New trends in the surgical management of soft tissue sarcoma: The role of preoperative biopsy

Soft tissue sarcoma(STS)accounts for 1%of all malignant neoplasms in adults.Their diagnosis and management constitute a challenging target.They originate from the mesenchyme,and 50 subtypes with various cytogenetic profiles concerning soft tissue and bones have been recognized.These tumors mainly affect middle-aged adults but may be present at any age.Half of the patients have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis and require systemic therapy.Tumors above 3-5 cm in size must be suspected of potential malignancy.A thorough history,clinical examination and imaging that must precede biopsy are necessary.Modern imaging techniques include ultrasound,computed tomography(CT),new magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),and positron emission tomography/CT.MRI findings may distinguish low-grade from high-grade STS based on a diagnostic score(tumor heterogeneity,intratumoral and peritumoral enhancement).A score≥2 indicates a high-grade lesion,and a score≤1 indicates a lowgrade lesion.For disease staging,abdominal imaging is recommended to detect early abdominal or retroperitoneal metastases.Liquid biopsy by detecting genomic material in serum is a novel diagnostic tool.A preoperative biopsy is necessary for diagnosis,prognosis and optimal planning of surgical intervention.Core needle biopsy is the most indicative and effective.Its correct performance influences surgical management.An unsuccessful biopsy means the dissemination of cancer cells into healthy anatomical structures that ultimately affect resectability and survival.Complete therapeutic excision(R0)with an acceptable resection margin of 1 cm is the method of choice.However,near significant structures,i.e.,vessels,nerves,an R2 resection(macroscopic margin involvement)preserving functionality but having a risk of local recurrence can be an acceptable choice,after informing the patient,to prevent an unavoidable amputation.For borderline resectability of the tumor,neoadjuvant chemo/radiotherapy has a place.Likewise,after surgical excision,adjuvant therapy is indicated,but chemotherapy in nonmetastatic disease is still debatable.The five-year survival rate reaches up to 55%.Reresection is considered after positive or uncertain resection margins.Current strategies are based on novel chemotherapeutic agents,improved radiotherapy applications to limit local side effects and targeted biological therapy or immunotherapy,including vaccines.Young age is a risk factor for distant metastasis within 6 mo following primary tumor resection.Neoadjuvant radiotherapy lasting 5-6 wk and surgical resection are indicated for highgrade STS(grade 2 or 3).Wide surgical excision alone may be acceptable for patients older than 70 years.However,locally advanced disease requires a multidisciplinary task of decision-making for amputation or limb salvage.

Research Progress in Surgical Management of Head and Neck Tumors Involving the Carotid Artery

The surgeons adopt the comprehensive treatment method basing on surgery When head and neck tumors involve the carotid artery. At present, there are four surgical treatments, namely, dissection of carotid artery tumor, resection of carotid artery, revascularization after carotid resection, endoarterial implantation of covered stent combined with surgical resection. However, there is currently no consensus on the standard surgical approach to choose. This paper describes the four surgical methods, which are expected to be helpful for head and neck surgeons to choose the surgical methods for head and neck tumors involving the carotid artery.

Surgical Management of Adrenal Tumors: Experience of Three Tertiary Hospitals in Yaounde, Cameroon

Introduction: Surgical management of adrenal tumors has greatly improved over the past years, with laparoscopic adrenalectomy being the gold standard. However, Open adrenalectomy is indicated in large adrenal tumors, malignant tumors and large phaeochromocytomas. We report surgical outcomes of 18 cases of functional adrenal tumors from 2007 to 2022. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional and descriptive study in three tertiary hospitals in Yaounde, Cameroon. We reviewed files of patients who underwent adrenalectomy over a period of 15 years from July 2007 to July 2022. Clinical and diagnostic components of adrenal tumors, indications and surgical outcomes were analyzed. Results: A total of 18 patients were included in our study. The average age of patients was 38.33 years, with a female-to-male sex ratio of 2:1. Weight gain (72.2%) was the most represented clinical sign. The secretory nature of tumor and malignancy represented 55.5% and 33.3% of the operative indications and all 18 (100%) of the patients had open adrenalectomy. Vascular injury was the most common intraoperative complication with 5.63%, while acute adrenal insufficiency (16.7%) was the most common post-operative complication. The average tumor size was 6.22 cm and the mean duration of hospitalization was 11.61 days. Adenoma 7 (38.9%) and adrenocortical carcinoma 5 (27.8%) were the frequent histological types. One patient died two months post-surgery from anemia-related complications. Conclusion: The success of adrenal surgery is linked to multidisciplinary patient care and the experience of the surgeon. Conventional surgery still has indications with satisfactory short- and medium-term results in our context.

Lumbopelvic Fixation and Sacral Decompression for U-shaped Sacral Fractures： Surgical Management and Early Outcome

U-shaped sacral fractures are rare and often difficult to diagnose primarily due to the difficulty in obtaining adequate imaging and the severe associated injuries. These fractures are highly unstable and frequently cause neurological deficits. The majority of surgeons have limited experience in management of U-shaped sacral fractures. No standard treatment protocol for U-shaped sacral fractures has been available till now. This study aimed to examine the management of U-shaped sacral fractures and the early outcomes. Clinical data of 15 consecutive patients with U-shaped sacral fracture who were admitted to our trauma center between 2009 and 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographics, fracture classification, mechanism of injury and operative treatment and deformity angle were assessed. All the patients were treated with lumbopelvic fixation or （and） sacral decompression. EQ-5d score was applied to evaluate the patients＇ quality of life. Of the 15 consecutive patients with U-shaped sacral fracture, the mean age was 28.8 years （range： 15-55 years） at the time of injury. There were 6 females and 9 males. The mean follow- up time was 22.7 months （range： 9-47 months） and mean full weight-bearing time was 9.9 weeks （range： 8-14 weeks）. Ten patients received lumbopelvic fixation and sacral decompression, one lombosacral fixation, and 4 merely sacral decompression due to delayed diagnosis or surgery. The post-operation deformity angle （mean 27.87°, and range： 8°-90°） of the sacrum was smaller than that pre-operation （mean 35.67; range： 15-90） with no significance difference noted. At the latest follow-up, all patients obtained neurological recovery with different extents. Visual analogue score （VAS） was reduced from preoperative 7.07 （range： 5-9） to postoperetive 1.93 （range： 1-3）. All patients could walk without any aid after treatment. Eight patients were able to care for themselves and undertook some daily activities. Five patients had returned to work full time. In conclusion, lumbopelvic fixation is an effective method for stabilization of U-shaped sacral fractures with fewer complications developed. Effective reduction and firm fixation are the prerequisite of early mobilization and neurological recovery. Sacral decompression effectively promotes neurological recovery even in patients with old U-shaped sacral fractures.

Current surgical management of pancreatic endocrine tumor liver metastases

BACKGROUND: The management of metastatic disease in pancreatic endocrine tumors (PETs) demands a multidisciplinary approach and the cooperation of several medical specialties. The role of surgery is critical, even when a radical excision cannot always be achieved. DATA SOURCES: A PubMed search of relevant articles published up to February 2011 was performed to identify current information about PET liver metastases regarding diagnosis and management, with an emphasis on surgery. RESULTS: The early diagnosis of metastases and their accurate localization, most commonly in the liver, is very important. Surgical options include radical excision, and palliative excision to relieve symptoms in case of failure of medical treatment. The goal of the radical excision is to remove the primary tumor bulk and all liver metastases at the same time, but unfortunately it is not feasible in most cases. Palliative excisions include aggressive tumor debulking surgeries in well-differentiated carcinomas, trying to remove at least 90% of the tumor mass, combined with other additional destructive techniques such as hepatic artery embolization or chemoembolization to treat metastases or chemoembolization to relieve symptoms in cases of rapidly growing tumors. The combination of chemoembolization and systemic chemotherapy results in better response and survival rates. Other local destructive techniques include ethanol injection, cryotherapy and radiofrequency ablation. CONCLUSION: It seems that the current management of PETs can achieve important improvements, even in advanced cases.

Presentation and surgical management of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis

Background:Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis(XGC)is a rare benign chronic inflammatory disease of the gallbladder that often presents as cholecystitis and most of the times requires surgical management.In addition,distinguishing XGC from gallbladder cancer preoperatively is still a challenge.The aim of the present systematic review was to outline the clinical presentation and surgical approach of XGC.Data sources:The present systematic review was designed using the PRISMA and AMSTAR guidelines.We searched MEDLINE,Scopus,Clinicaltrials.gov,EMBASE,Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials(CENTRAL)and Google Scholar databases from inception until June 2020.Results:The laparoscopic cholecystectomy rate(34%)was almost equal to the open cholecystectomy rate(47%)for XGC.An important conversion rate(35%)was observed as well.The XGC cases treated by surgery were associated with low mortality(0.3%),limited intraoperative blood loss(58-270 m L),low complication rates(2%–6%),along with extended operative time(82.6–120 minutes for laparoscopic and 59.6–240 minutes for open cholecystectomy)and hospital stay(3–9 days after laparoscopic and 8.3–18 days after open cholecystectomy).Intraoperative findings during cholecystectomies for XGC included empyema or Mirizzi syndrome.In addition,complex surgical procedures,like wedge hepatic resections and bile duct excision were required during operations for XGC.Conclusions:XGC seemed to be a rare,benign inflammatory disease that presents similar features as gallbladder cancer.The mortality and complication rates of XGC were low,despite the complex surgical procedures that might be required in some cases.

Application of Delayed Surgical Managements in Patients with Stensen＇s Duct Injury

The study aimed to retrospectively evaluate surgical treatment outcomes after delayed parotid gland and duct injuries. Nine patients subjected to parotid gland and duct injuries with l- to 3-month treatment delay were retrospectively evaluated with special reference of etiology, past medical history, and injury location. Conservative treatment, microsurgical anastomosis, and diversion of salivary flow or ligation were chosen for delayed parotid gland and duct injuries concerning to their site of injury, time of repair and procedures. Assistant treatment as pressure dressing was adopted thereafter. All patients experienced an uneventful recovery at the time of finalizing the study. Two patients received Stensen＇s duct ligation, 5 received microsurgical anastomosis and 2 accepted salivary flow diversion for 5 patients with sialoceles and 4 patients with fistulas, and no re-occurrence was found. Facial paralysis occurred after surgery in 4 patients, and 3 of them recovered after the nerve nutrition treatment. Our study suggested that appropriate surgical treatment is efficient for the re-establishment of the tissue function and facial aesthetic for delayed injury of the parotid and its duct.

Effectiveness of surgical management of malignant glaucoma in phakic eyes

AIM:To assess the effectiveness of core vitrectomyphacoemulsification-intraocular lens(IOL)implantationcapsulo-hyaloidotomy in treating phakic eye at least 1 mo after the onset of malignant glaucoma.METHODS:A retrospective analysis were performed on malignant glaucoma patients treated in Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center between 2016 and 2018.Demographic and clinical data were described.The preoperative and postoperative visual acuity(VA),intraocular pressure(IOP),number of IOP-lowering medications used,and anterior chamber depth(ACD)of the case series were compared by Wilcoxon signed-rank test.RESULTS:Thirteen phakic eyes with long time intervals between onset and surgery were identified in this case series.Core vitrectomy-phacoemulsification-IOL implantation-capsulohyaloidotomy reduced the IOP(P=0.046)and the number of IOP-lowering medications used(P=0.004),deepened the ACD(P=0.005).Complete success was achieved in 38.5%of the eyes,and anatomical success was achieved in 100%of the eyes without any recurrence.The only postoperative complication observed is corneal endothelial decompensation.It occurred in two cases.CONCLUSION:Core vitrectomy-phacoemulsification-IOL implantation-capsulo-hyaloidotomy is safe and effective for treatment of long onset phakic malignant glaucoma.

Surgical management of silicone oil migrated into suprachoroidal space after vitrectomy

AIM: To report a successful surgical management of silicone oil migrated into suprachoroidal space after the repair of the retinal detachment with hemorrhagic choroidal detachment. METHODS: Retrospective observational case report. A 30-year-old man with retinal detachment and hemorrhagic choroidal detachment due to severe corneal penetrating injury, underwent a pars plana lensectomy and vitrectomy, endolaser, and silicone oil tamponade followed by transscleral suprachoroidal hemorrhage drainage in the right eye. One week later, a localised temporal choroid elevation was noted. This persistent elevation was confirmed by operation research to be silicone oil migration into suprachoroidal space. RESULTS: The migrated silicone oil was drained via trans-scleral cut down, and the intravitreal silicone oil was removed and replaced by 16% C2F6. Over the next 2 weeks, the elevation vanished and the choroid became completely flat. CONCLUSION: The migration of silicone oil into suprachoroidal space is a rare complication of vitrectomy. The pathway of the migration is most likely through internal orifice of sclerotonny sites. Trans-scleral drainage surgery is an effective method to remove the migrated silicone oil from suprachoroidal space.

Recommendations for perinatal and neonatal surgical management during the COVID-19 pandemic

Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has spread rapidly around the world and is a significant threat to global health.Patients in the Neonatal Surgery Department have rapidly progressing diseases and immature immunity,which makes them vulnerable to pulmonary infection and a relatively higher mortality.This means that these patients require multidisciplinary treatment including early diagnosis,timely transport,emergency surgery and intensive critical care.The COVID-19 pandemic poses a threat to carrying out these treatments.To provide support for the health protection requirements of the medical services in the Neonatal Surgery Department,we developed recommendations focusing on patient transport,surgery selection and protection requirements with the aim of improving treatment strategies for patients and preventing infection in medical staff during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Surgical management of metastatic disease of long bone

Objective To improve the life quality of cancer patients with metastasis to long bone and to long bone and to select suitable surgical treatment. Methods Fifty-two patients with metastasis 27 men and 25 women, were June 2003 Vol12 No2 treated from 1990 to 1999. Their average age was 56. 8 years (33 - 74). In 16 patients with multiple lesions, underwent surgery at bone shaft (29 patients) and bone epiphysis (26). Thirty patients were treated for pathologic fracture and the rest for impending fracture. Operations included limb-salvage (51 patients) and amputation (4) Limb salvage consisted of intralesional curettage (3 patients ), intramedullary nailing reconstruction (29 ), endoprosthesis ( 18 ), and temporary spacer ( 1 ). 21 patients accepted postoperative chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Results Follow-up of 52 patients for a mean of 28. 2 months (2 - 122 months) showed pain relief (41 patients), (75%) and full or part weight-bearing stability ( 36 ) 69 % . Local tumor recurrence occurred in 11 patients.

Innovation in pathogenesis and management of aortic aneurysm

Aortic aneurysm(AA)refers to the persistent dilatation of the aorta,exceeding three centimeters.Investigating the pathophysiology of this condition is important for its prevention and management,given its responsibility for more than 25000 deaths in the United States.AAs are classified based on their location or morphology.various pathophysiologic pathways including inflammation,the immune system and atherosclerosis have been implicated in its development.Inflammatory markers such as transforming growth factorβ,interleukin-1β,tumor necrosis factor-α,matrix metalloproteinase-2 and many more may contribute to this phenomenon.Several genetic disorders such as Marfan syndrome,Ehler-Danlos syndrome and Loeys-Dietz syndrome have also been associated with this disease.Recent years has seen the investigation of novel management of AA,exploring the implication of different immune suppressors,the role of radiation in shrinkage and prevention,as well as minimally invasive and newly hypothesized surgical methods.In this narrative review,we aim to present the new contributing factors involved in pathophysiology of AA.We also highlighted the novel management methods that have demonstrated promising benefits in clinical outcomes of the AA.

Surgical management of large and giant intracavernous and paraclinoid aneurysms

Background Due to their location, large and giant intracavernous and paraclinoid aneurysms remain a challenge for vascular neurosurgeons, We identified characteristics, surgical indications and treatment strategies of large and giant intracavernous and paraclinoid aneurysms in 36 patients.Methods The pterional approach was routinely used. The cervical internal carotid artery was exposed for proximal control of parent vessel and retrograde suction decompression. Paraclinoid aneurysms were directly clipped, intracavernous pseudoaneurysm was repaired and the intracavernous aneurysms were trapped with extracranial-intracranial bypass of saphenous vein graft. Intraoperative electroencephalogram （EEG） and somatosensory evoked potential （SSEP） monitoring were used to detect cerebral ischemia during the temporary occlusion of parent arteries. Microvascular Doppler ultrasonography was used to assess blood flow of the parent and branch vessels. Endoscopy was helpful particularly in dealing with internal carotid artery posterior wall aneurysms. Postoperative digital subtraction angiography （DSA） was performed in 33 of the 36 patients.Results Thirty-two paraclinoid aneurysms were directly clipped, 1 intracavernous pseudoaneurysm was repaired and the other 3 intracavernous aneurysms were trapped with revascularization. Except for two patients who died in the early postoperative stage, 34 patients＇ follow-up was 6-65 months （mean 10 months） and a Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 4 to 5 at discharge. At the 6-month follow-up examination, Rankin Outcome Scale scores were 0 to 2 in 32 patients. EEG and SSEP monitoring changed in six patients. Twelve clips were readjusted when insufficient blood flow in parent and branch vessels was detected. Three posterior wall aneurysms were clipped.Conclusions Intracavernous aneurysms not amenable to endovascular treatment should be treated surgically and surgical treatment is the first option for paraclinoid aneurysms. The temporary parent vessel occlusion, retrograde suction decompression, endoaneurysmectomy, parent vessel reconstruction, vascular anastomosis, electrophysiological monitoring, Doppler ultrasonography and endoscopy are essential techniques in the treatment of the large and giant intracavernous and paraclinoid aneurysms.

Virtual surgical planning is a useful tool in the surgical management of mandibular condylar fractures

Purpose:The aim of this study is to evaluate the application value of virtual surgical planning in the management of mandibular condylar fractures and to provide a reliable reference.Methods:This was a prospective randomized controlled study and recruited 50 patients requiring surgical treatment for their mandibular condylar fractures.The inclusion criteria were patients(1)diagnosed with a condylar fracture by two clinically experienced doctors and required surgical treatment;(2)have given consent for the surgical treatment;and(3)had no contraindications to the surgery.Patients were excluded from this study if:(1)they were diagnosed with a non-dislocated or only slightly dislocated condylar fracture;(2)the comminuted condylar fracture was too severe to be treated with internal reduction and fixation;or(3)patients could not complete follow-up for 3 months.There were 33 male and 17 female patients with 33 unilateral condylar fractures and 17 bilateral condylar fractures included.The 50 patients were randomly(random number)divided into control group(25 patients with 35 sides of condylar fractures)and experimental group(25 patients with 32 sides of condylar fractures).Virtual surgical planning was used in the experimental group,but only clinical experience was used in the control group.The patients were followed up for 1,3,6 and 12 months after operation.Variables including the rate of perfect reduction by radiological analysis,the average distance of deviation between preoperative and postoperative CT measurements using Geomagic software and postoperative clinical examinations(e.g.,mouth opening,occlusion)were investigated for outcome measurement.SPSS 19 was adopted for data analysis.Results:The average operation time was 180.60 min in the experimental group and 223.2 min in the control group.One week postoperatively,CT images showed that the anatomic reduction rate was 90.63%(29/32)in the experimental group and 68.57%(24/35)in the control group,revealing significant difference(X^(2)=4.919,p=0.027).Geomagic comparative analysis revealed that the average distance of deviation was also much smaller in the experimental group than that in the control group(0.639 mm vs.0.995 mm;t=3.824,p<0.001).Conclusion:These findings suggest that virtual surgical planning can assist surgeons in surgical procedures,reduce operative time,and improve the anatomic reduction rate&accuracy,and thus of value in the diagnosis and treatment of condylar fractures.

Posterior Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorders:Risk Factors,Diagnostic Accuracy,and Surgical Management

Posterior placenta accreta spectrum(PAS)disorders are infrequent but potentially associated with significant maternal mortality and morbidity,especially if not diagnosed prenatally.Analysis of published literature is problematic since most experiences included only a few cases.Knowledge of the risk factors associated with posterior PAS is crucial to identifying mothers at higher risk and ask for high sensitivity studies.Ultrasound has poor diagnostic accuracy in detecting posterior PAS,while magnetic resonance imaging better delineates the posterior uterine wall.In comparison,prenatal imaging’s diagnostic performance in detecting posterior PAS is significantly lower than anterior placenta invasion.Management of posterior PAS depends on several factors,including maternal hemodynamic status,available resources,clinical presentation,and invasion severity.For accreta or increta cases,a compression suture is habitually enough to perform hemostasis.Nevertheless,organ involvement habitually requires a multidisciplinary team with the assistant of a general or coloproctology surgeon.The present article aims to update the risk factors,prenatal diagnosis,and surgical management of pregnancies complicated by posterior PAS.

SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF THE HYPOPHARYNGEAL AND CERVICAL ESOPHAGEAL CANCER

Between December 1979 and December 1992, 15 patients with hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal cancer were treated surgically. Total pharyngolaryngectomy and partial cervical esophagectomy were performed and the defects were reconstructed with cervical skin flaps in 2 cases. The free jejunal segments were used in 6 cases following total pharyngolaryngectomy and cervical esophagectomy, cervical esophagectomy (larynx preserved) was repaired with free jejunal graft in 1 case. The pharyngogastric anastomosis following total pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy were performed in 4 cases, one of them, used pectoralis major myocutaneous flap for resection of soft tissue and skin of the neck. The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap and forearm free flap in 1 case respectively were used to reconstruct the deficits of total laryngectomy and partial pharyngectomy, and partial pharyngolaryngectomy. In our series, 1, 3, 5 years survival rates were 73.3% (11 / 15), 50% (6 / 12) and 55.6% (5 / 9), respectively. The advantages and disadvantages of a variety of operative procedures and the cervical lymph nodes management will be discussed.

Surgical management of invasive fungal infections in adult leukemia patients:experience from a large tertiary center in Southeast-Asia

Objectives:Invasive fungal infections(IFIs)are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in acute leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(HSCT).Surgical interventions may be necessary to improve the survival outcomes of these patients.The aim of this study is to report a single-center experience using surgical intervention as adjunctive treatment for IFI in adult leukemia patients.Methods:A retrospective review was conducted to obtain clinical characteristics and outcomes of surgically managed IFI patients diagnosed between January 2005 and December 2015 in our center.Results:Nineteen acute leukemia patients,median age 46 years(range 19–65),underwent 20 surgical procedures as management for IFI.Three patients had proven IFI diagnoses prior to surgery.Sixteen patients underwent surgery for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.Post-surgery,the diagnostic yield for proven IFI increased by a factor of 5,and 15 patients had definitive IFI diagnoses.Surgical complications included 2 pleural effusions,4 pneumothoraxes,and 1 hydropneumothorax.The median duration of hospitalization for patients with complications was 9 days(range 3–64).Thirteen patients benefited overall from the procedure,3 had temporary clinical benefits,and 2 had progression of IFI.After surgery,the 3-month and 2-year overall survival rates were 89.5%and 57.9%,respectively.The median time from surgery to resumption of chemotherapy or HSCT was 25 days.Conclusions:Surgical interventions for IFI are feasible in selected leukemia patients,as they yield valuable information to guide antifungal therapy or enable therapeutic outcomes with acceptable risk,thereby allowing patients to proceed with curative chemotherapy and HSCT.

Surgical Removal of a Huge Epiglottic Lipoma: Case Report

Background: Lipoma is a very rare benign tumour of upper aero-digestive tract with less than 115 cases described in the English-literature. They account for approximately 1% of benign tumours of the larynx and oro/hypopharynx. The symptoms are variable including progressive horseness, dysphagia and even severe dyspnea which can sometimes be life-threatening. The clinical presentation of lipoma is important particularly during the induction of general anesthesia, for they can cause unpredictable airway obstruction. Surgery is the treatment of choice which includes endoscopic techniques, microscopic laryngeal surgery and external surgical approach (cervicotomy). However, a standard surgical management for large lipomas of the epiglottis has not been present yet. In this article, we present a case report of a huge lipoma of the epiglottis successfully treated with tracheotomy and external surgical approach—cervicotomy with hyoidthyroidpexy without sacrificing any laryngeal structure. Case Presentation: We present a case of a 54-year-old female with a huge lipoma on the lingual surface of the epiglottis that extends upwards to the level of the left aryepiglottic fold narrowing the pyriform sinus, making impossible for our anesthesiologist the glottic visualization and the orotracheal intubation. Following a tracheotomy, the endoscopic and microscopic surgery approach was inadequate to manipulate the epiglottic lipoma. Instead, we performed macroscopic external surgery (cervicotomy with hyoidthyroidpexy) in which the epiglottic lipoma was pulled into the endolaryngeal window with forceps and then dissected from the surrounding tissues “in toto”. Conclusion: Despite epiglottic lipomas are rare and benign, they are important because of being potential cause of laryngeal obstruction. Surgery is the treatment of choice and different procedures are able to manage it. The external surgery approach—cervicotomy with hyoidthyroidpexy after tracheotomy enabled the huge lipoma to be extirpated without leaving any remnants or causing excessive laryngeal damage.

Lateral clavicle fracture-plating options and considerations

Clavicle fractures are among the most prevalent types of fractures with numerous treatment strategies that have evolved over time.In the realm of lateral-third clavicle fracture management,several surgical methods are available,with plate and screw constructs being one of the most frequently employed options.Within this construct,numerous choices exist for fixing the fracture.This editorial provides an overview of the common plate options utilized in the management of distal third clavicle fractures underscoring the critical considerations and approaches that guide clinicians in selecting the most appropriate fixation techniques,considering the complex landscape of clavicle fractures and their challenging management.

Pancreatic duct stones in patients with chronic pancreatitis:surgical outcomes

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic duct stone (PDS) is a common complication of chronic pancreatitis. Surgery is a common therapeutic option for PDS. In this study we assessed the surgical procedures for PDS in patients with chronic pancreatitis at our hospital. METHOD: Between January 2004 and September 2009, medical records from 35 patients diagnosed with PDS associated with chronic pancreatitis were retrospectively reviewed and the patients were followed up for up to 67 months. RESULTS: The 35 patients underwent ultrasonography, computed tomography, or both, with an overall accuracy rate of 85.7%. Of these patients, 31 underwent the modified Puestow procedure, 2 underwent the Whipple procedure, 1 underwent simple stone removal by duct incision, and 1 underwent pancreatic abscess drainage. Of the 35 patients, 28 were followed up for 4-67 months. There was no postoperative death before discharge or during follow-up. After the modified Puestow procedure, abdominal pain was reduced in patients with complete or incomplete stone clearance (P>0.05). Steatorrhea and diabetes mellitus developed in several patients during a long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery, especially the modified Puestow procedure, is effective and safe for patients with PDS associated with chronic pancreatitis. Decompression of intraductal pressure rather than complete clearance of all stones predicts postoperative outcome.