Transoral laser surgery for laryngeal cancer: outcome, complications and prognostic factors in 275 patients

AIM: Curative treatment options for laryngeal carcinoma include primary radiation therapy, open surgical techniques and transoral laser surgery (TLS). In the last decade, TLS has become an important tool in the treatment of laryngeal cancer and has become the standard approach in many institutions. The aim of this study was to review the experience of a single center institution with TLS for early and advanced laryngeal cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 275 patients who underwent TLS in regard to the survival outcome and surgical complications. RESULTS: The 5-year disease-free survival estimate was 90.3% and the 10-year disease-free survival estimate was 88.2%. The 5-year larynx preservation rate estimate was 88.2% and the 10-year larynx preservation rate estimate was 87.3%. The disease-free survival was significantly worsened by the variables T and N (p=0.0003; p<0.001, respectively). Two percent of all patients required intraoperative tracheostomy and the rate of minor postoperative complications was 17%. There were no fatal complications. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that TLS is a valid treatment method for early laryngeal carcinoma. Selected cases of advanced carcinomas may also benefit from TLS.     

Percutaneous drainage access: a simplified coaxial technique

We describe an access technique that we have used in 150 nephrostomy and biliary drainage procedures and for access to some abscesses and viscera. The system provides safe coaxial access with a 22-gauge removable hub needle, which then acts as a guide wire and is replaced by an 18-gauge cannula. A major advantage is that only one guide wire is used (0.038-inch) for the entire drainage procedure. No significant complications have occurred to date with this method.     

Subjective visual vertical in patients with idiopatic scoliosis

Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is characterized by a three-dimensional deviation of the vertebral column and its etiopathogenesis is unknown. Various factors are associated with idiopathic scoliosis, among these a prominent role has been attributed to integration of vestibular information with graviception for perception of space. Subjective visual vertical (SVV) is a sensitive sign of verticality perception. The aim of this study was to determine if SVV in adolescents with IS is different from healthy controls. Examination of SVV was performed using the bucket method. Binocular measurements of SVV were made in 23 adolescents with IS (age 14.5 ± 2.5, mean ± SD) and 23 healthy subjects (age 14.0 ± 2.9). The groups differed significantly on SVV deviation (p < 0.01): healthy controls (-0.04° ± 0.64°), IS group (0.86° ± 1.39°). There was also significant difference in SVV uncertainty (p< 0.001): healthy controls (1.50° ± 0.94°), IS group (2.46 ± 0.82°). We conclude that the perception of visual vertical is altered in IS which may play role in development of IS.     

血浆置换显示干细胞移植后环孢素A引起的微血管病溶血性贫血和利福平的相应颜色反应

患者为1例39岁女性,患T/NK细胞淋巴瘤,在外周血异基因干细胞移植后15天,发生环孢素A(CSA)毒性相关的微血管病溶血性贫血(MAHA).因血清肌酐从移植前的0.4mg/dL,上升至移植后第9和15天的1.0和2.9 mg/dL.故停用CSA.     

Monoclonal antibodies recognizing epitopes on the extracellular face and intracellular N-terminus of the human erythrocyte anion transporter (band 3) and their application to the analysis of South East Asian ovalocytes

This report describes the production and characterization of 13 rodent monoclonal antibodies to the human erythrocyte anion transport protein AE1 (syn. band 3). Eleven antibodies (4 murine and 7 rat) recognize epitopes dependent on the integrity of the third extracellular loop of the protein. Two antibodies (1 murine and 1 rat) recognize epitopes on the N-terminal cytoplasmic domain. Quantitative binding studies using radioiodinated IgG and Fab fragments of antibodies to extracellular epitopes on AE1 ranged from 77,000 to 313,000 (IgG) and from 241,000 to 772,000 (Fab) molecules bound at saturation. The results indicate that the epitopes recognized by different antibodies vary in their accessibility and suggest that there is heterogeneity in the organization of individual AE1 molecules in the red blood cell membrane. Quantitative binding studies on South East Asian ovalocytes using several antibodies to AE1 and an anti-Wrb show a marked reduction in the number of antibody molecules bound at saturation. These results are consistent with the existence of highly cooperative interactions between transmembrane domains of AE1 in normal erythrocytes and the disruption of these interactions in the variant AE1 found in South East Asian ovalocytes.     

Bilateral subacromial bursitis with macroscopic rice bodies: Ultrasound,CT and MR appearance

The radiological findings of ultrasound, CT and MR of a case of bilateral subacromial bursitis with macroscopic rice bodies is described. The previous literature is also reviewed.