The Dosimetric Characteristics and Potential Limitation in Clinical Application of a Low Energy Photon Intra-Operative Radiotherapy System

Purpose: To investigate the dosimetric characteristics of a low energy photon intra-operative radiotherapy (IORT) system and explore its potential limitation in clinical application. Methods: A special water phantom, a parallel-plate ionization chamber and an electrometer were used to measure the depth dose rate, isotropy of dose distribution in X/Y plane, dosimetry reproducibility of bare probe and spherical applicators of different size which were used in comparison with the system data. Results: The difference in depth dose rate between the measurement and system data for bare probe is -2.16% ± 1.36%, the range of the relative deviation for isotropy in the X/Y plane is between -1.9% and 2.1%. The difference in depth dose rate, transfer coefficient, isotropy in X/Y plane between the measurement and system data for the whole set of spherical applicators is -10.0% - 2.3%, -8.9% - 4.2% and -1.6% - 2.6%, respectively. Higher surface dose rate and steeper gradient depth dose are observed in smaller spherical applicators. The depth dose rate and isotropy for bare probe and spherical applicators have been shown good reproducibility. The uncertainty of measurement is associated with the positioning accuracy, energy response, noise current and correction function f’(R). Conclusions: Thorough commissioning of the low energy photon IORT system helps us better understand the dosimetry characteristics, verify the system data, obtain adequate data for clinical application and routine quality assurance. The steep gradient depth dose and limited treatment range may restrain its potential in clinical application.

Impact of intra-operative cholangiography and parenchymal resection to donor liver function in living donor liver transplantation

BACKGROUND: Living donor liver transplantation(LDLT)has been widely accepted over the past decade, and hepatic dysfunction often occurs in the donor in the early stage after liver donation. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of intraoperative cholangiography(IOC) and parenchymal resection on liver function of donors in LDLT, and to assess the role of IOC in influencing the biliary complications and improving the overall outcome.METHODS: Data from 40 patients who had donated their right lobes for LDLT were analyzed. Total bilirubin(TB), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alkaline phosphatase(ALP) and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase(GGT)at different time points were compared, and the follow-up data and the biliary complications were also analyzed.RESULTS: The ALT and AST values were significantly increased after IOC(P<0.001) and parenchymal resection(P<0.001).However, the median values of TB, ALP and GGT were not significantly influenced by IOC(P>0.05) or parenchymal resection(P>0.05). The biochemical changes caused by IOC or parenchymal resection were not correlated with the degree of post-operative liver injury or the recovery of liver function. The liver functions of the donors after operation were stable, and none of the donors suffered from biliary stenosis or leakage during the follow-up.CONCLUSIONS: IOC and parenchymal resection may induce a transient increase in liver enzymes of donors in LDLT, but do not affect the recovery of liver function after operation. Moreover,the routine IOC is helpful to clarify the division line of the hepatic duct, thus reducing the biliary complication rate.

Role of Intra-Operative Nerve Monitoring in Thyroidectomies: An Institutional Review

Injury to the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve (RLN) is a worrisome complication of a thyroidectomy. Intra-operative nerve monitoring (IONM) of the RLN has gained prevalence as an aid to prevent injury. We reviewed our series and other studies in literature for insight. A chart review was carried out to identify all patients who underwent a thyroidectomy between 2005 and 2010. IONM was implemented by the Otolaryngology service in 2007. All identified patients were separated into three groups: 1) Otolaryngology service with IONM, 2) Otolaryngology service without IONM, and 3) General Surgery service without IONM. Several factors were noted, including age, sex, thyroid disease, extent of thyroidectomy, and RLN injury along with recovery. 230 patients underwent thyroidectomy from 2005-2010. 60 patients were isolated in the IONM-Otolaryngology group with 3 patients suffering injury. 109 patients underwent a thyroidectomy by the Otolaryngology service without IONM with 8 patients suffering nerve damage. In the third group, 61 patients underwent a thyroidectomy by General Surgery without IONM with 4 patients suffering damage. Of the thyroid pathology, 10 patients had Multinodular Goiter while 4 had Papillary Cancer and 1 had a Follicular Adenoma. The most severe complication of a thyroidectomy is RLN injury. In order to further decrease the risk of RLN injury, IONM has been employed. From our review and other studies, there does not appear to be a significant difference in rates of RLN injury with or without use of nerve monitoring. An interesting note is the increased prevalence of nerve injuries in Multinodular Goiter—a finding that merits further study to evaluate the role of IONM.

Effect of intra-operative chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin on the survival of patients with colorectal cancer after radical surgery: a retrospective cohort study

Background:The effect of intra-operative chemotherapy(IOC)on the long-term survival of patients with colorectal cancer(CRC)remains unclear.In this study,we evaluated the independent effect of intra-operative infusion of 5-fluorouracil in combination with calcium folinate on the survival of CRC patients following radical resection.Methods:1820 patients were recruited,and 1263 received IOC and 557 did not.Clinical and demographic data were collected,including overall survival(OS),clinicopathological features,and treatment strategies.Risk factors for IOC-related deaths were identified using multivariate Cox proportional hazards models.A regression model was developed to analyze the independent effects of IOC.Results:Proportional hazard regression analysis showed that IOC(hazard ratio[HR]=0.53,95%confidence intervals[CI][0.43,0.65],P<0.001)was a protective factor for the survival of patients.The mean overall survival time in IOC group was 82.50(95%CI[80.52,84.49])months,and 71.21(95%CI[67.92,74.50])months in non-IOC group.The OS in IOC-treated patients were significantly higher than non-IOC-treated patients(P<0.001,log-rank test).Further analysis revealed that IOC decreased the risk of death in patients with CRC in a non-adjusted model(HR=0.53,95%CI[0.43,0.65],P<0.001),model 2(adjusted for age and gender,HR=0.52,95%CI[0.43,0.64],P<0.001),and model 3(adjusted for all factors,95%CI 0.71[0.55,0.90],P=0.006).The subgroup analysis showed that the HR for the effect of IOC on survival was lower in patients with stage II(HR=0.46,95%CI[0.31,0.67])or III disease(HR=0.59,95%CI[0.45,0.76]),regardless of pre-operative radiotherapy(HR=0.55,95%CI[0.45,0.68])or pre-operative chemotherapy(HR=0.54,95%CI[0.44,0.66]).Conclusions:IOC is an independent factor that influences the survival of CRC patients.It improved the OS of patients with stages II and III CRC after radical surgery.Trial registration:chictr.org.cn,ChiCTR 2100043775.

Clinical efficacy and safety of selective trans-cystic intra-operative cholangiography in primary suture following three-port laparoscopic common bile duct exploration

Background Intra-operative cholangiography has been shown to be a sensitive and specific method of demonstrating bile duct stones. This study investigated the feasibility, safety, and clinical value of selective trans-cystic intra-operative cholangiography in primary suture following three-port laparoscopic common bile duct exploration, and identified the factors that positively predict the presence of common bile duct stones. Methods From January 2008 to January 2011, 252 of 1013 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy received selective trans-cystic intra-operative cholangiography and primary suture following three-port laparoscopic common bile duct exploration. Their clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. Results All operations were successful and none was converted to open surgery. The intra-operative cholangiography time was （8.3±2.5） minutes, and the operative duration was （105.4±23.1） minutes. According to selective intra-operative cholangiography, the positive predictive values of current jaundice, small gallstones （〈0.5 cm） and dilated cystic duct （〉0.3 cm）, dilated common bile duct （〉0.8 cm）, history of jaundice or gallstone pancreatitis, abnormal liver function test, and preoperative demonstration of suspected common bile duct stones on imaging were 87%, 25%, 42%, 15%, 32%, and 75% for common bile duct stones, respectively. Patients with several factors suggestive of common bile duct stones yielded higher numbers of positive cholangiograms. Unexpected stones were found in 13 patients （5.2%） by intra-operative cholangiography. The post-operative hospital stay was （4.7±2.2） days. Post-operative bile leakage occurred in two cases, and these patients recovered by simple drainage for 3-7 days without re-operation. Of the 761 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy alone, 5 （0.7%） presented with a retained common bile duct stone requiring intervention. The median follow-up was 12 months, and only one patient who once suffered from bile leakage presented with obstructive jaundice due to bile duct stenosis 6 months postoperatively. The other patients recovered without any serious complications. Conclusions Selective intra-operative cholangiography yields acceptably high positive results. It is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive approach in patients with suspected choledocholithiasis and primary suture following three-port laparoscopic common bile duct exploration.

Intra-operative mapping and language protection in glioma

The demand for acquiring different languages has increased with increasing globalization.However,knowledge of the modification of the new language in the neural language network remains insufficient.Although many details of language function have been detected based on the awake intra-operative mapping results,the language neural network of the bilingual or multilingual remains unclear,which raises difficulties in clinical practice to preserve patients’full language ability in neurosurgery.In this review,we present a summary of the current findings regarding the structure of the language network and its evolution as the number of acquired languages increased in glioma patients.We then discuss a new insight into the awake intra-operative mapping protocol to reduce surgical risks during the preservation of language function in multilingual patients with glioma.

Influential factors and effect evaluation of the intra-operative puncture biopsy for pancreatic masses

Background It is a challenge for the surgeons to accurately diagnose the pancreatic masses preoperatively,which decides the choice of surgical managements and subsequently results in different survivor outcomes,operative complications,and mortality rates.The purposes of this study were to evaluate the diagnostic role that intra-operative puncture biopsy may play in pancreatic masses and to explore the relevant factors influencing the diagnosis.Methods A retrospective study was performed on 94 in-patients admitted to Peking University First Hospital for pancreatic masses during the period from June 1994 to December 2007.They all underwent intra-operative puncture biopsy during exploratory laparotomy.The sensitivity and specificity of intra-operative puncture biopsy were calculated and the relevant factors to the diagnosis of biopsy were selected for the statistical analysis.Results The overall sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,and negative predictive value of intra-operative puncture biopsy were 76.0%,94.7%,98.3% and 50.0%,respectively.The analysis of bivariate correlations showed that the size of the pancreatic masses （P=-0.000）,the number of puncture biopsies （P=0.000）,and the presence of pancreatic fibrosis （P=-0.012） had statistic significance for the diagnosis.But the multivariate analysis identified the size of the pancreatic masses （P=0.004） and the number of puncture biopsies （P=0.000） as independent predictive factors for intra-operative puncture biopsy.In addition,as the number of puncture biopsies increased,the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis was improved （P=0.000）.The sensitivity and specificity of intra-operative puncture biopsy were found to be lower for the pancreatic masses less than 25 mm compared with the masses larger than 25 mm （P=0.000）.It was noted,however,that even if the masses were less than 25 mm,the sensitivity and specificity could be improved significantly as the number of puncture biopsies reached 3 to 6 （P=0.007）.Conclusions Intra-operative puncture biopsy is simple and accurate for qualitatively differentiating various types of pancreatic masses.Three to 4 biopsies could significantly improve the diagnostic effect for pancreatic masses,even if the masses are less than 25 mm in size.

Brain tumor surgery:supplemental intra-operative imaging techniques and future challenges

Modern brain tumor surgery stands in the pillar of maximum safe resection.Tumor borders are always challenging,especially infiltration zones in malignant brain tumors.Novel technologies are designed for a better delineation and to increase the extent of resection(EOR)in brain tumor surgery,such as:cortical and sub-cortical mapping strategies with somatosensory-evoked potentials,awake stimulation mapping and cortical/sub-cortical stimulation for motor pathways,important for resection in eloquent areas;intra-operative imaging as functional and intra-operative magnetic resonance imaging,diffusion tensor imaging and intra-operative ultrasound are important for the tumor borders and to achieve the gross total resection;neurochemical navigation methods as 5-aminolevulinic and sodium fluorescein are important for the non-contrast-enhanced tumor border;future methods can be achieved with augmented reality surgery,new intra-operative chemical markers,and visualization methods.Nevertheless all these techniques seem to be promising,the real challenge in the future will be held in how to apply them and how they really affect the prognosis of the patients.Also,new concepts in tumor genetics will provide knowledge for the tumor behavior and will guide resection.Despite all limitations,the increasing importance of safe EOR shows the possible benefits of the novel technologies and surgical advances in brain tumor surgery,taking it to a new step of the neuronavigation era.

Which approach of total hip arthroplasty is the best efficacy and least complication?

BACKGROUND Total hip arthroplasty is as an effective intervention to relieve pain and improve hip function.Approaches of the hip have been exhaustively explored about pros and cons.The efficacy and the complications of hip approaches remains inconclusive.This study conducted an umbrella review to systematically appraise previous meta-analysis(MAs)including conventional posterior approach(PA),and minimally invasive surgeries as the lateral approach(LA),direct anterior approach(DAA),2-incisions method,mini-lateral approach and the newest technique direct superior approach(DSA)or supercapsular percutaneouslyassisted total hip(SuperPath).AIM To compare the efficacy and complications of hip approaches that have been published in all MAs and randomized controlled trials(RCTs).METHODS MAs were identified from MEDLINE and Scopus from inception until 2023.RCTs were then updated from the latest MA to September 2023.This study included studies which compared hip approaches and reported at least one outcome such as Harris Hip Score(HHS),dislocation,intra-operative fracture,wound compliData were independently selected,extracted and assessed by two reviewers.Network MA and cluster rank and surface under the cumulative ranking curve(SUCRA)were estimated for treatment efficacy and safety.RESULTS Finally,twenty-eight MAs(40 RCTs),and 13 RCTs were retrieved.In total 47 RCTs were included for reanalysis.The results of corrected covered area showed high degree(13.80%).Among 47 RCTs,most of the studies were low risk of bias in part of random process and outcome reporting,while other domains were medium to high risk of bias.DAA significantly provided higher HHS at three months than PA[pooled unstandardized mean difference(USMD):3.49,95%confidence interval(CI):0.98,6.00 with SUCRA:85.9],followed by DSA/SuperPath(USMD:1.57,95%CI:-1.55,4.69 with SUCRA:57.6).All approaches had indifferent dislocation and intraoperative fracture rates.SUCRA comparing early functional outcome and composite complications(dislocation,intra-operative fracture,wound complication,and nerve injury)found DAA was the best approach followed by DSA/SuperPath.CONCLUSION DSA/SuperPath had better earlier functional outcome than PA,but still could not overcome the result of DAA.This technique might be the other preferred option with acceptable complications.

Role of artificial intelligence in colorectal cancer

The sphere of artificial intelligence(AI)is ever expanding.Applications for clinical practice have been emerging over recent years.Although its uptake has been most prominent in endoscopy,this represents only one aspect of holistic patient care.There are a multitude of other potential avenues in which gastrointestinal care may be involved.We aim to review the role of AI in colorectal cancer as a whole.We performed broad scoping and focused searches of the applications of AI in the field of colorectal cancer.All trials including qualitative research were included from the year 2000 onwards.Studies were grouped into pre-operative,intra-operative and post-operative aspects.Preoperatively,the major use is with endoscopic recognition.Colonoscopy has embraced the use for human derived classifications such as Narrow-band Imaging International Colorectal Endoscopic,Japan Narrow-band Imaging Expert Team,Paris and Kudo.However,novel detection and diagnostic methods have arisen from advances in AI classification.Intra-operatively,adjuncts such as image enhanced identification of structures and assessment of perfusion have led to improvements in clinical outcomes.Post-operatively,monitoring and surveillance have taken strides with potential socioeconomic and environmental savings.The uses of AI within the umbrella of colorectal surgery are multiple.We have identified existing technologies which are already augmenting cancer care.The future applications are exciting and could at least match,if not surpass human standards.

Role of artificial intelligence in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery

Over the past decade,enhanced preoperative imaging and visualization,improved delineation of the complex anatomical structures of the liver and pancreas,and intra-operative technological advances have helped deliver the liver and pancreatic surgery with increased safety and better postoperative outcomes.Artificial intelligence(AI)has a major role to play in 3D visualization,virtual simulation,augmented reality that helps in the training of surgeons and the future delivery of conventional,laparoscopic,and robotic hepatobiliary and pancreatic(HPB)surgery;artificial neural networks and machine learning has the potential to revolutionize individualized patient care during the preoperative imaging,and postoperative surveillance.In this paper,we reviewed the existing evidence and outlined the potential for applying AI in the perioperative care of patients undergoing HPB surgery.

Is colonic lavage a suitable alternative for left-sided colonic emergencies?

BACKGROUND The use of intra-operative colonic lavage(IOCL)with primary anastomosis remains controversial in the emergency left-sided large bowel pathologies,with alternatives including Hartmann’s procedure,manual decompression and subtotal colectomy.AIM To compare the peri-operative outcomes of IOCL to other procedures.METHODS Electronic databases were searched for articles employing IOCL from inception till July 13,2020.Odds ratio and weighted mean differences(WMD)were estimated for dichotomous and continuous outcomes respectively.Single-arm meta-analysis was conducted using DerSimonian and Laird random effects.RESULTS Of 28 studies were included in this meta-analysis,involving 1142 undergoing IOCL,and 634 other interventions.IOCL leads to comparable rates of wound infection when compared to Hartmann’s procedure,and anastomotic leak and wound infection when compared to manual decompression.There was a decreased length of hospital stay(WMD=-7.750;95%CI:-13.504 to-1.996;P=0.008)compared to manual decompression and an increased operating time.Single-arm meta-analysis found that overall mortality rates with IOCL was 4%(CI:0.03-0.05).Rates of anastomotic leak and wound infection were 3%(CI:0.02-0.04)and 12%(CI:0.09-0.16)respectively.CONCLUSION IOCL leads to similar rates of post-operative complications compared to other procedures.More extensive studies are needed to assess the outcomes of IOCL for emergency left-sided colonic surgeries.

Cavernosal nerve functionality evaluation after magnetic resonance imaging-guided transurethral ultrasound treatment of the prostate

AIM: To evaluate the feasibility of using therapeutic ultrasound as an alternative treatment option for organconfined prostate cancer. METHODS: In this study, a trans-urethral therapeutic ultrasound applicator in combination with 3T magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) guidance was used for realtime multi-planar MRI-based temperature monitoring and temperature feedback control of prostatic tissue thermal ablation in vivo. We evaluated the feasibility and safety of MRI-guided trans-urethral ultrasound to effectively and accurately ablate prostate tissue while minimizing the damage to surrounding tissues in eight canine prostates. MRI was used to plan sonications, monitor temperature changes during therapy, and to evaluate treatment outcome. Real-time temperature and thermal dose maps were calculated using the proton resonance frequency shift technique and were displayed as two-dimensional color-coded overlays on top of the anatomical images. After ultrasound treatment, an evaluation of the integrity of cavernosal nerves was performed during prostatectomy with a nerve stimulator that measured tumescence response quantitatively and indicated intact cavernous nerve functionality. Planned sonication volumes were visually correlated to MRI ablation volumes and corresponding histo-pathological sections after prostatectomy. RESULTS: A total of 16 sonications were performed in 8 canines. MR images acquired before ultrasound treatment were used to localize the prostate and to prescribe sonication targets in all canines. Temperature elevations corresponded within 1 degree of the targeted sonication angle, as well as with the width and length of the active transducer elements. The ultrasound treatment procedures were automatically interrupted when the temperature in the target zone reached 56 ℃. In all canines erectile responses were evaluated with a cavernous nerve stimulator post-treatment and showed a tumescence response after stimulation with an electric current. These results indicated intact cavernous nerve functionality. In all specimens, regions of thermal ablation were limited to areas within the prostate capsule and no damage was observed in periprostatic tissues. Additionally, a visual analysis of the ablation zones on contrast-enhanced MR images acquired post ultrasound treatment correlated excellent with the ablation zones on thermal dose maps. All of the ablation zones received a consensus score of 3(excellent) for the location and size of the correlation between the histologic ablation zone and MRI based ablation zone. During the prostatectomy and histologic examination, no damage was noted in the bladder or rectum.CONCLUSION: Trans-urethral ultrasound treatment of the prostate with MRI guidance has potential to safely, reliably, and accurately ablate prostatic regions, while minimizing the morbidities associated with conventional whole-gland resection or therapy.

Clinical application of electrically evoked compound action potentials

ECAPs are the summary of multiple neurons’ spikes which could be recorded by a bidirectional stimulation-recording system via the cochlear implant,with the artifact elimination paradigms of forward-masking subtraction paradigm or alternating polarity paradigm.Three kinds of FDA approved cochlear implants support ECAP testing.This article is to summarize the clinical application of ECAP lest.ECAP test after insertion of electrode during implant operation has been widely used during cochlear implant surgery.In recent years.ECAP thresholds are also used to estimate the T levels and C levels helping programming.However,correlation between ECAP thresholds and psychophysical thresholds is affected by many factors.So far,ECAPs cannot yet be a good indicator of post-operative hearing and speech performance.

Mesentery solitary fibrous tumor with postoperative recurrence and sarcomatosis: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Solitary fibrous tumors are rare neoplasms of mesenchymal origin. They are often of low malignant potential and rarely metastasize. They frequently arise from the pleura and can occur at any soft tissue site in the body. However, these tumors rarely develop in the mesentery, peritoneal cavity or peritoneum.CASE SUMMARY We report on a scarce case of solitary fibrous tumor of the rectal mesentery showing sarcomatosis about 4 years after previous tumor resection. This 69-yearold male had no clinical symptoms but was transferred to our hospital because of a suspected tumor recurrence from follow-up abdominal computed tomography.Tumor markers(CEA, CA 19-9 and CA 125) were within the normal range. Open laparotomy showed sarcomatosis, and pathology confirmed its mesenchymal origin and diagnosis as the solitary fibrous tumor. Our case may be the second recurrent mesentery solitary fibrous tumor reported to date, and the only one with progression to sarcomatosis. There has been no evidence of recurrence in follow-up at the 28 th mo after extensive intra-operative peritoneal lavage and cytoreductive surgery.CONCLUSION Although there are few risk factors of cancer recurrence in this patient, careful long-term followup after cytoreductive surgery is necessary.

Reliability of a simple fluoroscopic image to assess leg length discrepancy during direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Direct anterior approach(DAA)total hip arthroplasty(THA)in a supine position provides a unique opportunity to assess leg length discrepancy(LLD)intraoperatively with fluoroscopy.Reported fluoroscopic techniques are useful but are generally complicated or costly.Despite the use of multiple techniques for leg length assessment,LLD continues to be a major post-operative source of patient dissatisfaction further emphasizing the importance of near-anatomic restoration.The utility of an alternative direct measurement of LLD on an intra-operative fluoroscopic pelvic image during DAA THA has not been reported.AIM To determine the reliability of a novel simple intra-operative measurement of LLD using a parallel line technique on a single fluoroscopic digital image of the pelvis.METHODS One hundred and seventy-one patients who underwent DAA THA were included for analysis.Intra-operative fluoroscopic and post-operative anterior-posterior radiographs were imported to TraumaCad and calibrated for LLD measurement.LLD was measured on each image using the right-left hip differences in lesser trochanter to pelvic reference line distances.Pelvic reference points included the teardrops and ischia.Fluoroscopic LLD was compared to the gold-standard measurement of LLD measured on a post-operative radiograph.RESULTS Mean absolute difference in teardrop referenced LLD between fluoroscopic and post-operative radiographs was 2.17 mm and based on the ischia mean absolute difference was 2.63 mm.Linear regression of fluoroscopic and post-operative radiograph LLD based on teardrop and ischia LLD found r2 values of 0.57 and 0.84,respectively.Mean absolute difference between fluoroscopic and postoperative x-ray LLD was within 5 mm in 95%of cases regardless of pelvic reference.CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that a single fluoroscopic view obtained during DAA THA for leg length assessment is clinically useful.

Lithium Associated Hyperparathyroidism: An Evidence Based Surgical Approach

Background: Long-term lithium use in psychiatric patients may lead to lithium associated hyperparathyroidism (LAH). Although anecdotal case reports have appeared, an evidence based algorithm for management of LAH is lacking. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed (1973-2010) using PubMed with keywords;“lithium” “hypercalcemia” “hyperparathyroidism” “sestamibi” “intra-operative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) monitoring” “parathyroidectomy” and “medical management”. All English language publications addressing etiology and clinical management issues concerning LAH were critically analyzed. Results: Lithium associated hyperparathyroidism occurs in 4.3% - 6.3% of chronic lithium users compared to the general population which has an incidence of 0.5% - 1%. 194 cases of LAH have been reported which includes 10 patients (5%) treated medically and 170 patients (88%) who underwent parathyroidectomy. No details were available for 14 patients (7%). Among parathyroidectomy patients, 104 (59%) had adenomatous disease and 66 (39%) had multiglandular hyperplasia. Preoperative localization studies were utilized in only 22 patients (13%) and IOPTH monitoring was reported in only 3 studies (32 patients, 19%). Among surgical patients, bilateral neck exploration (BNE) was the most common approach performed in 162 patients (95%);focused neck exploration was utilized in only 8 patients (5%). Parathyroidectomy normalized LAH biochemical changes in nearly all patients (90% - 97%) in the early post-operative period, but recurrent hyperparathyroidism occurred in 8% - 42% of patients. Conclusion: LAH is an under appreciated and poorly understood endocrine disorder. LAH has a higher incidence of multiglandular disease and bilateral neck exploration is mandatory in majority for disease control. Nonsurgical approaches may be useful in select patients on short-term lithium therapy.

Surgical treatment of Lipodermoids - Case Report

Lipodermoids are abnormal epibulbar growths of the adipose tissue. A conjunctival lesion, the lipodermoid (dermolipoma) is usually located near the temporal fornix and is composed of adipose tissue and dense connective tissue. The overlying conjunctival epithelium is normal, and hair follicles are absent. Lipodermoids may be extensive, sometimes involving orbital tissue, lacrimal gland, and extraocular muscle. Surgical treatment is only indicated when the existing lipodermoid disturbs the patient either functionally or aesthetically. Purpose The main purpose of this study is to present our experience on the surgical treatment of lipodermoids in those cases when lipodermoids cause functional and aesthetic problem to the patient. Materials and Methods In our study we have included two cases of male gender, one with bilateral lipodermoid (in both eyes) while the other with a mono lateral lipodermoid (only in one eye). The treatment was surgical, where we carefully removed the lipodermoid lesion inside palpebral fissures, to fully preserve the bulbar conjunctiva and Tenon’s membrane during the removal of the conjunctival lipodermoid.Surgery was performed under local anesthesia (lidocaine 2% and adrenaline). The surgical area was set ready by using betadine 5%. Results In both cases there were neither intra-operative nor extra-operative complications and the results were positive.Also the functional and aesthetic problems were corrected. There was no recurrence encountered.Conclusions In conclusion, based on the results of this study, in the rare cases of lipodermoids where surgical treatment is necessary, it is very important to perform a careful surgical intervention, in order to prevent any intra-operative injuries of the lacrimal gland and the lateral and superior rectus muscles. In general the surgical treatment is a successful method on treating lipodermoids, in cases when they concern the patient both functionally and aesthetically.

A Case of Ewing’s Sarcoma Arising in the Cervical Spine with an Elevation of Serum ProGRP

We experienced a case of small, round-cell malignant neoplasm diagnosed by touch smear cytology and histopathology when an open biopsy was performed in a 50-year-old Japanese woman. She was suspected of having a cervical spine tumor after surgery for cervical spine foraminal stenosis. After consent, the cervical spine tumor histologically diagnosed by an open biopsy was confirmed to be Ewing sarcoma (EWS) by genetic testing. EWS belongs to a group of small, round-cell tumors that are morphologically similar and often difficult to differentiate. After the open biopsy, the present patient received radiotherapy, and her plasma level of Pro-Gastrin-Releasing-Peptide was decreased (217.2 pg/ml before surgery to 30.3 pg/ml;reference value: 0 - 80 pg/ml). We herein report the process for making the final diagnosis by focusing on the intraoperative cytology, histopathology, and immunohistochemical findings. Our diagnosis was validated by karyotyping and a fluorescence in-situ hybridization analysis.