Increase In Surgical Time Research Articles

The 'vulnerable nerve'; surgically acquired neuropathy in distal humeral surgery patients and the role of a tourniquet.

The complication of neuropathy is high in patients undergoing distal humerus surgery. Tourniquets (TQs) are typically used but can lead to nerve injury. We present a comparative study of a pre-intervention group (n = 38) and a post-intervention group (n = 38) undergoing distal humerus surgery between November 2020 and July 2023. The intervention included TQ discontinuation and the introduction of intravenous tranexamic acid at induction. Our analysis encompasses patient, anaesthetic, and surgical variables, as well as the rates and severity of neuropathy. Post-intervention, the rate of surgically acquired or deterioration in nerve injury improved from 15.8% (n = 6) to 2.6% (n = 1). Pre-intervention, the mean TQ duration was significantly longer for patients with post-operative neuropathy versus those without (120 min, SD = 29 vs. 88 min, SD = 38, p = 0.032). Surgery duration was not significantly longer without a TQ but was associated with a greater reduction in haemoglobin (12.7 g/L, SD = 10.9 vs. 25.2 g/L, SD = 15.5, p = 0.03). Trauma patients have a high risk of acquiring a nerve injury following elbow surgery or deterioration of a pre-surgical nerve injury, which emphasises the concept of vulnerable nerves. The cessation of using a TQ was associated with a lower nerve injury rate, with no cases of major nerve injury and no significant increase in surgical time.

Preoperative fasting for elective surgery in children

This review investigated preoperative fasting in children who need elective surgical interventions. Fifty publications included in the abstract databases PubMed and elibrary for the period from 2017 to 2023 were reviewed. For the analysis, we used articles on the effect of preoperative fasting on indicators of the cardiovascular system and water and carbohydrate metabolism and assessed the course of the perioperative period depending on the duration of refusal of solid food and liquids before surgery. The article presents historical information that formed the basis for the modern paradigm of refusal of solid food and liquids in the preoperative period, especially the negative consequences of prolonged refusal of food in the preoperative period, indicating the main ones, namely, euglycemic ketosis and ketoacidosis, which are common in children. Hypoglycemia due to food refusal before surgery is rare and is not a serious problem in most patients, except in children in the first year of life. In most cases, it has been demonstrated that the time of preoperative fasting significantly exceeds the recommended intervals and amounts to more than 10 hours, and 75% of patients experience a strong feeling of hunger. Infusion of dextrose solutions has not been found to reduce feelings of hunger and thirst before surgery. An increase in preoperative fasting time is often associated with improper organization of the process (35.1%), an increase in surgical time (34.1%), and surgical plan changes (20.9%). It is noted that the optimal volume of liquid that a child can drink before surgery is 3 ml/kg. Data indicates that preoperative fasting can cause arterial hypotension after induction of anesthesia, at the stage of preparing the surgical field. It has been demonstrated that a residual gastric volume of 1.25 ml/kg is a risk factor for aspiration during the induction of anesthesia. There is currently no convincing evidence of the negative effect of preoperative fasting on treatment outcome; however, clearly, the time to abandon clear liquids before elective surgery in children should be minimal.

Computer Tomography (CT)-Based Study to Investigate Feasibility and Efficacy of Thoracoscopic Surgery in the Treatment of Penetrating Chest Wall Tuberculosis.

Chest wall tuberculosis may develop if tuberculous (TB) lesions spread through the chest wall and invade the thoracic cavity. The presence of a mass on the patient's chest wall may be the first indication of TB, and a chest CT scan can help diagnose external penetrating chest wall TB, the incursion of tuberculosis from the lungs into the chest wall. This study examines the safety and efficacy of thoracoscopic-assisted surgery for the treatment of penetrating chest wall tuberculosis as a means of exploring novel concepts of minimally invasive surgery. Our hospital conducted a retrospective study of 25 patients with penetrating chest wall TB who underwent thoracoscopic surgery between January 2020 and June 2021. General demographics, CT scan data linked to surgery, and postoperative patient outcomes were compared between the two groups. The data was also evaluated to determine the range of operation time and the volume of bleeding from different foci in the thoracic cavity. All procedures went well after patients took conventional antituberculosis medication for at least two weeks prior to surgery. CT scans showed that thoracoscopic surgery needed a smaller incision than traditional chest wall TB surgery, with no discernible increase in surgical time. Postoperative tube use, length of hospital stay, and blood loss were all significantly lower than they would have been with conventional surgery. In addition, thoracoscopy was associated with a significantly reduced rate of subsequent treatment. Fibrous plate development and calcification caused the longest operation times in the thoracoscopic surgery group, whereas multiple pleural tuberculomas generated the most hemorrhage. Thoracoscopic surgery usually reveals tuberculous foci hiding in the thoracic cavity. Thethoracic surgery can eliminate the TB focus in the chest wall and intrathoracic while treating penetrating chest wall tuberculosis. The CT scan is a crucial part of the diagnostic process for these patients. Minor surgical trauma, low complication and recurrence rates, and good results. There is a greater distinction between the two surgical approaches for patients with penetrating chest wall TB as opposed to those with basic chest wall tuberculosis.

Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Hip Arthroplasty: Workflow Optimization and Operative Times

Robotic-arm assisted total hip arthroplasty (RATHA) has been demonstrated to offer several benefits, such as increased accuracy in the placement of implants, improved patient outcomes and reduced complications such as dislocations in total hip arthroplasty. However, the potential increase in surgical time may sway some practitioners to hesitate adopting this technology, despite its benefits. Studies of RATHA learning curves have demonstrated that time neutrality can be achieved, but do not describe an efficient workflow. This paper lays out a process to achieve an optimal RATHA workflow and efficiencies in an ambulatory surgery center and presents timing data from 105 cases. We demonstrate that the learning curve for implementing RATHA can be navigated such that providers can offer the clinical benefits of RATHA to their patients without increasing operative or overall perioperative patient time.

Intradermal and Intramuscular Bupivacaine Reduces Opioid Use Following Noninstrumented Spine Surgery

To evaluate the efficacy of intraoperative bupivacaine hydrochloride wound infiltration as an adjunct means of pain relief following noninstrumented posterior spine surgery. A retrospective cohort analysis was performed of all patients who underwent posterior spinal decompression surgery at the University of California, San Diego, and at the San Diego VA Medical Center between June 2020 and July 2021, following a change in practice to including bupivacaine infiltration at the end of the surgery. Patients were stratified into groups based on whether they received intrawound bupivacaine during surgery. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from the electronic health record. Postoperative opioid use, visual analog pain scores, heart rate, and blood pressure were compared. The analysis included 43 patients; 21 received bupivacaine infiltration, and 22 did not. No complications were encountered in the perioperative period. Patients who received bupivacaine consumed significantly less opioids over the 72 hours following surgery, had slightly lower pain scores, and experienced slightly lower heart rates. No significant difference was found between groups with respect to systolic blood pressure, operative time, or length of hospital stay. Intraoperative infiltration of the exposed paraspinous musculature and peri-incisional subdermal layer with bupivacaine significantly reduced postoperative opioid consumption for 72 hours after surgery and slightly reduced pain ratings and conferred superior heart rate control. This low-cost intervention produced significant patient benefit with minimal risk and no significant increase in surgical time or hospital stay.

Accuracy of Patient-Specific 3D-Printed Guides for Pedicle Screw Insertion in Spine Revision Surgery: Results of a Retrospective Study.

This retrospective study was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of patient-specific 3D-printed guides (MySpine® Medacta, Switzerland) for pedicle screw placement in spine revision surgery. Overview of the Literature: Placement of pedicle screws in spine revision surgery can be challenging due to the loss of anatomical landmarks and the presence of a fusion mass. Nevertheless, only a few papers have dealt with this topic. Several strategies, ranging from the freehand technique to navigation and robotics, have been developed. However, they all have drawbacks, including the amount of radiation given to the patient, the complexity of the equipment with a consequent increase in surgical time or costs, and the need of extended surgical training. Therefore, no consensus has yet been found regarding the best choice for dealing with revisions. Recently, patient-specific 3D-printed guides for screw placement have been introduced. Prospective studies have demonstrated their superiority over the freehand technique in primary deformity cases, but there are no studies on their results in revisions. Patients who underwent revision surgery for adult spinal deformities with 3D-printed guides were included. Radiographical parameters and complications were collected. The accuracy of each screw was measured on postoperative CT scan and graded according to the Gertzbein-Robbins and Zdichavsky classifications. Nine patients (mean age 34.6 years, mean follow-up 34.4 months) were included for a total of 203 screws. The relative accuracy (Gertzbein-Robbins A+B) was 94.7%. Of the 11 misplaced screws, 8 (72.7%) were lateral, 3 (27.3%) were anterior and 0 were medial. No perioperative complications were recorded, and no screw needed revision. The present technology appears to be effective and safe for pedicle screw placement in spine revision surgery and does not require the costs, training and radiation exposure associated with navigation and robotics.

Comparison of the Perioperative Outcomes for Thoracoscopic Thymectomy Between the Subxiphoid Approach and the Lateral Intercostal Approach for Masaoka-Koga I-II Thymoma: A Propensity Score-Matching Analysis.

The appropriate approach for video-assisted thoracic surgery for early-stage thymoma remains debatable. The current study compared the safety and feasibility between subxiphoid-approach thoracoscopic thymectomy (SATT) and lateral intercostal-approach thoracoscopic thymectomy (LATT) for Masaoka-Koga stages 1 and 2 thymoma. The study retrospectively enrolled 461 patients without myasthenia gravis who underwent SATT or LATT at the Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University between 2016 and 2020. A 1:1 propensity score-matching (PSM) analysis was performed to control for selection bias. A series of perioperative outcomes, including surgical outcomes, inflammatory factors, morbidity and mortality, pain assessment, and quality of life, were compared. Each group consisted of 144 patients after PSM. The results showed that the SATT group had a significantly higher rate of exposure to the bilateral phrenic nerves (SATT [98.6 %] vs. LATT [77.1 %]; p < 0.001) as well as a larger maximum length (9.20 ± 3.08 vs. 7.52 ± 3.44 cm; p < 0.001) and width (6.13 ± 1.81 vs. 5.04 ± 1.77 cm; p < 0.001) of resected tissue than the LATT group. In addition, the SATT group had lower postoperative high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels (9.37 ± 2.17 vs. 12.69 ± 2.13 mg/L; p < 0.001), better postoperative days 1, 3, and 7 visual analog pain scale (VAS) scores (p < 0.001), and better postoperative days 30 and 90 quality of life (p < 0.05). However, the two groups showed no significant increase in surgical time, estimated blood loss, total drainage time, postoperative total drainage volume, complications, or postoperative hospital stays. The study results suggest that the SATT is feasible and safe for Masaoka-Koga stages 1 and 2 thymoma.

Evaluation of optical tracking and augmented reality for needle navigation in sacral nerve stimulation

Background and objectiveSacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is a minimally invasive procedure where an electrode lead is implanted through the sacral foramina to stimulate the nerve modulating colonic and urinary functions. One of the most crucial steps in SNS procedures is the placement of the tined lead close to the sacral nerve. However, needle insertion is very challenging for surgeons. Several x-ray projections are required to interpret the needle position correctly. In many cases, multiple punctures are needed, causing an increase in surgical time and patient's discomfort and pain. In this work we propose and evaluate two different navigation systems to guide electrode placement in SNS surgeries designed to reduce surgical time, minimize patient discomfort and improve surgical outcomes. MethodsWe developed, for the first alternative, an open-source navigation software to guide electrode placement by real-time needle tracking with an optical tracking system (OTS). In the second method, we present a smartphone-based AR application that displays virtual guidance elements directly on the affected area, using a 3D printed reference marker placed on the patient. This guidance facilitates needle insertion with a predefined trajectory. Both techniques were evaluated to determine which one obtained better results than the current surgical procedure. To compare the proposals with the clinical method, we developed an x-ray software tool that calculates a digitally reconstructed radiograph, simulating the fluoroscopy acquisitions during the procedure. Twelve physicians (inexperienced and experienced users) performed needle insertions through several specific targets to evaluate the alternative SNS guidance methods on a realistic patient-based phantom. ResultsWith each navigation solution, we observed that users took less average time to complete each insertion (36.83 s and 44.43 s for the OTS and AR methods, respectively) and needed fewer average punctures to reach the target (1.23 and 1.96 for the OTS and AR methods respectively) than following the standard clinical method (189.28 s and 3.65 punctures). ConclusionsTo conclude, we have shown two navigation alternatives that could improve surgical outcome by significantly reducing needle insertions, surgical time and patient's pain in SNS procedures. We believe that these solutions are feasible to train surgeons and even replace current SNS clinical procedures.

Adjunctive Benefit of High-Field 3 Tesla MRI Guidance in Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Resection of Pituitary Adenoma

Abstract Introduction Pituitary adenomas (PAs) although benign, are difficult to resect intracranial tumors and their residues are associated with morbidity and reduced quality of life. Thus, gross total resection (GTR) is the goal for all PAs. Role of various modalities for better intraoperative visualization and thus improve resection of adenoma have been tested and each have their pros and cons. The aim of this paper is to analyze adjunctive benefit of high-field 3 Tesla intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) in PAs resection by endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal surgery (eTSS). Materials and Methods A total of 50 patients who underwent iMRI-guided eTSS were included. MRI findings in preoperative, intraoperative, and 3 months postoperative stage were compared. Adjunctive value of iMRI in improving resection rates of adenoma, postoperative endocrinological outcomes, need for adjuvant radiotherapy, and postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak rates was assessed. Results High-field 3 Tesla iMRI helped us to detect residues in 24 (48%) patients and iMRI-guided second look surgery increased our GTR rates from initial 52 to 80% and also helped us to identify and achieve 100% GTR in intrasellar residues and parasellar residues that were medial to medial carotid tangential line. With better resection rates, need for adjuvant radiotherapy was also reduced and only 2% received adjuvant radiotherapy. Average increase in surgical time with the use of iMRI was 38.78 minutes without any side effects pertaining to prolonged surgery. Conclusion High-field iMRI is a useful adjunct in assessment and improvement in extent of resection of PA by endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. Also, it was found beneficial in preserving normal anatomical gland and, thus, reducing the need for postoperative adjuvant hormonal and radiation therapy.

Comparison of suture anchor penetration rate between navigation-assisted and traditional shoulder arthroscopic capsulolabral repair.

Proper placement of suture anchors is an important step in Bankart repair as improper placement can lead to failure. Concern surrounding suture anchor placement inspired the use navigation systems in shoulder arthroscopy. We aimed to demonstrate the technological advantage of using the O-arm (Medtronic Navigation, Denver, CO, USA) image guidance system to provide real-time images during portal and anchor placements in shoulder arthroscopy. Consecutive patients (from July to October 2014) who were admitted for arthroscopic capsulolabral repair surgeries were included. Ten patients were randomly enrolled in the navigation group and 10 in the traditional group. The glenoid was divided into four zones, and the penetration rates in each zone were compared between the two groups. In zone III, the most inferior region of the glenoid, the penetration rate was 40.9% in the traditional group and 15.7% in the navigation group (P = 0.077), demonstrating a trend toward improved accuracy of anchor placement with the aid of the navigation system; however, this was not statistically significant. Average surgical time in the navigation and traditional groups was 177.6±40.2 and 117.7±17.6 mins, respectively. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Scores showed no difference before and 6 months after surgery. This pilot study showed a trend toward decreased penetration rate in O-arm-navigated capsulolabral repair surgeries and decreased risks of implant misplacement; however, possibly due to the small sample size, the difference was not statistically significant. Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm the possible benefit of the navigation system. Even with the use of navigation systems, there were still some penetrations in zone III of the glenoid. This penetration may be attributed to the micro-motion of the acromioclavicular joint. Although the navigation group showed a significant increase in surgical time, with improvements in instrument design, O-arm-navigated arthroscopy will gain popularity in clinical practice.

MP25-18 SEPARATE ABDOMINAL CLOSURE TRAYS SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE CYSTECTOMY SURGICAL SITE INFECTION; OUTCOMES FROM A PRE-POST IMPLEMENTATION NATIONAL SURGICAL QUALITY INPATIENT PROGRAM (NSQIP) PROJECT

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 May 2022MP25-18 SEPARATE ABDOMINAL CLOSURE TRAYS SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE CYSTECTOMY SURGICAL SITE INFECTION; OUTCOMES FROM A PRE-POST IMPLEMENTATION NATIONAL SURGICAL QUALITY INPATIENT PROGRAM (NSQIP) PROJECT Kevin Krughoff, Christopher Mantyh, Charles D. Scales, and Andrew C. Peterson Kevin KrughoffKevin Krughoff More articles by this author , Christopher MantyhChristopher Mantyh More articles by this author , Charles D. ScalesCharles D. Scales More articles by this author , and Andrew C. PetersonAndrew C. Peterson More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002568.18AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: While surgical site infection (SSI) prevention bundles have gained popularity across many disciplines, the urologic experience remains underreported. Our goal was to assess the impact of an abdominal closure protocol (ACP) on the incidence of SSI, UTI and procedure duration for cystectomy with urinary diversion. METHODS: A standardized abdominal closure protocol (ACP) was adopted at our institution in 2021 which included re-prep and re-drape of the abdomen, change of surgeon gowns and gloves and utilization of a separate abdominal closure tray. Utilizing the National Surgical Quality Inpatient Program (NSQIP) database, patients who underwent cystectomy and urinary diversion between 2016-2021 were identified for assessment. Cases incorporating the ACP were matched to cases pre-dating the incorporation of the ACP through propensity score matching based on 16 NSQIP-derived predictor variables. The optimal matching algorithm was determined based on greatest resulting reductions in standardized mean differences and variance ratios between groups. Counterfactual outcomes were generated using logistic regression to determine the average treatment effect of ACP incorporation. Standard errors and the 95% confidence intervals were calculated from 1,000 bootstrap samples. RESULTS: A total of 327 cases at our facility were reviewed. Twenty-three of 24 ACP cases were successfully matched to 245 of 303 non-ACP cases using a kernel-matching algorithm (Figure 1). Matching resulted in standardized mean differences below 0.1 for 14 of 16 NSQIP predictor variables and variance ratios of less than 2.0 for all NSQIP predictor variables. Following ACP incorporation, there was a raw SSI reduction of 5.7%, a raw UTI reduction of 5.6% and a raw increase in procedure duration of 38.4 minutes. The estimated treatment effect after modeling was a 4.1% reduction in SSI (p<0.02, CI 0.6% to 7.5%), with no significant effect on UTI incidence or procedure duration. CONCLUSIONS: Using a treatment effects model, the incorporation of an abdominal closure protocol was associated with a significant reduction in surgical site infection with minimal increase in surgical time. Source of Funding: Boston Scientific Fellowship Grant © 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 207Issue Supplement 5May 2022Page: e435 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Kevin Krughoff More articles by this author Christopher Mantyh More articles by this author Charles D. Scales More articles by this author Andrew C. Peterson More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

P47. TNT: Using technique ‘n’ technology to improve safety and outcomes in AIS

<h3>BACKGROUND CONTEXT</h3> Pedicle screw insertion in scoliosis is challenging due to the 3-dimensional deformity and abnormal pedicle morphology. Free hand or fluoroscopic guidance is frequently utilized. Technological advancements have led to more adaptation of computer assisted screw insertion. These involve changing the technique from a ‘tactile feedback' to ‘screen-based guidance'. While improvement in screw accuracy has been documented, an increase in surgical time with increased possibility of blood loss, and risk of infection can occur. Additionally, increased radiation exposure, especially with a subsequent second spin for confirmation after navigation is also a concern in pediatric population. <h3>PURPOSE</h3> This study aims to evaluate the surgical outcomes of a free hand screw insertion followed by intraop CT confirmation and compare to free hand with fluoroscopy and traditional computer assisted approaches. <h3>STUDY DESIGN/SETTING</h3> Retrospective review. <h3>PATIENT SAMPLE</h3> Retrospective chart review of 289 AIS patients between 2015 and 2020 from a single institution and 356 AIS from NSQIP 2012-2018 database undergoing posterior spinal fusion. <h3>OUTCOME MEASURES</h3> Radiographic outcomes and surgical outcomes including radiation dose, blood loss, operative time and 30-day complication rates. <h3>METHODS</h3> Part I: 152 patients were operated using the freehand technique ‘n' AIRO technology approach (TNT group); 137 were operated using freehand anatomic and fluoroscopy (Fluoro Group). Radiographic measurements, and clinical outcomes including radiation dose, blood loss, operative time and 30-day complications were compared. Part II: 152 TNT patients were compared to 356 AIS patients from the NSQIP database that were operated on using computer-assisted navigation between 2012 and 2018 (Navigation Group). Operative time, blood loss and 30-day complications were compared. All data was presented as mean and frequencies where appropriate. Fisher's Exact and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for statistical analysis. <h3>RESULTS</h3> Part I: Average radiation dose for TNT patients was 8.3 mGy compared to 3.5 mGy for the fluoro group (p < 0.001). Average radiation time was 12.6 seconds for the TNT group versus 29.8 seconds for Fluoro (p < 0.001). Operative time was significantly shorter for the TNT patients with an average of 236.6 minutes versus 308.8 minutes (p < 0.001). TNT patients had significantly less blood loss than fluoro patients (444 cc vs 625 cc, p < 0.001). 17 (11.1%) of TNT patients required transfusion compared to 24 (17.5%) Fluoro patients (p < 0.001). Two (2.3%) patients in the TNT group returned within 30-days for superior mesenteric artery syndrome. 5 (3.6%) Fluoro patients returned within 30 days, four for surgical site infections requiring irrigation and debridement, and one patient returned for deep vein thrombosis. Part II: TNT Group had a mean operative time of 236.6 minutes compared to 352 for the Navigation group (p < 0.001). 73.6% of Navigation patients were transfused versus 9.2% of TNT patients (p < 0.001). Navigation patients had significantly more 30-day complication than TNT patients (p < 0.001). Most Navigation returns were deep wound infection, sepsis and reoperation. In contrast, TNT patients only had two cases of superior mesenteric artery syndrome. <h3>CONCLUSIONS</h3> As novel technology allows for better anatomic bone visualization, surgeons should implement these innovations into their technique accordingly, while maintaining surgical control. This technique and technology approach allows for adopting technology into surgical approach rather than restructuring the surgical approach. This happy medium helps with screw accuracy without prolonging surgical time, blood loss and associated complications and has superior surgical outcomes compared to both traditional fluoroscopy and computer assisted approaches. <h3>FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS</h3> This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

The Accuracy of Patient-Specific Instrumentation with Laser Guidance in a Dynamic Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Radiological Evaluation.

The functional positioning of components in a total hip arthroplasty (THA) and its relationship with individual lumbopelvic kinematics and a patient’s anatomy are being extensively studied. Patient-specific kinematic planning could be a game-changer; however, it should be accurately delivered intraoperatively. The main purpose of this study was to verify the reliability and accuracy of a patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) and laser-guided technique to replicate preoperative dynamic planning. Thirty-six patients were prospectively enrolled and received dynamic hip preoperative planning based on three functional lateral spinopelvic X-rays and a low dose CT scan. Three-dimensional (3D) printed PSI guides and laser-guided instrumentation were used intraoperatively. The orientation of the components, osteotomy level and change in hip length and offset were measured on postoperative CT scans and compared with the planned preoperative values. The length of surgery was compared with that of a matched group of thirty-six patients who underwent a conventional THA. The mean absolute deviation from the planned inclination and anteversion was 3.9° and 4.4°, respectively. In 92% of cases, both the inclination and anteversion were within +/− 10° of the planned values. Regarding the osteotomy level, offset change and limb length change, the mean deviation was, respectively, 1.6 mm, 2.6 mm and 2 mm. No statistically significant difference was detected when comparing the planned values with the achieved values. The mean surgical time was 71.4 min in the PSI group and 60.4 min in the conventional THA group (p < 0.05). Patient-specific and laser-guided instrumentation is safe and accurately reproduces dynamic planning in terms of the orientation of the components, osteotomy level, leg length and offset. Moreover, the increase in surgical time is negligible.

Application-Specific Learning Curve With a Modern Computer-Assisted Orthopedic Surgery System for Joint Arthroplasty

Abstract A commonly acknowledged barrier for the adoption of new computer-assisted orthopedic surgery (CAOS) technologies relates to a perceived long and steep learning curve. However, this perception has not been objectively tested with the consideration of surgeon-specific learning approaches. This study employed the cumulative sum control chart (CUSUM) to investigate individual surgeon's learning of CAOS technology by monitoring the stability of the surgical process regarding surgical time. Two applications for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and two applications for total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) provided by a modern CAOS system were assessed with a total of 21 surgeons with different levels of previous CAOS experience. The surgeon-specific learning durations identified by CUSUM method revealed that CAOS applications with “full guidance” (i.e., those that offer comprehensive guidance, full customization, and utilize CAOS-specific instrumentation) required on average less than ten cases to learn, while the streamlined application designed as a CAOS augmentation of existing mechanical instrumentation demonstrated a minimal learning curve (less than three cases). During the learning phase, the increase in surgical time was found to be moderate (approximately 15 min or less) for the “full guidance” applications, while the streamlined CAOS application only saw a clinically negligible time increase (under 5 min). The CUSUM method provided an objective and consistent measurement on learning, and demonstrated, contrary to common perception, a minimal to modest learning curve required by the modern CAOS system studied.

Patients Submitted to Myocardial Revascularization with the Use of Bilateral Internal Thoracic Arteries: Diabetics vs. Non-Diabetics.

IntroductionUse of bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) as graft in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is controversial because it is related to higher in-hospital mortality, incidence of sternal wound-related infection, and an increase in surgical time. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate in-hospital mortality and mortality within 30 days from discharge. The secondary objective is to evaluate the occurrence of deep sternal wound infection in a 90-day follow-up.MethodsThis is a retrospective review of the medical records of 152 patients undergoing elective CABG with the use of BITA and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). These patients were divided into two groups, diabetics and non-diabetics. Patients with acute myocardial infarction and concomitant valvular disease were not included in the sample.ResultsPreoperative characteristics did not show significant differences between the groups, which allowed a comparative analysis. The variables electrocardiography time and aortic clamping time were higher in the diabetic group, with a significant statistical difference (P<0.0001). In-hospital mortality occurred in three patients, and there was no mortality up to 30 days in both groups. There was no significant difference in the primary end point between groups (P=0.56). Deep sternal wound infection was present in only one patient and showed no significant difference in the secondary outcome between groups (P=0.40).ConclusionWe did not observe a higher mortality and occurrence of deep sternal wound infection with the use of BITA in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetics, even with greater CPB and aortic clamping times in diabetics.

The V-Y gluteal fold advancement flap: Outcomes following radical surgery for vulvar malignancies.

To evaluate the feasibility and complication rate of the V-Y gluteal fold flap in surgery for vulvar cancer. From June 2015 to June 2018, 62 patients surgically treated for vulvar cancer were included in the study. Twenty-three (37.1%) underwent plastic reconstructive surgery with V-Y advancement flaps. The mean surgical time was longer for patients undergoing V-Y flap surgery. The margins were positive in six patients (9.7%), close (<8mm) in 10 (16.1%), and adequate (>8mm) in 46 (74.2%). Six (9.7%) patients had dehiscence and two (3.2%) patients suffered from necrosis. In patients undergoing V-Y flap reconstruction, two (8.7%) had a wound dehiscence, no patients had necrosis. In patients undergoing direct closure, four (10.3%) had wound dehiscence and two (5.1%) had necrosis. V-Y gluteal fold advancement technique is a safe procedure, performed in a single surgical session with minimal increase in surgical time and low wound healing complications. Use of this technique was correlated with an increased rate of adequate surgical margins (<8mm) and reduced need for adjuvant radiotherapy.

A comparative study looking at trauma and orthopaedic operating efficiency in the COVID-19 era

BackgroudCOVID-19 has led to a reduction in operating efficiency. We aim to identify these inefficiencies and possible solutions as we begin to pursue a move to planned surgical care. MethodsAll trauma and orthopaedic emergency surgery were analysed for May 2019 and May 2020. Timing data was collated to look at the following: anaesthetic preparation time, anaesthetic time, surgical preparation time, surgical time, transfer to recovery time and turnaround time. Data for 2019 was collected retrospectively and data for 2020 was collected prospectively. ResultsA total of 222 patients underwent emergency orthopaedic surgery in May 2019 and 161 in May 2020. A statistically significant increase in all timings was demonstrated in 2020 apart from anaesthetic time which demonstrated a significant decrease. A subgroup analysis for hip fractures demonstrated a similar result. No increase in surgical time was observed in hand and wrist surgery or for debridement and washouts.Although the decrease in anaesthetic time is difficult to explain, this could be attributed to a reduction in combined anaesthetic techniques and possibly the effect of fear. The other increases in time demonstrated can largely be attributed to the PPE required for aerosol generating procedures and other measures taken to reduce spread of the virus. These procedures currently form a large amount of the orthopaedic case load. ConclusionCOVID-19 has led to significant reductions in operating room efficiency. This will have significant impact on waiting times. Increasing frequency of regional anaesthesia concurrently with non-aerosol generating surgeries may improve efficiency.

3D Printed Patient-Specific Acetabular Jig for Cup Placement in Total Hip Arthroplasty.

IntroductionAcetabular cup placement is an important modifiable factor determining complication rates like aseptic loosening and hip dislocation related to faulty cup placement, which by standard method is largely dependent upon eyeballing and surgeon’s judgment. We evaluated a self-designed, low-cost, patient-specific acetabular jig to guide cup placement in total hip arthroplasty in comparison to conventional technique.MethodsIt was a prospective randomized control study. Thirty-six patients were categorized into group-A & group-B. In group-A, virtually designed acetabular jig was 3 Dimensional (3D) printed and used intra-operatively to guide cup placement. In group-B, the standard method of cup placement was used. Acetabular cup placement was evaluated on post-operative x-rays and compared between two groups.ResultsIn group-A, angle of anteversion were significantly in centre of range of safe zone as compared to group B in which hip is maximally stable with more precision in creating hip centre as compared to group-B without any significant(p = 0.325) increase in surgical time or blood loss.ConclusionComputed tomography (CT) scan based virtual pre-operative templating and cup placement guided by virtually designed, patient-specific acetabular jig is a low-cost tool with a short learning curve which can be designed and made available easily. It is a useful tool in decreasing chances of malpositioning of cup and recreates hip centre close to anatomical one especially in cases where anatomy has been distorted such as bony ankylosis and developmental dysplasia of hip.

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Failed Proximal Humerus Osteosynthesis With Intramedullary Allograft: A Case Series

Introduction The presence of retained intramedullary fibular allograft presents many challenges during reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), which have been discussed in limited fashion. This case series presents a single-surgeon experience with 6 patients treated with RSA following failed osteosynthesis of proximal humerus fractures using intramedullary allografts. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of RSA patients with a minimum of 2-year follow-up (exception of 1 deceased patient) for failed plate fixation of proximal humerus fractures. Two cohorts were created based on the presence of an intramedullary allograft during the procedure. Patient-reported outcome measures, active range of motion, time to revision, surgical time, complications, and case descriptions were obtained from chart review and radiographic analysis. Results When treating patients with a retained allograft, the surgeon used a guide pin from a cannulated screw set to advance through the graft, and a cannulated drill was used to ream and bypass the allograft, contributing to a 22% increase in surgical time (151 vs 124 min). Intraoperative complications were observed only in the allograft cohort (50%; 3 of 6), including cortical perforation with cement extrusion, humeral loosening, and proximal humerus bone loss. Patients treated with a retained allograft experienced pain relief ( P = .001) but did not gain significant functional improvements. Conclusion RSA for failed proximal humerus fixation with healed intramedullary allograft is associated with increased operative time and intraoperative complications, and patients can mostly expect pain relief. Techniques for humeral canal preparation and stem placement to bypass the allograft are helpful in managing these revisions.

Simultaneous local excision of synchronous rectal polyps by transanal endoscopic microsurgery

The approach to surgical resection of multiple rectal lesions when endoscopic polypectomy is unsuccessful has historically been radical rectal resection with total mesorectal excision. This approach is fraught with high morbidity and mortality. We explored the possibility of performing one transanal endoscopic microsurgery procedure to resect multiple synchronous rectal lesions. A retrospective analysis of all adult patients undergoing transanal endoscopic microsurgery at a single institution between 2004 and 2015. Clinical, demographic, and pathologic data were analyzed for all patients with synchronous rectal lesions that were excised via one transanal endoscopic microsurgery procedure. Of the 158 patients who underwent transanal endoscopic microsurgery during the study period, 14 (8.8%) had two or more synchronous rectal lesions resected. The mean tumor size was 2.5 cm (range 0.5-3.5). The mean distance from the anal verge for the upper/proximal lesions: 10 ± 2.5 cm, and for the lower/distal lesions: 7 ± 2 cm. Mean operative time was 112 minutes (range 75-170). Median hospitalization time was 3 days (range 2-4). Two patients had urinary retention. No other complications were noted. All the transanal endoscopic microsurgery specimens were with clear margins. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is a safe and feasible procedure for patients with multiple rectal lesions. We demonstrate no increase in surgical time, completeness of specimen resection, no increase in complications or hospital length or stay when compared to patients undergoing transanal endoscopic microsurgery for a single lesion.