This study was conducted in accordance with Declaration of Helsinki and local clinical ethics committee (2018/09).
1. Physical Examination
NOTE: The provocative tests for diagnosis of the TOS are depicted in Figure 1.
<ol>
	<li>For the Adson test (scalene test, Figure 1A), bring the patient&#8217;s shoulder to external rotation with slight abduction and a little bit of extension and palpate the radial pulse. Extend the patient&#8217;s head backward and rotate toward the tested shoulder. Ask the patient to breathe in and hold their breath.
	<ol>
		<li>Consider the test positive in cases where reproduction of symptoms or abolition of the radial pulse occurs while symptoms resolve with rotating of the head to the controlateral side.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>For the costoclavicular brace test (Figure 1B), bring the patient&#8217;s arm to the back, depress and retract over the patients&#39; scapula on the ipsilateral side. Check the pulse. If the radial pulse disappears or symptoms are reproduced, the test is deemed positive.</li>
	<li>For the hyperabduction test (Figure 1C), slightly extend the patient&#8217;s arm and palpate the radial artery. Abduct the arm 90-180&#176;. A positive test is a decrease in the pulse of the radial artery from baseline to the new position.</li>
	<li>For the Roos (East) test (Figure 1D), perform the test in either a sitting or standing position. Take the patient&#8217;s shoulders to 90&#176; abduction, externally rotate, and flex elbows to 90&#176;. The elbows should be slightly behind the frontal plane. Have the patient open and close his/her hands for 3 minutes.
	<ol>
		<li>Consider the test positive if the patient experiences heaviness, ischemic pain or weakness of the arms or numbness and tingling of the hands. Discoloration of the hands is also meaningful for the test. 
		NOTE: Surgical treatment is the first option in VTOS cases, whereas surgical treatment is performed in NTOS cases after 3 months of conservative therapy without any improvement in their daily life, work life, and sleep quality.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
2. Preoperative clinical and electrodiagnostic assessment
<ol>
	<li>For evaluation of the clinical improvement with surgical treatment, make clinical findings in the physical examination, EMG findings, and the QuickDASH (Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand: <a href="https://www.hss.edu/physician-files/fufa/Fufa-quickdash-questionnaire.pdf">https://www.hss.edu/physician-files/fufa/Fufa-quickdash-questionnaire.pdf</a>) questionnaire related to symptoms of daily activities and social and psychological preoperative periods.</li>
	<li>Determine the preoperative EMGs by measuring the compound motor action potential (CMAP), sensory nerve action potential (SNAP), and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and F-wave latency. Make recordings using a commercial EMG/NCV/EP measuring system (e.g.,&#160;Nihon&#160;Kohden&#160;Neuropack 2).</li>
</ol>
3. Transaxillary first rib resection in a stepwise manner
<ol>
	<li>Perform anesthesia using a standard anesthetic induction protocol which includes 0.6 mg/kg rocuronium bromide, 0.05 mg/kg midazolam and 1-2 &#181;g/kg fentanyl.</li>
	<li>Administer tiopenthal sodium at 6 mg/kg for maintenance.</li>
</ol>
4. Patient position (Figure 2)
<ol>
	<li>After placing the patient in the lateral decubitus position, wrap the arm, elevate and hang in a 90&#176; abduction position. If needed, reduce traction every 3-5 minutes to prevent postoperative complication.</li>
	<li>Use a solution of 10% sterile povidone-iodine for topical sterilization. Drape the arm, axilla and chest. Use sterile sheets on to rest of the body to prevent contamination.</li>
</ol>
5. Reaching the first rib
<ol>
	<li>Use the surgical instruments are shown in Figure 3 and the Table of Materials.</li>
	<li>Make an incision in a transverse fashion below the axillary hairline extending from the pectoralis muscle anteriorly and the latissimus dorsi muscle posteriorly at a length of 5-7 cm.</li>
	<li>Cross the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and fascia to reach the anterior chest wall.</li>
	<li>Use blunt dissection to reach the first rib.</li>
</ol>
6. Releasing the first rib from muscles and fascia
<ol>
	<li>Pierce the fascia overlying the first rib and dissect away the periosteum overlying the superior part of the rib. Bluntly dissect the inferior edge of the rib from surrounding muscles using monopolar cautery and rib raspatory.</li>
	<li>Split the intercostal muscles until the costoclavicular ligament at the sternocostal junction and the angular costa in the posterior costovertebral junction.</li>
	<li>In the superior edge of the first rib, expose the anterior scalene muscle anteriorly and medius scalene muscle posteriorly. Place the curved forceps under the anterior and middle scalene muscles to cut the muscles at the level of their insertion over the first rib, where they are farthest from the neurovascular bundle.</li>
</ol>
7. Removal of the first rib or the cervical rib
<ol>
	<li>Start the resection of the first rib at the sternocostal junction anteriorly. First, turn from its superior edge and then the inferior edge to resect it using a rib cutter from the sternum. Ensure that the neurovascular structures are preserved.</li>
	<li>Afterwards, resect the posterior portion of the rib, and disarticulate the part located distally to the angle of rib; hence complete the rib resection.</li>
	<li>After totally freeing the cervical rib from surrounding tissue, resect and disarticulate the rib until the articular surface of the transverse process is seen.</li>
</ol>
8. Postoperative Period
<ol>
	<li>In postoperative period, perform a chest X-ray to rule out complications, such as pnomothorax.</li>
	<li>Remove the thorax drain on postoperative day 1 in uneventful cases.</li>
	<li>Use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, narcotic analgesics, and a muscle relaxant for postoperative pain.</li>
	<li>In the early postoperative period, examine movement of the arm in the operated side. Continue physical therapy for the first two post-operative months.</li>
	<li>Advise the patient not to perform any exhausting activity with the operated side.</li>
</ol>
9. Postoperative clinical and electrodiagnostic assessment
<ol>
	<li>For evaluation of the clinical improvement with surgical treatment, compare clinical findings in the physical examination, EMG findings, and the QuickDASH (Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand: <a href="https://www.hss.edu/physician-files/fufa/Fufa-quickdash-questionnaire.pdf">https://www.hss.edu/physician-files/fufa/Fufa-quickdash-questionnaire.pdf</a>) questionnaire related to symptoms of daily activities and social and psychological preoperative and postoperative (3 months) periods.</li>
	<li>Compare the preoperative and postoperative EMGs by measuring the compound motor action potential (CMAP), sensory nerve action potential (SNAP), and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and F-wave latency. Make recordings using a commercial EMG/NCV/EP measuring system (e.g.,&#160;Nihon&#160;Kohden&#160;Neuropack 2).</li>
	<li>Perform the physical examination postoperatively to evaluate the pain and paresthesia.</li>
</ol>

<ol>
	<li>Peet, R. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Thoracic+outlet+syndrome:+evaluation+of+a+therapeutic+exercise+program.">Thoracic outlet syndrome: evaluation of a therapeutic exercise program.</a> InProc Mayo Clinic. 31, 281-287 (1956).</li><li>Han, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transaxillary+approach+in+thoracic+outlet+syndrome:+the+importance+of+resection+of+the+first-rib.">Transaxillary approach in thoracic outlet syndrome: the importance of resection of the first-rib.</a> European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. 24 (3), 428-433 (2003).</li><li>Yavuzer, &. #. 3. 5. 0. ;., Atinkaya, C., Tokat, O. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Clinical+predictors+of+surgical+outcome+in+patients+with+thoracic+outlet+syndrome+operated+on+via+transaxillary+approach.">Clinical predictors of surgical outcome in patients with thoracic outlet syndrome operated on via transaxillary approach.</a> European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. 25 (2), 173-178 (2004).</li><li>Roos, D. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transaxillary+approach+for+first+rib+resection+to+relieve+thoracic+outlet+syndrome.">Transaxillary approach for first rib resection to relieve thoracic outlet syndrome.</a> Annals of Surgery. 163 (3), 354 (1966).</li><li>Jubbal, K. T., Zavlin, D., Harris, J. D., Liberman, S. R., Echo, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Morbidity+of+First+Rib+Resection+in+the+Surgical+Repair+of+Thoracic+Outlet+Syndrome.">Morbidity of First Rib Resection in the Surgical Repair of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.</a> Hand. , 1558944718760037 (2018).</li><li>Likes, K. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Lessons+learned+in+the+surgical+treatment+of+neurogenic+thoracic+outlet+syndrome+over+10+years.">Lessons learned in the surgical treatment of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome over 10 years.</a> Vascular and Endovascular Surgery. 49 (1-2), 8-11 (2015).</li><li>Akku&#351;, M., Ya&#287;murlu, K., &#214;zarslan, M., Kalani, M. Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Surgical+outcomes+of+neurogenic+thoracic+outlet+syndrome+based+on+electrodiagnostic+tests+and+QuickDASH+scores.">Surgical outcomes of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome based on electrodiagnostic tests and QuickDASH scores.</a> Journal of Clinical Neuroscience. 58, 75-78 (2018).</li><li>Peek, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Long-term+functional+outcome+of+surgical+treatment+for+thoracic+outlet+syndrome.">Long-term functional outcome of surgical treatment for thoracic outlet syndrome.</a> Diagnostics. 8 (1), 7 (2018).</li><li>Sanders, R. J., Annest, S. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Technique+of+supraclavicular+decompression+for+neurogenic+thoracic+outlet+syndrome.">Technique of supraclavicular decompression for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome.</a> Journal of Vascular Surgery. 61 (3), 821-825 (2015).</li><li>Sanders, R. J., Hammond, S. L., Rao, N. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Thoracic+outlet+syndrome:+a+review.">Thoracic outlet syndrome: a review.</a> The Neurologist. 14 (6), 365-373 (2008).</li><li>Vos, C. G., &#220;nl&#252;, &. #. 1. 9. 9. ;., Vo&#251;te, M. T., van de Mortel, R. H., de Vries, J. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Thoracic+outlet+syndrome:+First+rib+resection.">Thoracic outlet syndrome: First rib resection.</a> Shanghai Chest. 1 (1), (2017).</li><li>Desai, S. S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Outcomes+of+surgical+paraclavicular+thoracic+outlet+decompression.">Outcomes of surgical paraclavicular thoracic outlet decompression.</a> Annals of vascular surgery. 28 (2), 457-464 (2014).</li><li>Peek, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Long-term+functional+outcome+of+surgical+treatment+for+thoracic+outlet+syndrome.">Long-term functional outcome of surgical treatment for thoracic outlet syndrome.</a> Diagnostics. 8 (1), 7 (2018).</li><li>Urschel, H. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transaxillary+first+rib+resection+for+thoracic+outlet+syndrome.">Transaxillary first rib resection for thoracic outlet syndrome.</a> Operative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 10 (4), 313-317 (2005).</li><li>Sheth, R. N., Campbell, J. N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Surgical+treatment+of+thoracic+outlet+syndrome:+a+randomized+trial+comparing+two+operations.">Surgical treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome: a randomized trial comparing two operations.</a> Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine. 3 (5), 355-363 (2005).</li><li>Urschel, H. C., Razzuk, M. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Neurovascular+compression+in+the+thoracic+outlet:+changing+management+over+50+years.">Neurovascular compression in the thoracic outlet: changing management over 50 years.</a> Annals of Surgery. 228 (4), 609 (1998).</li><li>Povlsen, B., Hansson, T., Povlsen, S. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Treatment+for+thoracic+outlet+syndrome.">Treatment for thoracic outlet syndrome.</a> Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 11, (2014).</li><li>George, R. 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TFRR is the most used surgical technique for treatment of TOS9,10,11. The advantage of the TFRR is that it provides a better cosmetic result with a hidden incision in the axilla without requirement of cutting the muscles to reach the surgical field. Its disadvantage is the relatively narrow and deep working space. The supraclavicular approach, which is preferred for arterial TOS treatment, puts the subclavian artery at less risk...

The compression of the brachial plexus, subclavian artery or vein in the scalene triangle is clinically known as thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), first described by Peet et al.1. Thoracic outlet syndrome is subdivided into neurogenic (NTOS), arterial TOS, and venous TOS based on the underlying etiology1. Patients with NTOS (93-95% of TOS cases) present with pain, numbness, and ipsilateral weakness. Patients with venous TOS (3-5%) present with venous thrombosis, and patients with arterial TOS (1-2%) present with arterial thromboembolic event and ischemia. Conservative management of TOS includes medications and physiotherapy and is the first choice for TOS cases. The surgical treatment modalities include decompression procedures and are performed after conservative management has failed2. Decompression techniques include the transaxillary first rib resection (TFRR), supraclavicular first rib resection scalenectomy (SFRRS), scalenectomy (without first rib resection via supraclavicular or transaxillary), and posterior approach first rib resection (PA-FRR)3. The transaxillary first rib resection, a technique described by Roos et al. in 1966, is an effective method for treatment of TOS4,5. The main goal of TFRR is to completely remove the last cervical and first thoracic ribs and to decompress the underlying neurovascular bundle.
Vascular TOS (VTOS) are diagnosed with CT angiography, color duplex USG, and arteriography or venography, whereas the NTOS is diagnosed with X-ray, electrodiagnostic studies (needle electromyelography), color duplex Doppler USG, and cervical MRI. Physiotherapist and psychiatrist consultations should be obtained to exclude other disorders preoperatively.The symptom relief with lidocaine injection to the anterior scalene muscle is also a good indicator for diagnosis and predictor of surgical benefit in NTOS patients6.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Ag Debakey vascular forceps 24 cm, 3.5 mm</td>
			<td>Lawton medizintechnik</td>
			<td>30-0032</td>
			<td>Check the hemorrhage</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bone chisels curved 13x9.1/2&#39;&#39;</td>
			<td>Aesculap Inc.</td>
			<td>MB-992R</td>
			<td>Dissect the periost of the first rib</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Doyen-stille retractor 24 cm</td>
			<td>Lawton medizintechnik</td>
			<td>20-0650</td>
			<td>Skin- muscle retraction</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Foerster sponge forceps straight</td>
			<td>Lawton medizintechnik</td>
			<td>07-0156</td>
			<td>For swabbing</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Luer stille bone rongeur curved 27 cm</td>
			<td>Lawton medizintechnik</td>
			<td>38-0703</td>
			<td>Bone punches</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Luer stille rongeur straight 22 cm</td>
			<td>Lawton medizintechnik</td>
			<td>38-0400</td>
			<td>Rib cutter</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mayo hegar needle holder 20.5 cm</td>
			<td>Lawton medizintechnik</td>
			<td>08-0184</td>
			<td>Suturing</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Metzenbaum scissors curved delicate 23 cm</td>
			<td>Lawton medizintechnik</td>
			<td>05-0665</td>
			<td>Dissection</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Overholt curved forceps delicate 30.5 cm</td>
			<td>Lawton medizintechnik</td>
			<td>06-0807</td>
			<td>Split the scalen muscles from the rib</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Roberts art forceps straight 24 cm</td>
			<td>Lawton medizintechnik</td>
			<td>06-0370</td>
			<td>For sponge and remove remain bone</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Roux retractor medium size 15.5 cm</td>
			<td>Lawton medizintechnik</td>
			<td>20-0402</td>
			<td>Wound retraction</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Semb rasparotry 22,5 cm, 12mm</td>
			<td>Lawton medizintechnik</td>
			<td>39-0252</td>
			<td>Dissect the muscle of the first rib</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Smith peterson model curved osteotome 13x205 mm</td>
			<td>Lawton medizintechnik</td>
			<td>46-0783</td>
			<td>Dissect the muscle of the first rib</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stille -giertz rib shears 27 cm</td>
			<td>Lawton medizintechnik</td>
			<td>38-0200</td>
			<td>First rib cutting</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stille osteotome 8x205 mm</td>
			<td>Lawton medizintechnik</td>
			<td>46-0248</td>
			<td>Dissect the periost of the first rib</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Wagner rongeur 5.5x210 mm</td>
			<td>Lawton medizintechnik</td>
			<td>53-0703</td>
			<td>Punches</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

transaxillary first rib resection for treatment of the thoracic outlet syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a common disorder that causes a significant loss of productivity. The transaxillary first rib resection (TFRR) protocol has been used for the decompression of trapped neurovascular structures in the TOS. Among the other surgical procedures, the advantage of the TFRR is that it has the smallest rate of recurrence and better cosmetic outcomes. The disadvantage of TFRR is that it provides a narrow, and deep working corridor that makes obtaining vascular control challenging.

Clinical Outcomes 
A total of 15 patients were included in this study. Three patients (20%) were male and 12 of patients (80%) were female. The mean age of patients was 30.6 &#177; 8.98 years. All male participants and 5 of female participants were manual laborers. The most common complaint of the NTOS group was arm-forearm pain and numbness weakness of grip and hypothenar atrophy. In the postoperative clinical follow-up, patients were questioned about their paresthesia and pain severity, overall sa...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Transaxillary First Rib Resection for Treatment of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome at JoVE.com

Transaxillary First Rib Resection for Treatment of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Here, we present a protocol of the transaxillary resection of the first rib for treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome caused by compression of the brachial plexus, subclavian vein and artery.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a common disorder that causes a significant loss of productivity. The transaxillary first rib resection (TFRR) protocol ...

transaxillary-first-rib-resection-for-treatment-thoracic-outlet

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2.7K Views.  Mehmet Akif Ersoy Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Training and Research Hospital. Here, we present a protocol of the transaxillary resection of the first rib for treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome caused by compression of the brachial plexus, subclavian vein and artery.

Video: Transaxillary First Rib Resection for Treatment of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Isolated Hepatic Perfusion as a Treatment for Liver Metastases of Uveal Melanoma

Isolated hepatic perfusion (IHP) is a procedure where the liver is surgically isolated and perfused with a high concentration of the chemotherapeutic agent melphalan. Briefly, the procedure starts with the setup of a percutaneous veno-venous bypass from the femoral vein to the external jugular vein. Via a laparotomy, catheters are then inserted into the proper hepatic artery and the caval vein. The portal vein and the caval vein, both supra- and infrahepatically, are then clamped. The arterial and venous catheters are connected to a heart lung machine and the liver is perfused with melphalan (1 mg/kg body weight) for 60 min. This way it is possible to locally perfuse the liver with a high dose of a chemotherapeutic agent, without leakage to the systemic circulation.
In previous studies including patients with isolated liver metastases of uveal melanoma, an overall response rate of 33-100% and a median survival between 9 and 13 months, have been reported. The aim of this protocol is to give a clear description of how to perform the procedure and to discuss IHP as a treatment option for liver metastases of uveal melanoma.

Here, we present a protocol how to perform an isolated liver perfusion (IHP) with melphalan and we also discuss IHP as a treatment option for liver metastases of uveal melanoma.

Isolated hepatic perfusion (IHP) is a procedure where the liver is surgically isolated and perfused with a high concentration of the chemotherapeutic ...

Surgical Models of Gastroesophageal Reflux with Mice

Multiple surgical procedures have been reported to induce gastroesophageal reflux in animals. Herein, we report three surgical models with mice aiming to induce reflux of gastric contents, duodenal contents or mixed contents. Surgical procedures and general principles have been described in detail. A researcher with surgical experience should be able to grasp the technique after a short period of practice. After surgery, most mice can survive and develop reflux esophagitis similar to that in humans. However, it should be noted that histological differences between mouse and human esophagus are the inherent limitations of these surgical models. If used for research on Barrett&#8217;s esophagus and adenocarcinoma, these procedures may need to be combined with genetic modifications.

This article demonstrates surgical procedures of gastroesophageal reflux with mice. These models are useful tools for research on mechanisms and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease and potentially Barrett&#8217;s esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Multiple surgical procedures have been reported to induce gastroesophageal reflux in animals. Herein, we report three surgical models with mice aiming to ...

Network Analysis of Foramen Ovale Electrode Recordings in Drug-resistant Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Patients

Approximately 30% of epilepsy patients are refractory to antiepileptic drugs. In these cases, surgery is the only alternative to eliminate/control seizures. However, a significant minority of patients continues to exhibit post-operative seizures, even in those cases in which the suspected source of seizures has been correctly localized and resected. The protocol presented here combines a clinical procedure routinely employed during the pre-operative evaluation of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients with a novel technique for network analysis. The method allows for the evaluation of the temporal evolution of mesial network parameters. The bilateral insertion of foramen ovale electrodes (FOE) into the ambient cistern simultaneously records electrocortical activity at several mesial areas in the temporal lobe. Furthermore, network methodology applied to the recorded time series tracks the temporal evolution of the mesial networks both interictally and during the seizures. In this way, the presented protocol offers a unique way to visualize and quantify measures that considers the relationships between several mesial areas instead of a single area.

This protocol describes a procedure to track the evolution of mesial network measures in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients. It is based on the combination of intracranial recordings with a novel numerical technique for data analysis. Specifically, we present a protocol for network analyses of foramen ovale recordings.

Approximately 30% of epilepsy patients are refractory to antiepileptic drugs. In these cases, surgery is the only alternative to eliminate/control ...

Oleic Acid-Injection in Pigs As a Model for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

The acute respiratory distress syndrome is a relevant intensive care disease with an incidence ranging between 2.2% and 19% of intensive care unit patients. Despite treatment advances over the last decades, ARDS patients still suffer mortality rates between 35 and 40%. There is still a need for further research to improve the outcome of patients suffering from ARDS. One problem is that no single animal model can mimic the complex pathomechanism of the acute respiratory distress syndrome, but several models exist to study different parts of it. Oleic acid injection (OAI)-induced lung injury is a well-established model for studying ventilation strategies, lung mechanics and ventilation/perfusion distribution in animals. OAI leads to severely impaired gas exchange, deterioration of lung mechanics and disruption of the alveolo-capillary barrier. The disadvantage of this model is the controversial mechanistic relevance of this model and the necessity for central venous access, which is challenging especially in smaller animal models. In summary, OAI-induced lung injury leads to reproducible results in small and large animals and hence represents a well-suited model for studying ARDS. Nevertheless, further research is necessary to find a model that mimics all parts of ARDS and lacks the problems associated with the different models existing today.

In this article, we present a protocol to induce acute lung injury in pigs by central-venous injection of oleic acid. This is an established animal model for studying the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

The acute respiratory distress syndrome is a relevant intensive care disease with an incidence ranging between 2.2% and 19% of intensive care unit ...

Robot-assisted Total Mesorectal Excision and Lateral Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection for Locally Advanced Middle-low Rectal Cancer

Since their approval for clinical use, da Vinci surgical robots have shown great advantages in gastrointestinal surgical operations, especially in complex procedures. The high-quality 3-D visual, multijoint arm and natural tremor filtration allow the surgeon to expose and dissect more accurately with minimal invasion. Total mesorectal excision is the standard surgical technique for the treatment of resectable rectal cancer. To reduce the lateral recurrence rate, lateral pelvic lymph node dissection can be performed, as it is a safe and feasible procedure for locally advanced middle-low rectal cancer with a high possibility of metastasis to the lateral lymph nodes. However, the complexity of the anatomic structures and the high postoperative complication rate limit its application. Recently, several surgeons have increasingly used robotic techniques for total mesorectal excision and lateral pelvic lymph node dissection. Compared with open and laparoscopic surgery, the robotic technique has several advantages, such as less blood loss, fewer blood transfusions, minimal trauma, shorter postoperative hospitalization, and quicker recovery. A robotic approach is generally regarded as a reasonable alternative for complicated procedures such as lateral pelvic lymph node dissection, although there are a limited number of high-quality prospective randomized controlled studies reporting direct evidence. Here, we provide the detailed steps of robot-assisted total mesorectal excision and lateral pelvic lymph node dissection performed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi&#39;an Jiaotong University.

The robotic technique described herein aims to detail a stepwise approach to robot-assisted total mesorectal excision and lateral pelvic lymph node dissection for locally advanced (T3/T4) rectal cancer located below the peritoneal reflection.

Since their approval for clinical use, da Vinci surgical robots have shown great advantages in gastrointestinal surgical operations, especially in complex ...

Laparoscopy-endoscopy Cooperative Surgery for the Treatment of Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

In view of the shortcomings of endoscopic or laparoscopic surgeries alone in the treatment of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (G-GISTs), this approach makes an innovative improvement in the treatment of G-GISTs that are less than 5 cm in size. Laparoscopy-endoscopy cooperative surgery (LECS) is used to combine endoscopic and laparoscopic surgeries, fully realizing their respective advantages and avoiding their drawbacks. The main steps are as follows. First, gastroscopy and laparoscopy are combined to confirm the location and boundary of the tumor. Tumor resection is carried out laparoscopically, guided by a gastroscope. The specimen is removed orally and the gastric wound closed laparoscopically. Then, gastroscopy and laparoscopy are combined to determine whether there is wound bleeding, if the suture is satisfactory, and if the gastric cavity is deformed.
LECS has natural advantages in the treatment of G-GISTs that are less than 5 cm in size. The accurate estimation of tumor location and boundary greatly improves the complete resection rate of tumors. The risk of tumor rupture is substantially reduced, and the long-term prognosis of patients is significantly improved. The process allows for accurate resection of the tumor, maximum preservation of normal gastric tissue and organ function, and avoids postoperative gastric deformation. The patient's postoperative rehabilitation is greatly accelerated, and oral feeding can resume on the day of the operation. The specimen is taken out through the mouth to avoid the need for an extended abdominal incision. This greatly reduces the patient's postoperative pain and scarring. The method greatly shortens the postoperative hospital stay (i.e., discharge is possible on the day after the operation), increasing the turnover of hospital beds.

Laparoscopy-endoscopy cooperative surgery is appropriate for the treatment of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors less than 5 cm in size. It can achieve the respective advantages of endoscopic and laparoscopic surgeries while avoiding their drawbacks.

In view of the shortcomings of endoscopic or laparoscopic surgeries alone in the treatment of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (G-GISTs), this ...

Laparoscopic Oocyte Retrieval and Cryopreservation during Vaginoplasty for Treatment of Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome

In Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome (MRKHS) patients who are scheduled for laparoscopic vaginoplasty and have a desire for biological motherhood, we propose that a concomitant laparoscopic oocyte retrieval for cryopreservation is performed. Oocyte retrieval is pursued at the beginning of the laparoscopy. Right and left 5 mm trocars are positioned, through which a 17 G ovum aspiration needle is used for puncture of the right and left ovaries, respectively. To facilitate exposure of the follicles, the ovaries are mobilized and held with laparoscopic forceps.
When aspirating multiple follicles near each other, the needle tip is retained in the ovary to reduce the number of times that the ovarian cortex is transfixed and due to the inherent risk of bleeding. Subsequent steps are unchanged compared to the Davydov laparoscopic modified technique for vaginoplasty. Prior to surgery, controlled ovarian stimulation is performed with a gonadotropin hormone-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) antagonist protocol, and the concomitant procedure of oocyte retrieval and vaginoplasty is scheduled 36 h after the final follicular maturation trigger. Follicular fluid is collected in the same 10 mL sterile tubes used during transvaginal oocyte retrieval and transferred in a warming block (37 &#176;C) to the assisted reproduction laboratory, where mature (metaphase II) oocytes are vitrified.
In this case, a series of 23 women with MRKH, oocytes were successfully retrieved and cryopreserved in all patients; vaginoplasty was subsequently conducted without modifications, and the inpatient and outpatient postoperative care (day of urinary catheter removal, day of hospital discharge, dilator use, and comfort at follow-up) remained unaffected. One postoperative complication occurred in one patient (fever developing on day 5 post surgery and intraperitoneal fluid detection on transabdominal ultrasound) and resolved after conservative treatment. Rather than performing surgical vaginoplasty and delaying oocyte retrieval in MRKH patients, this approach combines both procedures in a single laparoscopy, thereby minimizing surgical invasiveness and anesthesiologic risks.

A dedicated team can offer Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser patients the option to perform controlled ovarian stimulation and oocyte cryopreservation at the time of laparoscopic vaginoplasty.

In Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome (MRKHS) patients who are scheduled for laparoscopic vaginoplasty and have a desire for biological motherhood, ...

Modified Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for Patients with Thoracolumbar Kyphotic Deformity

Old compression vertebrae fracture or congenital kyphoscoliosis with abnormal vertebral body development and other diseases that invade the spine may cause severe thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity, often accompanied by intractable low back pain or compression of the spinal cord, leading to severe neurological symptoms or even paralysis. If conservative treatment cannot relieve the symptoms or correct the deformities, surgical treatment is usually needed. For severe kyphotic deformity, reconstruction of the physiological curvature and rigid fixation determine the prognosis of the patients. Osteotomy and orthopedics are the standard procedure for deformities with severe compression of the front and middle column, but the trauma to the patients is high, with a long operation time and massive blood loss. To avoid these disadvantages, we have developed a modified technique to remove the diseased vertebra unilaterally. In this technique, we use a modified trephine to resect the vertebral columns like in the pedicle screw technique by adding a locking instrument that can restrict the trephine to lower the risk of osteotomy and shorten the surgery time and blood loss.

We describe a modified technique for resecting the posterior vertebral column unilaterally based on a modified trephine for patients with thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity.

Old compression vertebrae fracture or congenital kyphoscoliosis with abnormal vertebral body development and other diseases that invade the spine may ...

A Modified Technique for Arteriovenous Fistula Construction in Rabbits

Juxta-anastomotic stenosis is a challenging problem that often causes non-maturation and decreases the patency of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Injury to the veins and arteries during the operation and hemodynamic changes can lead to intimal hyperplasia, leading to juxta-anastomotic stenosis. To reduce injury to the veins and arteries during the operation, this study proposes a new modified no-touch technique (MNTT) for AVF construction that can decrease the rate of juxta-anastomotic stenosis and improve the AVF patency. To unravel the hemodynamic changes and mechanisms of the MNTT, this study presented an AVF procedure using this technique. Although this procedure is technically challenging, 94.4% procedural success was achieved after adequate training. Ultimately, 13 out of 34 rabbits had a functional AVF 4 weeks after the surgery, leading to a 38.2% AVF patency rate. However, at 4 weeks, the survival rate was 86.1%. Ultrasonography showed active blood flow through AVF anastomosis. Furthermore, the spiral laminar flow was observed in the vein and artery near the anastomosis, suggesting that this technique may improve the hemodynamics of the AVF. On histological observation, significant venous intimal hyperplasia was observed at the AVF anastomosis, whereas no significant intimal hyperplasia was observed at the proximal external jugular vein (EJV) of the anastomosis. This technique will improve the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the use of MNTT for AVF construction and provide technical support for the further optimization of the surgical approach in AVF construction.

The present protocol proposes the creation of an arteriovenous fistula in rabbits using a modified no-touch technique. The technique involves the side-to-side anastomosis of the common carotid artery and external jugular vein without the dissection of the perivenous tissues or cutting off the artery.

Juxta-anastomotic stenosis is a challenging problem that often causes non-maturation and decreases the patency of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Injury ...

Use of the Scissor-Type Knife During the Peroral Endoscopy Myotomy Procedure for the Treatment of Achalasia

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is one of the first-line treatment modalities along with pneumatic dilation and Heller myotomy for patients with achalasia. Endoscopists, especially trainees during the learning phase, commonly face difficulty in tissue plane dissection and selective myotomy while working near the esophagogastric junction, with increased risks of inadvertent injury, unexpected bleeding, and inadequate myotomy. To minimize the technical difficulty and improve the safety of POEM, we describe a protocol for using a scissor-type knife for the main steps of POEM, including mucosal incision, submucosal tunneling, myotomy, and hemostasis. The standard techniques used with the scissor-type knife involve grasping the target tissue, and then dissection or coagulation. The confirmation of the cutting line after grasping improves the accuracy and reliability of dissection, which is particularly useful for the selective myotomy of the internal circular muscle. Meanwhile, the scissor-type knife provides enhanced hemostatic capability and enables hemostasis and pre-coagulation without the device exchange for hemostatic forceps. Evaluation of the clinical outcomes in three patients who successfully received POEM using the scissor-type knife revealed no perioperative adverse events. At the 3-month follow-up, all patients achieved clinical success with postoperative Eckardt scores ranging from 0 to 1. In conclusion, the use of a scissor-type knife could minimize the technical difficulty and improve the safety of the POEM procedures, which may be suitable for trainees during the learning phase.

To minimize the technical difficulty and improve the safety of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), we describe a protocol for using a scissor-type knife for the main steps of POEM, including mucosal incision, submucosal tunneling, myotomy, and hemostasis.