Getting physical with medical education:Exercise based virtual anatomy review classes for medical students

The benefits of regular physical activity are well known.Yet,few studies have examined the effectiveness of integrating physical activity(PA)into curricula within a post-secondary setting.To investigate the incorporation of PA into medical curriculum,we developed a series of optional exercise-based review sessions designed to reinforce musculoskeletal(MSK)anatomy course material.These synchronous sessions were co-taught by a group fitness instructor and an anatomy instructor.The fitness instructor would lead students through both strength and yoga style exercises,while the anatomy instructor asked questions about relevant anatomical structures related to course material previously covered.After the sessions,participants were asked to evaluate the classes on their self-reported exam preparedness in improving MSK anatomy knowledge,PA levels,and mental wellbeing.Thirty participants completed surveys;a majority agreed that the classes increased understanding of MSK concepts(90.0%)and activity levels(97.7%).Many(70.0%)felt that the classes helped reduce stress.The majority of respondents(90.0%)agreed that the classes contributed to increased feelings of social connectedness.Overall,medical students saw benefit in PA based interventions to supplement MSK course concepts.Along with increasing activity levels and promoting health behaviours,integrating PA into medical curriculum may improve comprehension of learning material,alleviate stress and foster social connectivity among medical students.

Anatomy Education: Perceptions and Experiences of Nigerian Anatomists towards Contributing to Programme and Career Advancements

Anatomy, a foremost basic medical science (BMS) has evolved in content and context, while remaining the most fundamental BMS subject. Stakeholders have continually made efforts especially in recent time to achieve an evolution of this subject. The primary aim of this work was to study the perceptions and experiences of Anatomists towards contributing to programme and career advancements. Following ethical approval, structured questionnaire was administered to Nigerian anatomists using a Google form. It is a total population study. The questionnaire had 13 sections, with each section addressing a theme that was integral to the subject of research interest. The last section collected free responses as qualitative information. After indicating informed consent, 106 anatomists properly completed and returned the questionnaires. Statistical and quantitative analyses of results were done. The most popular field amongst respondents was Neuroscience (60.9%);followed by Histology or Microscopic Anatomy (53.6%), Embryology or developmental anatomy (35.5%), Gross anatomy (34.5%) and Histochemistry (30.9%). About half of Nigerian anatomists involved in the study had a PhD degree. Training emphasized the cognitive domains the most. Consequently, emphasis should be laid on the psychomotor (skills) and the affective domain (attitude) to improve capacity, competences, and the job prospects of trainees. The consensus was that the programme trained students and prepared graduates as medical educators, scientists, and researchers. Anatomy has significant potential to contribute to development with proper programme design, emphasis on research, teaching and applied services competencies, effective policy formulation and implementation and adherence to best practices.

3D Vector Reconstruction of the Typical Cervical Vertebra from Anatomical Sections of Korean Visible Human at the Laboratory of Clinical and Digital Anatomy of Paris Descartes University

Aim: To carry out a 3D vector reconstruction of the typical cervical vertebra from anatomical sections of the “Korean Visible Human” for educational purposes. Material and Methods: The anatomical subject was a 33-year-old Korean man who died of leukemia. He was 164 cm tall and weighed 55 kg. This man donated his body to science. Her body was frozen and cut into several anatomical sections after an MRI and CT scan. These anatomical sections were made using a special saw called a 0.2 mm thick cryomacrotome. Thus 8100 cuts were obtained. Only the sections numbered 940 to 1200 were used for our study. A segmentation by manual contouring of the different parts of the typical cervical vertebra was made using the software Winsurf version 3.5 on a laptop PC running Windows 7 equipped with a Ram of 8 gigas. Results: Our 3D vector model of the typical cervical vertebra is easily manipulated using the Acrobat 3DPDF interface. Each part of the vertebra accessible in a menu can be displayed, hidden or made transparent, and 3D labels are available as well as educational menus for learning anatomy. Conclusion: This original work constitutes a remarkable educational tool for the anatomical study of the typical cervical vertebra and can also be used as a 3D atlas for simulation purposes for training in therapeutic gestures.

The Role of Anatomical Specimens in the Teaching of Anatomy

characteristics,complex content,and it is difficult to understand.In view of the nature of the subject,many different models and specimens are required during teaching,increasing the difficulty of its teaching.Although the mode of medical teaching is constantly updating,anatomical specimens are still important in the teaching of anatomy,as they help students to understand the organs,their positions,and structural forms as well as to better grasp the theoretical aspect.In addition,anatomical specimens and medical students contact condition can affect the teaching effect.Therefore,it is imperative to give full play to the role of anatomical specimens in anatomy teaching to improve the teaching effect.This paper summarizes the research on the use of anatomical specimens in the teaching of anatomy.

Achieving laparoscopic anatomic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma by fluorescence guided positive staining of hepatic cone unit

Laparoscopic anatomical liver resection has been increasingly reported worldwide,but how to demarcate the resection planes is technically challenging[1].Positive staining technique with intraoperative indocyanine green(ICG)-fluorescence imaging has been introduced as an effective tool for real-time intraoperative guidance[2].Liver anatomy is complex.Generally,liver is composed of 9 segments,each is composed of two to three subsegments,and each subsegment contains several hepatic cone units.A hepatic cone unit is dominated by a tertiary or quaternary hepatic pedicles[3].

Anatomical Study of MRI Optic Chiasm at the Bamako Anatomy Laboratory

Roughly quadrangular, the chiasma presents many morphological variations. The optical chiasm, odd and symmetrical structure of the optical pathways, is a required passage of the axons of neurons for the visual pathways. Any modification of its morphology evokes a pathological process, generally tumoral. The quality of MRI images rivals that of anatomical slices. So the MRI is essential for the study of the chiasma. The aim of this work was to study the morphometry of the optic chiasm in patients addressed for cerebral MRI to the imaging department of the university hospital of the POINT-G, during the period from July 29, to November 30, 2016. All patients who had a normal examination of the optic chiasma, numbering 15, were included in this study. In 86.66% of cases the chiasma had a quadrilateral form. Its average length was 8.73 mm and its average width was 13 mm. The average thickness was 4.13 mm.

Implementation of a New Solution for the Preservation of Anatomical Specimens Made of Non-Toxic Substances

The preservation of anatomical pieces in Veterinary Anatomy is essential since it is not possible to dissect all domestic species. Most techniques use reagents with high levels of toxicity such as formaldehyde. The objective of this work was to develop a new preservation technique that uses reagents with zero toxicity and that allows obtaining preserved pieces suitable for anatomical studies. The alcohol propylene glycol technique was developed, the method of which uses a fixation step with alcohol, sodium chloride, commercial vinegar and subsequently the impregnation of the preservation solution made from propylene glycol and commercial vinegar, which are non-toxic. As a result of this work, adequately preserved sheep hearts were obtained that preserved their morphology with slight changes in size and weight, which did not affect their external and internal anatomical structure. Its coloration was not substantially affected, remaining a little lighter. The pieces obtained showed flexibility which allowed dissections to be carried out. The time to develop the technique was 20 days. A comparative study was carried out with the phenolated glycerin technique that uses toxic reagents (formaldehyde and phenol) and the pieces obtained with the alcohol propylene glycol technique were of better quality, observing that the pieces with phenolated glycerin tend to darken and are more rigid. And the time to develop the technique is 24 days. In conclusion, a preservation technique for anatomical pieces was developed that allowed the preservation of the organs under study, which allow their use for anatomical studies, and which have been preserved without changes until the time of this publication (8 months) and there are pieces preserved with this technique for 2 years.

Anatomical Dissection of the External Branch of the Superior Laryngeal Nerve to the Laboratory of Anatomy of the Faculty of Medicine of Bamako(Mali)

Aim: This study aimed at describing the anatomical variations of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve and at estimating the frequency of nerves at risk during the thyroid surgery. Methodology: We realized a forward-looking study from September, 2016 in May 31st, 2018 in the laboratory of anatomy of the Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology of Bamako in Mali. All the fresh anatomical subjects not carrying trauma and or a scar at the level of the previous region of the neck were held. The anatomical subjects were not included presenting a traumatic lesion and\or a scar of the previous region of the neck. Results: We realized 34 dissections of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve to 17 deathly subjects (11 men and 6 women with a sex-ratio of 1.8). The average age of the subjects was of 42 years (extremes: 18 and 70 years). Our study allowed highlighting in 100% of the cases, the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve and the superior thyroid artery so to the right as to the left. On 34 dissected external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve, none had a previous route. However we found 28 nerves (82.4%) having a later route, stuck to the external face of the lower constrictor of the pharynx. These were not mixed with the superior thyroid artery and its branch of division and were situated outside the thyroid capsule. In 17.6% of the cases (6 cases), the nerve had a route mixed in the branch of the superior thyroid artery. These were found inside of the capsule (11.8% adhered to the artery and 5.8% crossed its branch of division). Conclusion: The risk of injury of the external laryngeal nerve during thyroid surgery procedure is never zero. It is more important on the left side.

Wood anatomy chronologies of Scots pine in the foothills of the Western Sayan(Siberia)

Recent methodological advances in quantitative wood anatomy have provided new insights into the climatic responses of radial growth at the scale of cell structure of tree rings. This study considered long-term chronologies of tracheid measurements, indexed by a novel approach to separate their specific climatic responses from signal recorded in cell production(closely reflected in tree-ring width). To fill gaps in understanding the impact of climate on conifer xylem structure, Scots pine(Pinus sylvestris L.)trees > 200 years old were selected within the forest-steppe zone in southern Siberia. Such habitats undergo mild moisture deficits and the resulting climatic regulation of growth processes. Mean and maximum values of cell radial diameter and cell wall thickness were recorded for each tree ring.Despite a low level of climatogenic stress, components of cell chronologies independent of cambial activity were separated to obtain significant climatic signals revealing the timing of the specific stages of tracheid differentiation. Cell expansion lasted from mid-April to July and was impacted similarly to tree-ring width(stimulated by precipitation and stressed by heat), maximum cell size formed late June. A switch in the climatic responses of mean anatomical traits indicated transition to latewood in mid-July. Secondary wall deposition lasted until mid-September, suppressed by end of season temperatures. Generally, anatomical climatic responses were modulated by a less dry May and September compared with summer months.

Opinions of Students on the Contribution of the DIVA 3D Virtual Dissection Table to the Teaching of Anatomy at the Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology of Bamako

Objective: Study the contribution of the DIVA 3D dissection table in the teaching of anatomy at the Faculty of Medicine and Odontology of Bamako. Material and Methods: This was a qualitative study carried out from November 1 to December 30, 2023 at the clinical and morphological anatomy laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology of Bamako. Included in this study were students who participated in practical and tutorial sessions. The variables studied during this study were: the previous performance of dissection on a cadaver by the students, the opinion of the students on dissection on a cadaver, the replacement of dissection on a cadaver by virtual dissection in the absence of a body, the level student satisfaction. Results: We surveyed 130 participants. The average age was 22 ± 0.2 years with extremes of 17 and 29 years. 95.3% of participants were students. According to 66.7% of participants, virtual dissection is a good palliative in the absence of a corpse. 95.3% of participants found using the virtual dissection table easy with an average of 7.88 ± 1.4. The overall assessment was well rated by 99.3% of participants. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the virtual dissection table should be improved by integrating commented videos. The use of the DIVA 3D virtual dissection table during practical and tutorial sessions is well appreciated by the students. We believe that the teaching of anatomy using 3D digital technology should be included in the study programs of the Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology.

Classification of anatomical morphology of cystic duct and its association with gallstone

BACKGROUND Gallstones are common lesions that often require surgical intervention.Laparo-scopic cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice for symptomatic gallstones.Preoperatively,the anatomical morphology of the cystic duct(CD),needs to be accurately recognized,especially when anatomical variations occur in the CD,which is otherwise prone to bile duct injury.However,at present,there is no optimal classification system for CD morphology applicable in clinical practice,and the relationship between anatomical variations in CDs and gallstones remains to be explored.AIM To create a more comprehensive clinically applicable classification of the morphology of CD and to explore the correlations between anatomic variants of CD and gallstones.METHODS A total of 300 patients were retrospectively enrolled from October 2021 to January 2022.The patients were divided into two groups:The gallstone group and the nongallstone group.Relevant clinical data and anatomical data of the CD based on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography(MRCP)were collected and analyzed to propose a morphological classification system of the CD and to explore its relationship with gallstones.Multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression analyses to identify the independent risk factors using variables that were significant in the univariate analysis.RESULTS Of the 300 patients enrolled in this study,200(66.7%)had gallstones.The mean age was 48.10±13.30 years,142(47.3%)were male,and 158(52.7%)were female.A total of 55.7%of the patients had a body mass index(BMI)≥24 kg/m2.Based on the MRCP,the CD anatomical typology is divided into four types:Type I:Linear,type II:n-shaped,type III:S-shaped,and type IV:W-shaped.Univariate analysis revealed differences between the gallstone and nongallstone groups in relation to sex,BMI,cholesterol,triglycerides,morphology of CD,site of CD insertion into the extrahepatic bile duct,length of CD,and angle between the common hepatic duct and CD.According to the multivariate analysis,female,BMI(≥24 kg/m2),and CD morphology[n-shaped:Odds ratio(OR)=10.97,95%confidence interval(95%CI):5.22-23.07,P<0.001;S-shaped:OR=4.43,95%CI:1.64-11.95,P=0.003;W-shaped:OR=7.74,95%CI:1.88-31.78,P=0.005]were significantly associated with gallstones.CONCLUSION The present study details the morphological variation in the CD and confirms that CD tortuosity is an independent risk factor for gallstones.

Intracranial magnetic resonance venography in healthy individuals:normal anatomy and variations of the cerebral venous system

Objective:To evaluate the basic appearance and variation of the venous sinuses and veins in healthy individuals.Methods:Prospectively-recruited healthy volunteers completed a questionnaire and underwent magnetic resonance imaging plus contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance venography(CE-MRV)to measure their sinus diameters.Anatomical variations of cerebral venous sinuses were evaluated.Results:Fifty-eight individuals were included.The mean diameter of the left transverse sinus(LTS)(5.37±1.35 mm)was significantly smaller than that of the right transverse sinus(RTS)(6.65±1.57 mm)(P<0.001),and the average discrepancy was 19.2%.RTS dominance was noted in 55.1%of cases.Four superior sagittal sinus(SSS)anatomical variations were found.Type A was the most common and was present in 43 participants(74.1%).The SSS preferentially drained into the RTS in 32 patients(55.2%),and arachnoid granulation was observed in the transverse sinus(TS)and SSS in patients.According to our reclassification combined with Osborn’s previous research,we found that the SSS commonly drained into the RTS and that the straight sinus(StS)branched into both TSs.Conclusions:A 19%difference between the LTS and RTS provides a threshold for TS lateral dominance instead of a TS abnormality.Clinicians and radiologists should not ignore the influence of acquired pathology when the SSS drains in a non-RTS-dominant manner.Anatomical variations of the torcular herophili are frequent;the most commonly observed was the StS branching into both TSs,with the SSS draining into the RTS.

A Preliminary Study on Anatomy of the Stem and Leaf of Premna microphylla Turcz.

[Objective] This study was to reveal the anatomic structure of Premna microphylla Turcz.stem and leaf.[Method] Using plant anatomy method,we performed anatomic analysis of Premna microphylla Turcz.stem and leaf.[Result] The stem of Premna microphylla Turcz.is axially symmetric organ,its primary structure consists of three parts of epidermis,cortex and vascular cylinder.The petiole consists of epidermis,cortex and vascular cylinder,of which epidermis is a layer of cells with cuticle and epidermal hair.The sun leaf in Premna microphylla is dorsi-ventral leaf,wich is consist of palisade tissue and spongy tissue;while its shade leaf of Premna microphylla almost are isobilateral leaf.[Conclusion] Our results provided reference for further the exploitation and utilization of Premna microphylla Turcz.resources.

Fruit Anatomy of sect. Paracamellia with Reference to Their Significance of Germplasm Resources Exploitation

[Objective] To utilize the germplasm resources,new systematic evidence for the classification of sect.Paracamellia,genus Camellia is found in this article.[Method] Fruit anatomy of 10 species representing sect.Paracamellia was investigated.And the main component of sect.Paracamellia in the genus Camellia was studied by MVSP software.[Result] The exocarp was thin;mesocarp was broad,having a large number of stone cells;endocarp was lignified,and separated easily from seed.The principle components analysis suggested that the distance between species was far,showing far relation;the current study did not support the formation of Camellia grijsii（C.grijsii）and Camellia yuhsienensis（C.yuhsienensis）,Camellia shensiensis（C.shensiensis）should not be recognized as a variety of C.yuhsienensis.In addition,it also proved Ming＇s combining of Camellia confusa（C.confusa）and Camellia kissi（C.kissi）was unnatural.[Conclusion] The study provided theoretical basis for the development and application of sect.Paracamellia in the genus Camellia.

儿童颈项部腧穴三维数字可视化系统研发与应用

背景:目前已有成人腧穴三维数字化、可视化系统的相关研究,但基于真实儿童数字化断层解剖数据集对儿童腧穴可视化相关的研究报道并不多见。目的:设计研发儿童颈项部腧穴数字三维可视化系统,为针灸学、经络腧穴学教学、针灸临床、针刺施术手法练习及针刺安全性研究提供依据,并为研发儿童腧穴仿真系统提供基础。方法:基于真实学龄前男童断层解剖数据集,运用PhotoShop 2021与Digihuman Reconstruction System软件完成儿童颈项部三维数字化虚拟解剖模型及内部多器官三维重建;通过Unity数据库语言编制风府、风池等11个腧穴的数据库;在Unity3D软件中整合儿童颈项部解剖立体模型、腧穴数据库及编写针刺操作代码,成功创建集仿真腧穴定位、三维腧穴解剖、针刺训练、临床教学及针刺安全性研究等多功能于一体的儿童颈项部腧穴三维数字可视化系统。结果与结论:①该研究基于真实儿童标本,采用手动逐层分割断面图像法以最大程度确保3D模型精度。使用3D软件Digihuman Reconstruction System提取和保存独立分割数据,与PhotoShop 2021软件共同完成儿童颈项部外层皮肤与其内部骨性结构、颈部脊髓、血管和神经、肌肉及韧带等数十个三维重建解剖结构模型。于MeshLab软件中完成各独立结构基本形态和整体轮廓完整性核验工作,并利用3-maticresearch13.0软件进行最终精细化调校及解剖位置确认,成功模拟还原学龄前儿童颈项部真实解剖形态。②依据并参考中华人民共和国国家标准收集整理儿童颈项部常用腧穴的名称、所属经脉、定位、局部解剖、进针层次、针刺方法、针刺意外与预防、腧穴主治、二维解剖断层图像等8个方面内容形成腧穴数据库。③运用Unity3D软件将儿童颈项部三维模型、针刺模拟操作和腧穴数据库三者整合,成功构建三维数字儿童颈项部腧穴可视化系统。该系统可显示儿童颈项部腧穴的信息、二维三维解剖结构,并实现了儿童颈项部腧穴的二维、三维针刺模拟功能及针刺安全性研究功能。基于真实儿童标本超薄断层解剖数据集,构建了首个儿童颈项部腧穴三维数字化、可视化系统,较既往腧穴系统更贴合亚洲儿童的解剖形态学发育特点,在针刺安全性研究、临床教学及针刺模拟训练等领域具有极高的应用价值。

Complete Anatomy软件在骨科手术入路教学中的应用

目的评价Complete Anatomy三维解剖软件在骨科住院医师手术入路教学中的作用。方法将我院骨科低年资住院医师20人随机分为两组,每组各10人。软件教学组采用Complete Anatomy三维解剖软件进行授课;书籍教学组采用骨科经典教科书和解剖图谱进行授课。两组授课内容均为膝关节、髋关节、踝关节的经典手术入路相关解剖知识。通过笔试和尸体考核,比较两组对手术入路解剖知识学习效果的差异,同时通过问卷调查比较两组教学满意度的差异。结果笔试分数和尸体考核分数,软件教学组分别为(85.6±12.4)分和(76.3±9.7)分,书籍教学组分别为(68.3±9.5)分和(63.1±13.9)分,组间各数据比较,差异均具有统计学意义(P <0.05)。对于教学满意度评分,软件教学组为(92.6±7.3)分,书籍教学组为(82.4±10.7)分,组间数据比较,差异具有统计学意义(P <0.05)。结论与采用经典书籍和图谱教学相比,采用Complete Anatomy软件教学可显著提高骨科常见手术入路的教学效果,不仅能使学员掌握更多解剖知识,同时大大增强其对真实环境下解剖结构的辨识能力,教学满意度评价也更高。

Anatomical Structure of Leaf Cushion of Lepidodendron lepidophloides Yao

The isolated and anatomically_preserved lepidodendralean leaf cushions were described from coal balls in Wangjiazhai Formation (upper Upper Permian) in western Guizhou Province. These leaf cushions are very similar to Lepidodendron lepidophloides Yao both in size and morphology. They probably belong to the same species in different preservative condition. Comparisons on morphology and anatomy of L. lepidophloides and lepidodendralean leaf cushion genera, such as Lepidodendron, Lepidophloios, Sigillaria and Cathaysiodendron revealed that L. lepidophloides possesses mixed features of all these genera and it can not be assigned into any of them without doubt. It probably represents a new genus. Because the anatomical features of the other parts of the stem as well as the fertile organs related to these leaf cushions are unknown, the specific name L. lepidophloides is adopted. We leave this taxonomic problem open till the relationship between these leaf cushions and the stem and fertile organs become clear. This is the first report on the detailed anatomical features of the Cathaysian lepidodendralean leaf cushions.

Anatomy and influence of the splenic artery in laparoscopic spleen-preserving splenic lymphadenectomy

AIM: To investigate the splenic hilar vascular anatomy and the influence of splenic artery(Sp A) type in laparoscopic total gastrectomy with spleen-preserving splenic lymphadenectomy(LTGSPL).METHODS:The clinical anatomy data of 317 patients with upper- or middle-third gastric cancer who underwent LTGSPL in our hospital from January 2011 to December 2013 were collected. The patients were divided into two groups(concentrated group vs distributed group) according to the distance between the splenic artery's furcation and the splenic hilar region. Then, the anatomical layout, clinicopathologic characteristics, intraoperative variables, and postoperative variables were compared between the two groups.RESULTS: There were 205 patients with a concentrated type(64.7%) and 112 patients with a distributed type(35.3%) Sp A. There were 22 patients(6.9%) with a single branch of the splenic lobar vessels, 250(78.9%) with 2 branches, 43(13.6%) with 3 branches, and 2 patients(0.6%) with multiple branches. Eighty sevenpatients(27.4%) had type?Ⅰ?splenic artery trunk, 211(66.6%) had type Ⅱ, 13(4.1%) had type Ⅲ, and 6(1.9%) had type Ⅳ. The mean splenic hilar lymphadenectomy time(23.15 ± 8.02 vs 26.21 ± 8.84 min; P = 0.002), mean blood loss resulting from splenic hilar lymphadenectomy(14.78 ± 11.09 vs 17.37 ± 10.62 m L; P = 0.044), and number of vascular clamps used at the splenic hilum(9.64 ± 2.88 vs 10.40 ± 3.57; P = 0.040) were significantly lower in the concentrated group than in the distributed group. However, the mean total surgical time, mean total blood loss, and the mean number of harvested splenic hilar lymph nodes were similar in both groups(P > 0.05 for each comparison). There were also no significant differences in clinicopathological and postoperative characteristics between the groups(P > 0.05).CONCLUSION: It is of value for surgeons to know the splenic hilar vascular anatomy when performing LTGSPL. Patients with concentrated type Sp A may be optimal patients for training new surgeons.

Anatomy of the lateral ligaments of the rectum: A controversial point of view

The existence and composition of the lateral ligaments of the rectum (LLR) are still the subjects of anatomical confusion and surgical misconception up to now. Since Miles proposed abdominoperineal excision as radical surgery for rectal cancer, the identification by "hooking them on the finger" has been accepted by many surgeons with no doubt; clamping, dividing and ligating are considered to be essential procedures in mobilization of the rectum in many surgical textbooks. But in cadaveric studies, many anatomists could not find LLR described by the textbooks, and more and more surgeons also failed to find LLR during the proctectomy according to the principle of total mesorectal excision. The anatomy of LLR has diverse descriptions in literatures. According to our clinical observations, the traditional anatomical structures of LLR do exist; LLR are constant dense connective bundles which are located in either lateral side of the lower part of the rectum, run between rectal visceral fascia and pelvic parietal fascia above the levator ani, and covered by superior fascia of pelvic diaphragm. They are pathways of blood vessels and nerve fibers toward the rectum and lymphatic vessels from the lower rectum toward the iliac lymph nodes.

Innovations and techniques for balloon-enteroscopeassisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with altered gastrointestinal anatomy

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) remains challenging in patients who have undergone surgical reconstruction of the intestine.Recently,many studies have reported that balloonenteroscope-assisted ERCP(BEA-ERCP) is a safe and effective procedure.However,further improvements in outcomes and the development of simplified procedures are required.Percutaneous treatment,Laparoscopy-assisted ERCP,endoscopic ultrasoundguided anterograde intervention,and open surgery are effective treatments.However,treatment should be noninvasive,effective,and safe.We believe that these procedures should be performed only in difficult-to-treat patients because of many potential complications.BEA-ERCP still requires high expertiselevel techniques and is far from a routinely performed procedure.Various techniques have been proposed to facilitate scope insertion(insertion with percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage(PTBD) rendezvous technique,Short type single-balloon enteroscopes with passive bending section,Intraluminal injection of indigo carmine,CO2 inflation guidance),cannulation(PTBD or percutaneous transgallbladder drainage rendezvous technique,Dilation using screw drill,Rendezvous technique combining DBE with a cholangioscope,endoscopic ultrasound-guided rendezvous technique),and treatment(overtube-assisted technique,Short type balloon enteroscopes) during BEA-ERCP.The use of these techniques may allow treatment to be performed by BEA-ERCP in many patients.A standard procedure for ERCP yet to be established for patients with a reconstructed intestine.At present,BEA-ERCP is considered the safest and most effective procedure and is therefore likely to be recommended as firstline treatment.In this article,we discuss the current status of BEA-ERCP in patients with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy.