The Journal of surgical research
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We have recently proved electroacupuncture (EA) ST36 exerted an anti-inflammatory effect in the early phase of intra-abdominal adhesion formation. Evidences indicate that the anti-inflammatory effect of EA ST36 involves a cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway-dependent mechanism via the vagus nerve. However, the exact effects and accurate vagal modulation of acupuncture in prevention of postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion formation has not been thoroughly evaluated. ⋯ EA ST36 might reduce the postoperative local inflammatory response, attenuate the angiogenesis, and alleviate the adhesion formation partly via activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory mechanism.
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Spinal cord injury (SCI) is characterized by a high rate of disability and imposes a heavy burden on society and patients. SCI can activate glial cells and lead to swelling, hyperplasty, and reactive gliosis, which can severely reduce the space for nerve growth. Glial cells can secrete a large amount of extracellular inhibitory components, thus altering the microenvironment of axon growth. Both these factors seriously impede nerve regeneration. In the present study, we investigate whether curcumin (cur), a phytochemical compound with potent anti-inflammatory effect, plays a role in the repair of SCI. ⋯ Our data support a role for curcumin in promoting neural function recovery after SCI by the joint inhibition of the intracellular and extracellular components of glial scar, providing an important strategy for treating SCI.
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Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Radiofrequency ablation versus surgical resection for intrahepatic hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence: a meta-analysis.
To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) versus surgical resection (SR) for intrahepatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence by meta-analytical techniques. ⋯ Although RFA was associated with lower re-recurrence-free survival, it seems to be as effective as SR for the treatment of intrahepatic HCC recurrence owing to comparable overall survival benefits. The advantages of being less invasive, highly target-selective, and repeatable may render RFA a preferred treatment option for selected patients.
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Effect of local wound infiltration and transversus abdominis plane block on morphine use after laparoscopic colectomy: a nonrandomized, single-blind prospective study.
Recently, nonopioid-based treatment modalities have been used to improve analgesia and decrease opioid-related side effects after surgery. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and local infiltration of the surgical wound are commonly used multimodal analgesia techniques after abdominal surgery; however, few studies have compared the effectiveness of a TAP block with that of local infiltration of surgical wounds in patients who have undergone laparoscopic colorectal surgery. ⋯ Compared with local anesthetic infiltration, bilateral TAP blocks decreased the cumulative morphine use at 24 h and 48 h postoperatively in patients who had undergone laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
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Observational Study
A noninvasive hemoglobin monitor in the pediatric intensive care unit.
Critically ill pediatric patients frequently require hemoglobin monitoring. Accurate noninvasive Hb (SpHb) would allow practitioners to decrease anemia from repeated blood draws, traumatic blood draws, and a decreased number of laboratory Hb (LabHb) medical tests. The Food and Drug Administration has approved the Masimo Pronto SpHb and associated Rainbow probes; however, its use in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is controversial. In this study, we define the degree of agreement between LabHb and SpHb using the Masimo Pronto SpHb Monitor and identify clinical and demographic conditions associated with decreased accuracy. ⋯ The Masimo Pronto SpHb Monitor provides adequate agreement for the trending of hemoglobin levels in critically ill pediatric patients. However, the degree of agreement is insufficient to be used as the sole indicator for transfusion decisions and should be used in context of other clinical parameters to determine the need for LabHb in critically ill pediatric patients.