Application of a novel material in the inguinal region using a totally percutaneous approach in an animal model: a new potential technique?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of a new percutaneous image-guided surgery technique to simulate a hernia repair using hydrogel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comparative prospective study was conducted in animals, with survival. Five pigs without any hernias were used. A hydrogel was injected at a site corresponding to the preperitoneal inguinal region. This procedure was performed bilaterally. An image-guided needle (ultrasound and computed tomography) was used, through which the material was injected. After survival, the local and systemic inflammatory reaction generated by the new material, was studied. RESULTS: All animals survived the procedure. No hemorrhagic or infectious complications were reported. The solidification of the material occurred as expected. In eight out of ten cases, the material was found in the planned site. No systemic inflammatory reaction secondary to the administration of hydrogel was reported. The adhesion of the material to surrounding tissues was satisfactory. CONCLUSION: The introduction of a liquid material which solidifies after injection in a short time (hydrogel) using a needle is feasible. The combined CT-scan and US image guidance allows for the percutaneous placement of the needle in the required location. The introduced hydrogel remains in this space, corresponding to the inguinal region, without moving. The placed hydrogel compresses the posterior wall composed of the transversalis fascia, supporting the potential use of hydrogel for hernia defects.

Percutaneous Radiofrequency Assisted Liver Partition with Portal Vein Embolization for Staged Hepatectomy (PRALPPS)

BACKGROUND: When a major hepatic resection is necessary, sometimes the future liver remnant is not enough to maintain sufficient liver function and patients are more likely to develop liver failure after surgery. AIM: To test the hypothesis that performing a percutaneous radiofrecuency liver partition plus percutaneous portal vein embolization (PRALPPS) for stage hepatectomy in pigs is feasible. METHODS: Four pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) both sexes with weights between 25 to 35 kg underwent percutaneous portal vein embolization with coils of the left portal vein. By contrasted CT, the difference between the liver parenchyma corresponding to the embolized zone and the normal one was identified. Immediately, using the fusion of images between ultrasound and CT as a guide, radiofrequency needles were placed percutaneouslyand then ablated until the liver partition was complete. Finally, hepatectomy was completed with a laparoscopic approach. RESULTS: All animals have survived the procedures, with no reported complications. The successful portal embolization process was confirmed both by portography and CT. In the macroscopic analysis of the pieces, the depth of the ablation was analyzed. The hepatic hilum was respected. On the other hand, the correct position of the embolization material on the left portal vein could be also observed. CONCLUSION: "Percutaneous radiofrequency assisted liver partition with portal vein embolization" (PRALLPS) is a feasible procedure (AU)