Three-dimensional versus two-dimensional ultrasound measurement of follicular volume: are they comparable?

To compare the accuracy of three-dimensional (3-D) versus two-dimensional (2-D) ultrasonography (U/S) in the measurement of follicular volume and identification of cumulus oophorus complex, thirty women were selected. Women who undergoing ovarian stimulation for in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) using the long protocol of GnRH agonist were scanned by 2-D and 3-D ultrasonography before follicular aspiration. The volume of aspirated follicular fluid was compared with corresponding volume measured by 3-D and 2-D ultrasonography. It was found that, the high accuracy of 3-D U/S measurement of follicular volume is demonstrated clearly by limits of agreement which were within 1 ml of the true volume. While, the 2-D U/S produced limits of agreement those were up to 3.5 ml above or 2.5 ml below the true volume. Also, 3-D U/S could identify cumulus oophorus complex in 86% of cases. From this study, it was concluded that 3-D U/S system is more accurate than 2-D U/S in the measurement of the true follicular volume. Also, 3-D U/S is superior to 2-D U/S for identification of cumulus oophorus complex.     

Irreversible Inhibition of Rat Liver Mitochondrial MAO A and MAO B by Enantiomers of Deprenyl and α-Methylpargyline

Using rat liver mitochondrial monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and MAO B, the possible influence of stereochemical factors upon the irreversible inhibition by propargylamine derivatives has been studied using the enantiomers of deprenyl and of α-methylpargyline. Whether studying the inhibition of MAO A or MAO B, little difference was found among enantiomeric pairs in the first-order rate constant (k₂) for formation of the enzyme inhibitor adduct. Similarly, and with the exception of (S)-d -(+)-deprenyl (k₂ = 0 or an extremely low value at MAO A), the computed value of k₂ for the individual enantiomers showed little variation between MAO A and MAO B. These results suggest that inhibitor selectivity towards a particular form of the enzyme is determined predominantly at the competitive phase of the inhibition.     

Vaginal reconstruction with a greater omentum–pedicled graft combined with a vicryl mesh after anterior pelvic exenteration. Surgical approach with long-term follow-up

Resection of anterior vaginal wall that occurs with some cases of anterior pelvic exenteration leaves the patient with a small and narrow vagina. This affects their sexual life leading to major psychologic problems, especially in young women. The aim of this study is to evaluate a new technique of vaginal reconstruction following anterior pelvic exenteration with clinical and cytohistologic follow-up. Between March 2002 and November 2004, ten sexually active female patients underwent vaginal reconstruction after radical cystectomy that required en bloc removal of the anterior vaginal wall, with a pedicle graft of greater omentum combined with a vicryl mesh. The mean age of the patients was 38 years. The mean operative time of the reconstructive procedure was 50 min. There were no complications regarding the reconstructive procedure. On follow-up, the neovagina accepted two fingers easily and showed a pink-colored smooth lining. Seven patients reported successful attempts of sexual intercourse. It was concluded that reconstruction of vagina after anterior pelvic exenteration in sexually active women can be done safely with the use of vicryl mesh combined with a pedicled omental graft. It is a simple, reliable, and not time-consuming technique. The long-term follow-up was very beneficial in detection of complete healing, postoperative infections, and hormonal activity of the graft and recurrence of malignancy.     

Is the KTP laser effective in tonsillectomy?

Thirty-eight patients underwent a randomized double-blind trial using the KTP laser for tonsillectomy on one tonsil and standard dissection tonsillectomy on the other tonsil. Blood loss was less on the laser side. However, pain though initially slightly less on the laser side (days 1 and 2 post-operation) was worse on the laser side at 2 weeks due to delayed healing of the tonsillar bed. There were no primary or reactionary haemorrhages but a 15% incidence of secondary haemorrhage on the laser side.