UNASSIGNED: Surgical repair of paraesophageal hernias (PEHs) is burdened with high recurrence rates, and hitherto various techniques explored to enforce the traditional crural repair have not been successful. The hiatal reconstruction in PEH is exposed to significant tension, which may be minimized by adding a diaphragmatic relaxing incision to enhance the durability of the crural repair.
UNASSIGNED: All individuals undergoing elective laparoscopic repair of a large PEH, irrespective of age, were considered eligible. PEHs were classified into types II-IV. The preoperative work-up program included multidetector computed tomography and symptom assessment questionnaires, which will be repeated during the postoperative follow-up. Patients were randomly divided into a control group with crural repair alone and an intervention group with the addition of a left-sided diaphragmatic relaxing incision at the edge of the upper pole of the spleen. The diaphragmatic defect was then covered by a synthetic mesh.
UNASSIGNED: The primary endpoint of this trial was the rate of anatomical PEH recurrence at 1 year. Secondary endpoints included symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease, dysphagia, odynophagia, gas bloat, regurgitation, chest pain, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, postprandial pain, cardiovascular and pulmonary symptoms, and patient satisfaction in the immediate postoperative course (3 months) and at 1 year. Postoperative complications, morbidity, and disease burden were recorded for each patient. This was a double-blind study, meaning that the operation report was filed in a locked archive to keep the patient, staff, and clinical assessors blinded to the study group allocation. Blinding must not be broken during the follow-up unless required by any emergencies in the clinical management of the patient. Likewise, the patients must not be informed about the details of the operation.
UNASSIGNED: ClinicalTrials.gov, identification number NCT04179578.

Background Adhesions occur frequently after surgery. A number of methods are being employed for reducing post-operative adhesions. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of hyaluronic acid gel in the reduction of post-operative bowel obstruction symptoms in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy due to small bowel perforation and presenting with peritonitis. Methods In this experimental study, 78 patients were evaluated. All had presented to the emergency department with peritonitis secondary to small bowel perforation. Exploratory laparotomy was performed and after thorough lavage, a loop stoma was formed on the right side of the abdomen with an injection of hyaluronic acid gel injected into the abdominal cavity before the closure of the abdomen. Postoperative obstructive symptoms at one, three, and six months were evaluated. All patients underwent stoma reversal at three months. Results Obstructive bowel symptoms were seen in 18 patients (23.07%) patients. The cumulative incidence of obstructive symptoms at three months was only 8.97% but after the second intervention without protective gel, it increased to 23.07% at six months. Conclusions Cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel was effective in the reduction of post-operative bowel obstructive symptoms due to adhesions in patients who had presented with peritonitis due to small bowel perforation and had undergone exploratory laparotomy with stoma formation.

Introduction: A modified pull-through (PT) distinguished by complete full-thickness removal of the posterior rectal cuff, initially developed as an open procedure in 1980, has been performed with laparoscopic assistance since 1997. Postoperative bowel dysfunction improved when the anatomic landmark for PT surgery was revised from the dentate line (DL) to the anorectal (or Herrmann\'s) line (ARL) in 2007. A 40-year (1980-2019) review of 153 consecutive rectal/rectosigmoid type Hirschsprung\'s disease (HD) patients is presented. Methods: Data for postoperative bowel dysfunction and Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) classified according to the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) scale were obtained retrospectively. Results: PT was open (n = 43) and laparoscopic (n = 110). Dissection was DL (n = 57) and ARL (n = 96). Over 40 years, 5/153 patients (3.3%) had postoperative obstructive symptoms (POS), and 10/153 patients (6.5%) had 13 episodes of postoperative HAEC; APSA grades were: I (n = 4); II (n = 8); and III: (n = 1) presenting with explosive diarrhea (10/13; 76.9%), fever (10/13; 76.9%), abdominal distension (9/13; 69.2%), or bloody stools/shock (1/13 with grade III; 7.7%). The grade III case had histologically-proven transitional zone PT. Postoperative HAEC developed in 3/5 (60.0%) POS+ patients and 7/148 (4.7%) POS- patients (P = .002). Symptom duration and treatment were not correlated with APSA grades. Conclusions: Complete full-thickness posterior rectal cuff excision and using the ARL reduced postoperative HAEC significantly in this series. Despite being anatomically distinct, the DL is inadequate as a precise landmark for PT surgery because it lacks functional relevance. The APSA scale could benefit from timely review to improve its clinical and prognostic value.

Introduction: Mirabegron is available for treatment of storage symptoms in overactive bladder, which may be improved by β3-adrenoceptor-induced bladder smooth muscle relaxation. In addition to storage symptoms, lower urinary tract symptoms in men include obstructive symptoms attributed to benign prostatic hyperplasia, caused by increased prostate smooth muscle tone and prostate enlargement. In contrast to the bladder and storage symptoms, effects of mirabegron on prostate smooth muscle contraction and obstructive symptoms are poorly understood. Evidence from non-human smooth muscle suggested antagonism of α1-adrenoceptors as an important off-target effect of mirabegron. As α1-adrenergic contraction is crucial in pathophysiology and medical treatment of obstructive symptoms, we here examined effects of mirabegron on contractions of human prostate tissues and on proliferation of prostate stromal cells. Methods: Contractions were induced in an organ bath. Effects of mirabegron on proliferation, viability, and cAMP levels in cultured stromal cells were examined by EdU assays, CCK-8 assays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Mirabegron in concentrations of 5 and 10 μM, but not 1 µM inhibited electric field stimulation-induced contractions of human prostate tissues. Mirabegron in concentrations of 5 and 10 µM shifted concentration response curves for noradrenaline-, methoxamine- and phenylephrine-induced contractions to the right, including recovery of contractions at high concentrations of α1-adrenergic agonists, increased EC50 values, but unchanged Emax values. Rightshifts of noradrenaline concentration response curves and inhibition of EFS-induced contractions were resistant to L-748,337, l-NAME, and BPIPP. 1 µM mirabegron was without effect on α1-adrenergic contractions. Endothelin-1- and U46619-induced contractions were not affected or only inhibited to neglectable extent. Effects of mirabegron (0.5-10 µM) on proliferation and viability of stromal cells were neglectable or small, reaching maximum decreases of 8% in proliferation assays and 17% in viability assays. Mirabegron did not induce detectable increases of cAMP levels in cultured stromal cells. Conclusion: Mirabegron inhibits neurogenic and α1-adrenergic human prostate smooth muscle contractions. This inhibition may be based on antagonism of α1-adrenoceptors by mirabegron, and does not include activation of β3-adrenoceptors and requires concentrations ranging 50-100fold higher than plasma concentrations reported from normal dosing. Non-adrenergic contractions and proliferation of prostate stromal cells are not inhibited by mirabegron.

Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) is a serious potential complication after primary pull-through surgery for Hirschsprung\'s disease (HSCR). Administration of anal botulinum toxin (BT) injection may improve obstructive symptoms at the internal anal sphincter, leading to improved fecal passage. The timing of administration and effects on delay or prevention of HAEC are unknown. We hypothesized that BT administration increased the postoperative time to HAEC and aimed to investigate whether anal BT administration after primary pull-through surgery for HSCR is associated with increased time to inpatient HAEC admission development.
We performed a retrospective cohort study examining children with HSCR at US children\'s hospitals from 2008 to 2018 using the Pediatric Health Information System database with an associated primary pull-through operation performed before 60 d of age. The intervention assessed was the administration of BT concerning the timing of primary pull-through, and two groups were identified: PRO (received BT at or after primary pull-through, before HAEC) and NOT (never received BT, or received BT after HAEC). The primary outcome was time from pull-through to the first HAEC admission. The Cox proportional hazards model was developed to examine the BT administration effect on the primary outcome after controlling for patient-level covariates.
We examined a total of 1439 children (67 in the PRO and 1372 in the NOT groups). A total of 308 (21.4%) developed at least one episode of HAEC, including 76 (5.3%) who had two or more episodes. Between 2008 and 2018, the frequency of BT administration has increased from three to 20 hospitals with a frequency of administration between 2.2% and 16.2%. Prophylactic BT (PRO) was not associated with increased time to HAEC event on adjusted analysis.
Among children with HSCR undergoing primary pull-through surgery, prophylactic BT administration did not demonstrate increased time to first HAEC event. A better-powered study with prophylactic BT is required to determine the effect on HAEC occurrence and timing.
Level II (retrospective cohort study).

OBJECTIVE: There are some studies about the effect of postoperative anal dilatation on anastomotic stenosis and Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC), but we have not seen any report about preoperative anal dilatation. We hypothesized that preoperative anal dilatation could reduce the incidence of HAEC and facilitate the operation. We aim to compare the HAEC rates and postoperative complications between groups who either had or did not have anal dilatations (AD or NAD) prescribed before laparoscopic-assisted Soave pull-through procedures for Hirschsprung disease (HD); by this means, we will evaluate the benefit of dilatations before the surgery for HD.
METHODS: A retrospective review of children with HD operated in our hospital between 2014 and 2018 was performed. Those with 21 trisomy, total colonic aganglionosis, multiple stage procedures, serious congenital malformations, and lost to follow-up were excluded. Patients were divided into preoperative anal dilatation group (AD group) and no preoperative anal dilatation group (NAD group). Routine anal dilatation was performed in both groups from 2 weeks after laparoscopic-assisted Soave pull-through. The anal dilatation was carried out daily with metal anal dilators with size appropriate to the age of the child. The size of the anal dilators was increased by 1 mm every 2 weeks for at least 3 months. Demographic data, operation time, pre- and postoperative HAEC rates and postoperative obstructive symptoms between groups were compared. Significance was considered at P < 0.05.
RESULTS: There were 95 children (17 female and 78 male) included, 36 AD and 59 NAD. There was no significant difference in demographic data between the two groups. The incidence of HAEC between the groups was not different both preoperatively (14% vs. 24%, P = 0.298) and postoperatively (11% vs. 19%, P = 0.171). The postoperative obstructive symptoms rates were 19% versus 22% for the AD and NAD groups, respectively (P = 0.802). The operation time of group AD was significantly shorter than that of group NAD (P = 0.008). Preoperative anal dilatation could shorten the operation time in short and typical-segment (2.08 ± 0.39 vs. 2.67 ± 0.37, P = 0.009 and 3.05 ± 0.38 vs. 3.29 ± 0.46, P = 0.042), but has no significant effect on long-segment disease (3.85 ± 0.41 vs. 3.89 ± 0.30, P = 0.839).
CONCLUSIONS: We have not shown a reduced risk of developing HAEC or postoperative obstructive symptoms if anal dilatations are prescribed before surgery. However, it may decrease the difficulties of surgeries, so the operative time is shortened.
METHODS: Prognosis study.
UNASSIGNED: II.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with Hirschsprung disease (HD) can have persistent obstructive symptoms after resection of the aganglionic segment. If obstructive symptoms are treated inadequately, this may lead to recurrent faecal stasis and impaction, and may result in severe distension of the bowel. A permanently distended bowel which not responds to conservative treatment may be an indication for redo surgery. The aim of this study is to describe our experiences and the short-term results of a novel technique: longitudinal antimesenteric resection with a longitudinal anastomosis.
METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of our three patients who underwent longitudinal resection of severe distended bowel. This technique aims to improve defecation by improving faecal passage and is characterized by resection of the antimesenteric side of the distended intestinal segment, followed by plication with a longitudinal anastomosis. In this paper, this novel technique is described in detail, as well as short-term outcomes.
RESULTS: All patients had an uneventful recovery after longitudinal antimesenteric resection. During follow-up, the functional outcomes were excellent, with a large improvement of bowel function. All patients were continent for faeces, and treated with low-dose laxatives or occasional preventive irrigation in one patient. There were no more complaints of persistent constipation or soiling.
CONCLUSIONS: Longitudinal resection is a surgical redo-procedure offering large benefits for patients with Hirschsprung disease with distended bowel after primary surgery.

BACKGROUND: A large proportion of patients with Hirschsprung disease experience persistent obstructive symptoms after corrective surgery. Persistent obstructive symptoms may result in faecal stasis that can develop into Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis, a potential life-threatening condition. Important treatment to improve faecal passage is internal anal sphincter relaxation using botulinum toxin injections.
OBJECTIVE: To give an overview of all empirical evidence on the effectiveness of botulinum toxin injections in patients with Hirschsprung disease.
METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was done by searching PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library, using entry terms related to: (1) Hirschsprung disease; and (2) Botulinum toxin injections. 14 studies representing 278 patients met eligibility criteria. Data that were extracted were proportion of patients with improvement of obstructive symptoms or less enterocolitis after injection, proportion of patients with adverse effects and data on type botulinum toxin, mean dose, average age at first injection and patients with associated syndromes. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to aggregate effects and random-effects meta-regression was used to test for possible confounding factors.
RESULTS: Botulinum toxin injections are effective in treating obstructive symptoms in on average 66% of patients [event rate (ER) = 0.66, P = 0.004, I 2 = 49.5, n = 278 patients]. Type of botulinum toxin, average dose, average age at first injections and proportion of patients with associated syndromes were not predictive for this effect. Mean 7 duration of improvement after one botulinum toxin injections was 6.4 mo and patients needed on average 2.6 procedures. There was a significant higher response rate within one month after botulinum toxin injections compared to more than one month after Botulinum toxin injections (ER = 0.79, vs ER = 0.46, Q = 19.37, P < 0.001). Botulinum toxin injections were not effective in treating enterocolitis (ER 0.58, P = 0.65, I 2 = 71.0, n = 52 patients). There were adverse effects in on average 17% of patients (ER = 0.17, P < 0.001, I 2 = 52.1, n = 187 patients), varying from temporary incontinence to mild anal pain.
CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that botulinum toxin injections are effective in treating obstructive symptoms and that adverse effects were present, but mild and temporary.

Intrathoracic goiters represent substantial enlargement and descent of cervical thyroid tissue into the thoracic cavity, usually in the anterior mediastinum. Rarely, they extend posteriorly, causing obstructive symptoms, sometimes with acute onset. Posterior mediastinal goiters should be differentiated from other mediastinal masses by appropriate work-up, while computed tomography is the most valuable technique. We report two cases of such symptomatic goiters. First reported case was atypically presented with aspiration pneumonia and second was successfully operated. Our overview aims to increase awareness of this rare clinical entity due to possible respiratory compromise. Reasonable surgical management is mandatory.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the patient-perceived effect of sialendoscopy on patients with obstructive symptoms from the salivary glands.
METHODS: Retrospectively identified cohort used for a prospective study of all consecutive patients at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Vejle Hospital, Vejle, Denmark, March 2009 to December 2013.
METHODS: By chart review we recorded the patient\'s age, gender, date of the sialendoscopy, type of gland, sialolithiasis, successful extraction of sialolithiasis, stenosis of salivary ducts, dilation, type of saliva, and surgeon. The follow-up was done by applying the Glasgow Benefit Inventory questionnaire by letter and telephone.
RESULTS: There were 130 sialendoscopies performed on 116 patients. Of these, 24 patients were excluded due to subsequent surgery. Thus, 92 patients were eligible, of whom 80 responded, giving an 87% response rate. The Glasgow Benefit Inventory score had a predicted overall mean of 13.4 (95% confidence interval: 9.9 to 17.2). Significant positive outcomes by multiple regression were the presence of stones (P = 0.015) and examination of the parotid gland (P = 0.041).
CONCLUSIONS: Overall, there is a significant patient-perceived benefit from sialendoscopy, which is comparable to the benefit from tonsillectomy. The benefit is significantly higher if stones are found than not and for examination of the parotid gland as compared to the submandibular gland.
METHODS: 4