Robotic and laparoscopic sphincter-saving resections have similar peri-operative, oncological and functional outcomes in female patients with rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare perioperative, long-term oncological, and anorectal functional outcomes of robotic total mesorectal excision (R-TME) and laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (L-TME) sphincter-saving total mesorectal excision in female patients with rectal cancer. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained database was performed. Sixty-eight cases (L-TME, n = 34; R-TME, n = 34) were performed by a single surgeon (January 2014-January 2019). Patient characteristics, perioperative recovery, postoperative complications, pathology results, and oncological outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Clinical characteristics did not differ between the groups. Mean operating time was longer in R-TME (165.50 ± 95.50 vs. 124.50 ± 82.60 min, p < 0.001). There was no conversion to open surgery in both groups. Mesorectal integrity was complete in both groups (100%). Length of distal and circumferential resection margins (CRM) did not differ between groups. CRM involvement was observed in 1 (2.8%) and 1 (2.8%) in L-TME and R-TME patients, respectively. Incidence of anastomotic leakage was 5.8% (n = 2) in L-TME and 8.8% (n = 3) in R-TME, respectively. Mean length of follow-up was 62.5 (36-102) months for R-TME and 63 (36-103) months for L-TME. Five-year overall survival rates were 92.8% in L-TME and 89.6% in R-TME. Disease-free survival rates were 87.5% in L-TME and 89.6% in R-TME. Local recurrence rates were 3.0% for both groups. Mean Wexner score for L-TME and R-TME patients was: 9.42 ± 8.23 and 9.22 ± 3.64 (p = 0.685), respectively. Daily stool frequency was similar between groups. CONCLUSION: Robotic total mesorectal excision (R-TME) and laparoscopic TME (L-TME) have similar perioperative, oncological, and anorectal functional results in female patients with rectal cancer. The robotic approach for rectal cancers in female patients could be not as critical as for male patients.

Effects of Manual Versus Instrumental Spinal Manipulation on Blood Flow of the Vertebral and Internal Carotid Arteries in Participants With Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Single-Blind, Randomized Study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the hemodynamic effects of manual spinal manipulation (MSM) and instrumental spinal manipulation (ISM) on the vertebral artery (VA) and internal carotid artery (ICA) in participants with chronic nonspecific neck pain (NNP). Methods: Thirty volunteers aged 20 to 40 years old with NNP over 3 months duration were included. Participants were randomly divided into the following 2 groups: (1) MSM group (n = 15) and (2) ISM group (n = 15). Ipsilateral (intervention side) and contralateral (opposite side of intervention) VAs and ICAs were evaluated using spectral color Doppler ultrasound before and immediately after manipulation. Measurements were recorded by visualizing the ICA carotid sinus (C4 level) and the VA at the V3 segment (C1-C2 level). The blood flow parameters of peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity, resistive index, and volume flow (only for VA) were evaluated. The spinal segment, in which biomechanical aberrant movement was detected by palpation in the upper cervical spine, was manually manipulated in the MSM group. The same methodology was performed for the ISM group using an Activator V instrument (Activator Methods). Results: Intragroup analysis exhibited no statistically significant difference between the MSM and ISM groups in terms of PSV, end-diastolic velocity, resistive index of ipsilateral and contralateral ICA and VA, in addition to volume flow of both VAs preintervention and postintervention (P > .05). Within the intergroup analysis, there was a significant difference in ipsilateral ICA PSV (P = .031) (preintervention vs postintervention difference was -7.9 ± 17.2 cm/s [95% confidence interval, -17.4 to 1.6] in the ISM group and 8.7 ± 22.5 cm/s [95% confidence interval, -3.6 to 21.2]) in the MSM group (P < .05). Other parameters did not show any significant difference (P > .05). Conclusion: Manual and instrumental spinal manipulations applied to the upper cervical spine in participants with chronic NNP did not appear to alter blood flow parameters of the VAs and ICAs.

Chemoradiation and consolidation chemotherapy for rectal cancer provides a high rate of organ preservation with a very good long-term oncological outcome: a single-center cohort series.

AIM: To report long-term oncological outcomes and organ preservation rate with a chemoradiotherapy-consolidation chemotherapy (CRT-CNCT) treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). METHOD: Retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained database was performed. Oncological outcomes of mid-low LARC patients (n=60) were analyzed after a follow-up of 63 (50-83) months. Patients with clinical complete response (cCR) were treated with the watch-and-wait (WW) protocol. Patients who could not achieve cCR were treated with total mesorectal excision (TME) or local excision (LE). RESULTS: Thirty-nine (65%) patients who achieved cCR were treated with the WW protocol. TME was performed in 15 (25%) patients and LE was performed in 6 (10%) patients. During the follow-up period, 10 (25.6%) patients in the WW group had regrowth (RG) and 3 (7.7%) had distant metastasis (DM). Five-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were 90.1% and 71.6%, respectively, in the WW group. Five-year OS and DFS were 94.9% (95% CI: 88-100%) and 80% (95% CI: 55.2-100%), respectively, in the RG group. For all patients (n=60), 5-year TME-free DFS was 57.3% (95% CI: 44.3-70.2%) and organ preservation-adapted DFS was 77.5% (95% CI: 66.4-88.4%). For the WW group (n=39), 5-year TME-free DFS was 77.5% (95% CI: 63.2-91.8%) and organ preservation-adapted DFS was 85.0% (95% CI: 72.3-97.8%). CONCLUSION: CRT-CNCT provides cCR as high as 2/3 of LARC patients. Regrowths, developed during follow-up, can be successfully salvaged without causing oncological disadvantage if strict surveillance is performed.

Robotic vs. laparoscopic intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer: a case matched study reporting a median of 7-year long-term oncological and functional outcomes.

Aim of this study was to compare operative, long-term oncological and functional outcomes of laparoscopic (LISR) and robotic (RISR) intersphincteric resection in low-lying rectal cancer. Retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained database was performed. 115 cases (LISR, n = 55; RISR, n = 60) were performed by a single surgeon (January 2011-January 2020). Clinical characteristics did not differ between the groups. Operating time was longer in RISR (160.0 ± 45.7 vs. 205.0 ± 36.5 min, p = 0.035). There was no conversion in RISR, whereas in LISR, two patients (3.6%) converted to open surgery. Complete mesorectum was 61.8% and 83.3% for LISR and RISR (p = 0.046), respectively. Circumferential radial margin involvement was 10.9% and 8.3% in LISR and RISR (p = 0.365), respectively. Median follow-up was 82.8 (30-138) months for LISR and 83.6 (30-138) months for RISR. Three-, five-, and seven-year overall survival rates (OS) for LISR and RISR were: 88.6%, 80.4%, 73.4% and 90.4%, 86.3%, 76.9%, respectively. Three-, five-, and seven-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates for LISR and RISR were 80.5%, 75.2%, 70.4% and 84.4%, 81.4%, 79.8% (p = 0.328), respectively. Three-, five-, and seven-year local recurrence-free survival rates in LISR and RISR were: 96.1%, 92.6%, 88.4% and 96.7%, 94.2%, 90.4% (p = 0.573), respectively. Mean Wexner score for LISR (n = 32) and RISR (n = 40) was: 10.5 ± 4.7 and 9.8 ± 4.2 (p = 0.782), respectively. Colostomy-free survival in LISR and RISR was: 3 years 94.5%/95.2%, 5 years 89.1%/91.7%, and 7 years 83.6%/85.0%. RISR is associated with better mesorectal integrity, no conversion, and lower postoperative complication rate. RISR has longer operation time. Oncological and anorectal functional outcomes are similar in both groups.

Magnetic Resonance Image-Guided Hypofractionated Ablative Radiation Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Tumor Thrombus Extending to the Right Atrium.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presenting with tumor thrombus (TT) and inferior vena cava (IVC)/right atrium (RA) infringement point to an advanced-stage disease that is deemed inoperable. Stereotactic body radiotherapy is an emerging treatment option for this group of patients with promising outcomes in recent studies that are comparable to conventional treatment methods, namely, transarterial chemoembolization and transarterial radioembolization. Here, we report a case of HCC with RA extension through the IVC. The patient was referred to our clinic for treatment options, and he was found suitable for magnetic resonance imaging-guided radiotherapy (MRgRT). We treated the patient with MRgRT in five fractions to a total dose of 40 Gray. The tumor was tracked during the treatment sessions, and adaptive treatment planning was performed before each fraction. The patient tolerated the treatment well with no acute grade 3-4 toxicities. The last follow-up showed that the patient had a complete biochemical response and is now a candidate for an orthotopic liver transplant. To our knowledge, this report is the first to document the MRgRT treatment of an HCC with TT and RA extension. MRgRT is safe and feasible for this patient group and can be an effective bridging therapy for liver transplants.

Is robotic da Vinci Xi® superior to the da Vinci Si® for sphincter-preserving total mesorectal excision? Outcomes in 150 mid-low rectal cancer patients.

The aim of this study was to determine the superiority between the robotic da Vinci Si® (Si group) and da Vinci Xi® (Xi group) generation in patients with mid-low rectal cancer. Between December 2011 and December 2017, 88 patients with mid-low rectal cancer were operated on using the Si robotic system, from January 2018 to May 2021, 62 more patients with mid-low rectal cancer were operated on using the Xi robotic system. Perioperative and postoperative short-term outcomes were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate Cox-regression analysis were performed to determine factors affecting operating time. A cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis was also performed to determine the learning curve of the primary surgeon. All patients underwent sphincter saving total mesorectal excision (TME). The overall operating time was significantly shorter in the Xi group (181.3 ± 31.8 min in Si group vs 123.6 ± 25.7 min in the Xi group, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in terms of conversion rates, mean hospital stays, complications and histopathologic data. CUSUM analysis show completion of learning curve in 44th case of Si group. Univariate and multivariate analysis demonstrated that the learning curve of the primary surgeon (p < 0.001) and the type of robotic system (Xi) are only two factors associated with operating time (OR, 95% CI p; 3.656, 0.665-9.339, p < 0.001). Our study found that the robotic da Vinci Xi systems provide significantly shorter operating time comparing with Si systems, when performing sphincter-preserving TME in mid-low rectal cancer patients. Surgical system (da Vinci Xi) and primary surgeon learning curve are two independent risk factors which associated shortened operating time. Postoperative complication rates and histopathologic outcomes are similar in both groups.

Watch and Wait Strategy for Rectal Cancer: How Long Should We Wait for a Clinical Complete Response?

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to determine how long to wait in locally advanced rectal tumor (LARC) patients who receive total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) and achieve a clinical complete response (cCR), and to identify the clinical parameters that affect the waiting period for the watch-and-wait strategy (W &W). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of patients who achieved cCR between February 2015 and June 2020 were examined retrospectively. The week in which patients with cCR at the end of TNT achieved clearance was determined by reanalyzing recorded endoscopy video images. In the assessment at the time of the initial diagnosis, tumor characteristics, such as digital rectal examination findings, MRI stage, location with respect to the puborectalis muscle, annularity, and tumor size, were recorded prospectively. RESULTS: A total of 54 patients were included in this study. According to the MRI-T stage, 14 cases were cT3a, 22 were cT3b, and 18 were cT3c-T4. Forty-four percent of the cases achieved cCR at 8-10 weeks, 19% at 12-16 weeks, 20% at 16-22 weeks, and 17% at 20-26 weeks. Patients with tumors that were early MRI-T stage (cT3a), negative clinical circumferential resection margin, mobile, small (≤4 cm), located above the puborectalis muscle and showed <180 degrees annularity achieved cCR significantly earlier than those with other tumors (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, cCR was achieved in less than half (44%) of the cases during the 8-10 week waiting period. In the W&W strategy, the initial assessment for cCR seems insufficient, and we may need to wait up to 26-30 weeks, especially in patients with advanced-stage tumors.

Intersphincteric Resection for Low Rectal Cancer: Parameters Affecting Functional Outcomes and Survival Rates.

INTRODUCTION: The development of new surgical techniques and devices, as well as the improvements in neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy enabled intersphincteric resection (ISR), has reduced permanent colostomy usage. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term oncological and functional outcomes of patients who underwent partial ISR for rectal cancer located less than 5cm from the anal verge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A series of 106 consecutive patients with very low rectal cancer underwent curative partial ISR from January 2006 to September 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. One-hundred-three (97%) of 106 patients received neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy. Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and local recurrence (LR) rates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier methods. The Wexner incontinence score and Kirwan classification were used to evaluate patients' functional results. RESULTS: The median follow up was 60 months (range, 18-174). The estimated five-year overall and disease-free survival rates were 89% and 81.6%, respectively. Five-year local recurrence and distant metastasis rates were 6.6% and 10.4%, respectively. There was no in-hospital and 30-day mortality. The median Wexner score was 9 (range, 0-20) for 72 patients. Age (<65 years, p=0.027) and gender (male, p=0.019) had a positive effect on functional outcomes after surgery. One and five years colostomy-free survival rates were 96% and 89%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Intersphincteric resection techniques are feasible for patients with very low rectal cancer, providing good oncological and functional outcomes.

Sphincter-Saving Robotic Total Mesorectal Excision Provides Better Mesorectal Specimen and Good Oncological Local Control Compared with Laparoscopic Total Mesorectal Excision in Male Patients with Mid-Low Rectal Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic rectal resection with total mesorectal excision is a technically challenging procedure, and there are limitations in conventional laparoscopy. A surgical robotic system may help to overcome some of the limitations. The aim of our study was to compare long-term oncological outcomes of robotic and laparoscopic sphincter-saving total mesorectal excision in male patients with mid-low rectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted as a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database. One-hundred-three robotic and 84 laparoscopic sphincter-saving total mesorectal excisions were performed by a single surgeon between January 2011 and January 2020. Patient characteristics, perioperative recovery, postoperative complications, pathology results, and oncological outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The patients' characteristics did not differ significantly between the two groups. Median operating time was longer in the robotic than in the laparoscopic group (180 minutes versus 140 minutes, p=0.033). Macroscopic grading of the specimen in the robotic group was complete in 96 (93.20%), near complete in four (3.88%) and incomplete in three (2.91%) patients. In the laparoscopic group, grading was complete in 37 (44.04%), near complete in 40 (47.61%) and incomplete in seven (8.33%) patients (p=0.03). The median length of follow up was 48 (9-102) months in the robotic, and 75.6 (11-113) months in the laparoscopic group. Overall, five-year survival was 87% in the robotic and 85.3% in the laparoscopic groups. Local recurrence rates were 3.8% and 7.14%, respectively, in the robotic and laparoscopic groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Sphincter-saving robotic total mesorectal excision is a safe and feasible tool, which provides good mesorectal integrity and better local control in male patients with mid-low rectal cancer.

Robotic Sphincter-Saving Total Mesorectal Excision for Rectal Cancer Treatment: A Single-Surgeon Experience in 103 Consecutive Male Patients.

BACKGROUND: A robotic surgical approach provides advantages compared to laparoscopy in male patients with mid- and low-lying rectal cancer located in the narrow pelvic space. The aim of this report is to present a single-surgeon experience with robotic sphincter-saving total mesorectal excision of rectal cancer in male patients. METHODS: A series of 103 consecutive male patients who underwent robotic rectal surgery between January 2012 and June 2019 were analyzed retrospectively in terms of demographics, histopathological data, and surgical and oncological outcomes. RESULTS: All of the patients underwent robotic sphincter-saving resection: 76 (73.8%) underwent low-anterior resection and 27 (26.2%) underwent intersphincteric resection with colo-anal anastomosis. There was no conversion. The median distal resection margin of the operative specimen was 3 (0.2-7) cm. The circumferential resection margin was positive in 3 (2.91%) cases. The median number of retrieved lymph nodes was 22 (18-42). The median hospital stay was 4 (3-16) days. Whereas the overall morbidity was 13%, there was no in-hospital or 30-day mortality. The median length of follow-up was 48 (9-80) months. The 5-year overall survival rate was 87%. The 5-year disease-free survival rate was 84%. Local and distant recurrence rates were 3.8% and 5.82%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In male patients with rectal cancer, a robotic approach is a promising alternative and is expected to overcome the low penetration rate of laparoscopy in this field.

Multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of osteoid osteoma with radiofrequency ablation.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to present the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatment in osteoid osteoma (OO) patients by a team of experts in their field in preventing recurrence and complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: For this retrospective study, a team of two orthopedists, two interventional radiologists, and one anesthesiologist was established in January 2013 to manage the diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment process of patients with OO at Bakirköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital. A total of 27 patients (15 males, 12 females; mean age 22.9 years; range, 9 to 54 years) were treated by this team between February 2013 and September 2016. The anatomic localization included iliac crest in four patients, the femur in 12 patients, fibula in two patients, humerus in three patients, radius in one patient, tibia in three patients, talus in one patient, and metacarpal in one patient. The procedures were carried out by the same interventional radiologists, same orthopedic surgeons, and same anesthesiologist in the computed tomography (CT) unit under aseptic conditions. After appropriate anesthesia for the localization of OO, the patient was positioned on the CT bed and the localization of the lesion was confirmed with a CT scan mapping. Then, a bone penetration cannula was advanced and bone cortex was penetrated with a charged motor and Kirschner (K)-wire. When the cannula reached the nidus, it was replaced with RFA probe. Ablation of the nidus was performed for five minutes at 90°C. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 46 months (range, 25 to 66 months). Patients were evaluated with visual analog scale (VAS) scores preoperatively and at postoperative 15th day, sixth month, and first year. In the last evaluation of the study data, the patients were called by telephone and questioned whether there were any changes in their final status. The mean preoperative VAS score was 7.2. The mean postoperative VAS scores of the 15th day, sixth month, and first year were 1.3, 0.6, and 0, respectively. In the last follow-up, the OO-related pain completely disappeared and none of the patients had any recurrence. There was a significant difference between preoperative and postoperative 15th day and sixth month VAS score measurements. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency ablation treatment of OOs is a minimally invasive, safe, low-cost, and efficient method. We believe that with experienced teams and appropriate planning, RFA will take part in practice as the standard treatment of OO.

Diagnostic Potential of Panoramic Radiography and CBCT in Detecting Implant-Related Ex Vivo Injuries of the Inferior Alveolar Canal Border.

The aim of this ex vivo study was to compare the diagnostic performances of panoramic radiography and cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) in detecting implant-related injuries of the inferior alveolar canal. Monocortical bone windows were created in 60 fresh sheep hemimandibles, the inferior alveolar canals were revealed and 120 dental implants were inserted. Three types of injuries, described as pilot drill damage (PDRILL), collapsing of the superior border of the canal (COLL), penetration of the implant tip into the canal (PENET) and one control group, were simulated. Standard (PANO) and dentition mode panoramic (PANO-DENT) images as well as CBCT data presented as multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) and cross-sectional (CROSS) views were evaluated by 6 observers who had also expressed their level of confidence to their final diagnosis. Intra- and interobserver agreement scores were rated good. The area under the curve (AUC) values and the confidence scores for CROSS and multiplanar reformation (MPR) views were both significantly higher than those of PANO and PANO-DENT (P < .05 for each) in PDRILL group. In COLL group, observers showed less confidence to PANO and PANO-DENT compared to CROSS and MPR techniques (P < .05 for each). No other significant differences were found. Within the limits of this experimental study, it can be suggested that the standard and dentition modes of panoramic radiography can be as effective as CBCT in the detection of penetrating and collapsing injuries, but multiplanar and cross-sectional views of the CBCT are more accurate than panoramic radiography in the detection of pilot drill injuries in sheep mandible.

The impact of total neo-adjuvant treatment on nonoperative management in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer: The evaluation of 66 cases.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to assess if adherence to a total-neoadjuvant-treatment (TNT) protocol followed by observation(watch-and-wait) led to the successful nonoperative-management of low-rectal-cancer. METHODS: In this study, patients with primary, resectable-T3-T4, N0-N1 distal-rectal-adenocarcinoma underwent-chemoradiotherapy + consolidation-chemotherapy (TNT). During the-TNT-period, endoscopy, MRI, and FDG-PET/CT were performed. We allocated patients with complete-clinical-tumor-regression, who underwent endoscopy every two months, MRI every-four-months, and PET/CT every-six-months-after-treatment, to the observation-group(OG). All other patients were referred for surgery. The OG was followed-up. The primary endpoint was local tumor-ecurrence after allocation to the OG. RESULTS: Between 2015 and 2018, we enrolled 66-patients. Of 60-patients who were eligible to participate, 39 had complete-clinical-response(cCR) and were allocated to the OG, six underwent local-excision (LE), and 15 underwent total-mesorectal-excision (TME). The median follow-up duration was 22 (9-42) months. The local-recurrence-rate in the OG was 15.3%, and the LE and TME rates were 16.6% and 0%, respectively. All recurrence cases were salvaged through either LE or TME. The-distant-metastasis rate was 5.1%, 16.6%, and 12.5% in the OG, LE, and TME groups, respectively. The endoscopic negative-predictive-value(NPV) was 50%, and the positive-predictive-value(PPV) was 76.9% in the surgery group (LE + TME). MRI; NPV-50%, PPV-76.9%. PET/CT; NPV-100%, PPV-93.3%. Six patients(28.57%) from surgery group achieved complete pathological response (cPR). CONCLUSION: Our results indicated a high proportion of selected-rectal-cancers with-cCR after neo-adjuvant-therapy could potentially be managed non-operatively, and major surgery may be avoided.

Novel Application of Internal-External Drainage Catheter as Biliary Stent for Percutaneous Transhepatic Treatment of Biliary Strictures in Living Donor Liver Transplantation Recipient Patients.

OBJECTIVES: Although endoscopic management is considered as the first-line treatment for biliary strictures, it may be challenging in living donor liver transplant recipients due to the complex nature of duct-to-duct reconstruction. In this study we present the use of a pigtail drainage catheter as a biliary stent to treat biliary strictures after a living donor liver transplant. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with biliary strictures were treated with our novel technique. In this technique, a pigtail catheter was trimmed into 3 parts (proximal, middle, and distal portions). A suture string was passed through the distal hole of the middle portion, which was then reversed and used as a stent while the proximal portion was used as a pusher. Following balloon dilation of the stenotic segment, the distal, reversed middle, and proximal portions were loaded over the guidewire. After proper placement of the stent, the retractor suture string, pusher, and guidewire were removed. The stent was removed during the third or fourth month of placement through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in all patients. RESULTS: No significant complications developed during the procedure or follow-up period. Ten patients required re-stenting by ERCP during the same session. The mean follow-up period was 2 years. Cholestase enzymes and bilirubin levels were within normal limits in all patients during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Stents derived from drainage catheter facilitate treatment of biliary strictures in patients not eligible for the retrograde approach. This stent is cheap, easy to implement, can be easily removed by ERCP, and re-stenting can be applicable in retrograde if needed.

Direct Three-Dimensional Diagnosis of Ex Vivo Facial Fractures.

The aim of the present study is to assess the reliability and accuracy of different 3-dimensional (3D) reconstruction algorithms in detecting undisplaced condylar, zygomatic arc, and orbital rim fractures based on cone-beam computed tomography data set. Twenty sheep heads were used in the present study. Sixty fractured and 60 nonfractured (control) zones were randomly allocated. Three groups consisting of nondisplaced fractures of condyle (CF, n = 20), orbital (OF, n = 20), and zygomatic arc (ZF, n = 20) were created by using a diamond cutting disc. Soft tissues were only dissected and no fractures were generated in the control group (n = 60). The 3D reconstructions were created by using multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), surface rendering (SR), volume rendering (VR), and maximum intensity projection (MIP) algorithms. Final 3D models were examined in Osirix software (Pixmeo SARL, Bernex, Switzerland) by 6 observers. Diagnostic accuracies of each algorithm were statistically compared by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and area under the ROC curves (AUCs). For the detection of CF, AUC for VR algorithm was found to be statistically larger than that of MIP while AUCs for VR and MIP were larger than those of MPR and SR for OF detection. For the detection of ZF, AUCs for MPR and VR were significantly larger than those of MIP and SR (P < 0.05 for each). Within the limitations of this experimental study, it can be concluded that for maxillofacial surgeons, it is more likely to detect condylar, orbital, and zygomatic fractures by using VR algorithm in 3D reconstruction.

Endovascular Repair of Iliac Artery Aneurysms: A Single Center Experience in 10-Years.

OBJECTIVES: Isolated iliac artery aneurysms (IAAs) are rare, but nonetheless life-threatening when ruptured. The endovascular approach has taken over open repairs in time. The reported data is constituted of a retrospective series. We reviewed our 10-year-long experience with elective endovascular treatment of iliac aneurysms. METHODS: Data regarding 22 patients with 24 IAAs treated with endovascular stent grafting between 2005 and 2015 were reviewed. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients (aged 68.4 ± 9.6 years, range 50-82) with 24 unilateral or bilateral iliac aneurysms were treated. Twenty patients (91%) were male. Two patients with unilateral IAA had prior abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) surgical repair. The mean aneurysm diameter was 4.8 ± 2.1 (3.8 to 7.1) mm. Procedural success rate was 100%, only one patient with an iliovenous fistula had periprocedural type II endoleak. Internal iliac artery coil occlusion was applied in 16 of 24 procedures (66%). Thirty-day mortality included one patient (4%). CONCLUSION: Endovascular repair is the preferred approach for isolated IAAs. Because of the retrospective nature of data sets, larger cohorts are necessary for better definition of morbidity and mortality rates.

Dealing with the gray zones in the management of gastric cancer: The consensus statement of the Istanbul Group.

The geographical location and differences in tumor biology significantly change the management of gastric cancer. The prevalence of gastric cancer ranks fifth and sixth among men and women, respectively, in Turkey. The international guidelines from the Eastern and Western countries fail to manage a considerable amount of inconclusive issues in the management of gastric cancer. The uncertainties lead to significant heterogeneities in clinical practice, lack of homogeneous data collection, and subsequently, diverse outcomes. The physicians who are professionally involved in the management of gastric cancer at two institutions in Istanbul, Turkey, organized a consensus meeting to address current problems and plan feasible, logical, measurable, and collective solutions in their clinical practice for this challenging disease. The evidence-based data and current guidelines were reviewed. The gray zones in the management of gastric cancer were determined in the first session of this consensus meeting. The second session was constructed to discuss, vote, and ratify the ultimate decisions. The identification of the T stage, the esophagogastric area, imaging algorithm for proper staging and follow-up, timing and patient selection for neoadjuvant treatment, and management of advanced and metastatic disease have been accepted as the major issues in the management of gastric cancer. The recommendations are presented with the percentage of supporting votes in the results section with related data.

A comparison of panoramic radiography and cone beam computed tomography in the detection of osteosynthesis complications in sheep mandibular angle fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic efficacy of panoramic radiography (PANO) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in detecting simulated complications of plate osteosynthesis applied to mandibular angle fractures (MAFs). STUDY DESIGN: Unfavorable MAFs were created in 100 fresh sheep hemimandibles. Fractures were fixed with 4-hole titanium miniplates and screws. Bone necrosis around the screws, penetration of the screw into the inferior alveolar canal, screw loosening, and plate breakage were simulated. The diagnostic efficacy of the imaging techniques was compared by using intra- and interobserver agreement scores and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values. Examination time (ET), confidence scores (CS), and planar preference (PP) in CBCT evaluation were assessed. RESULTS: Intra- and interobserver agreement scores varied between 0.61 and 0.91. AUCs for screw penetration into the inferior alveolar canal and screw loosening were significantly higher in CBCT than in PANO (P < .05). CBCT presented significantly higher ET and CS values compared with PANO (P < .05). PP showed significant differences among types of complications (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: PANO provided acceptable outcomes in the detection of bone necrosis and broken plates around the screw, but CBCT was more likely to enable detection of all simulated types of complications with higher confidence.