Study of the Corrosion Behavior of Stainless Steel in Food Industry.

AISI 304L stainless steel is widely used in the processing equipment and food and beverage handling industries due to its corrosion resistance, hygienic properties, and cost-effectiveness. However, it is prone to pitting and crevice corrosion phenomena, the development of which can be influenced by factors such as chloride concentration, temperature, humidity, and bacterial presence. Surface treatments, including roughness levels and residual tensile stress, can significantly affect the corrosion behavior and resistance of the material. This study aims to evaluate the impact of three different surface treatments on the durability of AISI 304L steel. The correlation between surface roughness resulting from pre-treatment and pitting potential values will be examined. Additionally, the influence of different concentrations of biocide additives on surface durability will be assessed to determine the maximum effective concentration for preventing pitting phenomena. Passivation processes will also be evaluated as a potential solution for improving the pitting potential and overall durability of the components. By optimizing surface treatments and biocide concentrations, improved corrosion resistance and durability can be achieved, ensuring the long-term performance and reliability of AISI 304L steel components in critical applications such as food processing and beverage handling.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries: Current Concepts and Future Perspectives.

The remarkable progress in data aggregation and deep learning algorithms has positioned artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to revolutionize the field of medicine. AI is becoming more and more prevalent in the healthcare sector, and its impact on orthopedic surgery is already evident in several fields. This review aims to examine the literature that explores the comprehensive clinical relevance of AI-based tools utilized before, during, and after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The review focuses on current clinical applications and future prospects in preoperative management, encompassing risk prediction and diagnostics; intraoperative tools, specifically navigation, identifying complex anatomic landmarks during surgery; and postoperative applications in terms of postoperative care and rehabilitation. Additionally, AI tools in educational and training settings are presented. Orthopedic surgeons are showing a growing interest in AI, as evidenced by the applications discussed in this review, particularly those related to ACL injury. The exponential increase in studies on AI tools applicable to the management of ACL tears promises a significant future impact in its clinical application, with growing attention from orthopedic surgeons.

The use of a modern robotic system for the treatment of severe knee deformities.

BACKGROUND: Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have shown promising results in recent years with improved clinical outcomes using standard primary implants. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the experience of a single center in correcting severe coronal deformities with the use of a robotic-assisted TKA system and an increased constrained implant. METHODS: Between July 2020 and December 2022, 30 knees in 28 patients with a major deformity and an associated ligament laxity requiring an increased constrained implant treated using an imageless robotic-assisted TKA were prospectively enrolled. Patients included in the study showed a minimum 15 degrees varus or 10 degrees valgus deviation. RESULTS: 20 cases were varus knees and 10 cases were valgus knees. Postoperative neutral alignment was defined as 0∘± 2.5∘. A CCK implant was used in 20 cases while a Constrained Posterior Stabilized implant was used in 10 cases. A neutral alignment was achieved in all patients. At a minimum 6 months follow up (f-u 6-30 months) clinical outcomes including ROM, KSS, HSS, OKS and WOMAC showed significant improvement and no major complications were registered. CONCLUSIONS: The robotic system showed the achievement of a mechanical alignment with reliable radiographic outcomes and clinical results in the treatment of major deformities of the lower limb with the use of higher constrained implants at short term follow up. Further follow up and studies are necessary to confirm and verify these promising outcomes.

Lateral UKA can be a safe solution in a young patients' population: a 10-year follow-up report.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the long-term survivorship and functional outcomes of fixed-bearing lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) in a young patients' population with osteoarthritis limited to the lateral compartment. METHODS: The study included a cohort of consecutive patients who underwent lateral UKA between January 2008 and December 2014 at a single high-volume surgical center. The surgical procedures were performed by experienced surgeons using a lateral parapatellar approach and fixed-bearing implants. Patient follow-up included a retrospective re-evaluation, clinical assessments, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and X-ray analysis. RESULTS: A total of 40 lateral UKAs were analyzed, with 19 performed on the left and 21 on the right knee. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 57.6 years, and the mean BMI was 24.8. At the final follow-up, 80% of patients achieved excellent outcomes (OKS > 41), and 20% had good outcomes (OKS: 34-41). No patients exhibited fair or poor outcomes. The mean FJS at the final follow-up was 82.8. The mean WOMAC was 10.5. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed a survivorship rate of 93.1% at 10 years, considering revision for any reason as endpoint. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral UKA proved to be an effective treatment option for osteoarthritis affecting the lateral compartment of the knee. The study demonstrated a high survivorship rate and favorable functional outcomes at a mean follow-up of 132.7 months. These findings highlight the potential benefits of fixed-bearing lateral UKA in selected patients with lateral compartment knee pathology.

Practice Changes Induced by a Traveling Fellowship.

The John N. Insall Knee Society Traveling Fellowship selects four international arthroplasty or sports fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons to spend 1 month traveling to various Knee Society members' joint replacement and knee surgery centers in North America. The fellowship aims to foster research and education and shares ideas among fellows and Knee Society members. The role of such traveling fellowships on surgeon preferences has yet to be investigated. A 59-question survey encompassing patient selection, preoperative planning, intraoperative techniques, and postoperative protocols was completed by the four 2018 Insall Traveling Fellows before and immediately after the completion of traveling fellowship to assess anticipated practice changes (e.g., initial excitement) related to their participation in a traveling fellowship. The same survey was completed 4 years after the completion of the traveling fellowship to assess the implementation of the anticipated practice changes. Survey questions were divided into two groups based on levels of evidence in the literature. Immediately after fellowship, there was a median of 6.5 (range: 3-12) anticipated changes in consensus topics and a median of 14.5 (range: 5-17) anticipated changes in controversial topics. There was no statistical difference in the excitement to change consensus or controversial topics (p = 0.921). Four years after completing a traveling fellowship, a median of 2.5 (range: 0-3) consensus topics and 4 (range: 2-6) controversial topics were implemented. There was no statistical difference in the implementation of consensus or controversial topics (p = 0.709). There was a statistically significant decline in the implementation of changes in consensus and controversial preferences compared with the initial level of excitement (p = 0.038 and 0.031, respectively). After the John N. Insall Knee Society Traveling Fellowship, there is excitement for practice change in consensus and controversial topics related to total knee arthroplasty. However, few practice changes that had initial excitement were implemented after 4-year follow-up. Ultimately, the effects of time, practice inertia, and institutional friction overcome most of the anticipated changes induced by a traveling fellowship.

PCL preservation or sacrifice does not influence clinical outcomes and survivorship at mid-term follow-up of a J-curve CR total knee replacement with a medial congruent liner and a functional coronal alignment.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, increasing interest has arisen for medial pivoting TKA implants, designed to mimic the physiological knee kinematics, maximizing the contact area on the medial compartment of the knee, increasing anterior-posterior stability, and contributing to a ball-in-socket effect that allows the posterior cruciate sacrifice without a post-CAM mechanism. The medial congruent liner works with a J-curve cruciate-retaining (CR) femur without a real ball-in-socket design. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and survival of these implants, with or without PCL sparing, at a medium follow-up. METHODS: Between October 2016 and October 2018, 165 TKRs were performed in 161 patients (69.2% females and 30.8% males) and prospectively followed. Mean follow-up was 72 ± 12 months. All surgeries were performed using an extramedullary device and the same prosthetic implant. Patients were matched in two groups: in 80 patients, the PCL was preserved; in 85 patients, the PCL was sacrificed with a reduction of the tibial slope. RESULTS: The OKS and KSS improved in both groups. The difference between the two groups at the final follow-up was not statistically significant. Good-to-excellent clinical results according to the KSS were achieved in 93% of the knees in the PCP group and in 95% in the PCS group. At final follow-up, the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) was 73.6 in the PCP group and 74.1 in the PCS group with no statistical difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TKA with a medially congruent insert, showed promising results at mid-term follow-up, PCL preservation or sacrifice did not affect the clinical outcomes and survival. Further follow-up will be needed to evaluate these results at long term.

Increased accuracy in component positioning using an image-less robotic arm system in primary total knee arthroplasty: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RTKA) and navigated total knee arthroplasty (NTKA) have shown improved knee alignment and reduced radiographic outliers. Recent studies have proven that conventional mechanical alignment may not be the optimal goal for every patient. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of the planned implant positioning of a novel image-less robotic technique with an established navigated technique (NTKA). METHOD: The study is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data that compared the implant positioning and lower-limb alignment of 86 image-less RTKA with 86 image-less NTKA. Radiographic analysis was performed to evaluate the lower-limb overall alignment, femoral and tibial components positioning in the coronal and sagittal planes. Outliers were evaluated with a cutoff of ± 3°. RESULTS: No difference was noted between the two groups for radiographic outliers within ± 3° from neutral (p = 0.098). The mean hip-knee-ankle angle deviation from target was 1.3° in the RTKA group compared to 1.9° in the NTKA (p < 0.001). Femoral sagittal deviation (femoral component flexion) was smaller in the RTKA group (0.9° vs 1.9°; p < 0.001). Similarly, tibial coronal deviation (0.8° vs 1.5°; p < 0.001) and tibial sagittal deviation (tibial slope) were smaller in the RTKA group compared to the NTKA group (0.9° vs 1.7°; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The RTKA group reported a substantial and significant reduced error from the planned target angles for both tibial and femoral components. No difference in terms of radiographic outliers was noted between navigation and robotic assistance.

Rituximab Monotherapy Is Effective as First-Line Treatment for Granulomatous Lymphocytic Interstitial Lung Disease (GLILD) in CVID Patients.

Granulomatous lymphocytic interstitial lung disease (GLILD) represents a fatal immune dysregulatory complication in common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). Evidence-based diagnostic guidelines are lacking, and GLILD treatment consists in immunosuppressive drugs; nonetheless, therapeutical strategies are heterogeneous and essentially based on experts' opinions and data from small case series or case reports.We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of first-line Rituximab monotherapy for CVID-related GLILD, by assessing symptoms and quality of life alterations, immunological parameters, pulmonary function tests, and lung computed tomography.All six GLILD patients received Rituximab infusions as a first-line treatment. Rituximab was administered at 375 mg/m2 monthly for six infusions followed by maintenance every 3 months; none of the patients experienced severe adverse events. Symptom burden and quality of life significantly improved in treated patients compared to a control group of CVID patients without GLILD. Rituximab treatment indirectly caused a trend toward reduced T-cell activation and exhaustion markers sCD25 and sTIM-3. Lung function improved in treated patients, with statistically significant increases in TLC and DLCO. Lung CT scan findings expressed by means of Baumann scoring system displayed a reduction in the entire cohort.In conclusion, first-line monotherapy with Rituximab displayed high efficacy in disease remission in all treated patients, with improvement of symptoms and amelioration of quality of life, as well as restoration of PFTs and lung CT scan findings.

Uncemented hemiarthroplasty may have a role in the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patient. A survival complications and functional outcomes analysis.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the proximal femur account for 30% of all fractures requiring surgical treatment. The optimal treatment for per- and intertrochanteric fractures, particularly associated with trochanter instability, is still open to debate. For these reasons, some authors have recently supported the use of bipolar arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty as a treatment capable of reducing the risk of complications and obtaining a better functional result. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional and clinical outcomes at minimum six months of follow up of bipolar hemiarthroplasty as the primary treatment for intertrochanteric fracture in older patients. A secondary objective was to study the risk of early and intraoperative complications. METHODS: From November 2020 to April 2022, 102 patients with lateral proximal femur fracture underwent surgical operation with implant of a long-stemmed bipolar hemiarthroplasty. 86 patients were enrolled. The average age at the time of fracture was 87.4 ± 4.6 (range 77-98) years. Of the patients, 76.7% were female. For all patients intra- and perioperative data were extracted. All available patients were evaluated at a minimum 6-months follow-up to investigate: Charlson Comorbidity Index, autonomy (Barthel Index), use of walking aids (Koval Grade), memory quality or dementia (Mental Score), subsequent hospitalizations for surgical operations relating to the operated hip. RESULTS: The average time from trauma to surgery was 1 ± 0.7 days. The surgical time was 78.9 ± 21.9 minutes. At least one cerclage was used in 73.3% of patients. 87.5% of patients were verticalized on the first day. The average hospitalization time was 5.5 ± 2.9 days. During follow-up 20 deaths occurred, with a distance to surgery of 6.6 ± 7.2 (range 0.3-22.7) months. Six months after surgery, out of 86 patients, 12 deaths occurred, corresponding to 13.95%. 12 months after surgery, out of 57 patients, 15 deaths occurred, corresponding to 26.31%. CONCLUSIONS: Long stemmed bipolar hemiarthroplasty following intertrochanteric fracture can be considered a safe procedure, especially in patients over 80 with associated comorbidities and short life expectancy.

Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas: A systematic review of clinical, surgical and oncological characteristics of 1384 patients underwent pancreatic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic solid pseudopapillary tumors (SPTs) are rare clinical entity, with low malignancy and still unclear pathogenesis. They account for less than 2% of exocrine pancreatic neoplasms. This study aimed to perform a systematic review of the main clinical, surgical and oncological characteristics of pancreatic SPTs. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases were systematically searched for the main clinical, surgical and oncological characteristics of pancreatic SPTs up to April 2021, in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) standards. Primary endpoints were to analyze treatments and oncological outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 823 studies were recorded, 86 studies underwent full-text reviews and 28 met inclusion criteria. Overall, 1384 patients underwent pancreatic surgery. Mean age was 30 years and 1181 patients (85.3%) were female. The most common clinical presentation was non-specific abdominal pain (52.6% of cases). Mean overall survival was 98.1%. Mean recurrence rate was 2.8%. Mean follow-up was 4.2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Pancreatic SPTs are rare, and predominantly affect young women with unclear pathogenesis. Radical resection is the gold standard of treatment achieving good oncological impact and a favorable prognosis in a yearly life-long follow-up.

Individualized alignment and ligament balancing technique with the ROSA® robotic system for total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Higher patient's expectations and dissatisfaction following total knee arthroplasty are well-documented phenomena. Despite the implications of different patients' related factors both modifiable and nonmodifiable, in the last decade a lot of emphasis has been focused on surgical technique, implant alignment and stability both as a cause and a potential solution of several problems. METHODS: Different alignment and balancing techniques have been recently described and the introduction of new technologies such as computer and robotic-assisted surgery have been the basis for their optimization. In this paper, the surgical technique of the ROSA Knee System will be described focusing on the potential alignment options and the ligament balancing technique. The current literature available about the system will also be analyzed. RESULTS: The ROSA® robotic system have been recently introduced in the market and presents specific and peculiar features to optimize ligament balancing and an individualized alignment of the implant in a three dimensional prospective. DISCUSSION: The system is showing a favourable gap balancing technique and the possibility to create an individualized alignment. Preliminary results have now been shown in the literature both on the accuracy of the system and on clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results are promising both in terms of accuracy of the system and of clinical outcomes.

Primary TKA in patients with major deformities and ligament laxities: promising results of an intermediate constrained implant at mid-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in major deformities with ligament insufficiency may require a higher constraint, with bone sacrifice and concerns about long-term survivorship. Mid-level constraint liners have been recently introduced, but few studies described their outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the short to mid-term outcomes of a constrained postero-stabilized (CPS) insert for primary TKA in moderate to severe deformities. METHODS: All patients who underwent TKA using a CPS liner in two centers between 2015 and 2017 were included in the study. The indications were: (1) valgus deformity type 2-3 partially correctable; (2) severe varus deformity with varus thrust; (3) post-traumatic deformity with major ligamentous insufficiency and any case of intra-operative ligament insufficiency. Patients were evaluated according to the Knee Society Scoring System (KSS), the Hospital for Special Surgery score (HSS), the Western Ontario and Mc Master University (WOMAC) and the Oxford Knee score (OKS). X-rays were evaluated according to the Knee Society Roentgenographic Evaluation System. RESULTS: Forty-seven TKA were included, with an average age of 66.1 ± 10.3 years and an average follow-up of 68.4 ± 6 months. All patients demonstrated a moderate to severe pre-operative mediolateral instability. All the scores significantly improved (p < 0.0001). In 71.4% of cases, the outcomes were excellent or very good. There were no failures due to aseptic loosening but one failure due to a traumatic ligament rupture. The cumulative survivorship was 97.9% ± 2.1% at 84 months. CONCLUSIONS: This mid-range constraint total knee replacement demonstrated promising outcomes and survival at mid-term follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV (case series).

A well performing medial fixed bearing UKA with promising survivorship at 15 years.

BACKGROUND: Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) accounts for 10% of knee arthroplasty procedures in Europe. Fixed bearing UKA designs have shown favorable survivorship in registries when compared with mobile bearings. This study analyses long-term follow-up of patients with a medial fixed bearing metal backed tibial UKA and reports 15 years survivorship and clinical outcomes. METHODS: Data were collected prospectively for 148 medial unicompartmental fixed bearing metal backed UKAs implanted in 148 patients in two high volumes knee arthroplasty centers between January 2005 and December 2007. The indication was osteoarthritis in all but 2 patients. Patients' reported outcome scores were documented at last follow up. The mean patient age at time of surgery was 65 years. RESULTS: At final follow up, outcome and survivorship data were collected for 124 medial fixed bearing UKAs. Thirteen patients underwent revision; average time to revision was 77 months (SD 35.31). The Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated a survivorship of 97.65% at 69 months and of 89,52%. at 120 months and 173 months of follow-up. When revisions for infection were excluded, the survivorship of the implant was 90.3% at the last of follow up. The mean OKS was 43.02 (SD 5.1) at the last follow-up, and the mean FJS was 77.6 (SD 6.9). CONCLUSION: This Medial fixed bearing metal backed UKA demonstrates promising long-term survivorship and patient outcomes. It appears to be a suitable and reasonably lasting option for the treatment of medial compartment OA.

A new robotically assisted technique can improve outcomes of total knee arthroplasty comparing to an imageless navigation system.

BACKGROUND: Robotic assisted total knee arthroplasty (RTKA) has shown improved knee alignment and reduced radiographic outliers. However, there remains debate on functional outcomes and patient-reported outcomes (PROMs). This study compares the 1-year clinical outcomes of a new imageless robotically assisted technique (ROSA Knee System, Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, IN) with an imageless navigated procedure (NTKA, iAssist Knee, Zimmer, Warsaw, IN). METHODS: The study is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data that compared the functional outcomes and PROMs of 50 imageless RTKA with 47 imageless NTKA at 1-year follow-up. Baseline characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative information were collected including complications, revisions, Knee Society Score (KSS), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) score, and Forgotten Joint Score (FJS-12). Radiographic analysis of preoperative and postoperative images evaluating hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle was performed. RESULTS: There was no difference regarding baseline characteristics between the groups. Mean operative time was significantly longer in the RTKA group (122 min vs. 97 min; p < 0.0001). Significant differences were reported for the "Pain" (85 [RTKA] vs 79.1 [NTKA]; p = 0.0283) subsection of the KOOS score. In addition, RTKA was associated with higher maximum range of motion (119.4° vs. 107.1°; p < 0.0001) and better mean improvement of the arc of motion by 11.67° (23.02° vs. 11.36°; p < 0.0001). No significant differences were noted for other subsections of KOOS, KSS, FJS-12, complications, or limb alignment at 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Imageless RTKA was associated with longer surgical time, better pain perception and improved ROM at 12-month follow-up compared with NTKA. No significant differences were reported on other PROMs, complication rates and radiographic outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Medially congruent total knee arthroplasty in valgus knee deformities yields satisfactory outcomes: a multicenter, international study.

PURPOSE: Postoperative instability represents one of the most common complications following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). To prevent this outcome, valgus deformities have been historically treated using more constrained implants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of treating a moderate valgus deformity by combining a surgical technique used to release the postero-lateral soft tissue envelope with the use of a medially congruent (MC) TKA design without using classical, semi-constrained inserts. METHODS: Seventy-nine MC TKAs were performed by three surgeons at three institutions between 2016 and 2018 as part of a multicenter, international study. Inclusion criteria were: radiographic late-stage osteoarthritic knees with Ranawat's type 1 or 2 classification of valgus deformity and integrity of the medial capsular-ligament complex (less than 10 mm of medial opening during valgus stress test at 10° of knee flexion). Exclusion criteria were: BMI > 40; neuromuscular, metabolic, or immunologic disorders; or the inability to complete outcome measures or radiographic assessment. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients (79 knees), 59 males and 18 females, were evaluated at 2-year minimum follow-up according to the Knee Society Score (KSS) and Forgotten Joint Score (FJS). Mean age at surgery was 70 years (range 48-91). The mean range of motion (ROM) improved from 110° (range 85°-130°) preoperatively to 121° (range 105°-135°) (p < 0.001) at the time of the last follow-up. Preoperative knee extension significantly improved from 3° (range - 15° to 20°) to 1° (range - 5° to 5°) of flexion at the last follow-up in all the patients. KSS and KSS Functional scores were 89 (range 65-100) and 82 points (range 55-100), respectively. The FJS obtained at the last follow-up was 72 (range 49-88). Two patients (2.5%) had major postoperative complications (one periprosthetic joint infection; one postoperative patellar fracture) requiring surgical interventions. CONCLUSIONS: In different surgeon's hands, the use of a modern medially congruent TKA design yielded good clinical outcomes at 2 years in a consecutive series of TKA in valgus arthritic knees. Postoperative instability was not recorded in this series and this finding was related to the high conformity design of the MC polyethylene insert, which significantly differs from classical posterior-stabilized (PS) designs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

High accuracy of a new robotically assisted technique for total knee arthroplasty: an in vivo study.

PURPOSE: Over the last decade, robotic TKA gained popularity for improving the accuracy of implant positioning and reducing outliers in limb alignment comparing to conventional jig-based TKA. Hypothesis of this study was that this newly designed robotically assisted system will achieve a high level of accuracy for bone resection. Purpose of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of the system. METHODS: For this study, 75 knees in 75 patients were operated using a new, robotic system (ROSA® Knee System; Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, IN) with a Posterior Stabilized Total Knee Arthroplasty (Persona® Knee System). The planned, validated and measured angles and cuts for the distal and posterior femur, for the proximal tibia and for the final coronal alignment on long standing x-rays were compared. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found only between the average planned and the average validated angle for femoral flexion, tibial coronal axis, medial and lateral cuts; the average difference was in any case below 1 mm or under 1 degree with SD < 1. No statistical difference was found between planned validated and measured cuts. Average difference between planned HKA and measured was 1.2 ± 1.1. No statistically significant difference was found. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrated that using this new surgical robot in total knee arthroplasty it is possible to perform accurate bone cuts and to achieve the planned angles and resections.

Solid-pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas. An extrapancreatic loco-regional site and a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Solid pseudopapillary tumors (SPT) of the pancreas are rare, low malignancy and predominantly affect young women, but it may be locally aggressive. Pancreatic resection is the main treatment for SPTs. However, low malignancy SPT may give insidious extrapancreatic invasions. CASE REPORT: A 20-year-old woman was admitted with non-specific abdominal pain and diarrhea. A 9-cm SPT of the pancreas was discovered with extra-pancreatic invasion of the left adrenal gland and the spleen, in close contact with the body-tail of the pancreas, proximal portion of the jejunum, splenic flexure of the colon and the gastric fundus, with no signs of infiltration. For the young patient, a pancreas-preserving tumor excision was performed, with en-bloc resection of the spleen and adrenal gland, lymphadenectomy of the splenic vessels (13 lymph-nodes) and pre-pancreatic lymph node dissection, with no need for distal pancreatectomy. The duration of the surgery was 145 min, with no transfusion. The woman's postoperative course was complicated by a splenic lodge abscess treated via CT-guided percutaneous drainage, and a left pleural effusion treated medically, with a hospital stay of 16 days. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of a 9- cm low-grade SPT of the pancreas. In a close follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic 21 months later, with no tumor recurrence and good health. CONCLUSIONS: Low-grade SPT of the pancreas with extra-pancreatic invasion of loco-regional organs can be treated by a pancreas-preserving approach to avoid a pancreatectomy. Moreover, still few cases of extra-pancreatic SPT are reported in the literature and there is an urgent need for more relevant evidence. KEY WORDS: Extrapancreatic, Frantz's tumor, Pancreas preserving, Pancreas, Pancreatic neoplasm, Solid pseudopapillary tumor, Solid pancreatic tumor.

Microsurgical training using an ex-vivo model: microscope vs 3D exoscope.

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of the 3D exoscope in a microvascular anastomosis training setting and compare it with the gold-standard technique using the operating microscope (OM). Methods: Participants were recruited among otorhinolaryngology head and neck surgery (OHNS) residents of two tertiary care hospitals. Trainees were asked to complete 4 microvascular end-to-end anastomoses on chicken thighs with the OM and VITOM 3D exoscope. The performances were scored by experienced microvascular surgeons; an objective evaluation of the anastomosis and a subjective assessment of the workload were conducted. Results: 8 OHNS residents were recruited. Considering the amount of time needed to complete (TTC) the anastomosis, an improvement was shown by all the participants throughout the training program. The objective evaluation of the anastomosis did not show a significant difference. No significant differences were found by analyzing the subjective workload with the different tools. Conclusions: This article represents the first attempt to compare the use of the OM and the 3D exoscope during training for microsurgery. The results of our study demonstrate the noninferiority of microsurgical training obtained using the 3D exoscope compared to that offered by the OM.