Validation of low-cost models for minimal invasive surgery training of congenital diaphragmatic hernia and esophageal atresia

BackgroundMinimal invasive surgery (MIS) is increasingly used for the correction of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and esophageal atresia (EA). It is important to master these complex procedures, preferably preclinically, to avoid complications. The aim of this study was to validate recently developed models to train these MIS procedures preclinically.MethodsTwo low cost, reproducible models (one for CDH and one for EA) were validated during several pediatric surgical conferences and training sessions (January 2017–December 2018), used in either the LaparoscopyBoxx or EoSim simulator. Participants used one or both models and completed a questionnaire regarding their opinion on realism (face validity) and didactic value (content validity), rated on a five-point-Likert scale.ResultsOf all 60 participants enrolled, 44 evaluated the EA model. All items were evaluated as significantly better than neutral, with means ranging from 3.7 to 4.1 (p < 0.001). The CDH model was evaluated by 48 participants. All items scored significantly better than neutral (means 3.5–3.9, p < 0.001), with exception of the haptics of the simulated diaphragm (mean 3.3, p = 0.054). Both models were considered a potent training tool (means 3.9).ConclusionThese readily available and low budget models are considered a valid and potent training tool by both experts and target group participants.Type of studyProspective study.Level of evidenceLevel II.     

Overview and update on molecular testing in non-small cell lung carcinoma utilizing endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) samples

Lung carcinoma remains one of the most frequent and aggressive human neoplasms. Fortunately, in the last decades, the increasing knowledge of the molecular mechanisms leading to cancer development has allowed the use of targeted therapies with improvement of prognosis in many patients. Clinical management has also changed after the introduction of endobronchialultrasonographic bronchoscopy that allows a conservative staging of lung tumors, avoiding the need of mediastinoscopy for lymph node staging. Lung pathologists and cytopathologists are facing the challenge of giving the more comprehensive prognostic and predictive information with ever smaller tissue or cytological samples. The aim of this review is to summarize the molecular testing for non-small cell lung carcinoma and how pathologists can contribute to the patient's outcome with a conscious management of biological samples.     

Phyllodes tumor: clinicopathologic review of 60 patients and flow cytometric analysis in 30 patients.

We reviewed 66 phyllodes tumors of the breast from 60 patients. Our patients included 59 women and one man ranging in age from 16 to 72 years. Fifty patients presented for primary treatment of newly diagnosed breast masses, nine presented with recurrent tumors, and one presented with soft tissue metastases 9 years after bilateral subcutaneous mastectomies and multiple chest wall recurrences of phyllodes tumor. After 0.3 to 53.2 years (mean, 15.5 years) of follow-up, 26 (43.3%) patients are free of disease without recurrence, 26 (43.3%) patients are dead of other (17 patients) or unknown (nine patients) causes, four (6.7%) patients had locally recurrent tumor 0.7 to 2.9 years after lumpectomy and are free of disease 3 months to 12 years after re-excision or simple mastectomy, two (3.3%) patients are lost to follow-up, and two (3.3%) patients died with metastatic disease 1.8 and 7 years after diagnosis. Histologic features and flow cytometric analysis showed no correlation with outcome. Fifty-six breast tumors were biphasic and nine were purely stromal tumors. Twenty-six (47%) biphasic tumors showed stromal overgrowth. Tumor margins were pushing in 20 (39%) and infiltrative in 29 (61%) of 49 evaluable cases. Twenty-one tumors were highly cellular and 17 showed cytologic atypia. Necrosis was identified in 16 tumors. Mitotic rates ranged from 0/10 high-power fields to 48/10 high-power fields. Twenty-four diploid, six aneuploid, three tetraploid, and one polyploid tumor were identified by flow cytometry. S-phase fractions tended to be higher in nondiploid tumors. Neither DNA content nor S-phase fraction correlated with outcome. Our results indicate that most mammary phyllodes tumors, including purely stromal tumors, behave as low-grade, nonmetastasizing neoplasms. Neither histologic evaluation nor DNA content provides reliable clues concerning the natural history of an individual tumor.     

Osteosarcomatosis

A review of the 690 cases of osteosarcoma in the radiographic file of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology revealed 29 cases of "osteosarcomatosis" (multiple skeletal sites of osteosarcoma). Fifteen of these patients were 18 years old and under and manifested rapidly appearing, usually symmetric, sclerotic metaphyseal lesions. The remaining 14 patients were more than 18 years old and had fewer, asymmetric sclerotic lesions. In most patients (28 of 29), a radiographically dominant skeletal tumor was seen. Pulmonary metastases occurred in the majority of patients and were detected at the same time as the bone lesions. These 29 patients were studied with regard to demographic data and skeletal distribution and radiographic appearance of their lesions. As a result of the findings, a metastatic origin from a primary dominant osteosarcoma is favored over a multifocal origin as the basis for osteosarcomatosis. Osteosarcomatosis is more commonly encountered in the mature skeleton than has been previously recognized.