Internal target volume for post-hysterectomy vaginal recurrences of cervical cancers during image-guided radiotherapy

Objective:

The outcome of post-surgical recurrences of cervical cancer may be improved through radiation dose escalation, which hinges on accurate identification and treatment of the target. The present study quantifies target motion during course of image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) for vault cancers.

Methods:

All patients underwent planning CT simulation after bladder-filling protocol. A daily pre-treatment megavoltage CT was performed. All translations and rotations were recorded. Post-registration displacement of gross tumour volume (GTV) and centre of mass (COM) of GTV was independently recorded by two observers for fractions one to seven. Day 1 image sets served as reference images against which the displacements of COM were measured. We calculated the displacements of common volume (CV) and encompassing volume (EV) of GTV for both the observers.

Results:

A total of 90 image data sets of 15 patients were available for evaluation. Individual patient GTV and average GTV by both the observers were comparable. The average shifts for EV were 2.4 mm [standard deviation (SD) ±1.2] in the mediolateral, 4.2 mm (SD ±2.8) in the anteroposterior and 4.0 mm (SD ±2.1) in superoinferior directions. Similarly, the average shifts for CV were 1.9 mm (SD ±0.6) in the mediolateral, 3.7 mm (SD ±2.7) in the anteroposterior and 4.4 mm (SD ±2.7) in superoinferior directions. Using Stroom''s/van Herk''s formula, the minimum recommended margins would be 4.5/5.2, 8.2/9.4 and 7.3/8.3 mm, respectively, for lateral, anteroposterior and superoinferior directions.

Conclusion:

Differential directional internal margin is recommended in patients undergoing IGRT for post-surgical recurrence of cervical cancers.

Advances in knowledge:

Internal organ motion of vault cancers can be accounted for by a directional margin to the gross tumour.     

Self-adhesive drape (Opsite) for management of leaking abdominal wounds.

BACKGROUND: Leaking abdominal wounds (LAW) are associated with high patient morbidity. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of a self-adhesive drape (Opsite) with suction drains for the management of LAW. METHODS: Twenty patients with LAW (14 intestinal fistula, 4 biliary fistula, 2 ascites leak) were subjected to the use of a self-adhesive drape with a Romovac suction drain. Conventional wound management was used for the first 5 days, followed by the application of Opsite drape. The parameters evaluated were quantity of the effluent, skin integrity, ease of application, patient comfort and cost effectiveness. A discomfort score (based on four parameters: mobility, skin excoriation, wetness and unpleasant odor) was recorded on day 1 (pre conventional), day 5 (post conventional-pre Opsite), and day 5 after Opsite application. Opsite drape was changed whenever required. RESULTS: The discomfort score was not altered with conventional therapy but was lower following Opsite application: mobility (0 vs 2), skin excoriation (0 vs 2), wetness (0.5 vs 2) and odor (0 vs 1). Opsite drape allowed accurate measurement of the effluent in all patients. The drape required change after a median of 14 days (range 10 to 18). CONCLUSIONS: Opsite drape is easy to apply on LAW, is effective in containing the effluent, and is associated with low patient morbidity.     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of Argyreia speciosa root

Objective:

To study analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of a methanolic extract (ME) of Argyreia speciosa (AS) root powder.

Materials and Methods:

The study was carried out using male albino mice (20-25 gm) and male wistar rats (100-150gm). The ME was prepared using soxhlet extraction process. The effect of ME of A. speciosa was investigated for analgesic activity using acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction, tail immersion method and hot plate method. The anti-inflammatory activity of ME of AS roots was studied using carrageenan-induced rat paw edema.

Result:

The ME of A. speciosa root was used in pain and inflammation models. The analgesic activity of AS at the dose of (30,100, and 300 mg/kg p.o) showed significant (P<0.01) decrease in acetic acid-induced writhing, whereas ME of A. speciosa at the dose of (100, 300 mg/kg p.o) showed significant (P<0.01) increase in latency to tail flick in tail immersion method and elevated mean basal reaction time in hot plate method. The ME of the A. speciosa at doses (30, 100, and 300mg/kg) showed significant (P < 0.01) inhibition of carrageenan induced hind paw edema in rats.

Conclusion:

The ME of A. speciosa showed significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity in mice and rat.     

Surgical challenges in complex primary total hip arthroplasty

Complex primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) is defined as primary THA in patients with compromised bony or soft-tissue states, including but not limited to dysplastic hip, ankylosed hip, prior hip fracture, protrusio acetabuli, certain neuromuscular conditions, skeletal dysplasia, and previous bony procedures about the hip. Intraoperatively, provisions must be made for the possible use of modular implants and/or bone grafts. In this article, we review the principles of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management of patients requiring a complex primary THA.