PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Postoperative Procedures”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Feasibility of performing TVT operation for stress urinary incontinence under general anaesthesia.

This study assesses the feasibility of performing the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) operation under general anaesthesia (GA). Fifty patients underwent TVT operation under GA. The mean age was 51.3 years (range 32-80). The mean operating time was 21 minutes (range 15-24). Forty (80%) were primary and 10 (20%) were secondary procedures. Postoperatively 22 (44%) patients passed urine within 24 hours and an indwelling catheter was used in 28 (56%) patients. The mean stay was 40 hours (8 hours-5 days). Postoperative evaluation was performed at 2, 6 and 11 months (median follow up 6 months). One patient had an infected retropubic haematoma, necessitating removal of the sling. Of the 49 patients analysed, 72% were completely cured and another 20% were significantly improved. Our findings show that TVT operation can be performed under GA without intra-operative continence demonstration. The success rate of the operation is comparable with the published results.

Adult↗

Prophylactic use of ondansetron for emesis after craniofacial operations in children.

Children who undergo craniofacial operations are especially at risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting. These operations are more complex than the craniotomies for resective procedures. Postoperative vomiting is a common occurrence that can delay recovery and result in cerebrospinal fluid leak and fistula formation in these patients. Ondansetron, a selective serotonergic antagonist, is effective in reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting in several high-risk populations. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the authors compared the prophylactic use of intravenous ondansetron 0.15 mg/kg with induction of anesthesia versus a placebo of normal saline 0.3 ml/kg with induction. A second dose was given 8 hours after the first dose. After surgery, episodes of vomiting were recorded separately in 0 to 2 hours, 2 to 6 hours, 6 to 12 hours, 12 to 24 hours, and 24 to 48 hours. Postoperative vomiting is significantly reduced in the ondansetron group compared with the placebo group (P = 0.000258). Ondansetron is effective in the prevention of postoperative vomiting in the pediatric population undergoing craniofacial operations.

Antiemetics↗

Postoperative cauda equina syndrome in patients undergoing single-level lumbar microdiscectomy. Report of two cases.

Cauda equina syndrome is a well-documented complication of uneventful lumbar microdiscectomy. In the vast majority of cases, no radiological explanation can be obtained. In this paper, the authors report two cases of postoperative cauda equina syndrome in patients undergoing single-level de novo lumbar microdiscectomy in which intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring was used. In both patients, the amplitudes of cortical and subcortical intraoperative somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) abruptly decreased during discectomy and foraminotomy. In the first patient, a slow, partial improvement of SSEPs was observed before the end of the operation, whereas no improvement was observed in the second patient. In the first case, clinical findings consistent with cauda equina syndrome were seen immediately postoperatively, whereas in the second one the symptoms developed within 1.5 hours after the procedure. Postoperative magnetic resonance images obtained in both patients, and a lumbar myelogram obtained in the second one revealed no signs of conus medullaris or nerve root compression. Both patients showed marked improvement after an intense course of rehabilitation. The authors' findings support the proposition that intraoperative SSEP monitoring may be useful in predicting the development of cauda equina syndrome in patients undergoing lumbar microdiscectomy. Nevertheless, further prospective clinical studies are necessary for validation of these findings.

Adult↗

High serum lactic acid concentration after laparotomy and peritonitis in iron stores depletion. An experimental study on the rat.

Total depletion of iron stores with a moderately decreased blood hemoglobin concentration (114 x 10 vs. 155 x 12 g/l in controls, n = 28) was produced in rats (n = 28) by rearing them for six weeks on an iron free diet, in iron free cages, starting at two weeks of age. The controls were treated at the same time in same conditions, except that they were given a normal supply of dietary iron. In all rats laparotomy and peritonitis by ligation and puncture of the caecum were carried out with ether anesthesia. Postoperative mortality and blood lactic acid concentration were followed for 120 minutes after the procedure. Postoperative mortality (8 of 28, 29% vs. 1 of 28, 4%) and blood lactic acid concentration (3.3 x 0.3 to 3.6 x 0.5 vs. 1.4 x 0.1 to 1.8 x 0.2 mmol/l) were higher (p less than 0.001) in the experimental group than in the control animals. The surviving rats (2.0 x 0.1 to 2.1 x 0.2 mmol/l) had a lower (p less than 0.001) blood lactic acid concentration than those who died (5.6 x 0.5 to 6.1 x 1.1). The results suggest that total lack of iron producing a moderate decrease of blood hemoglobin concentration creates a significant risk in abdominal surgery and focus the activation of the anaerobic energy yielding process.

Animals↗

Enophthalmos following orbital transposition for craniofacial malformations.

This is a retrospective study of the frequency and factors that portend enophthalmos following orbital osteotomies and transposition for craniofacial malformations. Clinically obvious postoperative enophthalmos (POE) was noted in 23 (37.7 percent) of 61 patients undergoing such procedures. Postoperative enophthalmos was observed in 86 percent of Apert patients who had combined anteromedial orbital transposition and in 48 percent of patients with hypertelorbitism who had standard 360-degree osteotomies. In contrast, the incidence of postoperative enophthalmos was 21 percent following frontofacial (monobloc) or subcranial (Le Fort III) advancement. Postoperative enophthalmos also correlated with the occurrence of orbital fracture/fragmentation and with disruption of the periorbita. This study underscores the importance of establishing the correct relationship of the globe to the orbital rim (euophthalmos) while maintaining the spatial position of the eye, especially its anterior projection. Postoperative enophthalmos can be prevented by inserting bone grafts into orbital osteotomy gaps, correcting orbital volume/morphology following floor or wall outfracture/fragmentation, and preserving the periorbital supporting system.

Acrocephalosyndactylia↗

Current choices--good or bad--for the proactive management of postoperative ileus: A surgeon's view.

Postoperative ileus (POI) is frequently experienced by many patients undergoing abdominal operations and other surgical procedures. Postoperative ileus causes physical discomfort and may increase risk for prolonged hospital length of stay. Despite its prevalence, there is currently no accepted standard definition of POI and, consequently, no standardized mode of prevention or treatment; it is no wonder that a variety of management approaches for POI have been developed. Some of these include alternative surgical techniques such as laparoscopic or endoscopic procedures to minimize trauma and help lessen the release of endogenous mediators of POI. Others have evaluated alternate analgesic regimens such as thoracic epidural anesthetics to avoid stimulating opioid receptors in the gut. These approaches have had varying results. Other pharmacologic attempts to reduce POI have focused on the blockade of opioid receptors to prevent opioid-induced GI-related adverse effects. A new class of agents, peripherally acting mu-opioid-receptor antagonists such as methylnaltrexone and alvimopan, may improve the pharmacologic management of POI and reshape the current paradigm of multimodal management of POI. Protocols that incorporate these agents may offer yet another avenue to mitigate the adverse effects of POI, and thus help improve surgical outcomes. To date, alvimopan has been shown in phase 3 clinical trials to significantly reduce the duration of POI while maintaining satisfactory analgesia and reducing length of hospital stay. Combinations of strategies with demonstrated effectiveness such as early feeding, epidural analgesia, laparoscopic surgery, and peripherally acting mu-opioid-receptor antagonists may help transform the management of POI into an effective multimodal paradigm that targets the diverse etiologic factors leading to this common clinical problem. Clearly, all surgical team members are crucial in the optimal implementation of such multimodal approaches.

Analgesia, Epidural↗

Tourniquet inflation during arthroscopic knee ligament surgery does not increase postoperative pain.

PURPOSE: A double-blind clinical trial was conducted to determine the effect of inflation of a thigh tourniquet during anterior cruciate ligament repair on arthroscopic visibility, duration of procedure, postoperative pain and opioid consumption. METHODS: Thirty patients were randomly allocated into two groups; Group I had the thigh tourniquet inflated during surgery whereas the tourniquet was not inflated in Group II patients. All patients received standardized general anesthesia and postoperative pain management. Supplemental analgesia was provided with i.v. morphine via a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) apparatus. Verbal pain rating scores (0-10) were obtained after surgery. RESULTS: Arthroscopic visibility was impaired in Group II patients (P < 0.0001), but this was ameliorated by increased irrigation flow or addition of epinephrine. Duration of surgery was similar in both groups. There was no difference between groups in postoperative morphine consumption (9.8 +/- 7.1 mg in Group I vs 11.4 +/- 10.2 mg in Group II) or in postoperative pain scores between groups. CONCLUSION: Inflation of a thigh tourniquet did not result in increased pain or opioid consumption after arthroscopic ACL surgery. Arthroscopic visibility was somewhat impaired in some patients without the use of tourniquet. Finally, the duration of the surgical procedure was not increased in patients where the tourniquet was not inflated during the ACL repair.

Adult↗

The influence of esophageal length on outcomes after laparoscopic fundoplication.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that laparoscopic antireflux surgery has been associated with an increased incidence of postoperative paraesophageal hiatus herniation, and that this comes (at least in part) from not performing an esophageal lengthening procedure in patients with preoperative esophageal shortening. This study was undertaken to determine whether patients with esophageal shortening have an increased risk of reoperation after laparoscopic antireflux surgery. STUDY DESIGN: All patients who underwent a laparoscopic fundoplication between December 1991 and March 1999, and who had undergone preoperative esophageal manometry in our department were included in this study. Preoperative, operative, and followup data were collected prospectively, and original manometry recordings were reviewed to determine the length of the esophagus (the distance between the midpoints of the upper and lower esophageal sphincters). An index of esophageal length versus height was also calculated by dividing esophageal length by height. Esophageal length and the index were then compared with clinical outcomes. In addition, outcomes for the 50 patients with the shortest index was compared with outcomes of the 50 patients with the longest index. RESULTS: This study included 484 patients from an overall experience of 774 laparoscopic antireflux procedures. Postoperative followup ranged from 3 months to 5 years (median 2 years). Mean esophageal length was 23 cm (range 14 to 30 cm). There was a significant correlation between height and esophageal length (r = 0.44, p < 0.0001). Although patients with large hiatus hernias tended to have a shorter esophagus, preoperative endoscopic esophagitis grading did not influence length. Esophageal length did not influence the overall requirement for further surgical reintervention, although an analysis of esophageal length in patients who developed specific complications demonstrated that postoperative paraesophageal herniation was more likely in patients with a shorter esophagus, and reoperation for a tight esophageal hiatus was less likely in patients with a short esophagus. The incidence of paraesophageal hernia in the 50 patients with the shortest index was 8% versus 2% in the 50 patients with the longest index (p = 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: Although the overall reoperation rate after laparoscopic fundoplication was not influenced by esophageal length, this study did demonstrate an association between esophageal shortening and postoperative paraesophageal herniation. But the increased risk of this problem is small, and for this reason a case cannot be made for patients with a manometrically short esophagus to routinely undergo an esophageal lengthening procedure.

Adolescent↗

Short-term outcome of loop ileostomy closure under local anesthesia: results of a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Loop ileostomy is an established technique for temporary deviation of bowel contents to avoid clinical anastomotic leakage, fistulas, or use of an inflamed colon. Anesthetic risks and postoperative complications of the closure operation result in a significant proportion of ileostomies that are never closed, factors that should be borne in mind when fashioning temporary stomas. We investigated loop ileostomy closure under local anesthesia as a way to avoid these problems. METHODS: As a feasibility study, 15 successive patients underwent closure of a loop ileostomy under local anesthesia. The patients' experience of the procedure, postoperative pain, analgesia requirements, and oral intake were prospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Procedures could be comfortably completed under safe doses of local anesthesia. Use of standard nasogastric tubes was avoided and immediately postoperatively patients were able to resume a full oral diet. Discharge was on the second postoperative day (median). Complications were paralytic ileus for two days (1 patient), anastomotic leakage (1 patient), and superficial wound infection (1 patient). CONCLUSION: Reversal of loop ileostomy can be performed safely and comfortably under local anesthesia. Postoperative results compare favorably with those of routine procedures.

Adult↗

[Results of isolated and combined surgical coronary revascularization in patients over 75].

BACKGROUND: Increase in life expectancy is causing an increase of surgical myocardial revascularization procedures in the elderly. We evaluate the evolution of this type of interventions in people older than 75 years, taking into account the risk factors, results and survival. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Between July 1988 and May 2001, 237 isolated or combined myocardial revascularization procedures were carried out in patients older than 75 years (Group I), while 1177 were performed in younger patients (Group II). We retrospectively analyzed the mortality risk factors, surgical procedures, postoperative complications and survival in Group I patients. RESULTS: Preoperatively, Group I patients showed a more frequent left ventricular dysfunction, left main coronary stenosis, emergency surgery and combined procedures, while Group II patients displayed more common preoperative myocardial infarction and dyslipemia. Mortality in Group I was 20.7% vs 9.09% in Group II. Mortality was higher for mixed procedures (27.1%) than for isolated myocardial revascularization (13.8%). Postoperative complications were present in 48.5% patients. Significant preoperative risk factors of mortality in Group I were: female sex, high-risk ergometry, III-IV NYHA functional class, and atrial arrhythmia. The preoperative NYHA functional class was also a morbidity risk factor. Survival at 1, 3 and 5 years was present in 98.4%, 92.1% and 81% patients, respectively, NYHA functional class I-II being present in 94.18% patients. CONCLUSIONS: Myocardial revascularization surgery in people older than 75 years leads to an increase of morbimortality. Anyway, long-term survivors' quality of life makes us think of surgery as a valid treatment alternative.

Adult↗

LASIK in patients with rheumatic diseases: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the safety of LASIK in patients with a known history of controlled rheumatic diseases. DESIGN: Retrospective consecutive observational clinical study. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-two eyes (22 patients) known to have had a history of rheumatic diseases underwent LASIK. All patients had a history of controlled rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, scleroderma, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, or Behçet's disease. METHODS: Assessments were made preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively and included visual acuity (VA), refraction, keratometric readings, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and corneal topography. All the patients underwent LASIK. Postoperative treatment included a topical steroid-antibiotic combination. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity, refraction, keratometric readings, and slit-lamp biomicroscopy findings at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: LASIK was performed uneventfully on all patients. The mean pre-LASIK spherical equivalent (SE) was -5.39+/-2.25, and the sixth month postoperative SE was -0.15+/-0.38 diopters (D) (P<0.001). Uncorrected VA 6 months after the LASIK procedure was 20/25. Enhancement procedures were performed in 6 of 42 eyes (14.3%) at variable times after the primary procedure. Postoperative follow-up showed development of a moderate degree of dry eye syndrome in 4 eyes (9.5%). Corneal haze, melting, flap, or interface complications were not observed in any of the study eyes. CONCLUSIONS: In this small series, we found good outcomes when correcting refractive errors using LASIK in selected patients with controlled rheumatic diseases. In this series, a favorable postoperative visual outcome was obtained with no operative or postoperative vision-threatening complications.

Adult↗

Reflux in esophageal atresia, tracheoesophageal cleft, and esophagocoloplasty: Bianchi's procedure as an alternative approach.

PURPOSE: Fundoplication has been used successfully to treat gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in the pediatric population. Although successful in many patients, there is a significant risk of complications and failure, especially in high-risk patients such as those with certain types of associated anomalies, diffuse motility disorders, chronic pulmonary disease, neurological impairment, and young infants. However, the results are poorer with children with severe pathologic lesion associated to reflux: tracheoesophageal cleft, esophagocoloplasty, and esophageal atresia (EA) with severe dysmotricity. In neurologically impaired children with neuromuscular incoordination and GER, Bianchi has proposed total esophagogastric dissociation (TED). The authors report the use of esophagogastric or esocologastric dissociation to control reflux in children with severe GER in other situations, such as EA, burn esophageal lesions having led to coloplasty and severe esotracheal cleft. METHODS: The authors reviewed the patients operated on for an esogastric or cologastric disconnection between 1997 and 2002. It is a single center retrospective study. The initial diagnosis, previous surgical procedure, postoperative course, and follow-up results were studied. RESULTS: Between September 1999 and June 2003, 13 TEDs were performed in 6 boys and 7 girls. The mean age for TED procedure was 35 months (range 14 days to 218 months). Indication for TED was severe persistent reflux in, respectively, 9 cases of EA (7 with coloplasty and 2 with preservation of the native esophagus after atresia repair, associated in 1 case with an esotracheal cleft), 2 cases of esotracheal cleft type III, and 2 cases of esophagocoloplasty for caustic burns. Six patients had undergone previous fundoplications (1-4 procedures) that failed, whereas the remaining patients underwent TED as the primary antireflux procedure. The average follow-up was 26 months (range 1 month to 4 years). There were no complication during the immediate postoperative course. Three children died at 3, 4, and 12 months after the procedure from acute respiratory failure. Respiratory status was improved in 8 children, and recurrent bronchitis was noted in 1 child. Regarding the digestive status, gastrostomy was closed at 18 and 24 months in 2 children, and partial nocturnal enteral nutrition (200 to 900 mL/d) through the gastrostomy remains necessary in the other children. CONCLUSION: Total esophagogastric dissociation procedure improves the respiratory consequences of severe GER, particularly in children for whom other surgical treatments have failed. The long-term safety of this operation remains to be determined especially regarding the consequences of a gastrointestinal Roux-en-Y loop procedure.

Adolescent↗

A prospective randomized study of the systemic immune response after laparoscopic and conventional Nissen fundoplication.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic techniques are thought to reduce the postoperative immunologic and metabolic changes of conventional operations. Until now, the only clinical data available were obtained from patients operated on for symptomatic gallstones; moreover, few studies were randomized. This randomized prospective study compares the systemic immune response after laparoscopic and conventional Nissen fundoplication. METHODS: Seventeen patients scheduled for Nissen fundoplication were randomly assigned to undergo either a laparoscopic or a conventional procedure. Postoperative inflammatory response was assessed by measuring the white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors p55 and p75. Postoperative immune function was assessed by measuring monocyte HLA-DR expression and the stress response was assessed by measuring plasma cortisol concentrations. RESULTS: Laparoscopic surgery resulted in significantly lower plasma CRP levels 1 day after surgery. Both approaches resulted in a significant decrease in HLA-DR expression within 2 hours after surgery. After the laparoscopic approach, postoperative expression was restored to preoperative values within 1 day after surgery. However, after conventional surgery HLA-DR expression remained suppressed and did not return to preoperative values until the fourth postoperative day. No significant differences between the 2 procedures were observed in white cell blood count, sTNFr-p55 and p75, nor in postoperative cortisol levels. CONCLUSIONS: Although both laparoscopic and conventional Nissen fundoplication result in an activation of the systemic immune response, this study suggests that this response could be less after the laparoscopic approach. The differences found may reflect a lower risk for postoperative infective complications.

Adult↗

Urinary continence after radical prostatectomy: the Columbia experience.

PURPOSE: We determine the incidence of urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy and the factors that may influence this incidence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 615 men who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy performed by 1 of us (C. A. O. or M. C. B.) at our center between 1988 and 1996 were mailed a questionnaire regarding preoperative and postoperative voiding habits. Data collected included preoperative and postoperative continence status, interval to postoperative continence status, associated urinary symptoms, willingness to undergo radical prostatectomy again if given the chance and additional postoperative procedures. Patient age, date of surgery and duration of followup were also noted. RESULTS: Of the 615 patients 480 (78.2%), a mean of 62.6 years old, responded to the questionnaire. Mean followup was 3.3 years (range 1 to 8.8). Continence was defined as no regular use of pads. Of the respondents 91.8% were considered continent, 92% had achieved final continence status by 6 months postoperatively, 10.6% required 1 or more additional procedures related to urinary control and 90% would undergo surgery again if given the chance. Of the patients considered incontinent postoperatively 44% had associated urgency. Age, year of surgery and preoperative urinary leakage or post-void dribbling had no significant impact on postoperative continence status. CONCLUSIONS: Using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire we found an 8.2% incontinence rate after radical prostatectomy. This rate was similar to that in large, single institutional studies in which physician interview was used to elicit responses but significantly less than that in a national sample of Medicare patients also given a self-administered questionnaire. With minimal potential for adverse consequences in the hands of experienced surgeons, radical prostatectomy remains well tolerated with excellent patient satisfaction.

Aged↗

Are major laparoscopic pancreatic resections worthwhile? A prospective study of 32 patients in a single institution.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery has been used increasingly as a less invasive alternative to conventional open surgery. Recently, laparoscopic therapy for pancreatic diseases has made significant strides. The current investigation studied pancreatic resection by laparoscopy. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety, and outcome of laparoscopic pancreatic major resection for benign and malignant lesions of the pancreas. METHODS: A prospective study of laparoscopic pancreatic resections was undertaken in patients with benign and malignant lesions of the pancreas. Over an 8-year period, 32 patients underwent laparoscopic pancreatic major resection: 21 left pancreatectomies (1 performed using a retroperitoneal approach), and 11 pancreatoduodenectomies (10 Whipple procedures and 1 total pancreatectomy). All the operations were performed in a single institution. RESULTS: The operations were performed without serious complications. Only one left pancreatectomy was converted to laparotomy because of massive splenic bleeding, and one Whipple procedure was converted because of adhesion to the portal vein. In four of the Whipple operations, the resection was performed completely laparoscopically, and the reconstruction was done via a small midline incision. There was no operative mortality. In 16 patients of the left pancreatectomy group, the spleen was preserved. The mean blood loss was 150 and 162 ml; and the mean operating time was 154 and 284 min, respectively, for the left pancreatectomy and the Whipple procedure. Postoperative complications occurred for five patients after left pancreatectomy and for three patients after the Whipple procedure. Two patients needed surgical reexploration after left pancreatectomy because of intraperitoneal haemorrhage and eventration of the extraction site. Two patients underwent reoperation after the Whipple procedure: one because of intraabdominal bleeding and the other because of small bowel obstruction. The mean hospital stay was 10.8 days after left the pancreatectomy and 13.6 days after the whipple procedure. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic left pancreatectomy for benign and malignant lesions is feasible, safe, and beneficial. We believe that pancreatoduodenectomy should be performed only in selected cases and by a highly skilled laparoscopic surgeon. If there is any doubt, an open resection should be performed.

Adult↗

Effect of hinged lamellar keratotomy on postkeratoplasty eyes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of a hinged lamellar keratotomy on refraction, vision, and corneal topography of postkeratoplasty eyes with high-degree astigmatism. DESIGN: Noncomparative, interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: A hinged lamellar keratotomy was performed on nine eyes of nine patients at least 9 months after penetrating keratoplasty and with high-degree astigmatism. All patients were spectacle and contact lens intolerant. INTERVENTION: A superiorly hinged lamellar keratotomy (corneal flap), 160 microm in thickness and 9 mm in diameter, was created on all eyes included in this study. Each patient was examined 1 day, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Uncorrected visual acuity, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, refraction, computerized analysis of corneal topography. RESULTS: At each postoperative examination time, there was a significant reduction in both average spherical equivalent (P < 0.05) and average absolute value of astigmatism (P < 0.01) over mean preoperative values. The major changes were seen as early as 1 day after surgery, but both progression and regression of the effect were documented at later postoperative examinations. In all patients best spectacle-corrected acuity was maintained or improved after the procedure. Postoperatively, four patients could be successfully corrected either with spectacles (n = 2) or with gas-permeable contact lenses (n = 2). There were no surgical flap or corneal graft complications. CONCLUSIONS: Hinged lamellar keratotomy improves vision and refraction of postkeratoplasty eyes with high-degree astigmatism. In some cases it may be so effective as to make planned excimer laser treatment unnecessary.

Adult↗

Assessment of perioperative risk in the patient with diabetes mellitus.

To define the preoperative clinical characteristics that identify patients with diabetes mellitus at increased risk for postoperative complications, and inception cohort of diabetic patients undergoing surgical treatment was examined. Serious cardiac morbidity and death were predicted by the presence of pre-existing cardiac disease, specifically, congestive heart failure and valvular heart disease. Patients at increased risk for non-cardiac complications (infection, renal insufficiency and cerebral ischemic events) included 24 per cent of those patients with diabetic end-organ disease (retinopathy, neuropathy and nephropathy), 29 per cent of those with congestive heart failure or valvular heart disease and 35 per cent of those with peripheral vascular disease and infection. In patients who did not have such pre-existing conditions, serious noncardiac complications were rare (4 per cent). Neither the severity of the disease nor the degree of perioperative glucose control were associated with increased postoperative morbidity or mortality. We conclude that, among patients with diabetes mellitus who are undergoing surgical procedures, postoperative complications can be predicted by the presence of readily identifiable preoperative clinical characteristics.

Adult↗

Evaluation of a new surgical approach for the treatment of clomiphene citrate-resistant infertility in polycystic ovary syndrome: laparoscopic ovarian multi-needle intervention.

Laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) is the accepted second-line treatment for clomiphene citrate-resistant anovulatory infertility in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Although multiple pregnancy rates are reduced with ovarian drilling procedures, postoperative adhesion formation is a potential complication in up to 85% of the women subjected to laparoscopic destructive ovarian procedures. Our objective was to determine the effectiveness of a new, specially designed laparoscopic device and technique that might enable treatment for patients with anovulatory PCOS with less trauma and fewer postoperative adhesions. Thirty-five infertile clomiphene citrate-resistant women with PCOS were included. Seventeen women underwent laparoscopic ovarian multi-needle intervention (LOMNI), and 18 women received step-up ovulation induction treatment with recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone followed by intrauterine insemination for three cycles. Patients were followed for a period of 6 months after either laparoscopic surgery or the initiation of ovulation induction therapy. Outcome measures were cycle regularity, pregnancy rate, safety, postoperative adhesion formation, and cost effectiveness. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, body-mass index, duration of infertility, and basal cycle-day 2 hormone levels. Significant improvement in cycle regularity (p <.01) was found after LOMNI. Cumulative pregnancy rates (35.3% in the LOMNI group vs 33.3% in the ovulation induction group) did not differ between the groups. No adverse events following surgery were noted. Moderate ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and multiple pregnancies occurred in four and two patients, respectively, in the ovulation induction group. Eight nonpregnant women in the LOMNI group underwent repeat laparoscopy at the end of the follow-up period. No adhesion formation attributable to LOMNI was observed in any of those eight women. The cost of LOMNI was significantly (p <.001) lower than the ovulation induction treatment. In conclusion, LOMNI may be a safe, inexpensive, and effective procedure for the treatment of CC-resistant infertility in patients with PCOS. It seems to preserve the beneficial effects and probably omits unwanted effects (such as adhesion formation) of LOD.

Adult↗