Peripheral Neurectomy for Management of Trigeminal Neuralgia Refractory to Multiple Surgical Procedures.

Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is defined as a recurrent, unilateral, brief, electric shock-like pain and is associated with a significant deterioration in quality of life due to the debilitating nature of the pain. The first line treatment is medical therapy, and surgical treatment is reserved for patients with inadequate pain control or undesirable side effects. Surgical options for treatment may include microvascular decompression (MVD), stereotactic radiosurgery, percutaneous radiofrequency rhizotomy, and percutaneous balloon compression of trigeminal ganglion. MVD is considered the procedure of choice due to its high efficacy and safety profile; however, it carries a recurrence rate of 1%-5% annually and 15%-35% long term. Although re-operative MVD has been reported for recurrent cases, it carries a high risk of complications due to arachnoid adhesions and distorted anatomy. Peripheral neurectomy is a simple, expeditious, low-risk procedure that is well tolerated by patients and can be done even under local anesthesia. We report a case of a 69-year-old man who presented with a debilitating TN in the V1 and V2 territory refractory to MVD, stereotactic radiosurgery, and percutaneous balloon compression of the trigeminal ganglion, who had been treated with neurectomy of the left supraorbital, supratrochlear, and infraorbital nerves, with an excellent outcome at 6 months follow-up. Peripheral neurectomy is an effective alternative for patients with refractory TN who failed multiple surgical interventions. Previous publications have reported an elevated long-term recurrence rate after this procedure, perhaps due to peripheral nerve regeneration or neuroma formation. It is not yet studied whether using nerve conduits may lead to a decrease in recurrence.

A classification system and treatment algorithm for mastectomy flap ischemia in alloplastic breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Mastectomy flap necrosis remains a major cause of failed breast reconstruction with an associated significant financial/psychological burden. Language describing ischemic mastectomy flaps is imprecise as ischemia can result from many causes and can manifest in different ways. Similarly, management of mastectomy flap ischemia varies depending on its etiology. Intraoperative near-infrared imaging (NIR) with indocyanine green (ICG) is an established modality for evaluation of mastectomy flap perfusion. Herein, we define the types of flap ischemia demonstrated via NIR imaging and propose an algorithm for its management. METHOD: A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent mastectomy and NIR imaging of mastectomy flaps from 2014 to 2017. Patient characteristics, operative details, and outcomes were recorded. Following retrospective review, distinct patterns of ischemia were identified, and a classification system and treatment algorithm were developed. RESULT: Type A; diffuse hypoperfusion can be caused by a number of factors (hypotension, vasoconstrictive agents, etc.). It is best treated with delayed reconstruction. Type B; geographic hypoperfusion may be caused by electro-cautery burn, inaccurate dissection, or retractor injury. It can be treated by resection/primary closure or delayed reconstruction. Type C; marginal/incisional hypoperfusion is best treated with debridement. Type D; diffuse marginal perfusion is seen with overfilled tissue-expanders or an oversized implant within a smaller skin envelope. Management includes deflation/downsizing. An algorithm was developed for treatment of the four ischemia types. CONCLUSION: NIR imaging aides in delineating the type of ischemic injury. Classification of mastectomy flap ischemia allows precise communication between providers and provides a framework for decision-making.

Robotically Assisted Thoracic Surgery: Proposed Guidelines for Privileging and Credentialing.

OBJECTIVE: Increased use of robotically assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) necessitates effective credentialing guidelines to ensure safe outcomes. We provide a stepwise algorithm for granting privileges and credentials in RATS. This algorithm reflects graduated responsibility and complexity of the surgical procedures performed. Furthermore, it takes into account volume, outcomes, surgeon's competency, and appropriateness of robot usage. METHODS: We performed a literature review for available strategies to grant privileges and credentials for implementing robotic surgery. The following terms were queried: robot, robotic, surgery, and credentialing. We provide this algorithm on the basis of review of the literature, our institutional experience, and the experience of other medical centers around the United States. RESULTS: Currently, two pathways for robotic training exist: residency and nonresidency-trained. In the United Sates, Joint Commission: Accreditation, Health Care, Certification requires hospitals to credential and privilege physicians on their medical staff. In the proposed algorithm, a credentialing designee oversees and reviews all requests. Residency-trained surgeons must fulfill 20 cases with program directors' attestation to obtain full privileges. Nonresidency-trained surgeons are required to fulfill simulation, didactics including online modules, wet laboratories (cadaver or animal), and observation of at least two cases before provisional privileges can be granted. A minimum number of cases (10 per year) are required to maintain privileges. All procedures are monitored via departmental QA/QI committee review. Investigational uses of the robot require institutional review board approval, and complex operations may require additional proctoring and QA/QI review. CONCLUSIONS: Safety concerns with the introduction of novel and complex technologies such as RATS must be paramount. Our algorithm takes into consideration appropriate use and serves as a basic guideline for institutions that wish to implement a RATS program.

Treatment of Benign Tracheal Stenosis Using Endoluminal Spray Cryotherapy.

Importance: Tracheal stenosis is a debilitating disorder with heterogeneity in terms of disease characteristics and management. Repeated recurrences substantially alter patients' quality of life. There is limited evidence for the use of spray cryotherapy (SCT) in the management of benign airway disease. Objective: To report our early results for the use of SCT in patients with benign tracheal stenosis. Design, Setting, and Participants: Data were extracted from the medical records of a consecutive series of patients with benign airway stenosis secondary to granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) (n = 13), prior tracheotomy or tracheal intubation (n = 8), and idiopathic strictures (n = 5) treated from September 1, 2013, to September 30, 2015, at a tertiary care hospital. Main Outcomes and Measures: Airway narrowing was quantified on a standard quartile grading scale. Response to treatment was assessed by improvement in airway caliber and the time interval for reintervention. Exposures: Delivery of 4 5-second SCT cycles and 2 balloon dilatations. Results: Twenty-six patients (median [range] age, 53 [16-83] years; 20 [77%] female) underwent 48 SCT sessions. Spray cryotherapy was successfully used without any substantial intraoperative or postoperative complications in all patients. In a median (range) follow-up of 11 (1-26) months, all patients had improvement in symptoms. Before the institution of SCT, 23 patients (88%) had grade III or IV stenosis. At the last evaluation after induction of SCT, 4 (15%) had grade III or IV stenosis, with a mean (SD) change of 1.39 (0.51) (P < .001). Patients with GPA required significantly fewer SCT procedures (mean [SD], 1.38 [0.96] vs 2.31 [1.18]; P = .03) during the study period. Conclusions and Relevance: Spray cryotherapy was a safe adjunct modality to accomplish airway patency in patients with benign tracheal stenosis. Although efficacy evidence is limited for SCT, it may be useful for patients who have experienced treatment failure with conventional modalities. Further analysis of this cohort will determine the physiologic durability of the reported short-term changes. Additional trials are warranted for further evaluation of this modality.