ObjectiveTo analyze the effectiveness of direct screw repair for lumbar spondylolysis by using intraoperative O-arm based navigation and microendoscopic techniques. MethodsBetween February 2012 and May 2014, 11 consecutive patients with lumbar spondylolysis were treated with Buck's procedure by the aid of intraoperative O-arm based navigation and minimally invasive approach. The debridement and autograft of pars interarticularis defects was performed under microendoscopy. There were 7 males and 4 females, with an average age of 28.4 years (range, 19-47 years) and an average disease duration of 10.5 months (range, 8-23 months); no nerve symptoms or signs of lower limb was observed. The radiological examinations showed single level bilateral lumbar spondylolysis without obvious disc degeneration, lumbar instability, or spondylolisthesis. Isthmic injury located at L4 in 2 cases and at L5 in 9 cases. Of 11 patients, 7 were rated as grade 2 disc degeneration, and 4 as grade 3 disc degeneration according to the modified Pfirrmann classification system. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and complications were recorded. The fluoroscopic examinations were performed to assess defect repair and screw position. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate the improvement of low back pain. ResultsThe average operation time was 147.6 minutes (range, 126-183 minutes). The average blood loss was 54.9 mL (range, 40-85 mL). Primary healing of incision was obtained. There was no complication of nerve root injury, dural tear, or infection. Three patients had pain at donor site postoperatively, and pain disappeared within 3 weeks. The average follow-up duration was 15.7 months (range, 10-23 months). VAS score of low back pain was significantly decreased from preoperative 7.1±2.3 to 1.8±0.4 at last follow-up (t=13.42, P=0.01). Of 22 isthmic bone grafting, bilateral isthmic bony fusion was achieved in 7 patients and unilateral isthmic bony fusion in 3 patients at 6-10 months (mean, 7.9 months). One patient failed bilateral isthmic bony fusion, and had bony resorption. ConclusionDebridement, autograft, and percutaneous intralaminar screw fixation by microendoscopy and O-arm based navigation may provide safe and effective treatment for spondylolysis. Minimally invasive direct repair can obtain satisfactory effectiveness.
The choice of the graft conduit for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has significant implications both in the short-and long-term. The patency of a coronary conduit is closely associated with an uneventful postoperative course, better long-term patient survival and superior freedom from re-intervention. The internal mammary artery is regarded as the primary conduit for CABG patients, given its association with long-term patency and survival. However, long saphenous vein (LSV) continues to be utilized universally as patients presenting for CABG often have multiple coronary territories requiring revascularization. Traditionally, the LSV has been harvested by creating incisions from the ankle up to the groin termed open vein harvesting (OVH). However, such harvesting methods are associated with incisional pain and leg wound infections. In addition, patients find such large incisions to be cosmetically unappealing. These concerns regarding wound morbidity and patient satisfaction led to the emergence of endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH). Published experience comparing OVH with EVH suggests decreased wound related complications, improved patient satisfaction, shorter hospital stay, and reduced postoperative pain at the harvest site following EVH. Despite these reported advantages concerns regarding risk of injury at the time of harvest with its potential detrimental effect on vein graft patency and clinical outcomes have prevented universal adoption of EVH. This review article provides a detailed insight into the technical aspects, outcomes, concerns, and controversies associated with EVH.
ObjectiveTo discuss the indication, therapeutic effect, complication of endoscopic surgery for pancreatic pseudocyst and its defect and merit.MethodsThe pertinent literatures about pancreatic pseudocyst treated by endoscopic technique were summarized. ResultsEndoscopic technique possessed the peculiarities of less trauma, convenience to operate and could be repeatedly used. The number of patients with pancreatic pseudocyst suitable for endoscopic therapy was increasing. When pancreatic pseudocyst was accompanied with complication, polycystic or failed in endoscopic treatment, surgical intervention was the only choice. Endoscopic technique would be considered firstly in other conditions.ConclusionIndividual scheme should be advocated according to the size, number location and complication of the pancreatic pseudocyst.
Objective To analyze the medium and long-term effectiveness of microendoscope-assisted minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) for lumbar degenerative diseases in comparison with conventional tubular retractor-assisted MIS-TLIF. Methods Between November 2008 and March 2013, 53 patients with single segment lumbar degenerative diseases were enrolled. According to the different working channel performed, 28 patients were treated by microendoscope-assisted MIS-TLIF (observation group), while the remaining cases received conventional tubular retractor-assisted MIS-TLIF via Wiltse approach (control group). Preoperative baseline data, including age, gender, body mass index, disease etiology, operated level, the ration for requiring bilateral canal decompression, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) socre of low back pain and leg pain, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI) score, showed no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative fluoroscopy time, postoperative analgesic drug dose, postoperation in-bed time, and perioperative complication incidence were recorded respectively and compared between the two groups. Radiographic evaluation of interbody fusion was performed based on Bridwell grading system at 2 years after operation. VAS scores of low back pain and leg pain, JOA score, and ODI score were assessed before operation, at 2 years after operation, and at last follow-up respectively. Surgical outcome satisfaction was assessed by modified MacNab criteria at last follow-up. Results When compared with those in control group, both intraoperative blood loss and postoperative analgesic drug dose were significantly decreased in observation group (P<0.05); similarly, the operation time and intraoperative fluoroscopy time were also significantly increased in observation group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference of postoperative in-bed time between the two groups (t=–0.812, P=0.420). Both groups were followed up 6-10.3 years, with an average of 7.9 years. Regarding perioperative complication, its incidence was 14.3% and 20.0% in observation group and control group, respectively, showing no significant difference between both groups (χ2=0.306, P=0.580). Specifically, there were intraspinal hematoma formation in 1 case, incision infection in 1 case, urinary infection in 1 case, transient delirium in 1 case in observation group. By contrast, there were dural tear and cerebrospinal fluid leakage in 1 case, urinary infection in 1 case, pneumonia in 1 case, transient delirium in 2 cases in control group. Bridwell criterion was used to judge the intervertebral fusion at 2 years after operation, the fusion rates of observation group and control group were 92.9% and 92.0%, respectively, showing no significant difference (χ2=0.162, P=0.687). At both 2-year postoperatively and last follow-up, the VAS scores of low back pain and leg pain, JOA score, and ODI score were significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.01), whereas no significant difference between the two groups at either time point was found (P>0.05). At last follow-up, the results of patients’ satisfaction with surgery evaluated by modified MacNab criteria, and the excellent and good rates of the observation group and the control group were 96.4% and 92.0%, respectively, showing no significant difference (χ2=0.485, P=0.486). Conclusion The medium and long-term effectiveness of microendoscope-assisted MIS-TLIF are similar to those of conventional tubular retractor-assisted MIS-TLIF for lumbar degenerative diseases. The former operation has the additional advantages in terms of more clear surgical site visually, less intraoperative blood loss, and reduced postoperative analgesic dose, all of which seem more feasible to clinical teaching.
Objective To invest igate the ef fect iveness and signi f icance of percutaneous endoscopic discectomy followed by interbody fusion using B-Twin expandable spinal spacer for degenerative lumbosacral disc disease. Methods Between January 2007 and August 2008, 21 patients with degenerative lumbosacral disc disease were treated with endoscopic discectomy followed by interbody fusion using B-Twin expandable spinal spacer. Among them, there were 13 males and 8 females with an average age of 52 years (range, 28-79 years). And the disease duration ranged from 3 months to 40 years (median, 9 months). The affected segments included T11, 12, T12-L1, L1, 2, and L2, 3 in 1 case respectively, L4, 5 in 4 cases, and L5, S1 in 13 cases. All patients had intractable low back pain or lower extremity radicular symptoms. The placement methods of B-Twin expandable spinal spacer were double sides in 15 cases and single side in 6 cases. Oswestry Disabil ity Index (ODI) and Macnab grading were used to determine the function recovery after operation. And Suk’s standard was used to determine the fusion effects by X-ray. Results All 21 patients were followed up 18 months to 3 years (mean, 23.8 months). Sciatica symptoms disappeared after operation in 19 cases, no significant improvement occurred in 2 cases of thoracic disease. The ODI scores were 79% ± 16% at preoperation, 30% ± 9% at 1 month, 26% ± 10% at 3 months, 21% ± 12% at 6 months, and 20% ± 10% at 18 months after operation, showing significant differences between pre- and postoperation (P lt; 0.05). According to Macnab grading at 6 months postoperatively, the results were excellent in 14 cases, good in 5 cases, and fair in 2 cases with an excellent and good rate of 90.5%. According to Suk et al. standard, the results were excellent in 1 case, good in 19 cases, and poor in 1 case with an excellent and good rate of 95.2%. The muscle strength of the lower extremities had no improvement in 1 case of T11, 12 disc protrusion; pedicle screws fixation and decompression laminectomy were given after 6 months, but no improvement was achieved during follow-up. Protrusion recurred after 4 months in 1 case of L4, 5 disc protrusion, then was cured by laminectomy discectomy. The remaining patients achieved postoperative rel ief. Conclusion Endoscope combined with interbody fusion is a good combination to solve lumbar instabil ity. B-Twin expandable spinal spacer is a minimally invasive fusion choice of L4, 5 and L5, S1.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the short-term effectiveness of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) in treatment of buttock pain associated with lumbar disc herniation.MethodsBetween June 2015 and May 2016, 36 patients with buttock pain associated with lumbar disc herniation were treated with PELD. Of 36 cases, 26 were male and 10 were female, aged from 18 to 76 years (mean, 35.6 years). The disease duration ranged from 3 months to 10 years (mean, 14 months). The location of the pain was buttock in 2 cases, buttock and thigh in 6 cases, buttock and the ipsilateral lower extremity in 28 cases. Thirty-four patients had single-level lumbar disc herniation, and the involved segments were L4, 5 in 15 cases and L5, S1 in 19 cases; 2 cases had lumbar disc herniation at both L4, 5 and L5, S1. The preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score of buttock pain was 6.1±1.3. VAS score was used to evaluate the degree of buttock pain at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and last follow-up postoperatively. The clinical outcome was assessed by the modified MacNab criteria at last follow-up.ResultsAll patients were successfully operated and the operation time was 27-91 minutes (mean, 51 minutes). There was no nerve root injury, dural tear, hematoma formation, or other serious complications. The hospitalization time was 3-8 days (mean, 5.3 days). All incisions healed well and no infection occurred. Patients were followed up 12-24 months (median, 16 months). MRI examination results showed that the dural sac and nerve root compression were sufficiently relieved at 3 months after operation. Patients obtained pain relief after operation. The postoperative VAS scores of buttock pain at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and last follow-up were 1.1±0.6, 0.9±0.3, 1.0±0.3, and 0.9±0.4 respectively, showing significant differences when compared with preoperative VAS scores (P<0.05); there was no significant difference in VAS score between the different time points after operation (P>0.05). At last follow-up, according to the modifed MacNab criteria, the results were excellent in 27 cases, good in 9 cases, and fair in 2 cases, and the excellent and good rate was 94.4%.ConclusionPELD can achieve satisfactory short-term results in the treatment of buttock pain associated with lumbar disc herniation and it is a safe and effective minimally invasive surgical technique.
Objective To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of spinal pedicle screw internal fixation through endoscope-assisted posterior approach for the treatment of traumatic atlantoaxial instability. Methods Between September 2008 and September 2010, 44 patients with traumatic atlantoaxial instability received spinal pedicle screw internal fixation through endoscope-assisted posterior operation (micro-invasive surgical therapy group, n=22) or traditional surgical therapy (control group, n=22). There was no significant difference in gender, age, type of injury, disease duration, and preoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The blood loss, operation time, length of the incision, improvement rate of JOA, and graft fusion rates were compared between 2 groups to assess the clinical outcomes. Results The blood loss, operation time, and length of the incision in the micro-invasive surgical therapy group were better than those in control group (P lt; 0.05). All incisions were primary healing. Of 88 pedicle screws, 7 pedicle screws penetrated into the interior walls of cervical transverse foramen in the micro-invasive surgical therapy group and 8 in the control group, but there was no syndrome of vertebral artery injury. All patients of the 2 groups were followed up 12 to 37 months (mean, 26 months). Bony fusion was achieved in all cases within 3 to 12 months (mean, 5.3 months). No loosening or breakage of screw occurred. At 6 months to 1 year after operation, the internal fixator was removed in 6 cases and the function of head and neck rotary movement were almost renewed. The JOA score was significantly improved at last follow-up when compared with preoperative score (P lt; 0.05), and no significant difference in JOA score and improvement rate between the 2 groups at last follow-up (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion The micro-invasive surgical therapy can acquire the same effectiveness to the traditional surgical therapy in immediate recovery of stability, high graft fusion rate, and less complication. Moreover, it can significantly reduce the operation time, blood loss, and soft tissue injury, so this approach may be an ideal way of internal fixation to treat traumatic atlantoaxial instability.
ObjectiveTo investigate short-term outcomes and surgical techniques of endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting (ESVH) for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). MethodsClinical data of 554 patients undergoing CABG with ESVH in General Hospital of Shenyang Military between July 2009 and August 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 372 male and 182 female patients with their age of 38-84(61.3±9.0) years. Clinical outcomes, postoperative lower extremity pain and edema, wound infection and healing were analyzed. ResultsDuring ESVH, 13 patients with very little subcutaneous fat received transition to skin bridge technology or partially open incision. Average number of harvested vein grafts was 1-4 (2.0±0.6), and the quality of the vein grafts was satisfactory. Postoperative lower extremity pain and edema were significantly reduced, and there was no delayed wound healing or infection. Seven patients died postoperatively, including 2 patients with perioperative myocardial infarction, 2 patients with pneumonia, 1 patient with ventricular fibrillation, 1 patient with massive cerebral infarction, and 1 patient with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. A total of 452 patients were followed up for 120-1 460 (742.6±188.5) days. There was no late death or reintervention during follow-up. ConclusionESVH is a safe and efficacious procedure with less postoperative lower extremity pain and edema, satisfactory vein graft quality, better postoperative recovery and cosmetic results, compared with traditional fully or intermittently open wound for saphenous vein harvesting.
Gastric tumors are neoplastic lesions that occur in the stomach, posing a great threat to human health. Gastric cancer represents the malignant form of gastric tumors, and early detection and treatment are crucial for patient recovery. Endoscopic examination is the primary method for diagnosing gastric tumors. Deep learning techniques can automatically extract features from endoscopic images and analyze them, significantly improving the detection rate of gastric cancer and serving as an important tool for auxiliary diagnosis. This paper reviews relevant literature in recent years, presenting the application of deep learning methods in the classification, object detection, and segmentation of gastric tumor endoscopic images. In addition, this paper also summarizes several computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems and multimodal algorithms related to gastric tumors, highlights the issues with current deep learning methods, and provides an outlook on future research directions, aiming to promote the clinical application of deep learning methods in the endoscopic diagnosis of gastric tumors.