Optimization of b-values in diffusion-weighted imaging for esophageal cancer: Measuring the longitudinal length of gross tumor volume and evaluating chemoradiotherapeutic efficacy.

Purpose: To study the optimization of b-values of magnetic resonance-diffusion-weighted (MR-DWI) in evaluating the chemoradiotherapeutic efficacy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and measuring the longitudinal length of gross tumor volume (GTV) of ESCC.

Materials And Methods: Eighteen patients with biopsy-proven ESCC were undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with DWI using b-values of 600 s/mm2, 800 s/mm2, and 1000 s/mm2 was performed before CCRT and after the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 10th weeks.

Subtrochanteric osteotomy for femoral mal-torsion through a surgical dislocation approach.

Unlabelled: Missed torsional femur deformities may contribute to reasons for failure after open and more likely arthroscopic hip preservation surgery. A number of surgical approaches have been described for addressing torsion abnormalities. This report describes a subtrochanteric osteotomy technique in a consecutive series of patients with complex hip pathologies, for which intertrochanteric osteotomy is not suitable and precise derotation is required.

Use of polypropylene mesh in the management of a contaminated large ventral hernia: a contraindication or a solution?

Management of contaminated large ventral hernias is still a challenge as a result of massive loss of muscular and fascial tissues in the abdominal wall, traditional contraindication to use of a prosthesis, and complicated perioperative management. This study aimed to provide a solution for this challenging dilemma using monofilament polypropylene mesh (Marlex; Bard) in the Sublay-Bridge fashion. Twenty-three consecutive patients with contaminated large ventral hernias from 2009 to 2011 were identified.

Radical tumor excision and immediate abdominal wall reconstruction in patients with aggressive neoplasm compromised full-thickness lower abdominal wall.

Background: Radical tumor resection and immediate lower abdominal wall reconstruction in patients with aggressive neoplasm invading full-thickness abdominal wall are challenging because of their close proximity and possible invasion to bone and great vessels, as well as consequent giant defect.

Methods: Data on 16 patients were reviewed retrospectively. Radical neoplasm resection and immediate abdominal wall reconstruction using the combined technique of intraperitoneal mesh placement, sublay technique, pedicled great omentum flap, and rotation skin graft were performed.

A modified sublay-keyhole technique for in situ parastomal hernia repair.

Objective: The surgical treatment of a parastomal hernia is always challenging due to the high incidence of recurrence following primary repair, or stoma relocation and severe morbidities in prosthetic repair with polypropylene materials. We therefore developed a modified sublay-keyhole technique employing a polypropylene material to minimize the associated high risk of the procedure. We herein describe our initial clinical experience with this modified procedure.

Compound repair of intraperitoneal onlay mesh associated with the sublay technique for giant lower ventral hernia.

Background: Large lower ventral hernias are defined as defects located from 3-cm above the symphysis pubis to the umbilicus, and are larger than 10 cm in diameter. Surgical repair of these hernias is challenging because of the large defect, enormous hernia contents, a narrowed abdominal cavity, and close proximity to bony and vascular structures. This study aimed to evaluate a novel repair technique with a combination of intraperitoneal onlay mesh and the Rives-Stoppa technique for these hernias.