1.Bar Dislocation after Pectus Excavatum Repair: A Systematic Review of Risk Factors, Stabilization Techniques, and Management Strategies
H Shafeeq AHMED ; Sneha Reddy PULKURTHI ; Akhil Fravis DIAS ; Bethineedi Lakshmi DEEPAK ; Prekshitha MOHAN R
Journal of Chest Surgery 2025;58(3):85-98
Background:
Pectus excavatum (PE), the most common congenital chest wall deformity, is increasingly treated with minimally invasive repair (MIRPE). However, postoperative complications such as bar displacement remain a significant challenge, occurring in approximately 9.5% of cases. While surgical modifications and stabilization techniques aim to reduce risks, bar displacement persists as a critical concern.
Methods:
This PROSPERO-registered systematic review followed PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A search of PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL through October 2024 identified studies evaluating bar displacement in PE patients undergoing MIRPE or alternative surgical approaches. The inclusion criteria focused on risk factors, stabilization techniques, and reoperation strategies. Data extraction and risk-of-bias assessments were independently conducted by multiple reviewers to ensure accuracy and quality.
Results:
Thirteen studies spanning 23 years were included. Bar displacement rates varied widely (0.9%–33.3%), with key risk factors including patient age, chest wall rigidity, bar length, and placement technique. Advanced stabilization methods—such as bridge fixation, shorter bars, multipoint fixation, and adjunct stabilizers—significantly reduced displacement rates. Common postoperative complications included wound infections, seromas, pleural effusions, and bar re-dislocation. Imaging modalities like chest X-rays and 3-dimensional computed tomography scans proved critical for early detection. Heterogeneity in stabilization approaches underscores a shift toward patient-specific strategies to optimize outcomes.
Conclusion
Tailored stabilization techniques are essential for successful PE correction.Although advancements in fixation methods have reduced displacement risks, standardized postoperative protocols and multicenter studies are needed to validate these innovations and improve long-term outcomes (PROSPERO: CRD42024595337).
2.Bar Dislocation after Pectus Excavatum Repair: A Systematic Review of Risk Factors, Stabilization Techniques, and Management Strategies
H Shafeeq AHMED ; Sneha Reddy PULKURTHI ; Akhil Fravis DIAS ; Bethineedi Lakshmi DEEPAK ; Prekshitha MOHAN R
Journal of Chest Surgery 2025;58(3):85-98
Background:
Pectus excavatum (PE), the most common congenital chest wall deformity, is increasingly treated with minimally invasive repair (MIRPE). However, postoperative complications such as bar displacement remain a significant challenge, occurring in approximately 9.5% of cases. While surgical modifications and stabilization techniques aim to reduce risks, bar displacement persists as a critical concern.
Methods:
This PROSPERO-registered systematic review followed PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A search of PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL through October 2024 identified studies evaluating bar displacement in PE patients undergoing MIRPE or alternative surgical approaches. The inclusion criteria focused on risk factors, stabilization techniques, and reoperation strategies. Data extraction and risk-of-bias assessments were independently conducted by multiple reviewers to ensure accuracy and quality.
Results:
Thirteen studies spanning 23 years were included. Bar displacement rates varied widely (0.9%–33.3%), with key risk factors including patient age, chest wall rigidity, bar length, and placement technique. Advanced stabilization methods—such as bridge fixation, shorter bars, multipoint fixation, and adjunct stabilizers—significantly reduced displacement rates. Common postoperative complications included wound infections, seromas, pleural effusions, and bar re-dislocation. Imaging modalities like chest X-rays and 3-dimensional computed tomography scans proved critical for early detection. Heterogeneity in stabilization approaches underscores a shift toward patient-specific strategies to optimize outcomes.
Conclusion
Tailored stabilization techniques are essential for successful PE correction.Although advancements in fixation methods have reduced displacement risks, standardized postoperative protocols and multicenter studies are needed to validate these innovations and improve long-term outcomes (PROSPERO: CRD42024595337).
3.Bar Dislocation after Pectus Excavatum Repair: A Systematic Review of Risk Factors, Stabilization Techniques, and Management Strategies
H Shafeeq AHMED ; Sneha Reddy PULKURTHI ; Akhil Fravis DIAS ; Bethineedi Lakshmi DEEPAK ; Prekshitha MOHAN R
Journal of Chest Surgery 2025;58(3):85-98
Background:
Pectus excavatum (PE), the most common congenital chest wall deformity, is increasingly treated with minimally invasive repair (MIRPE). However, postoperative complications such as bar displacement remain a significant challenge, occurring in approximately 9.5% of cases. While surgical modifications and stabilization techniques aim to reduce risks, bar displacement persists as a critical concern.
Methods:
This PROSPERO-registered systematic review followed PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A search of PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL through October 2024 identified studies evaluating bar displacement in PE patients undergoing MIRPE or alternative surgical approaches. The inclusion criteria focused on risk factors, stabilization techniques, and reoperation strategies. Data extraction and risk-of-bias assessments were independently conducted by multiple reviewers to ensure accuracy and quality.
Results:
Thirteen studies spanning 23 years were included. Bar displacement rates varied widely (0.9%–33.3%), with key risk factors including patient age, chest wall rigidity, bar length, and placement technique. Advanced stabilization methods—such as bridge fixation, shorter bars, multipoint fixation, and adjunct stabilizers—significantly reduced displacement rates. Common postoperative complications included wound infections, seromas, pleural effusions, and bar re-dislocation. Imaging modalities like chest X-rays and 3-dimensional computed tomography scans proved critical for early detection. Heterogeneity in stabilization approaches underscores a shift toward patient-specific strategies to optimize outcomes.
Conclusion
Tailored stabilization techniques are essential for successful PE correction.Although advancements in fixation methods have reduced displacement risks, standardized postoperative protocols and multicenter studies are needed to validate these innovations and improve long-term outcomes (PROSPERO: CRD42024595337).
4.Performance of a Large Language Model in the Generation of Clinical Guidelines for Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Spine Surgery
Bashar ZAIDAT ; Nancy SHRESTHA ; Ashley M. ROSENBERG ; Wasil AHMED ; Rami RAJJOUB ; Timothy HOANG ; Mateo Restrepo MEJIA ; Akiro H. DUEY ; Justin E. TANG ; Jun S. KIM ; Samuel K. CHO
Neurospine 2024;21(1):128-146
Objective:
Large language models, such as chat generative pre-trained transformer (ChatGPT), have great potential for streamlining medical processes and assisting physicians in clinical decision-making. This study aimed to assess the potential of ChatGPT’s 2 models (GPT-3.5 and GPT-4.0) to support clinical decision-making by comparing its responses for antibiotic prophylaxis in spine surgery to accepted clinical guidelines.
Methods:
ChatGPT models were prompted with questions from the North American Spine Society (NASS) Evidence-based Clinical Guidelines for Multidisciplinary Spine Care for Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Spine Surgery (2013). Its responses were then compared and assessed for accuracy.
Results:
Of the 16 NASS guideline questions concerning antibiotic prophylaxis, 10 responses (62.5%) were accurate in ChatGPT’s GPT-3.5 model and 13 (81%) were accurate in GPT-4.0. Twenty-five percent of GPT-3.5 answers were deemed as overly confident while 62.5% of GPT-4.0 answers directly used the NASS guideline as evidence for its response.
Conclusion
ChatGPT demonstrated an impressive ability to accurately answer clinical questions. GPT-3.5 model’s performance was limited by its tendency to give overly confident responses and its inability to identify the most significant elements in its responses. GPT-4.0 model’s responses had higher accuracy and cited the NASS guideline as direct evidence many times. While GPT-4.0 is still far from perfect, it has shown an exceptional ability to extract the most relevant research available compared to GPT-3.5. Thus, while ChatGPT has shown far-reaching potential, scrutiny should still be exercised regarding its clinical use at this time.
5.Performance of a Large Language Model in the Generation of Clinical Guidelines for Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Spine Surgery
Bashar ZAIDAT ; Nancy SHRESTHA ; Ashley M. ROSENBERG ; Wasil AHMED ; Rami RAJJOUB ; Timothy HOANG ; Mateo Restrepo MEJIA ; Akiro H. DUEY ; Justin E. TANG ; Jun S. KIM ; Samuel K. CHO
Neurospine 2024;21(1):128-146
Objective:
Large language models, such as chat generative pre-trained transformer (ChatGPT), have great potential for streamlining medical processes and assisting physicians in clinical decision-making. This study aimed to assess the potential of ChatGPT’s 2 models (GPT-3.5 and GPT-4.0) to support clinical decision-making by comparing its responses for antibiotic prophylaxis in spine surgery to accepted clinical guidelines.
Methods:
ChatGPT models were prompted with questions from the North American Spine Society (NASS) Evidence-based Clinical Guidelines for Multidisciplinary Spine Care for Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Spine Surgery (2013). Its responses were then compared and assessed for accuracy.
Results:
Of the 16 NASS guideline questions concerning antibiotic prophylaxis, 10 responses (62.5%) were accurate in ChatGPT’s GPT-3.5 model and 13 (81%) were accurate in GPT-4.0. Twenty-five percent of GPT-3.5 answers were deemed as overly confident while 62.5% of GPT-4.0 answers directly used the NASS guideline as evidence for its response.
Conclusion
ChatGPT demonstrated an impressive ability to accurately answer clinical questions. GPT-3.5 model’s performance was limited by its tendency to give overly confident responses and its inability to identify the most significant elements in its responses. GPT-4.0 model’s responses had higher accuracy and cited the NASS guideline as direct evidence many times. While GPT-4.0 is still far from perfect, it has shown an exceptional ability to extract the most relevant research available compared to GPT-3.5. Thus, while ChatGPT has shown far-reaching potential, scrutiny should still be exercised regarding its clinical use at this time.
6.Rare anatomical variants encountered during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in low resource conditions and the convenient concept of the safe zone of dissection: a prospective observational study at a single center
Muad Gamil M HAIDAR ; Nuha Ahmed H SHARAF ; Suha Abdullah SALEH ; Prashant UPADHYAY
Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery 2024;27(3):156-164
Purpose:
The severity of surrounding adhesions, anomalous anatomy, and technical issues are the main factors that complicate cholecystectomy. This study focused on determining the types and frequency of laparoscopic anatomical variations found during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in our limited-resources condition and on defining the safe zone of dissection.
Methods:
This prospective study was conducted at a single center in Aden, Yemen from 2012 to 2019. A total of 375 patients, comprising 355 females (94.7%) and 20 males (5.3%), presented with symptomatic gallbladders and underwent standard four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The regional laparoscopic variations were evaluated and recorded.
Results:
Of the 375 patients, 26 (6.9%) had laparoscopic anatomical variations, of whom 19 (73.1%) had vascular variations and seven (26.9%) had ductal variations. The anatomical variations included the following: double cystic artery of separated origin, seven cases(26.9%); Moynihan’s hump, six (23.1%); double cystic artery of single origin, four (15.4%); thinlong cystic duct, four (15.4%); subvesical duct, three (11.5%); and cystic artery hocking the cystic duct, two (7.7%).
Conclusion
Biliary anatomical variations can be expected in any dissected zone. Most of the detected variants were associated with the cystic artery. An overlooked accessory cysto-biliarycommunication can cause complicated biliary leakage. A surgeon’s skills and knowledge oflaparoscopic anatomical variants are essential for performing a safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
7.Comparison of the effects of two different styles of orally prescribing prednisolone on postoperative sequelae of surgical extraction of an impacted mandibular third molar: a single-blind randomized study
Mohammed Mousa H. BAKRI ; Faisal Hussain ALABDALI ; Rashed Hussain MAHZARI ; Thamer Jabril RAJHI ; Norah Mohammed GOHAL ; Rehab Abdu SUFYANI ; Asma Ali HEZAM ; Ahtesham Ahmed QURISHI ; Hamed Mousa BAKRI ; Fareedi Mukram ALI
Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 2024;50(1):27-34
Objectives:
Surgical intervention for removal of an impacted third molar can lead to significant pain and swelling. Corticosteroids show promise for mitigating postoperative sequelae across various surgical contexts. The use of corticosteroids following minor oral surgery, though controversial, has already been proven effective. However, little research has explored peroral prescription of corticosteroids despite its convenience for outpatients and for non-surgeons like implantologists and periodontists and others who don’t have access to needle injections. The aim of this study was to address a void in the literature by comparing the effects of two styles of preoral administration of prednisolone after surgical removal of the mandibular third molar and to determine which style minimizes postoperative sequelae.
Materials and Methods:
A randomized, split-mouth clinical study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of two different styles of preoral prednisolone in mitigating postoperative sequelae following surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars. Fifteen participants were enrolled in the study. Random selection was used to determine the prescription style for the right and left mandibular arch. Group A included those who received a single dose of prednisolone 25 mg, while group B received prednisolone 5 mg postoperatively for a period of three days (5 mg three times/day on the first postoperative day, 5 mg twice/day on the second postoperative day; 5 mg once/day on the third postoperative day).
Results:
There was a significant difference in the distance between the corner of the mouth and tragus, which decreased with the time interval with respect to group B when compared to group A.
Conclusion
The present study showed that a three-day tapered dose of prednisolone postoperatively was more effective in reducing post-extraction sequelae than a single-dose regimen.
8.Performance of a Large Language Model in the Generation of Clinical Guidelines for Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Spine Surgery
Bashar ZAIDAT ; Nancy SHRESTHA ; Ashley M. ROSENBERG ; Wasil AHMED ; Rami RAJJOUB ; Timothy HOANG ; Mateo Restrepo MEJIA ; Akiro H. DUEY ; Justin E. TANG ; Jun S. KIM ; Samuel K. CHO
Neurospine 2024;21(1):128-146
Objective:
Large language models, such as chat generative pre-trained transformer (ChatGPT), have great potential for streamlining medical processes and assisting physicians in clinical decision-making. This study aimed to assess the potential of ChatGPT’s 2 models (GPT-3.5 and GPT-4.0) to support clinical decision-making by comparing its responses for antibiotic prophylaxis in spine surgery to accepted clinical guidelines.
Methods:
ChatGPT models were prompted with questions from the North American Spine Society (NASS) Evidence-based Clinical Guidelines for Multidisciplinary Spine Care for Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Spine Surgery (2013). Its responses were then compared and assessed for accuracy.
Results:
Of the 16 NASS guideline questions concerning antibiotic prophylaxis, 10 responses (62.5%) were accurate in ChatGPT’s GPT-3.5 model and 13 (81%) were accurate in GPT-4.0. Twenty-five percent of GPT-3.5 answers were deemed as overly confident while 62.5% of GPT-4.0 answers directly used the NASS guideline as evidence for its response.
Conclusion
ChatGPT demonstrated an impressive ability to accurately answer clinical questions. GPT-3.5 model’s performance was limited by its tendency to give overly confident responses and its inability to identify the most significant elements in its responses. GPT-4.0 model’s responses had higher accuracy and cited the NASS guideline as direct evidence many times. While GPT-4.0 is still far from perfect, it has shown an exceptional ability to extract the most relevant research available compared to GPT-3.5. Thus, while ChatGPT has shown far-reaching potential, scrutiny should still be exercised regarding its clinical use at this time.
9.Anesthetic considerations for joint replacement surgery in hemophilic arthropathy: a comprehensive review
H Shafeeq AHMED ; Purva Reddy JAYARAM
Anesthesia and Pain Medicine 2024;19(3):194-208
Managing hemophilia in patients undergoing joint replacement surgery requires a comprehensive approach encompassing preoperative assessment, meticulous intraoperative care, and tailored postoperative management. Evaluation of joint integrity, bleeding history, and inhibitor presence guides surgical planning and hemostatic therapy selection to optimize outcomes. During surgery, careful attention to factor replacement, antibiotic prophylaxis, anesthetic techniques, and orthopedic strategies minimizes bleeding risk and enhances surgical success. Postoperatively, effective pain management, continued hemostatic therapy, and individualized rehabilitation programs are vital for facilitating recovery and preventing complications. Close monitoring for potential complications, such as periprosthetic joint infection and recurrent hemarthrosis, allows for prompt intervention when necessary. Overall, a collaborative approach involving hematologists, orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, and rehabilitation specialists ensures comprehensive care tailored to the unique needs of patients with hemophilia undergoing joint replacement surgery, ultimately optimizing outcomes and improving quality of life. This holistic approach addresses the multifaceted challenges posed by hemophilia and joint replacement surgery, providing patients with the best possible chance for successful outcomes and long-term joint function. By integrating specialized expertise from multiple disciplines and implementing evidence-based strategies, healthcare providers can effectively manage hemophilia in the context of joint replacement surgery, mitigating risks and maximizing benefits for patients.
10.Effect of treatment of chronic hepatitis c virus patients with direct-acting anti-retroviral drugs on semen and hormonal parameters
Yosra H. MAHMOUD ; Basem EYSA ; Eman Mohamed Salah AHMED ; Heba ABDELAZIZ ; Ashgan Mohamed ZAYED ; Amin Abdel BAKI ; Ahmed HOSNY ; Mohamed HASSANY
Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine 2024;51(4):309-313
Objective:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is known to influence the seminal and hormonal parameters of infected men. This study was performed to assess the effects of HCV clearance using direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents on semen and hormonal parameters.
Methods:
A total of 50 patients with chronic HCV were enrolled, and conventional semen analysis was performed according to World Health Organization guidelines. Basal levels of total testosterone, free testosterone (FT), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), prolactin, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were assessed before and 3 months after treatment with DAAs.
Results:
Following DAA treatment, statistically significant increases were observed in sperm motility and the proportion of grade A sperm. Additionally, the percentage of abnormal forms was significantly decreased after treatment (p=0.000). However, no significant differences were observed in semen volume, concentration, or total sperm count. Sex hormone analysis of patients after DAA treatment revealed significant increases in FT, LH, and FSH levels, along with significant decreases in SHBG, prolactin, and E2 levels.
Conclusion
Following HCV clearance, we noted an improvement in sperm motility and an increase in the percentage of sperm with normal morphology. Treatment with DAAs was also associated with increased levels of FT and LH, along with decreased levels of SHBG, prolactin, and E2.

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