Pathologic findings after recession and resection of extraocular muscles in rabbits

A study on the pathologic findings after recession and resection of extraocular muscles in rabbits was performed. Fibrosis of the extraocular muscles increased with time, which showed no difference between the recessed and resected muscles. Inflammation and foreign body reaction decreased with time, which showed no difference between the recessed and resected muscles. Adhesions of extraocular muscles to the sclera were observed from one month after the operation. The resected muscles showed milder adhesion to the sclera than the recessed ones. The operated extraocular muscles showed atrophies at one month, which showed no difference between the recessed and resected muscles. According to our results, when reoperation is needed, fibrosis of the extraocular muscles after recession and resection should be considered when making a decision on the amount of muscle to be recessed and resected.     

Mycobacterium ulcerans infection in Ashanti region, Ghana

We describe a series of 96 cases of Mycobacterium ulcerans infection (Buruli ulcer) from a new endemic focus in the Afram valley, north of Agogo, in Ghana. 63 cases were children under 13 years old. Active treatment by excision and skin grafting necessitates long stays in hospital and repeated procedures. Scarring and contracture are frequent. Eyes and other vital organs may be destroyed. In its endemic foci Buruli ulcer is a serious health burden on rural populations. Research is urgently needed, especially in prevention and non-surgical management.     

Positive sign of the stenocardia syndrome as a criterion of myocardial ischemia during the treadmill test

Diagnostic validity of the criteria of myocardial ischemia in coronary patients exposed to the treadmill test is assessed. The risk of a false diagnosis of coronary insufficiency on the basis of the pain syndrome was 5 times as high as that of diagnosis based on ischemic electrocardiographic ST depression. In subjective assessment of walking tolerance, patients with severe angina were particularly prone to mistakes. Limitations of angina classifications by severity, based on subjective sensations of coronary patients, are considered.     

Role of immediate versus delayed nephrectomy for failed renal transplants

The role of timing of transplant nephrectomy after renal transplantation has not been well defined. This report compares the morbidity, mortality, and hospitalization costs of 37 patients undergoing transplant nephrectomy within 14 days after graft failure and return to dialysis, with 31 patients undergoing delayed transplant nephrectomy (less than 14 days after graft failure and return to dialysis). This analysis revealed that there were no significant (P greater than .05) differences in patient morbidity and mortality between these groups. There was, however, a substantial increase (P less than .05) in the cost of hospitalization in the delayed nephrectomy group. For this reason, we recommend early nephrectomy after renal transplant failure in order to minimize the cost of health care for these patients undergoing failed cadaver donor transplant nephrectomy.     

Radiological findings in 1135 edentulous patients

A sample consisting of 1135 edentulous patients with clinically healthy denture bearing areas, was examined radiologically. It appears that the diagnostic yield is high whereas the expected radiation induced risk is low. Patients should therefore be examined radiologically prior to full denture construction.     

Surgical tactics in clotted hemothorax in patients with combined chest injuries

Based on the experience with treatment of 26 patients the authors recommend to use mainly conservative treatment with the intrapleural administration of fibrinolytic drugs. The method was used in 20 patients. All of them recovered.