Veinous thrombectomy. Six case reports]

The aim of this study is to raise up the effect of surgical thrombectomy among other alternative therapies. This retrospective study reports 6 patients (mean age 63 years) admitted with phlegmasia cerulea dolens. All patients underwent surgical venous thrombectomy associated with infracava filter insertion in 2 cases. One patient died in the early postoperative course. In all other cases we noticed good early and late outcome both on clinical examination and duplex scanning assessment. In conclusion, surgical venous thrombectomy can be considered as a good and efficient procedure in the presence of phlegmasia cerulea dolens in order to relieve ischemia and to prevent whenever possible severe chronic venous disorders. However, fibrinolytic therapy might achieve as good results as surgery. Thus, the latter is to be reserved to very severe veinous ischemia with limb loss threatening where fibrinolytic therapy fails or is contre-indicated.     

Hemoperitoneum secondary to rupture of cystic artery pseudoaneurysm

BACKGROUND:Spontaneous hemoperitoneum of hepato- biliary origin is commonly due to hemorrhage from a liver tumor.It is rarely caused by spontaneous rupture of aneurysm in visceral arteries. METHODS:We report an unusual case of hemoperitoneum caused by rupture of cystic artery pseudoaneurysm,and also outline the approach to its management through surgical and radiological methods. RESULTS:In our patient,the pseudoanurysm was initially treated with percutaneous thrombin injection.However this method of treatment failed after initial success.The pseudoanurysm was finally obliterated successfully using microcoil embolization. CONCLUSIONS:The mainstay of treatment of cystic artery pseudoaneurysm is cholecystectomy and ligation of the aneurysm.Recent publications showed success in using microcoil embolisation.In this case we also outline the use of percutaneous thrombin injection as a definitive treatment method and discuss its success or failure as a new method of treatment.     

Cardiac hemangioma presenting as atypical chest pain.

A 44-year-old man presented with atypical chest pain and dyspnea. Investigation revealed the presence of a 15-mm rounded, well-vascularized left-ventricular mass. The mass was removed surgically and histopathologic evaluation identified a cardiac hemangioma.     

Functional Results Following Elective Laparoscopic Sigmoidectomy After CT-Proven Diagnosis of Acute Diverticulitis Evaluation of 43 Patients and Review of the Literature

We performed a prospective study to analyze the functional results following elective laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for computed tomography (CT)-proven diagnosis of acute diverticulitis and review the literature. Forty-three of 45 available patients (96%) who had laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for CT-proven acute diverticulitis answered, after a mean time of 40 months, a questionnaire exploring new abdominal symptoms, bowel function, and the patient’s own judgement of the surgical outcome. Surgical technique aimed at removing all the sigmoid by taking down the splenic flexure and do a colorectal anastomosis. Four patients (9%) complained of new abdominal pain. Bowel function was reported as better for 24 patients (56%), unchanged for 16 patients (37%), and worse for 3 (7%). Twenty patients (47%) considered their final result as excellent to good, 17 patients (40%) as satisfying, and 6 patients (13%) as mediocre. Male gender, absence of preoperative history compatible with an irritable bowel syndrome, length of resected sigmoid and residual acute inflammation on histology are statistically predictive of a better postoperative degree of satisfaction. After elective laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for CT-proven diverticulitis, a great majority of patients are very satisfied with their postoperative general comfort.     

The different effects of Helicobacter pylori strains on basal and histamine-stimulated acid and pepsin production: An in vitro study

Inflammation Research -     

Teenagers seeking condoms at family planning services. Part II. A provider's perspective.

This study assessed the ability and preparedness of staff at family planning clinics in Durban to assist in AIDS prevention by promoting condom use among teenagers. Staff at 12 randomly selected clinics were interviewed to assess their attitudes towards teenagers seeking condoms, the information imparted on AIDS and condom use, constraints faced in delivering services, and their perceived role in controlling the spread of AIDS. Despite their awareness of AIDS, those interviewed perceived their role to be that of promoting contraception. Condoms were perceived as a poor choice of contraceptive and their use was discouraged. The pamphlets dispensed along with condoms were thought to provide adequate information about condom use. Information on AIDS was given only if the clinic attender initiated discussion on the subject. Most of the clinic staff were keen to discuss other issues during their consultations, but felt constrained by the large numbers of people they had to attend to and the lack of adequate facilities. If family planning services are to play a role in controlling the spread of AIDS, the first step must be to make this function part of the overall policy. For there to be effective counselling on AIDS prevention, in-service training of current staff is required, as well as more staff and improvements in facilities to ensure greater privacy.