A novel pathway: chest wall percutaneous closure for an aortic pseudoaneurysm

Ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm is difficult to treat with traditional surgical techniques. We report a case involving a 32-year-old man with ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm who underwent a series of prior operations, including the Bentall procedure with total aortic arch replacement for type A aortic dissection and postoperative sternal resection for chronic osteomyelitis of the sternum. He was successfully treated with percutaneous device closure of the pseudoaneurysm with an atrial septal defect occluder. This case illustrates successful closure of ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm via a chest wall percutaneous approach.

Lateralising DMMO (MIS) for simultaneous correction of a pes adductus during surgical treatment of a hallux valgus

The surgical correction of a hallux valgus deformity presenting with a pes adductus has long proven to be a difficult undertaking. The medial shift of the metatarsal bones limits the scope for surgical correction and leads to inherently high reoccurrence rates. Current invasive treatments often give rise to profound soft tissue trauma and prolonged swelling, while requiring strict relief from weight-bearing in the affected foot. In this paper, it is aimed to introduce an easy and useful modification of the Distal Metatarsal Minimal-invasive Osteotomy (DMMO) to perform the effective, simultaneous correction of a pes adductus during surgical treatment of a hallux valgus. We followed-up 143 patients with a hallux valgus and simultaneous pes adductus deformity who underwent one of three additional interventions contemporaneous to the lateralising DMMO: The assessment of radiological and clinical outcomes after a follow-up period of 12-25 months showed a sustained and effective correction of the pes adductus with a well-aligned hallux. The surgery was characterised by a low incidence of postoperative complications and high patient satisfaction while allowing for pain-adapted, post-operative weight-bearing. Level of Clinical Evidence: 3.

Considerations on the use of MitraClip in the treatment of mitral regurgitation

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is, by occurrence, the second most common valvular heart disease in the Western world, with a significant impact on prognosis and mortality. A significant number of patients with significant mitral incompetence cannot be submitted to conventional surgery due to high surgical risk. The need for an adequate therapeutical strategy prompted the development of innovative endovascular techniques. Among them, the MitraClip percutaneous system, mimicking the ‘edge-to-edge’ surgical technique introduced by Alfieri in 2003 has emerged as the treatment of choice in patients not suitable for conventional surgery. Since its introduction, this procedure has been effectively carried out in more than 35 000 patients. The evidences from the first randomized clinical trial, EVEREST II, suggested that the MitraClip system is effective in improving survival and quality of life in patients with severe MR. Further randomized trials, MITRA-FR and COAPT, added some more information, showing that an appropriate patient selection, close attention to the specific anatomical characteristics of the mitral valve, and adequate experience of the centre providing the treatment, are important determinants of the outcome of the procedure.

Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Modified Iliac Screw Placement Using Intraoperative Navigation: A Technical Note

OBJECTIVE

The modified iliac screw fixation technique was proposed to be an interesting alternative option for spinopelvic fixation. In this study, we describe a new minimally invasive technique for percutaneous placement of modified iliac screws.

METHODS

A 64-year-old man with ankylosing spondylitis suffered from a 3-column fracture at the L5 vertebra without any neurologic deficit. We performed percutaneous pedicle screw fixation from L2 to S1 with additional modified iliac screws augmentation using an intraoperative navigation. We inserted both S1 pedicle screw and modified iliac screw within a stab incision on each side of the patient's back without using rod connector.

RESULTS

The patient's severe low back pain subsided on the day following the operation. There was no clinical low back pain at 2-week follow-up. The 1-year follow-up x-ray showed that the fracture was healed successfully without signs of screw loosening or breakage.

CONCLUSIONS

The modified iliac screws can be placed safely via percutaneous approach with an intraoperative image guidance. By using this new technique, surgeons can easily adjust the screw head to align with S1 pedicle screw via the same small incision. The rod connectors are not necessary for this technique. This method also prevents the acute angle that can develop between the screw head and shaft of the screw, which is typically found in S2 alar-iliac screw technique.

Interventional radiology in the management of uncommon causes of obstetric haemorrhage

PURPOSE

To delineate the uncommon causes of pregnancy related haemorrhage and discuss various endovascular, and direct percutaneous interventional radiology techniques that can be used for successful management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-four females with uncommon causes of pregnancy related haemorrhage, who were referred for uterine artery embolization, between January 2013 and May 2020, were retrospectively analyzed in this hospital-based study. Observations were tabulated under age, prior procedure, post procedure day, underlying pathology, route, embolizing agent used, complications and recurrence, and statistical analysis done.

RESULTS

The mean age of the studied population was 28.5 ± 4.9 years (range 20-41 years), and the most common prior procedure performed was caesarean section (31.8 %), followed by post abortive procedures (29.5 %) and normal vaginal deliveries (27.3 %). The median post procedure duration was 6.5 days (range 1-80 days). Most common underlying pathology was pseudoaneurysm (31.8 %), followed by arteriovenous malformations and uterine artery hypertrophy (18.2 % each). Percutaneous route was used in 6 patients while the remaining 38 patients underwent endovascular management. Overall, Gelfoam was used in 50 % patients, gelfoam plus another agent in 29.5 % and glue in 20.5 % patients. Technical success was achieved in 97.7 % and clinical success in 95.4 % with no major procedure related complications.

CONCLUSION

Interventional Radiology offers minimally invasive, safe and effective embolization procedures for the management of uncommon causes of pregnancy related haemorrhage, with low complication rate and high clinical success.

Oncologic outcomes and safety of percutaneous cryoablation for biopsy-proven renal cell carcinoma up to 4 cm in diameter: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous cryoablation is widely used for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. We prospectively evaluated the oncologic outcomes and safety of percutaneous cryoablation for the treatment of tumors ≤ 4 cm in diameter.

METHODS

We included patients aged ≥ 20 years, who had histologically proven renal cell carcinoma, tumor diameter ≤ 4 cm, a performance status of ≤ 1, acceptable laboratory parameters, were inoperable or refused to undergo surgery, and had signed a written informed consent. The primary endpoint was the cause-specific survival rate. The secondary endpoints were overall and progression-free survival, and adverse event frequency and grade. All procedures were percutaneously performed under computed tomography fluoroscopy guidance.

RESULTS

From October 2013 to October 2015, 33 patients (mean age: 68 ± 14 years; sex: six women, 27 men) were enrolled. The mean tumor diameter was 2.1 ± 0.6 (range 1.0-3.4) cm. The median follow-up period was 60.1 (range 18.4-76.6) months. One patient died of non-renal cell carcinoma-related disease 46 months after percutaneous cryoablation. The cause-specific and overall survival rates were 100% and 96.8% at 3 years, and 100% and 96.8% at 5 years, respectively. There was no local tumor progression or distant metastasis. The incidence of severe urological (urinary fistula and perinephric infection) and non-urological adverse events (increased creatine kinase and skin ulceration) was 6% each.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous cryoablation for renal cell carcinoma ≤ 4 cm in diameter achieved good tumor control with a low complication frequency.

Air vs contrast pyelogram for initial puncture access in percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a randomized controlled trial

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a standard procedure for large renal stones. Contrast (traditionally) as well as air is being used to delineate pelvi-calyceal system (PCS) to perform initial puncture. Contrast, when used has certain disadvantages including poor differentiation of anterior and posterior calyces. In this interim analysis of 122 patients of a prospective study subjects were stratified in two groups: in group 1, contrast was used while in group 2, air was used to delineate PCS. Out of 122,103 patients underwent puncture by contrast or air exclusively while 19 patients required mix of contrast and air (14 patients failed puncture using contrast while 5 using air). Mean dosage of radiation exposure (8.43 vs. 14.26 mGy), duration of radiation exposure (0.66 vs. 1.02 min), access time (3.72 vs. 5.84 min), were less in group 2 as compared to group 1. 84.5% of patients underwent puncture in single attempt in group 2 as compared to 56.25% in group 1. Five patients had post-operative fever and one had trans-pleural tract dilation. Complete stone clearance was seen in 94.8% of patients using air to only 75% of patients using contrast. Conclusion: Air pyelogram is a feasible, safe, cost effective and efficient access alternative to contrast pyelogram and in difficult situation a mixture of both is better than using one.

A case report of a large intracardiac thrombus in a COVID-19 patient managed with percutaneous thrombectomy and right ventricular mechanical circulatory support

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a global pandemic with an unprecedented burden on health and the economy worldwide. Although it primarily involves the respiratory tract system, cardiovascular complications, particularly arterial and venous thrombosis, are frequently reported and are associated with adverse outcomes.

Case summary

We describe the case of a 57-year-old female who presented with acute hypoxic respiratory failure and shock. She was found to have left lower extremity deep vein thrombosis and a suspected pulmonary embolism. A large mobile right atrial mass was found on echocardiogram. Given the large thrombus burden that portended an extremely high risk for embolization to the pulmonary arteries, emergent percutaneous aspiration of an organized thrombus (rather than thrombolysis) was performed using the AngioVac system (Angiodynamics Inc., Latham, NY, USA) complicated by haemodynamic collapse due to acute right ventricular failure. An Impella RP (Abiomed, Danvers, MA, USA) was then placed, with rapid stabilization of haemodynamics. The patient tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). She was treated with antimicrobial and systemic anticoagulation therapy. She was successfully weaned off the Impella RP on post-operative day 4 and was extubated on day 5. She was discharged on day 16 in a stable condition.

Discussion

Incident venous thrombo-embolism is frequently encountered in COVID-19 patients. We report the first case of a large intracardiac thrombus associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection managed successfully with percutaneous thrombectomy and right ventricular mechanical circulatory support.

Soil-sebum partition coefficients for high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (HMW-PAH)

In vitro high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (HMW-PAH) soil-sebum partition coefficients (K_SS) were measured for twelve soils collected from former UK gasworks. Concentrations of ∑16 USEPA PAH in the soils ranged from 51 to 1440 mg/kg. Time series extractions (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 24 h) at skin temperature (32 °C) of HMW-PAH from sebum to soil for two samples were conducted to determine the maximum release time-step. The maximum HMW-PAH release time-step was determined as 4 h, which was subsequently used as the extraction time for the remaining samples. The 4 h extraction for all samples showed HMW-PAH K_SS ranging from 0.06 to 1.4 (median = 0.59; mean = 0.59; standard deviation = 0.27; median absolute deviation = 0.29). Evaluation of K_SS data for the 4 h extractions showed that soil type and selected HMW-PAH properties (literature based molecular weight and octanol-carbon partition coefficients) affect the amount of HMW-PAH released from soil into sebum.

Management of acetabular fractures in elderly patients

Management of acetabular fractures in elderly patients is challenging. The challenges arise due to associated medical comorbidities, poor bone quality and comminution. There are multiple modalities of treatment. the exact algorithms or treatment remain undefined. Treatment is still based on experience and some available evidence. The options include conservative treatment, percutaneous fixation, open reduction internal fixation and the acute fix and replace procedure. There is a well recognised risk of each treatment option. We present a narrative review of the relevant available evidence and our treatment principles based on experience from a regional tertiary pelvic-acetabular fracture service.

Percutaneous mitral valve repair with MitraClip XTR for acute mitral regurgitation due to papillary muscle rupture

Papillary muscle rupture is an infrequent and highly morbid mechanical complication of acute myocardial infarction. Surgical repair or replacement is traditionally considered first-line therapy. However, many of these patients present in extremis with prohibitively high surgical risk. Repair of mitral regurgitation with the MitraClip device (Abbot Vascular, Menlo Park, CA, USA) is an established therapy to treat degenerative and functional mitral regurgitation. We present a case of successful repair of severe mitral regurgitation due to papillary muscle rupture in the setting of acute myocardial infarction. A two-clip strategy resulted in mild residual mitral regurgitation with resolution of cardiogenic shock and refractory hypoxemia requiring veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Six-month follow-up echocardiogram identified durable results with mild mitral regurgitation and left ventricular ejection fraction of 63 %. Our case demonstrates that percutaneous mitral valve repair with MitraClip is a well-tolerated procedure that can provide acute and long-term benefit for patients with acute mitral regurgitation due to papillary muscle rupture who are at prohibitively high surgical risk. .

Post-operative infection rates in linear vs. punch technique for bone anchored hearing systems

PURPOSE

This study investigates the post-operative infection rates between two surgical approaches: linear incision and the punch technique for bone anchored hearing systems. Secondarily, it investigates the impact of smoking, comorbid disease, and operative conditions on post-operative skin reactions and infections.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted at a single tertiary care institution. A single surgeon completed either of the two techniques on adult patients with mixed, conductive hearing loss, or single sided-deafness. Patients included had at least 6 months follow-up, and were evaluated for preexisting illnesses, perioperative complications, length of surgery, and post-operative complications including infection after surgery. Post-operative soft tissue around the abutment was assessed with Holgers Classification scale.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients were included in this study, 28 female and 23 males with an average age of 68.8. Thirty-three patients underwent linear incision surgery and 18 had the punch technique. Overall 9 patients (17.6%) had post-operative infections requiring topical or oral antibiotic treatment. Six (18.2%) were in the linear group and 3 (16.7%) in the punch group. There was no statistically significantly difference (p = 1). A multivariate analysis compared age, sex, obesity, DM, operative time, skin thickness, and abutment size to post-operative skin infection rates requiring treatment. Only DM was statistically correlative with infection (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

No significant differences in post-operative infections were identified comparing linear incision and the punch techniques. Patients with diabetes had a higher incidence of post-operative skin infections rates.

Comparison of percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy versus open surgical technique in severe COVID-19: Complication rates, relative risks and benefits

Objective

Patients with acute respiratory failure due to COVID-19 have a high likelihood of needing prolonged intubation and may subsequently require tracheotomy. Usually, the choice of technique (percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy [PDT] versus open surgical tracheotomy [OST]) depends on the preference of surgeons and patient-related factors. In case of COVID-19, airborne spread of viral particles and limited time of apnea must be considered in the choice of the safest technique. The aim of this study is to compare the complication rates and offer an assessment of relative risks and benefits of PDT versus OST in patients with severe COVID-19.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study considering 47 consecutive patients affected by severe acute respiratory distress syndrome due to SARS-CoV-2 infection, needing invasive mechanical ventilation and subsequent tracheostomy. This study was performed at the Intensive Care Unit of our tertiary referral center. Complication rates were analyzed.

Results

Seventeen patients underwent PDT and 30 patients were submitted to OST. Twenty-six patients (55.3%) had post-operative complications (local infection, hemorrhage, subcutaneous emphysema) with no significant difference between PDT and OST.

Conclusion

PDT and OST are characterized by similar postoperative complication rates in severe COVID-19 patients. These findings suggest that OST might be preferred if expert ENT surgeons are available, as PDT could result in longer apnea and exposure to generated aerosol. However, authors recommend considering either OST or PDT at the discretion of the medical staff involved, according to the personal experience of the operators performing the procedure.

Percutaneous Computed Tomography-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation of Spinal Trigeminal Tract and Nucleus Caudalis for Refractory Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

This is a surgical video of a computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of the spinal trigeminal tract and nucleus caudalis for refractory trigeminal neuropathic pain.1,2 Many have contributed historically, among them, Sjoqvist3 in 1938 first described destruction of the descending medullary trigeminal tractus via open craniotomy.3-6 In 1967 and 1968, Crue7 and Hitchcock8 independently developed a percutaneous tractotomy technique. Although Kanpolat9,10 first described the use of CT imaging for percutaneous creation of a single tractotomy/nucleotomy lesion resulting in satisfactory pain relief for 85% of patients. The spinal trigeminal tract is a descending fiber pathway containing central processes of first-order afferent neurons from cranial nerves V, VII, IX, and X. The spinal trigeminal nucleus is the terminal projection of the spinal trigeminal tract comprised of 3 subnuclei: oralis, interpolaris, and caudalis. The nucleus caudalis is the most caudal of the 3 subdivisions of the spinal trigeminal nucleus and houses the cell bodies of second-order afferent neurons critical in nociception of the face. Lesioning of the spinal trigeminal tract and nucleus caudalis can provide pain relief without affecting facial sensation or trigeminal motor function.9,11-13 Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation is performed using anatomical landmarks, serial CT scans, impedance monitoring, and functional confirmation to ensure appropriate insertion of the probe to the target of interest prior to lesioning. This procedure remains uncommon in current practices even among functional neurosurgery pain specialists but offers a low-risk, minimally invasive treatment option for refractory facial pain.14 This procedure was done under Institutional Review Board guidance (H-41228: retrospective chart review of patients undergoing spine surgery for pain). The risks and benefits were explained, and the patient consented to videography/procedure. Images in the video used with permission from the following: Carter HV. Anatomy of the Human Body. Wikimedia Commons [Public Domain]. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gray698.png. Published 1918. Accessed June 30, 2019; Carter HV. Anatomy of the Human Body. Wikimedia Commons [Public Domain]. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gray784.png. Published 1918. Accessed June 30, 2019; Reprinted from Kanpolat Y, Kahilogullari G, Ugur HC, Elhan AH, CT-guided percutaneous trigeminal tractotomy-nucleotomy, Neurosurgery, 2008, 63(1 Suppl 1), ONS147-53; discussion ONS153-5, by permission of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons; Madhero88. Onion Distribution of Pain and Temperature Sense by Trigeminal Nerve. Wikimedia Commons [Creative Commons BY 3.0 license]. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Onionskinddistribution.svg#/media/File:Onionskinddistribution.svg. Accessed June 30, 2019.

Minimally-invasive hallux arthrodesis with endomedullary and a crossed screw fixation

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive surgery has several advantages: minor pain, smaller incisions and less tissue damage than traditional open surgery. Hallux arthrodesis with an endomedullary screw fixation provides compression and axial stability. The aim of this study was to describe the procedure and evaluate our first results of the minimally invasive first metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis with an endomedullary screw combined with a crossed screw fixation.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 15feet, with a minimum 1year follow-up. Patients were evaluated with full-load radiographs and AOFAS score preoperatively and at last follow-up.

RESULTS

Consolidation rate was 93.3%, radiological consolidation time was 18 weeks (14-60). Radiographic alignment was achieved with satisfactory results. The preoperative AOFAS score improved from a mean 49 to 90 (p=0.001). There was one postoperative superficial site infection, which healed and a patient developed a pseudarthrosis but it was asymptomatic.

CONCLUSIONS

The minimally invasive metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis with an intramedullary screw is a secure procedure with comparable results to open techniques.

LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE

4.

Unusual bronchoscopic value in percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy: A case report

BACKGROUND

The usage of bronchoscopy during percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy remains under debate. The proponents of bronchoscopy advocating safety of the procedure, whereas the critics raising the concerns about the cost, possible delay in the procedure, and waiting for the device.

CASE SUMMARY

We are highlighting a case of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy where bronchoscopy aided in diagnosing a rare situation of wire entrapment within the endotracheal tube, treated by withdrawing the wire from the endotracheal tube with good outcome.

CONCLUSION

The bronchoscopy guided approach permitted early diagnosis and helped to end the procedure without complication or possible major surgery in a case of accidental wire puncture of the endotracheal tube.

Percutaneous transhepatic biliary stent placement in the palliative management of malignant obstructive jaundice: initial experience in a tertiary center in Ghana

Introduction

one of the mainstays of management of malignant biliary obstruction is the decompression of the biliary system and its associated obstructive symptoms. Non-surgical palliative treatment such as percutaneous transhepatic biliary stenting is desirable in many selected patients. However, this service is often not available in many resource-limited countries. We share our initial experience of percutaneous transhepatic biliary stenting for the management of malignant biliary obstruction in our first set of patients with surgically non resectable malignant biliary obstruction in Ghana.

Methods

percutaneous transhepatic biliary stenting was performed on the first 23 consecutive patients at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. The procedure served as the first palliation for malignant obstruction through interventional radiology. Medical records as well as serum levels of total bilirubin (TBil), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were used to assess the efficiency of the intervention. Microsoft Excel 2010 was used to analysis the data.

Results

most patients had resolution of jaundice with marked improvement in liver function and resolution of the itching associated with obstructive jaundice. During the follow-up of cases, one major complication of hemoperitoneum occurred requiring laparotomy. No other major complications such as bile leakage or death occurred. Four (4) patients had sepsis, which was managed.

Conclusion

the introduction of the intervention in Ghana has proven to valuable for palliative drainage and relief of obstructive symptoms, hence contributing to better patient management. It is relatively safe with minor complications among Ghanaians with non-resectable obstructive symptoms.

Percutaneous closure of iatrogenic anterior mitral leaflet perforation: a case report

Background

Severe mitral regurgitation (MR) through the body of the anterior mitral leaflet (AML) is rare. The cause either iatrogenic during open-heart surgery or due to infective endocarditis. We present a case where a successful percutaneous closure of the AML perforation was an alternative to surgery.

Case summary

A 60-year-old male presented with shortness of breath (SOB) class III of 12 months duration. He underwent coronary artery bypass surgery with four grafts plus mitral valve (MV) repair 20 months ago. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) and transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) revealed severe MR through the body of AML at A3. The percutaneous closure plan was to cross the AML perforation from the left ventricular side. The venacontracta of the perforation was 6 mm, an amplatzer septal occluder device 6 mm considered appropriate for closure of this hole. A snare catheter snared the wire and exteriorized creating arteriovenous loop. Amplatzer septal occluder 6 mm loaded to the delivery system till larger disc (left-sided) opened safely and freely below the MV apparatus. Once the left ventricular side disc opposed the ventricular surface of AML, the waist and left atrial disc gently released. The patient discharged in the next day. After 6 months, the patient had no more SOB, he returned to his daily activity. Follow-up TTE showed no MR, the closure device was stable in place.

Discussion

We added a successful case of transcatheter AML perforation to the literature. The role of TOE is crucial in diagnosis and procedure guidance.

[Minimally invasive techniques for traumatic injuries of the cervical spine]

Nowadays, although minimally invasive procedures are the standard for the treatment of thoracolumbar spinal injuries, these techniques are not yet established for the cervical spine. This is due to anatomical and technical reasons and also due to the fact that the classical anterior decompression and fusion procedure already fulfils the criteria of minimally invasiveness and is suitable for the vast majority of injuries. The existing literature consists mainly of case reports and small comparative cohort studies, the results of which are presented. There is a minimally invasive variant for nearly all open procedures, mainly in the upper cervical spine but also in the lower cervical spine. The further development of these promising techniques is still pending.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Radiologic Management of Biliary Obstruction

Biliary obstruction is a serious condition that can occur in the setting of both benign and malignant pathologies. In the setting of acute cholangitis, biliary decompression can be lifesaving; for patients with cancer who are receiving chemotherapy, untreated obstructive jaundice may lead to biochemical derangements that often preclude continuation of therapy unless biliary decompression is performed (see the ACR Appropriateness Criteria® topic on "Jaundice"). Recommended therapy including percutaneous decompression, endoscopic decompression, and/or surgical decompression is based on the etiology of the obstruction and patient factors including the individual's anatomy. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Percutaneous hallux valgus surgery: comparison between mini-invasive Chevron and Bosch osteotomies

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Through percutaneous approaches, hallux valgus corrections can be performed with minimal soft tissue injury, less postoperative pain and good cosmetic results. Bosch osteotomy and MICA (Minimally Invasive Chevron Akin) have shown to be effective techniques for the correction of hallux valgus, although there are currently no publications comparing each other. The aim of this study is to compare the radiological and functional results of both techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective, comparative study was carried out on patients with moderate hallux valgus. They were divided into two groups according to the percutaneous technique performed: Chevron osteotomy and Bosch osteotomy with screw fixation. The metatarsophalangeal, intermetatarsal, and distal articular veneer declination angles of the first metatarsal and the bone consolidation time were evaluated radiologically. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery (AOFAS) score was used for functional assessment. Complications were registered during the first year.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients in each group were included for the study. In each of the groups, the radiological angles were compared preoperatively and at final follow-up, showing statistically significant changes in the three variables considered; but no differences were obtained by comparing them with each other. The time of consolidation was also similar in both groups. As for the AOFAS scale, an improvement was obtained with both techniques, but the difference was not significant when comparing them.

CONCLUSIONS

Both Bosch and MICA techniques showed comparable results at the end of the follow-up. Further work is needed to determine the advantages of each in the immediate postoperative time.

Severe acute pancreatitis: surgical indications and treatment

Background

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is defined as an acute inflammatory attack of the pancreas of sudden onset. Around 25% of patients have either moderately severe or severe disease with a mortality rate of 15–20%.

Purpose

The aim of this article was to summarize the advances being made in the understanding of this disease and the important role of surgery.

Results and conclusions

An accurate diagnosis should be made a soon as possible, initiating resuscitation with large volume intravenous fluids and oxygen by mask. Predicted severe disease will require intensive monitoring. Most deaths within the first week are due to multi-organ failure; thus, these patients will require intensive therapy unit management. During the second phase of the disease, death is due to local complications arising from the pancreatic inflammation, requiring accurate identification to determine the correct form of treatment. Acute peripancreatic fluid collections arise < 4 weeks after onset of interstitial edematous pancreatitis, not requiring any treatment. Most pancreatic pseudocysts arise > 4 weeks and largely resolve on conservative management. Necrotizing pancreatitis causing acute necrotic collections and later walled-off necrosis will require treatment if symptomatic or infected. Initial endoscopic transgastric or percutaneous drainage will resolve less serious collections but necrosectomy using minimally invasive approaches will be needed for more serious collections. To prevent recurrent attacks of AP, causative factors need to be removed where possible such as cholecystectomy and cessation of alcohol. Future progress requires improved management of multi-organ failure and more effective minimally invasive techniques for the removal of necrosis.

The feasibility for a novel minimally invasive surgery-percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (PE-TLIF) for the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases: a cadaveric experiment

Background

The objective of the study was to evaluate our innovative percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (PE-TLIF) for the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases.

Methods

Two fresh-frozen human cadavers with soft tissues were donated for the experiment. Both cadavers had no history of previous spine surgery. The PE-TLIF surgery was performed on 3 levels (L4-5 of the first one, and L3-4, L4-5 of the second one) in October 2015. The PE-TLIF technique mainly included the following aspects: primary guide pins and a specially designed superior articular process (SAP) guide insertion, working channel setup, endoscopic decompression and fusion, and pedicle screw implantation and fixation. Under the surveillance of C-arm fluoroscope, four primary guide pins were inserted. The inferior primary guide in the hypothetically symptomatic side was confirmed as the first guide pin. At the end of the first guide pin, the specially designed SAP guide was installed. The secondary guide pin was inserted in the SAP via self-designed SAP guide. Under the protection cannula, part of the superior articular process was removed by oriented SAP resection device, so the working channel was smoothly put through the Kambin’s triangle. The endoscope was inserted close to the exiting nerve root. Rotation of the working channel kept the nerve root out of it.

Results

Three levels of PE-TLIF were successfully performed in two cadavers. Self-designed SAP guide made the secondary guide pin inserting the SAP accurately. Decompression was adequate and the traversing nerve root was relieved. Three aimed intervertebral levels are implanted with two 7-mm-high PEEK cages and one expandable cage. The expandable cage could be adjusted from 8 mm to 13 mm. Surgical incisions included four 15 mm incisions for percutaneous screw fixation and one 12 mm incision for working channel. There was no nerve injury during the operations.

Conclusions

Our present results showed that the novel minimally invasive surgery PE-TLIF was feasible for the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases.

Does Percutaneous Lumbosacral Pedicle Screw Instrumentation Prevent Long-Term Adjacent Segment Disease after Lumbar Fusion?

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE

To assess long-term clinical outcomes of adjacent segment disease (ASD) in patients who underwent lumbar interbody fusion with percutaneous pedicle screw (PS) instrumentation.

OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE

ASD is a well-known sequela of spinal fusion, and is reported to occur at a rate of 2%-3% per year. There is debate as to whether ASD is a result of the instrumentation and fusion method or is the natural history of the patient's disease. Minimally invasive percutaneous PS augmentation of lumbar interbody fusion aims to prevent the disruption of posterior soft tissue stabilizers.

METHODS

From 2004-2014, 419 consecutive patients underwent anterior, lateral, or minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with percutaneous PS placement at a single institution. The mean follow-up was 4.5 years. The primary outcome measure was reoperation due to ASD. Patients were divided into two cohorts: those who underwent revision surgery secondary to ASD and those who did not require further surgery. Radiographic parameters were performed using postoperative radiographs. Patients with a pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) mismatch >10° were noted.

RESULTS

Revision proportion secondary to ASD was 4.77% (n=20). Mean time to revision surgery was 2.5 years. Revision rate secondary to ASD was 1.1% per year. Patients who developed ASD were younger than those who did not (50.5 vs. 56.9 years, p=0.015). There was no difference in number of levels fused between cohorts. Revision proportion secondary to ASD was similar between approaches (anterior, lateral, minimally invasive). There was no significant difference in PI-LL mismatch between those who underwent revision for ASD and those who did not (22.2% vs. 18.8%, p=0.758).

CONCLUSIONS

ASD rates in patients who underwent percutaneous PS placement were lower than those previously published after open PS placement, possibly related to greater preservation of the posterior stabilizing elements of the lumbar spine.