Methods of Surgical Treatment of Combined Stenosis of the Carotid and Coronary Arteries. Systematic Review

Aim of study. To determine the optimal tactics of surgical treatment of patients with combined stenosis of the carotid and coronary arteries by comparing the results of the simultaneous and staged approach according to the literature.Material and methods. A systematic literature search was performed in the PubMed and MEDLINE databases to compare the results of simultaneous and staged interventions for combined stenosis of the carotid and coronary arteries. The following keywords were used as a search query: (“combined coronary and carotid artery stenosis and simultaneous”), (“combined coronary and carotid artery stenosis and staged”), (“combined coronary and carotid artery stenosis and cost”). We compared the results of simultaneous (interventions on the vessels of both systems are performed simultaneously) and staged operations (interventions are performed alternately, with a time interval from 2 to 160 days). References from included studies were also manually reviewed. The search was conducted by two independent experts (S.L., S.N.), and any disagreement was resolved by the clinical expert (A.A.).Results. A literature search identified 198 potentially relevant studies. A total of 13 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 5 included two interventions. This systematic analysis includes the results of treatment of 43,758 patients with combined stenosis of the carotid and coronary arteries, who underwent staged or simultaneous revascularization of the vessels of the carotid and coronary flow. Perioperative neurological complications in the group of staged operations were observed somewhat more often than in the group of simultaneous interventions (3.2% versus 4.22%; p=0.8), myocardial infarction was observed with a frequency of 1.5% in the group of simultaneous interventions, and 2.5% (p=0.5) in the group of staged interventions. The mortality rate after simultaneous and staged interventions was 3.9% and 3.6%, respectively, with a fairly high spread in the study groups (p=0.5). Data analysis showed that simultaneous interventions did not affect the incidence of neurological, cardiac complications, and deaths (OR (odds ratio) 1.02; 95% CI (confidence interval) — 0.98–1.14, p = 0, 69; OR — 1.26; 95% CI — 0.66-2.41; p=0.48; and OR — 0.97; 95% CI — 0.67-1.38; p=0.85 — respectively).Conclusion. 1. The cumulative incidence of neurological and cardiac complications and mortality in staged tactics, according to observational studies included in this systematic review, is 4.2%; 2.6% and 3.6%, respectively (p>0.05). 2. The cumulative incidence of neurological and cardiac complications and mortality with simultaneous tactics according to observational studies included in this systematic review is 3.3%; 1.5% and 3.9%, respectively (p>0.05). 3. Given the relatively low risk of developing myocardial infarction (OR — 1.26; 95% CI — 0.66–2.41; I2 — 94%), the low risk of developing neurological complications (OR 1.02; 95% CI — 0,98–1.14; I2=75%), and deaths (OR — 0.97; 95% CI — 0.67–1.38; I2 — 76%) — (p>0.05), with simultaneous interventions, it can be concluded that simultaneous interventions may be the method of choice for surgical treatment for combined stenosis of the carotid and coronary arteries.

Bifid Tongue and Cleft Palate: A Rare Congenital Malformation

Background: Congenital bifid tongue without other craniofacial abnormalities is a very rare malformation. Here, we discuss a case of the bifid tongue with cleft palate, reported in a 7-month-old girl with no other syndromes or craniofacial abnormalities. Case Reports: This case report described a 7-month-old girl with an anterior bifid tongue, separated medially by a soft, solitary sublingual mass measuring 3 cm x 2 cm in size. There was also an associated incomplete cleft palate. A soft solitary mass measuring 2 cm x 2 cm in size was also seen within the cleft palate. Results: Computed facial tomography (CT) revealed a midline hard palate defect with an intact alveolar process of the maxilla. Pedunculated cystic lesion suspected with epulis was noted to arise on premaxillary alveolar mucosa. Excision of the tongue and hard palate mass and repair of the bifid tongue were done. Summary: Congenital bifid tongue with a cleft is a very rare malformation with different variations. Early surgical intervention is critical to prevent speech impairment and swallowing disorders. A multidisciplinary approach, including well-planned staged operations and rehabilitation, is important to achieve favorable outcomes.

A Staged Operation as a Surgical Strategy for a Patient with Type VI Isolated Superior Mesenteric Artery Dissection

An isolated superior mesenteric artery (SMA) dissection (ISMAD) is extremely rare among visceral artery dissections. Its diagnosis is made by abdominal contrast CT scan which shows SMA occlusion partially or completely. The ISMAD is classified into 6 types: type I–V has partial occlusion and treated medically using antiplatelets or anticoagulants. On the other hand, type VI has complete occlusion and must be treated by urgent surgical operation. We present a 67-year-old female who presented with sudden onset abdominal pain and melena. An urgent contrast CT revealed type VI ISMAD. She underwent 3 staged operations as follows: (1) first, as laparotomy showed pale color in almost the extensive length of the small intestine, arterial bypassing of SMA was undertaken using SMA to the right common iliac artery bypass; (2) as the second-look operation on the next day, the terminal ileum was resected, and the remaining small intestine was able to be preserved. However, when the abdomen was tried to be closed, systemic blood pressure decreased to pre-shock condition, so the abdominal wall was closed at skin level with silastic sheet. (3) As the third-look operation on the 7th day, ileostomy was created, and the abdominal wall was safely closed. The postoperative course was uneventful. This case study shows that SMA grafting and staged operations might be an option to preserve the length of the small intestine when ISMAD is diagnosed as type VI.

Anaplastic pilocytic astrocytoma of the cerebellum presenting with conus medullaris drop metastasis

Due to its rarity, a complete understanding of the clinical behavior, pathogenesis, and diagnostic definition of anaplastic pilocytic astrocytoma (APA) is currently lacking. The optimal clinical management and use of adjuvant therapies has yet to be defined. We present a 64 year-old-female with progressive headaches, dysarthria, and ataxia, who was found to have right cerebellar mass. A gross total resection was achieved through two staged operations. Pathology demonstrated focal areas of necrosis, tumor infiltration, and increased mitotic activity most consistent with APA. Adjuvant chemotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery were administered. Approximately two years later, the patient presented with symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, and lumbar spine imaging demonstrated a large intradural mass at the conus medullaris with diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement. A biopsy was performed and was consistent with metastatic APA. APA may rarely progress to metastatic disease, most frequently involving the leptomeninges of the posterior fossa and cervical spine. This report represents the first case of metastases distal to the cervicomedullary junction.

Ulnar Dimelia – a rare and neglected anomaly of upper extremity

Ulnar dimelia is a rare congenital anomaly of the upper extremity. The condition presents with double ulnae forearm and polydactyly with complete absence of radius bone and thumb. Clinically it presents not only as functional deformity but also as cosmetic deformity. The case presented here is of a one-and-a-half-year-old male baby, born with right side ulnar dimelia with no other musculoskeletal defect. We believe that the case presented here deserves reporting not only because of the rarity of the disease but also due to its difficult management requiring multiple staged operations and henceforth consequent neglect on the part of parents. An attempt is also made to do a brief literature review. Keywords: Ulnar dimelia; polydactyly; ulna; radius; thumb

Simultaneous or staged operation for tandem spinal stenosis: surgical strategy and efficacy comparison

Background Tandem spinal stenosis (TSS) has a complex clinical presentation, and there is no consensus on the optimal surgical strategy. This study retrospectively compared the efficacy of different staged operations and simultaneous decompression for patients with TSS. Methods We reviewed data from 132 patients with TSS who received surgical procedures from January 2011 to June 2018. Patients were classified into three groups according to the most symptomatic area of compression (group C: first-stage surgery for cervical compression; group L: first-stage surgery for lumbar compression; group CL: simultaneous surgery for both). Medical records were reviewed for age, gender, comorbidities, operation time, combined estimated blood loss, and time of hospitalization. The JOA-C, JOA-L, NDI, and ODI scores, and complications were also examined. Results Postoperative outcomes were followed for 32.1 ± 5.4 months. There were significant differences in the re-operation rate and the interval time between the two types of staged operations (p = 0.005 and p = 0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences in gender (p = 0.639), operation time (p = 0.138), combined estimated blood loss (p = 0.116), or complications (p = 0.652) among the three groups, while the simultaneous group was significantly younger (p = 0.027), with fewer comorbidities (p < 0.001) and a shorter hospitalization time (p < 0.001). At the final follow-up, the JOA-C and JOA-L scores were increased, while the NDI and ODI scores were decreased, compared with the preoperative scores. Conclusions TSS can be effectively managed by either simultaneous or staged decompressions. First-stage surgery for cervical stenosis significantly lowers the requirement for second-stage lumbar surgery. One-stage simultaneous decompression is safe and effective with the advantage of reduce hospitalization time, without an increase in operative time or bleeding. However, the surgical indications should be strictly controlled and is recommended for younger patients with fewer comorbidities.

Simultaneous Craniotomies for Multiple Intracranial Aneurysm Clippings – One-stage Surgery with Multiple Craniotomies

The treatment of multiple intracranial aneurysms (MIAs) involves various modalities and sometimes requires staged operations. This study aimed to prove the efficacy and safety of one-stage multiple craniotomies (OSMC) for multiple cerebral aneurysms. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of the patients who underwent surgical clipping of an intracranial aneurysm at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between 2003 and April 2020. The surgical results, complications, and lengths of hospital stay were compared between the patients who underwent OSMC and those who underwent multi-stage multiple craniotomies (MSMC). The demographic characteristics of the OSMC and MSMC groups (n = 82 and 43, respectively) were similar. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups when the amount of blood transfused, complications, and surgical results were compared (p = 0.925, p = 0.528, and p = 0.898, respectively); however, the operation time and hospitalization period (353.9 min vs. 490.3 min and 12.3 days vs. 21.8 days, respectively; p < 0.0001 for both) were shorter in the OSMC group. The treatment cost (17,000 USD vs. 22,000 USD, p < 0.0001) was lower in the OSMC group. OSMC for aneurysm clipping in patients with MIAs is a relatively safe and economical method. Furthermore, it has good clinical outcomes. This new surgical method is well worthwhile in that it can be applied to patients who are afraid to undergo multiple surgeries, and it is considered an option that can be tried for neurosurgeon who are contemplating how to treat mUIA patients.

Neuromonitoring of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Reduces the Rate of Bilateral Vocal Cord Dysfunction in Planned Bilateral Thyroid Procedures

Purpose: Bilateral vocal cord dysfunction (bVCD) is a rare but feared complication of thyroid surgery. This long term retrospective study determined the effect of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) during thyroid surgeries with regard to the rate of bVCD and evaluated the frequency as well as the outcome of staged operations. Methods: Retrospective analysis of prospectively documented data (2000–2019) of a tertiary referral centers’ database. IONM started in 2000 and, since 2010, discontinuation of surgery was encouraged in planned bilateral surgeries to prevent bVCD, if non-transient loss of signal (ntLOS) occurred on the first side. Datasets of the most recent 40-month-period were assessed in detail to determine the clinical outcome of unilateral ntLOS in planned bilateral thyroid procedures. Results: Of 22,573 patients, 65 had bVCD (0.288%). The rate of bVCD decreased from 0.44 prior to 2010 to 0.09% after 2010 (p < 0.001, Chi2). Case reviews of the most recent 40 months period identified ntLOS in 113/3115 patients (3.6%, 2.2% NAR), of which 40 ntLOS were recorded during a planned bilateral procedure (n = 952, 2.1% NAR). Of 21 ntLOS occurring on the first side of the bilateral procedure, 15 procedures were stopped, subtotal contralateral resections were performed, and thyroidectomy was continued in 3 patients respectively, with the use of continuous vagal IONM. Eighteen cases of VCD were documented postop, and all but one patient had a full recovery. Seven patients had staged resections after 1 to 18 months (median 4) after the first procedure. Conclusion: IONM facilitates reduced postoperative bVCD rates. IONM is, therefore, recommendable in planned bilateral procedures. The rate of non-complete bilateral surgery after intraoperative non-transient LOS was 2%.

An observational study on etiopathogenesis and management in Fistula-in-Ano

Background: Anal fistulas are abnormal communication between the anal canal and perianal skin or result of anal gland obstruction, with secondary abscess formation and external rupture of the abscess perineum. Fistula in ano rarely heals spontaneously and requires surgical therapy to achieve a cure. Surgical techniques like fistulotomy, fistulectomy, primary closure after excision of tract and staged operations have rendered the postoperative period uneventful, short and steep fall in recurrence rate.Methods: In this retrospective study, 30 patients were selected with diagnoses of fistula in ano admitted in New Civil hospital, Surat, Gujarat during April 2016 to April 2017. Patient underwent definitive treatment. Data related to the objectives of the study were collected from case sheets retrieved from hospital records with permission of competent hospital authority and after approval from ethical committee of institute. Appropriate surgical management were performed. Postoperative findings were noted.Results: Maximum number of patients were in the age group of 30 to 60 years. There were 27 (90%) male patients, 3 (10%) female patients indicating that the disease is more common in male with a ratio of male to female is 9:1. In the study the commonest symptom is discharge in all patients with pruritus in 2 (6.66%) patients and Pain or perineal discomfort in 20 (66.6%) of patients. The commonest sign is presence of external opening in all cases and internal opening in 21 (70%) of patients. Regarding the procedures performed, the majority of the patients 20 patients (66.66%) underwent fistulectomy, while 06 patients (20%) underwent fistulotomy. Seton was tried in 04 patients (13.33%) out of which in 02 patients associated fistulectomy was done.Conclusions: We concluded that the previously burst opened or surgically drained perianal abscess is the main aetiological factor for fistula-in-ano. Operative morbidity is usually low. There is a male preference for the disease and the fistulectomy remains the commonest procedure in our study series.