Cervical Oblique Corpectomy: Revitalizing the Underused Surgical Approach With Step-By-Step Simulation in Cadavers.

ABSTRACT: Recently, the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Spine committee recommended that additional research on cost-benefit analysis of various surgical approaches for cervical spondylotic myelopathy be carried out and their efficacy with long-term outcomes be compared. Unfortunately, it is highly probable that the oblique corpectomy (OC) will not be included in cost-benefit investigations due to its infrequent application by neurosurgeons dealing with the spine. In this cadaveric study, head and necks of 5 adult human cadavers stained with colored latex and preserved in 70% alcohol solution were dissected under a table-mounted surgical microscope using 3× to 40× magnifications. The OC approach was performed to simulate real surgery, and the neurovascular structures encountered during the procedure and their relations with each other were examined. Oblique corpectomy was performed unilaterally, although neck dissections were performed bilaterally on 10 sides in all 5 cadavers. At each stage of the dissection, multiple three-dimensional photographs were obtained from different angles and distances. For an optimal OC, both the anterior spinal cord must be sufficiently decompressed and sufficient bone must be left in place to prevent instability in the cervical spine. Oblique corpectomy is a valid and potentially low cost alternative to other anterior and posterior approaches in the surgical treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. However, meticulous cadaver studies are essential before starting real surgical practice on patients in order to perform it effectively and to avoid the risks of the technique.

Glans wings are separated ventrally by the septum glandis and frenulum penis: MRI documentation and surgical implications.

OBJECTIVE: In the normal human penis, the glans wings are in apposition in the midline ventrally, and are separated by the "septum glandis" and "frenulum" of the prepuce. However, most of the hypospadias repair techniques include dissection of the glans wings and their approximation enclosing the neourethra within the glans. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In order to obtain detailed information about the normal anatomy of glans penis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the penis were studied in three adults. Transverse, and sagittal sections of the penis were performed with a 1.5-T MRI scanner. RESULTS: The present MRI study has confirmed that the glans wings do not fuse at the ventral midline and they are seperated by a fibrous tissue (septum glandis). This fibrous tissue is connected to the frenulum, traversing the wings of the glans penis. The glanular urethra forming the fossa navicularis has a wider caliber than the proximal urethra, and its walls are radiologically seen as the extension of that fibrous tissue. CONCLUSION: The male urethra is not a uniform tubular structure and has distinct attachments in glans penis. The glans wings are separated ventrally by the septum glandis and frenulum. In hypospadias, the septum glandis and frenulum are entirely missing structures. Therefore, in hypospadias surgery, the anatomical features of the glanular urethra must be taken into consideration.