Objective To explore the clinical effectiveness of full endoscopic lamina fenestration discec-tomy(Endo-LOVE)in combination with nerve root pulsed radiofrequency(NR-PRF)in the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease(LDD),along with the amelioration of postoperative residual symptoms.Methods A retro-spective analysis was performed on 102 patients with LDD who were treated in our hospital between January 2022 and June 2023.Among them,53 cases were assigned to the observation group(receiving Endo-LOVE combined with NR-PRF),and 49 cases were included in the control group(undergoing Endo-LOVE alone).The mean follow-up period was 15.05±1.15 months.The general data of the two groups were compared.Observations were carried out at preoperative,1-day,7-day,1-month,3-month,6-month,and final follow-up time points postopera-tively.The perioperative data and follow-up outcomes of the two groups were compared.Results Prior to surgery,no significant disparities were detected in the general conditions and clinical observation indicators(VAS,M-JOA,and ODI scores)between the two groups.Postoperatively,both groups exhibited a notable improvement in clinical indicators when compared to the preoperative levels(P<0.05).Within three months after surgery,the observation group showed significantly more pronounced improvement in all clinical indicators than the control group(P<0.05).At six months postoperatively and during the final follow-up,no statistically significant differences in clinical indi-cators were found between the two groups.Moreover,at the final follow-up,there was no statistically significant difference in the Macnab scores between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion Endoscopic decompression for the treatment of LDD exhibits high safety and reliability.When combined with endoscopic NR-PRF,it enhances the clinical efficacy,reduces the incidence of postoperative residual symptoms,and facilitates rapid postoperative recovery.This complementary combination presents a novel therapeutic strategy for LDD.

ObjectiveTo investigate the safety and feasibility of intra-biliary drainage tube placement after laparoscopic common bile duct exploration in elderly patients with choledocholithiasis， and to provide more options for surgical procedures in the clinical management of elderly patients with choledocholithiasis. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 52 elderly patients with choledocholithiasis who were admitted to Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery， Affiliated Dalian Friendship Hospital of Dalian Medical University， from November 2021 to October 2024. According to the biliary drainage method after surgery， the patients were divided into internal drainage group with 24 patients and T-tube drainage group with 28 patients， and there were 19 patients in each group after propensity score matching. The two groups were compared in terms of perioperative parameters and postoperative complications. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups， and the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. ResultsCompared with the T-tube drainage group， the internal drainage group had a significantly shorter length of postoperative hospital stay and a significantly lower volume of postoperative bile loss （Z=-2.845 and -5.633， both P<0.05）， while there were no significant differences between the two groups in time of operation， intraoperative blood loss， and drainage tube indwelling time （all P>0.05）. There were no significant differences between the two groups in postoperative bile leak， stone recurrence， biliary stricture， and drainage tube-related complications， and the internal drainage group had a significantly lower total complication rate than the T-tube drainage group ［1 （5.3%） vs 7 （36.8%）， P<0.05］. ConclusionFor elderly patients with choledocholithiasis， intra-biliary drainage tube placement after laparoscopic common bile duct exploration can shorten the length of postoperative hospital stay， reduce bile loss， and lower the incidence rate of postoperative complications， thereby helping to accelerate postoperative recovery.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of the “double-low” scanning protocol (low tube voltage and low-concentration contrast agent) combined with the artificial intelligence iterative reconstruction (AIIR) algorithm for abdominal CT enhancement in patients with obesity and to identify the optimal AIIR reconstruction algorithm level.Methods:From April 2024 to July 2024, patients with a body mass index≥30.00 kg/m2 who underwent abdominal CT enhancement at the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University were prospectively included. All patients were randomly assigned to groups A or B. Patients in Group A accepted the conventional scanning protocol (automatic tube voltage selection and a contrast agent concentration of 350 mg/ml) with reconstruction using the Karl 3D iterative reconstruction algorithm at levels 3-5. The “double-low” protocol (a fixed tube voltage of 80 kVp and a contrast agent concentration of 320 mg/ml) with AIIR algorithm reconstruction at levels 1-5 were performed in Group B. CT values and image noises were measured, including the right posterior liver lobe at the level of the first porta hepatis and subcutaneous fat at the third lumbar level during arterial and portal venous phases, abdominal aorta at the third lumbar vertebra during the arterial phase, and portal vein trunk during the portal-venous-phase. Radiation dose, total iodine intake, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and subjective image quality scores were recorded. The optimal reconstruction levels for arterial-phase and portal-venous-phase images were identified for each group by repeatedly measured ANOVA. The figure of merit (FOM) was calculated for the best images in both groups, and comparisons were made in terms of image quality, radiation dose, and iodine intake using an unpaired t-test or Wilcoxon test. Results:Overall, 150 patients with obesity were collected, and each group included 75 cases. In group A, compared with levels 3 and 4 ( P<0.001), the Karl 3D level 5 algorithm yielded significantly higher SNR, CNR values, and subjective scores, designating level 5 as the optimal reconstruction level. In group B, the AIIR level 4 algorithm achieved higher SNR and CNR values than level 5 and achieved higher subjective scores than levels 3 and 5 ( P<0.001), which means that level 4 was the optimal reconstruction level. Images reconstructed with AIIR level 4 in group B exhibited significantly higher CT, SNR, CNR, FOM values, and subjective scores than those reconstructed with Karl 3D level 5 in group A ( P<0.001). Compared with group A, the volume CT dose index values, dose-length product, and size-specific dose estimate based on water equivalent diameter in Group B were reduced by 56.75%, 58.29%, and 56, 71% during the arterial phase, and 56.70%, 58.27%, and 56.88% during the portal venous phase, respectively. Total iodine intake was significantly reduced by 10.71% in group B ( P<0.001). Conclusions:The “double-low” scanning protocol combined with AIIR algorithm significantly reduced radiation dose and iodine intake during abdominal CT enhancement in patients with obesity, without compromising image details, increasing noise, or altering image quality. AIIR level 4 was the optimal image reconstruction level for arterial-phase and portal-venous-phase in obese patients.

Objective To explore the clinical effectiveness of full endoscopic lamina fenestration discec-tomy(Endo-LOVE)in combination with nerve root pulsed radiofrequency(NR-PRF)in the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease(LDD),along with the amelioration of postoperative residual symptoms.Methods A retro-spective analysis was performed on 102 patients with LDD who were treated in our hospital between January 2022 and June 2023.Among them,53 cases were assigned to the observation group(receiving Endo-LOVE combined with NR-PRF),and 49 cases were included in the control group(undergoing Endo-LOVE alone).The mean follow-up period was 15.05±1.15 months.The general data of the two groups were compared.Observations were carried out at preoperative,1-day,7-day,1-month,3-month,6-month,and final follow-up time points postopera-tively.The perioperative data and follow-up outcomes of the two groups were compared.Results Prior to surgery,no significant disparities were detected in the general conditions and clinical observation indicators(VAS,M-JOA,and ODI scores)between the two groups.Postoperatively,both groups exhibited a notable improvement in clinical indicators when compared to the preoperative levels(P<0.05).Within three months after surgery,the observation group showed significantly more pronounced improvement in all clinical indicators than the control group(P<0.05).At six months postoperatively and during the final follow-up,no statistically significant differences in clinical indi-cators were found between the two groups.Moreover,at the final follow-up,there was no statistically significant difference in the Macnab scores between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion Endoscopic decompression for the treatment of LDD exhibits high safety and reliability.When combined with endoscopic NR-PRF,it enhances the clinical efficacy,reduces the incidence of postoperative residual symptoms,and facilitates rapid postoperative recovery.This complementary combination presents a novel therapeutic strategy for LDD.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of the “double-low” scanning protocol (low tube voltage and low-concentration contrast agent) combined with the artificial intelligence iterative reconstruction (AIIR) algorithm for abdominal CT enhancement in patients with obesity and to identify the optimal AIIR reconstruction algorithm level.Methods:From April 2024 to July 2024, patients with a body mass index≥30.00 kg/m2 who underwent abdominal CT enhancement at the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University were prospectively included. All patients were randomly assigned to groups A or B. Patients in Group A accepted the conventional scanning protocol (automatic tube voltage selection and a contrast agent concentration of 350 mg/ml) with reconstruction using the Karl 3D iterative reconstruction algorithm at levels 3-5. The “double-low” protocol (a fixed tube voltage of 80 kVp and a contrast agent concentration of 320 mg/ml) with AIIR algorithm reconstruction at levels 1-5 were performed in Group B. CT values and image noises were measured, including the right posterior liver lobe at the level of the first porta hepatis and subcutaneous fat at the third lumbar level during arterial and portal venous phases, abdominal aorta at the third lumbar vertebra during the arterial phase, and portal vein trunk during the portal-venous-phase. Radiation dose, total iodine intake, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and subjective image quality scores were recorded. The optimal reconstruction levels for arterial-phase and portal-venous-phase images were identified for each group by repeatedly measured ANOVA. The figure of merit (FOM) was calculated for the best images in both groups, and comparisons were made in terms of image quality, radiation dose, and iodine intake using an unpaired t-test or Wilcoxon test. Results:Overall, 150 patients with obesity were collected, and each group included 75 cases. In group A, compared with levels 3 and 4 ( P<0.001), the Karl 3D level 5 algorithm yielded significantly higher SNR, CNR values, and subjective scores, designating level 5 as the optimal reconstruction level. In group B, the AIIR level 4 algorithm achieved higher SNR and CNR values than level 5 and achieved higher subjective scores than levels 3 and 5 ( P<0.001), which means that level 4 was the optimal reconstruction level. Images reconstructed with AIIR level 4 in group B exhibited significantly higher CT, SNR, CNR, FOM values, and subjective scores than those reconstructed with Karl 3D level 5 in group A ( P<0.001). Compared with group A, the volume CT dose index values, dose-length product, and size-specific dose estimate based on water equivalent diameter in Group B were reduced by 56.75%, 58.29%, and 56, 71% during the arterial phase, and 56.70%, 58.27%, and 56.88% during the portal venous phase, respectively. Total iodine intake was significantly reduced by 10.71% in group B ( P<0.001). Conclusions:The “double-low” scanning protocol combined with AIIR algorithm significantly reduced radiation dose and iodine intake during abdominal CT enhancement in patients with obesity, without compromising image details, increasing noise, or altering image quality. AIIR level 4 was the optimal image reconstruction level for arterial-phase and portal-venous-phase in obese patients.

BACKGROUND:Platelet-rich plasma can promote the repair and regeneration of intervertebral disc tissue.Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy is widely used in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation.In recent years,more and more scholars have focused on the combined treatment of lumbar disc herniation with the two techniques in order to achieve a better patient prognosis. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the clinical safety and effectiveness of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy combined with platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. METHODS:The clinical data of 58 patients with lumbar disc herniation who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria at Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from June 2017 to May 2018 were retrospectively analyzed.Among them,29 patients underwent percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy combined with platelet-rich plasma(observation group),and the remaining 29 patients underwent percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy only(control group).Visual Analogue Scale score for back and leg pain,lumbar JOA score,and Oswestry Disability Index were evaluated preoperatively,at 3,6,and 12 months postoperatively,and at the last follow-up.Intervertebral space height,nucleus pulposus to cerebrospinal fluid signal strength ratio,and intervertebral disc Pfirrmann grading were measured preoperatively,at 6 and 12 months postoperatively,and at the last follow-up.The modified MacNab criteria were used to assess excellent and good rate of curative effect at the last follow-up. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The Visual Analogue Scale score for back and leg pain,JOA score,and Oswestry Disability Index of the two groups postoperatively were significantly improved compared with those preoperatively(P<0.05).Visual Analogue Scale score and Oswestry Disability Index were lower in the observation group than those in the control group at 3 and 6 months postoperatively(P<0.05).The JOA score was higher in the observation group than that in the control group at 3 and 6 months postoperatively(P<0.05).(2)The nucleus pulposus to cerebrospinal fluid signal strength ratio was higher in the observation group than that in the control group at the last follow-up(P<0.05).Pfirrmann grading of the intervertebral discs was better in the observation group than that in the control group(P<0.05).The excellent and good rate was 93%in the observation group and 83%in the control group,and the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).(3)These findings indicate that percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy combined with platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation has satisfactory clinical efficacy and can delay the degeneration of the intervertebral disc to a certain extent.

BACKGROUND:In clinical application,simple interspinous fixation without additional interbody fusion has similar fixation effects to pedicle screw and rod fusion internal fixation,and can effectively reduce the range of motion of the responsible segment and the stress of the articular process.However,after simple placement of the new interspinous fusion fixation device BacFuse,the stress at the root of the spinous process is relatively concentrated,and the spinous fracture is prone to occur.If an intervertebral fusion cage is inserted in conjunction with interspinous fixation,Von Mises stress can theoretically be dispersed to reduce the risk of spinous fracture.However,there are few studies on biomechanics and finite element analysis. OBJECTIVE:To observe the biomechanical stability of interspinous fixation-assisted endoscopic interbody fusion in the treatment of severe lumbar spinal stenosis. METHODS:The normal finite element model M0 of the L4-L5 segment of the lumbar spine was established by Mimics,Geomagic,Solidworks,and ANSYS software based on the lumbar CT images of a 26-year-old adult male volunteer excluding spinal diseases.On the basis of M0,the immediate model M1 after endoscopic decompression combined with interbody fusion,the interspinous fixation device(BacFuse)model M2 after endoscopic decompression,and the interspinous fixation(BacFuse)model M3 after endoscopic-assisted interbody fusion were established.The same stress was applied to the upper surface of the L4 vertebral body in the four groups,and the lower surface of the L5 vertebral body was fixed and supported.The range of motion and the extreme Von Mises stress of the endplate bone and the posterior ligament complex of the vertebral body were analyzed under six working conditions of flexion,extension,left/right bending,and left/right rotation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with model M0,the range of motion value of model M1 increased significantly under six working conditions.Model M2 and model M3 had a significant reduction in range of motion.(2)Compared with model M0,the maximum stress of the vertebral body in model M1 did not change significantly under the six working conditions.The maximum stress at the rear of the M2 vertebral body increased significantly.(3)Compared with model M1,the maximum stress of model M3 did not change significantly under the six working conditions.Compared with model M2,the maximum stress of model M3 decreased significantly.(4)Compared with the model M0,the extreme Von Mises stress of the L4 and L5 endplates of the model M1 was significantly increased.The extreme Von Mises stress in L4 and L5 endplates of models M2 and M3 decreased slightly.Compared with model M1,the Von Mises stress of the bone under the L4 and L5 endplate of models M2 and M3 was significantly reduced.(5)It is concluded that the implantation of BacFuse can effectively reduce the bone stress under the endplate during simple interbody fusion,decrease the risk of cage subsidence,diminish the risk of facet joint fracture on the decompression side,and provide a good stable environment for interbody fusion.The placement of an intervertebral fusion cage can reduce the stress of the root of the spinous process,which is beneficial to decrease the risk of fracture of the root of the spinous process.

Objective To investigate the effect of facet joint resection at different ranges under endoscopy on the stability of the cervical spine and provide a biomechanical theoretical basis for clinical surgery.Methods A normal finite element model of the cervical spine C5-6 was established based on CT data,and unilateral facetectomy models with different ranges(0,25％,50％,75％,and 100％)of laminectomy were obtained(Models 1-5)by simulating cervical endoscopic surgery.The ranges of motion(ROMs)of C5-6 and the von Mises stresses of the discs for the models in each group were compared and analyzed.Results Except for flexion,Models 1 and 2 showed insignificant changes in ROMs and disc von Mises stresses in each direction compared with those of the normal model.Model 3 showed a noticeable increase in ROMs and disc von Mises stresses in each direction compared with those of the normal model:ROMs under flexion,extension,left lateral bending,right lateral bending,left rotation,and right rotation increased by 27％,4％,3％,13％,5％,and 16％,respectively,and von Mises stresses increased by 32％,4％,2％,5％,9％,and 5％,respectively.Models 4 and 5 exhibited a significant increase in the ROMs and disc von Mises stresses in each direction compared to the normal model.For Model 4,ROMs were increased by 27％,14％,6％,24％,7％,167％,and von Mises stresses were increased by 33％,13％,3％,32％,10％,130％.For Model 5,ROMs were increased by 27％,17％,6％,25％,7％,167％,and von Mises stresses were increased by 33％,29％,8％,33％,12％,138％.Conclusions As the range of unilateral facetectomy increased,cervical ROM and disc von Mises stress extremum gradually increased.The cervical spine shows a significant ROM increase and stress changes when facet joint resection on one side exceeds 1/2.More than 1/2 of the facet joint should be preserved during surgery to avoid medical instability.