Intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS)-guided vs conventional laparoscopic nephrectomy: a randomised control trial

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy of routine use of intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) in improving perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing IOUS-guided laparoscopic nephrectomy (IOUS-LN) and conventional laparoscopic nephrectomy (C-LN).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a parallel-arm, single-blinded, randomised controlled trial (CTRI/2021/12/038906). All patients undergoing LN, either for benign or malignant causes, were included. Patients undergoing partial/cytoreductive nephrectomy, with venous thrombus were excluded. In the study arm, IOUS-guided renal vascular assessment was performed after colon mobilisation and a standard LN was performed in the control arm. The primary outcome was intraoperative duration. The secondary outcomes were blood loss, need for open conversion, blood transfusion, perioperative complications, duration of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay and length of hospitalisation (LOH). The patients were followed for 3 months after surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 104 patients were included, with 52 in each arm. Demographic characteristics were comparable in both arms. A significant reduction in the operative duration (mean [sd] 181.69 [40.8] vs 199.7 [41.8] min, P = 0.02) was seen in the IOUS-LN group. The difference in blood loss showed no significant difference when compared between both groups (median [interquartile range] 84.55 [74-105.5] vs 99.95 [78.5-111] mL, P = 0.08). On subgroup analysis, the reduction in the operative duration was significant in patients who underwent laparoscopic simple nephrectomy (LSN; mean [sd] 194.4 [42.5] vs 221.2 [36.4] min, P = 0.01), whereas comparable operative durations were seen in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN; mean [sd] 168.96 [35.3] vs 178.3 [35.9] min, P = 0.34). Similar conversion rates were seen in both groups (P = 0.98) along with blood transfusions (P = 0.78). The LOH, ICU stay, and complications were similar in both groups. Significantly less blood loss (P = 0.03) was noted with IOUS in patients undergoing LSN. IOUS did not influence any outcomes in patients undergoing LRN.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative ultrasonography significantly reduced the operative duration in LN, but with no significant reduction in the volume of blood loss. Significant reduction in intraoperative duration and blood loss was seen in patients who underwent LSN on subgroup analysis.

Is intraoperative ultrasonography necessary in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for exophytic tumours?

INTRODUCTION

The value of IOUS has been proven especially for endophytic kidney tumours, but has not been assessed critically for exophytic kidney tumours. We aimed to evaluate the value of IOUS for exophytic kidney tumours.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The data of LPN cases were collected prospectively between 2000 and 2022. Thirty-two of 535 patients who underwent laparoscopic retroperitoneal partial nephrectomy without IOUS were matched with the IOUS applied cases according to tumour size, tumour localization and PADUA score.

RESULTS

There were no differences between the two groups in terms of the matching parameters. The average warm ischemia time was 14 min for the IOUS group (range 9-32 min) and 20 min for the non-IOUS group (range 7-52 min) (p = 0.01). Also, the average cutting time was shorter in the IOUS group (6 min vs 9 min) (p = 0.046). There was no difference between the two groups in terms of suturing times (8 min vs 8.5 min) (p = 0.66). The average tumour size was 3.5 cm and pathologically-proven residual tumour was detected in one patient in each group.

CONCLUSION

The use of IOUS in laparoscopic retroperitoneal partial nephrectomy for exophytic kidney tumours may shorten the warm ischemia time by reducing the cutting time.

Laparoscopic Extended Left Lateral Sectionectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Patient with Right-Sided Ligamentum Teres: A Case Report and Literature Review

Right-sided ligamentum teres (RSLT) is a rare anatomic variant in which the fetal umbilical vein connects to the right portal vein. Patients with RSLT frequently have hepatic vasculature and bile duct anomalies, which increase the risk of complications with hepatectomy. Most patients with RSLT undergo open hepatectomy. Herein, we describe a patient with RSLT and hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy. The patient was a 69-year-old man with hepatocellular carcinoma located in the left liver based on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging. Imaging also demonstrated RSLT. Three-dimensional CT analysis revealed independent right lateral type anomalies of the portal vein and bile duct. A laparoscopic extended left lateral sectionectomy was performed after careful surgical planning. Ultrasonography was used frequently during surgery to avoid damaging the right hepatic vasculature. The left lateral and partial left median sections were removed as planned. The patient's postoperative recovery was uneventful. Avoiding injury to the right hepatic vasculature is essential when performing left lobectomy, including left lateral sectionectomy, in patients with RSLT. Laparoscopic hepatectomy can be performed safely in patients with RSLT, provided that careful surgical planning is conducted using preoperative three-dimensional CT analysis and intraoperative ultrasonography.

Increased blood flow of spinal cord lesion after decompression improves neurological recovery of degenerative cervical myelopathy: an intraoperative ultrasonography-based prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Surgical decompression is a highly effective therapy for degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM), but the mechanisms of neurological recovery following decompression remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the spinal cord blood flow status after sufficient decompression by intraoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and to analyze the correlation between neurological recovery and postdecompressive spinal cord blood perfusion in DCM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with multilevel DCM were treated by ultrasound-guided modified French-door laminoplasty using a self-developed rongeur. Neurological function was evaluated using the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score preoperatively and at 12 months postoperatively. Spinal cord compression and cervical canal enlargement before and after surgery were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography. The decompression status was evaluated in real time by intraoperative ultrasonography, while the spinal cord blood flow after sufficient decompression was assessed by CEUS. Patients were categorized as favourable (≥50%) or unfavourable (<50%) recovery according to the recovery rate of the mJOA score at 12 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients were included in the study. The mJOA scores were significantly improved in all patients from 11.2±2.1 preoperatively to 15.0±1.1 at 12 months postoperatively, with an average recovery rate of 64.9±16.2%. Computerized tomography and intraoperative ultrasonography confirmed adequate enlargement of the cervical canal and sufficient decompression of the spinal cord, respectively. CEUS revealed that patients with favourable neurological recovery had a greater increased blood flow signal in the compressive spinal cord segment after decompression.

CONCLUSIONS

In DCM, intraoperative CEUS can clearly reflect spinal cord blood flow. Patients with increased blood perfusion of the spinal cord lesion immediately after surgical decompression tended to achieve greater neurological recovery.

Enhanced Recognition Confidence of Millimeter-Sized Intrahepatic Targets by Real-Time Virtual Sonography

OBJECTIVES

Real-time virtual sonography (RVS) is an artificial-intelligence-assisted ultrasonographic navigation system that displays synchronized preoperative computed tomography (CT) images corresponding to real-time intraoperative ultrasonograms (IOUS). This study aimed to investigate whether RVS can enhance IOUS identification of small intrahepatic targets found in preoperative CT.

METHODS

Patients with small intrahepatic targets detected by preoperative thin-slice dynamic CT before liver resection were included. The targets included millimeter-sized liver tumors or a third-order or more distal portal branch and were marked on CT images using 3D simulation software. After laparotomy, the targets were searched using fundamental IOUS, and participating liver surgeons subjectively scored the target identifying confidence on a scale of 1-5 (5 points for detection with the highest confidence and one point for undetectable). Then, the search procedure was repeated using the RVS, and the scores were compared.

RESULTS

Totally, 55 patients with 117 small targets were investigated. The median target size was 6.0 mm, and the median registration time was 3.6 seconds. The target identification confidence score significantly increased from 2.78 to 4.52 points after using RVS. Seventeen targets (14.5%) were undetectable in fundamental IOUS, and 14 of them were identified by RVS. The detectability of small liver tumors (2-5 points of identification confidence) by IOUS was 81.1 and 96.7% by RVS.

CONCLUSION

RVS enhanced surgeons' confidence in identifying millimeter-sized intrahepatic targets found in preoperative CT.

The Role of Intraoperative Ultrasonography Associated with Clampless Technique in Three-Dimensional Retroperitoneoscopic Laparoscopic Enucleation of Completely Endophytic Renal Tumors

Objectives: To evaluate perioperative and functional outcomes of clampless laparoscopic tumor enucleation for completely endophytic renal tumors with the guide of intraoperative ultrasonography. Methods: We analyzed patients with clinically completely endophytic tumors, renal tumors, who underwent clampless three-dimensional (3D) retroperitoneoscopic laparoscopic tumor enucleation between January 2012 and January 2021. Patients with exophytic tumors were excluded. Intraoperative ultrasonography was used to map out the mass in all surgeries. Results: Overall, 57 patients underwent clampless 3D retroperitoneoscopic laparoscopic tumor enucleation. Mean surgical time was 131 minutes, and mean estimated blood loss was 202 mL. Mean hospital stay was 4.7 days. Major and minor postoperative complications occurred, respectively, in 3 and 10 cases. Only a patient had a positive surgical margin. One-year renal function did not differ from baseline. Conclusion: Our study showed that clampless laparoscopic enucleation guided by laparoscopic ultrasonography ensured satisfactory outcomes for completely intrarenal tumors, with excellent renal function preservation 1 year after surgery.

Revisiting Intraoperative 2D USG with Saline-Air Mixture as Contrast for Resection of Eloquent Area Glioma in Resource-Deficient Countries

Background  Advanced ultrasound, intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), neuromonitoring, and aminolevulenic acid have improved the resection and safety of eloquent area gliomas. However, availability of these modern gadgets is a major concern in resource-deficient countries. A two-dimensional ultrasonography 2D USG is cheaper, provides real-time imaging, and is already established but underutilized instrument. Objective  Here, we revisited the principles of 2D USG and used it for eloquent-area glioma surgery. Materials and Methods  Fifty-eight patients with eloquent area gliomas were operated in last 2 years with the aid of 2D USG with 6-13 MHz curvilinear probe. Preoperative diagnosis was high-grade glioma in 38 and low-grade glioma (LGG) in 20 patients. Tumors were categorized as predominantly hyperechoic (27), uniformly hyperechoic (7), mixed echogenicity (21), and cystic (3). Results  Intraoperatively, 2D USG could define the tumor margins in 46 cases. Of these, USG suggested gross total excision in 38 patients and subtotal in 8 patients. The findings matched with follow-up MRI in 34 patients who showed hyperechogenicity (predominant/uniform). Injecting saline with air in to the resection cavity and insinuating through adjacent brain parenchyma helped in detecting residual lesion in three cystic gliomas and in two LGG where the tumor cavity collapsed. Conclusion  2D USG is a helpful tool in eloquent area glioma surgery, especially in resource-limited countries. Visualization through adjacent parenchyma and injection of saline-air mixture in to the resection cavity helped in delineating residual lesion. Extent of resection is best monitored by 2D USG when tumor appeared hyperechoic (predominant/uniform).

Potential of intraoperative ultrasonographic assessment of the spinal cord central echo complex in predicting postoperative neurological recovery of degenerative cervical myelopathy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The spinal cord central echo complex (SCCEC) is a special ultrasonography-based intramedullary structure, but its clinical significance in degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is undefined. This study aimed to explore the potential of the SCCEC in predicting postoperative neurological recovery in DCM.

METHODS

Thirty-two DCM patients who underwent intraoperative ultrasonography-guided French-door laminoplasty were prospectively enrolled. The modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score was evaluated preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. SCCEC width (SCCEC-W), and anteroposterior diameter (APD) and transverse diameter (TD) of the spinal cord were measured on transverse ultrasonographic images, while the tissue widths from anterior and posterior borders of the spinal cord to the SCCEC were measured on sagittal ultrasonographic images. The APD of the spinal cord and occupying rate of the spinal canal were measured on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

RESULTS

All patients achieved improvements in mJOA scores, with an average recovery rate (RR) of 68.69 ± 20.22%. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that SCCEC-W, and ratios between the SCCEC-W and APD/TD based on ultrasonography, correlated moderately with mJOA score RR, with coefficients of -0.527, -0.605 and -0.514, respectively. The ratio between SCCEC-W and ultrasonographic TD correlated moderately with preoperative APD of the spinal cord. The MRI measurements and ultrasonography-based tissue widths showed no significant correlation with mJOA score RR.

CONCLUSIONS

The SCCEC may have predictive potential as an intraoperative indicator of neurological recovery in treating DCM. SCCEC-W may be related to spinal cord compression in DCM.

How to Perform Curative Laparoscopic Hepatectomy for Intraoperatively Unidentified Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIM

Detection of hepatocellular carcinoma using intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) is indispensable for successful laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH). This study was performed to evaluate patients with intraoperatively unidentified tumours undergoing LH.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seven patients who underwent LH for hepatocellular carcinoma and whose tumours were not detected using IOUS were included in this study. Clinical features, preoperative imaging, intraoperative imaging, surgical procedures, and pathological findings were evaluated.

RESULTS

Using gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, all the tumours were enhanced in the arterial phase and rapidly washed out, becoming hypointense to the remainder of the liver. All tumours except one were <2 cm in size. Severe liver fibrosis was observed in all cases. Tumours that were invisible on preoperative ultrasonography also could not be detected using IOUS or indocyanine green fluorescence imaging. Five patients underwent hepatectomy based on anatomical landmarks and achieved curative resection, whereas curative resection failed in two patients.

CONCLUSION

When tumours cannot be identified by IOUS, LH based on anatomical landmarks should be preferred. Importantly, invisible tumours on preoperative ultrasonography may not be identified intraoperatively during LH.

Intraoperative Specimen Ultrasonography: Is It a Reliable Tool for Margin Assessment Following Breast Conservation Surgery for Breast Carcinoma?

BACKGROUND

Assessment of margins after breast conservation surgery is an essential part of management in breast cancer and is important in prognostication of the patient. Various intra-operative techniques like frozen section and imprint cytology are in use to ensure negative margins but have their limitations in the fact that 3D evaluation is not feasible. These lead to false negatives and also are operator dependent. In order to obviate these shortcomings, various centers are using specimen imaging (specimen mammogram and ultrasonography).

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

1) To evaluate the accuracy of specimen ultrasonography in assessing the margins following breast conservation surgery (BCS). 2) To compare the accuracy of intra-operative specimen ultra-sonography with frozen section for assessment of excision margins following BCS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-two biopsy-proven patients with breast cancer who underwent BCS were included in this prospective study at a tertiary cancer care center. The oriented specimens were evaluated by specimen ultrasonography and later by frozen section. The final histopathology served as the gold standard.

RESULTS

Specimen ultrasonography is found to be superior to frozen section in providing detailed assessment of margins in patients undergoing breast conservation. Specimen ultrasonography was also able to detect additional lesions which might be missed on frozen section, especially the in-situ carcinoma.

Intraoperative ultrasonography-guided surgery: An effective modality for breast conservation after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy

Margin status is one of the significant prognostic factors for recurrence in breast-conserving surgery (BCS). The issue that merits consideration for oncologic safety and cost-effectiveness about the modalities to assure clear margins at initial surgical intervention remains controversial after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). The presented study aimed to assess the impact of intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS)-guided surgery on accurate localization of tumor site, adequacy of excision with clear margins, and healthy tissue sacrifice in BCS after NAC. Patients who had IOUS-guided BCS ater NAC were reviewed. No patient had preoperative localization with wire or radiotracer. Intraoperative real-time sonographic localization, sonographic margin assessment during resection, macroscopic and sonographic examination of specimen, and cavity shavings (CS) were done as the standard procedure. No frozen assessment was performed. One hundred ninety-four patients were included, in which 42.5% had pCR. IOUS-guided surgery accomplished successful localization of the targeted lesions in all patients. Per protocol, all inked margins on CS specimens were reported to be tumor-free in permanent histopathology. No re-excision or mastectomy was required. For a setting without CS, the negative predictive value (NPV) of IOUS rate was 96%. IOUS was found to over and underestimate tumor response to NAC both in 2% of patients. IOUS-guided surgery seems to be an efficient modality to perform adequate BCS after NAC with no additional localization method. Especially, when CS is integrated as a standard to BCS, IOUS seems to provide safe surgery for patients with no false negativity and a high rate of NPV.

Endoscopic approaches to orbital lesions: case series and systematic literature review

OBJECTIVE

Surgical treatment of orbital lesions is challenging because complex approaches with a high risk of postoperative sequelae are required. Recently, minimally invasive endoscopic approaches through endonasal (EEA) and transpalpebral (ETP) routes have been proposed. The objective of this study was to assess outcomes of EEA and ETP in the authors' series of patients with orbital lesions.

METHODS

Data from all patients who underwent operations for an orbital tumor through an endoscopic approach at the authors' institution from 2002 to 2018 were retrospectively collected. All patients underwent preoperative MRI and ophthalmological evaluation, which was repeated 3 months after surgery and then at regular follow-up intervals. A systematic review of the literature was also performed using Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases.

RESULTS

The series includes 23 patients (14 males); the mean patient age was 48 ± 23.9 years. Most of the lesions were intraconal (n = 19, 83%). The more frequent histotype was cavernous hemangioma (n = 5, 22%). Exophthalmos was the most common symptom (21 of 23 patients). EEA was performed in 16 cases (70%) and ETP in 7 (30%). The aim of the surgery was achieved in 94% of the cases after an EEA (successful biopsy in 5 of 6 cases and radical resection in all 10 remaining patients), and in 86% after an ETP (successful biopsy in 2 cases and radical tumor resection in 4 of 5 cases). Complications consisted of 3 cases (13%) of transitory diplopia. One recurrence (4%) was observed at follow-up (mean 59 ± 55 months).

CONCLUSIONS

The EEA and ETP have demonstrated to be safe and effective for tumors located respectively in medial and lateral quadrants, permitting one to approach orbital lesions endoscopically at 360°. Innovative surgical tools, including intraoperative ultrasonography, may be useful to potentially reduce surgical morbidity. Larger series are needed to validate these preliminary suggestions.

Is Intraoperative Ultrasound a Valuable Tool for Brain Arteriovenous Malformation Diagnosis and Treatment? A Case Report

The localization of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) intraoperatively in the setting of an acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is crucial to avoid damage of delicate vascular structures that may even further exacerbate the bleed. Currently, surgical mapping using preoperative angiographic is the standard of practice. We report the use of intraoperative ultrasound for the diagnosis and localization of an AVM in the case of a 61-year-old female with reported iodine contrast allergy and previous severe reaction, in a setting with limited resources, without other imaging options or timely transfer to another facility readily available. Immediate surgical care was warranted to avoid further deterioration of the patient; intraoperative diagnosis and localization of the suspected underlying lesion were done using ultrasound. The ultrasound display showed tubular anechoic intertwined structures that demonstrated bidirectional flow, which is suggestive of an AVM. The intraoperative diagnosis allowed the surgeon to avoid an inadvertent approach to the vascular malformation nidus or vessels, which could have further complicated the case. We believe that intraoperative ultrasound may be valuable for the neurosurgeons today in many settings. Despite the fact that this case occurred in a scenario with limited resources and no other imaging method (such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)) available, we advise readers not to rely solely on intraoperative ultrasound.

Dynamic Changes of Cauda Equina Motion Before and After Decompressive Laminectomy for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis With Redundant Nerve Roots: Cauda Equina Activation Sign

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional observational study (consecutive case series).

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to define a criterion for achieving successful decompression of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) using intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) and to investigate the pathogenesis of redundant nerve roots (RNRs) based on the ultrasonographic findings.

METHODS

A total of 100 LSS patients (71 males, 29 females, mean age, 71 ± 8 years) with RNRs were enrolled as subjects in this study. IOUS was performed to evaluate pulsatile motion of the cauda equina (PMCE) just before and after decompressive laminectomy. To determine the decompression status of the cauda equina, the ultrasonographic findings were classified into 3 types on the basis of the presence or absence of PMCE: type 1, predecompression PMCE (-) to postdecompression PMCE (+); type 2, pre- and postdecompression PMCE (+); and type 3, pre- and postdecompression PMCE (-). The pathogenesis of RNRs was also investigated based on the ultrasonographic findings.

RESULTS

Around the stenosis, PMCE was almost always absent before decompression and appeared after decompression (type 1 in 94 patients, type 2 in 6, type 3 in 0). IOUS showed that, before decompression, the cauda equina was held at the stenosis and could not pulsate beyond the stenotic site, and after decompression, PMCE recovered in the craniocaudal direction, leading to the resolution of RNRs.

CONCLUSIONS

The emergence of PMCE can be a sign of successful decompression for LSS. Ultrasonographic findings support the notion that disturbance of PMCE around the stenosis is a basic component of the pathogenesis of RNRs.

Efficacy of intraoperative ultrasonography in neurosurgical tumor resection

OBJECTIVE Intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) is a widely accessible imaging modality that provides real-time surgical guidance with minimal identified risk or additional operative time. A recent study by the authors found a strong correlation between IOUS and postoperative MRI findings when evaluating the extent of tumor resection, suggesting that IOUS might have significant clinical implications. The objective of this study was to expand on results from the previous study in order to provide more evidence on the usage of IOUS in the determination of gross-total resection (GTR) in both adult and pediatric patients with brain tumors. METHODS This study consisted of a retrospective review of adult and pediatric neurosurgical patients who were treated at Albany Medical Center between August 2009 and March 2016 for a tumor of the brain. All patients were treated with IOUS and then underwent postoperative MRI (with and without contrast) within 1 week of surgery. RESULTS A total of 260 patients (55% of whom were males) met inclusion criteria for the study (age range 3 months to 84 years). IOUS results showed a strong association with postoperative MRI results (φ = 0.693, p < 0.001) and an 81% intended GTR rate. In cases in which GTR was pursued, 19% had false-negative results. IOUS was able to accurately identify residual tumor in 100% of subtotal resection cases where resection was stopped due to invasion of tumor into eloquent locations. Cases involving gliomas had a 75% intended GTR rate and a 25% false-negative rate. Cases involving metastatic tumors had an 87% intended GTR rate and a 13% false-negative rate. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value are reported for IOUS in all included tumor pathologies, glioma cases, and metastatic tumor cases, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The use of IOUS may allow for a reliable imaging modality to achieve a more successful GTR of brain tumors in both adult and pediatric neurosurgical patients. When attempting GTR, the authors demonstrated an 81% GTR rate. The authors also report false-negative IOUS results in 19% of attempted GTR cases. The authors support the use of IOUS in both adult and pediatric CNS tumor surgery to improve surgical outcomes. However, further studies are warranted to address existing limitations with its use to further improve its efficacy and better define its role as an intraoperative imaging tool.

Comparison of outcomes of surgeon-performed intraoperative ultrasonography-guided wire localization and preoperative wire localization in nonpalpable breast cancer patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery: A retrospective cohort study

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of intraoperative ultrasonography-guided wire localization guided breast-conserving surgery (BCS) for nonpalpable breast cancer and compare it to conventional preoperative wire localization (PWL) guided surgery.We retrospectively analyzed the medical charts of 214 consecutive nonpalpable breast cancer patients who underwent BCS using intraoperative ultrasonography-guided wire localization by a surgeon (IUWLS) and PWL, between April 2013 and March 2017. Positive surgical margins, reexcision rates, and resection volumes were investigated.Of the total cohort, 124 patients underwent BCS with IUWLS and 90 patients with PWL. The following did not differ between the IUWLS and PWL groups: positive margin status, re-excision rate, conversion rate, permanent positive margin status, reoperation rate, median optimal resection volume (ORV), median total resection volume (TRV), and median closest tumor-free margin. Rather, median (range) widest tumor-free margin was significantly smaller in the IUWLS group (9 mm [5-12]) than in the PWL group (14 mm [9-20]; P = .003]). Median (range) calculated resection ratio (CRR) was significantly lower in the IUWLS group (1.67 [0.87-9.38]) than in the PWL group (4.83 [1.63-21.04]; P = .02).In nonpalpable breast cancer patients undergoing BCS, IUWLS showed positive resection margins and reexcision rates equivalent to those of the conventional PWL method. Additionally, excision volume and widest tumor-free margin were smaller with IUWLS, confirming that healthy breast tissue is less likely to be resected with this method. Our results suggest that IUWLS offers an excellent alternative to PWL, while avoiding PWL-induced patient discomfort.

The value of intraoperative ultrasonography in neurosurgery

Intraoperative ultrasonography is widely used in neurosurgery today. Here we attempt to clarify and demonstrate its usefulness in the operating room. Of 113 lesions, 112 were detected during surgery. The undetected lesion was a spinal arachnoid hematoma that had been absorbed during an intraoperative maneuver. No infection or complication occurred after surgery. Ultrasound guidance ensures safe tumor removal by minimizing injury to cerebral tissue and shortening operation time. Intraoperative ultrasonography improves the safety and efficiency of neurosurgery.

Applications of intraoperative ultrasound in the treatment of complicated cases of acute and chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer - own experience

Both acute and chronic inflammation of the pancreas often lead to complications that nowadays can be resolved using endoscopic and surgical procedures. In many cases, intraoperative ultrasound examination (IOUS) enables correct assessment of the extent of the lesion, and allows for safe surgery, while also shortening its length.

AIM OF THE RESEARCH

At the authors' clinic, intraoperative ultrasound is performed in daily practice. In this paper, we try to share our experiences in the application of this particular imaging technique.

RESEARCH SAMPLE AND METHODOLOGY

Intraoperative examination conducted by a surgeon who has assessed the patient prior to surgery, which enabled the surgeon to verify the initial diagnosis. The material presented in this paper includes 145 IOUS procedures performed during laparotomy due to lesions of the pancreas, 57 of which were carried out in cases of inflammatory process.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

IOUS is a reliable examination tool in the evaluation of acute inflammatory lesions in the pancreas, especially during the surgery of chronic, symptomatic inflammation of the organ. The procedure allows for a correct determination of the necessary scope of the planned surgery. The examination allows for the differentiation between cystic lesions and tumors of cystic nature, dictates the correct strategy for draining, as well as validates the indications for the lesion's surgical removal. IOUS also allows the estimation of place and scope of drainage procedures in cases of overpressure in the pancreatic ducts caused by calcification of the parenchyma or choledocholitiasis in chronic pancreatitis. In pancreatic cancer, IOUS provides a verification of the local extent of tumor-like lesions, allowing for the assessment of pancreatic and lymph nodes metastasis, and indicating the presence of distant and local metastases, including the liver. IOUS significantly improves the effectiveness of intraoperative BAC aspiration or drainage of fluid reservoirs.

First in-human intraoperative imaging of HCC using the fluorescence goggle system and transarterial delivery of near-infrared fluorescent imaging agent: a pilot study

Surgical resections remain the primary curative interventions for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, lack of real-time intraoperative image guidance confines surgeons to subjective visual assessment of the surgical bed, leading to poor visualization of small positive nodules and the extension of diffuse HCC. To address this problem, we developed a wearable fluorescence imaging and display system (fluorescence goggle) for intraoperative imaging of HCCs in human patients. In this pilot study, both intravenous (IV) and transarterial hepatic (TAH) delivery of indocyanine green (ICG) were explored to facilitate fluorescence goggle-mediated HCC imaging. The results show that all primary tumors in patients (n = 4) who received TAH delivery of ICG were identified successfully by the fluorescence goggle. In addition, 6 satellite tumors were also detected by the goggle, 5 of which were neither identifiable via preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) nor by visual inspection and palpation. In the group (n = 5) that received ICG intravenously, only 2 of 6 tumors visible by preoperative MRI or CT were identified with the fluorescence goggle, demonstrating the limitation of this delivery route for a non-tumor-selective imaging agent. Comparative analysis shows that the HCC-to-liver florescence contrast detected by the goggle was significantly greater in patients that received TAH than IV delivery of ICG (P = 0.013). This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of using the fluorescence goggle to identify multifocal lesions and small tumor deposits using TAH ICG delivery in HCC patients.

External validation of a simplified BCLC staging system for early hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The aim was to externally validate the capability of a simplified Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (s-BCLC) staging system in allocating patients to hepatic resection (HR) and the effect on survival: S-BCLC was defined by only 2 groups: AA included BCLC A1 + A2 classes with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ≤ 20 ng/ml and AB included A1 + A2 with AFP > 20 ng/ml plus A3 + A4 subgroups.

METHODS

This study compared a training group (TG) with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) submitted to hepatic resection (HR) in Milan with another group of patients, the validation group (VG) in Creteil. All patients underwent ultrasound-guided anatomical resection (<3 segments).

RESULTS

Overall survival got worse from A1 to A4 (p = 0.0271) in TG (n = 132), as well as in VG (n = 100) (p = 0.0044) with a more important overlapping of each curves. According s-BCLC classification, the survival curves of TG (p = 0.0001) and VG (p = 0.0250) showed a definitive separation in two different staging groups. The s-BCLC provided the best predictive accuracy and it also presented the highest separability index and C-statistics in both TG and VG. On the other hand, in the evaluation of discriminatory ability for death, measured by ROC curve areas, the s-BCLC system gave better results than the others.

CONCLUSION

This experience stressed the high value of BCLC system in staging of HCC, but the s-BCLC system seems to be more useful for therapeutic decision making.

External validation of a simplified BCLC staging system for early hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The aim was to externally validate the capability of a simplified Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (s-BCLC) staging system in allocating patients to hepatic resection (HR) and the effect on survival: S-BCLC was defined by only 2 groups: AA included BCLC A1 + A2 classes with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ≤ 20 ng/ml and AB included A1 + A2 with AFP > 20 ng/ml plus A3 + A4 subgroups.

METHODS

This study compared a training group (TG) with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) submitted to hepatic resection (HR) in Milan with another group of patients, the validation group (VG) in Creteil. All patients underwent ultrasound-guided anatomical resection (<3 segments).

RESULTS

Overall survival got worse from A1 to A4 (p = 0.0271) in TG (n = 132), as well as in VG (n = 100) (p = 0.0044) with a more important overlapping of each curves. According s-BCLC classification, the survival curves of TG (p = 0.0001) and VG (p = 0.0250) showed a definitive separation in two different staging groups. The s-BCLC provided the best predictive accuracy and it also presented the highest separability index and C-statistics in both TG and VG. On the other hand, in the evaluation of discriminatory ability for death, measured by ROC curve areas, the s-BCLC system gave better results than the others.

CONCLUSION

This experience stressed the high value of BCLC system in staging of HCC, but the s-BCLC system seems to be more useful for therapeutic decision making.

Morphometric analysis of caudate veins for advanced liver surgery

BACKGROUND

  Accurate knowledge of the surgical anatomy of the caudate lobe is indispensable in the performance of liver surgery. Although previous cast studies have provided much useful overall information about the locations of the caudate veins, little is known about how to establish the exact locations of the caudate and short hepatic veins prior to surgery.

OBJECTIVES

  This study was conducted as a practical morphometric analysis of the caudate veins using preoperative enhanced computed tomography (CT) and intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS).

METHODS

  From July 2003 to October 2005, 116 donor hepatectomies were performed for adult living donor liver transplantation. The numbers and locations of visible caudate veins were examined pre- and intraoperatively using CT and IOUS.

RESULTS

  In the 116 patients, a total of 152 caudate veins were detected, which were classified as being of either typical (n= 135) or non-typical (n= 17) type. One caudate vein was detectable in 83 patients (72%), two in 30 patients (26%) and three in three patients (3%). A total of 67% of caudate veins detected by IOUS and 70% detected by CT were located on the ventral 60 ° of the inferior vena cava (IVC). The remaining veins were scattered on both lateral sides.

CONCLUSIONS

  Preoperative CT and IOUS were useful in providing morphometric information of sizable caudate veins. Precise information on these veins is essential for the safe dissection of the caudate lobe from the IVC in advanced liver surgery.