Application of high-frequency electrosurgical scalpel and methylene blue staining in endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy

PURPOSE

To evaluate the application of a high-frequency electrosurgical scalpel and methylene blue staining in the endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 37 patients (43 eyes) undergoing endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy in our hospital between 2011 and 2013 using methylene blue staining of the lacrimal sac and a high-frequency electrosurgical scalpel for cutting nasal mucosa, intraoperative stanch, and fixation of lacrimal sac and nasal mucosal flaps. Surgical efficacy, intraoperative challenges, and corresponding handling methods were evaluated and summarized.

RESULTS

Among 43 eyes, 42 were successfully cured (97.7%) and the symptoms in 1 eye were improved (2.3%). Total efficacy rate was 100%. All surgeries were successfully performed. No severe intraoperative complications were observed.

CONCLUSION

A high-frequency electrosurgical scalpel, combined with methylene blue staining of the lacrimal sac, is efficacious for nasal mucosal cutting, intraoperative stanch, and fixation of mucosal flap by cauterization, which significantly alleviates intraoperative complications and enhances surgical success rate. It deserves widespread application in clinical practice.

Ileal polypoid lymphangiectasia bleeding diagnosed and treated by double balloon enteroscopy

Intestinal lymphangiectasia is a rare disease characterized by focal or diffuse dilated enteric lymphatics with impaired lymph drainage. It causes protein-losing enteropathy and may lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. Commonly, lymphangiectasia presents as whitish spots or specks. To our knowledge, small bowel bleeding resulting from polypoid intestinal lymphangiectasia has not been reported. Here, we report a rare case of active bleeding from the small bowel caused by polypoid lymphangiectasia with a review of the relevant literature. An 80-year-old woman was hospitalized for melena. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy could not identify the source of bleeding. Subsequent colonoscopy showed fresh bloody material gushing from the small bowel. An abdominal-pelvic contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan did not reveal any abnormal findings. Video capsule endoscopy showed evidence of active and recent bleeding in the ileum. To localize the bleeding site, we performed double balloon enteroscopy by the anal approach. A small, bleeding, polypoid lesion was found in the distal ileum and was successfully removed using endoscopic snare electrocautery.

Recurrent epistaxis in children

INTRODUCTION

Up to 9% of children may have recurrent nosebleeds, usually originating from the anterior septum, but the majority grow out of the problem.

METHODS AND OUTCOMES

We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical question: What are the effects of treatments for recurrent idiopathic epistaxis in children? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to June 2013 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically; please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

RESULTS

We found 5 systematic reviews or RCTs that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: antiseptic cream (containing chlorhexidine hydrochloride, neomycin sulfate, or both), petroleum jelly, and silver nitrate cautery.

Hemocoagulase atrox reduces vascular modeling in rabbit carotid artery adventitia

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the effects of hemocoagulase atrox and cauterization hemostasis on intimal hyperplasia and explore the effect of hemocoagulase atrox on vascular modeling in rabbit carotid artery adventitia.

METHODS

A total of 27 rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups (0d, 14d, 28d). They were anaesthetized using an intramuscular injection of phenobarbital sodium (1 ml/kg). The left and right common carotid arteries were exposed and capillary hemorrhaged after blunt dissection of the adventitia layers of common carotid arteries. Nine rabbits in each group were again randomly divided into 3 groups, in which animals were respectively treated with hemocoagulase (2 U/ml), cauterization (power = 40 w) and saline (as control). Groups of animals were euthanized at 0, 14 and 28 days after surgery. The samples were equally divided in the middle of the adventitia removal section to obtain equal parts for histologic, immunohistochemical and molecular biologic analysis. The vascular repair after adventitial stripping was observed by HE staining, Masson staining and transmission electron microscopy. The expression of carotid MCP-1, PCNA, TGF-β1, α-SMA and VEGF were measured at different time points by RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

HE staining and Masson staining showed that hemocoagulase atrox had a significantly stronger effect on reducing intimal hyperplasia than the cauterization after 14 and 28 days. The results of RT-PCR showed that the expression of MCP-1, TGF-β1, α-SMA and VEGF in hemocoagulase atrox-treated animals were lower than that of cauterization-treated animals.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested that hemocoagulase atrox as a topical hemostatic is safety and efficiently and it can accelerate adventitia restoration and decrease intimal proliferation.

Advancing optical imaging for breast margin assessment: an analysis of excisional time, cautery, and patent blue dye on underlying sources of contrast

Breast conserving surgery (BCS) is a recommended treatment for breast cancer patients where the goal is to remove the tumor and a surrounding rim of normal tissue. Unfortunately, a high percentage of patients return for additional surgeries to remove all of the cancer. Post-operative pathology is the gold standard for evaluating BCS margins but is limited due to the amount of tissue that can be sampled. Frozen section analysis and touch-preparation cytology have been proposed to address the surgical needs but also have sampling limitations. These issues represent an unmet clinical need for guidance in resecting malignant tissue intra-operatively and for pathological sampling. We have developed a quantitative spectral imaging device to examine margins intra-operatively. The context in which this technology is applied (intra-operative or post-operative setting) is influenced by time after excision and surgical factors including cautery and the presence of patent blue dye (specifically Lymphazurin™, used for sentinel lymph node mapping). Optical endpoints of hemoglobin ([THb]), fat ([β-carotene]), and fibroglandular content via light scattering (<µ_s’>) measurements were quantified from diffuse reflectance spectra of lumpectomy and mastectomy specimens using a Monte Carlo model. A linear longitudinal mixed-effects model was used to fit the optical endpoints for the cautery and kinetics studies. Monte Carlo simulations and tissue mimicking phantoms were used for the patent blue dye experiments. [THb], [β-carotene], and <µ_s’> were affected by <3.3% error with <80 µM of patent blue dye. The percent change in [β-carotene], <µ_s’>, and [β-carotene]/<µ_s’> was <14% in 30 minutes, while percent change in [THb] was >40%. [β-carotene] and [β-carotene]/<µ_s’> were the only parameters not affected by cautery. This work demonstrates the importance of understanding the post-excision kinetics of ex-vivo tissue and the presence of cautery and patent blue dye for breast tumor margin assessment, to accurately interpret data and exploit underling sources of contrast.

Management of keratocystic odontogenic tumour with marsupialisation, enucleation and Carnoy's solution application: a case report

The keratocystic odontogenic tumour (KCOT) is a relatively common oral and maxillofacial lesion that derives from remnants of the dental lamina. It is aggressive, grows rapidly and invades the surrounding tissues. Various treatment modalities and differing recurrence rates have been reported for KCOT. In order to treat a 24-year-old male patient with KCOT the first stage was marsupialisation. This was followed six months later by enucleation with the application of Carnoy's solution. The defect was filled completely with newly formed bone tissue after two years. This case shows that a large KCOT can be treated with a combination of conservative and aggressive methods.

Treatment of nongenital cutaneous warts

Numerous treatments for nongenital cutaneous warts are available, although no single therapy has been established as completely curative. Watchful waiting is an option for new warts because many resolve spontaneously. However, patients often request treatment because of social stigma or discomfort. Ideally, treatment should be simple and inexpensive with low risk of adverse effects. Salicylic acid has the best evidence to support its effectiveness, but it is slow to work and requires frequent application for up to 12 weeks. Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen is a favorable option for many patients, with cure rates of 50 to 70 percent after three or four treatments. For recalcitrant warts, Candida or mumps skin antigen can be injected into the wart every three to four weeks for up to three treatments. More expensive treatments for recalcitrant warts are offered in many dermatology offices. Photodynamic therapy with aminolevulinic acid has the best evidence of effectiveness compared with pulsed dye laser, intralesional bleomycin, and surgical removal using curettage or cautery.

PlasmaKinetic™ (bipolar) transurethral resection of prostate: a prospective trial to study pathological artefacts, surgical parameters and clinical outcomes

INTRODUCTION

The aims of the study were to compare the degree of cautery artefacts in prostatic chips between monopolar and PlasmaKinetic™ transurethral resection of prostate (TURP), and to determine if there is any difference in the intraoperative and post surgical parameters between them.

METHODS

After institutional review board approval, patients were prospectively enrolled to undergo PlasmaKinetic™ TURP. Their parameters were compared with those of the historical monopolar TURP controls. All histological specimens were reviewed by a single senior pathologist.

RESULTS

46 patients were recruited to undergo PlasmaKinetic™ TURP. The resection time was significantly longer for the bipolar group compared to the monopolar group (50.2 versus 36.7 min, p-value is 0.001). The speed of resection (resection weight/time) was lower for the bipolar group (0.45 versus 0.56 g/min, p-value is 0.017). More irrigant was used for the bipolar group (21.2 versus 15.6 litres, p-value is 0.001) intraoperatively. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of intraoperative drop in haemoglobin and serum sodium change between the two groups. There seems to be a lesser degree of cautery artefacts in the PlasmaKinetic™ group than the monopolar group (42.17 versus 45.07 microns); however, this was not statistically significant (p-value is 0.452).

CONCLUSION

Bipolar TURP seems to result in a lesser degree of cautery artefacts when compared to conventional monopolar TURP, albeit statistically insignificant, compared to monopolar TURP. TURP also resulted in a longer resection time and increased irrigant use, but no difference in blood loss and serum sodium levels.

[Wedge resection and thermal cautery for malignant pleural effusion caused by lung cancer under vats]

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the treatment effect of wedge resection and thermal cautery of pleura for patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPE) caused by lung cancer under VATS.

METHODS

37 patients with MPE underwent wedge resection and thermal cautery of pleura under VATS, from June 2005 to December 2008. Postoperative tumor markers level was contrasted with the preoperative, and the control rate of pleural effusion and survival rate of the patients were compared with control group, including 25 patients undergoing intrapleural chemotherapeutics in the same period.

RESULT

In the group, the control rate of pleural effusion was 100%, but 60% in control group (P = 0.005). The 1-year survival rate of the group and the control group was 78.38% and 60% respectively (P = 0.003). CEA and CA-125 were descended obviously in postoperative day 7 in the group(P = 0.002);in control group, there were no significant change of CEA and CA125 after treatment (P = 0.797).

CONCLUSION

Wedge resection and thermal cautery of pleura under VATS can reduce tumor burden of patients with MPE to the maximum, and control MPE effectively and improve the quality of life for lung cancer patients with MPE.

Nosebleeds in children

INTRODUCTION

Up to 9% of children may have recurrent nosebleeds, usually originating from the anterior septum, but many grow out of the problem.

METHODS AND OUTCOMES

We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical question: What are the effects of treatments for recurrent idiopathic epistaxis in children? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to May 2010 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically; please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

RESULTS

We found 5 RCTs that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: antiseptic cream, petroleum jelly, and silver nitrate cautery.

Complications during natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery: endoscopic management of splenic laceration and hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Accidental splenic laceration and hemorrhage during natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) can lead to life-threatening consequences. The NOTES approach may need to be aborted in these circumstances for a standard laparoscopy or laparotomy.

AIM

To determine the feasibility of endoscopically managing intraoperative splenic laceration and hemorrhage during NOTES using standard endoscopic tools.

METHODS

Nine pigs underwent transcolonic endoscopic surgery, and 18 intentional splenic lacerations were made. Animals were treated as follows: (1) control group with no therapy (n = 3), (2) endoscopic tamponade/packing (n = 3), and (3) endoscopic hemostasis with bipolar cautery (n = 12). A blinded second endoscopist performed NOTES exploration and attempted to identify the site and treat the laceration in 3 cases. The colonic incision was closed using endoclips in the survival studies. Necropsy was performed immediately after surgery in acute cases and at the end of 1 week in the survival cases.

RESULTS

Bleeding persisted beyond 10 minutes in all control cases without therapy. In the tamponade group, bleeding persisted beyond 17 minutes in 2 and a large clot formed at 12 minutes in 1 case that precluded further assessment. Bleeding was controlled endoscopically using standard bipolar cautery in all animals (mean time: 12 minutes). All lacerations were identified and managed by the blinded endoscopist. Survival animals had an uncomplicated postoperative course. No bleeding was seen at necropsy.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate the management of intraoperative splenic hemorrhage during NOTES using standard endoscopic tools. The site of splenic bleeding could be correctly identified and treated in a blinded fashion.

Anterior segment optical coherence tomography: a diagnostic instrument for conjunctivochalasis

PURPOSE

To evaluate cross-sectional areas of conjunctivochalasis and tear meniscus using Fourier-Domain RTVue-100 optical coherence tomography (OCT) before and after conjunctival cauterization and to evaluate inter- and intraobserver reliability.

DESIGN

Prospective, nonrandomized, consecutive case study.

METHODS

A total of 12 eyes of 7 patients with conjunctivochalasis (aged 56 to 87) were evaluated. After topical anesthesia, conjunctival cauterization was performed on the inferior bulbar conjunctiva. All patients underwent anterior segment OCT (AS-OCT) imaging prior to and 4 weeks after the procedure. Cross-sectional tear meniscus and conjunctivochalasis areas at 3 locations (nasal, center, and temporal areas) were measured in all patients.

RESULTS

Nonsignificant increases (P = .177) in cross-sectional tear meniscus area as a whole (3 locations combined) were observed following cauterization. Cross-sectional conjunctivochalasis area measurements significantly decreased in all 3 locations after cauterization (P < .001). Mean cross-sectional conjunctivochalasis area decreased from 0.247 ± 0.24 mm(2) to 0.054 ± 0.79 mm(2). For 2 measurements of cross-sectional tear meniscus area by examiner 1, intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.998 to 0.999. Among 2 examiners, Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficients were as high as 0.993 and 0.997 before and after conjunctival cauterization. Regarding the cross-sectional conjunctivochalasis area measurements, intraclass correlation coefficient values were similar to those of the cross-sectional tear meniscus area, but Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficients were slightly less.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates the AS-OCT is a useful and reproducible instrument to measure the cross-sectional area of conjunctiva prolapsing into the tear meniscus of patients with conjunctivochalasis. The method can monitor effectiveness of thermoreduction of conjunctivochalasis.

Evaluating and managing the patient with nosebleeds

Epistaxis is a common clinical problem often seen by primary care physicians. This can be caused by multiple factors, each of which should be explored to treat the epistaxis and prevent recurrences. In this article, etiologies and methods of evaluation for the patient with epistaxis are discussed. Treatment strategies are outlined in a stepwise fashion, as are recommendations for situations requiring referral to an otolaryngologist.

A study on role of nasal endoscopy for diagnosis and management of epistaxis

Epistaxis is one of the commonest ENT emergencies. It affects people of all ages, more commonly males. Bleeding may be due to local nasal pathology, systemic diseases, or sometimes no specific cause is found, which is called idiopathic epistaxis. This descriptive study was designed to evaluate role of nasal endoscopy for diagnosis and management of epistaxis in a tertiary care hospital. Sixty-two selected patients with active epistaxis or with history of epistaxis within last 24 hours were evaluated and underwent nasal endoscopy. Patients were managed following standard protocols. This study demonstrated a bimodal distribution with incidence peaks in below 20 years and above 50 years age groups. Males were affected nearly twice commonly as females. Anterior nasal bleeding was noted in majority. Most common cause was found to be hypertension closely followedby trauma. Nasal endoscopy helped to localise bleeding points in majority of the cases. Cases were managed accurately with the help of endoscopes and any local disease was eradicated thoroughly. During follow-up, endoscopy helped in early detection of recurrences and thereby prevented complications. Epistaxis can be controlled very efficiently by electro or chemical cauterisation with the help of endoscopes, the source can be localised more efficiently. In cases of failure to localise or access of bleeding points, anterior and/or posterior nasal packing can control majority of nosebleeds. In majority of cases non-surgical interventions were sufficient.

Current therapy for condyloma acuminata of the patients attending female STD Unit, Siriraj Hospital

OBJECTIVE

To describe the treatment pattern of condyloma acuminata in female.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The 5-year medical records of 449 women treated for genital condyloma acuminata at the Gynecologic Infectious Diseases and Female Sexually Transmitted Disease (GID-FSTD) unit were reviewed. Data included the distribution of age, client by category, anatomical site and size, serologically coexisting sexually transmitted infection (STI), and treatment modalities.

RESULTS

About half, 50.1%, of treatment was the application of topical trichloroacetic acid; followed by podophylline in the proportion of 35.5%. While the electric cauterization and imiquimod applications were uncommon therapy. Two-fifth ofthe subjects, 40.7%, was completely cured, and the remaining cases required additional management.

CONCLUSION

The present setting, the wide range of treatment available is reflection of the fact that there is no ideal management.

[General anesthesia for a girl with Joubert syndrome]

Joubert syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, which is characterized by absence or underdevelopment of the cerebellar vermis and severe developmental delay. The other common features include ataxia, an abnormal breathing pattern, abnormal eye movements and hypotonia. We report the anesthetic management in a 13-year-old girl with Joubert syndrome, scheduled for cauterization of nasal mucosa under general anesthesia. She had episodes of tachypnea and apnea. Oral midazolam 10 mg and famotidine 20 mg were administered 30 min before surgery. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with sevoflurane and nitrous oxide in oxygen. Vecuronium 2 mg was used to facilitate tracheal intubation. Mechanical ventilation was performed with a low ventilation setting of respiratory rate 5 beats x min(-1) and peak inspiratory pressure 9 cm H2O to maintain normal end-tidal CO2. Flurbiprofen axetil 30 mg was administered intravenously for analgesia, because opioids are not recommended. After reversal of muscle relaxation by atropin 0.5 mg and neostigmine 1.5 mg, her trachea was extubated. She did not develop postoperative apnea. In this patient with Joubert syndrome, midazolam, sevoflurane, nitrous oxide and flurbiprofen axetil were used without any complications.

Arginine vasopressin in hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus is transferred to the nucleus raphe magnus to participate in pain modulation

Hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is one of the main sources of arginine vasopressin (AVP) synthesis and secretion. AVP is the most important bioactive substance in PVN regulating pain process. Our previous study has pointed that pain stimulation induced AVP increase in the nucleus raphe magnus (NRM), which plays a role in pain modulation. The present study was designed to investigate the source of AVP in the rat NRM during pain process using the methods of nucleus push-pull perfusion and radioimmunoassay. The results showed that pain stimulation increased the AVP concentration in the NRM perfusion liquid, PVN cauterization inhibited the role that pain stimulation induced the increase of AVP concentration in the NRM perfusion liquid, and PVN microinjection of L-glutamate sodium, which excited the PVN neurons, could increase the AVP concentration in the NRM perfusion liquid. The data suggested that AVP in the PVN might be transferred to the NRM to participate in pain modulation.

Positive staining with Congo red in tissues with heat artifact due to cautery

Congo red staining is rarely the source of false positives for amyloid. On the other hand, the heat artifact due to cautery in surgical specimens adopts some hyaline features, which can mimic amyloid deposits many times. Therefore, we decided to investigate the behavior of these artifacted areas with some of the ancillary techniques that are commonly used when diagnosing amyloidosis: Congo red staining (with and without treatment of the tissue by permanganate of potassium); Thioflavin T; polarized light and immunohistochemistry (for A amyloid, lambda chain and kappa chain). For that, 10 biopsies of different organs were selected with the condition that there was "evidence of heat artifact border". Our results showed that the artifacted border is strongly positive for Congo red (even after treatment with permanganate of potassium). It also showed apple-green birefringence when observed under polarized light. Nevertheless, it failed to express any of the markers investigated in the immunohistochemical study.

Microscopic transtracheal repair of migrating tracheoesophageal fistula

OBJECTIVE

The repair of a persistently leaking migrating tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) represents a particular challenge owing to the low site of the fistula down to the tracheoesophageal septum (TES). A simple microscopic approach to repair a migrating TEF is described.

DESIGN

A description of five cases of migrating TEF. The repair technique and surgical outcome are described in detail.

SETTING

Tertiary care referral hospital.

METHODS

Excision of the fistula tract was done under local anesthesia and microscopic vision using microlaryngoscopic instruments followed by one-layer repair without soft tissue interposition. This technique was used in one patient with a leaking migrating TEF when planned dissection through the TES was abandoned. Subsequently, the technique was employed in four other patients with a similar TEF.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Evidence of complete closure of the fistula was assessed clinically 1 week postoperatively. This was followed by methylene blue and Gastrografin swallowing tests. The methylene blue test was repeated after 6 months to exclude recurrence of the fistula and confirm persistent closure.

RESULT

Complete closure of the fistulae was achieved when assessed clinically and by methylene blue and Gastrografin tests. All patients were discharged on a normal diet. Stable closure was confirmed by the methylene blue test after 6 months. The microlaryngoscopic instruments and surgical microscope have greatly facilitated access and dissection of the migrating fistula with minimum soft tissue loss.

CONCLUSION

The described technique is simple, relatively safe, and reproducible for closure of a small migrating TEF. It can also be used to repair small, nonmigrating TEF.

Evaluation of supplemental cautery during endoluminal gastroplication for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic suture plications at the cardia decreased gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms in short-term studies. Pull-through of submucosal sutures may lead to loss of efficacy. The application of cautery on mucosal surfaces may promote tissue adherence. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of endoluminal gastroplication (ELGP) using Endocinch with and without adjuvant cautery.

METHODS

Vertical plications were created using ELGP. Patients were randomized to either ELGP alone or ELGP with an adjuvant bicap cautery. Patients were blinded to their randomization category and encouraged to take antisecretory medications if needed. Heartburn was scored on a scale of 0 (none), 1 (occasional), 2 (frequent), or 3 (daily). Patients undergoing a second antireflux procedure during the follow-up period were considered study failures and scored 3.

RESULTS

Of the 18 patients enrolled in the study, 1 was lost to follow-up evaluation at 12 months and 2 could not be followed up at 24 months. The cautery group included 10 patients (9 men) with a mean age of 53.2 years. The group without cautery consisted of 8 patients (5 men) with a mean age of 50.4 years. The use of ELGP with cautery resulted in a trend toward greater improvement in several parameters (heartburn score, total percentage of time that pH was less than 4, and medication use) at 12 months than ELGP without cautery. These trends were not seen at 24 months, when all but 1 patient had ongoing symptoms, used daily proton pump inhibitor/H2-blocker, or went on to undergo a second antireflux procedure (2 Nissen and 3 Enteryx).

CONCLUSIONS

Cautery numerically improved plication persistence, decreased esophageal acid exposure, and improved symptoms at 1 year compared with sutures alone. Little or no long-term efficacy of ELGP with or without cautery was observed after 2 years of follow-up evaluation.

Nosebleeds in children

INTRODUCTION

Up to 9% of children may have recurrent nosebleeds, usually originating from the anterior septum, but many grow out of the problem.

METHODS AND OUTCOMES

We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical question: What are the effects of treatments for recurrent idiopathic epistaxis in children? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to April 2008 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically, please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

RESULTS

We found six systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: antiseptic cream, cautery, petroleum jelly.

Evidence for benefits from treating cervical ectopy: literature review

CONTEXT AND PURPOSE

Uterine cervical ectopy (cervical erosion) is today considered to be a physiological condition, but there still seems to be a strong tendency towards treating it. The purpose of this study was to review the medical literature for evidence regarding benefits from treating cervical ectopy.

METHODS

The following databases were reviewed: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline), Excerpta Medica Database (Embase), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs) and Cochrane Library databases. In addition, six medical textbooks were consulted.

RESULTS

The review showed that: 1) there is probably an association between ectopy and higher risk of Chlamydia trachomatis, human papillomavirus and human immunodeficiency virus infection; 4) there is probably an association between ectopy and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia; 5) there is an association between ectopy and mucous discharge and nocturia; and 6) there is no evidence of an association between ectopy and cervical cancer, or of protection against cervical cancer associated with ectopy treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

1) No data were found in the medical literature to support routine treatment for ectopy; 2) Treatment could be recommended for symptom relief, but more symptoms are attributed to ectopy than could be demonstrated in a controlled study; 3) Further studies to test the hypothesis of protection against cervical cancer associated with treatment are necessary.

[Verrucose epidermal nevus with belated grow and pregnancy. Case report]

Verrucose epidermal nevus is a benign and congenital hyperplasia of the superficial epidermis and annexes. It expresses itself during the firs year of life, grows during childhood and in adolescence reaches its largest size. It can appear everywhere in skin surface. We present a case of late verrucose epidermal nevus with genital onset. Differential diagnosis was done with acuminated condylomas.

Update on epistaxis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The treatment of epistaxis has undergone significant changes in recent years. Gone are the days when patients had an uncomfortable posterior nasal pack inserted then spent several days on the ward only to bleed again on its removal. New packing devices, ingenious haemostatic agents and endoscopic surgical approaches have been developed to provide a variety of effective and well-tolerated treatment options. This paper will discuss the evolution and utility of these devices and techniques for managing difficult epistaxis patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Modern packing devices are much easier to insert than traditional gauze packs and are no less effective. A major advance in the management of posterior epistaxis has been the development of the technique of endoscopic ligation.

SUMMARY

Anterior epistaxis is generally easy to control with local cautery. The optimal management of posterior epistaxis is to insert a pack to control the bleeding before taking the patient to the operating theatre to ligate the sphenopalatine artery endoscopically.

Utility of MIB-1 (Ki-67) in Evaluating Diminutive Colorectal Polyps With Cautery Artifact

Context.—Accurate interpretation of colorectal polyp histology is essential in the decision-making process during treatment and surveillance following polypectomies. However, interpretation of diminutive colorectal polyps removed by thermal electrocoagulation (hot biopsy technique) is often problematic as a result of cautery artifact.

Objective.—To evaluated the usefulness of the proliferation marker MIB-1 (Ki-67) as an aid in the differential diagnosis of diminutive colorectal polyps with cautery artifact, as adenomatous and nonadenomatous polyps display different patterns of epithelial proliferation.

Design.—Seventy-five diminutive colorectal polyps with extensive cautery artifact displaying at least the upper portions of 3 adjacent crypts with the corresponding surface epithelium were evaluated and immunolabeled with MIB-1. They included 25 cases in which a definitive or presumptive diagnosis could not be reached (indeterminate polyps), 25 cases diagnosed as compatible with adenomatous polyp, and 25 cases diagnosed as compatible with nonadenomatous polyp.

Results.—MIB-1 immunoreactivity was well preserved in the cauterized areas. Among indeterminate polyps, MIB-1 stained upper crypts and surface epithelium in 14 cases (adenomatous polyp staining pattern) and revealed minimal or absent staining in these areas in 11 cases (nonadenomatous polyp staining pattern). All cases diagnosed as compatible with adenomatous polyp displayed the adenomatous polyp staining pattern. In contrast, all cases diagnosed as compatible with nonadenomatous polyp revealed the nonadenomatous polyp staining pattern.

Conclusions.—Immunoreactivity for MIB-1 may be used as a beneficial adjunctive test to help diagnose diminutive colorectal polyps with extensive cautery artifact.

The anterior ethmoidal artery: radio-anatomical comparison and its application in endonasal surgery

CONCLUSION

High-resolution CT scans are able to determine with accuracy the location of the anterior ethmoidal artery in relation to the roof of the ethmoid. This investigation should greatly help functional endoscopic sinus surgery to avoid accidental injury of the artery and to coagulate the vessel in cases of severe epistaxis.

OBJECTIVES

This was a radio-anatomical study of the anterior ethmoid artery in order to assess the course of the artery prior to endoscopic cauterization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighteen ethmoid sinuses (nine heads) were dissected and high-resolution CT scans were performed in axial, coronal and sagittal planes.

RESULTS

All anterior ethmoidal arteries were identifiable. The arteries were included in the roof of the ethmoid in eight cases. In three cases the arteries were prominent under the roof. In seven cases the dissection found the arteries distant from the roof. This anatomical feature was associated with pneumatization of the floor of the orbit. The correlation between CT scan and dissection was very satisfactory.

Capsule endoscopy for obscure GI bleeding: therapeutic yield of follow-up procedures

Positive findings on capsule endoscopy (CE) often prompt a follow-up procedure with therapeutic intent. Our purpose was to review the therapeutic yield of subsequent procedural interventions based on positive CE findings. The medical records of all patients who underwent CE between June 2002 and February 2005 for obscure bleeding were retrospectively reviewed. Fifty-two patients had follow-up procedures based on positive capsule findings. In this group, angiodysplasia was the most common CE finding (n=30), with therapeutic intervention performed in 16 cases (53%). Fresh blood without clear lesion was the second most common finding (n=9), with therapeutic intervention performed in 6 cases (67%). Overall, a therapeutic intervention was performed in 33 of the 52 follow-up procedures (63%). Positive capsule findings directed further procedural investigation in 52 cases, with a high therapeutic yield of 63% in those cases. The long-term efficacy of such interventions warrants further investigation.

Comparison of transurethral prostate resection and plasmakinetic prostate resection according to cautery artefacts in tissue specimens

OBJECTIVES

The objectives were to evaluate cautery artifacts histopathologically in tissue specimens after plasmakinetic prostate resection (PKRP) and transurethral prostatectomy (TURP), and compare the results of the two procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The histopathological specimens of 65 patients who underwent PKRP and TURP were examined retrospectively. Tissue chips for examination were selected randomly. Artifactual pathological patterns that were identified in the specimens included: abnormal cellular orientation and spindling, artifactual cellular detachment from the underlying basement membrane, atypical cytological changes and stromal coagulative necrosis. Each pattern identified was awarded 1 point. The severity of the cautery artefact was graded as absent, mild, moderate or severe according to the sum of points in each specimen.

RESULTS

In TURP, the artefacts were graded absent (9%), mild (6%), moderate (18.7%), and severe (65.6%) changes. In PKRP, the artefacts were graded absent (6%), mild (18.1%), moderate (36.3%), and severe (39.4%) changes. While the number of mild and moderate artefacts observed was higher in PKRP (P = 0.023), severe artefacts were observed in higher numbers with TURP (P = 0.034). No prostate cancer was detected during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

It has been observed that the application of TURP causes fewer mild to moderate artefacts and PKRP causes fewer severe artefacts in the histopathological evaluation of specimens in comparison to each other.

Recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring during mediastinoscopy: predictors of injury

BACKGROUND

Recurrent nerve injuries occur during mediastinoscopy despite assiduous technique. We evaluated mediastinoscopy by monitoring laryngeal nerve stimulation during the surgery. These techniques utilize sensing electrodes on laryngeal masks to evaluate stimulus of the larynx, and are used to identify recurrent nerves during redo neck surgery.

METHODS

Fifteen patients were monitored during the entire mediastinoscopy. The laryngeal sensor was placed just before intubation. All patients had a suprasternal incision, digital dissection along the anterior wall of the trachea, and harvest of the nodes in the left paratracheal (4L), right paratracheal (4R), and subcarinal (7) positions. Cautery was used when needed in the subcarinal space and the right paratracheal groove.

RESULTS

Surprisingly, 14 of 15 patients demonstrated intense recurrent nerve stimulation during digital dissection along the anterior wall of the trachea. This dissection activated the right and left recurrent nerves. Though the use of cautery on the left caused significant laryngeal nerve activity, cautery in the subcarinal space and on the right caused very little activity. One patient was found to have a (transient) recurrent nerve injury after surgery. She demonstrated intense activity both during dissection along the anterior wall of the trachea, and during removal of a left paratracheal node.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate that traction in the anterior mediastinum causes the greatest stimulation to the nerves, even greater than direct stimulation with current. Thus, these data suggest that injuries could result only from traction. Traction on both recurrent nerves can occur with dissection along the trachea. Laryngeal nerve monitoring can be used to direct biopsies in the left paratracheal groove.

Preterm Delivery After Surgical Treatment for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia

OBJECTIVE

To study whether a treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is associated with an adverse outcome in the subsequent pregnancies.

METHODS

This study is a register-based retrospective cohort study from Finland. National data of 25,827 women having a surgical treatment of the cervix for CIN in 1986-2003 and their 8,210 subsequent singleton births in 1987-2004 were studied. Main outcome measures were preterm birth rate, low birth weight rate, and perinatal mortality rate.

RESULTS

The risk of any preterm delivery (less than 37 weeks of gestation), especially the risk of very preterm delivery (28-31 weeks of gestation), and extremely preterm delivery (less than 28 weeks of gestation) was increased after cervical conization (relative risk [RR] 1.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.81-2.20; RR 2.86, 95% CI 2.22-3.70; and RR 2.10, 95% CI 1.47-2.99, respectively). After cervical ablation, the risk of preterm delivery was also increased. The risk of low birth weight and perinatal death was increased after conization (RR 2.06, 95% CI 1.83-2.31 and RR 1.74, 95% CI 1.30-2.32, respectively). Adjusting for maternal age, parity, and maternal smoking did not affect our results.

CONCLUSION

Any treatment for CIN, including loop electrosurgical excision procedure, increases the risk of preterm delivery. It is important to emphasize this when treating young women with CIN.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Vaginal adenosis successfully treated with simple unipolar cauterization

Vaginal adenosis, without a history of diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure, is a rare condition with an unclear etiology. A 24-year-old female presented with complaints of persistent vaginal discharge and dyspareunia. On examination, there were red, patchy, diffuse lesions on the vaginal wall and cervix. Histopathologic examination of the lesions revealed vaginal adenosis with chronic inflammation. Due to a poor response to metronidazole and tetracycline treatments, unipolar cauterization was performed with successful removal of the lesions.

Therapeutic options for Bowen's disease

Multiple therapeutic options are available for treatment of Bowen's disease. The choice of therapy depends on clinical circumstance and medical practitioner experience. Newer therapies have more extensive support from the literature, but more established therapies may be preferred because of accessibility, cost and efficacy. An overview of the current therapeutic options for Bowen's disease is presented.

New method for evaluation of lung lymph flow rate with intact lymphatics in anaesthetized sheep

AIM

Lung lymph has commonly been studied using a lymph fistula created by tube cannulation into the efferent duct of the caudal mediastinal node in sheep. In this method, the tail region of the caudal mediastinal node is resected and the diaphragm is cauterized to exclude systemic lymph contamination, and cannulation is performed into one of the multiple efferent ducts originating from the caudal mediastinal node. Moreover, the pumping activity of lymphatics might be diminished by cannulation. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the flow rate of lung lymph with maintenance of intact lymphatic networks around the caudal mediastinal node to the thoracic duct in sheep.

METHODS

An ultrasound transit-time flow meter was used to measure lung lymph flow. The thoracic duct was clamped just above the diaphragm and the flow probe was attached to the thoracic duct just after the last junction with an efferent duct from the caudal mediastinal node. The lung lymph flow rate was measured at baseline and under conditions of lung-oedema formation.

RESULTS

The baseline lung lymph flow rate in our model was three- to sixfold greater than values obtained with the cannulation method. With oedema-formation, the lung lymph flow rate was the same as that measured using cannulation.

CONCLUSION

The lung lymph flow was unexpectedly large under the conditions of the study, and our data suggest that the drainage effect of lymphatics is significant as a safety factor against pulmonary oedema formation.

Management of patients with epistaxis by general practitioners: impact of otolaryngology experience on their practice

This study aims to assess the management of patients with epistaxis by general practitioners (GPs) and to show whether previous experience as a junior doctor in ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgery influences their practice. A questionnaire was sent together with self-addressed reply envelopes to a random sample of 1,000 GPs. Four hundred and twenty eight GPs replied (43% response rate). Ninety-eight percent GPs see less than five epistaxis per week. Eighty-six percent GPs seek a specialist opinion for approximately one in four patients seen. Fifty percent GPs would arrange investigations. There was a wide variation in these and the first aid advice given. Fifteen percent GPs had previous experience in ENT. The only significant difference in the management of epistaxis with these GPs is that they were 2x more likely to cauterize a nose with silver nitrate (P=0.002). There is no general consensus on the management of epistaxis by GPs and despite previous experiences in the specialty as a junior doctor, this fails to have a significant impact on the day to day management of epistaxis.

QT dispersion in non-apneic simple snoring patients and the effect of surgical therapy on QT dispersion

AIM

Increased QT dispersion in cases of obstructive sleep apnea, which may induce serious arrhythmias, is a well-known process. However, there is little information about the QT dispersion in patients with simple snoring without apnea. We investigated QT dispersion in snoring and the effect of surgical therapy on QT dispersion.

METHODS

One hundred and sixty two patients with simple snoring without apnea were included in this study. Patients had polysomnography and surface electrocardiography (ECG) on the pre-operative 1st week and post-operative 4th week. The patients underwent one of the three surgical procedures, which include uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty, and cautery assisted uvulopalatoplasty. QT dispersion was calculated in each patient from pre-operative and post-operative surface ECG. Pre-operative and post-operative values were compared using the student's t test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

One hundred and fourteen of the patients were male, 48 were female, and the mean age was 35.2+/-14.1 years (range: 21-51). No improvements were observed in 9 of the patients. Surgical interventions were successful in 153 patients (94%). Post-operative QTc max and QTc dispersion values were significantly shortened, and QTc min was increased compared to the pre-operative values (449.6+/-6.2 vs. 440.9+/-20.8, and 68.2+/-8.4 vs. 43.8+/-6.2, and 381.3+/-7.8 vs. 397.0+/-5.9 respectively; P=0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that QT dispersion is increased in simple snoring patients without apnea and that QT dispersion decreases after surgical interventions.

Hemoperitoneum secondary to spontaneous rupture of metastatic gastric leiomyosarcoma of the liver: report of a case

Hepatic rupture with resulting hemoperitoneum due to metastatic cancer is uncommon. Reports in the literature have described a wide variety of neoplasms causing this usually fatal phenomenon. We describe a rare case of spontaneous rupture of hepatic metastases from gastric leiomyosarcoma. A 72-year-old male patient with sudden onset severe epigastric pain was rushed into emergency service. After examination, the patient underwent urgent operation with possible diagnosis of perforated gastric or duodenal ulcer. During exploration, we determined bleeding mass on the diaphragmatic side of the left lobe of the liver and a mass on the posterior wall of the stomach. Hemostasis was provided.

Application of potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser in the excision of pyriform fossa hemangioma

Pyriform fossa hemangioma, especially of the cavernous type, is a rare case and very few such lesions have been encountered in general otolaryngological practice. We report such a lesion in a 36-year-old, middle-aged woman presenting with complaint of foreign body sensation in the throat. Examination revealed a hemangioma in the right pyriform fossa that was successfully managed using KTP-532 laser and bipolar cautery.