Losartan treatment significantly attenuates the fibrotic changes in the corpus cavernosum of castrated rats.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of castration and subsequent losartan administration on the fibrosis-related parameters in the corpora cavernosa of castrated rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four male rats were divided into four equal groups. Group 1:sham surgery plus vehicle (0.9% NaCl) (control:con), group 2:sham surgery plus losartan (con+los), group 3: castration plus vehicle (castration:cast) and group 4:castration plus losartan (cast+los). After four weeks of oral losartan treatment, corporal levels of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß), thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), alpha-actin, beta-actin and fibronectin were investigated by ELISA kits. Changes in the collagen and smooth muscle content were evaluated by histological analysis with Masson trichrome staining. RESULTS: Initial and post-treatment body weights of rats were similar among groups. Castration significantly increased the expression of TGF-ß, TSP-1 and fibronectin and resulted in a significant decrease in alpha-actin levels in the corpora cavernosa. Administration of losartan reduced the levels of TGF-ß, TSP-1 and fibronectin in castrated rats. Alpha actin levels also increased after losartan treatment. Beta-actin levels were not significantly different among 4 groups. The levels of all markers were similar in group 1 and 2. Rate of fibrosis was significantly higher in castrated rats and treatment with losartan reduced this rate. CONCLUSION: Castration increased the expression of fibrosis-related markers in the corpora cavernosa of rats. Administration of losartan significantly attenuated those changes and exerted an antifibrotic effect.

A new surgical technique for scleral fixation using a "knot ball" for scleral-fixated intraocular lenses: impact on clinical outcomes / Uma nova técnica cirúrgica para fixação escleral usando um "nó esférico" (knot ball) para lentes ntraoculares para fixação escleral: impacto nos resultados clínicos

ABSTRACT Purpose: Scleral fixation surgery is a pivotal procedure that depends on the availability of robust and innovative surgical fixation methods. There continues to be a need for innovation in suture fixation techniques, particularly for intraocular lens implantation. Methods: We conceived and designed a "knot ball" scleral fixation technique for suture burial in a retrospective sample of 108 patients with primary (n=40) or secondary (n=68) scleral-fixated intraocular lens. Importantly, our technique did not require additional scleral flap or tunnel procedures. We evaluated pre- and postoperative best-corrected visual aquity (BCVA) and postoperative complications. All data were analyzed and compared between groups. Results: The preoperative mean BCVA improved significantly in both groups using the "knot ball" fixation technique (p<0.01). The extent of the improvement in the best-corrected visual acuity and late complications one month post-surgery were not significantly different between the groups (p>0.05). These clinical outcomes were consistent with those described in the ophthalmology literature. Conclusion: A "knot ball" scleral fixation technique is reported; to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of such a technique, which offers a less invasive and simplified surgical procedure for transscleral fixation of scleral-fixated intraocular lenses. Moreover, the technique appears to display similar effectiveness and safety compared with existing scleral fixation techniques. We suggest that the "knot ball" technique warrants further research focus and clinical evaluation in future studies.

RESUMO Objetivo: A cirurgia de fixação escleral é um procedimento fundamental que depende da disponibilidade de métodos robustos e inovadores de fixação cirúrgica. No entanto, existe uma necessidade de inovação nas técnicas de fixação de sutura, particularmente para a implantação de lentes intraoculares. Métodos: Concebemos e desenhamos uma técnica de fixação escleral utilizando um "nó esférico" para o encerramento da sutura em uma amostra retrospectiva de 108 pacientes com lente intraocular de fixação escleral (SF-IOL) primária (n=40) e secundária (n=68). Importante considerar que nossa técnica não exigiu procedimentos adicionais de aleta escleral ou de túnel. Observamos a melhor acuidade visual corrigida (MAVC) pré e pós-operatória e as complicações pós-operatórias. Todos os dados foram analisados entre os grupos. Resultados: A melhor acuidade visual corrigida média pré-operatória (logMAR) melhorou significativamente em ambos os grupos com a utilização da técnica de fixação do nó esférico (p<0,01). A extensão da melhora melhor acuidade visual corrigida e as complicações tardias, um mês após a cirurgia, não foram significativamente diferentes entre os grupos (p>0,05). Esses resultados clínicos foram, em geral, comparáveis aos publicados na literatura de oftalmologia. Conclusão: Até onde sabemos, a técnica de fixação escleral de "nó esférico" é relatada pela primeira vez na literatura e representa um procedimento cirúrgico promissor, menos invasivo e simplificado para a fixação transescleral de SF-IOLs. Além disso, a técnica parece exibir eficácia e segurança comparáveis às técnicas de fixação escleral existentes. Sugerimos que a técnica do nó esférico receba mais atenção e avaliações clínicas no futuro.

A new surgical technique for scleral fixation using a "knot ball" for scleral-fixated intraocular lenses: impact on clinical outcomes.

PURPOSE: Scleral fixation surgery is a pivotal procedure that depends on the availability of robust and innovative surgical fixation methods. There continues to be a need for innovation in suture fixation techniques, particularly for intraocular lens implantation. METHODS: We conceived and designed a "knot ball" scleral fixation technique for suture burial in a retrospective sample of 108 patients with primary (n=40) or secondary (n=68) scleral-fixated intraocular lens. Importantly, our technique did not require additional scleral flap or tunnel procedures. We evaluated pre- and postoperative best-corrected visual aquity (BCVA) and postoperative complications. All data were analyzed and compared between groups. RESULTS: The preoperative mean BCVA improved significantly in both groups using the "knot ball" fixation technique (p<0.01). The extent of the improvement in the best-corrected visual acuity and late complications one month post-surgery were not significantly different between the groups (p>0.05). These clinical outcomes were consistent with those described in the ophthalmology literature. CONCLUSION: A "knot ball" scleral fixation technique is reported; to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of such a technique, which offers a less invasive and simplified surgical procedure for transscleral fixation of scleral-fixated intraocular lenses. Moreover, the technique appears to display similar effectiveness and safety compared with existing scleral fixation techniques. We suggest that the "knot ball" technique warrants further research focus and clinical evaluation in future studies.

Comparison of topical and retrobulbar anesthesia in terms of pain experience during silicone oil extraction.

PURPOSE: To compare the use of topical anesthesia and retrobulbar anesthesia during silicone oil removal with a mixed pars plana technique, through evaluating the pain experience of patients. METHODS: We selected patients according to their behavior during previous vitreoretinal surgery and ophthalmologic examinations and divided them into two anesthesia groups: topical (n=36) and retrobulbar (n=33). We used a mixed technique for the passive removal of silicone oil in both groups. During each step of the surgery, the patients' pain experience and the surgeon's comfort were scored according to a pain scale. RESULTS: The pain experienced during the application of the anesthesia was significantly greater in the retrobulbar group (p<0.001). The topical group experienced greater pain during trocar insertion (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the overall pain experience or complications. CONCLUSIONS: The pain experience of the selected patients during silicone oil removal was comparable between the topical and the retrobulbar anesthesia. Topical anesthesia with the mixed pars plana technique is an effective and safe alternative option for silicone oil removal surgery.

Comparison of topical and retrobulbar anesthesia in terms of pain experience during silicone oil extraction / Comparação da sensação de dor durante a extração de óleo de silicone sob anestesia tópica e retrobulbar

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the use of topical anesthesia and retrobulbar anesthesia during silicone oil removal with a mixed pars plana technique, through evaluating the pain experience of patients. Methods: We selected patients according to their behavior during previous vitreoretinal surgery and ophthalmologic examinations and divided them into two anesthesia groups: topical (n=36) and retrobulbar (n=33). We used a mixed technique for the passive removal of silicone oil in both groups. During each step of the surgery, the patients' pain experience and the surgeon's comfort were scored according to a pain scale. Results: The pain experienced during the application of the anesthesia was significantly greater in the retrobulbar group (p<0.001). The topical group experienced greater pain during trocar insertion (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the overall pain experience or complications. Conclusions: The pain experience of the selected patients during silicone oil removal was comparable between the topical and the retrobulbar anesthesia. Topical anesthesia with the mixed pars plana technique is an effective and safe alternative option for silicone oil removal surgery.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar a sensação de dor de pacientes durante a remoção do óleo de silicone sob anestesia tópica e retrobulbar, usando uma técnica via pars plana combinada. Métodos: Os pacientes foram selecionados, de acordo com suas atitudes durante cirurgia vitreorretiniana prévia e exames oftalmológicos, e divididos em dois grupos: anestesia tópica e retrobulbar. Para a remoção passiva do óleo de silicone, utilizou-se uma técnica combinada em ambos os grupos. A sensação de dor dos pacientes e o conforto do cirurgião foram classificados através de uma escala de dor durante cada etapa da cirurgia. Resultados: Os grupos anestesia tópica e retrobulbar incluíram 36 e 33 pacientes, respectivamente. A sensação de dor durante a aplicação da anestesia foi significativamente maior no grupo retrobulbar (p<0,001). O grupo anestesia tópica sentiu mais dor durante a inserção do trocarte (p<0,001). Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos em relação à sensação geral de dor e a complicações. Conclusões: A sensação de dor é comparável entre a anestesia tópica e a retrobulbar durante a remoção de óleo de silicone. A combinação de anestesia tópica e uma técnica via pars plana é uma opção alternativa eficaz e segura para a cirurgia de remoção de óleo de silicone.

Comparison of pain experience during 23-G vitreoretinal surgery under topical and retrobulbar anesthesia.

The objective of this study is to compare pain and discomfort scores of patients during 23-G vitreoretinal surgery under topical and retrobulbar anesthesia without using sedation. A total of 157 patients with various vitreoretinal disorders were included in this study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: topical (group 1, n = 76) and retrobulbar anesthesia (group 2, n = 81). Patients underwent 23-G vitreoretinal surgery without using sedation. All patients rated the level of experienced pain during the surgical procedure using a visual analogue pain scale. Pain and discomfort scores while performing anesthesia were significantly higher in group 2 than group 1 (p < 0.001). Patients in group 1 experienced more pain than group 2 during trocar insertion, endolaser photocoagulation, and scleral indentation steps of surgery (for all; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in overall pain and discomfort scores and surgeon comfort scores between groups (p = 0.163, p = 0.097; respectively). None of the patients required additional anesthesia or sedation during or after the procedure. Topical anesthesia without using sedation is a safe and effective, alternative method for 23-G vitreoretinal surgeries in selected patients with various vitreoretinal pathologies.

Efficacy of venlafaxine for the relief of taxane and oxaliplatin-induced acute neurotoxicity: a single-center retrospective case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Oxaliplatin and taxane-induced neurosensory toxicity is dose-limiting and mostly presents with acute symptoms that affect the activities of daily living and overall quality of life. The objective of the present study is to assess the relief of acute neuropathy with venlafaxine treatment during the chemotherapy period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective case-control study, from January 2010 to February 2015, patients who experienced treatment with oxaliplatin and taxane-induced acute neurotoxicity were evaluated according to the NCI-CTCAE v. 4.03 grading scale. Neurotoxicity was evaluated using a numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain intensity and experienced relief under the treatment of venlafaxine and using a neuropathic pain symptom inventory scale (NPSI) for the style of complaints. Patients who were diagnosed as mildly depressed according to the HOST anxiety and depression scale and who had grade 1 to 3 sensory neurotoxicity based on the NCI-CTCAE v. 4.03 grading scale, and who also reported ≥ 4/10 on a NRS were eligible. The primary end point was the rate of more than 75 % symptomatic relief under venlafaxine treatment. RESULTS: Two hundred six patients were included (82 % female, median age: 52.7 years). Most patients had breast, gynecologic, and colon cancer (93.4 %). Ninety-one patients who received venlafaxine and 115 patients as the control group were assessed for neurotoxicity every 3 weeks. Based on the NRS, a rate of more than 75 % symptomatic relief was 53.5, 58.3, and 45.2 % in venlafaxine arm versus 0, 0, and 0 % in the control arm in the first, second, and third visits, respectively. Side-effects of venlafaxine (n = 7) were grade 1-2 nausea/vomiting (3.2 %) and asthenia/somnolence (3.2 %) without grade 3-4 events. CONCLUSION: Venlafaxine has a significant clinical activity against taxane-oxaliplatin-induced acute neurosensory toxicity.