The anatomy of the uterine artery: A meta-analysis with implications for gynecological procedures.

The uterine artery (UA) is an arterial branch of the internal iliac artery in women, usually arising from the anterior division of the internal iliac artery. However, due to the high variability in the anatomy of the UA, embolization of this vessel may be challenging. Therefore, the objective of this meta-analysis was to provide physicians with transparent data on the anatomy of the UA, using the available data in the literature. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched to find all the relevant studies regarding the UA. A total of 16 articles met the required criteria. The UA was found to originate most frequently from the internal iliac artery as the pooled prevalence was set to be 61.72% (95% CI: 41.31%-80.31%). A pooled prevalence of the UA originating from the umbilical artery was established at 13.93% (95% CI: 2.76%-30.44%). A pooled prevalence of the UA originating from the inferior gluteal artery was set to be 5.22% (95% CI: 0.00%-15.44%). In conclusion, we believe that this is the most accurate and up-to-date study regarding the highly variable anatomy of the UA. The UA originates most frequently from the internal iliac artery (61.72%), however, other origins, such as from the umbilical artery (13.93%) or the inferior gluteal artery (5.22%) may occur. It is hoped that the results of the present meta-analysis will be a helpful tool for surgeons performing pelvic or gynecological surgeries.

The complete anatomy of the lingual nerve: A meta-analysis with implications for oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Lingual nerve (LN) injury during surgical procedures in the third molar region warrants a detailed study of its common pathway and important variations. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze and compile the multiple anatomical variations of the LN for use in oral and maxillofacial surgery. It is anticipated that the results of the present meta-analysis may help to minimize the possible complications when performing procedures associated with this anatomical entity. Major online databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase were used to gather all relevant studies regarding the LN anatomy. The results were established based on a total of 1665 LNs. The pooled prevalence of the LN being located below the lingual/ alveolar crest was found to be 77.87% (95% CI: 0.00%-100.00%). The LN was located above the lingual/ alveolar crest in 8.21% (95% CI: 4.63%-12.89%) of examined nerves. The most common shape of the LN was established to be round with a prevalence of 40.96% (95% CI: 23.96%-59.06%), followed by oval at 37.98% (95% CI: 23.98%-53.02%) and flat at 25.16% (95% CI: 12.85%-39.77%). In conclusion, we believe that this is the most accurate and up-to-date study regarding the anatomy of the LN. The LN was found to be located below the lingual/alveolar crest in 77.87% of the cases. Furthermore, the LN was found to enter the tongue under the submandibular duct in 68.39% of the cases. Knowledge about the anatomy of the LN is crucial for numerous oral and maxillofacial procedures such as during the extraction of the third molar.

The prevalence and anatomy of the pyramidal lobe of the thyroid gland: A meta-analysis with implications for thyroid surgery.

The pyramidal lobe (PL), also known as the third lobe of the thyroid gland or lobe of Lalouette is an embryological remnant of the caudal end of the thyroglossal tract. The following meta-analysis aims to provide a detailed analysis of the anatomical variations of the PL using the available data in the literature. Major online medical databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched in order to find all studies considering the prevalence and anatomy of the PL of the thyroid gland. Finally, a total of 24 studies that met the required criteria and contained complete and relevant data were included in the present meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of the PL was found to be 42.82% (95% CI: 35.90%-49.89%). An analysis showed that the mean length was 23.09 mm (SE: 0.56). The mean width was found to be 10.59 mm (SE: 0.77). The pooled prevalence of the PL originating from the left lobe (LL) was established at 40.10% (95% CI: 28.83%-51.92%). In conclusion, we believe that this is the most accurate and up-to-date study regarding the complete surgical anatomy of the PL. The PL was prevalent in 42.82% of the cases, being slightly more prevalent in males (40.35%) than females (37.43%). The mean length and width of the PL were 23.09 mm and 10.59 mm, respectively. Our results should be taken into consideration when performing procedures on the thyroid gland, such as thyroidectomies. The presence of the PL can affect the completeness of this procedure and lead to postoperative complications.

The costocervical trunk: A detailed review.

The number of studies on the anatomy of the costocervical trunk (CCT) is scarce, and the actual prevalence of this structure is unknown. Therefore, the authors of the present study would like to propose a set of four types of CCT, which were created based on observations of computed tomography angiographies (75 CCTs). A retrospective study was conducted to establish variations and the morphometric properties of the CCT. The results of 55 consecutive patients who underwent neck and thoracic computed tomography angiography (CTA) were analyzed in March 2022. The analysis was performed on a total of 75 CCTs. Of these, 32 were from women (42.7%) and 43 were from men (57.3%). Branching variations of each CCT were thoroughly analyzed. A classification of the branching pattern of the CCTs was made and consisted of four types. In the present study, the variety of branching and morphology of CCT was analyzed, proposing its novel classification based on the four most frequently observed types. Type 1 was the most prevalent (76.1%), having a similar origin and branching pattern as described in the major anatomical books. CCT was found to be absent in 23.94% of the cases, making it a somewhat less consistent branch of the SA. Understanding the variability of the anatomy of the CCT can be a great tool for physicians performing endovascular procedures in the cervical region.

The complete anatomy of the prostatic artery: a meta-analysis based on 7421 arteries with implications for embolization and urological procedures.

BACKGROUND: The goal of the present meta-analysis was to offer physicians the most evidence-based data concerning the anatomical characteristics of the prostatic artery (PA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical databases including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library were searched trough. The overall search process was performed in 3 stages. RESULTS: The results were established based on a total of 7421 arteries. PA was found to originate from an internal pudendal artery with a pooled prevalence of 28.81% (95% CI: 26.23% - 31.46%). Mean diameter of the PA was found to be 1.52 mm (SE = 0.07). . Single PA was found to occur in 76.43% of the patients (95% CI: 60.96% - 89.12%). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the authors of the present study believe that this is the most accurate and up-to-date analysis regarding the highly variable anatomy of the PA. The PA originates most commonly from the internal pudendal artery (28.81%); however, it may also originate from other pelvic arteries, including the middle anorectal or the superior gluteal arteries. Moreover, accessory PAs may occur, yet, a single main PA supplying the prostate gland is most frequently observed (76.43%). The PA may also form anastomoses with the adjacent arteries (pooled prevalence of 45.20%), which may create a complex vascular network in the pelvis. It is hoped that the current meta-analysis may help to decrease the potential complications that may emerge from diverse endovascular and urological procedures.

A 3D map of the lingual artery-The perfect tool for transoral robotic surgeries on the base of tongue.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge about the anatomy of the lingual artery (LA) is of immense importance when performing procedures on the base of tongue (BOT). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed to establish morphometric data of the LA. The measurements were performed on 55 consecutive patients who underwent head and neck computed tomography angiographies (CTA). RESULTS: A total of 96 LAs were analyzed. Additionally, a three-dimensional heat map (showing the oropharyngeal region from the lateral, anterior, and superior point of view) of the occurrence of the LA and its branches was created. CONCLUSION: The length of the main trunk of the LA was measured to be 31.94 ± 11.44 mm. This reported distance is thought to be a surgical safe zone when performing transoral robotic surgery (TORS) on the BOT because it represents the area where the LA does not give off any major branches.

The surgical anatomy of the inferior alveolar nerve: a meta-analysis with clinical implications.

BACKGROUND: The main goal of the present meta-analysis was to provide physicians, especially surgeons, with crucial data on the complete anatomy of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). It is hoped that our results may help reduce the rates of complications in procedures associated with this anatomical entity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Major online medical databases such as PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library were searched to gather all studies on IAN anatomy, including topography, morphology, and variations. RESULTS: IAN mean thickness of the IAN in the mandibular angle area was set to 2.32 mm (LL: 1.82 ; HL: 2.78-). IAN mean thickness of the IAN in the mandibular body region was found to be 2.49 mm (LL: 2.02 ; HL: 2.98). The mean thickness of the IAN in the mental region was established at 1.70 mm (LL: 1.54 ; HL: 1.86). The mean distance from the IAN to the external (buccal) surface of the 1st molar was set to be 4.99 mm (LL: 3.84 ; HL: 6.13). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this is the most up-to-date and thorough analysis of the complete anatomy of the IAN. We provided morphometric data that present the spatial relationship of the IAN with numerous anatomical landmarks in the mandibular region. These include the ramus of the mandible, the first, second, and third molars, and the body of the mandible, among others. It is hoped that the results of the present meta-analysis may be a helpful tool for physicians, especially surgeons, performing various oral and maxillofacial procedures, such as third molar removal or IAN block anesthesia.

The Morphology of the Pituitary Gland: A Meta-Analysis with Implications for Diagnostic Imaging.

The objective of this meta-analysis was to present transparent data on the morphology of the pituitary gland (PG) using the available data in the literature. The main online medical databases, such as PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science, were searched to gather all relevant studies regarding PG morphology. The mean overall volume of the PG was found to be 597.23 mm3 (SE = 28.81). The mean overall height of the PG was established to be 5.64 mm (SE = 0.11). The mean overall length of the PG was found to be 9.98 mm (SE = 0.26). In the present study, the PG's overall morphology and morphometric features were analyzed. Our results showed that, on average, females from Asia have the highest volume of PG (706.69 mm3), and males from Europe have the lowest (456.42 mm3). These values are crucial to be aware of because they represent the normal average properties of the PG, which may be used as reference points when trying to diagnose potential pathologies of this gland. Furthermore, the present study's results prove how the PG's size decreases with age. The results of the present study may be helpful for physicians, especially surgeons, performing procedures on the PG.