Effect of diclofenac on prevention of posterior capsule opacification in human eyes

BACKGROUND: Diclofenac sodium has been demonstrated to be effective in preventing proliferation of lens epithelial cells both in vitro and in animal studies. The effects of diclofenac sodium given during the hydrodissection stage of phacoemulsification surgery on posterior capsule opacification (PCO) were investigated. METHODS: Eleven patients undergoing phacoemulsification in both eyes were included. Patients with pseudoexfoliation, uveitis, and diabetes were excluded. Hydrodissection was done with only balanced salt solution in the first eyes. In the fellow eyes, 0.25 mg/mL diclofenac was given with hydrodissection. The same type of intraocular lens was implanted in both eyes of each patient. Follow-up was 21.8 (SD 3.5) months in the diclofenac group and 22.9 (3.7) months in the control group. PCO was evaluated clinically by dividing the posterior capsule into 24 zones. Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences of age, diameter of capsulorhexis, pupillary width, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, or length of follow-up between groups. PCO score was 0.49 (SD 0.21) in eyes receiving diclofenac and 0.73 (0.23) in the contralateral fellow eyes. The difference was not statistically significant (p=0.053). INTERPRETATION: Diclofenac sodium given by hydrodissection in phacoemulsification decreased, but did not significantly prevent, the development of PCO.     

Angiogenic profile of uveal melanoma

Uveal melanoma develops in one of the most capillary-rich tissues of the body and is disseminated hematogenously. Knowledge of the nature and the spatiotemporal expression of angiogenic factors in uveal melanoma is essential to the development of new treatment strategies, especially with regard to improving survival. In this study, we measured the angiogenic potential of several angiogenic factors in different uveal melanoma cell lines, in an in vivo model, and in primary tumor material from patients with melanoma. Most uveal melanoma cell lines expressed vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A (isoforms 121, 165, 189), VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and basic fibroblastic growth factor (b-FGF) to various extents. The expression of VEGF-A 121 was always higher than that of the other VEGF-A isoforms, suggesting that VEGF-A 121 is the most abundant VEGF-A isoform. All experimentally induced tumors expressed VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and basic fibroblastic growth factor (b-FGF). Similarly, significant amounts of mRNA for VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and b-FGF were detected in uveal melanoma material from patients. In contrast, VEGF-A mRNA (121, 165, 189) was low (9/28) or not detectable in the tumor samples. The synthesis of VEGF-A 165 and b-FGF protein by various cell lines was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Most uveal melanoma cell lines, but not normal melanocytes, strongly synthesized and secreted VEGF-A 165 and b-FGF during cell culture. Our data suggest that the expression of (lymph) angiogenic factors may play a causal role in the angiogenesis and progression of uveal melanoma and distant metastasis.     

Long-Term Pulmonary Complications after Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

Early pulmonary complications following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) have been rare, while long-term pulmonary complications have not been reported. Herein, we report two patients who presented 2 and 3 years after LAGB with unexpected pulmonary complications. The first patient had aspiration pneumonia secondary to stomal obstruction and esophageal reflux. The second patient had left lobar pneumonia, in which the connecting catheter appeared as a linear structure within the consolidation. This may be due to migration of the connecting catheter through the diaphragm, piercing lung parenchyma. Both complications presented as asthma-like symptoms. Diagnosis could have been missed if not evaluated properly. A high index of suspicion and long-term follow-up are important for diagnosing such complications after LAGB.     

Hemostatic techniques during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the current techniques and technologies being used for hemostatic control during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. RECENT FINDINGS: Laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery has become more common for the treatment of renal masses. With increasing experience, the indications for nephron sparing are increasing. Despite the increased use of these techniques in high-volume centers, however, more widespread application has been limited because of the need for advanced laparoscopic skills including the laparoscopic control of intraoperative renal bleeding. As a result, many techniques have been developed to achieve hemostasis, including conventional suture repair, tissue sealants, radiofrequency ablation, lasers, water dissection, and microwave tissue coagulation. SUMMARY: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is a technically challenging procedure. Many promising techniques are being developed currently, most geared toward improved hemostasis and collecting system repair. These techniques and products have made, and will continue to make, the procedure less demanding and more universally accepted.     

Spontaneous gastrosplenic fistula in primary gastric lymphoma: Surgical management

Gastrosplenic fistula formation resulting from primary gastric malignancy is rare and should be managed as a matter of emergency. We report a patient who was diagnosed with primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and who underwent surgical treatment for gastrosplenic fistula.     

Repair of buccal defects with anterolateral thigh flaps

The ideal reconstructive method for the buccal mucosa should provide durable, stable coverage and a natural contour, while simultaneously minimizing morbidity of both the defect and donor sites. Since the first report of the anterolateral thigh flap in 1984, it has become one of the most commonly used flaps for the reconstruction of various soft-tissue defects. From March 2004-April 2005, 24 free anterolateral thigh flaps were used to reconstruct buccal defects, including the retromolar trigone and as far as the oral commissure, and in some cases with extension to the neighboring palatal region and tongue. The study comprised 1 female and 23 male patients, with ages ranging from 26-63 years (mean age, 45.8 years). Two flaps required reoperation due to vascular compromise, and both were salvaged with arterial and venous anastomosis revisions, giving an overall success rate of 100%. Primary thinning of the flap was performed in 10 cases. In 2 cases, additional vastus lateralis muscle was included in the flap to fill the large defect. In 2 cases, marginal necrosis with dehiscence of the flap was observed, one of these patients having a history of atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus (marginal skin necrosis and infection of the donor area were also observed in this patient). In 2 patients, seroma collection was observed in the neck at the dissection site. Chart reviews showed that most patients had a history of betel-nut chewing (95.8%) or a combination of smoking and betel-nut chewing (79.2%). During the follow-up period of 4-12 months, a sufficient level of mouth-opening with interincisal distances of 34 mm, 44 mm, and 48 mm was achieved in all 3 cases reconstructed after release of the trismus. Although it has some variations in the vascular pedicle, irregularity in derivation from the main vessels, and minimal morbidity of the donor site, the anterolateral thigh flap, with its evident functional, structural, and cosmetic advantages, can be considered an excellent and ideal flap option, and a first choice for most buccal defects.