Objective To explore the construction of a canine model of vascularized allogeneic spinal cord transplantation (vASCT) and preliminarily evaluate its therapeutic efficacy for spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods Sixteen female Beagle dogs aged 8-12 months were randomly selected, with 8 dogs serving as donors for the harvesting of spinal cord tissue with a vascular pedicle [dorsal intercostal artery (DIA) at the T10 level and accompanying vein]. The remaining 8 dogs underwent a 1.5-cm-length spinal cord defect at the T10 level, followed by transplantation of the donor spinal cord tissue for repair. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was applied to both ends to spinal cord graft. Using a random number table method, the dogs were divided into an experimental group (n=4) and a control group (n=4). The experimental group received immunosuppressive intervention with oral tacrolimus [0.1 mg/(kg∙d)] postoperatively, while the control group received no treatment. The operation time and ischemia-reperfusion time of two groups were recorded. The recovery of hind limb function was estimated by Olby score within 2 months after operation; the motor evoked potentials (MEP) was measured through neuroelectrophysiological examination, and the spinal cord integrity was observed through MRI. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the operation time and ischemia-reperfusion time between the two groups (P>0.05). All dogs survived until the completion of the experiment. Within 2 months after operation, all dogs in the control group failed to regain the movement function of hind limbs, and Olby scores were all 0. In the experimental group, the movement and weight-bearing, as well as walking abilities of the hind limbs gradually recovered, and the Olby scores also showed a gradually increasing trend. There was a significant difference between the two groups from 3 to 8 weeks after operation (P<0.05). Neuroelectrophysiological examination indicated that the electrical signals of the experimental group passed through the transplanted area, and the latency was shortened compared to that at 1 month after operation (P<0.05), showing continuous improvement, but the amplitude did not show significant improvement (P>0.05). The control group was unable to detect any MEP changes after the operation. MRI examination showed that the transplanted spinal cord in the experimental group survived and had good continuity with normal spinal cord tissue, while no relevant changes were observed in the control group. ConclusionThe vASCT model of dogs was successfully constructed. This surgical procedure can restore the continuity of the spinal cord. The combination of tacrolimus anti-immunity is a key factor for the success of transplantation.
Objective To investigate the method of single umbilical port laparoscopic cholecystectomy and its feasibility. Methods The clinical data of 46 patients receiving single port umbilical laparoscopic cholecystectomy in this hospital from December 2008 to February 2009 were analyzed retrospectively. Results Fourty-six cases were operated successfully with ordinary laparoscopic instruments by single umbilical port laparoscopic cholecystectomy, all without drainage placed. Operative time was from 40 to 130 min, average 52.3 min; bleeding was from 10 to 150 ml, average 40.6 ml. No complications, such as biliary leakage, hemorrhage, umbilical hernia and infection of incisional wound happened. Postoperative abdominal wall scar was not obvious, 1-4 d hospitalization, from 2 weeks to 3 months following-up without disconnecting of incision. Conclusions The single umbilical port laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe and feasible, with little abdominal wall scar, but difficult to perform, so it can be applied in hospitals with related conditions as improvements of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.