Validation of haemodialysis recirculation and access blood flow measured by thermodilution.

BACKGROUND: Recirculation (R) and access blood flow (Qac) measurements are considered useful indicators of adequate delivery of haemodialysis. It was the purpose of this study to compare measurements of R and Qac obtained by two different techniques which are based on the same principle of indicator dilution, but which differ because of the characteristics of the injection and detection of the different indicators used. METHODS: Recirculation measured by a thermal dilution technique using temperature sensors (BTM, Fresenius Medical Care) was compared with recirculation measured by a validated saline dilution technique using ultrasonic transducers placed on arterial and venous segments of the extracorporeal circulation (HDM, Transonic Systems, Inc.). Calculated access flows were compared by Bland Altman analysis. Data are given as mean +/- SD. RESULTS: A total of 104 measurements obtained in 52 treatments (17 patients, 18 accesses) were compared. Recirculation measured with correct placement of blood lines and corrected for the effect of cardiopulmonary recirculation using the 'double recirculation technique' was -0.02 +/- 0.14% by the BTM technique and not different from the 0% measured by the HDM technique. Recirculation measured with reversed placement of blood lines and corrected for the effect of cardiopulmonary recirculation was 19.66 +/- 10.77% measured by the BTM technique compared with 20.87 +/- 11.64% measured by the HDM technique. The difference between techniques was small (-1.21 +/- 2.44%) albeit significant. Access flow calculated from BTM recirculation was 1328 +/- 627 ml/min compared with 1390 +/- 657 ml/min calculated by the HDM technique. There was no bias between techniques. CONCLUSION: BTM thermodilution yields results which are consistent with the HDM ultrasound dilution technique with regard to both recirculation and access flow measurement.     

Frozen section technique to evaluate early burn wound biopsy: a comparison with the rapid section technique

The importance of early diagnosis and treatment of burn wound infection has prompted many efforts to use frozen section technique for processing burn wound biopsies, most of which have been unsuccessful. A frozen section technique which facilitates quick, reliable evaluation of biopsies was developed, and has been used in the evaluation of 169 biopsies over a period of 18 months. The frozen section technique takes 30 minutes compared with 4 hours for the rapid section method. Comparison of diagnoses made using both methods for each of the 169 biopsies produced a 96% coincidence. Each discrepant diagnosis was corrected by the rapid technique approximately 3 1/2 hours after the frozen section diagnosis. The frozen section technique is a generally accurate and rapid means of assessing the microbial status of a burn wound and diagnosing invasive infection. Permanent sections produced by rapid section technique should always be examined to confirm the frozen section diagnosis.     

Simultaneous Facelift and Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing: A Safe Technique?

A modified facelifting technique with simultaneous carbon dioxide laser resurfacing makes for improved quality of the overlying skin, which enhances the effect of repositioning of the deep facial structures. Concerns have been expressed with regard to complications which may occur when this approach to facelifting is used. This paper presents guidelines which, if observed, allow this procedure to be performed safely in terms of laser skin injury. Over 100 patients have been treated using this combined technique, frequently with the addition of further ancillary procedures. Patient follow-up ranged from 1 to 36 months and showed none of the feared complications to have occurred. This combined approach has improved the results achieved previously by either technique used on its own. In addition, it saves time for both patient and surgeon, and apart from redness, the postoperative recovery period is similar. This technique requires patient education and a postoperative team effort by surgeon, nurse, and aesthetician. Experience has shown that this is a safe procedure which can produce good results with the proper pre- and postoperative management.     

Extracorporeal CO2 Removal in severe adult respiratory distress syndrome

Sixty-five per cent survival has been achieved in a group of patients with severe ARDS and a predicted mortality of 92%, by the use of Gattinoni's technique of extracorporeal CO2 removal. In patients and animals the technique has usually resulted in rapid improvement in the radiographic appearance and lung function. There are several possible mechanisms by which the technique may facilitate lung repair, including improvement of lung tissue oxygenation, the avoidance of high airway pressures and regional alkalosis in the lung, a reduction in oxygen toxicity, and the frequency observed reduction in pulmonary artery pressure. The apparent effectiveness of the technique and other associated evidence have implications which should lead us to reconsider some aspects of our conventional management of patients with severe ARDS.     

Combined cuff and suture technique for orthotopic whole intestinal transplantation in rats

For the purpose of immunological study on small intestinal transplantation (SIT), rat SIT models using direct suture technique widely have been used, which requires at least several months of training for microsurgery. Alternatively, a simple cuff technique for SIT has been mainly used by us, which reduces warm-ischemic time and the training period, but the entire intestinal grafts usually obtain a limited blood supply. This report describes a modification of a combined cuff and suture technique for rat SIT to aid beginning microsurgical transplantation researchers. The advantages are 1) use of only arterial suturing, making it easier for beginners, with the cuff technique applied to the more difficult vein anastomosis; 2) achievement of better arterial inflow and graft survival than when the arterial cuff technique is used; and 3) doing only partial clamping of the aorta, which improves animal survival and success of the procedure. A very high successful rate in orthotopic whole SIT was achieved even by beginners.     

Flexor tendon repair: significant gain in strength from the Halsted peripheral suture technique

A biomechanical study in vitro has evaluated a new modification of the core and peripheral suture technique for flexor tendon repair. Groups of repairs were conducted in cadaver tendons, using a core suture alone, a core suture with a simple running surface suture and a new modification involving a 'Halsted' horizontal mattress technique for the peripheral stitch. The Halsted modification increased the load at which a visible gap formed by 93%, the load at which a 2 mm gap formed by 77%, and the maximum strength by 89%. This increase was due to the technique; it did not depend on the suture material used. The bulk of the tendon repair was not significantly greater with the Halsted modification.     

Modified thoracentesis technique using a triple-lumen catheter

Therapeutic thoracentesis may be preferable over tube thoracostomy in select clinical scenarios in which a symptomatic pleural effusion develops after an isolated and limited physiologic insult. Notable risks in patients undergoing bedside thoracentesis include parenchymal lung injury, abdominal organ injury, and incomplete pleural drainage. These risks are driven in part by inexperienced house officers performing the technique, coupled with technical limitations imparted by hospital-provided thoracentesis kits. To address these concerns, we present a modification to the technique of bedside thoracentesis whereby a triple-lumen catheter is placed into the pleural space over a guidewire. This approach overcomes shortcomings of the packaged thoracentesis kits, improves patient comfort, minimizes the risk of lung injury, and provides more complete drainage of the pleural cavity in patients requiring therapeutic thoracentesis. This approach carries a small risk of air entry into the pleural space, which can be minimized with meticulous technique. Furthermore, by using a Seldinger approach, our technique can improve resident comfort with thoracentesis by drawing on a more robust skill set that likely already has developed during their training in central line placement.     

The feasibility of a percutaneous temporary pedal bypass.

A technique is described in which by subintimal recanalization it is possible to create a percutaneous distal bypass to the foot. This technique might offer new opportunities for patients with non-healing ulcers which are technically and/or medically inoperable.     

胆道T管拔（脱）出后重置的技巧

目的:探讨纤维胆道镜检查术后重置T管的方法和技巧。方法:256例次纤维胆道镜检查术后患者分成两组；其中85例次采用直接插入法（直接法组）重置T管，171例次采用导丝引导法（导丝法组）重置T管。结果:直接插入法中有3例未能成功重置T管，其中1例误入肠管，拔除T管后经非手术疗法治愈。导丝引导法中T管重置全部成功，且未发生并发症。结论:导丝引导法能成功引导T管重置。     

Open and closed arthrodesis of the rheumatoid wrist using a modified (Stanley) Steinmann pin

In a series of 21 patients (22 wrists) with rheumatoid arthritis, arthrodesis of the wrist was done using a modified Steinmann pin (Stanley) either by an open or closed technique. The open technique, which included fragmenting the carpal bones (12 cases), was mainly used when additional procedures were needed simultaneously. The closed technique simply required insertion of the Stanley pin under fluoroscan control through a small incision over the metacarpal head. Nine out of 12 wrists treated with the open technique and nine out of ten of those treated by the closed technique were successfully fused. Complications were few. A single patient was dissatisfied due to continuing pain. Two out of the four pins that migrated (both involving the open technique) have been removed.     

Brindley technique with intradural deafferentation and extradural implantation by a single sacral laminectomy

AIM: We propose an improved technique for implanting a sacral root stimulator associated with dorsal sacral rhizotomy ("Brindley's technique") in a single intra-sacral approach. METHOD: This novel technique only requires a single sacral laminectomy, consisting in a sacral deafferentation at the level of the dural cul-de-sac, facilitated by the anatomical identification of the sacral roots at this level. RESULTS: Four patients underwent surgery using this technique since October 2002, resulting in a very satisfactory micturition status. DISCUSSION: The aim of this technique, which is as rapid as the conventional intra-dural technique, is to obtain complete deafferentation and to induce non traumatic transdural motor stimulation at the same level. In this way, surgical goals can be reached more readily with greater safety than with other techniques.     

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy by extraperitoneal access with duplication of the open technique

INTRODUCTION: The laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is a continually developing technique. Transperitoneal access has been preferred by the majority of centers that employ this technique. Endoscopic extraperitoneal access is used by a few groups, nevertheless it is currently receiving a higher acceptance. In general, the antegrade technique is used, with dissection from the bladder neck to the prostate apex. The objective of the present paper is to describe the extraperitoneal technique with reproduction of the open surgery's surgical steps. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: With this technique, the dissection of the prostate apex is performed and, following the section of the urethra while preserving the sphincteric apparatus, the Foley catheter is externally tied and internally recovered, which allows cranial traction, similarly to the way it is performed in conventional surgery. The retroprostatic space is posteriorly dissected and the seminal vesicles are identified by anterior and posterior approach, obtaining with this method an optimal exposure of the posterolateral pedicles and the prostate contour. The initial impression is that this technique does not present higher bleeding rate or difficulty level when compared with antegrade surgery. Potential advantages of this technique would be the greater familiarity with surgical steps, isolated extraperitoneal drainage of urine and secretions and a good definition of prostate limits and lateral pedicles, which are critical factors for preserving the neurovascular bundles and avoiding positive surgical margins. A higher number of cases and a long-term follow-up will demonstrate its actual value as a technical option for endoscopic access to the prostate.     

口腔修复牙体预备不同操作模式的临床疗效比较

目的:对比四手操作与独立操作在口腔修复牙体预备中的应用价值。方法:选取笔者医院口腔科2017年8月-2018年8月收治的96例行口腔修复的患者,按随机数表法分为四手操作组与独立操作组,每组48例。四手操作组:采取四手操作,由1名医师与1名护士配合进行口腔修复牙体预备;独立操作组:由医师独立完成口腔修复牙体预备全过程。比较两组手术时间、模型牙预备标准率、医护舒适度、患者舒适度、患者满意度、医院感染率及不良事件总发生率。结果:四手操作组手术时间为(22.51±3.05)min,显著短于独立操作组的(29.67±3.48)min(P<0.05);四手操作组模型牙预备标准率为98.15%,显著高于独立操作组的88.46%(P<0.05);四手操作组医护舒适度与患者舒适度分别为97.92%与91.67%,显著高于独立操作组的83.33%与75.00%(P<0.05);四手操作患者满意度为100.00%,显著高于独立操作组的87.50%(P<0.05)。四手操作组医院感染率与不良事件总发生率显著低于独立操作组(P<0.05)。结论:口腔修复牙体预备采用四手操作有利于缩短手术时间、提高舒适度与患者满意度,且可减少医院感染与不良事件,效果优于独立操作,值得临床推广。     

The treatment of scaphoid nonunion. A review of a novel technique using precision bone grafting compared with Herbert screw fixation and bone graft

We have retrospectively reviewed the results of 40 consecutive patients with nonunion of the scaphoid treated by the senior author (PG) between 1993 and 1996. These comprised two groups of patients. Group 1 comprised 20 patients treated between 1993 and 1994, with a Herbert screw and autograft, and Group 2, which also comprised 20 patients treated with the precision bone grafting technique which we describe. The precision bone grafting technique employs simple instrumentation to harvest bone percutaneously from the iliac crest and then insert it at the scaphoid nonunion site. The evaluation consisted of a clinical and radiological assessment of union and wrist function. Our review demonstrates a higher rate of union with the precision bone grafting technique than by the Herbert screw fixation with bone grafting.     

Chipping and lengthening technique for delayed unions and nonunions with shortening or bone loss

Autologous bone graft is usually necessary for reconstruction of nonunions with shortening or bone loss. We developed a new technique to reconstruct such nonunions or delayed unions without bone grafting by chipping and lengthening of bone at the original fracture site. Five in six nonunions with shortening or bone loss could be successfully united without bone graft by using our method. The chipping and lengthening technique, which requires neither bone grafting nor change in the anatomy of muscles, is a useful technique for delayed unions and nonunions accompanied by shortening or bone loss.     

A technique for total substitution of the lower urinary tract without the use of a prosthesis

A technique is described for total replacement of the lower urinary tract in women in which a pedicled labial skin tube is created and anastomosed to a substitution cystoplasty with a submucosal tunnelled type of "anti-reflux" anastomosis which provides a continence mechanism. The patients thereafter void by intermittent self-catheterisation. This technique has been used in 6 women as part of total pelvic reconstruction for vesico-vagino-rectal fistula following radical radiotherapy, with or without a Wertheim's hysterectomy, for carcinoma of the cervix. A similar technique using a pedicled preputial/penile skin tube has been used in 2 men following a cystoprostato-urethrectomy for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.     

Breast augmentation by an umbilical approach

Augmentation mammaplasty through an umbilical approach is a technique that, since it was first described by Johnson and Christ in 1993, has gathered both supporters and detractors. The possibility of introducing the prosthesis through the umbilicus without visible scars on the breast area has attracted a considerable number of surgeons and patients. The purpose of this paper is to share our experience with 145 patients operated on between 1994 and 1998 in which this technique was used to insert inflatable saline implants. The indications, aesthetic outcome, and complications of this unique technique are discussed. Furthermore, we have modified the technique by utilizing a dismountable prosthesis introducing clamp (PIC) that was designed by us.     

Rationale and Technique for Replacement of the Ascending Aorta, Arch, and Distal Aorta Using a Modified Elephant Trunk Procedure

Replacement of the aortic arch during repair of either extensive aortic aneurysmal disease or aortic dissection can be a major undertaking. Borst introduced an "elephant trunk" technique whereby a tubular aortic graft prosthesis was inserted into the distal aorta while repairing the ascending aorta and aortic arch. The distal elephant trunk prosthesis was then used for a second stage operation that involved replacement of sections of the distal aorta. Since then, a few problems have been encountered with the standard elephant trunk procedure and this has led to a modification of the elephant trunk technique, which enables a more accurate and secure distal aortic arch anastomosis to be performed. Using the standard technique described by Borst, the surgeon has to suture in the groove between the tubular graft and the aortic wall, which can increase the risk that torsion on the suture needle will tear the aortic wall resulting in aortic rupture. Indeed, this complication has been noted in the postoperative period when performing the standard technique. Subsequently, the technique was modified with inversion of the graft in itself, placement of the graft in the descending aorta, and performance of the distal anastomosis using a technique similar to that described by Griepp. This has improved the ease of performing the procedure and the results of the technique such that a better than 90% survival rate can be expected for the first and the second stage repairs.     

Dermal suspension flaps for McKissock's vertical bipedicle flap vs. classical McKissock's technique: comparison of aesthetic results and patient satisfaction.

McKissock's vertical bipedicle flaps technique is a common technique used in reduction mammaplasty. This technique includes a well-vascularised dermal-parenchymal pedicle for safe nipple-areola transposition, but it has been criticised as resulting in a flat breast with inadequate projection after long-term follow-up. Various techniques in which dermal suspension flaps are used have demonstrated decreased secondary ptosis. We used a dermal suspension flap technique for the vertical bipedicled flap of the McKissock's breast reduction and compared it with classical McKissock's technique by review of the patient charts, photographic analysis and patient-satisfaction questionnaire. Evaluations and measurements with postoperative photographs for the dermal brassiere group compared with the classical McKissock breasts were found to be statistically different. There were no differences in complication rates and patient satisfaction between the groups. McKissock's technique with dermal suspension flap is an easy and uncomplicated modification that provides additional advantages for prevention of the secondary ptosis of the reduced breasts in the long term.     

贮尿囊壁外隧道作为输尿管抗反流方法的临床观察

目的：介绍一种抗反流可靠、吻合口狭窄发生率低的输尿管与贮尿囊再植新方法。方法：对17例可控性尿流改道患者采用双输尿管分别在W形贮尿囊壁外隧道或双输尿管末端合并为一根在U形贮尿囊或W形贮尿囊壁外隧道潜行3－4cm,然后与贮尿囊壁端侧吻合作为输尿管抗反流的方法行可控性尿流转向术;对3例回肠通道术后（Bricher术）患者采用保留原输尿管回肠吻合口、缩窄远端回肠后在贮尿囊壁外隧道潜行作为抗反流的方法行可控性尿流转向术。结果：贮尿囊造影示输尿管无反流;静脉肾盂造影示肾盂无积水,输尿管无扩张,蠕动良好。结论：贮尿囊壁外隧道是一种抗反流可靠、吻合口狭窄发生率低的输尿管与贮尿囊再植新方法。