Novel Myocutaneous Hemicraniectomy Flap: Technical Note and Cadaveric Dissection Using the “Feng-Huang Technique”

Background: The hemicraniectomy is a common technique used in a variety of pathologies including some traumatic brain injury and malignant stroke. A novel technique of performing hemicraniectomies using a retro-auricular incision can avoid transgressing the temporalis muscle and superficial temporal artery while providing adequate hemicranial exposure. Method: This technique was reproduced in a skull base lab using a cadaveric head. The key steps of this approach were illustrated in step-by-step fashion. A post-approach CT scan of the cadaver was performed to evaluate the decompression exposure. Results: This approach is able to provide sufficient middle fossa decompression and area of exposure, while preserving the temporalis along with the superficial temporal artery. Conclusions: The altered retro-auricular flap (the “Feng-Huang” flap) is a novel technique for hemicraniectomy which can provide sufficient middle fossa decompression and exposure while sparing the temporalis muscle and superficial temporal artery during the approach. A step-by-step technical illustration is demonstrated in the present note.

Technical illustration of Volumetric arc conformal radiotherapy planning in a case of paratesticular sarcoma

Introduction: Paratesticular sarcoma are extremely rare malignant tumours. Unlike other sites, they tend to be lower grade and have higher propensity of lymphatic spread. They tend to fail locally and occasionally in the regional lymph nodes. In the absence of target volume delineation guidelines and technical illustration of conformal planning, we have made an attempt to illustrate conformal planning methodology and define target volume based on current evidence in a case of paratesticular sarcoma. Methods: We are presenting a case of 62-year-old male who presented with 15-cm scrotal swelling and underwent high inguinal orchidectomy with ligation of spermatic cord. Histopathology presented a well-differentiated leiomyosarcoma of epididymis. Post-operative radiotherapy target volume included the tumour bed, ipsilateral inguinal nodes and lower pelvic nodes as the clinical target volume. Conclusion: Adjuvant radiotherapy using advanced delivery technique such as volumetric arc technique can provide good dose distribution with good sparing of organs at risk. The downside of conformal radiation delivery is that it is a resource-intensive and has no established target volume delineation guidelines.

A right to read object code – software copyright law and the development of a decompilation exception in South Africa

The opportunity to read and extract knowledge from a lawfully obtained copy of any published work is a cornerstone of copyright law, except in the case of computer programs. This article examines the development of an exception to copyright protection that will permit decompilation of object code as a means to access its underlying ideas. It illustrates that the persistent link between software and literary works leads to an unduly narrow view of decompilation. This contention is supported by a basic technical illustration of the decompilation process to support the submission that reading object code should not amount to copyright infringement in any way. Thereafter, the proposed decompilation exception in South African copyright law is critically analysed in light of the developmental objectives expressed in national policy, to formulate an alternative approach based on the inherent flexibilities in international law and local conditions.