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Biomedical subjects

J Ballester

Publications and source records attributed to J Ballester.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

[Colonic transit time (segmental and total) in healthy subjects and patients with chronic idiopathic constipation].

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of the treatment of patients with chronic idiopathic constipation not responding to normal therapeutic measures depends on correct functional diagnosis. The study of the segmentary and total colonic transit time with radioopaque markers is the most economic technique in everyday clinic ambience for functionally evaluating these patients. METHODS: Segmental and total colonic transit time was calculated with the use of radioopaque markers in 23 healthy subjects (12 men and 11 women) and in 13 women with severe idiopathic constipation. Twenty markers were administered daily for three consecutive days and simple x-rays of the abdomen were made on the fourth, seventh and in some cases on the tenth day. In addition, the symptomatology of 9 patients was collected by means of a 30 day diary. RESULTS: The maximum values of transit time (mean + 2SD) obtained in the healthy subjects were 17, 25, 26, and 49 hours for the right colon, left colon, rectosigmoid and the whole colon, respectively. The time of left colon transit was significantly lower in the women. The transit time in constipated patients permitted the differentiation of three functional patients: a) slowing of the right and left colon possibly associated to rectosigmoid slowing in 5 patients; b) isolated slowing in the left colon in 4 patients and c) isolated rectosigmoid slowing in 4 patients. Group a) was characterized by long total colonic transit times while these were normal in 2 patients of group b) and in one patient of group c). No differences were seen in the symptomatology of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The calculation of segmentary and total colonic transit time with radioopaque markers is a simple technique which permits the detection of different subgroups of patients with chronic idiopathic constipation refractory to normal treatment. The exact typification of the functional anomaly is an important basis for the individualization of treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[The efficacy of Plantago ovata as a regulator of intestinal transit. A double-blind study compared to placebo].

The effect of Plantago ovata on patients with chronic constipation (CC) with or without irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been assessed by a double blind study comprising 20 patients with CC of which 10 had associated IBS. A clinical questionnaire, weight of feces and intestinal transit time measured with radiopaque markers were done. Patients were then randomly distributed, 10 receiving PO and 10 placebo. Similar tests were done after treatment one month later. All patients receiving PO had good results against only one in the placebo group. Frequency of stools increased from 2.5 +/- 1 vs 8 +/- 2.2 stools per week, p less than 0.001 for paired data). A decrease in consistency of stools was also observed in the treated group. Fecal weight and colonic transit time were not significantly modified in placebo patients, while weight increase was observed in the treated ones (124 +/- 71 vs 194 +/- 65, gr/d p less than 0.001 for paired data) as well as a decrease in transit time (48 +/- 15 vs 34 +/- 18 hours p less than 0.05 for paired data). No adverse effects were observed and particularly no flatulence as often seen in patients on bran.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Chronic idiopathic constipation: the importance of transit time studies.

Chronic idiopathic constipation includes a very heterogeneous group of alterations which cannot be correctly defined only by their clinical appearance and require an examination of the colonic transit time. This test is performed by using a specific number of radiopaque markers and a fixed number of X-ray observations. By means of transit time study, we can classify the constipated patients into 4 groups: a) patients with stasis in the right colon (17-53% of cases) which implies an alteration of propulsive forces or absence of mass movements and segmentary motor activity; b) stasis in the left colon (13-27% of cases) which could be due to a "reflux" of colonic contents or to a hyperactive sigmoid; c) rectosigmoid stasis (20-33% of cases) which is secondary to a megarectum. Internal anal sphincter (IAS) and/or external anal sphincter (EAS) function failure and d) normal transit time (greater than 40 of cases) which is commonly due to psychological problems or to a low-fiber-content diet. We can conclude that transit time study is not necessary in mild constipation, but it is advised for those patients who do not respond to standard medical therapy or when surgery is being contemplated.

Anal Canal↗
PubMed1991

Colonic sensitive-motor alterations in the irritable bowel syndrome.

The pathogenetic factors involved in the genesis of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has not been fully explained yet. The abnormalities observed in these patients are a hypersensitivity to distension and an amplification of painful sensations. The motor activity of sigmoid colon shows an increased motility index in IBS patients with constipation and a low motility index in those with diarrhea. An hypercaloric meal induces a hypermotility in these patients. In our experience rectal distension evokes abdominal pain in 78% of cases at volumes of 100ml (less than than controls and constipated patients). The perfusion of rectum induces continuous abdominal pain in 89% of IBS patients. We can say that the motility of the whole colon over prolonged periods of time may represent an important progress in understanding the motor function in these patients.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed1991

[Recurrent benign intrahepatic cholestasis. A case report].

A case of benign and recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis in a 46 year old female is presented. This patient, who correctly coincided with the diagnosis criteria, had 2 episodes of jaundice and pruritus over a period of 4 years. The diagnosis criteria, clinical features, blood tests, etiopathogenesis and treatment are reviewed.

Cholestasis, Intrahepatic↗
PubMed1989

A new physiologic correction technique for re-establishment of pulmonary circulation. Experimental surgical development.

A new physiologic technique is presented for surgical correction of truncus arteriosus, pseudotruncus, transposition of the great arteries, double right ventricular outflow tract with subpulmonary ventricular septal defect and certain cases of Fallot's tetralogy. The basis of the technique are creation of a neo-right atrium, neo-pulmonary trunk, neo-right atrioventricular valve and a neo-pulmonary valve by right angular atriotomy and insertion of a homologous pericardial patch with a monocuspid valve. The pulmonary circulation is re-established by anastomosis of the neo-pulmonary trunk to the pulmonary tree. The technique was used on 26 mongrel dogs. In 14 the experiments were preliminary, to evaluate the technique's validity, and in the other 12 it was performed with extracorporeal circulation and the hemodynamic status was studied at 30 and 180 min postoperatively. The technique and its results and potential advantages are described. Clinical application is considered to be feasible.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed1983

[2 cases of vertebral hydatidosis treated by the association of surgery and mebendazole].

Two cases of vertebral hydatidosis were diagnosed only at the time of operation. The first one, a lumbar localisation treated as a tuberculosis, by posterior graft and chemotherapy went to a large vertebral destruction with paraplegia. An anterior approach revealed the hydatids. A large excision associated with graft and osteosynthesis gave only a temporary improvement, but the treatment by Mebendazol cured the neurological symptoms. The second case, with a large destruction of L5 and S1, was also treated as a tuberculosis even after a decompressive laminectomy and recognized at a second operation on the sacrum. A left paralysis, incompletely improved by a decompression, appeared as favourably influenced by Mebendazol. Epidemiologic conditions of hydatosis, difficulties of diagnosis of the rare bony localizations, are recalled. The great problem of treatment, especially in the most frequent vertebral lesions, where complete excision is impossible, appears as hopefully improved by Mebendazol.

Adult↗