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T Agarwal

Publications and source records attributed to T Agarwal.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

A nontransfusional perioperative management regimen for patients with sickle cell disease undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at increased risk for cholelithiasis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most frequent general surgical operation performed for this group of patients. Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is the most common cause of postoperative death among SCD patients. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a novel perioperative management regimen involving prophylactic continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP) ventilation and avoidance of preoperative blood transfusion on postoperative SCD-related complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: A retrospective study included all SCD patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy since 1997 at our institution. Medical notes were analyzed to assess the rates of postoperative complications in relation to the severity of SCD. RESULTS: A total of 13 patients were identified. There were no recorded episodes of acute painful crises and only one patient experienced an episode of ACS requiring protracted CPAP. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be safely performed for SCD patients without prior blood transfusion. A defined perioperative regimen including the use of routine postoperative prophylactic CPAP for these patients helps to reduce SCD-related postoperative complications such as ACS and painful vaso-occlusive crises.

Adolescent↗

Sentinel node biopsy can replace four-node-sampling in staging early breast cancer.

AIM: Four-node axillary sampling for breast cancer is an established method of staging the axilla in the United Kingdom. We report the sensitivity of sentinel node (SN) biopsy and compare it with that of four-node sampling. METHODS: SN identification was attempted in 234 consecutive patients with unifocal breast cancers up to 25 mm in diameter on pre-operative ultrasound. A combination of isotope-labelled nanocolloid and patent blue dye techniques were used and SN were identified in 221 (94.5%). All patients underwent back-up four-node sampling and those with positive sentinel nodes on frozen section (FS) underwent immediate full axillary clearance. RESULTS: Among those patients who had SN successfully identified, an average of 1.38 SN were identified per patient. Histological examination of the SN alone would have identified all node-positive patients that the four-node sample identified. CONCLUSION: In patients who have SN identified, four-node axillary sampling does not provide any additional information.

Axilla↗

Core biopsy versus FNAC for palpable breast cancers. Is image guidance necessary?

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of free-hand percutaneous core biopsy (FHCB) and to determine the role of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) as diagnostic tools for palpable radiologically-suspicious breast lumps. This retrospective study was based on reviewing the clinical records of all patients diagnosed as having breast cancer between January 1999 and December 2000 and patients who had benign lesions, but suspicious breast imaging at triple assessment. Absolute sensitivity of FHCB for diagnosing cancer in palpable lesions was 98.7% compared with 51.3% for FNAC. The difference in the sensitivity of FHCB and FNAC was statistically significant (P<0.005, Wilcoxon matched pair test). Since 94.8% of radiologically-suspicious lumps were shown to be cancers, we advocate FHCB for all patients presenting with radiologically suspicious palpable lumps to our breast clinic. We also conclude that the sensitivity of FHCB for the diagnosis of malignancy in palpable radiologically-suspicious breast lesions is so high that image-guidance is unnecessary.

Biopsy, Needle↗

Ultrasound biomicroscopy in lens "coloboma".

PURPOSE: To study the morphology of the Lens "Coloboma" using the technique of ultrasound biomicroscopy. METHODS: We used the Paradigm 40 Ultrasound biomicroscope to study the morphology of the lens "Coloboma". RESULTS: Ultrasound biomicroscopy of the lens "Coloboma" revealed a greatly increased sphericity of the lens and the deficiency of zonules in the "colobomatous" area. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound biomicroscopy has helped in elucidating the pathology of the lens "Coloboma".

Coloboma↗

Image-guided surgery for anal fistula in a 0.5T interventional MRI unit.

PURPOSE: To determine whether MR-guided anorectal surgery is feasible, and to develop techniques for MR-guided anal fistula surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six patients with pilonidal sinus (PNS), and 21 with suspected anal fistulae were operated on in the GE Signa SPIO 0.5T interventional MRI unit. Procedures were performed with magnet-safe Lockhart-Mummery fistula probes. Preprocedural and intra-operative MRI (IOMRI) techniques were used to identify the extent of the fistula tracts and septic foci, and to ensure the adequacy of the surgical procedure. RESULTS: IOMRI demonstrated the PNS lesions and the adequacy of excision. Imaging failed to demonstrate a fistula in two patients, as confirmed by surgical examination. No images were obtained in one patient due to his size (weight in excess of 100 kg). In 18 patients a fistula tract or abscess was demonstrated and IOMRI was used to assess the adequacy of the surgical procedure. In three patients this demonstrated incomplete drainage of septic foci, which was not obvious on inspection of the surgical field. We believe that in these patients IOMRI prevented an incomplete procedure and the potential requirement for a second operation. Further surgery was performed to rectify this situation. The fistula tract was laid open in 13 patients, and a Seton drain was inserted in five. CONCLUSION: MRI-guided surgery for anal fistula is feasible. IOMRI demonstrates the exact anatomy of the tracts and abscesses, and confirms that all have been adequately treated. We believe it may become particularly useful in surgery for recurrent and complex anal fistulae, and may lead to fewer recurrences.

Adult↗

Laser in situ keratomileusis for residual myopia after primary LASIK.

PURPOSE: To analyze the results of secondary laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for residual myopia after primary LASIK. SETTING: Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital, Chennai, India. METHODS: A retrospective study of 50 eyes of 29 patients who had a secondary LASIK procedure was carried out. After a mean follow-up of 5.84 months +/- 3.24 (SD) after the primary procedure, the mean myopic residual refraction was -4.30 +/- 1.83 diopters (D). In 10 eyes, the primary corneal flap was lifted by blunt dissection. In 40 eyes, the flap was made with a second cut. The secondary LASIK was performed using the Chiron Technolas Keracor 217 excimer laser and the Automated Corneal Shaper microkeratome (Bausch & Lomb). RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 16.58 +/- 3.06 months. At 12 months, the mean spherical equivalent was -0.45 +/- 0.68 D (P <.05). Thirty-one eyes were emmetropic, 13 eyes were within +/-1.00 D of emmetropia, and 5 eyes were within +/-2.00 D. The mean uncorrected visual acuity improved from 20/80 (range 20/60 to 20/200) to 20/40 (range 20/20 to 20/200) (P <.005). Seventeen eyes gained 1 line of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity; 1 eye lost 1 line because of a decentered ablation with an induced postoperative astigmatism of -3.50 D cylinder. No sight-threatening complications such as a free cap, flap irregularity, corneal ectasia, or retinal complication occurred postoperatively. Epithelial ingrowth developed in 5 eyes and corneal thinning, in 1 eye. Three eyes had night glare. CONCLUSION: Secondary LASIK was a safe, stable, and effective method for the treatment of residual myopia after primary LASIK.

Adult↗

Laser in situ keratomileusis for residual myopia after radial keratotomy and photorefractive keratectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the visual outcome, stability, and complications of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for residual myopia after radial keratotomy (RK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). SETTING: Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital, Chennai, India. METHODS: Twenty eyes that had LASIK treatment for residual myopia after RK (10 eyes) or PRK (10 eyes) were retrospectively analyzed. Laser in situ keratomileusis was performed after a mean period of 24.3 months +/- 0.75 (SD) in the RK group and 22.0 +/- 1.07 months in the PRK group. RESULTS: At the last follow-up, the mean spherical equivalent was reduced from -6.05 +/- 1.98 diopters (D) to -1.26 +/- 0.32 D (P <.05) in the RK group and from -3.38 +/- 1.30 D to -0.55 +/- 0.40 D (P <.005) in the PRK group. The mean uncorrected visual acuity improved from 20/300 (range 20/600 to 20/200) to 20/40 (range 20/60 to 20/20) (P <.05) and from 20/200 (range 20/800 to 20/80) to 20/25 (range 20/40 to 20/20) (P <.05), respectively. Two eyes in the RK group and 3 in the PRK group gained 1 line of best corrected visual acuity, and 2 eyes in the RK group lost 1 line. No sight-threatening complications such as a free flap, corneal ectasia, or a retinal complication occurred. There was no statistically significant difference in corneal haze before and after LASIK. Two eyes in the RK group required repositioning of the flap because of irregular apposition to the stromal bed. CONCLUSION: Laser in situ keratomileusis was safe, effective, and stable in the treatment of residual myopia after RK and PRK.

Adult↗

Results of pediatric laser in situ keratomileusis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for uniocular high myopia in pediatric eyes. SETTING: Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital, Chennai (Madras), India. METHODS: Sixteen eyes that were treated by LASIK for uniocular high myopia were retrospectively analyzed. The mean patient age was 8.4 years +/- 1.83 (SD) (range 5 to 11 years). Laser in situ keratomileusis was performed using the Technolas Keracor 217 excimer laser and the Automated Corneal Shaper microkeratome, which created a 160 microm corneal lamellar flap. Postoperatively, patients were reviewed at 1 day, 1 week, and 1, 6, and 12 months. The examination included uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refraction, anterior segment evaluation, grading of haze based on a 5-point scale, intraocular pressure, corneal topography, and fundus evaluation. The Student t test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The charts of all patients were analyzed at the 12 month visit. The mean preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) was -14.88 +/- 3.69 diopters (D) (range -9.00 to -23.00 D) and the mean postoperative SE, -1.44 +/- 1.14 D (range 0 to -2.50 D) (P < .05). The safety index was 1.01 (mean postoperative BCVA 0.54 and mean preoperative BCVA 0.53; P = .77). The efficacy index was 0.53 (mean postoperative UCVA 0.28 and mean preoperative BCVA 0.53). None of the eyes had an induced astigmatism of more than 0.5 D. Twelve eyes regained their BCVA, 2 lost 1 line of BCVA, and 2 gained 1 line. Three eyes had grade 2 haze. No retinal complications were observed. CONCLUSION: In this study, LASIK for uniocular high myopia in pediatric eyes provided encouraging results in the management of select cases of anisometropic amblyopia when other measures failed. A larger study with a longer follow-up is necessary to determine the long-term effects.

Child↗

Fine needle aspiration of bone tumors.

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was performed in 226 cases of bone tumors and the cytohistologic correlation was calculated to assess the technique's diagnostic efficacy aided by immunocytochemistry, considering histopathology as the gold standard. Of the 226 cases, 136 were malignant and 72 cases were benign tumors. In the remaining 18 cases, cytohistopathologic examination revealed no bony lesion. There were 178 evaluable cases, but the specific morphologic diagnosis on FNAC was possible only in 159 cases with one false positive and 29 false negatives. Giant cell tumor (32%) and Ewing's sarcoma (22%) were the most common bony tumors encountered in this series. The diagnostic indices were calculated by a decision matrix comparison. The overall sensitivity and specificity were 86.0 (confidence interval [CI], 80.3-90.3) and 94.7 (CI, 71.9-99.7), respectively. The positive predictive value (PPV) was as high as 99.4 (CI, 96.5-100), while the negative predictive value (NPV) was 38.3 (CI, 24.9-53.6) with positive and negative likelihood ratios of 16.338 and 0.147, respectively. Diagnosis of malignant tumors was more accurate with a PPV of 99.2 (CI, 94.8-100.0) and specificity of 94.7 (CI, 71.9-99.7), while the sensitivity was 89.0 (CI, 82.2-93.5) and NPV was 54.5 (CI, 36.6-71.5). This study highlights the usefulness of FNAC along with the use of immunocytochemistry in the rapid diagnosis of bone tumors.

Adolescent↗

Vitrectomy for intra ocular foreign body removal.

Ten consecutive cases of perforating ocular injuries with retained intraocular foreign bodies over a period of 2 years were reviewed retrospectively in this study. All cases were operated upon by a 3 port pars plana vitrectomy and if necessary endolaser done. All ten cases (100%) were successful in terms of intraocular foreign body removal through the pars plana sclerotomy but ultimately we lost three [3] [30%] cases of which two had retinal detachments with P.V.R. D-3 preoperatively and the other had endophthalmitis. Of the seven (70%) successful cases four eyes (40%) had a post-operative vision of 6/12 or better while 2 [20%] had 6/24 and the last had 6/60 [10%]. Nine cases [90%] had a magnetic Intraocular foreign body. Various complications of Intraocular foreign bodies like vitreous haemorrhage, retinal incarceration, cataract and retinal detachment were noted preoperatively. Silicone oil was used in three (30%) cases. Sulfur Hexafluoride was used in 5 cases (50%). Endolaser photocoagulation was done in 7 cases (70%).

Adolescent↗