Efficiency of hyaloglide ® in the prevention of the recurrence of adhesions after tenolysis of flexor tendons in zone II: A randomized, controlled, multicentre clinical trial

Hyaloglide® is a hyaluronan-based gel based on a novel auto-crosslinked technology designed to reduce postsurgical adhesions. Its efficacy was assessed in a multicentred randomized controlled trial comparing the results of flexor tenolysis in zone 2 following failed flexor tendon repairs. In the control group a standard release was performed. In the treated group, Hyaloglide® was applied into the flexor sheath and around the site of tenolysis. Forty-five patients, 19 controls and 26 treated with Hyaloglide®, were enrolled in 13 centres. All the patients were evaluated at 30, 60, 90 and 180 days after surgery by testing Total Active Motion, Quick-DASH questionnaire and number of working days lost after surgery. Patients in the Hyaloglide® group had a statistically better recovery of finger motion at all time intervals and returned earlier to work and daily activities. The use of Hyaloglide® did not appear to increase the complication rate. © 2010 The British Society for Surgery of the Hand

Comparison of somatostatin and cimetidine in the treatment of acutely bleeding esophageal varices

Little and conflicting data are reported in the literature on the efficacy of somatostatin in the treatment of acute bleeding of esophageal varices in patients with portal hypertension due to hepatic cirrhosis. In this study the effectiveness of somatostatin has been evaluated in two groups of patients, one group with profuse and the other group with moderate bleeding (with and without Sengstaken-Blakemore tube). The overall rate of success in the two groups is similar, but the mean bleeding period has been significantly reduced in the somatostatin group (15 patients) in comparison with the cimetidine group (14 patients), both in cases without Sengstaken-Blakemore intubation and in severe cases in which local tamponade was required. Somatostatin also markedly reduced the period of intubation. This study confirms that somatostatin may be used as a safe, first choice therapy in the medical management of acute variceal hemorrhag