PubMed HealthSearch

Biomedical subjects

E R Owen

Publications and source records attributed to E R Owen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Long-term results of 1 millimeter arterial anastomosis using the 3M precise microvascular anastomotic system.

The 3M Precise Microvascular Anastomotic System has been tested experimentally in long-term studies of arteries of 1 mm in diameter for the first time. The device was placed, using a newly described technique, in the infrarenal aorta of 25 rats. At different intervals (2 weeks, 16 weeks, and 1 year), the section containing the 3M Precise Microvascular Anastomotic System was removed and processed for light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. All the anastomoses were found to be patent. Using a new device to process the material, both light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy at 2 weeks showed a perfect reparative process at the junction site and the presence of a continuous endothelial layer. Media atrophy was responsible for wall thinning within the device. At 16 weeks, the atrophy of the media was even more marked, reducing the vessel wall thickness within the device to one-third of normal. At 1 year, this atrophy of the media was complete; smooth muscle cells disappeared and were replaced by fibrous tissue. Adventitia was not present over the long term within the device. The continuous endothelial layer, however, was still viable. These long-term results suggest that scar tissue forms within the device, while a continuous endothelial layer remains viable internal to this.

Anastomosis, Surgical

Obesity surgery in the United Kingdom: survey of 970 general surgeons.

The results of a questionnaire survey on obesity surgery sent to 970 consultant general surgeons working in the United Kingdom National Health Service are presented. The response rate was 37%. There were 38 surgeons actively practising this surgery. The majority were performing a gastric procedure, mostly gastroplasty, but some did gastric bypass or banding. Three were doing the biliopancreatic bypass. Most surgeons were doing less than 10 operations a year. A total of 109 expressed an interest in attending a UK symposium and 59 would participate in a UK Bariatric Register. This practice, though only a small part of UK surgery, is larger than expected.

Attitude of Health Personnel

Plastibell circumcision.

A complication of Plastibell circumcision requiring hospital admission is described. This occurred in three siblings of different ages who were circumcised at the same time by a non-medical religious operator. The complication was caused by proximal dislocation of the Plastibell ring, which failed to fall off at the usual time. In one case a general anaesthetic was required to remove the ring. Careful observation, by informed parents, after such a procedure will allow early intervention which should prevent such an occurrence.

Child

Peripheral laser assisted angioplasty: results, complications and follow-up.

Detailed results including complications and ultimate outcome of 24 laser assisted angioplasties in 22 patients are presented. Despite the enthusiasm expressed in other published reports, we remain sceptical of the value of laser using a 1.5 mm 'hot-tip' probe for assisting angioplasty of peripheral occlusions. The tendency for this type of probe to damage the vessel wall and in so doing prohibit the use of subsequent balloon dilatation is a major problem. In this small series the long-term patency was not improved compared with conventional angioplasty. We have established the relative safety of this laser technique and further advances in probe design may lead to greater success in crossing long lesions. Long-term maintenance of patency in these diseased arteries will need further advances in technique and assessment preferably by a controlled trial.

Aged

Gastroplasty for morbid obesity: technique, complications and results in 60 cases.

A series of 60 gastroplasty operations based on Mason's vertical banded procedure are described. Details of technique, modifications, complications and results are discussed. Operative treatment results in a reduction to within 40 per cent of ideal weight in 80 per cent of patients between 12 and 18 months after surgery. The constricting band should not be greater than 5 cm; if it is most procedures will fail after 18 months. Pouch size should be measured and made no greater than 20 ml. The importance of nutritional counselling is emphasized. The surgical treatment should form part of a multidisciplinary approach with careful selection and long-term follow-up.

Adolescent

Complications of parotid surgery: the need for selectivity.

The morbidity rate following 112 operations on the parotid gland is reported. Facial nerve palsy (temporary, 38 per cent; permanent, 9 per cent) and Frey's syndrome (11 per cent) were common following superficial parotidectomy. For pleomorphic adenoma and malignant lesions this procedure is justified. Benign conditions, which can be diagnosed preoperatively, should be treated by more limited surgery which has a lower complication rate.

Facial Paralysis