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Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term efficacy of hemorrhoidal radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) on bleeding, prolapse, quality of life (QoL), and recurrence. Methods This retrospective, single-center study, with RFT performed using procedure modified via hemorrhoid exteriorization assessed the evolution of hemorrhoidal prolapse rated by Goligher scale; bleeding and discomfort (0–10), feeling of improvement and satisfaction (–5 to +5/5) by analog scales; the impact of hemorrhoids on QoL by HEMO-FISS-QoL score. Results From April 2016 to January 2021, 124 patients underwent surgery and 107 were interviewed in September 2021. The average follow-up was 30 months (range, 8–62 months). The mean work stoppage was 3 days, none in 71.0% of the cases. A mean of 4,334 J was applied. No analgesics were required for 66.4% of patients. External hemorrhoidal thrombosis was the only immediate complication in 9 patients, with no long-term reported complication. Bleeding was completely ceased in 53 out of 102 patients. Of the patients with persistent bleeding, the intensity had dropped greatly (P

Purpose: To compare perioperative, functional, and safety outcomes between thulium fiber laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuFLEP) and bipolar enucleation of the prostate performed by a single surgeon with use of propensity score (PS)-matched analysis. Materials and Methods: Data were from 675 patients, 422 of whom underwent ThuFLEP and bipolar enucleation by a single highly experienced surgeon. ThuFLEP was performed with Fiberlase U1 (IRE Polus Ltd.). Perioperative parameters, safety, and functional outcomes, such as International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), postvoid residual volume (PVR), and maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) were assessed. To control for selection bias, a 1:1 PS-matched analysis was carried out using the following variables as covariates: total prostate volume, preoperative IPSS and early sphincter release. Results: Of 422 patients, 370 (87.7%) underwent ThuFLEP and 52 (12.3%) underwent bipolar enucleation. Operation, enucleation, and morcellation time were comparable between groups before and after PS-matched analysis (p=0.954, p=0.474, p=0.362, respectively). Functional parameters (IPSS, QoL, PVR, Qmax) were also comparable between groups at every time point before and after PS matching. Significant improvements in IPSS, QoL score, Qmax, and PVR were observed during the 24-month follow-up period for both ThuFLEP and bipolar enucleation without any significant differences between groups. Early and late postoperative complications before and after PS-matched analysis were similar. Conclusions: ThuFLEP was comparable to bipolar enucleation in perioperative characteristics, improvement in voiding parameters, and complication rates. Both procedures were shown to be effective and safe in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the clinical outcome and safety of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) following transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TR biopsy) in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 556 patients who underwent HoLEP between 2014 and 2021. The patients were categorized into six groups: Group 1-A (n=45) underwent HoLEP within four months post TR biopsy. Group 1-B (n=94) underwent HoLEP more than four months post TR biopsy. Group 1-C (n=120) underwent HoLEP after a single TR biopsy. Group 1-D (n=19) underwent HoLEP after two or more TR biopsies. Group 1-total (n=139, group 1-A+group 1-B or group 1-C+group 1-D) underwent HoLEP post TR biopsy. Group 2 (control group, n=417) underwent HoLEP without prior TR biopsy. We examined perioperative parameters, safety, and functional outcomes. Results: The age, body mass index, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), uroflowmetry, and comorbid diseases between group 1-total and group 2 were comparable. However, group 1-total exhibited significantly elevated prostate-specific antigen levels and larger prostate volumes (p

Objective Geriatric patients requiring gynecological surgery is increasing worldwide. However, older patients are at higher risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality, particularly cardiopulmonary complications. Laparoscopic surgery is widely used as a minimally invasive method for reducing postoperative morbidities. We compared the outcomes of open and laparoscopic gynecologic surgeries in patients older than 55 years. Methods We included patients aged >55 years who underwent gynecological surgery at a single tertiary center between 2010 and 2020, excluding vaginal or ovarian cancer surgeries were excluded. Surgical outcomes were compared between the open surgery and laparoscopic groups, with age cutoff was set at 65 years for optimal discriminative power. We performed linear or logistic regression analyses to compare the surgical outcomes according to age and operation type. Results Among 2,983 patients, 28.6% underwent open surgery and 71.4% underwent laparoscopic surgery. Perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic surgery were better than those of open surgery in all groups. In both the open and laparoscopic surgery groups, the older patients showed worse overall surgical outcomes. However, age-related differences in perioperative outcomes were less severe in the laparoscopic group. In the linear regression analysis, the differences in estimated blood loss, transfusion, and hospital stay between the age groups were smaller in the laparoscopy group. Similar results were observed in cancer-only and benign-only cohorts. Conclusion Although the surgical outcomes were worse in the older patients, the difference between age groups was smaller for laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic surgery offers more advantages and safety in patients aged >65 years.

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Hui Wang,1,* Xiaonan Zhou,2,* Xingyu Li,1,* Zeng Xu,1,* Qingbing Meng,3 Jianxi Wang,1 Xiaolong Shen,1 Huajiang Chen,1 Wen Yuan,1 Xiaodong Wu1 1Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Huajiang Chen; Xiaodong Wu, Email chenhuajspine@163.com; wuxiaodongspine@163.comIntroduction: Low back pain following transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy (TELD) is prevalent (15– 25% incidence). Modifying TELD techniques to avoid excessive disc removal has been suggested to reduce such pain. Facet injury, re-herniation, and disc space collapse might contribute. This retrospective study aimed to explore factors linked to post-TELD low back pain.Methods: A total of 351 patients with L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S1 intervertebral lumbar disc herniations, who underwent TELD at two spine centers, were included. Patients were followed for one year. Low back and leg pain visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Pfirrmann grade, and disc height were measured at 3 months and 1 year. Correlation analyses examined links between postoperative low back pain VAS scores, age, sex, disc/vertebrae height ratio (D/V H ratio), Pfirrmann grade, cannula position grade, re-herniation grade, high-intensity zone (HIZ), disc calcification, surgical grade, and other factors. Significant variables were identified using partial least square tests, with variable importance in projection (VIP) values quantifying their impact on low back pain.Results: Univariate analysis indicated that surgical grade correlated with long-term postoperative low back pain (P = 0.023), while re-herniation (P = 0.008, P = 0.000), disc height (P = 0.001, P = 0.034), and sex (P = 0.025, P = 0.003) correlated with both short- and long-term postoperative low back pain. Trephine/cannula position is correlated with short-term low back pain (P = 0.036). Worsening low back pain was associated with female sex, improper trephine/cannula position, re-herniation, and post-surgical disc space collapse. Intradiscal irrigation was linked to decreased low back pain.Discussion: This study highlights factors influencing low back pain after TELD. Loss of disc height, extent of re-herniation, quality of trephine/cannula position, and sex were associated with low back pain at both 3 months and 1-year post-TELD. Proper techniques, like minimizing disc height loss and re-herniation, may help mitigate postoperative low back pain.Keywords: spine, endoscopy, radiology, minimally invasive surgical procedure, postoperative low back pain

Prostate cancer remains a leading cause of mortality among men globally, necessitating advancements in diagnostic methodologies to improve detection and treatment outcomes. Magnetic Resonance Imaging has emerged as a crucial technique for the detection of prostate cancer, with current research focusing on the integration of deep learning frameworks to refine this diagnostic process. This study employs a comprehensive approach using multiple deep learning models, including a three-dimensional (3D) Convolutional Neural Network, a Residual Network, and an Inception Network to enhance the accuracy and robustness of prostate cancer detection. By leveraging the complementary strengths of these models through an ensemble method and soft voting technique, the study aims to achieve superior diagnostic performance. The proposed methodology demonstrates state-of-the-art results, with the ensemble model achieving an overall accuracy of 91.3%, a sensitivity of 90.2%, a specificity of 92.1%, a precision of 89.8%, and an F1 score of 90.0% when applied to MRI images from the SPIE-AAPM-NCI PROSTATEx dataset. Evaluation of the models involved meticulous pre-processing, data augmentation, and the use of advanced deep-learning architectures to analyze the whole MRI slices and volumes. The findings highlight the potential of using an ensemble approach to significantly improve prostate cancer diagnostics, offering a robust and precise tool for clinical applications.

Objective To investigate the clinical outcomes of percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy with lamina-hole approach for cervical radiculopathy. Methods A retrospective case series study was conducted to analyze clinical data of 30 patients with cervical radiculopathy admitted in our department from May 2018 to December 2019. All patients underwent percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy with lamina-hole approach. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative complications were collected and analyzed. Neck disability index (NDI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) of neck and arm were used preoperatively, postoperatively and at the end of follow-up. Results All patients successfully completed the operation. Their operation time was 30~200 (84.5±36.5) min, and the intraoperative blood loss was 5~50 (20.5±11.8) mL. No neurovascular injury was observed intra-operatively and post-operatively. The follow-up time was 9~23 (14.3±4.0) months. The NDI scores were decreased from 61.3±13.2 pre-operatively to 26.6±7.4 post-operatively (P < 0.01), and further reduced to 9.8±3.5 at the last follow-up (P < 0.01). The VAS scores of the neck and arm were 5.2±0.7 and 6.5±1.1 before operation, and decreased to 3.1±0.7 and 2.8±0.7 (P < 0.01) after operation, respectively. At the last follow-up, the values were further reduced to 0.6±0.8 and 0.5±0.6 (P < 0.01), respectively. Conclusion Percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy with lamina-hole approach is a new option for cervical radiculopathy, and can achieve the decompression of nerve root with preserving facet joint integrally.

Background: Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) is a treatment option for men with stage 1 or 2 testis cancer and the standard of care for men with postchemotherapy retroperitoneal residual disease. Given the morbidity of RPLND, four important surgical modifications have been proposed: minimally invasive access, nerve-sparing resection, template resection, and en-bloc resection. Objective: To describe the surgical steps and perioperative outcomes of robotic nerve-sparing unilateral template RPLND with en-bloc resection (roboRPLND-NS+). Design, setting, and participants: From 2017 to 2019, five patients with suspicion of retroperitoneal metastatic testicular cancer on abdominopelvic computed tomography underwent roboRPLND-NS+ at a single referral center. All surgeries were carried out by a single surgeon who has performed more than 500 extended and more than 50 super-extended robot-assisted lymph node dissections. Surgical procedure: A lateral transperitoneal robotic approach with a da Vinci Xi Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) in six-arm configuration was used. The sympathetic chains, postganglionic sympathetic fibers, and hypogastric plexus were preserved as much as possible to ensure a nerve-sparing procedure. The template borders consisted of the renal vein cranially, the ureter laterally, the interaortocaval space medially, the common iliac artery caudally, and the psoas muscle dorsally for the right and left modified RPLND templates. Lymph nodes and the surrounding fatty tissue were progressively resected from the common iliac vessels and the abdominal aorta using the split-and-roll technique, and all of the template tissue was resected as a single specimen. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Measurements: Lymph node yield and perioperative and postoperative oncological and functional outcomes were measured. Results and limitations: The median patient age was 38 yr (interquartile range [IQR] 32–41) and the median operative time was 274 min (IQR 238–280). Node metastases were pathologically confirmed in three patients. The median number of lymph nodes removed was 19 (IQR 18–21), and the median number of positive lymph nodes was 2 (IQR 1–3). No patient experienced intraoperative or postoperative complications. The postoperative hospital stay was either 3 or 4 d. Maintenance of antegrade ejaculation was achieved in all patients. After median follow-up of 15 mo (IQR 14–30), all patients were alive and no recurrence was observed. Limitations include the low number of patients and the single surgeon experience. Conclusions: RoboRPLND-NS+ is a safe and feasible technique that allows removal of a high number of lymph nodes with good functional outcomes. Short-term survival outcomes were excellent, with no recurrences or deaths recorded. Patient summary: We describe a feasible and safe robot-assisted surgical procedure for removal of lymph nodes in patients with testicular cancer. Our technique has potential to decrease the medical problems arising as side effects of the surgery while achieving good cancer control.

To safely perform minimally invasive hysterectomy (MIH), including laparoscopic hysterectomy and robot-assisted hysterectomy, partial ureterolysis, or visualizing only the ureter without dissection is often inadequate. Moreover, careless blunt dissection could injure the blood vessels. We present our surgical method for ureterolysis using sharp dissection during MIH. First, the outer portion of the ureter is dissected. Dissecting between the pelvic sidewall and the posterior leaf of the broad ligament creates a pararectal space outside the ureter, enabling the easy identification of the ureter running on the posterior leaf. Second, the inner portion of the ureter is dissected. After determining the location of the ureter, a better partial dissection of the ureter can be performed from the posterior leaf, instead of dissecting along the entire circumference. If fine surgery has to be performed, the ureter can be dissected by enclosing it within its sheath. We primarily perform dissections using a monopolar device, which allows a sharp dissection. Furthermore, in our method, we often include the dissection of the ureteral tunnel. It is important to understand the anatomy and membrane structure of the ureter in each patient and adjust the extent of ureterolysis based on individual differences.

Abstract Background Pancreatic resections are complex and technically challenging surgical procedures. They often come with potential limitations to high-volume centers. Distal pancreatectomy is a relatively simple procedure in most cases. It facilitates the development of up-to-date minimally invasive surgical procedures in pancreatic surgery including laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy and robot-assisted distal pancreatectomy. Main body To obtain a desirable long-term prognosis, R0 resection and adequate lymphadenectomy are crucial to the surgical management of pancreatic cancer, and they demand standard procedure and multi-visceral resection if necessary. With respect to combined organ resection, progress has been made in evaluating and determining when and how to preserve the spleen. The postoperative pancreatic fistula, however, remains the most significant complication of distal pancreatectomy, with a rather high incidence. In addition, a safe closure of the pancreatic remnant persists as an area of concern. Therefore, much efforts that focus on the management of the pancreatic stump have been made to mitigate morbidity. Conclusion This review summarized the historical development of the techniques for pancreatic resections in recent years and describes the progress. The review eventually looked into the controversies regarding distal pancreatectomy for tumors in the body and tail of the pancreas.

Background and Objectives Treatment choice for fungal ball is endoscopic endonasal removal. However, it is not easy to remove fungal elements from the maxilla using only an endonasal approach. To overcome this difficulty, we introduced a cotton pledget technique and evaluated its efficacy through a cadaveric study and clinical research. Materials and Method A cadaveric study was performed using 10 half heads of seven cadavers. The ease and safety of the cotton pledget technique were compared to those of a previously reported technique. In clinical research, we enrolled 52 patients who underwent surgery with the cotton pledget technique and 36 patients who underwent surgery using the conventional endoscopic approach. Demographic factors, preoperative Lund-Mackay (LM) score, sinonasal outcome test (SNOT) score, surgical morbidity, and incomplete removal rate were analyzed. Results The cadaveric study showed that the cotton pledget technique was easier (p=0.011) than the conventional technique. In addition, clinical evaluation showed that the cotton pledget group had significantly lower incomplete removal rate than that of the control group (p=0.010). Conclusion The cotton pledget technique is an easy and safe method that enables fungal ball removal more effectively than the conventional technique without need for inferior meatal antrostomy (IMA) or the Caldwell-Luc (CL) approach.

Background: Transoral thyroid surgery represented by the da Vinci system is attracted attention and performed by several institutions. However, the current available da Vinci system still has some limitations to be improved for transoral thyroid surgery including high cost of equipment and expendables, larger diameter scope and instruments and no tactile sensation. It triggered us interest in more easily available robotic scope holder. Soloassist II (AktorMed GmbH, Barbing, Germany) is an active endoscope holder system which is controlled by a joystick. It has total six joints: three joints which are controlled by computer, one is controlled by manual and two act as a gimbal joint following the movement of the main body. Materials and Methods: We tried transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy using Soloassist II (AktorMed GmbH, Barbing, Germany) in December 2017 in our hospital. Results: We successfully performed four thyroid lobectomies in four patients with Soloassist II. We refined and described surgical procedures in each step using video clips. It provided an excellent vibration-free stable surgical view which enabled fatigue-free work, without shaking or tilting the horizon. The surgeon could perform transoral endoscopic thyroid surgery with only one assistant surgeon. Docking and preparation time for Soloassist was within 10 min in all four patients. The setup and dismantling could be performed parallel to the usual workflow. No complication was reported by any patient. Conclusions: The robotic scope holder (Soloassist II) seems to be safe and feasible equipment for performing transoral endoscopic thyroid surgery. Several possible advantages could be expected with this robotic scope holder.

Pelvic fractures are associated with life-threatening injuries and high rates of morbidity and mortality. Management of internal blood loss associated with unstable pelvic ring injuries is paramount during the initial period. The reconstruction of the pelvic ring is of importance because it is a major contributor to the stability of the pelvic ring. We report the case of a 25-year-old man who had an unstable pelvic ring fracture combined with rupture of an obturator artery and had a successful and satisfactory treatment using minimally invasive surgery with percutaneous antegrade screw fixation.

Background: One of the most frequent complications of spinal surgery is accidental dural tears (ADTs). Minimal access surgical techniques (MAST) have been described as a promising approach to minimizing such complications. ADTs have been studied extensively in connection with open spinal surgery, but there is less literature on minimally invasive spinal surgery (MISS).Materials and Methods: We reviewed 187 patients who had undergone degenerative lumbar spinal surgery using minimally invasive spinal fusions techniques. We analyzed the influence of age, Body Mass Index (BMI), smoking, diabetes, and previous surgery on the rate of ADTs in MISS.Results: Twenty-two patients (11.764%) suffered from an ADT. We recommended bed rest for two and a half to 5 days, depending on the type of repair required and the amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. We could not find any statistically significant correlation between ADTs and age (p = 0.34,), BMI (p = 0.92), smoking (p = 0.46), and diabetes (p = 0.71). ADTs were significantly more frequent in cases of previous surgery (p < 0.001). None of the patients developed a transcutaneous CSF leak or post-operative infection.Conclusions: The frequency of ADTs in MISS appears comparable to that encountered when using open surgical techniques. Additionally, MAST produces less dead space along the corridor to the spine. Such reduced dead space may not be enough for pseudomeningocele to occur, cerebrospinal fluid to accumulate, and fistula to form. MAST, therefore, provides a certain amount of protection.

Introduction: For dental avulsion, surgery may be invasive where it affects bone volume and may cause damage to the surrounding anatomical structures. Piezosurgery is a minimally invasive surgery due to the thin and precise cutting of the tooth compared with conventional burs. Technique: the authors have presented the case of a thirteen-year-old girl referred by her orthodontists for the extraction of a supernumerary tooth. The anterior nasal spine (ANS) was cut using piezosurgical techniques, repositioned and fixed using osteosynthesis with a bone screw. Postoperative follow ups were promising, and the bone screw was taken out a year later. Comments: The preservation of the nasal mucosa had probably aided in the trophicity and healing of ANS. The minimal bone loss by piezosurgical techniques allowed for the replacement of ANS and its osteosynthesis. Conclusion: This case describes a minimally invasive procedure which allowed for the removal of a deeply impacted supernumerary tooth, without damaging the surrounding teeth or nasal mucosa, and maintaining ANS bone volume.

Study DesignRetrospective case series.PurposeTo compare minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) outcomes in primary and revision surgeries.Overview of LiteratureRevision spinal fusion is often associated with an increased risk of approach-related complications. Patients can potentially benefit from the decreased approach-related morbidity associated with MI-TLIF.MethodsSixty consecutive MI-TLIF patients (20 failed back [Fa group], 40 primary [Pr group]) who underwent surgery between January 2011 and May 2012 were reviewed after Institutional Review Board approval to compare operative times, blood loss, complications, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for back and leg pain before surgery and at the last follow-up.ResultsNineteen revision surgeries were compared with 36 primary surgeries. One failed back and four primary patients were excluded because of inadequate data. The mean follow-up times were 28 months and 24 months in the Pr and Fa groups, respectively. The mean pre- and postoperative ODI scores were 53.18 and 20.23 in the Pr group and 52.01 and 25.72 in the Fa group, respectively (ODI percentage change: Pr group, 60.36%±29.73%; Fa group, 69.32%±13.72%; p=0.304, not significant). The mean pre- and postoperative VAS scores for back pain were 4.77 and 1.75 in the Pr group and 4.1 and 2.0 in the Fa group, respectively, and the percentage changes were statistically significant (VAS back pain percentage change: Pr group, 48.78±30.91; Fa group, 69.32±13.72; p=0.027). The mean pre- and postoperative VAS scores for leg pain were 6.52 and 1.27 in the Pr group and 9.5 and 1.375 in the Fa group, respectively (VAS leg pain percentage change: Pr group, 81.07±29.39; Fa group, 75.72±15.26; p=0.538, not significant). There were no statistically significant differences in operative time and estimated blood loss and no complications.ConclusionsMI-TLIF outcomes were comparable between primary and revision surgeries. The inherent technique of MI-TLIF is particularly suitable for select failed backs because it exploits the intact paramedian corridor.

ABSTRACT Background : Laparoscopic manual suturing is probably the most difficult skill to be acquired in minimally invasive surgery. However, laparoscopic exercise endo-sutures can be learned with a simulator and are of great practical importance and clinical applicability, absorbing concepts that are immediately transferred to the operating room. Aim : To assess the progression of skills competence in endo-sutures through realistic simulation model of systematized education. Method : Evaluation of the progression of competence of students in three sequential stages of training in realistic simulation, pre-test (V.1), teaching concepts (V.2) and training station for absorption of video concepts in surgery - ergonomics, stereotaxia, ambidexterity, haptic touch, fucral effect, applied in the manufacture of points corresponding to a Nissen fundoplication, in endo-suture for realistic simulation. Results : All students who attended the course absorbed the video concepts in surgery; most participants showed steady and continued improvement and during the stages of training, obtained progression of appropriate skills, defining competence and validation of the teaching model to achieve proficiency. Conclusions : The teaching model was adequate, safe, revealed the profile of the student, the evolutionary powers of the endo-sutures performance and critical analysis of the training to achieve proficiency in bariatric procedures.

Study DesignRetrospective study.PurposeTo compare intraoperative endplate injury cases and no injury cases in consecutive series and to identify predisposing factors for intraoperative endplate injury.Overview of LiteratureUnintended endplate violation and subsequent cage subsidence is an intraoperative complication of extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF). It is still unknown whether it is derived from inexperienced surgical technique or patients' inherent problems.MethodsConsecutive patients (n=102; mean age, 69.0±0.8 years) underwent XLIF at 201 levels at a single institute. Preoperative and immediately postoperative radiographs were compared and cases with intraoperative endplate injury were identified. Various parameters were reviewed in each patient and compared between the injury and no injury groups.ResultsTwenty one levels (10.4%) had signs of intraoperative endplate injury. The injury group had a significantly higher rate of females (p=0.002), lower bone mineral density (BMD) (p=0.02), higher rate of polyetheretherketone as cage material (p=0.04), and taller cage height (p=0.03) compared with the no injury group. Multivariate analysis indicated that a T-score of BMD as a negative (odds ratio, 0.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.27–0.93; p=0.03) and cage height as a positive (odds ratio, 1.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–3.17; p=0.03) were predisposing factors for intraoperative endplate injury.ConclusionsIntraoperative endplate injury is correlated significantly with reduced BMD and taller cage height. Precise evaluation of bone quality and treatment for osteoporosis might be important and care should be taken not to choose excessively taller cage.

Study DesignDescriptions of technical strategies to overcome pitfalls associated with early learning periods in biportal endoscopic spinal surgery (BESS).PurposeTo introduce BESS for lumbar spinal diseases (LSDs) and to inform certain challenges to be overcome in mastering the technique.Overview of LiteratureBESS has shown superior benefits including excellent magnification, a wider range of view by dynamic handling of an endoscope and instruments. Clinical reports, however, have not yet been very revealing for its new introduction into minimally invasive spine surgery.MethodsTo evaluate the learning curve for BESS, the procedures for various LSDs by one surgeon were analyzed in the view of shortening of the operating times and reduction of complications. Reviewing of recorded procedures helped in finding the reasons and the implemented solutions.ResultsThe 68 cases included 25 for lumbar disc herniation (LDH), 3 for revision for recurred LDH, 39 for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and 1 for synovial cyst. The operation time for the total cases averaged 83.7±33.6 minutes. According to diagnosis, it was 68.2±23.7 minutes for LDH. After the 14th case of LDH, it was nearly constant and close to the average time. One level of LSS needed 110.4±34.4 minutes. Prolonged operation times even in some later cases of LSS were mainly from struggling against blurred vision due to epidural bleeding. There were 7 cases of complications (10.3%) including 2 cases of dural tear, 1 case of root injury, and 4 cases of incomplete decompression on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. There was no case of symptomatic hematoma or wound infection.ConclusionsBESS seemed to have a relatively short learning curve period. The overall complication rate in early learning period was 10.3%. These could be avoided by magnified regional views on an endoscope and a clear surgical field by controlling epidural bleeding.

Thomas Anthony McNicholas1–3 1Section of Urology, Royal Society of Medicine, London, UK; 2Urology Department, Lister Hospital, East and North Herts NHS Trust, Stevenage, UK; 3Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Herts, UK Abstract: The prostatic urethral lift procedure, more commonly known as UroLift, has been designed to improve male lower urinary tract symptoms while avoiding the complications and disadvantages of existing drug and surgical therapies. In particular, UroLift does not damage ejaculatory function or affect orgasmic sensation. It appears an option for men who wish to avoid long-term drug therapy, the side effects of drugs or surgery and who do not need or will not accept traditional surgical treatments. UroLift was introduced following a series of planned studies that led to US Food and Drug Administration approval in September 2013. UroLift has recently been approved by the UK National Institute for Clinical and Health Excellence (September 2015) as effective and safe and cost-effective for use in the UK health system. This review describes the device and the procedure and the evidence base that has led to those approvals. Keywords: UroLift, prostatic urethral lift, LUTS prostatic hyperplasia, minimally invasive, BPH

Background and objective Complete thoracoscopic surgery has advanced, and its indication has also been extended to complex procedures. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of complete single-utility-port thoracoscopic lobectomy with rib resection. Methods A patient was diagnosed with lung cancer and single-rib metastasis. The patient received lobectomy and segment costectomy through complete single-utility-port thoracoscopic surgery. The literature was also reviewed. Results The tumor was staged at T1N1M1. The patient made an uneventful recovery and was dismissed on day 4 after surgery. At the last follow-up, the patient was alive and well, with no evidence of the disease at 18 months postoperatively. Conclusion Highly selected cases of lung cancer with single-rib metastasis are appropriate candidates for complete single-utility-port thoracoscopic resection.

We present a rare case of a patient who underwent complete microendoscopic excision of an osteoid osteoma, which induced radiculopathy without nerve root compression. A 20-year-old man presented severe right groin pain that was temporarily relieved by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed typical features of a nidus located in the inferior cortex of the right L3 pedicle. We performed surgery using a posterior microendoscopic approach. We drilled vertically along the line of the cortex of the caudal pedicle using a high-speed drill. After identifying the tumor, en bloc resection of the nidus was achieved. Immediately after surgery, pain in the right groin disappeared. A CT scan showed that most of the right L3 pedicle remained. This minimally invasive technique preserves spinal structures, including the facet and pedicle, and is a viable option for the treatment of spinal osteoid osteomas located close to vital structures.