The authors would like to acknowledge all those who donate their bodies for research and keep impacting others after they have gone.

The use of deceased human specimens, for the purposes of developing this method, has been approved by the WellStar Research Institute&#39;s institutional review board and conforms with the ethical guidelines established by the institution&#39;s ethics committee. The specimens used in this method were all formalin-fixed, transected at the T12 vertebral body, and had their abdominal organs and viscera removed.
1. Preparation of the cadaveric specimen and surgical field
<ol>
	<li>Place the previously thawed cadaveric specimen on the surgical table in the supine position and illuminate the field with surgical lights. Cover the specimen with a blanket, sparing the upper and lower abdomen.</li>
</ol>
2. Isolation and identification of key anatomical structures using a ventral approach
<ol>
	<li>Beginning with a ventral approach, use a blade to make a midline incision, cranial to caudal, down to the hypogastric region and directly perpendicular to the anterior-superior iliac spines. Make a transverse cut between the ASIS and proceed to use a surgical blade and scissors to reflect and remove the abdominal musculature and fascia. This will improve visualization and aid in measurement accuracy.</li>
	<li>Identify the transverse processes, lamina, pars interarticularis of lumbar vertebrae L1&#8211;L5, psoas muscles, and the nerve roots of the LP exiting the neuroforamina. Ensure that they are intact and undamaged (Figure 1). If any obvious damage to the hemivertebrae or transverse process is found, do not use the specimen.</li>
	<li>Once all key anatomic structures are identified, carefully turn over the specimen to begin the dorsal approach.</li>
</ol>
3. Further isolation of the transverse processes and obtaining digital photographs for analysis
<ol>
	<li>With the specimen now in the prone position, use a surgical blade, scissors, cobb elevator, and other surgical tools to resect the latissimus dorsi and paraspinal muscles, starting sequentially from the posterior spinous process until reaching the transverse processes.</li>
	<li>Use the cobb elevator and other surgical tools to isolate the TPs from any remaining soft tissue attachments to aid in visualization and accurate measurements.</li>
	<li>With the paraspinal muscles now removed, turn the specimen back to the supine position. Place a surgical ruler parallel to the surgical field and take digital photographs of the intact psoas muscle to demonstrate its relationship to the TP at each vertebral level.</li>
	<li>Once all photographs are taken and deemed of good quality, use a surgical blade to strip the psoas muscle from its medial attachment at each lumbar body and perform a blunt dissection using blunt edged scissors or hemostats to carefully expose the entire lumbar plexus and reflect the psoas muscle laterally.</li>
	<li>With the surgical ruler placed parallel to the surgical field, take additional photographs to capture the relationship of the lumbar plexus to the transverse process at each level.</li>
	<li>Finally, turn the specimen on its side and take additional photographs to demonstrate the relationship of the TP to the LP in the sagittal plane.</li>
</ol>
4. Calibrating and taking measurements using ImageJ software
<ol>
	<li>In the File tab in ImageJ (1.48v, National Institute of Health), select Open and, in the new window that appears, select the photograph to be analyzed.</li>
	<li>With the desired image now open, use the &#34;magnifying glass&#34; tool to zoom in on the surgical ruler in the photograph. Use the line drawing tool to carefully draw a straight line between the margins of a 1-millimeter segment on the ruler.</li>
	<li>Within the Analyze tab in ImageJ, select Set scale&#8230;. In the Set Scale window, set the known distance to 1.00 and the unit of length to mm. Place a check in the box next to Global and click OK. Your measurements will now be calibrated according to the number of pixels per millimeter on the ruler.</li>
</ol>
5. Calculating the &#34;safe zone&#34; for maximal I&#38;D
<ol>
	<li>Using the &#34;line drawing&#34; tool in ImageJ, draw a straight line between the lateral superior tip of each TP to the lateral edge of the psoas at the same level.</li>
	<li>Once the lines are drawn, under the Analyze tab, select measure. A new Results window will open.</li>
	<li>The measurements, in millimeters, will appear in the new window under the Length column in the order taken. Record these numbers.</li>
	<li>Repeat steps 5.1&#8211;5.3 to obtain the following measurements: 
	-Lateral inferior tip of each TP to the lateral edge of the psoas muscle 
	-Lateral superior tip of each TP to the most lateral region of the lumbar plexus at the same level 
	-Lateral inferior tip of each TP to the most lateral region of the lumbar plexus at the same level 
	-Width of the lumbar plexus 
	-Depth of the lumbar plexus from the superior tip of each TP to the lumbar plexus at the same level using the lateral photographs 
	-Depth of the lumbar plexus from the inferior tip of each TP at the same level using the lateral photographs</li>
</ol>
6. Calculating the safe zone for maximal irrigation and debridement using the measurements obtained in Section 5
<ol>
	<li>The safe zone for lateral to medial debridement is defined by the distance from the lateral edge of the lumbar plexus to the lateral edge of the psoas at the same level. To calculate this distance, subtract the distance from the superior and inferior tips of the TP to the lumbar plexus from the distance of the superior and inferior tips of the TP to the lateral edge of the psoas muscle. These values will correspond to the safe zone for lateral to medial debridement, in the coronal plane, at each corresponding level.</li>
	<li>Define the zone of maximal irrigation and debridement in the sagittal plane as the depth of the lumbar plexus, in relation to the TP, at the corresponding level.</li>
</ol>

<ol>
	<li>Bartolo, D. C., Ebbs, S. R., Cooper, M. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Psoas+abscess+in+Bristol:+a+10-year+review.">Psoas abscess in Bristol: a 10-year review.</a> International Journal of Colorectal Disease. 2, 72-76 (1987).</li><li>Dietrich, A., Vaccarezza, H., Vaccaro, C. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Iliopsoas+abscess:+presentation,+management,+and+outcomes.">Iliopsoas abscess: presentation, management, and outcomes.</a> Surgical Laparoscopy Endoscopy &amp; Percutaneous Techniques. 23, 45-48 (2013).</li><li>Santaella, R. O., Fishman, E. K., Lipsett, P. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Primary+vs+secondary+iliopsoas+abscess.+Presentation,+microbiology,+and+treatment.">Primary vs secondary iliopsoas abscess. Presentation, microbiology, and treatment.</a> Archives of Surgery. 130, 1309-1313 (1995).</li><li>Yamagami, T., 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=Percutaneous+drainage+of+psoas+abscess+under+real-time+computed+tomography+fluoroscopic+guidance.">Percutaneous drainage of psoas abscess under real-time computed tomography fluoroscopic guidance.</a> Skeletal Radiology. 38, 275-280 (2009).</li><li>Tabrizian, P., Nguyen, S. Q., Greenstein, A., Rajhbeharrysingh, U., Divino, C. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Management+and+treatment+of+iliopsoas+abscess.">Management and treatment of iliopsoas abscess.</a> Archives of Surgery. 144, 946-949 (2009).</li><li>Labrechts, M. J., Wiegers, N. W., Ituarte, F., Shen, F. H., Nourbakhsh, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Safe+zone+for+irrigation+and+debridement+of+psoas+abscess+through+a+dorsal+spinal+approach.">Safe zone for irrigation and debridement of psoas abscess through a dorsal spinal approach.</a> Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy. 40, 1217-1221 (2018).</li><li>Wilkinson, D. J., Piasecki, M., Atherton, P. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+age-related+loss+of+skeletal+muscle+mass+and+function:+Measurement+and+physiology+of+muscle+fibre+atrophy+and+muscle+fibre+loss+in+humans.">The age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function: Measurement and physiology of muscle fibre atrophy and muscle fibre loss in humans.</a> Ageing Research Reviews. 47, 123-132 (2018).</li><li>Aszmann, O. C., Dellon, E. S., Dellon, A. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Anatomical+course+of+the+lateral+femoral+cutaneous+nerve+and+its+susceptibility+to+compression+and+injury.">Anatomical course of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve and its susceptibility to compression and injury.</a> Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 100, 600-604 (1997).</li><li>Spivak, J. M., Paulino, C. B., Patel, A., Shanti, N., Pathare, N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Safe+zone+for+retractor+placement+to+the+lumbar+spine+via+the+transpsoas+approach.">Safe zone for retractor placement to the lumbar spine via the transpsoas approach.</a> Journal of Orthopedic Surgery. 21, 77-81 (2013).</li><li>Reid, J. G., Livingston, L. A., Pearsall, D. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+geometry+of+the+psoas+muscle+as+determined+by+magnetic+resonance+imaging.">The geometry of the psoas muscle as determined by magnetic resonance imaging.</a> Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 75, 703-708 (1994).</li><li>Hanson, P., Magnusson, S. P., Sorensen, H., Simonsen, E. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Differences+in+the+iliolumbar+ligament+and+the+transverse+process+of+the+L5+vertebra+in+young+white+and+black+people.">Differences in the iliolumbar ligament and the transverse process of the L5 vertebra in young white and black people.</a> Acta Anatomica. 163, 218-223 (1998).</li><li>Ilayperuma, I., Nanayakkara, B. G., Hasan, R., Uluwitiya, S. M., Palahepitiya, K. N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Coracobrachialis+muscle:+morphology,+morphometry+and+gender+differences.">Coracobrachialis muscle: morphology, morphometry and gender differences.</a> Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy. 38, 335-340 (2016).</li></ol>

The authors declare that they have no competing financial interests.

The most critical steps for finding the safe zone for irrigation and debridement of a psoas muscle abscess through a dorsal approach are 1) careful blunt dissection of the lumbar plexus during the ventral and dorsal approach; 2) preservation of the transverse processes during their isolation, as they can be fragile, for better visualization; and 3) calibrating the ImageJ software with the surgical ruler and taking careful measurements to elucidate the relationship between the TP, LP, and psoas muscle.
<p class="jove_...

A psoas abscess (PA) is a rare diagnosis reported in 0.4&#8211;1 per 10,000 admissions to the hospital1,2. A PA can be caused by hematogenous spread, lymphatic spread from a distant infectious site, or by contiguous spread from adjacent organs3. Currently, percutaneous drainage under real-time computed tomography is a safe and first-line treatment for a PA4. Dietrich et al. found that it has a higher success rate compared to open surgery, offering a lower mortality rate and shorter hospital length of stay2. However, Tabrizian et al. found that 44% of the patients treated with percutaneous drainage underwent open surgery to eradicate the infection5.
Given the rate of open surgeries performed for treatment of psoas abscesses, the aim of the method developed in this study is to find a &#34;safe zone&#34; for irrigation and debridement (I&#38;D) of a psoas abscess via a dorsal approach. An initial ventral approach is taken to identify and isolate key anatomical structures, including the transverse processes (TP), psoas muscle, and lumbar plexus (LP). A dorsal approach is then taken to further isolate the TP and LP from the surrounding structures. Throughout the various steps of dissection, photographs are obtained. Once the dissection is complete, the images are uploaded to ImageJ (1.48v, National Institute of Health) and several measurements are taken to identify the relationship between the TP, LP, and psoas muscle. Finally, using the measurements obtained, a &#34;safe zone&#34; for entering the substance of the psoas and minimizing the risk of lumbar plexus injury is calculated. To our knowledge, this is the first work that uses the transverse processes as reference points for the purpose of finding a safe zone for I&#38;D of a psoas abscess.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Blunt ended dissecting scissors</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>To cover the specimens</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Camera</td>
			<td>Sony a7 III</td>
			<td>ILCE-7</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cobb elevator</td>
			<td>Sklar</td>
			<td>40-6950</td>
			<td>For isolation of TP and general dissection</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dissection table</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Formalin fixed cadavers</td>
			<td>Restore Life USA</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Transected at T12 with abdominal organs removed</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hemostats</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Retractors</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>For blunt dissection</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rongeur</td>
			<td>Sklar</td>
			<td>40-4085</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Scissors</td>
			<td>Sklar</td>
			<td>15-2555</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Surgical absorbent pads</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Placed under the cadaver to absorb fluids</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Surgical blades/scalpels</td>
			<td>Dynarex</td>
			<td>4110</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Surgical drape/blanket</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>For blunt dissection</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Surgical gauze sponges</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Surgical lights</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Surgical Ruler</td>
			<td>Aspen Surgical Products</td>
			<td>42182702</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tissue forceps</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tool tray</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

posterior approach for debridement of the psoas abscess

This method focuses on outlining a safe zone for irrigation and debridement of a psoas abscess through a posterior approach. Initially, an anterior approach to the spine was performed to ensure that the anterior longitudinal ligament and the psoas muscle could be visualized. All the abdominal organs were removed. Subsequently, a posterior approach was performed to remove the paraspinal muscles from L1&#8211;L5. The transverse processes, pars interarticularis and lamina of L1&#8211;L5 were identified. The exiting nerve root was identified between the transverse processes and followed into the substance of the psoas muscle. Using the anterior and posterior approach, the lumbar plexus was isolated from the substance of the psoas muscle. Before and after various steps of dissection, digital photographs were obtained. These images were uploaded into ImageJ and multiple measurements, including the distance between the lateral superior and inferior tip of each TP to the most lateral region of the plexus, the distance between the lateral superior and inferior tip of the TP to the lateral edge of the psoas, and the width of the lumbar plexus were recorded. The safe zone for entering the substance of the psoas muscle was defined between the lateral edge of the psoas muscle and the lateral edge of the lumbar plexus. The relationship of this interval to the tip of the transverse process at each level was measured and reported.

Eleven formalin-fixed cadavers were included, with an average age of 80.5 years6. Two cadavers had damaged lumbar vertebrae on the right side and were removed. Thus, a total of 20 measurements were included, 13 female and 7 male. The medial border of the safe zone, defined by the most lateral aspect of the lumbar plexus, was found to be approximately 1 cm medial to the tip of the TP at L1&#8211;L3, but narrowed down to approximately 6 and 1 mm at L4 and L5, respect...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Posterior Approach for Debridement of the Psoas Abscess at JoVE.com

Posterior Approach for Debridement of the Psoas Abscess

This is a cadaveric study investigating the landmarks for the posterior approach for irrigation and debridement of the psoas abscess. The interval between the transverse processes (TP) was used to access the substance of the psoas muscle.

This method focuses on outlining a safe zone for irrigation and debridement of a psoas abscess through a posterior approach. Initially, an anterior ...

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10.7K Views.  WellStar Atlanta Medical Center. This is a cadaveric study investigating the landmarks for the posterior approach for irrigation and debridement of the psoas abscess. The interval between the transverse processes (TP) was used to access the substance of the psoas muscle.

Video: Posterior Approach for Debridement of the Psoas Abscess

Rat Model of Photochemically-Induced Posterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

Posterior Ischemic optic neuropathy (PION) is a sight-devastating disease in clinical practice. However, its pathogenesis and natural history have&#160;remained poorly understood. Recently, we developed a reliable, reproducible animal model of PION and tested the treatment effect of some neurotrophic factors in this model1. The purpose of this video is to demonstrate our photochemically induced model of posterior ischemic optic neuropathy, and to evaluate its effects with retrograde labeling of retinal ganglion cells. Following surgical exposure of the posterior optic nerve, a photosensitizing dye, erythrosin B, is intravenously injected and a laser beam is focused onto the optic nerve surface. Photochemical interaction of erythrosin B and the laser during irradiation damages the vascular endothelium, prompting microvascular occlusion mediated by platelet thrombosis and edematous compression. The resulting ischemic injury yields a gradual but pronounced retinal ganglion cell dieback, owing to a loss of axonal input - a remote, injury-induced and clinically relevant outcome. Thus, this model provides a novel platform to study the pathophysiologic course of PION,&#160;and can be further optimized for testing therapeutic approaches for optic neuropathies as well as other CNS ischemic diseases.

The goal of this protocol is to photochemically induce ischemic injury to the posterior optic nerve in rat. This model is critical to studies of the pathophysiology of posterior ischemic optic neuropathy, and therapeutic approaches for this and other optic neuropathies, as well as of other CNS ischemic diseases.

Posterior Ischemic optic neuropathy (PION) is a sight-devastating disease in clinical practice. However, its pathogenesis and natural history ...

Posterior Semicircular Canal Approach for Inner Ear Gene Delivery in Neonatal Mouse

Inner ear gene therapy offers great promise as a potential treatment for hearing loss and dizziness. One of the critical determinants of the success of inner ear gene therapy is to find a delivery method which results in consistent transduction efficiency of targeted cell types while minimizing hearing loss. In this study, we describe the posterior semicircular canal approach as a viable method for inner ear gene delivery in neonatal mice. We show that gene delivery through the posterior semicircular canal is able to perfuse the entire inner ear. The easy anatomic identification of the posterior semicircular canal, as well as minimal manipulation of the temporal bone required, make this surgical approach an attractive option for inner ear gene delivery.

In this study, we describe the posterior semicircular canal approach as a reliable method for inner ear gene delivery in neonatal mice. We show that gene delivery through the posterior semicircular canal is able to perfuse the entire inner ear.

Inner ear gene therapy offers great promise as a potential treatment for hearing loss and dizziness. One of the critical determinants of the success of ...

Application of Lucilia sericata Larvae in Debridement of Pressure Wounds in Outpatient Settings

Biological therapy using Lucilia sericata larvae has numerous advocates worldwide, yet it is still fairly unknown and not commonly applied in daily practice because of the limited awareness and insufficient experience of medical and nursing personnel. There are case reports suggesting that maggot therapy can be applied and supported by lay caregivers, provided they are supervised and informed by physicians/nurses. The foregoing observation suggests that the method should be considered for implementation by a wider group of caregivers if accepted and meticulously supervised by trained and experienced medical staff. The concerns related to the therapeutic use of maggots in certain regions seem understandable, but are not supported by scientific facts. It should be noted that many therapeutic agents (including brood) used in medicine are of natural origin, and are associated with low production costs and high possibilities of implementation in the course of therapy. By analyzing the literature and using our own clinical and research experience, we have come to conclusions related to using larvae therapy, as a quick and safe method providing cleaning and revitalization in the process of treating wounds of various etiologies, especially pressure ulcers. In the current study, medical-grade Lucilia sericata maggots were applied to remove necrotic tissue from deep pressure sores. The treatment is mostly accepted by both caregivers and patients. In most cases, it is conducted by trained and experienced medical personnel in home and outpatient settings. Over the course of the conducted analyzes involving the collected specimens, there were no statistically significant relationships (p&gt; 0.05) confirmed between the wound surface successfully cleared by brood and variables, such as time from wound formation, location, surface size, and the depth of damage to the tissue structure. The lack of statistical dependence may result from the small size of the studied group. Based on the current findings, we have formulated the following conclusions: Maggot Debridement Therapy (MDT) is a fast and effective method enabling the preparation of the wound bed. The use of MDT in outpatient settings is safe and acceptable for patients and their caregivers.

Application of Lucilia sericata Larvae in Debridement of Pressure Wounds in Outpatient Settings

Maggots of Lucilia sericata were used in the debridement of deep pressure sores in outpatient settings for the treatment of pressure sores involving the complete skin thickness. The technique presented in the article does not pose risks for the patient.

Biological therapy using Lucilia sericata larvae has numerous advocates worldwide, yet it is still fairly unknown and not commonly applied in daily ...

Indocyanine Green-Guided Intraoperative Imaging to Facilitate Video-Assisted Retroperitoneal Debridement for Treating Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis

Video-assisted retroperitoneal debridement (VARD) is a feasible, minimally invasive necrosectomy method for treating severe acute necrotizing pancreatitis, if it does not resolve or is accompanied with infected necrosis in the retroperitoneum. As there are rarely any visually clear separating surface in white light image between necrotic debris and adjacent inflammatory normal tissues due to extensive retroperitoneal adhesions, VARD is accompanied with the risk of vascular injury, external pancreatico-cutaneous or enterocutaneous fistulae. In view of the above disadvantages, we apply real-time intraoperative near-infrared fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) during VARD, which enables visualization of the well-perfused adjacent normal tissues. This modified technique (ICG-guided VARD) can provide a clear separating surface during debridement and reduce the risk of vascular or enteric injury. ICG-guided VARD may facilitate surgeons to perform safer debridement in treating severe acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

This protocol presents Indocyanine Green-guided video-assisted retroperitoneal debridement (ICG-guided VARD) for treating severe acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

Video-assisted retroperitoneal debridement (VARD) is a feasible, minimally invasive necrosectomy method for treating severe acute necrotizing ...

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 ...

Laparoscopic Radical Antegrade Modular Pancreatosplenectomy via Dorsal-Caudal Artery Approach for Pancreatic Neck-Body Cancer

Laparoscopic radical resection of the pancreatic neck is one of the most complicated radical operations for pancreatic cancer, especially for patients who have had neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Here, we present a technique to perform laparoscopic radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (L-RAMPS) using the dorsal-caudal artery approach by making full use of the high-definition vision and operation modes of the laparoscope.
The innovation and optimization of this operation are provided in the protocol. Priority should be given to the dorsal resection plane, including the dorsal side of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), the dorsal side of the pancreatic head, the root of the celiac artery (CeA), the ventral side of the left renal vessels, and the renal hilum. On the condition that the operation for pancreatic neck-body cancer is feasible and safe, the second step is to perform tumor resection en bloc surrounding the SMA and CeA from the caudal to the cephalic side to increase the rate of R0 (radical zero) resection and further prognosis.

Laparoscopic Radical Antegrade Modular Pancreatosplenectomy via Dorsal-Caudal Artery Approach for Pancreatic Neck-Body Cancer

With advancements in laparoscopic techniques, laparoscopic radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (L-RAMPS) has been widely recognized. However, owing to several technical difficulties in this procedure, the artery-first approach in L-RAMPS still remains uncommon. Here, we developed the dorsal-caudal artery approach for L-RAMPS, which might be safe and beneficial for pancreatic neck tumors.

Laparoscopic radical resection of the pancreatic neck is one of the most complicated radical operations for pancreatic cancer, especially for patients who ...

Flexible Bronchoscopy for Novice Bronchoscopists

Systematic Bronchoscopy: the Four Landmarks Approach

Flexible bronchoscopy is a technically difficult procedure and has been identified as the most important procedure that should be integrated into a simulation-based training program for pulmonologists. However, more specific guidelines that govern bronchoscopy training are needed to meet this demand. To ensure patients a competent examination, we propose a systematic, stepwise approach, splitting the procedure into four &#34;landmarks&#34; to support novice endoscopists navigating the bronchial maze. The procedure can be evaluated based on three established outcome measures to ensure a thorough and effective inspection of the bronchial tree: diagnostic completeness, structured progress, and procedure time.
The stepwise approach relying on the four landmarks is used at all simulation centers in Denmark and is being implemented in the Netherlands. To provide instant feedback to novice bronchoscopists when training and to relieve time constraints from consultants, we suggest that future studies should implement artificial intelligence&#160;as a feedback and certification tool when training new bronchoscopists.

Author Spotlight: Learning Systematic Bronchoscopy in a Simulation-Base Setting 

Here, we present a protocol to navigate the bronchial maze in a structured manner, splitting the bronchoscopy into a stepwise approach-the four landmarks approach.

Flexible bronchoscopy is a technically difficult procedure and has been identified as the most important procedure that should be integrated into a ...

Preventing Posterior Capsular Opacification Through IOL Rotation in Cataract Surgeries

Rotating the Intraocular Lens to Prevent Posterior Capsular Opacification in Cataract Surgeries

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is a common postoperative complication of extracapsular cataract surgery, which is caused by the proliferation and migration of lens epithelial cells and can affect long-term visual outcomes significantly. The most effective treatment for PCO is neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy; however, this treatment is associated with posterior segment complication and can break the stability of capsular bag, affecting the position and function of trifocal or toric intraocular lenses (IOLs). Advances in surgical procedures, IOL design, and pharmacy have reduced the rate of PCO in recent years, concentrating on the inhibition of proliferative lens epithelial cells (LECs). This protocol aimed to clear LECs more thoroughly during phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. The first several steps, including clear corneal incision, continuous circular capsulorhexis, hydrodissection, hydrodelineation, and phacoemulsification, were completed as conventional procedures. After placing the IOL into the capsular bag, rotation of the IOL by at least 360&#176; was performed using an irrigation/aspiration tip or a hook, with slight stress on the posterior capsule. Some residuals occurred in the originally transparent capsular bag after rotation of the IOLs. Then, these materials and the viscoelastic were cleared completely using an irrigation/aspiration system. A clear posterior capsule was observed after the surgery in patients undergoing this method. This method of rotating IOLs is a simple, effective, and safe way to prevent PCO by clearing residual LECs and can be carried out without extra tools or skills.

Author Spotlight: Enhancing Visual Outcomes in Cataract Surgery: A Novel Technique to Prevent Posterior Capsular Opacification Through IOL Rotation 

The present protocol describes removing residual epithelial cells by rotating the intraocular lens in extracapsular cataract surgery without extra tools for preventing posterior capsular opacification.

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is a common postoperative complication of extracapsular cataract surgery, which is caused by the proliferation and ...

Advancing LRPS: Optimal Techniques for Challenging Liver Resections

Techniques of Laparoscopic Right Posterior Sectionectomy: Glissonian Approach and a Parenchymal Transection Technique

Laparoscopic liver resections (LLR) have been widely accepted as a treatment option for liver tumors. They offer several advantages over open liver resections, including less blood loss, reduced wound pain, and shorter hospital stays with a comparable oncological outcome. However, laparoscopic resection of lesions in the right posterior section of the liver is challenging due to difficulties in bleeding control and visualizing the surgical field. In the past, laparoscopic right posterior sectionectomy (LRPS) was still in the exploration phase, with undefined risks in the Second International Consensus Conference on LLR in 2014. However, recent technological advancements and increased surgical experience have shown that LRPS can be safe and feasible. It has been found to reduce hospital stay and blood loss compared to open surgery. This manuscript aims to provide a detailed description of the steps involved in LRPS. The key factors contributing to our success in this challenging procedure include proper liver retraction and exposure, the use of an intrahepatic Glissonian approach for inflow control, a technique called the 'ultrasonic scalpel mimic Cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA)' for parenchymal transection, early identification of the right hepatic vein, and meticulous bleeding control using bipolar diathermy.

Here, we present a protocol to perform laparoscopic right posterior sectionectomy, focusing on two key aspects: the intrahepatic Glissonian approach for inflow control and a parenchymal transection technique using an ultrasonic surgical aspirator.

Laparoscopic liver resections (LLR) have been widely accepted as a treatment option for liver tumors. They offer several advantages over open liver ...

Arthroscopic Double Posteromedial Approach for PCL Cyst Excision

Arthroscopic Excision of Posterior Cruciate Ligament Cysts Using a Double Posteromedial Approach

Cruciate ligament cysts of the knee are a rare condition. Posterior cruciate ligament cysts of the knee are less common than anterior cruciate ligament cysts. In patients with asymptomatic isolated cruciate ligament cysts of the knee, conservative treatment is recommended. Symptomatic cruciate ligament cysts of the knee are mostly manifested as knee hyperflexion pain, straightening pain, knee discomfort after standing for a long time or walking for a long time, etc., which seriously affects the quality of life, surgical treatment can be performed. The surgical treatments can be divided into ultrasound-guided cyst puncture and fluid extraction procedure and arthroscopic cystectomy. Cysts are mostly lobulated with a multi-layer cyst wall, cyst fluid extraction does not remove the cyst wall completely but simply extracts cyst fluid, leading to a high recurrence rate. Arthroscopic surgery can completely remove the cyst wall with little trauma, a low recurrence rate, and fast postoperative recovery, so arthroscopic resection is the most common and preferred method of treatment. Since posterior cruciate ligament cysts mostly occur posterior to the ligament, we remove the cyst wall by adding a double posteromedial approach to the knee joint, and the cyst wall is removed under direct vision, which is simple to operate, the cyst wall is completely cleared, the trauma is small, the postoperative recovery is fast, and there is no recurrence. Here, 8 posterior cruciate ligament cysts were removed with complete postoperative symptom relief, no surgical complications, and no recurrence at 1-year follow-up.

Author Spotlight: Double Posteromedial Approach for Treating Posterior Cruciate Ligament Cysts

We present a surgical approach to treat posterior cruciate ligament cysts by an arthroscopic double posteromedial approach.

Cruciate ligament cysts of the knee are a rare condition. Posterior cruciate ligament cysts of the knee are less common than anterior cruciate ligament ...