Pulmonary function after laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND: Laparotomy causes a significant reduction of pulmonary function, and atelectasis and pneumonia occur after open cholecystectomy. In this prospective, randomized study, we evaluated the hypothesis that pulmonary function is less restricted after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) than after open cholecystectomy (OC). METHODS: Sixty patients underwent laparoscopic (n = 30) or open (n = 30) cholecystectomy. The two groups did not differ significantly in age, sex, intraoperative findings, and preoperative pulmonary function. Pulmonary function tests, arterial blood-gas analysis, and chest radiographs were obtained in both groups before operation and on postoperative day 1. RESULTS: The forced expiratory volume in 1 s (mean +/- SD values; OC, 1.49 +/- 0.77 L/s; LC, 2.33 +/- 0.80 L/s; p > 0.0001) and the forced vital capacity (OC, 2.40 +/- 0.66 L; LC, 2.93 +/- 1.05 L; p > 0.01) were more suppressed in patients having OC than in those having LC. Similar results were found for the peak expiratory flow (OC, 3.51 +/- 1.35 L/s; LC, 4.27 +/- 1.66 L/s; p > 0.05), expiratory reserve volume (OC, 0.73 +/- 0.34 L; LC, 0.92 +/- 0.43 L; p > 0.05), and the midexpiratory phase of forced expiratory flow (FEF25-75) (OC, 1.45 +/- 0.54 L/s; LC, 1.60 +/- 0.73 L/s; NS). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was associated with a significantly lower incidence of (30 vs 70%) and less severe atelectasis and better oxygenation. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary function is better preserved after LC than after OC.     

Extra-axial cavernomas of the cerebellopontine angle involving the seventh-eighth nerve complex

Extra-axial cavernous malformations (cavernomas) of the central nervous system are rare. Although occasional cases located in different parts of the central nervous system have been reported, only five cases of extra-axial cavernous malformation in the cerebellopontine angle are to be found. We describe here two additional cases of cavernomas in the cerebellopontine angle causing hearing loss and tinnitus presenting as vestibular schwannoma. Electronic Publication     

A three-dimensional evaluation of microleakage of class V cavities prepared by the very short pulse mode of the erbium:yttrium–aluminium–garnet laser

The aim of this study was to evaluate microleakage along resin restoration in cavities prepared with an erbium:yttrium–aluminium–garnet (Er:YAG) laser, with and without acid etching, and to compare it with that in diamond-drilled cavities. Thirty intact molars were divided into three equal groups. In the teeth in group I, class V cavities were prepared with a diamond drill. Cavities in groups II and III were prepared with an Er:YAG laser (400 mJ/15 Hz for enamel and 250 mJ/10 Hz for dentine). The cavities in groups I and II were acid-etched and adhesive and flowable composite were applied to all cavities. The specimens were first immersed in dye for 24 h and then in 5% nitric acid for 72 h for softening. The fillings were extracted and photographed through a dissecting microscope. The leakage area was measured with specially designed software. The Kruskal–Wallis test showed that the best ranking was group II [mean range (m.r.) = 27.46], followed by group I (m.r. = 33.48) and, lastly, group III (m.r. = 45.15). The differences between groups I and III (P = 0.023) and between groups II and III were statistically significant (P = 0.080). The least microleakage was found in those cavities prepared by Er:YAG laser and subsequently acid-etched, whereas the most leakage was in the lased cavities that had not been etched; the traditional diamond-drilled acid-etched cavities produced medium leakage.     

Surgical treatment of the aseptic femoral shaft nonunion

Femoral shaft nonunions is difficult complication and a big challenge for the orthopaedic surgeons. These complications occur after open femoral fractures, comminuted fractures, segmental fractures, the infection, after the inadequate fixed osteosynthesis, the systemic disease, and smokers. The paper presents the results of treatment aseptic femoral shaft nonunion in 18 patients. They were primarily operated by the method of internal compresive plate fixation and external fixation (open fractures). For fixation we used dinamic internal fixator by Mitkovic. All nonunions treated by this method are healed. In patients with atrophic femoral shaft nonunions in addition to fixation was performed and bone grafting. This implant has proved successful in the treatment of femoral shaft nonunion. During the fixation no periostal and intramedullary vascularization damage, which is an important prerequisite for bone healing. Implant enables biological and mechanical conditions for nonunion healing.     

Intradural-extramedullary spinal cysticercosis: MR imaging findings.

A rare case with intradural-extramedullary cysticercosis is presented here. MR imaging with and without gd-DTPA were performed. There were multiple cysts in the basal cistern, cisterna magna, and cervical subarachnoid space which were isointense with cerebrospinal fluid both on T2- and T1-weighted images. Swelling and increased signal intensity in the cord parenchyma were detected on T2-weighted images. Gadolinium enhanced studies showed rim-shaped enhancement in the cysts and irregular, diffuse enhancement in the meninges.     

By reducing TGF beta 1, octreotide lessens the peritoneal derangements induced by a high glucose solution.

BACKGROUND: Chronic peritoneal dialysis may eventually result in peritoneal fibrosis, which progressively reduces dialytic efficacy. Although the pathogenesis has not been elucidated, it has been proposed that transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF beta 1) plays a central role in the onset of peritoneal fibrosis. METHODS: Rats were divided into three groups and given saline, hypertonic peritoneal dialysis solution alone, a hypertonic peritoneal dialysis solution plus octreotide intraperitoneally. After four weeks, a one-hour peritoneal equilibration test was done. Dialysate-to-plasma urea ratio, glucose reabsorption, ultrafiltration volume and levels of dialysate protein, TGF beta 1 and cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) were determined. The peritoneal membrane was examined histologically by light microscopy. RESULTS: Compared to the saline group, peritoneal function tests (ultrafiltration volume 6 (5-7) vs 0.0 ml, dialysate-to-plasma urea ratio 0.51 vs 0.76, glucose reabsorption 0.54 vs 0.40 and morphology (thickness 4.5 vs 75.5 microns) were dramatically deranged in hypertonic peritoneal dialysis solution-treated rats, which also had a higher level of TGF beta 1 and undetectable CA 125. In contrast, in hypertonic peritoneal dialysis solution plus octreotide rats' peritoneal function was protected (ultrafiltration volume 3 mL, dialysate-to-plasma urea 0.60, glucose reabsorption 0.51) but peritoneal thickening (37.7 microns) was not so markedly reduced although the production of TGF beta 1 was significantly inhibited. CONCLUSION: These data show that by inhibiting the production of TGF beta 1, octreotide can preserve peritoneal function and remodeling of the mesothelial cell. Although the production of TGF beta 1 was significantly inhibited, peritoneal thickening cannot be completely prevented.     

An evaluation of five different dressing materials on split‐thickness skin graft donor site and full‐thickness cutaneous wounds: an experimental study

The objective of this study was to investigate the healing effect of five different products on split‐thickness skin graft (STSG) donor sites and full‐thickness cutaneous wounds (FTCWs) using an occlusive dressing model. Six groups were included: 1 control and 5 experimental groups, with a total of 24 rats, using an occlusive dressing model. STSG donor sites and FTCWs were established in two separate areas, to the right and left on the animals' backs. Wound sites were dressed with one of the following materials: fine mesh gauze, microporous polysaccharide hemosphere (MPH), clinoptilolite, alginate, hydrogel or biosynthetic wound dressing (Biobran^®). These materials were compared in terms of healing rate, healing quality and histopathological findings. Occlusive dressings were applied to each wound on days 0, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 14. Area measurements were taken using images of each dressing. The alginate and clinoptilolite groups gave the best healing rate results for both STSG donor sites (P = 0·003) and FTCWs (P = 0·003). MPH came third in each group. The alginate group produced better results in terms of healing quality criteria, followed by hydrogel, MPH, clinoptilolite and Biobran^®, in that order. Statistically significant results were obtained in all groups compared to the control group (P < 0·0007). Rapid and good healing quality for both the STSG donor sites and FTCWs were obtained with alginate. Healing with clinoptilolite and MPH was rapid, but poor quality, while slower but good healing quality was obtained with hydrogel. Slower and worse quality healing was obtained with Biobran^®.     

血卟啉单甲醚声动力疗法对兔耳增生性瘢痕的疗效

目的观察血卟啉单甲醚声动力疗法对兔耳增生性瘢痕（hyperplastic scar,HS）的疗效。方法成年大耳白兔60只,随机分成5组。在声动力治疗第2、4、6、8周分别切取两组瘢痕组织,进行指标检测。结果治疗组可降低成纤维细胞密度、瘢痕增生指数,与模型对照组比较差异有统计学意义（P〈O．05）,可降低胶原纤维的面密度,从上皮化后第4周开始与模型组比较差异有统计学意义（P〈O．01）。结论声动力效应能够显著降低兔耳HS,可望为HS治疗提供新的手段。