Treatment of anastomotic stricture after rectal cancer operation by magnetic compression technique:A case report

BACKGROUNDThe treatment of postoperative anastomotic stenosis(AS)after resection of colorectalcancer is challenging.Endoscopic balloon dilation is used to treat stenosisin such cases,but some patients do not show improvement even after multipleballoon dilations.Magnetic compression technique(MCT)has been used for gastrointestinalanastomosis,but its use for the treatment of postoperative AS aftercolorectal cancer surgery has rarely been reported.CASE SUMMARYWe report a 72-year-old man who underwent radical resection of colorectal cancerand ileostomy one year ago.An ileostomy closure was prepared six months ago,but colonoscopy revealed a narrowing of the rectal anastomosis.Endoscopic balloondilation was performed three times,but colonoscopy showed no significantimprovement in stenosis.The AS was successfully treated using MCT.CONCLUSIONMCT is a minimally invasive method that can be used for the treatment of postoperativeAS after colorectal cancer surgery.

Optimization of tracheoesophageal fistula model established with Tshaped magnet system based on magnetic compression technique

BACKGROUND The magnetic compression technique has been used to establish an animal model of tracheoesophageal fistula(TEF),but the commonly shaped magnets present limitations of poor homogeneity of TEF and poor model control.We designed a Tshaped magnet system to overcome these problems and verified its effectiveness via animal experiments.AIM To investigate the effectiveness of a T-shaped magnet system for establishing a TEF model in beagle dogs.METHODS Twelve beagles were randomly assigned to groups in which magnets of the Tshaped scheme(study group,n=6)or normal magnets(control group,n=6)were implanted into the trachea and esophagus separately under gastroscopy.Operation time,operation success rate,and accidental injury were recorded.After operation,the presence and timing of cough and the time of magnet shedding were observed.Dogs in the control group were euthanized after X-ray and gastroscopy to confirm establishment of TEFs after coughing,and gross specimens of TEFs were obtained.Dogs in the study group were euthanized after X-ray and gastroscopy 2 wk after surgery,and gross specimens were obtained.Fistula size was measured in all animals,and then harvested fistula specimens were examined by hematoxylin and eosin(HE)and Masson trichrome staining.RESULTS The operation success rate was 100%for both groups.Operation time did not differ between the study group(5.25 min±1.29 min)and the control group(4.75 min±1.70 min;P=0.331).No bleeding,perforation,or unplanned magnet attraction occurred in any animal during the operation.In the early postoperative period,all dogs ate freely and were generally in good condition.Dogs in the control group had severe cough after drinking water at 6-9 d after surgery.X-ray indicated that the magnets had entered the stomach,and gastroscopy showed TEF formation.Gross specimens of TEFs from the control group showed the formation of fistulas with a diameter of 4.94 mm±1.29 mm(range,3.52-6.56 mm).HE and Masson trichrome staining showed scar tissue formation and hierarchical structural disorder at the fistulas.Dogs in the study group did not exhibit obvious coughing after surgery.X-ray examination 2 wk after surgery indicated fixed magnet positioning,and gastroscopy showed no change in magnet positioning.The magnets were removed using a snare under endoscopy,and TEF was observed.Gross specimens showed well-formed fistulas with a diameter of 6.11 mm±0.16 mm(range,5.92-6.36 mm),which exceeded that in the control group(P<0.001).Scar formation was observed on the internal surface of fistulas by HE and Masson trichrome staining,and the structure was more regular than that in the control group.CONCLUSION Use of the modified T-shaped magnet scheme is safe and feasible for establishing TEF and can achieve a more stable and uniform fistula size compared with ordinary magnets.Most importantly,this model offers better controllability,which improves the flexibility of follow-up studies.

Y–Z deformable magnetic ring for the treatment of rectal stricture: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Treatment of postoperative anastomotic stenosis for colorectal cancer is often challenging,especially for patients who do not respond well to endoscopy.In cases where patients have undergone an enterostomy,the stenosis can be easily resolved through magnetic compression.However,common magnetic compre-ssion techniques cannot be performed on those without enterostomy.We design-ed a novel Y–Z deformable magnetic ring(Y–Z DMR)and successfully applied it to a patient with a stenosis rectal anastomosis and without enterostomy after rectal cancer surgery.CASE SUMMARY We here report the case of a 57-year-old woman who had undergone a laparo-scopic radical rectum resection(Dixon)for rectal cancer.However,she started facing difficulty in defecation 6 months after surgery.Her colonoscopy indicated stenosis of the rectal anastomosis.Endoscopic balloon dilation was performed six times on her.However,the stenosis still showed a trend of gradual aggravation.Because the patient did not undergo an enterostomy,the conventional endoscopic magnetic compression technique could not be performed.Hence,we imple-mented a Y–Z DMR implemented through the anus under single channel.The magnetic ring fell off nine days after the operation and the rectal stenosis was relieved.The patient was followed up for six months and reported good defeca-tion.CONCLUSION The Y–Z DMR deformable magnetic ring is an excellent treatment strategy for patients with rectal stenosis and without enterostomy.

Clinical feasibility of laparoscopic left lateral segment liver resection with magnetic anchor technique:The first clinical study from China

BACKGROUND Magnetic anchor technique(MAT)has been applied in laparoscopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic appendectomy,but has not been reported in laparoscopic partial hepatectomy.AIM To evaluate the feasibility of the MAT in laparoscopic left lateral segment liver resection.METHODS Retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of eight patients who underwent laparoscopic left lateral segment liver resection assisted by MAT in our department from July 2020 to November 2021.The Y-Z magnetic anchor devices(Y-Z MADs)was independently designed and developed by the author of this paper,which consists of the anchor magnet and magnetic grasping apparatus.Surgical time,intraoperative blood loss,intraoperative accidents,operator experience,postoperative incision pain score,postoperative complications,and other indicators were evaluated and analyzed.RESULTS All eight patients underwent a MAT-assisted laparoscopic left lateral segment liver resection,including three patients undertaking conventional 5-port and five patients having a transumbilical single-port operation.The mean operation time was 138±34.32 min(range 95-185 min)and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 123±88.60 mL(range 20-300 mL).No adverse events occurred during the operation.The Y-Z MADs showed good workability and maneuverability in both tissue and organ exposure.In particular,the operators did not experience either a“chopstick”or“sword-fight”effect in the single-port laparoscopic operation.CONCLUSION The results show that the MAT is safe and feasible for laparoscopic left lateral segment liver resection,especially,exhibits its unique abettance for transumbilical single-port laparoscopic left lateral segment liver resection.

Magnetic compression anastomosis for reconstruction of digestive tract after total gastrectomy in beagle model

BACKGROUND Magnetic compression anastomosis(MCA)is a simple procedure contributing to a reliable anastomosis.However,digestive-tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy using MCA has not yet been reported.AIM To investigate the feasibility of MCA for simultaneous esophagojejunostomy and jejunojejunostomy after total gastrectomy using beagle dogs.METHODS Sixteen beagles were randomly divided into an MCA group(study group,n=8)and a manual-suture anastomosis group(control group,n=8).Two different magnetic anastomosis devices were used in the study group for esophagojejunal and jejunojejunal anastomoses.Both devices included a pair of circular daughter and parent magnets each.The time of esophagojejunostomy and jejunojejunostomy,postoperative complications,and survival rate of the two groups were compared.The dogs were sacrificed one month after the operation and their anastomotic specimens were obtained.Healing was observed by the naked eye and a light microscope.RESULTS Digestive-tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy was successfully completed in both groups(survival rate=100%).In the study group,esophagojejunal and jejunojejunal anastomoses took 6.13±0.58 and 4.06±0.42 min,respectively,significantly lower than those in the control group(15.63±1.53 min,P<0.001 and 10.31±1.07 min,P<0.001,respectively).Complications such as bleeding,anastomotic leakage,and anastomotic stenosis were not observed.In the study group,the magnets did not interfere with each other.Discharge time of the jejunojejunal magnetic anastomosis device was 10.75±1.28 d,while that of the esophagojejunal magnetic anastomosis device was 12.25±1.49 d.Residual silk was found in the control group.The study group showed a greater smoothness of the anastomosis than that of the control group.All layers of anastomosis healed well in both groups.CONCLUSION MCA is a safe and feasible procedure for digestive-tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy in this animal model.

Animal experimental study on magnetic anchor technique-assisted endoscopic submucosal dissection of early gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)has high morbidity and mortality.Moreover,because GC has no typical symptoms in the early stages,most cases are already in the advanced stages by the time the symptoms appear,thus resulting in poor prognosis and a low survival rate.Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)can realize the early detection and diagnosis of GC and become the main surgical method for early GC.However,ESD has a steep learning curve and high technical skill requirements for endoscopists,which is not conducive to its widespread implementation and advancement.Therefore,a series of auxiliary techniques have been derived.AIM To evaluate the safety and efficacy of magnetic anchor technique(MAT)-assisted ESD in early GC.METHODS This was an ex vivo animal experiment.The experimental models were the isolated stomachs of pigs,which were divided into two groups,namely the study group(n=6)with MAT-assisted ESD and the control group(n=6)with traditional ESD.Comparing the total surgical time,incidence of surgical complications,complete mucosal resection rate,specimen size,and the scores of endoscopist’s satisfaction with the procedure reflected their feelings about convenience during the surgical procedure between the two groups.The magnetic anchor device for auxiliary ESD in the study group comprised three parts,an anchor magnet(AM),a target magnet(TM),and a soft tissue clip.Under gastroscopic guidance,the soft tissue clip and the TM were delivered to the pre-marked mucosal lesion through the gastroscopic operating hole.The soft tissue clip and the TM were connected by a thin wire through the TM tail structure.The soft tissue clip was released by manipulating the operating handle of the soft tissue clip in a way that the soft tissue clip and the TM were fixed to the lesion mucosa.In vitro,ESD is aided by maneuvering the AM such that the mucosal dissection surface is exposed.RESULTS The total surgical time was shorter in the study group than in the control group(26.57±0.19 vs 29.97±0.28,P<0.001),and the scores of endoscopist’s satisfaction with the procedure were higher in the study group than in the control group(9.53±0.10 vs 8.00±0.22,P<0.001).During the operation in the study group,there was no detachment of the soft tissue clip and TM and no mucosal tearing.The magnetic force between the AM and TM provided good mucosal exposure and sufficient tissue tension for ESD.The mucosal lesion was completely peeled off,and the operation was successful.There were no significant differences in the incidence of surgical complications(100%vs 83.3%),complete mucosal resection rate(100%vs 66.7%,P=0.439),and specimen size(2.44±0.04 cm vs 2.49±0.02,P=0.328)between the two groups.CONCLUSION MAT-ESD is safe and effective for early GC.It provides a preliminary basis for subsequent internal animal experiments and clinical research.

Novel deformable self-assembled magnetic anastomosis ring for endoscopic treatment of colonic stenosis via natural orifice

BACKGROUND Although endoscope-assisted magnetic compression anastomosis has already been reported for colonic anastomosis,there is no report on a single-approach operation using the natural orifice.AIM To design a deformable self-assembled magnetic anastomosis ring(DSAMAR)for colonic anastomosis for use in single-approach operation and evaluate its feasibility and safety through animal experiments.METHODS The animal model for colonic stenosis was prepared by partial colonic ligation in eight beagles.The magnetic compression anastomosis of their colonic stricture was performed by endoscopically assisted transanal implantation of the DSAMAR.The anastomotic specimen,obtained 2 wk after the operation,was observed by both the naked eye and a light microscope.RESULTS The DSAMAR was successfully inserted into the proximal end of colon stenosis through the anus.The DSAMAR of seven dogs was successfully transformed into rings,while that of the remaining dog was removed after the first deformation failed.The rings were successfully retransformed after optimization.All animals underwent colonic anastomosis using the DSAMAR.No device-related or procedure-related adverse events were observed.The colostomy specimens of the experimental dogs were obtained 2 wk after the operation.Both gross and histological observations showed good anastomotic healing.CONCLUSION The DSAMAR is a safe and feasible option for the treatment of colon stenosis.Its specific deformation and selfassembly capability maximize the applicability of the minimally invasive treatment.

Primary animal experiment to test the feasibility of a novel Y-Z magnetic hepatic portal blocking band

BACKGROUND Hepatic portal blood flow occlusion is a common technique for reducing hepatic hemorrhage during hepatectomy.We designed a novel Y-Z magnetic hepatic portal blocking band(Y-Z MHPBB)based on the principle of magnetic compression technique.AIM To introduce the Y-Z MHPBB device and verify the feasibility of this device for hepatic portal blood flow occlusion in dogs.METHODS Ten beagles were randomly divided into the experimental group and control group.The operation time,intraoperative blood loss,the number of portal blood flow occlusions,the total time spent on adjusting the blocking band,and the average time spent on adjusting the blocking band were recorded.The surgeons evaluated the feasibility and flexibility of the two portal occlusion devices.RESULTS Laparoscopic hepatectomy was successfully performed in both the experimental group and control group.There was no statistical difference between the two groups in the operation time,intraoperative blood loss,and the number of hepatic portal blood flow occlusions.With respect to the total time spent on adjusting the blocking band and the average time spent on adjusting the blocking band,the experimental group showed significantly better outcomes than the control group,with a statistical difference(P<0.05).The operators found that the Y-Z MHPBB was superior to the modified T-tube in terms of operational flexibility.CONCLUSION The Y-Z MHPBB seems to be an ingenious design,accurate blood flow occlusion effect,and good flexibility;and it can be used for hepatic portal blood flow occlusion during laparoscopic hepatectomy.

Magnetic anchor technique assisted endoscopic submucosal dissection for early esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND Esophageal cancer has high incidence globally and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.With the widespread application of endoscopic technologies,the need for early detection and diagnosis of esophageal cancer has gradually been realized.Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)has become the standard of care for managing early tumors of the esophagus,stomach,and colon.However,due to the steep learning curve,difficult operation,and technically demanding nature of the procedure,ESD has currently been committed to the development of various assistive technologies.AIM To explore the feasibility and applicability of magnetic anchor technique(MAT)-assisted ESD for early esophageal cancer.METHODS Isolated pig esophagi were used as the experimental model,and the magnetic anchor device was designed by us.The esophagi used were divided into two groups,namely the operational and control groups,and 10 endoscopists completed the procedure.The two groups were evaluated for the following aspects:The total operative time,perforation rate,rate of whole mucosal resection,diameter of the peering mucosa,and scores of endoscopists’feelings with the procedure,including the convenience,mucosal surface exposure degree,and tissue tension.In addition,in the operational group,the soft tissue clip and the target magnet(TM)were connected by a thin wire through a small hole at the tail end of the TM.Under gastroscopic guidance,the soft tissue clip was clamped to the edge of the lesioned mucosa,which was marked in advance.By changing the position of the anchor magnet(AM)outside the esophagus,the pulling force and pulling direction of the TM could be changed,thus exposing the mucosal peeling surface and assisting the ESD.RESULTS Herein,each of the two groups comprised 10 isolated esophageal putative mucosal lesions.The diameter of the peering mucosa did not significantly differ between the two groups(2.13±0.06 vs 2.15±0.06,P=0.882).The total operative time was shorter in the operational group than in the control group(17.04±0.22 min vs 21.94±0.23 min,P<0.001).During the entire experiment,the TM remained firmly connected with the soft tissue clip and did not affect the opening,closing,and release of the soft tissue clip.The interaction between the TM and AM could provide sufficient tissue tension and completely expose the mucosa,which greatly assists the surgeon with the operation.There was no avulsion of the mucosa,and mucosal lesions were intact when peeled.Therefore,the scores of endoscopists’feelings were higher in the operational group than in the control group in terms of the convenience(9.22±0.19 vs 8.34±0.15,P=0.002),mucosal surface exposure degree(9.11±0.15 vs 8.25±0.12,P<0.001),and tissue tension(9.35±0.13 vs 8.02±0.17,P<0.001).The two groups did not significantly differ in the perforation rate and rate of whole mucosal resection.CONCLUSION We found MAT-assisted ESD safe and feasible for early esophageal cancer.It could greatly improve the endoscopic operation experience and showed good clinical application prospects.

Magnetic-assisted laparoscopic liver transplantation in swine

Background:Although laparoscopic technology has achieved rapid development in the surgical field,it has not been applied to liver transplantation,primarily because of difficulties associated with laparoscopic vascular anastomosis.In this study,we introduced a new magnetic-assisted vascular anastomosis technique and explored its application in laparoscopic liver transplantation in pigs.Methods:Two sets of magnetic vascular anastomosis rings(MVARs)with different diameters were developed.One set was used for anastomosis of the suprahepatic vena cava(SHVC)and the other set was used for anastomosis of the infrahepatic vena cava(IHVC)and portal vein(PV).Six laparoscopic orthotopic liver transplantations were performed in pigs.Donor liver was obtained via open surgery.Hepatectomy was performed in the recipients through laparoscopic surgery.Anastomosis of the SHVC was performed using hand-assisted magnetic anastomosis,and the anastomosis of the IHVC and PV was performed by magnetic anastomosis with or without hand assistance.Results:Liver transplants were successfully performed in five of the six cases.Postoperative ultrasonographic examination showed that the portal inflow was smooth.However,PV bending and blood flow obstruction occurred in one case because the MVARs were attached to each other.The durations of loading of MVAR in the laparoscope group and manual assistance group for IHVC and PV were 13±5 vs.5±1 min(P<0.01)and 10±2 vs.4±1 min(P<0.05),respectively.The durations of MVAR anastomosis in the laparoscope group and manual assistance group for IHVC and PV were 5±1 vs.1±1 min(P<0.01),and 5±1 vs.1±1 min(P<0.01),respectively.The anhepatic phase was 43±4 min in the laparoscope group and 23±2 min in the manual assistance group(P<0.01).Conclusions:Our study showed that magnetic-assisted laparoscopic liver transplantation can be successfully carried out in pigs.

Planning for selective amygdalohippocampectomy involving less neuronal fiber damage based on brain connectivity using tractography

Temporal lobe resection is an important treatment option for epilepsy that involves removal of potentially essential brain regions. Selective amygdalohippocampectomy is a widely performed temporal lobe surgery. We suggest starting the incision for selective amygdalohippocampectomy at the inferior temporal gyrus based on diffusion magnetic resonance imaging（MRI） tractography. Diffusion MRI data from 20 normal participants were obtained from Parkinson＇s Progression Markers Initiative（PPMI） database（www.ppmi-info.org）. A tractography algorithm was applied to extract neuronal fiber information for the temporal lobe, hippocampus, and amygdala. Fiber information was analyzed in terms of the number of fibers and betweenness centrality. Distances between starting incisions and surgical target regions were also considered to explore the length of the surgical path. Middle temporal and superior temporal gyrus regions have higher connectivity values than the inferior temporal gyrus and thus are not good candidates for starting the incision. The distances between inferior temporal gyrus and surgical target regions were shorter than those between middle temporal gyrus and target regions. Thus, the inferior temporal gyrus is a good candidate for starting the incision. Starting the incision from the inferior temporal gyrus would spare the important（in terms of betweenness centrality values） middle region and shorten the distance to the target regions of the hippocampus and amygdala.