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Biomedical subjects

A N Supe

Publications and source records attributed to A N Supe.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Role of computed tomography in the diagnosis of rib and lung involvement in tuberculous retromammary abscesses.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of rib and lung involvement in tuberculous abscess in the retromammary region. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: Eight patients with tuberculous retromammary abscess were examined by CT and the findings were evaluated. A cold abscess (purulent collection with absence of acute inflammation) was aspirated in all cases. Diagnosis was confirmed by acid-fast bacillus culture, or histologic examination. RESULTS: CT showed a relatively well marginated, inhomogeneous, hypodense lesions in all eight cases. Following administration of intravenous contrast medium, these lesions showed enhancing walls, suggestive of an infective collection. Lung involvement was seen in one patient. A direct communication from the retromammary lesion through the thoracic wall into the pleura was seen in five cases. In four cases destroyed rib fragments within the abscess were noted. CONCLUSION: A tuberculous abscess in the retromammary region is usually shown on CT as a focal, well-marginated, inhomogeneous, hypodense lesion with a surrounding enhancing rim. A direct communication with the pleura, a destroyed rib fragment in the abscess, and associated lung involvement may be revealed by CT.

Abscess↗

Necrotising perineal infection: a fatal outcome of ischiorectal fossa abscesses.

INTRODUCTION: Necrotizing perineal infection or Fournier's gangrene is an uncommon but lethal complication of ischiorectal fossa abscesses. It is associated with a high mortality, especially in diabetics and immunocompromised individuals. Attempts have been made to study factors which could serve as prognostic indicators. The role of faecal diversion has not been clearly determined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 8 patients who presented with necrotizing perineal infection as a complication of ischiorectal fossa abscesses were reviewed. Various parameters were studied to see if any of them could serve as predictors of outcome. Mean surface area of involvement was calculated using modified burns assessment criteria. To study the effect of colostomy on the general condition of the patient the physiological and biochemical parameters before and after the procedure were compared. Statistical analysis was done using the unpaired and paired 't' tests. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 50.6 +/- 10.3 years. Five patients were diabetic, of whom four died; all the non-diabetics survived. The mean surface area of involvement was 5.1 +/- 0.75%, among the survivors, and 9.6 +/- 3.4% among the non-survivors. Colostomy was performed in four patients one of whom died. While in one patient the colostomy was created along with the initial radical debridement, in three other patients it was formed on days three, five and five, respectively. There was a significant improvement in their general status and biological parameters. All patients with testicular involvement died. CONCLUSION: Evidence of systemic sepsis at presentation, extent of tissue and testicular involvement, a low haematocrit, a high blood urea and creatinine and a low serum albumin, were associated with a higher mortality. Prompt recognition of the condition, urgent radical surgical debridement and the use of appropriate antibiotics are the mainstays of management. Formation of a diverting colostomy appears to favour survival.

Abscess↗

Factors predicting morbidity and mortality in intestinal fistulae.

INTRODUCTION: Intestinal fistulae are a daunting clinical problem. AIM: To evaluate the influence of various severity factors on morbidity and mortality in patients with intestinal fistulae. METHOD: In 29 patients with intestinal fistulae, eight severity factors, viz., age, associated bowel disease, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, high-output fistula, category IV fistula, excoriation of skin surrounding the stoma, and sepsis, were analyzed prospectively to assess their effect on healing of fistulae and mortality. Chi-squared test with Yates' correction was used. RESULTS: Age, presence of associated bowel disease, and hemoglobin levels had no significant effect on healing or mortality. Hypoalbuminemia, category IV fistulae, presence of local skin excoriation, and sepsis significantly delayed healing (p < 0.05). High-output fistula, category IV fistula, local skin excoriation, and sepsis were significantly associated with high mortality (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Identification of these prognostic factors in intestinal fistulae may guide the need for more intensive care or intervention.

Cutaneous Fistula↗

Fetus in fetu or a retroperitoneal teratoma--a controversy revisited. A case report and review of literature.

A 25 year old man male presented with a lump in the left side of the abdomen. Ultrasonography revealed an echogenic retroperitoneal mass with hyperechoic areas within it suggestive of bone. CT scan confirmed the presence of a large retroperitoneal mass with bone within it. On exploration there was a large encapsulated retroperitoneal lump. There was a soft tissue mass within the lump surrounded by a yellow pultaceous material admixed with pus. Examination of the specimen showed a bone at the cephalic end with teeth embedded within it. There were two limb buds near the cephalic end. The whole specimen was covered with skin with all its appendages. There was coelomic cavity present. The distinction between fetus in fetus and teratoma has for long been the subject of controversy. According to the criteria described by Willis, there should be a vertebral axis present to make the diagnosis of fetus in fetu. But there have been a few reports where cases have been described as fetus in fetu even in the absence of a vertebral axis. A review of the literature concerning this controversy is briefly given.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic versus mini-lap cholecystectomy for gallstone disease.

AIM: To compare the outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and mini-lap cholecystectomy (MC) in patients with symptomatic gallstone disease. METHOD: One hundred patients undergoing LC (50) or MC (50) were evaluated for duration of surgery, morbidity, need for analgesia, duration of hospitalization and interval to return to normal work. RESULTS: The mean operative time was significantly longer in the LC group (94 +/- 17 vs 129 +/- 33 min; p < 0.05). The rate of morbidity and conversion to open surgery were similar in the two groups. Patients in the MC group required more oral analgesia (p = ns). The mean post-operative hospital stay in this group was 3.3 +/- 1.5 days as compared to 3.3 +/- 2.7 days in the LC group (p = ns). Patients in the LC group took the same time to return to normal work (19.1 +/- 3.2 days) as those in the MC group 19.5 +/- 5.4 days (p = ns). CONCLUSION: MC and LC are comparable procedures for treatment of gallstone disease in our country.

Cholecystectomy↗

Biliary sepsis: an ascending infection.

AIM: To study the bacteriology of normal and obstructed biliary tree and determine the mode of biliary infection. METHODS: Fifty seven patients undergoing elective biliary surgery for calculous biliary disease cholecystitis 45, obstructive jaundice 12) were studied. Bile samples collected separately from gall bladder, common bile duct and duodenum at the time of surgery were processed for aerobic and anaerobic cultures and antibiotic assays. To locate endogenous foci of infection, urine, nasal swab and throat swab cultures were done. Isolates from/biliary tract were compared with those from other sites. RESULTS: Thirty eight patients (66.7%) had bactobilia. The prevalence was higher in patients with obstructive jaundice (10/12, 83.3%) than (p = 0.5) in those with non-obstructed biliary tree. Single bacterial infection (31 cases, 81 %) was more common than mixed infection (7 cases, 19%). Colonization of more than one segment of the biliary tree was seen in 30 patients (79%). E coli was the most frequently isolated organism. In 24 cases (63.2%), strains of organisms from the common bile duct and gall bladder were similar to those from the duodenum, and in only 10 cases (23.2%) were similar to those found in the nose, throat and urine. The antibiotic concentrations in the common bile duct after single doses of preoperative antibiotic (gentamicin and cephazolin) were lower in the obstructed biliary tree (1.5 +/- 0.4 milligrams/mL and 2.8 milligrams/mL respectively) than in the non-obstructed system (3.9 +/- 1.7 milligrams and 12.6 milligrams/mL/mL respectively) (p = 0.5 for both antibiotics). CONCLUSION: Ascending infection forms the mode of biliary sepsis in a majority of cases. Prophylactic antibiotics give low levels in the bile in an obstructed biliary tree.

Adult↗

Intraperitoneal abscesses: diagnostic dilemmas and therapeutic options.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of intraperitoneal abscesses is difficult, resulting in delay in treatment and poor prognosis. Although recent advances in the management have led to significant improvement in prognosis, the choice of therapeutic modality is unclear. AIMS: The role of clinical features and investigations in the diagnosis of intraperitoneal abscesses was studied. The relation of prognosis to delay in diagnosis was also analyzed. Also assessed was the efficacy of various therapeutic modalities. METHODS: Thirty consecutive patients diagnosed to have intraperitoneal abscesses were analyzed. Abscesses were analyzed. Abscesses were divided on the basis of ultrasonography findings into simple and complex (with or without fecal fistula). The following points were evaluated: clinical features, and hematological, biochemical and microbiological reports, imaging findings and the role of therapeutic modalities like percutaneous aspiration (single or multiple), catheter drainage and operative drainage (transperitoneal, extraperitoneal and percutaneous). RESULTS: Clinical features and hematological investigations, though sensitive, were non-specific in diagnosis. Klebsiella was the commonest organism cultured, followed by Proteus, E coli and Pseudomonas. Blood culture was positive in only 6 percent of cases. Real-time ultrasonography had an accuracy of 84%. Contrast X-rays were required in 43% of cases. All the deaths (4 of 30) occurred when the diagnosis and treatment were delayed by more than 4 days. USG-guided aspiration (single and multiple) and USG-guided catheter drainage were effective in simple abscesses but failed in complex abscesses. Transperitoneal operative drainage was successful in 15 of 18 cases (6 of 8 simple abscesses and 9 of 10 complex abscesses). The mortality in patients with simple and complex abscesses was 2 of 17 and 2 of 13 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Early detection with consequent early treatment is vital for good prognosis of intraperitoneal abscesses. Early diagnosis requires a high degree of clinical suspicion and appropriate use of imaging modalities. USG-guided percutaneous drainage is effective for simple abscesses whereas complex abscesses require operative drainage, sometimes in combination with initial USG-guided drainage.

Abscess↗

Esophageal endoscopic sclerotherapy in children using 3% aqueous phenol.

OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy of endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy (EST) in controlling acute variceal bleeding and preventing recurrence of bleeding from esophageal varices in children. METHODS: Ninety children (mean age 7.3 +/- 3.0 years) with portal hypertension [extra-hepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) 83, cirrhosis 7] presenting with hematemesis and/or melena were subjected to EST using 3% phenol in water as sclerosant. RESULTS: Active variceal bleeding could be controlled in 31 of 34 (91%) cases. Varices could be obliterated in 87% of patients with a mean of 5.4 +/- 2.5 injection sessions. Pre-obliteration variceal rebleeding was observed in 15% of patients. Complications such as esophageal ulceration, stricture and perforation were observed in 32%, 4.5% and 1% of patients respectively. Strictures responded to dilatation whereas perforation responded to conservative treatment. Recurrence of varices was seen in 22% of patients at a mean interval of 5.8 +/- 1.9 months. The mortality in the emergency group was 9.5% and nil in the elective group. Ten percent of patients required surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: EST with 3% phenol in water is effective in controlling active bleeding as well as preventing recurrent bleeding from esophageal varices in children.

Acute Disease↗

Formalin (0.25%) as topical anti-microbial agent in burns.

In a prospective controlled trial, 0.25% formalin spray was compared with 2% silver sulfadiazine cream as the local treatment of burns. Formation and separation of eschar, infection and death rates were recorded. In the group receiving formalin, rates of formation and separation of eschar were significantly more (P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.05 resp.) compared to other group. Infection rate and fatality due to infection were also reduced. Other advantages of formalin are ease of application and the low east.

Administration, Topical↗

Endoscopic and radiological appraisal of gastric varices.

Of 104 patients with portal hypertension who were subjected to oesophageal variceal sclerotherapy, gastric varices were seen in 81 (78 per cent) at endoscopy and 69 (74 per cent) at splenoportography. In 50 (48 per cent) patients gastric varices were seen at the initial endoscopic examination and in 31 they developed during follow-up at intervals varying from 1 to 56 weeks. Gastric varices were seen significantly more often along the lesser curvature than in the gastric fundus and the left gastric vein was the main feeding vessel in 75 per cent of cases. Varices bled in nine of 81 patients and bleeding was seen significantly more often from fundal varices (30 per cent) than from lesser curve varices (5 per cent) (P less than 0.02). The incidence of gastric varices is high, and contrary to popular belief they are more often located along the lesser curvature of the stomach than in the gastric fundus.

Adolescent↗

Pneumatic dilatation in achalasia cardia results and follow-up.

Pneumatic dilatation is one of the more recent methods in the management of achalasia cardia. Fifty dilatations were done in 42 patients with achalasia cardia over 5 years. There was a significant decrease in the maximum diameter of the oesophagus and a significant increase in diameter in the narrowed lower oesophageal segment in all the patients. Of the patients studied, 95.23% were relieved of their symptoms after only one to two sessions. There were no immediate complications. Out of the 38 patients on long term follow up, 8 (21.05%) had recurrence of symptoms. On repeat dilatations, 4 (50%) of them had good response. Late complication like reflux oesophagitis was observed in only 1 patient over a median follow up period of 22 months. It was thus concluded that pneumatic dilatation is a safe, simple and effective procedure in managing patients with achalasia cardia.

Adult↗

Comparative trial of three different schedules for endoscopic esophageal variceal sclerotherapy.

We analyzed our experience in 125 patients with variceal bleeding to compare the efficacy and complications of various schedules of endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy. The schedules for the first three injections were as follows: (A) 3-5 ml of aqueous phenol injected at intervals of three weeks (Group I, n = 28), one week (Group II, n = 30) and three days (Group IIIa, n = 33), and (B) 2-3 ml of phenol at each site at intervals of 3 days (Group IIIb, n = 34). Subsequent injections were given at four week intervals for all groups. Varices could be obliterated significantly earlier (p less than 0.001) in patients injected at 3-day intervals (mean +/- SD 9.12 +/- 5.95 weeks) as compared with those injected at 1-week (13.50 +/- 10.28 weeks) and 3-week (20.55 +/- 7.77 weeks) intervals. The rebleeding rate was not significantly less in the 3-day interval group (Group IIIa--16.66% and Group IIIb--17.64%) as compared with the 1-week (23.3%) and 3-week (28.5%) groups. However the mortality due to rebleed was significantly less (p less than 0.05) in patients injected at 3-day interval (nil), as compared with those injected at 1-week (13.3%) and 3-week (10.7%) intervals. Mucosal ulcerations and stricture formation were observed significantly (p less than 0.001) more frequently in patients undergoing sclerotherapy at 3-day intervals (Group IIIa--51.5% and 18.18%) with 3-5 ml of phenol as compared with those injected similar volume at 1-week (16.66% and 3.3%) and 3-week (7.1% and 3.5%) intervals respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗