Trans-Achilles percutaneous fixation technique for posterior malleolus fracture: a cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that 43.6% of ankle fractures are accompanied by posterior malleolus fractures. The aim of this study is to define a safe zone for posterior malleolus fractures by determining the locations of the important anatomical structures in this region. Additionally, it aims to identify the trans-Achilles passage line for Kirschner wire insertion through a posteroanterior approach for posterior malleolus fragments. METHODS: Six below-knee amputee fresh-frozen leg cadavers were used in this study. A trans-Achilles Kirschner wire was applied to the cadavers in the posteroanterior direction under the guidance of fluoroscopy. The areas where the Kirschner wire passed were dissected, and their proximity to vital anatomical structures was measured. RESULTS: In all cadavers, the transverse thickness of the Achilles tendon at the level of the trans-Achilles Kirschner wire was 15.5 mm and the trans-Achilles Kirschner wire application was 18.6 mm from the sural nerve, 16 mm from the posterior tibial tendon, and 12.16 mm from the flexor digitorum longus muscle. It was performed 15.16 and 14.6 mm from the posterior tibial artery and vein, 12.3 mm from the tibial nerve, 13.6 mm from the tibiofibular joint, and 55.5 mm from the insertion site of the Achilles tendon to the calcaneus and at a sufficient distance from vital anatomical structures. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed trans-Achilles percutaneous surgical technique is safe from neurovascular structures for fixing posterior malleolar fractures. However, the long-term clinical outcomes of this technique need to be explored. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, A cadaveric study.

Management of intracavitary bleeding during ultra-early minimally invasive intracerebral hemorrhage evacuation.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical evacuation of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) at early time points contributes to improved functional outcomes. However, ultra-early evacuation has been associated with postoperative rebleeding, a devastating complication that contributes to worse outcomes. Minimally invasive endoscopic techniques allow for intraoperative management of active bleeding, potentially allowing for safe and effective hemostasis at ultra-early time points. The authors proposed and prospectively assigned an intraoperative grading scale that quantified the severity of bleeding encountered intraoperatively. They hypothesized that ultra-early evacuation would correlate to increased intraoperative bleeding but not postoperative rebleeding or worse long-term clinical outcomes in a cohort of patients undergoing minimally invasive endoscopic evacuation. METHODS: Patients presenting to a large healthcare system with spontaneous supratentorial ICH were triaged to a central hospital for potential surgical evacuation. Inclusion criteria for evacuation included age ≥ 18 years, premorbid mRS score ≤ 3, hematoma volume ≥ 15 mL, and presenting National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≥ 6. A 5-point scale was developed and prospectively applied to grade the severity of bleeding encountered intraoperatively. A score of 1 indicated no active intraoperative bleeding. A score of 2 indicated minimal bleeding treated with irrigation alone. A score of 3 indicated bleeding that required cauterization to control. A score of 4 indicated bleeding that required irrigation or cauterization for at least 15 minutes to achieve hemostasis. A score of 5 indicated bleeding that required irrigation or cauterization for at least 1 hour. RESULTS: The authors evaluated 142 consecutive patients. The median bleeding score was 2 (IQR 2-4). Greater preoperative volume, concomitant intraventricular hemorrhage, and earlier time to evacuation were independently associated with increased bleeding score. Specifically, ultra-early evacuation within 5 hours was independently associated with a 2.4-point greater bleeding score as compared with evacuation thereafter (ß = 2.41, 95% CI 1.44-3.38; p < 0.0001). Despite having higher intraoperative bleeding scores, patients undergoing ultra-early evacuation did not have an increased likelihood of postoperative rebleeding (14% vs 3%, p = 0.23), 30-day mortality (0% vs 6%, p = 0.99), or worse median 6-month mRS scores (4 [IQR 2-5] vs 4 [IQR 3-5], p = 0.51). CONCLUSIONS: Ultra-early evacuation within 5 hours of ictus is associated with increased intraoperative bleeding but not postoperative rebleeding or worse clinical outcomes. These findings suggest that the benefits of ultra-early evacuation can be explored without an increased risk of postoperative rebleeding when utilizing a minimally invasive endoscopic technique with good intraoperative visualization, active irrigation for targeted tamponade, and direct cauterization of bleeding vessels.

Medial collateral ligament section during unicompartmental knee arthroplasty managed by direct repair and fascia lata augmentation autograft: a case report and surgical technique.

Background: The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is crucial for ensuring implant stability after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Intraoperative MCL lesions can cause valgus instability, affecting function and implant longevity, and thereby negatively impacting the patient's outcome. Every surgeon who performs UKA may encounter this complication in their daily practice. In this context, this case report presents a rescue technique. The existing literature does not specify a protocol for managing this complication. This article presents the first instance of accidental midsubstance section of the MCL during medial UKA, managed through primary suture and augmentation repair with a fascia lata (FL) autograft. The procedure was subsequently replicated step by step on an anatomical specimen. Case Description: A 54-year-old woman, previously successfully treated with right medial UKA, was referred to our clinic following an unsuccessful attempt at conservative treatment for osteoarthritis in the left knee. Scheduled for a left medial UKA, an inadvertent midsubstance transection of the deep part of the MCL was encountered during the procedure, resulting in valgus instability. The MCL was promptly repaired and reinforced using an ipsilateral FL augmentation autograft. Subsequent UKA surgery was successfully completed. Follow-up at one year revealed favorable post-operative outcomes, with symmetrical stability on stress radiographs and no indications of early loosening. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this article represents the first documentation of the direct management for this rare yet severe complication. This case report could therefore inspire any surgeon facing this complication. The technique, grounded in biomechanical principles, ensures direct medial stability whilst allowing uninterrupted continuation of the initial procedure. Characterized by simplicity and reproducibility, the approach demonstrates favorable short-term outcomes. Because the results should be interpreted considering the limited impact of a case report, further prospective studies are essential to substantiate and strengthen these findings.

Intraoperative Management of Iatrogenic Durotomy in Endoscopic Spine Surgery: A Systematic Review.

This review aims to systematically evaluate the incidence, management strategies, and clinical outcomes of iatrogenic durotomy (ID) in endoscopic spine surgery and to propose a management flowchart based on the tear size and associated complications. A comprehensive literature search was conducted, focusing on studies involving endoscopic spinal procedures and incidental durotomy. The selected studies were analyzed for management techniques and outcomes, particularly in relation to the size of the dural tear and the presence of nerve root herniation. Based on these findings, a flowchart for intraoperative management was developed. A total of 14 studies were included, encompassing 68,546 patients. Varying incidences of ID, with management strategies largely dependent on the size of the dural tear, were found. Small tears (less than 5 mm) were often left untreated or managed with absorbable hemostatic agents, while medium (5-10 mm) and large tears (greater than 10 mm) required more complex approaches like endoscopic patch repair or open surgery. The presence of nerve root herniation necessitated immediate action, often influencing the decision to convert to open repair. Effective management of ID in endoscopic spine surgery requires a nuanced approach tailored to the size of the tear and specific intraoperative challenges, such as nerve root herniation. The proposed flowchart offers a structured approach to these complexities, potentially enhancing clinical outcomes and reducing complication rates. Future research with more rigorous methodologies is necessary to refine these management strategies further and broaden the applications of endoscopic spine surgery.

New 3-D Technologies in Salivary Gland Surgery: The Exoscope-Assisted Surgery for Treatment of Benign Tumors of Parotid Gland.

New technologies are increasingly widespread in medical practice. Particularly, the 3D view is considered among the most useful innovations for surgery. It allows the operator to reconstruct the patient's anatomy in his own mind, going beyond his personal imagination. In the last few years, a new facility has been experienced, it's the Exoscopy. Exoscopy is a magnified vision system, similar to Microscopy, but which also allows a tridimensional vision of the surgical anatomy. Despite Exoscopy having been used for years in Neurosurgery, it has been just rarely described in parotid surgery. We intend to report our experience with Exoscope Aesculap AEOS used to remove benign tumors of the parotid gland. We treated 14 patients with benign tumors of the parotid gland, since September 2023 to November 2023. Each surgery was conducted by the same expert surgeon which also reported his experience about intra-operative complications (as bleeding) in comparison to the traditional procedure without Exoscope. We evaluated the learning curve of Exoscope-Assisted Parotid Surgery comparing, among them, the operative times of the same procedures performed in chronological order. Each patient underwent the same follow-up which included three checks at one month, three months and six months. The follow-up was especially about the evaluation of palsy of the VII C.N. which was assessed through House-Brackmann score (H-B score). The results of our experience reports that the Exoscope is a useful tool for parotid gland surgery. It allows an excellent visualization of the facial nerve main trunk and its branches. Although the first procedures presented longer times in comparison to traditional surgery, the progressive reduction of the operative times demonstrates that the learning curve of Exoscopy is very fast. Certainly, more experience is required for the full introduction of Exoscopy in surgery practice of parotid gland but, now, its potentialities are highly exciting.

Use of a Skin-Fixed Dynamic Reference Frame in Spinal Trauma Surgery: A Case Report.

Intraoperative CT navigation has revolutionized spinal surgery by enhancing precision, particularly in pedicle screw placement. However, the traditional use of bone-fixed dynamic reference frames (DRFs) often necessitates placement on spinous processes, complicating percutaneous pedicle screw (PPS) insertion and requiring additional incisions. This case report presents a novel approach utilizing a skin-fixed DRF in spinal trauma surgery. A 26-year-old female sustained lower limb paralysis, sensory impairment, and bladder-rectal dysfunction after a 15 m fall, resulting in an L1 fracture-dislocation (American Spinal Injury Association score C, Thoracolumbar AOSpine Injury Score score 13). The radiological assessment confirmed dural sac compression. An emergency damage control surgery was conducted using a skin-fixed DRF, secured with sutures and tape near the PPS insertion site. Intraoperative CT navigation guided the insertion of PPS from T11 to L3. The procedure lasted 141 minutes with an estimated blood loss of 256 mL. Postoperative CT verified accurate screw placement. At six months postoperatively, the patient exhibited significant motor recovery and regained independent ambulation. The skin-fixed DRF technique minimizes surgical complexity, obviates the need for additional incisions, and mitigates the challenges associated with bone-fixed DRFs during PPS procedures. This method demonstrates potential as a minimally invasive and effective surgical technique in spinal trauma cases.

Treatment of Bisphosphonate-Associated Atypical Femur Fracture With a Combination of Teriparatide and a Novel Surgical Technique.

Background/Objective: Atypical femur fractures (AFFs) caused by long-term bisphosphonate use are associated with high rates of delayed healing and nonunion. Case Report: A 64-year-old woman with osteopenia on alendronate for 15 years sustained a displaced left AFF following a fall from standing height. Imaging showed an acute displaced transverse diaphyseal left femur fracture with lateral cortical thickening and beaking. She underwent an open reduction and internal fixation with insertion of a cephalomedullary nail placed in compression mode, utilizing a novel technique involving intraoperative removal of the endosteal hypertrophied cortical bone at the fracture site. Alendronate was stopped and teriparatide was initiated postoperatively. Radiographs at 3.5 months postsurgery showed evidence of normal fracture union with mature callus formation. Discussion: AFFs caused by prolonged bisphosphonate use have a high rate of delayed healing and nonunion due to abnormal bone remodeling. Use of teriparatide postoperatively has been shown to reduce healing time in small observational studies in surgically treated patients. Our case demonstrates an expedited healing time of 3.5 months using teriparatide combined with a novel surgical technique involving removal of a portion of the abnormally remodeled bone and placement of an intramedullary nail in compression mode. Conclusion: Our case demonstrates an expedited healing time of 3.5 months compared to the average reported healing time for AFF of 10.7 months, supporting the use of the combination of teriparatide and a novel surgical technique.

Excision of large median and ulnar nerve schwannomas: a case series.

OBJECTIVE: Schwannomas are benign, slow-growing tumors originating from Schwann cells in peripheral nerves, commonly affecting the median and ulnar nerves in the forearm and wrist. Surgical excision is the gold standard treatment. This study presents our treatment strategies and outcomes for large-sized ulnar and median nerve schwannomas at the forearm and wrist level. METHODS: From 2012 to 2023, we enrolled 15 patients with schwannomas over 2 cm in size in the median or ulnar nerve at the forearm and wrist. The study included 12 patients with median nerve schwannomas (mean age: 61 years) and 3 with ulnar nerve schwannomas (mean age: 68 years), with a mean follow-up of 26.9 months. RESULTS: After surgery, all patients with median nerve schwannomas experienced mild, transient numbness affecting fewer than two digits, resolving within six months without motor deficits. Ulnar nerve schwannoma excision caused mild numbness in two patients, also resolving within six months, but all three developed ulnar claw hand deformity, which persisted but improved at the last follow-up. Despite this, patients were satisfied with the surgery due to relief from severe tingling pain. CONCLUSIONS: Schwannomas of the median, ulnar, and other peripheral nerves should be removed by carefully dissecting the connecting nerve fascicles to avoid injury to healthy ones. Sensory deficits may occur but are unlikely to significantly impact quality of life. However, in motor-dominant nerves like the ulnar nerve, there is a risk of significant motor deficits that could affect hand function, though not completely. Therefore, thorough preoperative discussion and consideration of interfascicular nerve grafting are essential.

Application of modified spiral tracheoplasty in thyroid carcinoma with trachea invasion: a retrospective analysis of 15 cases.

BACKGROUND: To describe the indications, techniques and preliminary experience of modified spiral tracheoplasty in the reconstruction of large tracheal defect after thyroidectomy. METHODS: The medical records of patients who underwent tracheal torsion to repair large tracheal defects after thyroid carcinoma surgery from January 2019 to January 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The extent of tracheal defect, duration of tracheal reconstruction, postoperative complications and surgery results were analyzed. RESULTS: The duration of tracheal reconstruction was 30-60 min. No postoperative bleeding, incision infection, tracheostomy stenosis occurred. Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy occurred in 5 patients. All patients were followed up for 24 to 60 months. The 2-year overall survival rate was 100%, the 2-year local control rate of trachea was 100%, and the 2-year tumor-free survival rate was 81.8%. CONCLUSION: The modified spiral tracheoplasty is a safe and effective method to repair the large defect of trachea after thyroid carcinoma invading the trachea.

A Comparative Effectiveness Study of Speech and Surgical Outcomes: Study Overview.

AIMS: To provide an overview of the Cleft Outcomes Research NETwork (CORNET) and the CORNET Speech and Surgery study. The study is (1) comparing speech outcomes and fistula rate between two common palate repair techniques, straight-line closure with intra-velar veloplasty (IVVP) and Furlow Double-Opposing Z-palatoplasty (Furlow Z-plasty); (2) summarizing practice variation in the utilization of early intervention speech-language (EI-SL) services; and (3) exploring the association between EI-SL services and speech outcomes. DESIGN: Prospective, longitudinal, observational, comparative effectiveness, multi-center. SITES: Twenty sites across the United States. PARTICIPANTS: One thousand two hundred forty-seven children with cleft palate with or without cleft lip (CP ± L). Children with submucous cleft palate or bilateral sensorineural severe to profound hearing loss were excluded from participation. INTERVENTIONS: Straight-line closure with IVVP or Furlow Z-plasty based on each surgeon's standard clinical protocol. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The primary study outcome is perceptual ratings of hypernasality judged from speech samples collected at 3 years of age. Secondary outcomes are fistula rate, measures of speech production, and quality of life. The statistical analyses will include generalized estimating equations with propensity score weighting to address potential confounders. CURRENT PROGRESS: Recruitment was completed in February 2023; 80% of children have been retained to date. Five hundred sixty two children have completed their final 3-year speech assessment. Final study activities will end in early 2025. CONCLUSIONS: This study addresses long-standing questions related to the effectiveness of the two most common palatoplasty approaches and describes CORNET which provides an infrastructure that will streamline future studies in all areas of cleft care.

Complete foot drop due to atypical peroneal ganglion in a 13 ½ year old boy.

INTRODUCTION: Peroneal nerve palsy due to compression by an intraneural ganglion is an uncommon entity in the pediatric setting with a need for surgical treatment. Uniquely in this case, the ganglion presented as an elongated instead of a typical round cyst, delaying diagnosis and treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 13 ½ year old boy with increasing peroneal nerve palsy due to an atypically shaped intraneural ganglion. An MRI of the knee revealed an elongated peroneal ganglion compressing the nerve between the lateral insertion of the gastrocnemius muscle and fibular head over a length of 10 cm. After surgical decompression and physiotherapy the peroneal nerve recovered well, achieving M 4 - 5 one year after surgery. CONCLUSION: The atypical shape of the present peroneal ganglion delayed diagnosis and correct treatment. Though rare in the pediatric setting, this entity must be specifically looked for during the diagnostic workup of peroneal palsy, for time to surgery determines neurological outcome.

The impact of surgical technique and cleft width on the rate of secondary surgery and velopharyngeal function in children with UCLP at 5 years of age.

Several factors may influence speech outcome and the rate of secondary palatal surgery in patients with cleft palate. The aim of this study was to evaluate different types of intra-velar veloplasty within an otherwise uniform surgical protocol. The impact of cleft width and the surgeon's experience on outcome measurements was examined. This cross-sectional study included 62 individuals with unilateral cleft lip and palate born in 2000-2015. Based on the surgical technique used, they were divided into three groups. The cleft width was measured on dental casts. Blinded speech and language pathologists assessed velopharyngeal function with the composite score for velopharyngeal competence (VPC-Sum) for single words. They rated velopharyngeal function on a three-point scale (VPC-R) in sentences. Target consonants in words were phonetically transcribed. The percentage of correct consonants (PCC) was calculated. Surgical technique was not associated with any outcome. Cleft width was associated with the rate of secondary palatal surgery (OR 1.141, 95% CI 1.021-1.275, p = .020) and velopharyngeal insufficiency when using VPC-R (OR 2.700, 95% CI 1.053-6.919, p = .039) but not when using VPC-Sum (OR 1.985, 95% CI.845-4.662, p = .116). PCC was not associated with cleft width and did not differ between surgical techniques. Radical muscle dissection did not exhibit superiority over intra-velar veloplasty reinforced by the palatopharyngeal muscle. Follow-ups at later ages with larger groups will be necessary to evaluate and compare surgical techniques accurately. Cleft width had a greater impact on the rate of secondary surgery and velopharyngeal function than surgical technique, but neither affected the PCC.

Modified transforaminal lumbar endoscopic discectomy for surgical management of extraforaminal lumbar disc herniation: case series and technical note.

OBJECTIVE: Extraforaminal lumbar disc herniation (ELDH) represents a unique clinical entity, presenting particular challenges in surgical management. Transforaminal lumbar endoscopic discectomy (TLED) represents a minimally invasive, full-endoscopic procedure that is increasingly selected for surgical treatment of lumbar disc herniation, being theoretically ideal in patients with ELDH. Performance of TLED for management of ELDH has been reported in specific studies in the recent literature. However, foraminal anatomy is significantly disrupted in cases of ELDH, a fact that may represent a true challenge for the operating surgeon, in terms of proper endoscopic visualization. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate midterm clinical outcomes of a unique modification of the TLED technique in patients with ELDH, in an attempt to enhance endoscopic visualization of foraminal structures and to facilitate safe and effective decompression in these cases. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with ELDH were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent modified TLED (mTLED) in the authors' center and were retrospectively assessed. Clinical evaluation was performed via the visual analog scale at 6 weeks; at 3, 6, and 12 months; and at 2 and 5 years postoperatively on an outpatient basis. Moreover, the functional status of enrolled individuals was evaluated with modified Macnab criteria at the end of follow-up. RESULTS: All patients underwent successful mTLED; the mean operative time was 23.7 ± 3.4 minutes. All patients were discharged on the same day as their operation, exhibiting no major perioperative complications. Three patients (12%) reported transient postoperative dysesthesia, which was completely resolved 6 weeks postoperatively. Recorded visual analog scale values were significantly ameliorated up to the end of follow-up, featuring maximal improvement at 6 weeks, with subsequent minimal amelioration and stabilization. According to modified Macnab criteria, excellent or good outcomes were observed in 23 patients (92%), whereas the outcome was fair in 2 patients (8%). CONCLUSIONS: mTLED represents a feasible, safe, and effective alternative to conventional TLED and conventional open procedures for the management of ELDH. However, the precise role of this technical modification should be further investigated in future studies.

Outcomes and complications of vertical parasagittal hemispherotomy in children: a nationwide population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to assess the complications associated with vertical parasagittal hemispherotomy (VPH), the impact of incomplete disconnection on long-term seizure freedom, and how VPH impacts cognitive development. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation was performed in all patients who had undergone VPH during 1991-2022 at the authors' institution. Two-year follow-up data were available for 45 patients, and there were 6-month data for 3 more. All available postoperative MRI studies (31/48, 64.6%) were reviewed. Before 2010, postoperative MRI was only performed if seizures recurred. RESULTS: Primary VPH led to Engel class I in 73% of patients. Acquired etiologies had a higher rate of Engel I compared to developmental and progressive etiologies (96% vs 46% and 44%, p < 0.001). Nearly half of patients (45%) showed improved cognitive trajectories as opposed to their preoperative ones, whereas in 45% trajectories remained unchanged. Additionally, 5 patients (10%) exhibited new major deficits or accelerated cognitive deterioration after VPH. Surgical complications occurred in 14 patients (29%) after the first VPH; 4 cases were classified as transient, resolving during follow-up without surgical intervention. Nontransient complications included 8 cases of hydrocephalus requiring surgical treatment, 1 shunted subdural hygroma, and 1 case of CSF leakage from the wound. Diabetes insipidus occurred in 6 patients, with all resolving spontaneously. Residual connections were present in 16 patients, primarily in the temporomesial region. Seven patients remained seizure free despite visible residual connections. CONCLUSIONS: VPH is a highly effective treatment for drug-resistant hemispheric epilepsy, resulting in durable seizure freedom and often favorable cognitive outcomes. Diabetes insipidus in addition to hydrocephalus is a common complication after VPH. Incomplete disconnection does not necessarily preclude seizure freedom.

Endoscopic transorbital approach for resection of mediobasal temporal lesions using an optic radiation-sparing strategy.

OBJECTIVE: The endoscopic transorbital approach (ETOA) has emerged as a promising minimally invasive technique for resection of lesions in the mediobasal temporal region (MTR) due to its potential to preserve the integrity of the optic radiation (OR). This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of ETOA using an OR-sparing surgical strategy for mediobasal temporal lesions. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of the medical records of 15 patients (7 females and 8 males) who underwent ETOA for lesions in the MTR between November 2017 and November 2022. Preoperative diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractography of the OR was utilized in all cases for surgical planning to visualize the spatial relations between the OR and the target mediobasal temporal lesion. RESULTS: The median age of the treated patients was 43 years (range 22-76 years), with a median follow-up duration of 12 months (range 6-35 months). Eleven lesions (73.3%) involved only the anterior segment of the MTR, while 4 lesions (26.7%) affected both the anterior and middle segments. Gross-total resection was achieved in 13 patients (86.7%) and subtotal resection in 2 (13.3%). The final pathologies included low-grade glioma (n = 5), cavernous malformation (n = 3), glioblastoma multiforme (n = 2), multinodular and vacuolating neuronal tumor (n = 1), pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (n = 1), anaplastic oligodendroglioma (n = 1), adenoid cystic carcinoma (n = 1), and metastatic renal cell carcinoma (n = 1). Postoperative neuro-ophthalmological examinations revealed that all patients maintained their previous visual function. Follow-up DTI tractography further confirmed the preservation of the preoperative ORs in the treated patients. No postoperative CSF leaks, infections, or cosmetic problems occurred in this series. CONCLUSIONS: The combined use of ETOA and OR tractography appears to be a feasible approach for resecting lesions involving the MTR, especially in the anterior segment. In the authors' experience, this surgical strategy enables maximal safe resection while minimizing the risk of postoperative visual dysfunction. Further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to validate these findings and assess long-term outcomes.

Surgical Correction of Secondary Bilateral Cleft lip and Nasal Deformities Using the Delaire-Precious Technique.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of the surgical correction of secondary bilateral cleft lip and nasal deformities using the Delaire-Precious technique for Asian patients with bilateral cleft lip +/- palate (BCL+/-P). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SUBJECTS: Thirty-six patients with BCL+/-P in Japan, the Philippines, and Vietnam underwent secondary lip correction using the Delaire-Precious technique by a single surgeon. METHODS: The critical concepts of this surgical technique are discussed and clarified. A patient/parent satisfaction survey was carried out to evaluate the usefulness of this technique. RESULTS: The Delaire-Precious technique improves Cupid's bow's symmetry and the central tubercule's volume. The scar tissue between lateral and medial philtrum incisions is excised. The orbicularis oris muscle is then reconstructed with a midline suture placed above the periosteum of the premaxilla. Most patients (90.9%) and all parents were at satisfied with the surgical result. The technique was highly satisfactory to patients and parents except at the level of scar correction. CONCLUSION: The secondary bilateral cleft lip and nasal repair using the Delaire-Precious technique is an adaptable technique that can be applied to various ethnic groups. It was found to be a satisfactory technique for Asian patients with BCL+/-P.

Considering the Environmental Impact of Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to calculate the waste generated by cleft lip and palate (CL/P) procedures and to increase awareness of the environmental impact of our speciality. DESIGN: Waste from 5 CL/P procedures was categorised into 5 streams and weighed. A carbon calculator tool was used to convert weight of waste in to estimated carbon emission over a 12-month period. SETTING: The study was carried out in a university teaching hospital. PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS: This was an assessment of the waste produced from 5 paediatric CL/P procedures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Weight of waste produced as result of CL/P procedures, measured in kilograms (kg); weight of CO2, measured in kg. RESULTS: We found that 768.5 kg of surgical waste was generated by CL/P procedures at our centre annually. This equates to 2653 kg of CO2. CONCLUSIONS: This study serves as a reminder of surgeons' responsibility to oversee how the waste we produce is disposed of.

Laminoplasty and In-Site Regrafting for the Treatment of Thoracic Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum: A Surgical Technique.

OBJECTIVE: Current surgical strategies for thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (TOLF) are denounced by thoracic kyphosis, loss of spinal motion range, etc. A new surgical technique, laminoplasty and in-site regrafting (LPIR), was modified to address the problems. This study aimed to report the safety and feasibility of LPIR for TOLF treatment. METHODS: This retrospective study reported the outcome of eight consecutive patients (3 males and 5 females, mean age 52.87 years) with TOLF who underwent LPIR surgery from January 2019 to March 2024. Pre- and post-operative data including x-ray, computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score (mJOA), the visual analog scale (VAS), and complications were collected to evaluate the outcome. RESULTS: All surgeries were performed successfully, significantly alleviating symptoms postoperatively. During an average follow-up period of 28.63 months, the VAS score reduced from 4.50 ± 1.00 pre-operatively to 1.63 ± 0.48 on the third post-operative day and further reduced to 0.50 ± 0.70 during the last follow-up. The mJOA score increased from 3.63 ± 0.70 pre-operatively to 6.13 ± 0.78 on the third postoperative day and further increased to 8.88 ± 1.27 during the last follow-up. No severe complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: LPIR exhibited significant safety and feasibility for treating TOLF, offering a novel strategy for managing this problem.

Risk factors for relaparotomy after cesarean delivery.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and analyze risk factors associated with relaparotomy following cesarean delivery (CD), focusing on obstetric and surgical parameters. METHODS: Retrospective case-control study conducted at a high-volume tertiary obstetric center. We reviewed all women who underwent CD between 2013 and 2023. Patients who required a relaparotomy, defined as the reopening of the fascia, were included in the study group. Patient data were systematically reviewed to identify potential risk factors contributing to the need for post-CD relaparotomy, compared with a control group that did not undergo a relaparotomy. RESULTS: Out of 11 465 women underwent CD, 59 (0.5%) required relaparotomy. Using a multivariate model for independent risk factors, we found the following to be associated with relaparotomy: emergency CD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.78-5.38, P < 0.01), placenta previa (aOR 4.66, 95% CI 1.54-14.11, P < 0.01), and multiple gestation as indications for the CD (aOR 4.61, 95% CI 2.10-10.12, P < 0.01); estimated intraoperative blood loss of more than 1 L (aOR 5.98, 95% CI 2.79-12.80, P < 0.01); and intraoperative adhesions (aOR 7.12, 95% CI 4.06-12.48, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our study underscores the multifactorial nature of relaparotomy after CD, emphasizing the significance of considering a broad array of risk factors. By identifying and understanding these factors, clinicians can optimize patient care and potentially reduce morbidity, particularly the need for subsequent surgical interventions.

Phrenoplasty Techniques for the Reconstruction of Basal Chest Wall Defects.

BACKGROUND: Primary and secondary tumors of the abdominal lower third of the bony thorax are relatively rare. Therefore, indications and techniques for chest wall reconstructions in this area are not well defined. METHODS: The techniques for reconstructing basal chest wall defects using the diaphragm are described. Indications for phrenoplasty are limited to reconstruction after full-thickness resection of at least two of the last four ribs in the midaxillary line. The diaphragm can be used for reconstructive purposes both if it is intact and if it is partially involved in the resection of the chest wall. RESULTS: At our institution, the abovementioned reconstructive technique was successfully performed in five patients with an uneventful post-operative course. CONCLUSIONS: The main advantages of these methods are the use of promptly available, high-quality autologous tissue and the exclusion of the pleural space from the defect area, thus transforming a thoracic defect into an abdominal one. The disadvantage is a variable reduction in the volume of the hemithorax. These techniques could be compared with other reconstruction techniques using pre-/post-operative respiratory functional tests.