Pulmonary embolism after shoulder surgery:Is it a real threat?

Pulmonary embolism(PE)is a rare but devastating complication of shoulder surgery.Apart from increased morbidity and mortality rates,it may significantly impair postoperative recovery and functional outcome.Its frequency accounts for up to 5.7%of all shoulder surgery procedures with a higher occurrence in women and patients older than 70 years.It is most commonly associated with thrombophilia,diabetes mellitus,obesity,smoking,hypertension,and a history of malignancy.PE usually occurs secondary to upper or lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis(DVT).However,in rare cases,the source of the thrombi cannot be determined.Prophylaxis for PE following shoulder surgery remains a topic of debate,and the standard of care does not routinely require prophylactic medication for DVT prophylaxis.Early ambulation and elastic stockings are important preventative measures for DVT of the lower extremity and medical agents such as aspirin,low-molecular-weight heparin,and vitamin K antagonists are indicated for high-risk patients,long-lasting operations,or concomitant severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection.The most common symptoms of PE include chest pain and shortness of breath,but PE can also be asymptomatic in patients with intrinsic tolerance of hypoxia.Patients with DVT may also present with swelling and pain of the respective extremity.The treatment of PE includes inpatient or outpatient anticoagulant therapy if the patient is hemodynamically unstable or stable,respectively.Hemodynamic instability may require transfer to the intensive care unit,and cardiovascular arrest can be implicated in fatal events.An important issue for patients with PE in the postoperative period after shoulder surgery is residual stiffness due to a delay in rehabilitation and a prolonged hospital stay.Early physiotherapy and range-of-motion exercises do not adversely affect the prognosis of PE and are highly recommended to preserve shoulder mobility and function.

THIRTY YEARS IN SKULL BASE SURGERY

The skull base generally refers to the anterior, middle and posterior cranial fossa and structures on the outside side of these skull areas. The cranial roof and skull base are separated by a line connecting the external occipital protuberance, parietal notch and supraorbital ridge[1].The skull base supports the brain above, is connected to

New direction for surgery:Super minimally invasive surgery

The top goal of modern medicine is treating disease without destroying organ structures and making patients as healthy as they were before their sickness.Minimally invasive surgery(MIS)has dominated the surgical realm because of its lesser invasiveness.However,changes in anatomical structures of the body and reconstruction of internal organs or different organs are common after traditional surgery or MIS,decreasing the quality of life of patients post-operation.Thus,I propose a new treatment mode,super MIS(SMIS),which is defined as“curing a disease or lesion which used to be treated by MIS while preserving the integrity of the organs”.In this study,I describe the origin,definition,operative channels,advantages,and future perspectives of SMIS.

Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery in Assiut University, Single Center Early Experience

Background: Endoscopic transnasal skull base surgery had started long time ago in different centers around the world for excision of skull base lesions with good results and more cost effectiveness. The aim of this study is to discuss our early results in endoscopic skull base surgery and the development of the learning curve. Patients and Methods: We analyzed our experience regarding 25 patients presented to us in Neurosurgery Department, Assiut University Hospital, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt in a period of 3 years (2015, 2016, 2017) and operated by endoscopic transnasal approach. All patients signed an informed consent. Results: With the highest percentage was pituitary adenoma 56%, pituitary apoplexy 12%, craniopharyngioma 12%, CSF rhinorrhea 12%, Planum sphenoidal meningioma 4% and suprasellar granuloma 4%. 88% of patients were operated without complications, 8% mortality rate postoperative, 12% complication rate and 76% complete improvement postoperative. Conclusion: Endoscopic skull base surgery is a safe approach to the skull base that needs a good experience, practice and good anatomical knowledge. Teamwork between a Neurosurgeon and ENT surgeon is a must for patient safety.

The Suture-Pull as a Refinement of the Gasket Implant Technique for Reconstruction after Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery

Introduction: Adequate reconstruction of the skull base is the key to avoiding cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak following endonasal skull base surgery. The use of an endocranial “gasket” plug has been reported for this and is used in our institution. We present a simple refinement of the “gasket” technique using commonly available materials that helps ensure proper size and positioning of the gasket by applying stress on a suture attached on the center of the gasket implant. Materials and Methods: We report a case of massive CSF leak following endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for pitui- tary macroadenoma. The skull base was reconstructed in a multi-layered fashion with fascia lata and bony buttress reinforced with a vascularized nasoseptal flap. In order to avoid implant slippage from too-small size or malpositioning, we performed a “stress test” using traction applied to a suture attached to the center of the implant (Medpor?), which allowed us to confirm intraoperatively that the buttress was positioned securely. Results: The patient did well without recurrence of CSF leak. At two-year follow-up, there has been no recurrence of CSF leak or occurrence local complica- tions. We have not verified whether bony regrowth into the implant has occurred. Conclusion: The suture-pull refinement of the gasket implant technique is a simple, inexpensive and low risk method to assure secure endocranial positioning over the skull base defect, and may prevent CSF leak resulting from too-small sizing or buttress malpositioning.

Bariatric surgery and diabetes:Current challenges and perspectives

Diabetes mellitus(DM)and obesity have become public issues of global concern.Bariatric surgery for the treatment of obesity combined with type 2 DM has been shown to be a safe and effective approach;however,there are limited studies that have systematically addressed the challenges of surgical treatment of obesity combined with DM.In this review,we summarize and answer the most pressing questions in the field of surgical treatment of obesity-associated DM.I believe that our insights will be of great help to clinicians in their daily practice.

Congenital Depressed Skull Fracture Lifting with Suction Cup: A Therapeutic Alternative to Surgery

Congenital skull fractures of newborn are rare and create medico-legal problems. Their management is controversial. Between surgery considered too aggressive and uncertain conservative attitude, reduction by suction cup or breast pump is an alternative. The authors report their experience through a case of successful resolution of a congenital depressed skull fracture using a suction cup in a newborn at 13 day of life followed by a literature review. This technique avoids the usual complications of surgery and reduces the anxiety of parents related to surgery. It also avoids the anxiety of having a newborn with a recessed skull and a conservative attitude with uncertain outcome.

Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision during Surgery: Discussing Laparoscopic Images with ChatGPT4—Preliminary Results

Introduction: Ultrafast latest developments in artificial intelligence (ΑΙ) have recently multiplied concerns regarding the future of robotic autonomy in surgery. However, the literature on the topic is still scarce. Aim: To test a novel AI commercially available tool for image analysis on a series of laparoscopic scenes. Methods: The research tools included OPENAI CHATGPT 4.0 with its corresponding image recognition plugin which was fed with a list of 100 laparoscopic selected snapshots from common surgical procedures. In order to score reliability of received responses from image-recognition bot, two corresponding scales were developed ranging from 0 - 5. The set of images was divided into two groups: unlabeled (Group A) and labeled (Group B), and according to the type of surgical procedure or image resolution. Results: AI was able to recognize correctly the context of surgical-related images in 97% of its reports. For the labeled surgical pictures, the image-processing bot scored 3.95/5 (79%), whilst for the unlabeled, it scored 2.905/5 (58.1%). Phases of the procedure were commented in detail, after all successful interpretations. With rates 4 - 5/5, the chatbot was able to talk in detail about the indications, contraindications, stages, instrumentation, complications and outcome rates of the operation discussed. Conclusion: Interaction between surgeon and chatbot appears to be an interesting frontend for further research by clinicians in parallel with evolution of its complex underlying infrastructure. In this early phase of using artificial intelligence for image recognition in surgery, no safe conclusions can be drawn by small cohorts with commercially available software. Further development of medically-oriented AI software and clinical world awareness are expected to bring fruitful information on the topic in the years to come.

Fully automatic AI segmentation of oral surgery-related tissues based on cone beam computed tomography images

Accurate segmentation of oral surgery-related tissues from cone beam computed tomography(CBCT)images can significantly accelerate treatment planning and improve surgical accuracy.In this paper,we propose a fully automated tissue segmentation system for dental implant surgery.Specifically,we propose an image preprocessing method based on data distribution histograms,which can adaptively process CBCT images with different parameters.Based on this,we use the bone segmentation network to obtain the segmentation results of alveolar bone,teeth,and maxillary sinus.We use the tooth and mandibular regions as the ROI regions of tooth segmentation and mandibular nerve tube segmentation to achieve the corresponding tasks.The tooth segmentation results can obtain the order information of the dentition.The corresponding experimental results show that our method can achieve higher segmentation accuracy and efficiency compared to existing methods.Its average Dice scores on the tooth,alveolar bone,maxillary sinus,and mandibular canal segmentation tasks were 96.5%,95.4%,93.6%,and 94.8%,respectively.These results demonstrate that it can accelerate the development of digital dentistry.

Endoscopic Assisted Microscopic Skull Base Surgery

Background: Skull base tumors presented great challenge for neurosurgeons since decades due to their deep location, associated morbidity and limitation of operative field;however modern neurosurgery using the endoscope and/or the microscope served in minimizing peri-operative morbidities and improving the clinical outcome. Objective: To demonstrate the value of endoscope-assisted microsurgical technique for resection of skull base tumors. Patients and Methods: 30 patients divided into 3 groups (10 patients had medial sphenoid wing meningioma constituted group 1, 10 patients had suprasellar meningioma constituted group 2 and 10 patients had Cerbello-Pontine Angle (CPA) epidermoids constituted group 3) were operated through Endoscope Assisted Microscopic Skull Base Surgery technique at Al-Azhar University Hospitals during the period starting from January 2016 till the end of September 2017 using a rigid endoscope for inspection of tumor boundaries and neighboring vascularity in addition to confirm the extent of resection. Tumor resection was tried in all cases. Intra-operative resection rate and post-operative radiological outcomes were assessed. Results: Total gross resection was possible in 27 patients (90%). Subtotal resection was done in the other 3 cases (recurrent medial sphenoid wing meningiomas) due to excessive bleeding and adhesions of the tumors with vascular structures. Total resection of the tumor in post operative radiology was obtained in 24 patients (80%) and post-operative residual tumor was noticed in 6 patients in early post operative radiology and in only 3 cases at 3 months follow up radiology. Conclusion: Endoscopic-assisted microsurgical approach is a reliable, safe and effective option for adequate surgical resection of skull base tumors. The technique allowed proper inspection of the tumor relations and vascularity, detection of any residual portions, providing better chance for gross total resection with minimal tissue damage or vascular injury as well as convenient clinical outcome.

Is recovery enhancement after gastric cancer surgery really a safe approach for elderly patients?

BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the safety of enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS)in elderly patients with gastric cancer(GC).AIM To evaluate the safety of ERAS in elderly patients with GC.METHODS The PubMed,EMBASE,and Cochrane Library databases were used to search for eligible studies from inception to April 1,2023.The mean difference(MD),odds ratio(OR)and 95%confidence interval(95%CI)were pooled for analysis.The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale scores.We used Stata(V.16.0)software for data analysis.RESULTS This study consists of six studies involving 878 elderly patients.By analyzing the clinical outcomes,we found that the ERAS group had shorter postoperative hospital stays(MD=-0.51,I2=0.00%,95%CI=-0.72 to-0.30,P=0.00);earlier times to first flatus(defecation;MD=-0.30,I²=0.00%,95%CI=-0.55 to-0.06,P=0.02);less intestinal obstruction(OR=3.24,I2=0.00%,95%CI=1.07 to 9.78,P=0.04);less nausea and vomiting(OR=4.07,I2=0.00%,95%CI=1.29 to 12.84,P=0.02);and less gastric retention(OR=5.69,I2=2.46%,95%CI=2.00 to 16.20,P=0.00).Our results showed that the conventional group had a greater mortality rate than the ERAS group(OR=0.24,I2=0.00%,95%CI=0.07 to 0.84,P=0.03).However,there was no statistically significant difference in major complications between the ERAS group and the conventional group(OR=0.67,I2=0.00%,95%CI=0.38 to 1.18,P=0.16).CONCLUSION Compared to those with conventional recovery,elderly GC patients who received the ERAS protocol after surgery had a lower risk of mortality.

Enhanced recovery after surgery in elderly patients with non-small cell lung cancer who underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery

BACKGROUND This study was designed to investigate the clinical outcomes of enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS)in the perioperative period in elderly patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer(NSCLC).AIM To investigate the potential enhancement of video-assisted thoracic surgery(VATS)in postoperative recovery in elderly patients with NSCLC.METHODS We retrospectively analysed the clinical data of 85 elderly NSCLC patients who underwent ERAS(the ERAS group)and 327 elderly NSCLC patients who received routine care(the control group)after VATS at the Department of Thoracic Surgery of Peking University Shenzhen Hospital between May 2015 and April 2017.After propensity score matching of baseline data,we analysed the postoperative stay,total hospital expenses,postoperative 48-h pain score,and postoperative complication rate for the 2 groups of patients who underwent lobectomy or sublobar resection.RESULTS After propensity score matching,ERAS significantly reduced the postoperative hospital stay(6.96±4.16 vs 8.48±4.18 d,P=0.001)and total hospital expenses(48875.27±18437.5 vs 55497.64±21168.63 CNY,P=0.014)and improved the satisfaction score(79.8±7.55 vs 77.35±7.72,P=0.029)relative to those for routine care.No significant between-group difference was observed in postoperative 48-h pain score(4.68±1.69 vs 5.28±2.1,P=0.090)or postoperative complication rate(21.2%vs 27.1%,P=0.371).Subgroup analysis showed that ERAS significantly reduced the postoperative hospital stay and total hospital expenses and increased the satisfaction score of patients who underwent lobectomy but not of patients who underwent sublobar resection.CONCLUSION ERAS effectively reduced the postoperative hospital stay and total hospital expenses and improved the satisfaction score in the perioperative period for elderly NSCLC patients who underwent lobectomy but not for patients who underwent sublobar resection.

Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm caused by hysteroscopic surgery: A case report

BACKGROUND We report a case of uterine artery pseudoaneurysm(UAP)occurrence during hysteroscopic endometrial polypectomy and its treatment via uterine artery embolization(UAE).CASE SUMMARY A 48-year-old primigravid,primiparous patient was incidentally found to have an endometrial polyp during a health checkup,and underwent a hysteroscopic polypectomy at another hospital.Her cervix was dilated with a Laminken-R®device.After the Laminken-R®was withdrawn,a large amount of genital bleeding was observed.This bleeding persisted after the hysteroscopic polypectomy,and,as hemostasis became impossible,the patient was transferred to our hospital by ambulance.On arrival,transvaginal ultrasonography revealed a 3-cm hypoechoic mass with a swirling internal pulse on the right side of the uterus,and color Doppler ultrasonography showed feeder vessels penetrating the mass.Pelvic contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CT)confirmed the presence of a mass at this site,and vascular proliferation was observed within the uterine cavity.Consequently,UAP was diagnosed,and UAE was performed.The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful,and 6 mo post-UAE,no recurrence of blood flow to the UAP was observed.CONCLUSION When abnormal genital bleeding occurs during hysteroscopic surgery,ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced CT can assist in the detection of early UAPs.

Imaging characteristics and treatment strategies for carotid artery occlusion caused by skull base fracture:Three case reports

BACKGROUND Traumatic internal carotid artery(ICA)occlusion is a rare complication of skull base fractures,characterized by high mortality and disability rates,and poor prognosis.Therefore,timely discovery and correct management are crucial for saving the lives of such patients and improving their prognosis.This article retrospectively analyzed the imaging and clinical data of three patients,to explore the imaging characteristics and treatment strategies for carotid artery occlusion,combined with severe skull base fractures.CASE SUMMARY This case included three patients,all male,aged 21,63,and 16 years.They underwent plain film skull computed tomography(CT)examination at the onset of their illnesses,which revealed fractures at the bases of their skulls.Ultimately,these cases were definitively diagnosed through CT angiography(CTA)examinations.The first patient did not receive surgical treatment,only anticoagulation therapy,and recovered smoothly with no residual limb dysfunction(Case 1).The other two patients both developed intracranial hypertension and underwent decompressive craniectomy.One of these patients had high intracranial pressure and significant brain swelling postoperatively,leading the family to choose to take him home(Case 2).The other patient also underwent decompressive craniectomy and recovered well postoperatively with only mild limb motor dysfunction(Case 3).We retrieved literature from PubMed on skull base fractures causing ICA occlusion to determine the imaging characteristics and treatment strategies for this type of disease.CONCLUSION For patients with cranial trauma combined with skull base fractures,it is essential to complete a CTA examination as soon as possible,to screen for blunt cerebrovascular injury.

Glaucoma surgery experiments using digital microscope-integrated optical coherence tomography and OCT-compatible instruments

There is a certain failure rate in traditional glaucoma surgery because of the lack of depth information in microscope images.In this work,we present a digital microscope-integrated optical coherence tomography(MIOCT)system and several custom-made OCT-compatible instruments for glaucoma surgery.Sixteen ophthalmologists were asked to perform trabeculectomy and canaloplasty on live porcine eyes using the system and instruments.After surgery,a subjective feedback survey about the user experience was taken.The experiment results showed that our system can help surgeons easily locate important tissue structures during surgery.The custom-made instruments also solved the shadowing problem in OCT imaging.Surgeons preferred to use the system in their future practice.

Effect of bariatric surgery on metabolism in diabetes and obesity comorbidity:Insight from recent research

Obesity is a prevalent cause of diabetes mellitus(DM)and is a serious danger to human health.Type 2 DM(T2DM)mostly occurs along with obesity.Foodborne obesity-induced DM is caused by an excessive long-term diet and surplus energy.Bariatric surgery can improve the symptoms of T2DM in some obese patients.But different types of bariatric surgery may have different effects.There are some models built by researchers to discuss the surgical procedures’effects on me-tabolism in diabetes animal models and diabetes patients.It is high time to conclude all this effects and recommend procedures that can better improve metabolism.

Treatment of hemolymphangioma by robotic surgery: A case report

BACKGROUND Hemolymphangioma of the jejunum is rare and lacks clinical specificity,and can manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding,abdominal pain,and intestinal obstruction.Computed tomography,magnetic resonance imaging,and other examinations show certain characteristics of the disease,but lack accuracy.Although capsule endoscopy and enteroscopy make up for this deficiency,the diagnosis also still re-quires pathology.CASE SUMMARY A male patient was admitted to the hospital due to abdominal distension and abdominal pain,but a specific diagnosis by computed tomography examination was not obtained.Partial resection of the small intestine was performed by robotic surgery,and postoperative pathological biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of hemo-lymphangioma.No recurrence in the follow-up examination was observed.CONCLUSION Robotic surgery is an effective way to treat hemolymphangioma through minima-lly invasive techniques under the concept of rapid rehabilitation.

Obesity: Body Relief Surgeries before Bariatric Surgery for Risk Reduction

Depending on the treatment and weight of the breasts or abdomen, they may exceed volumes considered giant and morbidly obese. In these cases, and when the patient’s BMI is high above 40 kg/m2, the weight of the breasts or abdomen produces what we consider suffocation when the patient is placed in horizontal position on surgical tables, decreasing his respiratory capacity and increasing the difficulty in treating respiratory or embolic risks. An 8-kg breast on the patient’s chest prevents normal breathing. An abdomen with a volume of 30 kg causes difficulties in all senses, making the physiological expansion of the lungs impossible and even preventing surgical assistance to patients. These patients are almost always customers who sleep in the sitting position to breathe better. The gigantic extirpation of the surgical parts facilitates a better respiratory expansion reducing by a large percentage the risk of death, what we call body relief. This relief does not free the patient from bariatric surgery for a possible weight loss, which is vital for the proper functioning of the organs and decreasing arterial hypertension and diabetes.

Efficacy and safety of minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia for ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in female reproductive system in the world,and the choice of its treatment is very important for the survival rate and prognosis of patients.Traditional open surgery is the main treatment for ovarian cancer,but it has the disadvantages of big trauma and slow recovery.With the continuous development of minimally invasive technology,minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia has been gradually applied to the treatment of ovarian cancer because of its advantages of less trauma and quick recovery.However,the efficacy and safety of minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia in the treatment of ovarian cancer are still controversial.AIM To explore the efficacy and safety of general anesthesia minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of ovarian cancer.METHODS The clinical data of 90 patients with early ovarian cancer in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively.According to the different surgical treatment methods,patients were divided into study group and control group(45 cases in each group).The study group received minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia for ovarian cancer,while the control group received traditional open surgery for ovarian cancer.The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire(EORTC QLQ-C30),clinical efficacy and safety of the two groups were compared.RESULTS The intraoperative blood loss,length of hospital stay,postoperative gas evacuation time,and postoperative EORTC QLQ-C30 score of the study group were significantly better than those of the control group(P<0.05).The incidence of postoperative complications in the study group was significantly lower than in the control group(P<0.05).The two groups had no significant differences in the preoperative adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH),androstenedione(AD),cortisol(Cor),cluster of differentiation 3 positive(CD3+),and cluster of differentiation 4 positive(CD4+)indexes(P>0.05).In contrast,postoperatively,the study group's ACTH,AD,and Cor indexes were lower,and the CD3+and CD4+indexes were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia in patients with early ovarian cancer can significantly improve the efficacy and safety,improve the short-term prognosis and quality of life of patients,and is worth popularizing.