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Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... Mar 2024The potential of robot-assisted surgery in plastic and reconstructive surgery remains to be established, especially in free tissue transfer. This prospective study aimed...
BACKGROUND
The potential of robot-assisted surgery in plastic and reconstructive surgery remains to be established, especially in free tissue transfer. This prospective study aimed to present our experience and findings from the first 50 consecutive cases of robot-assisted microsurgery using the Symani surgical system.
METHODS
A prospective database was maintained, recording patient demographics and surgical details for all cases of robot-assisted microsurgery in a large academic institution. All surgeons underwent an intensive training program with the Symani surgical system.
RESULTS
A total of 50 patients who underwent robot-assisted microsurgical reconstruction were identified. Free microsurgical tissue transfer was performed in 45 cases, targeted muscle reinnervation in four cases, and lymphovenous anastomoses in a single case. A total of 94 robot-assisted anastomoses and coaptations were performed, (46 venous and 30 arterial anastomoses, 16 nerve coaptations, two lymphovenous anastomoses). Six cases involved perforator-to-perforator anastomoses. Ninety-eight percent of attempted anastomoses were completed using the robot. Size-mismatch anastomoses, seen in 37.8% of cases, took significantly longer. Minor complications occurred in three cases and major in six cases. There were three cases of microvascular compromise requiring revision. One partial flap loss and no complete flap loss occurred.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study highlights the immense potential of robot-assisted microsurgery, and a feasible and effective modality for various microsurgical procedures, with outcomes comparable to those of conventional microsurgery. Despite challenges, such as increased operating times and higher costs, the technology offers significant advantages, such as enhanced precision and motion scaling. We identify a slow learning curve and a necessity for higher caseloads.
PubMed: 38948156
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005685 -
Orthopedic Reviews 2024Osteoarthritis of the carpometacarpal (CMC) is considered a common musculoskeletal disorder. The treatment of carpometacarpal osteoarthritis could be either by...
BACKGROUND
Osteoarthritis of the carpometacarpal (CMC) is considered a common musculoskeletal disorder. The treatment of carpometacarpal osteoarthritis could be either by conservative or surgical methods. surgical treatment, there are various alternatives, including trapeziectomy and arthroplasty. This study aims to perform a systematic review of the literature to determine the functional outcomes associated with trapeziectomy and arthroplasty in CMC arthritis.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the functional outcomes associated with trapeziectomy and arthroplasty in CMC arthritis patients.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and performed on August 2022 by one independent reviewer (author) using PubMed database, EBSCO Host, EMBASE, and ScienceDirect. The literature search will be based on (PICO) criteria, as mentioned in the following: Patients with any carpometacarpal arthritis; with the intervention of using carpometacarpal arthroplasty as their method of surgery; control with trapeziectomy and primary outcome of functional outcome. Clinical outcomes using patient-reported outcome measures and complications were included. The quality of the included studies was evaluated with Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tools. Quantitative analysis was performed by Review Manager 5.4.
RESULTS
Three studies met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review. Both treatments resulted in significant improvements in functional scores. When matching patients according to preoperative function, patients receiving arthroplasty had better postoperative function (Quick DASH: trapeziectomy = 25.1, ARPE = 16.8).
CONCLUSION
This study showed that variable results of clinical outcomes improved after trapezeictomy and arthroplasty in patients with CMC arthritis. Evidence showed that arthroplasty allows for a better improvement in functional outcome.
PubMed: 38947179
DOI: 10.52965/001c.117651 -
Advances in Gerontology = Uspekhi... 2024The purpose of the study was a comparative analysis the effectiveness of microsurgical discectomy and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in the... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
[Comparative analysis of the results of microdiscectomy and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in the treatment of adjacent-level intervertebral disc herniations with lumbosacral transitional vertebra in elderly patients.].
The purpose of the study was a comparative analysis the effectiveness of microsurgical discectomy and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in the treatment of disk herniation adjacent to the anomaly of the lumbosacral junction segment in elderly patients. The study included 80 elderly patients (over 60 years old), divided into two groups: the 1st-(n=39) who underwent microsurgical discectomy; the 2nd- patients (n=41) operated on using minimally invasive transforaminal interbody fusion and percutaneous transpedicular stabilization (MI-TLIF). For the comparative analysis, we used gender characteristics (gender, age), constitutional characteristics (BMI), degree of physical status according to ASA, intraoperative parameters of interventions and the specificity of postoperative patient management, clinical data, and the presence of complications. Long-term outcomes were assessed at a minimum follow-up of 3 years. As a result, it was found that the use of MI-TLIF allows achieving better long-term clinical outcomes, fewer major complications in comparison with the microsurgical discectomy technique in the treatment of disc herniation adjacent to the anomaly of the lumbosacral junction segment in elderly patients.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Spinal Fusion; Intervertebral Disc Displacement; Diskectomy; Aged; Lumbar Vertebrae; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; Microsurgery; Middle Aged; Treatment Outcome; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 38944773
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Clinical Neuroscience :... Jun 2024Aneurysms of the posterior cerebral circulation constitute a burdensome condition with high mortality and morbidity. In the modern era, there has been a trend toward...
When microsurgery becomes the only lifesaving resource: An institutional experience treating patients from low-income backgrounds affected by posterior circulation brain aneurysms.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Aneurysms of the posterior cerebral circulation constitute a burdensome condition with high mortality and morbidity. In the modern era, there has been a trend toward favoring an endovascular approach over microsurgery for aneurysm cases. Nevertheless, this transition has yet to be mirrored in low-to-middle-income countries where endovascular therapy may not be widely available. Herein, we aim to illustrate our experience treating these challenging conditions in patients from low-income backgrounds and discuss the relevance of the clinical setting in the treatment decision.
METHODS
The authors conducted a retrospective review of the health records of patients who received microsurgical treatment for aneurysms in the posterior circulation, including the basilar artery (BA), posterior cerebral artery (PCA), and posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) in an institution providing treatment to people of low-income backgrounds. Epidemiological data, microsurgical technique, and neurological function were retrieved and analyzed.
RESULTS
Surgical clipping was employed for 12 patients (75% female) harboring 15 aneurysms (87% in the posterior circulation and 62% ruptured at presentation). Aneurysms were predominately located in the BA (69%), followed by the PCA (15%) and PICA (15%). Among neurological complications, 25% of patients developed oculomotor nerve palsy. The mortality rate was 17% owing to complications such as cerebral vasospasm, infarction, and severe intracranial hypertension. At the 6-month follow-up, 90% of patients had a good clinical outcome (modified Rankin scale scores of 0-2).
CONCLUSION
The present case series illustrates the manifest role of microsurgical techniques for posterior circulation aneurysms, particularly in a scenario where endovascular techniques are not easily accessible. Importantly, this clinical setting pressure could exhort trainees to strive for microsurgical mastery and gain a competitive advantage.
PubMed: 38943907
DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2024.06.014 -
Microsurgery Jul 2024This study is an economic evaluation comparing virtual surgical planning (VSP) utilization to free hand mandibular reconstruction (FHR) for advanced oral cavity cancer,...
OBJECTIVE
This study is an economic evaluation comparing virtual surgical planning (VSP) utilization to free hand mandibular reconstruction (FHR) for advanced oral cavity cancer, for which the cost effectiveness remains poorly understood. The proposed clinical benefits of VSP must be weighed against the additional upfront costs.
METHODS
A Markov decision analysis model was created for VSP and FHR based on literature review and institutional data over a 35-year time horizon. Model parameters were derived and averaged from systematic review and institutional experience. VSP cost and surgical time saving was incorporated. We accounted for long-term risks including cancer recurrence and hardware failure/exposure. We calculated cost in US dollars and effectiveness in quality-adjusted-life-years (QALYs). A health care perspective was adopted, discounting costs and effectiveness at 3%/year. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses tested model robustness.
RESULTS
In the base case scenario, total VSP strategy cost was $49,498 with 8.37 QALYs gained while FHR cost was $42,478 with 8.27 QALY gained. An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), or the difference in cost/difference in effectiveness, for VSP was calculated at $68,382/QALY gained. VSP strategy favorability was sensitive to variations of patient age at diagnosis and institutional VSP cost with one-way sensitivity analysis. VSP was less economically favorable for patients >75.5 years of age or for institutional VSP costs >$10,745. In a probabilistic sensitivity analysis, 55% of iterations demonstrated an ICER value below a $100,000/QALY threshold.
CONCLUSIONS/RELEVANCE
VSP is economically favorable compared to FHR in patients requiring mandibular reconstruction for advanced oral cancer, but these results are sensitive to the patient's age at diagnosis and the institutional VSP cost. Our results do not suggest if one "should or should not" use VSP, rather, emphasizes the need for patient selection regarding which patients would most benefit from VSP when evaluating quality of life and long-term complications. Further studies are necessary to demonstrate improved long-term risk for hardware failure/exposure in VSP compared to FHR.
Topics: Humans; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Mandibular Reconstruction; Quality-Adjusted Life Years; Markov Chains; Mouth Neoplasms; Surgery, Computer-Assisted; Treatment Outcome; Male; Decision Support Techniques; Female; Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
PubMed: 38943374
DOI: 10.1002/micr.31206 -
Eye (London, England) Jun 2024To investigate the accuracy of the VRF-L and VRF-GL IOL power calculation methods in cataract surgery after radial keratotomy (RK).
BACKGROUND
To investigate the accuracy of the VRF-L and VRF-GL IOL power calculation methods in cataract surgery after radial keratotomy (RK).
METHODS
The VRF-L and VRF-GL methods were collated with nine formulas: Barrett True K (No History), Haigis, Hoffer Q, Hoffer Q (Double-K), Holladay 1 (Double-K), Holladay 2 (Double-K), PEARL-DGS (RK), SRK/T (Double-K), and T2 (Double-K). With SS-OCT biometry (IOLMaster 700, Carl Zeiss Meditec), data of 78 eyes from 78 patients with previous RK was included. Optimised lens constants were sourced from the IOL Con website. Subjective refraction was obtained at 4 to 5 months postoperatively. The root mean square absolute error (RMSAE) and median absolute error (MedAE) were chosen as primary outcomes and the percentage of eyes with PEs within ±0.25 D, ±0.50 D, ±0.75 D, and ±1.00 D were analysed.
RESULTS
Statistical significance (Bootstrap-t test, P < 0.05) was shown by VRF-GL, VRF-L, and Haigis formulas with the lowest RMSAE (0.813 D, 0.816 D and 0.824 D) and MedAE (0.511 D, 0.497 D and 0.533 D) values. The Barrett True K formula was less predictable (0.836 and 0.580, respectively). The VRF-L, VRF-GL, and Haigis achieved the highest percentage of eyes with a PE within ±0.50 D (52.56%, 50.00%, and 46.15%) and ±1.00 D (79.49%, 79.49%, and 80.77% respectively).
CONCLUSION
The VRF-L and VRF-GL methods demonstrated higher accuracy and were comparable with existing methods in eyes after RK. The Haigis was an alternative option with a higher percentage of eyes with a PE within ±1.00 D (80.77%).
PubMed: 38942910
DOI: 10.1038/s41433-024-03195-x -
Journal of Neurosurgery Jun 2024The highly intricate nature of the cervical spinal cord can cause arteriovenous shunts in these segments that may be associated with heightened clinical risks and...
OBJECTIVE
The highly intricate nature of the cervical spinal cord can cause arteriovenous shunts in these segments that may be associated with heightened clinical risks and treatment complexities. In this article, the authors aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the detailed natural course, treatment, and clinical outcomes of cervical spinal cord arteriovenous shunts (SCAVSs) based on the largest cohort to date.
METHODS
Two hundred forty consecutive patients were included. Data on clinical presentation, angioarchitecture, treatment, and follow-up were retrospectively reviewed.
RESULTS
The cohort demonstrated a greater prevalence of acute onset (63.3% vs 36.7%). Spontaneous recovery was observed in 63.7% of patients after onset, with a significantly elevated recovery rate observed among patients experiencing acute onset (72.4% vs 48.9%, p < 0.001). The risks of acute and gradual clinical deterioration after onset was 11.9%/year and 13.4%/year, respectively. Microsurgery was performed in 39.6% of patients, while the remaining 60.4% exclusively underwent embolization. The complete obliteration rate was 65.3% after microsurgery and 21.4% after embolization. The rate of treatment-related deterioration was 14.7% after microsurgery and 6.2% after embolization. After partial treatment, the acute and gradual deterioration rates were 4.1%/year and 6.6%/year, respectively. Lack of spontaneous recovery after onset was an independent predictor of embolization-related deterioration (OR 17.905, p = 0.007) and long-term gradual deterioration after partial treatment (HR 2.325, p = 0.021). After a median follow-up period of 32.55 months, prognosis was unfavorable in 16.7% of patients, with the sole independent risk factor being the absence of spontaneous recovery after onset (OR 2.476, p = 0.018).
CONCLUSIONS
The outcomes of patients with cervical SCAVS were generally favorable, even in patients with only partial obliteration of the lesions. However, patients who did not show a trend toward spontaneous recovery after onset had a significantly elevated risk of unfavorable prognosis, highlighting the need for prompt clinical intervention.
PubMed: 38941649
DOI: 10.3171/2024.4.JNS232552 -
Journal of Neurosurgery Jun 2024The aim of this study was to evaluate the morbidity associated with microsurgical treatment in patients with a recurrent aneurysm to improve their surgical management.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the morbidity associated with microsurgical treatment in patients with a recurrent aneurysm to improve their surgical management.
METHODS
From 2012 to 2022, among the 3128 patients with ruptured or unruptured intracranial aneurysms managed at the authors' institution, 954 patients were treated by a microsurgical procedure. Of these 3128 patients, 60 consecutive patients (6.3%) who had a recurrent microsurgically treated aneurysm after previous endovascular treatment were included in this study. Additional microsurgical treatment was considered in case of progressive remnant growth or significant aneurysm recurrence. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were noted. Early (< 7 days) and long-term clinical and radiological monitoring were performed. Good functional outcome was considered as a modified Rankin Scale score < 3.
RESULTS
The mean age at initial treatment was 45 years (range 26-65 years). The mean delay between the first treatment and microsurgical treatment of the recurrence was 64 months (range 2 days-296 months). The mean size of the fundus recurrence was 5 mm, and the mean size of the neck recurrence was 4.6 mm. Five patients (8.3%) presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage associated with rupture of the recurrent aneurysm. Three patients died (6%) of aneurysm rupture and/or intensive care complications. The total morbidity rate associated with the microsurgical procedure was 14.5% (8/55) in patients with unruptured recurrent aneurysms. Among these patients, postoperative definitive complications (ischemic lesions) directly related to the microsurgical procedure were present in 3 patients (5.5%). Intraoperative rupture was recorded in these 3 patients. In the 54 surviving patients with unruptured recurrent aneurysms, good functional outcome was noted in 49 (91%). Poor functional outcome was significantly associated with intraoperative rupture.
CONCLUSIONS
Microsurgery remains an effective therapeutic option for recurrent intracranial aneurysms. However, in the authors' experience, postoperative morbidity is higher than in patients with nonrecurrent aneurysms. Therefore, a pretherapeutic multidisciplinary evaluation is mandatory to reduce the potential morbidity associated with the retreatment as much as possible. When endovascular occlusion of the aneurysm requires both stenting and coiling, alternative microsurgical treatment should be carefully evaluated, as microsurgical clipping will become much more challenging in cases of aneurysm recurrence.
PubMed: 38941640
DOI: 10.3171/2024.3.JNS24116 -
Journal of Neurosurgery Jun 2024The objective of this study was to develop a nomogram to predict long-term facial nerve (FN) function after vestibular schwannoma (VS) resection.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to develop a nomogram to predict long-term facial nerve (FN) function after vestibular schwannoma (VS) resection.
METHODS
A retrospective cohort study of two tertiary academic skull base referral centers was performed. Consecutive adults > 18 years of age with sporadic unilateral VS who underwent resection between September 2016 and May 2021 were included. FN function in the immediate postoperative period and at the most recent evaluation was measured.
RESULTS
A total of 306 patients (mean age 49 years, 63% female) were included, with a mean follow-up of 18 months. The mean maximum tumor diameter was 19 mm (range 1-50 mm), and 80 (26.1%) tumors were > 25 mm. Overall, 85% of patients showed good immediate postoperative FN function (House-Brackmann [HB] grade I or II) and 89% maintained good FN function at > 12 months of follow-up. An intraoperative FN electromyographic (EMG) response ≥ 100 µV to 0.05 mA of stimulation (OR 18.6, p < 0.001) was the strongest predictor of good HB grade in the immediate postoperative period. EMG response ≥ 100 µV (OR 5.70, p < 0.001), tumor size ≤ 25 mm (OR 3.09, p < 0.05), and better immediate postoperative HB grade (OR 1.48, p = 0.005) predicted good long-term FN function on multivariable analysis. A point-of-care nomogram based on these data predicted long-term FN function with a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 69%.
CONCLUSIONS
Better immediate postoperative HB grade, intraoperative FN EMG response ≥ 100 µV, and tumor size ≤ 25 mm strongly predicted good long-term FN function after VS resection. A point-of-care nomogram based on these variables could serve as a useful tool for postoperative counseling and prognosis of long-term FN recovery.
PubMed: 38941635
DOI: 10.3171/2024.4.JNS232208 -
Science Advances Jun 2024The blood-brain barrier (BBB) acts as the crucial physical filtration structure in the central nervous system. Here, we investigate the role of a specific subset of...
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) acts as the crucial physical filtration structure in the central nervous system. Here, we investigate the role of a specific subset of astrocytes in the regulation of BBB integrity. We showed that expressing astrocytes transfer mitochondria to endothelial cells via their endfeet for maintaining BBB integrity. Deletion of the Mitofusin 2 () gene in -expressing astrocytes inhibited the mitochondrial transfer and caused BBB leakage. In addition, the decrease of MFN2 in astrocytes contributes to the age-associated reduction of mitochondrial transfer efficiency and thus compromises the integrity of BBB. Together, we describe a mechanism in which astrocytes regulate BBB integrity through mitochondrial transfer. Our findings provide innnovative insights into the cellular framework that underpins the progressive breakdown of BBB associated with aging and disease.
Topics: Astrocytes; Blood-Brain Barrier; Animals; Mitochondria; Mice; Endothelial Cells; GTP Phosphohydrolases
PubMed: 38941455
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk2913