Citations

ABSTRACT Purpose There is limited evidence regarding the optimal timing of urosymphyseal fistula (USF) repair. Our aim was to conduct a comparative analysis evaluating the postoperative complications and surgical outcomes among patients undergoing surgery for USF, comparing those treated in an early versus delayed fashion. Methods Fifty‐eight patients with diagnosis of USF and who underwent fistula decompression, pubic bone resection, and urinary tract reconstruction were included. Patients who underwent USF repair within 100 days of diagnosis were classified as having early repair, while those treated after 100 days were considered to have delayed repair. Results Thirty‐one underwent delayed USF repair (53.4%), while 27 underwent early repair (46.6%). Most patients were male (96.8%). The median age (72 years vs . 69 years, p = 0.13) and mean BMI (28.7 vs . 28.6, p = 0.97) were comparable between groups. The rate of overall 90‐day complications following USF repair was comparable between groups (77.4% vs . 63%, p = 0.228). We did not find a difference between the rates early complications among groups. The rates of long‐term recurrent pain (46.7% vs . 11.1%, p = 0.004), recurrent osteomyelitis (20% vs . 0%, p = 0.014), and fistula (23.3% vs . 3.7%, p = 0.033) were higher in the delayed USF repair group compared to the early USF repair group. The follow up time was similar between groups too (25.43‐months vs . 32.8‐months, p = 0.257). Conclusion While early USF repair might not affect the incidence of early complications within 90 days post‐surgery, it is associated with reduced rates of long‐term recurrent pain, recurrent osteomyelitis, and fistula recurrence compared to delayed USF repair.

Introduction: Capsular contracture (CC) is the most common complication following breast augmentation and reconstruction. Although numerous risk factors and preventive strategies have been proposed, the etiology remains poorly understood. This study employs bibliometric analysis to evaluate global research trends, collaboration networks, and emerging hotspots in CC research. Methods: We queried the Web of Science Core Collection using keywords related to breast implants and CC, including publications through December 31, 2024. Data including publication year, author, institution, citations(C), and keywords were analyzed using VOSviewer , Microsoft Excel , and Scimago Graphica to visualize trends, collaboration networks, and research foci. Results: A total of 2065 publications(P) were included. The United States led in both total publication output and citation count (P = 800, C = 27 984), with Harvard (P = 48, C = 1688) and Georgetown Universities (P = 45, C = 2750) being key contributors. Emerging contributions from Asian institutions were noted, though citation impact remained lower. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery was the most prolific and cited journal (P = 473, C = 23 113). Recent research hotspots identified through keyword analysis include Biofilm , Acellular Dermal Matrix (ADM) , Implant placement , contamination , and inflammation . Most top-cited studies were of Level IV or V evidence. Conclusion: Research on CC is increasing, with a shift toward exploring biological mechanisms like biofilm formation and preventative measures such as ADM and implant positioning. Despite growing international interest, most evidence remains low quality. Future work should prioritize clinical studies that generate higher level of evidence and foster broader global collaboration to improve patient outcomes and refine surgical practices.

Abstract Aims While data from randomized trials suggest a declining incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) among heart failure patients, the extent to which such a trend is present among patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has not been evaluated. We therefore assessed changes in SCD incidence, and associated factors, in CRT recipients over the last 20 years. Methods and results Literature search from inception to 30 April 2018 for observational and randomized studies involving CRT patients, with or without defibrillator, providing specific cause-of-death data. Sudden cardiac death was the primary endpoint. For each study, rate of SCD per 1000 patient-years of follow-up was calculated. Trend line graphs were subsequently constructed to assess change in SCD rates over time, which were further analysed by device type, patient characteristics, and medical therapy. Fifty-three studies, comprising 22 351 patients with 60 879 patient-years of follow-up and a total of 585 SCD, were included. There was a gradual decrease in SCD rates since the early 2000s in both randomized and observational studies, with rates falling more than four-fold. The rate of decline in SCD was steeper than that of all-cause mortality, and accordingly, the proportion of deaths which were due to SCD declined over the years. The magnitude of absolute decline in SCD was more prominent among CRT-pacemaker (CRT-P) patients compared to those receiving CRT-defibrillator (CRT-D), with the difference in SCD rates between CRT-P and CRT-D decreasing considerably over time. There was a progressive increase in age, use of beta-blockers, and left ventricular ejection fraction, and conversely, a decrease in QRS duration and antiarrhythmic drug use. Conclusion Sudden cardiac death rates have progressively declined in the CRT heart failure population over time, with the difference between CRT-D vs. CRT-P recipients narrowing considerably.

Vascular protection using gene therapy can reduce the late toxicities of radiotherapy.