High tibial osteotomy using polycaprolactone-tricalcium phosphate polymer wedge in a micro pig model

Medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy has been gaining popularity in recent years, but adequate supporting material is required in the osteotomy gap for early weight-bearing and rapid union. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the implantation of a polycaprolactone-tricalcium phosphate composite scaffold wedge would enhance healing of the osteotomy in a micro pig model. We carried out open-wedge high tibial osteotomies in 12 micro pigs aged from 12 to 16 months. A scaffold wedge was inserted into six of the osteotomies while the other six were left open. Bone healing was evaluated after three and six months using plain radiographs, CT scans, measurement of the bone mineral density and histological examination. Complete bone union was obtained at six months in both groups. There was no collapse at the osteotomy site, loss of correction or failure of fixation in either group. Staining with haematoxylin and eosin demonstrated that there was infiltration of new bone tissue into the macropores and along the periphery of the implanted scaffold in the scaffold group. The CT scans and measurement of the bone mineral density showed that at six months specimens in the scaffold group had a higher bone mineral density than in the control group, although the implantation of the polycaprolactone-tricalcium phosphate composite scaffold wedge did not enhance healing of the osteotomy.     

Does Total Mesorectal Excision Require a Learning Curve? Analysis from the Database of a Single Surgeon’s Experience

Background  

The procedure of total mesorectal excision (TME) is the gold standard in the treatment of rectal cancer. However, quality control of TME is still under debate. The present study was conducted to determine whether TME requires a learning curve to allow the surgeon to grasp the necessary technical expertise.     

Robotic thyroidectomy by a gasless unilateral axillo-breast or axillary approach: our early experiences

Background  

Various endoscopic thyroidectomy procedures have been designed to minimize visible scarring. However, endoscopic thyroidectomies have some limitations in obtaining adequate surgical views and in the precise manipulations of the endoscopic instrument. Recently, robotic technology has been applied to thyroid surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the technical feasibility, intraoperative safety, and efficacy of robotic thyroidectomy.