Ideal Surgical Approach Research Articles

Morphologic Study of Superior Temporal Sulcus-Amygdaloid Body and Lateral Fissure-Amygdaloid Body Surgical Approach by Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging Volume Rendering.

In this research, 83 patients were measured by magnetic resonance imaging volume rendering technique. The authors acquired the curve length of the superior temporal sulcus and the lateral fissure on the cerebral hemisphere, the shortest distance from the superior temporal sulcus and the lateral fissure to the center of amygdaloid body separately, the vertical diameter, the transversal diameter, and the anteroposterior diameter of the amygdaloid body and the 2 approach angles between the median sagittal plane and the shortest segment from the superior temporal sulcus to the center of amygdaloid body and the shortest segment from lateral fissure to the center of the amygdaloid body. At the same time, we preliminarily oriented the 2 points of the superior temporal sulcus and the lateral fissure, which are closest to the center of amygdaloid body, aimed at finding out the best entrance points of surgical approach through the superior temporal sulcus and the lateral fissure to the amygdaloid body and reducing the damage to the nerve fibers or blood vessels during the operation. The results indicate that the point at the front side 1/4 of the superior temporal sulcus may be the ideal surgical approach entrance point and the point at the front side 1/3 of the lateral fissure. There is no difference between 2 cerebral hemispheres (P < 0.05).

The artificial urinary sphincter and male sling for postprostatectomy incontinence: Which patient should get which procedure?

Surgery is the most efficacious treatment for postprostatectomy incontinence. The ideal surgical approach depends on a variety of patient factors including history of prior incontinence surgery or radiation treatment, bladder contractility, severity of leakage, and patient expectations. Most patients choose to avoid a mechanical device, opting for the male sling over the artificial urinary sphincter. The modern male sling has continued to evolve with respect to device design and surgical technique. Various types of slings address sphincteric incompetence via different mechanisms of action. The recommended surgery, however, must be individualized to the patient based on degree of incontinence, detrusor contractility, and urethral compliance. A thorough urodynamic evaluation is indicated for the majority of patients, and the recommendation for an artificial urinary sphincter, a transobturator sling, or a quadratic sling will depend on urodynamic findings and the patient's particular preference. As advancements in this field evolve, and our understanding of the pathophysiology of incontinence and mechanisms of various devices improves, we expect to see continued evolution in device design.

Biomechanics of Hybrid Anterior Cervical Fusion and Artificial Disc Replacement in 3-Level Constructs: An In Vitro Investigation.

BackgroundThe ideal surgical approach for cervical disk disease remains controversial, especially for multilevel cervical disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the biomechanics of the cervical spine after 3-level hybrid surgery compared with 3-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).Material/MethodsEighteen human cadaveric spines (C2-T1) were evaluated under displacement-input protocol. After intact testing, a simulated hybrid construct or fusion construct was created between C3 to C6 and tested in the following 3 conditions: 3-level disc plate disc (3DPD), 3-level plate disc plate (3PDP), and 3-level plate (3P).ResultsCompared to intact, almost 65~80% of motion was successfully restricted at C3-C6 fusion levels (p<0.05). 3DPD construct resulted in slight increase at the 3 instrumented levels (p>0.05). 3PDP construct resulted in significant decrease of ROM at C3-C6 levels less than 3P (p<0.05). Both 3DPD and 3PDP caused significant reduction of ROM at the arthrodesis level and produced motion increase at the arthroplasty level. For adjacent levels, 3P resulted in markedly increased contribution of both upper and lower adjacent levels (p<0.05). Significant motion increases lower than 3P were only noted at partly adjacent levels in some conditions for 3DPD and 3PDP (p<0.05).ConclusionsACDF eliminated motion within the construct and greatly increased adjacent motion. Artificial cervical disc replacement normalized motion of its segment and adjacent segments. While hybrid conditions failed to restore normal motion within the construct, they significantly normalized motion in adjacent segments compared with the 3-level ACDF condition. The artificial disc in 3-level constructs has biomechanical advantages compared to fusion in normalizing motion.

Update on the Diagnosis and Management of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy.

Spondylotic degeneration in the cervical spine may result in static and/or dynamic spinal cord compression that can lead to the associated signs and symptoms of myelopathy. Clinical examination combined with appropriate imaging studies help to confirm the diagnosis. Classic natural history and basic science studies suggest a pernicious course of demyelination and neurologic decline in a large subset of patients. The characterization of disease severity and progression in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy has improved in recent years with imaging and data from prospective and multicenter studies. Additionally, advances in surgical techniques, implants, and imaging modalities have improved the identification of surgical candidates with cervical spondylotic myelopathy and associated treatment strategies. Surgical treatment, via an anterior, posterior, or a combined approach, is primarily intended to arrest neurologic progression, although it can improve function in many patients. Alignment and the characteristics and location of spinal cord compression help determine the ideal surgical approach. Distinct complications associated with each technique may be mitigated by appropriate patient selection and should be discussed preoperatively to ensure informed decision making.

Plantar approach for Morton's neuroma: An effective technique for primary excision

BackgroundMorton's neuroma is a common cause of inter-metatarsal foot pain. Surgical excision is generally indicated when non-operative measures have been unsuccessful; various surgical techniques have been described in the literature for excision, with no consensus on the overall ideal surgical approach. AimTo assess patient outcomes and complications following plantar surgical approach to neurectomy in a consecutive series of patients. MethodAn analysis of consecutive patients undergoing excision of Morton's neuroma using a plantar approach by a single surgeon over a 12 month period. Pre- and post-operative AOFAS and VAS scores were completed during outpatient visits. Results20 patients were included in the study, with pre-operative confirmation of a soft tissue mass on ultrasound scan. All patients demonstrated improvement in their post-operative functional scores; 2 patients (10%) did not have full resolution of their symptoms post-operatively. Mean AOFAS scores improved from 39 to 80 post-operatively and VAS from 40 to 92. No patients had wound complications or scar pain. ConclusionNeurectomy performed via a plantar approach provides good exposure, adequate soft tissue healing, with rapid resolution of pain and return to normal activities post-operatively.

Distal Transverse Arch to Left Carotid Artery Ratio Helps to Identify Infants With Aortic Arch Hypoplasia

Aortic coarctation (CoA) with concomitant aortic arch hypoplasia (AAH) is associated with an increased risk of hypertension after surgical repair. The differentiation of CoA with or without AAH may be critical to delineate the ideal surgical approach that best ameliorates postoperative hypertension. Since 2000, we have defined CoA with AAH when the diameter of the distal transverse aortic arch is equal to or less than the diameter of the left carotid artery. We hypothesized that, based on our definition, aortic tissue from infants having CoA with AAH would demonstrate distinct genetic expression patterns as compared with infants having CoA alone. From 6 infants (AAH, 3; CoA, 3), an Affymetrix 1.0 genome array identified genes in the coarctation/arch region that were differentially expressed between infants having CoA with AAH versus CoA alone. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction validated genetic differences from a cohort of 21 infants (CoA with AAH, 10; CoA, 11). To evaluate the clinical outcomes based on our definition of CoA with AAH, we reviewed infants repaired using this algorithm from 2000 to 2010. Microarray data demonstrated genes differentially expressed between groups. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction confirmed that CoA with AAH was associated with an increased expression of genes involved in cardiac and vascular development and growth, including hepsin, fibroblast growth factor-18, and T-box 2. The clinical outcomes of 79 infants (AAH, 26; CoA, 53) demonstrated that 90.1% were free of hypertension at 13 years when managed with this surgical strategy. These findings provide evidence that the ratio of the diameter of the distal transverse arch to the left carotid artery may be helpful to identify CoA with AAH and, when used to delineate the surgical approach, may minimize hypertension.

The 6 thalamic regions: surgical approaches to thalamic cavernous malformations, operative results, and clinical outcomes.

The ideal surgical approach to thalamic cavernous malformations (CMs) varies according to their location within the thalamus. To standardize surgical approaches, the authors have divided the thalamus into 6 different regions and matched them with the corresponding surgical approach. The regions were defined as Region 1 (anteroinferior), Region 2 (medial), Region 3 (lateral), Region 4 (posterosuperior), Region 5 (lateral posteroinferior), and Region 6 (medial posteroinferior). The senior author's surgical experience with 46 thalamic CMs was reviewed according to this classification. An orbitozygomatic approach was used for Region 1; anterior ipsilateral transcallosal for Region 2; anterior contralateral transcallosal for Region 3; posterior transcallosal for Region 4; parietooccipital transventricularfor Region 5; and supracerebellar-infratentorial for Region 6. Region 3 was the most common location (17 [37%]). There were 5 CMs in Region 1 (11%), 9 in Region 2 (20%), 17 in Region 3 (37%), 3 in Region 4 (6%), 4 in Region 5 (9%), and 8 in Region 6 (17%). Complete resection was achieved in all patients except for 2, who required a second-stage operation. The mean follow-up period was 1.7 years (range 6 months-9 years). At the last clinical follow-up, 40 patients (87%) had an excellent or good outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] scores 0-2) and 6 (13%) had poor outcome (mRS scores 3-4). Relative to their preoperative condition, 42 patients (91%) were unchanged or improved, and 4 (9%) were worse. The authors have presented the largest series reported to date of surgically treated thalamic CMs, achieving excellent results using this methodology. In the authors' experience, conceptually dividing the thalamus into 6 different regions aids in the selection of the ideal surgical approach fora specific region.

Motor branches of the ulnar nerve to the forearm: an anatomical study and guidelines for selective neurectomy.

Precise knowledge of motor nerve branches is critical to plan selective neurectomies for the treatment of spastic limbs. Our objective is to describe the muscular branching pattern of the ulnar nerve in the forearm and suggest an ideal surgical approach for selective neurectomy of the flexor carpi ulnaris. The ulnar nerve was dissected under loop magnification in 20 upper limbs of fresh frozen cadavers and its branches to the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle (FCU) and to the flexor digitorum profundus muscle (FDP) were quantified. We measured their diameter, length and distance between their origin and the medial epicondyle. The point where the ulnar artery joined the nerve was observed. The position in which the ulnar nerve gave off each branch was noted (ulnar, posterior or radial) and the Martin-Gruber connection, when present, had its origin observed and its diameter measured. The ulnar nerve gave off two to five muscular branches, among which, one to four to the FCU and one or two to the FDP. In all cases, the first branch was to the FCU. It arose on average 1.4 cm distal to the epicondyle, but in four specimens it arose above or at the level of the medial epicondyle (2.0 cm above in one case, 1.5 cm above in two cases, and at the level of the medial epicondyle in one). The first branch to the FDP arose on average 5.0 cm distal to the medial epicondyle. All the branches to FDP but one arose from the radial aspect of the ulnar nerve. A Martin-Gruber connection was present in nine cases. All motor branches arose in the proximal half of the forearm and the ulnar nerve did not give off branches distal to the point where it was joined by the ulnar artery. The number of motor branches of the ulnar nerve to the FCU varies from 2 to 4. An ideal approach for selective neurectomy of the FCU should start 4 cm above the medial epicondyle, and extend distally to 50% of the length of the forearm or just to the point where the ulnar artery joins the nerve.

A Progressive Anatomic Algorithm for Transcervical Approaches to the Internal Carotid Artery at the Skull Base: A Comparative Anatomic Study

Background: Open surgical approaches to the internal carotid artery (ICA) have been well described including extended transcervical approaches and variations of the infratemporal fossa approach. From the carotid artery bifurcation to its entrance into the carotid canal, a multitude of benign and malignant pathology can often involve the ICA requiring meticulous dissection and progressive surgical approaches. However, though the operative approaches to the ICA have been described, direct comparisons of the surgical exposure attained with various open operative techniques has not been studied. In this cadaver study, we strive to demonstrate the operative techniques, surgical limits, and amount of ICA exposure gained through a progressive series of operative dissections and present an anatomical algorithm that will be useful when choosing the most ideal surgical approach depending on the nature and extent of the pathology.

What is the ideal surgical approach for intra-abdominal testes? A systematic review.

There is controversy regarding the ideal surgical management of intra-abdominal testes (IAT) to preserve fertility; we conducted a systematic review to address this problem. We performed a comprehensive electronic search of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL from 2008 to September 2014 (the date range was limited due to an abundance of literature), as well as reference lists of included studies. Two researchers screened all studies for inclusion, and quality assessed each relevant study using AMSTAR for systematic reviews (SRs), Cochrane 'Risk of bias' tool for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and MINORS for non-randomized studies. We identified two relevant SRs and 29 non-randomized studies. Due to the heterogeneity of the data, meta-analysis was not possible. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging are insufficient for identification or localization of IAT; laparoscopic or surgical exploration is necessary. Primary orchiopexy is effective for low IAT, and Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy (FSO) is effective for high IAT. There is no clear benefit of one- vs. two-stage FSO, or of open vs. laparoscopic technique. Several alternative or modified techniques also show promise. RCTs are needed to confirm the validity of these findings, and to assess long-term outcomes.

What Is the Best Surgical Approach for Bilateral Pulmonary Hydatid Cysts in Children?

Introduction: The most common site for hydatid cysts in children is the lungs while in adult hepatic cysts are predominant. Bilateral pulmonary involvement is relatively rare and its surgical management is poorly described in the current literature. Until now no definite consensus has been described in the literature for the ideal surgical approach in pediatric bilateral pulmonary hydatid cysts (BPHC). The aim of this prospective cohort study was to describe the problems encountered in treating pediatric BPHC by two different surgical techniques. Patients and Methods: Between June 2007 and June 2014, 60 children (group one = 31, group two = 29) with BPHC were operated on in our center. Group one included all children with BPHC operated by single session bilateral anterolateral mini-thoracotomy. Group two included all cases operated by two stage standard posterolateral thoracotomy at 21 days interval. Results: In group one (19 males and 12 females), the mean age was 8.9 years (3.5 - 17). In group two, there were 29 cases (18 males and 11 females), the mean age was 9.6 years (2 - 17). There was no significant statistical difference in terms of the presentations and age distribution. The duration of surgery in group one was significantly shorter and the duration of hospital stay was significantly shorter as well (group one 3.6 days versus 4.6 days in the second group). Pain scale was not more in the first group as it was believed to be. Conclusion: We believe that single session bilateral anterolateral thoracotomy is a better approach than either one stage successive thoracotomies, median sternotomy or clamshell thoracotomy as it involves less postoperative pain and does not precipitate a decrease in the respiratory capacity.

Should Gastric Cardia Cancers Be Treated with Esophagectomy or Total Gastrectomy? A Comprehensive Analysis of 4,996 NSQIP/SEER Patients

Category 1 guidelines emphasize multimodality therapy (MMT) for patients with gastric cardia cancer (GCC). These patients are often referred to thoracic surgeons for "esophagogastric junction" cancers rather than to abdominal surgeons for "proximal gastric" cancers. This study sought to determine the ideal surgical approach using national datasets evaluating morbidity/mortality (M/M) and overall survival (OS). Patients with resected GCC were identified from the 2005 to 2012 ACS-NSQIP dataset and the 1998 to 2010 SEER dataset. Multivariate 30-day M/M analyses were performed using NSQIP. Survival analyses were derived from SEER and stratified by surgical approach. There were 1,181 NSQIP patients with GCC included; 81.8% had esophagectomies and 18.1% had gastrectomies. Major postoperative M/M occurred in 33.2%/3.7% patients after gastrectomy vs 35.0%/2.4% after esophagectomy (p = 0.260). Although a major postoperative complication (odds ratio 12.8, p < 0.001) was an independent predictor of mortality on multivariate analysis, surgical approach was not. Of the 3,815 SEER patients included, 71.1% had esophagectomies and 28.9% had gastrectomies. Radiation use (surrogate for MMT) was administered more often with esophagectomy vs gastrectomy (42.9% vs 29.6%, p < 0.001). Unadjusted median overall survival (OS) favored esophagectomy (26.0 vs 21.0 months, p = 0.025). However, multivariate analysis confirmed age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.01), T/N stages (HR 1.12/1.91), and radiation use (HR 0.83, all p ≤ 0.018), but not surgical approach (HR 0.95, p = 0.259), as independent predictors of OS. Tumor biology and MMT, rather than surgical approach, dictate oncologic outcomes for GCC. Therefore, the decision of esophagectomy vs gastrectomy for GCC should be based on proximal and distal tumor extent and the multidisciplinary strategy with the lower rate of complications and the higher rate of MMT completion.

Lower urinary tract dysfunction after nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy.

The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current role of nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy (NSRH) in reducing the incidence of postoperative lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) and in improving quality of life. A detailed online search was performed using the following keywords: nerve sparing, radical hysterectomy, cervical cancer, and all these terms in combination with urinary dysfunction or bladder dysfunction in order to analyze the effect of NSRH on urinary functional outcomes. Articles retrieved were analyzed and assigned a level of evidence (LE) according to the criteria of the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine in Oxford, UK. Our review highlights the heterogeneity of conducting and reporting studies in the literature. Autonomic pelvic nerve injuries during the procedure are thought to be the major cause of LUTD. The amount of LUTD depends upon the extent and type of nerve injury. Anatomically based surgical techniques are developed to avoid nerve injury without compromising oncological control. All studies comparing NSRH to standard RH yielded promising results with respect to postoperative LUTD. A recent meta-analysis showed similar cancer control rates between the two techniques. However, controversies remain about the ideal surgical approach for nerve sparing and there is no consensus as to the level and landmarks of dissection to preserve the maximal amount of nerves without compromising oncological outcomes. Available evidence suggests that NSRH is safe and associated with lower incidence of LUTD. However, there is no standardized technique for NSRH and controversies remain about its oncological safety. Long-term oncological data from multicenter surgical trials are needed as well as a universally accepted standard to report studies on NSRH.

The midline suboccipital subtonsillar approach to the cerebellomedullary cistern and its structures: Anatomical considerations, surgical technique and clinical application

ObjectiveLesions of the cerebellomedullary cistern lateral to the lower brainstem in an area extending from the foraminae of Luschka to the foramen magnum are rare and can be caused by various sources. There is no consensus on an ideal surgical approach. We describe the anatomical features and the surgical technique of the midline suboccipital subtonsillar (STA) approach to the cerebellomedullary cistern and its pathologies. MethodsThe study was performed on three alcohol (ETOH)-fixed specimens (6 sides), and the technique of the approach was highlighted. The tonsillar retraction needed to view the important structures was measured. Additionally, the records of 31 patients who underwent the STA procedure were evaluated. We provide three clinical cases as examples. ResultsTonsillar retraction of 0.3cm (SD±0.1cm) exposed the PICA with its telo-velo-tonsillar and cortical branches. Retraction of 0.4cm (SD±0.2cm) exposed the spinal root of CN XI. Retraction of 0.9cm (SD±0.01cm) exposed the hypoglossal canal. Retraction of 1.3cm (SD±0.2cm) exposed the root exit zone of the glossopharyngeal nerve. Retraction of 1.6cm (SD±0.3cm) exposed the jugular foramen (JF), and retraction of 2.4cm (SD±0.2cm) exposed the inner auditory canal (IAC). In all of the selected cases, the pathology could be reached and exposed using the STA. ConclusionsWe recommend STA as a straightforward, easy-to-learn and therefore time-saving and safe procedure compared with other standard approaches to the cerebellomedullary cistern and its pathologies.

Systematic modification and evaluation of a canine model for elevation of the floor of the maxillary sinus

We have modified a canine model for raising the floor of the maxillary sinus by selecting a new surgical approach, and have evaluated the model with computed tomographic (CT) scans and endoscopy. Preoperative CT scans were taken of two beagle cadavers and four healthy, live beagles. The CT data were entered into Simplant software to select a candidate site for a surgical incision located between the first molar and the greater palatine foramen. All animals had the floor of the maxillary sinus raised from the candidate site. During the operation an endoscope was put outside the candidate site and into the maxillary sinus through a lateral puncture to record the condition of the Schneiderian membrane and the position of the candidate site. Postoperative CT scans were used to measure the position of the site, and the positions were compared. Eleven variables were measured on the coronal and sagittal sections. The two most important variables were the mean (SD) horizontal distance from the candidate site to the palatal alveolar ridge (8.1 (0.9)mm) and the residual bone height (2.0 (0.4)mm). There were no significant differences in the anteroposterior or internal–external position of the candidate site. Intraoperative endoscopic views showed the intact, white, and opaque membrane from the candidate site, and the movement of the membrane in the middle of the sinus floor from the lateral puncture. The candidate site is therefore an ideal surgical approach for raising the floor of the maxillary sinus, and the canine model is suitable for research in this area.

Su1787 Lubiprostone (Amitiza) Activates Cellular Prostanoid Signaling to Enhance Intestinal Motility in Human Colon

Background: Laparoscopic Ventral Mesh Rectopexy (LVR) corrects both, internal and external rectal prolapse, improving obstructed defaecation symptoms (ODS) and faecal incontinence. Similarly, Stapled Trans-Anal Rectal Resection (STARR) allows resolution of ODS. However data from retrospective series or prospective trials comparing the two procedures for internal rectal prolapse (IRP, defined as recto-rectal or recto-anal intussusception) are absent. In this matched cohorts study we compared outcomes in terms of surgical complications and functional results of LVR and STARR in order to better understand the ideal surgical approach for IRP. Patients and Methods: All patients underwent preoperative evaluation with defaecating proctography or pelvic dynamic MRI. Only patients with recto-rectal or recto-anal intussusception, rectocoele with or without enterocoele or sigmoidocoele were considered from our prospectively kept database. Patients with concomitant middle and anterior pelvic compartment prolapses, were excluded. Two groups of patients were considered according to the surgical technique (LVR or STARR) and matched for demographics, symptoms and characteristics of the prolapse. Only patients with a minimum of 1 year follow-up were considerd. End-points were surgical complications and functional results expressed as Wexner Constipation Score (WCS) and Faecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI). Results: Twenty-seven patients who underwent LVR were compared to 27 patients who underwent STARR. After LVR, overall complications rate was 15% similar to STARR (11%), all minor. After LVR, WCS significantly improved to 5+/-3 from preoperative 15+/5 (p 0.03). Constipation improved in 89% and was cured in 81%. Similarly, after STARR, WCS score significantly improved to 6+/-5 from preoperative 16+/-11(p 0.03). Recurrence rate was 22%. Constipation improved in 85% and was cured in 78%. No significative differences were observed between the two groups. Considering incontinence, after LVR the FISI score significantly improved to 2+/-2 from preoperative 7+/-3 (p 0.03). Incontinence improved in 90% and was completely cured in 90%. After STARR, the FISI score improved to 4+/-2 from preoperative 8+/-5(p 0.06). Incontinence improved in 54% and was completely cured in 45%. These percentages were significantly lower compared to those observed after LVR. Conclusions: LVR and STARR seems to be equally valid to treat constipation associated to IRP, but LVR has greater chances to cure incontinence.

Su1786 Laparoscopic Ventral Mesh Rectopexy Compared to Stapled Trans-Anal Rectal Resection (STARR) to Treat Internal Rectal Prolapse: A Matched Cohorts Study

Background: Laparoscopic Ventral Mesh Rectopexy (LVR) corrects both, internal and external rectal prolapse, improving obstructed defaecation symptoms (ODS) and faecal incontinence. Similarly, Stapled Trans-Anal Rectal Resection (STARR) allows resolution of ODS. However data from retrospective series or prospective trials comparing the two procedures for internal rectal prolapse (IRP, defined as recto-rectal or recto-anal intussusception) are absent. In this matched cohorts study we compared outcomes in terms of surgical complications and functional results of LVR and STARR in order to better understand the ideal surgical approach for IRP. Patients and Methods: All patients underwent preoperative evaluation with defaecating proctography or pelvic dynamic MRI. Only patients with recto-rectal or recto-anal intussusception, rectocoele with or without enterocoele or sigmoidocoele were considered from our prospectively kept database. Patients with concomitant middle and anterior pelvic compartment prolapses, were excluded. Two groups of patients were considered according to the surgical technique (LVR or STARR) and matched for demographics, symptoms and characteristics of the prolapse. Only patients with a minimum of 1 year follow-up were considerd. End-points were surgical complications and functional results expressed as Wexner Constipation Score (WCS) and Faecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI). Results: Twenty-seven patients who underwent LVR were compared to 27 patients who underwent STARR. After LVR, overall complications rate was 15% similar to STARR (11%), all minor. After LVR, WCS significantly improved to 5+/-3 from preoperative 15+/5 (p 0.03). Constipation improved in 89% and was cured in 81%. Similarly, after STARR, WCS score significantly improved to 6+/-5 from preoperative 16+/-11(p 0.03). Recurrence rate was 22%. Constipation improved in 85% and was cured in 78%. No significative differences were observed between the two groups. Considering incontinence, after LVR the FISI score significantly improved to 2+/-2 from preoperative 7+/-3 (p 0.03). Incontinence improved in 90% and was completely cured in 90%. After STARR, the FISI score improved to 4+/-2 from preoperative 8+/-5(p 0.06). Incontinence improved in 54% and was completely cured in 45%. These percentages were significantly lower compared to those observed after LVR. Conclusions: LVR and STARR seems to be equally valid to treat constipation associated to IRP, but LVR has greater chances to cure incontinence.

Distinct types of uterine adenomyosis based on laparoscopic and histopathologic criteria

To analyze laparoscopically treated cases of adenomyosis based on intraoperative and histopathology findings and to correlate different types with patients' presenting symptoms and characteristics, as well as with the surgical approach. Sixty-eight women who underwent laparoscopic treatment of adenomyosis at a referral center for gynecological laparoscopy. Four distinct types of adenomyosis could be identified: diffuse, sclerotic, nodular, and cystic (54.5%, 13%, 28%, and 4.5% of cases, respectively). Menorrhagia as the main presenting symptom was significantly more frequent in patients with the diffuse type (84%) compared to those with sclerotic (44%) and nodular (37%) types (p = 0.025 andp = 0.001, respectively). All cases of cystic and nodular adenomyosis were treated by laparoscopic excision of the lesion. Eighty-nine percent of patients with sclerotic adenomyosis were treated with wide laparoscopic excision of the abnormal tissue. Eighty-one percent of patients with diffuse adenomyosis were treated with laparoscopic hysterectomy. Adenomyosis can be classified in four distinct types with differences in the presenting symptoms, as well as in the ideal surgical approach.

Morphological Study of Surgical Approach by Superior Temporal Sulcus-Temporal Horn of Lateral Ventricle Approach Using Volume Rendering

In this research, we acquired the length of the superior temporal sulcus, the shortest distance from the superior temporal sulcus to the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle, and the approach angle between the median sagittal plane and the shortest segment from the superior temporal sulcus to the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle measuring 98 specimens by magnetic resonance imaging volume rendering. At the same time, we preliminarily oriented the point of the superior temporal sulcus, which is closest to the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle, aimed at finding out the best entrance point of surgical approach through the superior temporal sulcus to the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle and reducing the damage to optic radiation as well as other nerve fibers during the operation. The results indicate that the point at the front side 3/5 of the superior temporal sulcus may be the ideal surgical approach entrance point, and there is no difference between 2 cerebral hemispheres (P < 0.05).

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for treatment of symptomatic paraesophageal hernia in the morbidly obese: medium-term results

BackgroundThe ideal surgical approach for treatment of symptomatic paraesophageal hernias (PEH) in obese patients remains elusive. The objective of this study was to assess the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of combined laparoscopic PEH repair and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) for the management of symptomatic PEH in morbidly obese patients. MethodsFourteen patients with symptomatic PEH and morbid obesity (body mass index [BMI]>35 kg/m2) underwent laparoscopic PEH repair with RYGB between 2008 and 2011. Demographic characteristics and preoperative and perioperative details were analyzed. Patients were contacted in October 2013 for follow-up. BMI, reflux symptoms, and disease-specific quality of life (QoL) data were obtained. ResultsThere were 11 females (79%). Median age and preoperative BMI were 48 years and 42 kg/m2, respectively. Mean operative time was 180 minutes, with median length-of-stay of 4 days. There were no perioperative deaths, and 5 patients experienced postoperative complications including 1 gastrojejunostomy leak. Complete follow-up with a median follow-up interval of 35 months was available in 9 (64%) patients. The median % excess weight loss was 67.9%. Thirty-three percent required antisecretory medications for reflux control, compared to 89% preoperatively. Seventy-eight percent of patients reported good to excellent QoL outcomes assessed by the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Health-Related Quality of Life questionnaire. Overall, 89% of patients were satisfied with their operation and would undergo the procedure again. ConclusionCombined laparoscopic PEH repair and RYGB is a safe, feasible, and effective treatment option for morbidly obese patients with symptomatic PEH, and offers good to excellent disease-specific quality-of-life outcomes at medium-term follow-up. To date, this is the largest series with the longest follow-up in this unique patient population.