Disparities in cancer care between the United States of America and India and opportunities for surgeons to lead

The recent report from International Agency for Research in Cancer (IARC) predicted a threefold increase in the global cancer burden by 2030 with a disproportionate rise in cases from the developing world countries such as India. The aim of this study is to compare the cancer care between the developed and developing countries such as the United States of America and India and suggest avenues for surgeons to take a lead in addressing these disparities. J. Surg. Oncol. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:100–105. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Emergency manual systemic‐to‐pulmonary artery autotransfusion for severe cyanotic spell

Cyanotic spell is an important complication of tetralogy of Fallot. We report a simple, innovative method that bailed out a patient with life‐threatening, refractory cyanotic spell in the catheterization laboratory. Manual autotransfusion of blood from aorta into the pulmonary arteries resulted in significant clinical improvement. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Heterotopic ossification after uncemented hydroxyapatite-coated primary total hip arthroplasty

A total of 134 patients who had a cementless hydroxyapatite-coated total hip arthroplasty (THA) and had no recognized risk factors for heterotopic ossification (HO) were reviewed retrospectively. The average follow-up period was 83 months. Pharmacologic or radiotherapeutic prophylaxis against HO was not used. HO was seen in 90 (67.2%) of the 134 patients reviewed. HO was rated as Brooker class I in 68 (50.7%) patients, class II in 17 (12.7%) patients, class III in 3 (2.2%) patients, and class IV in 2 (1.5%) patients. The average Merle d' Aubigne score in patients with mild forms of HO (Brooker classes I and II) was 16 compared with 13.2 in patients with severe HO (Brooker classes III and IV). A statistically significant negative correlation was found between the presence of HO and the postoperative hip score. Based on our study findings and on a comparison with data in the literature, hydroxyapatite-coated cementless THA alone does not seem to increase the likelihood of HO over other types of THA. The presence of a hydroxyapatite coating does not result in more class III or IV HO, which are the only classes of HO with real clinical significance. Fear of HO should not be a factor in the choice of fixation for THA.     

Pseudoaneurysm of anterior communicating artery following transsphenoidal surgery for craniopharyngioma

Fusiform dilatation and pseudoaneurysm formation in arteries of the circle of Willis has been reported as a complication following surgery for craniopharyngiomas through craniotomies. We present a case of anterior communicating artery pseudoaneurysm following transsphenoidal surgery for craniopharygioma in an adult.