Octylcyanoacrylate (Dermabond) for skin closure at the time of head and neck surgery: a longitudinal prospective study

OBJECTIVES: A prospective non-randomised evaluation of the octyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Dermabond) for skin closure in head and neck surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An inception cohort of 52 patients managed by six otorhinolaryngologists head and neck surgeons at a single institution (university teaching and tertiary referral center) during the months of May-July 2004. The length of the skin incision varied from 3 to 30 cm (mean: 7 cm). Morbidity evaluation, longitudinal analysis of the evolution of the scar, and analysis of the degree of satisfaction. RESULTS: Postoperative death was not encountered. The overall morbidity rate was 3.8% (2/52). There was no instances of wound dehiscence's. A subcutaneous abscess was noted in one patient. From an aesthetic point of view, the scar appearance was considered to be slightly retracted during the first postoperative month and to be very good 2 to 4 months from initial surgery. Only one patient developed a minimal cheloid scar. Among the 47 patients who expressed an opinion postoperatively regarding the use of the octyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Dermabond) for skin closure, the degree of satisfaction was very high due to the ability to take an early shower (40 patients) followed by the lack of skin sutures (5 patients) and the lack of any allergic skin reaction (2 patients). CONCLUSION: At our department, the octyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Dermabond) for skin closure at the time of head and neck surgery is becoming more and more utilized due to the completion of a solid and aesthetic suture, the ability to take an early shower and the high degree of satisfaction expressed by the patients.     

Hemolytic uremic syndrome; pathogenesis, treatment, and outcome

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is the most common cause of acute renal failure in infants and young children, and is a substantial cause of acute mortality and chronic morbidity. It is therefore relevant and appropriate that pediatricians remain familiar with the various subsets of the disease including its classification, management, and outcome. RECENT FINDINGS: This review will focus on recent information relative to epidemiology, pathogenesis, treatment, and outcome. It will include some of the newer associations between HUS and a variety of infections, including, but not limited to E. coli 0157:H7 (Shiga toxin-mediated) HUS, as well as the ever-increasing number of associations between HUS and a variety of drugs. It will review some of the newer therapies for the more common subsets, but will acknowledge that choosing evidence-based therapies is often limited by our incomplete understanding of the various pathogenic cascades, and that with the possible exception of Shiga toxin-mediated HUS(D+HUS), long-term outcome information is often limited by small numbers and limited follow-up. SUMMARY: This review should provide a framework for making the proper diagnosis, implementing appropriate treatment, and advising the family about anticipated outcome.     

Vesicovaginal fistula resulting from loop electrosurgical excision in a woman with intraepithelial neoplasia of the cervix and vagina: a case report

A 52-year-old woman had concomitant cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 3 and vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3. On performing a loop electrosurgical excision procedure, a vesicovaginal fistula accidentally occurred. The vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia covering the anterior fornix could have been a contributing factor in the occurrence of the fistula.     

Treatment of urinary incontinence with anticholinergics in patients taking cholinesterase inhibitors for dementia

Clinicians often encounter patients with dementia and urge incontinence who might benefit from both an anticholinergic medication and a cholinesterase inhibitor. At first glance, this combination would seem to violate basic principles of geriatric pharmacology, as the drugs appear to be working at cross-purposes and anticholinergic medications are notorious for worsening cognitive function in susceptible patients. A case is presented and discussed in which this combination was clinically effective and pharmacologically sound.