[Objective] To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of flexible ureteroscope lithotripsy (FURL) combined with flexible vacuum-assisted urethral access sheath (FV-UAS) and traditional UAS in the treatment of 1-2 cm lower renal calyceal stones, so as to provide reference for clinical practice. [Methods] Clinical data of 157 patients with 1-2 cm lower renal calyceal stones treated with FURL during Mar.2021 and Oct.2023 were retrospectively analyzed, including 80 treated with traditional UAS, and 77 with FV-UAS.General and clinical information of the two groups were compared. [Results] The immediate stone-free rate (SFR) (84.4% vs.67.5%, P=0.013) and final SFR (88.3% vs. 75.0%, P=0.032) of the FV-UAS group were significantly higher than those of the traditional UAS group, with significant difference.The incidence of postoperative complications such as fever, renal colic, and perirenal hematoma was significantly higher in the traditional UAS group than in the FV-UAS group (15.0% vs.5.2%, P=0.042). After treatment with anti-infective and analgesic drugs, both groups were improved, and no severe sepsis or septic shock occurred after surgery.The hospitalization expenses of the FV-UAS group were significantly lower than those of the traditional UAS group [ (18 341±1519)yuan vs.(19 152±1826)yuan, P=0.003]. [Conclusion] Compared to the traditional UAS, the combination of FURL and FV-UAS for the 1-2 cm lower renal calyceal stones has a high SFR and low incidence of complications.Patients experience less pain, recover faster and spend less.It's a new treatment option for inferior calyceal calculi.

Objective:To explore the feasibility and efficacy for the dissection and ligation of the superior laryngeal artery in endoscopic surgery for hypopharyngeal cancer.Methods:Eight cadaveric heads were selected, and the laryngopharynxes were harvested. The positions of the superior laryngeal arteries entering the larynxes were dissected and observed under endoscopic vision, and their anatomical characteristics were summarized. Twenty-nine patients (all were male, aged 39-74 years old) with hypopharyngeal cancer who underwent transoral endoscopic surgery at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery of the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University from January 2018 to December 2019 were selected, and the patients were randomly divided into two groups by drawing lots, namely, the superior laryngeal artery was actively dissected and occluded during surgery in observation group ( n=15) or not in control group ( n=14). The differences in surgical time, bleeding volume, postoperative complications, and postoperative disease-free survival rate were compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 25.0 software. Results:The entry point of the superior laryngeal artery into the larynx was approximately at the level of the superior edge of the thyroid cartilage, and entered the larynx at the posterior one-third of the lateral wall of the pyriform fossa. The superior laryngeal artery might be determined through endoscopic exploration in all patients of observation group. The endoscopic surgery time [(40.00±7.56) minutes] and intraoperative bleeding volume [(24.00±8.28) ml] in the observation group were respectively less than those [(48.57±14.06) minutes and (42.86±15.41) ml] in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( t=-2.064, P=0.049; t=-4.064, P=0.001). There was no case with postoperative bleeding in the observation group, but with one case of postoperative bleeding in the control group. Total disease free survival rate was 86.2% and there was no significant difference in disease free survival rates between the two groups during a follow-up period of at least 36 months ( P=0.986). Conclusion:Dissection of the superior laryngeal artery during endoscopic surgery for hypopharyngeal cancer is feasible, and pre-management and occlusion of the superior laryngeal artery can effectively reduce intraoperative bleeding.

[Objective] To explore the efficacy of disposable flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy (FURL) with flexible vacuum-assisted ureteral access sheath (FV-UAS) in the treatment of 2-3 cm upper urinary tract stones, so as to provide reference for the treatment selection. [Methods] Clinical data of 178 patients with upper urinary tract stones who received FURL or minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) at our hospital during Apr. 2022 and Oct. 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into FV-UAS group (n=90, received FV-UAS combined with diaposable FURL treatment) and MPCNL group (n=88, received MPCNL). The general information, perioperative data, and postoperative stone-free rate (SFR) of the two groups were compared. [Results] All operations were successfully completed. The operation time was significantly longer in the FV-UAS group than in the MPCNL group [(66.5±6.7) min vs. (63.9±7.4) min, P=0.015]. However, the intraoperative hemoglobin reduction [(7.3±3.1)g/L vs.(11.4±5.9)g/L], postoperative hospital stay (P<0.001) [(2.2±0.7)d vs.(5.4±1.3)d], and visual analogue score (VAS) [(2.7±0.9)vs.(5.6±1.1)] were significantly lower in the FV-UAS group than in the MPCNL group (P<0.001). The incidence of persistent gross hematuria was significantly higher in the MPCNL group than in the FV-UAS group (12.5% vs. 3.3%, P=0.023). The FV-UAS group had a similar postoperative immediate (83.3%) and final SFR (95.6%) to those of the MPCNL group (89.8%, 96.6%, P>0.05). [Conclusion] The combination of FURL with FV-UAS for 2-3 cm upper urinary tract stones has a higher SFR and a lower complication rate.Patients experience endurable pain and fast recovery, which is worth promoting and applying in clinical practice.

【Objective】 To explore the application value of scrotoscopy in the treatment of testicular hydrocele. 【Methods】 The clinical data of 27 patients with testicular hydrocele who were successfully treated with minimal hydrocelectomy with the aid of scrotoscope (MHS group) and 32 patients with traditional open surgery (TH group) during Dec.2017 and Dec.2021 were retrospectively analyzed and compared. 【Results】 Compared with TH group, the MHS group needed shorter average operation time [(32.22±5.25) min vs.(57.34±8.71) min, P<0.01], shorter incision length [(0.95±0.15) cm vs.(5.09±0.55) cm, P<0.01], shorter hospital stay [(3.63±0.97) d vs.(4.72±0.89) d,P<0.01] and lower postoperative incision visual analogue scale (VAS) (P<0.01), and milder degree of edema on the 3rd and 7th day after operation (P<0.05), but higher recurrence rate (14.81% vs.3.13%, P=0.256) 24 weeks after operation. 【Conclusion】 Scrotoscopy is safe in the treatment of testicular hydrocele, which has the advantages of short operation time, small incision, mild postoperative incision pain, mild scrotal edema and short hospital stay, but the recurrence rate tends to be higher than that of traditional open surgery.

Objective:This study was performed to investigate the feasibility of preservation of internal branch of superior laryngeal nerve(ibSLN) during transoral endoscopic surgery for hypopharyngeal squamous cancer(HSCC) and the influence on patient′s swallowing function after operation.Methods:From May 2020 to June 2021, the data of 29 HSCC patients who required for transoral endoscopic surgery in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University were prospectively included, and the included patients were divided into two groups randomly by lottery. According to whether ibSLN was actively dissected during operation, they were divided into ibSLN preservation group ( n=15) and control group ( n=14, without ibSLN preservation). Operation time, intraoperative hemorrhage, intraoperative neck dissection, postoperative radiotherapy, postoperative recurrence within 1 year, retention and swallowing function, the recovery of oral soft diet and the quality of life were compared between two groups. SPSS 25.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results:The study included 29 eligible patients, including 25 males and 4 females.The age ranged from 42 to 67 (56.07±5.93) years. There were no significant differences( P>0.05) between 2 groups in the following data,including age( t=-0.56), gender( χ2=0.01), TNM stage(T stage χ2=0.29, N stage χ2=0.02), pathological diagnosis( χ2=0.03), preoperative swallowing function( χ2=0.00) and M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory(MDADI) score(global t=0.55, emotional t=0.16, functional t=0.60, physical t=0.64), operation time( t=1.62) and intraoperative hemorrhage( t=-1.46), intraoperative neck dissection( χ2=0.01), postoperative radiotherapy( χ2=0.32), postoperative recurrence within 1 year( P>0.050). The swallowing function was evaluated by water swallowing test after operation. The swallowing function of ibSLN preservation group was better than control group, and the difference between two groups was statistically significant on the 1st ( χ2=4.44, P=0.035), 5th ( χ2=4.24, P=0.039) and 7th ( χ2=4.55, P=0.033) day after operation. On the 14th day after operation, the MDADI scores of patients in the ibSLN preservation group were higher than those in the control group in global ( t=2.45, P=0.021), functional ( t=2.54, P=0.017) and physical ( t=2.24, P=0.034) dimensions, except for emotional dimension ( t=1.89, P=0.070). The median time of oral soft diet( U=23.00, P<0.001), normal oral diet( U=21.00, P<0.001) and the nasogastric tube removal time ( U=18.50, P<0.001) in ibSLN preservation group was 2 days, 5 days and 6 days respectively, earlier than that in control group, which had statistically significant difference. Conclusion:Our results show that it is feasible to preserve the ibSLN during HSCC transoral endoscopic surgery, which can achieve rapid recovery of postoperative swallowing function.

Objective:To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of partial superficial parotidectomy with V-shaped incision by comparing with the Blair incision and hairline N-shaped incision.Methods:From January 2015 to January 2016, 60 patients (47 males and 13 females, with an age range of 25- 63 years) required for superficial partial parotid gland resection were randomly divided into three groups: V-shaped incision (VI) group, Blair incision (BI) group and hairline N-shaped incision (NI) group, with 20 cases in each group.Intraoperative, postoperative and follow-up indexes were compared between three groups. Operative time and drainage volume in the surgery of tumors at different sites in VI group were compared. SPSS18.0 software was used for statistic analysis.Results:There were no statistically significant differences among the three groups in operative time, drainage volume, postoperative hospital stay, periauricular numbness, fistulas, pain score, facial palsy, and scar score at the 3rd month after surgery ( P>0.05). For appearance satisfaction score at the 6th month after surgery, VI group was better than BI group or NI group, with significant differences(VI group vs. BI group: 9.00[8.00, 9.00] vs. 5.00[4.00, 5.25], χ 2=6.629, P<0.001; VI group vs. NI group: 9.00[8.00, 9.00] vs. 7.00[6.00, 8.00], χ 2=2.942, P=0.010; BI group vs. NI group: 5.00[4.00, 5.25] vs. 7.00[6.00, 8.00], χ 2=-3.687, P=0.001). For tumors located in the front, upper and middle of parotid gland, there were no statistically significant differences in operative time and drainage volume between the three groups ( P>0.05). For tumors located at the lower part of parotid gland, the difference in operative time between the three groups was statistically significant ( F=7.278, P=0.01). With pairwise comparison, operative time in VI group was longer than that in BI group or NI group, but there was no significant difference between BI group and NI group (VI group vs. BI group: (181.00±22.89) min vs. (132.50±9.01) min, t=3.694, P=0.004; VI group vs. NI group:(181.00±22.89) min vs. (149.00±15.94) min, t=2.585, P=0.025; BIgroup vs. NI group, (132.50±9.01) min vs. (149.00±15.94) min, t=1.257, P=0.235). For tumors located at the lower part of parotid gland, the differences in intraoperative drainage volume were not statistically significant between three groups ( P>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in operative time and drainage volume in the surgery of tumors at different sites in VI group ( P>0.05). Conclusions:By use of V-shaped incision for the surgery of benign parotid gland tumors, the operation time of tumors located only in the lower part of the parotid gland will be prolonged. For tumors in different sites without increasing surgical complications, this modality can get good cosmetic effect.

Objective: To investigate blood pressure and vascular remodeling of OSAS by establishing the chronic-intermittent hypoxia model in rat. Methods: Experiments were performed on 35 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were randomly divided into four groups: unhandled control group (with 5 rats in it), CIH group at 9/6/3 weeks (with 10 ratsin each group). Rats in CIH group went through 8-hour intermittent hypoxia everyday, and those in control group were raising normally. After 9-week experiment, blood pressure was measured. The changes of the following indexes were observed: pathological changes of aorta and the middle aorta thickness (HE staining), the collagen of aorta wall (Masson staining). The experimental data were analyzed by SPSS 24.0 statistical software. The variance was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance, and the irregularity was selected using the calibration t test. Results: The systolic and diastolic blood pressures of the CIH9, 6, and 3 weeks groups and the control group were: (127±13) and (79±9), (124±11) and (81±7), (101±11) and (75±9), (91±10) and (65±9) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa). The systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure of the rats in the week of CIH 9 and 6 weeks were significantly higher than the control group (F=14.64, P=0.000; F=6.81, P=0.000). There was no significant difference in the mean blood pressure between the three groups of CIH and the control group. Membrane thickness in CIH9, 6 and 3 weeks and control group were: (20±2), (19±2), (14±2), (13±3) μm. Compared with the control group, the aortic pathology and thickness of the middle layer of the CIH9 and 6 weeks group were significantly thicker (F=20.24, P=0.000), but there was no significant difference between the CIH3 week group and the control group; the collagen deposition was unchanged compared with the control group. Conclusion Intermittent hypoxia for 6 weeks or more in rats resulted in the increasement of blood pressure, morphological changes of aorta and vascular remodeling in thickened media.

OBJECTIVE: To study the correlation of CD44 with epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT) and metastasis in nasopharyngeal cancer cells, and explore the possible mechanism of CD44 regulates EMT and metastasis in nasopharyngeal cancer cells. METHOD: The CD44 and EMT-associated proteins in 5-8F and 6-10B nasopharyngeal cancer cell lines were assayed by Western blotting. The erasion trace test was performed to observe the migratory ability of 5-8F and 6-10B nasopharyngeal cancer cells. Using lipid-mediated DNA transfection technique, the low metastatic nasopharyngeal cancer cells 6-10B were transfected in vitro with plasmid which contained CD44 gene, and then new nasopharyngeal cancer cells were obtained. The CD44 and EMT-associated proteins in 6-10B, empty vector transfected and CD44-transfected cells were assayed by Western blotting. The erasion trace test was performed to observe the alteration of migratory ability of nasopharyngeal cancer cells before and after CD44 transfection. RESULT: The expression of CD44 and EMT-associated protein MMP-9 in 5-8F was higher than that in 6-10B, but EMT-associated protein E-Cadherin in 5-8F was lower than that in 6-10B. The migratory ability of 5-8F was higher than that of 6-10B. The expression of CD44 and MMP-9 were significantly higher in the CD44-transfected nasopharyngeal cancer cells than in the control groups. Compared with control groups, the migratory ability of CD44-transfected nasopharyngeal cancer cells was significantly increased. CONCLUSION CD44 positively regulates the metastatic ability of nasopharyngeal cancer cells, which is relevant to the process of EMT.
Carcinoma ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition ; Humans ; Hyaluronan Receptors ; genetics ; metabolism ; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Transfection

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association and mechanism of EGFL7 expression level with the invasion and metastasis of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. METHOD: RT-PCR and Western blotting were used respectively to detect the level of EGFL7 mRNA and protein form 33 fresh laryngeal carcinoma tissues and matched para-neoplastic non-tumor tissues. The immunohistochemistry technique was performed to determine microvessel density (MVD) in 33 tumor tissues. The association of EGFL7 expression and MVD with clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed. RESULT: EGFL7 mRNA and protein expression were both significantly higher in the tumor tissues than in the paraneoplastic non-tumor tissues (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the expression of EGFL7 mRNA was highly correlated with the expression of EGFL7 protein (r = 0.786, P < 0.01). EGFL7 expression and MVD were highly correlated with clinical stage, tumor size and the presence of lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05), but was not correlated with the patients gender, age, tumor sit and tumor site differentiation (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION EGFL7 may have a close correlation with the development of laryngeal carcinoma via its impact on tubulogenesis and vessel shape. EGFL7 might serve as a tumor marker for assessing the progression of laryngeal carcinoma and a guide of clinical therapeutic decisions.
Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; blood supply ; metabolism ; pathology ; Endothelial Growth Factors ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Laryngeal Neoplasms ; blood supply ; metabolism ; pathology ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging