Surgical Advances Research Articles

Urologic Complication after Laparoscopic Hysterectomy in Gynecology Oncology: A Single-Center Analysis and Narrative Review of the Literature.

Background and Objectives: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has recently increased its application in the treatment of gynecological malignancies. Despite technological and surgical advances, urologic complications (UC) are still the main concern in gynecology surgery. Current literature reports a wide range of urinary tract injuries, and consistent scientific evidence is still lacking or dated. This study aims to report a large single-center experience of urinary complications during laparoscopic hysterectomy for gynecologic oncologic disease. Materials and Methods: All patients who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy for gynecologic malignancy at the Department of Medicine and Surgery of the University Hospital of Parma from 2017 to 2021 were retrospectively included. Women with endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine sarcoma, or borderline ovarian tumors were included. Patients undergoing robotic surgery with incomplete anatomopathological data or patients lost during follow-up were excluded from the analysis. Intraoperative and postoperative UC were analyzed and ranked according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Results: Two hundred-sixty patients were included in the study: 180 endometrial cancer, 18 cervical cancer, nine ovarian cancer, two uterine sarcomas, and 60 borderline ovarian tumors. Nine (3.5%) UCs were reported (five intraoperative and four postoperative complications). No anamnestic variables showed a statistical correlation with the surgical complication in the univariable analyses. C1 radical hysterectomy, a higher FIGO stage, and postoperative adjuvant treatment (p-value = 0.001, p-value = 0.046, and p-value = 0.046, respectively) were independent risk factors associated with the occurrence of UC. Conclusions: The urological complication rates in patients with oncological disease are relatively rare events in the expert hands of dedicated surgeons. Radical hysterectomy, FIGO stage, and adjuvant treatment are independent factors associated with urinary complications.

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery in a Nigerian city

Introduction. Improvements in surgical techniques and advancements in antibiotic management have significantly reduced the complications associated with Ventriculoperitoneal Shunting which is still the most common procedure for the treatment of hydrocephalus. These complications are believed to be highest in Low and middle-income countries due to delayed presentation to care facilities. The authors report our experience of managing paediatric hydrocephalus in an institution with evolving Neurosurgical practice in North Central Nigeria. Material and methods. We retrospectively reviewed all cases of VP shunting from 2011 to 2018 taking into consideration the demographics, aetiologies of hydrocephalus, length of hospital stay, postoperative morbidity and mortality, and overall outcome. Complications sought included, Surgical Site infections, shunt exposure, obstruction or any other cause of shunt malfunction. The minimum follow-up period was 24 months Results. There were 27 VPS procedures done in 25 patients of whom 15 were males and 10 females (M:F ratio of 1.5:1). The age range was 8 days to 9 years with a median age of 5 months. Of the 25 cases, 24 (96%) were non-tumoral in origin comprising 17 congenital and 7 acquired hydrocephalus. At 2 years post shunt insertion, 21 (84%) of the 25 initial cases were still functional. The total complication rate was 28%, comprising Surgical Site infection, shunt exposure, shunt obstruction, seizure, and one death, There were 3 (12%) shunt failures from shunt obstruction (2) and shunt exposure (1). Conclusion With meticulous control of the surgical environment and improved experience in ventriculoperitoneal shunting, the complication rate can be significantly reduced. There is a need to increase the awareness of the population to the availability of care for seemingly hopeless conditions. The burden of the cost of care on individuals should be lightened through better health insurance coverage.

Surgical-PEARL protocol: a multicentre prospective cohort study exploring aetiology, management and outcomes for patients with congenital anomalies potentially requiring surgical intervention

IntroductionCongenital anomalies affect over 2% of pregnancies. Surgical advances have reduced mortality and improved survival for patients with congenital anomalies potentially requiring surgical (CAPRS) intervention. However, our understanding of aetiology,...

The Impact of Surgical Advancement of Transoral Robotic Surgery on the Safety of Patients

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is a relatively new technological advancement in the surgical field of otolaryngology. However, there are many concerns of affordability, safety, patient expectations, and consent. This paper examines how the new surgical technology comes with a price many hospitals cannot afford, potentially compromising patient safety to gain a return on their investment. We analyze patient’s expectations as a reason for risking their safety because there are certain cosmetic standards patients adhere to and opt for minimally invasive procedures, but put themselves in harm's way. We detail out the topic of informed consent, whereby surgeons cannot perform surgery and limit patients’ treatment options. Finally, this paper also examines the role of the FDA in ensuring the safety and efficacy of the TORS technology.

Surgeon-anatomist to robotic technician? The evolving role of the surgeon over three centuries.

In the 18th century, anatomy was the principal science underlying surgical practice. Over the next three centuries, the scientific basis of surgery changed dramatically. Morbid anatomy led to the understanding of organ-based pathologies that allowed surgeons to remove, reconstruct and in some cases replace internal organs. In the 19th century, the new science of microbiology facilitated antisepsis, then asepsis as surgery progressed from a craft to a scientific discipline. Yet many surgeons believed that surgery was not merely a science but also an art, in which the creativity of the doctor was necessary for progress. Surgical advancement depended on creative individuals with innovative flair, prepared to pioneer often risky procedures in the face of mainstream opposition. The 20th century saw a series of changes that made such individualism more difficult. 'Scientific Management' when applied to surgery decreed that procedures be performed according to predetermined schedules, a drive to uniformity producing better outcomes and diminishing individual variation. Yet inventive individuals continued to produce surgical advances. In the 21st century, moves toward standardisation developed further. The escalating safety culture in surgery moderates the introduction of novel, potentially riskier procedures, while more and more regulation increasingly requires surgeons to adhere to guidelines and protocols, further restricting surgical individualism. Moreover, the role of the individual is further diminished, as surgical care is delivered by teams, both in deciding management in major cases and in the operating theatre. The introduction of robotics into surgery has led to the suggestion that the role of the surgeon may become that of a technician. Will these constraints, and greater patient involvement in decisions, allow tomorrow's surgeons the freedom to innovate? We believe that the pioneering spirit, imagination and flair will not be lost. Tomorrow's surgeons must remain doctors, showing the compassion and empathy that robots cannot provide.

Power-assisted Liposuction for Lymphedema: A Cost-utility Analysis.

Extremity volumes from all patients who underwent debulking surgery of the upper extremity at two institutions between December 2017 and January 2020 with at least 12 months follow-up were included. Procedural costs were calculated using Medicare reimbursement data. Average utility scores were obtained for each health state using a visual analog scale, then converted to quality-adjusted life years. A decision tree was generated, and incremental cost-utility ratios were calculated. Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate our findings. Debulking surgery is associated with a higher clinical effectiveness (quality-adjusted life year) of 27.05 compared to conservative management (23.34), with a relative cost reduction of $74,487. Rollback analysis favored debulking surgery as the cost-effective option compared to conservative management. The resulting negative incremental cost-utility ratio of -20,115.07 favored debulking surgery and indicated a dominant strategy. Our study supports the use of debulking surgery for the treatment of chronic lymphedema of the upper extremity.

Surgical Advancements in Corneal Transplantation

Surgical Advancements in Corneal Transplantation

Knotless, Retensionable Posterior Meniscal Root Repair With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair TightRope and FiberRing Sutures

Posterior meniscal root repair techniques continue to evolve, influenced by rapidly increasing clinical interest, surgical technology advances, and biomechanical insights. A posterior meniscal root repair technique is presented, utilizing a knotless, retensionable suspensory construct developed for anterior cruciate ligament repair but is also well suited for meniscal root repair. Benefits include built-in shuttling sutures, knotless technology, and poststressing retensioning capability to ensure maximal final repair security.

Carotid disease, cognition, and aging: time to redefine asymptomatic disease?

There is an increasing appreciation of the vascular contributions in the development of age-related cognitive impairment and dementia1,2. Identifying risk and maintaining cognitive health for successful aging is ever relevant in our aging population. Carotid disease, a well-established risk factor for stroke and often a harbinger of other vascular disease states, is also emerging as another vascular risk factor for age-related cognitive decline. When combined with vascular risk factors, the incidence of age-related carotid disease can be as high as 70%3,4. Historically, carotid disease has been dichotomized into two large groups in trial design, outcome measurements, and treatment decisions: symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. The dichotomous distinction between asymptomatic and symptomatic carotid stenosis based on existing definitions may be limiting the care we are able to provide for patients classified as "asymptomatic" from their carotid disease. Medically, we now know that these patients should be treated with the same intensive medical therapy as those with "symptomatic" carotid disease. Emerging data also shows that hypoperfusion from asymptomatic disease may lead to significant cognitive impairment in the aging population, and it is plausible that most "age-related" cognitive changes may be reflective of vascular impairment and neurovascular dysfunction. While over the past 30years medical, surgical, and radiological advances have pushed the field of neurovascular disease to significantly reduce the number of ischemic strokes, we are far from any meaningful interventions to prevent vascular cognitive impairment. In addition to including cognitive outcome measures, future studies of carotid disease will also benefit from including advanced neuroimaging modalities not currently utilized in standard clinical imaging protocols, such as perfusion imaging and/or functional connectivity mapping, which may provide novel data to better assess for hypoxic-ischemic changes and neurovascular dysfunction across diffuse cognitive networks. While current recommendations advise against widespread population screening for asymptomatic carotid stenosis, emerging evidence linking carotid stenosis to cognitive impairment prompts us to re-consider our approach for older patients with vascular risk factors who are at risk for cognitive decline.

Open Subpectoral Tenodesis for Isolated Traumatic Long Head of Biceps Tendon Rupture Provides Excellent Functional Outcomes in Active Male Patients.

For many years the long head of biceps tendon (LHBT) rupture has been described and is commonly identified by weakness, cramping, and the so-called "Popeye" sign. Traditionally, this was treated non-operatively, likely reflecting patient factors and the technical difficulty in reattaching a degenerative and shortened tendon. In contrast, traumatic distal biceps rupture is now commonly repaired despite historically being managed non-operatively. The advent of a convenient and reproducible surgical technique led to an increase in the rate of fixation, thereby improving the cramping and weakness associated with non-operative treatment. Given recent surgical advances within this field, many techniques are now present for LHBT pathology. We describe results from a cohort of patients suffering traumatic LHBT rupture who sought a surgical solution to improve their symptoms. Over four years, 18 male patients underwent surgical intervention for isolated traumatic LHBT rupture. The technique used involved an open subpectoral tenodesis with fixation of the LHBT into the bicipital groove. Postoperative immobilization using a sling was recommended for six weeks prior to a progressive rehabilitation program. Patients were assessed with pre- and postoperative visual analog scores (VAS) for pain and American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) scores. The mean patient age at the time of surgery was 49 years (range: 26-65 years). The mean time to surgery was nine weeks (range: 2-24 weeks). All patients showed an improvement following surgery with a mean pre-op ASES score of 33 (range: 10-60) compared to a post-op score of 92.6 (range: 85-100). All patients were able to return to work and sport, with all but one returning to the same functional demand level of work. The mean pre-op pain VASwas 6.3 (out of 10) compared to 0.2 post-op. All patients had a requirement for analgesia pre-operatively and none had postoperatively. No surgical complications were observed. No correlation was observed between the time to surgery and the outcome. LHBT rupture is often treated non-operatively as few studies within the literature describe the surgical technique and outcomes from surgical intervention. When treated non-operatively, patients complain of pain, cramping, and cosmetic deformity known as the "Popeye" sign. Following a traumatic rupture of the LHBT, we have demonstrated excellent outcomes using a standard approach and common fixation technique that has the potential to improve the functional outcome for symptomatic patients. Open subpectoral biceps tenodesis is associated with excellent outcomes in symptomatic patients following isolated LHBT rupture.

Fertility Preservation in Adolescents with Klinefelter Syndrome is Experimental but May Increase Therapeutic Options for Biological Paternity

While approximately half of adult Klinefelter syndrome (KS) patients have retrievable sperm on micro testicular sperm extraction, success is limited by testicular hyalinization beginning at puberty. Recent surgical and laboratory advances lend themselves to experimental fertility preservation in appropriately selected adolescent KS patients.

Pelvic Pouch Failure: Treatment Options.

Up to 30% of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) will require surgical management of their disease during their lifetime. An ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the gold standard of care, giving patients the ability to be free from UC's bowel disease and avoid a permanent ostomy. Despite surgical advancements, a minority of patients will still experience pouch failure which can be debilitating and often require further surgical interventions. Signs and symptoms of pouch failure should be addressed with the appropriate workup and treatment plans formulated according with the patient's wishes. This article will discuss the identification, workup, and treatment options for pouch failure after IPAA.

Dermal Allograft Augmentation for Rotator Cuff Tears

Large and massive rotator cuff tears continue to be challenging for shoulder surgeons. Given the high percentage of retears after repair of these tears, several surgical technical advancements have been proposed. The use of grafts (xenograft, synthetic, and allograft) as an augmentation of the repair has been growing over the last several years in an attempt to improve structural integrity and postoperative outcomes. Patch augmentation with dermal allografts is the most commonly used, showing promising biomechanical, structural, and functional outcomes. Several factors have been associated with healing outcomes, including age, tear size, and fatty degeneration. The rotator cuff healing index can be used to assess for patients with Hamada grades 1 and 2 with elevated retear risk and potential indications for repair with graft augmentation. A score of 7 points represents a reasonable threshold for the addition of a dermal allograft due to a significant reduction in healing rates when comparing patients with a score of 6 points (66%) to 7 points (only 38%) without augmentation of the repair. Biomechanical studies have demonstrated a greater maximum failure load compared with standard repair. The healing rates of rotator cuff repairs using scaffolds range between 60% and 85%, compared with 40% with nonaugmented repairs. Moreover, the use of repair augmentation has been associated with improved range of motion and functional scores compared with nonaugmented repairs, with allografts showing the best visual analog scale pain score and postoperative external rotation results. Given these favorable healing rates, functional outcomes, and low complication rates, augmenting rotator cuff repairs with a dermal allograft may be a suitable option in active patients with a diminished chance of postoperative healing.

Periosteum Classification and Flap Advancement Techniques Around the Mental Foramen.

Various surgical flap advancement techniques for bone regeneration have been described in the literature; however, the clinical challenges of managing tissue that contains scars or embedded foreign materials have not been thoroughly described, especially around metal foramen. Fibrotic and thickened scar periosteum as well as mental foramen restrict the tissue from responding in the same way as native tissue. Therefore, additional considerations and approaches must be considered to achieve tension-free flap closure. This article presents a flap advancement classification that describes three common clinical scenarios based on the periosteum and soft tissue quality and provides surgical approaches for tissue management in each classification, with a focus on flap advancement around the mental foramen.

Surgical Treatment of Pediatric Scoliosis: Historical Origins and Review of Current Techniques.

The treatment of scoliosis has been explored and debated in medicine since the first recorded texts. Scoliosis treatment has shifted over time from external modalities, such as traction and bracing, to internal stabilization techniques that leverage surgical advances. Surgical fixation constructs can generally be separated into two different modalities: dynamic vs. static constructs. For skeletally immature individuals with progressive deformities, surgical options range from traditional or magnetically controlled growing rods to vertebral body staples or tethering. For individuals who have reached skeletal maturity, many devices have been developed that provide static length constructs. Understanding the surgical options available is critical for the appropriate management of this varied patient population. With this article, we sought to provide a summary of past and present techniques and devices used in the treatment of scoliosis.

Complications and management in adult spinal deformity

Adult spinal deformity surgery has been shown to be an effective treatment that improves the quality of life for symptomatic patients who have failed nonoperative management. Its prevalence has increased due to an aging patient population with longer life expectancies. Despite surgical technique advancements, it has been associated with complications that negatively impact patient outcomes. This article examines the surgical and medical complications associated with adult spinal deformity surgery and discusses their risk assessment, prevention, and management techniques.

Geriatrik Köpeklerde Fizyoterapi ve Rehabilitasyon: Güncel Bakış

Geriatrik ve artritik köpeklerin durumlarına özel rehabilitasyona ihtiyaçları vardır. Yaşlanan köpeklerde ilerleyici hareket kaybıyla bağlantılı olarak fonksiyonel durum kötüleşir. Yaşlanma, çok çeşitli dokularda değişikliklere neden olur. Ayrıca yaşlanan köpeklerde kronik hastalıkların görülme sıklığı ve şiddeti de artmaktadır. Öngörülen yaşam süresinin %75’ine ulaşan hayvanlar geriatrik olarak tanımlanır. Yaşlanma süreci cins, genetik, beslenme, çevre ve diğer faktörlerden etkilenir. Veteriner hekimlikte tıbbi ve cerrahi ilerlemeler nedeniyle köpeklerin yaşam süresi uzamıştır. Bunun bir sonucu olarak, evcil hayvanların sahipleri yaşlılığa bağlı bir dizi sorunla karşı karşıya kalmaktadır. Pek çok evcil hayvan ergenlik çağında aktif olsa da, çoğu köpek 6 yaşından itibaren yaşlanma belirtileri göstermeye başlar. Bu durumdaki geriatrik köpekler kapsamlı bir değerlendirmeye ve rehabilitasyona ihtiyaç duyar. Geriatrik ve artritik köpekler, durumlarındaki değişiklikleri tespit edebilmek ve en doğru bakım planını tasarlayabilmek için mutlaka düzenli olarak değerlendirilmelidir. Geriatrik köpeklerde sıklıkla ağrı ve hareket kısıtlılığı görülür, yaşam kalitesi azalır. Ağrı yönetimi kılavuzlarının, multimodal ilaçların, fiziksel rehabilitasyon modalitelerinin ve çevresel düzenlemelerin kullanılması yaşlı köpeğin kaliteli bir yaşam sürmesini sağlar. Yaşlanan köpekler için rehabilitasyon hedefleri, sağlığı desteklemeyi, yaşa bağlı sağlık sorunlarının ilerlemesini yavaşlatmayı ve köpeğin yaşam kalitesini arttırmayı ve -mümkünse- yaşam süresini uzatmayı içerir. Bu çalışmada yaşlanmanın etkileri, yaşlanan köpekte yaygın görülen kas-iskelet sistemi değişiklikleri, yaşam kalitesi, ağrı yönetimi ve artritik köpeğin rehabilitasyon süreci üzerinde durulmaktadır.

Ultrasound-guided, continuous erector spinae plane (ESP) block in minimally invasive thoracic surgery—comparing programmed intermittent bolus (PIB) vs continuous infusion on quality of recovery and postoperative respiratory function: a double-blinded randomised controlled trial

BackgroundMinimally invasive thoracic surgery (MITS) has been shown to reduce postoperative pain and contribute to better postoperative quality of life as compared to open thoracic surgery (Bendixen et al., Lancet Oncol 17:836–44, 2016). However, it still causes significant post-operative pain. Regional anaesthesia techniques including fascial plane blocks such as the erector spinae plane block (ESP) have been shown to contribute to post-operative pain control after MITS (Finnerty et al., Br J Anaesth 125:802–10, 2020). Case reports relating to ESP catheters have described improved quality of pain relief using programmed intermittent boluses (PIB) instead of continuous infusion (Bendixen et al., Lancet Oncol 17:836–44, 2016). It is suggested that larger, repeated bolus dose may provide superior pain relief, possibly because of improved spread of the local anaesthetic medications (Ilfeld and Gabriel, Reg Anesth Pain Med 44:285–86, 2019). Evidence for improved spread of local anaesthetic may be found in one study which demonstrated that PIB increased the spread of local anaesthetic medication compared to continuous infusions for continuous paravertebral blocks, which are another type of regional anaesthesia technique for the chest wall (Hida et al., Reg Anesth Pain Med 44:326–32, 2019). Similarly, regarding labour epidural analgesia, the weight of evidence is in favour of PIB providing better pain relief compared with continuous infusion (Onuoha, Anesthesiol Clin 35:1–14, 2017).Since fascial plane blocks, such as ESP, rely on the spread of local anaesthetic medication between muscle layers of the chest wall, intermittent boluses may be particularly useful for this group of blocks. However, until recently, pumps capable of providing automated boluses in addition to patient-controlled boluses were not widely available. To best of our knowledge, there are no randomised controlled trials comparing continuous infusion versus intermittent bolus strategies for erector spinae plane block for MITS in terms of patient centred outcomes such as quality of recovery.MethodsThis trial will be a prospective, double-blinded, randomised controlled superiority trial. A total of 60 eligible patients will be randomly assigned to receive an intermittent bolus regime of local anaesthetic vs a continuous infusion of local anaesthetic. The medication will be delivered via an ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block catheter which will be inserted by an anaesthesiologist while the patient is under general anaesthetic before their MITS surgery begins. The primary outcome being measured is the Quality of Recovery (QoR-15) score between the two groups 24 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes include respiratory testing of maximal inspiratory volume measured with a calibrated incentive spirometer, area under the curve for Verbal Rating Score for pain at rest and on deep inspiration versus time over 48 h, total opioid consumption over 48 h, QoR-15 score at 48 h and time to first mobilisation.DiscussionDespite surgical advancements in thoracic surgery, severe acute post-operative pain following MITS is still prevalent. This study will provide new knowledge and possible recommendations about the efficacy of programmed intermittent bolus regimen of local anaesthetic vs a continuous infusion of local anaesthetic via an ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane catheter for patients undergoing MITS.Trial registrationThis trial was pre-registered on ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05181371. Registered on 6 January 2022. All item from the World Health Organization Trial Registration Data set have been included.

Comparing Intraperitoneal and Intravenous Personalized ErbB2CAR-T for the Treatment of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer.

High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is the most common type of epithelial ovarian cancer. The majority of cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, when intraperitoneal (IP) spread has already occurred. Despite significant surgical and chemotherapeutic advances in HGSOC treatment over the past decades, survival rates with HGSOC have only modestly improved. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells enable T cells to directly bind to tumor-associated antigens in a major histocompatibility complex-independent manner, thereby inducing tumor rejection. While CAR-T cell therapy shows great promise in hematological malignancies, its use in solid tumors is limited. Therefore, innovative approaches are needed to increase the specificity of CAR-modified T cells against solid tumors. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of intraperitoneal (IP) versus intravenous (IV) CAR-T cell therapy in the treatment of HGSOC. We constructed a CAR that targets the ErbB2/HER2 protein (ErbB2CAR), which is overexpressed in HGSOC, and evaluated the functionality of ErbB2CAR on ovarian cancer cell lines (OVCAR8, SKOV3, and NAR). Our findings show that an IP injection of ErbB2CAR-T cells to tumor-bearing mice led to disease remission and increased survival compared to the IV route. Moreover, we found that IP-injected ErbB2CART cells circulate to a lesser extent, making them safer for non-tumor tissues than IV-injected cells. Further supporting our findings, we show that the effect of ErbB2CAR-T cells on primary HGSOC tumors is correlated with ErbB2 expression. Together, these data demonstrate the advantages of an IP administration of CAR-T cells over IV administration, offering not only a safer strategy but also the potential for counteracting the effect of ErbB2CAR in HGSOC. Significance: IP-injected ErbB2CAR-T cells led to disease remission and increased survival compared to the IV route. These findings demonstrate the advantages of IP administration, offering a safe treatment strategy with the potential for counteracting the effect of ErbB2CAR in HGSOC.

Evolution of spinal cord injury treatment in military neurosurgery.

During the mid-1900s, military medicine made historical advancements in the diagnosis, stabilization, and treatment of spinal cord injuries (SCIs). In particular, World War II was an inflection point for clinical practice related to SCIs because of the vast number of devastating injuries to soldiers seen during World War I (WWI). The unprecedented rate of SCI along with growth in the field served as a catalyst for surgical and interdisciplinary advancements through the increased exposure to this challenging pathology. Initially, a tragic fate was assumed for soldiers with SCIs in WWI resulting in a very conservative approach strategy given a multitude of factors. However, soldiers with similar injuries 20 years later saw improved outcomes with more aggressive management interventions by specialists in spine trauma, who applied measures such as spinal traction, arthrodesis, and internal fixation, and with the significant developments in the complex rehabilitation of these patients. This article describes the historical shift in the management of SCIs through the two world wars. These historical lessons of SCI and the fundamental advances in their neurosurgical intervention have molded not only military but also modern civilian treatment of SCI.