Transanal ileoproctostomy is feasible in human cadavers

Meniscus regeneration by 3D printing technologies: Current advances and future perspectives

Meniscal tears are a frequent orthopedic injury commonly managed by conservative strategies to avoid osteoarthritis development descending from altered biomechanics. Among cutting-edge approaches in tissue engineering, 3D printing technologies are extremely promising guaranteeing for complex biomimetic architectures mimicking native tissues. Considering the anisotropic characteristics of the menisci, and the ability of printing over structural control, it descends the intriguing potential of such vanguard techniques to meet individual joints’ requirements within personalized medicine. This literature review provides a state-of-the-art on 3D printing for meniscus reconstruction. Experiences in printing materials/technologies, scaffold types, augmentation strategies, cellular conditioning have been compared/discussed; outcomes of pre-clinical studies allowed for further considerations. To date, translation to clinic of 3D printed meniscal devices is still a challenge: meniscus reconstruction is once again clear expression of how the integration of different expertise (e.g., anatomy, engineering, biomaterials science, cell biology, and medicine) is required to successfully address native tissues complexities.

Forensic clinical anatomy: A new field of study with application to medicolegal issues

Forensic clinical anatomy is a new practical application of the discipline of Clinical Anatomy for ascertaining and evaluating medicolegal questions. In particular, individual anatomy (normal anatomy, anatomical variations, age-, disease-, or surgery-related modifications) can acquire significant relevance in various fields of legal medicine such as child abuse, sudden death, medical responsibility and/or liability, personal injury and damage. Anatomical data of forensic interest frequently arise from the correct application of methods of ascertainment; anatomical methods may then be required for further comprehensive analysis. The rigorous interpretation of anatomical data, derived from the ascertainment phase and analyzed on the basis of pertinent literature, can be pivotal for the correct application of evaluation criteria in various forensic contexts. Clin. Anat. 30:2-5, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery: Current application and future prospects

Rectal neoplasms pose serious harm to human health. The options of surgical procedure for these patients have been limited because of the special features of anal and rectal anatomy and physiology. Tumors with a diameter less than 3 cm can be resected through the anus or soft microscope; however, those with a large diameter and wide base which are cancerous and relapse easily still need conventional laparotomy procedures. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) was designed to avoid laparotomy for these patients. Using special instruments, TEM allows to totally resect tumors located 4-25 cm from the anus with safe margin and lower rate of complications. Because of minimal invasiveness, shorter operative time and lower rate of complications, TEM can be widely applied in rectal polyps and adenomas. Currently, there are still arguments about TEM usage in early-stage and advanced rectal cancer. This paper reviews the current situation of application and research of TEM, with emphasis put on its indications, clinical efficiency and future development.