High-flow oxygen via tracheostomy facilitates weaning from prolonged mechanical ventilation in patients with restrictive pulmonary dysfunction: two case reports

Weaning from prolonged mechanical ventilation is extremely difficult in tracheostomized patients with restrictive pulmonary dysfunction. High-flow oxygen via tracheostomy supplies heated and humidified oxygen ...

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A successful microsurgical approach to treating penile amputation following genital self mutilation

Abstract

We present the case of a 33-year-old male who presented to the Emergency Department having amputated his penis as a result of auditory hallucinations triggered by cannabis use. A successful microsurgical technique involving anastomosing the individual structures of the penile shaft enabled a successful cosmetic and functional outcome including restoration of erectile function.

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Complete unilateral ureteral duplication encountered during intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer

Abstract

Complete duplication of ureters is a very rare clinical entity that may either be asymptomatic or present with a variety of clinical findings. In the presented case a 51-year-old Caucasian female underwent an intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer. Intraoperatively, during the standard bilateral recognition and mobilization of the ureters, complete unilateral duplication of the left ureter was incidentally detected, deriving from a single renal parenchyma. Such a congenital abnormality though constitutes a major risk-factor of accidental ureteral injury during operations including pelvis. Conclusively, meticulous exposure of both ureters combined with surgeons' unceasing awareness constitute the cornerstone of a safe operation.

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High-grade angiosarcoma presenting with cytology-negative hemorrhagic ascites

Abstract

Angiosarcomas are a rare subtype of soft-tissue sarcomas originating from the vascular endothelium. Both retroperitoneal and omental angiosarcomas tend to be aggressive and rapidly fatal if not amenable to early intervention. In this report, we describe an unusual case of high-grade angiosarcoma with cytology-negative hemorrhagic ascites and diffuse omental invasion. Multiple investigations into the origin of the hemorrhagic ascites, including cytological analysis, tumor marker measurements, serum-ascites albumin gradient calculation and frozen section pathological examination, failed to reveal a diagnosis. We conclude that malignancy should be considered in the differential diagnosis in the presence of suspicious cytology-negative hemorrhagic ascites and concomitant retroperitoneal and abdominal findings.

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Distraction osteogenesis for brachymetatarsia using initial circular fixator and early trans-fixation metatarsal K—wires—a series of three cases†

Abstract

Brachymetatarsia is a rare forefoot deformity predominantly affecting the fourth metatarsal. Current treatment include gradual lengthening by distraction osteogenesis using an external fixator or single-stage lengthening with bone grafting or a combination of the above two procedures. Our aim was to assess outcomes and complications of a novel technique for gradual metatarsal lengthening using a circular fixator. The procedure was performed on three female patients with unilateral congenital shortening of the fourth ray. All participants reported aesthetic dissatisfaction as well as pressure related complications of the deformity and opted for lengthening and distraction osteogenesis using a frame. Mean duration of the treatment was 122 days and average length gained was 12 mm. The desired metatarsal length was achieved in all three patients with no significant complications. This method of treatment of brachymetatarsia is effective and reproducible. This a promising technique, owing to its low complication rates and efficacy in lengthening.

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Development of a Donor Tissue Holding Technique for Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Using a 25-Gauge Graft Manipulator

Purpose: To report a modified surgical technique called the "donor tissue holding technique for Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK)" using a newly developed 25-gauge graft manipulator. Methods: Six consecutive patients exhibiting endothelial dysfunction were enrolled and treated by DMEK. In brief, after insertion of a DMEK donor into the anterior chamber, the edge of the roll was grasped using a graft manipulator and this grasp was maintained throughout the centering and opening of the roll (holding technique). The following parameters were evaluated in comparison to the previous 10 consecutive DMEK cases in which the no touch technique was used: time of graft unfolding, incidence of intra-/postoperative complications, and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and endothelial cell density (ECD) 6 months after the procedure. Results: In both technique groups, neither intra- nor postoperative complications were noted in any case. No differences were observed between the two groups in postoperative BCVA (p = 0.88). Also, no differences were observed between the two groups in postoperative ECD (holding technique group: 2,108.3 cells/mm², no touch technique group: 1,491.7 cells/mm²) (p = 0.08) Most notably, the time of graft unfolding prior to filling with air was significantly reduced in the holding technique group (305.5 s) compared to that of the no touch technique group (1,310.0 s; p = 0.01). Conclusions: This donor tissue holding technique enabled rapid and safe DMEK in a reproducible manner, even in Asian eyes with shallow anterior chambers with high vitreous pressure.
Case Rep Ophthalmol 2018;9:431–438

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Bilateral suprazygomatic maxillary nerve blocks vs. infraorbital and palatine nerve blocks in cleft lip and palate repair: A double-blind prospective, randomised study

BACKGROUND Cleft defects are common craniofacial malformations which require early surgical repair. These patients are at high risk of postoperative airway obstruction and respiratory failure. Cleft surgery may require high doses of opioids which may contribute to these complications. OBJECTIVES To compare the effectiveness of proximal and distal approaches to blocking the maxillary nerve in patients undergoing cleft lip or cleft palate surgery. DESIGN Randomised, controlled and double-blind study. SETTING The current study was carried out in Guwahati (Assam, India) between April 2014 and June 2014. PATIENTS A total of 114 patients older than 6 months who underwent cleft lip or cleft palate surgery were included. Exclusion criteria included coagulation disorders, peripheral neuropathy or chronic pain syndrome, infection in the puncture site, allergy to local anaesthetics, lack of consent and language problems or other barriers that could impede the assessment of postoperative pain. INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: proximal group (bilateral suprazygomatic maxillary nerve blocks) and distal group (bilateral infraorbital nerve blocks for cleft lip repair and bilateral greater and lesser palatine nerve blocks and nasopalatine nerve block for cleft palate surgery). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients requiring extra doses of opioids. Secondary endpoints included pain scores, respiratory and nerve block-related complications during the first 24 h. RESULTS In the intra-operative period, there was a significant reduction of nalbuphine consumption in the proximal group (9.1 vs. 25.4%, P = 0.02). The percentage of patients requiring intra-operative fentanyl was lower in the proximal group (16.4 vs. 30.5%, P = 0.07). There were no differences in either postoperative pain scores or in postoperative complications. No technical failure or block-related complications were reported. CONCLUSION Bilateral suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block is an effective and safe alternative to the traditional peripheral nerve blocks for cleft lip and cleft palate surgery, in a mixed paediatric and adult population. Correspondence to Gaston Echaniz, Department of Anesthesiology, Vall d'Hebron Hospital, Department of Surgery, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig de Vall d'Hebron, 119-129, Barcelona 08035, Spain. E-mail: grcechaniz@vhebron.net Supplemental digital content is available for this article. Direct URL citations appear in the printed text and are provided in the HTML and PDF versions of this article on the journal's Website (https://ift.tt/2ylyqmW). © 2018 European Society of Anaesthesiology

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