Left Pedicle Research Articles

Laparoscopic Hepatectomy for Giant Hepatic Hemangioma Using the Involved Intrahepatic Anatomic Markers Approach

BackgroundHepatic hemangioma has been one of the absolute indications of laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH).1 However, the risk of catastrophic intraoperative bleeding and the difficulty to control it make the laparoscopic treatment of giant hepatic hemangioma (GHH) a technical challenge for hepatobiliary surgeons.2 Herein, we presented a video of LH for GHH using the involved intrahepatic anatomic markers approach. MethodsA 22-year-old female was referred for treatment of an intractable GHH (18 cm), which involved the left hepatic pedicle, left hepatic vein (LHV), and middle hepatic vein (MHV), resulting in the invisibility of the above intrahepatic anatomic markers on CT. The procedure was performed according to the following steps: (1) dissecting and ligating the left hepatic artery (LHA) and left portal vein (LPV) via intrafascial approach, respectively; (2) cutting the accessory LHA; (3) transecting parenchymal along the demarcation line in a caudal-to-cranial direction and exposing the involved caudal middle hepatic vein (MHV); (4) isolating and transecting the involved left hepatic duct; (5) preserving the integrity of involved MHV; (6) isolating and transecting the left hepatic vein (LHV) and splenic vein (SV); (7) mincing and extracting the specimen. This study was approved by the West China Hospital Ethics Committee and was conducted in accordance with the ethical guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki. All treatments were performed after obtaining written informed consent from the patients. ResultsThe operative time was 286 min, and blood loss during operation was 160 ml. This procedure ensured the integrity of MHV and maximized the residual functional hepatic volume. The histopathologic examination confirmed the hepatic cavernous hemangioma. The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery and was discharged on the fifth day after operation. ConclusionLH using the involved intrahepatic anatomic markers approach is feasible and effective for intractable GHH. Its advantages lie in decreasing the risk of disastrous hemorrhage or open conversion rate while maximizing the postoperative functional hepatic reserve.3

Protruded Rode Post Posterior Spinal Fusion in Scoliosis Patient – Case Report

Scoliosis is defined as coronal plane spinal deformity. It is known as the lateral angulation of the vertebra more than 10 degrees which most commonly presents in adolescent girls from age 10 to 18. Scoliosis is divided into two groups which are congenital and idiopathic Scoliosis. We present a case of 18 years old male patient known as mental delayed and cleft palate, complaining of protruded Hardware for three years as post-T4 to L2 Posterior Spinal Fusion who diagnosed as a neuromuscular Scoliosis. The patient lost to follow-up since staples removal and came to the clinic after three years as transferred from primary health care. Upon physical examination, intact motor and sensory exam and normal reflexes, no signs of infection. A serial radiological investigation was ordered, and blood work was done as well. Irrigation and, debridement and hardware removal were performed, the four left proximal pedicle screws were removed. The proximal cutting part of the left rod. Deep tissue culture from different sites was taken for culture and sensitivity, which was positive for staphylococcus Aureus. The patient was kept in the hospital for intravenous antibiotics and seen in the clinic for follow-up. This case report suggests noncompliance can affect the outcome and lead to severe complications. We present a case of protruded rode post scoliosis correction in which underwent removal of loose left four pedicle screws and proximal rode.

Anatomic Laparoscopic Partial Hepatectomy of a Segment 4a B-Catenin Mutated Adenoma.

Although a β-catenin mutated hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is a benign liver tumor, it can cause bleeding, obstruction, pain, and hepatocellular carcinoma.1-3 Because surgery needs to balance these risks with its morbidity, a minimally invasive approach may be well suited.4-6 In this report, a strategic approach to minimally invasive resection of HCA encompassing segment 4a (S4a) is reviewed. A 22-year-old woman with abdominal pain was found to have two liver lesions involving segment 4a (5 cm) and segment 8 (S8) (4.5 cm). Liver biopsy confirmed a β-catenin mutated HCA in the S4a lesion. After embolization, an anatomic S4a segmentectomy and a partial S8 resection were planned. Three-dimensional modeling was used to perform a preoperative virtual hepatectomy; to visualize the spatial relationship between the HCA, the portal bifurcation, and the hepatic veins; and to preplan the port sites.7 With the patient in the French position, after port placement, intraoperative ultrasound was performed to identify the transection plane.8 The main left portal pedicle and Rex's recessus were exposed, and the branches of S4a were dissected out, clipped, and divided. Using ultrasound, the middle hepatic vein was exposed to define the lateral border of the dissection plane. Although a β-catenin mutated HCA in S4a does not necessitate a formal segmentectomy, understanding the anatomic structures outlining its borders can facilitate the resection, especially for a large HCA. Virtual hepatectomy helps to achieve a detailed comprehension of the complex borders of segment 4a. Preoperative embolization can firm up the tumor and minimize the risk of intraoperative rupture from manipulation.

Robotic Left Trisectionectomy with Glissonian Approach (with Video)

BackgroundLeft hepatic trisectionectomy consists of the removal of liver segments 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8. This difficult surgical procedure may be required when the left liver and right anterior sector (segments 5 and 8) are involved. We present a video of a robotic anatomic left trisectionectomy with Glissonian approach to the left and right anterior sector pedicles. MethodsA 77-year-old man presented at a routine ultrasound with a large liver mass. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a bulky hepatocellular carcinoma occupying liver segments 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8, with a portal tumor thrombus in the right anterior sector. The patient had multiple comorbidities, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and coronariopathy. The multidisciplinary team decided to use immunotherapy with atezolizumab and bevacizumab. After 12 cycles, the patient showed an objective response, and left trisectionectomy was indicated. A robotic approach was proposed and consent was obtained. The Glissonian approach was used for anatomic control of the left and right anterior sector pedicles. ResultsThe operative time was 390 min with an estimated blood loss of 410 ml, and no transfusion was required during or after the procedure. Recovery was uneventful and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 8. No bile leak was observed, and the drain was removed on postoperative day 8. ConclusionsRobotic left trisectionectomy is safe and feasible. The Glissonian approach is useful for anatomic left liver trisectionectomy. This video can help gastrointestinal surgeons perform this complex procedure in a minimally invasive manner.

Laparoscopic left hepatectomy in a goat as a training model for laparoscopic anatomic liver resection: results of training courses with a total of 70 goats.

To create a suitable animal model for the training of laparoscopic anatomic liver resection, we performed left hepatectomy using a goat and found its suitability. We have since started using goats for wet-lab training and have gradually standardized the relevant procedures. Herein, we report our standardized training procedures using a goat and discuss its feasibility as a novel training model. The standardized wet-lab training courses of laparoscopic liver resection conducted on 62 tables with a total of 70 goats were reviewed. The training course began by encircling the hepatoduodenal ligament for the Pringle maneuver, which was repeated during the parenchymal dissection. Following partial liver resection of the left lateral section, left hepatectomy was performed by a standardized procedure for humans in which the liver was split, exposing the entire length of the middle hepatic vein trunk from the dorsal side after extrahepatic transection of the left Glissonean pedicle. If a goat deceased before initiating left hepatectomy, the training was restarted with a new goat. The surgical procedures were performed by surgeons of varying skill levels. A total of 184 surgeons including 10 surgical residents participated in the training. Partial liver resection was initiated in 62 tables, with 8 (13%) dying during or after the procedure of partial liver resection. Subsequently, left hepatectomy was initiated in 61 and completed in 59 tables (98%), regardless of whether the goat survived or deceased, and was not completed in 2 tables (3%) due to time limitation. In 14 tables (23%), the goats deceased during the procedure, however, the procedure was completed. The causes of death were multifactorial, including massive bleeding, reperfusion injury after the Pringle maneuver, and carbon dioxide gas embolism. Left hepatectomy in a goat is useful as a training model for laparoscopic anatomic liver resection.

Pure laparoscopic left lateral graft procurement with removing segment 3 employing Glissonean approach, indocyanine green fluorescence imaging and in situ splitting for a small infant.

We report on a pure laparoscopic left lateral graft procurement with removing segment 3 that employs the Glissonean approach, indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging and in situ splitting. We first mobilised the liver and confirmed the root of the left hepatic vein (LHV). We then encircled the left Glissonean pedicle, and the segment 3 Glissonean pedicle (G3) was also individually encircled. We performed parenchymal transection of the left lateral segmentectomy using Pringle's manoeuvre. We clipped G3 and confirmed the demarcation line using ICG fluorescence imaging. The inflow in the S2 area was confirmed via intraoperative sonography, and we split segment 3 (S3) from the left lateral sector graft in situ. The left hepatic artery, left portal vein and left hepatic duct were also encircled and divided. The LHV was transected using a linear stapler, and the S2 monosegment liver graft and removed S3 were procured. Our technique reasonably prevents graft-related complications.

Retained Metallic Part of a Dislodged Knife in the Thoracic Spine with Paraparesis

The incidence of traumatic spinal cord injury is reported as 30-40 million per year. Among these, stab wounds to the spinal canal are usually rare. These injuries often lead to complete or incomplete neurological deficits. An appropriate management can ensure good functional recovery for approximately two-third of the patient. As these cases are uncommon, their treatment protocols are still controversial and under evaluation. Some literatures reveal various surgical approaches. Spinal canal injury with retained part of the causative agent (knife, bullet, glass etc.) or any other complication on the wound site demands immediate surgical exploration. Here we report on a patient with a retained metallic foreign body (tip of knife) in the thoracic region traversing the left pedicle of sixth thoracic vertebrae along with spinal canal with paraparesis and after neuro-surgical exploration and complete removal of the foreign body, patient shows gradual improvement of neuro-functional status. Proper wound care and long term close follow up was ensured during post operative period.

Laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy using the extrahepatic Glissonean approach: Technical tips for entering gaps.

There are two methods for selective inflow control from the liver hilum: individual hilar dissection and the Glissonean pedicle approach. The Glissonean pedicle approach has been increasingly used in laparoscopic anatomical liver resection. Recently, the extrahepatic Glissonean approach has been standardized due to the anatomical concept of Laennec's capsule. This article describes the technical details of entering gaps between the Laennec's capsule and Glissonean pedicle in laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy using the extrahepatic Glissonean approach. The key procedures of the laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy using the extrahepatic Glissonean approach included the following: (1) Dissection of left side of the hilar plate, (2) Dissection of ventral side of caudal end of the Arantius ligament, (3) Dissection and transection of left Glissonean pedicle. Our standardized technique is to create gap between the Laennec's capsule and Glissonean pedicle through appropriate traction and countertraction at the anatomical landmarks. Our procedure helps the surgeons to reproduce the extrahepatic Glissonean approach without parenchymal transection.

The role of counter-torque holders in tightening of pedicle screw-rod constructs: a biomechanical study in a porcine model

BACKGROUND CONTEXTPedicle screw-rod assembly procedures following pedicle screw insertion include contouring and placing rods into screw tulips, introducing set screws into the tulip along the screw thread, applying a counter-torque holder and tightening all the set screws clockwise. Even if an appropriate pedicle screw is implanted, screw dislodgement after tightening of the tulip and set screw is not uncommon. Pedicle wall violation resulting from excessive rotational force due to inadequate use of a counter-torque holder might be the reason. However, the strain change in the pedicle during tulip-set screw tightening and the role of counter-torque have never been investigated. PURPOSEThis study determined differences in the strain change in the outer and inner pedicle walls during tulip-set screw tightening; additionally, the influence of counter-torque on pedicle wall violation was elucidated. STUDY DESIGNA controlled biomechanical study; the strain values of outer and inner pedicle walls in cadaveric porcine L4-L5 vertebrae during tulip-set screw tightening with or without a counter-torque holder were measured. METHODSTwelve L4-L5 fresh-frozen porcine lumbar vertebrae were implanted with screw-rod constructs; the set screw was randomly locked into the tulip in the right L5, right L4, left L5 and left L4 testing groups. The maximal values from eight strain gauges (P-R-O: outer cortex of right pedicle in proximal vertebra; P-R-I: inner cortex of right pedicle in proximal vertebra; D-R-O: outer cortex of right pedicle in distal vertebra; D-R-I: inner cortex of right pedicle in distal vertebra; P-L-O: outer cortex of left pedicle in proximal vertebra; P-L-I: inner cortex of left pedicle in proximal vertebra; D-L-O: outer cortex of left pedicle in distal vertebra; D-L-I: outer cortex of left pedicle in proximal vertebra) for each specimen during tightening to 12 Nm were measured. RESULTSThe maximal strain values of the ipsilateral strain gauges in all testing groups were almost significantly higher when a counter-torque holder was not used than when one was used. The strain values in the adjacent pedicle of specimens without a counter-torque holder were significantly increased: P-R-O and P-R-I in the right L5 group; D-R-I in the right L4 group; P-L-I and P-L-O in the left L5 group; D-L-O and D-L-I in the left L4 group. CONCLUSIONSThe constraint effect of counter-torque during tulip-set screw tightening is necessary. Clockwise rotational force with a fragile lateral pedicle wall suggests that caution is required when using a counter-torque holder to tighten the right L5 and left L4 constructs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEA counter-torque holder is important during tulip-set screw tightening; improper use may lead to adjacent pedicle wall violation, sequentially resulting in pedicle screw loosening.

Surgical management of high-grade lumbar spondylolisthesis associated with Hajdu-Cheney syndrome: illustrative case.

Hajdu-Cheney syndrome (HCS) is a rare connective tissue disorder characterized by severe bone demineralization. In the spine, it is associated with the early onset of severe osteoporosis and can cause spondylolisthesis. Spinal instrumentation in the setting of severe osteoporosis is challenging because of poor resistance of vertebrae to biomechanical stress. A 59-year-old woman with known idiopathic HCS presented with a grade 4 L5-S1 spondylolisthesis and right L5 pedicle fracture associated with a left L5 pars fracture, causing a progressive L5 radiculopathy that was worse on the left side than the right side and bilateral foot drop. The authors performed decompressive lumbar surgery, which included a complete L5 laminectomy and resection of the left L5 pedicle. This was followed by multilevel lumbosacral instrumentation using cement-augmented fenestrated pedicle screws as well as transdiscal sacral screws and bilateral alar-iliac fixation. Postoperatively, the radicular pain resolved, and the left foot drop partially recovered. Stabilization of high-grade spondylolisthesis in the setting of bone demineralization disorders is challenging. The use of different instrumentation techniques is important because it increases biomechanical stability of the overall instrumentation construct.

Klotho relieves inflammation and exerts a cardioprotective effect during renal ischemia/reperfusion-induced cardiorenal syndrome

BackgroundRenal ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI) is the main cause of acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI induces the development of cardiac hypertrophy (CH) during cardiorenal syndrome (CRS), and cardiomyocyte calcium mishandling though systemic inflammation after 8 days of renal IRI. Klotho has recently been described as an anti-inflammatory component. Given this, Klotho treatment could prevent or attenuate the inflammation, thereby also preventing electrical cardiac outcomes incurred by CRS. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic role of Klotho in CRS after unilateral renal IRI through its anti-inflammatory action. MethodsWe examined renal tissue structure and function, intracellular Ca2+ dynamics in adult ventricular cardiomyocytes and serum cytokine levels from C57BL/6 mice that suffered unilateral renal IRI by occluding the left pedicle for 60 min and reperfusion for 8 days. The animals were treated with recombinant Klotho protein starting from the day of the surgery, then daily for 8 days. ResultsAfter Klotho treatment for 8 days, the left renal tissue remained damaged, however the renal function was restored due to the right kidney tissue preservation. In parallel, Klotho also prevented an increase in serum interleukin (IL-) 6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels. CH and low cell contraction were also prevented, as well as a decrease in systolic Ca2+ transients and sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA2a) activity measured as Ca2+ transient decay, an increase in spontaneous Ca2+ release and the incidence of pro-arrhythmic events. ConclusionsThe Klotho treatment showed promise, playing an important role in the pathophysiology of CRS. We were unable to observe a total renoprotective role of the compound in the model; in turn, a cardioprotective role of Klotho was demonstrated through the prevention of hypertrophy and normalization of the Ca2+ cycle dysfunction of cardiomyocytes. We propose that Klotho acts in the cardiorenal syndrome by systematically preventing inflammation and increased FGF23, alleviating cardiac outcomes.

Laparoscopic Left Hemihepatectomy Using the Hilar Plate-First Approach (with Video).

Effective inflow and outflow control of the liver is essential for a safe hepatectomy. Detachment of the hilar plate is a fundamental technique in the Glissonean approach. The hilar plate is situated near the middle hepatic vein, which runs in the midplane of the liver, and serves as a landmark during hemihepatectomy. In this study, we describe the technical details and surgical outcomes of laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy using the hilar plate-first approach. The key procedures of the hilar plate-first approach included the following: (1) detachment of the hilar plate for the left Glissonean approach, (2) the middle hepatic vein approach from the hilar plate, (3) parenchymal transection along the ischemic line and middle hepatic vein, and (4) transection of the left Glissonean pedicle at the ventral aspect of the Arantius ligament. Between September 2020 and September 2021, 12 patients underwent laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy using the hilar plate-first approach. The median operation time was 227min (range 140-350min), and the median estimated blood loss was 82.5ml (range 50-150ml). The median length of postoperative hospital stay was 7days (range 5-10days). No major complications, including biliary complications, were observed. The hilar plate-first approach contributes to the standardization of surgical techniques for laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy. This technique is a safe and effective approach for the inflow and outflow systems of the left hemiliver.

Uniport video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for thoracic Eden type IV dumbbell tumor.

Uniport video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for thoracic Eden type IV dumbbell tumor.

Ultrasound-based navigated pedicle screw insertion without intraoperative radiation: feasibility study on porcine cadavers

BACKGROUNDNavigation systems for spinal fusion surgery rely on intraoperative computed tomography (CT) or fluoroscopy imaging. Both expose patient, surgeons and operating room staff to significant amounts of radiation. Alternative methods involving intraoperative ultrasound (iUS) imaging have recently shown promise for image-to-patient registration. Yet, the feasibility and safety of iUS navigation in spinal fusion have not been demonstrated. PURPOSETo evaluate the accuracy of pedicle screw insertion in lumbar and thoracolumbar spinal fusion using a fully automated iUS navigation system. STUDY DESIGNProspective porcine cadaver study. METHODSFive porcine cadavers were used to instrument the lumbar and thoracolumbar spine using posterior open surgery. During the procedure, iUS images were acquired and used to establish automatic registration between the anatomy and preoperative CT images. Navigation was performed with the preoperative CT using tracked instruments. The accuracy of the system was measured as the distance of manually collected points to the preoperative CT vertebral surface and compared against fiducial-based registration. A postoperative CT was acquired, and screw placements were manually verified. We report breach rates, as well as axial and sagittal screw deviations. RESULTSA total of 56 screws were inserted (5.50 mm diameter n=50, and 6.50 mm diameter n=6). Fifty-two screws were inserted safely without breach. Four screws (7.14%) presented a medial breach with an average deviation of 1.35±0.37 mm (all <2 mm). Two breaches were caused by 6.50 mm diameter screws, and two by 5.50 mm screws. For vertebrae instrumented with 5.50 mm screws, the average axial diameter of the pedicle was 9.29 mm leaving a 1.89 mm margin in the left and right pedicle. For vertebrae instrumented with 6.50 mm screws, the average axial diameter of the pedicle was 8.99 mm leaving a 1.24 mm error margin in the left and right pedicle. The average distance to the vertebral surface was 0.96 mm using iUS registration and 0.97 mm using fiducial-based registration. CONCLUSIONSWe successfully implanted all pedicle screws in the thoracolumbar spine using the ultrasound-based navigation system. All breaches recorded were minor (<2 mm) and the breach rate (7.14%) was comparable to existing literature. More investigation is needed to evaluate consistency, reproducibility, and performance in surgical context. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEIntraoperative US-based navigation is feasible and practical for pedicle screw insertion in a porcine model. It might be used as a low-cost and radiation-free alternative to intraoperative CT and fluoroscopy in the future.

Crucial Roles of the Assistant Surgeon During Laparoscopic Left Hemihepatectomy.

BackgroundAlthough left hemihepatectomy has been widely performed via the laparoscopic approach, the roles of the assistant surgeon have not been well-documented so far. We herein present our standardized procedures of laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy without Spiegel’s lobe resection, focusing on the crucial roles of the assistant surgeon.MethodsDuring laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy without Spiegel’s lobe resection, countertraction by the assistant surgeon is quite important especially during isolating the left Glissonean pedicle and transecting liver parenchyma. When securing the left hepatic pedicle using the Glissonean approach, the assistant surgeon pushes Segment 4 of the liver cranially and pulls the tape encircling the hepatoduodenal ligament caudally in the opposite way, orthogonal to the direction of the laparoscopic forceps toward the left portal triad. During liver parenchymal transection, the assistant surgeon pulls the hanging tape across the left lobe of the liver in order to provide a wide and stable liver transection plane.With this standardized technique, nine cases of laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy were performed over the last two years in our department, and the perioperative data were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsThe median age of the nine patients was 70 years (range: 58 - 84 years). Most of the patients were males (77.8%). Five of nine patients were diagnosed with colorectal liver metastasis, two with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one with inflammatory pseudotumor, and the other one with hepaticolithiasis. There were no conversions to open surgery. The median operative time and estimated blood loss were 337 minutes (range: 219 - 478 minutes) and 100 ml (range: 41 - 375 ml), respectively. The median length of postoperative hospital stay was nine days (range: 7 - 16 days). Major complications (Clavien-Dindo classification grade III or more) were not encountered in our cohort postoperatively.ConclusionWe presented here our standardized assistant roles during laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy without Spiegel’s lobe resection, which was revealed to be safe and feasible in our cohort.

Congenital agenesis of lumbo-sacral pedicles with associated anomalies: case report with an emphasis on the use of O-arm, navigation in the management with literature review

BackgroundCongenital spinal pedicle agenesis is rare. The majority of cases are asymptomatic. Few present with either low back pain or radiculopathy. Pedicle screw insertion may pose difficulties in view of abnormal anatomy.Case presentationBetween Jan 2005 and March 2021, all the data were retrospectively reviewed for the cases operated for congenital anomalies. Three such cases were operated. Case 1 had bilateral agenesis of L5 vertebra with an ectopic kidney in right iliac fossa, absent uterus, absent ovaries and vaginal atresia. Case 2 had absent S1 pedicle with conjoint left L5 nerve root. Case 3 had hypoplastic left L5 pedicle, contained disc herniation, facetal arthropathy. Pedicle screws were placed using O-arm and navigation.ConclusionPedicle agenesis increases the difficulty in pedicle screw fixation and fusion. Anomalous facet and conjoint nerve root need to be looked for intraoperatively. Use of O-arm and CT navigation is of great help in getting safe and accurate anchor points for screw placement avoiding neurological injury.

Dumbbell chondrosarcoma of lumbar spine with intradural extension

Chondrosarcomas are very rare tumors of the spine constituting for only 10% of all bony tumors and 12% of primary malignant tumors of the spine. It is the third most common primary malignant bone tumor after osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma, and the third most common primary malignant tumor of the spine after chordoma and osteosarcoma. The thoracic vertebrae are the most commonly affected, followed by the cervical and lumbar. These are slow-growing tumors and are usually asymptomatic until late in their course when they cause neurological deficits by compression on the thecal sac, spinal cord, or nerve roots. As is the case for all malignant spinal tumors, en bloc resection without contamination or violation of the reactive zone (pseudocapsule) is the most appropriate surgical strategy, but in some cases, this is impossible due to unacceptable morbidity because of close proximity to critical neurovascular structures or multicompartmental location of the tumor. Here, we describe a case of L5 chondrosarcoma arising from the left pedicle with significant intradural and extraspinal components. Intradural extension of chondrosarcomas, or for that matter any malignant spinal tumor, has never been reported in literature.

Pedicle Dimensions of the Thoracic Vertebrae in the Zimbabwean Adult Male Population: A Cadaveric Study

Objective: To record the dimensions of thoracic-vertebrae pedicles in the grown-up community of Zimbabwe.&#x0D; Study design: A cross-sectional descriptive study.&#x0D; Place and duration of study: A six-month study carried out in the Anatomy Department (Gross Anatomy Laboratory), University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare (from May 2019 to November 2019).&#x0D; Material and Methods:. The thoracic vertebrae from 15 adult male cadavers were dissected out and Pedicle External Sagittal Diameter (PESD), Pedicle External Transverse Diameter (PETD) and chord length were measured using a vernier caliper and compared (on right and left sides). The statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 23, with data expressed as means, standard deviation and ranges. Student’s t-test was used to estimate the difference in pedicle dimensions of the right and left sides of the thoracic vertebrae.&#x0D; Results: There was a significant difference between the right and left pedicle dimensions in chord length at the level of T9, PESD at levels T6 and T7, and PETD at levels T2, T6, T7 and T11. PESD values were noted to be increasing from thoracic vertebrae T1 to T12 with a plateau phase noted from T2-T7. PETD values decreased from T1-T5 and then gradually increased to T12. Chord length increased gradually from T1-T12.&#x0D; Conclusion: Pedicle dimensions differ between the Zimbabwean population and other ethnic groups of earlier investigations. Furthermore, there was a significant difference between the right and left pedicles in terms of PETD, PESD and Chord length.

Laparoscopic Left Hepatectomy with Resection of the Spiegel Lobe Using the Modified Caudate Lobe-First Approach.

Laparoscopic left hepatectomy with resection of the Spiegel lobe remains a technically demanding procedure as it is a deep-seated area surrounding the inferior vena cava (IVC). Mobilization of the Spiegel lobe requires safe exposure of the ventral side of the IVC while dissecting the short hepatic veins from the IVC. Additionally, wide space is needed to isolate the left Glissonean pedicle (Glt). We used a modified caudate lobe-first approach to overcome this challenge Maeda (J Hepato-Bil Pancreat Sci 25:335-41, 2018), Li (J Gastrointest Surg 23:1084-5, 2019), Homma (Surg Endosc 33:3851-7, 2019). The ischemic area was confirmed after isolating the left and middle hepatic artery and left portal vein. After mobilizing the left lateral section, the Spiegel lobe was divided from the notch, which is the boundary between the caudate lobe and the Spiegel lobe, toward the middle hepatic vein (MHV). The Spiegel lobe was safely detached from the IVC with a short hepatic vein transected with the caudo-dorsal view. The Glt could be easily isolated due to the wide space on the ventral side of the IVC. After dividing the left hepatic duct, the MHV was exposed continuously from the root to the periphery, and parenchymal transection was completed by connecting the demarcation line and MHV. The total operation time was 430 min, and estimated blood loss was minimal. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 6 without complications. The modified caudate lobe-first approach can be used to safely perform laparoscopic left hepatectomy combined with the Spiegel lobe resection.

Comparison of differences and random errors in pedicle diameter measurements between MRI and CT: observational study of 315 pedicles in Lenke type 1 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients

BACKGROUND CONTEXTPosterior spinal fusion with pedicle screws is commonly used for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). To reduce radiation exposure, methods other than computed tomography (CT) are desirable for preoperative determination of pedicle diameter. PURPOSEInvestigate the differences between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CT measurements of pedicle diameter. STUDY DESIGNCross-sectional research. PATIENT SAMPLETwenty-one AIS Lenke type 1 patients (19 female and 2 males, mean age at surgery: 15.4 years) who underwent posterior spinal fusion between April 2009 and October 2019. OUTCOME MEASURESGap between CT and MRI pedicle diameters. METHODSThe inner and outer diameters of the right and left pedicles from T1 to L3 were measured separately by two spine surgeons for statistical comparisons. RESULTSThe respective minimum and maximum CT-MRI values were -3.7 mm and 4.7 mm for inner diameter and -4.6 mm and 5.3 mm for outer diameter. Regarding inter-examiner error, the probability of a 2 mm difference in measurement was less than 5% for both modalities. The probability of a 1 mm difference was also less than 5%, and that of a 3 mm or more difference was 2.1% for the inner diameter and 2.9% for the outer diameter. Whereas low body weight was significantly associated with measurement differences, pedicle laterality was not. CONCLUSIONSMRI does not have the reliability to measure pedicle size in AIS patients at present. However, with advancements in image processing technology, the accuracy of pedicle size measurement by MRI may soon improve.