Robert Liston (1794–1847): surgical anatomist and resurrectionist with an interest in hydrocephalus

Introduction

The Scottish surgeon Robert Liston was an accomplished anatomist of the nineteenth century. The study of anatomy during this day was often overshadowed by the so-called resurrectionists. Conclusions: The present historic paper reviews the life and contributions of Robert Liston and discusses his fascination with childhood hydrocephalus.     

The intracranial bridging veins: a comprehensive review of their history, anatomy, histology, pathology, and neurosurgical implications

Introduction

The intracranial bridging veins are pathways crucial for venous drainage of the brain. They are not only involved in pathological conditions but also serve as important landmarks within neurological surgery.

Methods

The medical literature on bridging veins was reviewed in regard to their historical aspects, embryology, histology, anatomy, and surgery.

Conclusion

Knowledge on the intracranial bridging veins and their dynamics has evolved over time and is of great significance to the neurosurgeon.     

Arterial supply of the upper cranial nerves: A comprehensive review

The arterial supply to the upper cranial nerves is derived from a complex network of branches derived from the anterior and posterior cerebral circulations. We performed a comprehensive literature review of the arterial supply of the upper cranial nerves with an emphasis on clinical considerations. Arteries coursing in close proximity to the cranial nerves regularly give rise to small vessels that supply the nerve. Knowledge of the arteries supplying the cranial nerves is of particular importance during surgical approaches to the skull base. Clin. Anat. 27:1159–1166, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Promotion of dermal regeneration using pullulan/gelatin porous skin substitute

Tissue‐engineered dermal substitutes represent a promising approach to improve wound healing and provide more sufficient regeneration, compared with current clinical standards on care of large wounds, early excision, and grafting of autografts. However, inadequate regenerative capacity, impaired regeneration/degradation profile, and high cost of current commercial tissue‐engineered dermal regeneration templates hinder their utilization, and the development of an efficient and cost‐effective tissue‐engineered dermal substitute remains a challenge. Inspired from our previously reported data on a pullulan/gelatin scaffold, here we present a new generation of a porous pullulan/gelatin scaffold (PG2) served as a dermal substitute with enhanced chemical and structural characteristics. PG2 shows excellent biocompatibility (viability, migration, and proliferation), assessed by in vitro incorporation of human dermal fibroblasts in comparison with the Integra® dermal regeneration template (Control). When applied on a mouse full‐thickness excisional wound, PG2 shows rapid scaffold degradation, more granulation tissue, more collagen deposition, and more cellularity in comparison with Control at 20 days post surgery. The faster degradation is likely due to the enhanced recruitment of inflammatory macrophages to the scaffold from the wound bed, and that leads to earlier maturation of granulation tissue with less myofibroblastic cells. Collectively, our data reveal PG2's characteristics as an applicable dermal substitute with excellent dermal regeneration, which may attenuate scar formation.     

The twisted colon: a review of sigmoid volvulus

Sigmoid volvulus (SV) is the third leading cause of colon obstruction in adults. In infants and children, it is exceedingly rare with only sporadic cases reported so far. SVs from secondary causes, with congenital megacolon being the most important, are nevertheless more common in young people. The etiology of this disorder is not completely understood. It is known to occur in the setting of redundant sigmoid loop, which rotates around its narrow and elongated mesentery. Although the latter occurs in the setting of constipation, a congenitally elongated colon, and other predisposing factors, there is no consensus on the precipitating factor leading to SV formation. The symptoms are suggestive of small bowel obstruction, but the presentations can be acute or indolent. Plain abdominal radiography is used to diagnose SV in most cases with computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging as the confirmatory tests when necessary. After it has been untwisted, the definitive and standard therapy for SV is sigmoid resection and primary anastomosis. The nonresective alternatives have also been widely used with mixed success, but a large, randomized controlled trial is needed to compare their efficacy with resection and primary anastomosis. Laparoscopic surgery in SV management is unwarranted and costly. Complications of SV include hemorrhagic infarction, perforation, septic shock, and death. The mortality data from SV vary, but the latest literature cites an overall range of 14 to 45 per cent.     

Variations in the locations of the recurrent laryngeal nerve in relation to the ligament of berry

Injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is one of the most common iatrogenic complications of thyroid surgery. The anatomical course of the nerve also increases its susceptibility to injury and many variations have been documented in the literature. The topographical relationship of the RLN to the ligament of Berry has been extensively studied over the past decades. The consensus in the literature is divided with several authors reporting the nerve to be embedded within the ligament and others reporting a constant finding of the nerve being posterolateral to the ligament. A new operative concept has been recently introduced as a possible resolution for the conflicting reports among authors. Further investigations are needed, however, to assess its reliability and overall effects on clinical outcomes.