International journal of colorectal disease
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Int J Colorectal Dis · Jul 2007
Simple harmonic scalpel hemorrhoidectomy utilizing local anesthesia combined with intravenous sedation: a safe and rapid alternative to conventional hemorrhoidectomy.
Harmonic Scalpel(R) hemorrhoidectomy (HSH) is an established surgical therapy for the treatment of symptomatic grade III and IV hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoid surgery is still being performed as an inpatient procedure with general or regional anesthesia in many centers today. There was a trend toward performing hemorrhoid surgery as an ambulatory procedure using local anesthesia supplemented with intravenous sedation. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of HSH performed with combination local anesthesia and intravenous sedation in an ambulatory surgical center. ⋯ HSH performed with a combination of intravenous sedation and local anesthesia is safe and effective in the ambulatory surgery setting. The combined technique was associated with a rate of complications comparable to published series utilizing conventional hemorrhoidectomy techniques. Added benefits include shorter hospital stay and a potential for cost savings.
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Int J Colorectal Dis · Jul 2007
Anal inspection and digital rectal examination compared to anorectal physiology tests and endoanal ultrasonography in evaluating fecal incontinence.
Anal inspection and digital rectal examination are routinely performed in fecal incontinent patients but it is not clear to what extent they contribute to the diagnostic work-up. We examined if and how findings of anal inspection and rectal examination are associated with anorectal function tests and endoanal ultrasonography. ⋯ Anal inspection and digital rectal examination can give accurate information about internal and external anal sphincter function but are inaccurate for determining external anal sphincter defects <90 degrees. Therefore, a sufficient diagnostic work-up should comprise at least rectal examination, anal inspection and endoanal ultrasonography.
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Int J Colorectal Dis · Jul 2007
Tissue-type plasminogen activator prevents formation of intra-abdominal abscesses after surgical treatment of secondary peritonitis in a rat model.
Optimal therapy of secondary peritonitis frequently results in the formation of residual abscesses, which bear a substantial mortality and morbidity. This study aims to prove that fibrinolytic therapy with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) can reduce abscess formation after surgical treatment of secondary peritonitis in a rat model, without causing unwanted side effects. ⋯ rtPA reduces intra-abdominal abscess formation after surgical treatment of generalized peritonitis without increasing mortality or affecting the local inflammatory response.