Pure endoscopic resection versus laparoscopic assisted procedure for upper gastrointestinal stromal tumors: Perspective from a surgical endoscopist

Management of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) tract gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) has evolved significantly over the past two decades. For GIST size smaller than 5 cm, laparoscopic resection has become the current standard. To avoid postoperative gastric deformity and preserve gastric function, laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) was developed and various modifications have been reported and utilized successfully. Pure endoscopic resection techniques have also been reported at a similar period of time, which further push the boundary of incisionless surgery in managing these lesions. Both tunneling and nontunneling exposed type endoscopic full thickness resection are well described procedures for resection of small UGI GIST. In this review, a summary of these procedures is provided, and the pros and cons of each technique from the perspective of a surgical endoscopist are discussed in detail. LECS and endoscopic resection are complementary to each other. The choice of technique should be tailored to the location, morphology, and size of the target lesions, taking into account the experience of the laparoscopic surgeons and endoscopists.     

The Effects of Solid Particle Containing Inks on the Printing Quality of Porous Pharmaceutical Structures Fabricated by 3D Semi-Solid Extrusion Printing

Pharmaceutical Research - Semi-solid extrusion (SSE) 3D printing has potential pharmaceutical applications for producing personalised medicine. However, the effects of ink properties and drug...     

The spiral flap for fingertip resurfacing: short-term and long-term results

PURPOSE: We describe a homodigital neurovascular island flap for reconstructing large pulp defects of the fingertips and review the short-term and long-term appearance and function of the reconstructed fingertips. METHODS: The spiral flap is a homodigital neurovascular island flap with a unique spiral advancement and transposition design that allows pulp reconstruction using sensate glabrous skin while restricting donor morbidity to the injured digit. Thirty-two fingertips were resurfaced using this flap. All had large pulp defects averaging 1.2 cm wide x 2.0 cm long (1.0-2.0 cm x 1.5-2.5 cm). Short-term results (<18 months) for all patients at a minimum of 6 months and long-term results (>5 years) for 10 patients with a mean follow-up of 13 years were reviewed. Objective outcome measures included static 2-point discrimination, degree of nail deformity (beaking), total active motion, and hypersensitivity or cold intolerance. Subjective outcome measures included patient satisfaction with function and aesthetics, using a visual analog scale. RESULTS: All flaps achieved primary healing with no complications. There was initially mild extension deficit in the proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints, which improved to full range of motion in the long term. Sensory recovery was excellent, with an average 2-point discrimination of 5 mm initially, improving to 4 mm in the long term. Nail beaking was minimal initially but increased significantly in the long term. These results may be explained by soft tissue remodeling. All patients on long-term follow-up were highly satisfied with both aesthetic and functional outcome. There was no hypersensitivity or cold intolerance at either the short-term or long-term follow-up assessments. CONCLUSIONS: The spiral advancement-transposition flap is suitable for resurfacing large pulp defects with excellent short-term and long-term functional and aesthetic results and high patient satisfaction. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.     

Trapezoid rotational bone graft osteotomy for metacarpal and phalangeal fracture malunion

Metacarpal and phalangeal fracture malunions with significant angulation deformity are associated with bone shortening, prominence of the metacarpal head in the palm or pseudoclaw deformity and may be symptomatic. If so, they may need corrective osteotomy procedures. Conventional methods of closing, or opening, wedge osteotomy do not restore the length of the bone exactly. Simultaneous correction of the angular deformity and restoration of bone length can be addressed by a trapezoid rotational bone graft osteotomy. A double osteotomy is done and the segment of bone is rotated and re-inserted as a bone graft. This was done successfully in four metacarpal and two phalangeal fracture malunions with angulation deformities.     

Molecular identification of adenovirus causing respiratory tract infection in pediatric patients at the University of Malaya Medical Center

Background  

There are at least 51 adenovirus serotypes (AdV) known to cause human infections. The prevalence of the different human AdV (HAdV) serotypes varies among different regions. Presently, there are no reports of the prevalent HAdV types found in Malaysia. The present study was undertaken to identify the HAdV types associated primarily with respiratory tract infections (RTI) of young children in Malaysia.     

In vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy detection of human alcohol tolerance

Alcohol tolerance was ascertained with in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in men who regularly consumed either large (10–20 drinks/week) or small (2–4 drinks/week) amounts of beverage alcohol. Brain ethanol concentrations were determined by MRS, and blood ethanol levels were measured by gas chromatography after controlled ethanol administration (0.8 g/kg). Brain-blood ethanol concentration ratios for heavy drinkers were significantly greater than ratios for occasional drinkers (P < 0.002). Inasmuch as ethanol tolerance covaries with the severity of dependence, MRS procedures may facilitate our understanding of alcohol tolerance and treatment of alcoholism.     

Electroacupuncture-reduced sedative and analgesic requirements for diagnostic EUS: a prospective,randomized, double-blinded,sham-controlled study

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