Original Incision Research Articles

Application of Bi's intestinal loop binding in treating patients with critical esophagojejunal anastomosis leakage

Objective: To assess the safety and feasibility of Bi's intestinal loop binding treatment of esophageal jejunal anastomotic leak after total gastrectomy. Methods: Bi's Intestinal loop binding are suitable for patients who underwent radical total gastrectomy+Roux-en-Y anastomosis and were confirmed by upper gastrointestinal angiography to have esophageal jejunal anastomotic leakage and whose conservative or endoscopic treatment was ineffective. The operation procedure is as follows: take the original central incision of the upper abdomen, remove the abscess around the anastomoses after ventral incision, and place drainage tube inside the abscess, which is convenient to rinse and drain after operation. A double 1-0 VICRYL is applied to the loop of gastrointestinal surrogate 10-15 cm proximal to the jejuno-jejunal anastomosis. The knot tension is tight to prevent regurgitation of digestive juices, but too much force should be avoided to cut the intestinal tract. Nutritional jejunostomy fistula was performed at 10‒15 cm distal to the jejuno-jejunal anastomosis and gastric tube was retained during the operation. The preoperative and postoperative data from 12 patients with jejunal esophageal anastomotic leak after total radical gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y anastomosis were retrospectively analyzed from October 2016 to January 2023 in gastrointestinal surgery and pancreas surgery at Shanxi People's Hospital, and observed the curative effect. Results: 12 patients were managed with Bi's Intestinal loop binding, operative time (60.0±20.8) minutes, median bleeding (50±10.8) ml, median hospital stay 20(12~28) days, and median reviewing upper and mid Gastrointestinal Contrast time postoperatively 61(52~74) days. The results showed that the anastomoses healed well, all the small intestine showed good imaging, the binding wire fell off by itself, and two patients had incision infection. Conclusions: It is safe and feasible for patients with esophageal jejunostomy fistulae after total gastrectomy to use the method of Bi's Intestinal loop binding.

Clinical analysis of complete uterine rupture during pregnancy

BackgroundUterine rupture in pregnant women can lead to serious adverse outcomes. This study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of patients with complete uterine rupture.MethodsData from 33 cases of surgically confirmed complete uterine rupture at Chenzhou No.1 People’s Hospital between January 2015 and December 2022 were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsIn total, 31,555 pregnant women delivered in our hospital during the study period. Of these, approximately 1‰ (n = 33) had complete uterine rupture. The average gestational age at complete uterine rupture was 31+4 weeks (13+1–40+3 weeks), and the average bleeding volume was 1896.97 ml (200–6000 ml). Twenty-six patients (78.79%) had undergone more than two deliveries. Twenty-five women (75.76%) experienced uterine rupture after a cesarean section, two (6.06%) after fallopian tube surgery, one (3.03%) after laparoscopic cervical cerclage, and one (3.03%) after wedge resection of the uterine horn, and Fifteen women (45.45%) presented with uterine rupture at the original cesarean section incision scar. Thirteen patients (39.39%) were transferred to our hospital after their initial diagnosis. Seven patients (21.21%) had no obvious symptoms, and only four patients (12.12%) had typical persistent lower abdominal pain. There were 13 cases (39.39%, including eight cases ≥ 28 weeks old) of fetal death in utero and two cases (6.06%, both full term) of severe neonatal asphyxia. The rates of postpartum hemorrhage, blood transfusion, hysterectomy were 66.67%, 63.64%, and 21.21%. Maternal death occurred in one case (3.03%).ConclusionsThe site of the uterine rupture was random, and was often located at the weakest point of the uterus. There is no effective means for detecting or predicting the weakest point of the uterus. Rapid recognition is key to the treatment of uterine rupture.

Risk factors of occult lymph node metastasis of levels Ⅲ and Ⅳ in papillary thyroid carcinoma

Objective: To investigate the potential risk factors for occult lateral cervical lymph node metastasis (LNM) to levels Ⅲ and Ⅳ in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and the necessity of super-selective lateral lymph node dissection for patients harboring these metastases. Methods: This prospective study included PTC patients who were operated by the same surgeon in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery of Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from October 2015 through October 2019. Preoperative ultrasound and enhanced Computer Tomography (CT) did not denote suspected enlarged lymph nodes in the lateral neck. All patients underwent lymph node dissection in levels Ⅲ and Ⅳ on the basis of original thyroid collar incision after LNM to level Ⅵ was confirmed by preoperative fine needlebiopsy or intraoperative frozen pathology. Results: Of all 143 patients, 74 (51.7%) had occult LNM in levels Ⅲ and Ⅳ confirmed by postoperative pathology. The average number of metastasized lymph nodes in levels Ⅲ and Ⅳ was 2.64±1.80, and that in level Ⅵ was 3.77±3.27. There was a significant linear positive correlation between the number of metastasized lymph nodes in level Ⅵ and that in levels Ⅲ and Ⅳ (r=0.341, P<0.001). That the metastasized lymph nodes in level Ⅵ equals three was the best predictor of occult lateral LNM to levels Ⅲ and Ⅳ. Univariate analysis showed that age <55 years, tumor size ≥2.0 cm, number of metastasized lymph nodes in level Ⅵ ≥3, and percentage of metastasized lymph nodes in the total number of dissected lymph nodes in level Ⅵ >50% were associated with occult LNM in levels Ⅲ and Ⅳ (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that number of metastasized lymph nodes in level Ⅵ≥3 was an independent risk factor for occult LNM in levels Ⅲ and Ⅳ (P=0.006). Conclusions: Age, tumor size and LNM in level Ⅵ were associated with occult lateral LNM in PTC patients. Lymph node dissection in levels Ⅲ and Ⅳ could be considered for selective patients, since it will help to avoid secondary operation for residual tumor or recurrence resulted from insufficient treatment without increasing the incidence of complications or affecting patients' appearances.

Laparoscopic Port Site Hernia: Incidence and Management of 150 Cases

Introduction: Port side hernia, though rare, is a potentially serious complication following a laparoscopic procedure. It is a rare type of Incisional hernia that can occur following a laparoscopic surgery. The incidence of port site hernia is low and is likely to be underestimated. But despite many medical advances, the incidence rate has not been declining over time. Consideration of predisposing factors and modification of techniques may help reduce the risk. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was. Methods: This retrospective study included 150 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic appendectomy between the 2-year period of January 2018 to December 2019. Among the 150 patients, 6 were diagnosed with port site hernia. Result: Port site hernia ratio was 4% in the present study. Male prevalence was higher among the initial laparoscopic procedure patients, with male: female ratio at 1.5:1, while among the PSH cases, the female prevalence was higher, and the male: female ratio was 1:2. Most of the participant belonged to the older age groups. Infection and bleeding were the most prevalent clinical presentations among the participants. Mean ±SD port site incision was 10 ±2.4, operation time was 52 ±3.2 minutes. Conclusion: Port site hernia is a rare type of incisional hernia occurring at port sites after a laparoscopic surgery. Prevention of trocar site hernia appears to be more effective when trocar insertion is done through the abdominal wall tangential repair. The closure of both the fascia and the peritoneum is performed if the original incision is greater than 5mm. The suture of extra umbilical port site is performed under laparoscopic vision.

Open Retromuscular Lateral Abdominal Wall Hernia Repair: Algorithmic Approach and Long-Term Outcomes at a Single Center.

Lateral abdominal wall hernias are relatively rare and present unique challenges to repair. Our group has developed an algorithm for repair based on several anatomic characteristics identified on preoperative imaging. Herein, we report our algorithm and outcomes of a large series of open retromuscular lateral abdominal wall hernia repairs. Open retromuscular lateral abdominal wall hernia repairs performed at our institution from August 2014 through April 2021 were identified in the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative. Hernia characteristics, etiology, operative techniques, postoperative outcomes, and long-term patient-reported outcomes were extracted from the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative database, chart review, and telephone follow-up. Of 464 patients who underwent hernia repair, 121 with isolated lateral abdominal wall hernias (L1-4) and mean follow-up of 34 ± 24 months had a clinical recurrence rate of 0.9% (n = 1) and bulge rate of 37% (n = 42). The median Hernia-Related Quality of Life Survey and PROMIS pain intensity scores improved 37 and 9 points, respectively. Another 343 patients with lateral (L1-4) and midline (M1-5) abdominal wall hernias and mean follow-up of 29 ± 21 months had a clinical recurrence rate of 6% (n = 20) and bulge rate of 35% (n = 117). The median Hernia-Related Quality of Life Survey and PROMIS pain intensity scores improved by 43 and 16 points, respectively. We present an algorithm for open retromuscular lateral abdominal wall hernia repair with relatively low anatomic recurrence rates and substantial improvement in patient-reported quality of life and pain. Notably, postoperative bulging is commonly reported by patients, likely due to underlying denervation injuries from the original incision.

Peratrial device closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects via a small right subaxillary incision: Midterm results in patients

BackgroundBoth percutaneous and perventricular device closures of perimembranous ventricular septal defects (Pm-VSDs) are alternatives to surgical procedures，but they all present certain drawbacks. ObjectiveTo report our clinical experiences and midterm follow-up results of minimally invasive peratrial device closure of Pm-VSDs under the guidance of transesophageal echocardiography(TEE) in patients <12 months of age. MethodsBetween January 2015 and December 2020，268 patients <12 months of age with Pm-VSDs underwent peratrial device closure in our institute. The procedure was performed under TEE guidance via a small right subaxillary incision. The delivery pathways is established by manipulating the hollow probe, and then the device is installed. ResultsA total of 263 cases (98.1%) underwent successful closure, whereas five cases failed and were converted to cardiopulmonary bypass operation via the original incision during the procedure. The mean age was 9.5 ± 2.0 months and the mean body weight was 8.8 ± 1.4 kg. The mean diameter of the VSD was 4.4 ± 0.5 mm. One patient (0.4%) underwent a second thoracotomy for postoperative intercostal hemorrhage on the second day after surgery. The mean diameter of the occluder size was 5.5 ± 0.6 mm. During the follow-up (4.3 ± 1.4 y), there was no mortality, no new aortic valve regurgitation and atrioventricular block. ConclusionPeratrial device closure of Pm-VSDs via the right subaxillary route under TEE guidance is safe and effective at midterm follow-up, confirming this is an valuable alternative method for patients <12 months of age.

V-021 REPORT OF AN ACQUIRED INTERCOSTAL HERNIA REPAIR USING A BILAYER MESH

Abstract Aim A 53-year-old male underwent a T10/11 discectomy with partial removal of the right T9 rib. 10 years later, he developed an acquired painful intercostal hernia, worsened by leaning against the defect. CT imaging demonstrated an 8cm hernial defect containing the posterior lobe (segment VII) of the liver with a loss of integrity of the diaphragm. Methods Open surgical repair though the original incision was undertaken, with the patient in the left lateral position. The hernia was entirely reducible in this position. Results The liver was replaced into the peritoneal cavity, the hernial sac and the weakness at the postero-lateral edge of the diaphragm were then identified. The edges of the hernial sac were dissected off the ribs. An intraperitoneal mesh (SymbotexTM; Medtronic, Lyon) was cut to size, placed, and fixed to the undersurface of the ribs, with a 5cm overlap obtained medially and laterally. Care was taken to avoid damaging the neurovascular bundle and breach of the pleural cavity was not observed. A bridging mesh was then used to reinforce the repair (VersatexTM; Medtronic, Lyon) with fixation to the ribs using ethibond sutures and cyanoacrylate glue (Glubran®; Viareggio). The repair was checked by Valsalva manoeuver prior to wound closure. Post operative pain control was achieved using intercostal nerve block and patient-controlled analgesia. A post-operative chest x-ray did not demonstrate a pneumothorax. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 2. Discussion The patient experienced no serious postoperative sequelae and was pain free with no hernia at 30 days post-surgery.

Diagnosis and treatment of left ureteral injury as a rare complication of oblique lumbar interbody fusion surgery: a case report and literature review

BackgroundOblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) surgery has been performed as a minimally invasive lateral lumbar fusion technique in recent years. Reports of operative complications of OLIF are limited, and there are fewer reports of ureteral injuries.Case presentationA 62-year-old Chinese woman diagnosed with "lumbar spondylolisthesis (L4 forward slip, I degree)" underwent OLIF treatment. The surgical decompression process was smooth, and the cage was successfully placed. After the expansion sleeve of OLIF was removed, clear liquid continuous outflow from the peritoneum was found. The patient was diagnosed with a ureteral injury. The urological surgeon expanded the original incision, and left ureteral injury anastomosis and ureteral stent implantation were performed. The patient was changed to the prone position and a percutaneous pedicle screw was placed in the corresponding vertebral body. The patient was indwelled with a catheter for 2 weeks, and regular oral administration of levofloxacin to prevent urinary tract infection. After 2 months, the double J tube was removed using a cystoscope. One year after surgery, the symptoms of lumbar back were significantly improved, and there were no urinary system symptoms. However, the patient needed an annual left ureter and kidney B-ultrasound.ConclusionUreteral injury is a rare complication and is easily missed in OLIF surgery. If the diagnosis is missed, the consequences can be serious. Patients should undergo catheterization before the operation and hematuria should be observed during the operation. We emphasize the careful use of surgical instruments to prevent intraoperative complications. In addition, after withdrawing the leaf in the operation, it is necessary to carefully observe whether a clear liquid continues to leak. If ureteral injury is found, one-stage ureteral injury repair operation should be performed to prevent ureteral stricture.

Total hip revision with custom-made spacer and prosthesis: A case report

BACKGROUNDBoth periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) and severe femoral segmental defects are catastrophic complications of total hip arthroplasty (THA), and both present a significant challenge in revisional surgery. There are limited data available to guide clinical decision making when both occur concurrently. CASE SUMMARYA 61-year-old woman presented with a 6-mo history of a sinus tract at the site of her original THA incision. Radiological imaging revealed a total hip joint implant with an ipsilateral segmental femoral defect. Based on histological, radiological, laboratory, and clinical features, a diagnosis of concurrent chronic PJI and segmental femoral defect (Type IIIB, Paprosky classification) was made. After multidisciplinary team discussion, three-dimensional (3D)-printed, custom-made antibiotic spacers were created that could be used to mold antibiotic-loaded cement spacer. These were placed following PJI debridement in the first stage of revision surgery. After the PJI was eliminated, a 3D-printed, custom-made, femoral prosthesis was created to repair the considerable femoral defect. After 20-mo follow-up, the patient had excellent functional outcomes with a near-normal range of hip movement. So far, neither evidence of recurrent infection nor loosening of the prosthesis has been observed. CONCLUSIONWe describe a case of “two-stage, custom-made” total hip revision to treat PJI with a concurrent segmental femoral defect. Use of a personalized, 3D-printed spacer and proximal femoral prosthesis led to satisfactory hip function and no early postoperative complications. Use of a customized implant provides surgeons with an alternative option for patients where no suitable spacer or implant is available. However, the long-term function, longevity, and cost-effectiveness of the use of custom-made prostheses have yet to be fully explored.

Role of ultrasound in the diagnosis of primary and recurrent dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans

BackgroundDermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare, low- to intermediate-grade sarcoma, which represents a diagnostic imaging challenge.This study aimed to analyze the clinical and ultrasound features of primary and recurrent DFSP to improve the diagnosis.MethodsClinical, imaging, and pathological data from a total of 58 patients (23 patients with primary DFSP and 35 patients with recurrent DFSP) were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in age, sex, tumor size, or echogenicity between the two groups. Most of the primary DFSP lesions involved the overlying dermis and hypodermis, while most of the recurrent DFSP lesions were fixated to more deeply seated structures at the original surgical incision. Red nodules on the skin were found more frequently in the primary group. There were statistically significant differences in the type of lesion and ultrasound tumor morphology (p < 0.050). The lesions in the primary group showed more tentacle-like projections or a “claw” sign, while the lesions in the recurrent group were more commonly oval, lobulated, and irregularly shaped. Hypervascularity was common in both groups.ConclusionsFor primary DFSP, a slow-growing, red nodule on the skin involving the overlying dermis and hypodermis, more frequently a hypoechoic mass with tentacle-like projections or a “claw” sign, was observed. For recurrent DFSP, palpable subcutaneous nodules or subcutaneous masses at the original surgical incision and oval, lobulated, and irregularly shaped lesions were more commonly observed. This may be useful for improving diagnostic accuracy.

The sensorimotor changes of the lower lip and chin after transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach.

The transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) can lead to abnormal sensorimotor changes in the lower lip and chin because of its incision design. This study aimed to explore the surgical outcomes of these changes after TOETVA. A total of 122 patients who underwent TOETVA were reviewed. The original incision design was used for the 39 patients in group A and a modified incision design was used for the 83 patients in group B. The sensorimotor changes in the lower lip and chin were compared. Varying degrees of paresthesia of the lower lip and chin (PoLC) were noted in all group A patients. Approximately 20.5% of group B patients did not suffer from PoLC, and the degree of PoLC in group B was significantly lower (P < 0.001). Abnormal motor function of the lower lip was noted for 23.1% of the patients in group A and 2.4% of those in group B. The incision design plays an important role in the morbidity of sensorimotor changes in the lower lip and chin. Our modified incision design seems minimally invasive and feasible for patients who undergo TOETVA.

Effectiveness of double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction combined with anterolateral ligament reconstruction for revision

To investigate the effectiveness of double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction combined with anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction in the treatment of revision patients with ACL graft failure. Between January 2018 and June 2019, 15 patients underwent ACL revision with double-bundle ACL reconstruction combined with ALL reconstruction. There were 12 males and 3 females with an average age of 30.1 years (range, 17-49 years). The technique of primary ACL reconstruction included single-bundle reconstruction in 13 cases and double-bundle reconstruction in 2 cases. These reconstructions applied autografts in 14 cases and allograft in 1 case. The causes of ACL reconstruction failure were identified as traumatic rupture in 9 cases and non-traumatic failure in 6 cases, including 2 cases of graft absorption and 3 cases of graft laxity. The average time from the primary ACL reconstruction to revision was 28.5 months (range, 8-60 months). The subjective and objective indicators of knee joint function were compared before operation and at last follow-up to evaluate the effectiveness. The subjective indicators included International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, and Tegner score. The objective indicators included anterior tibial translation (dynamic and static) and side-to-side difference (SSD), pivot-shift test, Lachman test, the difference of single-legged hop test, and the loss ratio of extensor muscle strength on the affected side. All incisions healed by first intetion, and no complications such as infection, venous thrombosis of lower extremity, or neurovascular injury occurred. All patients were followed up for an average of 19.1 months (range, 12-30 months). At last follow-up, all patients had returned to pre-injury sports level. The IKDC score, Lysholm score, and Tegner score were significantly improved ( P<0.05); anterior tibial translations (dynamic and static) significantly decreased when compared with preoperative one ( P<0.05) and returned to the physiological range. The SSD, Lachman test, pivot-shift test, the difference of single-legged hop test, and the loss ratio of extensor muscle strength on the affected side were significantly better than those before operation ( P<0.05).During the follow-up, there was no re-rupture of the graft, no stiffness of the knee joint and limitation of mobility; 1 case had a protruding femoral end compression screw, which was removed through the original incision under local anesthesia. Double-bundle ACL reconstruction combined with ALL reconstruction can significantly improve the knee function in revision patients with ACL graft failure. It can reduce the anterior translation of tibia, and effectively prevent postoperative rotational instability of the knee.

Broken surgical blade retrieval following lumbar discectomy through paravertebral/lateral transpsoas approach: A case report

Background: There are rare reports of broken surgical blades occurring during lumbar discectomy, and even fewer that discuss their retrieval.Case Description: While a 54-year-old male was undergoing a lumbar discectomy, the knife blade was broken. As it was difficult to retrieve the fragment through the original incision, the patient was closed, and a postoperative angio-computerized tomography (CT) was obtained. When the CT angiogram (CTA) documented the retained fragment had become lodged near the iliac vein within the psoas muscle, a second operation for blade retrieval, consisting of a paravertebral, lateral transpsoas approach, was successfully performed.Conclusion: In some cases, it is difficult to retrieve a broken scalpel blade during the index surgery. When this occurs, we would recommend closing the patient, and obtaining a CTA to better document the location of the retained foreign body. Based upon these findings, a safer second stage procedure may be performed (e.g., as in this case using a paravertebral lateral transpsoas approach) to avoid undue sequelae/morbidity.

Nursing care of a case of mediastinal tumor resection combined with postoperative thoracic hemorrhage after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)

Objective: To summarize the nursing experience of a patient with postoperative intrathoracic hemorrhage after thoracoscopic-assisted resection of the right upper mediastinal tumor through the original incision. Methods: Summarize the main points of nursing care of postoperative intrathoracic hemorrhage after thoracoscopic mediastinal surgery, including observation and nursing when internal hemorrhage occurs after operation, respiratory management, activity management and pain management measures. Result: After careful care, the patient recovered and discharged smoothly. Conclusion: It is particularly important to observe the overall observation and take timely corresponding nursing measures for patients with intrathoracic hemorrhage after thoracoscopic mediastinal surgery.

Management of proximal penile prosthetic cylindrical complications: a novel direct crural approach

IntroductionPatients with proximal penile prosthetic cylindrical complications (PPPCC) can be treated with a direct crural technique without using the original traditional approach. In this article we present our novel direct crural approach for management of patients with PPPCC.Materials and methodsBetween 2014 and 2019, data were retrospectively collected from 13 patients who underwent surgical revision using our novel direct crural approach for PPPCC. The procedure commences with identification of the affected zone. The patient is in a low lithotomy position. A 2-centimeter longitudinal incision is made directly over the affected site. Dissection is carried down through Colles’ fascia, followed by a longitudinal incision through the tunica albuginea at the proximal part of the affected cylinder. Via the incision we can deliver out the cylinder and manage its problem.ResultsMean operative time was 40 min. No intra or post-operative complications were reported. All patients (Mean age = 57) were discharged on the same day. Postoperative follow-up found correction of all existing deformities at month 1, 3 and 6. All patients were satisfied and reported less pain and faster recovery than the first procedure.ConclusionOur technique, which can be used for all types of penile prosthesis, is both feasible and safe. It may simplify PPPCC revision by avoiding adhesions below the original incision, without jeopardizing the already implanted materials or the urethra. It may also improve patients’ safety and satisfaction, by reducing iatrogenic injury and post-operative recovery time.

A Bipedicled Flap for Closure of the Anterolateral Thigh Flap Donor Site.

Summary:Anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flaps have become reliable options for head-to-toe reconstruction. Although perforator anatomy is fairly predictable, in cases of eccentric perforator location, we proposed shifting the entire flap laterally and preserving a medial bipedicled flap between the original incision and the new medial flap margin. This facilitates primary donor site closure instead of harvesting a flap larger than anticipated. We conducted a retrospective chart review of ALT flaps performed between 2007 and 2019 and identified patients who underwent bipedicled closure of the donor site. Demographics, flap characteristics, and surgical technique were evaluated. Six patients had bipedicled donor site closure related to primary perforators located lateral to the original flap design. The mean defect size was 91 cm2, and bipedicled flap width ranged from 4 to 6 cm. All donor sites were closed primarily. Five of the donor thigh sites healed without complications, and 1 patient had superficial delayed healing of the medial bipedicled incision, which healed with local wound care. The ALT has become an invaluable flap in microsurgical reconstruction, yet it is not without limitations. Primary donor site closure is generally not feasible for larger flaps, thus necessitating skin grafting of the donor site and/or prolonged wound care. Our technique facilitates primary closure of the donor site in patients who otherwise would have required harvest of a larger than necessary flap based on eccentric perforator anatomy. The medial bipedicled flap is straightforward, reproducible, and allows for modifications of the original flap design to better fit the defect.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors for fatal outcome of patients receiving Sun's procedure after previous cardiac surgery

BackgroundCardiac reoperation has always been a difficult problem in clinical practice. Because of the difficulty of operation, the incidence of complications and mortality rate is high. Secondary aortic surgery, especially the reoperation involving arch, has higher risk and is more difficult for patients with renal failure. Sun's operation (total arch replacement + stent elephant nose) has achieved good results in the treatment of diseases involving aortic arch, and occupies an important position in the treatment of patients with secondary arch lesions after cardiac surgery. MethodsA total of 395 patients with a history of cardiac surgery were recorded in our center from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2017, among whom 118 (30.1%) patients underwent aortic reoperation via the original incision using Sun's aortic procedure owing to postoperative great vessel disease. We analyzed the clinical data and survival time, and used Cox regression to analyze the risk factors for 30-day mortality as well as long term mortality. ResultsThe interval between the last operation and the present operation was 0.08–19 years. Sixteen patients died within 30 days after operation and the average mortality rate was 13.6%. During the follow-up period, 28 patients died, with the mortality rate of 23.7%. As of December 31, 2017, the longest survival time was 9.36 years, and the survival time of 70 patients was more than 3.05 years. The main risk factor associated with the 30-day survival was cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time. The longer the CPB time was, the greater the risk of death was. The main risk factors associated with the long-term survival were CPB time and 24-h bleeding volume. The longer the CPB time was, the more the 24-h bleeding volume was, the higher long-term mortality rate was. ConclusionThe second Sun's operation, as a surgical treatment after cardiac surgery, showed a high survival rate, with long survival time and good curative effect. CPB is the main risk factor for the 30-day survival state after operation, and CPB time and 24-h bleeding volume are the main risk factors for the long-term survival state after operation.

Comparison of infection rate with tunneled vs standard external ventricular drainage: A prospective, randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesA prospective, blinded, randomized trial was performed to evaluate the incidence rates of external ventricular drainage (EVD)-related infection (ERI) after tunneled EVD (T-EVD) and standard EVD (S-EVD). Patients and methodsFrom February 2018 to February 2019, all adult patients admitted to the Union Hospital Neurosurgery Center for EVD placement were eligible for inclusion. After the application of strict exclusion criteria, all enrolled patients were randomly divided into two groups. The patients in Group A received S-EVD, and the remaining patients in Group B received T-EVD. A linear incision was made for T-EVD. The distal end of the catheter was inserted approximately 5 cm until cerebrospinal fluid was readily obtained, and then the catheter was tunneled approximately 4–5 cm from the insertion point. Finally, an external CSF drainage system was connected to the catheter. For the S-EVD patients, we secured the catheter at the original incision site after insertion, and an external CSF drainage system was also connected to the catheter. The rates of ERI were compared between the two patient groups. The odds ratios and χ² test were used to analyze the results. ResultsOne hundred twenty patients were randomly divided into two groups and underwent EVD placement. Among them, 60 patients in Group A received S-EVD, and 60 patients in Group B received T-EVD. Finally, 51 patients in Group A and 50 patients in Group B met all of the study inclusion/exclusion criteria and were thus eligible for inclusion in the evaluation of ERI rates. All clinical features of the two groups were similar. A total of 12 patients’ (11.9%) CSF cultures were positive for infection. Ten (19.6%) patients who underwent S-EVD had CSF-positive cultures, while only 2 (4.0%) patients who underwent T-EVD had CSF-positive cultures (P = 0.034). Additionally, 8 patients in Group A and 1 patient in Group B were complicated with CSF leakage (P = 0.039). ConclusionsCompared to S-EVD, T-EVD, when performed according to a previously established perioperative management protocol, resulted in lower infection and CSF leakage rates. We recommend that T-EVD should be preferentially performed when surgeons determine whether a catheter can be removed within 10 days, and the catheter used for EVD should be removed as soon as permitted by the clinical circumstances.

Microsurgical treatment of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea after operation of vestibular schwannoma due to the opening of internal auditory canal

Objective To investigate the microsurgical treatment of refractory cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea after operation of vestibular schwannoma due to the opening of internal auditory canal. Methods From January 2012 to May 2018, a total of 249 patients with vestibular schwannoma underwent tumor resection at Neurosurgery Department, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University. There were 8 (3.2%) cases that developed CSF rhinorrhea after operation. Among them, 5 underwent conservative therapy and CSF leakage disappeared and the remaining 3 (1.2%) cases with refractory CSF leakage received second craniotomy for CSF leakage repair on the 3rd, 9 th and 28 th day after tumor resection respectively. Suboccipital retrosigmoid approach (original incision) was used to repair the defect of posterior wall of internal auditory canal. Fresh muscle granules and glue were used to seal the defect of posterior wall of internal auditory canal. Results Among the 3 patients who underwent surgical repair operation, CSF leakage disappeared immediately in 2 cases and cured one month later in 1 case. Facial nerve function was not affected after the second operation. The assessment based on House-Brackman classification revealed grade 1 in 2 cases and grade 2 in 1 case at discharge. All the 3 patients developed intracranial infection and recovered after anti-infection therapy. Conclusions CSF rhinorrhea after vestibular schwannoma surgery is a relatively common complication. Meticulous sealing of opened air cells in the petrous bone (around the inner auditory canal and mastoid air cells) seems necessary for the prevention and treatment CSF leakage. Key words: Neuroma, acoustic; Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea; Microsurgery; Inner auditory canal

Percutaneous Achilles tendon repair with the Dresden instrument. Clinical and MRI evaluation of 90 patients

BackgroundThis study aims at evaluating a substantial number of patients treated with a percutaneous, paratenon preserving technique for Achilles tendon repair using three different incisions with clinical follow-up and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MethodsNinety patients with percutaneous Achilles tendon repair using the Dresden technique for acute rupture were evaluated. Fifteen patients were treated using a central approach, 15 patients using a posterolateral approach and the original posteromedial approach was used in 60 patients. All patients were followed clinically and with MRI after 1 and 6 months post-operatively. ResultsUsing the standard posteromedial approach no complications were seen. With the central approach 4 (27%) wound healing problems were observed and with the posterolateral approach 2 (13%) sural nerve lesions occurred. One patient (1.1%) had a rerupture. MRI revealed an increased diameter at the rupture site and distal to it as well as an increasingly homogeneous signal over time. ConclusionsPercutaneous Achilles tendon repair with the Dresden technique yields excellent clinical results and a low complication rate. Modification of the original incision is discouraged.