Int Surg
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and long-term tissue effects of ultrasonic dissector and cyanoacrylate glue during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in a porcine model. Nine domestic pigs underwent laparoscopic left lower pole partial nephrectomy without vascular control. An ultrasonic tissue dissector was used to assist in the parenchymal incision, and the raw surfaces of the kidneys, including the exposed urinary system, were sealed with cyanoacrylate glue. ⋯ Ultrasonic dissector was effective in achieving hemostasis during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy without the need of vascular control in pigs. Cyanoacrylate glue achieved good long-term adhesive power. The sealing effects provided by cyanoacrylate glue were adequate to prevent urinary extravasation from urothelial defects at least for 1 month.
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Radiofrequency (RF) ablation is emerging as a new therapeutic method for management of hepatic tumors. Here we report a new technique for hepatectomy using ultrasound-guided RF, which renders liver resection a less complex surgical procedure. Under intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) guidance, a Cool-Tip RF probe is inserted into the liver parenchyma surrounding the tumor. ⋯ Coagulative desiccation occurs and results in sealing of blood and biliary vessels. This is a new technique for liver resection that enables the surgeon to operate in a virtually bloodless field without the use of ischemia, sutures, or ties. It also spares the need for intraoperative blood transfusion and postoperative intensive care unit facilities, and it reduces the length of in patient stay.
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Biography Historical Article
Post-graduate training in plastic surgery at the department of Professor Ivo Pitanguy: a report.
In 1960, Professor Ivo Pitanguy established a Residency Training Program in Plastic Surgery in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Since then, more than 500 surgeons from Brazil and around the world have been trained there. This article outlines the organization and functioning of this program and reports an analysis by the author, a former resident and scholar of the International College of Surgeons.
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Comparative Study
Influence of flail chest on outcome among patients with severe thoracic cage trauma.
Flail chest is associated with a higher morbidity compared with multiple rib fractures, and it requires early intubation. This was a prospective comparative uncontrolled study at an academic level 1 trauma center. Twenty-two patients with flail chest (FLAIL) were compared with 90 patients with more than two rib fractures but no flail chest (RIBS) to determine differences in outcomes such as mortality, significant respiratory complications (pneumonia and adult respiratory distress syndrome), need for mechanical ventilation, and length of hospital stay. ⋯ Flail chest is an independent marker of poor outcome among patients with thoracic cage trauma. The majority of patients with flail chest need mechanical ventilatory support and develop significant respiratory complications. In the presence of associated injuries, intubation is unavoidable and should be done under controlled conditions early after arrival to avoid morbidity related to sudden respiratory decompensation.
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Spur cell anemia is an acquired form of hemolytic anemia caused by a structural abnormality of red cell membranes that results in spiculated erythrocytes. These peculiarly shaped red blood cells, called acanthocytes, have a shortened survival and undergo splenic sequestration and destruction. Spur cell anemia has been known to occur in several conditions, including chronic liver disease, and more specifically in alcoholic cirrhosis. ⋯ Liver transplantation has been reported as the most effective treatment. We herein present a case of severe spur cell hemolytic anemia that successfully reverted after orthotopic liver transplantation and recurred secondary to resumption of alcohol intake and consequent liver graft failure. This case conclusively demonstrates the association among alcoholic cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, and spur cell hemolytic anemia.