Surgical training of gynecologic oncology fellows: Long-term trends and implications for future education.

OBJECTIVES: The surgical training of gynecologic oncology (GO) fellows is critical to providing excellent care to women with gynecologic cancers. We sought to evaluate changes in techniques and surgical volumes over an 18-year period among established GO fellowships across the US. METHODS: We emailed surveys to 30 GO programs that had trained fellows for at least 18 years. Surveys requested the number of surgical cases performed by a fellow for seventeen surgical procedures over each of five-time intervals. A One-Way Analysis of Variance was conducted for each procedure, averaged across institutions, to examine whether each procedure significantly changed over the 18-year span. RESULTS: 14 GO programs responded and were included in the analysis using SPSS. We observed a significant increase in the use of minimally invasive (MIS) procedures (robotic hysterectomy (p < .001), MIS pelvic (p = .001) and MIS paraaortic lymphadenectomy (p = .008). There was a concurrent significant decrease in corresponding "open" procedures. There was a significant decrease in all paraaortic lymphadenectomies. Complex procedures (such as bowel resection) remained stable. However, there was a wide variation in the number of cases reported with extremely small numbers for some critical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The experience of GO fellows has shifted toward increased use of MIS. While these trends in care are appropriate, they do not diminish the need in many patients for complex open procedures. These findings should help spur the development of innovative training to maintain the ability to provide these core, specialty-defining procedures safely.

Gaps in Patient-Centered Decision-Making Related to Complex Surgery: A Mixed-Methods Study.

INTRODUCTION: We sought to understand the perceptions of surgeons around patient preferred roles in decision-making and their approaches to patient-centered decision-making (PCDM). METHODS: A concurrent embedded mixed-methods design was utilized among a cohort of surgeons performing complex surgical procedures. Data were collected through online surveys. Associations between perceptions and PCDM approaches were examined. RESULTS: Among 241 participants, most respondents were male (67.2%) with an average age of 47.6 y (standard deviation = 10.3); roughly half (52.4%) had practiced medicine for 10 or more years. Surgeons most frequently agreed (94.2%) with the statement, "Patients prefer to make health decisions on their own after seriously considering their physician's opinion." Conversely, surgeons most frequently disagreed (73.0%) with the statement, "Patients prefer that their physician make health decisions for them." Nearly one-third (30.4%) of surgeon qualitative responses (n = 115) indicated that clinical/biological information would help them tailor their approach to PCDM. Only 12.2% of respondents indicated that they assess patient preferences regarding both decision-making and information needs. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons most frequently agree that patients want to make their own health decisions after seriously considering their physicians opinion. A greater focus on what information surgeons should know before treatment decision-making may help optimize patient experience and outcomes related to complex surgical procedures.

Does neoadjuvant chemotherapy reduce surgical complexity in patients with advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer?

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) on the complex surgical procedures required in addition to staging surgery for the need to achieve a residual tumor 1 cm or less in a population of stage IIIC-IV epithelial ovarian cancer patients. METHODS: Patients were referred for NACT if preoperative imaging and/or intraoperative evaluation confirmed that it was not possible to achieve a residual tumor size of 1 cm or less with cytoreductive surgery or if the patient had a poor performance status and a high American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score. Surgical complexity was defined as complex or non-complex. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-six patients with stage IIIC-IV ovarian cancer were included in the study. Primary cytoreductive surgery was performed in 67 patients, and interval cytoreductive surgery was performed in 59 patients after NACT. At least one complex surgery was performed in 74.6% of the patients in the primary cytoreductive surgery group and in 61% of the patients in the NACT group, with no statistically significant difference between the groups. However, the NACT group showed significantly decreased rates of low-rectal resection, diaphragmatic peritoneal stripping, and peritonectomy. CONCLUSIONS: The analyses showed no reduction in the requirement for at least one complex surgical procedure in the group of patients who underwent NACT. Nevertheless, this group exhibited a significant decrease in low-rectal resection, diaphragmatic peritoneal stripping, and peritonectomy due to their effectiveness in reducing peritoneal disease.

Complex and Reoperative Colorectal Surgery: Setting Expectations and Learning from Experience.

A range of topics are covered in this issue dedicated to complex and reoperative colorectal surgery, from radiation-induced surgical problems, to enterocutaneous fistulas and locally advanced or recurrent rectal cancer. Common themes include the importance of operative planning and patient counseling on the expected functional outcomes. Experts in the field offer their technical tips and clinical lessons to maximize outcomes and minimize complications in these challenging cases.

Laparoscopic nerve lysis for deep endometriosis improves quality of life and chronic pain levels: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the benefit of surgical management of patients with endometriosis infiltrating pelvic nerves in terms of pain, analgesic consumption, and quality of life (QOL). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study In an Endometriosis referral center at a tertiary care university affiliated medical center. Patients diagnosed with endometriosis that underwent laparoscopic neurolysis for chronic pain were included. Patients rated their pain before and after surgery and differentiated between chronic pain and acute crises. Patients were requested to maintain a record of analgesic consumption and to evaluate their quality-of-life (QOL). RESULTS: Of the 21 patients in our study 15 (71.5 %) had obturator nerve involvement, 2 (9.5 %) had pudendal nerve involvement and 4 (19 %) had other pelvic nerve involvement. Median postoperative follow - up was of 8 months. All but 2 patients (9.6 %) had significant chronic pain improvement with a mean decrease of VAS of 3.05 (±2.5). Analgesic habits changed postoperatively with a significant decrease of 66 % of patients' daily consumption of any analgesics. Surgery improved QOL in 12 cases (57.1 %) and two patients (9.6 %) completely recovered with a high QOL. CONCLUSION: Neurolysis and excision of endometriosis of pelvic nerves could results in significant improvement of quality of life.

Which factors influence the approach to shared decision-making among surgeons performing complex operations?

BACKGROUND: Shared decision-making (SDM) aims to create a context in which patients and surgeons work together to explore treatment options and goals of care. The objective of the current study was to characterize demographic factors, behaviors, and perceptions of patient involvement among surgeons relative to SDM. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional survey methodology, surgeon demographics, behaviors, and perceptions of patient involvement were assessed. Surgeon approaches to SDM were measured using a 100-point scale ranging from 'patient-led' (0) to 'surgeon-led' (100). RESULTS: Among 241 respondents, most were male (n = 123, 67.2%) and White (n = 124, 69.3%); roughly one-half of surgeons had been in practice ≥10 years (n = 120, 52.4%). Surgeon approaches to SDM ranged from 0 to 81.0, with a median rating of 50.0 (IQR: 35.5, 62.0). Reported approaches to SDM were associated with years in practice, sharing information, and perceptions of patient involvement. Surgeons in practice 10 + years most frequently utilized a 'Shared, Patient-led' approach to SDM (27.5%), while individuals with less experience more often employed a 'Shared, Surgeon-led' approach (33.3%, p = 0.031). Surgeons with a 'Patient-led' approach perceived patient involvement as most important (M = 3.82, SD = 0.16), while respondents who had a 'Surgeon-led' approach considered this less important (M = 3.57, SD = 0.38; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Surgeon factors including demographics, behaviors, and perceptions of patient involvement influenced SDM approaches. SDM between patients and surgeons should strive to be more dynamic and tailored to each specific patient's needs to promote optimal patient-centered care.

The perioperative utility of 3D printed models in complex surgical care: feedback from 106 cases.

INTRODUCTION: 3D models are an emerging tool for surgical planning, providing an augmented method for the visualisation of a patient's anatomy. As their use increases, more data about the utility of these models is critical to inform budget allocation. This study provides the most comprehensive analysis to date for the use of 3D models in perioperative management. METHODS: 3D models for complex surgical cases in NHS hospitals were delivered alongside a surgeon feedback survey. The survey on the model's utility had been designed alongside the university data analytical team and focused on five areas: surgical planning and diagnosis, economic impact, impact on intraoperative and preoperative time, effect on communication and direct impact on the patient. RESULTS: There were 106 models used by 63 surgeons for complex surgical cases between May 2020 and March 2021, across multiple surgical specialties. The models were reported to have benefits in all perioperative areas, with 92.5% of responses agreeing that the 3D model was a better method for diagnosis and planning than traditional 2D techniques. Benefits were reported on preoperative planning (92.4%), economic savings due to equipment selection (54.4%), reduction in surgical time (41.5%) and surgeon-to-surgeon communication (92.6%). CONCLUSION: 3D models were shown to have a wide range of benefits in a surgical setting. The reduction in surgical time could have the potential to help alleviate surgical backlogs. With more widespread use and optimisation of costs the use of 3D models could become the standard for unusual and complex surgical cases.

Multidisciplinary conference for complex surgery leads to improved quality and safety.

INTRODUCTION: Complex surgery for adult spinal deformity has high rates of complications, reoperations, and readmissions. Preoperative discussions of high-risk operative spine patients at a multidisciplinary conference may contribute to decreased rates of these adverse outcomes through appropriate patient selection and surgical plan optimization. With this goal, we implemented a high-risk case conference involving orthopedic and neurosurgery spine, anesthesia, intraoperative monitoring neurology, and neurological intensive care. METHODS: Included in this retrospective review were patients ≥ 18 years old meeting one of the following high-risk criteria: 8 + levels fused, osteoporosis with 4 + levels fused, three column osteotomy, anterior revision of the same lumbar level, or planned significant correction for severe myelopathy, scoliosis (> 75˚), or kyphosis (> 75˚). Patients were categorized as Before Conference (BC): surgery before 2/19/2019 or After Conference (AC): surgery after 2/19/2019. Outcome measures include intraoperative and postoperative complications, readmissions, and reoperations. RESULTS: 263 patients were included (96 AC, 167 BC). AC was older than BC (60.0 vs 54.6, p = 0.025) and had lower BMI (27.1 vs 28.9, p = 0.047), but had similar CCI (3.2 vs 2.9 p = 0.312), and ASA Classification (2.5 vs 2.5, p = 0.790). Surgical characteristics, including levels fused (10.6 vs 10.7, p = 0.839), levels decompressed (1.29 vs 1.25, p = 0.863), 3 column osteotomies (10.4% vs 18.6%, p = 0.080), anterior column release (9.4% vs 12.6%, p = 0.432), and revision cases (53.1% vs 52.4%, p = 0.911) were similar between AC and BC. AC had lower EBL (1.1 vs 1.9L, p < 0.001) and fewer total intraoperative complications (16.7% vs 34.1%, p = 0.002), including fewer dural tears (4.2% vs 12.6%, p = 0.025), delayed extubations (8.3% vs 22.8%%, p = 0.003), and massive blood loss (4.2% vs 13.2%, p = 0.018). Length of stay (LOS) was similar between groups (7.2 vs 8.2 days, 0.251). AC had a lower incidence of deep surgical site infections (SSI, 1.0% vs 6.6%, p = 0.038), but a higher rate of hypotension requiring vasopressor therapy (18.8% vs 4.8%, p < 0.001). Other postoperative complications were similar between groups. AC had lower rates of reoperation at 30 (2.1% vs 8.4%, p = 0.040) and 90 days (3.1 vs 12.0%, p = 0.014) and lower readmission rates at 30 (3.1% vs 10.2%, p = 0.038) and 90 days (6.3 vs 15.0%, p = 0.035). On logistic regression, AC patients had higher odds of hypotension requiring vasopressor therapy and lower odds of delayed extubation, intraoperative RBC, and intraoperative salvage blood. CONCLUSIONS: Following implementation of a multidisciplinary high-risk case conference, 30- and 90-day reoperation and readmission rates, intraoperative complications, and postoperative deep SSIs decreased. Hypotensive events requiring vasopressors increased, but did not result in longer LOS or greater readmissions. These associations suggest a multidisciplinary conference may help improve quality and safety for high-risk spine patients. particularly through minimizing complications and optimizing outcomes in complex spine surgery.

Neuraxial anesthesia in hepato-pancreatic-bilio surgery: a first western pilot study of 46 patients.

The most common anesthetic approach in hepato-pancreatic-biliary (HPB) surgery is general anesthesia (GA), but it may result in increased morbidity and mortality and peri-operative risks especially in frail patients. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of neuraxial anesthesia (NA) in HPB in a pilot clinical series. This analysis was conducted on 46 consecutive patients undergoing HPB surgery in an Italian Tertial referral center. Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. continuous spinal anesthesia (CSA), combined spino-epidural anesthesia (CSEA) and peridural anesthesia (PA) were used in major and minor hepatectomies and bilio-pancreatic surgery instead of GA. NA was evaluated by analyzing the surgical and anesthesiological short-term outcomes. 46 patients were considered eligible for the study between February 2018 and May 2020. The average age was 69.07 (± 9.95) years. 22 were males and 24 were females. According to the ASA score, 19 (41.30%) patients had ASA II, 22 (47.83%) had ASA III and 5 (10.87%) had ASA IV. 22 (47.83%) patients underwent CSA, 20 (43.48%) CSEA and 4 (8.69%) PA. We performed 8 major and 19 minor hepatectomies, 7 bilio-digestive derivations, 5 Whipple procedures, 4 iatrogenic biliary duct injuries, 2 splenopancreatectomies and 1 hepatic cyst fenestration. Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3 was observed in 3 patients. The conversion rate to endotracheal intubation occurring in 3 of 46 (6.52%) patients. After surgery, no local or pulmonary complications and delirium were reported in our series. The present study demonstrates that NA is a safe and feasible option in selected patients, if performed in referral centers by well-trained anaesthesiologists and surgeons.

Neuraxial anesthesia for abdominal surgery, beyond the pandemic: a feasibility pilot study of 70 patients in a suburban hospital.

The aim of this study is to establish the feasibility of awake laparotomy under neuraxial anesthesia (NA) in a suburban hospital. A retrospective analysis of the results of a consecutive series of 70 patients undergoing awake abdominal surgery under NA at the Department of Surgery of our Hospital from February 11th, 2020 to October 20th, 2021 was conducted. The series includes 43 cases of urgent surgical care (2020) and 27 cases of elective abdominal surgery on frail patients (2021). Seventeen procedures (24.3%) required sedation to better control patient discomfort. Only in 4/70 (5.7%) cases, conversion to general anesthesia (GA) was necessary. Conversion to GA was not related to American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score or operative time. Only one of the four cases requiring conversion to GA was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) postoperatively. Fifteen patients (21.4%) required postoperative ICU support. A statistically non-significant association was observed between conversion to GA and postoperative ICU admission. The mortality rate was 8.5% (6 patients). Five out of six deaths occurred while in the ICU. All six were frail patients. None of these deaths was related to a complication of NA. Awake laparotomy under NA has confirmed its feasibility and safety in times of scarcity of resources and therapeutic restrictions, even in the most frail patients. We believe that this approach should be considered as an useful asset, especially for suburban hospitals.

Emergency presentation of abdominal wall hernias: Factors affecting resections and surgical-site complications in complex acute scenarios.

OBJECTIVE: Abdominal wall hernias (AWH) may turn into a complex condition in terms of emergency. This study aims to evaluate the factors which may lead emergency AWH operation to complex surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Univariate and multivariate regression analysis is performed to determine independent factors affecting tissue resection, bowel resection, and surgical-site complications. RESULTS: The type of hernia, time, and content of hernia are independent factors for tissue resection. The time elapsed from the onset of complaints to surgery and comorbid diseases are independent factors for bowel resection. Similarly, the time elapsed from the onset of complaints to surgery and bowel presence in hernia is independent risk factors for surgical-site complications. CONCLUSION: Patients who are operated later than 6 h after the onset of complaints and have comorbidity are more complex surgery.

OBJETIVO: Las hernias de la pared abdominal pueden convertirse en un cuadro complejo en términos de urgencia. Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar los factores que pueden llevar a una operación de hernia de la pared abdominal de emergencia a una cirugía compleja. MATERIALS Y MÉTODOS: Se realiza un análisis de regresión univariado y multivariado para determinar los factores independientes que afectan la resección de tejido, la resección intestinal y las complicaciones del sitio quirúrgico. RESULTADOS: El tipo de hernia, el tiempo y el contenido de la hernia son factores independientes para la resección del tejido. El tiempo transcurrido desde el inicio de las molestias hasta la cirugía y las enfermedades comórbidas son factores independientes para la resección intestinal. Del mismo modo, el tiempo transcurrido desde el inicio de las molestias hasta la cirugía y la presencia de intestino en la hernia son factores de riesgo independientes para las complicaciones del sitio quirúrgico. CONCLUSIÓN: Los pacientes que son operados después de las seis horas del inicio de las molestias y presentan comorbilidad son cirugías más complejas.

Simplified urethral score system for predicting complex anterior urethroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To assess U-score individual values as urethral complex surgery predictors. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including patients who received anterior urethroplasty from 2011 to 2019. U-score (etiology (1-2 points), number of strictures (1-2 points), anatomic location (1-2 points) and length (1-3 points)) was measured individually and globally. Surgical complexity was defined as low (anastomotic, buccal mucosal graft, and augmented anterior urethroplasty), and high complexity (double buccal mucosal graft, flap, and graft/flap combination). U-score components were included as complex surgery predictor and as main variable with individual probability values estimations and comparisons. Risk complex surgery probability groups were established. RESULTS: 654 patients were included. Mean age was 57.2 years. Low complexity surgery was performed in 464 patients (259 anastomotic, 144 graft, 61 augmented anterior urethroplasty) and high complexity was done in 190 (53 double buccal mucosa graft, 27 flap, 110 graft/flap comb.). In multivariate analysis length, number of strictures and location were predictors of complexity. Introducing U-Score as only variable in univariate model predicted an OR 8.52 (95%CI 6.1-11). Simplified U-score grouping set obtained by complex probability was: low risk (4-5 points), medium risk (6 points) and high risk of complexity (7-9 points) Predicted risk of complex surgery probability (95%CI) for low, median and high risk group were 1.6 (0-2.9), 19.1 (13.8-25.9) and 77.9 (61.6-88.7), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: U-score can be used as a tool to predict complex urethral surgery. We present a simplified U-score risk tool to assess individual complex anterior urethroplasty probability.

Complex and Challenging Surgery like CRS with HIPEC is Easible Midst the COVID 19 Pandemic: Experience from Tertiary Care Center in India.

BACKGROUND: Amidst the COVID pandemic, most guidelines have recommended delaying surgery and giving chemotherapy for with peritoneal surface malignancies. However, when all options are exhausted, complex surgery like CRS with HIPEC can be performed in select patients. METHOD: To facilitate these complex surgeries with maximum safety, RT-PCR test for COVID-19 was performed for each patient. Personal protective equipment including N95 masks and face shields was used. A number of OT personals were limited. Taking these steps minimized the risk of COVID-19 infections among healthcare workers and patients. CONCLUSION: After implementing these steps, we were able to perform complex CRS and HIPEC procedure during the pandemic and thus improve oncological outcomes.

Effective operating room (OR) utilization by performing low-complex surgical procedures during the 2020 corona pandemic.

PURPOSE: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has almost stopped all elective surgical treatment throughout the world. As operating room (OR) capacities are reduced everywhere to ensure availability of intensive care capacities, especially low-complex surgical procedures are often postponed. These include totally implantable central-venous access ports which are important for the oncologic treatment of cancer patients. METHODS: In our study, we investigated the potential of an outpatient surgical centre (OSC) in terms of workflow effectiveness compared to the central operating room complex (COR) of a university hospital using low-complex surgical procedures as an example. Data of 524 consecutive patients who received a Port-a-cath procedure (422 implantations (80.5%) and 102 explantations (19.5%)) in our department between February 2019 and February 2020 were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 277 patients were operated in outpatient surgical centre (OSC), and 247 patients received the procedure in the central OR (COR) complex. Grade II and III complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification occurred in 5.2% (OSC) and 7.3% (COR) of patients. Incision-to-suture time was significantly quicker in the OSC group (36 vs. 42 min., p < 0.032). Total OR time (01:08 vs. 01:20 h) and preparation-to-incision time were also shorter in the OSC group (12 vs. 17 min., p < 0.002). CONCLUSION: In order to ensure effective OR utilization especially in times of the corona pandemic, the use of smaller decentralized OR units, e.g., outpatient surgical centres, for performing low-complex surgical cases is beneficial. Our study revealed shorter total OR and preparation-to-incision times.

Cervical intramedullary spinal cavernoma in setting of unresolved myelopathy: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Spinal cavernous malformations are rare, accounting for approximately 5-12% of all spinal cord vascular lesions. Fortunately, improvements in imaging technologies have made it easier to establish the diagnosis of intramedullary spinal cavernomas (ISCs). CASE DESCRIPTION: Here, we report the case of a 63-year-old male with an >11-year history of left-sided radiculopathy, ataxia, and quadriparesis. Initially, radiographic findings were interpreted as consistent with spondylotic myelopathy with cord signal changes from the C3-C7 levels. The patient underwent a C3-C7 laminectomy/foraminotomy with instrumentation. It was only after several symptomatic recurrences and repeated magnetic resonance images (MRI) that the diagnosis of a ventrally-located intramedullary lesion, concerning for a cavernoma, at the level C6 was established. CONCLUSION: Early and repeated enhanced MR studies may be required to correctly establish the diagnosis and determine the optimal surgical management of ISCs.

Super Giant Growth Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma in Young Woman: From Ventricles to Nose.

BACKGROUND: Giant pituitary adenomas are rare tumors that can have a devastating impact on a patient's life. They require a well-studied therapeutic approach that often combines different strategies. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 29-year-old woman was diagnosed with the largest GH-secreting pituitary adenoma reported in the literature, to the best of the author's knowledge. The tumor was removed with a combined approach: endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal and transcortical transventricular. All available acromegaly drugs were used. After 2 surgeries, a large part of the tumor was removed. Both postoperative courses were uneventful. Because the disease was still active, medical therapy was initiated. The combination of pasireotide, pegvisomant, and cabergoline permitted satisfactory control of hormonal levels. CONCLUSIONS: Giant adenomas, >4 cm, are rare pituitary tumors. Therefore in order to achieve the best clinical results, they require complex management that involves a multidisciplinary team of ear, nose, and throat surgeons; endocrinologists; radiation therapists; ophthalmologists; and neurosurgeons.

Short term outcomes and unintended benefits of establishing a HPB program at a university-affiliated community hospital.

BACKGROUND: In hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery higher volumes are associated with improved outcomes; however, there are limitations to regionalization. Here we report our experience establishing multidisciplinary HPB program at a university-affiliated community hospital. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of patients who underwent HPB surgery between 2015 and 2017. Chief residents' HPB case logs were collected. RESULTS: 61 pancreatic resections and 62 hepatic resections were performed. The morbidity, 30-day mortality and median length of stay following pancreatic resections were 27%, 1.5%, and 8 days, respectively. The morbidity, 90-day mortality, and median length of stay following hepatic resections were 24%, 3%, and 7 days, respectively. The median pancreatic and liver case volumes for graduating chief residents increased from 7 to 8 to 16 and 16, respectively (p < 0.05), after the establishment of a HPB program. Participation in multidisciplinary care (p = 0.08) and clinical trial enrollment increased. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates short-term outcomes comparable to high volume centers. Development of a HPB program had a positive impact on resident operative experience, increased multidisciplinary care and increased clinical trial enrollment.

External suture annuloplasty for mild to moderate and moderate aortic regurgitation due to an isolated type Ic lesion.

OBJECTIVE: Whether mild to moderate and moderate aortic regurgitation should be corrected surgically during other cardiovascular surgeries remains controversial. We evaluated the effectiveness of external suture annuloplasty in such cases. METHODS: Among 95 patients undergoing aortic valve repair between December 2013 and March 2018, five patients with mild to moderate and moderate aortic regurgitation due to aortic annulus dilatation (type Ic lesion) underwent surgery for mitral regurgitation and/or thoracic aortic aneurysm. Aortic valves were repaired with external suture annuloplasty alone with a mean Hegar dilator size of 20.4 ± 0.8 (20.0-22.0) mm at the same time and were followed up echocardiographically. RESULTS: There were no cases of mortality or major morbidity. Intraoperative direct measurement revealed ventriculoaortic junction size of 25.0 ± 0.8 (24.0-27.0) mm. The average cardiopulmonary bypass time and aortic cross-clamping time were 139 ± 46 (76-205) min and 105 ± 38 (58-172) min, respectively. Postoperative transthoracic echocardiogram during hospitalization showed trivial aortic regurgitation in all cases, with average ventriculoaortic junction size, aortic valve area, and peak and mean transvalvular gradient of 19.1 ± 0.7 (18.0-20.3) mm, 2.24 ± 0.48 (1.60-3.00) cm2, 6.4 ± 1.9 (4.0-9.2) mmHg, and 3.5 ± 1.1 (2.1-5.2) mmHg, respectively. Ventriculoaortic junction size was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). There have been no changes in ventriculoaortic junction size (P = 0.32) or other echocardiographic findings for 24 ± 6 (17-36) months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Although concomitant with other cardiac surgeries, mild to moderate and moderate aortic regurgitation could be repaired without clinically relevant additional surgical duration. External suture annuloplasty is a useful, safe, and secure treatment choice for type Ic lesion-induced aortic regurgitation.

Aggressive angiomyxoma presenting with back and perineal bulge; a complex surgical approach: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Aggressive angiomyxoma is a rare mesenchymal tumor occurring predominantly in the pelvi-perineal region. It is more common in females during their reproductive age. Our focus is on the surgical approach for a recurrent angiomyxoma. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 36-year-old female patient with a recurrent lower back and perineal bulges. One year ago, she had the same presentation and underwent resection of that mass in a peripheral hospital without available information. Five months later, she started to have the same bulge. Computed tomography scan and true cut biopsy were suggestive of angiomyxoma with single lung metastasis. The decision was to proceed with resection through a transabdominal and perineal incision, even in the presence of metastasis since it's a very slow growing tumor with long life expectancy. The pathology was consistent with aggressive angiomyxoma. DISCUSSION: 90% of patients with angiomyxoma are women. Although it is benign, the tumor is still aggressive because of the high rate of local recurrence after resection. Angiomyxoma is a mesenchymal tumor, composed of fibroblasts within a myxoid background. Treatment is usually through wide local excision to achieve an R0 resection. Our approach was through a transabdominal and perineal incision, which allowed full control and mobilization of the tumor without disrupting the capsule. This surgical approach was not described previously in the literature. CONCLUSION: The principle to achieve cure in aggressive angiomyxoma is by optimizing exposure through two different incisions, wide excision while keeping the capsule intact and removing enbloc any invaded organ.