks of gestation is called the term from the last menstrual period. If the pregnancy exceeds 40 weeks, it is called a postdated pregnancy, but when pregnancy is prolonged beyond 42 weeks, it is called post-maturity or post-term pregnancy. Objective: This study aimed to determine the adverse effects of postdate pregnancy on mothers and fetuses.Methodology: This was a descriptive, prospective, cross-sectional, hospital-based study conducted at Omdurman Maternity Hospital from January 2018 to June 2018.An interview questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were collected by trained doctors in the labor room. One hundred and thirty-eight (138) postdated pregnant women were included in this study after obtaining informed consent through a structured questionnaire. Demographic and clinical data concerning personal history, booking status, mode of delivery, maternal complications, and fetal complications were recorded.Results: During the study period, 2751 women delivered, of which 138 were postdated deliveries, with a prevalence of 5%. Most women's age range was 31-34 years 48.6%). Their education level was mostly secondary school (42%). Primigravida 65%), booked were 75.4%. Previous history of postdate pregnancy was 34.1%, normal vaginal delivery was 79 .7%, cesarean section was 14.5%, and instrumental delivery 5.8%. Cesarean section indications were cervical dystocia (14.4%), cephalopelvic disproportion (9.5%), meconium-stained liquor with fetal distress (33.3%), pathological cardiotocography (CTC) (19%), and failure to progress (23.8%).Maternal complications included post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) (7.2%), perineal tears (.7%, cervical tears (1.4%), and postpartum infections (1.4%). Fetal complications were 14.5%, Shoulder Dystocia 2.9%, asphyxia (6.5%), and meconium aspiration (5.1%). The mean APGAR score was 1.1667, less than three in only 3.6%, and > 7 in 86.9%.Neonatal death was 3%. Approximately 18 neonates were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive care unit (NICU) and only five of them were admitted for more than one week.Conclusion: Postdate pregnancy prevalence in this study was 5%, which was associated with maternal risk of cesarean section delivery, instrumental delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, and postnatal infection.

Purpose: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a real public health problem due to its severity and gravity. In a 2013 meta-analysis, Susantitaphong, et al. estimated the incidence of AKI worldwide at between 10% and 20%. In the latter study, no African studies were included, given the lack of data in the literature. Our objective was to identify the clinical and paraclinical epidemiological characteristics of patients with AKI.Patients and methods: We conducted a retrospective study including patients who had AKI with recovery of normal renal function hospitalized in a nephrology service between 2002 and 2015.Results: Our population consisted of 107 men and 107 women with a median age of 61 years (IQR 43-73.25) of which 42.1% were multitargeted. Functional AKI represented the predominant mechanism of AKI retained in our study with a rate of 53.2% with dehydration as the main etiology for 108 patients (50.46%). Organic cause was retained in 38.8% of patients, with acute tubular necrosis (ATN) as the most frequent etiology (37.35%). Kidney disease improving global outcomes (KDIGO) stage 3 was the stage retained for 115 patients included in our series, 31 of whom required extra renal purification. During their hospitalization, 78.5% of the patients presented a persistent AKI (duration of the episode > 7 days). A glomerular filtration rate (GFR) lower than 60 ml/min/1.73 m² at discharge was found in 119 patients and 10 patients had a GFR higher than 90 ml/min/1.73 m². After 3 months from discharge, 77.5% of patients had a GFR between 60 and 90 ml/min/1.73 m².Conclusion: Our results give us an idea of the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients who have had acute renal failure with recovery of normal renal function and enable us to better recognize patients at risk in order to avoid such complications. AKI remains a major issue and knowing its epidemiological and clinical characteristics will allow its prevention.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of Zn supplementation on oxidative stress by evaluating changes in serum Copper (Cu) to Zinc (Zn) ratio, homocysteine (hCys), Glutathione (GSH), Total Bilirubin (TB) and Catalase (CAT) activity in hemodialysis patients.Methods: Seventy-seven HD patients were enrolled in a multicenter simple-blind randomized clinical trial. Only 37 HD patients completed the study. They were randomly divided into two groups and supplemented with zinc sulfate (n = 17) or placebo (n = 20) for two months. Serum Zn and Cu were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Serum hCys was measured by immunology method, serum GSH and CAT activity were assessed by spectrophotometry method and TB was measured by colorimetric method. Determinations were performed before and after supplementation.Findings: After zinc supplementation, serum Zn, serum GSH, and Serum Total Bilirubin (STB) significantly increased. Serum Cu to Zn ratio, serum hCys, and CAT activity significantly decreased in the Zn Zn-supplemented group.Conclusion: Zinc supplementation increased serum antioxidant factors such as Zn, GSH, and bilirubin and decreased serum oxidative factors such as copper to zinc ratio, hCys, and decreased CAT activity. The study results suggest that zinc supplementation may be a useful tool for the improvement of oxidative stress in HD patients.

Background and aim: Congestive heart failure is a prevalent and serious condition that poses significant challenges in the emergency department setting. Prompt and accurate management of congestive heart failure patients is crucial for improving outcomes and optimizing resource utilization. This study aims to address these challenges by developing a machine learning algorithm and comparing it to a traditional logistic regression model that can assist in the triage, resource allocation, and long-term prognostication of congestive heart failure patients.Methods: In this investigation, we used the MIMIC-III database, a publicly accessible resource containing patient data from ICU settings. Traditional logistic regression, along with the robust XGBoost and random forest algorithms, was harnessed to construct predictive models. These models were built using a range of pretreatment clinical variables. To pinpoint the most pertinent features, we carried out a univariate analysis. Ensuring robust performance and broad applicability, we adopted a nested cross-validation approach. This method enhances the precision and validation of our models by implementing multiple cross-validation iterations.Results: The performance of machine learning algorithms was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Notably, the random forest algorithm, despite having lower performance among the machine learning models still demonstrated significantly higher AUC than traditional logistic regression. The AUC for the XGBoost was 0.99, random forest 0.98, while traditional logistic regression was 0.57. The most important pretreatment variables associated with congestive heart failure include total bilirubin, creatine kinase, international normalized ratio (INR), sodium, age, creatinine, potassium, gender, alkaline phosphatase, and platelets.Conclusion: Machine learning techniques utilizing multiple pretreatment clinical variables outperform traditional logistic regression in aiding the triage, resource allocation, and long-term prognostication of congestive heart failure patients in the intensive care unit setting using MIMIC III data.

Background: Clinical practice guidelines recommend monitoring the depth of anesthesia during endoscopic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using sedation scales, despite their subjective nature, while the use of the bispectral index, an objective measure, during sedation, remains controversial. The main objective of this study was to assess the ability of bispectral index monitoring to characterize the depth of anesthesia during endoscopy.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the performance of the bispectral index using data from a multicentre clinical trial with 180 patients undergoing scheduled colonoscopies. Sedation was monitored using the bispectral index and Ramsay Sedation Scale. Data on sedation were recorded at five-time points (t1 to t5) during the colonoscopy.Results: Bispectral values were significantly associated with Ramsay scores (rho, -0.73; p < 0.0001). In regression analysis, each unit increase in bispectral value was associated with a reduction in the risk of a high Ramsay score (> 3) at all points (OR 0.922; 95% CI: 0.865–0.979; p < 0.0001 at t1). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis found areas under the curve of 0.8272 for a bispectral index cut-off for deep sedation of 69.76 (sensitivity, 95.35%; negative predictive value, 97.53%) when reaching the colic flexure (t2) and 0.8399 for a cut-off of 69.29 (sensitivity, 96.15%; negative predictive value, 98.81%) at the end of the colonoscopy (t5).Conclusion: Bispectral index monitoring enables objective real-time reliable assessment of sedation. It enables easy continuous monitoring with a very good performance for detecting deep sedation and correlates with a clinical scale routinely used in endoscopic procedures.

Mesenteric cysts and cystic mesenteric tumors are very rare abdominal growths. They may be localized all over the mesentery, from the duodenum to the rectum, however, they are mostly found in the ileum and right colon mesentery. There are several classifications of these formations, among which the one based on histopathologic features including 6 groups has been most commonly used: 1) cysts of lymphatic origin--lymphatic (hilar cysts) and lymphangiomas; 2) cysts of mesothelial origin--benign or malignant mesothelial cysts; 3) enteric cysts; 4) cysts of urogenital origin; 5) dermoid cysts; and 6) pseudocysts-infectious or traumatic etiology.A dermoid cyst is a benign, epithelial-lined cavitary lesion composed of ectoderm and mesoderm that can arise anywhere in the body, with a tendency to develop in midline structures.In 20% - 45% of cases, accompanying diseases that were not previously clinically manifested can be diagnosed during emergency interventions, requiring additional surgical interventions for their correction.The aim of the study is to demonstrate the successful treatment experience of a dermoid cyst of the mesentery of the jejunum, detected after traditional appendectomy.Clinical case:  A mother brought her 9-year-old son, V., to the emergency department of the Kursk Regional Children’s Clinical Hospital with complaints of moderate-intensity pain in the right iliac region, multiple episodes of vomiting, and fever. Ultrasound features indicative of destructive appendicitis and peritonitis. In an emergency situation, after preoperative preparation, a traditional appendectomy was performed under intravenous anesthesia, using the Volkovich-Dyakonov approach. The postoperative period was uneventful. Moderate infiltration was observed on the control abdominal ultrasound examination, in the intestine (presumably the small intestine) in the right half of the abdominal cavity, with a solid formation measuring 27*33 mm, producing a dense acoustic shadow. On the 7th day after the initial intervention, a revision of the abdominal organs was performed. The loop of the jejunum with the formation was brought out into the wound. The capsule above the formation was dissected: the formation of bone density, when the capsule is separated, resembles a fecal stone in structure, considering the localization - a dermoid cyst. Step-by-step enucleation of the cyst was performed. The postoperative wound was tightly sutured in layers.

Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections (CRBSIs) are severe healthcare-associated complication that occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream through a catheter. The risk of CRBSIs is influenced by various factors. Prolonged catheter placement increases the risk, as each day increases the potential for bacterial colonization and bloodstream infection. Proper aseptic technique and a sterile environment during catheter insertion are essential to minimize infection risk. Stringent infection control measures during insertion, including sterile gloves, thorough hand hygiene, and appropriate skin disinfection, are crucial. Inadequate catheter site care and suboptimal catheter management can contribute to CRBSIs. Regular cleaning, disinfection, and dressing changes are necessary to reduce the risk of infection. The type of catheter used also affects infection risk. Central Venous Catheters (CVCs) and arterial catheters, especially those inserted into the jugular or subclavian vein, carry a higher risk of CRBSIs compared to peripheral venous catheters. Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as chemotherapy patients, organ transplant recipients, and those with HIV/AIDS, are more susceptible to CRBSIs. Patients with existing infections, like pneumonia or urinary tract infections, are at a heightened risk of acquiring CRBSIs due to potential cross-contamination. Healthcare professionals who fail to practice thorough hand hygiene before and after catheter-related procedures can introduce pathogens into the bloodstream. Leaving catheters in place when no longer necessary or using them unnecessarily elevates the risk of infection. To prevent CRBSIs, strict infection control protocols, including effective hand hygiene, sterile catheter insertion techniques, routine site care, and prompt catheter removal when no longer needed, are imperative. Healthcare facilities often implement specific protocols to mitigate CRBSI risk and enhance patient safety.

Introduction: The skills, the techniques utilized in the conization and the hemostasis directly affect the healing process of the cervix tissue. Excessively large excisions and unnecessary use of electrocautery or hemostatic sutures are examples of procedures that may negatively affect the scar cascade and wound healing. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of honey-based ferric perchloride paste (HBFPP) in reducing bleeding and infection post-conization procedure. Methods: Prospective randomized clinical trial with a sample of 142 patients randomized in two groups: 78 patients who used the HBFPP (intervention) and 64 patients who did not use the HBFPP (control). Statistical analysis was performed utilizing a significance level of 95%. The Chi-Square test and Fisher’s exact test were applied. Results: Results showed that the mean score of the amount of blood lost was lower in the intervention group compared to the control group. The main complaints reported by the two groups in the postoperative period were discomfort in the genitourinary system, heavy bleeding after surgery, and post-operative infection, but not significantly different among both groups. The control group needed further intervention due to excessive bleeding in comparison with the intervention group. Conclusion: The use of HBFPP reduced the amount of blood lost in the postoperative period of conization surgery.

Background: Maternal near-miss (MNM) events occur more frequently than maternal deaths; therefore, more detailed and comprehensive studies on maternal morbidity have been conducted and are of value to clinical audits and practices. Purpose: This study aimed to determine the frequency of maternal near misses and the nature of near-missevents. Methodology: This descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study over 12 months duration was conducted at the Alobied Teaching Hospital in 2018. Data were collected from patient notes, partographs, and other relevant documents. Demographic and clinical data concerning personal history, obstetric history, and near-miss events. Results: A total of 15202 women were admitted, 339 cases of maternal near misses, maternal near-missrate (MNMR) of 22.3|1000 live births, 200(59%) had an infection, 80(23.6%) hemorrhage, 20(5.9%) severe pre-eclampsia,12(3.5%) eclampsia, 20(5.9%) anemia, convulsions 5 (1.5%) 17(5%) of the cases were admitted to intensive care unit (ICU), 9(2.7%) had liver dysfunction, 9(2.7%) coagulation dysfunction, 8(2.4%) renal dysfunction, 5(1.5%) cerebral problems, 4(1.2%) cardiac dysfunction, and 2(0.6%) had developed respiratory dysfunction.Conclusion: The maternal near-miss rate was 22.3|1000 live births. Most near-miss cases occurred before the women arrived at the hospital. The major causes of maternal near misses were infection, hemorrhage anemia, pre-eclampsia, and eclampsia.

This review explores the evolving landscape of psoriasis treatment with a focus on the transformative impact of biologic drugs. Psoriasis, a prevalent and persistent skin condition characterized by red and scaly patches, historically relied on topical, phototherapeutic, and systemic treatments, each with limitations. The advent of biologics represents a significant advancement, offering targeted interventions by addressing specific immunologic mechanisms underlying the disease. Biologics are now considered the preferred systemic therapy for chronic moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, particularly when conventional treatments prove ineffective or present disadvantages.The review delineates the mechanisms of action for biologics targeting tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-17 (IL-17) and interleukin-23 (IL-23). Specific drugs under each category, including etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab, secukinumab, ustekinumab, and others, are detailed with recommended dosages. Biologics have demonstrated substantial effectiveness, with clinical trials and real-world studies showcasing significant improvements in disease severity and patient’s quality of life. Notably, these drugs exhibit rapid action, often yielding noticeable changes within weeks.While biologics have revolutionized psoriasis treatment, the review emphasizes the importance of judicious use due to potential side effects such as injection-site reactions and respiratory infections. Serious adverse events, including infections and autoimmune reactions, necessitate careful patient selection and monitoring for safety. In conclusion, biologics offer a precise and effective approach to psoriasis treatment, promising marked symptom improvement and enhanced quality of life. The review underscores the need for responsible utilization, considering patient-specific factors, and anticipates ongoing advancements in biologics for improved control over this chronic dermatitis.

Purpose: Lower-extremity (LE) injuries due to prolonged surgery duration in the dorsal lithotomy (DL) position are often morbid and can significantly affect the patient’s short and long-term quality of life. These include the development of lower extremity pressure ulcers, neuropathies, rhabdomyolysis, and compartment syndromes. As compared to other surgeries, this risk is increased in patients undergoing genital gender-affirming surgery (gGAS) due to the relatively long operative time of these surgeries related to their high complexity. Our study aimed to describe our technique for preventing LE injuries in the DL position, and to evaluate our positioning-related post-operative complications and rates.Materials and Methods: We describe our technique for positioning in the dorsal lithotomy position, with an emphasis on injury prevention. We ensure a specific padding technique of the LE, we alert surgical assistants to not lean/rest on the LE, and we schedule LE checks and repositioning throughout the case to prevent and mitigate occult injuries. Herein, we report our clinical positioning-related outcomes and complications among all patients undergoing gGAS procedures lasting >300 minutes between January 2017 to March 2023. Results: A total of 227 patients underwent 310 surgical procedures (156 masculinizing, 154 feminizing gGAS procedures). Mean operative time was 495.5 minutes+/-156.5 minutes (SD) (Range 300–1095 minutes). A total of 6/227 (2.6%) patients (2 masculinizing and 4 feminizing surgical patients) had transient, self-limited LE pain post-op. No (0%) patients had major complications including chronic nerve injury, pressure ulcers, rhabdomyolysis, or compartment syndrome.Conclusions: Our study is the first to describe a replicable technique, and specifically which integrates the OR team and nursing staff, to prevent LE injuries during DL. We show that it is possible to achieve a 0%-to-rare incidence of major LE injury during long-duration surgeries.