The incidence of Head and Neck Juxtacortical Chondrosarcoma (HNJCS) is extremely rare. Among a large database, the authors could identify only nine cases of HNJCS that have been amply described. It has been observed that irrespective of the location of the body, HNJCS has a consistent clinical and diagnostic profile. HNJCS is generally a low or intermediate grade malignancy with a low rate of recurrence and metastases. Primary surgical excision with negative margins was found to be the therapeutic modality of choice.  Radiotherapy and chemotherapy have limited roles in the management of HNJCS.

In this article, the author reviews the manifestations, diagnosis, and treatments of LPR and suggests adopting a multidisciplinary approach for a reliable and conclusive diagnosis of LPR. Based on the previous research and latest findings, an algorithm is put forth to streamline the assessment and management of reflux disorders. Highlighting the significance of correct diagnosis and effective treatment of LPR, the author suggests that in case the diagnosis is doubtful, and the therapeutic response is unsatisfactory, the patient should be referred to a specialist.

Based on the comparison between the hematology and cytology, the authors concluded that by improving the skills of the technologists of the hematology laboratory in identifying cell morphology, the diagnostic values in body fluid malignancy could be improved, and the hematology laboratory would achieve comparable competency similar to the cytology laboratory.

Procedure-related miscarriage is the most crucial complication of the prenatal invasive tests which are being used for the diagnosis of fetal aneuploidies. Even though several risk factors like operator experience, gestational age, sampling route, and the number of tapping have been suggested for the procedure-related miscarriage, the cause of this complication remains unknown. The results of the study confirmed that the cervical lengths in the patients complicated with miscarriages were within normal limits.

The brain can process information, store them, and retrieve them as and when required; however, we hardly know much about the physiological mechanisms behind such fundamental functions of the brain. The efforts by psychologists, scientists, engineers, physicists, and mathematicians over the past decades have given some significant insight on the brain functions and have been helpful for carrying out further research on the subject.

It is our pleasure to invite Prof. Isao Koushima to be Editor-in-Chief in International Microsurgery Journal!

Over the past decade, Da Vinci Surgical System has made great strides in surgery. It has been widely applied in urology, gynecology, bariatric surgery, hepatobiliary surgery, thoracoscopic surgery, cardiac surgery, neurological surgery, and transoral otolaryngologic neoplasm resection. However, its application in plastic and reconstructive surgery still in the preliminary stages of development. I went to Hong Kong in April 2013 for the robotic surgical system training program and was awarded console surgeon certificate.

This novel technique of sequential ETS micro-venous anastomosis is a modified technique from its classical form. The unique use of vessel loops provides protection to the vessel, while it achieves equisegmental IJV occlusion for sequential (proximal to distal) venous anastomosis. This method not only saves precious operating time from repetitive positioning of instruments and recipient vessel (IJV), but also creates a safer operating field for the microsurgeons. Utilizing a second single vascular clamp over the anastomosis junction provides an anchoring point for self-retraction by revealing and maintaining an accessible position to the posterior wall, once it is turned at 180 degrees laterally. This maneuver allows the surgeon to have full control of the surgical field and perform ETS micro-venous anastomosis confidently and independently.

Division of the lateral plantar artery does not jeopardize the foot circulation because of anastomosis of the lateral plantar artery with the dorsalis pedis artery at the first intermetatarsal space. However, care should be taken with patients with peripheral artery occlusive disease and the flow of dorsalis pedis artery should be confirmed before surgery. Given the advantages of sizable vessel, easy dissection, and proximity to the defect, we believe that the lateral plantar artery might be a valuable option as recipient vessel for lateral plantar forefoot reconstruction.

Pedicled anterolateral thigh flap is a versatile option for reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects in varied anatomical regions. Its wide arc of rotation and less donor site morbidity are its added advantages.

The 2nd instructional course for adult brachial plexus injuries is a fantastic opportunity to meet and learn from experts in the field. We cordially invite you to visit Chang Gung Memorial Hospital to participate in this unique learning experience.