Anastomotic Recurrence of Colon Cancer—is it a Local Recurrence,a Second Primary,or a Metastatic Disease (Local Manifestation of Systemic Disease)?

The aim of this study is to review the literature to find out the exact etiology of anastomotic cancers of colon post resection and differentiate them between a recurrence, second primary, and metastatic disease (local manifestation of systemic disease). Web-based literature search was done, and datas collected. We searched PubMed for papers using the keywords colon cancer recurrence, anastomotic recurrence, and recurrent colon carcinoma. We also searched for systematic review in the same topic. In addition, we used our personal referrence archive. Anastomotic recurrences of colon are postulated to arise due to inadequate margins, tumor implantation by exfoliated cells, altered biological properties of bowel anastomosis, and missed synchronous lesions. Some tumors are unique with repeated recurrence after repeated resection. Duration after primary surgery plays a major role in differentiating recurrent and second primary lesions. Repeated recurrences after repeated resections have to be considered a manifestation of systemic disease or metastatic disease due to the virulence of the disease. A detailed analysis and study of patients with colonic anastomotic lesion are required to differentiate it between a recurrent, a second primary lesion, and a metastatic disease (local manifestation of a systemic disease). The nomenclature is significant to study the survival of these patients, as a second primary lesion will have different survival compared to that of recurrent lesions.     

Self-Mutilation in Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation

Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) is the term applied to a heterogeneous group of disorders resulting in iron deposition in the basal ganglia. Well-known phenotypic features are progressive regression with extra pyramidal involvement and a variable course. A 10-year-old child born to consanguineous parents presented with progressive generalized opisthotonic dystonia, retrocollis, oromandibular dyskinesias, apraxia for swallowing, optic atrophy and severe self-mutilation of lips. MR imaging showed brain iron accumulation. Other causes of self-mutilation were excluded. Early infantile onset, ophisthotonic dystonia with oromandibular dyskinesias and characteristic MR images are suggestive of NBIA. There is only one case reported in the literature of self-mutilation in this condition.     

Total Hip Arthroplasty in Ankylosing Spondylitis With Extension Contracture of Hips

Background

Despite significant pain relief following total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, a small subset of patients presenting with extra-articular extension contracture of hips remains unsatisfied.

Mirror movements in progressive hemifacial atrophy

Mirror movements are simultaneous, involuntary, identical movements occurring during contralateral voluntary movements. These movements are considered as soft neurologic signs seen uncommonly in clinical practice. The mirror movements are described in various neurological disorders which include parkinsonism, cranio veretebral junction anamolies, and hemiplegic cerebral palsy. These movements are intriguing and can pose significant disability. However, no such observation regarding mirror movements in progressive hemifacial atrophy have been reported previously. We are reporting a teenage girl suffering from progressive hemifacial atrophy and epilepsy with demonstrable mirror movements in hand.     

Shortening peel-away sheaths prior to dialysis line insertion--potential decrease of patient risk.

Placement of tunnelled dialysis lines is effective using ultrasoundand fluoroscopic guidance [1] and has a higher success ratethan ‘blind’ insertion [2]. After the ultrasound guided access into a neck vein, wires andcatheters are guided in to a suitable position in the     

Audio spectrum and sound pressure levels vary between pulse oximeters

PURPOSE: The variable-pitch pulse oximeter is an important intraoperative patient monitor. Our ability to hear its auditory signal depends on its acoustical properties and our hearing. This study quantitatively describes the audio spectrum and sound pressure levels of the monitoring tones produced by five variable-pitch pulse oximeters. METHODS: We compared the Datex-Ohmeda Capnomac Ultima, Hewlett-Packard M1166A, Datex-Engstrom AS/3, Ohmeda Biox 3700, and Datex-Ohmeda 3800 oximeters. Three machines of each of the five models were assessed for sound pressure levels (using a precision sound level meter) and audio spectrum (using a hanning windowed fast Fourier trans-form of three beats at saturations of 99%, 90%, and 85%). RESULTS: The widest range of sound pressure levels was produced by the Hewlett-Packard M1166A (46.5 +/- 1.74 dB to 76.9 +/- 2.77 dB). The loudest model was the Datex-Engstrom AS/3 (89.2 +/- 5.36 dB). Three oximeters, when set to the lower ranges of their volume settings, were indistinguishable from background operating room noise. Each model produced sounds with different audio spectra. Although each model produced a fundamental tone with multiple harmonic overtones, the number of harmonics varied with each model; from three harmonic tones on the Hewlett-Packard M1166A, to 12 on the Ohmeda Biox 3700. There were variations between models, and individual machines of the same model with respect to the fundamental tone associated with a given saturation. CONCLUSION: There is considerable variance in the sound pressure and audio spectrum of commercially-available pulse oximeters. Further studies are warranted in order to establish standards.     

Predictors of long-term survival in patients with gallbladder cancer

The aim of this study was to examine the predictors of long-term survival (>24 months) in patients with gall bladder cancer. A retrospective review of 117 cases of gall bladder cancer resected between 1989 and 2000. The resections included 80 simple cholecystectomies and 37 extended procedures. Patients with survival >24 months (n=44) were compared with those having survival <24 months (n=73) for 17 prognostic factors. Overall median survival was 16 months with a 5-year survival of 27%. T status (P=.000) and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (P=.001) were independent predictors of long-term survival. Survival advantage was seen in T3N+ve disease (P=.007) with extended procedures. Complete (R0) resection was attained in 30 patients with a 5-year survival advantage of 30% as compared with incomplete (R1) resection (P=.0002). Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy improved survival in simple cholecystectomy group (P=.0008) but no advantage was seen after extended procedures. Stage III (P=.001) and node-positive disease (P=.0005) had significant benefit with adjuvant therapy. Poor differentiation and vascular invasion were associated with poor long-term survival. R0 resection was associated with prolonged survival. Extended procedures improved survival in patients with T3N+ve disease. Addition of chemoradiotherapy made significant improvement in long-term survival in stage III and node-positive lesions and in patients undergoing simple cholecystectomy. R0 resection predicted long-term survival in gall bladder cancer. T3 N+ve disease had better survival after extended procedures. Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy improved survival in stage III and node-positive disease. Poor differentiation and vascular invasion were adverse predictors of survival.     

Giant mediastinal liposarcoma: a case report.

Liposarcomas are extremely rare in the mediastinum. They may achieve considerable size before causing any symptoms. Mediastinal liposarcomas may invade surrounding structures like the pericardium or the superior vena cava. Complete surgical excision is the optimal treatment in resectable cases. Excision of adjacent structures like the pericardium may be needed if the tumor infiltrates them. We report on a case of a giant liposarcoma of the mediastinum involving both hemithoraces and extending into the neck, which was successfully managed by complete surgical excision.