Sternomental Distance Ratio as a Predictor of Difficult Laryngoscopy: A Prospective, Double-Blind Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: No single test has shown to be an accurate predictor of difficult laryngoscopy. AIMS: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the ratio of the sternomental distance (SMD) in neutral and full neck extension position SMD ratio (SMDR) as a predictor of difficult laryngoscopy and any need of assisted intubation. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Prospective, double-blind pilot study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 221 consecutive adult patients scheduled to undergo elective surgery under general anesthesia. Physical and airway characteristics, SMDR, difficult laryngoscopy (using Cormack/Lehane [C/L] scale), and any kind of assisted intubation were assessed. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The optimal cutoff point for SMDR was identified using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The association between SMDR and the intubation method was evaluated through multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A SMDR below 1.55 led in 33% of the cases to assisted intubation and 33%-53% of C/L III-IV glottic views for McCoy and Macintosh blades, respectively. On the other hand, SMDR above 1.9 led to no C/L IV glottic views for both blades and 4% and 11% C/L III views glottic views for McCoy and Macintosh, respectively. The best sensitivity and specificity cutoff point as defined by the ROC curve was identified for an SMDR value of 1.7 (area[s] under the curve: 0.815; 95% confidence interval: 0.743-0.887). Assisted intubation rates were significantly higher in patients with an SMDR inferior to 1.7 (30.5% compared to 3.5%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: SMDR is a simple, objective, and easy to perform test. The present study indicates that SMDR may be helpful in predicting difficult laryngoscopy and assisted intubation.

Anatomic Variations of the Deep Femoral Artery and Its Branches: Clinical Implications on Anterolateral Thigh Harvesting.

The deep femoral artery (DFA) is the largest branch of the common femoral artery (CFA), supplying with its branches, the medial circumflex femoral artery (MCFA) and lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA), the thigh muscles, the hip joint, and the femur. Their anatomical variations have a great impact on both interventional and surgical procedures. The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap, a versatile soft tissue with highly increasing use in reconstructive surgery, is noticeably influenced by this variability. A total of 25 articles were incorporated into the review. Studies conducted after the year 2009 were included. After the assessment of all studies included, we concluded that the DFΑ arises from the CFA with a varying site of origin, the posterolateral being the prevalent one found in 51.32% of cases. Of all cases studied, the MCFA and the LCFA most often originated from the DFA in 63.125% and 74.92%, respectively, but the CFA constitutes another frequent source of origin in 27% and 12.12% of cases, respectively. The descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (dLCFA) is the prominent pedicle in the ALT flap, originating from the LCFA in 83.55% of cases. However, the presence of an oblique lateral circumflex femoral artery (oLCFA) branch with changeable origination was observed. Knowledge of the anatomical variants in the deep femoral artery is imperative both for interventional radiologists and surgeons. Especially in reconstructive surgery, the possibility for different sources supplying the skin and the pedicle compel surgeons to acquire an awareness of this subject.

Anatomic variations of the Uterine Artery. Review of the literature and their clinical significance.

Uterine arteries are the main vessels supplying blood to the uterus. Mainly, they originate from the anterior trunk of the internal iliac artery. Uterine arteries play an important role in pregnancy as well as transcatheter arterial embolization for postpartum hemorrhage and uterine fibroid management. This is a review of the English literature in the PubMed database of the anatomic variety on the origin of uterine arteries and their clinical significance. Eleven studies describe the origin of the uterine arteries and their variations in the literature. In six studies, the uterine artery emerged from internal iliac artery in the majority of the cases, either as a separate branch, or as a bifurcation with the inferior gluteal artery, or trifurcation with superior and inferior gluteal artery. In two studies, the inferior gluteal artery manifested as the main source of the uterine artery, whereas in three studies, the umbilical artery posed as its main origin. Internal iliac artery is described as the most common vascular origin of uterine artery. However, this review highlights that the main vessels of origin for uterine arteries are internal iliac, umbilical and inferior gluteal artery. Nevertheless, classification and further research for this peculiar anatomic structure is fundamental in the future.

A Novel Test, the Sternomental Distance Ratio, Used as a Predictor of Difficult Laryngoscopy in a Normal Population and in Thyroid Tumor Surgery Patients: A Preliminary Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present preliminary study was to assess whether the sternomental distance ratio (SMDR) could be suitable as a predictor of difficult laryngoscopy, in both normal surgical patients and patients scheduled to undergo thyroid tumor surgery. METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-one consecutive adult patients (among them 122 patients with presumed normal airways and 33 patients with thyroid tumors), scheduled to undergo elective surgery under general anesthesia, were included in this study. Physical and airway characteristics, SMDR, difficult laryngoscopy (using Cormack-Lehane scale) and any kind of assisted intubation were assessed. RESULTS: Decreased SMDR demonstrated a strong correlation with difficult laryngoscopy in both thyroid tumor (Kendall's tau-b -0.578 (P=0.004) and normal patients -0.362 (P<0.001). Difficult laryngoscopy was 0 at SMDR>1.9 and 33% at SMDR <1.55 (P<0.001). The higher the SMDR was, the better the glottic view obtained. CONCLUSIONS: ? SMDR>1.9 indicates an easy laryngoscopy, whereas SMDR <1.55 indicates a difficult one in both thyroid tumor and normal patients. SMDR is an objective test to assess difficult airway in thyroid surgery.

Arthroscopic resection of extra-articular knee osteochondroma: report of two cases.

Osteochondroma is the most common benign tumor of the growing bone, usually affecting the knee joint, located extra-articularly. Solitary intra-articular osteochondroma is very rare. In the current paper, two cases of solitary extra-articular knee osteochondromas adjacent to the capsule producing pain and restriction of knee motion are described. Diagnostic evaluation is based on combination of radiography and magnetic resonance imaging. Both osteochondromas excised arthroscopically, resulting in complete symptoms relief and full range of knee motion. On follow-up, no recurrence was recorded. Based on our experience, although limited, not only the intra-articular, but also some solitary extra-articular knee osteochondromas can be successfully treated by arthroscopy, resulting in better cosmetic result, less postoperative pain and faster recovery.

Solitary cerebellum metastasis from gastric adenocarcinoma. A rare case report.

INTRODUCTION: The present study reports a case of signet-ring gastric adenocarcinoma with isolated cerebellum metastasis 2 years after gastrectomy. PRESENTATION OF A CASE: Brain metastases originating from gastric cancer are rare accounting for 2.1-3.3% of all brain tumors registered in Japan. There are no established therapeutic strategies for brain metastases, which accordingly have a poor prognosis. We present here a 69 year old female patient who was diagnosed with solitary cerebellum metastasis 2 years after treatment for gastric adenocarcinoma. The primary gastric cancer was treated by laparotomy with distal gastrectomy and D2 lymphadenectomy. It was diagnosed as a signet ring gastric adenocarcinoma on histopathological examination of the surgical specimen. Two years postoperatively the patient reported back to our clinic complaining of vomiting, persistent headache and instability. MRI of the head showed an enhanced tumor in the left hemisphere of cerebellum and surrounding edematous changes on T1-enhanced imaging. Given the medical history brain metastasis was the first thought in differential diagnosis. Surgical resection was chosen as treatment. DISCUSSION: Until recently there are only two large studies that refer to metastatic brain tumors from primary gastric cancer. Besides that, official treatment guidelines for these cases do not exist. Treatment options include surgical resection (SR), whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT), steroids, chemotherapy or a combination. CONCLUSION: A solitary cerebellum metastasis from primary gastric adenocarcinoma is a very rare presentation. Early detection of metastatic lesion and successful treatment is challenging.

Azygos vein cannulation after catheterisation of the left internal jugular vein in a toddler.

Central venous catheterisation is routinely performed in paediatric patients to facilitate therapeutic management when long-term vascular access is needed. Misplacement of the catheter tip in thoracic vessels other than the superior vena cava has been described, along with related complications. Hereby, a case of a 15-month-old child is presented with a fully functional Hickman catheter introduced via the left internal jugular vein. The tip of the catheter was misplaced into the azygos vein. Intraoperative spot fluoroscopic images and anatomical explanations for the course of the catheter are presented. An understanding of the aetiology of the radiological appearance may help to increase recognition of such cases and avoid complications.

Hypoglossal Nerve: Anatomy, Anatomical Variations Comorbidities and Clinical Significance.

We review the anatomical variations of the hypoglossal nerve and their surgical and clinical significance, and we report multiple diseases that affect function of the nerve leading to paresis, either unilateral or bilateral. The hypoglossal nerve is the 12th cranial nerve, and knowledge of the detailed anatomy and relationship with critical structures is of paramount importance in neurosurgery, head and neck surgery, and vascular surgery. Numerous studies have depicted conventional landmarks in the cervical part of the hypoglossal nerve, but their findings have not been consistent reliable. We analyze and review these critical landmarks used to identify and preserve the hypoglossal nerve during surgery and to minimize iatrogenic complications in head and neck, neurosurgical, and vascular procedures. We performed an online database search during January and February 2019 to pinpoint the diseases that affect function of the nerve. According to this literature review, apart from iatrogenic injury during surgery, the most frequently observed cause of paresis is pressure due to the presence of tumours and head injury. Furthermore, motor neuron degenerative conditions, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis or tooth infection and presence of an aberrant vessel in the hypoglossal canal can affect the function of the nerve.

Double superior vena cava: presentation of two cases and review of the literature.

Introduction: Various anomalies in the development of the great thoracic veins of the embryo can be incidentally discovered in the normal adult. Duplication of superior vena cava (SVC) is a rare abnormality, but the most common thoracic venous congenital anomaly. Case reports-methods: We present two cases in the intensive care unit of our hospital, of asymptomatic patients who underwent an uneventful central line placement in the left subclavian vein. The track of the catheter, as shown in the X-ray, was misplaced to the left of the aorta and further investigation with computed tomography angiography confirmed a persistent left SVC. In both cases the vein drained into the coronary sinus and then to the right atrium. In the second case the echocardiography revealed a dilated coronary sinus. Conclusions: Double SVC can be fortuitously discovered during catheter insertion, thoracic or cardiac imaging and surgery. In most cases it drains into the right atrium, through the coronary sinus. This entity is significant to the physician because of its importance in differential diagnosis as a cause of a widened mediastinum, as well as any difficulty that can occur in the placement of a central venous catheter or a pace maker.

Scar endometriosis, a tricky diagnosis. A case series report and a short review of the literature.

BACKROUND: Abdominal wall endometrioma is a rare condition, which usually develops in surgical scar of a Cesarean section (C-section) or of a hysterectomy. Scar endometriosis is a misdiagnosed condition in general surgery, since it mimics other surgical conditions. Diagnosis is mainly based upon a high index of suspicion. AIM: The purpose of this study is to highlight the characteristics of this rare pathology and assess the diagnostic algorithm and therapeutic options. METHODS: The article is a case series and therefore no specific methods have been applicable. RESULTS: In the current study, we present a case series of seven cases with abdominal pain on the Pfannenstiel incision, treated in our department during a two years period, between 2014 and 2016, followed by a brief review of the literature. CONCLUSION: Scar endometriosis may be difficult to diagnose as it is an unfamiliar entity to general surgeons. This condition can be confused with other surgical conditions. Imaging methods, such as ultrasound or CT-scan should be used for differential diagnosis. The prevention of scar endometriosis may also be important. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice for scar endometriosis. KEY WORDS: Abdominal wall, Caesarian, Endometriosis, Scar.

Right and left common carotid arteries arising from the branchiocephalic, a rare variation of the aortic arch.

The aortic arch may present a plethora of anatomical variations, which my cause a cluster of complications in interventional procedures in surgery and angiography. We present a rare case of a common origin of both the common carotids arteries from the brachiocephalic trunk (anonymous artery), with the left common carotid artery emerging from the initial portion of it, forming a small common trunk. The great importance towards an excellent knowledge of the topographical aortic arch anatomy is stressed out.

Right or left thoracotomy for esophageal atresia and right aortic arch? Systematic review and surgicoanatomic justification.

INTRODUCTION: The optimal thoracotomy approach for the management of esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) with a right aortic arch (RAA) remains controversial. METHODS: Systematic review of complications and death rates between right- and left-sided repairs, including all studies on EA/TEF and RAA, apart from studies focusing on long-gap EA and thoracoscopic repairs. Review of right- and left-sided surgical anatomy in relation to reported complications. RESULTS: Although no significant differences were elicited between right- and left-sided repairs in complications (9/29 vs. 1/6, p = 0.64) and death rates (2/29 vs. 0/6, p = 0.57), unique anatomic complications - such as injury to the RAA covering the esophagus and intractable bleeding - associated with mortality were revealed in the right thoracotomy group. Left-sided repairs following failed repair through the right showed higher complications rate (3/3) than straightforward right- (9/29) or left-sided repairs (1/6) (p = 0.024). Right thoracotomies converted to left thoracotomies led to staged repairs more frequently (4/9) than straightforward right (5/38) or left thoracotomies (0/6) (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: There is not enough evidence to support that right thoracotomy, characterized by unique surgicoanatomic difficulties, is equivalent to left thoracotomy for EA/TEF with RAA. Both approaches might be required, and, therefore, surgeons should be familiarized with surgical anatomy of mediastinum approached from right and left. Systematic review, Level of Evidence III.

The management of locally advanced head and neck squamous and basal cell carcinomas.

PURPOSE: The management of locally advanced head and neck basal (BCC) and squamous cell (SCC) carcinomas has been controversial and often debated. The purpose of the current study was to present our experience in the treatment of non-melanotic head and neck skin malignancies. METHODS: From 2000 to 2017, 34 patients with locally advanced head and neck skin tumors were treated in our hospital with wide local excision and immediate reconstruction mainly with rotational flaps, free tissue transfers and skin grafting. RESULTS: Histopathological examination revealed 10 BCCs, 22 SCCs and 2 cases of metatypical basal cell carcinomas. All patients were successfully submitted to ablative procedure with minimal morbidity and acceptable cosmetic results. CONCLUSIONS: Locally advanced head and neck SCCs and BCCs are large tumors that may invade adjacent structures or infiltrate into deep tissues. Complex reconstructive methods are needed to close the defect, with free tissue transferring being a reliable option. Finding clear margins is crucial in order to prevent unnecessary morbidity and local recurrence.

A case of a right accessory hepatic duct diagnosed during a Whipple procedure.

INTRODUCTION: Although anatomic variations of the bile tract are relatively common and can be present in about 28% of patients, existence of an accessory right hepatic duct that confluence on the common bile duct is quite rare. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present a rare case of a caucasian 78-years-old patient, with accessory right hepatic duct which was diagnosed intraoperatively. The patient was submitted to Whipple procedure due to a mass in the head of pancreas. Intraoperatively, an accessory right hepatic duct that merged with the common bile duct was found, and a double bilio-intestinal anastomosis was performed. DISCUSSION: Definition of accessory hepatic duct, requires the existence of a main right hepatic duct, otherwise the definition of "accessory" is inconclusive. In our case the accessory right hepatic duct drained the posterior segments of the right hepatic lobe. CONCLUSION: A detailed mapping of the biliary tree is essential in patients that will undergo major interventions of the hepatobiliary system. Common and rare variations of the biliary tree should be known prior to any intervention to avoid intraoperative difficulties or complications.

Autoimmune pancreatitis associated with retroperitoneal fibrosis mimicking cholangiocarcinoma.

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a rare systematic autoimmune disease that causes chronic pancreatitis. Type 1-AIP (IgG4-related disease) may involve other organs as well. In this report we are presenting a case of a 74-year-old man with obstructive abdominal pain jaundice, mild and a history of retroperitoneal fibrosis and hydronephrosis. Labs were remarkable for hyperbilirubinemia, high serum IgG4 levels, mildly elevated CA 19-9, elevated rheumatoid factor and new onset diabetes. MRI revealed pancreatic enlargement, dilated intrahepatic bile ducts and stricture of the distal common bile duct concerning for cholangiocarcinoma. EUS-FNA biopsy was negative for malignancy but showed findings of pancreatitis. The diagnosis of type 1-AIP was made and the patient was treated with steroids. After one month of treatment jaundice and MRI findings resolved. It is important to include AIP in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic conditions causing obstructive jaundice, especially in the presence of other autoimmune conditions like retroperitoneal fibrosis.

Management of ruptured liver segment IV hepatocellular carcinoma: is transarterial embolization (TAE) superior to chemoembolization (TACE)?-the jury is still out.

HCC rupture is a potentially life-threatening complication owing to underlying vascular dysfunction and coagulopathy. There is still a debate in the literature concerning the best approach in patients presenting in the emergency setting with shock due to spontaneous HCC rupture. In the current report, we describe the case of a 66-year-old female patient with ruptured HCC who was treated successfully by emergency transarterial embolization (TAE) with complete response proved by gradual shrinkage of the tumor. This impressive complete response suggests that TAE followed by elective hepatectomy could be an efficient approach for patients with Child-Pugh class A liver function and adequate liver remnant. More studies are needed in order to construct specific guidelines for the treatment of rHCC that will be based on the disease severity and the patient status.

A rare case or a huge asymptomatic splenic cyst.

AIM: Splenic cysts are rare benign lesions of the spleen, usually asymptomatic and incidentally discovered at imaging. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A case of huge epidermoid cyst of the spleen on a 16 years old female patient is presented. This case was symptomatic with fullness and palpable mass in the entire abdomen. RESULTS: Initial evaluation with ultrasound and computed tomography established the diagnosis with the greater dimension of the cyst about 25cm. Because of the size and the relation with the hilum of the spleen, splenectomy was performed and any effort to rescue splenic parenchyma was impossible. DISCUSSION-CONCLUSIONS: Many techniques are reported as treatment options, but the standard of care for nonparasitic splenic cysts is splenectomy. KEY WORD: Benign, Cyst, Epidermoid, Splenic.