Methods: This study included 41 patients with single-level grades 1 or 2 LS from February 2023 to February 2024. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for back and leg pain and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Bridwell fusion grades were evaluated via lumbar spine computed tomography performed 6 months postoperatively. Results: Over a mean follow-up period of 10.6 months (range, 7–18 months), significant improvements were observed in VAS scores for low back pain (from 7.8±0.8 to 2.1±1.4) and leg pain (from 8.1±1.3 to 1.9±1.5) as well as ODI scores (from 50.4±15.4 to 14.8±10.5). The cohort consisted of patients with grades 1 (73.2%) and 2 LS (26.8%) at L4–L5 (58.6%), L5–S1 (34.1%), and L3–L4 (7.3%) levels. The mean operation time was 182.8±36.4 minutes, with a mean intraoperative blood loss of 190.5±81.3 mL and a mean hospital stay of 7.2±3.6 days. Successful fusion (Bridwell grades I/II) was achieved in 82.9% of the cases, with a 4.9% incidence of cage subsidence. Minor complications included durotomies in two patients (4.9%), whereas no major complications, such as nerve root injury, hardware-related issues, or postoperative infections, were reported. Conclusions The described BE-LIF technique, using HA bone grafts, which are an autologous bone from the preserved IAP, and a TLIF cage, is a viable, safe, and effective option for treating low-grade LS. This approach achieves favorable clinical outcomes and high fusion rates, which provides a cost-effective alternative to advanced surgical implants.

Methods: This study included 41 patients with single-level grades 1 or 2 LS from February 2023 to February 2024. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for back and leg pain and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Bridwell fusion grades were evaluated via lumbar spine computed tomography performed 6 months postoperatively. Results: Over a mean follow-up period of 10.6 months (range, 7–18 months), significant improvements were observed in VAS scores for low back pain (from 7.8±0.8 to 2.1±1.4) and leg pain (from 8.1±1.3 to 1.9±1.5) as well as ODI scores (from 50.4±15.4 to 14.8±10.5). The cohort consisted of patients with grades 1 (73.2%) and 2 LS (26.8%) at L4–L5 (58.6%), L5–S1 (34.1%), and L3–L4 (7.3%) levels. The mean operation time was 182.8±36.4 minutes, with a mean intraoperative blood loss of 190.5±81.3 mL and a mean hospital stay of 7.2±3.6 days. Successful fusion (Bridwell grades I/II) was achieved in 82.9% of the cases, with a 4.9% incidence of cage subsidence. Minor complications included durotomies in two patients (4.9%), whereas no major complications, such as nerve root injury, hardware-related issues, or postoperative infections, were reported. Conclusions The described BE-LIF technique, using HA bone grafts, which are an autologous bone from the preserved IAP, and a TLIF cage, is a viable, safe, and effective option for treating low-grade LS. This approach achieves favorable clinical outcomes and high fusion rates, which provides a cost-effective alternative to advanced surgical implants.

Methods: This study included 41 patients with single-level grades 1 or 2 LS from February 2023 to February 2024. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for back and leg pain and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Bridwell fusion grades were evaluated via lumbar spine computed tomography performed 6 months postoperatively. Results: Over a mean follow-up period of 10.6 months (range, 7–18 months), significant improvements were observed in VAS scores for low back pain (from 7.8±0.8 to 2.1±1.4) and leg pain (from 8.1±1.3 to 1.9±1.5) as well as ODI scores (from 50.4±15.4 to 14.8±10.5). The cohort consisted of patients with grades 1 (73.2%) and 2 LS (26.8%) at L4–L5 (58.6%), L5–S1 (34.1%), and L3–L4 (7.3%) levels. The mean operation time was 182.8±36.4 minutes, with a mean intraoperative blood loss of 190.5±81.3 mL and a mean hospital stay of 7.2±3.6 days. Successful fusion (Bridwell grades I/II) was achieved in 82.9% of the cases, with a 4.9% incidence of cage subsidence. Minor complications included durotomies in two patients (4.9%), whereas no major complications, such as nerve root injury, hardware-related issues, or postoperative infections, were reported. Conclusions The described BE-LIF technique, using HA bone grafts, which are an autologous bone from the preserved IAP, and a TLIF cage, is a viable, safe, and effective option for treating low-grade LS. This approach achieves favorable clinical outcomes and high fusion rates, which provides a cost-effective alternative to advanced surgical implants.

Postoperative discal pseudocyst (PDP) is a rare complication after surgery for lumbar disc herniation. The literature on this condition is sparse, with most studies being limited to case reports. Various hypotheses regarding the pathogenesis of PDP have been proposed; however, the exact mechanisms remain unclear and are not well described in the current literature. We present a case of PDP following percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID), which was revised through biportal endoscopic spinal surgery. Additionally, we conducted a systematic review of the literature, aiming to provide a more detailed description of the proposed mechanisms underlying PDP, particularly after PEID, and to summarize current trends in the treatment of this complication.

This study aims to describe the feasibility of inserting an oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) cage through biportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (BE-LIF) and to illustrate the key surgical steps through a case-based video demonstration. BE-LIF is a safe and effective minimally invasive fusion technique. Among the factors influencing successful fusion, the cage footprint plays a critical role—a larger cage increases endplate contact area, maintains disc height, and enhances segmental stability. The OLIF cage offers these biomechanical advantages; however, inserting it through a biportal endoscopic approach is technically demanding and requires several strategic considerations. These include meticulous preoperative planning of portal positions to optimize visualization and working angles, adequate preparation of the disc space window for cage insertion, precise endplate preparation, and safe neural manipulation within a confined surgical field. A 56-year-old female presented with chronic low back pain and bilateral leg symptoms unresponsive to conservative treatment. Imaging revealed severe L4–5 central canal stenosis, foraminal narrowing, and instability. She underwent BE-LIF with OLIF cage insertion and percutaneous pedicle screw fixation. The step-by-step surgical video demonstrates portal placement, decompression, endplate preparation, bone grafting, and cage insertion under combined endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance. The operation lasted 180 minutes, with an estimated blood loss of 150 mL. The patient was mobilized on postoperative day 1 and discharged on day 5 with marked improvement. Follow-up radiographs confirmed restoration of disc height, correct cage positioning, and adequate decompression. This case demonstrates that BE-LIF with OLIF cage insertion is feasible and may enhance fusion potential by combining the minimally invasive benefits of biportal endoscopy with the biomechanical advantages of a large-footprint cage. However, the procedure remains technically demanding and is best suited for experienced endoscopic spine surgeons.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with twin pregnancy following day 3 double embryo transfer (DET). Methods: This retrospective cohort study incorporated data from 16,972 day 3 DET cycles. The participants were women aged between 18 and 45 years who underwent in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) at My Duc Assisted Reproduction Technique Unit (IVFMD), My Duc Hospital, located in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Results: Of the 16,972 day 3 DET cycles investigated, 8,812 (51.9%) resulted in pregnancy. Of these, 6,108 cycles led to clinical pregnancy, with 1,543 (25.3% of clinical pregnancies) being twin pregnancies. Factors associated with twin pregnancy included age under 35 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32 to 1.71; p<0.001) and cycles involving the transfer of at least one grade I embryo. Relative to the transfer of two grade III embryos, the risk of twin pregnancy was significantly elevated following the transfer of two grade I embryos (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.16 to 1.69; p<0.001) or a combination of one grade I and one grade II embryo (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.55; p=0.001). Conclusion By analyzing a large number of IVF/ICSI cycles, we identified several predictors of twin pregnancy. These findings can assist medical professionals in tailoring treatment strategies for couples with infertility.

Objectives: The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has increased, particularly among individuals who have recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Health literacy is considered a “social vaccine” that helps people respond effectively to the pandemic. We aimed to investigate the association between long COVID-19 and PTSD, and to examine the modifying role of health literacy in this association. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at 18 hospitals and health centers in Vietnamfrom December 2021 to October 2022. We recruited 4,463 individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 infection for at least 4 weeks. Participants provided information about their sociodemographics, clinical parameters, health-related behaviors, health literacy (usingthe 12-item short-form health literacy scale), long COVID-19 symptoms and PTSD (Impact Event Scale-Revised score of 33 or higher). Logistic regression models were used to examine associations and interactions. Results: Out of the study sample, 55.9% had long COVID-19 symptoms, and 49.6% had PTSD.Individuals with long COVID-19 symptoms had a higher likelihood of PTSD (odds ratio [OR], 1.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.63–2.12; p < 0.001). Higher health literacy was associated with a lower likelihood of PTSD (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97–0.99; p = 0.001). Compared to those without long COVID-19 symptoms and the lowest health literacy score, those with long COVID-19 symptoms and a 1-point health literacy increment had a 3% lower likelihood of PTSD (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.96–0.99; p = 0.001). Conclusion Health literacy was found to be a protective factor against PTSD and modified the negative impact of long COVID-19 symptoms on PTSD.

Purpose: Although some immune protection from close contact with individuals who have coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been documented, there is limited data on the seroprevalence of antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in individuals who were in lockdown with confirmed COVID-19 cases. This study investigated immunogenicity against SARS-CoV-2 in household members and people who lived near home-quarantined patients with COVID-19. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during the community-based care that took place during lockdowns in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from July to September 2021. SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels were determined in index cases of COVID-19, household contacts, and a no-contact group from the same area. Results: A total of 770 participants were included (355 index cases, 103 household contacts, and 312 no contacts). All index cases were unvaccinated, but >90% of individuals in the household and no-contact groups had received ≥1 vaccine dose. SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies (Nabs) were present in >77% of unvaccinated index cases versus 64%/65.4% in the householdo-contact groups (p=0.001). Antibody concentrations in unvaccinated index cases were significantly higher than those in household contacts and no contacts, with no difference between the latter groups. In all cases, antibody levels declined markedly ≥6 weeks after infection, and failed to persist beyond this time in the household and no-contact groups. Conclusion Community-based care may have helped to create community immunogenicity, but Nabs did not persist, highlighting a need for vaccination for all individuals before, or from 6 weeks after, infection with SARS-CoV-2.

Objective: Unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) treatment for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is an advanced surgical procedure that has recently gained popularity. Numerous reports from developed countries have demonstrated the effectiveness of this minimally invasive technique. We evaluated the initial outcomes of UBE at a healthcare facility with limited resources. Methods: Clinical and radiographic data of 82 patients with LDH treated between July 2022 and June 2023 using UBE discectomy techniques, including the ipsilateral interlaminar approach, contralateral sublaminar approach, and paraspinal approach, were reviewed. Outcomes were analyzed in terms of the modified MacNab criteria, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and visual analogue scale (VAS), with a mean follow-up of 3.1 months. Results: At the final follow-up, the mean VAS for low back pain improved from 4.5±1.0 to 1.2±0.4 and the VAS for leg pain improved from 7.8±0.9 to 1.6±0.5. The mean JOA score improved from 13.5±2.4 to 24.2±2.1. The modified MacNab criteria were excellent in 56 patients (68.3%), good in 22 (26.9%), and fair in 4 (4.8%). In total, 106 levels of LDH were treated. L4–5 disc herniation was performed in 55 patients (51.9%), L5–S1 in 36 (34.0%), L3–4 in 8 (7.5%), L2–3 in 6 (5.7%), and L1–2 in 1 (0.9%). The ipsilateral interlaminar approach was performed in 93 patients (87.7%), the contralateral sublaminar approach in 7 (6.6%), and the paraspinal approach in 6 (5.7%). Operative time significantly improved after performing 20 cases. In the early stage (1–20 cases), the operation time per level was 102.0±28.2 min, while in the next stage (21–82 cases) it was 78.1±20.4 minutes. No serious complications, including cauda equine syndrome or root palsy, were observed. Three patients had dural tears (2.8%), and 1 had epidural hematoma (0.9%). Conclusion UBE discectomy may be performed safely and effectively for the treatment of LDH in limited-resource settings.

Objectives: The study was conducted to comprehensively assess the status cervical cancer screening registry based on the experience of several countries and the domestic context, to propose related recommendations for Vietnam. Method: The study collected and evaluated the models and induced lessons in implementing and managing cervical cancer recording systems, from four countries/territory namely: Australia, Taiwan-China, Korea, and Thailand. Additionally, a literature review on policies documents and programs related to cervical cancer screening that have been implemented in Vietnam was also conducted. Results and Conclusion: All four selected countries/territory have prioritized to develop their cervical screening data management system with different models, all systems aimed at personalized management and used the data to evaluate the effectiveness of the screening program. Currently, there is no system to record and manage data on cervical screening in Vietnam. However, the country has many strengths and opportunities for the implementation of this program at the national level. The recommendations focus on the preparation and establishment of an integrated system for cervical cancer screening registry data, is suggested as a component of the information system of maternal and child health/ reproductive health, into the existing medical data management system, according to the short-term and long-term roadmap.