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Background: Urethral calculi causing acute urinary retention is a highly uncommon condition in women, which poses distinctive difficulties in diagnosis and treatment. This report presents the case of a 52-year-old woman who experienced acute urinary retention caused by a urethral stone. It emphasizes the effective use of minimally invasive methods and underscores the importance of comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment. Case presentation: A 52-year-old woman patient arrived with acute urinary retention symptoms that lasted 6 hours. She complained of pain in the perineal and periurethral regions. She struggled with poorly managed type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and frequent cystitis. The examination showed the presence of a 2-cm stone in the urethra. The treatment utilised retrograde propulsion and laser fragmentation. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging results were normal, and follow-up care involved managing diabetes and adopting lifestyle changes to prevent the recurrence of cystitis and stones for 6 months. Conclusion: Urethral calculi exceptionally cause acute urinary retention in women. To achieve successful outcomes and prevent recurrence, it is crucial to prioritize prompt, minimally invasive treatment, and comprehensive management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Minimally invasive treatment has become the most popular and effective treatment for pelvic fractures. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new technique, titanium elastic nailing (TEN), for the minimally invasive treatment of pelvic fractures. Method: Twenty-four patients with pelvic fractures were referred to us between January 2020 to January 2022, including sixteen males and 8 females. Pelvic fractures were temporarily fixed by pelvic fixation belt accompanied by traction from the lower limb bone. Anterior pelvic ring injuries (superior ramus of pubis) and ilium fractures were treated with closed reduction and intramedullary fixation with minimally invasive TEN. Intraoperative C-arm, including pelvic anteroposterior, pelvic outlet, inlet and ilium oblique views, and O-arm fluoroscopy (intraoperative CT) were employed to assess fractures reduction and determine the location of the elastic titanium nail within the bone channel. Results: By adopting closed reduction and minimally invasive incision techniques, pelvic fractures could be safely fixed by placing an elastic titanium nail in the osseous medullary cavity channels of the pelvis. Postoperative investigation indicated that the wounds of all patients were healed in the first stage without any occurrence of complications, such as injuries to the nerves, blood vessels, and important tissue structures. Patients are essential quickly after the operation and could perform the functional exercise in the early stages of the recovery. Conclusion: TEN can be used for minimally invasive treatment of pelvic fractures. This novel technique has no obvious complications and is worthwhile in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the presence of a consistent osseous corridor from the lateral-posterior aspect of the anterior inferior iliac spine to the sacral wing that could be used for safe trans percutaneous screw fixation for pelvic fragility fractures of the iliac wing and fracture dislocations of the sacroiliac joint (FFP types IIIa and IIIb). Computed tomography (CT) scans were obtained from 100 patients and imported to Mimics software for 3D reconstruction. Then, a cylinder was drawn to imitate the modified LC-II screw and adjusted to a maximum radius and length to obtain the feasible region. Thirteen parameters of the osseous corridor of the modified LC-II screw were measured. Differences between sex groups were compared, and significant statistical correlations were carefully studied to determine potentially important clinical relationships. The records of patients with FFP type IIIa and IIIb fragility fractures of the pelvis were extracted from our hospital. Patients who underwent modified LC-II screw fixation, LC-II screw fixation or reconstruction plate fixation were included. Patients' operative characteristics and complications were recorded at follow-up. Fracture reduction quality was assessed using the Matta standard. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Majeed grading system. The mean maximum diameters of the osseous corridors of the modified LC-II screw in males and females were 12.73 and 10.83 mm, respectively. The mean maximum lengths of the osseous corridors of the modified LC-II screw in males and females were 96.37 and 93.37 mm, respectively. In the treatment of patients with FFP IIIa and FFP IIIb fractures, the group of treatment by the modified LC-II screws fixation was shown significantly shorter operative time and fewer intraoperative blood loss in comparison to that by the reconstruction plates. In the present study, all the males and females had a complete osseous corridor of the modified LC-II screw. The clinical results of the patients who were treated with modified LC-II screw fixation suggest that the novel method has a good preliminary outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract To determine the presence of a consistent osseous corridor from the lateral-posterior aspect of the anterior inferior iliac spine to the sacral wing that could be used for safe trans percutaneous screw fixation for pelvic fragility fractures of the iliac wing and fracture dislocations of the sacroiliac joint (FFP types IIIa and IIIb). Computed tomography (CT) scans were obtained from 100 patients and imported to Mimics software for 3D reconstruction. Then, a cylinder was drawn to imitate the modified LC-II screw and adjusted to a maximum radius and length to obtain the feasible region. Thirteen parameters of the osseous corridor of the modified LC-II screw were measured. Differences between sex groups were compared, and significant statistical correlations were carefully studied to determine potentially important clinical relationships. The records of patients with FFP type IIIa and IIIb fragility fractures of the pelvis were extracted from our hospital. Patients who underwent modified LC-II screw fixation, LC-II screw fixation or reconstruction plate fixation were included. Patients’ operative characteristics and complications were recorded at follow-up. Fracture reduction quality was assessed using the Matta standard. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Majeed grading system. The mean maximum diameters of the osseous corridors of the modified LC-II screw in males and females were 12.73 and 10.83 mm, respectively. The mean maximum lengths of the osseous corridors of the modified LC-II screw in males and females were 96.37 and 93.37 mm, respectively. In the treatment of patients with FFP IIIa and FFP IIIb fractures, the group of treatment by the modified LC-II screws fixation was shown significantly shorter operative time and fewer intraoperative blood loss in comparison to that by the reconstruction plates. In the present study, all the males and females had a complete osseous corridor of the modified LC-II screw. The clinical results of the patients who were treated with modified LC-II screw fixation suggest that the novel method has a good preliminary outcome.

Spontaneous and isolated necrosis of the falciform ligament is a rare condition. A 55-year-old lady presented with sudden onset of epigastric pain, fever and vomiting. Laboratory studies revealed less than three-fold increase in serum amylase and lipase levels. Ultrasound examination and contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) revealed features suggestive of inflammation and necrosis of the falciform ligament involving ligamentum teres hepatis and extending to the lesser omentum with an adjacent minimal ill-defined collection. Then, conservative management was started. However, the symptoms did not resolve completely. Therefore, CECT scan was repeated 12 days later which showed findings similar to previous scan with expansion and organization of the collection anterior to lesser omentum with peripheral enhancement, suggestive of an abscess. A minimally invasive approach to treatment was adopted. Aspiration of the collection was performed under ultrasound guidance. This was followed by continuation of supportive management. The patient improved clinically and was discharged. This case study highlights the importance of imaging in the diagnosis of falciform ligament necrosis. An innovative minimally invasive approach to treatment in the form of ultrasound guided aspiration may be considered when a collection is present adjacent to the necrosed falciform ligament.

Glioma has a high malignant degree and poor prognosis, which seriously affects the prognosis of patients. Traditional treatment methods mainly include craniotomy tumor resection, postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Although above methods have achieved remarkable curative effect, they still have certain limitations and adverse reactions. With the introduction of the concept of minimally invasive surgery and its clinical application as well as the development and progress of imaging technology, minimally invasive treatment of glioma has become a research hotspot in the field of neuromedicine, including photothermal treatment, photodynamic therapy, laser-induced thermal theraphy and TT-Fields of tumor. These therapeutic methods possess the advantages of precision, minimally invasive, quick recovery and significant curative effect, and have been widely used in clinical practice. The purpose of this review is to introduce the progress of minimally invasive treatment of glioma in recent years and the achievements and prospects for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic pain management remains a challenging aspect of neurosurgical care, with facet arthrosis being a significant contributor to the global burden of low back pain. This study evaluates the effectiveness of cryotherapy as a minimally invasive treatment for patients with facet arthrosis. By focusing on reducing drug dependency and pain intensity, the research aims to contribute to the evolving field of pain management techniques, offering an alternative to traditional pain management strategies. Through a retrospective longitudinal analysis of patients with facet osteoarthritis treated via cryotherapy between 2013 and 2023, we evaluated the impact on medication usage and pain levels, utilizing the Visual Analog Scale for pre- and posttreatment comparisons. The study encompassed 118 subjects, revealing significant pain alleviation, with Visual Analog Scale scores plummeting from 9.0 initially to 2.0 after treatment. Additionally, 67 patients (56.78%) reported decreased medication consumption. These outcomes underscore cryotherapy's potential as a pivotal tool in chronic pain management. The findings illuminate cryotherapy's efficacy in diminishing pain and curtailing medication dependency among patients with facet arthrosis. This study reaffirms cryotherapy's role in pain management and propels the discourse on nontraditional therapeutic avenues, highlighting the urgent need for personalized and innovative treatment frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Percutaneous microwave ablation (pMWA) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a microwave antenna placed at the tip of a needle to induce lethal tissue heating. It can treat cancer and other diseases with lower morbidity than conventional surgery, but one major limitation is the lack of control over the heating region around the ablation needle. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have the potential to enhance and control pMWA heating due to their ability to absorb microwave energy and their ease of local delivery. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to experimentally quantify the capabilities of FDA‐approved superparamagnetic iron oxide Feraheme nanoparticles (FHNPs) to enhance and control pMWA heating. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of locally injected FHNPs in increasing the maximum temperature during pMWA and to investigate the ability of FHNPs to create a controlled ablation zone around the pMWA needle. Methods: PMWA was performed using a clinical ablation system at 915 MHz in ex‐vivo porcine liver tissues. Prior to ablation, 50 uL 5 mg/mL FHNP injections were made on one side of the pMWA needle via a 23‐gauge needle. Local temperatures at the FHNP injection site were directly compared to equidistant control sites without FHNP. First, temperatures were compared using directly inserted thermocouples. Next, temperatures were measured non‐invasively using magnetic resonance thermometry (MRT), which enabled comprehensive four‐dimensional (volumetric and temporal) assessment of heating effects relative to nanoparticle distribution, which was quantified using dual‐echo ultrashort echo time (UTE) subtraction MR imaging. Maximum heating within FHNP‐exposed tissues versus control tissues were compared at multiple pMWA energy delivery settings. The ability to generate a controlled asymmetric ablation zone using multiple FHNP injections was also tested. Finally, intra‐procedural MRT‐derived heat maps were correlated with gold standard gross pathology using Dice similarity analysis. Results: Maximum temperatures at the FHNP injection site were significantly higher than control (without FHNP) sites when measured using direct thermocouples (93.1 ± 6.0°C vs. 57.2 ± 8.1°C, p = 0.002) and using non‐invasive MRT (115.6 ± 13.4°C vs. 49.0 ± 10.6°C, p = 0.02). Temperature difference between FHNP‐exposed and control sites correlated with total energy deposition: 66.6 ± 17.6°C, 58.1 ± 8.5°C, and 20.8 ± 9.2°C at high (17.5 ± 2.2 kJ), medium (13.6 ± 1.8 kJ), and low (8.8 ± 1.1 kJ) energies, respectively (all pairwise p < 0.05). Each FHNP injection resulted in a nanoparticle distribution within 0.9 ± 0.2 cm radially of the injection site and a local lethal heating zone confined to within 1.1 ± 0.4 cm radially of the injection epicenter. Multiple injections enabled a controllable, asymmetric ablation zone to be generated around the ablation needle, with maximal ablation radius on the FHNP injection side of 1.6 ± 0.2 cm compared to 0.7 ± 0.2 cm on the non‐FHNP side (p = 0.02). MRT intra‐procedural predicted ablation zone correlated strongly with post procedure gold‐standard gross pathology assessment (Dice similarity 0.9). Conclusions: Locally injected FHNPs significantly enhanced pMWA heating in liver tissues, and were able to control the ablation zone shape around a pMWA needle. MRI and MRT allowed volumetric real‐time visualization of both FHNP distribution and FHNP‐enhanced pMWA heating that was useful for intra‐procedural monitoring. This work strongly supports further development of a FHNP‐enhanced pMWA paradigm; as all individual components of this approach are approved for patient use, there is low barrier for clinical translation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the efficiency of posterolateral approach in the treatment of single-segment nonspecific lumbar spondylodiscitis by observation of the clinical results of posterior lateral percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic debridement (PTED) approach and posterior single segmental lumbar debridement, bone graft and internal fixation in the treatment of single segment nonspecific lumbar spondylodiscitis. Methods In this study, 42 patients (males 24 and females 18 with an average age of 54 years) with nonspecific lumbar spondylodiscitis treated in the Department of Orthopaedics of the 1st Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from June 2016 to June 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. They were divided into group A (n = 21) and group B (n = 21). All the patients in group A were treated with posterolateral percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic debridement combined with soft tissue immersion to improve the detection rate of etiology. All the patients in group B were treated with posterior single-segment lumbar focus debridement, bone graft and internal fixation. The visual analogue scale score of low back pain (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association Lumbar vertebra score (JOA) and lumbar vertebra ODI scale were compared before and after the operation to evaluate the remission of clinical symptoms, infection indexes such as white blood cells, hypersensitive C-reactive protein, ESR, the therapeutic effect of pathogenic drug-resistant bacteria, bacterial culture rate and postoperative complications. Results The positive rate of pathogen culture obtained through posterior lateral percutaneous foramen debridement combined with soft tissue soaking method was 90%. The score of ODI in group A was lower than that in group B on the 7th day after operation. Among the infection indexes, CRP and ESR in group A were much lower than those in group B at 3 and 7 days after the operation, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic debridement (PTED)in the treatment of lumbar spondylodiscitis combined with soft tissue immersion has a high bacterial culture rate, which can effectively reduce the pain of patients, improve the quality of life, and significantly reduce the index of infection. it is safe and effective for high-risk patients with multiple underlying diseases, strong bacterial virulence, high fever, high inflammation index, high risk of infection with internal fixation and inability to tolerate general anesthesia surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) is inflammation of the pelvic organs, mainly originating from the lower genital tract and intestinal tract. Treatment options include antibiotic therapy, surgical drainage, and radiologically guided (interventional) drainage. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the treatment method to be chosen and thus to manage patients with tuba ovarian abscesses (TOAs) most accurately. Material and methods: This is a retrospective cohort study, and patients who applied to a tertiary center diagnosed with tuba ovarian abscess (TOA) were included. TOA size (cm), pre-treatment C-reactive protein (CRP) value, pre-treatment white blood cell (WBC) value, previous operation type, postoperative complication, and antibiotics used were screened. Results: 305 patients were included in the study, and medical treatment was applied to 140 patients, organ-sparing surgical drainage to 50 patients, and surgical treatment to 115 patients. TOA dimensions measured at the time of diagnosis were significantly lower in patients for whom only medical treatment was sufficient. Pre-treatment CRP levels, WBC levels, and length of stay were significantly lower in patients for whom only medical treatment was sufficient. There was no significant difference between the pre-and post-procedure CRP difference, antibiotics, and hospitalization time. Conclusions: Preferring minimally invasive treatment in cases requiring invasive treatment reduces the frequency of complications. Treatment of tuba ovarian abscesses (TOA) with minimally invasive methods will be more beneficial in terms of patient morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To analyze and compare the results of treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis using minimally invasive unilateral decompression and classical laminectomy. Material and Methods. The retrospective comparative monocentric study included 68 patients (2 groups of 34 patients each) operated on in 2018–2021 for spinal stenosis in the lumbar spine who met certain eligibility criteria. Patients of one group were operated on using minimally invasive bilateral decompression through a unilateral approach, while patients in the other group were operated on using classical laminectomy. The results of surgical treatment were compared during 24 months by assessing pre- and postoperative indicators of the intensity of pain in the back and lower extremities using a 10-point VAS, and the patient’s functional activity – using the Oswestry index. Results. A statistically significant clinical effect of surgical treatment was noticed in both groups. At the end of the follow-up period, the results of back pain relief in the minimally invasive surgery group were significantly better (0.3 vs 0.9, respectively), and the improvement in functional activity was comparable to the laminectomy group (8.8 vs 9.8, respectively). A clinical effect of pain relief in the lower extremities was obtained in both groups (up to 1.2 and 1.4, respectively). The length of hospital stay, time to activation, and volume of blood loss were significantly lower in minimally invasive decompression group. Conclusion. Minimally invasive unilateral decompression of the spinal canal for lumbar spinal stenosis demonstrates a better effect in relieving back pain than classical laminectomy, with no significant difference in relieving pain in the lower extremities. The minimally invasive technique allows patients to rehabilitate as quickly as possible and return to everyday life and work. It has socio-economic advantages compared to classical laminectomy – a shorter period of activation and hospital treatment, and less blood loss.

Gastric cancer, a malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality in China, has characteristics such as high heterogeneity and poor prognosis. With the advent of the 21st century, significant progress has been made in gastric cancer diagnosis and treatment due to the rapid development of genomics, laparoscopic minimally invasive techniques, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. This article summarized the important research progress in the field of gastric cancer prevention and treatment since the 21st century, and looked forward to the future. We hope to make greater progress and breakthroughs in early screening, diagnosis and precise treatment of gastric cancer, further improve the overall survival rate of patients, and transform gastric cancer into a controllable “chronic disease”.

Abstract Background Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent immune-related allergic disease, and corticosteroid nasal sprays serve as the primary treatment for this patient population. However, their short duration of efficacy and frequent administration pose challenges, leading to drug wastage and potential adverse effects. To overcome these limitations, we devised a novel approach to formulate DEX-Gel by incorporating dexamethasone (DEX) into a blend of Pluronic F127, stearic acid (SA), and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400) to achieve sustained-release treatment for AR. Results Following endoscopic injection into the nasal mucosa of AR rats, DEX-Gel exhibited sustained release over a 14-day period. In vivo trials employing various assays, such as flow cytometry (FC), demonstrated that DEX-Gel not only effectively managed allergic symptoms but also significantly downregulated helper T-cells (TH) 2 and TH2-type inflammatory cytokines (e.g., interleukins 4, 5, and 13). Additionally, the TH1/TH2 cell ratio was increased. Conclusion This innovative long-acting anti-inflammatory sustained-release therapy addresses the TH1/TH2 immune imbalance, offering a promising and valuable approach for the treatment of AR and other inflammatory nasal diseases. Graphical Abstract

Аim: to improve the results of treatment of patients with rectal fistula.Materials and methods. Twenty-eight patients with rectal fistulas were included in the study — 20 (71,4 %) men and 8 (28,6 %) women, average age — 40 (24–68) years. Based on examination and transrectal ultrasound data, 13 (46.4 %) patients had intrasphincteric fistulas and 15 (53.6 %) had transsphincteric fistulas. All patients underwent prehospital transrectal ultrasound and sphincterometry to assess the functional state of the anal sphincter, and the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire and Wexner scale assessing the functional status of the anal sphincter were analyzed. All patients, included in the study, had straight fistulous passage, without collections and significant scarring of the anal canal. Patients underwent two-stage surgical treatment using low-thrombin fibrin glue “Kriofit”. Follow-up of the patients was carried out on days 7, 14, 21 and included collection of complaints, examination of the perianal area, finger examination of the rectum. In the postoperative period, the intensity of pain syndrome was assessed using the visual analog scale of pain. On days 30 and 90 control transrectal ultrasound, sphincterometry, assessment of Wexner scale and patients' quality of life by SF-36 questionnaire on days 7 and 30 after the operation were performed. Results. There were no intraoperative and early postoperative complications among patients. The average bed-day was 6.8 (5–11) days. The follow-up periods ranged from 1 to 42 months. Disease recurrences were diagnosed in 3 (10.7 %) patients. According to the sphincterometry data, no anal holding dysfunction was detected in any of 28 patients.Conclusion. The results of our study have shown that the division of preliminary surgical treatment of the fistulous passage followed by local anti-inflammatory treatment and filling of the wound canal with two-component fibrin glue with low thrombin content “Kriofit” into two stages effectively increases the results of the proposed technique. The use of fibrin glue as a sphincter-preserving technique makes it possible to exclude the development of postoperative anal incontinence, and new technologies and materials reduce the risk of disease recurrence.

Although near‐infrared (NIR) light‐based photothermal therapies have shown therapeutic potential for infected wounds, the attenuation of NIR light intensity in tissue has severely limited the usage in deep bacterial infections. Herein, magneto‐thermal responsive bilayer microneedles (Fe‐Se‐HA MNs) consisting of functionalized hyaluronic acid (HA), ferro‐ferric oxide (Fe3O4), and micelle‐protected selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs@LAS) are constructed to overcome this challenge based on a self‐designed disk‐shaped electromagnetic field device (Disk‐ZVS). The electromagnetic field generated by the Disk‐ZVS shows virtually no intensity attenuation in living tissue. Finite element simulations showed that the field intensity and electromagnetic loss are concentrated on the tips of Fe‐Se‐HA MNs. The MNs are able to puncture hard scabs, penetrate into bacterial biofilms, and perform effective magnetic‐thermal conversion for deep hyperthermia sterilization. Following, the Fe‐Se‐HA MNs can be gradually degraded by excessive hyaluronidase in diabetic wound to release SeNPs, which reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) to regulate wound redox homeostasis. Meanwhile, the SeNPs are beneficial to angiogenesis, which facilitates blood vessel formation and promotes wound repair. Therefore, various functions can be achieved for the Fe‐Se‐HA MNs, such as magneto‐thermal disinfection, deep and non‐invasive tissue penetration, anti‐inflammation, and pro‐angiogenesis, which shows great potential as an adjunctive therapy for infected diabetic wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purse-string suture with nylon cords and metal clips under the endoscope is a novel therapeutic technique which is minimally invasive and it is particularly indicated for the closure and repair of gastrointestinal fistula or perforations such as duodenal fistulae. Duodenal fistulae are often caused by medical manipulation, disease progression or trauma. Once this occurs, it leads to a series of pathophysiologic changes and a variety of complications. In most cases, these complications will exacerbate the damage to the organism, and the complications are difficult to treat and can lead to infections, nutrient loss, multi-organ dysfunction and many other adverse effects. In this case report, the use of endoscopic nylon cords combined with purse-string suture and metal clips in the treatment of duodenal fistula is presented and discussed. The patient was treated with endoscopic purse-string suture and the duodenal fistula was significantly improved. The results indicate that endoscopic purse-string suture is an effective strategy for the treatment of duodenal fistulae.

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a common disease in orthopedics. The American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN) published a new version of minimally invasive treatment practice guidelines in 2022 to improve the clinical efficacy of LSS. A total of seven treatments for LSS were included in the guidelines, including percutaneous image-guided lumbar decompression (PILD), interspinous spacers (ISP), interspinous fusion (ISF), intrathecal drug delivery systems (IDDS), spinal cord stimulation (SCS), epidural steroid injections (ESI) and open decompression. Based on the guidelines, this paper summarizes and discusses the research progress of minimally invasive treatment of LSS in the context of the clinical situation, aiming to provide a reference for clinicians and further related researches.

Central nervous system (CNS) tumors pose a substantial risk to human health. Conventional therapeutic modalities, including surgical excision, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, exhibit inherent limitations and adverse effects. Nonetheless, the emergence of minimally invasive surgical techniques and advanced imaging technology have spurred research interest in the realm of neurology toward developing minimally invasive treatments for neurosurgical tumors. These approaches encompass tumor laser interstitial thermal therapy, tumor treating fields, photodynamic therapy, and other related interventions. Minimally invasive treatments offer notable advantages, such as reduced tissue trauma, expedited recovery, and pronounced therapeutic efficacy, rendering them extensively employed in clinical settings. This comprehensive review aims to elucidate accomplishments in the field of minimally invasive CNS tumor treatments while delineating prospective avenues for future development.

Purpose of Review: Craniopharyngiomas represent one of the most challenging diseases to treat. Despite their benign histology, and after many decades of surgical experience and technological advancements, there is still no clear consensus regarding the most effective management for this tumor. Due to their location and aggressive local characteristics, purely surgical approaches all too often result in unacceptable morbidity. Recent Findings: Partial resection combined with radiation therapy results in similar control rates when compared to aggressive surgery, while also minimalizing the neuro-endocrinological morbidity. Summary: In this manuscript, we describe the historical progression of the shifting strategies in the management of pediatric craniopharyngioma. Time has also altered our expectations for outcomes, evolving from purely morbidity and mortality to simple Glasgow Outcomes Scales, now to formal neuro-psychometric and quality of life data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the effect of oxygen-ozone therapy guided by percutaneous Computed Tomography (CT) compared to corticosteroids in individuals experiencing lower back pain (LBP) not attributed to underlying bone-related issues. Methods: A total of 321 patients (192 males and 129 females, mean age: 51.5 ± 15.1 years) with LBP were assigned to three treatment groups: group A) oxygen-ozone only, group B) corticosteroids only, group C) oxygen-ozone and corticosteroids. Treatment was administered via CT-guided injections to the intervertebral disc (i.e., intradiscal location). Clinical improvement of pain and functionality was assessed via self-reported pain scales and magnetic resonance (MR) and CT imaging. Results: At all follow-up times, the mean score of the numeric rating scale and the total global pain scale (GPS) of study groups receiving oxygen-ozone (groups A and C) were statistically significantly lower than the study group receiving corticosteroids only (group B), with p < 0.001. There was a statistically significant difference between groups A and C at 30 days for the numeric rating scale. Conclusions: The percutaneous application of oxygen-ozone in patients with LBP due to degeneration of the lumbosacral spine showed long-lasting significant pain reduction of up to two years post-treatment when compared to corticosteroids alone. Combination therapy of oxygen-ozone and corticosteroids can be useful as corticosteroids showed statistically significant improvement in LBP earlier than the oxygen-ozone-only treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central nervous system (CNS) tumors pose a substantial risk to human health. Conventional therapeutic modalities, including surgical excision, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, exhibit inherent limitations and adverse effects. Nonetheless, the emergence of minimally invasive surgical techniques and advanced imaging technology have spurred research interest in the realm of neurology toward developing minimally invasive treatments for neurosurgical tumors. These approaches encompass tumor laser interstitial thermal therapy, tumor treating fields, photodynamic therapy, and other related interventions. Minimally invasive treatments offer notable advantages, such as reduced tissue trauma, expedited recovery, and pronounced therapeutic efficacy, rendering them extensively employed in clinical settings. This comprehensive review aims to elucidate accomplishments in the field of minimally invasive CNS tumor treatments while delineating prospective avenues for future development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple bone cysts (SBCs) are benign cavitary lesions that most commonly affect adolescent males in the first 2 decades of life. They are mainly asymptomatic but can manifest with pain or pathological fractures. Despite numerous proposed methods for managing calcaneal SBCs, the optimal approach toward these lesions remains controversial. Herein, we report a case of a 16-year-old girl with a calcaneal SBC. On local examination, tenderness was the only noteworthy sign. In an outpatient setting, under conscious sedation, 2 interosseous needles were simultaneously inserted into the cyst under the guidance of CT fluoroscopy. Without aspiration, a radiopaque bone cement mixture was injected into the cyst from 1 needle until serosanguineous fluid efflux from the second needle ceased. Over a 2-year follow-up period, the patient recovered without any complications. This novel technique has the potential to be used as a feasible and minimally invasive approach in the management of symptomatic unicameral calcaneal bone cysts.

With the widespread use of sensitive imaging techniques, which include neck visualization, a conspicuous number of thyroid nodules emerge and demand attention. Most lesions are benign, asymptomatic, and do not warrant treatment. In the case of cancer diagnosis, most are small, intrathyroidal and indolent neoplasms that can safely be managed conservatively. There is a pronounced need for more cost-effective, risk-adapted approaches to the management of this highly prevalent condition, taking the wishes of the patient into consideration. Thus, the present guidelines aim at providing a clinical practice guide for the initial workup and the subsequent management of adult individuals harboring thyroid nodules. Importantly, these guidelines are not intended to cover the management of thyroid malignancy. The manuscript and the specific recommendations were developed by reconciling the best available research evidence with the knowledge and clinical experience of the panelists and updating aspects of a number of previous European Thyroid Association guidelines.

Abstract Spinal metastasis is a common secondary malignant tumor of the bone, often resulting in spinal cord and nerve root compression, leading to obvious pain and related compression symptoms. This condition has a high incidence and mortality rate. The treatment approach for most patients with spinal metastasis is primarily palliative. Consultation with a multidisciplinary team is widely accepted as a comprehensive treatment approach for patients with spinal metastases. With advancements in research and technology, the evaluation and treatment of spinal metastatic cancer are continuously evolving. This study provides an overview of surgical treatment, minimally invasive treatment, and radiotherapy for spinal metastatic cancer and also analyzes the clinical effects, advantages, and current limitations associated with various treatment approaches.

Background: Oncoplastic surgery (OPS) reliability in the post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) setting is still debated due to weak scientific evidences in such scenarios. Methods: Our analysis aims to report results obtained in a retrospective series of 111 patients consecutively treated with level II OPS after NACT at the Multidisciplinary Breast Center of the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS between 1998 and 2018. The surgical endpoints were the mean specimen volume, rates of positive margins (PMR), re-excision (RR), conversion to mastectomy (CMR), and complications (CR). The oncological endpoints were overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and local recurrence (LR). To evaluate the impact of NACT on surgical and oncological outcomes at 302 months, we conducted a propensity score matching, pairing patients in post-NACT and upfront surgery groups. Results: The mean sample volume was 390,796 mm3. We registered a 3.6% of PMR, 1.8% RR, 0.9% CMR, 5% CR. The 10-year OS and 10-year DFS with a median follow-up of 88 months (6–302) were 79% and 76%, respectively, with an LR recurrence rate of 5%. The post-NACT group received significantly larger excised volumes and lower PMR. NACT did not affect surgical and oncological outcomes. Conclusions: Level II OPS can be considered a reliable alternative to mastectomy even in the post-NACT setting.

Objective Acromioclavicular joint dislocation is one of the most common shoulder injuries in young men. With the advancement of minimally invasive technology, arthroscopy of acromioclavicular joint dislocation has been recognized for its good curative effect. This study aimed to explore the technical details and clinical efficacy of a modified minimally invasive endoscopic treatment for acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Methods Clinical data of patients receiving the three‐incision endoscopic treatment were retrospectively reviewed between July 2013 and July 2019. A total of 72 patients with acromioclavicular joint dislocation of Rockwood type III (n = 42) and type V (n = 30) were included in this study. Postoperative routine radiography was performed to evaluate acromioclavicular joint reduction and fixation. In addition, functional recovery of the shoulder joint was assessed using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Constant–Murley scores. Differences between the preoperative and postoperative data were compared using paired t‐tests. Results All patients underwent loop plate elastic fixation under endoscopy during 24 to 48 months of follow‐up. Postoperative radiography showed that the acromioclavicular joint achieved anatomical reduction. The ASES score (91.1 ± 4.2) was significantly improved compared to the preoperative ASES score (62.4 ± 3.1) (t = 46.65, P

Hemorrhoids, the most common anorectal disease, give rise to symptoms such as bleeding, prolapse, and pruritus. The treatment for advanced hemorrhoids (Grade III or IV) is gradually shifting toward minimally invasive procedures. These procedures focus on reduction of blood flow in hemorrhoids. Conventional hemorrhoidectomy (CH), also known as Milligan-Morgan or Ferguson hemorrhoidectomy, is considered as the standard treatment for Grade III and IV hemorrhoids because it achieves the lowest recurrence rate. Over the years, alternative minimally invasive techniques such as stapled hemorrhoidopexy and transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) have been developed. A new, effective sclerosant, aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid (ALTA), has been developed in Japan and has been used for all grades of hemorrhoids; however, its effectiveness declines over time. Other minimally invasive, nonsurgical procedures, including rubber band ligation, endoscopic injection sclerotherapy, and infrared coagulation, have also been performed for Grade III hemorrhoids. Those minimally invasive treatments improve bleeding and prolapse and are highly recommended for patients who are unfit for CH. THD with mucopexy or ALTA sclerotherapy has also been performed for Grade IV hemorrhoids. However, the recurrence rate after ALTA sclerotherapy for Grade IV hemorrhoids was higher than that for Grade III lesions in our case study. In conclusion, minimally invasive treatments are a valid alternative for patients with advanced hemorrhoids after clear explanation of recurrence rates and possible complications.

Purpose: This study assessed the efficacy, safety and durability outcomes of water vapor thermal therapy with Rezum in a real-world cohort of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostate obstruction. Methods: Consecutive, unselected patients undergoing Rezum treatment between January 2014 and August 2022 were candidates for this pragmatic, observational, longitudinal, single-center cohort study. Pre- and perioperative data were descriptively summarized. The primary outcome was surgical efficacy, determined by International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Quality of Life (QoL) Score, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), post-void residual (PVR) volume and prostate volume (PV) at baseline, 2 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and > 2 years. Results: A total of 211 patients were enrolled for analysis. Overall, catheter removal was successful in 92.4% of patients after a median of 5 days. A preoperative catheter and the presence of a median lobe increased the risk of unsuccessful catheter removal. In total, 5.7% of patients were reoperated after a median of 407 days. Comparing baseline to the longest median follow-up, the postoperative IPSS decreased significantly by 65.7%, the QoL Score declined by 66.7% (both until a maximum median of 4.5 years) and Qmax improved by 66.7% (until 3.9 years). Post-void residual volume and PV were reduced by 85.7% (3.7 years) and 47% (4.0 years), respectively. Clavien–Dindo complication ≤ II occurred in 11.8%. Conclusion: Rezum is a safe minimally invasive treatment option in a real-world patient cohort with a beneficial improvement of micturition symptoms and voiding function during follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To study long-term effects in patients treated with microwave ablation (MWA) for symptomatic uterine fibroids and investigate fibroid characteristics predictive of successful treatment.Method Women who received MWA treatment for uterine fibroids in a previous study were included. A total of 16 patients underwent contrast enhanced MRI before treatment, postoperatively at 6 months and at long-term follow-up, to assess volumes of treated fibroids (n = 42). Long-term MRI was performed between 16 and 36 months after treatment [median 22 months, interquartile range (IQR) 18.5–27]. Validated questionnaires for evaluation of uterine fibroid symptoms and menstrual bleeding (UFS-QoL and PBAC) were used to assess long-term effects on symptoms. The degree of shrinkage was correlated to vascularization and T2 signal intensity (SI) at preoperative MRI and location of fibroids according to the FIGO classification, using the Mann–Whitney U test.Results Most patients (82%) reported improvement up to 3 years after treatment. Out of 42 treated fibroids, 35 (83%) continued to shrink over time with median relative volume reduction of 77% (IQR 39–95). For eight fibroids (19%) which showed low vascularization on the pretreatment MRI, there was less shrinkage compared to well-vascularized fibroids (p = 0.01). Most fibroids (79%) showed iso- to hyperintense T2 signal on preoperative MRI and showed a higher grade of shrinkage than hypointense fibroids (p = 0.02).Conclusion After microwave treatment improvement is maintained for most patients up to 36 months and most fibroids showed continuous shrinkage. Preoperative vascularization, high T2 SI and submucosal location predicted continuous volume reduction. However, to confirm this, larger studies are needed.

The technique and concept of surgical treatment of esophageal cancer are constantly progressing. Using a combination of transcervical mediastinoscopy and robotic systems, this approach facilitates upper mediastinal operations without the need for thoracic manipulation. Its potential advantages comprise shorter operation times, reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and fewer pulmonary complications. Additionally, patients unfit for traditional thoracic surgery might benefit from this approach. This article aims to introduce and share the surgical techniques and prospects of robot-assisted transmediastinal esophagectomy.

The OBJECTIVE was to demonstrate an original minimally invasive way to restore the continuity of the lobar duct after its complete intersection.METHODS AND MATERIALS. The study included 3 patients aged 38, 56 and 69 years who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis, cholecystolithiasis in various medical institutions of the city. In all patients, the intersection of the right lobar duct with the formation of an external biliary fistula in the postoperative period was revealed. RESULTS. All patients underwent recanalization of the crossed duct on the first attempt. After the fistula was formed on the frame drainage, the flow of bile through the external biliary fistula gradually regressed: in one patient, bile leakage from the abdominal cavity stopped after two days, in two patients after a week. Drainages from the subhepatic space were removed in all patients on the 9th day after restoration of the continuity of the intersect duct. Kehr's drainage was removed after 12 days in one patient, after 21 days in another. Retrograde external drainage was removed from the third patient on the 5th day after restoration of the patency of the duct on the frame drainage. After control X-ray images, the external-internal frame drainages were blocked for patients on the 5-10th day after the operation. There were no leaks of contrast agent through the restored section of the duct.CONCLUSION. The developed method of minimally invasive restoration of continuity and patency of the intersected and excised hepatic duct is an alternative to the traditional reconstructive biliodigestive bypass surgery. Long-term frame drainage of the bile duct in the area of damage allows forming sufficient diameter for an unobstructed passage of bile.

Qing Pu,1,&ast; Lihua Yu,1,&ast; Xinhui Wang,1 Huiwen Yan,1 Yuqing Xie,1 Juan Du,2 Zhiyun Yang1 1Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, People’s Republic of China; 2Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Juan Du, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, People’s Republic of China, Email duj656@163.com Zhiyun Yang, Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +86-10-84322148, Email yangzhiyun2016@163.comPurpose: Minimally invasive treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the main way of treatment, which can cause the change of HCC immune microenvironment. T lymphocytes are an important part of the immune microenvironment and may be powerful predictors of prognosis. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of T lymphocytes on the prognosis of HCC and establish a prognostic model.Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 300 patients with small HCC and developed a clinical prediction model. The selection of modeling variables was performed by combining backward stepwise Cox regression using Akaike’s Information Criteria (AIC) and the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression. Establish a dynamic nomogram model to predict 1-, 2-, and 3-year overall survival (OS). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) was used to verify the model discriminative ability, calibration curve was used to examine the model calibration ability, and decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to evaluate the clinical value.Results: The nomogram to predict the OS of small HCC includes the following four variables: aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alpha fetoprotein (AFP), C-reactive protein (CRP) and CD8+T cell counts, represented liver function index, tumor-related index, Inflammatory index and immune-related index, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) of predicting 1-, 2-, and 3-year overall survival were 0.846, 0.824 and 0.812, and the model was excellent in discrimination, calibration and clinical applicability.Conclusion: Our study provides a nomogram based on CD8+T cell counts that can help predict the prognosis of small HCC after minimally invasive treatment, which suggests that T lymphocytes can be used as a prognostic factor for HCC. Larger trials are needed to verify our results.Keywords: small hepatocellular carcinoma, nomogram, minimally invasive treatment, CD8+T cell counts, overall survival

Abstract Background Type III choledochal cysts (CCs) are the rarest and least well-characterized of the five variants of biliary cysts. Only a few relevant studies have been conducted and a gold standard treatment for type III CCs is still lacking because of their scarcity. An unusual case of type III CC with choledochocele at the end of the distal common bile duct (CBD) with no bulging of the duodenum is presented here. Case presentation A 61-year-old woman presented to our department with repeated upper abdominal pain for one year. Laboratory examination revealed abnormal liver function and a slight increase in the white blood cell (WBC) count and proportion of neutrophils. In an MRCP of the patient, the distal CBD was found to have a cystic structure indicative of a type III CC. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatograpy (ERCP) revealed cystic findings compatible with Todani type III CCs. However, duodenoscopy did not show a bulge in the duodenum so laparoscopic cholecystectomy and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy were performed. In her 6-month follow-up, the patient reported that recovery from the operation was uneventful. Conclusions ERCP has become the gold standard for diagnosing type III CCs. Type III CCs can be treated minimally invasively with laparoscopic cholecystectomy and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy.

Objective: To define the characteristics of Mini LDH, develop new diagnostic references and examine the clinical efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy via a transforaminal approach (TF-PELD) for it. Methods: A total of 72 patients who underwent TF-PELD with Mini LDH from September 2019 to October 2022 were enrolled in this retrospective study. The patients' basic information, symptoms, number of outpatient visits, duration of conservative treatment, physical examination findings and so on were obtained from the medical records. Clinical effects of TF-PELD for Mini LDH were assessed by means of the following: the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for low back pain (LBP) and leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for functional status assessment and Modified Mac Nab criteria for patient satisfaction. Results: Mini LDH have specific clinical characteristics and imaging features. All included patients achieved obvious pain relief after TF-PELD surgery. Pain scores were repeated at postoperative day 1 and 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months later. Results were statistically analyzed. The average VAS-Back, VAS-Leg and ODI scores were all significantly reduced at the first postoperative day and gradually decreased with the follow-up time continuing. In total, 66 out of 72 patients received an excellent or good recovery and no poor result was reported according to the Modified Mac Nab criteria. Conclusions: Mini LDH is a type of LDH with special characteristics and in need of correct diagnosis and active treatment in clinical work. TF-PELD was also found to be an effective procedure for the treatment of Mini LDH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Acromioclavicular joint dislocation is one of the most common shoulder injuries in young men. With the advancement of minimally invasive technology, arthroscopy of acromioclavicular joint dislocation has been recognized for its good curative effect. This study aimed to explore the technical details and clinical efficacy of a modified minimally invasive endoscopic treatment for acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Methods: Clinical data of patients receiving the three‐incision endoscopic treatment were retrospectively reviewed between July 2013 and July 2019. A total of 72 patients with acromioclavicular joint dislocation of Rockwood type III (n = 42) and type V (n = 30) were included in this study. Postoperative routine radiography was performed to evaluate acromioclavicular joint reduction and fixation. In addition, functional recovery of the shoulder joint was assessed using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Constant–Murley scores. Differences between the preoperative and postoperative data were compared using paired t‐tests. Results: All patients underwent loop plate elastic fixation under endoscopy during 24 to 48 months of follow‐up. Postoperative radiography showed that the acromioclavicular joint achieved anatomical reduction. The ASES score (91.1 ± 4.2) was significantly improved compared to the preoperative ASES score (62.4 ± 3.1) (t = 46.65, P < 0.0001). The Constant–Murley score (93.1 ± 4.6) was also significantly higher than that before the operation (40.7 ± 6.4) (t = 56.41, P < 0.0001). No postoperative complications occurred. During follow‐up, four patients had mild acromioclavicular joint degeneration but no obvious pain symptoms. Conclusion: The modified three‐incision endoscopic technique optimizes the surgical incision, reduces trauma, is minimally invasive, and provides rapid rehabilitation with satisfactory clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of super pulse CO2 laser-assisted punctoplasty with canalicular curettage in primary canaliculitis. In this retrospective serial case study, the clinical data of 26 patients who underwent super pulse CO2 laser-assisted punctoplasty for the treatment of canaliculitis were collected from January 2020 to May 2022. The clinical presentation, intraoperative and microbiologic findings, surgical pain severity, postoperative outcome, and complications were studied. Of the 26 patients, most were females (female:male 20:6), with a mean age of 60.1 ± 16.1 years (range, 19–93). Mucopurulent discharge (96.2%), eyelid redness and swelling (53.8%), and epiphora (38.5%) were the most common presentations. During the surgery, concretions were present in 73.1% (19/26) of the patients. The surgical pain severity scores ranged from 1 to 5, according to the visual analog scale, with a mean score of 3.2 ± 0.8. This procedure resulted in complete resolution in 22 (84.6%) patients and significant improvement in 2 (7.7%) patients, and 2 (7.7%) patients required additional lacrimal surgery with a mean follow-up time of 10.9 ± 3.7 months. The surgical procedure of super pulse CO2 laser-assisted punctoplasty followed by curettage appears to be a safe, effective, minimally invasive, and well-tolerated treatment for primary canaliculitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Femoral posterior hip dislocation with associated femoral head fractures (Pipkin fractures) are rare high-energy injuries. Published treatment modalities involve conservative treatment, head fragment resection, open reduction and internal fixation, and total hip replacement. The experience with mini-invasive screw osteosynthesis of these fractures is the main focus of our study. Methods: Seven Pipkin fractures (five Pipkin II and two Pipkin I) in six patients were treated by closed reduction of hip dislocation, followed by minimal invasive lag screw osteosynthesis. Cancellous screw(s) were inserted from the incision on the lateral hip through the femoral neck to the reduced fracture fragment. In all patients, postoperative CT was performed to check the quality of surgery. Active physiotherapy with immediate toe-touch weight bearing was the routine postoperative protocol. In all patients, radiological and clinical results were evaluated with the Thompson Epstein, Merle d'Aubigne and Postel score, and Harris hip score. Results: All fractures united, and all femoral heads survived. Infectious complications were not observed, and no secondary surgery was needed. After an average follow-up of 18.4 months, the average Merle d'Aubigne and Postel score was 17.7 points, while the mean Harris hip score reached 98.1 points. The majority of patients achieved an excellent Thompson-Epstein clinical and radiological outcome. All patients returned to their original occupation. Conclusions: Mini-invasive screw osteosynthesis can be used for the treatment of Pipkin type I -- II femoral head fractures. Successful reduction of hip dislocation and head fracture is necessary for using this technique. Long-term follow-up is necessary to confirm this technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The impact of the duration of symptoms (DOS) on postoperative clinical outcomes of patients with degenerative lumbar spinal diseases is important for determining the optimal timing of surgical intervention; however, the timing remains controversial. This prospective case–control study aimed to investigate the influence of the preoperative DOS on surgical outcomes in minimally invasive surgery-transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF). Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent single-level TLIF for lumbar degenerative diseases between 2017 and 2018 were reviewed. Only patients with full clinical data during the 1-year follow-up period were included. The patients were divided into two groups (DOS < 12 months, group S; DOS ≥ 12 months, group L). The clinical outcomes, including the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) for lower back pain, leg pain, and numbness, were investigated preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months, as well as 1 year, after surgery. Furthermore, postoperative patient satisfaction 1 year after surgery was also surveyed. Results: A total of 163 patients were assessed: 60 in group S and 103 in group L. No differences in baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes were found. The ODI and VAS significantly improved from the baseline to each follow-up period (all p < 0.01). Group S had significantly lower ODI scores at 3 months (p = 0.019) and 6 months (p = 0.022). In addition, group S had significantly lower VAS scores for leg pain at 3 months (p = 0.027). In a comparison between both groups, only the patients with cauda equina symptoms showed that ODI and leg pain VAS scores at 3 months after surgery were significantly lower in group S (19.9 ± 9.1 vs. 14.1 ± 12.5; p = 0.037, 7.4 ± 13.9 vs. 14.7 ± 23.1; p = 0.032, respectively). However, the clinical outcomes were not significantly different between both groups 1 year after surgery. Patient satisfaction was also not significantly different between both groups. Conclusions: Patients with a shorter DOS tended to have a significantly slower recovery; however, clinical outcomes 1 year after surgery were good, regardless of the DOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concomitant fractures of the hook of hamate and scaphoid are rare injuries to the wrist. Whenever these fractures cannot be effectively managed, nonunion or osteonecrosis is encountered. Subsequent treatment is thus much more challenging for a hand surgeon or orthopedist. Minimally invasive percutaneous internal fixation is an optimal treatment with the potential to minimize injury and reduce fractures. However, the control of iatrogenic injuries, including possible damage to the adjacent vital tissue, is a challenge that needs to be addressed. Herein, we describe the case of a 26-year-old man who presented with fractures to the scaphoid and hook of hamate in his left wrist. Minimally invasive treatment—with closed reduction and percutaneous fixation of the scaphoid, wrist arthroscopy, and closed reduction and percutaneous fixation of the hook of hamate—was performed at our institution. The Mayo score of the wrist, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, grip strength, pinch strength, and wrist motion in radial/ulnar and flexion/extension deviation were recorded. Primary healing was achieved in both fractures. At the final follow-up, the Mayo score of the wrist was 100 (excellent), the VAS score was 0 (no pain), and the grip and pinch strength of his injured hand were 90.9% and 83.3%, respectively, compared with the contralateral hand (grip strength: left, 50 kg; right, 55 kg. Pinch strength: left, 20 kg; right, 24 kg). The radial-ulnar, flexion-extension, and forearm pronation-supination directions were 30°, 140°, and 90°, respectively. Minimally invasive closed reduction with percutaneous internal fixation is an optimal technique with satisfactory outcomes for simultaneous fractures of the hook of hamate and scaphoid. Provided in this paper are details of the technique and technical suggestions for performing the procedure.

Ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm (AAP) is rare but may cause life-threatening complications. Although the placement of a stent graft and the use of occluder devices and vascular plugs to exclude pseudoaneurysm are adopted for some patients, the management of progressive pseudoaneurysms that may rupture at any time remains a challenge that needs to be addressed. In this study, we present the case of a patient with an AAP that was caused by aortic and mitral valve replacement for the giant left ventricle. Aortic pseudoaneurysm was suspected on the basis of a spherical cystic echo (70 × 80 mm) of the ascending aorta; this pseudoaneurysm was detected by an ultrasonic cardiogram, and the diagnosis was confirmed by an aortic computed tomography angiography (CTA) examination. To prevent the unexpected rupture of a progressive pseudoaneurysm, our patient was treated with a 28- mm ASD occluder without any procedural complications. Our patient has a good prognosis, which will inspire clinicians to choose minimally invasive procedures when dealing with such high-risk cases in emergency situations.

Simple Summary: Electroporation has sparked great interest regarding its use in medicine. When planning electroporation-based treatments, the main goal is to determine the best possible electrode position and voltage amplitude that will ensure treatment of the entire target tissue's volume. However, this process is still mainly performed manually or using computationally intensive genetic algorithms. This study presents an algorithm for optimizing electrode positions based on spatial information of the electric field distribution in the target tissue. The algorithm is currently designed for the electrochemotherapy of vertebral tumors via a transpedicular approach but could be adapted to other anatomic sites in the future. The algorithm performs successfully for different spinal segments, tumor sizes, and locations within the vertebra. Application of the algorithm significantly reduces the time and expertise required to create a treatment plan for the electrochemotherapy of vertebral tumors. Electroporation-based treatments such as electrochemotherapy and irreversible electroporation ablation have sparked interest with respect to their use in medicine. Treatment planning involves determining the best possible electrode positions and voltage amplitudes to ensure treatment of the entire clinical target volume (CTV). This process is mainly performed manually or with computationally intensive genetic algorithms. In this study, an algorithm was developed to optimize electrode positions for the electrochemotherapy of vertebral tumors without using computationally intensive methods. The algorithm considers the electric field distribution in the CTV, identifies undertreated areas, and uses this information to iteratively shift the electrodes from their initial positions to cover the entire CTV. The algorithm performs successfully for different spinal segments, tumor sizes, and positions within the vertebra. The average optimization time was 71 s with an average of 4.9 iterations performed. The algorithm significantly reduces the time and expertise required to create a treatment plan for vertebral tumors. This study serves as a proof of concept that electrode positions can be determined (semi-)automatically based on the spatial information of the electric field distribution in the target tissue. The algorithm is currently designed for the electrochemotherapy of vertebral tumors via a transpedicular approach but could be adapted for other anatomic sites in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 5-year mortality rates associated with decompensated liver cirrhosis (DLC) can reach 50%, which suggests that this condition poses a serious health risk. In previous studies conducted by our group, autologous bone marrow nucleated cells (ABMNCs) were used to treat HIV-positive patients with DLC through the right omental vein; however, trauma and poor compliance were encountered. In the present study, the percutaneous liver approach to inject ABMNCs under the guidance of B-ultrasound was employed for the treatment of DLC. A total of 108 patients with DLC were retrospectively divided into the routine drug treatment group (control group; 30 cases), the right omental vein infusion of ABMNCs group (observation group 1; 38 cases) and the B-ultrasound-guided liver injection of ABMNCs group (observation group 2; 40 cases). After treatment, the liver synthesis (prothrombin time, albumin and ascites) and secretion functions (total bilirubin) in observation groups 1 and 2 were significantly improved compared with those of the control group (P<0.01) and the bone marrow function was also significantly improved compared with that of the control group (P<0.01). While, the bone marrow function (white blood cell, platelet, and hemoglobin) in observation group 1 was significantly improved compared with that of observation group 2 at the end of treatment (P<0.01). After a 1-year follow-up, the case fatality rate was 2.5% (1/40) in observation group 2, which was significantly lower than the 20% fatality rate (6/30) recorded in the control group (P<0.05). The injection of ABMNCs into the liver under the guidance of B-ultrasound was significantly better than conventional drug therapy in treating DLC. This approach has obvious advantages such as no hospitalization, minimal trauma, rapid recovery and good compliance, all of which make it worthy of application in primary hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]