scholarly journals LEARNING CURVE IN SINGLE-LEVEL MINIMALLY INVASIVE TLIF: EXPERIENCE OF A NEUROSURGEON

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 279-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Romano-Feinholz ◽  
Sergio Soriano-Solís ◽  
Julio César Zúñiga-Rivera ◽  
Carlos Francisco Gutiérrez-Partida ◽  
Manuel Rodríguez-García ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the learning curve that shows the progress of a single neurosurgeon when performing single-level MI-TLIF. Methods: We included 99 consecutive patients who underwent single-level MI-TLIF by the same neurosurgeon (JASS). Patient’s demographic characteristics were analyzed. In addition, surgical time, intraoperative blood loss and hospital stay were evaluated. The learning curves were calculated with a piecewise regression model. Results: The mean age was 54.6 years. The learning curves showed an inverse relationship between the surgical experience and the variable analyzed, reaching an inflection point for surgical time in case 43 and for blood loss in case 48. The mean surgical time was 203.3 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] 150-240 minutes), intraoperative bleeding was 97.4ml (IQR 40-100ml) and hospital stay of four days (IQR 3-5 days). Conclusions: MI-TLIF is a very frequent surgical procedure due to its effectiveness and safety, which has shown similar results to open procedure. According to this study, the required learning curve is slightly higher than for open procedures, and is reached after about 45 cases.

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 138-142
Author(s):  
Luis Muñiz Luna ◽  
Rodolfo Echeagaray Sánchez ◽  
Marco Antonio Marbán Heredia ◽  
Karen Aida Ibarra Stone ◽  
Erika Silva Chiang

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the direct costs of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and minimally invasive surgery (MIS) or open technique (OPEN). Methods: The present study is descriptive and retrospective. Sixteen patients with degenerative spinal pathology operated on with the TLIF MIS technique and TLIF OPEN were included over a 13-month period. Days of hospital stay, blood loss, surgical time, medical care and costs were compared. Results: The mean number of days of hospital stay was 6.7 ± 4.3 days with TLIF MIS and 11.1 ± 6.5 days with TLIF OPEN. The blood loss was 307 ± 81.6 ml (range 200400 ml) with TLIF MIS and 803 ± 701.3 ml (range 200-1800 ml) with TLIF OPEN. The surgical time was 320 ± 92.6 minutes (range 210-500 minutes) in TLIF MIS and 372 ± 95.2 minutes (280-540 minutes) in TLIF OPEN. Conclusions: The difference in surgical costs and time between the two procedures was not statistically significant. There was less bleeding during the TLIF-MIS surgery, as well as a correlation between shorter days of hospital stay proportional to bleeding and surgical time, which translates into a reduction in the cost of these items. Level of Evidence III; Analysis based on alternatives and limited costs.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Povolotskaya ◽  
Robert Woolas ◽  
Dirk Brinkmann

Background. Robotic surgery in gynaecological oncology is a rapidly developing field as it offers several technical advantages over conventional laparoscopy. An audit was performed on the outcome of robotic surgery during our learning curve and compared with recent well-established laparoscopic procedure data.Method. Following acquisition of the da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, California, USA), we prospectively analysed all cases performed over the first six months by one experienced gynaecologist who had been appropriately trained and mentored. Data on age, BMI, pathology, surgery type, blood loss, morbidity, return to theatre, hospital stay, and readmission rate were collected and compared with a consecutive series over the preceding 6 months performed laparoscopically by the same team.Results. A comparison of two consecutive series was made. The mean age was somewhat different, 55 years in the robotic versus 69 years in the laparoscopic group, but obesity was a feature of both groups with a mean of BMI 29.3 versus 28.06, respectively. This difference was not statistically significant(P=0.54). Three subgroups of minimal access surgical procedures were performed: total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingooophorectomy (TH + BSO), total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingooophorectomy plus bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy (TH + BSO + BPLND), and radical hysterectomy plus bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy (RH + BPLND). The mean time taken to perform surgery for TH + BSO was longer in the robotic group, 151.2 min compared to 126.3 min in the laparoscopic group. TH + BSO + BPLND surgical time was similar to 178.3 min in robotic group and 176.5 min in laparoscopic group. RH + BPLND surgical time was similar, 263.6 min (robotic arm) and 264.0 min (laparoscopic arm). However, the numbers in this initial analysis were small especially in the last two subgroups and do not allow for statistical analysis. The rate of complications necessitating intervention (Clavien-Dindo classification grade 2/3) was higher in the robotic arm (22.7%) compared to the laparoscopic approach (4.5%). The readmission rate was higher in the robotic group (18.2%) compared to the laparoscopic group (4.5%). The return to theatre in the robotic group was 18.2% and 4.5% in laparoscopic group. Uncomplicated robotic surgery hospital stay appeared to be shorter, 1.3 days compared to the uncomplicated laparoscopic group, 2.5 days. There was no conversion to the open procedure in either arm. Estimated blood loss in all cases was less than 100 mL in both groups.Conclusion. Robotic surgery is comparable to laparoscopic surgery in blood loss; however, the hospital stay in uncomplicated cases appears to be longer in the laparoscopic arm. Surgical robotic time is equivalent to laparoscopic in complex cases but may be longer in cases not requiring lymph node dissection. The robotic surgery team learning curve may be associated with higher rate of morbidity. Further research on the benefits to the surgeon is needed to clarify the whole picture of this versatile novel surgical approach.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hou-Tsung Chen ◽  
Chieh-Cheng Hsu ◽  
Meng-Lin Lu ◽  
Sung-Hsiung Chen ◽  
Jing-Miao Chen ◽  
...  

How to decrease intraoperative bleeding, shorten surgical time, and increase safety in spinal surgery is an important issue. Ultrasonic bone removers and FloSeal have been proven to increase safety, reduce the surgical duration, and decrease intraoperative bleeding in skull base surgery. Therefore, we aimed to compare the surgical duration, blood loss, and complications during spinal surgery with or without the use of FloSeal and an ultrasonic bone scalpel. Therefore, we retrospectively reviewed 293 patients who underwent thoracolumbar spinal surgery with decompression and instrumented fusion performed by a single surgeon. We divided these patients into three groups, including nonuse of FloSeal nor a bone scalpel (group A), use of FloSeal only (group B), and use of FloSeal and a bone scalpel (group C) intraoperatively after pairing in terms of age, sex, and surgical level. The surgical duration, blood loss, and occurrence of complications were all recorded. The mean surgical duration in group A was 160 mins, in group B it was 167 mins, and in group C it was 134 mins. The mean blood loss was 700 ml in group A, 682 ml in group B, and 383 ml in group C. Six patients sustained intraoperative dura injuries in total, 3 in group A, 2 in group B, and 1 in group C. No postoperative neurologic defects or occurrences of hematoma were recorded. According to our results, we concluded that combined use of FloSeal and bone scalpels is recommended during primary thoracolumbar spinal surgery to reduce the intraoperative blood loss and shorten the surgical duration.


2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 030006052098278
Author(s):  
Xing Du ◽  
Yunsheng Ou ◽  
Guanyin Jiang ◽  
Yong Zhu ◽  
Wei Luo ◽  
...  

Objective This study was performed to evaluate the surgical indications, clinical efficacy, and preliminary experiences of nonstructural bone grafts for lumbar tuberculosis (TB). Methods Thirty-four patients with lumbar TB who were treated with nonstructural bone grafts were retrospectively assessed. The operative time, operative blood loss, hospital stay, bone graft fusion time, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, visual analog scale (VAS) score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment grade, and Cobb angle were recorded and analyzed. Results The mean operative time, operative blood loss, hospital stay, Cobb angle correction, and Cobb angle loss were 192.59 ± 42.16 minutes, 385.29 ± 251.82 mL, 14.91 ± 5.06 days, 9.02° ± 3.16°, and 5.54° ± 1.09°, respectively. During the mean follow-up of 27.53 ± 8.90 months, significant improvements were observed in the ESR, CRP concentration, VAS score, ODI, and ASIA grade. The mean bone graft fusion time was 5.15 ± 1.13 months. Three complications occurred, and all were cured after active treatment. Conclusions Nonstructural bone grafts may achieve satisfactory clinical efficacy for appropriately selected patients with lumbar TB.


BMC Surgery ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunxiao Wang ◽  
Yao Zhang ◽  
Xiaojie Tang ◽  
Haifei Cao ◽  
Qinyong Song ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The area which located at the medial pedicle, posterior vertebral body and ventral hemilamina is defined as the hidden zone. Surgical management of hidden zone lumbar disc herniation (HZLDH) is technically challenging due to its difficult surgical exposure. The conventional interlaminar approach harbors the potential risk of post-surgical instability, while other approaches consist of complicated procedures with a steep learning curve and prolonged operation time. Objective To introduce microscopic extra-laminar sequestrectomy (MELS) technique for treatment of hidden zone lumbar disc herniation and present clinical outcomes. Methods Between Jan 2016 to Jan 2018, twenty one patients (13 males) with HZLDH were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent MELS (19 patients underwent sequestrectomy only, 2 patients underwent an additional inferior discectomy). The nerve root and fragment were visually exposed using MELS. The operation duration, blood loss, intra- and postoperative complications, and recurrences were recorded. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the modified MacNab criteria were used to evaluate clinical outcomes. Postoperative stability was evaluated both radiologically and clinically. Results The mean follow-up period was 20.95 ± 2.09 (18–24) months. The mean operation time was 32.43 ± 7.19 min and the mean blood loss was 25.52 ± 5.37 ml. All patients showed complete neurological symptom relief after surgery. The VAS and ODI score were significantly improved at the final follow-up compared to those before operation (7.88 ± 0.70 vs 0.10 ± 0.30, 59.24 ± 10.83 vs 11.29 ± 3.59, respectively, p < 0.05). Seventeen patients (81%) obtained an “excellent” outcome and the remaining four (19%) patients obtained a “good” outcome based the MacNab criteria. One patient suffered reherniation at the same level one year after the initial surgery and underwent a transforaminal endoscopic discectomy. No major complications and postoperative instability were observed. Conclusions Our observation suggest that MELS is safe and effective in the management of HZLDH. Due to its relative simplicity, it comprises a flat surgical learning curve and shorter operation duration, and overall results in reduced disturbance to lumbar stability.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaohe Wang ◽  
Yang Yue ◽  
Wenjie Zhang ◽  
Qiaoyu Liu ◽  
Beicheng Sun ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Laparoscopic anatomic hepatectomy (LAH) has gradually become a routine surgical procedure. However, how to expose the whole hepatic vein and avoid the hepatic vein laceration is still a challenge because of the caudate lobe, particularly in right hepatectomy. We adopted a dorsal approach combined with Glissionian appraoch to perform laparoscopic right anatomic hepatectomy (LRAH). Methods Twenty patients who underwent LRAH from January 2017 to November 2018 were retrospectively analysed. Of these patients, seven patients underwent laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy (LRH group), seven patients who underwent laparoscopic right posterior hepatectomy (LRPH group), and six patients who underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy for segment 7 (LS7 group). The paracaval portion of caudate lobe could be transected firstly through dorsal approach and the corresponding major hepatic vein could be exposed from its root to the peripheral branches safely. Due to exposure along the major hepatic vein trunk, the remaining liver parenchyma could be quickly transected from dorsal to cranial side. Results The mean age of the patients was 53.8 years and the male: female ratio was 8:12. The median operation time was 306.0 ± 58.2 min and the mean estimated volume of blood loss was 412.5 ± 255.4 mL. The mean duration of postoperative hospital stay was 10.2 days. The mean Pringle maneuver time was 64.8 ± 27.7 min. Five patients received transfusion of 2–4 U of red blood cells. Two patients suffered from transient hepatic dysfunction and one suffered from pleural effusion. None of the patients underwent conversion to an open procedure. The operative duration, volume of the blood loss, Pringle maneuver time, and postoperative hospital stay duration did not differ significantly among the LRH, LRPH, and LS7 groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions Dorsal approach combined with Glissonian approach for right lobe is feasible and effective in laparoscopic right anatomic liver resections.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 265
Author(s):  
Vikas Tandon ◽  
Abhinandan Reddy Mallepally ◽  
Ashok Reddy Peddaballe ◽  
Nandan Marathe ◽  
Harvinder Singh Chhabra

Background: Mini-open thoracoscopic-assisted thoracotomy (MOTA) has been introduced to mitigate disadvantages of conventional open anterior or conventional posterior only thoracoscopic procedures. Here, we evaluated the results of utilizing the MOTA technique to perform anterior decompression/fusion for 22 traumatic thoracic fractures. Methods: There were 22 patients with unstable thoracic burst fractures (TBF) who underwent surgery utilizing the MOTA thoracotomy technique. Multiple variables were studied including; the neurological status of the patient preoperatively/postoperatively, the level and type of fracture, associated injuries, operative time, estimated blood loss, chest tube drainage (intercostal drainage), length of hospital stay (LOS), and complication rate. Results: In 22 patients (averaging 35.5 years of age), T9 and T12 vertebral fractures were most frequently encountered. There were 20 patients who had single level and 2 patients who had two-level fractures warranting corpectomies. Average operating time and blood loss for single-level corpectomy were 91.5 ± 14.5 min and 311 ml and 150 ± 18.6 min and 550 ml for two levels, respectively. Mean hospital stay was 5 days. About 95.45% of cases showed fusion at latest follow-up. Average preoperative kyphotic angle corrected from 34.2 ± 3.5° to 20.5 ± 1.0° postoperatively with an average correction of 41.1% and correction loss of 2.4%. Conclusion: We concluded that utilization of the MOTA technique was safe and effective for providing decompression/fusion of traumatic TBF.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunxiao Wang ◽  
Yao Zhang ◽  
Xiaojie Tang ◽  
Haifei Cao ◽  
Qinyong Song ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Surgical management of lumbar disc herniation in the hidden zone is technically challenging due to its difficult surgical exposure. The conventional interlaminar approach harbors the potential risk of post-surgical instability, while other approaches consist of complicated procedures with a steep learning curve and prolonged operation time. Objective To introduce a safe and effective technique named microscopic extra-laminar sequestrectomy (MELS) for treatment of hidden zone lumbar disc herniation and present clinical outcomes within a two year follow-up period. Methods Between Jan 2016 to Jan 2018, twenty one patients (13 males) with hidden zone lumbar disc herniation were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent MELS (19 patients underwent sequestrectomy only, 2 patients underwent an additional inferior discectomy). The nerve root and herniated fragment were visually exposed using this extra-laminar approach. The operation duration, blood loss, intra- and postoperative complications, and recurrences were recorded. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the modified MacNab criteria were used to evaluate clinical outcomes. Postoperative stability was evaluated both radiologically and clinically. Results The mean follow-up period was 20.95 ± 2.09 months, ranging from 18 to 24 months. The mean operation time was 32.43 ± 7.19 min and the mean blood loss was 25.52 ± 5.37 ml. All patients showed complete neurological symptom relief after surgery. The VAS and ODI score were significantly improved at the final follow-up compared to those before operation (7.88 ± 0.70 vs 0.10 ± 0.30, 59.24 ± 10.83 vs 11.29 ± 3.59, respectively, p < 0.05). Seventeen patients (81%) obtained an “excellent” outcome and the remaining four (19%) patients obtained a “good” outcome based the MacNab criteria. One patient suffered reherniation at the same level one year after the initial surgery and underwent a transforaminal endoscopic discectomy. No major complications and postoperative instability were observed. Conclusions Our observation suggest that MELS is a safe and effective method in the management of hidden zone lumbar disc herniation. Due to its relative simplicity, it comprises a flat surgical learning curve and shorter operation duration, and overall results in reduced disturbance to lumbar stability.


Author(s):  
Lúcio Américo Della COLETTA ◽  
Bruno Ziade GIL ◽  
Renato Morato ZANATTO

Background: Minilaparoscopy is considered one of the minimally invasive options available for acute appendicitis treatment, although not always employed in less complexity public health services. Aim: Report surgical outcomes of minilaparoscopy use in acute appendicitis treatment. Method : The study included 21 patients undergoing minilaparoscopic appendectomy with instrumental of 3 mm. The following variables were analyzed: sex, age, body mass index, stage of appendicitis, surgical time, hospital stay, surgical complications, conversion rate to conventional laparoscopy or laparotomy, pain after surgery and aesthetic result. Results: Twelve men and nine women underwent minilaparoscopic appendectomy. The average age was 27,8 years, the mean BMI was 24,8 kg/m2. The operative time ranged from 33 to 160 min and the average of hospital stay was three days. Among the 21 patients, 20 reported mild pain or no pain in the first postoperative day. The aesthetic result was considered "satisfactory" and "very satisfactory" by 95% of the patients. Conclusions: The minilaparoscopy is viable technique for treating acute appendicitis with a satisfactory recovery. It combines the benefits of minimally invasive procedures with results similar to conventional techniques.


2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 241-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan G. Thomas ◽  
Jerome Boatey ◽  
Alison Brayton ◽  
Andrew Jea

Object Outside of the patient population with achondroplasia, neurogenic claudication is rare in the pediatric age group. Neurogenic claudication associated with posterior vertebral rim fracture is even more uncommon but nonetheless causes pain and disability in affected children and adolescents. The purpose of this study was to describe the surgical results of 3 adolescents presenting with neurogenic claudication and posterior vertebral rim fracture when treated with laminectomy alone. Methods The medical and operative records of the 3 pediatric patients were retrospectively reviewed. Presenting signs and symptoms and CT findings, such as the interpedicular distances between T-12 and L-5, were obtained. Perioperative results were assessed, including operative time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, and complications. Findings at latest follow-up were also recorded, including a patient satisfaction survey. Results The 3 patients (1 girl and 2 boys) had a mean age of 14.7 years (range 14–15 years) and underwent follow-up for a mean of 11.3 months (range 5–18 months). Notable preoperative signs and symptoms included back pain (all patients), leg pain (all patients), leg numbness (1 patient), and leg weakness (1 patient). No patient presented with bowel and/or bladder dysfunction. The mean blood loss during laminectomy was 123 ml (range 20–300 ml), and the mean length of hospital stay was 4.3 days (range 3–6 days). On average, decompression was performed at 2.2 levels (range 2–2.5 levels). All 3 patients reported at most recent follow-up that they were “satisfied” with the surgery. There was 1 complication of instability from an iatrogenic pars fracture, which required reoperation and posterior instrumented fusion. Conclusions To the best of the authors' knowledge, this report represents the first surgical series of pediatric neurogenic claudication associated with posterior vertebral rim fractures. Pediatric neurosurgeons may infrequently encounter neurogenic claudication associated with a posterior vertebral rim fracture in children. To treat children with neurogenic claudication associated with posterior vertebral rim fractures, a simple laminectomy may be a safe and efficacious alternative to discectomy and removal of fracture fragments.


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