Background: Limb amputation is a life-altering event with substantial physical, psychological, and social consequences. Despite advances in healthcare, amputation remains a major global health concern, particularly in regions with high burdens of diabetes and vascular disease. This study aims to analyze demographic characteristics, etiologies, and trends in amputations over a ten-year period at a tertiary-care center. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients who underwent amputation at our tertiary-care hospital. Collected variables included patients’ demographics, etiology, level of amputation, type of admission, and surgical specialty involved. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Associations between categorical variables were analyzed using chi-square tests, with post hoc pairwise comparisons adjusted using the Bonferroni method where applicable. Continuous variables were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. All analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS version 26.0. Results: A total of 647 patients underwent amputation, with a mean age of 56 years and a male predominance (65%). Diabetic complications were the leading cause (67.7%), followed by trauma (11.7%) and vascular diseases (11.6%). Lower limb amputations were more prevalent, with toe amputations being the most frequent (39%). Emergency procedures accounted for 72% of cases, and vascular surgery was the most involved specialty, followed by orthopedic surgery. Conclusions: Our study highlights a substantial burden of amputations, predominantly involving the lower limb, as well as a significant association with diabetic complications. These findings emphasize the urgent need for integrated diabetic care, early interventions, and public health strategies to reduce the burden of amputations in Saudi Arabia.

Background/Objective: The parotid gland is the largest salivary gland, and tumors arising from it exhibit wide histopathological diversity. Management approaches vary according to tumor characteristics and carry a risk of postoperative complications, particularly facial nerve injury. However, local data remain limited. This study aimed to describe the clinicopathological characteristics, surgical approaches, and postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing parotidectomy. Method: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a high-volume tertiary center in Saudi Arabia. All consecutive patients who underwent parotidectomy between June 2015 and January 2025 were included. Demographic data, histopathological diagnoses, surgical procedures and postoperative complications were extracted from electronic medical records. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26, with A p-value of <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 154 patients were included, with a mean age of 45.2 ± 12.6 years; 61% were male. Benign lesions constituted 87% of cases, with pleomorphic adenoma being the most common histopathological diagnosis. Malignancies accounted for 13% of cases, most frequently mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The most common postoperative complications were facial nerve palsy, followed by sensory numbness. Conclusions: The majority of parotid gland tumors in this cohort were benign, with pleomorphic adenoma as the most common histological subtype. Facial nerve palsy and sensory disturbances were the most common postoperative complications. These findings provide valuable local data on parotid gland lesions in Saudi Arabia and support current surgical management practices.

Limb amputation is a major public health concern, with profound physical, psychological, and socioeconomic consequences. Although largely preventable, the prevalence of amputation continues to rise, particularly in regions with high rates of diabetes and vascular diseases. Despite this, national-level data evaluating demographic trends, clinical characteristics, and the associated costs of amputations remain limited. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive decade-long retrospective analysis to assess the epidemiological patterns and economic burden of amputations. A retrospective review was conducted of all limb amputations performed at a tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia from 2015 to 2024. Patient demographics, etiology, amputation level, surgical specialty, and admission type were extracted. Surgical costs were analyzed in terms of total expenditure and per-patient costs using hospital financial records. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and comparative cost assessments across the subgroups. Regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between length of hospital stay and cost. A total of 769 amputations were performed on 647 patients, resulting in a total direct cost of $32.39 million and an average cost of $50,062.30 per patient. Diabetic complications were the leading cause (67.7%), associated with a total cost of $24 million and an average per-patient cost of $54,886.60. Emergency amputations (72%) incurred significantly higher per-patient costs than elective procedures ($52,947.70 vs $42,648.78, P < .05). Lower-limb amputations were more common, and among lower-limb procedures, above-knee amputations had the highest per-patient cost ($62,038.45 per patient). This study highlights the substantial financial burden of limb amputation in Saudi Arabia, with diabetic complications being the predominant cause. The findings highlight the urgent need for enhanced preventive strategies, particularly diabetic foot care and early intervention programs, to reduce the incidence and economic burden of amputation.

Background: Otosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by abnormal bone remodeling around the oval window, resulting in stapes fixation and conductive hearing loss. Clinical manifestations vary and may include bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo. This study aimed to evaluate quality of life and patient satisfaction following stapes surgery, and to explore potential associations between operative characteristics and postoperative outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a high-volume tertiary center in Saudi Arabia. Data collected included demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, operative details, and preoperative and postoperative audiological outcomes assessed at 6 months to 1-year follow-up using pure-tone audiometry. Postoperative quality of life and hearing-related handicap were evaluated using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) and Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (HHIA) questionnaires. Results: A total of 65 patients were included, of whom 61.5% were female, with a mean age of 40.9 ± 9.4 years. Significant postoperative audiological improvement was observed, with mean air-conduction thresholds improving from 54.6 ± 13.9 dB preoperatively to 39.8 ± 16.5 dB postoperatively (p < 0.001), while the mean air–bone gap decreased from 33.0 ± 10.8 to 18.3 ± 12.3 dB (p < 0.001). The mean GBI score was 34.4 ± 31.4, indicating improved postoperative quality of life; however, 60.0% of participants still demonstrated significant hearing-related handicap on the HHIA. Conclusion: Stapes surgery was associated with significant postoperative hearing and quality of life improvement, consistent with favorable audiometric outcomes. No significant associations were found between postoperative outcomes and most operative characteristics.

Objective: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder with profound impacts on various aspects of life. It may lead to significant medical and psychiatric comorbidities, one of which is personality disorders (PDs). This study aims to assess the prevalence of Cluster C PDs among adult patients with epilepsy (PWE) at a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Method: This cross-sectional study, conducted between January 2024 and April 2025, enroled 360 adult PWE using convenience sampling. The study tool included the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders criteria, along with additional demographic and epilepsy-related questions developed by the research team. Results: Cluster C PDs were identified in 30. 6% of the participants. Obsessive-compulsive PD was the most prevalent (17. 8%), followed by avoidant PD (9.7%). No significant gender difference was found in the prevalence of PDs (p > 0.05). Educational level and employment status were significantly associated with PDs (p=0.036 and 0.014, respectively). Participants with PDs had a longer mean epilepsy duration than those without PDs (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Cluster C PDs are prevalent among PWE, with lower educational levels, longer epilepsy duration, and unemployment being significantly associated with a higher prevalence. Screening for PDs among PWE is therefore warranted to enable earlier detection and intervention.