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).

Background/Aims: Amitriptyline is prescribed off-label for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We conducted a meta-analysis to assess its efficacy. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted until November 10, 2023, using MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to study the efficacy of amitriptyline in patients with IBS. We included all randomized controlled trials that compared amitriptyline to placebo. Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess the quality of studies. Meta-analyses were performed using a bivariate random-effects model. Statistical analyses were performed using R Software 4.2.3 and heterogeneity was assessed with I 2 statistics. Results: Seven trials were included with 796 patients (61% female). Amitriptyline was associated with better treatment response (OR, 5.30; 95% CI, 2.47 to 11.39; P < 0.001), reduced Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptom Severity Scores (MD, –50.72; 95% CI, –94.23 to –7.20; P = 0.020) and improved diarrhea (OR, 10.55; 95% CI, 2.90 to 38.41; P < 0.001). No significant difference between the 2 groups regarding the adverse effects was observed. Three trials showed an overall low risk of bias, 2 trials showed an overall high risk of bias due to randomization and missing data, and 2 trials had some concerns regarding missing data. Conclusions Amitriptyline was found to be well-tolerated and effective in treating IBS compared to placebo. These findings support the use of amitriptyline for the management of IBS, particularly among patients with the IBS diarrhea subtype. Future research should focus on the dose-dependent effects of amitriptyline in IBS to better guide clinicians in personalized titration regimens.

Background/Aims: Amitriptyline is prescribed off-label for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We conducted a meta-analysis to assess its efficacy. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted until November 10, 2023, using MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to study the efficacy of amitriptyline in patients with IBS. We included all randomized controlled trials that compared amitriptyline to placebo. Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess the quality of studies. Meta-analyses were performed using a bivariate random-effects model. Statistical analyses were performed using R Software 4.2.3 and heterogeneity was assessed with I 2 statistics. Results: Seven trials were included with 796 patients (61% female). Amitriptyline was associated with better treatment response (OR, 5.30; 95% CI, 2.47 to 11.39; P < 0.001), reduced Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptom Severity Scores (MD, –50.72; 95% CI, –94.23 to –7.20; P = 0.020) and improved diarrhea (OR, 10.55; 95% CI, 2.90 to 38.41; P < 0.001). No significant difference between the 2 groups regarding the adverse effects was observed. Three trials showed an overall low risk of bias, 2 trials showed an overall high risk of bias due to randomization and missing data, and 2 trials had some concerns regarding missing data. Conclusions Amitriptyline was found to be well-tolerated and effective in treating IBS compared to placebo. These findings support the use of amitriptyline for the management of IBS, particularly among patients with the IBS diarrhea subtype. Future research should focus on the dose-dependent effects of amitriptyline in IBS to better guide clinicians in personalized titration regimens.

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).

Background/Aims: Amitriptyline is prescribed off-label for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We conducted a meta-analysis to assess its efficacy. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted until November 10, 2023, using MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to study the efficacy of amitriptyline in patients with IBS. We included all randomized controlled trials that compared amitriptyline to placebo. Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess the quality of studies. Meta-analyses were performed using a bivariate random-effects model. Statistical analyses were performed using R Software 4.2.3 and heterogeneity was assessed with I 2 statistics. Results: Seven trials were included with 796 patients (61% female). Amitriptyline was associated with better treatment response (OR, 5.30; 95% CI, 2.47 to 11.39; P < 0.001), reduced Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptom Severity Scores (MD, –50.72; 95% CI, –94.23 to –7.20; P = 0.020) and improved diarrhea (OR, 10.55; 95% CI, 2.90 to 38.41; P < 0.001). No significant difference between the 2 groups regarding the adverse effects was observed. Three trials showed an overall low risk of bias, 2 trials showed an overall high risk of bias due to randomization and missing data, and 2 trials had some concerns regarding missing data. Conclusions Amitriptyline was found to be well-tolerated and effective in treating IBS compared to placebo. These findings support the use of amitriptyline for the management of IBS, particularly among patients with the IBS diarrhea subtype. Future research should focus on the dose-dependent effects of amitriptyline in IBS to better guide clinicians in personalized titration regimens.

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).