Mohs Micrographic Surgery With Digital Pathology Improves Surgical Quality and Efficiency: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Mohs micrographic surgery, involving pathology of the surgical margin, has the lowest recurrence rate for skin cancer. Moreover, because of technological advances, digital pathology systems are gradually being adopted in hospitals. Yongin Severance Hospital was the first hospital to construct a fully digitalized pathology system in Korea. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficiency and characteristics of the digital pathology system for Mohs micrographic surgery. METHODS: The medical records of 80 patients with skin cancer who underwent Mohs micrographic surgery from March 2020 to August 2022 were analyzed for the number of frozen margins, number of stages, operation time, and recurrence rate to compare cases based on the pathology system. RESULTS: Overall, 23 and 57 patients were examined using the conventional and digital pathology systems, respectively. The mean number of final stages was 0.494 lower ( p -value = .008), the time from the previous to the next stage was 0.687-fold shorter ( p = .002), and the rate of switching from positive to negative margins was 1.990 times higher ( p = .044) in the digital than the conventional group. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective single-center experience; short follow-up time. CONCLUSION: Digital pathology reduces operative time and increases accuracy in Mohs micrographic surgery.

Outcomes of bone marrow aspirate concentrate and matrix-induced chondrogenesis (BMIC) for treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the outcomes of Bone marrow aspirate concentrate and Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis (BMIC) in Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus (OLTs). METHODS: Patients with OLTs treated with BMIC from June 2013 to July 2020 were included. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Foot Function Index (FFI), and Foot Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) before treatment and at last follow-up were subjected to analysis. RESULTS: Forty-five patients were included and mean follow-up was 39.1 months (range, 13-97 months). Mean lesion size and depth were 180.7 ± 110.4 mm2 and 9.6 ± 3.7 mm, respectively. BMIC was performed without malleolar osteotomy in 36 patients (80%) and bone graft was performed in 42 (93.3%). VAS, FFI, and FAOS improved significantly. No complication occurred and no revision was required. CONCLUSIONS: The BMIC procedure is feasible and should be considered a viable treatment option for OLTs associated with large subchondral bone defects.

Baha Attract Implantation Using a Small Incision: Initial Report of Surgical Technique and Surveillance.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the appropriate anatomical borders of implantation on the temporal bone in a cadaver study, and to develop a simplified surgical technique for Baha Attract implantation through a small incision along the hairline using anatomical evidence and a navigation system. METHODS: In a cadaver study, 20 human adult dry skulls were used to find flat areas of the temporal bone for Baha Attract magnet implantation. Four borders of the "optimal surgical site" were defined: Asterion line, occipitomastoid suture line, sigmoid sinus line, and digastric groove line. In three patients, we implanted the Baha Attract according to the newly developed surgical procedure and validated the feasibility of this technique with a navigation system. RESULTS: We identified the appropriate position of the implant on the temporal bone, suggesting a simplified surgical technique for Baha Attract with a small incision. We determined the spot of implantation, and the implants were inserted through a small surgical incision (<2.5 cm) under local anesthesia; the procedure lasted approximately 30 minutes. CONCLUSION: The optimal surgical site of the temporal bone is a safe and easily accessible location for implantation of the Baha Attract.

Glioblastoma Cellular Origin and the Firework Pattern of Cancer Genesis from the Subventricular Zone.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a disease without any definite cure. Numerous approaches have been tested in efforts to conquer this brain disease, but patients invariably experience recurrence or develop resistance to treatment. New surgical tools, carefully chosen samples, and experimental methods are enabling discoveries at single-cell resolution. The present article reviews the cell-of-origin of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-wildtype GBM, beginning with the historical background for focusing on cellular origin and introducing the cancer genesis patterned on firework. The authors also review mutations associated with the senescence process in cells of the subventricular zone (SVZ), and biological validation of somatic mutations in a mouse SVZ model. Understanding GBM would facilitate research on the origin of other cancers and may catalyze the development of new management approaches or treatments against IDH-wildtype GBM.

Cleaved Cochlin Sequesters Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Activates Innate Immunity in the Inner Ear.

In the inner ear, endolymph fluid surrounds the organ of Corti, which is important for auditory function; notably, even slight environmental changes mediated by trauma or infection can have significant consequences. However, it is unclear how the immune response is modulated in these tissues. Here, we report the local immune surveillance role of cleaved cochlin LCCL (Limulus factor C, Cochlin, and Lgl1) during Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in the cochlea. Upon infection, the LCCL domain is cleaved from cochlin and secreted into the perilymph. This cleaved fragment sequesters infiltrating bacteria in the scala tympani and subsequently recruits resident immune cells to eliminate the bacteria. Importantly, hearing loss in a cochlin knockout mouse model is remedied by treatment with a cochlin LCCL peptide. These findings suggest cleaved cochlin LCCL constitutes a critical factor in innate immunity and auditory function and may be a potential therapeutic target to treat chronic otitis media-induced hearing loss.

Initial Experiences With Robotic Single-Site Thoracic Surgery for Mediastinal Masses.

BACKGROUND: The da Vinci Single-Site platform (Intuitive Surgical, Mountain View, CA) has been applied in many fields of surgery, but use of this single-site platform in thoracic surgery has not been reported. This study reported our experiences and surgical outcomes with robotic single-site surgery in the field of thoracic surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 14 patients who underwent robotic single-site thoracic surgery at 2 different institutions. RESULTS: All 14 cases were successfully completed, without conversion to conventional multiport robotic surgery. The most frequent diagnoses were thymic cyst (n = 4) and pericardial cyst (n = 3). The median largest mass size was 4.1 cm (range, 2.0 to 6.5 cm). The median operation time was 105 minutes (range, 27 to 185 minutes). After the operation, pleural effusion occurred in 1 patient (case 7) on the side on which the operation was performed but was managed with conservative treatment. The median duration of chest tube stay was 2 days (range, 1 to 3 days), and hospital stay was 4 days (range, 3 to 11 days). The median peak pain score after the operation was 3 (range, 1 to 7). Compared with thoracoscopic single-port surgery, robotic single-site thoracic surgery showed a longer operative time and higher cost. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that robotic single-site thoracic surgery for mediastinal masses is a safe and feasible procedure. Although this study reports the initial series and the cases were relatively simple, more advanced and complex procedures could be done with the advent of new technology in the near future.

Use of dynamic images in radiology education: Movies of CT and MRI in the anatomy classroom.

Radiology education is a key component in many preclinical anatomy courses. However, the reported effectiveness of radiology education within such anatomy classrooms has varied. This study was conducted to determine if a novel educational method using dynamic images of movies of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was effective in radiology education during a preclinical anatomy course, aided by clay modeling, specific hand gestures (digit anatomy), and reports from dissection findings uploaded to the anatomy course website (digital reports). Feedback surveys using a five-point Likert scale were administered to better clarify students' opinions regarding their understanding of CT and MRI of anatomical structures, as well as to determine if such preclinical radiology education was helpful in their clinical studies. After completion of the anatomy course taught with dynamic images of CT and MRI, most students demonstrated an adequate understanding of basic CT and MR images. Additionally, students in later clinical years generally believed that their study of radiologic images during the preclinical anatomy course was helpful for their clinical studies and clerkship rotations. Moreover, student scores on imaging anatomy examinations demonstrated meaningful improvements in performance after using dynamic images from movies of CT and MRI.

Mapping of lateral pelvic lymph node recurrences in rectal cancer: a radiation oncologist's perspective.

PURPOSE: Patterns of locoregional rectal cancer recurrences following total mesorectal excision (TME) were analyzed to define the irradiation volume, especially the lateral pelvic lymph node (LPLN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 1243 patients who underwent TME without pelvic radiotherapy between 2005 and 2012, the data of 826 patients with rectal adenocarcinoma without distant metastases were analyzed for relapse patterns, categorized as distant and locoregional (anastomosis, mesorectum, presacral area, and LPLNs) failure. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 61.8 months. The 5-year local recurrence-free, distant metastasis-free, overall survival rates were 88, 82, and 89%, respectively. Relapse occurred in 108 (13%) patients: 90 (11%) had distant and 28 (3%) had locoregional failure. Eight patients had LPLN recurrence: the 2 recurrences from upper rectal cancers occurred near the bifurcation of the common iliac artery into the external and internal iliac vessels; the 6 mid-lower rectal cancers had 16 recurrences near the internal iliac and obturator arteries-five occurred anterior to the obturator artery and posterior to the external iliac artery, superior to the femoral head. LPLN recurrence was associated with pN2 stage, perinodal extension, and lymphovascular invasion. CONCLUSION: The LPLN component of pre- or postoperative irradiation volumes could potentially be optimized based on our mapping data. However, since patients in our institution at high risk for relapse received either preoperative or postoperative chemoradiation, further analyses are needed to confirm our findings.

Safety and feasibility of reduced-port robotic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a phase I/II clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Theoretically, reducing the number of ports required in minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer would further minimize trauma associated therewith. Advances in single-site surgery have afforded surgeons the ability to perform reduced-port distal gastrectomy via a robotic approach using the Single-Site™ system, eliminating restrictions on the movement of surgical instruments. METHODS: This phase I/II study was designed as a single-arm prospective trial of reduced-port robotic distal gastrectomy (RRDG) by a single surgeon (NCT02347956). From January to October 2015, 40 individuals scheduled to undergo robotic surgery for early gastric cancer were asked to participate in the trial. Nineteen were enrolled and underwent RRDG. The primary endpoints were 30-day morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: No intraoperative event requiring conversion to laparoscopic or open surgery occurred, and no major complication was observed following RRDG (0.0% [80% CI (0.0-11.4%)]). Medians of operation time, blood loss, the number of retrieved lymph nodes, days until gas passing, and hospital stay were 190 min, 20 mL, 48, 3, and 5 days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Deemed safe and feasible through the present trial, RRDG could be a valid alternative to conventional robot distal gastrectomy for managing early gastric cancer. Our reduced-port robotic surgery using the Single-Site system and a third robotic arm could potentially be applicable as a highly advanced, minimally invasive surgery for other solid organ diseases.

Robotic extrahepatic Glissonean pedicle approach for anatomic liver resection in the right liver: techniques and perioperative outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The Glissonean pedicle approach is one of the most popular methods of anatomic liver surgery. Liver surgeons have attempted to reproduce this method laparoscopically. In this study, we introduce our technique of the extrahepatic Glissonean approach for anatomic liver resections, using a robotic system, and report on short-term perioperative outcomes. METHODS: From December 2008 to July 2014, 10 patients underwent robotic anatomic liver resection in the right liver. The procedure is as follows: (1) mobilization of the liver and isolation and clamping of a selected Glissonean pedicle; (2) transection of the liver parenchyma using a rubber band retraction technique; (3) division of the Glissonean pedicle after full exposure, followed by completion of parenchymal transection. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 52.50 (range 28-59) years, and seven were male. All patients had hepatocellular carcinoma. The types of resections performed were as follows: segmentectomy 6 (n = 1), segmentectomy of 4b + 5 ventral segments (n = 2), right posterior sectionectomy (n = 3), extended right hepatectomy (n = 1), extended right posterior sectionectomy (n = 2), and central bisectionectomy (n = 1). Only one case was converted to open surgery due to severe tumor adhesions on the diaphragm. The median operative time was 555 min (range 413-848), and the median estimated blood loss was 225 ml (range 30-700), with no perioperative transfusions. The overall complication rate was 70 % (grade I, 5; grade II, 1; grade III, 1; grade IV, 0). The median length of hospital stay postsurgery was 7 days (range 6-11). CONCLUSION: Robotic surgery allowed for successful anatomic liver resections via an extrahepatic Glissonean pedicle approach in the right liver and can be safely performed in selected patients.

Scleral fixation of standard capsular tension ring and in-the-bag intraocular lens implantation in patients with severe lens subluxation.

The authors introduce a new technique for scleral fixation using a standard capsular tension ring for in-the-bag use in patients with a lens dislocated by more than 180°. Three patients with zonulysis and phacodonesis underwent surgery with this technique, and all of the patients showed stable maintenance in visual acuity after an average of 22.7 months (range: 14 to 30 months) of follow-up. None of them showed any serious postoperative complications. This technique appears to be safe and effective in terms of lens stability and visual rehabilitation.

"Digit anatomy": a new technique for learning anatomy using motor memory.

Gestural motions of the hands and fingers are powerful tools for expressing meanings and concepts, and the nervous system has the capacity to retain multiple long-term motor memories, especially including movements of the hands. We developed many sets of successive movements of both hands, referred to as "digit anatomy," and made students practice the movements which express (1) the aortic arch, subclavian, and thoracoacromial arteries and their branches, (2) the celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery and their branches, and formation of the portal vein, (3) the heart and the coronary arteries, and (4) the brachial, lumbar, and sacral plexuses. A feedback survey showed that digit anatomy was helpful for the students not only in memorizing anatomical structures but also in understanding their functions. Out of 40 students, 34 of them who learned anatomy with the help of digit anatomy were "very satisfied" or "generally satisfied" with this new teaching method. Digit anatomy that was used to express the aortic arch, subclavian, and thoracoacromial arteries and their branches was more helpful than those representing other structures. Although the movements of digit anatomy are expected to be remembered longer than the exact meaning of each movement, invoking the motor memory of the movement may help to make relearning of the same information easier and faster in the future.