Minimally invasive surgery in the field of gynecologic oncology

The aim of this paper was to present the results in minimal invasive surgery in the field of gynecologic oncology at General hospital Zabok, Croatia. 381 laparoscopic procedures were performed between 1994 and 1998. There were 263 operations of the benign adnexal masses, and 107 operations due to benign tumors of corpus uteri (there were 18 LAVH, 12 LH and 77 TLH). There were 11 laparoscopic operations due to carcinoma (1 ovary, 6 corpus and 4 cervix). Operations were: 3 LAVH (laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy), 5 TLH (total laparoscopic hysterectomy) with pelvic lymphadenectomy, 1 LAVH with pelvic lymphadenectomy, 1 coelio Shauta operation with laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy and paraaortal lymphadenectomy, and 1 laparoscopic adnexectomy. Among laparoscopic procedures in 370 patients operations were successfully performed as planed, while in 11 patients it was necessary to switch to laprotomy. Among serious complications of laparscopic operations it is necessary to note 2 lesions of the ureter and 1 lesion of the bladder. Laparoscopic lymphadenectomies were performed successfully; there were no serious early or late postoperative complications. There was no operative mortality. Even though many authors claim that laparoscopic operations in the field of gynecologic oncology are safe and have the same results as in open surgery, patients benefit from shorter recovery and better quality of life during laparoscopic procedures.     

Immediate breast reconstruction using a laparoscopically harvested omental flap

Use of an omental flap to reconstruct the breast after cancer surgery was first reported by Kiricuta in 1963. Since then, the omentum has been widely used in cancer surgery to cover extensive thoracic defects associated with radionecrosis. In contrast, for breast reconstruction or augmentation mammaplasty, rectus abdominis and latissimus dorsi flaps have been used far more often than omental flaps. This article describes a new technique for immediate breast reconstruction using laparoscopically harvested omentum and reports the results obtained in 10 patients. Nine patients underwent immediate breast reconstruction after subcutaneous mastectomy. In the other patient, omentum was used in combination with skin grafting to cover a postmastectomy defect. Follow-up exceeded 16 months in the first patients. The results suggest that breast reconstruction using a laparoscopically harvested omental flap may be extremely dependable in terms of vascular supply (there was one case of partial necrosis, which healed with local management alone). The postoperative course of all patients was uneventful, and the use of laparoscopy reduced the hospital stay to less than 7 days. Donor-site scars were minimal. There was no residual loss of function, and there were no cases of incisional ventral hernia. Cosmetic results were satisfactory, with a soft breast that was both natural in appearance and stable in volume. However, in two patients the amount of omentum was found to be inadequate during the procedure; consequently, an implant was inserted under the omental flap. Breast reconstruction using a laparoscopically harvested omental flap is a new technique that allows autogenous reconstruction without disfigurement of the do-nor site and that results in a soft, natural-looking breast.     

Conventional versus endoscopic free gracilis muscle harvest

Compared with conventional techniques, the endoscopically assisted harvest of free tissue has advantages such as minimal interference with cosmesis and reduced donor-site morbidity. However, the procedure also requires training and has an extensive learning period. In this series of 22 patients, the initial gracilis muscle flaps were harvested using a conventional method; the subsequent flaps were harvested with the aid of endoscopic instrumentation. Endoscopically assisted gracilis muscle harvest in 16 patients was compared with open method harvest in six patients. The endoscopically assisted group had an average incision length of 6.5 cm; that of the conventional group was 15.5 cm. There was one reexploration in the endoscopically assisted group, but all flaps were transferred successfully. Using this minimally invasive technique of vascular and muscular dissection, assisted by endoscopic instruments designed for distal muscle dissection and transection, the gracilis muscles can be harvested within 40 minutes. We consider endoscopically assisted harvest of free gracilis muscle to be safe, relatively simple, and cost-effective.     

Endoscopically assisted "components separation" for closure of abdominal wall defects

The repair of ventral hernia defects of the abdominal wall challenges both general and plastic surgeons. Ventral herniation is a postoperative complication in 10 percent of abdominal surgeries; the repair of such defects has a recurrence rate as high as 50 percent. The "components separation" technique has successfully decreased the recurrence rates of ventral abdominal hernias. However, this technique has been associated with midline dehiscence and a prolonged postoperative stay at the authors' institutions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether endoscopically assisted components separation could minimize operative damage to the vasculature of the abdominal wall and decrease postoperative wound dehiscence. The study group consisted of seven patients who underwent endoscopically assisted components separation; the control group consisted of 30 patients who underwent open components separation. The two groups were similar regarding demographic data and defect size. The endoscopic group had a higher initial success rate than the open group (100 versus 77 percent). Recurrence rates were not significantly different between the two groups. However, the endoscopically assisted components separation patients had fewer postoperative and long-term complications. In the authors' experience, endoscopically assisted components separation has proved to be a safe and effective method for the repair of complicated and recurrent midline ventral hernias.     

On the Moral Acceptability of Physician‐Assisted Dying for Non‐Autonomous Psychiatric Patients

Several authors have recently suggested that the suffering caused by mental illness could provide moral grounds for physician‐assisted dying. Yet they typically require that psychiatric‐assisted dying could come to question in the cases of autonomous, or rational, psychiatric patients only. Given that also non‐autonomous psychiatric patients can sometimes suffer unbearably, this limitation appears questionable. In this article, I maintain that restricting psychiatric‐assisted dying to autonomous, or rational, psychiatric patients would not be compatible with endorsing certain end‐of‐life practices commonly accepted in current medical ethics and law, practices often referred to as ‘passive euthanasia’.     

Assisted circulation following myocardial infarction: a review of 25 patients treated before 1971

Twenty-five patients with impending death from myocardial infarction were treated with assisted circulation. Of these, 19 had suffered cardiac arrest from which they could not be resuscitated and six were in severe, intractable and expectedly terminal cardiogenic shock.All patients were treated by venoarterial bypass employing a bubble oxygenator. Assistance was continued for an average duration of one hour and 45 minutes at a flow rate between two and four litres per minute. The patients all showed improved cerebral, pulmonary and renal function and acid-base values returned to normal.Five patients survived for at least one month and two were improved; hence 28% of these otherwise terminal patients were helped by this technique of assisted circulation.     

腹腔镜辅助阴式全子宫切除术在巨大子宫肌瘤治疗中的应用价值

目的:研究腹腔镜辅助阴式全子宫切除术(Laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy,LAVH)在巨大子宫肌瘤(Huge leiomyoma uterus,HLU)治疗中的应用价值。方法:从2012年9月到2013年9月,选择在我院接受手术治疗的HLU患者130例作为研究对象。根据手术方案进行分组,其中LAVH组65例,TAH组65例,对比两组手术情况,术后并发症情况以及两组患者疼痛情况。结果:LAVH组的肛门排气时长、下床活动时长、住院时长均显著少于TAH组,但手术时长大于TAH组,差异均有统计学意义(均P0.05)。两组在术中出血量方面对比,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。LAVH组的术后并发症与TAH组相比,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。LAVH组的VAS评分及VDS评分均显著低于TAH组,差异均有统计学意义(均P0.05)。结论:LAVH术式在HLU中具有较大的应用价值,临床上应重视其适应证,优先选择此类术式,效果显著,值得临床关注。     

The bare area of the upper conjunctiva: a closer look at the anatomy of transconjunctival upper blepharoplasty

Transconjunctival upper blepharoplasty is a novel technique for which the overall experience has been limited. The authors have used this technique in 42 patients for eyelid rejuvenation, with predictable results and low morbidity. The authors previously described the "bare" area in the medial upper conjunctiva, which was initially noted during their clinical series. This area serves as an anatomic window to access the medial upper eyelid fat pad with a high degree of safety. To clarify the anatomy of this approach, an anatomic study of the upper medial eyelid was performed on the orbits of 10 cadavers (20 orbits). The bare area was further elucidated during these dissections and its microscopic components described in detail. Its spatial relationship to the medial orbital wall and trochlea was also examined during this study. The authors hope that these findings will aid surgeons planning to use this technique.     

非脱垂子宫阴式全切除136例的临床分析

目的探讨基层医院开展阴式子宫切除术（TVH）的可能性、必要性及其价值。方法对我院妇科2007年8月至2009年1月行阴式、腹式全子宫切除的193例进行研究,比较阴式与腹式两种术式的手术时间、术中出血量、术后胃肠功能恢复时间。结果两种术式的手术时间、术中出血量、术后胃肠功能恢复时间,均有明显差异（P〈0．01）．结论TVH组手术时间短,出血量少,腹部皮肤不留疤痕,术后康复快,住院时间短,医疗费用少,患者满意．     

La Vaso-Vasostomie Pelvi-Scrotale pour obstruction inguinale du canal déférent: Revue de la littérature

Pelvi- scrotal vasovasostomy for inguinal obstruction of the vas deferens: Review of the literature The recent development of assisted reproductive technologies has greatly modified evaluation and treatment of infertility and reconstructive surgery has been challenged over recent years by IVF techniques in the case of obstructive azoospermia. Inguinal hernia repair is a frequent surgical procedure that may cause vas deferens obstruction. Polypropelene mesh induces an inflammatory reaction followed by a dense fibroblastic reaction surrounding the spermatic cord. Azoospermia secondary to mesh hernia repair is one of the most difficult cases for andrological reconstructive surgery. Up until now, open vasovasostomy has been the only available technique, but gives poor results. A new option called laparoscopic pelvi- scrotal vaso- vasostomy PSW consists of mobilization of the endopelvic vas deferens from the deep inguinal ring to the superficial ring, allowing tension- free anastomosis with the distal part of the vas. The authors conclude that this technique is reliable, efficient and reproducible. It can be performed on both sides during the same procedure and it may open new possibilities for these patients to recover fertility and to father children naturally.     

Useability of an image based nagivation system in reconstruction of leg alignment in total knee arthroplasty - results of a propsective study]

Accurate leg alignment is one important factor for long term survival in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of a CT-based navigation system in restoration of the leg axis. 80 TKA (P.F.C.-Sigma--DePuy) were implanted either using a CT-based navigation-system or the conventional technique. There were no significant differences between the groups according to the preoperative leg deformity. Accuracy of implantation was determined on postoperative long-leg coronal and lateral x-rays. A postoperative leg axis between 3 degrees varus and 3 degrees valgus was obtained in 35/40 patients (88%) in the computer assisted and 28/40 patients (70%) in the conventional operated group. A higher precision in the sagittal plane was seen for the tibial (computer assisted: 3.9 +/- 2.2 vs. conventional TKA 1.3 +/- 5.8) and the femoral component (computer assisted: 3.5 +/- 2.3 vs. conventional TKA 6.9 +/- 3.6). The use of the CT-based VectorVision-System allows a significant improvement in the accuracy of implantation in TKA. The CT-based module has the advantage of a precise preoperative planning and a useful documentation and control tool for each important step. On the other hand there are additional costs and time consuming logistics.     

Endoscopically assisted facial suspension for treatment of facial palsy

Static suspension remains an option for certain patients with facial paralysis. Endoscopically assisted facial suspension obviates the need for a counter-incision at the oral commissure to distally inset the fascia lata graft as described in the standard technique. The endoscopic technique is simple, allows secure placement of perioral fascial strips, and can be performed as an outpatient.     

Une forme de tératozoospermie monomorphe: Le syndrome des spermatozoïdes macrocéphales et ses variants

Macronuclear spermatozoa is a rare sperm defect, but always raises problems in the context of assisted reproductive technology (ART). The authors propose a review of the macronuclear spermatozoa syndrome and its phenotypic variants. In practice, ART can be proposed except in the homogeneous form of this sperm defect. Evaluation of chromosomal abnormality rates in the spermatozoa of these patients must be performed, followed by multidisciplinary discussion and clear information of the patients prior to ART.     

Helicobacter pylori: Gastric Cancer and Extragastric Intestinal Malignancies

The greatest challenge in Helicobacter pylori-related diseases continues to remain prevention of gastric cancer. New evidence supports the beneficial effect of H.?pylori eradication not only on prevention of gastric cancer but also on the regression of preneoplastic conditions of the gastric mucosa. Concerning early detection of gastric cancer there are still no adequate means and there is urgent need to define appropriate markers, for example, by genome-wide research approaches. Currently, the best available method is the "serologic" biopsy based on pepsinogen I and the pepsinogen I/II ratio for identification of patients with severe gastric atrophy at increased risk for gastric cancer development. The treatment of early gastric cancer by endoscopic techniques can be performed safely and efficiently, but patients need meticulous follow-up for detection of metachronous lesions. In case of advanced disease, laparoscopically assisted surgical procedures are safe and favorable compared to open surgery. Two phase III trials support the role of adjuvant systemic treatment with different regimens. Unfortunately, there is still only slow progress in the development of palliative treatment regimens or modification of the existing therapy protocols. There is accumulating evidence for a role of H.?pylori infection also in colorectal carcinogenesis. Seropositive individuals are at higher risk for the development of colorectal adenomas and consequently adenocarcinomas of this anatomical region. This phenomenon can partly be attributed to the increase of serum gastrin as response to atrophic changes of the gastric mucosa.     

Distraction osteogenesis: a new surgical technique for use with the multiplanar mandibular distractor

If distraction osteogenesis is to reach its full potential and achieve the level of accuracy that is possible with orthognathic surgery, its outcomes need to be as predictable. To this end, the authors developed a planning process for distraction osteogenesis similar to that used in orthognathic surgery. However, the success of the planning process depends on the authors' ability to execute the plan at the time of surgery. As a result, the authors needed to develop a surgical technique that would enable them to precisely install the distractor as indicated in the presurgical plan. The surgical technique presented in this article was developed for this purpose. The authors used this technique in seven patients (four boys and three girls; age range, 4 to 10 years). Four patients presented with unilateral deformities, and three patients presented with bilateral deformities. The follow-up period in this group of patients ranged from 12 to 33 months. The purpose of the technique is to replicate the position of the distractor on the mandible as determined by the presurgical plan. To this purpose, a custom drill guide and a surgical template have been developed. Both of these are used following the principles of triangulation to establish the pin position and orientation of the distractor. In the authors' hands, the use of this surgical technique has resulted in outcomes close to those predicted by the planning process.     

Autophagy induced by a sulphamoylated estrone analogue contributes to its cytotoxic effect on breast cancer cells

Background

The conventional radical resection of proximal gastric cancer is even more risky when performed laparoscopically, though this technique is widely used in gastrointestinal surgery and is accepted as the superior method. This paper explores the feasibility of laparoscopic spleen-preserving hilar lymph node dissection using a retro-pancreatic approach for the treatment of proximal gastric cancer.

Methods

Two cadavers were dissected for examination of and the pre-pancreatic and retro-pancreatic spaces. Following the dissection of the cadavers, ten live patients with proximal gastric cancer from May 2008 to May 2013 at Nanfang Hospital, Guangzhou, China, were given total gastrectomy and adjuvant splenic hilar lymph node clearance through pre-pancreatic and retro-pancreatic approach on the precondition of preserving the pancreas and spleen. The clinicopathologic characteristics, as well as the intraoperative and postoperative variables affecting the procedure, were observed and analyzed.

Results

Anatomy of the space anterior and posterior to the pancreas in the two cadavers demonstrated the feasibility of pre-pancreatic and retro-pancreatic approach. The surgeries were all successfully performed laparoscopically; conversion to laparotomy was not necessary for any of the ten patients. The overall mean operative time was 243.6 ± 45 min. The mean estimated blood loss was 232 ± 80 ml. At the time of follow-up (median 12 months post-surgery), there had been neither local recurrence nor mortality in any of the patients.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic spleen- and pancreas-preserving splenic hilar lymph node dissection during total gastrectomy, using both pre-pancreatic and retro-pancreatic approaches, is indicated as a safe and feasible method for the treatment of proximal gastric cancer.

     

A standardized x-ray examination in the diagnosis of tumors of the large intestine]

High morbidity and mortality rates because of large intestinal carcinoma and a clear-cut tendency to the growth of these rates have prompted the authors to undertake this study. When new methods of radiodiagnosis appeared, traditional and highly informative methods, Ba enema among them, seemed to be forgotten. The authors suggest a program of standard examinations of the large intestine, based on simultaneous double-contrast technique, that permits an essential improvement of the diagnostic and economic efficacy of this one of the most prevalent methods of x-ray examinations. The suggested technique was used in examinations of 4120 patients with suspected tumors of the large intestine.     

Cryoanalgesia for relief of pain after thoracotomy.

One hundred patients undergoing thoracotomy had their intercostal nerves blocked by cryoanalgesia before closure and the effect of this on their postoperative pain was evaluated. Of the 100 patients, 79 were free of pain, 12 had some discomfort, and nine reported severe pain necessitating narcotic analgesia (mean 1.5 injections per patient). Only five patients needed assisted removal of sputum, though eight showed retention of sputum or subsegmental collapse of lung radiographically. Overall, lack of pain and greater alertness much enhanced the value of physiotherapy, which resulted in a low incidence of complications and a smooth recovery. The technique of cryoanalgesia is simple, extremely effective, and apparently offers benefits not conferred by other methods of preventing pain after thoracotomy.     

Anti-kappa elastin antibody titer in the sera of patients with hyperlipoproteinemia type II, III and IV]

Titre of antibodies against elastin degradation product (kappa-elastin) was measured in patients with atherogenic types of hyperlipoproteinemia. The hemagglutination technique was used. A significant decrease in titres of the tested antibodies was found. It was the most prominent in IIa, III and IIb types of hyperlipoproteinemia and rather mild in IV type. The authors attempted to explain causes of antibodies titres decrease in tested patients and relate their results with those of other authors.