Journal of pediatric surgery
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Comparative Study
Comparison of bipolar electrosurgical devices with ligatures and endoclips in the rat appendicitis model.
The aim of this study is to compare bipolar radiofrequency-driven vessel sealer, bipolar electrocautery, polyglactin 910 sutures, and endoclips in appendiceal stump closure with respect to operative time, appendiceal stump strength, and inflammation in a rat appendiceal model. ⋯ Bipolar radiofrequency-driven vessel sealer and bipolar electrocautery achieve safe stump closure with satisfactory bursting pressure values in an experimental rat appendicitis model. Decreased operative time and unimpaired healing are encouraging.
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Accidental ingestion of caustic substances may cause serious problems in children. Approximately 20% of caustic ingestions result in esophageal stricture formation, resulting from excessive collagen synthesis to the extracellular matrix by fibroblasts. Recent studies showed that a single application of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a very effective inhibitor of fibroblast proliferation and differentiation for prolonged periods. Using an experimental model, we investigated the efficacy of single-dose 5-FU on stricture formation after caustic esophageal burn. ⋯ A single intraperitoneal dose of 5-FU had a preventive effect on stricture formation after caustic esophageal burn. This observation suggests that 5-FU may prevent this undesirable complication in the clinical setting. Clinical studies are now required to verify this form of treatment. Local intraesophageal application of 5-FU immediately after the burn injury was not effective. Further investigations are required to determine the appropriate timing of application of 5-FU at the local site of injury.