ObjectiveTo analyze the feasibility and effectiveness of elastic intramedullary nail fixation for the fifth metacarpal neck fracture under the guidance of high frequency ultrasound.MethodsThe clinical data of 30 patients with the fifth metacarpal neck fractures who were treated with elastic intramedullary nails fixation under the guidance of high frequency ultrasound and met the selection criteria between May 2013 and September 2017 were retrospectively analysed. There were 24 males and 6 females, the age ranged from 18 to 58 years, with an average of 31.4 years. The head-shaft angle of the fifth metacarpal was (55.6±11.3)°. The time from injury to operation was 12 hours to 8 days, with an average of 2.4 days. The operation time, number of intraoperative fluoroscopy, fracture reduction, complications, and fracture healing time were recorded. The head-shaft angle of the fifth metacarpal on the affected side after fracture healing were measured and compared with the healthy side. At last follow-up, the active range of motion of the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint of both sides were measured, and the function was evaluated by using the total active movement (TAM) evaluation standard of the Hand Surgery Association of Chinese Medical Association.ResultsThe operation time was 22-40 minutes, with an average of 32.4 minutes; the intraoperative fluoroscopy was performed once; ultrasound images and X-ray fluoroscopy showed that the fracture was well reduced and no adjustment was required. The incisions healed well after operation, without tendon adhesion or local numbness. All 30 patients were followed up 8-16 months, with an average of 11.7 months. The fracture healing time was 4-8 weeks, with an average of 5.6 weeks. The head-shaft angle of the fifth metacarpal was (13.2±1.4)°, which was significantly improved when compared with preoperative value (t=−20.02, P=0.00); and there was no significant difference (t=1.94, P=0.06) when compared with the healthy side [(12.6±1.0)°]. At last follow-up, the active range of motion of the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint on the affected side was (89.4±2.4)°, showing no significant difference (t=−1.58, P=0.13) when compared with the healthy side [(90.3±2.0)°]. According to the TAM evaluation standard of the Hand Surgery Association of Chinese Medical Association, all patients were considered to be excellent.ConclusionThe effectiveness of elastic intramedullary nail fixation for the fifth metacarpal neck fracture under the guidance of high frequency ultrasound is definite. It can dynamically observe the fracture reduction from different angles, reduce ionizing radiation and postoperative complications.
Objective To review the application and research progress of unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) technique in the treatment of lumbar related diseases. Methods The domestic and foreign literature on the application of UBE technique in the treatment of lumbar related diseases was extensively consulted, and the development history, clinical application, operation points and precautions, related complications and adverse reactions, advantages and disadvantages of the technique were reviewed. Results As a minimally invasive technique developed in recent years, UBE technique is effective in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis caused by different causes, with satisfactory decompression effect, less damage, and good lumbar stability. UBE technique has significant advantages over open surgery and microscopy-assisted surgery in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. In the treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis, the postoperative trauma of UBE technique is less than that of conventional surgery, and the fusion rate is satisfactory. There are also complications such as spinal cord injury, spinal epidural hematoma, incomplete decompression or recurrence, nerve root irritation symptoms, and postoperative infection in the treatment of lumbar related diseases with UBE technique. Detailed preoperative planning is essential for patients with lumbar related diseases who are suitable for UBE surgery. Conclusion UBE technique is easy to operate, has a gentle learning curve, can use conventional instruments, and has definite effectiveness. It is suitable for a variety of lumbar related diseases, but there are some defects and deficiencies.
Objective To explore the technique of performing minimally invasive Cox Maze Ⅳ procedure by bipolar clamp through right lateral minithoracotomy for atrial septal defect (ASD) combined with atrial fibrillation (AF) in adults. Methods Thirty-five patients (21 males, 14 females with age ranging from 45 to 73 years) with ASD and persistent or long-standing persistent AF received minimally invasive Cox Maze Ⅳ procedure and ASD closure from August 2012 to April 2016 at Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Xinhua Hospital. Diameter of left atrium ranged from 39 to 60 mm and left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) ranged from 48% to 62%. Diameter of ASD ranged from 20 to 35 mm. Cox-maze Ⅳ procedure was performed through right minithoracotomy entirely by bipolar radiofrequency clamp. Then, mitral or tricuspid valvuloplasty and surgical ASD closure was performed through right minithoracotomy. Results All patients successfully underwent this minimally invasive surgery. No patient needed conversion to sternotomy. The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 120.1±14.1 min. The mean aortic cross-clamp time was 79.5±12.2 min. There was no early death or pacemaker implantation perioperatively. The average length of hospital stay was 10.1±2.7 d. At a mean follow-up of 22.8±12.2 months, sinus rhythm was restored in 32 patients (32/35, 91.4%). Cumulative maintenance of normal sinus rhythm without AF recurrence at 2 years postoperatively was 89.1%±6.0%. Conclusion The minimally invasive Cox Maze Ⅳprocedure performed by bipolar clamp through right minithoracotomy is safe, feasible, and effective for adult patients with ASD combined with AF.
Objective To explore effectiveness of TiRobot-assisted screw implantation in the treatment of coracoid process fractures of the scapula. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data from 24 patients with coracoid process fractures of the scapula admitted between September 2019 and January 2024 and met selection criteria. Among them, 12 patients underwent TiRobot-assisted screw implantation (robot group) and 12 underwent manual screw implantation (control group) during internal fixation. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in baseline data such as gender, age, body mass index, disease duration, cause of injury, coracoid process fracture classification, and proportion of patients with associated injuries between the two groups. The incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, accuracy of screw placement, coracoid process fracture healing time, and complications were recorded and compared, as well as pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and Constant-Murley score at last follow-up. ResultsThe intraoperative blood loss and incision length in the robot group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05); however, there was no significant difference in operation time and hospital stay between the two groups (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 8-27 months (mean, 17.5 months), and the difference in follow-up time between the two groups was not significant (P>0.05). At last follow-up, the VAS score for shoulder pain in the robot group was signifncatly lower compared to the control group, and the Constant-Murley score was significantly higher (P<0.05). In the robot group, 16 screws were implanted intraoperatively, while 13 screws were implanted in the control group. Radiographic re-evaluation showed that the excellent and good rate of screw implantation was higher in the robot group (93.8%, 15/16) than in the control group (61.5%, 8/13), but the difference in the precision of screw implantation between the two groups was not significant (P>0.05). Four patients in the robot group and 1 in the control group achieved double screws fixation; however, the difference in achieving double screws fixation between the two groups was not significant (P>0.05). All fractures healed in both groups with 1 case of malunion in the control group. There was no significant difference in healing time between the two groups (P>0.05). During follow-up, 1 patient in the control group experienced screw loosening and displacement. There was no significant difference in the incidence of screw loosening and fracture malunion between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Compared with manual screw implantation, TiRobot-assisted minimally invasive treatment of coracoid process fractures of the scapula can reduce intraoperative blood loss, shorten incision length, alleviate pain, and obtain better promote shoulder joint functional recovery.
Thoracoscopic minimally invasive technology has been used in mitral valve plasty since 1990s. Totally thoracoscopic mitral valve plasty has the advantages of small trauma, beautiful incision and rapid postoperative recovery. It is favored by more and more patients and cardiac surgeons. However, according to the reports, the proportion of totally thoracoscopic mitral valve surgery in China is still low. Mitral valve plasty via the totally thoracoscopic approach is still controversial in terms of population adaptation, perioperative complications and long-term prognosis. In addition, the technical difficulty and the long training cycle of surgeons also limit the popularization of this technology. By summarizing the existing literature, this paper analyzes the application and development of totally thoracoscopic approach in comparison with the traditional median thoracotomy mitral valve plasty.
ObjectiveTo understand the psychological pressure when the surgeon-in-chief remotely completes animal surgery using home-made Tumai surgical robot in combination with 5G network (Abbreviated as“remote robotic surgery” ), and investigate and analyze the sources of psychological pressure, and then provide evidence guidance for the training of surgeon in performing remote robotic surgery. MethodsA modified perceptual stress scale was used to conduct a questionnaire survey. The 44 surgeons-in-chief with robot operation qualification from 10 medical units in the Gansu Province recruited by Gansu Provincial People’s Hospital were as observation subject, who participated in the psychological stress validation test of remote robotic surgery, from September 4, 2022 to October 10, 2022. The difference of psychological stress before and after the test was compared. The stressor of surgeon-in-chief was analyzed by Likert scale. The animals in this study were swines. ResultsA total of 132 valid questionnaires were obtained from 44 surgeons-in-chief. The surgical physician’s perceived stress score after the test was statistically higher than before the test [(47.50±9.06) points vs. (38.34±5.55) points, mean difference and its 95% confidence interval=9.61 (7.00, 12.27), t=7.42, P<0.001]. The analysis results of multiple linear regression showed that the number of robotic surgery performed by the surgeon-in-chief in the past had a negative impact on the psychological pressure of the surgeon-in-chief after the test (β=–0.292, P=0.042); At the same time, the subjective perception data of the surgeon-in-chief, such as unstability of signal transmission and unskilled equipment manipulation by the surgeon had positive impacts on the psychological pressure of the surgeon-in-chief after the test (β=1.987, P=0.026; β=3.184, P=0.010), and the tacit understanding between the surgeon-in-chief and the first assistant had a negative impact on the psychological pressure of the surgeon-in-chief after the test (β=–2.185, P=0.047). ConclusionsAccording to the data from this study, remote robotic surgery will increase the psychological pressure of the surgeon-in-chief. Previous experience in robotic surgery can reduce psychological stress after surgery. The main sources of psychological pressure are unstability of signal transmission, unskilled equipment manipulation by the surgeon, and the tacit understanding between the surgeon-in-chief and the first assistant.
ObjectiveTo summarize the clinical progress of minimally invasive techniques in treatment of pilonidal disease.MethodThe relevant literatures about minimally invasive techniques in the treatment of pilonidal disease in recent years were reviewed.ResultsAbout hair removal and carbolic acid injection, they had less damage, fewer complications, higher recurrence rate compared to other surgery, and did not affect the second treatment. The fibrin injection could not clarify its role in the treatment of pilonidal disease due to some defects in the clinical design. Bascom Ⅰhad the advantages of fast recovery and no need for hospitalization, with a recurrence rate of 8%–16%. According to the results of some current clinical researches, it was a promising operation. Sinus resection required further clinical evaluation due to the limited results of current researches. A clinical study of more than 1 000 cases over 10 years showed that the recurrence rate in 10 years was 16%. Compared with frequently used pilonidal operations, the trephine technique was associated with a lower recurrence rate and a lower incidence of postoperative complication. Some short-term clinical researches showed that endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment was a safe, minimally invasive, and less complication treatment.ConclusionsCompared with frequently used pilonidal operations, minimally invasive technique has the advantages of shortening the hospital stay, shortening the healing time, and reducing complications. It is worth of application.
Objective To explore safety and efficacy of total laparoscopic radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Methods From April 2016 and January 2017, 6 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma underwent laparoscopic radical resection in the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University were collected. The intra- and post-operative situation and the postoperative complications were analyzed. Results The radical resections of hilar cholangiocarcinoma were completed laparoscopically in all the patients. There was no conversion to the laparotomy. The procedure was finished within a time of (231.3±94.5) min and with an intraoperative blood loss of (123.3±46.8) mL. The first postoperative exhausting time and the postoperative hospital stay was (2.7±0.3) d and (11.9±1.7) d, respectively. All the patients had the R0 resection and the numbers of dissected lymph nodes were 9.4±2.7. The postoperative complications occurred in 2 patients, they were all cured spontaneously in one week, and there was no perioperative death. None of patients had a local recurrence and metastasis during an average 8 months of following-up. Conclusions Preliminary results of limited cases in this study show that with suitable case and skillful laparoscopic technique, laparoscopic radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma is feasible and safe. Further studies are still needed to confirm benefits of this approach.
With the upgrading of minimally invasive surgical concepts and laparoscopic equipment for gastric cancer, single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) had emerged as a new focus of research in gastric cancer surgery. SILS offered advantages such as reduced damage, superior cosmetic outcomes, decreased postoperative pain, and faster recovery as compared with traditional laparoscopic gastrectomy. However, its level of difficulty limited its further promotion and application. Although numerous studies supported the safety and feasibility of SILS, more high-level evidence-based medical research was required to endorse its widespread use. The author reviewed the development history, current status, and prospects of SILS laparoscopic gastric cancer surgery.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the early effectiveness of the robot-assisted total hip arthroplasty (THA) via direct superior approach (DSA).MethodsBetween March 2021 and April 2021, 11 patients (11 hips) were treated with a robot-assisted THA via DSA. There were 7 males and 4 females, with an average age of 55 years (range, 26-73 years). There were 5 patients of osteoarthritis secondary to hip dysplasia and 6 patients of osteonecrosis of femoral head. Preoperative hip Harris score was 55.8±6.3. The operation time, volume of blood loss, length of incision, postoperative blood transfusion and hospital stay, and the incidence of surgical complications were recorded. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Harris score were used to evaluate hip joint pain and function. The leg length discrepancy (LLD) was measured on the X-ray films. The inclination angle and anteversion angle of the acetabular component were also measured, and the difference between the planned and actual values were compared.ResultsOne THA was performed via conventional posterolateral approach finally because of poor exposure. The rest of 10 THAs were performed with assistance of robotic arm via DSA. The average operation time was 89 minutes (range, 65-120 minutes); the average length of incision was 10.5 cm (range, 9-13 cm); and the average blood loss was 400 mL (range, 110-740 mL). One patient was given a blood transfusion for 2 unit. All incisions healed by first intention and no neurovascular injury, deep vein thrombosis, or fracture occurred. The length of hospital stay after operation was 2-6 days (mean, 4.4 days). The duration of follow-up was 1-3 months (mean, 2.1 months). The VAS score was 0 in 9 patients and 2 in 1 patient at the day of discharge. At last follow-up, the hip Harris score was 84.9±6.7, showing significant difference when compared with that before operation (t=−8.717, P=0.000). The inclination and anteversion angles were (37.4±2.0)° and (17.1±4.5)°, respectively, and there was no significant difference when compared with the planned values [(38.2±1.6)°, (16.6±3.7)°] (t=1.809, P=0.104; t=–1.103, P=0.299). The LLD ranged from –2 to 4 mm. No complication such as dislocation, aseptic loosening, or periprosthetic joint infection occurred. ConclusionThe robot-assisted THA via DSA has encouraged early effectiveness.