Search

Purpose: The anatomy education literature suggests blended-learning approaches as more effective. We performed a literature review to answer the question if virtual dissection tables can play a significant role as supplements to traditional cadaver-based anatomy education methods. Methods: PubMed, SCOPUS, ERIC and Cochrane databases were searched for articles with purpose to explore the outcomes of the use of virtual dissection tables in conjunction with cadaver-based anatomy education. Results: Six articles were included. Three articles were comparative and comprised evaluation of participants’ anatomy examinations results. Three articles were non-comparative and comprised only evaluation of participants’ opinions about the educational intervention. In all studies, the participants expressed satisfaction about the educational value of this intervention, while the data about anatomy examinations’ results suggest that virtual dissection tables may also enhance students’ academic performance, when they are used in conjunction with cadavers. Conclusion: Virtual dissection tables seem to do have a role in modern blended-learning anatomy curricula and could essentially supplement the educational power of cadaver-based methods. Our findings may stimulate further implementation of virtual dissection tables as supplementary tools to cadaver-based anatomy education. © 2022 Elsevier Masson SAS

Although appealing from a reconstructive standpoint, the incorporation of the overlying skin in a serratus anterior muscle flap has not yet seen widespread use, due to considerations with its blood supply. In the present study, a systematic review of the literature has been performed, evaluating studies that investigated the vascular anatomy and variations of serratus anterior myocutaneous flap. The anatomy of the cutaneous blood supply, the size of the cutaneous territory, the design of the skin paddle and the reconstructive goals were analyzed. The results showed that the main blood supply originates from the intramuscular anastomoses between intercostal artery perforators and the serratus artery branch in the form of choke vessels. Complementary perfusion from true intramuscular vessel anastomoses or from direct serratus artery cutaneous perforators could contribute to the skin blood supply but only in 25% of the cases. The design of the flap is elliptical with its long axis over the harvested muscle slips and maximum width is approximately 6-8 cm. Α myocutaneous serratus anterior flap could be applied in a variety of reconstructive fields, most commonly for head and neck defects. A delay procedure would considerably enhance the perfusion of the cutaneous component and improve the overall viability of the flap.

Background: The aim of this study is to present the level of aortic bifurcation in a sample of Greek origin (case series) and to perform an up-to-date systematic review in the existing literature. Materials and methods: Seventy-six formalin-fixed adult cadavers were dissected and studied in order to research the level of aortic bifurcation. Additionally, PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched for eligible articles concerning the level of aortic bifurcation for the period up to February 2020. Results: The mean level of aortic bifurcation according to our case series was the lower third of the L4 vertebral body (21/76, 27.6%). The level of aortic bifurcation ranged between the lower third of the L3 vertebral body and the lower third of the L5 body. No statistically significant correlation was found between the two sexes. The systematic review of the literature revealed 31 articles which were considered eligible and a total number of 3537 specimens were retracted. According to the recorded findings the most common mean level of aortic bifurcation was the body of L4 vertebra (1495/3537 cases, 42.2%), while the range of aortic bifurcation was described to occur from upper third of L3 vertebrae to the upper third of the S1 vertebrae in the 52.8% of the cases (1866/3537). Conclusions: The mean level of AA corresponds to the body of L4 and presents a great range (form L3U to S1U). Knowledge of the mean level of aortic bifurcation and its probable ranges is of great significance for interventional radiologists and especially vascular surgeons that deal with aneurism proximal to the aortic bifurcation. Copyright © 2021 Via Medica

Vascular anatomical variations of the abdomen are very common. Awareness of these variations is of paramount importance in clinical practice mainly in achieving best results in minimal invasive or surgical vascular procedures. From surgical point of view, the preoperative knowledge of vascular anatomy and the relations to the surrounding structures and tissues aims to minimise inadvertent complications. Agenesis of the coeliac trunk is one of the rare anatomical variations of the abdominal aorta. Limited number of cases have been reported in the medical literature, most of which are based on angiographic and cadaveric studies of adult humans. In this paper, we report a case of absence of the coeliac trunk that has been detected as an incidental radiological finding in a female patient who was admitted with abdominal pain. © 2021 Via Medica. All rights reserved.

Neuro-anatomy of the perineum has gained renewed attention due to its significance in the transanal procedures for rectal cancer (eg TaTME). Surgeons embarking on this technique must have sophisticated knowledge and a precise anatomical understanding of the perineum before proceeding with this reversed rectal approach. We report anatomical observations deriving from a relevant experience in the colorectal surgery field. The collective multicenter experience of the present study is clinically relevant and based on the rectal and transanal resections performed in colorectal centers of excellence from Greece, UK, and Italy over the last 10 years (2011–2020). From the original anatomical and intraoperative observations derived from collective cases operated by this multicenter group of colorectal surgical centers in three European countries, data were retrieved and analyzed in collaboration with specialist researchers of human anatomy and interpreted for their clinical significance and potential use for preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance during TaTME. This descriptive article demonstrates in detail the neurogenic pathways encountered in the perineum and pelvic cavity during transanal procedures. Specific anatomical and topographic implications are also included serving as a guide for colorectal surgeons to perform a nerve-sparing procedure. transanal approach for rectal excision offers new insights into the complex pelvic and perineal neuroanatomy while the procedure itself remains a challenge for surgeons. Preoperative anatomical planning and 3D reconstruction may help in anticipating technical difficulties, resulting in more precise surgical dissections and decreased postoperative complications. © 2021, Italian Society of Surgery (SIC).

The non-recurrent laryngeal nerve (nRLN) is a rare anatomic variation that every head and neck surgeon must be aware of, in order to avoid intraoperative injury which leads to postoperative morbidity. We are reporting a case of a nRLN in a 47 year old female patient with medullary thyroid carcinoma who was surgically treated with total thyroidectomy and lymph node dissection. Both two inferior laryngeal nerves were identified, fully exposed and preserved along their cervical courses. However, we found that the right inferior laryngeal nerve was non-recurrent and directly arised from the cervical vagal trunk, entered the larynx after a short transverse course and parallel to the inferior thyroid artery. The safety of thyroid operations is dependent on high index of suspicion, meticulous identification and dissection of laryngeal nerves either recurrent or non-recurrent. This leads to minimum risk of iatrogenic damage of the nerves. Complete knowledge of the anatomy of these neural structures, including all their anatomic variations is of paramount importance.

Background: Cadaver's dissection has a fundamental role in teaching and understanding the anatomy. Postmortem body donation (PMBD) is an important source of cadavers and provides an opportunity to carry out research or educational activities in medicine and surgery. The objective of the current study is to determine the perspectives and attitudes toward PMBD among blood donors (BLD) and elderly people. These data are fundamental to highlight the PMBD extent and individual factors that might influence PMBD. Materials and methods: Six hundred and fifty questionnaires were distributed to 500 (327 male and 173 female, mean age 39.9 ± 9.6 years) blood donors (BLD) and 150 elderly people (62 males and 88 females, mean age 74 ± 9.4 years). A specially designed self-administered questionnaire covering demographic data, knowledge and attitude of the participants concerning body donation (BD) was used. Results: Concerning the perception of BD among BLD and elderly people, the most common reason for BD in both study groups was the contribution in research, while the commonest reason for hesitating about BD was the lack of information, following by personal reasons. The BLD were more likely to be interested in BD for contribution in research and personal reasons. Additionally, BLD were less likely than the elderly to hesitate about BD for religious and personal reasons and more likely to hesitate about BD for not being informed. BLD who were interested in BD for contribution in research were significantly older. Elderly people who hesitated about BD for personal reasons were significantly older. In the BLD group, those who responded that blood and body donation are the same were significantly younger, while in the elderly group - significantly older. The proportion of BLD who declared that blood and body donation is the same was significantly higher in more educated people. Conclusions: A need for well-organised and informative BD programmes is evident. Orientating the public towards this practice is of high moral and medical value, since with this important promotion the altruistic act of BD will expand globally. Copyright © 2019 Via Medica

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects more than 30 million men; endothelial dysfunction plays a significant role in EDs pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to administer mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) derived from adipose tissue and platelet lysate (PL) into patients with erectile dysfunction. This pilot study enrolled eight patients with diagnosed ED. Patients enrolled were suffering from organic ED due to diabetes melitus, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, and Peyronie disease. The patients were distributed in 2 groups. Patients in group A received adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSC) resuspended in PL while patients in group B received only PL. ADMSCs were isolated from patients’ adipose tissue and expanded. In addition, blood sampling was obtained from the patients in order to isolate platelet lysate. After the application of the above treatments, patients were evaluated with an International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire, penile triplex, and reported morning erections. After MSCs and PL administration, patients presented improved erectile function after 1 and 3 months of follow-up. A statistically significant difference was observed in the IIEF-5 score before and after administration of both treatments after the first month (p < 0.05) and the third month (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed in the IIEF-5 score between group A and B patients. All patients were characterized by improved penile triplex and increased morning erections. No severe adverse reactions were observed in any patient except a minor pain at the site of injection, which was in the limits of tolerability. The results of this study indicated the satisfactory use of MSCs and PL in ED. MSCs in combination with PL or PL alone seems to be very promising, especially without having the negative effects of the current therapeutic treatment. © 2019 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Authors describe a case of a complex anatomic variation discovered during dissection of the humeral region. On the right side, brachial artery followed a superficial course. Musculocutaneous nerve did not pierce coracobrachialis muscle but instead passed below the muscle before continuing in the forearm. On the left side, a communication between musculocutaneous and median nerve was dissected. Those variations are analytically presented with a brief review on their anatomic and clinical implications. Considerations on their embryological origin are attempted. Copyright © 2015 Via Medica.

Horseshoe kidney (HSK) is the most common renal fusion, which is characterized by three anatomic anomalies: ectopia, malrotation and vascular changes. Patients with HSK are prone to a variety of complications, genitourinary and non-genitourinary. In this paper, the anatomy of HSK is delineated with a great emphasis on its blood supply. After reviewing the literature, the arterial supply patterns found by each author were categorized according to the classification system proposed by Graves. The majority of HSKs were found to be supplied by renal arteries derived from the abdominal aorta below the isthmus or by vessels originating from the common iliac arteries. In addition, the abnormalities associated with HSK are highlighted and classified in anatomical variations, congenital anomalies as well as in pathologic conditions related to HSK. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy and the simplicity of a modified open transvesical prostatectomy for large prostates (>80 mL). Methods: A total of 165 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia were treated with transvesical prostatectomy through a 3-cm incision. Prostate size was 85-144 cm3 (mean 101 cm3). Surgery is performed as the standard transvesical prostatectomy but skin incision is much smaller (proximately 3 cm), whereas muscle incision underneath is about 7 cm long. Prostate adenoma was removed with finger dissection without the placement of hemostatic sutures. Results: Operation time was 15-36 minutes (mean 24 minutes). Catheter was removed on the third day and patients left the hospital after successful voiding. Preoperative hematocrit was 40.6-49.2 (mean 43.4), while postoperative hematocrit was 28.3-42.4 (mean 38.3). Transfusion rate was 0-3 blood units (mean 1 U). Mean preoperative flow was 11.5 cm/s and mean postoperative flow was 22.3 cm/s. Mean IPSS score improve from 28 preoperatively to 15 postoperatively. Conclusions: Open transvesical prostatectomy with a 3-cm incision is a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of large prostates (>80 mL) in which transurethral prostatectomy or laser prostatectomy may not be the first choice. © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), and the alterations induced by ageing on quality of life, urinary and sexual function, and bother. We evaluated 283 patients who filled in and returned the questionnaire used. A total of 105 were treated with RP and were selected prostate cancer patients with localised disease without recurrences. An additional 98 underwent TURP for BPH and a third group consisted of 80 apparently healthy men. The general quality of life was estimated by the Rand 36-Item Health Survey 1.0. Urinary function was estimated by the AUA Symptom Index and the UCLA Prostate Cancer Index (urinary function and bother scale). Sexual function and bother, were explored using the Brief Male Sexual Function Inventory for Urology. Patient outcome 2 years post treatment was compared to the pre-treatment status and to that of the matched control population. General quality of life was not affected by RP or TURP, with the exception of an increase in the emotional/well being domain in RP patients to control group levels. After RP there was more bother reported for the urinary function than urinary malfunction itself, while TURP, as expected, restored urinary function and bother to normal population norms. Elderly males had urinary function and bother similar to the operated patients. Estimating sexual function on RP patients, erectile dysfunction (ED) predominates, leading to decreased sexual life. TURP marginally affects sexual life, mainly due to the loss of ejaculation, while in men from the control group, sexual function, although affected, was still present.

Objectives. To provide information about the long-term efficacy of transvesical prostatectomy from a contemporary series of patients. When comparing minimally invasive procedures with open prostatectomy, the data for the latter are usually provided from old studies or from recent ones performed in developing countries. However, this procedure is still used frequently for large-size prostates. Methods. During a 5-year period, 232 patients with large (greater than 75 g) prostates underwent open transvesical prostatectomy for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. Patient charts were retrospectively reviewed for preoperative and postoperative International Prostate Symptom Scores, postvoid residual urine volumes, maximal flow rates, early and late postoperative complications, and the need for reoperation. The preoperative International Prostate Symptom Score, postvoid residual urine volume, and maximal flow rate were compared with the corresponding postoperative data at 8 to 12 months and at the last follow-up visit. Results. Complete data evaluation was possible for 151 patients, with a mean follow-up of 41.8 +/- 15.6 months. Improvement in International Prostate Symptom Score, postvoid residual urine volume, and maximal flow rate was statistically significant (P < 0.001) at 8 to 12 months and remained statistically significant at the last follow-up visit. Long-term complications included bladder neck contraction in 5 (3.3%) occurring at a mean of 10 months (range 5 to 17), urethral strictures in 1 (0.6%), and meatal stenosis in 2 (1.3%) of 151 patients. Re-operation was required in 6 patients (3.9%). Conclusions. Transvesical prostatectomy in a contemporary series of patients proved to be successful, with a low rate of complications. Its success has a durable effect and only rarely was a corrective procedure necessary. This approach should be included in the list of possible treatments to discuss with the patient with a large prostate. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc.

Objective: Stricture of the vesicourethral anastomosis remains a well-documented complication after radical retropubic prostatectomy. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective study of 294 patients with prostate cancer who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy. Possible correlations between anastomotic stricture formation, tumor stage, positive surgical margins, number of anastomotic sutures, bladder neck preservation, urine leakage, previous prostate surgery and/or intraoperative blood loss were examined. Results: An anastomotic stricture was found in 18 cases (6%) requiring some kind of treatment. In 10 patients (56%), the bladder neck stricture occurred within 3 months after surgery, in 5 (28%) at 4 - 12 months after surgery and in 3 (16%) more than 12 months after surgery. Intraoperative blood loss (>1,000 ml) was found to be significantly correlated with urinary leakage (p < 0.001) and both correlated with anastomotic stricture formation ( p < 0.005). Conclusion: Excessive intraoperative blood loss (>1,000 ml) and urine leakage was found to be significantly correlated to the formation of anastomotic stricture following radical retropubic prostatectomy. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Purpose: To investigate the effects of shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) on blood pressure with the use of 24-hour ambulatory blood-pressure monitoring (ABPM). Patients and Methods: We studied three groups of patients. Group I consisted of 60 patients with kidney stones treated with SWL. Group II was formed by 30 patients with stones in the lower third of the ureter treated in situ with SWL, and group III consisted of 30 patients with ureteral stones treated with ureteroscopy (URS). The ABPM measurements were performed before stone treatment, immediately after, and then every 3 months through 1 year. Results: There was no new onset of hypertension in any group. The prevalences of hypertension before stone treatment were 21 (35%), 12 (40%), and 9 (30%) for groups I, II, and III, respectively. One-year post treatment, the numbers of hypertensive patients found for groups I, II, and III were 15 (25%), 11 (33.3%), and 8 (22.2%), respectively. In group I, a statistically significant decrease in blood pressure values was noted 1 year post-treatment (p < 0.05). This decrease was related (p < 0.05) to the power (r = 0.35), as well as to the product of the number and the power (r = 0.25), of the shockwaves applied. Conclusion: Extracorporeal lithotripsy for kidney stone may be responsible for a drop in blood pressure possibly caused by alteration in intrarenal metabolism.

Purpose: We report the continence status and urodynamic findings in 59 patients who underwent radical cystectomy and orthotopic bladder reconstruction using a modified S-ileal neobladder technique between January 1993 and July 2002. Materials and Methods: Continence status was assessed using patient interview, frequency-volume charts and the need for protective devices. Reservoir sensation, compliance, capacity and activity were assessed by enterocystometry. Post-void residual urine volume greater than 100 ml was the indication for clean intermittent self-catheterization. Results: Daytime continence was reported by 95.5% and 100% of our patients at 1 and 5 years, respectively. Overall, 77.7% of patients reported nighttime continence at 1 year and 96.5% at 5 years. The need for a protective device decreased with time and most of the patients would have undergone the operation again. Enterocystometric capacity and maximum reservoir pressure remained remarkably stable at 391.6 versus 440 ml, and 30 versus 20 cm H2O, 6 months and 5 years after surgery, respectively. Nevertheless, median post-void residual urine volume increased from 35 ml at 6 months to 55 ml at 5 years with an increase in prevalence of patients requiring intermittent self catheterization due to post-void residual urine greater than 100 ml from 1.8% at 6 months to 10% at 5 years. Conclusions: Orthotopic bladder substitution with the modified S-ileal neobladder technique has an excellent functional outcome over time, resulting in high daytime and nighttime continence levels as well as high acceptability rates from our patients.

We present an unusual case of solitary renal mass that histological examination following nephrectomy confirms that it was a neurofibroma. Neoplasmatic markers though, were found elevated and chromosomal analysis revealed a Karyotype similar to the one found in adenocarcinomas of the kidney.

A case of rupture of the upper ureter following creation of a continent orthotopic neobladder, treated conservatively with percutaneous nephrostomy and drainage of a paranephric collection, is reported.

Our aim was to compare the stone free rate and the financial cost between in situ and after manipulation shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) for proximal ureteral stones. A total of 130 patients with proximal ureteral stones were prospectively randomized into two groups. Sixty-five patients (group 1) underwent SWL in situ and 65 patients (group 2) underwent SWL after an attempt was made to push back the stone into the kidney with the help of a ureteral catheter. The mean per person financial cost of both techniques was estimated after a follow up period of 3 months. The stone free rate 1 month post treatment was 83% (54/65 patients) for group 1 and 95% (62/65) for group 2. The higher success rate at 1 month for the pushback group was statistically significant (P=0.04) but was correlated with a higher cost (e852 vs e1,008.5). Fifteen additional sessions of SWL and follow up visits were needed in group 1, therefore making the final costs of the two therapeutic pathways almost equal (e1,050.9 vs e1,088.9), with no great difference in the overall fragmentation rates at 3 months between groups (94% and 97%, respectively). Stone manipulation offers higher stone free rates faster than in situ extracorporeal SWL, but is more expensive. This disparity in cost is diminished when costs are corrected for follow-ups and treatment of complications.

This study assesses the correlation of p53 immunoreactivity and DNA ploidy status with biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy. p53 protein expression and DNA ploidy were evaluated on 84 archival paraffin-embedded radical prostatectomy specimens. Patients were divided into two groups: those with low (38/84, 45%) and those with high (46/84, 55%) p53 immunoreactivity. The results were correlated with Gleason score, stage and serum PSA. Kaplan-Meier biochemical recurrence free survival and the Cox hazard-regression model were used for analysis. Multivariate analysis revealed p53, DNA ploidy, Gleason score, PSA and stage to be independent prognostic factors in this order. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a significant difference in biochemical recurrence when p53 high expression and DNA aneuploidy were combined. The results of this study suggest that stratification for p53 expression and DNA ploidy status can provide additional prognostic information for patients with prostate carcinoma after radical prostatectomy.

Introduction: Impacted stones are those that remain unchanged in the same location for at least 2 months. Materials and Methods: We evaluated 42 patients with impacted ureteral stones, and followed them for two and a half years to check for long-term results. The calculi location included all three segments of the ureter (proximal, mid and distal). Patients’ age ranged from 22 to 83 years (mean 52.5 years). Primarily, patients were manipulated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in situ, or following stenting. If the result was not satisfactory, then we proceeded to retrograde ureteroscopy and ureterolithotripsy. Open ureterolithotomy was our final choice. Results: Thirty-six of the 42 patients (85.7%) were stone-free without the need of an open procedure. Follow-up period ranged from 10 up to 40 months, with a median period of 30 months and was achieved in 30 patients (71.4%). Stone recurrence was noted in 4 cases, while hydronephrosis without evidence of stone presence in 2. Conclusions:The initial approach for the treatment of impacted lithiasis should be attempted by ESWL. If this fails, alternative therapeutic solutions such as endoscopy can result in removal of the stone. Copyright (C) 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel.

We report a case of solitary neurofibroma of the spermatic cord. Such benign tumors arise from perineural and Schwann cells and may be located in various parts of the body, but are rarely observed in the spermatic cord. No clinical or laboratorial manifestations of von Recklinghausen disease (Neurofibromatosis) were identified. Distinct criteria have been established for a diagnosis of von Recklinghausen disease, so that a solitary neurofibroma may not represent this complex. Only a little number of solitary neurofibromas of the spermatic cord are reported in the literature.

Background and Purpose: During recent years, survival of patients with invasive bladder cancer has been improved by early diagnosis and radical treatment. Urinary lithiasis is not rare in patients who have been submitted to radical cystectomy and urinary diversion. We have demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of SWL for these patients. Patients and Methods: We studied 11 patients who presented to our lithotripsy department suffering from urinary lithiasis after radical cystectomy. They were all cancer free at the time of treatment, and all underwent SWL on the Dornier HM-3 lithotripter as a first-line treatment. The mean stone burden was 1.85 cm(2), and the stone-to-patient ratio was 1:1. Results: The stone-free rate 1 month after SWL was 63.7%. Patients who were not stone free underwent a second SWL, and the stone-free rate after the second SWL session was 81.8%. We performed percutaneous nephrolithotripsy in one patient after the second SWL session because of the large stone burden remaining (3.2 cm(2)). The remaining patient was submitted to ureterolithotomy. Conclusion: Application of SWL gives very good results in the treatment of urinary lithiasis in patients with a urinary diversion. Indeed, the results are equivalent to those achieved in patients without urinary diversion.