Background/Aims: The factors affecting the detection rate of lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatitis (LPSP) using endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-TA) in patients with type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) have not been thoroughly studied. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective study to identify the predictive factors for histologically detecting level 1 or 2 LPSP using EUS-TA. Methods: Fifty patients with AIP were included in this study, and the primary outcome measures were the predictive factors for histologically detecting level 1 or 2 LPSP using EUS-TA. Results: Multivariate analysis identified the use of fine needle biopsy (FNB) needles as a significant predictive factor for LPSP detection (odds ratio, 15.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.62–141; ¬¬p=0.017). The rate of good-quality specimens (specimen adequacy score ≥4) was significantly higher for the FNB needle group than for the fine needle aspiration (FNA) needle group (97% vs. 56%; p<0.01), and the FNB needle group required significantly fewer needle passes than the FNA needle group (median, 2 vs. 3; p<0.01). Conclusions The use of FNB needles was the most important factor for the histological confirmation of LPSP using EUS-TA in patients with type 1 AIP.

Obesity presents significant challenges in spinal surgery, including higher rates of perioperative complications, prolonged operative times, and delayed recovery. Traditional open spine surgery often exacerbates these risks, particularly in patients with obesity, because of extensive tissue dissection and larger incisions. Endoscopic spine surgery (ESS) has emerged as a promising minimally invasive alternative, offering advantages such as reduced tissue trauma, minimal blood loss, lower infection rates, and faster recovery. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and outcomes of ESS techniques, including fully endoscopic and biportal endoscopic lumbar discectomy and decompression, in patients with obesity and lumbar spine pathologies. A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Scopus databases yielded 2,975 studies published between 2000 and 2024, of which 10 met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis revealed significant improvements in pain relief (Visual Analog Scale) and functional outcomes (Oswestry Disability Index), with comparable results between patients with and without obesity. Patients who are obese experienced longer operative times and have a slightly higher risk of symptom recurrence; however, ESS demonstrated lower rates of wound infections, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery than traditional surgery. These findings position ESS as a viable and effective option for managing lumbar spine conditions in patients with obesity, addressing obesity-related surgical challenges while maintaining favorable clinical outcomes. However, limitations such as study heterogeneity and the lack of randomized controlled trials highlight the need for further high-quality research to refine ESS techniques and optimize patient care in this high-risk population.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the clinical and comprehensive radiological outcomes of 3 types of endoscopic decompression surgery: unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar decompression (UBELD), microendoscopic laminotomy (MEL), and percutaneous endoscopic lumbar decompression (PELD). Methods: Patients with single-level lumbar spinal stenosis without instability were included in this multicenter retrospective study. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for each extremity, VAS back pain, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores at preoperative and postoperative 1st, 6th, and 12th months were used as clinical outcome measures. In order to compare the radiological results of the patients, bilateral superior articular distance (SAD), bilateral lateral recess height (LR height), bilateral lateral recess angle (LR angle), and cross-sectional spinal canal area values were measured. Results: Eighty patients in the UBELD group, 73 patients in the MEL group, and 62 patients in the PELD group were included in the study. There was a statistically significant improvement in VAS scores and JOA scores in all groups compared to the preoperative period. At the 12th month postoperatively, the highest lateral decompression values on the approach side were determined as MEL (SAD: 4.1 mm, LR angle: 38.8°, LR height: 4.0 mm), followed by UBELD (SAD: 3.6 mm, LR angle: 36.2°, LR height: 3.3 mm) and PELD (SAD: 3.0 mm, LR angle: 21.7°, LR height: 2.3 mm), respectively. For the contralateral side, the highest lateral recess decompression values were listed as UBELD > MEL > PELD. Conclusion Effective decompression can be performed using all endoscopic techniques in lumbar spinal stenosis. However lateral recess decompression values were found to be better in UBELD and MEL techniques, compared to PELD.

Objective: This multicenter study aimed to evaluate the impact of paravertebral muscles (PVMs) degeneration, particularly fat infiltration, on preoperative sagittal imbalance, and postoperative complications and sagittal alignment change in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 454 patients who underwent ASD surgery across 5 institutions. Patients were classified into 2 groups based on paraspinal muscle fat infiltration on MRI: those with significant infiltration (FI-PVM(+)) and those with minimal or no infiltration (FI-PVM(-)). Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for demographic factors and preoperative radiographical parameters. Spinopelvic parameters were assessed preoperatively, postoperatively, and at a 2-year follow-up. Mechanical complications were compared between the groups. Results: The FI-PVM(+) group showed greater sagittal vertical axis (86.4 ± 57.5 vs. 51.8 ± 59.2, p < 0.001) preoperatively and required more extensive surgical correction with a significantly greater number of fused vertebral levels (7.3 ± 3.7 vs. 6.7 ± 3.7, p < 0.039). After propensity score matching, both groups showed significant improvement in spinopelvic alignment postoperatively, maintained throughout the 2-year follow-up. However, the FI-PVM(+) group demonstrated a trend toward a higher incidence of distal junctional kyphosis (6.3% vs. 0.9%, p = 0.070) and exhibited significantly greater decrease in pelvic tilt postoperatively (4.3° ± 7.6° vs. 1.3° ± 8.2°, p = 0.006). Conclusion Fat infiltration in PVM is associated with increased surgical complexity and a higher risk of mechanical complications. Preoperative assessment of muscle quality, along with targeted rehabilitation and closer postoperative monitoring, may be crucial for improving long-term outcomes in ASD surgery.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the clinical and comprehensive radiological outcomes of 3 types of endoscopic decompression surgery: unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar decompression (UBELD), microendoscopic laminotomy (MEL), and percutaneous endoscopic lumbar decompression (PELD). Methods: Patients with single-level lumbar spinal stenosis without instability were included in this multicenter retrospective study. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for each extremity, VAS back pain, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores at preoperative and postoperative 1st, 6th, and 12th months were used as clinical outcome measures. In order to compare the radiological results of the patients, bilateral superior articular distance (SAD), bilateral lateral recess height (LR height), bilateral lateral recess angle (LR angle), and cross-sectional spinal canal area values were measured. Results: Eighty patients in the UBELD group, 73 patients in the MEL group, and 62 patients in the PELD group were included in the study. There was a statistically significant improvement in VAS scores and JOA scores in all groups compared to the preoperative period. At the 12th month postoperatively, the highest lateral decompression values on the approach side were determined as MEL (SAD: 4.1 mm, LR angle: 38.8°, LR height: 4.0 mm), followed by UBELD (SAD: 3.6 mm, LR angle: 36.2°, LR height: 3.3 mm) and PELD (SAD: 3.0 mm, LR angle: 21.7°, LR height: 2.3 mm), respectively. For the contralateral side, the highest lateral recess decompression values were listed as UBELD > MEL > PELD. Conclusion Effective decompression can be performed using all endoscopic techniques in lumbar spinal stenosis. However lateral recess decompression values were found to be better in UBELD and MEL techniques, compared to PELD.

Objective: This multicenter study aimed to evaluate the impact of paravertebral muscles (PVMs) degeneration, particularly fat infiltration, on preoperative sagittal imbalance, and postoperative complications and sagittal alignment change in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 454 patients who underwent ASD surgery across 5 institutions. Patients were classified into 2 groups based on paraspinal muscle fat infiltration on MRI: those with significant infiltration (FI-PVM(+)) and those with minimal or no infiltration (FI-PVM(-)). Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for demographic factors and preoperative radiographical parameters. Spinopelvic parameters were assessed preoperatively, postoperatively, and at a 2-year follow-up. Mechanical complications were compared between the groups. Results: The FI-PVM(+) group showed greater sagittal vertical axis (86.4 ± 57.5 vs. 51.8 ± 59.2, p < 0.001) preoperatively and required more extensive surgical correction with a significantly greater number of fused vertebral levels (7.3 ± 3.7 vs. 6.7 ± 3.7, p < 0.039). After propensity score matching, both groups showed significant improvement in spinopelvic alignment postoperatively, maintained throughout the 2-year follow-up. However, the FI-PVM(+) group demonstrated a trend toward a higher incidence of distal junctional kyphosis (6.3% vs. 0.9%, p = 0.070) and exhibited significantly greater decrease in pelvic tilt postoperatively (4.3° ± 7.6° vs. 1.3° ± 8.2°, p = 0.006). Conclusion Fat infiltration in PVM is associated with increased surgical complexity and a higher risk of mechanical complications. Preoperative assessment of muscle quality, along with targeted rehabilitation and closer postoperative monitoring, may be crucial for improving long-term outcomes in ASD surgery.

Objective: This study aimed to clarify the preferred place for end-of-life care and the perceptions of palliative care among elderly people living in areas with a high aging rate and limited healthcare resources. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted in June 2022, one and a half years after the palliative care team (PCT) was established, in a community with an aging population of over 40%. Results: Among 1,298 patients aged 65 years or older, 475 (36.6%) provided valid responses. Of these, 317 (66.7%) expressed a preference to spend as much time as possible at home for end-of-life care, and 157 (49.5%) indicated that it would be difficult to spend their final days at home. In addition, 277 (58.3%) of respondents had heard about palliative care, and 437 (92.0%) had never heard of PCT at the hospital. Conclusion: Our findings revealed the preferred place for end-of-life care and awareness of palliative care among elderly people living in areas with a highly aging population and limited healthcare resources. It is necessary to promote palliative care in hospitals and develop a collaborative system with community healthcare providers.

Purpose: Owing to the increasing mortality rate in Japan, basic nursing education on the end-of-life care is essential. This study determined the educational learning outcomes of the angel care practice that involves angel makeup based on the reflective descriptions of nursing students. Methods: About 87 students enrolled in the “Seminar in Adult Nursing Practice (Nursing at the End-of-Life: Angel Care)” course at Iwate Medical University School of Nursing in June 2021 consented to participate in the present study. After experiencing the roles of patient, family member, and nurse in the angel care practice, the participants reflected on the care they provided to the patients and their families. Their descriptions on the practice sheets were analyzed to determine the learning outcomes of the angel care practice. Results: “Awareness of the importance of angel care,” “understanding angel care through practice,” and “motivation and concerns as a nurse” were the learning outcomes of the angel care practice for nursing students. Conclusion: The practice that incorporates angel care along with lectures provides nursing students with an opportunity to learn ways to maintain their patient’s dignity.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the clinical and comprehensive radiological outcomes of 3 types of endoscopic decompression surgery: unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar decompression (UBELD), microendoscopic laminotomy (MEL), and percutaneous endoscopic lumbar decompression (PELD). Methods: Patients with single-level lumbar spinal stenosis without instability were included in this multicenter retrospective study. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for each extremity, VAS back pain, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores at preoperative and postoperative 1st, 6th, and 12th months were used as clinical outcome measures. In order to compare the radiological results of the patients, bilateral superior articular distance (SAD), bilateral lateral recess height (LR height), bilateral lateral recess angle (LR angle), and cross-sectional spinal canal area values were measured. Results: Eighty patients in the UBELD group, 73 patients in the MEL group, and 62 patients in the PELD group were included in the study. There was a statistically significant improvement in VAS scores and JOA scores in all groups compared to the preoperative period. At the 12th month postoperatively, the highest lateral decompression values on the approach side were determined as MEL (SAD: 4.1 mm, LR angle: 38.8°, LR height: 4.0 mm), followed by UBELD (SAD: 3.6 mm, LR angle: 36.2°, LR height: 3.3 mm) and PELD (SAD: 3.0 mm, LR angle: 21.7°, LR height: 2.3 mm), respectively. For the contralateral side, the highest lateral recess decompression values were listed as UBELD > MEL > PELD. Conclusion Effective decompression can be performed using all endoscopic techniques in lumbar spinal stenosis. However lateral recess decompression values were found to be better in UBELD and MEL techniques, compared to PELD.

Objective: This multicenter study aimed to evaluate the impact of paravertebral muscles (PVMs) degeneration, particularly fat infiltration, on preoperative sagittal imbalance, and postoperative complications and sagittal alignment change in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 454 patients who underwent ASD surgery across 5 institutions. Patients were classified into 2 groups based on paraspinal muscle fat infiltration on MRI: those with significant infiltration (FI-PVM(+)) and those with minimal or no infiltration (FI-PVM(-)). Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for demographic factors and preoperative radiographical parameters. Spinopelvic parameters were assessed preoperatively, postoperatively, and at a 2-year follow-up. Mechanical complications were compared between the groups. Results: The FI-PVM(+) group showed greater sagittal vertical axis (86.4 ± 57.5 vs. 51.8 ± 59.2, p < 0.001) preoperatively and required more extensive surgical correction with a significantly greater number of fused vertebral levels (7.3 ± 3.7 vs. 6.7 ± 3.7, p < 0.039). After propensity score matching, both groups showed significant improvement in spinopelvic alignment postoperatively, maintained throughout the 2-year follow-up. However, the FI-PVM(+) group demonstrated a trend toward a higher incidence of distal junctional kyphosis (6.3% vs. 0.9%, p = 0.070) and exhibited significantly greater decrease in pelvic tilt postoperatively (4.3° ± 7.6° vs. 1.3° ± 8.2°, p = 0.006). Conclusion Fat infiltration in PVM is associated with increased surgical complexity and a higher risk of mechanical complications. Preoperative assessment of muscle quality, along with targeted rehabilitation and closer postoperative monitoring, may be crucial for improving long-term outcomes in ASD surgery.