Nutritional Counseling Protocol for Colorectal Cancer Patients after Surgery Improves Outcome.

Incidences of colorectal cancer (CRC) have continued to grow. Surgery is the main treatment and the only curative factor is nutritional status, which has an enormous influence on postoperative evolution. This study proposes a protocol for nutritional intervention beginning preoperatively and lasting up to three months postoperatively. Twenty patients with confirmed diagnosis of colon adenocarcinoma who underwent resection surgery were included. Anthropometric and food intake data-assessed through two 24-hour recalls, one weekday and one weekend-were collected at baseline, one month postoperative (PO), and three months PO. Anthropometric evaluation showed a decrease in the first month PO in weight, BMI, Hand grip strength, and arm circumference (P < 0.05), but these parameters recovered after 3 mo, PO and concomitant with the increase in protein and dietary fiber intake. In addition, collateral symptoms, such as abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and post prandial fullness, decreased between baseline and three months postoperative (P < 0.05). The nutritional counseling protocol for patients undergoing surgery due to CRC was positive in the recovery of nutritional status and improve of symptoms.

[Near-total ear amputation: anatomical bases and management]. / Subtotale Amputation des Ohrs: Anatomische Grundlagen und Management.

BACKGROUND: In cases of near-total ear avulsions, replantation is often successful without microsurgery. The purpose of our study was to investigate the relevant vascular anatomy associated for ear survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four cases of successful surgical intervention in near-total ear avulsions are presented. Injection studies using latex were performed to identify the blood supply to the auricle on 13 cadaveric ears. RESULTS: A small superior branch of the superficial temporal artery above the tragus was identified extending along the upper border of the auricle and connecting with the helical arcade. Below the tragus, a second small horizontal branch of the superficial temporal artery was identified. CONCLUSION: The auricle can survive near-total amputation based on a skin bridge above or below the tragus. One of the auricular branches of the superficial temporal artery seems sufficient for the blood supply to the ear and allows for a successful non-microsurgical operative repair.