Use of the right retroperitoneum as an alternative approach to the abdominal aorta.

OBJECTIVE: The left retroperitoneal approach to the aorta is a well-established technique for aortic exposure. The right retroperitoneal approach to the aorta is performed less commonly, and the outcomes remain unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of right retroperitoneal aortic-based procedures and to determine its utility in aortic reconstruction when faced with hostile anatomy or infection in the abdomen or left flank. METHODS: A retrospective query of a vascular surgery database from a tertiary referral center was performed for all retroperitoneal aortic procedures. Individual patient charts were reviewed, and data were collected. Demographics, indications, intraoperative details, and outcomes were tabulated. RESULTS: From 1984 through 2020, there have been 7454 open aortic procedures; 6076 were retroperitoneal-based, and 219 of which were performed from the right retroperitoneal approach (Rrp). Aneurysmal disease was the most common indication (48.9%), and graft occlusion was the most common postoperative complication (11.4%). The average aneurysm size was 5.5 cm, and the most common reconstruction was with a bifurcated graft (77.6%). Average intraoperative blood loss was 923.8 mL (range, 50-6800 mL; median, 600 mL). Perioperative complications occurred in 56 patients (25.6%) for a total of 70 complications. Perioperative mortality occurred in two patients (0.91%). The 219 patients treated with Rrp required 66 subsequent procedures in 31 patients. These included 29 extra-anatomic bypasses, 19 thrombectomies/embolectomies, 10 bypass revisions, 5 infected graft excisions, and 3 aneurysm revisions. Eight Rrp eventually underwent a left retroperitoneal approach for aortic reconstruction. Fourteen patients with a left-sided aortic procedure required a Rrp. CONCLUSIONS: The right retroperitoneal approach to the aorta is a useful technique in the setting of prior surgery, anatomic abnormality, or infection that complicates the use of other more frequently employed approaches. This review demonstrates comparable outcomes and the technical feasibility of this approach. The right retroperitoneal approach to aortic surgery should be considered a viable alternative to left retroperitoneal and transperitoneal access in patients with complex anatomy or prohibitive pathology for more traditional exposure.

Poorly differentiated plasmacytoid squamous cell carcinoma: Case report of a rare malignancy.

Plasmacytoid squamous cell carcinoma is an especially aggressive variant of squamous cell carcinoma that has previously been described in the literature as a variant of oral cancers and most extensively, in vulvular [3], transitional cell, and urothelial carcinomas [2,13,15-20]. In this case report, we present a 36-year-old man with 6 to 8 weeks of a progressively enlarging mass over the lateral third of his clavicle, acromion process, and deltoid. The mass was resected, and the supraclavicular defect was reconstructed using an anterolateral thigh free flap. Final pathology determined the specimen was an invasive poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma with spindle cell and plasmacytoid features of cutaneous origin. Plasmacytoid squamous cell carcinomas have previously been described in the oral cavity, but in no other subsite of the head and neck. This article describes the patient's case and provides a literature review of the available reports related to plasmacytoid variant of squamous cell carcinoma.

Evaluating the Anatomage Table Compared to Cadaveric Dissection as a Learning Modality for Gross Anatomy.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness and qualitative experience of learning gross anatomy of the pelvis and perineum (P/P) and musculoskeletal system (MSK) via cadaveric dissection to learning these same anatomical regions using the Anatomage table. The Anatomage table is an anatomical visualization system that projects male and female gross anatomical structures from human cadavers onto a life-sized touchscreen table. A crossover design was implemented. Four volunteer dissection groups, consisting of four students each, were randomly assigned to dissect P/P on the Anatomage table and MSK (upper and lower limb) not on the cadaver lab or vice versa. Participating students completed surveys before and after each lab, formative quizzes following each lab, and summative final practical exams on both the Anatomage table and in the cadaver lab. Results indicated that when studying on the Anatomage table, students were more excited before and after labs and perceived a greater degree of learning. The groups did not demonstrate a significant difference in P/P knowledge based on quiz results; however, the Anatomage group had a significantly higher mean score on quizzes in MSK anatomy. Finally, the practical exam results suggest that for some anatomical regions, students may perform similarly regardless of the modality on which they were instructed.

A morphometric survey of the parasellar region in more than 2700 skulls: emphasis on the middle clinoid process variants and implications in endoscopic and microsurgical approaches.

OBJECTIVE The middle clinoid process (MCP) is a bony projection that extends from the sphenoid bone near the lateral margin of the sella turcica. The varied prevalence and morphological features of the MCP in populations stratified by age, race, and sex are unknown; however, the knowledge of its anatomy and preoperative recognition on CT scans can aid greatly in complication avoidance and management. The aim of this study was to further illustrate the surgical anatomy of the parasellar region and to quantify the incidence of MCP and caroticoclinoid rings (CCRs) in dried preserved human anatomical specimens. METHODS The presence, dimensions, morphological classification (incomplete, contact, and CCR), and intracranial relations of the MCP were measured in 2726 dried skull specimens at the Hamann-Todd Osteological Collection at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Specific morphometric data points were recorded from each of these hemiskulls, and categorized based on age, sex, and ethnicity. Linear and logistic regressions were used to determine associations between explanatory variables and MCP morphology. Computed tomography scans of the skull specimens were obtained to explore radiological landmarks for different types of MCPs. Illustrative intraoperative videos were also analyzed in the light of these crucial surgical landmarks. RESULTS The sample included 2250 specimens from males and 476 from females. Specimens were classified as either "white" (60.5%) or "black" (39.2%). An MCP was found in 42% of specimens, with 60% of those specimens presenting bilaterally. Fully ossified CCR comprised 27% of all MCPs, and contact (defined as contact without ossification between MCP and anterior clinoid process) comprised 4% of all MCPs. White race (relative to black race) and increasing age were significant predictors of MCP presence (p < 0.001). White race was significantly associated with greater average MCP height (p < 0.001). Among skulls with CCR, both male sex and older age (> 70 years relative to < 50 years) were associated with increased CCR diameter (p < 0.001). No other significant predictors or associations were observed. The CT scans of skulls replicated and validated the authors' morphometric observations on incomplete, contact, and CCR patterns adequately. The surgical strategies of clinoid bone removal are validated, with appropriate video illustrations. CONCLUSIONS Variations in the patterns of bony MCPs can pose a significant risk for injury to the internal carotid artery during parasellar procedures, especially those involving clinoidectomy and optic strut drilling. Understanding parasellar anatomy, especially on skull-base CT imaging, may be integral to surgical planning and preoperative risk counseling in both transcranial and extended endonasal procedures, as well as to preparing for complications management perioperatively.