Separation of the tumor and brain surface by "water jet" in cases of meningiomas

Saline-assisted fascial exposure (SAFE) technique to improve nerve-sparing in robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

OBJECTIVE

To provide a summary of our initial experience and assess the impact of the Saline-Assisted Fascial Exposure (SAFE) technique on erectile function (EF), urinary continence, and oncological outcomes after Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (RALP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 2021 to July 2022, we included patients with a baseline Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) score of ≥17 and a high probability of extracapsular extension (ECE), ranging from 21% to 73%, as per the Martini et al. nomogram. A propensity score matching was carried out at a ratio of 1:2 between patients who underwent RALP + SAFE (33) and RALP alone (66). The descriptive statistical analysis is presented. The SAFE technique was performed using two approaches, transrectal guided by micro-ultrasound or transperitoneal. Its principle entails a low-pressure injection of saline solution in the periprostatic fascia to achieve an atraumatic dissection of the neural hammock. Potency was defined as a SHIM score of ≥17 and continence as no pads per day.

RESULTS

At follow-up intervals of 6, 13, 26, and 52 weeks, the SHIM score differed significantly between the two groups, favouring the RALP + SAFE (P = 0.01, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.01, respectively). These results remained significant when the mean SHIM score was assessed. As shown by the cumulative incidence curve, EF rates were higher in the RALP + SAFE compared to the RALP alone group (log-rank P < 0.001). The baseline SHIM and use of the SAFE technique were independent predictors of EF recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of the SAFE technique led to better SHIM scores at 6, 13, 26, and 52 weeks after RALP in patients at high risk of ECE who underwent a partial NS procedure.

Hydrodissection for improved microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord: prospective blinded randomized control trial in a rat model

Microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord (MDSC) can provide up to an 86% improvement in pain in patients with chronic orchialgia (CO) who have failed conservative management. Failures in MDSC could be due to small diameter nerves (≤1 mm) left behind on the spermatic cord. The objective of this study was to assess if hydrodissection (HD) of the spermatic cord after MDSC could decrease the number of residual nerve fibers without compromising blood flow. Prospective blinded randomized control trial: bilateral MDSC was performed on 22 adult rats (44 cords). HD of the spermatic cord was performed on one side of each rat (side randomized) using the ERBEJET2. The contralateral cord (no HD) was the control for each animal. Blood flow through the vessels was monitored using a micro-Doppler probe. After completion a cross-section of the residual cord was sent to pathology (blinded to technique) to assess for small diameter nerves and signs of damage in vascular integrity. Blood flow had been maintained in the vessels when the ERBEJET2 was set to 6 bar (87 psi). The cord where HD had been performed had a significantly lower total median residual nerve count of 5 (0-10), compared to 8 (2-12) on the non-HD side (p = 0.007). No structural damage was seen in the vessels in the spermatic cord that had undergone HD (gross exam and histology). HD of the spermatic cord significantly decreases residual nerve density without compromising vascular integrity in a rat model.

Application of actuator-driven pulsed water jet in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage surgery: its effectiveness for dissection around ruptured aneurysmal walls and subarachnoid clot removal

In clipping surgery for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), critical steps include clot removal and dissection of aneurysms without premature rupture or brain injuries. To pursue this goal, a piezo actuator-driven pulsed water jet (ADPJ) system was introduced in this study. This study included 42 patients, who suffered aSAH and underwent clipping surgery. Eleven patients underwent surgery with the assistance of the ADPJ system (ADPJ group). In the other 31 patients, surgery was performed without the ADPJ system (Control group). The ADPJ system was used for clot removal and aneurysmal dissection. The clinical impact of the ADPJ system was judged by comparing the rate of premature rupture, degree of clot removal, and clinical outcomes. Intraoperatively, a premature rupture was encountered in 18.2 and 25.8% of cases in the ADPJ and control groups, respectively. Although the differences were not statistically significant, intraoperative observation suggested that the ADPJ system was effective in clot removal and dissection of aneurysms in a safe manner. Computed tomography scans indicated the achievement of higher degrees of clot removal, especially when the ADPJ system was used for cases with preoperative clot volumes of more than 25 ml (p = 0.047, Mann-Whitney U test). Clinical outcomes, including incidence of postoperative brain injury or symptomatic vasospasm, were similar in both groups. We described our preliminary surgical results using the ADPJ system for aSAH. Although further study is needed, the ADPJ system was considered a safe and effective tool for clot removal and dissection of aneurysms.

Robotic microsurgery optimization

The increased application of the da Vinci robotic platform (Intuitive Surgical Inc.) for microsurgery has led to the development of new adjunctive surgical instrumentation. In microsurgery, the robotic platform can provide high definition 12×-15× digital magnification, broader range of motion, fine instrument handling with decreased tremor, reduced surgeon fatigue, and improved surgical productivity. This paper presents novel adjunctive tools that provide enhanced optical magnification, micro-Doppler sensing of vessels down to a 1-mm size, vein mapping capabilities, hydro-dissection, micro-ablation technology (with minimal thermal spread-CO₂ laser technology), and confocal microscopy to provide imaging at a cellular level. Microsurgical outcomes from the use of these tools in the management of patients with infertility and chronic groin and testicular pain are reviewed. All these instruments have been adapted for the robotic console and enhance the robot-assisted microsurgery experience. As the popularity of robot-assisted microsurgery grows, so will its breadth of instrumentation.

Robotic-assisted microsurgery for an elective microsurgical practice

Robotic-assisted microsurgery can be utilized for either intracorporal or extracorporeal surgical procedures. Three-dimensional high-definition magnification, a stable ergonomic platform, elimination of physiologic tremor, and motion scaling make the robotic platform attractive for microsurgeons for complex procedures. Additionally, robotic assistance enables the microsurgeon to take microsurgery to challenging intracorporeal locations in a minimally invasive manner. Recent adjunctive technological developments offer the robotic platform enhanced optical magnification, improved intraoperative imaging, and more precise ablation techniques for microsurgical procedures. The authors present the current state-of-the art tools available in the robotic-assisted microsurgical platform.

Water dissection technique of Toth for opening neurosurgical cleavage planes

BACKGROUND

The low-pressure water dissection technique of Toth, first reported in 1987, is a method to cautiously open neurosurgical cleavage planes such as the sylvian fissure or the interhemispheric space, and the interfaces between extraparenchymal masses and the adjacent brain. The aim of this technical report is to present our long-term experience with this simple and elegant asset of microneurosurgery and to promote its widespread use.

METHOD

Water is injected under microscopic control by a hand-held syringe with a blunt needle or by an irrigating balloon applying repeated injections of physiological saline into the cleavage plane to open it.

FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION

The water dissection technique of Toth has been extensively used in Budapest and Helsinki in thousands of microsurgical cases, in removal of meningiomas and to open sylvian and interhemispheric fissure. In our experience, there have been no noticeable complications, and we recommend this technique for widespread use. It is a very inexpensive, simple, and effective method not requiring any expensive or complicated devices.

[Hydrodissection for tonsillectomy. Results of a pilot study--intraoperative blood loss, postoperative pain symptoms and risk of secondary hemorrhage]

BACKGROUND

: Tonsillectomy is one of the most common procedures in head and neck surgery. Various techniques have been developed to reduce the risk of postoperative bleeding and postoperative pain. Water-jet technology has been designed for a gentle dissection of parenchymal organs. We report the results of a first pilot study using the water-jet technique for tonsillectomy.METHODS.: Water-jet-cutting tonsillectomy was compared with conventional blunt dissection tonsillectomy. 60 Patients were stratified in two groups within a preliminary prospective randomised study. Postoperative pain scores, frequency of postoperative bleeding and intraoperative blood loss were documented.RESULTS.: There was no difference in the average duration of the surgical procedure. The intraoperative bloodloss was markedly decreased in water-jet-cutting tonsillectomy. Postoperative bleeding and postoperative pain were decreased in the water-jet-cutting group.CONCLUSION.: The results of this pilot study demonstrate that water-cutting tonsillectomy is associated with less intraoperative bleeding, reduced frequency of postoperative bleeding events and with less postoperative pain.

Waterjet dissection in the brain: review of the experimental and clinical data with special reference to meningioma surgery

Waterjet dissection enables precise parenchymal dissection under preservation of vessels and reduction of intraoperative blood loss in general surgery. The present study reports our experimental and clinical results with this device in neurosurgery. Our experimental studies in the porcine cadaver brain show that the device allows very accurate, precise, and reliable dissection of the brain. A linear relationship between waterjet pressure and dissection depth was demonstrated. Vessel preservation was observed at pressures below 20 bar. Clinically, precise dissection of brain parenchyma and various tumors was performed without complications. Even in meningiomas, with their very variable firmness, vascularization, and adherence to the surrounding brain, accurate dissection could be achieved. However, while tumor separation from the brain was attained with high accuracy and vessel preservation in all cases, only in softer lesions resection by aspiration under vessel preservation was possible with pressures below 20 bar. In all, the waterjet device enables precise tissue dissection and vessel preservation in various pathologies including meningiomas. It could represent an addition to the neurosurgical armamentarium. Further studies will have to show dissection qualities of this device that are superior to conventional methods.

Waterjet dissection in neurosurgical procedures: clinical results in 35 patients

OBJECT

Waterjet dissection represents a new minimally traumatic surgical method for dissection that can be used in various parenchymal organs, in which it allows highly precise parenchymal dissection while preserving blood vessels, resulting in reduced intraoperative blood loss. This study was performed to investigate the clinical application of this new technique in neurosurgical procedures, such as brain tumor resection and epilepsy surgery.

METHODS

Thirty-four patients with gliomas (Grades II-IV), cerebral metastases, temporal lobe epilepsy, or cerebellar hemangioblastomas, and one patient with internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis were treated surgically with the aid of the waterjet. Resection was performed using waterjet dissection in combination with conventional neurosurgical procedures. Intraoperatively, the waterjet was easy to handle, and no complications due to the device were observed. Dissection of tissue was possible for all pathological conditions, and pressures between 3 and 45 bars were used. In gliomas, metastases, epilepsy surgery, and hemangioblastoma, the tissue was dissected at pressures between 3 and 17 bars, which preserved blood vessels. Dissection of meningiomas and the ICA stenosis required higher pressures (between 20 and 45 bars); with these pressures, blood vessels were also dissected.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that the waterjet dissection procedure can be used intraoperatively without complications. This device appears to be particularly suitable for the dissection of highly vascularized gliomas or normal brain tissue, in which tissue dissection with sparing of blood vessels can be achieved. To prove that this is a useful addition to the neurosurgical armamentarium, reduction of blood loss or postoperative brain edema compared with conventional methods should be demonstrated in future studies.

Hydro-jet cutting: a method for selective surgical dissection of nerve tissue. An experimental study on the sciatic nerve of rats

The aim of this study was to answer the question: is it possible to save motor nerves when dissecting tissue with the hydro-jet dissector? In order to study the influence of the hydro-jet on motor nerves the function of the sciatic nerves of 10 Wistar rats was evaluated. The sciatic nerves were dissected bilaterally and only the left one was exposed to the hydro-jet. The water-jet emerged from a nozzle with a diameter of 0.1 mm and was applied to the nerve for 2, 5 or 10 s and with jet pressures of 80, 85 and 90 bar, respectively. After the operation the animals were observed for 5 months in order to monitor the degree of limping using a scale with 10 clinical grades of function. Five months postoperatively the animals were sacrificed and the sciatic nerves were studied by light and electron microscopy. It was found that hydro-jet pressures of 80 bar and exposure times of 2 s had already lead to irreversible damage to the sciatic nerve. Therefore further studies with lower pressures or shorter exposure times are required before considering hydro-jet cutting for parotid gland surgery. It must be confirmed as harmless to motor nerves before applying this method in humans.