Efficacy of an air-cleaning device equipped with a high efficiency particulate air filter in house dust mite respiratory allergy

The efficacy of an air-cleaning device equipped with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter (without further avoidance measures) was studied in patients allergic to house dust mite. The effects of the air-cleaner on indoor Dermatophagoides sp. levels, symptom score and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in nine mite-allergic patients were assessed using a cross-over controlled study. No significant effect was demonstrated on indoor Dermatophagoides sp. levels when comparing the period of air-cleaner activity (2 months) with the control period (2 months). The Dermatophagoides sp. levels in the houses studied were lower than the risk level for asthmatic attacks, making it difficult to assess any effect on asthma; however, neither bronchial hyperresponsiveness nor rhinitis symptom score were changed by air-cleaner activity. During the trial period, however the mean level of Dermatophagoides sp. allergen in the houses changed spontaneously from 4.4 micrograms/g (mean level in the first 2 trial months) to 1.75 micrograms/g of dust (second 2 months) (P less than 0.05). Owing to this change, the mean rhinitis symptom score also decreased (P less than 0.05), even if no significant correlation was demonstrated (r = 0.4 P = 0.089). HEPA filter air-cleaners appear insufficient as substitutes for standard avoidance measures in mite allergic patients.     

Endoscopic fistulotomy and biliary drainage as the ultimate palliative treatment for obstruction due to malignant tumors of the papilla of Vater

Summary This report describes the technique and results of endoscopic fistulotomy as a drainage procedure in cases of malignant obstruction of the biliary system from bulky and friable growths in the papilla of Vater. Fistulotomy, coupled with insertion of stents, was successful in seven of eight patients and was associated with relief of jaundice. It is suggested that the method be applied when conventional transpapillary insertion of stents is impossible either due to distortion of the papilla or bleeding of the growth on touch.     

A novel technique of ab interno glaucoma surgery: follow-up results after 24 months

Purpose It was the aim of this study to investigate the efficacy, longevity, and safety of a new ab interno intervention for the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods The previously described method of radiofrequency-mediated “sclerothalamotomy ab interno” was applied in 53 eyes of consecutive patients with POAG between April 2002 and July 2002. Average preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was 25.6±2.3 mmHg (range 18–48 mmHg). Sclerothalamotomies were carried out with a custom-made high-frequency dissection 19 G probe (tip 0.3×1 mm) applying bipolar current with a frequency of 500 kHz (tip temperature 130°C). Results After a follow-up period of 24 months, the average IOP was 15.0±1.6 mmHg (range 11–20 mmHg) (p<0.005). The average number of topical agents was 2.6±1.0 (range 1–5) preoperatively. Twenty-four months after surgery such agents were used in only five (9.6%) eyes and the average was 0.21±0.53 (range 0–2). Transient IOP elevation was observed in 12 of 53 eyes (22.6%) postoperatively. In all cases elevated IOP could efficiently be controlled with topical medication. In general, IOP dropped continuously over the course of the 6 months following surgery and then remained constant. Conclusions This study indicates that sclerothalamotomy ab interno is a safe and efficient surgical method for the treatment of POAG. Long-term results clearly demonstrate the longevity of IOP reduction.     

Geste antagonistes in idiopathic lower cranial dystonia.

Geste antagonistes, or sensory tricks, are well described in focal dystonia affecting the neck, hand, and face. Improvement in dystonic movements is typically maintained while the trick is performed, but disappears when the geste ends. We investigated the phenomenological features of geste antagoniste maneuvers in 19 patients with idiopathic lower cranial dystonia who were prospectively evaluated over a period of 6 years. Of the 19, 10 were men, mean age of onset was 49.8 years, and the most commonly involved lower cranial area was the jaw (10 patients). In most patients, dystonia was task-specific. Taking advantage of the improvement with a sensory geste, we manufactured oral appliances that mimicked the geste in 8 patients, and 3 continue to use it.     

滤网式脑保护装置下颈动脉狭窄支架置入术的临床研究

目的探讨颈动脉支架置入术中滤网式脑保护装置的有效性及安全性。方法19例颈动脉狭窄患者在滤网脑保护装置下使用自膨胀支架行颈动脉支架置入术。观察脑栓塞的发生和所回收的过滤网。术后短期随访。结果19例滤网式脑保护装置下颈动脉支架置入术均成功实施,回收的过滤伞中8个发现组织碎片,无手术死亡及症状性脑梗塞并发症。临床短期随访无脑缺血发生。结论脑保护装置下支架置入术治疗颈动脉狭窄是安全和有效的。     

Breast augmentation with silicone implants: the role of surgical drainage—report on 502 consecutive patients

Breast augmentation is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery procedures worldwide. We report on a series of 502 consecutive cosmetic breast augmentations by a single surgeon, using both the submuscular and submammary approaches. A vacuum drain was placed in the surgical pocket at the end of the procedure. The drain fluid collection was recorded immediately after the surgery and the following day before removal. A tenfold increase in the amount of fluid collection was noted in the drain’s reservoir. Thirteen patients presented with minor wound healing problems at the second postoperative follow-up, which were treated conservatively; two of them had the implant removed and replaced after 2 months. There were only two capsular contractions at 1-year follow-up. We focus our discussion on the drainage in the early postoperative period and conclude that the routine use of a surgical drainage reduces the risk for complications. Based on our findings, we advocate that short-term routine use of a surgical drain is advisable.     

水前房角镜学的使命

水前房角镜学是新建的眼科学的一个分野,为眼科疾患病人服务是她的使命。水前房角镜学的最大优点是其含金量能百分之百地转化为读者的受益。     

CO2 laser in cancer surgery of the breast: a comparative clinical study

Review of the literature reveals little to no data regarding the use of the CO2 laser as a surgical modality in the local treatment of breast cancer. This study was undertaken to determine if the CO2 laser is a surgical improvement over the scalpel, influencing patient care during the surgical and postsurgical period. In the author's series, a total of 209 procedures were performed. Within this group, 105 cases were performed with CO2 laser and 104 cases performed with the scalpel. Biopsies were always performed as a separate procedure prior to definitive surgery. This study was not designed to compare cure rates, the medical follow-up period being 1 year. The results of this study demonstrate a significant improvement in patients' postoperative care, surgical technique, and hospital cost-effectiveness.     

Treatment of iatrogenic biliary obstruction by balloon dilatation of a biliary jejunal fistula

Biliary obstruction and multiple hepatic abscesses occurred in a patient after ligation of a segmental branch of the right hepatic duct. The patient was successfully managed by transhepatic biliary drainage and balloon dilatation of an internal fistula that developed between the ligated duct and a Roux limb of jejunum. Internal biliary fistulas may be dilated using interventioanl radiologic techniques to permit nonobstructed bile flow. Implications for the nonsurgical treatment' of biliary strictures are discussed.