Accuracy of implant site preparation in robotic navigated dental implant surgery.

BACKGROUND: Modern technological advancements have led to increase in the development of surgical robots in dentistry, resulting in excellent clinical treatment outcomes. PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the accuracy of automatic robotic implant site preparation for different implant sizes by correlating planned and posttreatment positions, and to compare the performance of robotic and human freehand drilling. METHOD: Seventy-six drilling sites on partially edentulous models were used, with three different implant sizes (Ø = 3.5 × 10 mm, 4.0 × 10 mm, 5.0 × 10 mm). The robotic procedure was performed using software for calibration and step-by-step drilling processes. After robotic drilling, deviations in the implant position from the planned position were determined. The angulation, depth, and coronal and apical diameters on the sagittal plane of sockets created by human and robotic drilling were measured. RESULTS: The deviation of the robotic system was 3.78° ± 1.97° (angulation), 0.58 ± 0.36 mm (entry point), and 0.99 ± 0.56 mm (apical point). Comparison of implant groups showed the largest deviation from the planned position for 5 mm implants. On the sagittal plane, there were no significant differences between robotic and human surgery except for the 5-mm implant angulation, indicating similar quality between human and robotic drilling. Based on standard implant measurements, robotic drilling exhibited comparable performance to freehand human drilling. CONCLUSIONS: A robotic surgical system can provide the greatest accuracy and reliability regarding the preoperative plan for small implant diameters. In addition, the accuracy of robotic drilling for anterior implant surgery can also be comparable to that of human drilling.

Meckel's diverticulitis: a rare entity of Meckel's diverticulum.

Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital abnormality of the small intestine that results from incomplete closure of the vitelline (omphalo-mesenteric) duct. This true diverticulum, ~2 ft from the ileocecal valve commonly found on the anti-mesenteric border of the ileum, is benign and majority asymptomatic. Diagnosis challenges arise when it became inflamed or presented in following ways, for example, haemorrhage (caused by ectopic pepsin-and hydrochloric acid-secreting gastric mucosa), intestinal obstruction (secondary to intussusception or volvulus) or the presence of diverticulum in the hernia sac (Littre's hernia). We report a case of a 59-year-old male who was admitted under the surgical service at Blackpool Victoria Hospital with suspected appendicitis that turned out to be a Meckel's diverticulitis, a rare presentation of an acute abdomen. We discuss the issues involved in his investigation and management as well as perform a literature review comparing different surgical approaches.

Surgical access through the stoma for laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann procedures.

The rate of stoma reversal after Hartmann procedure is low, principally because of the technically demanding nature of the reversal procedure and preexisting comorbid disease frequently present in this patient group. Laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann procedure is an attractive alternative that can reduce perioperative morbidity but the feasibility of completing the procedure laparoscopically is often limited by extensive adhesion formation present after the initial open operation. We describe a technique for laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann procedure where the stoma is mobilized externally and a pneumoperitoneum established through this preexisting defect. Results for the first 7 cases show a median operative duration of 132 minutes and length of hospital stay of 6 days with no conversions. Insertion of the operating ports under direct vision and a more limited dissection to facilitate the anastomosis represents an alternative operative strategy that can be performed successfully, even in patients with comorbid disease.

Case report: herpes meningitis complicating genital herpes presenting as anal fissure.

A 33-year-old woman presented with stabbing perianal pain and intermittent headache and photophobia. Examination revealed atypical multiple perianal fissures with non-specific neurological findings. Polymerase chain reaction of the perianal swab and cerebrospinal fluid examination confirmed the diagnosis of perianal herpes simplex type 2 ulcer with herpes meningitis. This report emphasizes the importance of performing further investigations on patients with atypical anal fissures with or without systemic symptoms and signs to avoid misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment and prolonged discomfort.