Selective T3-T4 sympathicotomy versus gray ramicotomy on outcome and quality of life in hyperhidrosis patients: a randomized clinical trial.

Compensatory hyperhidrosis is the leading cause of patients' dissatisfaction after thoracic sympathicotomy. The study aimed to reduce compensatory hyperhidrosis to increase patients' satisfaction. A prospective randomized study on palmar hyperhidrosis, May 2016-September 2019. Twenty-one patients T3-T4 sympathicotomy and 21 T3-T4 gray ramicotomy. Data prospectively collected. Analysis at study's end. Focus on the sweating, temperature, quality of life baseline and postoperatively, compensatory hyperhidrosis, hand dryness, patients' satisfaction, and if they would undergo the procedure again and recommend it. No baseline differences between groups. Hyperhidrosis was controlled postoperatively in all patients. No mortality, serious complications, or recurrences. Sympathicotomy worse postoperative quality of life (49.05 (SD: 15.66, IR: 35.50-63.00) versus ramicotomy 24.30 (SD: 6.02, IR: 19.75-27.25). After ramicotomy, some residual sweating on the face, hands, and axillae. Compensatory sweating worse with sympathicotomy. Satisfaction higher with ramicotomy. Better results with ramicotomy than sympathicotomy regarding hand dryness, how many times a day the patients had to shower or change clothes, intention to undergo the procedure again or recommend it to somebody else, and how bothersome compensatory hyperhidrosis was. T3-T4 gray ramicotomy had better results than T3-T4 sympathicotomy, with less compensatory sweating and higher patients' satisfaction.

Selective block of grey communicantes in upper thoracic sympathectomy. A feasibility study on human cadaveric specimens.

Background: Sympathetic chain interruption is the gold standard treatment for essential hyperhidrosis. Postoperative compensatory hyperhidrosis, the main reason for patients' dissatisfaction, is reduced by selectively lesioning white and grey rami communicantes (ramicotomy).Objective: To develop an endoscopic surgical technique that interrupts only T3 and T4 grey rami communicantes to minimize compensatory hyperhidrosis.Material and Methods: T3 and T4 grey rami communicantes ramicotomy in fifteen cold-preserved cadavers through a uniportal axillary endoscopic approach. The sympathetic chain, its ganglia, and white rami communicantes were left intact. On opening the chest, the sympathetic chain, rami communicantes and ganglia were dissected, photographed, measured and excised for histological examination.Results: Dissecting the grey rami communicantes is feasible as they consistently lie between the intercostal nerve and the homonymous sympathetic ganglion. At some levels, Kuntz nerves, as well as more than one grey ramus communicans, can be found. White rami communicantes are more medial, therefore damaging them can be avoided. Intercostal veins can be obstructive, but these can be controlled via coagulation or clipping if necessary.Conclusion: Uniportal endoscopic selective excision of the T3 and T4 grey rami communicantes is feasible without damaging the white rami communicantes, the sympathetic chain or its ganglia. Clipping the grey rami communicantes is technically possible but not reliable due to their thin diameter. This study confirms that T3 and T4 grey rami sympathetic block is technically feasible. Its application might reduce compensatory hyperhidrosis, but clinical studies are needed.

S1 Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy in Sagittal Balance Correction. A Feasibility Study on Human Cadaveric Specimens.

BACKGROUND: A cadaveric feasibility study was carried out. Osteotomies to correct fixed sagittal imbalance are usually performed at L3/ L4. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of S1 pedicle subtraction osteotomy to correct spinal deformity and spinopelvic parameters, achieving better results with more limited exposure. The data obtained will allow a fixation construct specific for this osteotomy to be designed. METHODS: S1 pedicle subtraction osteotomy was performed on 12 cadaveric specimens. Baseline and postprocedural computed tomography and biomechanical studies were performed. Data were analyzed with a fixation system SolidWorks model, and the redesigned fixation construct was described and analyzed with an ANSYS model. RESULTS: S1 pedicle subtraction osteotomy is technically feasible. The fixation can be achieved with L4, L5, and iliac screws connected with bars. The system can be reinforced with a polyetheretherketone cage placed anteriorly in the S1 body osteotomy site, a cross-connecting bar, a double iliac screw, or an anterior interbody cage placed at the L5-S1 disc. The fixation strength is improved by angulating the iliac rod channel 10°, adding a semi-sphere to the locking screw contact surface and 2 fins to its saddle. The redesigned construct showed suitable stress and deformation levels, achieving the expected biomechanical requirements. DISCUSSION: Compared with surgery on higher levels, S1 pedicle subtraction osteotomy allows greater correction with shorter fixation, because the osteotomy is performed at a more caudal level, modifying the spinopelvic parameters. CONCLUSIONS: S1 pedicle subtraction osteotomy is technically feasible. Finite element analysis results indicate that it has appropriate biomechanical properties.

Can we safely monitor posterior fossa intracranial pressure? A cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND: measuring intracranial pressure (ICP) is considered the gold standard of care for brain injury. While supratentorial ICP monitoring has been adopted everywhere, posterior fossa ICP monitoring is rarely performed. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of inserting ICP sensors into the posterior fossa of cadavers, to measure ICP in the posterior fossa. METHODS: An ICP sensor was transcranially implanted into the posterior fossa of fifteen fresh adult cadavers. An extracranial point was defined in the retroauricular area 2 cm behind the tip of the mastoid process and 2 cm below the transverse sinus, in order to implant an ICP probe. The cranial cavity was opened and measures were taken of the distance that the ICP sensor had penetrated inside the posterior fossa, as well as the distance to nearby venous sinuses (lateral, transverse, sigmoid, inferior petrosal sinus, and jugular bulb). The cerebellar hemisphere was searched for any possible damage. RESULTS: the selected extracranial point (2 cm behind the tip of the mastoid process and 2 cm below the transverse sinus) was a safe location. Intracranial structures such as the brainstem and the cerebellar hemisphere were not damaged. The implanted ICP probe was at least 2 cm away from the venous sinuses, which were not damaged. CONCLUSION: ICP monitoring is safe and reliable at the described ICP probe placement site of the posterior fossa.