OBJECTIVETo describe the technique for minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (MIILE) and to evaluate the feasibility, safety and the short-term clinical outcomes of this approach.

METHODSThe clinical data of 309 patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer who received Ivor Lewis esophagectomy between October 2011 and October 2013 was analyzed retrospectively. Of those 309 patients, 112 underwent MIILE and 197 underwent open Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (OILE). The clinicopathologic factors, operational factors and postoperative complications of the two groups were compared by t test and χ² test.

RESULTSThe two groups were similar in terms of gender, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, tumor location, preoperative staging and incidence of comorbidities (P>0.05). The MIILE approach was associated with a significant decrease in surgical blood loss ((186 ± 45) ml vs. (198 ± 47) ml, t=2.086, P=0.039), chest tube duration ((9 ± 5) days vs. (11 ± 6) days, t=2.760, P=0.005) and postoperative stay ((12 ± 6) days vs. (14 ± 7) days, t=2.932, P=0.005) relative to the OILE approach. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the number of total lymph nodes dissected or the stations of the total lymph nodes dissected (P>0.05). The postoperative in-hospital mortality and total morbidity did not differ between the two groups (P>0.05). The MIILE approach was associated with significantly fewer wound infections than the OILE approach (0 vs.4.6%, P=0.029).

CONCLUSIONOur MIILE technique for locally advanced esophageal cancer can be safely and effectively performed for intrathoracic anastomosis during esophageal surgeries with favorable early outcomes.

Blood Loss, Surgical ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Esophagectomy ; methods ; Hospital Mortality ; Humans ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; Postoperative Complications ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

To optimize the configuration of the conventional SE and FSE sequence parameters in low field MRI. With the combination of larger vision, relatively thinner slice thickness, small number of excitation (NEX = 1 or 2), the signal-to-noise ration and the spatial resolution on follow-up images are moderate, the scan time is significantly shorter along with fewer motion artifacts, the check success rate is improved.
Equipment Design ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; instrumentation ; methods

OBJECTIVETo apply the membrane separation process in the concentration process of Chuanxiong Chatiao granules and to lay the foundation for its industrialized application.

METHODThe type of membrane, the optimal pressure, the optimal temperature and the optimal detergent were selected by the single factor method. A comparative study was conducted between qualities of extracts from Chuanxiong Chatiao granules by new and traditional processes.

RESULTThe type of membrane was determined to be SMN-130A2350054. The optimal pressure was 1.7 MPa. The optimal temperature was 36 degrees C and the optimal detergent was 1% sodium polyphosphate. The qualities of extracts from Chuanxiong Chatiao granules by new and traditional processes showed no difference.

CONCLUSIONThe selected membrane separation process can effectively achieve concentration and save energy. The extracts from Chuanxiong Chatiao granules by the new process show no difference with traditional processes. Therefore, it provides basis for the industrialized application of Chuanxiong Chatiao granules.

Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Technology, Pharmaceutical ; methods