Seprafilm may ease colostomy reversal

Hypothesis: In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the use of a sodium hyaluronate and carboxymethylcellulose-based antiadhesive membrane (Seprafilm, Adhesion Barrier; Genzyme Corp, Cambridge, Mass) is associated with fewer adhesions around the pelvis and rectal pouch

Emergency replacement for damaged balloon dissector for laparoscopic extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair

The purpose of this study was to find an effective and reasonable solution to replace damaged balloon dissector used in laparoscopic extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair. The thumb of a surgical glove was used to repair torn balloon dissector for laparoscopic total extraperitoneal hernia repair. The new balloon presented an adequate tightness to perform the dissection of the extraperitoneal area without complication. Although the best way to replace a damaged balloon dissector is to replace it with a new one, this method may be taken into consideration in such a situation in which a new balloon dissector is not available

Total laparoscopic cystogastrostomy for the treatment of pancreatic pseudocyst

Laparoscopic surgery may be performed for the treatment of pancreatic pseudocyst when decompression is indicated. Most of reported laparoscopic procedures are performed by inserting trocars via the anterior gastric wall and operating intraluminally with gastric insufflation and endoscopic guidance. We report a patient who was treated successfully with laparoscopic stapled cystogastrostomy and discuss the feasibility and features of such a technique performed with a totally abdominal approach

The effect of halofuginone, a specific inhibitor of collagen type 1 synthesis, in the prevention of esophageal strictures related to caustic injury

Background: To assess the effects of halofuginone, a specific inhibitor of synthesis of collagen type 1, which is the major constituent of fibrosis, on esophageal stricture formation due to caustic ingestion

Value of diagnostic laparoscopy in tuberculous peritonitis

Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of diagnostic laparoscopy in patients with tuberculous peritonitis

Analysis of clinicopathological prognostic parameters in adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia

Background : The optimal extent of resection for carcinoma of gastric cardia remains a subject of controversy. Although both total gastrectomy (TG) and proximal gastrectomy (PG) have their own advantages, similar survival rates were given for both. The main aim of this study is to investigate whether the extent, of resection is an important prognostic factor in carcinoma of the gastric cardia

Does becaplermin (platelet-derived growth factor-BB) reverse detrimental effects of ischemia on colonic anastomosis?

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of becaplermin on normal and ischemic colon anastomoses. Methods: Forty adult male Wistar-Albino rats were divided into four equal groups of ten. AD rats underwent standard left colon resection and end-to end anastomosis. The groups were as follows: Group 1, normal anastomosis alone; Group 2, ischemic anastomosis alone; Group 3, normal anastomosis and becaplermin therapy, and Group 4, ischemic anastomosis and becaplermin therapy. All animals were killed on postoperative Day 4. Intra-abdominal adhesions were scored, and anastomotic healing was evaluated with both in situ bursting pressure and hydroxyproline levels. Results: According to bursting pressure results, there was a significant difference between Group 2 and Group 4 (P0.05). Hydroxyproline values revealed no statistically significant difference among any of the groups (P>0.05). With regard to intra-abdominal adhesion scores, Group 3 had significantly lower values than Group 2 and Group 4 (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed between the other groups. Conclusions: Detrimental effects of ischemia on colonic anastomotic healing were reversed with becaplermin therapy. However there was no such benefit on nonischemic anastomoses. Intra-abdominal application of this gel did not lead to an increase in intra-abdominal adhesion formation