Pure Endoscopic Excision of Parenchymal Brain Tumors: Feasibilty, Risks, Advantages and Realities - A Beginners Perspective

Background Neuroendoscopy is gaining popularity and is reaching new realms. Young neurosurgeons are exploring the various possibilities associated with the use of neuroendoscopy. Neuroendoscopy in excision of parenchymal brain tumors is less explored, and young neurosurgeons should be aware of the realities. The present article is an approach to put forward the difficulties faced by a young neurosurgeon and the lessons learnt. Objective To report the experience of surgical excision of parenchymal brain tumors, in selected cases, using pure endoscopic approach and to discuss its feasibility, technical benefits, risks and comparison with conventional microscopic excision. Method Eight patients of variable age group with parenchymal brain tumors were operated upon by a single surgeon and followed up for a period varying from6months to 2 years. Data regarding operating time, illumination, clarity of the field, size of craniotomy, blood loss and course of recovery was evaluated. All of the tumors were resected using rigid high definition zero and 30° endoscope. Results Out of eight cases, seven had lesions in the supratentorial and one in the infratentorial location. The age group ranged from 27 to 74 years old. Near to gross total resection was achieved in all except two cases. All of the patients recovered well without any significant morbidity or mortality. Hospital stay was reduced by 1 day on average. Conclusion Excision of parenchymal brain tumors via pure endoscopic method is a safe and efficient procedure. Although there is an initial period of learning curve, it is not steep for those already practicing neuroendoscopy, but the approach has its advantages.

Transection of the hepatic parenchyma associated or not with the contralateral portal vein branch ligature and its effect in liver regeneration / Efeito da transecção do parênquima hepático associada ou não à ligadura contralateral da veia porta na regeneração hepática

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the influence of portal vein ligation in hepatic regeneration by immunohistochemical criteria. Methods Ten pigs divided into two groups of five animals underwent hepatectomy in two stages, and the groups were differentiated by ligation or not of the left portal vein tributary, which is responsible for vascularization of the left lateral and medial lobes of the pig liver. Five days after the procedure, the animals underwent liver biopsies for further analysis of histological and immunohistochemical with marker Ki67. Results The group submitted to hepatectomy with vascular ligation showed an increase of approximately 4% of hepatocytes in regeneration status, as well as a greater presence of Kupffer and inflammatory cells as compared to control. Conclusion As a result of positive cell replication observed through the Ki67 marker, we can suspect that the ligation of a tributary of the portal vein associated with liver resection promoted a greater stimulus of liver regeneration when compared to liver resection alone.

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar a influência da ligadura da tributária da veia porta no estímulo regenerativo hepático por meio de critérios imuno-histoquímicos. Métodos Dez suínos, divididos em dois grupos de cinco animais, foram submetidos à hepatectomia em dois estágios, sendo que os grupos foram diferenciados pela ligadura ou não da tributária da veia porta, responsável pela vascularização dos lobos lateral e medial esquerdos do fígado do suíno. Cinco dias após o procedimento, os animais foram reabordados para retirada de amostras hepáticas para posterior análise de histológica e imunoistoquímica com o marcador Ki67. Resultados O grupo submetido à hepatectomia com ligadura vascular apresentou incremento de 4% aproximadamente de hepatócitos em processo de regeneração, bem como grande número de células de Kupffer e células inflamatórias, quando comparado ao controle. Conclusão Em virtude da análise positiva da replicação celular observada por meio do marcador Ki67, pode-se observar que a ligadura de uma tributária da veia porta promoveu um maior estímulo de regeneração hepática, efeito observado com menor intensidade no grupo submetido apenas à ressecção hepática.

Open partial nephrectomy for entirely intraparenchymal tumors: a matched case-control study of oncologic outcome and complication rate

ABSTRACT Purpose To compare the oncologic and clinical outcomes for open partial nephrectomy (OPN) performed in patients with entirely intraparenchymal tumors versus case-matched controls, with exophytic lesions. Material and methods Patients having undergone OPN between 2007 and 2012 were investigated. Exclusion criteria included patients with a benign tumor, advanced malignancy, malignancies other than renal cell carcinoma, end-stage renal failure, or 3 or more co-existing chronic diseases. Individuals with tumors that were invisible at the renal surface were identified, and then matched with 2 controls chosen for tumor size, pathology, age, follow-up period, and presence of a solitary kidney. Oncological status, perioperative, and postoperative data were collected and compared between groups. Results 17 individuals with entirely endophytic RCC tumors and available oncologic status were identified. For five patients, only one suitable control could be identified, bringing the control group number to 29. All tumors were clear cell carcinomas staged at pT1a. Median tumor size was 25mm for endophytic lesions, and 27mm for exophytic masses (P=0.32). The operative period was extended by 20 minutes for intrarenal tumors (P=0.03), with one case of a positive surgical margin in each group (P=0.7). There were no significant differences in perioperative or postoperative complications. Median follow-up was 47 and 43 months for patients with endophytic and exophytic tumors respectively. Disease recurrence was recorded in one patient after endophytic tumor resection, and in four controls (P=0.4). Conclusions OPN shows equivalent safety and efficacy for both intrarenal RCC tumors and exophytic tumors of the same size and type.

Tratamento de mamas tuberosas com incisões combinadas / Treatment of tuberous breast with combined incisions

INTRODUÇÃO: A deformidade tuberosa da mama é uma rara entidade, descrita por Rees e Aston em 1976. O desenvolvimento mamário encontra-se alterado, com herniação do parênquima pelo complexo areolopapilar, alargamento dessa estrutura e hipoplasia do tecido mamário, principalmente nos quadrantes inferiores. A mama, portanto, adquire um aspecto tubular ao invés do aspecto cônico natural. MÉTODO: No total, 4 pacientes foram submetidas a tratamento cirúrgico em um único tempo, com incisões combinadas: inframamária e periareolar. Detalhes técnicos devem ser individualizados para cada caso, conforme a gravidade e a classificação do tipo de mama tuberosa. RESULTADOS: O procedimento cirúrgico utilizado aborda todos os aspectos da deformidade da mama tuberosa em operação de um estágio. Cirurgia de revisão de cicatriz periareolar não foi necessária em nenhum caso. Em todos os casos, obteve-se resultado estético final aceitável e com satisfação da paciente e do cirurgião. O procedimento adotado não interfere em lactações futuras. CONCLUSÕES: A mama tuberosa representa um verdadeiro desafio terapêutico. A técnica utilizada é muito atraente e mostra resultados confiáveis e reprodutíveis.

BACKGROUND: Tuberous breast deformity is a rare entity, first described by Rees and Aston in 1976. In this condition, breast development is altered, with herniation of the parenchyma through the nipple-areolar complex, enlargement of this structure, and hypoplasia of the breast tissue, especially in the lower quadrants. The breast thus acquires a tubular shape rather than the natural conical look. METHODS: Four patients underwent a single surgical treatment, with combined inframammary and periareolar incisions. Technical details must be individualized for each case depending on the severity and classification type of the tuberous breasts. RESULTS: The surgical procedure used covers all aspects of tuberous breast deformity in a single-stage operation. Revision of periareolar surgery scar was not necessary in any case. In all cases, the final aesthetic result was satisfactory for the patient and the surgeon. The procedure adopted does not interfere with future lactation. CONCLUSIONS: Tuberous breast represents a real therapeutic challenge. The technique reported herein is very attractive and provides reliable and reproducible results.

Subpeitoral ou subglandular: qual é a melhor localização do implante para pacientes com hipomastia? / The best plane for breast implantation in patients with hypomastia: submuscular or subglandular?

INTRODUÇÃO: A mamoplastia de aumento é um dos procedimentos mais realizados em cirurgia plástica no Brasil e no mundo. Existem duas localizações principais para o implante: o plano subpeitoral ou submuscular e o plano subglandular. O objetivo deste trabalho é defender o uso do plano subpeitoral em casos de hipomastia. MÉTODO: Dezesseis pacientes foram submetidas a aumento da mama entre 2008 e 2011. Utilizou-se o plano submuscular em 9 pacientes e o plano subglandular em 7. Miotomia do músculo grande peitoral foi realizada em todos os casos de localização submuscular. RESULTADOS: Foram selecionados 5 casos de pré e pós-operatório de pacientes submetidas a mamoplastia de aumento. Verificaram-se melhores resultados utilizando-se o plano submuscular para as pacientes com hipomastia acentuada. A miotomia do músculo peitoral provou ser fundamental para o sucesso da cirurgia, pois conferiu à loja submuscular o espaço necessário para abrigar o implante mamário, sem submetê-lo à pressão causada pela contração do músculo. CONCLUSÕES: O uso adequado do plano submuscular em pacientes com hipomastia é seguro, facilita o rastreamento de câncer de mama, não altera a função muscular, protege o parênquima mamário e garante resultados mais naturais e duradouros.

BACKGROUND: Breast augmentation is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures in Brazil and worldwide. There are 2 main locations for the implant: the subpectoral or submuscular plane and subglandular plane. The objective of the current study was to indicate the efficacy of the use of the subpectoral plane in cases of hypomastia. METHODS: Sixteen patients underwent breast augmentation between 2008 and 2011; the submuscular and subglandular planes were used in 9 and 7 patients, respectively. Myotomy of the pectoralis major muscle was performed in all cases where the submuscular plane was used. RESULTS: The pre- and postoperative aspects of 5 cases of patients undergoing breast augmentation are presented. Better results were obtained using the submuscular plane for patients with severe hypomastia. Myotomy of the pectoralis proved critical to the success of the surgery, because it provided the submuscular pocket required to house the breast implant without subjecting it to the pressure caused by muscle contraction. CONCLUSIONS: The proper use of the submuscular plane in patients with hypomastia is safe, facilitates cancer screening, does not alter muscle function, protects the breast parenchyma, and ensures more natural and long-term results.