1.Exploring on Quality Evaluation Methods of Clinical Case Reports in Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Kaige ZHANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Bo ZHOU ; Haimin CHEN ; Yong ZHU ; Changcheng HOU ; Liangzhen YOU ; Weijun HUANG ; Jie YANG ; Guoshuang ZHU ; Shukun GONG ; Jianwen HE ; Yang YE ; Yuqiu AN ; Chunquan SUN ; Qingjie YUAN ; Buman LI ; Xingzhong FENG ; Kegang CAO ; Hongcai SHANG ; Jihua GUO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Zhining TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):271-276
As the core vehicle for preserving and transmitting traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) academic thought and clinical experience, the establishment of a robust quality evaluation system for TCM clinical case reports is a crucial component in the current standardization and modernization of TCM. Based on the practical experience of constructing the China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of critical challenges, including insufficient authenticity and unfocused evaluation criteria. It proposed a three-dimensional evaluation framework grounded in the structure-process-outcome logic, encompassing three dimensions of authenticity and standardization, characteristics and advantages, application and translational impact. This framework integrated 12 key evaluation indicators in a systematic manner. The model preserved the academic characteristics of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment, while aligning with modern scientific research standards, achieving a balance between individualized TCM experience and standardized evaluation. Concurrently, this study provided theoretical foundations and methodological guidance for evaluating the quality of TCM clinical cases, contributing significantly to the inheritance of TCM knowledge, evidence-based practice, and the reform of talent evaluation mechanisms.
2.Preparation and antibacterial properties of porcine small intestinal submucosal composite nanohydroxyapatite bioscaffold loaded with antimicrobial peptide KR-12-a5
Qiquan YAN ; Libin YANG ; Mengjun LI ; Yazhuo NI ; Keying CHEN ; Bo XU ; Yaoyang LI ; Shiqing MA ; Rui LI ; Jianwen LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):384-394
BACKGROUND:Bone tissue loss caused by tumors and trauma can have an adverse effect on postoperative rehabilitation.Therefore,scaffold materials are usually implanted during treatment.However,the existing implant materials are relatively simple and lack antibacterial properties.Early implantation may lead to iatrogenic autoinfection and have an adverse effect on osteogenesis.OBJECTIVE:To construct a KR-12-a5 polypeptide-nanohydroxyapatite-small intestinal submucosa composite scaffold and evaluate its feasibility as a material for promoting bone defect repair.METHODS:The small intestinal submucosa scaffold and the small intestinal submucosa scaffold containing 25,50,and 100 mg/mL nanohydroxyapatite(referred to as nHA-SIS scaffold)were prepared by 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride/N-hydroxysuccinimide cross-linking method.The appropriate scaffold was screened for subsequent experiments by mechanical property testing.The antibacterial properties of KR-12-a5 polypeptide solution against Staphylococcus aureus,Streptococcus gordonii,and Fusobacterium nucleatum were detected.The nHA-SIS scaffolds were immersed in 250,500,and 1 000 μg/mL KR-12-a5 peptide solutions for 24 hours,and then freeze-dried to obtain peptide-loaded nanohydroxyapatite-porcine small intestinal submucosa composite scaffolds(denoted as P-nHA-SIS scaffolds).The sustained-release properties of the three groups of scaffolds were characterized.The nHA-SIS scaffolds and the three groups of P-nHA-SIS scaffolds were co-cultured with Staphylococcus aureus,Streptococcus gordonii,and Fusobacterium nucleatum for 24 hours or 48 hours.The scaffolds with strong antibacterial ability were screened by live and dead bacteria staining and scanning electron microscopy for subsequent experiments.The degradation properties and water absorption rates of the uncross-linked small intestinal submucosa scaffolds,cross-linked small intestinal submucosa scaffolds,nHA-SIS scaffolds,and P-nHA-SIS scaffolds were characterized.The extracts of cross-linked small intestinal submucosal scaffolds,nHA-SIS scaffolds,and P-nHA-SIS scaffolds were co-cultured with MC3T3-E1 cells.CCK-8 assay and live-dead cell staining were performed.The effects of the extracts of the three scaffolds on the migration of MC3T3-E1 cells were detected by Transwell chamber assay.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The elastic modulus and compressive strength of 25,50,and 100 mg/mL nHA-SIS scaffolds were higher than those of small intestinal submucosal scaffolds(P<0.05),among which the elastic modulus and compressive strength of 25 mg/mL nHA-SIS scaffolds were the highest,and this group of scaffolds were selected for subsequent experiments to load peptides.(2)KR-12-a5 peptide had strong antibacterial activity against common bacteria in bone defects(Staphylococcus aureus,Streptococcus gordonii,and Fusobacterium nucleatum).The three groups of P-nHA-SIS scaffolds all had sustained release properties.With the increase of peptide mass concentration,the antibacterial property of P-nHA-SIS scaffold was enhanced.Among them,the P-nHA-SIS scaffold loaded with 500 μg/mL peptide had achieved a satisfactory antibacterial effect,and this group of scaffolds would be selected in the future.(3)The degradation rate of the three groups of cross-linked scaffolds was lower than that of the uncross-linked scaffolds,and the water absorption rate was greater than that of the uncross-linked scaffolds.P-nHA-SIS scaffolds could promote the proliferation and migration of MC3T3-E1 cells without affecting the activity of MC3T3-E1 cells.(4)The results show that P-nHA-SIS scaffolds have strong antibacterial properties and the ability to promote the proliferation and migration of MC3T3-E1 cells,and are expected to be used in bone defect repair.
3.Preparation and antibacterial properties of porcine small intestinal submucosal composite nanohydroxyapatite bioscaffold loaded with antimicrobial peptide KR-12-a5
Qiquan YAN ; Libin YANG ; Mengjun LI ; Yazhuo NI ; Keying CHEN ; Bo XU ; Yaoyang LI ; Shiqing MA ; Rui LI ; Jianwen LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):384-394
BACKGROUND:Bone tissue loss caused by tumors and trauma can have an adverse effect on postoperative rehabilitation.Therefore,scaffold materials are usually implanted during treatment.However,the existing implant materials are relatively simple and lack antibacterial properties.Early implantation may lead to iatrogenic autoinfection and have an adverse effect on osteogenesis.OBJECTIVE:To construct a KR-12-a5 polypeptide-nanohydroxyapatite-small intestinal submucosa composite scaffold and evaluate its feasibility as a material for promoting bone defect repair.METHODS:The small intestinal submucosa scaffold and the small intestinal submucosa scaffold containing 25,50,and 100 mg/mL nanohydroxyapatite(referred to as nHA-SIS scaffold)were prepared by 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride/N-hydroxysuccinimide cross-linking method.The appropriate scaffold was screened for subsequent experiments by mechanical property testing.The antibacterial properties of KR-12-a5 polypeptide solution against Staphylococcus aureus,Streptococcus gordonii,and Fusobacterium nucleatum were detected.The nHA-SIS scaffolds were immersed in 250,500,and 1 000 μg/mL KR-12-a5 peptide solutions for 24 hours,and then freeze-dried to obtain peptide-loaded nanohydroxyapatite-porcine small intestinal submucosa composite scaffolds(denoted as P-nHA-SIS scaffolds).The sustained-release properties of the three groups of scaffolds were characterized.The nHA-SIS scaffolds and the three groups of P-nHA-SIS scaffolds were co-cultured with Staphylococcus aureus,Streptococcus gordonii,and Fusobacterium nucleatum for 24 hours or 48 hours.The scaffolds with strong antibacterial ability were screened by live and dead bacteria staining and scanning electron microscopy for subsequent experiments.The degradation properties and water absorption rates of the uncross-linked small intestinal submucosa scaffolds,cross-linked small intestinal submucosa scaffolds,nHA-SIS scaffolds,and P-nHA-SIS scaffolds were characterized.The extracts of cross-linked small intestinal submucosal scaffolds,nHA-SIS scaffolds,and P-nHA-SIS scaffolds were co-cultured with MC3T3-E1 cells.CCK-8 assay and live-dead cell staining were performed.The effects of the extracts of the three scaffolds on the migration of MC3T3-E1 cells were detected by Transwell chamber assay.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The elastic modulus and compressive strength of 25,50,and 100 mg/mL nHA-SIS scaffolds were higher than those of small intestinal submucosal scaffolds(P<0.05),among which the elastic modulus and compressive strength of 25 mg/mL nHA-SIS scaffolds were the highest,and this group of scaffolds were selected for subsequent experiments to load peptides.(2)KR-12-a5 peptide had strong antibacterial activity against common bacteria in bone defects(Staphylococcus aureus,Streptococcus gordonii,and Fusobacterium nucleatum).The three groups of P-nHA-SIS scaffolds all had sustained release properties.With the increase of peptide mass concentration,the antibacterial property of P-nHA-SIS scaffold was enhanced.Among them,the P-nHA-SIS scaffold loaded with 500 μg/mL peptide had achieved a satisfactory antibacterial effect,and this group of scaffolds would be selected in the future.(3)The degradation rate of the three groups of cross-linked scaffolds was lower than that of the uncross-linked scaffolds,and the water absorption rate was greater than that of the uncross-linked scaffolds.P-nHA-SIS scaffolds could promote the proliferation and migration of MC3T3-E1 cells without affecting the activity of MC3T3-E1 cells.(4)The results show that P-nHA-SIS scaffolds have strong antibacterial properties and the ability to promote the proliferation and migration of MC3T3-E1 cells,and are expected to be used in bone defect repair.
4.Expression of HMGN5 in hepatocellular carcinoma and its influence on the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma
Shoulei REN ; Hongchun LI ; Wenli CAO ; Jize SUN ; Jianwen ZHAO
Clinical Medicine of China 2025;41(2):105-110
Objective:To investigate the affection of high mobility group nucleosome-binding protein 5(HMGN5) gene in the hepatocellular cancer tissue and HepG2 cell and its function in the growth of HepG2 cell.Methods:70 Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who under-went surgical resection and were confirmed by postoperative pathology in Sunshine Union Hospital of Weifang City from January 2017 to June 2020 were selected. Their clinical and pathological data, surgical resection of liver cancer tissue and adjacent normal liver tissue were collected, their survival time were also recorded. The contents of HMGN5 protein in the hepatocellular cancer tissues and adjacent normal liver tissues of 70 patients were detected by immunohistochemistry. Compare the expression of HMGN5 protein in liver cancer tissue and normal liver tissue and the positive expression rate of HMGN5 protein in liver cancer tissues of hepatocellular carcinoma patients with different clinical characteristics, to analyze the relationship between HMGN5 expression and prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.The mRNA contents of HMGN5 gene in HepG2 cells and HL-7702 cells were determined by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR) method. After transfectHepG2 cells with HMGN5 shRNA, the proliferation ability of HepG2 cells were evaluated by cell proliferation assay and the cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. Measurement data with normal distribution were expressed as ±s, two independent samples t test was used for comparison between groups. Counting data was expressed as n(%), χ2 test was used for comparison between groups. Survival analysis of patients was performed by Kaplan-Meier method. Results:Immunohistochemical tests showed that HMGN5 staining is strong in liver cancer tissue, but weak in normal liver tissue. HMGN5 protein expression was positive in 48 of 70 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. The positive expression rate of HMGN5 protein in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues of patients with pathological grade 3+4 and clinical stage Ⅲ+Ⅳ was higher than that of patients with grade 1+2 and stage Ⅰ+Ⅱ, respectively. There was no significant difference in cumulative survival rate between HMGN5 positive expression group and HMGN5 negative expression group ( χ2=3.81, P=0.051). The results of qRT-PCR showed that the expression level of HMGN5 mRNA in hepatoma HepG2 cells was higher than that in normal liver HL-7702 cells [(4.51±0.45) vs (1.35±0.27), the difference was statistically significant ( t=10.43, P=<0.001). After 24, 48 and 72h of the HMGN5 gene was knockout, the survival rate of HepG2 hepatoma cells was lower than that of HL-7702 hepatoma cells (all P<0.05) and the apoptosis rate of hepatoma HepG2 cells was higher than that of liver HL-7702 cells [(18.63±1.76)%vs(1.81±0.21)%] ,the difference was statistically significant ( t=16.44, P<0.001). Conclusions:HMGN5 genes and proteins are highly expressed in the hepatocellular cancer tissues and HepG2 cells. HMGN5 gene plays an important role in the growth of hepatocellular cancer and can be used as a potential target of treatment for hepatocellular cancer.
5.Clinical guideline for diagnosis and treatment of nonunion of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (version 2025)
Haipeng SI ; Le LI ; Junjie NIU ; Wencan ZHANG ; Fuxin WEI ; Jinqiu YUAN ; Qiang YANG ; Hongli WANG ; Guangchao WANG ; Shihong CHEN ; Yunzhen CHEN ; Xiaoguang CHENG ; Jianwen DONG ; Shiqing FENG ; Rui GU ; Yong HAI ; Tianyong HOU ; Bo HUANG ; Xiaobing JIANG ; Lei ZANG ; Chunhai LI ; Nianhu LI ; Hua LIN ; Hongjian LIU ; Peng LIU ; Xinyu LIU ; Sheng LU ; Shibao LU ; Chunshan LUO ; Lvy CHAOLIANG ; Lvy WEIJIA ; Xuexiao MA ; Wei MEI ; Chunyang MENG ; Cailiang SHEN ; Chunli SONG ; Ruoxian SONG ; Jiacan SU ; Honglin TENG ; Hui SHENG ; Beiyu WANG ; Bingwu WANG ; Liang WANG ; Xiangyang WANG ; Nan WU ; Guohua XU ; Yayi XIA ; Jin XU ; Youjia XU ; Jianzhong XU ; Cao YANG ; Maowei YANG ; Zibin YANG ; Xiaojian YE ; Hailong YU ; Xijie YU ; Hua YUE ; Zhili ZENG ; Xinli ZHAN ; Hui ZHANG ; Peixun ZHANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Zhenlin ZHANG ; Jianguo ZHANG ; Tengyue ZHU ; Qiang LIU ; Huilin YANG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(10):932-945
Nonunion of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVF), predominantly affecting the elderly, can lead to intractable pain, vertebral collapse, progressive kyphotic deformity, and neurological impairment, significantly compromising patients′ quality of life. There exists considerable debate on diagnosis and management of OVF, encompassing key issues such as clinical diagnosis and staging criteria for nonunion, surgical indications and procedure selection, and postoperative rehabilitation planning. Currently, there lacks standardized clinical guideline and expert consensus on the diagnosis and management of OVF nonunion in China. To address this gap, Minimally Invasive Surgery Group of Chinese Orthopedic Association, Osteoporosis Committee of Chinese Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee for Osteoporosis of Chinese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine and Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Surgery Branch of China Association for Geriatric Care jointly organized domestic experts in spinal surgery, endocrinology, and rehabilitation to formulate the Clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment for nonunion of osteoporotic vertebral fractures ( version 2025), based on existing literature and clinical experience and adhering to principles of scientific rigor and practicality. The guideline provided 13 evidence-based recommendations encompassing diagnosis and treatment of OVF nonunion, aiming to standardize its clinical management.
6.Digital technology-assisted debridement and bone and soft tissue reconstruction for the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis of the tibia
Hongying HE ; Weidong SHI ; Wenxing HAN ; Li HAN ; Huhu WANG ; Jianwen ZHAO ; Zhuo WU ; Shaoguang LI ; Rongji ZHANG ; Yanhui GUO ; Jianzheng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(8):500-507
Objective:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of digital technology-assisted debridement and bone and soft tissue reconstruction in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis of the tibia.Methods:This retrospective study analyzed clinical data from 38 patients (26 males, 12 females; mean age 45.61±18.36 years, range 16-83 years) with chronic post-traumatic osteomyelitis complicated by soft tissue defects in the tibia, treated at the Department of Orthopaedics, Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital between June 2021 and June 2023. There were 18 cases of traffic accidents, 6 cases of high-altitude falls, 6 cases of heavy objects and 6 cases of low-energy falls. Lesion sites: 12 cases in the upper segment of the tibia, 12 cases in the middle segment, and 14 cases in the lower segment. According to the Cierny-Mader classification, there were 24 cases of type III and 14 cases of type IV. Before the operation, the "3D point cloud technology" was used to plan the debridement range of bone and soft tissue. During the operation, the optical navigation system was used to monitor the debridement range in real time. The flap was designed by combining "Reading Tablet Treasure" with CT angiography, and the amount of bone graft was predicted by AI algorithm. The surgical method adopted is the Masquelet technique, namely thorough debridement, bone cement occupation and soft tissue repair in the first stage, and bone reconstruction in the second stage. Comparing the calculated bone defect amount and soft tissue defect area before the operation with the actual measured values after debridement. The cure rate of infection was evaluated by using the McKee bone infection treatment criteria after the operation. The visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, lower extremity functional scale (LEFS), and self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) were used to evaluate the improvement of the quality of life of postoperative patients.Results:38 patients were followed up with a mean follow-up of 13.53±2.37 months. 37 patients' infections were effectively controlled, and 1 patient had a recurrence of infection, with an effectiveness rate of 97% for the treatment of McKee's infections. The preoperative calculated bone defect amount and soft tissue defect area were 51.05±26.31 cm 3 and 68.42±43.45 cm 2 respectively, and the actual measured values after debridement during the operation were 51.66±26.35 cm 3 and 68.82±43.76 cm 2 respectively. There was no statistically significant difference before and after the operation ( P>0.05). The interval between the first and second stage surgeries was 10.36±1.61 weeks, and all flaps survived after the first stage surgery. Two months after the operation, one case had recurrent osteomyelitis. After palliative treatment, sinus tracts were formed at the infection site. At the 12-month regular dressing change follow-up, there were still purulent secretions in the sinus tracts. There was no recurrence of infection after primary debridement in 37 cases, and the bone grafts healed. The bone healing time was 3.58±0.97 months. The postoperative VAS, LEFS, and SAS scores were 1.00±0.91, 66.68±7.91, and 34.30±4.29, respectively, which were significantly improved compared with the preoperative scores of 7.54±1.52, 21.22±4.29, and 52.70±6.74, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The application of digital technology to precisely design the debridement range of bone and soft tissue, and the real-time holographic visualization monitoring of the debridement range during the operation can achieve precise debridement of bone and soft tissue and personalized and precise repair of soft tissue defects. It is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis of the tibia.
7.Thrombotic microangiopathy with renal involvement complicated by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a case report and literature review
Weiying LIU ; Jianwen YU ; Tong WU ; Ya LI ; Yuchu LIU ; Yan XU ; Fengxian HUANG ; Wei CHEN ; Naya HUANG
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(9):696-701
This article reports a rare case of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) with renal involvement complicated by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The patient appeared increased serum creatinine 20 d after allo-HSCT, and gradually appeared hypertension, oliguria and edema. Despite discontinuing suspected medications, serum creatinine level did not decrease. Treatment with basiliximab and mycophenolate mofetil was initiated to prevent rejection, leading to gradual normalization of urine output and serum creatinine level. However, after stopping mycophenolate mofetil, the patient experienced recurrent increased blood pressure and decreased pulse oximetry, responding well to prednisone but recurring upon cessation, with gradually increased serum creatinine level. Renal pathology indicated that chronic TMA after allo-HSCT caused renal injury, primarily affecting the glomeruli. The renal function achieved long-term stability through low-dose prednisone and symptomatic treatment. By reviewing relevant literature, we discussed the clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, pathological features and treatment strategies of TMA with renal involvement complicated by allo-HSCT.
8.Clinical effect of non-transecting anastomotic lingual mucosal augmentation urethroplasty in the treatment of traumatic urethral stricture
Wenxiong SONG ; Jiemin SI ; Xuxiao YE ; Zuowei LI ; Jianwen HUANG ; Yinglong SA ; Yuemin XU
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(2):119-124
Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of lingual mucosal augmentation urethroplasty with non-transecting urethral cavernous anastomosis in the treatment of traumatic urethral stricture.Methods:The clinical data of 39 patients with traumatic urethral stricture admitted to our clinical center from March 2023 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Their mean age was (49.7±2.0)years. The cause of urethral injury was pelvic fracture in 32 cases, riding injury in 5 cases, and iatrogenic injury in 2 cases. Suprapubic vesicostomy tube was indwelled before operation in 39 cases. There was 1 case with hypospadias and 1 case with urethral false passage. 9 patients had urethral dilatation before surgery, 5 had internal urethrotomy operation, 5 had urethroplasty, and 22 had no history of urethral surgery. The International Erectile Function Index (IIEF-5)score of 39 cases last 1 month before surgery was collected and classified.In which, the IIEF-5 score of 19 cases with no or mild erectile dysfunction was median 20 (18, 23)points, the MSHQ-Ejd score was median 16 (11, 19)points, and the number of effective erections was median 4(3, 5)times on the NPT. And in which, the IIEF-5 score of 20 cases with moderate to severe erectile dysfunction was median 10 (3, 14)points, the MSHQ-Ejd score was median 3(1, 7)points, and the number of effective erections was median 1(0, 2)times on the NPT. All 39 cases underwent non-transecting anastomotic lingual mucosal augmentation urethroplasty. The central tendon of the perineum and the ventral side of the bulbar urethra were preserved through perineal approach. The dorsal side of the urethra was mobilized and through the dorsal side of the urethra, the scar of the urethra was enucleated along the mucosa of the urethra. Then the ventral mucosa of the urethra was anastomosed end to end and the dorsal urethra was repaired by lingual mucosa transplantation. The Clavien-Dindo complication grading system was performed. The catheter was removed 4 weeks after operation, and urine flow rate was recorded 1 month after extubation. IIEF-5 score, MSHQ-Ejd score and NPT were recorded 6 months after operation.Results:The mean operation time of 39 cases was (118.0±18.3)min. 39 cases were followed up for median 8.0(6.0, 10.0)months. The Q max ≥15 ml/s in 24 cases. The Q max <15ml/s in 13 cases, of which, the Q max ≥15 ml/s after 1 internal urethrotomy operation in 10 cases and Q max≥15 ml/s after 2 internal urethrotomy operations in 3 cases. 2 cases were still failed to urinate and Q max≥15 ml/s after end-to-end urethral anastomosis. All 39 cases’ Clavien-Dindo complications were graded Ⅰ.Of the 19 cases with no or mild erectile dysfunction, the IIEF-5 score was median 20(17, 23)points, the MSHQ-Ejd score was median 16(11, 19)points, and the number of effective erections was median 4(3, 4)times on the NPT postoperatively, all were not significantly different from those before operation ( P> 0.05). Of the 20 cases with moderate and severe erectile dysfunction, the IIEF-5 score was median 9(4, 13)points, the MSHQ-Ejd score was median 4(2, 7)points, and the number of effective erections was median 1(0, 2)times on the NPT postoperatively, and all were not significantly different from those before operation ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Non-transecting anastomotic lingual mucosal augmentation urethroplasty is a reliable surgical method with few complications for traumatic urethral stricture. Moreover, the operation has little effect on the sexual function of patients.
9.Management strategies for vesicovaginal fistula following cervical cancer radiotherapy in women
Jiemin SI ; Weidong ZHU ; Ranxing YANG ; Lujie SONG ; Chongrui JIN ; Jianwen HUANG ; Xuxiao YE ; Zuowei LI ; Wenxiong SONG ; Qiang FU ; Yinglong SA
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(8):587-592
Objective:To investigate the treatment strategies for vesicovaginal fistula(VVF)in women following cervical cancer radiotherapy.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 33 female patients with post-radiotherapy VVF after cervical cancer treatment at Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital between January 2020 and June 2024. The patients were categorized into three groups based on surgical approaches:Group A(11 patients):Underwent prone-position VVF repair. Mean age:(50.0±9.6)years;mean radiotherapy sessions:(22.6±2.2). All had simple VVF without concurrent intestinal or surrounding soft-tissue fistulas. Among them,1 patient previously received laparoscopic VVF repair,1 transvaginal VVF repair,and 2 gracilis muscle flap packing for VVF repair. One month prior to surgery,the average daily usage of urine pads was 16.7(12.8,25.7)pieces,and the quality of life(QOL)score stood at 4.0(4.0,5.0)points. Preoperative cystoscopy revealed that 8 cases had fistulas located in the trigonal region of the bladder,while 3 cases had fistulas on the posterior bladder wall. The diameter of the fistula openings,measured under a microscope,was 1.2(0.8,1.6)cm. Based on the Goh classification criteria for vesicovaginal fistulas,this group included 3 cases of type 1,4 cases of type 2,2 cases of type 3,and 2 cases of type 4;7 cases of type A and 4 cases of type B;as well as 3 cases of typeⅠ,7 cases of type Ⅱ,and 1 case of type Ⅲ.Group B(20 patients):Underwent gracilis muscle flap packing for VVF repair. Mean age:(58.6±8.8)years;mean radiotherapy sessions:(29.8±3.9). Three patients had concurrent rectovaginal fistulas and received colostomy for fecal diversion. History of previous interventions:3 had laparoscopic VVF repair,4 transvaginal VVF repair,and 1 both transvaginal and laparoscopic VVF repair. One month prior to surgery,the average daily usage of urine pads was 19.7(15.8,27.7)pieces,and the QOL score stood at 5.0(5.0,6.0)points. Preoperative cystoscopy revealed that 13 cases had fistulas located in the trigonal region of the bladder,while 7 cases had fistulas on the posterior bladder wall. The diameter of the fistula openings,measured under a microscope,was 1.8(1.0,3.2)cm. Based on the Goh classification criteria for vesicovaginal fistulas,this group included 4 cases of type 1,9 cases of type 2,3 cases of type 3,and 4 cases of type 4;6 cases of type A,11 cases of type B and 3 cases of type C;as well as 1 cases of type Ⅱ,and 19 case of type Ⅲ. Group C(2 patients):Underwent ureterocutaneous diversion. Ages:67 and 73 years;radiotherapy sessions:51 and 60,respectively. Both had concurrent rectovaginal fistulas and bladder soft-tissue fistulas. The patient presented with recurrent thigh abscesses accompanied by fever. One month prior to surgery,the daily usage of urine pads was 29 and 23 pieces,respectively,and the QOL score was 6 points. Cystoscopic examination revealed that the vesicovaginal fistulas were located in the trigone of the bladder,with diameters of 3 cm and 4 cm,respectively. Additionally,partial defects were noted in the ventral wall of the urethra,while no bladder soft tissue fistulas were detected. According to the Goh classification for vesicovaginal fistulas,both cases were categorized as type 4,type C,and type Ⅲ. For Groups A and B,urinary catheters were indwelled for 3 weeks postoperatively,then removed to assess spontaneous urination and incontinence. QOL was evaluated,with a minimum 6-month follow-up. For confirmed postoperative VVF recurrence,re-repair was performed 3?6 months later based on patient preference. For Group C,double-J stents were placed in the ureters,and stoma bags were applied 3 days postoperatively. Stents were replaced every 1?2 months,with QOL assessment. Successful fistula repair in Groups A and B was defined as the absence of vaginal leakage confirmed by cystoscopy after six months of the procedure with no vaginal leakage. For Group C,surgical success was determined by the resolution of perineal urinary leakage and improvement in QOL.Results:All 33 patients completed surgery successfully. Group A:Follow-up duration:16.3(9.6,24.6)months. Surgical repair succeeded in 7 patients,with unobstructed spontaneous urination and no vaginal incontinence. Four patients had VVF recurrence:2 refused further treatment,and 2 underwent repeat gracilis muscle flap packing. One was successfully repaired,while one recurrence case refused further treatment. Group B:Follow-up duration:17.0(9.5,24.8)months(8?32 months). Thirteen patients restored spontaneous urination without recurrence. Seven had recurrence:5 refused further surgery,and 2 underwent re-repair. One repair succeeded without incontinence,while one recurrence case refused treatment. Group C:Follow-up durations were 6 and 22 months. Perineum remained dry without incontinence(no urine pads needed),and no recurrence of thigh soft-tissue redness/infection occurred. QOL scores were 2 and 3,respectively.Conclusions:Post-radiotherapy VVF in women after cervical cancer presents complex and variable conditions. The primary goal of treatment should be to improve patients’ quality of life. Treatment approaches should be selected based on the complexity of urinary fistulas and local tissue conditions. In general,patients who are younger,have received lower doses of radiation therapy,present with smaller fistula diameters,have well-vascularized and elastic perifistular tissues,and have no concurrent tissue fistulas are candidates for prone-position VVF repair. Patients who do not meet the criteria for transvaginal repair,have a history of at least two previous repair attempts,or have concurrent vaginorectal fistulas require gracilis muscle flap packing for VVF repair. Patients with three or more types of concurrent tissue fistulas,extensive pale and inelastic perifistular tissues,and who are not amenable to repair surgery undergo ureterocutaneous diversion.
10.Supercharged gracilis myocutaneous flap in reconstruction of the surgical defect after resection of soft tissue sarcoma in extremities: a report of 6 cases
Huhu WANG ; Zhuo WU ; Li HAN ; Meng XU ; Jianwen ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Microsurgery 2025;48(3):315-320
Objective:To investigate the efficacy of the supercharged gracilis myocutaneous flap in reconstruction of the surgical defects following resection of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) in extremities.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 6 patients who received surgery to remove STS in extremities followed by reconstructive surgery with a supercharged gracilis myocutaneous flap to reconstruct the surgical defect (16.0 cm×4.8 cm-25.0 cm×8.0 cm), at the Department of Microsurgery, the 4th Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital between January 2023 and January 2024. The locations of sarcoma were: 3 in left forearm, 2 in right calf and 1 in left calf. The pathological types of the sarcoma were: 1 of myxoid liposarcoma, 1 of dedifferentiated liposarcoma, 1 of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, 1 of low-grade myxofibrosarcoma and 2 of fibrosarcoma. According to the Enneking classification, 2 sarcomas were in stage I and 4 in stage Ⅱa. All patients underwent expanded resection of the sarcoma and followed by reconstruction of the surgical defect with supercharged gracilis myocutaneous flap. The flap size ranged from 18.0 cm×5.2 cm to 27.7 cm×10.2 cm, with the length of the muscle flap at 25.92 cm±5.57 cm and 17.0 cm×2.8 cm×2.7 cm-32.0 cm×6.0 cm×3.5 cm in volume. The surgical defects were filled with muscle flaps, while the wounds were covered by cutaneous flaps. The perforating branches of the deep femoral artery carried by proximal vascular pedicle of the myocutaneous flap were anastomosed end-to-end with the prominent vessels of the recipient site. Where, the perforators of the distal femoral artery of the myocutaneous flap were anastomosed end-to-end with the recipient vessels for external blood perfusion, and the great saphenous vein of the flap was anastomosed end-to-end with the superficial veins of the recipient site. All donor sites were directly sutured. Scheduled postoperative follow-ups at outpatient clinic were conducted to assess the viability of the transferred myocutaneous flap. Limb function was evaluated using the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society-93 (MSTS-93) and the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS).Results:The postoperative follow-up lasted for 12 to 20 months. All 6 myocutaneous flaps survived without distal necrosis. All patients regained daily activities and functioned well. The MSTS-93 scores achieved 24 to 30 (27.0 ± 2.4) points; while the recovery rate of limb function were 85% to 100% (90.00% ± 7.89%) and the TESS were 85% to 100% (93.65% ± 5.47%). No patients exhibited tumour recurrence over the period of follow-up.Conclusion:The supercharged gracilis myocutaneous flap is a safe and effective myocutaneous flap. It serves as an effective method for soft tissue reconstruction after surgical resection of STS in extremities.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail