Thoracentesis Alexandra J. Lopez, MD; Yu Maw Htwe, MD Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Pleural effusions are a frequent problem encountered in pulmonary medicine. Some common causes of pleural effusion include chest infection, heart failure, liver failure, malignancy, and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, to name a few. Often drainage of this fluid is required for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, which is called thoracentesis. For this procedure, a Safe-T-Centesis kit is used to place a temporary catheter in the pleural space and manually drain the fluid, which can then be sent to the lab for further testing, including cell counts, glucose, pH, protein levels, cytology, and bacterial cultures. Based on these results, it can be determined if the effusion is exudative or transudative, which helps guide further management. In this case, the patient has a recurrent left-sided exudative effusion of unknown cause with underlying history of colon cancer, and malignant effusion is a concern, so it was decided to perform both diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound-guided thoracentesis.
Ganglion cysts (GCs) are common benign soft tissue tumors that when presenting near the nail bed of digits, are specifically termed digital mucous cysts (DMCs). The surgical excision of GCs near the nail bed requires precise technique and a thorough understanding of the anatomical relationships to prevent recurrence and minimize complications. This case report describes the surgical management of a GC located on the distal phalanx of the middle finger near the nail bed. The procedure demonstrates several key principles that are essential for successful outcomes, including the necessity of complete cyst excision to prevent recurrence, the importance of careful dissection near the germinal matrix to prevent permanent nail deformity, the value of a bloodless surgical field in maintaining precise visualization, and the significance of proper wound closure technique in ensuring optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes.
This video provides detailed step-by-step instruction for performing first dorsal compartment release in De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, with particular emphasis on anatomical landmarks, proper tissue handling, and identification of important neurovascular structures. The surgical release of the first extensor compartment for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a well-established procedure with consistently favorable outcomes when proper surgical technique is employed. When performed with attention to these technical details, the procedure provides reliable relief of symptoms with a low complication rate.
This surgical technique video would be particularly valuable for orthopaedic and hand surgery residents, as well as practicing surgeons who seek to refine their approach to first extensor compartment release. The detailed demonstration of nerve identification and the management of anatomical variations, especially the emphasis on finding accessory compartments, provides crucial technical aspects which help surgeons avoid complications and improve patient outcomes.
Robotic APR with bilateral gracilis flap reconstruction is a vital procedure for managing advanced and metastatic rectal cancer. It offers a precise, minimally-invasive approach that addresses both tumor removal and functional reconstruction, providing significant benefits for patients requiring complex oncological and reconstructive surgery. This step-by-step video guideline is crucial for advancing surgical techniques in complex rectal cancer treatment. It serves as a vital educational resource for surgeons at all levels, demonstrating the combination of APR with gracilis flap reconstruction. The video’s importance lies in its ability to standardize the procedure, showcase innovative techniques, and highlight critical aspects that are difficult to convey through text alone. Providing detailed visual instruction on navigating challenges helps prevent complications and improve patient outcomes.
The surgical management of posterior calcaneal osteophytes is a complex procedure that requires detailed surgical technique and precise anatomical understanding. Fluoroscopy serves as a real-time guidance tool, aiding in the visualization of the osteophyte during its removal. Specialized surgical instruments, primarily a sharp osteotome are utilized for initial bone removal, followed by a rongeur to refine and smooth any remaining sharp edges. This meticulous approach ensures the complete removal of the problematic bony proliferation while maintaining the surrounding tissue’s structural integrity. This surgical demonstration offers important educational value for multiple medical professionals involved in orthopaedic and musculoskeletal care. Orthopaedic surgeons, particularly those specializing in foot and ankle surgery, will find the detailed procedural technique useful for understanding nuanced surgical approaches to posterior calcaneal osteophytes. Orthopaedic residents and surgical trainees can benefit from the step-by-step demonstration of complex surgical techniques.
The case presented in the video illustrates a complex clinical scenario involving a young male patient who sustained multiple traumatic injuries in a motorcycle collision. Following initial emergency management that included an exploratory laparotomy with sigmoid transection and subsequent end colostomy, the patient now undergoes robotic-assisted colostomy reversal. This approach represents an advanced surgical technique that uses minimally-invasive technology to address challenging postoperative reconstructive needs. Robotic-assisted surgery offers several advantages in colostomy reversal, such as better dissection precision and improved surgical field visualization. This video shows how cutting-edge technology improves surgical outcomes, reduces recovery time, and solves complex challenges. It is a valuable resource for medical professionals, especially surgeons and trainees, looking to deepen their understanding of advanced colorectal surgical interventions.
Epigastric hernias, predominantly described in the literature as small defects containing mostly preperitoneal fat, are located in the linea alba between the xiphoid process and the umbilicus. The risk of incarceration in epigastric hernias is influenced by the size of the defect. It has been observed that smaller epigastric hernias, particularly those less than 1 cm in diameter, have a higher risk of incarceration compared to larger ones. Various treatment options are available for epigastric hernias, including laparoscopic and open surgical approaches. This video describes an open epigastric hernia repair without mesh for a 1-cm incarcerated hernia. The technique demonstrated addresses both the correction of the hernia and the prevention of recurrence, which is crucial given the higher incarceration rates associated with smaller hernias. This video demonstration of an open epigastric hernia repair without mesh for a 1-cm incarcerated hernia provides valuable insights for surgical trainees, general surgeons, and hernia specialists. The technique showcased is particularly useful for small epigastric hernias and in cases where a rectus diastasis is present.
Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS), also known as encapsulating sclerosing peritonitis is a rare but serious condition that is characterized by the formation of a thick, fibrotic layer encasing the small bowel. The pathophysiology involves an inflammatory process that triggers excessive fibrin deposition and collagen production, resulting in the development of a thick, cocoon-like membrane around the intestines. This video is an in-depth demonstration of a complex surgical case involving a repeat exploratory laparotomy for bowel obstruction, with a focus on careful dissection of adhesions, managing serosal tears, and ensuring hemostasis. It is particularly valuable for surgeons, surgical trainees, and medical professionals specializing in emergency abdominal surgery.
Umbilical hernias are common abdominal wall defects that occur when intra-abdominal contents protrude through the umbilical opening in the abdominal muscles. This article focuses on the detailed surgical technique for open umbilical hernia repair without mesh for a 1-cm hernia, emphasizing both functional and aesthetic outcomes. This video demonstration and accompanying description serve as valuable educational resources for surgical trainees, general surgeons, and plastic surgeons seeking to refine their techniques for small umbilical hernia repairs. The step-by-step approach, rationale for each decision, and emphasis on both functional and cosmetic outcomes provide insights that can help surgeons optimize their results in umbilical hernia repair.
This article presents a case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with skeletal involvement in a geriatric male. Initially presenting with left hip pain, the patient was diagnosed with DLBCL affecting the left acetabulum. Subsequent treatment with systemic and radiation therapy resulted in radiation osteitis, osteoarthritis, and acetabular collapse, necessitating surgical intervention.
The treatment plan involved total hip arthroplasty (THA) with photodynamic intramedullary nails (PDNs) for pelvic stabilization, augmented with tantalum augments for enhanced support. PDNs provided structural stability while minimizing interference with future oncological interventions. The surgical procedure comprised meticulous insertion of PDNs and placement of tantalum augments, achieving optimal stability and alignment of the acetabular component.
This case underscores the strategic use of PDNs and tantalum augments in for treating major acetabular defects in patients with complex pathologies who require THA for pelvic stabilization. These techniques provide advantages in postoperative radiographic disease monitoring and precision in radiation therapy planning. The multidisciplinary approach emphasizes the importance of carefully selecting the appropriate implants to optimize outcomes in orthopaedic oncology.
