Extended endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approaches in skull base Surgery Article in Russian

The article deals with endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery, which has gained great interest among the modem trends of neurosurgery. Application of extended endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approaches significantly advances capabilities of transsphenoidal surgery. Pituitary adenomas and some other sellar tumors which traditionally require transcranial procedure now can be removed via endonasal route.     

Abdominal lymphoma in AIDS: evaluation with US

The sonographic findings in 38 patients with abdominal lymphomas related to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) were reviewed. Thirty-three patients had non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and five had Hodgkin disease. Abnormal masses were detected with sonography in 33 patients (87%). Focal hypoechoic liver lesions up to 10 cm in diameter were visible in 17 patients. Several lesions were anechoic and septated, mimicking fluid. Adenopathy (at the retroperitoneum, mesentery, or porta hepatis) was seen in 15 patients. Other involved areas included bowel, omentum, spleen, kidney, and adrenal gland. AIDS-related abdominal lymphomas frequently cause extranodal masses that can be readily imaged with ultrasound. Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy allows a specific diagnosis to be made in many cases.     

The use of simulation to demonstrate hemodynamic response to varying degrees of intrapulmonary shunt

Students in the Medical College of Georgia Nursing Anesthesia Program, Augusta, Ga, use human patient simulation as an avenue for advanced education. Software drives the simulation model through a myriad of programmed patient scenarios. Individually controlled physiologic variables help students understand how to manage a critically ill patient. Similar technology provides students the opportunity to become familiar with pre-clinical and crisis management scenarios, ultimately providing better understanding of perioperative anesthesia care. An interest in the phenomenon of intrapulmonary shunt and an intriguing research article prompted us to develop a simulation study evaluating the effects of ventricular contractility on cardiac output and arterial oxygenation at varying degrees of shunt fraction. We presented a literature review as well as a review on the pathophysiology of intrapulmonary shunt, followed by an explanation of simulation outcomes, to our classmates and faculty. Group discussion of the findings and observation of the variables on the simulation model allow for hands-on teaching and understanding of a difficult topic.