The effects of ozone on the acute phase of intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to examine the therapeutic effects of ozone on the acute phase of intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats to resemble clinical practice. METHODS: Eighteen Wistar albino rats were assigned to control (CG, n=6), sham (SG, n=6) and ozone groups (OG, n=6). A midline laparotomy was performed and a superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in the SG and OG was occluded with a 0/0 catgut suture, but in the CG, the incision was closed without any intervention. Tissue oxygenation was monitored with a tissue oxygenation monitor to achieve the same grade during intestinal ischemia. The incision was closed and, in the OG, ozone/oxygen mixture (0.7 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally, 20 minutes before reperfusion. Surgical incision was reopened and reperfusion was achieved after 60 minutes of ischemia in the SG and OG. After 60 minutes of reperfusion, 2 cm small intestine segment was sampled for histopathological assessment of the intestinal mucosal damage (Chiu score) and biochemical assessment of oxidative stress markers (nitric oxide: NO, malondialdehyde: MDA, superoxide dismutase: SOD) in all groups. RESULTS: The Chiu scores of the SG and OG were statistically increased than that of the CG (p=0.002; and p=0.002, respectively). Chiu score in the OG was higher compared to that in the SG, but not statistically significant (p=0.175). MDA levels were statistically higher in the SG and OG than that of the CG (p=0.004; and p=0.010, respectively). However, the difference between the SG and OG was not statistically significant (p=0.522). SOD and NO levels were not significantly different between groups (p=0.451 and p=0.056, respectively). CONCLUSION: Contrary to the literature, single-dose ozone therapy did not reduce the oxidative stress or improve the ischemic damage in intestinal I/R injury in rats. Further evaluation with different doses in different time periods is needed for potential clinical use.

Evaluation of intraabdominal hypertension and genitofemoral nerve motor conduction.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study was to electrophysiologically evaluate the effect of increased intraabdominal pressure (IAP) on genitofemoral nerve (GFN) motor conduction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven Wistar albino rats were included. After anesthetization, latency and duration of GFN conduction was recorded with a needle-probe at rest. IAP was increased to 15 mmHg by insufflating atmospheric air with a percutaneous intraperitoneal needle. At 30 min of IAP, GFN motor conduction was recorded. Abdominal pressure was then increased to 20 mmHg. At 60 min, GFN motor conduction was recorded again. The consecutive recordings of latency and duration of GFN conduction (rest, 30 min, 60 min) were evaluated statistically. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between latencies at rest (1.90 ± 0.22 ms), at 30 min (2.3 ± 0.36 ms), and at 60 min (2.74 ± 0.57 ms) (Friedman test, P = 0.001). The latency was significantly increased at 60 min compared to rest (post hoc Tukey test, P = 0.003). No similar difference was detected between the recordings at 30 and 60 min. The duration of GFN motor conduction showed no difference between consecutive recordings (P = 0.067). CONCLUSION: Both increased and prolonged IAP causes prolonged latency of GFN conduction, probably due to a compression effect on GFN. Neuropraxial consequences of increased IAP are thought to be related to the compression effect of peripheral nerves.

Single port thoracoscopic sympathectomy for primary palmar hyperhidrosis in adolescence.

AIM: Hyperhidrosis is defined as excessive sweating beyond the physiologic needs of a person. Palmar hyperhidrosis in the adolescent period may have an impact on school work and may cause psychological problems. In this study we aim to increase awareness of this disregarded problem. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We explicated the early outcomes of 7 consecutive adolescents, where single port video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy was performed for primary palmar hyperhidrosis. Patients were evaluated for symptom resolution, which was defined as complete dryness, patient satisfaction, operative complications, and compensatory sweating. RESULTS: In total 13 thoracoscopic procedures were done in 7 adolescents, consisting of 4 girls and 3 boys (median age = 16 years). Thoracoscopic sympathectomy achieved immediate complete dryness and all were very satisfied with the outcome of the procedure. Compensatory sweating was defined as mild by 4 (57%) patients. CONCLUSION: Thoracoscopic sympathectomy is safe and effective for the treatment of primary palmar hyperhidrosis in the adolescent period without any major side effects.