Transumbilical thoracic sympathectomy with an ultrathin flexible endoscope in a series of 38 patients

Background

The newest trend in the field of thoracic surgery, thoracic natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), is still in the early stages of development and limited to animal experiments. Transumbilical endoscopic surgery could work as a viable intermediate step before pure NOTES. We describe our experiences performing transumbilical–diaphragmatic thoracic sympathectomy with an ultrathin flexible endoscope for palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis in human patients.

Methods

From April 2010 to January 2012, a total of 38 patients underwent transumbilical–diaphragmatic thoracic sympathectomy. Through the incision in the umbilicus, a newly developed long trocar was inserted into the abdominal cavity. An ultrathin endoscope was introduced through the long trocar and then passed through the rigid incision made in the left and right diaphragm and into the thoracic cavity. The ganglion was ablated at the desired thoracic level.

Results

Sympathectomy was performed successfully in all patients. Mean operation time was 68 ± 16 (range, 48–107) minutes. There was no mortality and no conversion to open surgery during the operation of any patient. At a median follow-up of 11 (range, 4–12) months after surgery, no diaphragmatic hernia was observed. The rate of palmar hyperhidrosis and axillary hyperhidrosis resolution was 100 and 75 %, respectively.

Conclusions

Transumbilical endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is technically feasible and safe, which has the possible advantages of pure NOTES and can be performed in routine clinical practice.     

Clinical Utility of a Novel Hybrid Position Combining the Left Lateral Decubitus and Prone Positions During Thoracoscopic Esophagectomy

Background

We developed a hybrid of the prone and left lateral decubitus positions for thoracoscopic esophagectomy (TE) in 2009. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of applying this novel TE position.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 78 patients who underwent TE at our institution between 2005 and 2010. Altogether, 33 patients underwent TE in the left lateral decubitus position (LD-TE) from 2005 to 2008, and 45 underwent TE in the hybrid position (hybrid-TE) from 2009 to 2010. Radical lymphadenectomy along the bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerves was performed in both groups. The thoracic duct was preserved in the LD-TE group and resected in the hybrid-TE group. In the LD-TE group, all thoracic procedures were performed with the patient in the left lateral decubitus position. In the hybrid-TE group, the upper mediastinal procedure was performed with the patient in the left lateral decubitus position, and procedures at the middle and lower mediastinum were performed with the patient in the prone position under CO₂ pneumothorax.

Results

Hybrid-TE was associated with increased operating time. The number of harvested mediastinal nodes and the PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio on postoperative day 1 were both greater in this position. Although vocal cord palsy was observed more frequently in the hybrid-TE group, there was no significant difference in the rate of other complications or in-hospital mortality between the two groups.

Conclusions

The novel hybrid position is believed feasible for use during TE. We believe that this position facilitates a more radical mediastinal lymphadenectomy with minimal intraoperative pulmonary damage.     

Transoral endoscopic surgery versus conventional thoracoscopic surgery for thoracic intervention: safety and efficacy in a canine survival model

Purpose

Transoral endoscopic surgery has been shown to be feasible and safe in both humans and animal models. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transoral and conventional thoracoscopy for thoracic exploration, surgical lung biopsy, and pericardial window creation.

Methods

The animals (n = 20) were randomly assigned to the transoral endoscopic approach group (n = 10) or conventional thoracoscopic approach group (n = 10). Transoral thoracoscopy was performed with a flexible bronchoscope via an incision over the vestibulum oris. In conventional thoracoscopy, access to the thoracic cavity was obtained through a thoracic incision. Surgical outcomes (body weight, operating time, operative complications, and time to resumption of normal diet), physiologic parameters (respiratory rate, body temperature), inflammatory parameters [white blood cell (WBC) counts and C-reactive protein (CRP)], and pulmonary parameters (arterial blood gases) were compared for both procedures.

Results

The surgical lung biopsy and pericardial window creation were successfully performed in all animals except one animal in the transoral group. There was no significant difference in operating times between the groups. The increase in WBC in the transoral thoracoscopy group was significantly smaller on postoperative day 1 than in the conventional thoracoscopy group (p = 0.0029). The transoral group had an earlier return to preoperative body temperature (p = 0.041) and respiratory rate (p = 0.045) on day 7. With respect to pulmonary parameters, there was no significant difference in blood pH, pCO₂, or PaCO₂ between the transoral and transthoracic groups. All animals survived without complications 14 days after surgery.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that the transoral approach was comparable to conventional thoracoscopic surgery for lung biopsy and pericardial window creation in terms of safety and efficacy.     

Distal-third diaphyseal fractures of the humerus: choice of approach and surgical treatment

Purpose

Distal-third diaphyseal fractures of the humerus are often hard to treat due to location and pattern of the fractures, radial nerve injury, and quality of bone and age of patients. The aim of this retrospective study is to propose the best approach and the best surgical technique according to the pattern of extra-articular fracture of the distal humerus.

Methods

We have treated 37 fractures of the distal humerus between January 2010 and July 2015 classified according to the AO classification. There were 2 open fractures. We treated all fractures with open reduction and internal fixation with plates and screws. In 20 cases, we performed a posterior midline triceps-splitting approach, with patients in prone decubitus position; in 2 cases, the triceps-splitting approach with the patients in supine decubitus position; in 3 cases, the olecranon osteotomy approach in prone decubitus position; and in 12 cases, the lateral approach in supine decubitus position.

Results

Thirty cases had a medium follow-up of 6 months. We observe 2 post-operative radial nerve palsies healed in 5 months and 2 cases of non-union. The average time to union of remaining cases was 16 weeks (range 12–24). Elbow motility was complete in 25 cases, in 4 cases there was an extension loss of 5°, and in one case there was an extension loss of 10°.

Conclusions

The use of plates allows an anatomical fracture reduction, a better control of alignment of humerus and, with a rigid fixation, an early elbow mobilization. The best approach and the best surgical technique depend on the pattern of the fracture of distal humerus.

     

Direct Anterior Approach for Total Hip Arthroplasty in the Lateral Decubitus Position: Our Experiences and Early Results

Background

The direct anterior approach (DAA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) is typically performed in the supine position using a specially designed operating room table, which makes this approach more accessible to orthopedic surgeons. We attempted to perform this procedure in the lateral decubitus position on an ordinary operation table to avoid dependence on a special operating room table. There is an obvious absence of literature regarding this subject.

Evaluation of tracheal intubation in several positions by the Pentax-AWS Airway Scope: a manikin study

Purpose

In emergency situations, rescuers must occasionally secure the airway while the patient is in a restricted position rather than in the ideal supine position. We hypothesized that the Pentax-AWS Airway Scope (AWS) may be useful for emergent tracheal intubation in such positions.

Methods

Thirteen non-anesthesia residents performed tracheal intubation on a simulated manikin in the supine (Supine), left-lateral decubitus (Left-LT), right-lateral decubitus (Right-LT), prone (Prone), and sitting (Sitting) position, respectively, to assess AWS performance.

Results

Intubations were successful in all five positions. The time needed to secure the airway did not differ significantly between the Left-LT and Supine positions. Doctors required significantly more time to secure the airway in the Prone, Sitting, and Right-LT positions than in the Supine position. Visual analog scale (VAS) scoring of the subjective difficulty of laryngoscopy was lower in the Supine position rather than in the Right-LT, Prone, and Sitting positions. The VAS score of subjective difficulty of tracheal tube passage through the glottis was significantly higher in the Sitting position than in the other four positions.

Conclusion

Although tracheal intubations with AWS in all five positions tested were successful, intubation with the patient in the Sitting, Right-LT, and Prone positions was more difficult and required more time than that in the Supine position.     

Does right lateral decubitus position change retroperitoneal oblique corridor? A radiographic evaluation from L1 to L5

Purpose

To determine if the retroperitoneal oblique corridor will be affected by right lateral decubitus position.

Methods

Forty volunteers were randomly enrolled and MRI scan was performed from L1 to L5 in supine and right lateral decubitus positions, respectively. In images across the center of each disc, O was defined as the center of a disc and A (supine) or A′ (right lateral decubitus) was located in left lateral border of the aorta or the iliac artery; B (supine) or B′ (right lateral decubitus) was on the anterior medial border of the psoas. The distance of AB and A′B′ (Recorded as A-Ps and A-Pr, respectively) at each level was recorded and compared to each other. The relationships between A-Pr, sex, BMI and relative psoas cross-sectional area (PCSA) at each level were also evaluated.

Results

A-Pr was significantly smaller than A-Ps at L1/2, L2/3 and L3/4 (All p < 0.05); there was no significantly difference of A-Pr between all levels (p = 0.105), but L1/2 seemed to be larger than L3/4, followed by L2/3 and L4/5; A-Pr at each level was not affected by sex (All p > 0.05); linear relationships were found between A-Pr, BMI and PCSA at L1/2 and L3/4.

Conclusions

ROC at L1/2, L2/3 and L3/4 will significantly decrease from supine to right lateral decubitus position and the reason may be due to the relaxed psoas deformation. Using MRI images in supine position for pre-operatively ROC evaluation is not accurate. Spine surgeon should also be more cautious when OLIF is performed at L4/5 where ROC is the smallest. Patients from Asia and those with strong psoas major at L1/2 and L3/4 are also associated with relatively narrow ROC.

     

Efficacy of the dynamic radiographs for diagnosing acute osteoporotic vertebral fractures

Summary

We investigated the efficacy of dynamic radiographs for diagnosing acute osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) compared with supine radiographs or sitting radiographs alone. Evaluation of the dynamic radiographs was superior to the other evaluations. Dynamic radiographs provide a convenient and useful method of diagnosing acute OVFs.

Introduction

Identifying acute OVFs on plain radiographs is difficult. We studied a new approach to identify acute OVFs on the basis of fracture mobility.

Methods

We performed a retrospective radiographic analysis of 472 acute OVFs (<3 weeks after onset), which were diagnosed on the basis of magnetic resonance imaging of T5 through L5 (a total of 5,239 vertebrae). Supine lateral radiographs were compared with sitting lateral radiographs to determine the presence or absence of mobility. Vertebrae showing changes in the vertebral body height were diagnosed as acute OVFs. We analyzed the diagnostic accuracy on the basis of comparative supine and sitting lateral radiographs and compared it with that of radiographs obtained in the supine or the sitting position alone.

Results

Of the 472 acute OVFs diagnosed, 313 (66 %) exhibited vertebral mobility on supine lateral and sitting lateral radiographs. Correct diagnoses of acute OVFs or no acute OVFs were made in 4,883 vertebrae. There were 159 unreadable OVFs (3 %), and 197 previous OVFs (4 %) were misdiagnosed as acute OVFs. The sensitivity was 66 % and the specificity was 96 %. Evaluation of the mobility of acute OVFs in the supine and the sitting position was superior to evaluation using radiographs in either the supine or the sitting position alone.

Conclusions

Dynamic radiographs provide a convenient way to identify acute OVFs.     

Periphere Talusfrakturen

Objective

Open reduction and internal fixation with screw(s) for fragments with sufficient size, and resection of smaller fragments.

Indications

Displaced fragments with (typical) involvement of joint surface.

Contraindications

Active infection and severe peripherial vascular disease.

Surgical technique

Positioning and approach are adapted to the fracture location. Fractures of the talar head and talar shoulders, supine position and anteromedial/-lateral approach. Fractures of the lateral talar process, lateral position on contralateral side and lateral approach. Fractures of the posterior talar process, prone position and posterolateral approach. Fractures of the medial, supine position and medial approach. Open reduction and internal screw fixation. Cartilage-surgical procedures for concomitant chondral defects.

Postoperative management

For the first 6 weeks, 15 kg partial weight bearing without orthosis in a standard shoe. Thrombosis prophylaxis following the local standard during the time of partial weight bearing.

Results

At a specialized orthopedic hospital with a supraregional frequented department for foot and ankle surgery, 8 patients with peripherial talar fractures were treated in 2012 (medial/posterior talar process, each n?=?1, lateral talar process, n?=?2, medial and lateral talar shoulder, each n?=?2). One fragment was fixed with 1–3 screws, and additional cartilage reconstruction with matrix-associated stem cell transplantation was performed in 4 cases (lateral talar process, n?=?2, medial and lateral talar shoulder, each n?=?1). Bony fusion was registered at the 6-week follow-up in all cases. Further follow-up is not completed. Complications have not been registered so far.     

NOTES retroperitoneal transvaginal distal pancreatectomy

Background

The retroperitoneal approach preserves the peritoneal cavity and its envelope. The benefits of laparoscopic retroperitoneal approach to the kidney and the adrenal gland are well known. The pancreas may represent another potential target. Whereas NOTES transperitoneal distal pancreatectomy has been reported, the retroperitoneal approach, which may combine the advantages of peritoneal preservation with those of no scar surgery, has never been explored. We report the feasibility of NOTES transvaginal retroperitoneal pancreatectomy in a porcine model.

Methods

With the pig supine, under general anesthesia, a 10-mm posterior colpotomy was performed with a needle-knife operated through a flexible 12-mm, double-channel endoscope (Karl Storz^®). A retroperitoneal tunnel was created with blunt dissection up to the left kidney with progressive visualization of the left iliac vessels, ureter, and abdominal aorta. To reach the posterior aspect of the pancreas, a space was opened medial to the upper renal pole dividing the Gerota’s fascia. The tail of pancreas was mobilized with blunt and sharp dissection, using monopolar cautery. Once the distal pancreas was dissected free, it was secured using a polypropylene endoscopic loop and then resected with an endoscopic snare (Olympus^®).

Results

The procedure was successfully accomplished by a totally NOTES approach in five pigs, with a mean operative time of 118 (range, 105–185) minutes with no intraoperative complications and no injury to any retroperitoneal structure.

Conclusions

The pancreas is accessible by a transvaginal retroperitoneal NOTES approach. Human cadavers studies are necessary to confirm the validity of this model and to explore the need for specific technological developments, such as flexible stapling devices, to improve the safety of pancreatic resection.     

Thoracoscopic sympathectomy for Buerger's disease: A report on the successful treatment of four patients

We describe herein the successful treatment of four patients with ischemic ulcers or gangrene of the fingers due to Buerger's disease by thoracoscopic sympathectomy, a new method of surgery which eliminates the difficulties associated with the traditional open approaches to the thoracic sympathetic chain, such as poor exposure, risk of damage to the adjacent structures, and postoperative pain. After the patients were placed in the lateral decubitus position with unilateral pulmonary ventilation, the thoracic sympathetic ganglia (T) from the lower third of T1 to T3 were resected endoscopically. The operative results were excellent, with improvement or complete resolution of the ulcer being achieved in all four patients. All of the patients were satisfied with the results in terms of ulcer healing, postoperative pain, and cosmetic appearance. Although a postoperative air leakage developed in one patient with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis, it was successfully treated with an adhesive agent. None of the patients developed Horner's syndrome. Thus, because thoracoscopic sympathectomy is easier to perform with a lower risk of complications than conventional thoracic sympathectomy, we recommend this operative approach as the procedure of choice for surgical thoracic sympathectomy.     

Embryonic NOTES thoracic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis: results of a novel technique and comparison with the conventional VATS procedure

Background

To avoid the disadvantages of chronic pain and chest wall paresthesia associated with video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) procedures, we developed a novel surgical technique for performing sympathectomy by embryonic natural orifice transumbilical endoscopic surgery (E-NOTES) with a flexible endoscope. In this study, we compared the outcomes of E-NOTES with conventional VATS thoracic sympathectomy on palmar hyperhidrosis.

Methods

From January 2010 to April 2011, a total of 66 patients with severe palmar hyperhidrosis were treated with thoracic sympathectomy in our department. Thirty-four transumbilical thoracic sympathectomies were performed via a 5-mm umbilicus incision with ultrathin gastroscope, then compared with 32 conventional needlescopic thoracic sympathectomies. Retrospective statistical analysis of a prospectively collected group of patients was performed.

Results

There was no significant difference with regard to gender, mean age, body mass index, and length of hospital stay between the two groups. The operative time for E-NOTES thoracic sympathectomy was longer than that of VATS thoracic sympathectomy (56.4 ± 10.8 vs. 40.3 ± 6.5 min, p < 0.01). No mortality, diaphragmatic hernia, or Horner syndrome was observed in either group. Postoperative questionnaires were returned by all treated patients with a mean time from operation to follow-up of 1.4 ± 0.3 years. All 66 patients receiving sympathectomy reported successful treatment of their palmar hyperhidrosis. Compensatory hyperhidrosis was noticed in 7 (20.1 %) and 6 (18.8 %) patients in the E-NOTES and VATS groups, respectively (p > 0.05). Postoperative pain and paresthesia were significantly reduced in the E-NOTES group at each time interval, and the aesthetic effect of the incision was superior in the E-NOTES group.

Conclusions

Transumbilical-diaphragmatic thoracic sympathectomy is a safe and efficacious alternative to the conventional approach. This novel procedure can further reduce postoperative pain and chest wall paresthesia as well as afford maximum cosmetic benefits by hiding the surgical incision in the umbilicus.     

Double-lumen tube placement with the patient in the supine position without a headrest minimizes displacement during lateral positioning

Purpose

The correct position of double-lumen tubes (DLTs) is customarily confirmed after tracheal intubation by bronchoscopy with the patient supine on a headrest. However, displacement of DLTs usually occurs during lateral positioning because of neck extension. This study was undertaken to determine whether displacement of DLTs could be minimized during lateral positioning if DLTs were positioned without a headrest.

Methods

One hundred patients scheduled for thoracic surgery were randomized into two groups (n?=?50 each). After tracheal intubation using a headrest, adjustment of DLT position was performed according to group assignment, i.e., either with the headrest in place or without the headrest. Using a bronchoscope, distances from the tracheal opening to the main carina and from the bronchial opening to the left bronchial carina were measured in both the supine and lateral positions.

Results

Displacement of DLTs [mean (standard deviation)] during lateral positioning was greater in the headrest group than in the no-headrest group [12.3 (6.5) mm vs 6.8 (5.5) mm, respectively, in the trachea; 11.6 (6.7) mm vs 6.0 (4.6) mm, respectively, in the bronchus; P?<?0.001]. The incidence of significant displacement, defined as?>?10?mm from initial correct position, was greater in the headrest group than in the no-headrest group (64% vs 28%, respectively, in the trachea; 58% vs 20%, respectively, in the bronchus; P?<?0.001).

Conclusion

Displacement of DLTs during lateral positioning appears to be caused primarily by extension of the neck. Correct adjustment of DLT position without a headrest in the supine position is an easy and effective method to minimize DLT displacement during lateral positioning (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01413347).     

Modified 45-degree head-up tilt increases success rate of lumbar puncture in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia

Purpose

Lumbar puncture (LP) is one of the most common procedures performed in medicine. The aim of this prospective study is to determine the success rate of LP in lateral decubitus with 45-degree head-up tilt position, and compare it with traditional positions like sitting and lateral decubitus.

Methods

Three hundred and thirty patients between 25 and 85 years of age who had undergone abdominal, urologic, and lower limb extremities surgeries were enrolled and 300 patients were divided into three different groups. The LP was performed with a 25-G atraumatic needle, either in the standard sitting position (group S, n = 100), lateral decubitus, knee-chest position (group L, n = 100) or lateral decubitus, knee-chest position with a 45-degree head-up tilt (group M, n = 100). The free flow of clear cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) upon first attempt was considered to be evidence of a successful LP.

Results

Total LP success rate was significantly higher in group M (85 %) than in groups S and L (70 and 65 %, respectively) (p = 0.004). When the significance between the groups was evaluated according to age, the increase in the LP success rate was not significant for ≤65 and >65 age groups. There were no differences among the three groups in terms of bloody CSF (p = 0.229) and the number of attempts before dural puncture (p = 0.052).

Conclusions

The lateral decubitus in knee-chest position with a 45-degree head-up tilt may be the preferred position for spinal anesthesia in young and elderly patients, due to the high success rate.     

Anterior video-assisted approach to the craniovertebral junction: transnasal or transoral? A cadaver study

Background

Endoscopy represents both an alternative and useful complement to the standard microsurgical approach to the anterior craniovertebral junction (CVJ). Nevertheless, few studies provide an experimental comparison between transnasal and transoral endoscopic control on CVJ. We compared the surgical exposition angle and the working channel volume of both the transnasal and transoral approaches in the cadaver.

Methods

Eleven fresh non-perfused cadavers were studied. Transnasal and transoral linear and angled exposure of the CVJ were evaluated by means of X-ray and CT scan both in sagittal and lateral planes.

Results

The transoral endoscopic surgical exposition was wider compared with the transnasal in anterior and lateral projections:(1)in the sagittal plane, both in vertical exposition (transnasal inferior to transoral from 5.89 % to 76.48 %, average 35.89 %) and in vertical surgical angle (from 22 % to 77.42 %, average 56.53 %); (2)in the coronal plane, both in coronal exposition (transnasal inferior to transoral from 50.77 % to 83.88 %, average 70.34 %) and in coronal surgical angle (from 65.58 % to 86.71 %, average 76.70 %). The sagittal surgical domain was found to spanning from the inferior third of the clivus to C3 with the transoral and from the middle third of the clivus to the nasopalatal line (NPL) with the transnasal approach. The overlapping surgical domain area was found to be the inferior third of the clivus.

Conclusions

The endoscope assisted transoral approach allows a better surgical control of the CVJ. It provides a better CVJ exposure, in sagittal and transverse planes, providing a larger working channel and an easier manoeuvrability. The transnasal approach is limited in caudal direction down to the NPL, otherwise the transoral approach is limited in the rostral direction with a maximum to the foramen magnum in normal specimen. In every individual case, pros and cons of the appropriate approach have to be taken into account as well as the choice of a combined transnasal and transoral approaches strategy.     

Pure transvesical NOTES uterine horn resection in swine as an appendectomy model

Background

Because of size limitation, the lack of reliable instruments, and bladder closure methods, transvesical natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is still in its infancy. The porcine uterine horn is similar to the human vermiform appendix. Therefore, the resection of the porcine uterine horn is an established animal model for the human appendectomy. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of a pure transvesical NOTES approach to uterine horn resection in a porcine model.

Methods

We performed five operations on three female pigs (30?C35?kg) under general anesthesia in the Trendelenburg position. The laparoscope at the umbilicus was used only for the purpose of documentation. We used a rigid ureteroscope and a customized access system that prevented gas leakage and facilitated in-and-out passage of the instruments. A vesicostomy was created on the posterolateral bladder wall by using a needle knife through the channel of the ureteroscope. The uterine horn resection was performed by using an electric needle knife, hot forceps, and a polypectomy snare through the access system placed in vesicostomy. Bladder closure was performed with extracorporeal ties using metal clip tagged threads and a knot-pusher.

Results

We successfully performed the pure transvesical NOTES uterine horn resections. The mean total operative time was 141.8 (±58.7) min, and blood loss was minimal in all cases. No leakage was observed at the bladder repair sites after filling with normal saline. The removed uterine horns were approximately 6?C12-cm long and 0.6?C0.8?cm in diameter. On final inspection, the urethras were not damaged.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the feasibility of a pure transvesical NOTES uterine horn resection in a porcine model. To the best of our knowledge, this is the world??s first report on a pure transvesical NOTES with a therapeutic purpose. This study shows the potential for adoption of the transvesical approach in NOTES procedures.     

Implantation of the anterior atlantoaxial lateral mass intervertebral cage using the transoral approach

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possibility of implanting the anterior atlantoaxial lateral mass intervertebral cage, a new type of fixation, by the transoral approach.

“Triangle of safety”: anatomic considerations in transvaginal natural orifice surgery

Background

The introduction of transvaginal (TV) natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) brings the loss of traditionally used cutaneous landmarks for safe peritoneal access. This video describes the use of landmarks within the posterior vaginal fornix to define a “triangle of safety” wherein the peritoneal cavity can be accessed while minimizing the risk of injury to surrounding structures.

Methods

The triangle of safety is best identified in the following way. The cervix and posterior fornix are visualized. Then an imaginary clock located at the base of the cervix is envisioned. The superior two corners of the triangle are represented by the 4 and 8 o’clock positions on this imaginary clock. Sometimes the cervix needs to be grasped and elevated anteriorly so that the inferior apex of the triangle delineated by the center of the rectovaginal fold is better visualized.

Results

During hybrid TV NOTES, the rectovaginal pouch of Douglas is visualized from the umbilicus, and the vaginal port can then be safely passed through the center of the triangle. It is important that the vaginal port should be angled upward, aiming toward the umbilicus to avoid injury to the rectum. During pure TV NOTES, the incision is made with electrocautery from the 5 o’clock position to the 7 o’clock position within the triangle. The peritoneum is sharply entered, and the colpotomy is dilated with the surgeons’ fingers.

Conclusions

The triangle of safety defines a set of landmarks between the base of the cervix and the rectovaginal fold. It allows for a safe TV access for hybrid and pure TV NOTES while minimizing the risk of injury to surrounding structures.     

Presented at the 64th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Japanese Association for thoracic surgery: wet-lab training for thoracic surgery at the laboratory animal facilities

Objective

The purpose of this study was to describe the animal thoracic training program for the thoracic surgery at the laboratory animal facilities

Method

The training was provided for 78 surgical students under the direction of thoracic medical specialists. Students attended lectures and then performed venipuncture, injection, intubation, tracheostomy, surgical cut-down, and thoracic and abdominal surgical approaches. We estimated the detailed surgical skills in two groups (67 residents and 11 thoracic fellows).

Results

All students demonstrated satisfactory impressions after training. We found significant difference between the skills of residents and fellows with regard to the haemostasis and suturing techniques.

Conclusions

Wet-lab training for thoracic surgery at the laboratory animal facilities is useful for surgical residents and thoracic fellows.