Factors that influence the results of indirect decompression employing oblique lumbar interbody fusion

BACKGROUND Indirect decompression is one of the potential benefits of anterior reconstruction in patients with spinal stenosis.On the other hand,the reported rate of revision surgery after indirect decompression highlights the necessity of working out prediction models for the radiographic results of indirect decompression with assessing their clinical relevance.AIM To assess factors that influence radiographic and clinical results of the indirect decompression in patients with stenosis of the lumbar spine.METHODS This study is a single-center cross-sectional evaluation of 80 consecutive patients(17 males and 63 females)with lumbar spinal stenosis combined with the instability of the lumbar spinal segment.Patients underwent single level or bisegmental spinal instrumentation employing oblique lumbar interbody fusion(OLIF)with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation.Radiographic results of the indirect decompression were assessed using computerized tomography,while MacNab scale was used to assess clinical results.RESULTS After indirect decompression employing anterior reconstruction using OLIF,the statistically significant increase in the disc space height,vertebral canal square,right and left lateral canal depth were detected(Р<0.0001).The median(M)relative vertebral canal square increase came toМ=24.5%with 25%-75%quartile border(16.3%;33.3%)if indirect decompression was achieved by restoration of the segment height.In patients with the reduction of the upper vertebrae slip,the median of the relative increase in vertebral canal square accounted for 49.5%with 25%-75%quartile border(2.35;99.75).Six out of 80 patients(7.5%)presented with unsatisfactory results because of residual nerve root compression.The critical values for lateral recess depth and vertebral canal square that were associated with indirect decompression failure were 3 mm and 80 mm2 respectively.CONCLUSION Indirect decompression employing anterior reconstruction is achieved by the increase in disc height along the posterior boarder and reduction of the slipped vertebrae in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis.Vertebral canal square below 80 mm2 and lateral recess depth less than 3 mm are associated with indirect decompression failures that require direct microsurgical decompression.

Paradoxical herniation associated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy after decompressive craniectomy: A case report

BACKGROUND Whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy(HBOT)can cause paradoxical herniation is still unclear.CASE SUMMARY A 65-year-old patient who was comatose due to brain trauma underwent decompressive craniotomy and gradually regained consciousness after surgery.HBOT was administered 22 d after surgery due to speech impairment.Paradoxical herniation appeared on the second day after treatment,and the patient’s condition worsened after receiving mannitol treatment at the rehabilitation hospital.After timely skull repair,the paradoxical herniation was resolved,and the patient regained consciousness and had a good recovery as observed at the follow-up visit.CONCLUSION Paradoxical herniation is rare and may be caused by HBOT.However,the underlying mechanism is unknown,and the understanding of this phenomenon is insufficient.The use of mannitol may worsen this condition.Timely skull repair can treat paradoxical herniation and prevent serious complications.

Ocular decompression retinopathy after phacoemulsification in a patient with primary acute angleclosure glaucoma undergoing chemotherapy

Dear Editor,Ocular decompression retinopathy(ODR),which manifests as diffuse retinal hemorrhage occurring abruptly in multiple locations,including the subretinal,intraretinal,and preretinal spaces,is a rare complication after glaucoma surgery and is caused by sudden,iatrogenic lowering of intraocular pressure(IOP).Implicated procedures include glaucoma drainage implantation,trabeculectomy,iridotomy,and even cataract surgery[1].One report described a case of ocular decompression management following uncomplicated cataract surgery with no posterior capsular rupture or other intraoperative complications[2].Here,we report a rare case of ODR triggered by phacoemulsification and the use of systemic chemotherapeutic drugs in a patient with primary acute angleclosure glaucoma(PACG).The case not only improves our understanding of potential side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs on ophthalmic surgery but may also serve as a reference for clinicians in the management of patients with glaucoma with similar medical histories.

Postoperative pneumocranium after endoscopic transnasal optic canal decompression

Dear Editor,We present the first time,a case of a patient developed cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)leak and pneumocranium following optic canal decompression(OCD).INTRODUCTION Indirect traumatic optic neuropathy(ITON)impairs visual functions and quality of life.Endoscopic transnasal optic canal decompression(ETOCD)is one of the standard treatment strategies for the ITON.During the ETOCD,the optic nerve sheath are usually incised for sufficient decompression of optic nerve after removal of optic canal,which is associated with complications like CSF leakage,ophthalmic artery injury,and optic nerve injury[1].Generally,the mild CSF leak is common and can heal spontaneously using conventional treatment,the severe CSF leak requires surgical repair[2].

Minimally Invasive 360 Degrees Decompression for Ligamentous, Bony and Discogenic Lumbar Canal Stenosis

Background: For decades, traditional open surgical techniques were used to treat lumbar disc herniation and lumbar canal stenosis (LCS). However, seeking for better outcomes for patients and avoiding extensive bony loss with its sequences had raised minimally invasive technique for treating these disorders as an alternative surgery. Methods: This is a retrospective study in which 54 patients of LCS were operated upon via unilateral minimally invasive technique to decompress the canal in a 360 degrees fashion through laminotomy, deroofing of opposite laminar side, sublaminar ligamintectomy, bilateral foraminotomies and discectomy. We used VAS scores and ODI to assess clinical outcomes with a period of one year follow-up. Results: Our results demonstrated that minimally invasive techniques for treating these disorders are effective procedures. Minimally invasive 360 degrees decompression for treating LCS had better outcomes regarding postoperative back pain, smaller incisions, less bony loss and early ambulation. Conclusion: Minimally invasive techniques for treating lumbar canal stenosis of different causes could be considered a better option instead of traditional full laminectomy with better outcomes as regards respecting the anatomical layers such as posterior spinal integrity and musculature, postoperative pain, accompanied with less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and shorter recovery periods.

Treatment of lumbar disc herniation with robot combined with unilateral biportal endoscopic technology:A case report

BACKGROUND This reported procedure combines the orthopedic surgical robot with the unilateral biportal endoscopy-lumbar interbody fusion(UBE-LIF),utilizing the UBE's wide viewing field and operating space to perform minimally invasive decompressive fusion of the lesioned segment,and the orthopedic surgical robot's intelligence and precision to perform percutaneous pedicle screw placement.The advancement of this procedure lies in the superposition of advantages and offsetting disadvantages of the two new technologies,and the maximum effect of treatment is achieved with maximum minimization of invasiveness and precision under the monitoring of imaging instruments to maximize the benefit of patients,and this review reports a case of multiple-segment lumbar decompression and fusion surgery for lumbar disc herniation via robot-assisted UBE for reference.CASE SUMMARY A 44-year-old patient presented to our hospital.Combining various clinical data,we diagnosed the patient with lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy,lumbar spondylolisthesis,and lumbar spinal stenosis.We developed a surgical plan of"UBE decompression+UBE-LIF+orthopedic surgery robot-assisted percutaneous pedicle screw implantation for internal fixation".The results were satisfactory.CONCLUSION We present an extremely rare case of multiple-segment lumbar decompression and fusion surgery for lumbar disc herniation via robot-assisted UBE and achieved good results.Therefore,the technique is worthy of clinical promotion.

Efficacy and Safety of Low Molecular Weight Heparin Prophylaxis for Venous Thromboembolism Following Lumbar Decompression Surgery

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) after lumbar decompression surgery. Methods Patients at high or the highest risk of VTE who underwent lumbar spine surgery in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2004 to April 2011 were included in the present study. All the patients received a half dose of LMWH 6 hours after surgery followed by a full dose LMWH once per day until discharge. We recorded incidences of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), bleeding complications, and medication side effects. Results Seventy-eight consecutive patients were eligible and enrolled in this study. The mean hospital stat was 8.5±4.5 days. No symptomatic DVT, PE, or major bleeding events were observed. One patient developed wound ecchymosis, another developed wound bleeding, four had mild hepatic aminotransferase level elevation, and one developed a suspicious allergic reaction. Conclusion LMWH may be applied as an effective and safe prophylaxis for VTE in high-risk patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery.

Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic decompression combined with percutaneous vertebroplasty in treatment of lumbar vertebral body metastases:A case report

BACKGROUND Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy(PTED)is a procedure that is commonly used to treat lumbar disc herniation and spinal stenosis.Despite its less invasiveness,this surgery is rarely used to treat spinal metastases.Percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP)has been utilized to treat lumbar vertebral body metastases but it has not proven useful in treating sciatic patients.CASE SUMMARY A 68-year-old woman presented with low back pain and radicular symptoms.She couldn't straighten her legs because of severe pain.Computed tomography(CT)showed a mass lesion in the lung and bone destruction in the L4 vertebrae.The biopsy of the lung lesion revealed adenocarcinoma and the biopsy for L4 vertebrae revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma.PTED paired with PVP was performed on the patient due to the patient's poor overall physical state and short survival time.Transcatheter arterial embolization of vertebral tumors was performed before surgical resection to reduce excessive blood loss during the operation.The incision was scaled up with the TESSY technology.The pain was obviously relieved following the operation and no serious complications occurred.Postoperative CT showed that the decompression around the nerve root was successful,polymethyl methacrylate filling was satisfactory and the tumor tissue around the nerve root was obviously removed.During the 1-year follow-up period,the patient was in a stable condition.CONCLUSION PTED in combination with PVP is an effective and safe treatment for Lumbar single-level Spinal Column metastases with radicular symptoms.Because of the small sample size and short followup time,the long-term clinical efficacy of this method needs to be further confirmed.

Treatment of herniated lumbar disc by percutaneous laser disc decompression combined with synchronous suction technique through syringe

Objective： To compare the outcomes of percutaneous laser disc decompression （PLDD） and PLDD with synchronous suction through syringe in the patients with herniated lumbar disc（HLD）. Methods： Forty-two patients with HLD on MRI and those who did not respond to conservative treatment for 6 weeks were randomly divided into group A and group B. In group A, the patients were treated with PLDD and those in group B with PLDD and synchronous suction through syringe. GaAIAS diode laser at 810 nm was used for the ablation in both groups. The treatment effect was evaluated by modified MacNab＇s criteria on the 7^th, 30^th and 90^th day. Results： Evaluated by modified MacNab＇s criteria, the percentages of the excellent and good cases in total patients treated for group B and A were 80.95% and 57.14% on the 7^th follow-up day, 85.71% and 66.67% on the 30^th follow-up day, and 95.24% and 71.43% on the 90^th follow-up day, respectively. Conclusion： Synchronous suction technique through syringe during PLDD improves the overall outcome in the treatment of herniated lumbar disc.

Surgical decompression for the management of abdominal compartment syndrome with severe acute pancreatitis: A narrative review

Intra-abdominal hypertension(IAH)and abdominal compartment syndrome(ACS)play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)and contribute to new-onset and persistent organ failure.The optimal management of ACS involves a multi-disciplinary approach,from its early recognition to measures aiming at an urgent reduction of intra-abdominal pressure(IAP).A targeted literature search from January 1,2000,to November 30,2022,revealed 20 studies and data was analyzed on the type and country of the study,patient demographics,IAP,type and timing of surgical procedure performed,post-operative wound management,and outcomes of patients with ACS.There was no randomized controlled trial published on the topic.Decom-pressive laparotomy is effective in rapidly reducing IAP(standardized mean difference=2.68,95%confidence interval:1.19-1.47,P<0.001;4 studies).The morbidity and complications of an open abdomen after decompressive laparotomy should be weighed against the inadequately treated but,potentially lethal ACS.Disease-specific patient selection and the role of less-invasive decompressive measures,like subcutaneous linea alba fasciotomy or component separation techniques,is lacking in the 2013 consensus management guidelines by the Abdominal Compartment Society on IAH and ACS.This narrative review focuses on the current evidence regarding surgical decompression techniques for managing ACS in patients with SAP.However,there is a lack of high-quality evidence on patient selection,timing,and modality of surgical decompression.Large prospective trials are needed to identify triggers and effective and safe surgical decompression methods in SAP patients with ACS.

A Short Report on Decompression Sickness Incidents in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Objectives: Due to presence of extensively fascinating coral reef ecosystem in the continental shelf of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, people from all over the world visit these islands of India to indulge in recreational diving. An increased participation figure has also elevated the number of divers at risk for Decompression Sickness (DCS). Despite this, no scientific data are available on DCS incidents from India. Present study is aimed to evaluate the DCS incidents reported in these islands, treatment provided, and the outcome of the treatment. An attempt has also been made to calculate the approximate frequency of DCS in comparison to the participation figure. Methods: Study design is retrospective data analyses of a recompression chamber. Naval Diving Unit Port Blair has the only active decompression chamber available in the islands, and Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital Port Blair was used to collect information on DCS incidents that occurred during the mentioned period. Due to lack of authenticated generalized documents of divers’ health history and dive logs, the scanty information was gathered from the dive centres on the basis of personal interviews/communications among the SCUBA diving instructors. Results: A total of nine cases were reported during the span of last four and half years, and thus approximate frequency of DCS in Andamans was 0.2/10000 divers year. All of the patients recovered completely after receiving the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), with no residual symptoms. Conclusions: Incident rate of DCS in Andamans is lower than that in many other parts of the world;possible reason could be under-reporting of less severe DCS cases. During the study period, the number of DCS type II incidents presented for the treatment was higher than that of DCS type I incidents. HBOT proved a complete success in treating DCS cases in the island.

Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation in Injury Vertebrate and Curving Rob Indirect Decompression for Type A3 Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture with Neurological Deficits

Objective:To explore the effectiveness of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation in injury vertebrate and curving rob indirect decompression for type A3 thoracolumbar burst fracture with neurological deficits.Method:A retrospective study was made in 26 patients with type A3 thoracolumbar burst fracture with neurological deficits from August 2014 to July 2018 treated within 3 days after injury,which were treated with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation in injury vertebrate and curving rob indirect decompression.The radiological indexs、clinical effectiveness indexs、perioperative index and complication incidence were recorded and compared to observe the clinical result.Result:All patients were followed up from 6 to 23 months.There were no nerve injury and other severe complications,which 1.1 grade of neurological recovery was observed at the final follow-up.The average operation time was(102.31±16.87)minutes,with a mean intraoperative blood loss of(87.88±13.05)ml and hospital stays were(15.53±13.00)d.Local anesthesia was 5 patients and general anesthesia were 21 patients.Before the operation,the anterior height of fracture vertebral body(98.31±13.07)%、kyphotic angle(2.76±3.70)°、the Sagittal Cobb angle(1.35±6.78)were improved to(50.19±12.32)%、(21.98±5.58)°、(16.30±8.69)°respectively after the operation(P<0.05).The anterior height of fractured vertebral body and kyphotic angle in final follow-up were worse than the post-operative,but no significant difference was found between two stages(P>0.05).The Sagittal Cobb angle in final follow-up was better than those in post-operative(P<0.05).The VAS scores had statistical improvement(P<0.05).Conclusion Posterior percutaneous pedicle screw fixation in injury vertebrate and curving rob indirect decompression in treating the type A3 thoracolumbar burst fracture with neurological deficits was a minimally invasive,safe and effective surgical procedure to intraspinal interference and direct decompression.

Timing of biliary decompression for acute cholangitis

Severe acute cholangitis(AC)exacerbates the risk of death because of the rapid progression of the disease.The optimal timing of biliary decompression(BD)as a necessary intervention in patients with severe AC is controversial.A recently report titled“Timing of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the treatment of acute cholangitis of different severity”in the World Journal of Gastroenterology that the optimal time of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for treating patients with severe AC is≤48 but not≤24 h,providing clinical evidence for selecting the optimal time for implementation of BD.Here,we discuss the controversy over the optimal timing of BD for AC based on guidelines and clinical evidence,and consider that more high-level clinical researches are urgent needed to benefit the management of patients with different severity of AC.

Technical Nuances of Minimal Invasive Interlaminar Decompression in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: The Role of Minimal Invasive Bilateral Approach

We report a series of patients operated for one or multilevel lumbar spinal stenosis (with and without spondylolisthesis) using the minimal invasive bilateral interlaminar decompression. We discuss our results, comparing this procedure (from a technical point of view) with the muscle-preserving interlaminar decompression (MILD) and the unilateral approach for bilateral decompression (ULBD). Clinical and outcome data of 62 consecutive patients were reviewed, using the Visual Analogue Scale for both low back pain (LBP) and legs pain and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for the degree of disability. Mean age was 68.88 ± 9.54 years and mean follow-up (FU) was 16.38 ± 11.12 months. A statistically significant improvement of LBP, legs pain and ODI was globally observed. At latest FU, patients with multilevel lumbar spinal stenosis significantly improved all scores and patients with spondylolisthesis significantly decreased their disability. No major complications occurred. Two cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collections were treated conservatively. No wound infection occurred. No progression of spondylolisthesis was observed. No reoperation was needed. Although efficacious in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, MILD and ULBD can have both some limitations. MILD has been found to decrease lumbar function in multilevel decompression (increasing sagittal translation and lumbar lordosis probably due to the removal of half of the spinous processes) and ULBD shows some disadvantages due to the difficulty of manipulating instruments through a small portal and the inadequate decompression due to a minimal exposure. The minimal invasive bilateral interlaminar decompression (in this technique, the access is bilateral but the supraspinous and interspinous ligaments and the spinous processes are preserved) allows wide access (bilateral exposure) with minimal invasiveness and very low morbidity in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis at one or more levels.

Lumbar Synovial Cyst, Literature Review: Challenges of the Surgical Management, the Role of Minimal Invasive Techniques and Endoscopy

The management of symptomatic lumbar synovial cysts is still a challenge and a matter of debate with no existing strong consensus. There are different treatment techniques and strategies, the most debated matter is to fuse or not to fuse, efficiency of less invasive techniques. One of our purposes was to provide an updated review of a literature about treatment of juxta facet synovial cysts and as standard surgical strategies are inconsistent, we present a small series of patients treated using different approaches, most of them were treated with MISS techniques, endoscopy, providing good results.

Security Assurance for One-stage Resection of Left Colon Cancer with Acute Obstruction—Thorough and Prompt Enteral Decompression without Contamination

Objective: Thorough, prompt enteral decompression technique without contamination was de- veloped to ensure safety for emergent colon resection and primary anastomosis. Methods: After isolating the mesentery, the “to be resected colon segment” was cut at its lower end, then the proximal cut end was put into a plastic bag which was adhered to one side of the operating table. After releasing the clamp, the content could ?ow into this bag. The operator could squeeze the bowel with two hands by turns, from proximal to farness, and from small bowel to large bowel, until the entire bowel content was fully discharged. Then the upper end of this “to be resected colon segment” was cut, and was removed together with the plastic bag. Results: 31 cases of left colon cancer with acute obstruction were decompressed with this technique. They all recovered smoothly, without anastomosis ?stula. Another 6 cases of hepatic seg- mentectomy with incidental colonectomy were decompressed with this technique and had the same results. This technique was also used in di?erent kinds of acute small intestinal obstruction and gained satisfactory results. Conclusion: This technique could be considered as the preferable choice for intraoperative enteral decompression.

Subsequent bilateral acute carpal tunnel syndrome due to tophaceous infiltration:A case report

BACKGROUND Acute carpal tunnel syndrome(ACTS)is commonly caused by repetitive strain,trauma,or inflammatory conditions.However,ACTS due to tophaceous gout is a clinical event that remains poorly understood and underreported.This rare manifestation necessitates prompt diagnosis and intervention to prevent irreversible complications.CASE SUMMARY A 51-year-old man who had poorly controlled hyperuricemia presented with ACTS secondary to tophaceous gout.Because of rapid symptom progression symptoms and severe median nerve compression within 3 mo,the patient underwent emergency decompression surgery for both wrists at different time points.Postoperatively,he exhibited complete recovery of sensory and motor functions,with no recurrence at long-term follow-up.Favorable outcomes were achieved through immediate decompression surgery,anti-inflammatory medications,postoperative active and passive range-of-motion exercises,and intermittent wrist splinting.Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention,when necessary,are crucial for preventing long-term complications and obtaining favorable outcomes in patients with ACTS.An optimal gout management strategy involving pharmacologic therapy and lifestyle modifications may help minimize ACTS recurrence and improve clinical outcomes.CONCLUSION Prompt surgical intervention and optimal gout management are crucial for preventing irreversible nerve damage and ACTS recurrence.

Thoracic spinal cord injury and paraplegia caused by intradural cement leakage after percutaneous kyphoplasty: A case report

BACKGROUND Percutaneous kyphoplasty(PKP)is a pivotal intervention for osteoporotic fractures,pathological vertebral compression fractures,and vertebral bone tumors.Despite its efficacy,the procedure presents challenges,notably complications arising from intradural cement leakage.Timely and accurate diagnosis,coupled with emergent intervention is imperative to improve patient prognosis.This case report illuminates the intricacies and potential complications associated with PKP,emphasizing the critical need for vigilant monitoring,prompt diagnosis,and immediate intervention to mitigate adverse outcomes.CASE SUMMARY A 58-year-old male patient,experiencing a T7 osteoporosis-related pathological compression fracture,underwent PKP at a local hospital.Two weeks postprocedure,the patient developed paraplegic and dysuric symptoms,necessitating emergency decompression surgery.Gradual improvement was achieved,marked by the restoration of muscle strength,sensation,and mobility.CONCLUSION PKP Intradural cement leakage following PKP is unusual and potentially fatal.Prompt imaging examinations,urgent evaluation,and the decompression surgery are essential,which help alleviate symptoms associated with spinal damage,markedly improving the overall prognosis.

Predictive visual field outcomes after optic chiasm decompressive surgery by retinal vessels parameters using optical coherence tomography angiography

AIM:To evaluate the predictive value of superficial retinal capillary plexus(SRCP)and radial peripapillary capillary(RPC)for visual field recovery after optic cross decompression and compare them with peripapillary nerve fiber layer(pRNFL)and ganglion cell complex(GCC).METHODS:This prospective longitudinal observational study included patients with chiasmal compression due to sellar region mass scheduled for decompressive surgery.Generalized estimating equations were used to compare retinal vessel density and retinal layer thickness preand post-operatively and with healthy controls.Logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between preoperative GCC,pRNFL,SRCP,and RPC parameters and visual field recovery after surgery.RESULTS:The study included 43 eyes of 24 patients and 48 eyes of 24 healthy controls.Preoperative RPC and SRCP vessel density and pRNFL and GCC thickness were lower than healthy controls and higher than postoperative values.The best predictive GCC and pRNFL models were based on the superior GCC[area under the curve(AUC)=0.866]and the tempo-inferior pRNFL(AUC=0.824),and the best predictive SRCP and RPC models were based on the nasal SRCP(AUC=0.718)and tempo-inferior RPC(AUC=0.825).There was no statistical difference in the predictive value of the superior GCC,tempo-inferior pRNFL,and tempo-inferior RPC(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION:Compression of the optic chiasm by tumors in the saddle area can reduce retinal thickness and blood perfusion.This reduction persists despite the recovery of the visual field after decompression surgery.GCC,pRNFL,and RPC can be used as sensitive predictors of visual field recovery after decompression surgery.

Should we perform decompressive laparotomy during severe acute pancreatitis with intra-abdominal hypertension below 25 mmHg:Only the gut knows

We suggest that during severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)with intra-abdominal hypertension,practitioners should consider decompressive laparotomy,even with intra-abdominal pressure(IAP)below 25 mmHg.Indeed,in this setting,non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia(NOMI)may occur even with IAP below this cutoff and lead to transmural necrosis if abdominal perfusion pressure is not promptly restored.We report our experience of 18 critically ill patients with SAP having undergone decompressive laparotomy of which one third had NOMI while IAP was mostly below 25 mmHg.