Anatomical Study of the Pterion in a South African Population of KwaZulu-Natal / Estudio Anatómico del Pterion en una Población Audafricana de KwaZulu-Natal

SUMMARY: Morphologically the Pterion marks the location of the four cranial bones, viz. frontal bone, sphenoid angle of the parietal bone, squamous part of the temporal bone and the greater wing of the sphenoid bone. Population-specific differences exists in the position and union of the Pterion. The Pterion is also an important neurosurgical landmark for surgical procedures, viz. Pterional/lateral approach, as it provides wide access to the base of the skull. This study aimed to determine the position and incidence of the various sutural patterns of the Pterion in a South African population of KwaZulu-Natal. This retrospective study was conducted bilaterally on 36 dry human skulls (11 females and 25 males) obtained from the Department of Clinical Anatomy at University of KwaZulu-Natal. Ethical clearance obtained from the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee. The morphometric parameters of the Pterion were measured using a digital Vernier caliper, while the morphological characteristics were examined using Murphy's classification scheme to determine (if any) laterality or sex differences exists. The mean distance of the Centre of the pterion from midpoint of zygoma was 44.4+/-4.1 mm in males and 45.1+/-4.6 mm in females. While the distance from frontozygomatic suture was 32.7+/-4.7 mm and 32.6+/-4.8 mm in males and females, respectively. Sphenoparietal type of pterion was most prevalent at 55.6 %, followed by the frontotemporal, stellate and epipteric type with an incidence of 27.8 %; 11.1 % and 5.6 %, respectively. No statistically significant difference for sex or laterality were documented in this study. The present study concluded that the sphenoparietal type of sutural pattern was most prevalent with an incidence of 55.6 %. While the epipteric type was the least prevalent. The comprehensive data about the position of the Pterion is important to neurosurgeons, forensics scientists and anthropologists.

Morfológicamente, el pterion marca la ubicación de los cuatro huesos craneales: hueso frontal, ángulo esfenoidal del hueso parietal, parte escamosa del hueso temporal y el ala mayor del hueso esfenoides. Existen diferencias específicas de la población en la posición y unión del pterion. El pterion es también un hito neuroquirúrgico importante para los procedimientos quirúrgicos en el bordaje pterional/lateral, ya que proporciona un amplio acceso a la base del cráneo. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar la posición y la incidencia de los diversos patrones suturales del pterion en una población sudafricana de KwaZulu-Natal. Este estudio retrospectivo se realizó bilateralmente en 36 cráneos humanos secos (11 mujeres y 25 hombres) obtenidos del Departamento de Anatomía Clínica de la Universidad de KwaZulu-Natal. ALa autorización ética fue otorgada porel Comité Ético de Investigación Biomédica. Los parámetros morfométricos del pterion se midieron usando un calibrador Vernier digital, mientras que las características morfológicas se examinaron usando el esquema de clasificación de Murphy para determinar, si existe alguna lateralidad o diferencias sexuales. La distancia media del centro del pterion desde el punto medio del cigoma fue de 44,4+/- 4,1 mm en hombres y de 45,1+/-4,6 mm en mujeres. Mientras que la distancia desde la sutura frontocigomática fue de 32,7+/-4,7 mm y 32,6+/-4,8 mm en hombres y mujeres, respectivamente. El tipo de pterion esfenoparietal fue el más prevalente con un 55,6 %, seguido del tipo frontotemporal, estrellado y epiptérico con una incidencia del 27,8 %; 11,1 % y 5,6 %, respectivamente. En el estudio no se documentaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas para el sexo o la lateralidad. Concluimos que el tipo de patrón de sutura esfenoparietal fue el más prevalente con una incidencia del 55,6 %. Mientras que el tipo epiptérico fue el menos prevalente. Los datos completos sobre la posición del pterion son importantes para los neurocirujanos, los científicos forenses y los antropólogos.

Comparison of early complications for primary total hip arthroplasty using modified direct anterior approach and lateral approach.

BACKGROUND: Total hip arthroplasty is a surgical procedure with reliable results, regardless of the approach used. The anterior approach has advantages by respecting muscle insertions, reflected in the lower number of complications and shorter recovery time compared to other approaches. OBJECTIVE: The goal of the study was to assess the progression of 150 total hip arthroplasty procedures in the first 90 postoperative days. 75 patients underwent a modified direct anterior approach (MDAA) using a minimally invasive technique with a special table, and 75 patients underwent a direct lateral approach (DLA). METHODS: An observational retrospective study was conducted, including 150 arthroplasties, performed by the same surgeon, using two surgical approaches. 75 cases with direct lateral approach (DLA) and 75 cases with modified direct anterior approach (MDAA), between January 2007 and December 2020. Baseline characteristics, surgical variables, and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: At 90 days, both groups presented a similar percentage of minor complications (32% vs. 42%), however, there was a higher number of major complications due to DLA (40% vs. 12% p < 0.0001) overall, where motor neurological complications have a higher incidence (14 [18.6%]). No differences were found in terms of the Harris functional scale. CONCLUSION: MDAA is a safe and reliable technique with satisfactory results. It presents predictable early complications, such as other approaches. Although it allows a faster recovery, at 90 days, the evolution and satisfaction are similar between both approaches with excellent and good outcomes in > 90% of cases.

ANTECEDENTES: La artroplastia total de cadera es un procedimiento quirúrgico con buenos resultados, independientemente del abordaje empleado. El abordaje anterior presenta ventajas al respetar las inserciones musculares, lo que se refleja en un menor número de complicaciones y menos tiempo de recuperación en comparación con otros abordajes. OBJETIVO: El objetivo del estudio fue valorar la evolución de 150 reemplazos totales de cadera en los primeros 90 días comparando 75 pacientes operados por abordaje anterior directo y 75 pacientes operados por abordaje lateral. MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo observacional, incluyendo 150 artroplastias realizadas entre enero de 2007 y diciembre de 2020 por el mismo cirujano empleando dos abordajes quirúrgicos: 75 casos con abordaje lateral directo y 75 casos con abordaje anterior directo modificado. Se compararon las características basales, las variables quirúrgicas y las complicaciones posoperatorias entre ambos grupos. RESULTADOS: A 90 días, ambos grupos presentaron un porcentaje similar de complicaciones menores (32 vs. 42%); sin embargo, hubo un mayor número de complicaciones mayores con el abordaje lateral directo (40 vs. 12%; p < 0.0001) de forma global, siendo las complicaciones neurológicas motoras las que presentaron mayor incidencia (14; 18.6%). No se encontraron diferencias en cuanto a la escala funcional de Harris. CONCLUSIONES: El abordaje anterior directo modificado es una técnica segura y confiable, con resultados satisfactorios. Presenta complicaciones tempranas predecibles y similares a las de otros abordajes. Aunque permite una más rápida recuperación, a 90 días la evolución y la satisfacción son similares para ambos abordajes, con desenlaces excelentes y buenos en más del 90% de los casos.

Far Lateral Approach for Resection of a Foramen Magnum Meningioma: 3-Dimensional Surgical Video.

We present the case of a meningioma of the foramen magnum, in a patient of age 62 yr, who presented at the time of surgery a hemiparesis on the right side at 2 mo of evolution. The patient gave his informed consent for the publication of the case, and approval was obtained from the research department of the hospital where the procedure was performed. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the mid-sagittal view shows a meningioma of the foramen magnum, with an extension in the posterior fossa and in the upper part of the cervical canal. In the coronal view and in the axial view, we can identify that although it is a meningioma of the anterior part of the foramen magnum, it is observed that the lesion has a displacement towards the right side. In a cadaveric specimen, we show the normal anatomy and the key landmarks for performing the approach. The patient was treated by a far lateral approach with a partial removal of the condyle. We show the craniectomy and the microsurgical technique for the tumor resection step by step. We paid particular attention in the anatomy surrounding the tumor and the tips and tricks for a safe resection. We reached a total resection with a good outcome; the result of the anatomopathological study confirmed the diagnosis of meningothelial meningioma. The dura was closed in a hermetic manner with a synthetic dura patch; then sealant was placed. The bone defect was corrected by placing a mesh in titanium. Then the flap was closed as usual. The patient has a good evolution with 1 yr of follow-up and without lesion in the control MRI.

Microsurgical Resection of Craniocervical Dermoid Cyst by Far Lateral Approach: Case Report and Literature Review

Introduction Intracranial dermoid tumors represent a rare clinical entity that accounts for 0.04 to 0.6% of all intracranial tumors. Their location in the posterior fossa is uncommon. Objectives To report the case of a young woman with a posterior fossa dermoid cyst treated by right far lateral approach. Case Report A 17-year-old woman presenting with swallowing difficulties for 6 weeks was referred for a neurological investigation. Amagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed a hyperintense T1-weighted large expansive lesion occupying the posterior fossa and compressing the anterior face of the brain stem and cerebellum. The patient underwent surgical treatment by right far lateral approach with decompression of vascular and neural structures. The patient presented an uneventful recovery, and was discharged home on the fourth postoperative day without any additional neurological deficits. The anatomopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of dermoid cyst. Conclusion The far lateral approach is a safe and feasible route to appropriately treat large posterior fossa dermoid cysts. Decompression of vascular and neural structures is essential to achieve good symptom control.

Foramen Magnum Meningioma Presenting with Cough Syncope (Case Report and Review of the Literature)

Foramen magnum meningiomas cause different symptoms based on the size and the location of the tumor. They often present with involvement of the long tracts and of the lower cranial nerves.Ataxia and occipitocervical headache are other common symptoms. In the present study, we report a case of foramen magnum meningioma presenting with cough syncope. A mass lesion located anterolateral to the foramenmagnumwas detected in a 38-year-oldmanduring amagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam; the lesion extended from the inferior clivus to the level of the C2 vertebra. The neural axis has pushed towards posterior and contralateral side by the mass. We think that syncope occurred due to the encasement of the vertebral arteries by the tumor in addition to the compression of the neural axis. The posterolateral approach without condylar resection provides a safe surgical plane for total excision of these tumors. In our case, the tumor was totally removed and the syncope episodes were resolved.

Suboccipital Lateral Approach for Resection of Cerebellopontine Angle Meningioma: Operative Video and Technical Nuances.

We present the case of a 34-year-old woman, who presented to our department with a 4 months history of dizziness, hearing loss, and tinnitus on the right side. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan demonstrated a large extra-axial lesion, suggestive of a meningioma, with dural attachments to the petrosal bone surface and tentorium, closely related with the trigeminal, abducens, facial, vestibulocochlear, and lower cranial nerves in the right side. Treatment options were discussed with the patient, and surgical resection was selected to remove the lesion, and decompress the cranial nerves and brainstem. The surgery was performed with a patient in a semi-seated position with head placed in a flexed, nonrotated position. A right lateral suboccipital approach was performed, exposing the right transverse and sigmoid sinuses. After dura opening, microsurgical dissection was used to open the cisterna magna, and obtain cerebellum relaxation. That was followed by identification of cranial nerves VII-XII and then identification of the tumor itself. Tumor debulking was then performed with use of suction and ultrasonic aspirator. After extensive resection, the tumor margins were dissected away from brainstem, cerebellum, and cranial nerves. Finally, the tumor attachment to the tentorium was coagulated and cut and the tumor was completely removed. Postoperative MRI confirmed complete resection of the tumor. The patient was discharged on the 1st week after surgery, with no additional postoperative deficits or complications. The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/aZ3jhZTAeAA .

Tratamiento quirúrgico de aneurisma de la arteria cerebelosa postero inferior gigante embolizado / Surgical treatment of embolized giant posteroanterior cerebellar artery aneurysm

Objetivo: descripción de la resolución quirúrgica de un aneurisma complejo, gigante de circuito posterior (arteria cerebelosa posteroinferior), embolizado previamente, y la evolución postoperatoria. Descripción: Paciente de 48 años de edad con antecedentes de hidrocefalia obstructiva, e hipertensión de fosa posterior, la cual fue tratada por vía endovascular hace 4 años, con colocación de derivación ventricular, y craniectomía descompresiva de fosa posterior, con evolución progresiva de déficit de pares craneales bajos, y síndrome de hipertensión endocraneana. Intervención: Se realizó abordaje extremo lateral con drilado parcial del cóndilo occipital, control proximal de la arteria vertebral, y reconstrucción de la pared aneurismática del sector arteria vertebral- arteria cerebelosa posteroinferior (PICA), mediante microcirugía, con posterior apertura del saco dural y remoción de coils y trombosis intraaneurismática, removiendo el efecto de masa aneurismático. Conclusión: El tratamiento microquirúrgico con la técnica de la reconstrucción parietal del aneurisma y el control proximal del mismo, en conjunto con abordajes de base de cráneo permiten el definitivo y adecuado tratamiento para los aneurismas gigantes de la pica.

Objective: to describe the surgical treatment for complex, giant, embolized, PICA aneurysm and the follow up.Description: 48 years old, female patient with clinical history of obstructive hydrocephalus and posterior fossa´s hipertension. The treatment was endovascular surgery with coils and venricular shunt with posterior fossa´s deccompresive surgery 4 years ago. The clinical evolution was poor. Due to low cranial nerves déficit and progressive posterior fossa´s hipertension, we performed microsurgical treatment Intervention: We performed extreme lateral approach with partial drilling of occipital condile, wiht proper proximal vascular vertebral control, and vascular parietal artery reconstruction in the vertebral-posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysmatic segment,with microsurgery, posterior opening of the dome and coils remotion. Conclusion: Microsurgical treatment with reconstruction parietal technique, proximal vascular control and skull base approaches are the definitive and more adecuated treatment for giant PICA aneurysms.

The far-lateral craniotomy: tips and tricks / A craniotomia extremo-lateral: dicas e truques

This article intends to describe in a didactical and practical manner the suboccipital far-lateral craniotomy. This is then basically a descriptive text, divided according to the main stages involved in this procedure, and that describes with details how the authors currently perform this craniotomy.

O presente artigo visa descrever de forma didática e prática a realização da craniotomia suboccipital extremo-lateral. Trata-se, portanto, de um texto fundamentalmente descritivo, dividido conforme as principais etapas da realização dessa craniotomia, e que descreve com detalhes a técnica com que o presente grupo de autores evolutivamente veio a realizá-la.

The importance of the anterior longitudinal ligament in lumbar disc arthroplasty: 36-Month follow-up experience in extreme lateral total disc replacement.

BACKGROUND: Current total disc replacement (TDR) for lumbar spine requires an anterior approach for implantation but presents inherent limitations, including risks to the abdominal structures, as well as resection of the anterior longitudinal ligament. By approaching the spine laterally, it is possible to preserve the stabilizing ligaments, which are a natural restraint to excessive rotations and translations, and thereby help to minimize facet stresses. This less invasive approach also offers a biomechanical advantage of placement of the device over the ring apophysis bilaterally; importantly, it also offers a greater opportunity for safer revision surgery, if necessary, by avoiding scarring of the anterior vasculature. We present the clinical and radiologic results of a lateral TDR device from a prospective single-center study. METHODS: A new metal-on-metal TDR device designed for implantation through a true lateral, retroperitoneal, transpsoatic approach (extreme lateral interbody fusion) was implanted in 36 patients with discography-confirmed 1- or 2-level degenerative disc disease. Clinical (pain and function) and radiographic (range of motion) outcome assessments were prospectively collected preoperatively, postoperatively, and serially up to a minimum of 36 months' follow-up. RESULTS: Between December 2005 and December 2006, 36 surgeries were performed in 16 men and 20 women (mean age, 42.6 years). These included 15 single-level TDR procedures at L3-4 or L4-5, 3 2-level TDR procedures spanning L3-4 and L4-5, and 18 hybrid procedures (anterior lumbar interbody fusion) at L5-S1 and TDR at L4-5 (17) or L3-4 (1). Operative time averaged 130 minutes, with mean blood loss of 60 mL and no intraoperative complications. Postoperative X-rays showed good device placement, with restoration of disc height, foraminal volume, and sagittal balance. All patients were up and walking within 12 hours of surgery, and all but 9 were discharged the next day (7 of those 9 were hybrid TDR-anterior lumbar interbody fusion cases). Postoperatively, 5 of 36 patients (13.8%) had psoas weakness and 3 of 36 (8.3%) had anterior thigh numbness, with both symptoms resolving within 2 weeks. Of the 36 patients, 4 (11%) had postoperative facet joint pain, all in hybrid cases. Visual analog scale pain scores and Oswestry Disability Index scores improved by 74.5% and 69.2%, respectively, from preoperatively to 3-year follow-up. Range of motion at 3 years postoperatively averaged 8.1°. Signals of heterotopic ossification were present in 5 patients (13.9%), and 2 patients (5.5%) were considered to have fusion after 36 months. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical and radiographic results of a laterally placed TDR have shown maintenance of pain relief and functional improvement over a long-term follow-up period. The benefits of the lateral access-minimal morbidity, avoidance of mobilization of the great vessels, preservation of the anterior longitudinal ligament, biomechanically stable orientation, and broader revision options-promote a new option for motion-preservation procedures.

Fístula faringoesofágica tras paratiroidectomía por abordaje mínimamente invasivo / Pharyngoesophageal fistula after minimally invasive parathyroidectomy

Introduction: Focused lateral approach is widely accepted for the surgery of solitary parathyroid adenomas, because it is a minimally invasive approach and its aesthetic advantages. Notwithstanding, when the pathlogical gland is not easily recognized, this approach difficults the search and makes more susceptible for iatrogenic lesions. Sometimes, PTH levels do not decrease up to 75 percent of initial values 15 minutes after the gland resection; a smaller decreasement do not exelude that the pathological gland has been already resected. Case report: A 69-years old man underwent a minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. Surgical act is complex, because of a difficult identification of the gland. In the postoperative course, the patient developed a pharyngoesophageal fístula that was successfully managed with a conservative approach.

Introducción: El abordaje unilateral en la cirugía del adenoma solitario de paratiroides está ampliamente aceptado por sus ventajas estéticas y ser un procedimiento mínimamente invasivo. Sin embargo, cuando la glándula patológica no es fácilmente detectada, dificulta mucho su búsqueda y facilita la iatrogenia. En ocasiones, los niveles de PTH no descienden al 75 por ciento del valor inicial 15 minutos después de la paratiroidectomía; un descenso menor del 75 por ciento no excluye que la glándula patológica haya sido extirpada. Caso clínico: Varón de 69 años es sometido a paratiroidectomía a través de un abordaje mínimamente invasivo. La cirugía es compleja y prolongada al no identificarse fácilmente la glándula paratiroides. En el postoperatorio el paciente presenta una fístula faringoesofágica que se se maneja satisfactoriamente de forma conservadora.

Meningiomas do forâmen magno / Foramen magnum meningiomas

Contexto: Os meningiomas do forâmen magno são patologias raras e representam um dos mais desafiantes tumores do sistema nervoso central em relação ao seu tratamento cirúrgico. Sua frequência varia na literatura em torno de 3% dos meningiomas. Podem ser classificados como ventrais, ventrolaterais e dorsais. Tal classificação é importante, pois define a abordagem cirúrgica a ser utilizada. Objetivo: Revisão dos aspectos clínicos e terapêuticos desse raro e intrigante tumor. Método: Pesquisa eletrônica no PubMed (www.pubmed.com) utilizando as seguintes palavras-chave: meningioma do forâmen magno e acesso extremo lateral. Foram revisados dados de trabalhos do período de 1987 a 2008. Também foi realizada pesquisa das publicações mais citadas em relação ao tema. Artigos com dados clínicos incompletos não foram analisados. Resultados: Como todos os meningiomas, são mais frequentes no sexo feminino. Possuem uma apresentação clínica variável. O diagnóstico precoce é mandatório a fim de se atingir os melhores resultados terapêuticos. O tratamento de eleição, definido pela maioria dos autores, é o cirúrgico, embora a radiocirurgia estereotáxica esteja despontando como uma das possibilidades terapêuticas. A maioria das séries publicadas relata uma taxa de ressecção total em torno de 70% dos casos. Conclusões: A melhor opção terapêutica, até o presente momento, é a remoção cirúrgica do tumor. A abordagem ideal ainda não está estabelecida como um consenso, embora esteja se direcionando para o acesso extremo lateral e suas variantes segundo a maioria dos autores. A embolização pré-operatória tem o seu papel definido e deve ser utilizada sempre que possível. A radiocirurgia estereotáxica pode ser uma opção terapêutica para um grupo seleto de pacientes. O diagnóstico precoce continua sendo a melhor arma de todo esse arsenal para que os pacientes desfrutem de um bom resultado terapêutico e evoluam com um prognóstico favorável. Em virtude da complexidade de sua localização anatômica, é necessário o amplo conhecimento da anatomia dos acessos de base de crânio, em especial o acesso extremo lateral e suas variantes.

Context: Foramen magnum meningiomas are rare diseases and represent one of the most challenging tumors of the central nervous system for its surgical treatment. Its frequency varies in the literature corresponding to about 3% of all meningiomas. They are classified as ventral, ventrolateral and dorsal. This classification is important because it defines the surgical approach to be used. Objective: Literature review of clinical and therapeutic aspects of this rare and puzzling tumor. Method: An electronic search in PubMed (www.pubmed.com) using the following keywords: meningioma of the foramen magnum and extreme lateral access. We reviewed data from studies published during the period of 1987 to 2008. We also carried out research into the publications cited in the articles. Articles with incomplete clinical data were not analyzed. Results: Like all meningiomas they are more common in women. They have a variable clinical presentation. Early diagnosis is mandatory in order to achieve the best therapeutic results. The treatment of choice, as defined by most authors, is surgery, while stereotactic radiosurgery is emerging as one of the therapeutic possibilities. Most published series report a total resection rate of around 70%. Conclusions: The best therapeutic option, so far, is the surgical removal of the tumor. The ideal approach is not yet established as a consensus, although it is moving toward the extreme lateral access and its variants according to most authors. The preoperative embolization has its defined role and should be used whenever possible. The stereotactic radiosurgery may be a therapeutic option for a select group of patients. Early diagnosis remains the best factor to achieve a good outcome and a favorable prognosis. Due to the complexity of its anatomical location, one must have extensive knowledge of the anatomy of the skull base, especially that concerning with the extreme lateral access and its variants.

Bloqueo poplite por via lateral en pacientes de alto riesgo en cirugía vascular

INTRODUCCIÓN: En cirugía vascular son frecuentes las intervenciones sobre lesiones isquémicas no revascularizables localizadas en el tercio distal de las extremidades inferiores. Estos pacientes suelen ser portadores de multipatología y con frecuencia presentan un elevado riesgo anestésico. Entre las técnicas anestésicas destaca por sus escasas repercusiones hemodinámicas y respiratorias el bloqueo poplíteo que se realiza habitualmente con el paciente en decúbito prono, siendo éste su principal y mayor inconveniente. Describimos en este trabajo, nuestra experiencia en este tipo de cirugía, con una nueva vía de abordaje que obvia este inconveniente. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio prospectivo y descriptivo sobre 75 pacientes intervenidos de lesiones isquémicas no revascularizables localizadas infracondíleamente. La técnica anestésica se realizó con el paciente en decúbito supino y con ayuda de un neuroestimulador, mediante bloqueo del hueco poplíteo vía lateral de los nervios ciático-poplíteos interno (CPI) y externo (CPE) asociándose cuando fue necesario bloqueo del nervio crural (C). El anestésico local (AL) empleado fue ropivacaina al 0’5% a dosis de 0’9, 0’5 y 0’7 mg/kg para el CPI, CPE y C respectivamente. Se evaluaron las características de los pacientes, de las intervenciones, la eficacia del bloqueo ciático y la aparición de incidentes y complicaciones durante el acto anestésico-quirúrgico y los primeros siete días del postoperatorio. RESULTADOS: Se realizaron 75 bloqueos, siendo las intervenciones más frecuentes las amputaciones de dedos y los desbridamientos de heridas. En 10 casos se asoció un bloqueo del nervio crural. No hubo ningún bloqueo fallido. Todos los pacientes presentaban pluripatología. Los tiempo de realización de la técnica y el de latencia fueron de 7 y 10 minutos respectivamente, mientras que la duración de la analgesia fue de 16 horas. No se observó durante el periodo que duró el estudio incidente o complicación alguna. CONCLUSIÓN: Debido al no requerimiento del decúbito prono para su realización, a la elevada tasa de bloqueos exitosos y a la ausencia de incidentes y complicaciones, pensamos que el bloqueo poplíteo vía lateral es una técnica de gran utilidad para el manejo anestésico de este tipo de pacientes.

INTRODUCTION: In vascular surgery, operations on ischemic lesions located in the third distal part of the lower extremity are frequent. These patients use to be multipathology carriers and frequently present a high anesthetic risk. From among the several anaesthetic techniques, popliteal blockade stands out for its few haemodinamics and respiratory aftermaths, which is usualy accomplished with the patient in prone position, being this fact its principal and bigger inconvenience itself. We describe in this study our experience in this type of surgery, with a new approach that obviates this inconvenient. METHODS: A prospective and descriptive study on 75 patients operated on non-revascularizabled ischemic infracondileal lesions. Anaesthetic technique was accomplished through the lateral approach to the popliteal fossa with the patient in supine position with the help of a nerve stimulator, by blocking the internal popliteal sciatic nerve and external popliteal sciatic nerve, in addition with the crural nerve blockade when necessary. The local anaesthetic used was ropivacaine (0,5 %) with a dose of 0.9, 0.5 and 0.7 mg/kg respectively. We assessed the characteristics of the patients, the type of the surgical operation, the efficacy of the sciatic blockade, and the incidents and complications appeared during the anaesthetic and surgical procedure and during the first seven days in the postoperative period. RESULTS: 75 blockades were made, being amputations of the fingers and wounds debridements the most frequent operations. In 10 cases crural nerve blockade was associated. There was no unsuccessful blockade. All the patients were multipathology carriers. Time to perform the technique and onset time were 7 and 10 minutes respectively, while the length of the analgesia was 16 hours. Neither incident nor complication appeared during the study performance. CONCLUSION: Due to the absence of the prone position requirement for its realization, the elevated rate of successful blockades and the absence of any incident nor complication, we thought that popliteal blockade through lateral approach is a technique of great utility for the anaesthetic management of these patients.