Benefits of transitioning from transperitoneal laparoscopic to retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy-a single center experience.

Background: Since 2017, switching from laparoscopic transabdominal adrenalectomy (LTA), posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (RPA) is used as standard procedure in this institution. Aim of this retrospective study was to compare both techniques regarding operative time, length of stay and safety of the procedures.

Methods: All patients operated in our institution for adrenal tumors were prospectively documented in the EUROCRINE-database and retrospectively analyzed.

The Four Core Genotypes mouse model: evaluating the impact of a recently discovered translocation.

The Four Core Genotypes (FCG) mouse model has become a valuable model to study the mechanistic basis for biological sex differences. This model allows discrimination between influences of gonadal sex (ovaries or testes) from those associated with genetic sex (presence of XX or XY chromosome complement). FCG mice have illuminated distinct effects of gonadal and chromosomal sex on traits ranging from brain structure and behavior to vulnerability to obesity, atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's and other diseases.

Surgical Management of Gallstone Ileus: Approach, Outcome, Case Report, and Literature Review.

Gallstone ileus (GSI) is a condition caused by migrating gallstones lodged in the terminal ileum. Stone migration results from fistula formation, typically between the gallbladder and duodenum, termed a cholecystoduodenal fistula. This mechanical obstruction has high mortality and requires prompt intervention.

A Case of Robotic Cholecystectomy in a Patient With Decompensated Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension.

In patients with liver cirrhosis, approximately one-third experience pigmented cholelithiasis. In parallel to this, cirrhotics consequently encounter a greater prevalence of acute cholecystitis. Traditionally, the definitive treatment for acute cholecystitis in non-cirrhotic patients is cholecystectomy.

A Delayed Presentation of Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Treated With Robotic-Assisted Strong Procedure.

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome, also known as Wilkie's syndrome, is a rare condition resulting from compression of the third portion of the duodenum between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. When symptomatic, this compression may result in nausea, vomiting, epigastric discomfort, and weight loss, requiring clinical attention and imaging to make the diagnosis. Typically, SMA syndrome presents in young females and is associated with an underlying condition such as anorexia nervosa, cachexia, postoperative development after scoliosis surgery, etc.

The first 150 consecutive DIEP free flaps: Lessons learnt and a guide to efficiency for the junior plastic surgeon.

Introduction: The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) free flap is the gold-standard for breast reconstruction but is technically demanding, resource intensive and time-consuming, making it a daunting task for the junior surgeon.

Aim: To report the lessons learnt from the experience of a single surgeon performing their first 150 DIEP reconstructions as a guide for junior surgeons.

Methods: Data regarding patient demographics and surgical outcomes from April 2021 to October 2022 were collected retrospectively from medical records.

Advancing Synthetic Hydrogels through Nature-Inspired Materials Chemistry.

Synthetic extracellular matrix (ECM) mimics that can recapitulate the complex biochemical and mechanical nature of native tissues are needed for advanced models of development and disease. Biomedical research has heavily relied on the use of animal-derived biomaterials, which is now impeding their translational potential and convoluting the biological insights gleaned from in vitro tissue models. Natural hydrogels have long served as a convenient and effective cell culture tool, but advances in materials chemistry and fabrication techniques now present promising new avenues for creating xenogenic-free ECM substitutes appropriate for organotypic models and microphysiological systems.

Preparation and Optimization of MiR-375 Nano-Vector Using Two Novel Chitosan-Coated Nano-Structured Lipid Carriers as Gene Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Currently, there is still a lack of effective carriers with minimal side effects to deliver therapeutic miRNA. Thus, it is crucial to optimize novel drug delivery systems. MiR-375 has proven superior therapeutic potency in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Reconstruction of a Large Composite Hemicraniofacial Defect with Bipedicled DIEP/TRAM Flaps.

Head and neck reconstructions are often challenging due to the mix of functional and aesthetic goals. It can be tricky when different tissue types are required to reconstruct each subunit. Craniofacial reconstructions require a large volume of tissue to cover defects that span across a large convex area.

Autoimmune Implications in a Patient with Graves' Hyperthyroidism, Pre-eclampsia with Severe Features, and Primary Aldosteronism.

: Graves' disease (GD) and primary aldosteronism (PA) are two pathologies that can cause significant morbidity and mortality. GD is mediated by autoantibodies, and recent studies have shown autoantibody involvement in the pathophysiology behind both PA and pre-eclampsia. The coexistence of GD and PA, however, is reportedly rare.

Gastric Leiomyoma Near the Gastroesophageal Junction Causing Massive Gastrointestinal Bleeding.

Leiomyomas are rare, slow-growing submucosal tumors originating from smooth muscle cells. They are typically benign when found in the gastrointestinal tract, and they present no risk for recurrence or metastasis. In this report, we describe the case of a 64-year-old female patient presenting with severe anemia, generalized fatigue, and intermittent dark tarry stools and who was found to have a bleeding gastric cardia mass one centimeter distal to the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) on abdominal computed tomography and confirmed with an esophagoduodenoscopy.

Harnessing Macromolecular Chemistry to Design Hydrogel Micro- and Macro-Environments.

Cell encapsulation within three-dimensional hydrogels is a promising approach to mimic tissues. However, true biomimicry of the intricate microenvironment, biophysical and biochemical gradients, and the macroscale hierarchical spatial organizations of native tissues is an unmet challenge within tissue engineering. This review provides an overview of the macromolecular chemistries that have been applied toward the design of cell-friendly hydrogels, as well as their application toward controlling biophysical and biochemical bulk and gradient properties of the microenvironment.

3D Volumetric Mechanosensation of MCF7 Breast Cancer Spheroids in a Linear Stiffness Gradient GelAGE.

The tumor microenvironment presents spatiotemporal shifts in biomechanical properties with cancer progression. Hydrogel biomaterials like GelAGE offer the stiffness tuneability to recapitulate dynamic changes in tumor tissues by altering photo-energy exposures. Here, a tuneable hydrogel with spatiotemporal control of stiffness and mesh-network is developed.

Delayed Right Diaphragmatic Hernia With Chilaiditi Syndrome: A Case Report.

Diaphragmatic hernias can be congenital or acquired and manifest as a defect thus allowing abdominal contents to protrude into the thorax through the defect. Common presentations and symptoms can include shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Rarely colon or small bowel is interposed between the liver and the diaphragm, Chilaiditi sign.

Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Abdominal Wall Secondary to Complicated Appendicitis: A Case Report.

Acute appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies worldwide. Many complications can occur secondary to complicated appendicitis including abscess formation, gangrene, sepsis, and perforation, rarely, leading to abdominal wall necrotizing fasciitis. The incidence of necrotizing fasciitis as a complication of ruptured appendicitis is extremely uncommon.

Temporal trends in burn size estimation and the impact of the NSW Trauma App on estimation accuracy.

Background: Several studies demonstrated that burn size calculations by referring clinicians are poor. The purpose of this study was to determine if inaccuracies in burn size estimation have improved with time within the same population, and whether widespread roll-out of a smartphone-based TBSA calculator (in the form of the NSW Trauma App) had an impact on accuracy.

Methods: A review of all burn-injured adult patients transferred to Burn Units from August 2015, following the roll out of the NSW Trauma App, to January 2021 was performed.

An Unusual Presentation of Cecal Volvulus With Internal Herniation Through the Foramen of Winslow.

Internal hernias through the Foramen of Winslow account for 0.1% of abdominal hernias and 8% of internal hernias, with a mortality rate of 36%-49%. Cecal volvulus accounts for only 1%-1.