Comparison of Midline Splitting versus Unilateral Open Door Laminoplasty and Its Impact on Patient Outcomes

Background@#Laminoplasty is a common and effective surgery for decompression of the spinal cord in multilevel cervical myelopathy. The midline splitting technique (MST) and the unilateral open door technique (UODT) are the two most commonly performed laminoplasty techniques with continuous debate on which is preferable. This study aimed to add light to the matter by comparing and exploring the possible causes of different outcomes. @*Methods@#A total of 101 patients who underwent laminoplasty for degenerative cervical myelopathy were included in this study.Radiographic measurements including C2–7 Cobb angle, C2–7 range of motion (ROM), Pavlov ratio of the most compressed level, and canal area with diameter were compared. Modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score and complications including C5 palsy, axial neck pain, hinge fractures, and spacer displacement were also compared. Statistical analysis was performed using independent samples t-test, chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and linear mixed model. @*Results@#C2–7 ROM, canal diameter, Pavlov ratio, and mJOA score did not demonstrate differences between the two techniques.The UODT group had greater postoperative canal expansion but had more loss of C2–7 lordosis than did the MST group. Of the complications, hinge fractures were more common in the UODT group, with more loss of C2–7 lordosis in patients with hinge fractures. On the other hand, spacer displacement occurred only in the MST group, with lesser canal expansion in patients with spacer displacement. @*Conclusions@#The two laminoplasty techniques both demonstrated effectiveness in treating patients with multilevel cervical myelopathy. However, care should be given to avoid hinge fractures and spacer displacement since both can possibly lead to unfavorable outcomes.

Anti-fibrotic effects of branched-chain amino acids on hepatic stellate cells

Background/Aims@#Patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) have low levels of branchedchain amino acids (BCAAs). There is accumulating evidence that BCAAs have anti- fibrotic effects in cirrhosis. This study is aimed to evaluate the effect of BCAAs on the function and phenotype of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). @*Methods@#LX-2, an immortalized human stellate cell line, was used in in vitro experiments. LX-2 cells were exposed to transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and BCAAs or to valine, leucine, and isoleucine, which are components of BCAAs. Activation of the TGF-β signaling pathway in LX-2 cells was observed using real- time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. @*Results@#The increased expression of snail family transcriptional repressor 1 (SNAI1) was observed in LX-2 cells activated by TGF-β1. After BCAA treatment, its expression was significantly decreased at the mRNA level. The increased expression of Col1α1 and TIMP2 at the mRNA level and alpha smooth muscle actin at the protein level in activated LX-2 cells decreased after BCAA treatment. Among the BCAA components, leucine and valine significantly abrogated TGF-β-induced activation of LX-2 cells. BCAA treatment led to the decreased phosphorylation of Smad2 and p38 proteins, which are markers for Smad and Smad-independent p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways, respectively. @*Conclusions@#BCAA treatment can improve hepatic fibrosis by directly affecting the activated state of hepatic stellate cells through inhibition of the TGF-β signaling pathway. Among BCAA components, leucine and valine mainly abrogated TGF-β-induced activation of HSCs. Our results suggest that BCAA may be used to attenuate the progression of liver fibrosis.

Acute Traumatic Arterial Occlusions Combined with Massive Morel-Lavallée Lesions Treated by Percutaneous Angioplasty, Multiple Debridements and Skin Grafts

Morel-Lavallée lesions (MLL) create pre-fascial space by shearing the subcutaneous tissues away from the underlying fascia, in a patient with trauma. Necrosis of the overlying skin can develop over a wide area of the lesion. The lesion might be contaminated by the surgical site due to careless intrusion when treating the combined arteriopathy. A 70-year-old woman presented with avulsion of the skin over the right foot and bilateral leg pain following a car accident. Computed tomography showed bilateral popliteal artery occlusion with large hematoma on both legs. Percutaneous angioplasty was performed with successful restoration of the flow. However, the skin color changes over time. Necrosis of the skin occurred over a wide area of the right leg. Extensive debridement was performed, and the defect was covered with a skin graft. MLLs can occur in patients with multiple traumas, multiple vascular injuries, and complex skeletal injury. Vascular surgeons treating multiple traumas should be aware of the diagnostic and management options for MLL. It should be diagnosed early because it can be difficult to manage once the overlying skin develops necrosis.

Cut-down method for perm catheter insertion in patients with completely occluded internal jugular vein

The primary site for a hemodialysis catheter insertion is the right internal jugular vein (IJV) followed by the left IJV and subclavian vein. In cases when veins of the upper extremities are exhausted, femoral veins are an alternative insertion location. Femoral catheter insertions should only be used for short periods because of the increased risk of infection. There is a percutaneous technique to recanalize occluded central veins for hemodialysis catheter insertion. We experienced success with a cut-down method for permcath through a completely occluded IJV. We, therefore, find surgical recanalization to be better than percutaneous method in terms of cost and safety.

Novel Three-Dimensional Image-Guided Surgery: Application of a Computed Tomography-Based Three-Dimensional Model Using a Tablet Device

OBJECTIVE: A tablet device has several medical applications because it's portability. Most importantly, its powerful graphics and touch-based features have several benefits in the surgical field, especially for generating three-dimensional (3D) images based on patients' computed tomography (CT) scans. METHODS: In this study, 3D objects were manipulated by an operator on an iPad during several laparoscopic surgeries of intra-abdominal organs. Before surgery, 3D structures, such as vessels, soft tissues, and bones, were reconstructed by the surgeon using the patients' CT scans on the patients' bed-side personal computer. RESULTS: In this study, 3D image-guided surgeries were performed using an iPad in five patients. The benefits of this technique were recorded and analyzed in detail by the surgeon. CONCLUSION: Although in a pilot phase with unresolved issues, direct intra-operative handling of a patient-tailored 3D model developed using a tablet device could be useful compared with conventional two-dimensional imaging.

Posterior triangle approach for lateral in-plane technique during hemodialysis catheter insertion via the internal jugular vein

A recent widespread concept is that ultrasound-guided central venous catheter insertion is a mandatory method. Some techniques have been introduced for ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization. Among them, short-axis lateral in-plane technique is considered to be the most useful technique for internal jugular vein access. Therefore, we used this technique for the insertion of a large-bore cuffed tunneled dual-lumen catheter for hemodialysis. Additionally, a lesser number of catheter angulations may lead to good flow rates and catheter function; we recommend that skin puncture site in the neck at the posterior triangle is better than the Sedillot's triangle. Using this approach, we can reduce the possible complications of pinching and kinking of the catheter.

ERRATUM: Correction of affiliation: Posterior triangle approach for lateral in-plane technique during hemodialysis catheter insertion via the internal jugular vein

The affiliation was misprinted.

The Usefulness of Laparoscopy in the Treatment of Incarcerated Internal Hernia through a Defect in the Broad Ligament

Hernias through the broad ligament are rare with a reported incidence of only 4-7% of cases of internal hernias. Here, we report on a rare case of incarcerated internal hernia through a spontaneous defect in the broad ligament which was repaired using a laparoscopic technique. A 41-year-old female was admitted with colic abdominal pain. Laparoscopic exploration was performed for the diagnosis of intestinal obstruction. Laparoscopic examination confirmed an approximately 10-cm-long ileal loop herniated in the anterior to posterior direction through a left broad ligament defect. A large defect in the broad ligament was closed by an intracorporeal continuous running suture. The patient was highly satisfied with the cosmetic result. In conclusion, laparoscopy could be particularly helpful during pelvic surgery, which usually requires large skin incisions to ensure a good field of view. This approach was cosmetically effective, decreased the postoperative complications, and promoted early recovery to usual activity.