Objective The efficacy and morbidity of thoracoabdominal incision in comparison with flank incision for radical nephrectomy are unknown. This retrospective study was performed to compare the outcome of thoracoabdominal incision versus flank incision for radical nephrectomy in patients with large renal tumors. Methods A questionnaire assessing the time of postoperative pain, use of anodyne and return to daily activities and work was sent to patients who underwent radical nephrectomy through the 11th rib (flank incision, group A, 96 patients) or the 9th to 10th rib (thoracoabdominal incision, group B, 98 patients) from 2003 to 2008 at the Second Xiangya Hospital in Changsha, China. A case retrospective analysis assessing operation time, perioperative hemorrhage volume, size of tumors, success in the treatment of tumor thrombus in renal vein or vena cava, presence of drainage-tube, postoperative analgesia usage and length of stay was done for patients whose questionnaires were returned. Results The length of operation time and the presence of abdominal drainage-tube was shorter in the thoracoabdominal incision group (group B) than in the flank incision group (group A). The perioperative hemorrhage volume in group B was less than that in group A. The mean size of tumors in group A was smaller than that in group B (Plt;0.000 5). The success rate in the treatment of thrombus in renal vein or vena cava in group B was higher than that in group A (Plt;0.05). The length of off-bed time and of hospital stay were similar in both groups. There were no significant differences between the groups in pain severity postoperative day 1, on the day of discharge and 1 month postoperatively (Pgt;0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups in the time from surgery to the complete disappearence of pain, to the discontinuation of pain medication, and to the return to daily activities and work (Pgt;0.05). Conclusion The approach of thoracoabdominal incision provides better exposure. Morbidity is comparable for thoracoabdominal and flank incisions in terms of incisional pain, analgesic requirements after discharge and return to normal activities.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of tension-free vaginal tapes (TVT) compared with Burch colposuspension for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Methods We searched MEDLINE (1966 to October 2007), EMBASE (1988 to October 2007), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (1993 to October 2007), CMCC (1979 to October 2007) and CNKI (January 1979 to October 2007). We collected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing TVT with Burch colposuspension in the treatment of SUI. Data were extracted and evaluated by two reviewers independently. The Cochrane Collaboration’s RevMan 4.2 was used for data analyses. Results Ten RCTs reporting data on effectiveness and safety of TVE versus Burch colposuspension were included. Meta-analyses showed that TVT was superior to Burch colposuspension as measured by the overall cure rate (OR 1.73; 95%CI 1.26 to 2.38; P=0.0007), negative stress test (OR 2.54; 95%CI 1.71 to 3.78; Plt;0.00001) and negative pad test (OR 1.67; 95%CI 1.16 to 2.41; P=0.006). The total complication rate was higher after TVT (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.80; P=0.01), while the re-operation rate was significantly higher after Burch colposuspension (OR 0.29; 95%CI 0.10 to 0.80; P=0.02). The incidences of haematoma (OR 1.06; 95% CI 0.39 to 2.84; P=0.91), urinary tract infection (OR 1.27; 95% CI 0.64 to 2.52; P=0.50) and lower urinary tract symptoms (OR 1.20; 95% CI 0.89 to 1.62; P=0.23) were similar after TVT and Burch colposuspension. Conclusion The evidence for short-term superiority of TVT is currently limited. Although the re-operation rate is lower, the risk of bladder or vaginal injury is higher with TVT. Methodologically sound and adequately powered RCTs with long-term follow-up are needed.