An umbrella review of the surgical performance of Harmonic ultrasonic devices and impact on patient outcomes.

BACKGROUND: For thirty years, the Harmonic scalpel has been used for precise dissection, sealing and transection. There are numerous meta-analyses on individual surgical procedures with Harmonic, but no overarching review covering all the areas. This umbrella review seeks to summarize the clinical results from the use of Harmonic across surgical fields and broadly quantify its effects on patient outcomes. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Databases were searched for meta-analyses (MAs) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing Harmonic devices to conventional techniques or advanced bipolar (ABP) devices. For each procedure type, the most comprehensive MAs were evaluated. RCTs not already analysed in a MA were also included. Operating time, length of stay, intraoperative blood loss, drainage volume, pain, and overall complications were evaluated, and the methodological quality and certainty of evidence were assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-four systematic literature reviews were identified on colectomy, hemorrhoidectomy, gastrectomy, mastectomy, flap harvesting, cholecystectomy, thyroidectomy, tonsillectomy, and neck dissection. There were also 83 RCTs included. In every MA evaluated, Harmonic devices were associated with either statistically significant or numerical improvements in every outcome compared with conventional techniques; most MAs reported a reduction in operating time of ≥ 25 min. Harmonic versus ABP device MAs in colectomy and thyroidectomy showed no significant differences in outcomes. CONCLUSION: Across surgical procedures, Harmonic devices demonstrated improved patient outcomes for operating time, length of stay, intraoperative bleeding, drainage volume, pain, and overall complications compared to conventional techniques. Additional studies are required to assess differences between Harmonic and ABP devices.

Detecting Three-Dimensional Vascular Networks in the Mouse Embryonic Hindbrain.

Blood vessel formation is a fine-regulated process and interfering with blood vessel formation causes embryonic lethality as well as associated with many diseases in the adult, including inflammatory, ischemic, and cancer metastatic diseases. Brain contains abundant blood vessels and has some unique physiological functions, such as blood-brain barrier. Due to the thickness and opaque characters of the tissues, it is a challenge to visualize the three-dimensional structures of the brain blood vessels in the mouse. Therefore, establishing a protocol to display the three-dimensional structures in the brain is required for exploring the regulatory molecular mechanisms in brain blood vessel formation. In this manuscript, we introduced a whole-mount and a vibratome thick section of mouse embryonic hindbrain to display the three-dimensional structures of brain vascular system.

Blunt Transmediastinal Dissection with Radiofrequency Wire Reentry for Extravascular Bypass of Thoracic Central Venous Occlusions Refractory to Recanalization.

Extravascular perforation is a risk of recanalizing chronic central venous occlusions. The authors describe an endovascular technique to bypass venous occlusions using a combination of a hydrophilic guide wire and radiofrequency wire in 7 patients to achieve central venous access to the right atrium without major complications.

Design of a Novel Reproducible Cartilage-Sparing Autologous Technique for Microtia Repair.

Microtia reconstruction through manual carving of autologous rib cartilage has a steep learning curve, is operator dependent, is time consuming, requires multiple stages, and frequently results in suboptimal results with poor patient satisfaction. The use of temporoparietal fascia over polypropylene implants achieves excellent cosmetic outcomes in a single stage, although is burdened by infection and extrusion in some cases. We describe the development of a hybrid technique with a novel device that allows for standardization of the cartilaginous construct, minimization of the need for donor cartilage and operative time, and minimization of the number of stages. Clinical Trial: NCT03624608.

Key Points in Subperichondrial-Subperiosteal Dissection.

"Subperichondrial-subperiosteal dissection technique (SSDT) decreases soft tissue injury to a minimum by protecting soft tissues from dissection and retraction traumas. The fact remains that dissecting the perichondrium of the nasal tip cartilages is not effortless. Cartilages may be harmed if dissection is not initiated at the right location. The aforementioned surgeons have routinely used the SSDT between the years 2008 and 2019 in more than 4000 rhinoplasties. The number of the surgeons making use of the SSDT will increase with the understanding of the key points in dissection, their ordering, and use of correct instrumentation."

Ex vivo porcine model study on the treatment outcomes of scissor-type knife versus needle-type knife in endoscopic submucosal dissection performed by trainees.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastrointestinal neoplasms can be technically difficult for trainee endoscopists. Presently, there is no consensus for trainees to select the endo-knife type in ESD. Therefore, we conducted a comparison study of treatment outcomes between scissors-type and needle-type knives in ESD performed by trainees in an ex vivo porcine model. METHODS: This study was conducted on trainee endoscopists who participated in ESD hands-on seminars held in August 2018 and September 2019. A total of 22 trainees from 13 institutions were divided into two groups according to their endoscopic experience. Under expert supervision, each trainee performed two ESDs in porcine models, namely, scissor-type knife (ESD-S) and needle-type knife (ESD-N). The efficacy and safety, including the procedure time and rates of self-completion, en bloc resection, and complications, were compared between ESD-S and ESD-N. In subgroup analysis, we also investigated the predictors associated with the difficulty of ESD for trainees using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Eight trainees had an experience of over 1000 endoscopies (senior trainee: S-Trainee), whereas the others had an experience of less than 1000 endoscopies (junior trainee: J-Trainee). Among the S-Trainees, no significant differences were observed in any treatment outcome between ESD-S and ESD-N. Among the J-Trainees, the total procedure and mucosal incision times were significantly shorter in ESD-S than in ESD-N [total procedure time: 16.5 min (range 10.0-31.0) vs. 22.3 min (range 10.0-38.0), P = 0.018; circumferential incision time: 10.0 min (range 6-16) vs. 17.0 min (range 5.0-31.5); P = 0.019]. Regarding complications, muscular injury occurred in two patients during ESD-N performed by J-Trainees; however, no muscular injury occurred during ESD-S. In subgroup analysis, ESD-N was an independent predictive factor of difficult ESD (odds ratio 5.28, 95% confidence interval 1.25-22.30; P = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that trainees, particularly those who have experienced less than 1000 endoscopies, should opt for the scissor-type knife to perform ESD.

[Selective ultrasound-guided hydrodissection of gastrocnemius nerve branch after post-surgical entrapment: Apropos of a case]. / Hidrodisección ecoguiada selectiva de rama nerviosa gemelar tras atrapamiento posquirúrgico: a propósito de un caso.

Chronic or recalcitrant plantar fasciitis is a cause of persistent plantar pain. These cases are usually resistant to conventional treatments consisting of exercises, orthoses, shock waves and infiltrations and require a surgical approach. Proximal medial gastrocnemius release is a surgical option that provides satisfactory results, but is not free of complications, which include injuries and nerve entrapment. We report the first published case of symptomatic medial gastrocnemius branch entrapment in the post-surgical scar of a tenotomy for the treatment of recalcitrant plantar fasciitis. We propose ultrasound-guided hydrodissection with local anesthetic as a treatment with promising results.

Colgajo sural reverso con técnica modificada: nuestra experiencia / Modified technique for the reverse sural flap: our experience

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVO: El colgajo sural de flujo reverso continúa siendo una herramienta resolutiva para las lesiones de tejidos blandos complejas del tercio distal de la pierna y del pie. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar la experiencia de los autores con la aplicación de una técnica de disección modificada, de distal a proximal, que permite la identificación más sencilla del nervio sural en el plano suprafascial, pudiendo centralizar la isla de piel en el eje real del nervio, mejorando la vascularización de la isla de piel y evitando accidentes como el despegamiento del nervio. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Entre 2016 y 2019 realizamos cobertura de defectos complejos en miembros inferiores en 13 pacientes con colgajos surales de flujo reverso aplicando la modificación técnica que presentamos. Consiste en realizar una incisión en libro abierto en el tercio distal de la pierna hasta el tejido celular subcutáneo y una disección roma hasta identificar el nervio sural; a continuación se centraliza la isla de piel según el eje real del nervio, se liga el pedículo en la región proximal y se traspone el colgajo al defecto. Identificamos los datos demográficos y las complicaciones más frecuentes en cada caso y utilizamos estadística descriptiva para presentar las características de los pacientes. RESULTADOS: Del total de 13 pacientes, 7 fueron hombres y 6 mujeres. La causa del defecto en el miembro inferior fue accidente de tránsito en 9 pacientes, ulcera por presión en 2, quemadura eléctrica en 1 y tumor óseo tipo sarcoma de Ewing en 1. En 2 se realizó colgajo de pierna cruzado. Diez pacientes fueron intervenidos bajo anestesia regional y 3 bajo anestesia general. El tiempo quirúrgico fue de 1 hora y media en 9 pacientes y en el resto de 2 horas. Presentaron complicaciones 4 pacientes: 1 con dehiscencia de sutura, 1 seroma, 1 desprendimiento por tracción de un colgajo cruzado con posterior necrosis total y 1 necrosis parcial. CONCLUSIONES: Esta modificación de la disección y levantamiento del colgajo sural de flujo reverso permite encontrar con mayor facilidad el pedículo y así centrar de manera más precisa la isla de piel, disminuyendo las complicaciones, optimizando la piel a recolectar y por lo tanto el defecto del área donante y permitiendo que esta técnica sea más reproducible

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The reverse sural flap is still a resolute tool for complex soft tissue injuries of the distal third of the leg and the foot. The aim of this paper is to present our experience with a modified technique to harvest the reverse sural flap, going first distally to identify the nerve, allowing to centralize the skin paddle in the real nerve axis, improving the vascularization of the skin paddle and avoiding accidents like unnoticed nerve detachment from the flap. METHODS: Coverage of complex defects in the lower limb with our modified technique for reverse sural flap was performed between 2016 and 2019 in 13 patients. In this technique the first incision is made distally in the leg finding the sural nerve, then the skin paddle is centralized in the real nerve axis, the pedicle is ligated proximally and the flap is transposed to the defect. Demographic characteristics and the most frequent complications in each case were identified. Descriptive statistics were used to present the patients features. RESULTS: A total of 13 patients were included: 7 male and 6 women. The etiology of the defect was traffic accident in 9 patients, pressure sore in 2 patients, electrical burn in 1 patient and sarcoma of Ewing in 1 patient. In 2 cases a crossed leg skin flap was performed. In 10 patients surgery was done under regional anesthesia and in 3 patients general anesthesia. The surgical time was 1 hour and 30 minutes in 9 patients and in 4 patients was 2 hours. There were 4 complications: 1 suture dehiscence, 1 seroma, 1 case of detachment of a crossed-leg flap by traction with subsequent total necrosis and 1 partial necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: This modified dissection technique for the reverse sural flap allows easier finding of the vascular pedicle, put in the center the skin island precisely, diminish the complications and optimize the size of the skin island and the donor site, being this more reproducible

Methods for Dissecting Intersegmental Planes in Segmentectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The perioperative outcomes of the use of stapling devices versus electrocautery to dissect intersegmental planes in patients undergoing segmentectomy for small pulmonary lesions is still unclear. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to compare the perioperative outcomes of these two methods. METHODS: A single-center, prospective, participant-blinded, randomized controlled trial (NCT03192904) was conducted with a preplanned sample size of 136. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative complications. Secondary outcomes included duration of operation, blood loss during operation, first-day drainage volume, duration of drainage, postoperative hospital stay, loss of lung function, and medical costs. RESULTS: The trial was stopped early as a result of a marked difference in the primary outcome between groups at a scheduled interim check of the data after recruiting 70 patients. The incidence of postoperative complications (eg, air leakage) was higher in the electrocautery group than in the stapler device group (11/32, 34.4% vs 2/33, 6.1%, P = .004). There were no differences in duration of operation, blood loss during operation, first-day drainage volume, duration of drainage, postoperative hospital stays, loss of lung function, or total medical cost, although the per-patient cost of medical materials was higher in the stapler device group (US$4214.6 ± 1185.4 vs $3260.1 ± 852.6, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients undergoing segmentectomy, the use of stapler devices to divide intersegmental planes decreased postoperative complications without further compromising lung function or increasing economic burden.

Stimulating and dissecting instrument for transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy: proof of concept investigation.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) is a useful adjunct for recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) mapping and identification in transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA). This experimental study aimed to investigate the feasibility, safety, thresholds required of an endoscopic forceps that combine the function of surgical dissection and nerve stimulation. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective experimental research. METHODS: TOETVA was performed in 12 piglets, i.e., 24 RLNs and 24 vagal nerves (VN). RLNs electromyography (EMG) was recorded via endotracheal surface electrodes. Baseline EMG of VN and RLN were recorded and compared by (a) percutaneously placed monopolar stimulator probe (Group I), (b) adapted Maryland endoscopic dissector applied on nerves at its tip-end (Group II) and (c) endoscopic dissector tip-lateral applied (Group III). EMG profiles, amplitude, latency, waveform, thresholds and supra-maximal stimulation (5 mA) were analyzed. RESULTS: Application of the endoscopic device was feasible in all TOETVA and did not result in any morbidity. 24 RLNs and VNs were detected, stimulated and monitored. With increase of stimulation current, the amplitude of EMG increased, showing a dose-response curve. Mean VN stimulation thresholds were: Group I 0.28 mA, Group II 0.56 mA, Group III 0.58 mA (P1 = 0.00, P2 = 0.00, P3 = 0.11). Minimal current to evoked a maximal VN response was: Group I 0.65 mA, Group II 1.07 mA and Group III 1.14 mA (P1 = 0.00, P2 = 0.00, P3 = 0.48). Minimal current to evoke a RLN maximal response was Group I 0.6 mA, Group II 0.95 mA and Group III 1.05 mA (P1 = 0.00, P2 = 0.00, P3 = 0.31). Latency values were similar to each group. Repetitive (> 10 min) supra-maximal (> 5 mA) electrical stimulation was safe. CONCLUSIONS: The application of endoscopic stimulating dissector is simple, effective and safe way to monitor both VN and RLN function during a TOETVA animal model. It provides surgeons with real-time feedback of EMG response and can be applied as a tool for RLN monitoring. Endoscopic instrument required higher current to evoke EMG response compared to hand probe stimulation. Tip-end required less current to evoke EMG response compared to tip-lateral mode of stimulation.

Cold knife dissection and bipolar diathermy Vs harmonic scalpel in parotid gland surgery for benign tumours. / Disección fría y coagulación bipolar versus disección con bisturí armónico en la cirugía de los tumores benignos de la glándula parótida.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical techniques for extirpation of tumours of the parotid gland have evolved significantly in recent years. Previous data suggest the use of Harmonic Scalpel reduced operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drain production, and incidence of facial nerve injury, in comparison to cold scalpel dissection MATERIAL AND METHODS: retrospective analysis of 2group of patients operated using harmonic scalpel versus cold knife dissection and bipolar diathermy and compare operative time and post-surgical complication rate:, facial nerve injury, sialocele or salivary fístula formation, after parotidectomy for benign parotid tumours. RESULTS: 108 patients were included. Regarding surgical time, the mean time to using Harmonic Scalpel was 114±39 (Min: 60/Max: 240), and the mean time using bipolar diathermy was 135±38 (Min: 90/Max: 285) and this was the only significant difference between the 2techniques (p=.049). CONCLUSIONS: Harmonic scalpel is a safe and effective tool to perform parotid surgery in benign tumours. However, a shorter surgical time was the only advantage found over the traditional cold dissection and bipolar dissection method.

Endoscope rotating technique is useful for difficult colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection.

BACKGROUND: Conventional lesion-up colorectal ESD has the potential risk of iatrogenic perforation due to the knife's direction toward the muscular layer of the bowel wall. If we rotate the endoscope to the proper position, the mucosal flap is easy to be lifted down by tip attachment and the knife is easy to approach the proper dissection plane, which may prevent the perforation and facilitate difficult ESD. METHODS: We aimed to retrospectively assess the safety and efficacy of this rotating technique compared with the conventional lesion-up dissection regardless of shape, location, or size of the tumor, and investigated in short- and long-term outcomes following the ESD procedure. RESULTS: 41 lesions were enrolled into rotating technique group and 37 lesions in lesion-up group. The dissection speed was significantly faster in the rotating technique group (p = 0.023). R0 resection rate was significantly higher in rotating technique group (p = 0.008). The rate of perioperative complication was significantly higher in lesion-up method group (p = 0.003). Local recurrence was higher in lesion-up group (p = 0.001). Recurrence-free rate was higher in rotating technique group (p = 0.018). CONCLUSION: The endoscope rotating is a useful technique for difficult colorectal ESD due to easy approaching the proper dissection plane. This technique also increases the rate of en bloc resections, R0 resections regardless of size, shape, and location and improves dissection speed without increasing the incidence of adverse events.

Dissection of the Superficial Temporal Artery: Significance and Performance with Bipolar Forceps.

BACKGROUND: Adequate bypass harvesting of the superficial temporal artery (STA) is a standard procedure for every neurosurgeon, so mastery of techniques for its management and care is mandatory. METHODS: Here, we report the effectiveness of using the bipolar forceps as a novel procedure. RESULTS: This procedure improves safety, efficiency, and bleeding compared to the usual dissection. CONCLUSIONS: In cases requiring an STA donor, this technique may be as useful as the traditional method and could become part of the neurosurgeon's armamentarium.

Illuminated Transhiatal Retractor for Mediastinal Dissection During Transhiatal Esophagectomy.

Esophagectomy following preoperative chemoradiation provides the best outcomes in the treatment of early stage esophageal carcinoma. The exposure of the mediastinum during transhiatal esophagectomy is limited. We describe our technique of mediastinal dissection during the transhiatal esophagectomy using a newly developed transhiatal retractor.

Ligasure impact™ might reduce blood loss, complications, and re-operation occurrence after abdominoplasty in massive-weight-loss patients: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The most effective dissection technique for raising the flap in abdominoplasty is still controversial, particularly in high-risk massive-weight-loss patients. LigaSure Impact™ vessel-sealing system (Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland) is an energy device commonly used among different surgical specialties to reduce morbidity and implement outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of LigaSure Impact in abdominoplasty compared with the conventional techniques, diathermia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients underwent primary abdominoplasty after massive weight loss at a single center from 1 January 2008 to 31 May 2015 and were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 94 patients eligible for the study were divided into two groups on basis of the dissection technique: LigaSure Impact group (29 patients) and the conventional technique group (65 patients). Total intraoperative blood loss was the primary endpoint. Duration of the operation, perioperative complications and re-operation were recorded as secondary endpoints. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were well balanced between the groups. Significant differences were found in intraoperative blood loss favoring LigaSure Impact group (259.6 ± 198.8 mL vs 377.9 ± 190.0 mL, p = 0.004) and blood transfusion rates (13.8% vs 35.4%, p = 0.047). In contrast, operative time was significantly longer in LigaSure Impact group (168.6 ± 121.2 vs 179.7 ± 57.6 min, p = 0.005), while a tendency to shorter hospital stay was found in LigaSure Impact group (3.6 ± 1.1 days vs 4.6 ± 3.2 days, p = 0.081). Overall complications occurrence, Clavien-Dindo grade II (24.1% vs 55.4%) and grade III (13.8% vs 30.8%) complications were significantly lower in LigaSure Impact group (respectively, p = 0.005, p = 0.007, p = 0.016). Late (>30 days) re-operation rate was significantly lower in the LigaSure Impact group (6.9% vs 27.70%, p = 0.0028). Specific wound complications showed no significant difference. CONCLUSION: LigaSure Impact vessel-sealing system may be beneficial in improving abdominoplasty outcomes in massive-weight-loss patients because it might reduce blood loss, need for transfusions, complications, and re-operations.

Evaluation of a robotic arm-assisted endoscope to facilitate endoscopic submucosal dissection (with video).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is considered technically difficult and challenging using a conventional flexible endoscope, mainly due to the lack of proper countertraction to expose the submucosal dissection plane. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a traction method using a dexterous robotic arm in ex vivo gastric ESD. METHODS: ESD was performed in a total of 45 procedures using a portable endoscopic tool handler (PETH) (n = 30) and using the conventional method (n = 15) at various locations in the stomach. For each procedure, the performance data were recorded, including the total procedure time (minutes), incision time (minutes), dissection speed (mm2/minute), and blind dissection rate (%), to enable a comparison of the 2 ESD methods. RESULTS: The total procedure time was significantly shorter with PETH-ESD than in conventional ESD (23 vs 36 minutes, P = .011). This result is mainly attributed to the dissection speed, which was significantly faster, by more than 2.5 times, using the PETH (122.3 ± 76.5 vs 47.5 ± 26.9 mm2/minute, P < .001). The blind dissection rate was greatly decreased in PETH-ESD (0 vs 20%, P < .001). There was no significant difference in the incision time (6.1 ± 5.0 vs 5.5 ± 2.9 min, P = .612). CONCLUSIONS: The countertraction method using the PETH significantly improved the dissection speed and reduced blind dissection by enhancing direct visualization of the submucosal plane. With the advantages of multidirectional traction, fine tension control, and regrasping, this new device is expected to improve the performance of ESD and further facilitate advanced endoscopic procedures.

Harvesting of the gastroepiploic artery using a novel hybrid bipolar ultrasonic energy device.

Until now, scissors, clips and electrocautery have been used to harvest the gastroepiploic artery (GEA) for grafting. Because this artery has many branches and large fragile satellite veins tangled around it, conventional methods are not suitable for quick harvesting without bleeding. In order to harvest the GEA easily and efficiently, a skeletonized technique using an ultrasonic scalpel was developed, but the blade of this device was not well designed for fine tissue dissection.  In order to address this problem, we have developed an alternative harvesting technique using a hybrid bipolar/ultrasonic energy device. This hybrid device integrates both electrical bipolar energy and ultrasonic frictional heat energy and is thus more versatile than traditional energy devices.  In addition, it achieves faster dissection speed while offering similar bursting pressure and acceptable thermal spread. Finally, our device has an improved blade design that is suitable for fine tissue dissection.  This video tutorial demonstrates our use of this new hybrid energy device and shows how it enables the surgeon to harvest the GEA quickly, safely, with little bleeding, and with less instrument exchange.

Subperiosteal Dissection in Orbital Blowout Fracture: Technical Tips Including the Use of Modified Periosteal Elevator.

Orbital blowout fractures are common. The same goes for its surgical complications when the efficiency of the dissection of entrapped or herniated intraorbital contents into the fracture could not be completely and safely dissected out. The authors describe a modification of the commonly used Howarth periosteal elevator for dissection of intraorbital content displacement or herniation on orbital blowout fracture. The instrument was modified by marking out the instrument from the tip into 10, 20, 25, 30, and 40 mm on both of its concave and convex surfaces to allow safe orbital soft tissue dissection and distance control. From the authors' experience, these simple modifications from its original instrument design allow better intraoperative control and appreciation of any intact important intraorbital anatomical structures such as inferomedial strut and posterior ledge. At the same time of importantly getting complete orbital fracture dissection and visualization, it causes less trauma to surrounding soft tissue with the markings ensuring unnecessary orbital exploration or visualization. Dissection can be kept for optimum maneuverability at the required or intended location based on the preoperative scan or dimension of anatomical orbital implant.