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Biomedical subjects

D Sellu

Publications and source records attributed to D Sellu.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Autologous fashioned graft for aneurysm repair in a contaminated field.

BACKGROUND: In situ synthetic grafts are not routinely used for aortoiliac reconstruction in the presence of active or potential infection, while the use of a venous autologous graft in these circumstances is limited by the size and length of the venous conduit that is required, the superficial femoral vein being most frequently used. METHODS: We describe a new technique in which an autologous venous conduit was constructed with side-to-side anastomosed segments of a longitudinally opened greater saphenous vein. Thus the diameter of the new conduit was increased. RESULTS: This venous graft was successfully used to repair an isolated common iliac aneurysm in a patient with sigmoid cancer, as part of a combined procedure. At 1 year follow-up the venous graft has not shown any signs of dilatation or stenosis on CT scanning. CONCLUSIONS: If validated by further work, our novel graft could be used in cases of intraabdominal graft infections and mycotic aneurysms instead of deep leg veins.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Endoanal magnetic resonance imaging of fistula-in-ano: a comparison of STIR with gadolinium-enhanced techniques.

PURPOSE: To compare a STIR sequence with gadolinium-enhanced techniques on endoanal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of fistulas-in-ano by correlating the findings with those at surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-two consecutive patients with clinical suspicion of perianal sepsis were studied using an endoanal coil followed immediately by a phased array coil. T1-weighted precontrast and postcontrast and STIR images in transverse and coronal planes were produced with each coil and analysed by noting the presence and site of a collection, primary track, the position of any internal opening, and subcutaneous or supralevator extension. An "expert" and also a "trainee" radiologist assessed the images. Operative findings were similarly recorded. The Fisher exact test was used to compare imaging with surgery. Interobserver variation was calculated using a kappa statistic. RESULTS: Of 22 patients with suspected fistulas, 8 were simple, 4 were complex, and 3 were superficial sinuses. Five had no anal pathology, 1 had anal excoriation, and 1 had a polyp. At surgery, 6 intersphincteric, 1 transsphincteric, 8 extrasphincteric, no supralevator collections, and 9 internal openings were noted. The overall sensitivity and specificity for detecting these were 75% and 64%, respectively, for STIR imaging, and 58.3% and 62.8% for gadolinium-enhanced imaging. There was good agreement between the "trainee" and the "expert" in the interpretation of images (kappa=0.7). CONCLUSION: A STIR sequence is more sensitive overall than gadolinium-enhanced techniques on endoanal magnetic resonance imaging of fistulas-in-ano because of increased sensitivity in detecting the internal opening. A combination of endoanal and phased array techniques using STIR imaging sequences is valuable preoperative assessment in both simple and complex cases.

Adult↗

Randomized clinical trial of sutured versus stapled closed haemorrhoidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Stapled haemorrhoidectomy does not involve dissection, with its attendant potential morbidity, required to perform closed haemorrhoidectomy. This study compared haemorrhoidectomy with (sutured) and without (stapled) preliminary dissection. METHODS: Forty patients with prolapsed symptomatic haemorrhoids were randomly assigned to sutured (n = 20) or stapled (n = 20) haemorrhoidectomy. Preoperative assessment was by proctoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and anal manometry. Stapled and diathermy haemorrhoidectomies with wound suture were performed, and excised tissue was examined histologically. Pain scores, complications, wound healing and patient satisfaction were recorded. Follow-up was weekly for 4 weeks, and at 3 and 6 months; anal manometry was repeated at the last two visits. RESULTS: Postoperative resting and squeeze pressures were reduced by the stapled method at 3 months (P = 0.02 and P = 0.03 respectively), returning to baseline by 6 months. Stapled haemorrhoidectomy was quicker but initial access into the anus was hampered by the bulky stapler. Isolated muscle fibres were identified equally in both groups, but incontinence did not occur. The stapled technique resulted in less postoperative pain (P = 0.04), a greater degree of satisfaction (P = 0.01) and faster wound healing (P < 0.001), but was more expensive. There was no significant difference in complications. CONCLUSION: Despite the higher cost and difficult access, stapled haemorhoidectomy results in less postoperative pain, faster wound healing and greater patient satisfaction than the sutured technique.

Adult↗

The quality of operation notes: can simple word processors help?

In a retrospective study the quality of operation notes on specifically designed proformas was compared to those produced by word processors and predesigned templates and notes in patients undergoing operations for colorectal cancer. The operations in the two groups were similar. Computer notes scored higher on all criteria, were all legible and took the same time to generate. The results were given to staff in an attempt to improve the quality of future notes. Prospective comparison demonstrated that the quality of computer notes improved even further, while that of manual forms did not change. Word processor computer notes are easy to set up, amend and produce but staff should be trained in the use of personal computers and machines must be readily available in operating theatres. Word processor databases will, in addition, enable the data collected to be analysed automatically to yield information for audit and research.

Colorectal Neoplasms↗

Subjective effects of double gloves on surgical performance.

This randomised trial compared single gloves with combinations of double gloves to determine the subjective effects on comfort, sensitivity and dexterity in 32 surgeons. Glove perforation rates were also compared. Single gloves of the surgeon's normal size (method A) were used as control. Double gloves were worn in three different ways, selected randomly: normal gloves inside and gloves one-half size larger outside (method B); the larger gloves inside and the normal gloves outside (method C); and lastly, two pairs of gloves of normal size (method D). Double gloves by all three methods significantly protected against needle perforation of the inner gloves when compared with single gloves, but also significantly impaired comfort, sensitivity and dexterity. When the three types of double gloving were compared, there appeared to be advantages for method C for all modalities, but the differences did not reach statistical significance; also, more surgeons expressed a preference for method C. Perforation of the inner gloves was significantly less for double gloves than for single gloves. We conclude that double gloves often protect the surgeon against needle perforations, but are felt to impair comfort, sensitivity and dexterity.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

Can surgical gloves be made thinner without increasing their liability to puncture?

A new process has been used to develop Biogel Super-Sensitive gloves which are thinner but theoretically as strong as standard Biogel gloves. The two types of glove were compared for their effects on manual sensitivity and dexterity in a randomised controlled trial. The Super-Sensitive gloves impaired sensitivity significantly less than standard gloves but made no difference to the ability to tie knots. No statistically significant difference was shown in the resistance to perforation between the two types of gloves. Surgeons who prefer more sensitive but relatively strong gloves should find the new gloves useful.

Equipment Design↗

Neuropeptides in skin disease: increased VIP in eczema and psoriasis but not axillary hyperhidrosis.

The neuropeptides vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), substance P and somatostatin were studied in skin biopsies from patients with eczema, psoriasis and axillary hyperhidrosis. VIP concentrations were elevated in skin affected by eczema and psoriasis, whereas substance P and somatostatin levels did not differ from controls. There was a higher concentration of VIP, but not of substance P or somatostatin, in normal axillary skin when compared to adjacent trunk skin, with abundant VIP-containing fibres surrounding eccrine sweat glands. The VIP concentration was unchanged in skin affected by axillary hyperhidrosis. VIP may increase local blood flow in eczema and psoriasis, but does not appear to play a role in axillary hyperhidrosis.

Adult↗

Subtotal parathyroidectomy for primary chief cell hyperplasia of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type I syndrome.

To evaluate the efficacy of subtotal parathyroidectomy (STP) in the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism due to multiple gland disease, 12 patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type I syndrome were reviewed out of 132 patients undergoing parathyroidectomy. Each patient had yearly follow-up examinations and calcium determinations for a minimum of four years except for one patient who died one year after S.T.P. Permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred in three patients. Two patients remained persistently hypercalcemic, and two patients developed recurrent hypercalcemia. One patient required oral administration of calcium and vitamin D for ten years following STP before recurrent hypercalcemia developed. Another patient was normocalcemic for three years before recurrent hypercalcemia was noted. Only five of these 12 patients remain normocalcemic without need of calcium and vitamin D therapy. In patients with MEN type I, the long-term results of STP are less than satisfactory. Not only is it difficult to gauge how viable parathyroid tissue must be left to prevent both permanent hypoparathyroidism and persistent hyperparathyroidism but there is also a long-term risk of recurrence.

Calcium↗