Early radical operation of trigonocephaly in infancy--pathophysiological concepts and operative procedure of premature closure of the metopic suture

The radical operative procedure for premature closure of metopic suture (trigonocephaly) was theoretically discussed on the basis of the pathophysiological concepts analyzed by the CT measurement. The authors experienced with 7 cases of trigonocephaly of infancy during the last 3 years. CT measurement for the analysis of development of the anterior cranial fossa/the orbital roof, was made on these cases setting up the standard of nasiopterional angle (N-P angle), nasio-clinoid angle (N-C angle), bi-pterional distance (B-P distance) and nasio-clinoid distance (N-C distance). Random sampling was done for the normal value or control from 30 normal childrens' CTs. The results revealed the fact that trigonocephaly in infancy has more markedly acute in N-P angle and short in B-P distance for more severely deformed trigonocephaly, but was within normal limit in N-C distance with normally shaped fronto-nasal angle. The theoretical operative goal for the early radical reconstructive procedure in trigonocephaly was felt that the lateral and superior orbital burrs should be advanced with the nasion as the key point until obtaining normal N-P angle and B-P distance. By performing the above procedure with tight fixation of 1 cm square bone fragment on each side, a satisfactory expansion of the anterior cranial fossa could be obtained as a result. The prematurely closed metopic suture should be stripped off down to the nasion to correct hypotelorism.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

双侧下颌角突出合并小颏畸形的治疗

目的 提高双侧下颌角突出伴有小颏畸形的手术治疗效果。方法 用口内入路行双侧下颌角连续弧线截骨术，同时行颏部水平骨前徒延长、小夹板坚强内固定、自体下颌角骨质断端间植骨术，不作咬肌部分切除手术。结果 1996－1999年共收治20例，术后下面部宽短畸形明显改善。咬肌虽未行部分切除，但术后随着咬肌附着点的上移、肌张力降低而发生部分萎缩，下颌角部曲线圆滑，形态自然。结论 双侧下颌角突出伴有严重小颏者，只有同时行双侧下颌角有和颏部水平截骨整形，才能达到全面矫治畸形的目的。下颌角连续弧线截骨术截骨设计灵活、向上可达下颌升支后缘、向下可延续至下颌体下缘，截骨量大；一次完成；截央后的下颌角更加圆滑自然；结合颏部截骨整 术，不仅提高了术后的整体效果，而且可利用截除的下颌角骨质充填于颏部水平截骨断端间，可以保证骨质的愈合，一举两得。     

Results of levatorplasty for anal incontinence

Since the introduction of the levatorplasty, 44 patients were operated upon for anal incontinence on our service. In 31 patients, a levatorplasty was performed. The selection of the levatorplasty as operative procedure was based on the availability of a functional levator as demonstrated by physical examination, anorectal manometry, and defecography. The 31 patients ranged from infancy to 76 years of age and 30 of them were followed up to 7 years with an average of 3 years. In 18 patients with fecal incontinence following operative procedures for anorectal malformations, satisfactory continence was restored in 8, improvement was found in 6, and 4 patients remain incontinent. In 13 patients with incontinence following operative procedures or trauma, the postoperative results were satisfactory in 9 patients, 2 improved, and 2 failed. The review showed that the levatorplasty was most successful in patients in whom the revised but normally innervated levator replaces a destroyed external sphincter in the presence of an intact internal sphincter. Only one half of all patients with major incontinence following an operative procedure for anorectal malformations had an adequate levator that allowed successful restoration of function. The review showed that the levatorplasty can improve or restore anal continence in a variety of conditions in properly selected patients.     

Resection of the Prominent Mandible Angle with Intraoral and External Approach

Surgical resection of the prominent mandible angle is a common aesthetic procedure in Asian women. Many females want to change their square-shaped face to a round-shaped face, because the square-shaped face is, not considered attractive in Asian culture. Several approaches have been used for this procedure. Surgeons usually have used the intraoral approach because it can avoid the external scar. However, the intraoral approach can have many drawbacks due to the limited operative field and view. In particular, subcondyle fracture occurs more easily because of the limited motion of the saw. This article presents an operative method that avoids subcondyle fracture and makes the procedure easier to execute. The procedure has two main differences; one is the addition of an external stab incision to the conventional intraoral incision and the other is the use of the reciprocating saw instead of the oscillating saw. Forty-three patients were operated on and we recommend this procedure as an easier procedure with less complication than the intraoral-only approach.     

下颌角弧形截骨联合SMAS悬吊面部提升术

目的:探讨经除皱术耳前切口行下颌角弧形截骨并同时悬吊SMAS层提升面中部的手术方法。方法:回顾研究9例下颌角肥大的治疗过程,分析并总结采用耳前切口入路行下颌角弧形截骨,同时行SMAS层悬吊的面中部除皱术,对面部骨骼及软组织年轻化重塑的手术方法和术后效果。结果:术后随访6个月～2年,面部的骨骼及软组织均获得显著的年轻化效果,术后9例患者均较满意。结论:下颌角弧形截骨联合SMAS悬吊的面部提升术,在改变面部骨性轮廓的同时,最大限度的提升了面部松弛的软组织,是同时对面部骨骼和软组织年轻化重塑的理想方法。     

Surgical treatment of mild hallux valgus deformity: the state of practice among academic foot and ankle surgeons

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the operative procedure of choice among academic foot and ankle surgeons practicing in the United States for treatment of mild hallux valgus deformity. METHODS: A hypothetical patient was created: a 60-year-old woman with a mild hallux valgus deformity (first intermetatarsal angle of 11 degrees and hallux valgus angle of 22 degrees). The patient complained of pain around the bunion, nonoperative treatment had failed, and she desired operative correction. The case was sent to academic foot and ankle surgeons to identify their operative treatment of choice. The overall response rate was 83.7% (128 of 153). To be included in the study group each surgeon had 1) foot and ankle patients comprising 50% or more of their clinical practice and 2) direct responsibility for teaching orthopaedic surgery residents. One hundred and three respondents met the inclusion criteria and formed the study group. RESULTS: Eighty-seven percent (90 of 103) reported that they would use a distal chevron osteotomy as their primary procedure to correct the mild hallux valgus. Ten percent (10 of 103) reported that they would also add an Akin osteotomy of the proximal phalanx to enhance correction. CONCLUSIONS: Most respondents chose a distal chevron osteotomy as their primary procedure to correct the mild hallux valgus deformity.     

Innovation in neurosurgery: Walter Dandy in his day

In 1925, Walter Dandy published a preliminary report of an innovative operative procedure for patients with tic douloureux. Dandy reported treating tic by selectively sectioning the trigeminal nerve at the brain stem. His operative field was the cerebellopontine angle, which he exposed using a cerebellar approach. It is commonly acknowledged among neurosurgeons that Dandy's technique was overlooked in favor of the Spiller - Frazier procedure during Dandy's lifetime and for at least 15 years after his death. This article examines historically Doctor Dandy's ideas regarding the treatment of tic and evaluates them within the context of the emerging development of the profession of neurological surgery from 1920 to 1945. It documents that his operative approach was accepted and used among an elite group of neurosurgeons. It also discusses political, personal, social, and technological issues that contributed to the overall rejection of the Dandy procedure.     

Imageless Computer-Assisted versus Conventional Total Hip Arthroplasty: One Surgeon’s Initial Experience

Computer-assisted surgery (CAS) systems are advocated to improve component positioning in THA, though potential operative risks and costs of CAS have fueled debate. The present study examines the radiographic outcomes, operative efficiency, cost, and midterm functional outcomes for patients who underwent THA, either with CAS or conventional instrumentation. Patient baseline characteristics were recorded for 126 lower-extremities in the CAS series, and 215 in the conventional series. There was no difference in Harris Hip Score or leg length discrepancy between series. Inclination angle, blood loss, and operating room times were increased for CAS. These results suggest that CAS confers no advantage over conventional methods regarding accuracy of THA component placement, drives unreimbursed increases in procedure costs, may expose patients to additional operative risk, and produces no functional benefit at midterm follow-up.     

Alternative to the modified jones procedure: outcomes of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer procedure for correction of clawed hallux

BACKGROUND: The modified Jones procedure is the traditional operative procedure for correction of a clawed hallux, although the deformity may be caused by overpull of one of three different muscles. In this study we present the radiographic and functional outcomes of flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer as treatment for clawed hallux. The transfer is performed by drawing two thirds of the FHL tendon up through a drill hole in the proximal phalanx and then suturing it medially back to the remaining third. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 19 patients (22 feet) who had FHL tendon transfer for correction of clawed hallux over a period of 5 years. Followup was an average of 51.0 (range 6 to 74; +/- 3.8) months after the procedure. Outcome and patient satisfaction were determined using the Long-Form Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (MFA) score. Patients were asked whether they were satisfied, somewhat satisfied, or dissatisfied with the overall outcome and were asked about shoewear limitations. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were evaluated in 15 patients (17 feet). We measured the hallux valgus and interphalangeal (IP) angles on the anteroposterior (AP) radiographs. On the lateral view we measured the angle of the IP joint, the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, and the talometatarsal angle. Statistical analysis was done using a repeated measures ANOVA (p < 0.05). RESULTS: On the lateral radiographs, the hallux IP joint angle (p < 0.0012; n = 15) and hallux MTP joint angle (p < 0.0265; n = 15) were significantly reduced postoperatively. On AP radiographs, the hallux valgus angle (p < 0.0334) was significantly reduced; however, the IP angle and the talometatarsal angle were not significantly different after surgery. Patients had an average MFA score of 14.6 (+/-3.8 standard error, range 1 to 35; n = 19). Thirteen patients were fully satisfied and six were somewhat satisfied with the overall result of the surgery. Four patients thought that their hallux limited the types of shoes they could wear, while 15 did not. CONCLUSION: It has been shown that clawed hallux can result from excessive motor function in one of three muscles: FHL tendon, peroneus longus (PL), and extensor hallucis longus (EHL). This study suggests that transfer of part of the tendon of the FHL is an effective alternative operative procedure for correction of clawed hallux.     

Robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass: program development and learning curve issues

BACKGROUND: The introduction of new procedures in heart surgery is a critical phase that includes learning curves and the risk of increased mortality or morbidity. Totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting using robotic techniques represents such an innovative procedure. The aim of this report is to demonstrate the safe introduction of totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting using a stepwise and modular approach. METHODS: From June 2001 until December 2002, 50 procedures were performed using the da Vinci telemanipulator system. After baseline training the following procedure modules were carried out in a stepwise manner: robotically assisted endoscopic left internal thoracic artery harvesting and completion of the procedure as conventional coronary artery bypass grafting, minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass, or off-pump coronary artery bypass (n = 19), robotically assisted suturing of left internal thoracic artery to left anterior descending anastomoses during conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 15), totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting on the arrested heart using remote access perfusion and aortic endocclusion coronary bypass grafting (n = 15). One patient was excluded intraoperatively from a robotic procedure due to pleural adhesions. RESULTS: A significant learning curve was observed for left internal thoracic artery takedown time, y(min) = 181 - 39 x ln(x) (x = procedure number) (P <.001), and total operative time in totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting, y(min) = 595 - 87 x ln(x) x = (procedure number) (P =.028). The conversion rate in totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting was 2/15. Intensive care unit stay correlated significantly with total operative time (r =.427, P =.002). There was no hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: Totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting can be safely implemented into a heart surgery program. Learning curves are steep for robotic left internal thoracic artery takedown and for performance of totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting. Long operative times translate into prolonged intensive care unit stay in specific cases but not into increased mortality.     

自体下颌骨隆颏术

目的　探讨颏部美容术的一种新方法。方法　口内入路 ,将双侧下颌角骨质或下颌骨外板取出 ,根据颏部具体情况及患者主观意愿 ,将骨块修整成适当形状 ,移植于颏部 ,以钛钉或钛板作坚强内固定。结果　 2 0 0 0年 1月～ 2 0 0 3年 1月我们共收治 30例患者 ,其中 2 0例行双侧下颌角截骨 自体下颌骨移植隆颏术 ,10例行双侧下颌骨外板截骨 自体下颌骨移植隆颏术。术后伤口愈合良好 ,颏部形态满意。结论　自体下颌骨移植隆颏 ,无排异等不良反应 ,移植骨块与颏部能牢固愈合 ,术后效果满意 ,是一种理想的颏部美容手术方法。     

Comparative study of human and robotic camera control in laparoscopic biliary and colon surgery

PURPOSE: Despite the growing clinical use of active robotic camera holders there is still a lack of clinical feasibility studies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We compared the use of a voice controlled robotic camera holder (AESOP 3000, Computer Motion, Goleta, California) to a human camera holder in a series of laparoscopic cholecystectomies and colectomies. Compliance with AESOP, abnormal operative events or complications, operative time, and the duration of hospitalization were prospectively recorded and compared to data recorded before the introduction of the robotic system. RESULTS: Compliance with AESOP was good. There were no abnormal operative events, no differences in operative time, complications, or the mean duration of hospitalization between the patients operated with a robotic or a human camera holder. CONCLUSION: The use of a robotic camera holder does not alter the length of the operative procedure, the duration of hospitalization, or postoperative morbidity. It is a safe and feasible approach to laparoscopic cholecystectomy or colectomy.     

Impact of the European Working Time Directive on exposure to operative cardiac surgical training.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the reduced working hours, an anticipated decline in case load and increasing patient risk profile, we performed a cohort study to determine the factors that influenced operative surgical training. METHODS: A historic cohort study design was utilised, and data were acquired from a prospective operative surgical database a year before, and a year after the introduction of the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) compliant rota (1st August 2004). Logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of operative surgical training, and individual variables were ranked by likelihood ratio. RESULTS: In total, 3312 cardiac surgical operations were performed over a 2-year period between 3rd August 2003 and 31st July 2005. The proportion of cases performed by trainees was 39% (626/1587) in the year before and 40% (695/1725) in the year after the introduction of WTD compliant rota. There were no differences in operative risk (logistic EuroSCORE of 8, P=0.853). Independent predictors for surgery performed by a trainee (in descending order of influence) were the consultant in charge (chi11(2) 273.1; P<0.001), procedure performed (chi5(2) 163.5; P<0.001), increasing seniority of trainee (chi2(2) 142.3; P<0.001), revision surgery (chi1(2) 45.9; P<0.001), lower EuroSCORE (chi1(2) 17.6; P<0.001), and better ventricular function (chi2(2) 7.8; P=0.020). The odds ratio of an operation performed by a trainee increased after the introduction of the EWTD compliant rota to 1.19 (95% CI 1.00-1.41; P=0.045). CONCLUSIONS: With a successful institution-specific training module and a commitment to training, exposure to operative surgical training can be sustained despite shortening of working hours.     

下颌骨角全层截骨加下颌骨外板劈除行方形脸改型术

目的 寻求一种新的更有效的方形脸改型术式.方法 对68例(年龄21～40岁,女65例,男3例)方形脸求术者用高速涡轮气钻和骨凿实施了口内入路下颌角全层三角形截骨加下颌外板劈除术,咬肌肥大者同时行咬肌内层切除术,颊部丰满者则行部分颊脂垫摘除.结果 使用高速涡轮气钻和骨凿截除全层下颌角和劈除下颌外板极为容易.56例3～24个月术后随访,双下颌角间距明显缩小,脸型呈椭圆.无下颌不对称、下颌意外骨折.侧方轮廓自然.结论 下颌角全层截骨加下颌外板劈除不仅可有效缩小下颌正面宽度,而且还能改善下颌侧方轮廓,是方形脸改型的一种有效术式.     

Technical aspects and outcome of a standardized full laparoscopic approach to the reversal of Hartmann’s procedure in a teaching centre

Aim Laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann’s procedure is technically demanding. We evaluated the technical aspects and outcome of a standardized approach in a single centre and examined the feasibility of including this into training curricula. Method The procedure entails a laparoscopy for adhesiolysis and identification and mobilization of the rectal stump. Mobilization of the splenic flexure is performed if necessary, and a colorectal anastomosis is fashioned after introduction of the stapler anvil via the colostomy with intra‐abdominal positioning and delivery into the proximal colonic segment to be anastomosed. The stoma is excised as the last step in the operation. Results Forty‐two patients underwent the procedure over an 8‐year period with either an expert (n=21) or trainee under expert mentorship (n=21) as first operator. Intra‐operative data and postoperative outcomes were evaluated by retrospective review of clinical charts and theatre records. There was a 9.5% conversion rate and 0% mortality. One patient suffered a ureteric injury, while postoperative surgical complications occurred in 7 patients (including one clinical anastomotic leakage). The mean operative time was 117 min. There was no significant difference in intra operative technical parameters or postoperative clinical consequences between procedures performed by a trained surgeon or by a trainee under mentorship. Conclusion Adherence to a standardized operative protocol and expert mentorship allows this technically demanding operation to be associated with low conversion and complication rates. The absence of any difference between procedures performed by a trainee or trained surgeon suggests that the operation can be included in training programmes for laparoscopic surgery.     

Laparoscopic-assisted abdominoperineal resection in the prone position

With the introduction of laparoscopic-assisted abdominoperineal resection (LAPR), the traditional Lloyd-Davies position with the Mayo two-team combined approach is being adapted. The Lloyd-Davies position allows two teams of surgeons to work simultaneously, minimizing operating time. The conditions required for laparoscopy restrict a simultaneous procedure. Since LAPR is typically performed as a two-stage procedure, we introduce an alternative position which facilitates the perineal dissection. We review the results and technique of LAPR in the prone position in three patients who were suitable candidates for this procedure. Three patients underwent LAPR. No operative or postoperative complications were encountered and the procedures were in keeping with oncologic principles of resection. Total anesthesia times were less than 3.5 h for these initial patients. No hemodynamic problems were encountered due to the choice of patient positioning. The prone jackknife position greatly increases visualization of deep structures, reduces blood loss, enhances dissection, and reduces the technical demands of the laparoscopic portion of the procedure. Received: 23 October 1995/Accepted: 5 August 1996     

Intraoperative Koronarangioplastie

The intraoperative coronary angioplasty was a first approach towards a combination of classical surgical and interventional techniques within one operative procedure. By this, the spectrum of surgical treatment options was enlarged. However, the intraoperative expenditure as well as the limited number of patients being possible candidates for this procedure stood against a further dissemination, so that the intraoperative coronary angioplasty is practically no longer applied. Instead, interventional/surgical hybrid procedures may be considered some kind of current equivalent and also, it has contributed to an introduction of interventional techniques into cardiovascular surgery.     

Retrosigmoid Approach in the Supine Position Using ORBEYE: A Consecutive Series of 14 Cases

One of the merits of recently introduced exoscopes, including ORBEYE, is that they are superior to a conventional microscope in terms of ergonomic features. Taking advantage of it, the retrosigmoid approach can be performed in the supine position using ORBEYE. We report a consecutive series of 14 operations through the retrosigmoid approach in the supine position using ORBEYE. Fourteen consecutive patients who underwent surgery through the retrosigmoid approach for cerebellopontine (CP) angle lesions in the supine position using ORBEYE were targeted, and surgical outcomes and complications were examined. We evaluated the posture of the operator and the surgical field during this approach compared with those using a conventional microscope. In all 14 cases, all operative procedures were accomplished only using the ORBEYE. There were no operative complications due to this approach. Using ORBEYE, even when the angle of the operative visual axis was horizontal, the operators could manipulate in a comfortable posture. They were not forced to be in an uncomfortable posture that extended their arms, as is often the case with a conventional microscope. Therefore, they could use shorter surgical instruments. As the cerebellum shifted downward with gravity even using slight retraction during this approach, the working space of the surgical field was easily secured. Through this approach, the operators can perform stable microsurgery of CP angle lesions in a comfortable posture. This approach can reduce the burden on the operator and the patient, leading to a refined surgical procedure.     

Waterproof Camera Case for Intraoperative Photographs

Accurate photographic documentation has become essential in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery for both clinical and scientific purposes. Intraoperative photographs are important not only for record purposes, but also for teaching, publications, and presentations. Communication using images proves to be the superior way to persuade audiences. This article presents a simple and easy method for taking intraoperative photographs that uses a presterilized waterproof camera case. This method allows the user to take very good quality pictures with the photographic angle matching the surgeon’s view, minimal interruption of the operative procedure, and minimal risk of contaminating the operative field.     

Computer aided designed neo-clavicle out of osteotomized free fibula: case report.

Total clavicle reconstruction is a challenging task. We performed a reconstruction of the ventral shoulder girdle by calculating a 3D DICOM representation of the left clavicle to create a right neo-clavicle. Two cuts in correct position and angle leads to a natural 3D shape of the new clavicle. The data were used with a thermo-jet procedure to form model slices of thermoplastic wax. Subsequently, the double titanium osteotomy template with correct cut-angulation was constructed. A 40-year old patient presented with symptoms of progressive pain and instability in the shoulder girdle resulting from complete right clavicle resection due to desmoid tumour 23 years earlier. During the operative procedure, dissection, guided double osteotomy, microvascular anastomoses and acromioclavicular-sternoclavicular fixation were performed. The computer-assisted planning resulted in the exact calculation of the two osteotomy cuts, hence, the 3D appearance of the neo-clavicle. Two years postoperatively, patient showed slightly improved elevation and complete recovery from pain. Our operative procedure demonstrates that the computer-assisted planning with construction of a wax model and an osteotomy template is a useful approach to plan the two precise cuts leading to a predictable shape of the clavicle.