Three-dimensional reconstruction of the upper limb from anatomical slices of the Korean visible human: simulation and educational application.

PURPOSE: Digital anatomy is a novel emerging discipline. Use of virtual reality brings a revolution in educational anatomy by improving retention and learning outcomes. Indeed, virtual dissection is a new learning tool for students and surgeons. Three-dimensional vectorial models of the human body can be created from anatomical slices obtained by lengthy series of cryosection from the visible human projects. The aim of this paper is to show how these mesh models could be embedded into an Acrobat® 3dpdf interface, to produce an easy-to-use fully interactive educational tool. METHODS: The learning of this method and its practical application were evaluated on a multicentric cohort of 86 people divided into 3 groups, according to the duration of their training (1, 2 or 3 days, respectively). Participants learned how to use the Mesh tool and how to model 3D structures from anatomical sections. At the end of the training, they were given a survey form. Participants were also asked to rate the training (Poor; Average; Good; Very Good; Excellent). RESULTS: Ninety four percent of the subjects rated the device as excellent and would continue to use digital anatomy in their practice. CONCLUSION: This result is the Diva3d® virtual dissection table, a powerful educational tool for anatomists and students. It could also be the basis of future simulation tools for hand surgeons training.

Descriptive anatomy of the inferior epigastric, subscapular and internal thoracic vascular pedicles in three domestic mammals: A comparative study.

The descriptive anatomy of the inferior epigastric, subscapular and internal thoracic vascular pedicles of domestic animals is not fully known. Improvement of our knowledge in this field could lead to better development of animal models for both pedagogical purposes and surgical experimentation. The objective of this comparative study was to describe the descriptive anatomy of the inferior epigastric, subscapular and internal thoracic pedicles in three domestic mammals commonly used as animal models for experimentation. Our study focuses on the anatomical description of these vascular pedicles in the rat (Rattus norvegicus) (n=1), the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) (n=1) and the pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) (n=1). A comparative and analytical study of these vessels (origin, path, caliber, termination) with those of humans was carried out. The superficial inferior epigastric vascular pedicles have been identified only in rats and pigs. The deep inferior epigastric, subscapular and internal thoracic pedicles were identified in the three mammals studied. No perforator vessels for the subcutaneous tissue and skin were identify from the deep inferior epigastric pedicles. The anatomical characteristics (origin, path, termination) of these vascular pedicles in rabbits seems to be the closest to that of humans. However the caliber of these vessels is around a millimeter compared to a 2.0-3.0mm in humans. This comparative study allowed us to identify and better characterize the morphological characteristics of these vascular pedicles in three domestic mammals, a step prior improving the development of animal models intended for pedagogical or experimental purposes in the field of microsurgical free flaps.

[3D modeling of the female pelvis by Computer-Assisted Anatomical Dissection: Applications and perspectives]. / Modélisation anatomique 3D du pelvis féminin par dissection anatomique assistée par ordinateur : applications et perspectives.

OBJECTIVES: To achieve a 3D vectorial model of a female pelvis by Computer-Assisted Anatomical Dissection and to assess educationnal and surgical applications. MATERIALS AND METHOD: From the database of "visible female" of Visible Human Project(®) (VHP) of the "national library of medicine" NLM (United States), we used 739 transverse anatomical slices of 0.33mm thickness going from L4 to the trochanters. The manual segmentation of each anatomical structures was done with Winsurf(®) software version 4.3. Each anatomical element was built as a separate vectorial object. The whole colored-rendered vectorial model with realistic textures was exported in 3Dpdf format to allow a real time interactive manipulation with Acrobat(®) pro version 11 software. RESULTS: Each element can be handled separately at any transparency, which allows an anatomical learning by systems: skeleton, pelvic organs, urogenital system, arterial and venous vascularization. This 3D anatomical model can be used as data bank to teach of the fundamental anatomy. CONCLUSION: This 3D vectorial model, realistic and interactive constitutes an efficient educational tool for the teaching of the anatomy of the pelvis. 3D printing of the pelvis is possible with the new printers.

Embryo Form Project: An original technique for the three-dimensional reconstruction of human embryo morphology.

Our current knowledge on the developmental stages of human embryogenesis has derived from limited numbers of classical studies. Computer technology now permits accurate 3D reconstruction of embryo morphology from serial histological sections. We present a successful technique that uses either fresh or preserved serial histological sections to generate highly detailed 3D image reconstructions of very small human embryos. We present the data we obtained from the reconstruction in virtual space of previously sectioned 15 and 22.5mm embryos. Their morphologies were studied using a DICOM viewer which permitted the analysis of any specific structure in any required orientation. To our knowledge, this is the first time human embryos have been reconstructed in this way. We believe that this reconstruction technique could improve our knowledge on embryo morphogenesis, especially if coupled to the study of genes involved in embryonic development. It may also prove to be a useful pedagogical tool.

Three-dimensional reconstruction of the lower limb's venous system in human fetuses using the computer-assisted anatomical dissection (CAAD) technique.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to show the feasibility and describe the first results of a 3D reconstruction of the venous network of the lower limbs in human fetus using the computer-assisted anatomical dissection (CAAD) technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used limbs from two human fetuses, respectively, 14 and 15 weeks gestation old. Specimens were fixed in 10% formalin, embedded in paraffin wax and serially sectioned at 10 m. The histological slices were stained using HES and Masson Trichrome for soft tissues identification. Immunolabeling techniques using the Protein S-100 marker and the D2-40 marker were used to identify nerves and vessels, respectively. Stained slices were aligned manually, labeled and digitalized. The segmentation of all anatomical structures was achieved using the WinSurf(®) software after manual drawing. RESULTS: A 3D interactive vectorial model of the whole leg, including skin, bone, muscles, arteries, veins, and nerves was obtained. In all limbs, we observed the presence of a big axial vein traveling along the sciatic nerve. In addition, the femoral vein appeared as a small plexus. Although this is a common anatomical feature at the end of organogenesis, this feature is observed in only 9% of adults. Usually interpreted as an "anatomical variation of the femoral vein" it should be considered as a light truncular malformation. These observations bring further support to our proposed "angio-guiding nerves" hypothesis. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study shows that the CAAD technique provided an accurate 3D reconstruction of the fetal leg veins anatomy. It should bring a new insight for the understanding of the different steps of development of the human venous system.

[Practice uptake in France before and after the 2010 French guidelines on kidney cancer]. / Évolution des pratiques de la chirurgie rénale avant et après les recommandations de l'AFU de 2010.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Compared to the 2007 edition, the 2010 French urological association onco-urology guidelines boarded the indications of partial nephrectomy (PN) as long as the procedure is technically feasible. The aim of this study was to assess national practice with respect to kidney surgery in the 2 years before and after current guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The national database of the Agence Technique de l'Information sur l'Hospitalisation (ATIH) was queried for procedures performed between 2009 and 2010 (era 1) and between 2011 and 2012 (era 2). The coding system of the Classification Commune des Actes Médicaux (CCAM) was used to extract kidney related procedures. For each era, procedures were sorted into partial versus radical nephrectomy (RN), laparoscopic/robotic versus open approach, and private versus public hospital. The two eras were then compared. RESULTS: Overall, 28,000 and 28,907 procedures were reported in era 1 and 2 with mean 14,000 and 14,450 procedures per year respectively. PN increased from 30% to 35% (P<0.0001) between the two eras. This uptake was similar in public and private hospitals. Accordingly, laparoscopic/robotic approach has significantly increased between the two eras (35% versus 39%, P<0.0001) and even more importantly in public hospitals (P=0.0017). There was a significant increase in laparoscopic/robotic PN as well as a decrease in open RN over the years of the study period. CONCLUSION: This study showed the development of PN and the minimally invasive approach. Over the study period, minimally invasive procedure uptake was higher in public hospitals.

[The dorsal nerve of the clitoris: surgical applications]. / Le nerf dorsal du clitoris : de l'anatomie à la chirurgie reconstructrice du clitoris.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the course of the dorsal nerve of the clitoris (DNC) to better define its anatomy in the human adult and to help surgeons to avoid iatrogenic injury during surgical procedures. METHOD: An extensive review of the current literature was done on Medline via PubMed by using the following keywords: "anatomie du clitoris", "anatomy of clitoris", "nerf dorsal du clitoris", "dorsal nerve of clitoris", "réparation clitoridienne", "transposition clitoridienne", "surgery of the clitoris", "clitoridoplasty". This review analyzed dissection, magnetic resonance imaging, 3-dimensional sectional anatomy reconstruction and immuno-histochemical studies. RESULTS: The DNC comes from the pudendal nerve. He travels from under the inferior pubis ramus to the posterosuperior edge of the clitoral crus. The DNC reappears under the pubic symphysis and enters the deep component of the suspensory ligament. He runs on the dorsal face of the clitoral body at 11 and 1 o'clock. Distally, he gives many nervous ramifications, runs along the tunica and enters the glans. CONCLUSION: The NDC might be surgically injured (i) under the pubic symphysis, at the union of the two crus of clitoris and (ii) on the dorsal surface of the clitoral body. The pathway of the DNC on the dorsal face of the clitoris permits to approach the ventral face of the clitoris without risk of iatrogenic injuries. The distance between the pubic symphysis and the DNC implies that the incision should be done just under the pubic symphysis. Distally, the dissection of the DNC next the glands appears as dangerous and impossible, considering that the DNC is too close to the glandular tissues.

[Evaluation of a new telephone counseling protocol used by the admission nurse of a pediatric emergency department]. / Évaluation d'un nouvel outil d'aide au conseil téléphonique par l'infirmière d'accueil et d'orientation aux services d'accueil des urgences pédiatriques.

INTRODUCTION: Telephone counseling is a daily occurrence in the pediatric emergency department (ED). It is difficult and has no legal framework. In 2010, we created a new protocol aimed at improving the telephone counseling given by the admission nurse at our pediatric emergency department: an index card is created for every call, color-coded according to severity with a list of clinical items, allowing for simple and reproducible advice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of the cards. We conducted a prospective analysis, from June 2011 to January 2012, to analyze every card generated for seven major reasons for calling. The study was designed to: (a) measure the level of accurate completion of the cards by the admission nurse; (b) evaluate the quality of the advice given, as defined by the color coding. RESULTS: Of 3297 calls received, 1033 cards were included in the analysis: 504 (49%) of these cards were correctly completed for optimal traceability (complete administrative and clinical data, correct color coding). The level of completion significantly increased for admission nurses who had filled in more than ten cards. Among these 504 calls, 386 cards (77%) delivered appropriate advice and 87 (17%) inappropriate advice. Thirty-one cards (6%) could not be evaluated for the quality of the advice given. There was no significant difference between the different causes for calling. Overall, only ten calls (less than 2%) resulted in underestimation of the severity of the child's condition, and 9% in overestimation (leading to an unnecessary consultation in the ED). DISCUSSION: The quality of card completion needs to improve, especially since this study demonstrates how easy it is to use these cards. They ensure exhaustive questioning; guide the admission nurse toward safer advice, with appropriate advice given in 77% of cases. The rate of underestimated severity is low, and the initial severity of these cases is debatable because half of these cases consulted at the ED 12-24h after the initial call. CONCLUSION: These innovative color-coded cards make it possible to dispense reliable and harmonized advice. They ease the process of an otherwise difficult exercise.

[Computerized three-dimensional reconstruction of the retrohepatic segment of inferior vena cava of a 20 mm human embryo]. / Reconstruction tridimensionnelle informatisée du segment rétrohépatique de la veine cave inférieure d'un embryon humain de 20mm.

The subdiaphragmatic venous drainage of the embryo is provided by the two caudal cardinal veins to which is added the subcardinal vein system, draining the mesonephros, the perispinal supracardinal veins and the umbilical and vitelline venous system. The anastomosis of certain segments of the embryonic venous structures and the disappearance of others are at the origin of the inferior vena cava. Since the 19th century, three-dimensional reconstruction of solid models from histological sections were developed. At present, the development of computerized three-dimensional reconstruction techniques allowed to operate a multitude of techniques of image processing and modeling in space. Three-dimensional reconstruction is a tool for teaching and research very useful in embryological studies because of the obvious difficulty of dissection and the necessity of introducing time as the fourth dimension in the study of organogenesis. This method represents a promising alternative compared to previous three-dimensional reconstruction techniques including Born technique. The aim of our work was to create a three-dimensional computer reconstruction of the retrohepatic segment of the inferior vena cava of a 20mm embryo from the embryo collection of Saints-Pères institute of anatomy (Paris Descartes university, Paris, France) to specify the path relative to the liver and initiate a series of computerized three-dimensional reconstruction that will follow the evolution of this segment of the inferior vena cava and this in a pedagogical and morphological research introducing the time as the fourth dimension.

[PROSPERE randomized controlled trial: laparoscopic sacropexy versus vaginal mesh for cystocele POP repair]. / Étude randomisée comparant la promontofixation cœlioscopique à la chirurgie prothétique par voie vaginale pour le traitement des cystocèles : PROSPERE (PROSthetic PElvic organ prolapse REpair).

BACKGROUND: Cystocele is a frequent and invalidating type of genital prolapse in woman. Sacropexy using synthetic mesh is considered the surgical gold standard, and the laparoscopic approach has supplanted the open abdominal route because it offers the same anatomical results with a lower morbidity. The use of mesh through the vaginal route may have many advantages: easiness to perform, shorter operative time and recovery, but may increase morbidity. In France, both laparoscopic sacropexy and vaginal mesh are commonly used to treat cystoceles. The French Haute Autorité de santé (HAS) has highlighted the lack of evaluation of safety assessment for vaginal meshes. METHOD/DESIGN: The main objective of the study is to compare the morbidity of laparoscopic sacropexy with vaginal mesh for cystocele repair. The primary endpoint will be the rate of surgical complications greater or equal to grade 2 of the Clavien-Dindo classification at 1-year follow-up. The secondary aims are to compare the functional results in the medium term (sexuality, urinary and bowel symptoms, pain), the impact on quality of life as well as anatomical results. PROSPERE is a randomized controlled trial conducted in 12 participating French hospitals. 262 patients, aged 45 to 75years old, with cystocele greater or equal to stage 2 of the POP-Q classification (isolated or not) will be included. Exclusion criterias are a previous surgical POP repair, and inability or contra-indication to one or the other technique. We have designed this study to answer the question of the choice between laparoscopic sacropexy and vaginal mesh for the treatment of cystocele. The PROSPERE trial aims to help better determine the indications for one or the other of these techniques, which are currently based on subjective choices or school attitudes. This is the reason why competent authorities have asked for such studies.

[Uterosacral ligament and hypogastric nerve anatomical relationship. Application to deep endometriotic nodules surgery]. / Rapport anatomique du ligament utérosacré et du nerf hypogastrique pour la chirurgie des lésions d'endométriose profonde.

Endometriosis is a concern for 10 to 15% of women of childbearing age. The uterosacral ligament is the most frequent localization of deep infiltrating endometriosis. Laparoscopic excision of endometriotic nodules may lead to functional consequences due to potential hypogastric nerve lesion. Our aim is to study the anatomical relationship between the hypogastric nerve and the uterosacral ligament in order to reduce the occurrence of such nerve lesions during pelvic surgeries. We based our study on an anatomical and surgical literature review and on the anatomical dissection of a 56-year-old fresh female subject. The hypogastric nerves cross the uterosacral ligament approximately 30mm from the torus. They go through the pararectal space, 20mm below the ureter and join the inferior hypogastric plexus at the level of the intersection between the ureter and the posterior wall of the uterine artery, at approximately 20mm from the torus. No anatomical variation has been described to date in the path of the nerve, but in its presentation which may be polymorphous. Laparoscopy and robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery facilitate the pelvic nerves visualization and are the best approach for uterosacral endometriotic nodule nerve-sparing excision. Precise knowledge by the surgeon of the anatomical relationship between the hypogastric nerve and the uterosacral ligament is essential in order to decrease the risk of complication and postoperative morbidity for patient surgically treated for deep infiltrating endometriosis involving uterosacral ligament.

Anatomical basis of laparoscopic medial-to-lateral mobilization of the descending colon.

In laparoscopic colorectal resection, the medial-to-lateral approach has been largely adopted. This approach can be initiated by the division of either the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) or the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV). This cadaveric study aimed to establish the feasibility of IMV dissection as the initial landmark of medial-to-lateral left colonic mobilization for evaluating the size of the peritoneal window between the IMV at the lower part of the pancreas and the origin of the IMA (IMA-IMV distance) and the point of origin of the IMA compared to the lower edge of the third part of the duodenum (IMA-D3 distance). These distances were recorded on 30 fresh cadavers. The IMA-D3 distance was 0.4 ± 2.2 cm (mean ± SD). The IMA originated from the aorta at the level of or below the D3 in 21 cases (70%). The IMA-IMV distance was 5.5 ± 1.8 cm and was greater or equal to 5 cm (large window) in 21 cases (70%). IMA-IMV distance was correlated with IMA-D3 showing that a large window was inversely correlated with a low IMA origin (P < 0.001). IMA-D3 distance was not correlated with weight, height and sex. IMA-IMV distance was largerin male (6.7 ± 0.9 vs. 4.9 ± 1.8, P = 0.001) and correlated with weight, (r = 0.60, 95%CI = 0.03-0.10, P < 0.001) and height (r = 0.54, 95%CI = 0.05-0.21, P = 0.002). IMV can be used as the initial landmark for laparoscopic medial-to-lateral dissection in two-thirds of cases. A too-small window can require first IMA division. The choice between the two different medial-to-lateral approaches could be made by evaluating the anatomical relationship between IMA, IMV, and D3.

Beta-catenin inhibits melanocyte migration but induces melanoma metastasis.

The canonical Wnt signalling pathway induces the ß-catenin/lymphoid enhancer factor transcription factors. It is activated in various cancers, most characteristically carcinomas, in which it promotes metastatic spread by increasing migration and/or invasion. The Wnt/ß-catenin signalling pathway is frequently activated in melanoma, but the presence of ß-catenin in the nucleus does not seem to be a sign of aggressiveness in these tumours. We found that, unlike its positive role in stimulating migration and invasion of carcinoma cells, ß-catenin signalling decreased the migration of melanocytes and melanoma cell lines. In vivo, ß-catenin signalling in melanoblasts reduced the migration of these cells, causing a white belly-spot phenotype. The inhibition by ß-catenin of migration was dependent on MITF-M, a key transcription factor of the melanocyte lineage, and CSK, an Src-inhibitor. Despite reducing migration, ß-catenin signalling promoted lung metastasis in the NRAS-driven melanoma murine model. Thus, ß-catenin may have conflicting roles in the metastatic spread of melanoma, repressing migration while promoting metastasis. These results highlight that metastasis formation requires a series of successful cellular processes, any one of which may not be optimally efficient.

High tie versus low tie vascular ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery in colorectal cancer surgery: impact on the gain in colon length and implications on the feasibility of anastomoses.

BACKGROUND: There is no demonstrated benefit of high-tie versus low-tie vascular transections in colorectal cancer surgery. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of high-tie and low-tie vascular transections on colonic length after oncological sigmoidectomy, the theoretical feasibility of colorectal anastomosis at the sacral promontory, and straight or J-pouch coloanal anastomosis after rectal cancer surgery with total mesorectal excision. DESIGN: This study is an anatomical study on surgical techniques. SETTINGS: This study was conducted in a surgical anatomy research unit. PATIENTS: Thirty fresh nonembalmed cadavers were randomly assigned to high-tie and low-tie groups (n = 15). INTERVENTIONS: Oncological sigmoidectomy followed by total mesorectal excision was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The distances from the proximal colon limb to the lower edge of the pubis symphysis were recorded after each step of vascular division. RESULTS: The successive mean gains in length in high-tie vs low-tie vascular transections were 2.9±1.2 cm vs 3.1 ± 1.8 cm (p = 0.83) after inferior mesenteric artery division, 8.1 ± 3.1 cm vs 2.5 ± 1.2 cm (p = 0.0016) after inferior mesenteric vein division at the lower part of the pancreas, 8.1 ± 3.8 cm vs 3.3 ± 1.7 cm (p = 0.0016) after sigmoidectomy. The mean cumulative gain in length was significantly higher in high-tie vs low-tie vascular transections (19.1 ± 3.8 vs 8.8 ± 2.9 cm, p = 0.00089). After secondary left colic artery division, the gain in length was similar to that of the high-tie group (17 ± 3.1 vs 19.1 ± 3.8 cm) (p = 0.089). Colorectal anastomosis at the promontory and straight and J-pouch coloanal anastomosis feasibility rates were 100% in the high-tie group, 87%, 53%, and 33% in the low-tie group, but 100%, 100%, and 87% after secondary left colic artery division. LIMITATIONS: This anatomical study, based on cadavers rather than live patients, does not evaluate colon limb vascularization. CONCLUSIONS: The gain in colonic length is 10 cm greater for high-tie vascular transections. With low-tie vascular transections, high inferior mesenteric vein division produced a small additional gain in length, and secondary left colic artery division produced the same length gain as high-tie vascular transections.

[Detection of cephalopelvic disproportion using a virtual reality model: a feasibility study of three cases]. / Détection des disproportions fœtopelviennes par réalité virtuelle : étude de faisabilité à propos de trois cas.

Routine daily practice shows that successful vaginal delivery for women with suspected narrow pelvis or large fetus remains possible. We present a computer software for the detection of fetopelvic disproportion based on 3D vectorial reconstructions of the fetal head and maternal pelvis with simulation of head passage through the pelvis for collision detection. Three delivery simulations were generated from MR pelvimetry data in two patients, one with narrow pelvis and the other with macrosomic fetus. Based on the simulation, fetus size in both cases was appropriate for the pelvic size, but delivery simulation for the macrosomic fetus concluded that vaginal delivery was mechanically impossible. Further evaluation of this promising software on a larger patient population is necessary.

[Rectal cancer]. / Le cancer du rectum.

With 12,000 new cases each year in France, rectal cancers are a frequent entity. Concurrent fluoropyrimidin-based chemoradiation followed by a surgery including total mesorectal excision is the standard of care for locally advanced (T3-4) or node positive cancers of the mid and lower rectum. Modalities of irradiation depend on tumour location (mid versus lower rectum) and its local extension. Nevertheless, the clinical target volume (CTV) always encompasses the entire mesorectum, that goes from the peritoneal reflexion line (facing the third sacral vertebrae) to the levator ani muscles. The internal iliac lymph nodes are as well always included in the CTV. The aim of this article is to review the main epidemiological, anatomical, radiological and prognostic factors that are meaningful to define the optimal modalities of conformal radiation of rectal cancers. Definition of target volumes and organs at risk will be discussed, as well as doses and dose-constraints. A case report will be used to illustrate this article.