International Journal of Surgery Protocols最新文献

{"title":"Direct-to-implant breast reconstruction in prepectoral versus subpectoral planes: a meta-analysis framework for comparing complication rates and patient-reported outcomes.","authors":"Yousef Tanas, Grace Gasper, Julie Tanas, Sarya Swed, Aldona Spiegel","doi":"10.1097/SP9.0000000000000054","DOIUrl":"10.1097/SP9.0000000000000054","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction has become a widely accepted approach for postmastectomy breast reconstruction. Traditionally, implants were placed in the subpectoral (SP) plane to maximize soft tissue coverage; however, recent advances in surgical technique and implant materials, such as acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) and meshes, have led to a resurgence in the prepectoral (PP) approach. Recent studies have shown conflicting evidence regarding their respective complication profiles and patient-reported outcomes. Thus, comprehensive head-to-head meta-analysis is needed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of PP versus SP in DTI breast reconstruction.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review and meta-analysis will compare complication rates and patient-reported outcomes between PP and SP in DTI reconstruction. MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Clinicaltrials.org will be searched to identify comparative studies. Eligible studies must report at least one primary outcome, such as capsular contracture or surgical complications. Secondary outcomes will include BREAST-Q scores, pain scores, and length of hospital stay. Data will be extracted independently by two reviewers, and methodological quality will be assessed using appropriate risk of bias tools (ROBINS-I for nonrandomized studies and Rob 2 for randomized controlled trials). Meta-analysis will be performed using Review Manager 5.4, applying random-effects models in cases of significant heterogeneity. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses will be conducted where applicable.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This study aims to synthesize the current evidence comparing PP and SP in DTI breast reconstruction to inform surgical decision-making and optimize patient outcomes. The results will provide surgeons and patients with a clearer understanding of the benefits and risks associated with each reconstructive plane.</p>","PeriodicalId":42077,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Surgery Protocols","volume":"29 3","pages":"113-117"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12373078/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144973217","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Analgesic effect of local anesthesia in total knee arthroplasty: protocol of a randomized controlled clinical trial.","authors":"Weilong Diwu, Wenhao Tang, Ming Yan, Wenrui Ma, Yisheng Han, Min Yang","doi":"10.1097/SP9.0000000000000056","DOIUrl":"10.1097/SP9.0000000000000056","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Postoperative pain management remains a critical determinant of functional recovery following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). While local infiltration analgesia (LIA) is commonly employed, its clinical utility is limited by inconsistent analgesic duration (median duration of 8-12 hours), technical variability among surgeons, and systemic toxicity risks associated with high-volume injections. This phase II randomized controlled trial evaluates a dual-optimization strategy combining anatomic mapping-guided periarticular cutaneous nerve (PCN) blockade with a sustained-release triamcinolone-ropivacaine formulation to address these limitations.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>In this single-center, assessor-blinded, 2 × 2 factorial design, 120 adults undergoing primary unilateral TKA were randomized to four intervention arms: Group 1: Conventional iPACK (interspace between the popliteal artery and posterior knee capsule) site + novel formulation (1% ropivacaine + 40 mg triamcinolone); Group 2: PCN block site + standard formulation (1% ropivacaine + 5 mg dexamethasone); Group 3: PCN block + novel formulation; Group 4: Control (iPACK + standard formulation). Triamcinolone acetonide replaces dexamethasone in the new formulation due to its prolonged anti-inflammatory effect and demonstrated efficacy in periarticular analgesia. Primary endpoints included: resting/movement-induced pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale) at 6, 24, and 48 h postoperatively, cumulative opioid consumption (morphine milligram equivalents), functional recovery metrics (knee flexion angle, Timed Up-and-Go test). Secondary outcomes assessed safety through adverse event rates (infection, neurologic symptoms, hemodynamic instability).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Anatomic mapping-guided PCN blockade combined with triamcinolone-ropivacaine formulation significantly improves postoperative analgesia and functional outcomes compared to conventional LIA techniques. This dual-optimization approach may redefine periarticular infiltration standards in TKA, particularly for patients at high risk of opioid-related complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":42077,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Surgery Protocols","volume":"29 3","pages":"122-127"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12373071/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144973233","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Research protocol for the evaluation of TriNetra™ prostate: a circulating tumor cell-based diagnostic tool for prostate cancer.","authors":"Juan Gómez Rivas, Paula Mata Deniz, Arianna Pischetola, Moisés Rodríguez Socarrás, Vanesa Cuadros Rivera, Fernando Gómez Sancha, Isabel Galante, Lorena Fernández Montarroso, Francesco Esperto, Jesús Moreno Sierra","doi":"10.1097/SP9.0000000000000057","DOIUrl":"10.1097/SP9.0000000000000057","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies among men, with early and accurate diagnosis is essential for optimizing clinical outcomes. The Trinetra-Prostate^TM study is a prospective multicenter observational trial designed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a novel blood-based test for detection of clinically significant prostate cancer. The test, developed by Datar Cancer Genetics, identifies circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in peripheral blood and is assessed against standard diagnostic modalities, including multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and prostate biopsy. The primary objective of this study is to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the CTC assay for detecting cancer in men with elevated prostate-specific antigen levels and/or abnormal digital rectal examinations. Secondary objectives include assessing concordance with histopathological findings, potential to reduce unnecessary biopsies, and integration with existing diagnostic pathways. The study aims to enroll 250 men aged 45-75 years across multiple centers, applying the defined inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure methodological rigor. The protocol includes detailed procedures for blood sampling, imaging, biopsy, and data analysis. Ethical approval was obtained and data protection measures are in place in accordance with international research standards. If validated, the CTC-based assay may offer a noninvasive and accurate alternative to current diagnostic approaches, improving patient stratification and reducing the burden of invasive procedures in prostate cancer diagnostics.</p>","PeriodicalId":42077,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Surgery Protocols","volume":"29 3","pages":"128-136"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12373044/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144973169","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"External validation of the modified Parks classification of cryptoglandular anal fistula to predict failure of healing: the protocol for a retrospective analysis.","authors":"Alireza Teymouri, Amir Keshvari, Faezeh Khorasanizadeh, Alireza Kazemeini, Behnam Behboudi, Mohammad Sadegh Fazeli, Mohammad Reza Keramati, Ali Ashjaei, Seyed Mohsen Ahmadi Tafti, Amirhosein Naseri","doi":"10.1097/SP9.0000000000000055","DOIUrl":"10.1097/SP9.0000000000000055","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>There are multiple surgical options such as fistulotomy and fistulectomy to treat anal fistula (AF), yet treatment failure rates can be as high as 50%. In 1976, Parks <i>et al</i> classified AF into inter-sphincteric, trans-sphincteric, supra-sphincteric, and extra-sphincteric based on sphincter anatomy. This system overlooks complex features, which prompted Emile <i>et al</i> to incorporate risk factors into a modified version. In this retrospective cohort study, the external validity of this new classification will be investigated.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective cohort design will be used and patients with cryptoglandular anal fistula who had preoperative MRI will be consecutively enrolled. Patients will be categorized according to the modified Parks classification. We will use descriptive analysis to describe imaging and clinical data. Moreover, logistic regression will be employed to develop a predictive model for recurrence. A <i>P</i> <0.05 will be considered significant, and the results will be reported with 95% confidence intervals (CI), if applicable. The study was approved by the institutional ethics committee.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Patient with cryptoglandular AF often experience recurrent disease. Modified Parks classification integrates risk factors to guide management. This retrospective study is the first to externally validate Parks classification using MRI findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":42077,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Surgery Protocols","volume":"29 3","pages":"118-121"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12373069/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144973229","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of percutaneous prostate cancer lesion-targeted microwave tissue coagulation for prostate functional preservation: MicroPro2.","authors":"Atsuko Fujihara, Takumi Shiraishi, Go Horiguchi, Takashi Ueda, Masatsugu Miyashita, Yuta Inoue, Yayoi Iwami, Akari Naito, Satoshi Teramukai, Toshiko Ito-Ihara, Osamu Ukimura","doi":"10.1097/SP9.0000000000000051","DOIUrl":"10.1097/SP9.0000000000000051","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Focal therapy (FT) for localized prostate cancer (PC) aims to achieve cancer control and maintain quality of life. Microwave tissue coagulation (MTC) is a tissue-coagulation thermotherapy that has been used to treat solid tumors such as kidney, liver, and lung tumors. However, the use of this technology in lesion-targeted FT for PC has not been established.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We will perform a prospective multi-center, single-arm, clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lesion-targeted focal MTC for localized PC. In eight centers with expert urologists for performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/ultrasound (US) fusion biopsy, patients will be evaluated prospectively after lesion-targeted MTC. The target sample size is 65. This study was registered with the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov. Inclusion criteria were patients who had a single MRI-visible lesion with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) category 3 or 4 that was proven as Gleason score of 7 or 8 cancer by enrollment biopsy or patients who had a single MRI-visible lesion with PI-RADS category 4 or 5 that was proven as Gleason score of 6 or 7 by enrollment biopsy. The primary endpoint is the disappearance of the targeted cancer lesion at 6 months after microwave coagulation, evaluated by a combined response in prostate-specific antigen, MRI, and prostate biopsy.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The importance of this clinical trial is to establish a new ablative treatment option for lesion-targeted FT in PC.</p>","PeriodicalId":42077,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Surgery Protocols","volume":"29 3","pages":"93-101"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12373074/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144973236","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating large language models in patient education on facial plastic surgery: a standardized protocol.","authors":"Yousef Tanas, Grace Gasper, Keyvon Rashidi, Sarya Swed","doi":"10.1097/SP9.0000000000000052","DOIUrl":"10.1097/SP9.0000000000000052","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Large language models (LLMs) are increasingly used in healthcare settings to provide patient education and answer medical inquiries. However, their reliability in delivering accurate, clear, and unbiased information remains uncertain. This study aims to evaluate the quality of responses generated by LLMs to common patient questions regarding facial plastic surgery.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 60 patient-oriented questions related to facial plastic surgery will be selected from professional bodies, patient support groups, and social media platforms. These questions will be categorized into six main topics: fundamental knowledge, preoperative considerations, surgical procedures, procedural risks and postoperative complications, preparation and recovery, and miscellaneous concerns. Seven LLMs - ChatGPT 4o, Claude, Copilot, DeepSeek, Gemini, Grok, and OpenEvidence - will be tested by inputting each question twice using the \"New Chat\" feature to assess response consistency. Responses will be evaluated by ten American board-certified plastic surgeons using a structured scoring rubric covering four criteria: accuracy, clarity, completeness, and appropriateness. A standardized scoring system will be employed, and inter-rater reliability will be measured to ensure consistency among evaluators.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>By systematically assessing the responses of multiple LLMs to patient inquiries on facial plastic surgery, this study will provide insights into their reliability and clinical applicability. Findings may help refine LLM-based tools for patient education and identify areas requiring improvement to ensure safe and effective AI-assisted communication in plastic surgery.</p>","PeriodicalId":42077,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Surgery Protocols","volume":"29 3","pages":"108-112"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12373109/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144973210","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Data extraction error and its implications on systematic reviews in urology: a protocol.","authors":"Zuhaer Yisha, Linfa Guo, Aodun Gu, Sheng Li, Tongzu Liu, Xiaolong Wang","doi":"10.1097/SP9.0000000000000050","DOIUrl":"10.1097/SP9.0000000000000050","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>For evidence-based healthcare decisions, systematic reviews are essential, yet data extraction errors, often overlooked, pose a substantial threat. In the field of urology, there has been a notable increase in the number of reviews that are not subject to rigorous examination. This study pioneers a shift, investigating data reproducibility issues in urological systematic reviews, highlighting the critical need for scrutiny in evidence synthesis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study examines data extraction errors in systematic reviews from 58 urology journals indexed in PubMed and Embase. Systematic reviews that include meta-analyses with randomized controlled trials will be selected. Data extraction will be carried out independently by two reviewers using standardized forms, followed by cross-verification with original sources. Errors will be categorized at the review, meta-analysis, and study levels. Statistical analyses will evaluate the prevalence of these errors and their impact on meta-analytic results. Sensitivity analyses will explore the effect of missing data on the study outcomes.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This study addresses the often-overlooked issue of data extraction errors in urology systematic reviews, which could impact the reliability of evidence-based decisions. By evaluating the reproducibility of data extraction, the study aims to enhance methodological rigor in urological reviews and improve the validity of conclusions drawn from evidence synthesis. Despite its limitations, this research will contribute valuable insights into the quality of systematic reviews and guide future improvements in evidence-based practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":42077,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Surgery Protocols","volume":"29 3","pages":"102-107"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12373091/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144973181","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The efficacy of a symptom management platform among gastric cancer survivors: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Jeong Ho Song, Joongyub Lee, Jae Seok Min, Hyungkook Yang, Jong Hyuk Yun, Hayemin Lee, Eun Young Kim, Su Mi Kim, Sol Lee, Ki Bum Park, Geum Jong Song, Ji Ho Park, Bang Wool Eom, Hoon Hur, Sang Ho Jeong","doi":"10.1097/SP9.0000000000000047","DOIUrl":"10.1097/SP9.0000000000000047","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Patients who undergo gastrectomy for gastric cancer experience gastrointestinal symptoms, psychological responses, and social problems. These factors reduce a patient's quality of life (QoL) after surgery. A web-based platform (Wecare^®) has been developed to address distress and provide solutions. This study aimed to evaluate whether Wecare® improved the QoL of patients who underwent gastrectomy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 88 patients who undergo gastrectomy for gastric cancer will be randomly allocated to either the \"Wecare^®\" group or the control group at a 1:1 ratio. After using the \"Wecare^®\" platform for the first 22 patients and making modifications, the next 66 patients will be randomized equally. The primary outcome of this trial is the QoL among gastric cancer survivors (KOQUSS-40). The values of weight change, nutritional index change, KOQUSS-40 questionnaire compliance, self-efficacy, physical activity change, and satisfaction will be compared between the two groups as secondary outcomes. The investigator will follow-up with the patients at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery at the outpatient clinic.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This is the first randomized controlled trial to analyze the usefulness of a symptom management platform (Wecare^®) among gastric cancer survivors. This study aimed to verify the efficacy of web-based platforms in relieving discomfort after gastric cancer surgery. Future large-scale clinical trials are planned.</p>","PeriodicalId":42077,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Surgery Protocols","volume":"29 3","pages":"73-81"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12373110/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144973203","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Feasibility of non-routine abdominal drainage for minimally invasive liver surgery: study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial.","authors":"Shohei Yoshiya, Shinji Itoh, Mizuki Ninomiya, Keishi Sugimachi, Kazutoyo Morita, Noboru Harada, Hideaki Uchiyama, Kengo Fukuzawa, Toru Utsunomiya, Takashi Maeda, Ryosuke Minagawa, Mototsugu Shimokawa, Tomoharu Yoshizumi","doi":"10.1097/SP9.0000000000000049","DOIUrl":"10.1097/SP9.0000000000000049","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Minimally invasive liver surgery (MILS), such as laparoscopic and robotic hepatectomy, has been developed and is an effective alternative to traditional open hepatectomy. Although surgical techniques and postoperative management have improved, many institutions continue to perform routine postoperative abdominal drainage. In open hepatectomy, abdominal drainage after uncomplicated hepatectomy increases overall and wound-related complications without a reduction in the risk of intra-abdominal fluid collections that require intervention. The aim of this study was to elucidate the feasibility of non-routine abdominal drainage for patients who undergo MILS for tumors located outside the posterosuperior area.</p><p><strong>Methods and analysis: </strong>This study is a multicenter randomized controlled trial and will recruit 182 patients who undergo MILS. The study duration is three years, including a 2-year registration duration. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the non-routine drainage group or the routine drainage group (ratio 1:1) to prove non-inferiority. The primary study outcome is the incidence of in-hospital postoperative complications of Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ II. The secondary study outcomes are length of postoperative hospital stay, incidences of specific postoperative complications and all postoperative complications, and surgery-related mortality.</p><p><strong>Ethics and dissemination: </strong>Ethical approval has been obtained from the institutional review board (No. 20232008). The results of this study will be published in international peer-reviewed journals.</p>","PeriodicalId":42077,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Surgery Protocols","volume":"29 3","pages":"88-92"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12373038/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144973208","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimizing tDCS parameters for post-stroke upper limb recovery: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.","authors":"Cui Liu, Wei Wang, Chen-Qi Zhang","doi":"10.1097/SP9.0000000000000046","DOIUrl":"10.1097/SP9.0000000000000046","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally, with significant impairments in upper limb motor function affecting the quality of life of survivors. Despite the potential of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as a noninvasive neuromodulation technique for enhancing post-stroke recovery, current findings regarding its efficacy and optimal parameters remain heterogeneous and controversial. The purpose of this study is to systematically evaluate the effects of different tDCS parameters on upper limb motor impairments in stroke patients and provide guidance for selecting optimal stimulation parameters via a meta-analysis of available literature.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive literature search (up to 31 December 2024) will be conducted in MEDLINE via PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Data to gather relevant data on tDCS interventions for post-stroke upper limb impairments. We will use EndNote 21 software for study selection and Stata 16.0 software for data analysis. Studies included will be randomized controlled trials involving adult stroke patients receiving tDCS interventions, with primary outcomes focusing on upper limb motor function scores and secondary outcomes including activities of daily living and adverse events.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This study aims to provide the most up-to-date evidence and recommendations for clinicians and stroke patients to choose an optimal type of tDCS intervention. It will elucidate the impact of different stimulation parameters (e.g., current density, stimulation duration, and target location) on therapeutic outcomes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>tDCS has the potential to positively impact upper limb motor function in stroke patients. This study will provide insights into optimal stimulation parameters, encouraging the integration of tDCS into clinical rehabilitation protocols.</p>","PeriodicalId":42077,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Surgery Protocols","volume":"29 3","pages":"68-72"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12373094/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144973192","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}