Artificial intelligence and duplex ultrasound for detection of carotid artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility, applicability and accuracy of artificial intelligence (AI) in the detection of normal versus carotid artery disease through greyscale static duplex ultrasound (DUS) images. METHODS: A prospective image acquisition of individuals undergoing duplex sonography for the suspicion of carotid artery disease at a single hospital was conducted. A total of n = 156 images of normal and stenotic carotid arteries (based on NASCET criteria) were evaluated by using geometry group network based on convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture. Outcome was reported based on sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the network (artificial intelligence) for detecting normal versus stenotic carotid arteries as well as various categories of carotid artery stenosis. RESULTS: The overall sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of AI in the detection of normal carotid artery was 91%, 86% and 92%, respectively, and for any carotid artery stenosis was 87%, 82% and 90%, respectively. Subgroup analyses demonstrated that the network has the ability to detect stenotic carotid artery images (<50%) versus normal with a sensitivity of 92%, specificity of 87% and an accuracy of 94%. This value (sensitivity, specificity and accuracy) for group of 50-75% stenosis versus normal was 84%, 80% and 88% and for carotid artery disease of more than 75% was 90%, 83% and 92%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the feasibility, applicability and accuracy of artificial intelligence in the detection of carotid artery disease in greyscale static DUS images. This network has the potential to be used as a stand-alone software or to be embedded in any DUS machine. This can enhance carotid artery disease recognition with limited or no vascular experience or serve as a stratification tool for tertiary referral, further imaging and overall management.

Primary angiosarcoma of aorta: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: To elucidate the epidemiology, anatomical, presentation, classification, pathology, investigative modalities, management and prognosis of primary angiosarcoma of the aorta. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review of literature from the database inception to January 2021 in PubMed and Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane Library in accordance to PRISMA was conducted. Retrieval and extraction was performed by two independent reviewers. The hierarchy of the evidence was assessed through the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Checklist. Data were subjected to pooled prevalence analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival and test of probability using log-rank analysis. This review is registered with International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews: RD42021231314. RESULTS: 82 studies with n = 123 cases met the inclusion criterion. Abdominal (45%) aorta was the commonest anatomical site with female predominance in ascending aorta (4:1) and aortic arch (2:1). The longest survival was in the ascending aorta and the shortest in the abdominal aorta [540 (interquartile range [IQR], 7-1560 days vs. 180 (IQR, 1-5730 days)], respectively. The overall median survival was 210 days (IQR, 1-5730 days) or 7 months. Lack of metastasis (47%) was a marker of longer survival (p < 0.03) irrespective of other attributes. CONCLUSION: The pathophysiology appears to be a trend of increasing fatigue, fever and weight loss associated with segmental dysfunction of the aorta projecting occlusive or destructive phenotypes. Computed tomography angiography features of volume-occupying, bulky, polypoid (intraluminal), protrusive vegetation, hyper vascular without atherosclerotic lesions are extremely suggestive of PA of the aorta at 5th and 6th decades of life.

Prediction, pattern recognition and modelling of complications post-endovascular infra renal aneurysm repair by artificial intelligence.

OBJECTIVES: The study evaluates the plausibility and applicability of prediction, pattern recognition and modelling of complications post-endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) by artificial intelligence for more accurate surveillance in practice. METHODS: A single-centre prospective data collection on (n = 250) EVAR cases with n = 26 preoperative attributes (factors) on endpoint of endoleak (types I-VI), occlusion, migration and mortality over a 13-year period was conducted. In addition to the traditional statistical analysis, data was subjected to machine learning algorithm through artificial neural network. The predictive accuracy (specificity and -1 sensitivity) on each endpoint is presented with percentage and receiver operative curve. The pattern recognition and model classification were conducted using discriminate analysis, decision tree, logistic regression, naive Bayes and support vector machines, and the best fit model was deployed for pattern recognition and modelling. RESULTS: The accuracy of the training, validation and predictive ability of artificial neural network in detection of endoleak type I was 95, 96 and 94%, type II (94, 83, 90 and 82%) and type III was 96, 94 and 96%, respectively. Endpoints are associated with increase in weights through predictive modeling that were not detected through statistical analytics. The overall accuracy of the model was >86%. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the applicability, accuracy and reliability of artificial intelligence in the detection of adverse outcomes post-EVAR for an accurate surveillance stratification.

A systematic review of distal revascularization and interval ligation for the treatment of vascular access-induced ischemia.

OBJECTIVE: Vascular access-induced ischemia remains a rare but significant complication of arteriovenous fistulas. Distal revascularization and interval ligation (DRIL) is one form of treatment. However, its collated efficacy through a systematic review is yet to be established. METHODS: An electronic and systematic search of the literature in MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, and Cochrane Library from 1966 to 2017 in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was conducted. Quality assessment of the articles was performed using the Oxford Critical Appraisal Skills Programme, and the recommendation for practice was examined through the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Data of treated cases, success, time to ischemia, follow-up, age, sex, diabetes mellitus, fistula type, conduit type, and grade of ischemia were extracted and subjected to a pooled variance-weighted random-effects model. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies (n = 459 individuals) were subjected to DRIL. Time to ischemia was 196 days (interquartile range, 30-600 days). Ischemia grade 3/4 (52%) was the most common presentation. The overall success (grades 1-4) was 81% (95% confidence interval, 80.9%-82.5%) during a mean and median follow-up of 22.2 months (interquartile range, 1-60 months) and 18 months, respectively. The conduit of choice was the great saphenous vein (n = 300/459 [65%]), and bypass thrombosis was highest in the polytetrafluoroethylene group (n = 19/44 [43%]). CONCLUSIONS: DRIL with adequate long-term outcomes is an effective technique for the treatment of vascular access-induced ischemia.

Thoracoscopic total esophagogastrectomy with supercharged colon interposition for the treatment of esophageal adenocarcinoma in situs inversus.

Background: Esophagectomy in situs inversus is challenging. With long-segment supercharged reconstruction, it becomes more perplexing and multidisciplinary surgical skills are needed. Challenges met and the surgical technique used is presented in this case report. Methods: The case of a 49-year old patient with situs inversus abdominus and a locally advanced distal esophageal adenocarcinoma extending to the stomach is presented. Results: Following neoadjuvant chemotherapy and due to inability to use the stomach as a conduit, a thoracoscopic total esophagogastrectomy with long-segment reconstruction was performed. The conduit used was the left colon and was supercharged with venous and arterial anastomoses in the neck. Conduit perfusion, as assessed by the Spy system revealed marked improvement post supercharging. No anastomotic leak was noted and oral diet was started on day 4. On day 26 the patient developed pneumonia necessitating intubation that was declined. Organ support was withheld with patient death at day 29. Conclusion: In long-segment esophageal reconstruction with supercharged colon, although thoracoscopy is feasible, laparoscopy is found unsafe. Careful preoperative planning and colon assessment via computed tomography(CT) colonography/angiography and a multidisciplinary team approach is recommended. Adjuncts to assess conduit perfusion like the Spy system are helpful. Supercharging the long colonic conduit is a way of minimizing ischemia-related complications.

Independent association of arteriovenous ratio index on the primary functional maturation of autologous radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula.

OBJECTIVE: It has been hypothesized that a novel measurement technique of arteriovenous ratio (AVR) index obtained from inflow (radial artery diameter) to that of outflow (cephalic vein diameter) and its application through the Bernoulli effect has no impact on the primary functional maturation (FM) of autogenous radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (RCAVF). METHODS: A prospective consecutive single-center cohort study with intention to treat of 324 patients undergoing RCAVF during a period of 4 years was conducted. Variables of demographics, anatomic factors, laterality, comorbidities, anesthesia type, presence of intraoperative thrill, angle of anastomosis, and AVR index were assessed through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis on the end point of FM. The AVR was subjected to three decimal points to ensure maximal accuracy for best sensitivity and 1 - specificity by receiver operating characteristic curve. The χ2 (subgroup) analyses were undertaken to investigate the differences in FM incidence within different ranges of AVR. Test of probability (P value) was considered to be significant with P < .05. Effect sizes were reported as odds ratio with their measure of uncertainty at 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Among all variables, the AVR index remained the only independent factor associated with FM (66%; n = 214/324) of RCAVFs (P = .001; 95% confidence interval, 0.08-0.26). AVR of 1 to 1.06 was associated with 100% FM in RCAVFs. Decrease or increase of this index was associated with stepwise reduction in FM of RCAVFs (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The suggested novel measurement technique (AVR index) is an independent predictor of FM in RCAVFs. This study implies that minimal diameter (ie, inflow artery dimeter to outflow cephalic vein diameter) mismatch (AVR, 1-1.06) irrespective of other variables remains crucial for optimal hemodynamics (pressure and velocity) of RACVFs and their primary FM.

Novel Assessment (BlueDop) Device for Detection of Lower Limb Arterial Disease: A Prospective Comparative Study.

According to National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines, the ankle-brachial pressure index coupled with a full clinical evaluation has been the mainstay of detecting peripheral arterial disease on its suspicion. However, this technique is not free of its own limitations in calcified arteries, ulcerative and diabetic patients. We introduce a new, novel, and effective assessment device (BlueDop) with a minimal learning curve that could overcome such barriers and serve as a valid replacement in perihospital settings.

Transmural migration of azygous vein Hem-O-lok clip causing food bolus 3 months following uneventful minimally invasive oesophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Hem-o-lok clips are widely deployed in various laparoscopic and robotic operations. Their migration is not very common and majority of reported cases are limited to biliary, prostatic and vesico-urethral cases. METHODS: Herein, we would like to report the first case of transmural migration of Hem-o-lok clip from azygous vein stump following totally minimally invasive two-stage oesophagectomy for squamous cell carcinoma of the distal oesophagus, into the gastric conduit 3-months following uneventful discharge. The patient presented with 5-days history of worsening dysphagia. RESULTS: The subsequent gastroscopy revealed normal gastric conduit with two Hem-o-lok clips containing the azygous vein stump within its lumen at the level of the oesophago-gastric anastomosis, propagating a food bolus obstruction. The foreign body was successfully removed and the patient was discharged the same day without any complications at 5 months follow up. CONCLUSION: Hem-o-lok clip migration trends to be a well-established event. However, their mechanism and exact incidence remains elusive to this date. To the best of our knowledge, their migration in oesophageal cancer surgery has not been reported.

Gastric conduit obstruction due to gastroduodenal compression: a new complication post-Ivor-Lewis oesophagectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Oesophagectomy for oesophageal carcinoma carries a high risk of significant morbidity and mortality. Delayed gastric emptying is a relatively common complication following this procedure. A variety of medical, surgical and endoscopic strategies have been described to manage it. The vast majority of cases are related to post-operative pyloric dysfunction and are amenable to conventional management strategies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We present a new case of a patient with a duodenal hiatus hernia resulting in extrinsic gastroduodenal compression by the massively distended gastric conduit as a cause of gastric outlet obstruction following laparoscopic-assisted Ivor-Lewis oesophagectomy 2 years previously. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Surgical repair of the hiatus hernia restored the post-oesophagectomy anatomy and resolved this patient's symptoms where conventional management of post-oesophagectomy gastric outlet obstruction had failed on multiple occasions. Most cases of delayed gastric emptying post-oesophagectomy occur as a result of pyloric dysfunction and can be managed using a combination of prokinetics, surgical intervention or more commonly, endoscopic dilatation. Other potential causes and therefore investigative and management strategies should be considered in patients who repeatedly fail conventional management. We offer an alternative diagnosis that may be considered in these patients and present a novel approach to their investigation and management.

Role of 3D in minimally invasive esophagectomy.

PURPOSE: Two-stage minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has gained popularity in the surgical treatment of esophageal cancer. MIE's limitation is embedded in the construction of intrathoracic anastomosis. Various anastomotic techniques have been reported; however, the mechanical one remains the most commonly adopted. This pilot study aims to describe an efficient, safe, and reproducible way of performing a hand-sewn intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis in conjunction with short-term results using 2D and 3D thoracoscopic approaches. METHODS: A total of n = 13 patients (mean age 67.4) underwent MIE for distal esophageal or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma between January and September 2016. Resection was performed in prone position, and the esophagogastric anastomosis was constructed in an end-to-side manner in two layers with barbed knotless suture. A 2D thoracoscopic approach was used in n = 10 patients (77%) and a 3D approach in n = 3 (23%). RESULTS: n = 8 patients (61.5%) had neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and n = 5 (38.5%) had primary surgery. The mean operating time was 420 min, and the average length of stay was 10 days with no associated mortality. n = 1 (7.7%) developed a radiological leak that did not require an intervention. Thoracoscopic approach with the glasses-based 3D optical system using the angulating-tip 100° camera provided a far superior view for precise lymphadenectomy in combination to an efficient and safe construction of the anastomosis. CONCLUSION: The barbed knotless suturing technique in MIE is an efficient and safe method of constructing the esophagogastric anastomosis with promising short-term outcomes. A 3D thoracoscopic approach appears to be superior in performing the anastomosis to that of a 2D technique.

Mycotic aneurysm of the superior and inferior mesenteric artery.

OBJECTIVE: Visceral artery aneurysms as a result of arterial degenerative disease are rare (0.1%-2%), and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) accounts for 3.2% of all reported series. The current incidence of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) aneurysm is unknown. However, infective causes (mycotic) of SMA and IMA aneurysm as a result of primary, secondary, and cryptogenic etiology remain a separate entity and attain fewer cases in the literature. Currently, there is no consensus on their presentation, diagnosis, and overall management. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-aggregation of literature from 1944 to March 2015 in the English language and of adult subjects in MEDLINE, Ovid, CINAHL, and the Cochrane database was conducted. RESULTS: The median age of patients with SMA aneurysm was 36 (range, 14-92) years, with a significant male predominance (73% vs 27%). In order of prevalence, abdominal pain (n = 25; 65%), low-grade fever (n = 23; 60%), malaise (n = 10; 26%), weight loss (n = 9; 23%), and nausea and vomiting (n = 8; 20%) were the most common presenting signs and symptoms. The most common microorganism was Streptococcus (n = 18; 47%), followed by Staphylococcus (n = 11; 28%). The investigative modality of choice was computed tomography (n = 22; 57.8%), followed by ultrasonography of the abdomen (n = 9; 23%). Primary etiology was noted in 5.4%, secondary in 71%, and cryptogenic in 13% of all cases. Aneurysmectomy alone was associated with bowel resection in four cases (10.5%), whereas aneurysmectomy with interposition vein grafting required no further intervention. The inpatient mortality after surgery was 7.8%, and the overall mortality was 15%. The median follow-up was 12 months (range, 2-120 months). The median age of patients with IMA aneurysm was 48 (range, 22-64) years, with a male predominance of 2:1 and abdominal pain in all cases (n = 3; 100%). The most common microorganism was Streptococcus (n = 2; 66.6%), and the operation of choice was aneurysmectomy (n = 2; 66.6%) after computed tomography scan (n = 3; 100%) as an investigative modality of choice. CONCLUSIONS: The pentad of abdominal pain, pyrexia of unknown origin, malaise, weight loss, and nausea remains the most convincing presentation of mycotic aneurysms of the SMA and IMA. Computed tomography is the investigative modality of choice, and such patients are best served with aneurysmectomy alone in IMA aneurysms and interposition vein grafting in SMA aneurysms after initiation of antimicrobial therapy on suspicion of the diagnosis.

Validation of the Guy's scoring system in patient selection for femoro-distal bypass grafting to a single calf or pedal artery.

OBJECTIVES: First external validation of a preoperative scoring system (Guy's) in patient selection for femoro-distal bypass grafting to single calf or pedal artery in critical limb ischemia (Fontaine III & IV/Rutherford grade IV, V & VI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study of 76 (n = 76) consecutive femoro-crural/pedal bypass grafts on 72 individuals (n = 72) from 2008 to 2011 with 36 months mean follow-up was performed. All cases were scored against a previously designed and published scoring system (ranging from 0 to 10) based on: inflow, outflow, graft material, flow type, patent pedal vessels and diabetes mellitus. RESULTS: Preoperative score of 0-4 (n = 37) demonstrated the primary patency of 27% at 10.3 months. This value for intermediate group 5-7 (n = 34) was 70.6% at 18.9 months. The high-score group 8-10 (n = 4) showed the longest primary patency (80%) at 27.3 months. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis exhibited a consistent and significant difference in primary assisted, secondary patency and overall limb/foot salvage amongst all individual scoring groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study validates and complements the Guy's scoring system and provides a platform for the identification of critical limb ischemia patients in whom the result of femoro-crural/distal bypass grafting is so poor that primary amputation may be both clinically and economically more justified.

International survey of radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula: ISRAF survey.

AIMS: The objective of this survey was to encompass the full scope of international practice, entailing all technical, non-technical, preoperative stratification and functional maturation (FM) of RCAVF. METHODS: The survey contained n = 19 questionnaires with n = 46 variables completed by n = 85 providers from n = 21 nations across n = 5 continents. The numerical values were subjected to mean with standard error whereas the nominal data to a non-parametric (Kruskal-Wallis & Spearman correlation test) and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The test of homogeneity, & probability was reported 95% confidence intervals (CI) alongside error plots. Furthermore, a decision and higher attribute tree model was constructed based on current survey for higher FM in RCAVF. RESULTS: FM is independently associated with volume of surgeon per year (procedures performed) (p < 0.01) [High Volume: 73% (95% CI, 68-77%) versus Average volume: 63% (95% CI, 59-66%) vs Low volume: 56% (95% CI, 51-61%)]. FM increased by 8% with every 20 more procedures per group of surgeons on end point of FM. Amongst continents: Australia, America, Asia and South America demonstrated higher FM to Africa & Europe (p < 0.05). UK possessed a lower FM 58% (95% CI, 48-68%) in comparison to the world & Europe respectively [65% (95% CI, 61-70%) vs 61% (95% CI, 58--65%)]. There was a positive causal link between angle of anastomosis at 30-76° (p < 0.01), longitudinal & S-shaped incision & arteriotomy length of 3 & 4 mm to higher FM (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: FM in RCAVF is independently & incrementally associated with the volume of surgeon per year. There is a diverse inclusion, exclusion and technical approach in RCAVF creation. This survey advocates the importance of international collaboration and/or registry in assimilation, consolidate and development of consensus.

Ruptured cryptogenic mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm by Salmonella enteritidis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to describe a case of ruptured cryptogenic mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm by Salmonella enteritidis (SE) and present a comprehensive review of the literature. METHODS: A 66-year-old man with a past medical history of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and polymylagia rheumatica (PMR) presented with a 2-day history of right-flank-to-groin pain and fever. He was found to have tenderness on the right of the umbilical region and laboratory data showed leukocytosis, raised C-reactive protein, and a significant drop in hemoglobin level as compared with his first visit 17 days earlier, with no hemodynamic instability. An immediate computed tomography angiogram (CTA) was performed, which showed a 4-cm, fusiform, ruptured infrarenal aortic aneurysm. Exploratory laparatomy was performed and the aorta was isolated and excised from the infrarenal level to the common iliac bificuration. A straight silver Dacron graft soaked in rifampicin was placed with an end-to-end anastomosis. The excised aorta and the lymph nodes were sent for histologic and microbiologic assessment. RESULTS: Blood culture and specimen microbiology grew Salmonella enteritidis (SE). The histology exhibited atherosclerosis at the rupture point with decreasing neutrophil deposition from the intima to the adventitia layer, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Infrarenal abdominal mycotic aneurysm (MA) by SE was observed and showed vague, nonspecific signs and symptoms. We recommend a high index of suspicion and low threshold for use of CT imaging in any infected patient of age >60 years with fever and abdominal pain on a background of diabetes and connective tissue disease. A comprehensive review of the literature was performed due to a lack of consensus on the best surgical treatment and limited information on the path of SE-induced aortitis or MA from presentation to final outcome.

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis: a 16-year follow up in a single UK centre.

INTRODUCTION: Since the introduction of Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy ( ETS ) by Kux in 1951, the procedure has been performed for treatment of primary hyperhidrosis (PH) of the upper limb. Despite its initial success and minimally invasive nature, the long-term results are yet to be established. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcome of patients after ETS with particular emphasis on patient satisfaction and its effectiveness over a 16-year period. METHODS: A patient survey of fifty-one (n = 51) patients who had ETS for PH of palms from 1995 to 2011 was conducted. The data on age, sex, site of the PH, family history, trigger, hospital stay, relief from symptoms, complications, refractory sweating and overall satisfaction with the procedure was analysed with SAS software version 9.1.3. CONCLUSION: The mean follow-up was 77 months (range, 6-189 months) with equal gender distribution (n = 24 males Vs n = 27 females) and mean age of 19 (range, 13-64 years). The hereditary prevalence was 55%. Forty-six patients (90.2%) reported an immediate (≤24 h) and four patients (7.8%) reported a delay (>24 h) in relief of symptoms. To the best of our knowledge this is longest duration of follow-up reported in the literature.

Superior Vena Cava Syndrome and Wallstent: A Systematic Review.

Purpose: To elucidate the indication, presentation, demographics, Stanford classification, technical efficacy, morbidity, mortality and long term patency of Wallstent for superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of literature in Pubmed and Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane Library in accordance to PRIMSA was conducted. Retrieval and extraction was performed by two independent reviewers with inter-rater reliability test. The hierarchy of the evidence was assessed through the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Checklist. Data was subjected to pooled prevalence analysis, Cox regression, Kaplan-Meir survival and test of probability using log rank analytics. This review is registered with International prospective register of systematic review: CRD42021271009. Results: A total of n=701 individuals with n=930 stents with median age of 60 (interquartile range (IQR): 26-89) years and male predominance 3.5 : 1 were identified in n=30 articles. The most common venographic classification was Stanford type II (n=344, 50%) and complete symptomatic resolution was achieved in 48 h. The 30-day morbidity was (n=62, 8%) and mortality was (n=21, 3%). Female gender was associated with higher 30-day morbidity (p<0.03). The cumulative median patency of Wallstent for non-malignant aetiology was [550 days (IQR: 14-1080) vs. 120 days (IQR: 0-925)] for malignancy (p<0.03). Conclusion: The use of Wallstent for resolution of malignancy induced SVC syndrome as a first line therapy is feasible and associated with low mortality. Their use for non-malignant aetiology demands a more in depth review and advocates further investigation.

Abdominal Aortic Neck Wrap for Refractory Type 1a Endoleak: A Case Series and a Novel Intraoperative Assessment Technique.

Objective: Refractory type 1a endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) can pose a significant challenge to surgeons and interventional radiologists. Continuous sac expansion results in aneurysm rupture and mortality. In such circumstances, an external infrarenal aortic wrap could serve as an essential and alternative solution. Methods: We assessed the application of an infrarenal aortic neck wrap for the treatment of refractory type 1a endoleak in n=6 consecutive patients along with the introduction of a novel assessment technique in order to assure their intraoperative success with no radiation exposure and contrast use. Results: The median sac expansion was 8.5 mm (interquartile range [IQR], 5-20 mm). The median neck diameter and length of the aortic neck were 23 mm (IQR, 18-25 mm) and 21 mm (IQR, 18-25 mm), respectively. The median length of follow-up post wrap is 24 months (IQR, 14-34 months). There was no associated mortality or morbidity and requirement for any further interventions. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that aortic wrapping for the treatment of refractory type 1a endoleak for any given neck diameter and length is safe, effective, and long lasting. The suggested novel intraoperative assessment technique contributes to the safety of the procedure by diminishing the need for intraoperative radiation exposure, contrast, and shorter operative time.

Feasibility and Short-Term Outcomes of Three-Dimensional Hand-Sewn Esophago-Jejunal Anastomosis in Completely Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy for Cancer.

Laparoscopic total gastrectomy is on the rise. One of the most technically demanding steps of the approach is the construction of esophago-jejunal anastomosis. Several laparoscopic anastomotic techniques have been described, like linear stapler side-to-side or circular stapler end-to-side anastomosis; limited data exist regarding hand-sewn esophago-jejunal anastomosis. The study took place between January 2018 and June 2021. Patients enrolled in this study were adults with proximal gastric or esophago-gastric junction Siewert type III tumors that underwent 3D-assisted laparoscopic total gastrectomy. A hand-sewn esophago-jejunal anastomosis was performed in all cases laparoscopically. Forty consecutive cases were performed during the study period. Median anastomotic suturing time was 55 min, with intra-operative methylene blue leak test being negative in all cases. Median operating time was 240 min, and there were no conversions to open. The anastomotic leak rate and postoperative stricture rate were zero. The 30- and 90-day mortality rates were zero. Laparoscopic manual esophago-jejunal anastomosis utilizing a 3D platform in total gastrectomy for cancer can be performed with excellent outcomes regarding anastomotic leak and stricture rate. This anastomotic approach, although technically challenging, is safe and reproducible, with prominent results that can be disseminated in the surgical community.

The Role of Carotid Stump Pressure in Carotid Endarterectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This review evaluates the carotid stump pressure (CSP)'s role as a single parameter at any given pressure as an indicator for selective shunting, or vice versa, in carotid endarterectomy (CEA). A systematic review of literature in MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library from 1969 to 2019 was conducted. The primary end point was set at 0 to 30-day mortality, ischemic stroke (IS), transient ischemic attack (TIA), and a secondary point at recognition of an optimal CSP pressure. The data was subjected to meta-analytics. The odds ratio (OR) was reported at 95% confidence interval (CI). This study has been registered with PROSPERO: CRD42019119851. The pooled analysis on the primary endpoint of IS demonstrated higher incidence of stroke in shunted CEAs solely based on CSP measurement alone (OR, 0.14, 95%CI: 0.08-0.24, I 2=48%, p<0.001). Sub group analysis demonstrated similar patterns at 25 mmHg (OR, 0.06, 95%CI: 0.01-0.5, p<0.01), 30 mmHg (OR, 0.07, 95%CI: 0.01-0.63, p=0.02) and 40 mmHg (OR, 0.23, 95%CI: 0.09-0.57, p<0.01). This effect on end points of mortality and TIA demonstrated no benefit in either direction. CSP, as a single criterion, is not a reliable parameter in reduction of TIA, mortality, and IS at any given pressure range.