Intercostal Nerve Block Using an Innovative Intraneedle Ultrasound Transducer: A Proof-of-Concept study

Intercostal nerve block is a widely used and effective approach to providing regional anesthesia in the thoracic region for pain relief. However, during ultrasound-guided intercostal nerve block, inaccurate identification of the anatomic structures or suboptimal positioning of the needle tip may result in complications and blockade failure. In this study, we designed an intraneedle ultrasound (INUS) system and validated its efficacy in identifying anatomic structures relevant to thoracic region anesthesia. The 20-MHz INUS transducer comprised a single lead magnesium niobate–lead titanate crystal, and gain was set to 20 dB. It fit into a regular 18G needle and emitted radiofrequency-mode ultrasound signals at 1 mm from the needle tip. One hundred intercostal punctures were performed in 10 piglets. Intercostal spaces were identified by surface ultrasound or palpation and located by inserting and advancing the INUS transducer needle until the appropriate anatomy was identified. Blockade success was defined by ideal saline and dye spreading and confirmed by dissection. The pleura had a distinctive ultrasound signal, and successful detection of the intercostal muscles, endothoracic fascia and double-layered parietal and visceral pleura was achieved in all 100 puncture attempts. INUS allows real-time identification of intercostal structures and facilitates successful intercostal nerve blocks.     

Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication with Gastric Plication as a Potential Treatment of Morbidly Obese Patients with GERD,First Experience and Results

Background

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is an effective treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, there is no consensus for the surgical treatment of GERD in morbidly obese patients.

Methods

Twenty-five morbidly obese patients with GERD underwent our novel procedure, laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with gastric plication (LNFGP), and were monitored for 6 to 18 months. Operative complication, weight loss, and GERD symptoms were monitored.

Results

The study subjects consisted seven males and 18 females. The average age was 38.2 years (from 18 to 58), and the mean BMI was 37.9 kg/m² (from 31.5 to 56.4). The mean operative time was 145.6 min (from 105 to 190). All procedures were performed via laparoscopic surgery. Two patients (8 %) displayed a major 30-day perioperative complication. The first patient had an acute leak on the second postoperative day. The patient received a laparoscopic revision sleeve gastrectomy and was discharged 5 days later after an uneventful recovery. Another patient developed an intra-abdominal abscess 3 weeks after surgery and received laparoscopic drainage and a revision sleeve gastrectomy. Upon follow-up, only four (16 %) patients experienced occasional acid regurgitation symptoms; however, no anti-acid medication was required. A significant decrease in the prevalence of erosive esophagitis (80 vs. 17 %) after LNFGP was observed. The mean weight loss was 9.7, 14.1, 17.9, and 18.1 % at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. The mean BMI decreased to 30.8 kg/m² 1 year post surgery with a mean body weight loss of 25 kg.

Conclusions

LNFGP appears to be an acceptable treatment option for treating GERD in morbidly obese patients who refuse Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. However, further study is indicated to verify this novel procedure.     

Risk factors for subsidence in anterior cervical fusion with stand-alone polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages: a review of 82 cases and 182 levels

Introduction

To determine risk factors for subsidence in patients treated with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and stand-alone polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages.

Materials and methods

Records of patients with degenerative spondylosis or traumatic disc herniation resulting in radiculopathy or myelopathy between C2 and C7 who underwent ACDF with stand-alone PEEK cages were retrospectively reviewed. Cages were filled with autogenous cancellous bone harvested from iliac crest or hydroxyapatite. Subsidence was defined as a decrease of 3 mm or more of anterior or posterior disc height from that measured on the postoperative radiograph. Eighty-two patients (32 males, 50 females; 182 treatment levels) were included in the analysis.

Results

Most patients had 1–2 treatment levels (62.2 %), and 37.8 % had 3–4 treatment levels. Treatment levels were from C2–7. Of the 82 patients, cage subsidence occurred in 31 patients, and at 39 treatment levels. Multivariable analysis showed that subsidence was more likely to occur in patients with more than two treatment levels, and more likely to occur at treatment levels C5–7 than at levels C2–5. Subsidence was not associated with postoperative alignment change but associated with more disc height change (relatively oversized cage).

Conclusion

Subsidence is associated with a greater number of treatment levels, treatment at C5–7 and relatively oversized cage use.     

Limited root repair in acute type A aortic dissection is safe but results in increased risk of reoperation

Objective

Management of the aortic root is a challenge for surgeons treating acute type A aortic dissection.

The Correlation Between CVP and SVV and Intraoperative Minimal Blood Loss in Living Donor Hepatectomy

Background

Blood loss during liver surgery is found to be correlated with central venous pressure (CVP). The aim of the current retrospective study is to find out the cutoff value of CVP and stroke volume variation (SVV), which may increase the risk of having intraoperative blood loss of more than 100 mL during living liver donor hepatectomies.

MRI radiomics to differentiate between low grade glioma and glioblastoma peritumoral region

Journal of Neuro-Oncology - Primary malignant spinal astrocytomas present rare oncological entities with limited median survival and rapid neurological deterioration. Evidence on surgical therapy,...