Surgical Maneuvers Research Articles

Efficacy of intracameral mydriatics in pediatric lens surgery.

Introduction To evaluate the efficacy of intracameral administration of Mydrane® in children undergoing lens surgery. Methods We set up a single center prospective cohort trial including 40 consecutive patients between 8 weeks and 17 years old who were planned for lens surgery, including cataract, persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) or lens subluxation. We injected 0,1 ml of intracameral Mydrane at the beginning of surgery, no preoperative mydriatic eye drops were used. The aim of the study was to measure pupil size, and to monitor the evolution of the pupil size during surgery and the need for additional pupil expanding techniques. Results In 30 patients (75% (95%CI: 59 - 87%)), we did not need additional manipulations to obtain sufficient pupillary dilatation to perform the surgery and to implant an intraocular lens (IOL) following the bag-in-the-lens (BIL) technique. In the remaining 10 patients (25%), we saw an initiation of dilatation, but not to the required pupil diameter to continue the surgery without additional surgical maneuvers. The duration of surgery was significantly longer in the partial response group, reflecting the need for additional surgical steps. A significant relation between increase of pupillary diameter and age (P = 0.003), gender (P = 0.032) and horizontal corneal diameter (P < 0.001) could be shown. Even at baseline there is a larger pupil diameter in eyes with larger horizontal corneal diameters (p=0.039). No adverse events were observed during this study. Conclusion Intracameral administration of Mydrane resulted in some degree of dilatation in all eyes in this series, 75% of eyes did not need additional techniques to proceed with the surgery. Smaller pupils at baseline, younger age, male sex and small horizontal corneal diameter were related to a poorer response to Mydrane. The mydriasis persisted for the entire duration of the surgery, no ocular adverse events were observed during this study. This leads us to conclude that intracameral Mydrane is an effective and safe way to dilate the pupil in pediatric lens surgery.

Improving the Supraalar Groove Aesthetic Subunit and Lateral Crura Convex-Concave Deformity.

Lateral crura surface problems are one of the most difficult challenges in nose tip surgery. Closed Preservation Rhinoplasty (CPR) is a revolutionary concept keeping nose tip flexibility and elasticity. Solving lateral crura surface problems and keeping tip flexibility the surgeon will accomplish a sharper supraalar groove transition between the dorsum and the tip. The convex-concave lateral crura deformity (CCLCD) or S shape lateral crura is one of the biggest constraints to accomplish a beautiful tip and dorsum-tip transition (DTT). This deformity is the reason of commonly said parenthesis deformity of cephalic malposition. This LLC convexityconcavity shape creates a C shape shadow. This DTT is one of the key areas to accomplish natural results and it depends on different nose structures, not just the lower lateral cartilages (LLC). A total 560 rhinoplasty cases were studied retrospectively between September and December 2023. Three hundred and twenty patients had at least 1 year of follow-up. Patients had follow-up at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after surgery. No secondary rhinoplasty was included. Just 2 secondary septoplasty cases were included without any nose skin undermining in the previous surgery. Surgical details were documented, including the 6 fundamental steps of this technique (1) mucosal lower lateral incision, (2) dorsum subperichondral dissection and vertical scroll release, (3) lateral crura tail caudal release, lateral crura steal and slide under flap lateralization, (4) upper laterals caudal resection, (5) vertical scroll reconstruction, and (6) turning point extension graft. Three hundred and twenty patients had at least 1 year of follow-up. 516 underwent a closed approach and 47 patients an open approach. All patients had subperichondral dissection of the hump envelope. All patients who underwent a closed approach had a low strip let down dorsal preservation technique. All patients who underwent an open approach had structural technique with spreader flaps or grafts at the keystone area. All the patients underwent their osteotomies with a piezoelectric device. Twenty-three revision surgeries were necessary. CPR taught us how important ligament and soft tissue preservation are. It taught the less damage you do to the nose soft tissues and scaffold the less support you need on it. Surgeons have been over grafting the lateral crura to solve postoperative problems mainly due to dissection problems and lack of lateral crura support. This paper shows how to solve lateral crura surface problems keeping the tip flexible and elastic creating also a nice and natural supraalar groove transition by applying 6 surgical manoeuvres.

Iridodialysis repair using a modified sewing machine technique

A large iridodialysis can present with both visual and cosmetic disturbances, and therefore, surgical intervention is indicated. We describe a modified sewing machine technique in repairing large iridodialysis without the indication of an extensive scleral groove. Another modification made was a scleral flap. The scleral flap provides better control on the position of the knot and its whisker, allowing full coverage and eliminating the risk of whisker exposure and eventual conjunctival erosion. This technique for iridodialysis repair provides better cosmetic results, especially for extensive iridodialysis. It is also more economical and involves simple, safe, and efficient surgical maneuvers in repairing iridodialysis.

Tracking 3D motion of instruments in microsurgery: A comparative study of stereoscopic marker-based vs. deep learning method for objective analysis of surgical skills

Background:In microsurgery, integrating motor and visual information is crucial for achieving precise bimanual maneuvers. Computer vision serves as a useful tool for analyzing surgical maneuvers and enhancing situational awareness in medical assistive systems. Furthermore, the combination of deep learning with computer vision shows promise for objectively assessing surgical skills. Methods:This study compared two methods for tracking 3D movement during microsurgery: Mitracks3D, a stereoscopic tracker using color-marked instruments, and a deep learning method for instruments identification based on YOLOv8. Additionally, drawing an analogy between single-camera and new stereoscopic recording systems, 2D and 3D motion signals from microsurgery training videos on the peg transfer task were obtained to analyze surgeons’ psychomotor skills using six motion analysis parameters (MAPs). Results:When comparing the two 3D tracking methods, the motion signals revealed a relative error (ϵ) of less than 10%, with a correlation coefficient (ρ) exceeding 0.9892 ±0.0020, tracking loss below 2.0398%, and instruments detection time under 1 ms for Mitracks3D and 7.09 ±0.62 ms for YOLOv8. When comparing the performance between participants using 2D and 3D signals, statistically significant differences were found in 4 of the 6 explored MAPs. Additionally, a high cosine similarity (cs>0.99) was found between the performance scores of the 6 MAPs, indicating compatibility between the 2D and 3D recording modalities. Conclusions:The deep learning-based approach is as effective as stereo-tracking with markers; both methods produced remarkably similar 3D motion signals. The compatibility in evaluation between 2D and 3D was confirmed. In essence, adopting computer vision methods such as Mitracks3D and YOLOv8 provides a compelling alternative for constructing objective assessment tools for surgical skills.

Hydrodissection and femtosecond laser assisted surgery in posterior polar cataract

PurposeTo present our clinical experience using femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and cortical cleavage hydrodissection in eyes with posterior polar cataract.MethodsMedical records of consecutive10 eyes of 6 patients with clinical diagnosis of posterior polar cataract (PPC), were retrospectively reviewed. All surgeries were done by using femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. In all cases careful hydrodissection was done to separate the lens material from the posterior capsule.ResultsThere were 3 males and 3 females, ages 39–73 years (average 52.5 years), two of them were implanted with toric lenses. In all eyes hydrodissection was successfully performed and the lens material was separated from the lens capsule. The posterior capsule remained intact during nucleus removal in all cases. In one eye the posterior capsule broke during cortical cleaning and the tear was converted to posterior capsulorhexis (PCCC). No postoperative complications were recorded during follow-up in all eyes.ConclusionsHydrodissection can be safely performed in combination (but not exclusively) with FLACS, in eyes with posterior polar cataract with no evidence of a preexisting posterior capsule rent. Hydrodissection is regarded by most surgeons as contraindicated in these eyes however apparently it is more gentile to the capsule than any other surgical maneuver and allows clean and efficient separation of the lens material from the thinned posterior capsule. Femtosecond laser capsulotomy and lens fragmentation is effective and may further assist surgery by pneumo-separation of the lens material. Anterior chamber maintainer may further aid to the stability of the chamber and safety of surgery.

Smartphone Augmented En-Face Guided Epiretinal Membrane Peeling: A 3D Ngenuity Tool For Customized Treatment.

We aimed to introduce a novel visualization technique of en-face scans during epiretinal membrane (ERM) peeling, by using the in-built picture-in-picture (PIP) modality of the Alcon Ngenuity 3D System, connected to a smartphone. Prospective mono-centric interventional analysis on 20 patients undergoing vitrectomy and peeling for idiopathic ERMs. RTVue XR Avanti device was used perform a 6 × 6 mm optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). En-face image from a custom slab from 9 μm upon the internal limiting membrane (ILM) to 30 μm below the ILM was taken and 180° flipped. The smartphone was connected to the Alcon 3D Ngenuity display using an HDMI-to-USB cable and the picture-in-picture modality of the display was chosen in the software menu. ERM peeling was performed without dye stain starting from black linear structures on the en-face, indicating area of weaker adhesion to the ERM and could be used as cleavage point for membrane removal using vitreal forceps. We reported successful peeling initiation and flap lift at the first forceps' grasp in all cases (100%). After ERM peeling, dual blue staining highlighted ILM remnants in 15 cases (75%) and peeling was completed. Total surgical time, including cable connections and projection to the display, was 41.6±9.2 minutes. Intraoperative total peeling time was 11.1±2.6 minutes. Central macular thickness significantly reduced 1 month after surgery (p=0.01). In summary, this is a cheap and easily reproducible surgical technique to optimize ERM management, offering an intraoperative guide for peeling initiation and minimizing un-necessary surgical maneuvers.

A novel endoscope-port unit for lumbar microendoscopic surgery: a single-center case series review.

Minimally invasive spinal surgery has shown benefits not only from a clinical standpoint but also in some cost-effectiveness metrics. Microendoscopic procedures combine optical advantages of endoscopy with the preservation of bimanual surgical maneuvers that are not feasible with full percutaneous endoscopic procedures. TELIGEN is a new endoscopic platform designed to optimize these operations. Our aim was to present a retrospective review of surgical data from the first consecutive cases applying this device in our institution and describe some of its technical details. 25 patients have underwent procedures using this device at our institution to the date, with a mean follow-up of 341.7 ± 45.1 days. 17 decompression-only procedures, including microendoscopic discectomies (MED) and decompression of stenosis (MEDS), with or without foraminotomies (± MEF) and 8 microendoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusions (ME-TLIF) were performed. Mean age and body mass index (BMI) were respectively 58.8 ± 17.4 years and 27.6 ± 5.3kg/m2. Estimated blood loss (13 ± 4.8, 12.8 ± 6.98 and 76.3 ± 35.02 mL), postoperative length of hospital stay (11.2 ± 21.74, 22.1 ± 26.85 and 80.7 ± 44.60h), operative time (130.3 ± 58.53, 121 ± 33.90 and 241.5 ± 45.27min) and cumulative intraprocedural radiation dose (14.2 ± 6.36, 15.4 ± 12.17 and 72.8 ± 12.26 mGy) are reported in this paper for MED ± MEF, MEDS ± MEF and ME-TLIF, respectively. TELIGEN affords an expanded surgical field of view with unique engineered benefits that provide a promissing platform to enhance minimally invasive spine surgery.

Successful Rectification of Cervical Nerve Root Irritation with Sequential Surgical Maneuvers during Posterior Cervical Instrumentation

AbstractPosterior cervical instrumentation is used to treat a variety of cervical pathologies, including cervical spondylotic myelopathy, severe canal stenosis, and degenerative diseases. A 55-year-old man with severe cervical canal stenosis underwent a C3–C6 laminectomy and lateral mass screw fixation under general anesthesia. After lateral mass screw fixation and rod placement on the right side, raw electromyography (EMG) revealed irritative discharges in the right biceps brachii muscle. Following a suspicion of irritation/mechanical stretching of the C5–C6 nerve root, a posterior foraminotomy was performed on the right side as a rescue measure. The amplitude of raw EMG irritative discharges in the right biceps brachii muscle decreased significantly after posterior foraminotomy. Following rod reapplication with decreased rod lordosis, the irritative EMG discharges were eliminated. Before implementing further measures, posterior foraminotomy can be a crucial initial intervention for minimizing nerve root irritation due to mechanical factors after cervical lateral mass screw fixation.

How I do it: Endoscopic endonasal resection of the medial wall of the cavernous sinus.

Resection of the medial wall of the cavernous sinus (MWCSR) is a growing surgical maneuver for the radical removal of pituitary adenomas. We present a simple modification of the technique following the two dural layers of the floor of the sella turcica, allowing for early identification of the medial wall and simplifying dissection. We support this technique with an anatomical analysis on cadaveric specimens and clarifying dissection images. Recognition and dissection of the dural unfolding of the floor of the sella turcica are "key points" that lower the risk and facilitate the MWCSR.

The Incidence of Nasal Tip and Upper Lip Malposition in Primary Rhinoplasty.

In order to have an optimal aesthetic plan for correction of nasal tip disharmony, it is crucial to note lip and tip disproportions. This study sought to investigate the incidence of pre-operative upper lip malposition in primary rhinoplasty patients. 150 consecutive primary rhinoplasty patients were included. The position of the upper lip was measured during smiling relative to the incisors and gum line, and categorized as ideal, inadequate incisor show, or excessive gum show. Nasal length was categorized based on soft tissue cephalometic analysis of lifesize photographs as long, ideal and short. Tip projection was categorized as over-projected, ideal and under-projected. Columella was categorized as hanging, ideal or retracted. Standardized photos of 139 primary rhinoplasty patients met inclusion criteria. 49(35%) patients had an ideal upper lip position, 83(60%) inadequate incisor show, and 7(5%) excessive gum show. Sixteen (12%) had a short nose, 45(33%) ideal length and 76(55%) a long nose. 14(10%) had an under-projected tip, 38(28%) an ideal tip projection and 85(62%) an over-projected tip. None of the nasal parameters were predictive of upper lip position. Tip over-projection (OR 3.03, p=0.02) and hanging columella (OR 2.97, p=0.001) were predictive of a long nose. Tip under-projection was predictive of short length (OR 35, p<0.0001). There is a high incidence of upper lip malposition in patients undergoing primary rhinoplasty. It is vital for the rhinoplasty surgeon to identify it pre-operatively and plan the surgical maneuvers accordingly to prevent exacerbating an insufficient incisor show or excessive gum show.

Initial Experience and Surgical Setup of Robot-Assisted Nephroureterectomy Using the Hugo Robot-Assisted Surgery System.

Introduction and Hypothesis: Robot-assisted radical nephroureterectomy (RANU) has emerged as a valid alternative to open or laparoscopic nephroureterectomy in recent years. However, different types of robotic platforms can limit surgical maneuvers in various ways. This study aimed to describe the surgical procedure and demonstrate RANU's technical feasibility and safety using the Hugo robot-assisted surgery (RAS) system. Materials and Methods: Using the Hugo RAS system, we reported data from the first five consecutive patients who underwent RANU at Tottori University Hospital. We adjusted the docking angles of the four independent arm carts in each case and performed a complete RANU via a transperitoneal approach. We collected patients' sociodemographic and perioperative data, including complications, and compared them retrospectively with data obtained using the da Vinci surgical system. Results: Arms positions were modified after the first patient to be placed all at the back of the patient. Median overall operative time was 283 minutes (203-377) and the median time using the robotic system was 187 minutes (121-277). The median estimated blood loss was 20 mL (5-155). None of the patients required a blood transfusion and none suffered postoperative complications of Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3. These outcomes were similar to those obtained with the da Vinci Xi system. Conclusion: This series represents the first report of RANU executed using the novel Hugo RAS system. Our proposed arm-setup will assist other surgeons and help ensure safe implementation of RANU on the Hugo platform.

Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy vs needle aspiration in intumescent cataracts: comparative study of complications and outcomes.

To compare the complications and postoperative outcomes of Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy vs a needle aspiration approach for capsulorhexis in patients with intumescent cataracts. University of Health Sciences, Basaksehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul, Turkey. Retrospective, cross-sectional study. Patients with intumescent cataract were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 (37 eyes) underwent Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy preoperatively, which reduced lens pressure. In Group 2 (31 eyes), the capsulorhexis was completed by reducing the intralenticular pressure by needle aspiration and then gradually expanding the capsule. Demographics, pre/postoperative parameters, complications, and surgical times were analyzed. 68 eyes of 68 patients were evaluated. Age and sex exhibited no significant differences between groups. Group 2 had more complications than Group 1 ( P = .041). Specifically, no capsular tear extensions were seen in Group 1 while 4 patients in Group 2 had tears extending to the lens periphery. Group 1 showed a significant decrease in surgical maneuvers and time ( P = .028) while no significant difference was found in effective phacoemulsification time ( P = .076). Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy effectively prevented capsular extensions and reduced surgical time in intumescent cataracts. This technique provides a safe alternative to traditional methods, potentially reducing intraoperative risks and improving surgical efficiency. The findings support Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy as a viable approach for capsulorhexis in intumescent cataracts, emphasizing its potential benefits in reducing complications and enhancing surgical outcomes.

MEIBO (perfluorohexyloctane): a novel approach to treating dry eye disease.

Dry eye disease (DED) or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a multifactorial disease that classically develops due to the hyperosmolarity of the tear film. Categorically divided into two types, based on decreased production and increased evaporation of the tear film, DED begins with a spectrum of nonspecific symptoms like pruritus, redness, burning and discomfort, progressively leading to stringy mucus eye discharge, photophobia, twitching, visual fluctuations, and punctate epithelial lesions. This disease has numerous treatment options, including medications, artificial tear inducers, and surgical manoeuvres that prevent water loss from the tear film. However, each of these treatment options has its limitations. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved another intervention, Meibo (perfluorohexyloctane), as a choice of management for dry eye disease. With its shielding action on the ocular surface, Meibo (perfluorohexyloctane) reduces desiccation stress-induced ocular damage, making it highly specific for treating DED. Available in an eye drop formulation of perfluorohexyloctane (PFHO), these drops can reduce saline evaporation by up to 80%. The methods we used for this analysis are literature searches from PubMed, Medline and Google Scholar. This study aims to scour varying differentials of DED, its aetiology, general interventions, the latest refinements, and clinical efficacy, safety, and trials associated with Meibo (perfluorohexyloctane) in the management of DED.

Artificial intelligence: a new cutting-edge tool in spine surgery.

The purpose of this narrative review was to comprehensively elaborate the various components of artificial intelligence (AI), their applications in spine surgery, practical concerns, and future directions. Over the years, spine surgery has been continuously transformed in various aspects, including diagnostic strategies, surgical approaches, procedures, and instrumentation, to provide better-quality patient care. Surgeons have also augmented their surgical expertise with rapidly growing technological advancements. AI is an advancing field that has the potential to revolutionize many aspects of spine surgery. We performed a comprehensive narrative review of the various aspects of AI and machine learning in spine surgery. To elaborate on the current role of AI in spine surgery, a review of the literature was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar databases for articles published in English in the last 20 years. The initial search using the keywords "artificial intelligence" AND "spine," "machine learning" AND "spine," and "deep learning" AND "spine" extracted a total of 78, 60, and 37 articles and 11,500, 4,610, and 2,270 articles on PubMed and Google Scholar. After the initial screening and exclusion of unrelated articles, duplicates, and non-English articles, 405 articles were identified. After the second stage of screening, 93 articles were included in the review. Studies have shown that AI can be used to analyze patient data and provide personalized treatment recommendations in spine care. It also provides valuable insights for planning surgeries and assisting with precise surgical maneuvers and decisionmaking during the procedures. As more data become available and with further advancements, AI is likely to improve patient outcomes.

A novel surgical technique for macular manipulation in highly myopic eyes with long axial length

Purpose: We developed a novel surgical technique tailored for highly myopic eyes characterized by extended axial lengths. Myopic eyes are prone to macular complications including macular schisis, full-thickness macular holes, and retinal detachment, which can cause severe vision loss. A pars plana vitrectomy is necessary in these cases. However, due to the considerable distance between the posterior pole and the cannula, regular forceps cannot reach the macula in some cases. To overcome this, we inserted a trocar more posteriorly after localizing the ora serrata. Methods: First, we placed two ports and performed partial vitrectomy without the infusion of balanced salt solution (BSS) to reduce the intraocular pressure. Subsequently, we observed the peripheral retina localized to the ora serrata by scleral indentation using forceps. Following the precise marking of the area, a third trocar was inserted and its position and placement confirmed intraoperatively. Results: Surgical maneuvers including a removal of the internal limiting membrane were safely performed using regular forceps through the posteriorly located cannula. Conclusions: The described technique offers a solution to the challenges posed by the extended axial lengths of highly myopic eyes during vitreoretinal surgery. By inserting the trocar more posteriorly, surgeons can enhance accessibility to the macula without requiring specialized equipment or extensive maneuvers.

Role of Membranous Septum in the Alar-Columellar Relationship: Strategies in Closed-Approach Rhinoplasty.

A normal alar-columellar relationship is crucial for lower third finesse in rhinoplasty. Hanging columella is a common complaint in the alar-columellar relationship and membranous septum excision is frequently recommended for its correction. This paper focuses on the role of the membranous septum in achieving a normal alar-columellar relationship. It was aimed to present an algorithm that could be used for aberrancies in the alar-columellar relationship.Ninety-seven patients who underwent closed-approach rhinoplasty between January and December 2022 were included in this retrospective study. Routine tip plasty maneuvers were performed on all patients. Membrane septum excision was not performed in any of the cases. Standardized preoperative and postoperative 12-month lateral view photographs were scanned for hanging or retracted columella.Hanging columella was observed in seven patients preoperatively (n = 97). No hanging or retracted columella was observed postoperatively.Hanging columella can be successfully corrected with alternative surgical maneuvers without excision of the membranous septum in closed-approach rhinoplasty in appropriate cases. Complete preservation of the membranous septum does not cause hanging columella in the postoperative period.

Complex Craniofacial Cases through Augmented Reality Guidance in Surgical Oncology: A Technical Report.

Augmented reality (AR) is a promising technology to enhance image guided surgery and represents the perfect bridge to combine precise virtual planning with computer-aided execution of surgical maneuvers in the operating room. In craniofacial surgical oncology, AR brings to the surgeon's sight a digital, three-dimensional representation of the anatomy and helps to identify tumor boundaries and optimal surgical paths. Intraoperatively, real-time AR guidance provides surgeons with accurate spatial information, ensuring accurate tumor resection and preservation of critical structures. In this paper, the authors review current evidence of AR applications in craniofacial surgery, focusing on real surgical applications, and compare existing literature with their experience during an AR and navigation guided craniofacial resection, to subsequently analyze which technological trajectories will represent the future of AR and define new perspectives of application for this revolutionizing technology.

Surgical approach to endophthalmitis: an overview.

Endophthalmitis is one of the most severe ocular emergencies faced by ophthalmologists worldwide. Without prompt treatment significant visual loss is inevitable. With increased understanding of the science of endophthalmitis, recent studies have shown a clear role of early and more definitive surgery to achieve better visual and anatomic outcomes. Surgery in endophthalmitis encompasses a whole gamut of interventions. There are diagnostic procedures like anterior chamber tap and vitreous biopsy or therapeutic procedures like complete pars plana vitrectomy and retinal detachment repair. Current literature is deficient on a detailed description of the spectrum of surgical interventions in endophthalmitis. In the current communication, we summarize the studies based on various surgical interventions in endophthalmitis. We also elaborate in detail on each surgical maneuver, taking the reader through the nuances of each surgery via an exhaustive description and appropriate photos and surgical video clips.

Single-Port Robotic Trans-Subxiphoid Surgery for Anterior Mediastinal Disease: A Pilot Trial.

In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on minimally invasive mediastinal surgery using a trans-subxiphoid single-port thoracoscopic approach. Despite its potential advantages, the widespread adoption of this method has been hindered by the intricate surgical maneuvers required within the confined retrosternal space. Robotic surgery offers the potential to overcome the limitations inherent in the thoracoscopic technique. This was a clinical trial (NCT05455840) to evaluate the feasibility and safety of utilizing the da Vinci® SP system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) for trans-subxiphoid single-port surgery in patients with anterior mediastinal disease. The primary endpoints encompassed conversion rates and the secondary endpoints included the occurrence of perioperative complications. Between August 2022 and April 2023, a total of 15 patients (7 men and 8 women; median age = 56 years, interquartile range [IQR]: 49 to 65 years) underwent trans-subxiphoid robotic surgery using da Vinci SP platform for maximal thymectomy (n = 2) or removal of anterior mediastinal masses (n = 13). All surgical procedures were carried out with success, with no need for conversion to open surgery or the creation of additional ports. The median docking time was 2 min (IQR: 1 to 4 min), while the console time had a median of 152 min (IQR: 95 to 191 min). There were no postoperative complications and patients experienced a median postoperative hospital stay of 2 days with no unplanned 30-day readmission. This study shows that trans-subxiphoid single-port robotic surgery employing the da Vinci SP system in patients with anterior mediastinal disease is clinically viable with acceptable safety and short-term outcomes.

Comparison of Different Suture Techniques on Nasal Soft Tissue Envelope to Prevent Supratip Deformity: A Histologic Study

BackgroundStudies have described various surgical maneuvers in rhinoplasty to limit thickening from excessive scarring in the supratip region. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of three maneuvers—a simple suture, a U suture, and bolster dressing—used to avoid supratip deformity in a rabbit model.MethodsThirty-two male New Zealand white rabbits were included. The animals were divided into four groups, and dissection was performed in the supra-perichondrial plane up to the supratip region through an open rhinoplasty incision. After dissection, the following approaches were applied to the supratip region: Group 1, simple approximation suture; Group 2, U suture; Group 3, bolster dressing; and Group 4 (control group), no suture. All animals were sacrificed after 12 weeks. Histological analysis was performed.ResultsIn Group 4, scar thickness was significantly greater than in the other groups (p < 0.05). Group 3 had greater scar thickness than Group 2 (p < 0.05). The ratio of scar thickness to skin thickness was higher in Group 4 compared with the other groups (p < 0.05). Finally, there was no difference in the ratio of scar thickness to skin thickness between Groups 1, 2, and 3 (p > 0.05).ConclusionsIn this study, it was concluded that surgical methods using sutures in the supratip region reduced scar thickness in a rabbit model, and these surgical methods had similar levels of effectiveness.No Level AssignedThis journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.