The Global Experience of Laryngeal Transplantation: Series of Eleven Patients in Three Continents.

BACKGROUND: The loss of laryngeal function affects breathing, swallowing, and voice, thus severely compromises quality of life. Laryngeal transplantation has long been suggested as a solution for selected highly affected patients with complete laryngeal function loss. OBJECTIVE: To obtain insights regarding the advantages, weaknesses, and limitations of this procedure and facilitate future advances, we collected uniform data from all known laryngeal transplants reported internationally. METHODOLOGY: A case series. Patients were enrolled retrospectively by each institutional hospital or clinic. Eleven patients with complete loss of laryngeal function undergoing total laryngeal transplantation between 1998 and 2018 were recruited. RESULTS: After a minimum of 24 months follow-up, three patients had died (27%), and there were two graft explants in survivors, one total and one partial, due to chronic rejection. In the remaining cases, voice was functional in 62.5% and 50% achieved decannulation. Swallowing was initially restricted, but only one patient was gastrostomy-dependent by 6 months and all had normal or near-normal swallowing by the end of year two after transplantation. Median follow-up was 73 months. Functional (voice, swallowing, airway) recovery peaked between 12 and 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: Laryngeal transplantation is a complex procedure with significant morbidity. Significant improvements in quality of life are possible for highly selected individuals with end-stage laryngeal disorders, including laryngeal neoplasia, but further technical and pharmacological developments are required if the technique is to be more widely applicable. An international registry should be created to provide better quality pooled data for analysis of outcomes of any future laryngeal transplants. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV Laryngoscope, 2024.

Risk factors for long-term survival in patients with ypN+ M0 rectal cancer after radical anterior resection.

BACKGROUND: Regional lymph node metastases are the main adverse prognostic factor in patients with rectal cancer without distant metastases. There are discrepancies, however, regarding additional risk factors in the group of ypN + M0 patients. The purpose of the study was to assess clinical and pathological factors affecting long-term oncological outcomes in the group of ypN + M0 patients after radical rectal anterior resection. METHODS: 112 patients with ypN + M0 rectal cancer after neoadjuvant therapy and radical anterior resection were subject to a retrospective analysis. The effect of potential factors on survival was assessed with the use of Kaplan-Meier curves together with a log-rank test and multiple factor Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: In the multiple factor Cox analysis, adverse factors affecting disease-free survival (DFS) were: the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) (hazard ratio HR: 3.11, 95% CI 1.01-9.56, p = 0.047), presence of perineural invasion (HR: 7.27, 95% CI 2.74-19.3, p < 0.001) and occurrence of postoperative complications (HR: 6.79, 95% CI 2.09-22.11, p = 0.001), while a positive factor was the negative lymph node (NLN) count > 7 (HR: 0.33, 95% CI 0.12-0.88, p = 0.026). In the disease-specific survival (DSS) analysis, an adverse factor was the use of ACEIs (HR: 4.275, 95% CI 1.44-12.694, p = 0.009), while a positive effect was caused by NLN > 5 (HR: 0.22, 95% CI 0.082-0.586, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The use of ACEIs may have a negative effect on long-term treatment outcomes in patients with ypN + M0 rectal cancer. In this group of patients, the NLN count seems to be an important prognostic factor, as well.

Fibular Free Flap and Iliac Crest Free Flap Mandibular Reconstruction In Patients With Mandibular Ameloblastomas.

ABSTRACT: Ameloblastoma (AM) is the most common, locally aggressive odontogenic tumor. It comprises about 1% of all head and neck neoplasms. It occurs mainly in young adults in their 3rd and 4th decade of life. It localizes in the mandible in about 80% of the cases. According to the 2017 WHO classification, 4 types of ameloblastoma can be distinguished: ameloblastoma (previously referred to as solid/multicystic-SMA; the "conventional type" AM), unicystic (AM-UA), extraosseous/peripheral (AM-PA), and malignant/metastatic (AM-MA). Solid, multicystic is the most common type. It is characteristic for its aggressiveness and high risk of recurrence. Radical resection with consecutive reconstruction is the treatment of choice of mandibular ameloblastomas.In this study, the authors present their experience in the surgical treatment of mandibular ameloblastomas with vascularized free flap reconstructions. They discuss new technological possibilities that could improve the precision of the reconstructive procedure and therefore result in the better aesthetic outcome.The retrospective study of a group of 21 patients suffering from mandibular ameloblastoma who underwent segmental man-dibulectomy with simultaneous microvascular free flap reconstruction was conducted. A thorough clinical analysis with various aspects was performed. Tumors resected before 2017 were double checked patomorphologically and assigned to the corrected subtype group.Seven patients were admitted to the department due to recurrent ameloblastoma. The most common localization of the tumor was the mandibular body ( n = 6) andbodywith ramus of the mandible ( n = 6). A total amount of 10 iliac crest free flaps and 12 fibular free flaps were performed. Complications were reported in 4 patients. A purulent oro-cutaneus fistula occurred in 3 patients. There was a flap failure in each reconstructive group. The virtual surgical planning with intraoperative cone-beam computed tomography was used in 3 patients. Dentition implantation was conducted in 4 patients (3 simultaneously, 1 postponed). The mean follow-up was 5 years and 8 months.Radical resection that covers radical segmental mandibulect-omy with immediate microvascular free flap reconstruction is a first-line and only effective treatment of mandibular ameloblas-tomas, that eliminates the risk of recurrence. The extent of surgical margins seems not to influence the recurrence rate, yet further investigation with statistical analysis should be performed. The choice of the adequate free flap must be adapted to dimensions and localization of the tumor and to each patient individually.New technologies such as virtual surgical planning with 3D models and intraoperative cone-beam computed tomography can make the reconstruction more accurate, improving patient's quality of life.

Classification, prevention and management of entero-atmospheric fistula: a state-of-the-art review.

BACKGROUND: Entero-atmospheric fistula (EAF) is an enteric fistula occurring in the setting of an open abdomen, thus creating a communication between the GI tract and the external atmosphere. Management and nursing of patients suffering EAF carries several challenges, and prevention of EAF should be the first and best treatment option. PURPOSE: Here, we present a novel modified classification of EAF and review the current state of the art in its prevention and management including nutritional issues and feeding strategies. We also provide an overview on surgical management principles, highlighting several surgical techniques for dealing with EAF that have been reported in the literature throughout the years. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment strategy for EAF should be multidisciplinary and multifaceted. Surgical treatment is most often multistep and should be tailored to the single patient, based on the type and characteristics of the EAF, following its correct identification and classification. The specific experience of surgeons and nursing staff in the management of EAF could be enhanced, applying distinct simulation-based ex vivo training models.

The Value of Scoring Systems for the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis.

UNLABELLED: Accurate diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA) is still a problem and is not always easy, even for experienced surgeons. Studies have shown that 20 to 30% of the appendices removedwere normal. Therefore, various scoring systems have been developed to aid in the diagnosis of doubtful cases and reduce the number of unnecessary appendectomies. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of different scoring systems in acute appendicitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 94 patients who underwent laparotomy due to suspected acute appendicitis. Medical examination at hospital admission was performed by a resident and a general surgery specialist. The probability of AA was evaluated using six different scoring systems: Alvarado, Fenyo, Eskelinen, Ohman, Tzankis, and RIPASA. The resident calculated the results in individual systems. The decision to perform the operation was taken by a specialist surgeon who did not know the results. RESULTS: Normal appendix was removed in 26% of cases. Eskelinen, RIPASA and Alvarado systems showed highest sensitivity (99%, 88% and 85%, respectively). Tzankis and Fenyo systems showed highest specificity (62% and 50%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our study has shown limited value of scoring systems for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. The systems may improve diagnostic accuracy as they require obtaining a more detailed medical history, and making a more thorough and organized data analysis. However, the scoring systems should be treated only as an aid to diagnosis.

Video display during laparoscopy - where should it be placed?

INTRODUCTION: During laparoscopy, the monitor is usually placed near the operating table, at eye level, which significantly affects hand-eye coordination. First, it is impossible for the surgeon to simultaneously observe the operative field and hand movement. Second, the axis of view of the endoscope rarely matches the natural axis of the surgeon's sight: it resembles a direct view into the operative field. Finally, as the arms of the tools act as levers with a fulcrum at the site of the skin incision, the action of the tool handles is a mirror image of the movement of the tool tips seen on the monitor. Studies have shown that a neutral position with the head flexed at 15-45° is the most ergonomically suitable. AIM: To evaluate whether the level of monitor placement exerts an influence on laparoscopic performance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of 52 students of medicine were asked to pass a thread through 9 holes of different sizes, placed at different levels and angles, using a self-made laparoscopic simulator. Each student performed the task four times in two monitor positions: at eye level, and placed on a simulator. The order of monitor placement was randomized. RESULTS: The task was performed more quickly when the monitor was placed on the simulator and the sight was forced downwards. Lower placement was also found to be more beneficial for students with experience in laparoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: New technologies which place the display on the patient, thus improving the ergonomics of the operation, should be developed.

The Use Of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) In The Management Of Enteroatmospheric Fistula--Case Report And Literature Review.

An enteric fistula that occurs in an open abdomen is called an enteroatmospheric fistula (EAF) and is the most challenging complication for a surgical team to deal with. The treatment of EAF requires a multidisciplinary approach. First of all, sepsis has to be managed. Any fluid, electrolyte and metabolic disorders need to be corrected. Oral intake must be stopped and total parenteral nutrition introduced. The control and drainage of the effluent from the fistula is a separate issue. Since there are no fixed algorithms for the treatment of EAF, surgeons need to develop their own, often highly unconventional solutions. We present the case of a 24-year-old man who developed enteroatmospheric fistula after laparotomy and relaparotomy due to acute necrotic pancreatitis. Both the laparostomy and the fistula were successfully managed using modified negative pressure wound therapy. The literature regarding this issue was also reviewed.

Abdominal Cavity Eventration Treated by Means of the "Open Abdomen" Technique Using the Negative Pressure Therapy System--Case Report and Literature Review.

Wound dehiscence is a surgical complication in which the wound ruptures along the surgical suture with abdominal cavity bowel displacement. It is observed in 0.2-6% of operated patients. The extensive wound is a gateway for infection. Moreover, increased secretion of serous fluid induces a hygienic problem and may lead to secondary skin infections or bedsores. The negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) system is an innovative therapeutic method. It perfectly executes the TIME strategy, receiving more and more recognition. The study presented a case of a 62-year old male patient after several consecutive wound dehiscence episodes who was primarily treated for rectal cancer by means of low anterior resection of the rectum. Due to acute respiratory insufficiency after several operations, wound necrosis with dehiscence was observed. Considering the high risk of perioperative death we abandoned surgical treatment and introduced conservative management using negative pressure wound therapy until the patient's health improved. Literature regarding the above-mentioned issue was also reviewed.

A laparoscopic simulator - maybe it is worth making it yourself.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic trainers have gained recognition for improving laparoscopic surgery skills and preparing for operations on humans. Unfortunately, due to their high price, commercial simulators are hard to obtain, especially for young surgeons in small medical centers. The solution might be for them to construct a device by themselves. AIM: To make a relatively cheap and easy to construct laparoscopic trainer for residents who wish to develop their skills at home. MATERIAL AND METHODS: TWO LAPAROSCOPIC SIMULATORS WERE DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTED: 1) a box model with an optical system based on two parallel mirrors, 2) a box model with an HD webcam, a light source consisting of LED diodes placed on a camera casing, and a modeling servo between the webcam and aluminum pipe to allow electronic adjustment of the optical axis. RESULTS: The two self-constructed simulators were found to be effective training devices, the total cost of parts for each not exceeding $100. Advice is also given for future constructors. CONCLUSIONS: Home made trainers are accessible to any personal budget and can be constructed with a minimum of practical skill. They allow more frequent practice at home, outside the venue and hours of surgical departments. What is more, home made trainers have been shown to be comparable to commercial trainers in facilitating the acquisition of basic laparoscopic skills.

Volvulus of transverse colon as a rare cause of obstruction - a case report and literature review.

Volvulus of transverse colon is a rare cause of large bowel obstruction. Diagnosis can be challenging and the effective management remains controversial. We report a case of volvulus of the transverse colon in a 76-year-old woman. The literature regarding diagnosis and treatment of such pathology was also reviewed.

Retroperitoneal "ancient" Schwannoma - a rare case of rare location: case report and literature review.

Schwannomas are benign tumors derived from glial cells of peripheral nerve sheaths. They usually occur in association with Von Recklinghausen's disease and most commonly are observed on the head, neck, and upper extremities. Rare morphological variants may be misinterpreted as a malignancy under microscopic examination. The study presented a case of a sporadic "ancient" Schwannoma cell tumor located in the retroperitoneum. Literature data concerning diagnosis and treatment of the above-mentioned pathology was also reviewed.

An uncommon location of Meckel's diverticulum or small intestine duplication? Case report and literature review.

Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital abnormality of alimentary tract. The antimesenteric location is one of the cardinal attribiutes of this pathology. We report case which tries to verify this dogma. The literature regarding uncommon location of Meckel's diverticulum was also reviewed.