Intraoperative Neuromonitoring for Peripheral Nerve Surgery

Intraoperative neuromonitoring is a valuable surgical resource that can assist in decision-making during peripheral nerve surgery using real-time electrophysiologic data. By stimulating a nerve and recording action potentials from a point on the nerve ("nerve action potential") or from a muscle ("triggered electromyography"), nerve lesions can be localized and the extent of nerve damage evaluated. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the role, indications, and techniques of intraoperative neuromonitoring of peripheral nerve injuries.

Analysis of risk factors for bile duct injury in laparoscopic cholecystectomy in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

To explore the risk factors of bile duct injury in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in China through meta-analysis.

METHODS

The study commenced with a search and selection of case-control studies on the risk factors for bile duct injury in LC in China using the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, ScienceNet.cn, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and VIP. Data were extracted from the collected documents independently by 2 researchers, following which a meta-analysis of these data was performed using Revman 5.3.

RESULTS

The compilation of all data from a total of 19 case-control studies revealed that among 41,044 patients, 458 patients experienced bile duct injury in LC, accounting for the incidence rate of 1.12% for bile duct injury. The revealed risk factors for bile duct injury were age (≥40 years) (odds ratio [OR] = 6.23, 95% CI [95% confidence interval]: 3.42-11.33, P < .001), abnormal preoperative liver function (OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.50-2.70, P < .001), acute and subacute inflammation of gallbladder (OR = 8.35, 95% CI: 5.32-13.10, P < .001; OR = 4.26, 95% CI: 2.73-6.65, P < .001), thickening of gallbladder wall (≥4 mm) (OR = 3.18, 95% CI: 2.34-4.34, P < .001), cholecystolithiasis complicated with effusion (OR = 3.05, 95% CI: 1.39-6.71, P = .006), and the anatomic variations of the gallbladder triangle (OR = 11.82, 95% CI: 6.32-22.09, P < .001). However, the factors of gender and overweight (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2) were not significantly correlated with bile duct injury in LC.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, age (≥40 years), abnormal preoperative liver function, gallbladder wall thickening, acute and subacute inflammation of the gallbladder, cholecystolithiasis complicated with effusion, and anatomic variations of the gallbladder triangle were found to be closely associated with bile duct injury in LC.

Intraoperative haemorrhagic choroidal detachment during MicroIncision Vitrectomy Surgery (MIVS): a unique mechanism

Haemorrhagic choroidal detachment (HCD) is a dreaded intraoperative complication of ophthalmic surgery, despite being rare. Multiple systemic and ocular risk factors of HCD have been reported. Acute hypotony during surgery is considered one of the most important precipitating factors. We herein describe a series of events during pars plana vitrectomy surgery for management of rhegmatogeneous retinal detachment which lead to localised HCD. We believe that the pathogenesis of localised HCD is related to compressive decompressive forces during the final tie of the encircling element after fluid air exchange.

Risk factors for intraoperative complications in pheochromocytomas

We aimed to identify presurgical and surgical risk factors for intraoperative complications in patients with pheochromocytomas. A retrospective study of patients with pheochromocytomas who underwent surgery in ten Spanish hospitals between 2011 and 2021 was performed. One hundred and sixty-two surgeries performed in 159 patients were included. The mean age was 51.6 ± 16.4 years old and 52.8% were women. Median tumour size was 40 mm (range 10-110). Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed in 148 patients and open adrenalectomy in 14 patients. Presurgical alpha- and beta-blockade was performed in 95.1% and 51.9% of the surgeries, respectively. 33.3% of the patients (n = 54) had one or more intraoperative complications. The most common complication was the hypertensive crisis in 21.0%, followed by prolonged hypotension in 20.0%, and hemodynamic instability in 10.5%. Patients pre-treated with doxazosin required intraoperative hypotensive treatment more commonly than patients pre-treated with other antihypertensive drugs (51.1% vs 26.5%, P = 0.002). Intraoperative complications were more common in patients with higher levels of urine metanephrine (OR = 1.01 for each 100 μg/24 h, P = 0.026) and normetanephrine (OR = 1.00 for each 100 μg/24 h, P = 0.025), larger tumours (OR = 1.4 for each 10 mm, P < 0.001), presurgical blood pressure > 130/80 mmHg (OR = 2.25, P = 0.027), pre-treated with doxazosin (OR = 2.20, P = 0.023) and who had not received perioperative hydrocortisone (OR = 3.95, P = 0.008). In conclusion, intraoperative complications in pheochromocytoma surgery are common and can be potentially life-threatening. Higher metanephrine and normetanephrine levels, larger tumour size, insufficient blood pressure control before surgery, pre-treatment with doxazosin, and the lack of treatment with perioperative hydrocortisone are associated with higher risk of intraoperative complications.

Intraoperative Complications and Early Return to the Operating Room in Total Hip Arthroplasty Performed Through the Direct Anterior and Posterior Approaches. An Institutional Experience of Surgeons After Their Learning Curve

BACKGROUND

Proponents of the direct anterior approach (DAA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) claim a faster recovery, whereas critics claim an increased risk of early femoral complications. This study analyzed intraoperative and postoperative complications requiring reoperation within one year after THA through the DAA and posterior approach (PA).

METHODS

A total of 2348 elective, unilateral DAA THAs in patients with osteoarthritis performed between 2016 and 2019 were matched 1:1 for age (±5 years), gender, body mass index (±5), and femoral fixation with 2348 patients who underwent PA THA during the same period. Mixed-effects logistic regression was used. Odds ratios were reported for the occurrence of intraoperative femoral fracture, postoperative femoral fracture, infection, dislocation, and other etiologies requiring reoperation within one year.

RESULTS

Intraoperative femoral fracture occurred in 12 DAA (0.5%) and 14 PA (0.6%) patients. Twenty-five patients (1.06%) in the DAA and 28 (1.19%) in the PA group underwent reoperation within the first year. Reoperations were due to periprosthetic fracture (40%), infection (28%), dislocation (23%), and other (9%). Regression analysis revealed no difference in intraoperative femoral fracture (odds ratio (OR): 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.40-1.86, P = .69), postoperative femoral fracture (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 0.47-2.60, P = .83), infection (OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 0.53-5.23, P = .44), or reoperation within one year for other reasons (OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 0.25-9.00, P = .65). DAA had fewer dislocations requiring reoperation (OR: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.04-0.91, P = .02).

CONCLUSION

This comparative study did not find differences in intraoperative or postoperative fracture or infection between DAA and PA. DAA was associated with a lower likelihood of reoperation for dislocation within one year of surgery.

Intraoperative development of pulmonary thromboembolism in a bedridden patient owing to a pelvic bone fracture with negative preoperative computed tomography pulmonary angiographic findings: A case report

RATIONALE

Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a potentially life-threatening condition with high morbidity and mortality, and computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is an important diagnostic tool for patients in whom PTE is suspected; however, intraoperative PTE is very difficult to diagnose and often has a rapid clinical course. We experienced a case of intraoperative PTE with persistent tachycardia refractory to conventional treatments despite negative preoperative CTPA findings.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 53-year-old man with a pelvic bone fracture who had been on bed rest for 10 days underwent open reduction and internal fixation under general anesthesia. He remained tachycardic (heart rate of 120 beats/min) despite treatments with fluid resuscitation, analgesics, and beta-blockers.

DIAGNOSES

Preoperative CTPA, computed tomography (CT) venography, and transthoracic echocardiography showed no signs of deep vein thrombosis and PTE. However, the levels of D-dimer were elevated. After the start of the surgery, tachycardia (heart rate between 100 and 110 beats/min) could not be treated with fluid resuscitation. Systolic blood pressure was maintained between 90 and 100 mm Hg using continuous infusion of phenylephrine. Ninety minutes after the surgery, systolic and diastolic blood pressures suddenly dropped from 100/60 to 30/15 mm Hg with a decrease in end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration from 29 to 13 mm Hg and development of atrial fibrillation. Arterial blood gas analysis revealed hypercapnia. Under the suspicion of PTE, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was immediately initiated. Three CPR cycles raised the blood pressure back to 90/50 mm Hg with sinus tachycardia (115 beats/min). Transesophageal echocardiography showed right ventricular dysfunction and paradoxical septal motion. However, emboli were not found. Postoperative chest CT revealed massive PTE in both pulmonary arteries.

INTERVENTIONS

Immediately, surgical embolectomy was performed uneventfully.

OUTCOMES

The patient was discharged from the hospital 1 month later without any complications.

LESSONS

The patient with moderate risk for PTE (heart rate > 95 beats/min and immobilization, surgery under general anesthesia, and lower limb fracture within 1 month) should be closely monitored and managed intraoperatively even if preoperative CTPA findings are negative. The development of PTE needs to be expected if tachycardia is refractory to conventional treatments.

Iatrogenic femoral artery pseudoaneurysm surgically repaired with combined bovine pericardial roll and autologous great saphenous vein grafts

Iatrogenic femoral artery pseudoaneurysm caused by invasive procedures is one of the common complications for endovascular interventions. We present a case of a young male with a complex iatrogenic femoral artery pseudoaneurysm as a result of iatrogenic femoral artery puncture. The defective femoral artery was repaired with combined bovine pericardial tube and autologous great saphenous vein grafts. Computed tomography angiography showed the grafts were still patent one year after the surgery.

Autologous tenon plug and patch in phacoburn

This 75-year-old woman had phacomorphic angle closure, dense nuclear sclerosis, deep set eye, miotic pupil and tight corneal wound during phacoemulsification. Phacoemulsification wound burn was noted at the end of surgery. Tenon was harvested from the inferior conjunctiva, placed over the gape and anchored by two radial corneoscleral 10-0 nylon. Ten days later, anterior optical coherence tomography showed good wound apposition and sutures were removed with visual recovery to 20/25 (6/7.5) without astigmatism.

Epidural hematoma due to Gardner-Wells Tongs placement during pediatric spinal deformity surgery

BACKGROUND

To our knowledge, this is the first documented report of an operative cranial epidural hematoma secondary to skull fracture due to placement of Gardner-Wells Tongs (GWT) in the setting of a spinal deformity reconstruction.

PURPOSE

The objective is to illustrate the possibility of cranial pathology secondary to GWT placement and the need to properly correlate intraoperative neuromonitoring findings.

STUDY DESIGN

Case report.

METHODS

A 14-year-old male with Marfan's Syndrome presented for three-column osteotomy spinal reconstruction for a large and stiff thoracic kyphoscoliosis. Gardner-Wells Tongs (GWT) was placed prior to prone positioning to provide neck stability without issue. During the lumbar posterior column osteotomies the patient began to lose upper and lower extremity motor data. This indicated a cranial pathology. A temporary rod was placed on the concavity and an emergent flip without closure was performed. Upon flip, the patient was fixed and dilated with only right corneal reflex. The patient was rushed to the CT scanner where a large right-sided epidural hematoma was noted with a temporal bone fracture at the pin site, with the patient's right temporal bone noted to be only 1.3 mm in thickness.

RESULTS

The patient underwent emergent epidural hematoma evacuation by the Neurosurgical team. The patient was discharged to rehabilitation 1 week after his cranial epidural hematoma surgery with a complete recovery including with full strength examination of all extremities. He subsequently underwent a definitive posterior spinal fusion with posterior column osteotomies 8 weeks later.

CONCLUSION

Cranial pin fixation has the rare possibility to produce cranial pathology and has a specific complication protocol. Proper utilization and interpretation of neuromonitoring is essential to aid in intraoperative decision-making.

A Novel Approach for Repairing Superior Mesenteric Artery Injury During Left Nephrectomy-6-year Follow-up

OBJECTIVE

To describe a novel approach for reconstructing the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) during left nephrectomy and review the literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The patient was a 57-year-old man with left back pain from an unknown cause for more than 3 hours. A computed tomography scan showed a 12- × 15-cm firm mass and a subcapsular hematoma in the left kidney. It was considered to be bleeding and rupture of the solid renal mass, and because of persistent pain and no documented distant metastatic disease, a transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy was elected, but the procedure was converted to open surgery for SMA injury. We reconstructed the SMA with end-to-end anastomosis between the SMA and the left renal artery stump.

RESULTS

At the 6-year follow-up, the patient had no intestine-related sequelae.

CONCLUSION

Our novel approach of an end-to-end anastomosis between the SMA and the left renal artery stump is an option for SMA injury, especially when orthotopic anastomosis or repair of the SMA is not indicated.

Reasons for Failure of Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty Performed Through a Direct Anterior Approach

The direct anterior approach (DAA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a technique popular among some arthroplasty surgeons. There is currently a paucity of data regarding reasons for failure of THA using the DAA. The authors conducted a retrospective review of prospectively collected data on 56 patients who underwent revision THA at their institution after failing primary THA that was performed through a DAA either at their institution (n=8) or elsewhere (n=48) from January 1, 2010, to June 1, 2017. Patients were grouped by modes of failure and compared using patient characteristics, surgical factors, and radiographic outcomes. Total hip arthroplasties performed through the DAA failed due to infection in 21 (38%) patients, aseptic/mechanical loosening in 14 (25%) patients, intraoperative fracture in 6 (11%) patients, postoperative fracture in 6 (11%) patients, tendinitis or pain of unknown etiology in 3 (5%) patients, metallosis in 3 (5%) patients, instability/dislocation in 2 (4%) patients, and leg length discrepancy in 1 (2%) patient. Patients who underwent revision due to unrecognized intraoperative fracture had a lower body mass index (BMI) and weight than patients who had failure due to postoperative fracture, aseptic loosening, or infection. The 4 most common modes of failure included infection, aseptic loosening, unrecognized intraoperative fracture, and postoperative fracture. Together, these made up 84% of failed DAA THAs. Patients with a lower BMI are more likely to have failure due to intraoperative fractures. Patients with a higher BMI are more likely to have failure due to postoperative fracture, aseptic loosening, or infection. [Orthopedics. 2020;43(4);239-244.].

Intraoperative endoscopy with immediate suture reinforcement of the defect in colorectal anastomosis: a pilot study

Colorectal anastomosis is the one at higher risk of complication in alimentary tract surgery. Several techniques have been used to intraoperatively check a colorectal anastomosis, without reaching a clear consensus. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the addition of intraoperative flexible endoscopy to indocyanine green fluorescence in detecting colorectal anastomotic defects in a consecutive series of patients. This was a pilot study conducted over a 15-month period. Patients were scheduled for an elective laparoscopic left colectomy or anterior resection with a planned stapled colorectal anastomosis. Pre-, intra- and postoperative data were collected. Intraoperative endoscopy was routinely performed and the anastomotic defects were classified. A suture reinforcement of the defect encountered was immediately performed either laparoscopically or transanally. The primary endpoint of the study was the rate of postoperative complications. Fitfty-two patients were enrolled. At intraoperative endoscopy, 12 anastomotic defects were detected and corrected with immediate suture reinforcement. Defects were classified as two leaks, two mucosal crash, one simultaneous leak and crash, one mucosal edema and six active bleedings. None of these patients developed any postoperative complication. Moreover, there was no postoperative bleeding complication in the entire cohort. The three patients developing a postoperative leak requiring anastomosis takedown were at high risk due to general status and cancer characteristics. Even though more data and a comparative group are needed, the results of this pilot study are very promising regarding the role of intraoperative endoscopy and suture reinforcement of a colorectal anastomotic defect.

Hemopericardium Following Transseptal Puncture During Balloon Mitral Valvotomy: Management Strategies and Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Hemopericardium is a major complication of balloon mitral valvotomy (BMV). Only a few studies are available to address this issue following transseptal access. In addition, the management strategy regarding completion of BMV is uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine the incidence of hemopericardium complicating transseptal puncture during BMV. In addition, the management strategy adopted and outcomes are highlighted.

METHODS

This prospective study included 29 consecutive patients who developed hemopericardium following transseptal access during BMV.

RESULTS

Out of 1424 patients who underwent BMV, hemopericardium developed in 29 patients following transseptal access (2.0%). The mean age of the study cohort was 36.9 ± 13.7 years and 82.8% were women. A second transseptal puncture was done and BMV was completed in 26 patients (89.6%). An acceptable hemodynamic result was obtained in 22 patients (84.6%). Six patients (20.7%) underwent emergency surgery for hemopericardium. The sites of perforation were inferior vena cava-right atrial junction in 4 cases, left atrial posterior wall in 1 case, and left atrial appendage in 1 case. In addition to repair of the perforation, a total of 2 patients underwent mitral valve replacement and 1 patient underwent open mitral commissurotomy. The in-hospital mortality rate was 6.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of hemopericardium complicating transseptal access during BMV was 2.0%, and was associated with a mortality rate of 6.9%. BMV can be safely performed in the same sitting with a second transseptal puncture, in patients with a favorable valve morphology. Surgical intervention can be reserved for a subset of patients with persistent pericardial collection.

The Deep-Wire Crossing Technique: A Novel Method for Treating Balloon-Uncrossable Lesions

BACKGROUND

Inability to cross the lesion with a balloon is the second-most common cause of technical failure, with the most common cause being the inability to cross with the wire. We propose a new, effective method for treating balloon-uncrossable lesions, called the "deep-wire crossing" (DWC) technique.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the procedural outcomes of the DWC technique for treating balloon-uncrossable lesions.

METHODS

From 2017 to 2018, a total of 95 patients with balloon-uncrossable lesions were treated using the DWC technique at our center. Procedural and in-hospital outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

In most cases, the target vessel was the left circumflex (46.3%), followed by the right coronary artery (31.6%) and left anterior descending (22.1%). According to the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association classification, 41% of lesions were classified as type C, 40% as type B2, and 18.9% as type B1. Chronic total occlusion occurred in 24 patients (25.3%). Overall technical success was achieved in 84 patients (88.4%). Successful DWC technique was achieved in 74 patients (77.9%). In-hospital major adverse cardiac event rate was 3.2%. Coronary perforation required pericardiocentesis in only 1 patient. Periprocedural myocardial infarction occurred in 1 patient and was managed conservatively; urgent revascularization was required for 1 patient.

CONCLUSION

Our experience with the DWC technique demonstrated that it can be a viable option for treating balloon- uncrossable lesions, and operators should become familiar with it.

Coronary Guidewire Fracture Into a Radial Artery Loop: A New Complication in the Transradial Era?

To date, complete fracture of a coronary wire into a radial artery loop has never been reported. We describe the occurrence of a new complication in the transradial intervention era.

Time-Integrated Aortic Regurgitation Index Helps Guide Balloon Postdilation During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement and Predicts Survival

Background

Balloon postdilation (BPD) has emerged as an effective strategy to reduce paravalvular regurgitation (PVR) during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We investigated the utility of a time‐integrated aortic regurgitation index (TIARI) to guide balloon postdilation (BPD) after valve deployment.

Methods and Results

All consecutive patients who had echocardiography, aortography, and hemodynamic tracings recorded immediately after valve deployment during TAVR were included in the study. Catheter‐derived invasive hemodynamic parameters were calculated offline. Among 157 patients who underwent TAVR, 49 (32%) patients required BPD to reduce significant PVR after valve deployment. Two experienced operators decided whether the patients required BPD for significant PVR. Median TIARI measured immediately after valve deployment was significantly lower in patients who required BPD when compared with patients who did not require BPD (P<0.001). In a multivariable analysis, lower TIARI (odds ratio: 0.81; P=0.003) and higher PVR grade on aortography and echocardiography (P<0.001 for both) were associated with BPD. Adding TIARI to echocardiography and aortographic PVR assessment resulted in a significant increase in global χ² (P<0.001), an integrated discrimination index of 9% (P=0.002), and combined C‐statistics of 0.99 for predicting BPD. Higher TIARI after valve deployment was associated with better survival (hazard ratio: 0.94, P=0.014), while other hemodynamic and imaging parameters did not predict mortality after TAVR.

Conclusions

Among patients undergoing TAVR, a TIARI measured immediately after valve deployment adds incremental value to guide BPD over aortography and echocardiography. Higher residual TIARI is associated with better survival after TAVR.

Invasive thymoma leading to pulmonary artery embolism during operation: A case report

RATIONALE

Invasive thymoma with intraluminal tumor thrombus may cause pulmonary artery thrombus if the tumor thrombus shed off during operation. However, there is no clinical case report focused on such complication.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 40-year-old woman presented with repeated chest pain.

DIAGNOSIS

Chest computer tomography showed huge mediastinal mass. Postoperative pathology revealed type B2 and B3 thymoma, with B3 as the main type.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent tumor resection through midline sternotomy in our hospital on September 17, 2018. She received emergent pulmonary artery exploration because the tumor thrombus in superior vena cava shed off unexpectedly during operation. Postoperative pulmonary computer tomography angiography showed right pulmonary artery embolism. Then emergent right pulmonary artery embolectomy was performed through lateral thoracic incision on September 29, 2018.

OUTCOMES

The patient recovered well after surgery. D-dimer reduced rapidly and returned to normal 1 month after the second operation.

LESSONS

Intraluminal tumor thrombus in invasive thymoma patients has a risk of shedding off during operation. Prevention strategy should be made beforehand. Pulmonary artery exploration is necessary once happened.

Intra-operative patellar fracture during chronic patellar tendon rupture reconstruction: salvage and prophylactic modified techniques

Management of chronic neglected patellar tendon rupture represents a challenging condition for the orthopedic surgeons to deal with due to many factors such as quadriceps muscle atrophy, superior migration of the patella, e.g., patella alta, peri-patellar adhesions and patellar tendon atrophy. Such difficulties might be further complicated by intra-operative patellar fracture during patellar tendon reconstruction. In the current article, the authors report (1) a salvage procedure for such devastating intra-operative complication, based on bypassing the patella and gaining the advantage of the quadriceps tendon for structural and functional restoration of the knee extensor mechanism, and (2) prophylactically a technical modification of patellar tendon reconstruction guarding against such inadvertent patellar fracture.