Surgical treatment for bleeding ileal varices: A case report

Introduction and importanceBleeding from ileal varices is a rare and a life-threatening situation. Its management is difficult and includes endoscopic, surgical and interventional radiology treatment.Here we report a successful emergency surgery for bleeding ileal varices in a patient with cirrhosis due to autoimmune hepatitis.Presentation of a caseA 60-year-old woman was admitted for rectal bleeding. She had a history of autoimmune hepatitis. She was treated by endoscopic ligation for oesophageal varices.Eso-gastro-duodenal fibroscopy and colonoscopy failed to reveal the bleeding site.CT scan was then performed showing ileal varices due to a portocaval shunt, there was a communication between the superior mesenteric vein and the right internal iliac vein.As the embolization was not feasible and the bleeding did not stop, an exploratory laparotomy was performed showing two dilated veins on the surface of the ileal wall, communicating with the right internal iliac vein. We performed a ligation of the vessels. Postoperative course was uneventful.DiscussionEctopic varices are a rare case of gastrointestinal bleeding. Most of those patients have portal hypertension and liver cirrhosis.Diagnosing bleeding ileal varices is difficult because endoscopic examination can't always reveal the bleeding site.Interventional radiology is a good option for patients having bleeding ileal varices knowing that they often have advanced liver cirrhosis making them poor candidates for surgery.Haemostasis by endoscopy is often temporary and bleeding frequently recurs.Surgery should be considered if non-invasive treatments failed to ensure the haemostasis.ConclusionBleeding ileal varices is a rare situation. Interventional radiology and endoscopy can be good options. If not feasible, surgical treatment should not be delayed.     

Image-guided system endoscopic drainage of orbital abscess caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in an infant

IntroductionThe management of orbital abscesses in neonates and infants is very challenging. Surgical drainage of the abscess is aimed at removing the pus and preventing blindness. We describe a case of orbital abscess in an infant that was caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and that was successfully drained with image-guided endoscopic surgery.Presentation of caseA 39-day-old infant presented with progressive right maxillary swelling complicated by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus orbital abscess. Tooth bud abscess was the most likely primary cause and a combination of intravenous antibiotics was initially prescribed. The collection of intra-orbital pus was removed using image-guided system-aided endoscopic surgical drainage.DiscussionPrompt diagnosis and management are very crucial. Endoscopic drainage of these abscesses in children has been described. Image-guided drainage of the orbital abscess is a newer technique that has been reported in a teenager and in adult patients. This is the first reported case of endoscopic orbital drainage surgery in an infant. The procedure was performed successfully. This approach provides for better identification of the anatomical structures in a very young patient. Injuries to the medial rectus, globe and optic nerve can be avoided with this technique.ConclusionAggressive management of orbital abscesses in infants is mandatory. Image-guided endoscopic orbital drainage offers precise visualization and a safer technique in a relatively smaller orbit.     

Minimally invasive ureteral reimplantation or endoscopic management for primary obstructive megaureter: a narrative review of technical modifications and clinical outcomes

Background and ObjectivePrimary obstructive megaureter (POM) has various courses in different age populations. Although open ureteral reimplantation (OUR) remains the standard treatment for symptomatic POM, it is highly invasive with potential complications. In recent years, minimally invasive ureteral reimplantation (MIUR), including laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation (LUR) and robotic-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation (RALUR), and endoscopic management, such as double-J stent insertion, endoureterotomy and endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD), have been utilized for POM in selected patients. However, few comparable studies between MIUR and endoscopic management have been published to date, and it remains unclear which surgical management is the optimal choice for POM in different age groups. This review provides a comprehensive perspective on technical development and clinical outcomes of MIUR and endoscopic management for POM in pediatric and adult populations.MethodsThe PubMed and Web of Science databases were used to comprehensively search English language articles related to MIUR and endoscopic management for POM in pediatric and adult populations up to March 2022. The technical modifications and the relevant clinical outcomes were reviewed.Key Content and FindingsMIUR with various technical modifications related to intracorporeal suturing and ureteroneocystostomy with anti-reflux techniques appears to be as safe and effective for POM in different age groups as the open procedure. Double-J stent insertion should be regarded as a temporary option for infants by achieving internal urinary drainage, as it may present limited success rates and various complications. Endoureterotomy using pure cutting current or laser appears to be a safer, easier, and less invasive alternative to open surgical management. While EBD has emerged as a definite treatment for POM in the pediatric population, it is debatable whether EBD can substitute for MIUR in adult patients.ConclusionsThe safety and feasibility of MIUR and endoscopic management in patients from all age groups still need further investigation.     

Changes in surgical strategies for peptic ulcers before and after the introduction of H2-receptor antagonists and endoscopic hemostasis

A total of 902 surgical patients with peptic ulcer disease were evaluated to clarify the effects of H₂-receptor antagonists and endoscopic hemostasis on surgical treatment. Following the introduction of these treatments to our institute in 1982, the number of operations performed annually decreased by 40%, or 36 cases per year. However, a remarkable increase in the frequency of surgical emergency intervention since 1982 was concurrently observed, with the ratio of emergency procedures to the total number of operated cases increasing to 72.5% in the last 5 years of the study. Moreover, intractability as an indication for surgery decreased to 34.1%, compared with an increase in the number of patients with bleeding and perforated ulcers requiring operation. There were 13 postoperative deaths recorded (1.4%). All of the deaths were in patients who had undergone emergency surgery in poor health. Of these 13 patients, 10 had bleeding ulcers. A study of bleeding ulcers for which endoscopic hemostasis had been unsuccessful revealed that shock on admission and a concomitant medical condition had been evident in all the patients who died, and in 52.2% and 30.4% of the survivors, respectively. The current study suggests that the frequency of high-risk patients requiring surgery is increasing since the introduction of H₂-receptor antagonists and endoscopic hemostasis, and thus, prompt surgical treatment and intensive management for such patients is essential.     

经皮椎间孔镜后路治疗神经根型颈椎病早期疗效观察

目的 :探讨经皮椎间孔镜技术后路治疗神经根型颈椎病(cervical spondylotic radiculopathy,CSR)的早期临床疗效和安全性。方法:2016年8月至2017年9月收治14例CSR患者,其中男6例,女8例;年龄32~68(40.5±7.6)岁;病程0.5~13.0(6.0±1.3)个月。涉及节段:C_(4,5)2例,C_(5,6)8例,C_(6,7)4例。所有患者经6周以上非手术治疗,疗效欠佳,采用后路经皮椎间孔镜全内镜下髓核摘除术治疗。测定患者术前及末次随访时的颈肩疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS),日本骨科学会(Japanese Orthopaedic Association,JOA)颈椎病评分,简明健康状况调查表(short form 36 health survey questionnaire,SF-36)评分及椎体水平位移和椎体角度位移,并记录治疗及随访期间的并发症发生情况。结果:所有患者顺利完成手术,未出现脊髓、神经根血管损伤情况。手术时间60~100 min,中位数75 min;术中出血30~80 ml,中位数40 ml。14例患者均获得随访,时间2~13个月,中位数9个月。随访期间患者的颈肩疼痛症状均明显缓解未见复发,原手术节段未见再次髓核突出,邻近椎体无明显退变征象。与术前相比,末次随访时患者的颈肩疼痛VAS评分明显减小(P0.05),JOA评分和SF-36评分均明显提高(P0.05);椎体水平位移和椎体角度位移与术前相比,差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。末次随访时,患者颈椎曲度(11.23±0.99)°高于治疗前的(7.75±0.79)°(t=10.280,P=0.000),病变椎间高度(5.52±0.61)mm与治疗前的(5.65±0.5)mm比较,差异无统计学意义(t=0.623,P=0.539)。结论 :经皮椎间孔镜后路髓核摘除术可有效减轻单节段CSR患者的颈肩疼痛症状,改善神经功能,提高患者的生活质量,而且不影响颈椎的稳定性,安全性高,值得临床推广应用。     

功能性鼻内镜手术中减少出血的麻醉管理研究进展

功能性鼻内镜手术(FESS)已被广泛应用于鼻窦炎和鼻息肉患者的临床治疗。外科医师必须依赖最佳的手术视野来确认解剖位置,但鼻腔空间狭小,即使是少量出血也会造成解剖结构难以辨别,导致手术时间延长,手术并发症的发生率增加。目前,鼻内镜手术出血原因主要包括3个方面,即手术因素、患者自身因素以及麻醉因素。本文从麻醉方式、机械通气、术中控制性降压、围术期用药等方面对能够减少鼻内镜手术中出血的麻醉技术进行综述,以期为该类手术的麻醉管理提供参考。     

Isolated ectopic jejunal varices in a patient with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction – A case report

Introduction and importanceAmong the various causes for lower gastrointestinal bleeding, ectopic varices constitute a small chunk. Though rare, these can pose a diagnostic challenge with recurrent bleed leading to multiple admission and blood transfusions.Case presentationA 41-year-old male presented to our department with multiple episodes of melena. On further evaluation with CT angiography, a diagnosis of extrahepatic portal vein obstruction with moderate splenomegaly and ectopic jejunal varix was made. He underwent splenectomy with resection of involved jejunal segment with side to side anastomosis.Clinical discussionThe diagnosis of ectopic varices remains elusive in a large number of cases in view of the varied etiology. Various newer endoscopic and imaging modalities can play a diagnostic as well as therapeutic role but this also further complicates the management as there is a lack of substantial guidelines directing the treatment protocol. As a result, we have to resort to a case by case approach for the optimal management in these cases.ConclusionThe main modality of management for bleeding ectopic varices is percutaneous or endoscopic. Surgery is reserved for refractory cases, with decompressive shunts combined with segmental resection of involved intestine being at the forefront of surgical options.     

内镜难治性胃肠道出血介入诊疗的安全性和有效性

目的评价内镜难治性胃肠道出血介入诊疗的安全性和有效性。方法对31例内镜难治性胃肠道出血患者行DSA检查,明确出血部位后行出血动脉栓塞治疗,并评价其安全性和疗效。结果血管造影发现出血阳性率为80.65%(25/31),28例行栓塞止血治疗,1次栓塞止血成功率75.00%(21/28),2次栓塞总成功率82.14%(23/28)。7例介入术后行外科手术,包括2例空肠间质瘤及5例胃恶性肿瘤。4例胃恶性肿瘤患者介入术后30日内再发间断出血,其中2例因基础疾病致心肺衰竭死亡。除1例胃肠吻合术后吻合口出血患者栓塞止血术后出现吻合口瘘,经支持治疗后恢复出院,余患者未出现严重胃肠缺血坏死。结论介入诊疗对胃肠道出血的诊断及止血治疗高效、安全,尤其对胃恶性肿瘤出血亦能取得良好效果,可作为内镜难治性胃肠道出血的一种较好的诊治手段。     

Cytomegalovirus duodenitis associated with life-threatening duodenal hemorrhage in an immunocompetent patient: A case report

IntroductionCytomegalovirus (CMV) is known to be opportunistic in immunocompromised patients. However, there have been emerging cases of severe CMV infections found in immunocompetent patients. Gastrointestinal (GI) CMV disease is the most common manifestation affecting immunocompetent patients, with duodenal involvement being exceedingly rare. Presented is a case of an immunocompetent patient with life-threatening bleeding caused by CMV duodenitis, requiring surgical intervention.Presentation of caseA 60-year-old male with history of disseminated Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) bacteremia and aortic valve infective endocarditis, presented with life-threatening upper GI hemorrhage. Endoscopy revealed ulcerations, with associated generalized mucosal bleeding in the duodenum. After repeated endoscopic therapies and failed interventional-radiology arterial embolization, the patient required a duodenectomy and associated total pancreatectomy, to control the duodenal hemorrhage. Pathologic review of the surgical specimen demonstrated CMV duodenitis. Systemic ganciclovir was utilized postoperatively.DiscussionGI CMV infections should be on the differential diagnosis of immunocompetent patients presenting with uncontrollable GI bleeding, especially in critically ill patients due to transiently suppressed immunity. Endoscopic and histopathological examinations are often required for diagnosis. Ganciclovir is first-line treatment. Surgical intervention may be considered if there is recurrent bleeding and CMV duodenitis is suspected because of high potential for bleeding-associated mortality.ConclusionPresented is a rare case of life-threatening GI hemorrhage caused by CMV duodenitis in an immunocompetent patient. The patient failed endoscopic and interventional-radiology treatment options, and ultimately stabilized after surgical intervention.     

Management of pancreatic pseudocyst in the era of laparoscopic surgery – Experience from a tertiary centre

Background In the era of minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopy has a great role to play in the management of pseudocyst of pancreas. We present our surgical experience over the past 12 years (May 1994 to April 2006) in the management of pancreatic pseudocysts. Materials and Methods The total number of cases was 108, with 76 male and 32 female patients. Age ranged from 18 to 70 years. Duration of symptoms ranged from 45 days to 7 months. Fifty-nine patients presented with pain abdomen. Sixty-one patients had co-morbid illness. Ten patients had abdominal mass on clinical examination. Predisposing factors were gallstones in 58 cases, alcohol in 20 cases, trauma in eight cases and post-pancreatectomy in one case. In 21 cases there are no predisposing factors. Results All the cases were successfully operated without any significant intraoperative complication. Laparoscopic cystogastrostomy was done in 90 cases (83.4%), laparoscopic cystojejunostomy in eight cases (7.4%), open cystogastrostomy in two cases (1.8%), and laparoscopic external drainage in eight cases (7.4%). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was done in 47 cases along with the drainage procedure. The mean operating time was 95 minutes. Mean blood loss was 69 ml. Mean hospital stay was 5.6 days. Percutaneous tube drain to assist decompression of the cyst was kept in all the laparoscopic cystojejunostomy (LCJ) group. Two patients were re-operated for bleeding and gastric outlet obstruction. We had no mortality in the postoperative period. With mean follow up of 54 months (range 3–145 months); only one patient who underwent laparoscopic cystogastrostomy (LCG) earlier in this series had recurrence due to inadequate stoma size. This patient later underwent OCG Conclusion Laparoscopy has a significant role to play in the surgical management of pseudocysts with excellent outcome. It offers all the benefits of minimally invasive surgery to the patients.     

Estudio comparativo de diferentes técnicas quirúrgicas para el manejo del uréter distal durante la nefroureterectomía laparoscópica

ObjectivesTo compare the oncological outcomes between two open surgical techniques and two endoscopic approaches for the management of the distal ureter during laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy (LRNU).Material and methodsRetrospective review of 152 patients submitted to LRNU for the management of upper urinary tract tumors between 2007-2014. We analyzed the potential impact of two different open surgical (extravesical vs intravesical) and two endoscopic (resection of ureteral orifice and fragment removal vs endoscopic bladder cuff) techniques on the development of bladder recurrence, distant/local recurrence and cancer-specific survival (CSS).ResultsA total of 152 patients with a mean age of 69.9 years (±10.1) underwent LRNU. We reported 62 pTa-T1 (41%), 35 pT2 (23%) and 55 pT3-4 (36%). Thirty-two were low grade (21.1%) and 120 high grade (78.9%). An endoscopic approach was performed in 89 cases (58.5%), 32 with resection (36%) and 57 with bladder cuff (64%), and open approach in 63 (41.5%), 42 intravesical (66.7%) and 21 extravesical (33.3%). Within a median follow-up of 32 months (3-120), 38 patients (25%) developed bladder recurrence, 42 distant/local recurrence (27.6%) and 34 died of tumor (22.4%). In the univariate analysis, the type of endoscopic technique was not related to bladder recurrence (P = .961), distant/local recurrence (P = .955) nor CSS (P = .802). The open extravesical approach was not related to bladder recurrence (P = .12) but increased distant/local recurrence (P = .045) and decreased CSS (P = .034) compared to intravesical approach.ConclusionsLRNU outcomes are not dependant on the type of endoscopic approach performed. The open extravesical approach is a more difficult technique and could worsen the oncological outcomes when compared to the intravesical.     

应用BEIS技术治疗腰椎管狭窄症的早中期疗效观察

目的:探讨经皮脊柱椎间孔镜下应用BEIS(Broad Easy Immediate Surgery)技术治疗腰椎管狭窄症的早中期临床效果。方法:对2013年6月至2016年6月手术治疗的57例腰椎管狭窄症患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析,其中32例患者采用椎间孔镜BEIS技术进行治疗(微创手术组),25例患者采用常规腰椎后路椎弓根螺钉内固定椎板切除椎间盘摘除椎间植骨融合手术进行治疗(开放手术组)。比较两组患者的手术时间、术中出血量及住院时间,分析两组患者术前和术后1周,1、3、6个月的VAS、ODI、JOA评分,评定两种手术方式的治疗效果。结果:所有患者顺利完成手术,住院期间无严重并发症发生,伤口均愈合良好,腰部及下肢疼痛症状术后均得到明显改善。57例患者均获得6个月以上的随访,平均随访时间为(10.65±3.38)个月。两组患者在年龄、性别、手术节段、BMI等一般资料方面差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。术后1周,1、3、6个月的VAS及ODI评分两组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05),微创手术组在术后早中期对整体疼痛症状的改善及对腰部疼痛的改善优于开放手术组。而术后1周,1、3、6个月两组的JOA评分比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05),说明术后两组患者的整体功能状态差异无统计学意义。术中出血量及住院时间微创手术组明显少于开放手术组。结论:BEIS技术治疗腰椎管狭窄症与常规开放手术比较具有创伤小、出血量少等优势,它能更好的减轻术后早中期局部腰痛,早中期的治疗效果与开放手术相当,可以作为一种治疗腰椎管狭窄症安全有效的手术方式。     

Elevated prothrombin time on routine preoperative laboratory results in a healthy infant undergoing craniosynostosis repair: Diagnosis and perioperative management of congenital factor VII deficiency

IntroductionCongenital factor VII deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder with high phenotypic variability. It is critical that children with congenital Factor VII deficiency be identified early when high-risk surgery is planned. Cranial vault surgery is common for children with craniosynostosis, and these surgeries are associated with significant morbidity mostly secondary to the risk of massive blood loss.Presentation of caseA two-month old infant who presented for elective craniosynostosis repair was noted to have an elevated prothrombin time (PT) with a normal activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) on preoperative labs. The infant had no clinical history or reported family history of bleeding disorders, therefore a multidisciplinary decision was made to repeat the labs under general anesthesia and await the results prior to incision. The results confirmed the abnormal PT and the case was canceled. Hematologic workup during admission revealed factor VII deficiency. The patient underwent an uneventful endoscopic strip craniectomy with perioperative administration of recombinant Factor VIIa.DiscussionImportant considerations for perioperative laboratory evaluation and management in children with factor VII deficiency are discussed. Anesthetic and surgical management of the child with factor VII deficiency necessitates meticulous planning to prevent life threatening bleeding during the perioperative period.ConclusionA thorough history and physical examination with a high clinical suspicion are vital in preventing hemorrhage during surgeries in children with coagulopathies. Abnormal preoperative lab values should always be confirmed and addressed before proceeding with high-risk surgery. A multidisciplinary discussion is essential to optimize the risk-benefit ratio during the perioperative period.     

Surgical management of chronic fistula after sleeve gastrectomy

BackgroundThere is no clear definition of the chronic leak after sleeve gastrectomy. There are several endoscopic approaches, including endoprothese, endoscopic clips, endoscopic sealing glue, or balloon dilation. In case of failure of the endoscopic treatment, a definitive surgical approach can be attempted. The objective was to evaluate the surgical treatment of chronic leak after sleeve gastrectomy.MethodsFrom November 2010 through March 2012, 8 patients with chronic gastric fistula after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy had definitive surgical repair. The initial intervention, the diagnosis and management of the fistula, and the endoscopic approach were carefully reviewed.ResultsFive patients had their original laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomies performed at another hospital, while 3 had laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy at our institution. The mean period of time from the diagnosis of the fistula to definitive surgical treatment was 14.4 months (range 5–44 months). Seven patients initially had surgical drainage by laparoscopy (5) and by laparotomy (2), with concomitant feeding jejunostomy in 6 patients. The endoscopic treatment consisted of endoprothese in 4 patients, endoscopic sealing glue in 2 patients, and sequential approach with glue and prosthesis in 2 other patients. One patient was treated exclusively by endoscopic approach with no surgical drainage.The surgical procedures performed for chronic fistula were gastrojejunal lateral anastomosis (4), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (2), and gastrectomy with esojejunal anastomosis (2). Four patients presented with postoperative fistula, with a mean healing time of 32 days (range 22–63 days). No mortality was recorded.ConclusionIn chronic forms of fistulas with no improvements by endoscopic approach, the surgical treatment can be a solution. It remains a difficult procedure with a high percentage of leakage, but this type of fistula is more easily tolerated by the patient and heals faster.     

Caution in using a unique technique of banded revision gastric bypass: Successful endosopic and surgical management of a rare complication

INTRODUCTIONRevision surgery is increasingly performed as result of the increase in primary bariatric procedures. We describe a new technique of revision Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) acombining stapled gastroenterostomy with fixed band placement. We report two cases of unique complications and its successful endoscopic and surgical management.PRESENTATION OF CASETwo out of twenty patients undergoing this revision RYGB procedure presented with gastric outlet obstruction due to band erosion within 10 weeks. Endoscopic band retrieval was successful in the first patient but the second patient required surgical removal.DISCUSSIONWe report the new complication of band erosion in 10% patients using a unique revision RYGB technique combining restriction of the gastric outlet and band placement. We advise using one or the other technique but not both in combination. Surgeons need to be aware of this as erosion which occurs early due to close proximity of band with fresh staple line. We report successful endoscopic and surgical management.CONCLUSIONRevision surgery using this technique predisposes to bande erosion, presenting as gastric outlet obstruction. Endoscopic management should be attempted prior to surgical removal.     

Complications after transanal endoscopic microsurgical resection correlate with location of rectal neoplasms

Purpose Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a technique that has found its place in routine practice due to its minimal invasive character and associated low morbidity. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of anatomical variables of rectal neoplasms as well as surgeon experience on postoperative complications in patients undergoing TEM at a tertiary care center. Methods Data from 288 patients undergoing TEM over a 16 year period were entered in a prospective data base. Anatomical data of rectal neoplasms, operative data, and early postoperative outcome were analyzed retrospectively. Results Overall surgical complications [OR 7.0 (1.5–45,5); p < 0.01] and bleeding [OR 222 (82 – 14316); p < 0.01] correlated with the localization of the neoplasm on the lateral wall of the rectum. Furthermore there was a trend for more surgical overall complications as well as bleeding in neoplasms with a diameter of >2 cm and neoplasms located >8 cm from the anal verge. Complications did not correlate with the number of TEM procedures performed. Conclusion TEM resection of neoplasms located on the lateral rectal wall have a higher risk of bleeding. The learning curve for transanal endoscopic microsurgery appears to be negligible in surgeons with experience in minimal invasive surgery.     

Gastric pneumatosis and concurrent aeroportia due to gastric outlet obstruction: A case report

Introduction and importanceGastric pneumatosis with concurrent hepatic portal vein gas is an extremely rare condition in the adult population. It can be idiopathic or associated with well-known etiologies. Gastric outlet obstruction can progressively inflate the stomach and cause pneumatosis. Regarding abdominal signs and the presence of acute abdomen, management varies from just conservative to emergent surgical interventions.Case presentationWe introduce an adult patient who presented to our hospital with weakness and dyspnea. After initial measures, unexpectedly we found intraabdominal free gas, concurrent gastric pneumatosis, and aeroportia. Due to the absence of positive abdominal signs, the patient was treated successfully without any surgical or endoscopic interventions.DiscussionGastric outlet obstruction is a well-known cause of gastric pneumatosis. Progressive dilation of the stomach due to pyloric stenosis is well-described both in infants and adult populations.ConclusionIn stable patients, gastric drainage and correction of electrolyte disturbance are the only required treatment. However endoscopic and surgical interventions should be considered in unstable patients or those developing acute abdomen.     

The influence of cervical spine position on the three anterior endoscopic approaches to the craniovertebral junction: an imaging study

Background contextThree endoscopic anterior approaches, the transnasal, transoral, and transcervical approaches, are used for ventral lesions of the craniovertebral junction and have been compared regarding surgical working distances and approach angles. However, how the position of the cervical spine influences the depths of surgical corridors and approach angles for the three approaches has not been evaluated.PurposeTo evaluate the depths of surgical corridors and the approach angles for the three endoscopic approaches, taking the influence of cervical spine position into account.Study designA radiographic study comparing three anterior endoscopic approaches to the craniovertebral junction.Patient sampleCervical extension and flexion radiographs for 34 patients and cross-sectional computed tomography scans for 30 additional patients were assessed.Outcome measuresThe depths of the surgical corridors and the approach angles for the three endoscopic approaches in the midsagittal planes.MethodsWe determined the mean angles of the surgical trajectories for the endoscopic transoral and transcervical approaches on cervical extension and flexion radiographs. In addition, we measured the depths of the surgical corridors and the approach angles for the three approaches in the midsagittal plane.ResultsThe average depths of surgical corridors were as follows: endonasal, 93.65 mm; transoral, 85.27 mm; transcervical, 62.97 mm (in extension). The average approach angles were as follows: endonasal, 31.22°; transoral, 30.87°; transcervical, 36.58° (in extension).ConclusionsThe position of the cervical spine does not influence the surgical convenience of the endoscopic transnasal approach, but it can influence the endoscopic transoral and transcervical approaches, especially the latter. The endoscopic transcervical approach offers several advantages over the endoscopic transoral and endonasal approaches.     

Robotic-assisted cystogastrostomy for a patient with a pancreatic pseudocyst

Pancreatic pseudocysts are generally treated by endoscopic cystogastrostomy. However, difficult cases involving abscess, necrosis, or risk of hemorrhage often require surgical intervention. Here, we report a case of a robotically assisted cystogastrostomy. The patient presented with an infected pseudocyst with adjacent varices. Use of the da Vinci Surgical System allowed us to create a widely patent anastomosis between the pseudocyst and the stomach. The patient tolerated the procedure well without any complications. This report demonstrates the feasibility of robotic cystogastrostomy.     

Long-term results with the modified Sugiura procedure for the management of variceal bleeding: standing the test of time in the treatment of bleeding esophageal varices

Background  

The surgical approaches to the treatment of bleeding esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients have been reduced since the clinical development of endoscopic sclerotherapy, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), and liver transplantation. However, when acute sclerotherapy fails, and in cases where no further treatment is accessible, emergency surgery may be life saving. In the present study we retrospectively analyzed the results of the modified Sugiura procedure, performed as emergency and semi-elective treatment in the patient with bleeding esophageal varices.