Category Archives: Fundamentals

PUBLISHED: Tying Arthroscopic Knot for Glenoid Suture Anchor

Tying Arthroscopic Knot for Glenoid Suture Anchor
Zachary S. AmanLiam A. PeeblesMatthew T. Provencher, MD
Massachusetts General Hospital

As arthroscopic and minimally-invasive procedures have become increasingly more common over the past decade, a versatile understanding of several arthroscopic knot tying techniques is essential for reproducible and reliable repairs. While there are numerous descriptions of unique arthroscopic knots, selection and correct implementation is critical for adequate soft tissue fixation and successful patient outcomes. Specifically, the Roeder knot, a type of locking sliding knot, with 3 alternating half hitches, has been described to provide the loop and knot security among other sliding knot techniques. Therefore, the Roeder knot has emerged as a preferred knot tying technique amongst orthopedic surgeons, especially in the setting of arthroscopic shoulder stabilization procedures. In this case, we describe the basic fundamentals of performing a Roeder knot with 3 alternating half hitches to anchor the labrum to the glenoid in the setting of an arthroscopic Bankart repair.

PUBLISHED: Aspiration of Ganglion Cyst on Right Wrist

Aspiration of Ganglion Cyst on Right Wrist
Jonathan E. Sledd1Marcus Lester R. Suntay, MD, FPCS, FPSPS, FPALES2
1Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Auburn Campus
2Philippine Children’s Medical Center

Ganglion cysts are sacs containing a gel-like fluid that can form over tendons and joints. They are commonly seen as visible lumps on the hand and back of the wrist. Ganglion cysts are not cancerous, and most are asymptomatic. But if a cyst puts pressure on a nerve, it can cause pain, tingling, and muscle weakness. Initial treatment of a ganglion cyst is not surgical. Observation may be recommended because half of ganglion cysts may disappear over time. Activity often causes the cyst to increase in size, and thus immobilization may be an option. If a ganglion cyst causes pain and limits activities, aspiration of the fluid may decrease pressure and relieve pain. Surgical excision may also be recommended if symptoms are not relieved or if the cyst recurs. This article presents the case of a 51-year-old female who had a ganglion cyst on her right wrist. Treatment options were presented to the patient, and she opted to undergo aspiration over excision.

PUBLISHED: Pediatric Surgical Treatment of a Wrist Ganglion Cyst in a Resource-Limited Setting

Pediatric Surgical Treatment of a Wrist Ganglion Cyst in a Resource-Limited Setting
Jonathan Sledd1Marcus Lester R. Suntay, MD, FPCS, FPSPS, FPALES2
1Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
2Philippine Children’s Medical Center

Ganglion cysts are benign, mucinous-filled swellings that overly tendons and joints. They are the most common soft tissue mass found in the hand and wrist but also commonly encountered in the knee and foot. Presenting as a palpable knot, the cyst is asymptomatic until it impinges on local neurovasculature causing pain, numbness, tingling, and/or motor deficits. Pediatric ganglion cysts have different epidemiological characteristics than adults, with the majority found on the volar aspect on the wrist.

Treatment of ganglion cysts is most often observation due to the 50% chance of resolution over time. Activity causes the cyst to increase in size, and thus more aggressive treatment is often desirable. If the cyst recurs or symptoms are not relieved with observation alone, a more aggressive treatment such as surgical excision is often desirable. This article presents a female pediatric patient undergoing surgical excision of a large ganglion cyst on the dorsum of her right wrist. With the treatment options explained to her, she chose excision for the lower rate of recurrence.

PUBLISHED: Cystoscopy and Placement of Ureteral Stents: Preoperative for HIPEC Surgery

Cystoscopy and Placement of Ureteral Stents: Preoperative for HIPEC Surgery
Francis McGovern, MD
Massachusetts General Hospital

This video provides a comprehensive overview of the prophylactic ureteral stenting and cystoscopy performed on a patient with advanced metastases of appendiceal cancer who is scheduled for cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. The video focuses on urethral instrumentation, identification of ureteral orifices, stent placement, and subsequent bladder inspection. The patient’s preoperative evaluation had revealed no evidence of ureteral involvement with the tumor.

The cystoscopic technique employed in this case allowed the surgeons to visualize the bulbar urethra, sphincter, and prostatic urethra, illustrating the step-by-step process of advancing into the bladder. Next, the vesical trigone is identified, aiding in the visualization of the ureteral orifices. The careful placement of stents into both ureters is demonstrated. No resistance was encountered in the process of stent placement, suggesting no involvement of the ureters with the tumor. A thorough bladder inspection revealed no unusual findings such as abnormal lesions, masses, or other pathology. The stents were secured with silk sutures to prevent inadvertent dislodgement.

PUBLISHED: Epidural at T9-T10: Preoperative for HIPEC Surgery

Epidural at T9-T10: Preoperative for HIPEC Surgery
Xiaodong Bao, MD, PhD
Massachusetts General Hospital

Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) coupled with cytoreduction is increasingly being used to treat isolated peritoneal dissemination of intra-abdominal malignancies. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) is initially performed using either a conventional open or laparoscopic approach. CRS includes removal of the main tumor, excision of any other visible tumors, peritonectomy, omentectomy, and intestinal resections, if necessary. Following CRS, a chemotherapeutic solution is administered at a temperature of 40 to 41.5 °C. Infusing chemotherapy immediately following CRS facilitates a uniform distribution of the solution throughout the entire peritoneal cavity. This strategy prevents localized spread that may arise from postoperative adhesion formation, ensuring that peritoneal surfaces are exposed to a concentrated chemotherapy dose while minimizing systemic toxicity.

Epidural analgesia provides effective pain management and is generally well tolerated by patients undergoing CRS in conjunction with HIPEC. This video provides a comprehensive step-by-step demonstration of the entire procedure. The epidural injection involves the delivery of anesthetic solution to the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord within the vertebral column, inducing anesthesia in the spinal segments below the site of catheter placement.

PUBLISHED: Drainage of Cystic Mass on First Left Toe

Drainage of Cystic Mass on First Left Toe
Jasmine Beloy1Jaymie Ang Henry, MD, MPH2Marcus Lester R. Suntay, MD, FPCS, FPSPS, FPALES3
1Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
2Florida Atlantic University
2Philippine Children’s Medical Center

Cutaneous cysts are closed, sac-like, or encapsulated structures that may be filled with air, liquid, or semi-solid material, and are generally benign. Many types of cysts can occur in almost any place throughout the body and can form in all ages. They are seen as slow-growing and painless lumps underneath the skin. However, some cysts may be painful if they are particularly large. Treatment depends on several factors including the type of cyst, location, size, and the degree of discomfort caused. Large, symptomatic cysts can be removed surgically, while smaller, asymptomatic cysts can be drained or aspirated. Here, we present the case of a 12-year-old male with a pus-filled cystic mass on his first left toe and discuss surgical management and follow-up.

PUBLISHED: Lipoma Excision

Lipoma Excision
John Grove1Marcus Lester R. Suntay, MD, FPCS, FPSPS, FPALES2
1Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
2Philippine Children’s Medical Center

Lipomas are slow-growing lumps that occur as a result of overgrowth of fat cells. They present as doughy, moveable, and non-tender lumps usually found underneath the skin; however, they may occasionally be deeper. Lipomas occur in 1 in every 1,000 people and commonly grow on the upper back, shoulders, and abdomen. In most cases, lipomas are painless unless they affect joints, nerves, or blood vessels. A physical examination is the easiest way to diagnose a lipoma; however, imaging studies and biopsy may aid in the diagnosis when they are large, have unusual features, or appear deep.

No treatment is usually necessary for a lipoma; however, if a lipoma is painful or growing, removal may be recommended by excision or liposuction. Here, we present a 35-year-old male who has a large and deep 8-year-old lipoma on his upper back. The lipoma was excised and sent for biopsy.

PUBLISHED: Sebaceous Cyst Excision

Sebaceous Cyst Excision
Casey L. Meier, RN¹; Marcus Lester R. Suntay, MD, FPCS, FPSPS, FPALES²
¹Lincoln Memorial University, DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
²Philippine Children’s Medical Center

Sebaceous cysts are closed sacs filled with foul-smelling, cheese-like material found underneath the skin. They form when a gland or hair follicle becomes blocked and are commonly found on the scalp, face, neck, or torso. Sebaceous cysts are non-cancerous and usually present as painless lumps, but can become tender when infected.

In most cases, smaller sebaceous cysts may be ignored as they do not cause any symptoms; however, larger cysts may need to be removed with complete excision recommended to prevent recurrence. Oral antibiotics may be required when a sebaceous cyst becomes infected. Here is the case of a 33-year-old male patient who underwent complete resection of a 2-year-old cyst.

PUBLISHED: Ulnar Nerve Transposition (Cadaver)

Ulnar Nerve Transposition (Cadaver)
Irene Kalbian; Asif M. Ilyas, MD, MBA, FACS
Rothman Institute

Ulnar nerve transposition is a surgical procedure performed to treat ulnar nerve compression of the elbow, also known as cubital tunnel syndrome. This procedure is utilized after both non-operative management and in situ decompression fails, or if these procedures are deemed inappropriate based on patient pathology or ulnar nerve instability.

Transposition of the ulnar nerve involves not only decompression of the nerve but also its anterior repositioning to reduce compression and irritation while maintaining nerve integrity. This video demonstrates, on a cadaver arm, the operative technique for performing an ulnar nerve transposition using either a subcutaneous or a submuscular technique.

PUBLISHED: Excision of Epidermal Inclusion Cyst

Excision of Epidermal Inclusion Cyst

John Grove
Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

Marcus Lester R. Suntay, MD, FPCS, FPSPS, FPALES
Philippine Children’s Medical Center

Epidermal inclusion cysts, also called keratin or epithelial cysts, are benign lumps that develop beneath the skin. They present as a slow-growing, painless lumps, usually with a punctum in the middle that represents the blockage of keratin excretion. Here, Dr. Lester Suntay with the World Surgical Foundation presents the case of a 64-year-old male with a mass on his upper back. It was noted to be gradually enlarging, and thus excision was performed in order to prevent further growth and infection.