AIM:To observe the expression of epidermal growth factor receptors(EGFR) of gingival tissue in periodontitis. METHODS: The expression of EGFR was determined by using immunohistochemical techniques in gingival tissue of 15 healthy individual, 32 cases with adult periodontitis (AP) and 12 cases with juvenile periodontitis (JP). RESULTS: Expression of EGFR was mainly located on basal cell membranes in healthy gingiva, and the staining intensity was faint. In AP cases, expression of high level EGFR was mostly observed on the membranes of epithelial cell in the periodontal endopocket or junctional epithelium, intensity of staining appeared to decrease gradually with the differentiation of keratinocytes, and the horny cell layer was not stained by the antibody. In JP cases, strong positive staining was present on membrane of epithelial cells in the germinative layer of gingival tissue. There was an apparent difference between healthy gingiva and AP or JP (P＜ 0.01 ), or AP and JP (P＜ 0.01). CONCLUSION: The distribution and expression of EGFR in gingival epithelium of periodontitis showed obvious differ- euce. The data indicated that EGFR may affect apical migration of junctional epithelium, and may play a role in development of AP and JP.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and usefulness of transnasal endoscopic surgery for the treatment of maxillary cysts. METHOD: Transnasal endoscopic surgery was performed in 13 patients with maxillary cysts that extended to the maxillary sinus or the nasal bottom. Five patients had a radicular cyst, three patients had a dentigerous cyst, three patients had a nasolabial cyst and two patients had a median cyst. After the resection of anterior edge of the inferior turbinate or the nasal bottom, the lateral wall of the inferior nasal meatus was opened. Then, the cyst wall of the maxillary sinus was partially or completely removed under the endoscope. RESULT: The cyst walls were completely or partial removed in 13 patients with maxillary cysts. There were no complications, and postoperative courses were uneventful. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 36 months, and no recurrence were noted in any of the cases. CONCLUSION Endoscopic transnasal surgery for the maxillary cyst is less invasive than conventional dental approach, and most of the affected teeth can be preserved. This technique appears to be a simple and highly effective surgical treatment for the treatment of patients with maxillary cysts that extend to the maxillary sinus or the nasal bottom.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Cysts ; surgery ; Endoscopy ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Maxilla ; surgery ; Middle Aged ; Nasal Cavity ; surgery ; Young Adult

Objective: To summarize our preliminary clinical experience of ultrasound-guided needle-perc combined with standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the treatment of staghorn stones, and to analyze its safety and efficacy. Methods: The clinical data of 65 patients with staghorn stones treated by ultrasound-guided needle-perc combined with standard PCNL under general anesthesia with the patient in prone position from December 2017 to June 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 41 males and 24 females were included. The mean age was (53.5+ 8.9) years. The mean body mass index (BMI) was (25.1±2.9) kg/m², and the mean stone diameter was (10.9±3.1) cm. Among them, there were 3 cases with bilateral staghorn stones, 38 cases with complete staghorn calculi, 36 cases with non- or mild preoperative hydronephrosis, 12 cases with previous ipsilateral renal surgery, and 9 cases with solitary kidneys. Ultrasound-guided renal access and tract dilation were used to establish F24 standard channel. Pneumatic combined with ultrasonic lithotripsy with suction system was used to treat staghorn stones under nephroscope. Needle-perc consists of F4.2 needle-like metal sheath connected with a three-way tube. A 0.6 mm diameter video fiber, 200 um holmium laser fiber and liquid perfusion device can be connected through the three-way tube respectively. The residual stone in the parallel calyx after standard PCNL were punctured by needle-perc under ultrasound guidance, and then the holmium laser fiber was used for lithotripsy. Results: In this study, a total of 68 renal units were included. The median operative time was 79.8 minutes, ranging 45-129 minutes. The median decrease of hemoglobin on postoperative day 1 was 10.6 g/L, ranging 0-25.9 g/L. The median length of postoperative hospital stay was 5.5 days, ranging 4-7 days and the median time of tract establishment was 4.8 minutes, ranging 2.5-9.6 minutes. The median number of standard tract established was 1.5, ranging 1-3 and the median number of needle-perc punctured was 1.0, ranging 1-3. The total complication rate was 10.3% (7 cases), including 5 cases of Clavien grade Ⅰ, 2 cases of postoperative fever, 3 cases of analgesic use. There were 2 cases of Clavien grade Ⅱ. All of them were blood transfusion. The initial stone free rate was 79.4%(54/68). Of the 14 patients with residual stones, 9 patients underwent second-stage operation, 7 patients were stone free, and the final stone free rate was 89.7%(61/68). Conclusions Ultrasound-guided needle-perc combined with standard PCNL is safe and effective in the treatment of staghorn stone.

Objective To investigate the significance of BRAFV600Ein the detection of benign,malignant and borderline thyroid lesions.Methods A total of 273 formalin fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens of papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC)were selected for study from January 2010 to December 2018.There were 254 cases of classical variant of papillary carcinoma(CVPTC)and 19 cases of follicular variant of papillary carcinoma(FVPTC).30 benign lesions were made into tissue microarray(TMA),and 17 uncertain borderline lesions diagnosed by HE.Polymerase chain reaction(PCR)was used to detect 17 cases of CVPTC 12 cases of FVPTC 17 cases of borderline lesions and 13 cases of benign lesions.BRAFV600E gene mutation and protein expression were observed.Results The positive expression rates of BRAFV600E protein in CVPTC,FVPTC,borderline lesion and benign lesion were 86.6％,15.9％,23.5％and 26.7％,respectively.Mutation rates of BRAFV600E gene in CVPTC,FVPTC,borderline lesions and benign lesions were 82.4％,41.7％,23.5％and 0,respectively.There were significant differences in expression of BRAFV600E protein in CVPTC,FVPTC,borderline lesions and benign lesions(P＜0.05).There was statistically significant difference between BRAFV600E gene mutation in CVPTC and FVPTC and borderline diseases(P＜0.05).The coincidence coefficient between BRAFV600E gene mutation and protein expression in CVPTC was K=0.821,P＜0.05.It was statistically significant.The positive expression of BRAFV600E protein in PTC was not correlated with gender,age,tumor size and lymph node metastasis(P＞0.05),but was correlated with tissue type and capsule invasion(P＜0.05).Conclusion BRAFV6001 has reference value in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid and borderline thyroid lesions.

Objective: To explore the effects of anteriolateral thigh perforator flap and fascia lata transplantation in combination with computed tomography angiography (CTA) on repair of electrical burn wounds of head with skull exposure and necrosis. Methods: Seven patients with head electrical burns accompanied by skull exposure and necrosis were admitted to our burn center from March 2016 to December 2017. Head CTA was performed before the operation. The diameters of the facial artery and vein or the superficial temporal artery and vein were measured, and their locations were marked on the body surface. Preoperative CTA for flap donor sites in lower extremities were also performed to track the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery with the similar diameter as the recipient vessels on the head, and their locations were marked on the body surface. Routine wound debridement and skull drilling were performed successively. The size of the wounds after debridement ranged from 12 cm×8 cm to 20 cm×12 cm, and the areas of skull exposure ranged from 8 cm×6 cm to 15 cm×10 cm. Anteriolateral thigh perforator flaps with areas from 13 cm×9 cm to 21 cm×13 cm containing 5-10 cm long vascular pedicles were designed and dissected accordingly. The fascia lata under the flap with area from 5 cm×2 cm to 10 cm×3 cm was dissected according to the length of vascular pedicle. The fascia lata was transplanted to cover the exposed skull, and the anteriolateral thigh perforator flap was transplanted afterwards. The descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and its accompanying vein of the flap were anastomosed with superficial temporal artery and vein or facial artery and vein before the suture of flap. The flap donor sites were covered by intermediate split-thickness skin graft collected from contralateral thigh or abdomen. Results: The descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and its accompanying vein were anastomosed with superficial temporal artery and vein in six patients, while those with facial artery and vein in one patient. All the flaps survived after the operation, and no vascular crisis was observed. Wound healing was satisfactory. One patient was lost to follow up. Six patients were followed up for 6 to 10 months. The patients were bald in the head operation area with acceptable appearance. No psychiatric symptom such as headache or epileptic seizure was reported. The flap donor sites were normal in appearance. The muscle strength of the lower extremities all reached grade V. The sensation and movement of the lower extremities were normal. Conclusions Anterolateral thigh perforator flap with fascia lata transplantation can effectively repair electrical burn wounds of head with skull exposure and necrosis. The fascia lata can be used to protect the vascular pedicle of flaps, which is beneficial to the survival of the flap. Preoperative head and lower extremities CTA can provide reference for intraoperative vascular exploration in donor site and recipient area, so as to shorten operation time.

Objective To describe and introduce the initial clinical application of a novel instrument needle-perc for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in upper urinary tract stones.Methods 24 patients with upper urinary stone treated by PCNL were collected retrospectively between August 2017 and January 2018.Sixteen patients were male and 8 were female.Average age was 41.2 years,ranging 26-65 years.Eight cases had upper pole stones,6 cases had pelvic stones,8 cases had lower pole stones and 4 cases had the stone in UPJ.The mean calculus size was 1.2 cm,ranging 0.5-1.4 cm.All patients were punctured under total ultrasound with needle-perc.Six cases had upper calyceal puncture,10 cases had middle calyceal puncture and 8 cases had lower calyceal puncture.The needle-shaped nephroscope consists of a puncture sheath and a needle handle.The puncture sheath is a hollow metal sheath with an outer diameter of F4.2,an inner diameter of F3.6,and a length of 15 cm.The tip of the sheath is beveled to facilitate puncture.The outer end of sheath is connected to the needle handle through a screw interface.And the three interfaces of the three-way tube can be respectively connected with a liquid irrigation device,a video optical fiber and a 200 μm holmium laser fiber.The needle-perc integrated image system,the irrigation system,and the nephroscope channel are integrated.The tissue passing through the needle can be simultaneously observed through video optical fiber during puncturing.After the tip of the sheath is inserted into the target calyx,the holmium laser fiber is connected for fragmenting or dusting.Results Needle-perc was successful in 22 cases,2 patients were converted to larger tract(F16).The mean opeartive time was 49.2 min,ranging 22-75 min and the mean hemoglobin loss was 5.2 g/L,ranging 0-13.8 g/L.Mean postoperative hospital stay was 3 days,ranging 1 to 6 days.No Double-J stents or nephrostomy tube was placed in the 22 patients.Complications (Clavien Ⅱ) occurred in 4 cases,including fever in 2 cases and renal colic in 2 cases.Plain film of KUB or CT scan was done and stone free rate at 1 month was 90.9％ (20/22),2 patients needed ESWL to remove the residual stones.Conclusions Needle-perc is efficient and safe for small renal stones (size ＜ 1.5 cm) from our initial experience,with high stone-free rate and low complication rate in early follow-up.

Objective:To investigate the characteristics of local temperature changes around the stones during needle perc nephroscopy holmium laser lithotripsy.Methods:In vitro, Choosing a hard-plastic kidney model (the same size as the human kidney), and polishing the monohydrate calcium oxalate stones collected clinically into a round shape with a diameter of about 1 cm. Pushing the stone into the renal pelvis from the broken end of the renal pelvis and ureter junction of the kidney model to form a kidney stone model. The experiment operation was performed by the same senior doctor with needle perc nephroscopy holmium laser lithotripsy. The temperature recorder probe was placed 5 mm around the stones in the renal pelvis. The laser power were selected as 4 W and 8 W, and the perfusion rate were 0, 25 ml/ min, 50 ml/min and 100 ml/min, the pulse width modes are divided into short pulse width and long pulse width. The fifth-generation EMS laser device was selected for the laser equipment. The temperature changes were recorded around the stone in real time. The test was repeated 3 times under each condition. The temperature change value is the temperature difference between the end of the experiment and the beginning. The characteristics and differences of the temperature around the nephrolithiasis treated by needle perc nephroscopy were compared.Results:The experiments of each group were successfully completed. When the holmium laser power was 4 W and the perfusion rate was 0, 25, 50 and 100 ml/min, there was no statistically significant difference in the temperature around the lithotripsy between long pulse width and short pulse width [(3.40±0.30) ℃ vs. (2.97±0.15)℃, (1.20±0.30) ℃ vs. (1.17±0.21)℃, (0.77±0.21) ℃ vs. (0.53±0.15)℃, (0.60±0.10) ℃ vs. (0.47±0.06)℃, all P >0.05]. When the holmium laser power was 8 W and the perfusion speed was 0, 25, and 50 ml/min, the difference in temperature around the lithotripsy stones between long pulse width and short pulse width was statistically significant [(8.63±0.06) ℃ vs. (5.97± 0.25)℃, (2.63±0.06)℃ vs. (1.77±0.25)℃, (2.07±0.31)℃ vs. (0.97±0.06)℃; P<0.05]. There was no significant difference when the perfusion rate was 100 ml/min [(0.47±0.06) ℃ vs. (0.67±0.12) ℃, P>0.05]. In the long pulse width mode, when the perfusion speed was 0, 25, and 50 ml/min, there was statistical difference in the temperature change around the stone with 4 W and 8 W holmium laser power ( P<0.05); when the perfusion rate was 100 ml/min, the difference was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). Conclusions:In needle perc nephroscopy holmium laser lithotripsy, compared with low holmium laser power and short pulse width mode, high holmium laser power and long pulse width can significantly increase the surrounding temperature of the stone at the perfusion rate of 0, 25 ml/min, and 50 ml/min. However, regardless of the mode of the pulse width, while the lithotripsy power ≤8 W, and the perfusion rate ≥25 ml/min, the temperature around the stone does not change significantly during the lithotripsy. This type of operation is safe and reliable.

Objective:To summarize the preliminary clinical experience of utilizing ureteral balloon dilation catheter in the treatment of "difficult ureter" during ureteroscopic lithotripsy, and to discuss the efficacy and safety of the technique.Methods:Clinical data of 28 patients (30 sides) with upper urinary tract calculi admitted to Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital Affiliated to Tsinghua University from April 2021 to July 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 23 males (82.1%) and 5 females (17.9%), with age of (51.5±13.6) years. Among the 30 sides, 20 (66.7%) on the left and 10(33.3%) were on the right. Calculi were either located in the renal pelvis or calyxes in 7 sides (23.3%), upper ureter in 17 sides (56.7%), and lower ureter in 6 sides (20.0%). The maximum diameter of the stones was (9.4±4.2)mm, and 23 sides (76.7%) were combined with hydronephrosis before surgery. When "difficult ureter" was encountered during the procedure, that is, it was difficult to insert ureteroscope or ureteral access sheath (UAS) due to small ureteral lumen, balloon catheter was used for dilation in the first stage, in which the balloon diameter was 4 mm on 22 sides and 5mm on 8 sides. The instrument was retrogradely inserted through the working channel of F8 semi-rigid ureteroscope, and the small site of the ureteral lumen was dilated under direct endoscopic view. After a single dilation, the balloon catheter was withdrawn, and the effect of dilation was evaluated by semi-rigid ureteroscopy to determine whether to proceed with the following procedures. The intraoperative data were recorded, including surgical method, stage of "difficult ureter" occurred, site of the small part of the ureter, related data of utilizing ureteral dilatation balloon catheter, grade of ureteral injury after dilatation (according to the 0-4 grading classification of endoscopic ureteral injuries), total operation time, balloon catheter-related adverse events, stone-free rate, and time of removing ureteral stents.Results:Among the 30 sides, 29 (96.7%) had difficulty in the stage of ureteroscope insertion, and 1(3.3%) had difficulty in the stage of UAS insertion. A total of 37 small sites of ureter were involved, including 18 in the intramural segment, 10 in the lower part, 2 in the middle part, and 7 in the upper part. Each site was dilated once with a median time of 3 (0.5, 5.0) minutes and a median maximum balloon pressure of 1 215.9(1 215.9, 1 443.9)kPa[12.0(12.0, 14.3)atm]. There were 28 sites of grade Ⅰ injury, 8 sites of grade Ⅱinjury, and 1 site of grade Ⅲinjury. The total duration of unilateral procedure was (73.4±30.3) min. Ureteroscope or UAS insertion was successful in 28 sides(93.3%) after balloon dilation, and failed in 2 sides(6.7%), both of which were in the stage of inserting ureteroscope and ureteral stent was indwelled for the second-stage procedures. On the first day after surgery, the hemoglobin level was (134.1±12.9)g/L, which was significantly different from the preoperative parameters ( P<0.01), and serum creatinine level was (86.7±23.2)μmol/L, which showed no significant difference from the preoperative one ( P=0.263). The primary stone-free rate was 92.9% (26/28), and the total postoperative complication rate was 13.3% (4/30), including 3 of grade Ⅰ (lateral lower abdominal pain requiring additional analgesic drugs) and 1 of grade Ⅱ (postoperative hematuria requiring intravenous hemostatic drugs). Follow-up was conducted for 3 months. All of the 28 successful sides had their ureteral stents removed before the last follow-up, and the time of removal was (36.9±11.5) days. No hydronephrosis was found in the ipsilateral kidney by ultrasound 3 months after operation. Conclusions:Balloon dilation technique showed good efficacy and safety in the treatment of "difficult ureter" during ureteroscopic lithotripsy.

Objective:To compare the temperature rise curve and steady-state temperature of thulium and holmium laser in lithotripsy.Methods:This study was conducted from November to December 2021. Firstly, we designed an experimental water tank(10 cm×10 cm×10 cm) that can carry out constant temperature water bath, with a 8ml simulated renal pelvis, and can carry out constant velocity perfusion in the simulated renal pelvis. A 1 cm×1 cm×1 cm cubic artificial stone was placed in the simulated renal pelvis to perform 36.5℃-37.5 ℃ water bath. The simulated renal pelvis was closed with an oak plug, the temperature measuring probe and flexible ureteroscope were placed through the hole on the oak plug and entered into the simulated renal pelvis. Flexible ureteroscope was carried out by urologists. The lithotripsy lasted a total of 180 seconds for thulium and holmium laser respectively under different parameter settings (10 Hz×1.0 J, 10 Hz×2.0 J, 10 Hz×3.0 J, 20 Hz×0.5 J, 20 Hz×1.0 J, 20 Hz×1.5 J, the corresponding gravel power is 10 W, 20 W and 30 W respectively), the constant speed water pump flow rate was separate as the high flow rate group (35 ml/min) and low flow rate group (15ml/min), and leave a temperature probe 5mm around the optical fiber. Water temperature change during the lithotripsy was recorded by probes, the average of 10 temperature values of two probes measured every 5 seconds was taken as the water temperature value of this period, with a total of 216 time points in 6 parameter settings. Under the same parameter settings, the temperature of two lasers at each time point was plotted and compared to form the corresponding temperature rise curve. The average temperature in the last 30 seconds during lithotripsy in the record was used as the steady-state temperature, which of thulium and holmium laser lithotripsy was compared under the same parameter setting and the same water flow velocity. Finally, 43℃ was taken as the safety threshold temperature to evaluate whether the temperature of the two lasers during lithotripsy exceeds the safety threshold.Results:According to the temperature rise curve, the water temperature of thulium laser during lithotripsy was higher than that of holmium laser at 77.7% (168/216)of time points. At the flow rate of 15 ml/min, thulium laser was significantly higher than that of holmium laser at 10 Hz×1.0 J[(32.43±2.19℃)vs. (30.99±0.90)℃, P<0.01], 10 Hz×2.0 J[(41.21±3.30℃) vs. (38.13±1.26)℃, P<0.01], 10 Hz×3.0 J[(49.54±2.44)℃vs. (44.91±0.65)℃, P<0.01], 20 Hz×0.5 J[(32.75±1.41)℃vs. (30.84±1.16)℃, P<0.01], 20 Hz×1.0 J[(41.67±1.76)℃vs. (37.51±1.25)℃, P<0.01], 20 Hz×1.5 J [(47.54 ± 3.48)℃vs. (46.12±1.04)℃, P<0.01]. At the flow rate of 35 ml/min, the thulium laser was significantly higher than that of holmium laser at 10 Hz×1.0 J[(28.01±0.57)℃ vs. (26.84±0.97)℃, P<0.01], 10 Hz×2.0 J[(31.31±1.07)℃vs.(30.41±1.39)℃, P<0.01], 10 Hz×3.0 J[(33.29±0.70)℃vs.(32.25±2.55)℃, P<0.01], 20 Hz×0.5 J[(28.36±0.99)℃vs.(26.22±0.66)℃, P<0.01], 20 Hz×1.0 J [(30.80±2.06)℃vs.(30.08±0.78)℃, P=0.012], and the steady-state temperature was not significant different between two laser at 20 Hz×1.5 J [(34.54±3.08)℃ and(33.93±1.49)℃, P=0.163]. In the low flow rate group, thulium laser at 10 Hz×1.0 J, 10 Hz×2.0 J, 20 Hz×0.5 J and 20 Hz×1.0 J does not exceed the safety threshold temperature, while in the high flow rate group, any combination of laser parameters of the two lasers does not exceed the safety threshold temperature. Conclusion:Under the same laser parameter setting and flow rate, the thermal eff of thulium laser is more obvious. When using thulium laser for lithotripsy, the flow rate in the process of lithotripsy being faster than that of holmium laser with the same laser setting should be ensured to avoid tissue damage.

Objective:To retrospectively summarize disease characteristics and the clinical experience of minimally invasive endoscopy in the treatment of upper urinary tract obstruction caused by ureteropelvic encrusted inflammatory disease.Methods:Three patients with bilateral ureteropelvic encrusted inflammatory disease admitted to our hospital from March 2018 to July 2021 were involved. Case 1, male, 45 years old, admitted due to bilateral hydronephrosis for 5 months. The preoperative diagnosis were bilateral ureteropelvic stones (encrustation), right ureteral atresia, left ureteral stenosis, and systemic vasculitis. Left double J tube insertion and right nephrostomy were performed in another hospital. We conducted antegrade percutaneous nephroscopy combined with retrograde ureteroscopy surgery and assisted balloon dilation to treat bilateral lesions stage by stage. Case 2, Male, 12 years old, admitted due to bilateral abdominal pain for 6 weeks. The preoperative diagnosis were bilateral ureteral stones, bilateral hydronephrosis, and dermatomyositis. After the failure of double J tube insertion in another hospital, double nephrostomy was performed instead. We performed left percutaneous nephroscopy and right percutaneous nephroscopy combined with ureteroscopy for the treatment of bilateral lesions. Case 3, female, 32 years old, was admitted because of pain in the left lower back and abdomen for over 6 months. The preoperative diagnosis were bilateral ureteral stones, bilateral ureteral stenosis, and dermatomyositis. She underwent three times of ESWL and once URS before. We performed ureteroscopic surgery for bilateral lesions. During the surgery, various degrees of crusting in the renal pelvis or ureter were observed in all 3 cases, and the lesions were removed using pneumatic lithotripsy combined with forceps or baskets. After surgery, oral antibiotics were continuously used for 1-3 months. The efficacy and prognosis were evaluated based on the follow-up of urine, imaging, and endoscopic examinations at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery.Results:All 3 surgeries were successfully completed. At 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, follow-up CT showed no crusting in the left ureter, and endoscopy showed good mucosal wound healing and unobstructed lumen in case 1. There were still some crusting lesions and lumen stenosis in the right renal pelvis, and the right ureter reconstruction surgery was ultimately performed. There were no crusting on both sides and the urinary tract was unobstructed after 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up in case 2 and case 3. Postoperative pathological examination showed chronic inflammation of urothelial mucosal tissue, small pieces of proliferative fibrous tissue with peripheral calcification. Calcification layer composition analysis showed magnesium ammonium phosphate and carbonate apatite. No related complications occurred in case 2 and case 3.Conclusions:Urothelial crusted inflammatory disease is rare clinically, and the diagnosis and treatment strategies are rarely reported domestically and internationally. Preoperative imaging examination, intraoperative findings and postoperative pathology or calcification composition analysis are of instruction for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Minimally invasive endoscopy treatment for upper urinary tract obstruction caused by ureteropelvic encrusted inflammatory disease has a good effect. Long-term efficacy and other adjuvant treatment need long-term follow-up and clinical practice.