Intraoperative Judgment Research Articles

Hysteroscopic incision of the incomplete uterine septum using 5-French scissors with marking strategies: a modified hysteroscopic technique

To demonstrate an easier surgical strategy by using the marking technique for hysteroscopic incision of the uterine septum using 5-French cold scissors. A step-by-step surgical video demonstration. Gynecologic department of the affiliated hospital. A 33-year-old woman presented with a 4-year history of primary infertility. She previously had undergone transcervical resection of (uterine) septum owing to the presence of a complete uterine septum and double cervices. Postoperative 3-dimensional ultrasound revealed a 1.2-cm residual uterine septum, and the outline of the uterine fundus was flat. A second surgery for resection of the residual septum was recommended before invitro fertilization and embryo transfer. We used the Campo hysteroscope (4.4-mm outer sheath) and 5-French scissors with our modified marking strategy to incise the incomplete uterine septum. There were several critical strategies for this approach. After fully exposing 2 fallopian tube ostia, a 3-5-mm mark was made on each side of the uterine fundus where the septum ended, and the marks were parallel to the fallopian tubal ostia. The septum then was incised along the line between the two previously marked points that served as the endpoints. Care was taken to avoid incising myometrial blood vessels during incision, and the 5-French bipolar electrode was used for coagulation when necessary. At the end of the surgery, the distension pressure was gradually decreased to 80 mm Hg to confirm hemostasis of the wound before withdrawing the hysteroscope. Description of a modified hysteroscopic technique. The overall operation time was 10 minutes, and the estimated blood loss was 5 mL. The residual septum was resected successfully while maintaining optimal hysteroscopic visualization. There were no short-term complications, such as uterine perforation or fluid overload. Hysteroscopic evaluation performed 3 months after surgery revealed that the uterine cavity was nearly normal, with no intrauterine adhesion appreciated. There are several advantages to this innovative and practical hysteroscopic surgical approach. Marking the lateral limits of the uterine septum means that a shorter reference line is obtained to incise the septum effectively rather than using the bilateral ostia as reference points. At the same time, marking the bilateral endpoint of the uterine septum incision at the beginning of the surgery might be helpful when bilateral tubal ostia are invisible because of quick absorption of the distension media, which causes insufficient distention pressure at the end of the surgery. Use of the narrow 5-French scissors allowed for instrumentation without prior cervical dilation. Moreover, with this "see and treat" strategy, a clear visualization of the surgical field was maintained without inserting and withdrawing the hysteroscope. The endometrium sustained minimal damage because of the "cold scissors" technique. Our hysteroscopic marking strategy allows the surgeon's intraoperative judgment to be efficient and safe during incision of the uterine septum and ensures that the incision is adequate. It is an improved and valid surgical strategy for hysteroscopic incision of the uterine septum.

Pediatric neurosurgeons' philosophical approaches to making intraoperative decisions when encountering an uncertainty or a complication while operating on children.

The objective of this study was to explore approaches to intraoperative decision-making in pediatric neurosurgeons when they encounter unexpected events, uncertainties, or complications while operating on children. Twenty-six pediatric neurosurgeons from 12 countries around the world were interviewed using a semistructured interview guide. The grounded theory method of data collection and analysis was used. Analysis involved line-by-line coding and was inductive, with codes and categories emerging from participants' narratives. When asked to discuss the strategies they used to make intraoperative decisions, neurosurgeons reported three distinct approaches that formed a philosophy of practice. This included the theme of professional practice-with the subthemes of preparing for uncertainty, doing no harm, being creative and adaptive, being systematic, and working on teams. The second theme pertained to patient and caregiver practices-with the subthemes of shared decision-making and seeing the whole patient. The third theme involved surgeon practice-with the subthemes of cultivating self-awareness and learning from experience. Pediatric neurosurgeons have a structured, diverse, and well-thought-out analytical philosophy and practice regarding intraoperative decision-making that encompasses a range of approaches including the following: doing no harm, cultivating self-awareness, and seeing the whole patient; and concrete practices such as preparing in advance for uncertainty, working on teams, and learning from experience. These philosophies and practices can be structured and codified in order to teach residents how to develop intraoperative judgment techniques.

A novel CAD/CAM composite occlusal splint for intraoperative verification in single-splint two-jaw orthognathic surgery

BackgroundPrevious computer-generated splints were designed and produced without modification than the traditional occlusal splints, which did not facilitate surgeon's intraoperative judgment in the single-splint two-jaw orthognathic surgery. Modifications of the digital occlusal splint can be achieved using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software. This study reported the design, clinical application and validation of a novel CAD/CAM occlusal splint. MethodsThe maxillary and mandibular segments were fixed into the final occlusal splint and moved to the planned position according to the 3-dimensional simulation. The composite occlusal splint has 4 orthogonal bars to facilitate intraoperative assessment of the dental and skeletal midline, facial soft tissue midline, occlusal plane, upper tooth show, facial symmetry and facial bone position. To validate the surgical outcome, 5 parameters including pitch, roll and yaw rotations, midline deviation and chin position were measured on the virtual plan and the postoperative cone-beam computed tomography images to quantify the difference. ResultsThe results showed no significant differences in the 5 parameters between the simulation and postoperative images. The root-mean-square difference between the conventional splints and CAD/CAM surgical splint ranged from 0.18 to 0.31 mm by superimposition of the two image models. All patients were satisfied with the treatment outcomes. Overall, this novel occlusal splint is ideal for verification of the maxillomandibular position during surgery. ConclusionThe novel composite occlusal splint provided useful and informative check to verify the maxillomandibular complex (MMC) position and facial appearance in single-splint two-jaw orthognathic surgery.

Application of a simple skin stretching system and negative pressure wound therapy in repair of complex diabetic foot wounds

The management of complex diabetic foot wounds with large skin defects poses a challenge for surgeons. We presented a simple skin stretching system and negative pressure wound therapy for the repair of complex diabetic foot wounds to examine the effectiveness and safety.A total of 16 patients with diabetic foot ulcers were retrospectively reviewed between January 2015 and October 2020. All patients underwent the treatment by 3 stages. In stage 2, these difficult-to-close wounds of diabetes foot were residual. This method was applied to the wounds with a median defect size of 20.42 cm2 (range, 4.71–66.76 cm2).The median time for closure of complex diabetic foot wounds was 14 days ranging from 8 to 19 days. With respect to the absolute rates of reduction, it was observed with a median of 1.86 cm2/day, ranging from 0.29 cm2/day to 8.35 cm2/day. In accordance with the localization of the defect, the patients were divided into 3 groups: side of the foot (37.5%), dorsum of the foot (50.0%), and others (12.5%). There was no statistical difference between side of the foot and dorsum of the foot in terms of the median defect size with P = 0.069 (Kruskal–Wallis test). Otherwise, there were statistically significant differences regarding the median time and the median absolute rates (P < 0.05; Kruskal–Wallis test). No severe complications were encountered in this study.In summary, our results show that application of the simple skin stretching system and NPWT is an effective and safe approach to complex diabetic foot wounds. Nevertheless, more attention should be paid to the appropriate patient selection and intraoperative judgment to ensure wound closure and avoid undue complications.

Can Good Intraoperative Judgement Be Taught?: Pediatric Neurosurgeons’ Pedagogical Approaches to Training Residents on Intraoperative Decision-Making

To explore how pediatric neurosurgeons train residents in developing intraoperative decision-making judgement. This study used the Grounded Theory Method in its study design. In-depth interviews were conducted with pediatric neurosurgeons about their approaches to training residents in intraoperative decision making. Data was analyzed line-by-line with codes and categories emerging from participants narratives. Twenty-six pediatric neurosurgeons from 12 countries were interviewed using video-conferencing technology. Pediatric Neurosurgeons used a variety of training approaches that included pre-surgery discussions, didactic communication during surgery, post-surgery debriefing, allowing residents to model and observe their own intraoperative behaviors, using case studies to teach, and ongoing mentorship. In addition, they encouraged residents to ask for help when needed and emphasized the importance of empathy as a surgeon. Challenges to training residents included the notion that decision-making could only be learned through personal experience, the trainee's personality, and an over-reliance on algorithms and standardized medicine. Training neurosurgical residents about intraoperative decision-making appears to be ad-hoc and dependent on both the institution and the availability and willingness of senior surgeons to make this a part of their pedagogy. Surgical departments could use these findings to reflect on their own teaching practices and explore whether they wish to teach these skills more explicitly, and in what ways these skills can be best taught to residents.

Development in the diagnosis and treatment of Descemet's membrane detachment

Descemet's membrane detachment (DMD) is a complication of intraocular surgery and is more likely to be seen after cataract surgery. As an intraoperative event, DMD usually features wrinkles and edema on the posterior corneal surface or floating membranoid substance seen in the anterior chamber. Such edema is often seen as surgery-caused corneal edema and membranoid substance as the anterior capsule of the lens. Thus, DMD is easily clinically ignored, even though it is conveniently treated if timely observed. Serious consequences are not uncommon with any delayed diagnosis or treatment. Risk factors include advanced age, previous corneal endothelial lesions and glaucoma, as well as preoperative shallow anterior chamber. Clinical diagnosis is based upon intraoperative judgment, corneal edema diagnosed under a microscope or slit lamp and consequent floating Descemet's membrane. In serious cases, anterior segment OCT and UBM are required. Intracameral injections of air are traditionally adopted in the treatment. In less serious cases, patients see self-healing. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 143-149).

Comparative evaluation of different direct pulp capping agents in carious tooth: An in vivo study.

Background:The success of direct pulp capping (DPC) depends on the preoperative assessment of pulpal status, intraoperative judgment after pulp exposure, and the biomaterials used to cap the pulp.Aim:The study aims to compare the clinical and radiographic responses of the pulp–dentin complex after DPC with TheraCal LC, Biodentine, and current gold standard mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Plus.Materials and Methods:Ninety vital permanent teeth with Class I deep carious lesions were randomly divided into three different groups. After the caries excavation, hemostasis was established using sodium hypochlorite at the site of pulp exposure on which the material was placed. Clinical and radiographic follow-ups were performed at 1-, 3-, and 6-month intervals.Results:Overall success rates of MTA Plus, Biodentine, and TheraCal LC were statistically insignificant.Conclusions:TheraCal LC and Biodentine showed similar success rates when compared to MTA Plus and can be used as an agent in DPC.

Appendicular neoplasms and consequences in patients undergoing surgery for suspected acute appendicitis

IntroductionIn patients treated with an appendectomy for acute appendicitis, the specimen is generally sent for histological evaluation. In an era of increasing non-operative treatment for acute appendicitis, it is important to know the incidence, the diagnostic accuracy, and treatment consequences of appendicular neoplasms that are found in acute appendicitis. We hypothesize that pre- and intra-operative parameters might predict an appendicular neoplasm.MethodsData was used from our previous prospective observational cohort study. All patients undergoing surgery for suspected acute appendicitis were included. The primary outcome was the incidence of appendicular neoplasms in patients operated for acute appendicitis. Secondary outcomes were pre-operative diagnostics and imaging outcomes, intra-operative surgical judgment, and postoperative management and outcome. Possible predictors of an appendicular neoplasm were identified and used in multivariable logistic regression. Patients with an appendicular neoplasm were followed for 3 years after initial appendectomy.ResultsA total of 1975 patients underwent surgery for suspected acute appendicitis and in 98.3% (1941/1975) the appendix was removed. In 1.5% (30/1941) of these patients, an appendicular neoplasm was found. Among the malignant neoplasms, the majority were grade 1 neuroendocrine tumors (NET) in 65% (13/20). On pre-operative imaging, there was no suspicion of malignancy. In three cases, there was an intra-operative suspicion of malignancy. Multivariable analysis showed only age as an independent predictor for appendicular neoplasms. No recurrent or new malignancy was found during follow-up.DiscussionThe incidence of appendicular neoplasm in patients undergoing an acute appendectomy is very low and clinical risk factors could not be identified.

A prospective study of real-time identification of line of transection in robotic colorectal cancer surgery by ICG

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in women and the third most common cancer in men in the world. Surgical resection is the gold standard treatment and minimally invasive surgery remains the standard of care. Anastomotic leakage is one of the most feared postoperative complications in colorectal surgery. Although several factors have been identified as possible causes of anastomotic leakage (i.e., surgical techniques, patient risk factors, suture material or devices), the complete pathogenesis is still unclear. The reported leak rate ranges from 1 to 30% and increases as the anastomosis is more distal. To date the most widely used methods to assess tissue perfusion includes the surgeon intraoperative visual judgement based on the colour; bleeding edges of resected margins; pulsation and temperature, thereby resulting in either excess or insufficient colonic resection. Earlier studies in colorectal surgery have suggested that assessment of tissue perfusion by the clinical judgment of the operating surgeon underestimated the risk of anastomotic leakage. Indocyanine green (ICG) is a intravenous dye which has shown promise in identifying the bowel vascularity real time. Earlier studies on colorectal cancer have shown that ICG based detection of bowel vascularity is technically possible and has reduced the anastomotic leak rates in 16.7% of patients. We conducted a prospective study on patients with ICG guided bowel perfusion during robotic colorectal cancer surgery. The method is technically easy, reproducible and safe. This technique has changed the intraoperative decision in 88% of patients. Larger studies are needed before this can become the standard of care.

Flexor digitorum profundus with or without flexor digitorum superficialis tendon repair in acute Zone 2B injuries.

A total of 53 patients with complete cuts of two flexor tendons in Zone 2B treated over a 9-year period was reviewed. Twenty-three patients (28 fingers) had only flexor digitorum profundus repair, while 30 patients (36 fingers) had both flexor digitorum profundus and flexor digitorum superficialis repairs, with a mean follow-up of 21 months (range 12-84). The decision to repair the flexor digitorum superficialis was made according to intraoperative judgement of ease of repair and gliding of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon. Two groups of patients showed no significant differences in total range of active or passive digital motion and power grip percentage to the contralateral hand. However, the values of power grip were statistically superior in the patients with both tendons repaired. The patients after flexor digitorum profundus-only repairs showed significantly greater but still mild flexion contracture (mean 20 °) of the operated digits. The Tang gradings were the same with 89% good and excellent rates in both groups. The conclusion is that although repair of both flexor digitorum profundus and flexor digitorum superficialis tendons is slightly more preferable based on increased grip strength, the repair of the flexor digitorum superficialis together with flexor digitorum profundus is not mandatory. Whether or not to repair flexor digitorum superficialis is an intraoperative decision based on the ease of gliding of the repaired tendon(s).Level of evidence: III.

170 - Are second victims real victims? Evidence and reflections on the traumatic impact of adverse events in the medical setting

An intraoperative adverse event (iAE) is often directly attributable to the surgeon's technical error and/or suboptimal intraoperative judgment. We aimed to examine the psychological impact of iAEs on surgeons as well as the surgeons' attitude about iAE reporting.We conducted a web-based cross-sectional survey of all surgeons at 3 major teaching hospitals of the same university. The 29-item questionnaire was developed using a systematic closed and open approach focused on assessing the surgeons' personal account of iAE incidence, emotional response to iAEs, available support systems, and perspective about the barriers to iAE reporting.The response rate was 44.8% (n = 126). Mean age of respondents was 49 years, 77% were male, and 83% performed >150 procedures/year. During the last year, 32% recalled 1 iAE, 39% recalled 2 to 5 iAEs, and 9% recalled >6 iAEs. The emotional toll of iAEs was significant, with 84% of respondents reporting a combination of anxiety (66%), guilt (60%), sadness (52%), shame/embarrassment (42%), and anger (29%). Colleagues constituted the most helpful support system (42%) rather than friends or family; a few surgeons needed psychological therapy/counseling. As for reporting, 26% preferred not to see their individual iAE rates, and 38% wanted it reported in comparison with their aggregate colleagues' rate. The most common barriers to reporting iAEs were fear of litigation (50%), lack of a standardized reporting system (49%), and absence of a clear iAE definition (48%).Intraoperative AEs occur often, have a significant negative impact on surgeons' well-being, and barriers to transparency are fear of litigation and absence of a well-defined reporting system. Efforts should be made to support surgeons and standardize reporting when iAEs occur.

What’s Important: Is “Spring Training” Necessary for Surgeons After a Long COVID-19 Off-Season?

We are 2 seasoned orthopaedic surgeons who, prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, had not taken more than a consecutive week or 2 off from surgery (sports medicine and joint arthroplasty) during 30-plus years of practice each. Others in the orthopaedic community may well relate. In Outliers: The Story of Success, Malcolm Gladwell popularized the “10,000-hours” rule as the time that is required to obtain expertise in any field or “the magic number of greatness.”1 The current hiatus from elective procedures has left us wondering: can the technical expertise required in orthopaedic surgery, or any surgical subspecialty, be maintained if disrupted? How will COVID-19 impact surgeons’ 10,000 hours? Several years ago, after personally undergoing a surgical procedure that necessitated absence from the gym for 4 weeks, one of us found that lifting 25 lb (11 kg) felt like 50 lb (23 kg). Ten minutes on a treadmill felt like 30. It was striking just how rapidly conditioning can be lost. Repetition fuels “muscle memory,” and distancing (social or physical) from any activity likely requires some degree of reintroduction or reeducation. In professional baseball, after 2 to 3 months in the off-season, players have traditionally gathered in warm climates to work out, refresh their skills, and then play exhibition games. Only after spring training does the “real” season start, with games and individual statistics that count. Similarly, even seasoned U.S. Air Force pilots and squadron commanders are required to fly in simulators and have “check rides” with an instructor to remain “certified.” Of course, in an emergency, any trained military pilot will jump into the left-hand seat despite a layoff if so ordered, despite the risk. In our state of North Carolina, as in other U.S. states, the “stay-at-home” order was extended as the COVID-19 crisis evolved. For us, that translates to a minimum of 6 weeks without elective surgery. What does that mean for our own and others’ surgical skills and intraoperative judgment if an embargo on elective orthopaedic surgery extends from 2 weeks to 2 months or longer? When shooting free throws or swinging a golf club, it is generally agreed that the less “thought about it” the better. If a surgeon’s mind is focused on what the hands are doing, that could be problematic. Will performing shoulder arthroscopy, a total knee arthroplasty, or even simple knot-tying become more labored (i.e., take longer and be more prone to mistakes)? Once you have truly mastered something, Zen Buddhism would teach “simply be.” Do not let the mind interfere. Perhaps resuming complex orthopaedic procedures that require manual dexterity, mental acuity, and proper intraoperative judgment could resemble returning to the gym after a lengthy absence or the off-season in baseball. We certainly do not have the correct answer for any and all surgeons, but expertise without repetition may be hazardous to one’s health—especially for the one beneath the scalpel or the power saw. Perhaps it is sufficient to be aware and mindful of what could happen after an extended hiatus from complex surgical procedures. Our advice: above all, do no harm, and “lift” no more than you can confidently handle. We are concerned that hospital or practice administrators, department chairs, or the surgeons themselves will want everyone to “do more” immediately to make up for lost weeks and RVUs (relative value units). In a paper on resident workforce and education during the COVID-19 pandemic, the authors noted that “we expect that [as] the healthcare system emerges from this crisis, surgeons may creatively work extra hours (evenings/weekends) to catch up on pent-up surgical demand from patients whose elective procedures were delayed because of the crisis.”2 We do not favor such an approach. Perhaps you should not restart your surgical practice layoff with 6 cases and 2 rooms. We do not think that extra elective cases should be added at the end of the day or on Saturdays. Be patient with yourself and your colleagues. Build up slowly. It will come back in due time. Our mistakes could result in permanent complications for our patients. We welcome the thoughts and the plans of other surgeons.

Three-Dimensional Printing, Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality for Pulmonary Atresia: Early Surgical Outcomes Evaluation

Single-stage unifocalisation for pulmonary atresia (PA) with ventricular septal defect (VSD) and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCA) requires a high degree of three-dimensional (3D) anatomical imagination. A previous study has reported the application of a 3D-printed heart model with virtual reality (VR) or mixed reality (MR). However, few studies have evaluated the surgical outcomes of the 3D model with VR or MR in PA/VSD patients. Three-dimensional (3D) heart models of five selected PA/VSD patients were derived from traditional imageology of their hearts. Using VR glasses, the 3D models were also visualised in the operating room. Both the 3D-printed heart models and preoperative evaluation by VR were used in the five selected patients for surgical simulation and better anatomical understanding. Mixed reality holograms were used as perioperative assistive tools. Surgical outcomes were assessed, including in-hospital and early follow-up clinical data. The use of these three new technologies had favourable feedback from the surgeons on intraoperative judgment. There were no in-hospital or early deaths. No reintervention was required until the last follow-up. Three (3) patients developed postoperative complications: one had right bundle branch block and ST-segment change, one had chest drainage >7 days (>40 mL/day) and one had pneumonia. The preoperative application of a 3D-printed heart model with VR or MR helped in aligning the surgical field. These technologies improved the understanding of complicated cardiac anatomy and achieved acceptable surgical outcomes as guiding surgical planning.

Aborting a neurosurgical procedure: analyzing the decision factors, with endoscopic third ventriculostomy as a model.

Aborting a neurosurgical procedure is a situation in which the surgeon modifies the original surgical plan and decides to stop a procedure without achieving the pre-operative goal. While adhering to predefined goals is important, intra-operative judgment, especially in terms of adjusting the risk/benefit ratio in response to real-time data, may change the balance and lead, in selective scenarios, to aborting of a procedure. The literature regarding aborting a surgical procedure is sparse, with no objective guidelines on when, and how, to make such a decision. Defining "when to abort" is difficult and is influenced by many factors, including unexpected intraoperative findings, the surgeon's surgical experience and perspective, and the patient and family perspective. Aborting a procedure is a decision that must be ultimately determined by the surgical findings and the individual treatment alternatives. The aim of this paper is to discuss the condition of aborting a neurosurgical procedure, using the relatively common endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) as a model procedure prototype.

Impact of 4K ultra-high-definition endoscope in pituitary surgery: analysis of a comparative institutional case series.

Trans-sphenoidal endoscopic surgery has drawn huge benefits from advances in surgical visualization. The Ultra-HD "4K" endoscope has improved 4-fold image resolution compared with HD, but its actual advantages are unclear. Aim of the present study was to assess its usefulness in the early outcome of trans-sphenoidal surgery. We analyzed a series of 199 trans-sphenoidal pituitary adenoma procedures performed by an experienced team using alternatively HD (N.=102) or 4K (N.=97) endoscopes. We evaluated extent of resection both subjectively, based on intraoperative surgeon's impression, and objectively based on postoperative MR scan. Baseline patients' characteristics were balanced. Objective near-total and total resection rates were comparable between 4K and HD groups (91.5% vs. 86.3% and 64.9% vs. 56.9%, respectively). 4K endoscope slightly improved resection rate in recurrent adenoma. At multivariate analysis, the only independent prognosticator of total resection was cavernous sinus invasion. Importantly, 4K endoscope enhanced the reliability of intraoperative judgement on extent of resection, significantly reducing unexpected residuals (12.8% vs. 33.3% for HD). Operative features and clinical outcomes were similar. The HD endoscope remains the standard-of-care for pituitary surgery. The 4K enhanced, "immersive" visualization significantly improved the reliability of surgeon's judgment on resection and might be useful in surgically difficult cases.

The role of preoperative 3D-ultrasound in intraoperative judgement for hysteroscopic adhesiolysis.

Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis (HA) remains the mainstay of treatment for intrauterine adhesions (IUA). In cases of moderate or severe IUA, the assistance of various adjunctive aids are usually sought to improve HA's success rate. Among these, intraoperative transabdominal ultrasound (TAS) is the most common; however, it has certain limitations. Preoperative three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound (3D-TVUS) has been accepted as a non-invasive way to provide accurate information about the uterine cavity. This prospective, non-randomized controlled study will assess the effects of pre-operative 3D-TVUS prior to HA in improving the surgeon's intraoperative judgement. A total of 362 patients, who met the inclusion criteria, aged between 18 and 45 years and diagnosed with moderate or severe IUA underwent HA at our hospital from March 2018 to December 2018. Participants were divided into 2 groups; the study group; n=182 performed 3D-TVUS evaluation prior to HA, and the control group; n=180 underwent HA without preoperative 3D-TVUS evaluation. The following basic information were collected prospectively for both groups: age, parity, history of abortion, degree of IUA, surgical complications and number of hysteroscopic interventions. The data obtained from 3D-TVUS in the study group was carefully studied at the preoperative stage by the operator and was integrated into intraoperative findings, further assisting with intraoperative decisions. The guiding value of preoperative 3D-TVUS for HA was evaluated by comparing and analyzing the postoperative exposure rate of clearly visible tubal ostia between the groups. Based on the basic information (P>0.05) collected preoperatively, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups. Postoperatively, the study group had a better surgical success rate with a more significant AFS score reduction (4.71±2.05; P<0.0001) and better morphological restoration of the uterine cavity, with more adhesion-free uterine horns and more clearly visible fallopian tube ostia (P<0.0001) following HA. This study showed that preoperative 3D-TVUS evaluation helped the hysteroscopists with their intraoperative decision-making while carrying out HA. In comparison to those who did not perform preoperative 3D ultrasound, those who underwent 3D-TVUS evaluation had a better surgical success rate in retrieving the fallopian tube ostia and the restoration of normal uterine cavity morphology.

Assessing and improving intraoperative judgement.

Assessing and improving intraoperative judgement.

Long term surgical results of 154 petroclival meningiomas: A retrospective multicenter study

BackgroundOutcomes of petroclival meningiomas (PCM) (morbidity, permanent cranial nerves deficit, tumor removal and recurrence) are inconsistent in the literature, making it a challenge to predict surgical morbidity. MethodsA multicenter study of patients with PCMs larger than 2.5cm between 1984 and 2017 was conducted. The authors retrospectively reviewed the patients’ medical records, imaging studies and pathology reports to analyze presentation, surgical approach, neurological outcomes, complications, recurrence rates and predictive factors. ResultsThere were 154 patients. The follow-up was 76.8 months on average (range 8–380 months). Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 40 (26.0%) patients, subtotal resection (STR) in 101 (65.6%), and partial resection in 13 (8.3%). Six (2.6%) perioperative deaths occurred. The 5-year, 10-year and 15-year progression-free survival (PFS) of GTR and STR with radiation therapy (RT) was similar (100%, 90% and 75%). PFS of STR without adjuvant radiation was associated with progression in 71%, 51% and 31%, respectively. Anterior petrosectomy and combined petrosectomy were associated with higher postoperative CN V and CN VI deficits compared to the retrosigmoid approach. The latter had a significantly higher risk of CN VII, CN VIII and LCN deficit. Temporal lobe dysfunction (seizure and aphasia) were significantly associated with the anterior petrosectomy approach. ConclusionsOur study shows that optimal subtotal resection of PCMs associated with postoperative RT or stereotactic radiosurgery results in long-term tumor control to equivalent radical surgery. Case selection and appropriate intraoperative judgement are required to reduce the morbidity.

Institutional Algorithm for the Optimal Treatment Strategy for the Patients with Severe Coronary Artery Disease in Lung Transplantation

Purpose Since we recently yielded and presented our results for concomitant lung transplantation (LTx) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (LTx/CABG) that showed a 100% 1-year survival, more patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD) have been referred to us, which has driven us to establish our institution's decision-making algorithm for those with concurrent severe CAD in LTx. Methods Between September 2017 and September 2018, we prospectively evaluated 31 consecutive patients with concurrent severe CAD referred for LTx at our center. Severe CAD is defined as the one with at least one of the main coronary artery branches being angiographically significant (>70% stenosis) or when clinical or physiologic criteria are met. An experienced interventional cardiologist and two cardiac surgeons jointly reviewed the CAD severity of all these patients prior to listing and decided their treatment options following the algorithm below. Patients with clinically significant CAD and unstable clinical trajectories were listed for LTx/CABG (Figure). Results Following joint review, revascularization was deemed unnecessary in 5 patients (16%) who eventually underwent LTx alone. Two patients were scheduled for LTx/CABG but underwent LTx alone based on intraoperative judgement. Nine patients (30%) underwent concomitant LTx/CABG. Six were single and three were double LTx. One case was with ECMO bridged to LTx/CABG. All patients with severe CAD who proceeded to transplant were discharged and clinically stable at the end of the study period. Conclusion While multimorbidity in the elderly now constitutes the greatest present medical burden even in LTx, a well-designed selection algorithm contributes to their optimal treatment options leading to improved outcomes following LTx for those with severe CAD.

Outcome for surgical treatment of infective endocarditis with periannular abscess

Surgical treatment of infective endocarditis (IE) with aortic periannular abscess (PA) is a challenging issue with high mortality and morbidity rate in the current era. The present study is to review the results of surgical treatment for IE-PA based on an anatomy-guided surgical procedure selection for either aortic valve replacement (AVR) or aortic root reconstruction (ARR). Patients with IE-PA received surgical treatment in National Taiwan University Hospital during the years 2001-2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The selection of surgical procedure was based on the intraoperative anatomical finding. The AVR group consisted of isolated AVR or AVR with patch repair if PA involved less than one cusp of the annulus. The ARR group included aortic root replacement if PA involved more than one cusp, causing commissural/sub-commissural destruction. In-hospital mortality and mid-term outcome and the risk factors were examined. In-hospital mortality was 13% in the AVR group (24 patients) and 25% in the ARR group (8 patients) (p=0.578). The composite adverse events (cardiac death, valve reoperation, or paravalvular leak) rate was 31% in the AVR group and 40% in the ARR group at one year; 48% in the AVR group and 40% in the ARR group at five years; 55% in the AVR group and 40% in the ARR group at ten years. Anatomy-guided surgical procedure selection for IE-PA is feasible. With the appropriate selection, ARR may be associated with fewer adverse events in mid-term follow-up. Careful intraoperative judgment and management and long-term follow-up are warranted for these patients.