Near-infrared cholangiography with intragallbladder indocyanine green injection in minimally invasive cholecystectomy.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) remains one of the most commonly performed procedures in adult and paediatric populations. Despite the advances made in intraoperative biliary anatomy recognition, iatrogenic bile duct injuries during LC represent a fatal complication and consist an economic burden for healthcare systems. A series of methods have been proposed to prevent bile duct injury, among them the use of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence. The most commonly reported method of ICG injection is the intravenous administration, while literature is lacking studies investigating the direct intragallbladder ICG injection. This narrative mini-review aims to assess the potential applications, usefulness, and limitations of intragallbladder ICG fluorescence in LC. Authors screened the available international literature to identify the reports of intragallbladder ICG fluorescence imaging in minimally invasive cholecystectomy, as well as special issues regarding its use. Literature search retrieved four prospective cohort studies, three case-control studies, and one case report. In the three case-control studies selected, intragallbladder near-infrared cholangiography (NIRC) was compared with standard LC under white light, with intravenous administration of ICG for NIRC and with standard intraoperative cholangiography (IOC). In total, 133 patients reported in the literature have been administered intragallbladder ICG administration for biliary mapping during LC. Literature includes several reports of intragallbladder ICG administration, but a standardized technique has not been established yet. Published data suggest that NIRC with intragallbladder ICG injection is a promising method to achieve biliary mapping, overwhelming limitations of IOC including intervention and radiation exposure, as well as the high hepatic parenchyma signal and time interval needed in intravenous ICG fluorescence. Evidence-based guidelines on the role of intragallbladder ICG fluorescence in LC require the assessment of further studies and multicenter data collection into large registries.

Biliary Anatomy Visualization and Surgeon Satisfaction Using Standard Cholangiography versus Indocyanine Green Fluorescent Cholangiography during Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Intraoperative biliary anatomy recognition is crucial for safety during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, since iatrogenic bile duct injuries represent a fatal complication, occurring in up to 0.9% of patients. Indocyanine green fluorescence cholangiography (ICG-FC) is a safe and cost-effective procedure for achieving a critical view of safety and recognizing early biliary injuries. The aim of this study is to compare the perioperative outcomes, usefulness and safety of standard intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) with ICG-FC with intravenous ICG. Methods: Between 1 June 2021 and 31 December 2022, 160 patients undergoing elective LC were randomized into two equal groups: Group A (standard IOC) and group B (ICG-FC with intravenous ICG). Results: No significant difference was found between the two groups regarding demographics, surgery indication or surgery duration. No significant difference was found regarding the visualization of critical biliary structures. However, the surgeon satisfaction and cholangiography duration presented significant differences in favor of ICG-FC. Regarding the inflammatory response, a significant difference between the two groups was found only in postoperative WBC levels. Hepatic and renal function test results were not significantly different between the two groups on the first postoperative day, except for direct bilirubin. No statistically significant difference was noted regarding 30-day postoperative complications, while none of the complications noted included bile duct injury events. Conclusions: ICG-FC presents equivalent results to IOC regarding extrahepatic biliary visualization and postoperative complications. However, more studies need to be performed in order to standardize the optimal dose, timing and mode of administration.

Bowel Perforation in Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Case Report and Comprehensive Review.

INTRODUCTION: Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) comprise a rare variety of genetic disorders, affecting all types of collagen. Herein, we describe a case of the vascular type of EDS, with coexisting segmental absence of intestinal musculature, while simultaneously performing a narrative review of the existing literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 23-year-old male patient with a history of multiple abdominal operations due to recurrent bowel perforations and the presence of a high-output enterocutaneous fistula was admitted to our surgical department for further evaluation and treatment. After detailed diagnostic testing, the diagnosis of vascular-type EDS (vEDS) was made and a conservative therapeutic approach was adopted. In addition, a comprehensive review of the international literature was carried out by applying the appropriate search terms. RESULTS: The diagnosis of vEDS was molecularly confirmed by means of genetic testing. The patient was treated conservatively, with parenteral nutrition and supportive methods. Thirty-four cases of bowel perforation in vEDS have been reported so far. Interestingly, this case is the second one ever to report co-existence of vEDS with Segmental Absence of Intestinal Musculature. CONCLUSIONS: Establishing the diagnosis of vEDS promptly is of vital significance in order to ensure that patients receive appropriate treatment. Due to initial non-specific clinical presentation, EDS should always be included in the differential diagnoses of young patients with unexplained perforations of the gastrointestinal tract.

Mucinous adenocarcinoma arising from a tailgut cyst: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Retrorectal hamartomas or tailgut cysts (TCs) are rare. In most cases, they are asymptomatic and benign; however, rarely, they undergo malignant transformation, mainly in the form of adenocarcinoma. CASE SUMMARY: A 55-year-old woman presented to our hospital with lower back pain. On magnetic resonance imaging, a large pelvic mass was found, which was located on the right of the ischiorectal fossa, extending to the minor pelvis. The patient underwent extensive surgical resection of the lesion through the right buttock. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a retrorectal mucinous adenocarcinoma originating from a TC. Surgical resection of the tumour was complete, and the patient recovered without complications. The pilonidal sinus was then excised. One year later, semi-annual positron emission tomography-computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans did not reveal any evidence of local recurrence or metastatic disease. CONCLUSION: Preoperative recognition, histological diagnosis, and treatment of TCs pose significant challenges. In addition, the possibility of developing invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma, although rare, should be considered.

Synchronous Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma in the Head and Tail, a Double Trouble: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Synchronous primary pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is very rare and can be formed either through multicentric carcinogenesis or intrapancreatic metastasis. We report the case of an 80-year-old man with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus who presented with abdominal pain and weight loss. Laboratory tests showed elevated levels of blood glucose and CA 19-9, and Computed Tomography revealed two hypoenhancing lesions in the head and tail of the pancreas. Endoscopic ultrasound, which is the imaging method of choice for pancreatic cancer, was performed with a fine needle biopsy, and the cytological analysis diagnosed PDAC in both lesions. The patient underwent total pancreatectomy, and pathologic evaluation revealed synchronous primary PDAC with moderate to poor differentiation in the head and tail in the setting of IPMN (intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia) and chronic pancreatitis. After his recovery from postoperative pulmonary embolism, the patient was discharged home with sufficient glycemic control. Multifocal PDAC occurs more often when precursor lesions, such as IPMN, pre-exist. The optimal treatment for multiple lesions spread all over the pancreas is total pancreatectomy. Diabetes mellitus is a serious complication of total pancreatectomy (new-onset or type 3c), but overall, long-term survival has been significantly improved.

How Exercise Can Influence Oxidative Stress and Glucose Levels after Pancreatic Resection: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: One of the most challenging operations is the resection of the pancreas, which is associated with high morbidity. Metabolic control during the perioperative period remains an issue that is sometimes difficult to manage. OBJECTIVES: Exercise has a positive effect on glycaemic control. The objective of this trial was determining whether exercise has any benefit for oxidative stress and glucose levels. METHOD: The study was an open-label, randomised clinical trial. It has been registered in the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial registry. The patients were selected according to the Consolidated Standard of Reporting Trials criteria. RESULTS: In total, 56 patients were assessed for eligibility. There was no statistical difference between the 2 groups (the exercise and the control one) regarding the disease characteristics, morbidity or influence of exercise on oxidative stress; however, the control of glucose was superior in the exercise group. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise has a positive effect on glycaemic control in patients after pancreatic resection.

The Role of Exercise in the Quality of Life in Patients After Pancreatectomy: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic resection is still a challenging operation characterised by high morbidity. The quality of life in patients after pancreatectomy is a critical outcome. The aim of our trial is to prove whether or not exercise has any benefit to the life of these patients. METHODS: The study was an open-label, randomized clinical trial. The patients were selected according to the Consolidated Standard of Reporting Trials criteria. The study was registered at the International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial registry (ISRCTN) with the study ID ISRCTN1087174. The study was approved by the Bioethics and Deontology Committee, Medical School of Aristotle University, Thessaloniki (ref: 166/29.10.2015). RESULTS: Once the allocation and the follow-up were completed, 21 patients in the exercise group and 22 in the control group were analyzed. There was no statistical difference between the two groups regarding co-morbidities and disease characteristics; however, the quality of life and the total status of health were superior in the exercise group. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise can improve the quality of life in patients after complex operations like pancreatectomy.

Simultaneous Hepatic and Mesenteric Hydatid Disease-A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Hydatid cysts most commonly present in the liver and the lungs; however, they can appear more rarely in other locations, such as the mesentery, with a rather unclear mechanism of manifestation. Herein, we present a case of simultaneous presence of hydatid cysts in the liver and the mesentery of a young man. CASE REPORT: A 39-year-old man was referred to our Department for further investigation of intermittent abdominal pain, especially in the right upper quadrant, and abdominal distension. Abdominal CT imaging revealed three calcified lesions, one in the liver, a similar adjacent to an ileal loop and one close to the urinary bladder, while antibody control was positive for echinococcal infection. The lesions were excised and the patient was discharged on the seventh post-operative day in good general condition. Post-operative control after 6 months did not show any signs of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous presence of hydatid cysts in two organs occurs in 5-13% of cases. Presence in the mesentery is extremely rare, although, should be included in the classic differential diagnosis, especially in endemic areas.

The coexistence of both replaced proper hepatic and gastroduodenal arteries due to the common hepatic artery absence.

Anatomical variants of the celiac trunk (CT) branches and especially these of hepatic arteries (HAs) are among the most common variants of the arterial tree. The knowledge of the wide variability in hepatic arterial supply is of paramount importance in hepatobiliary, pancreatic, gastric, and esophageal surgery, as well as in liver transplantations. The purpose of this case report is to describe a rare variant discovered during abdominal dissection of a 74-year-old male cadaver of Greek origin, in which the common hepatic artery was absent and its branches, the proper hepatic artery (PHA) and the gastroduodenal artery (GDA) had an aberrant and separate origin. The entire arterial supply to the liver derived from the aberrant PHA, that originating from the superior mesenteric artery and was named as PHA (RPHA). The RPHA, after a course posterior to the portal vein, terminated into the right and left HAs, at the hilum. The GDA originated from the CT, as well as the left gastric and splenic artery. The right gastric artery originated from the PHA, as usual. The current case emphasizes the necessity of preoperative imaging when evaluating the resectability of a tumor in hepatobiliary and pancreatic area taking into account the possible vascular variations. Abdominal surgeon should be aware of any aberrancy to avoid potential iatrogenic injury and lethal complications.

Morphometric variability of pyramidalis muscle and its clinical significance.

PURPOSE: The goal of the study is to analyze the morphometric diversity of the pyramidalis muscle (PM) and to evaluate how it is affected by gender and side of occurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-six (50 male and 46 female) formalin-embalmed Greek cadavers were dissected. RESULTS: The PM was present in 93.8 %, usually bilaterally (79.2 %) than unilaterally (14.6 %) (p = 0.003) and more frequently in females (91.3 %) than in males (68 %) (p = 0.0001). Side symmetry was detected. The mean length of PM in males and females was 8.37 ± 2.80 and 6.18 ± 1.64 cm on the right and 7.50 ± 2.66 and 6.56 ± 1.68 cm on the left side. Male predominance existed on the right and left-sided PM lengths (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.054). The mean width of the right-sided PMs in males and females was 1.61 ± 0.55 and 1.50 ± 0.44 cm and the left-sided 1.56 ± 0.53 and 1.55 ± 0.38 cm without gender dimorphism. The positive correlation between the PM length and width indicates a symmetrical muscle augmentation on the two dimensions. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates that the PM is almost constant in Greeks. Among populations the muscle morphometric variability, its clinical significance and its variable uses will help surgeons when intervening in the lower abdominal wall.

Three superficial veins coursing over the clavicles: a case report.

We report a unique bilateral combination of multiple variations in the superficial venous system of the neck of a 77-year-old male cadaver. On the right side of the neck, the external jugular vein (EJV) crossed superficial to the lateral third of the clavicle constituting a common trunk with the cephalic vein (CV) that drained into the subclavian vein (SCV). On the left side the EJV descended distally, passed over the anterior surface of the medial third of the clavicle and drained into the SCV. The posterior external jugular vein (PEJV) crossed superficial to the lateral third of the clavicle and terminated into the CV, providing an additional communicating branch to the EJV. Knowledge of both normal and abnormal anatomy of the veins of the neck plays an important role for anesthesiologists or cardiologists doing catheterization, orthopedic surgeons treating clavicle fractures and general surgeons performing head and neck surgery, to avoid inadvertent injury to these vascular structures.

The styloid process in a Greek population: an anatomical study with clinical implications.

The study determines the variability of the length of the styloid process in a Greek population and investigates how it is affected by gender and age; it also evaluates the side asymmetry, highlighting clinical implications. One hundred and forty-nine dry adult modern skulls (94 male and 55 female) were divided into subgroups according to their age: 20-39, 40-59 and older than 60 years. The lengths of 262 styloid processes (127 right and 135 left-sided) were measured. The lengths of right-sided styloid processes ranged from 6.4 to 70.2 mm and left-sided styloid processes from 5.2 to 69.0 mm. The processes were classified according to their lengths as short <18 mm, normal 18-33 mm and elongated >33 mm. The majority of the processes were normal (45.8 %), 27.5 % were short and 26.7 % elongated. No statistical significant correlation was established among the lengths of the styloid processes, gender and age. Side asymmetry was found only in the group with elongated styloid processes (right processes were longer, 28.3 %, than the left ones 25.2 %; p = 0.016). Our study contributes to the literature, adding important information about the length of the styloid process and its diversity in the Greek population. It also confirms the existence of an osseous landmark as a starting point for the measurement of the length of the styloid process and proposes a method of measurement for the evaluation of the actual length of the styloid process.

An unusual high bifurcation and variable branching of the axillary artery in a Greek male cadaver.

INTRODUCTION: The axillary artery presents abnormalities in its origin and course and a variable branching. CASE DESCRIPTION: A rare case of axillary artery bifurcation and branching was observed in a 60-years-old European male cadaver of Greek origin. The right axillary artery at the second part was bifurcated into a superficial and a deep brachial artery. The superficial brachial artery anteromedial to the median nerve and lateral to the ulnar nerve gave off the acromio-thoracic artery and two lateral thoracic arteries. The deep brachial artery behind the median nerve, after giving rise to the anterior circumflex humeral artery trifurcated into a branch that coursed distally, the posterior circumflex humeral artery and the subscapular artery. The latter subdivided into the circumflex scapular artery, a muscular branch for the subscapularis and the thoracodorsal artery. The continuation of the deep brachial artery divided laterally into a humeral nutrient artery and medially into a trunk which trifurcated into the profunda brachii artery, a deep muscular branch and a branch to the posterior compartment of the arm. The profunda brachii artery ended as radial and middle collateral arteries. DISCUSSION AND EVALUATION: Deviations from the normal arterial pattern are of immense significance for anatomists, plastic, cardiovascular and orthopedic surgeons, vascular radiologists and interventional cardiologists.

Proximal ulna morphometry: which are the "true" anatomical preshaped olecranon plates?

PURPOSE: To define the optimum design of the anatomical preshaped olecranon plate. METHODS: The geometry of the proximal ulna was studied in 200 paired Caucasian ulnae, using a digital caliper and goniometer. Gender and side differences were analyzed. Results were compared with the corresponding geometrical parameters of three olecranon plates with different contour. All three plates were placed on the dorsal surface of a "model" ulna, i.e., a right dried ulna having osteometric parameters similar to the averages of our sample, and plate-to-bone fit was examined in two planes. RESULTS: The proximal ulna had an 8.48° (2.1°-15.7°) mean varus angulation and an 8.49° (1.70°-14.10°) mean anterior angulation, located on average 8.19 cm (5.68-11.66 cm) and 8.63 cm (5.28-11.92 cm) distal to the bone's most proximal point, respectively. The mean olecranon angle was 110.34° (98.70°-125.80°) and the olecranon length was 1.58 cm on average (1.20-2.12 cm). Only the plate having both varus and anterior angulation presented a good plate-to-bone fit in both planes. CONCLUSIONS: A "true" anatomical preshaped olecranon plate should have both varus and anterior angulation close to the average angulations of the normal ulna and located in a certain distance from its proximal edge. The olecranon part of the plate should primarily not exceed the olecranon length and secondarily be close to the average olecranon angle. We believe that such a plate may facilitate intraoperative restoration of the proximal ulna complex anatomy, when dealing with comminuted or Monteggia fractures, thus leading to better postoperative results.

The ossified pterygoalar ligament: an anatomical study with pathological and surgical implications.

Mandibular nerve entrapment has great significance, as it may be responsible for the appearance of several neurological pathologies, such as chewing disorders, taste loss, facial or tongue paraesthesia and neuralgia. The ossified pterygoalar (Pta) bar is the result of calcification and/or ossification of the ligament extending from the pterygospinous process of the lateral pterygoid lamina to the infratemporal surface of the sphenoid bone. The ossified bar may act as the cause for this entrapment. One hundred and forty-five Greek adult dry skulls were examined for the existence of a complete or incomplete Pta bar and a relative foramen. The Pta bar appeared in 31.7% of the skulls, in total, in 4.1% completely and in 27.6% incompletely ossified. The mean sagittal and transverse diameters of Pta foramen were 3.21 ± 1.70 and 4.79 ± 1.39 mm, respectively. There was no statistical significant difference between the presence of Pta bar and the side or gender. Apart from the neurological interest, this study highlights the importance of the existence of Pta bar in neurosurgery, anaesthesiology, oral and maxillofacial surgery. The passage of the needle through the foramen ovale for the injection of anaesthetics, as a treatment for trigeminal neuralgia may not be achieved due to this anatomical obstacle. In this case, intra- or postoperative radiologic investigation may be helpful.

Myofibroblasts and colonic anastomosis healing in Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: The myofibroblasts play a central role in wound healing throughout the body. The process of wound healing in the colon was evaluated with emphasis on the role of myofibroblasts. METHODS: One hundred male Wistar rats weighing 274 ± 9.1 g (mean age: 3.5 months) were used. A left colonic segment was transected and the colon was re-anastomosed. Animals were randomly divided into two groups. The first group experimental animals (n = 50) were sacrificed on postoperative day 3, while the second group rats (n = 50) were sacrificed on postoperative day 7. Healing of colonic anastomosis was studied in terms of anastomotic bursting pressure, as well as myofibroblastic reaction and expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), adhesion formation, inflammatory reaction and neovascularization. RESULTS: The mean anastomotic bursting pressure increased from 20.6 ± 3.5 mmHg on the 3rd postoperative day to 148.8 ± 9.6 Hg on the 7th postoperative day. Adhesion formation was increased on the 7th day, as compared to the 3rd day. In addition, the myofibroblastic reaction was more profound on the 7th postoperative day in comparison with the 3rd postoperative day. The staining intensity for α-SMA was progressive from the 3rd to the 7th postoperative day. On the 7th day the α-SMA staining in the myofibroblats reached the level of muscular layer cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our study emphasizes the pivotal role of myofibroblasts in the process of colonic anastomosis healing. The findings provide an explanation for the reduction in the incidence of wound dehiscence after the 7th postoperative day.

Intramural gallstones mimicking typical lithiasic cholecystitis.

Gallstone disease is common in the western population. Intramural gallstones are rare, with only a few cases reported in the literature. We present a 30-year-old female patient with typical symptoms of cholecystitis. The patient underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy one month later. Dark greenish intramural gallstones were identified right after the resection of the gallbladder, and the pathologic examination revealed adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder. To our knowledge, this is the first report of intramural gallstones presenting with cholecystitis. The presence of intramural gallstones is not easily detected during ultrasound examination, and does not affect the natural course or treatment of gallstone disease.

Chronic constipation due to presacral teratoma in a 36-year-old woman: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Teratomas of the sacrococcygeal area are usually diagnosed in infancy and are rarely seen in adults. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 36-year-old Greek woman experiencing chronic constipation due to a benign presacral teratoma. Imaging examinations showed a pelvic mass without evidence of malignancy. An ovoid tumour with a maximum dimension of 6 cm was surgically removed. A histologic examination revealed a mature cystic teratoma. Two years after surgery, the patient is well, with no evidence of recurrence and no constipation. CONCLUSION: Sacrococcygeal teratomas are rare in adults. A high index of suspicion is important in making an early diagnosis. Rectal examination and radiologic evaluation are also valuable.

Duplication of the inferior vena cava: anatomy, embryology and classification proposal.

A case of a duplicated inferior vena cava (IVC) along with other anatomical vessel variations in a 72-year-old male cadaver is presented. The anomalous vessels involved, besides the IVC, were the left testicular vein and artery, the left suprarenal artery and a superior accessory left renal artery. Based on the gross appearance of the preaortic anastomotic trunk between the left and right IVC as well as on the underlying embryological features, a classification is proposed: incomplete bilateral duplication of the IVC and complete bilateral duplication of the IVC. The latter can be further divided into three types: major, minor and asymmetric.

Levator claviculae muscle: a case report.

In the current study a levator claviculae muscle, found in a 65-year old male cadaver, is presented. We describe the topography and morphology of this accessory muscle, which may be found in 1-3% of the population. Moreover, we discuss the embryologic origin of the muscle along with its clinical importance.