Urethral bulking agents: a retrospective review of primary versus salvage procedure outcomes.

PURPOSE: Urethral bulking agents (UBA) have traditionally been offered as salvage procedures for recurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI). We compare the success of UBA in patients that had undergone a previous procedure for SUI (Salvage-UBA) to the SUI surgery naïve (Primary-UBA). We hypothesised a positive effect in both Primary and Salvage-UBA with potentially poorer rates of response in the salvage group. METHODS: Retrospective case series of patients having their first UBA (2010-2018). Primary outcome was to assess any difference in patient reported success between groups. Patient-reported improvement was assessed on a 4-point scale: 'cured, improved, no change, worse' and treatment 'success' defined as 'cured' or 'improved'. A multivariate analysis, adjusting for plausible differences between groups, was undertaken in IBM SPSS Statistics (2016). RESULTS: 135 Primary-UBA and 38 Salvage-UBA were performed. Complete follow-up was obtained for 114 patients (66%): 86 Primary and 28 Salvage. Median follow-up time: 33 months. In 2012, 47% (8/17) of all UBA were Salvage-UBA, whilst in 2018, the majority were Primary-UBA (92%, 46/50). Success was not significantly different between Salvage-UBA 75% (21/28) versus Primary-UBA 67% (58/86) (Wald χ2 = 0.687, df = 1, p = 0.407). Top-up rates were similar: 14% (n = 4/28, Salvage-UBA) versus 15% (n = 13/86, Primary-UBA) (χ2 = 0.011, df = 1, p = 0.914). CONCLUSION: The number of women opting for UBA has increased substantially. No significant differences were noted for success with Salvage-UBA compared to Primary-UBA.

Development and Characterization of A New Dimethicone Nanoemulsion and its Application for Electronic Gastroscopy Examination.

PURPOSE: Although the effective and safe medical defoamers, dimethicone (DM) and simethicone (SM) are widely used in electronic gastroscope examination (EGE), their preparations are presented in the form of suspensions or emulsions, these are untransparent or milk-like in appearance and can easily cause misdiagnosis as a result of an unclear field of vision if the doctor does not master the amount of defoamer or operates incorrectly. At the same time, it is also difficult to wash out the camera and pipeline, due to the large oil droplets of preparations. The purpose of this study was to develop a new clear and transparent oil in water (O/W) DM nanoemulsions (DMNs) and observe the effect of application in EGE. METHODS: The oil phase was chosen for its antifoaming activity and viscosity. The emulsifier and co-emulsifier were selected according to the solubility of the oil phase in them. The water titration method was used to make the pseudoternary phase diagrams of nanoemulsions and optimize the prescription composition. DM-in-water nanoemulsion was prepared by the low energy method and evaluated for appearance, antifoaming ability, droplet size, and stability. The effect of DMNs utilized in EGEs was also observed. RESULTS: The optimal formulation of DMNs contained CRH-40 as an emulsifier, PEG-400 as a co-emulsifier, DM as oil phase with the viscosity of 10 mPa.s, and their proportion was 4.5:4.5:1, respectively. DMNs obtained the average particle size of 67.98 nm with the polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.332, and 57.14% defoaming rate. The result of using an EGE showed that DMNs were superior in comparison to the emulsions with regard to the defoaming effect, visual clarity, and easy cleanup. CONCLUSION: DMNs were found to provide excellent visual clarity to its other preparations. The novel DMNs is a promising substitute for DM emulsions or suspensions in EGEs.

Efficacy and safety of dimeticones in the treatment of epidermal parasitic skin diseases with special emphasis on tungiasis: an evidence-based critical review

ABSTRACT Epidermal parasitic skin diseases encompass scabies, pediculosis, cutaneous larva migrans, myiasis, and tungiasis. Tungiasis is probably the most neglected of all Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD). It occurs in South America, the Caribbean and Sub-Saharan Africa and affects marginalized populations where people live in extreme poverty. In endemic communities the prevalence can be up to 30% in general population and 85% in children. Over time, chronic pathology develops characterized by hyperkeratosis, edema around the nail rim, fissures, ulcers, deformation and loss of nails. This leads to a pattern of disabilities, eventually resulting in impairment of mobility.Dimeticones are a family of silicon oils with a potential to kill parasites located on top or inside the epidermis by a physical mode of action. They are considered the treatment of choice for pediculosis capitis and pediculosis pubis. With regard to tungiasis, the so called rear abdominal cone of the parasites has been identified as a target for treatment with dimeticones. NYDA®, a mixture of two dimeticones with different viscosity, is the only dimeticone product for which data on the mode of action, efficacy and safety with regard to tungiasis exists. The product has been shown highly effective against embedded sand fleas, even in very intense infection with more than 500 parasites situated on top of each other. A randomized controlled trial showed that seven days after a targeted application of NYDA® 97% (95% CI 94-99%) of the embedded sand fleas had lost all signs of viability.Comprehensive toxicological investigations on the dimeticones contained in NYDA® showed that there is practically no risk of embryotoxicity, fetotoxicity, teratogenicity, and other toxicity. The safety of dimeticones was also demonstrated in clinical trials with a total of 106 participants with tungiasis, in which not a single adverse event was observed.

FRET in a Polymeric Nanocarrier: IR-780 and IR-780-PDMS.

We introduce a method to monitor the integrity of micellar nanocarriers using a novel fluorescent dye, IR-780-PDMS and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) as a readout. In addition, these dye-loaded nanocarriers can be used as a phototoxic agent in vitro. Mainly, a nanocarrier was designed, based on a previously described amphiphilic ABA-copolymer (Pip-PMOXA-PDMS-PMOXA-Pip) scaffold that incorporates the fluorescent FRET dye partners IR-780-PDMS (donor) and IR-780 (acceptor). The confirmation of FRET (that only occurs when donor and acceptor are in the required close proximity of less than ∼10 nm) in the nanocarriers is used to prove that the acceptor dye (IR-780) is still contained in its hydrophobic core. We measured such FRET signals of the nanocarriers also upon cellular uptake into HeLa cells using fluorescence-lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). Confocal laser scanning microscopy after incubation with nanocarriers demonstrated the intracellular uptake of the particles and their localization in an intracellular granular pattern. To demonstrate the intactness of the nanocarriers by detection of FRET we measured the fluorescence lifetime (FLIM) of the donor dye. FLIM showed that both types of lifetimes, that of the quenched donor, and that of the unquenched donor were present, in a granular pattern and homogeneously in the cytosol, respectively, indicating the presence of intracellular intact and disintegrated micellar nanocarriers. These data show that the herewith-described FRET method allows monitoring the intactness of nanocarriers while en route to the target, and also that the cargo is delivered and released within a potential target cell. In addition, near-infrared (NIR) irradiation of IR-780-loaded micellar nanocarriers leads to photocytotoxicity, which we demonstrated in in vitro experiments. Our findings open potential avenues in photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer.

Macroplastique for women with stress urinary incontinence secondary to intrinsic sphincter deficiency.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the subjective and objective outcomes of MacroplastiqueR (MPQ) in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) secondary to intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, charts of non-neurogenic women with SUI secondary to ISD who underwent MPQ injection and had 6 months minimum follow-up were reviewed from a prospectively maintained database. Patients were divided into 3 groups: Naive (Group I), Prior Anti-Incontinence Surgery (Group II), and combined Prior Bulking Agent and Anti-Incontinence Surgery (Group III). Data collected included SUI self-report, Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) Question 3, and VAS Quality of Life (QoL) Questionnaire scores at baseline and in follow-up. Three-dimensional ultrasound (3DUS) evaluated volume/confi guration of MPQ. Success was defi ned after the last MPQ injection as a UDI-6 Question 3 score of 0 (dry) or 1, and no reoperation for SUI. RESULTS: From 2011-2017, 106 of 142 women met study criteria. At a median follow-up of 20 months (mean=26 months; range: 6-71), success rate was 41% for Group I, 40% for Group II, and 65% for Group III (p = 0.22). QoL scores were signifi cantly improved over baseline in all groups. There was no signifi cant difference in clinical outcome between the asymmetrical and symmetrical group on 3DUS. The completely dry rate was highest in Group III at 29%, compared to 4% for Group I and 15% for Group II (p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: MacroplastiqueR improved subjective and objective outcome measures for SUI secondary to ISD as both a primary and secondary treatment option in women.

Macroplastique for women with stress urinary incontinence secondary to intrinsic sphincter deficiency

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the subjective and objective outcomes of Macroplastique® (MPQ) in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) secondary to intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD). Materials and Methods Following Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, charts of non-neurogenic women with SUI secondary to ISD who underwent MPQ injection and had 6 months minimum follow-up were reviewed from a prospectively maintained database. Patients were divided into 3 groups: Naïve (Group I), Prior Anti-Incontinence Surgery (Group II), and combined Prior Bulking Agent and Anti-Incontinence Surgery (Group III). Data collected included SUI self-report, Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) Question 3, and VAS Quality of Life (QoL) Questionnaire scores at baseline and in follow-up. Three-dimensional ultrasound (3DUS) evaluated volume/configuration of MPQ. Success was defined after the last MPQ injection as a UDI-6 Question 3 score of 0 (dry) or 1, and no reoperation for SUI. Results From 2011-2017, 106 of 142 women met study criteria. At a median follow-up of 20 months (mean=26 months; range: 6-71), success rate was 41% for Group I, 40% for Group II, and 65% for Group III (p = 0.22). QoL scores were significantly improved over baseline in all groups. There was no significant difference in clinical outcome between the asymmetrical and symmetrical group on 3DUS. The completely dry rate was highest in Group III at 29%, compared to 4% for Group I and 15% for Group II (p = 0.05). Conclusion Macroplastique® improved subjective and objective outcome measures for SUI secondary to ISD as both a primary and secondary treatment option in women.

Bulking for stress urinary incontinence in men: A systematic review.

AIMS: An updated literature review on outcomes in men treated with currently commercially available bulking agents was performed to determine whether this is a reasonable option in selected patients. METHODS: The review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework of systematic reviews. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Medline, and Embase was undertaken. Abstracts were independently screened by two investigators to include men with stress urinary incontinence treated with a peri-urethral injection of bulking agents currently available in the market. RESULTS: Only eight original articles met the inclusion criteria. The bulking agents used were Macroplastique in five studies (total 123 patients), Opsys, Durasphere, and Urolastic in one study each (10, 7, and 2 patients, respectively). Only one study was randomized; Macroplastique vs AUS in men with mild or total incontinence. The included populations were heterogeneous and encompassed endoscopic, perineal, abdominal and laparoscopic prostate surgery as well as spinal cord injuries and urethral sphincter insufficiency. Significant dissimilarity was evident for the duration of incontinence (9-108 months), mean volume of bulking agent used (2.3-13.5 mL), number of cushions (1-5), depth and position of the cushions. The outcomes varied significantly, with reported dry rates between 0% and 83%. Outcomes were limited by relatively short follow-up in most studies. CONCLUSION: Following initial enthusiasm and then dismay with collagen-based compounds, sparse and heterogeneous literature data were produced on newer non-migrating and nonabsorbable bulking agents. Some studies have suggested encouraging, if short term outcomes, however, future studies are needed in this field to support recommendations for widespread use.

Interventions for primary vesicoureteric reflux.

BACKGROUND: Vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) results in urine passing retrograde up the ureter. Urinary tract infections (UTI) associated with VUR have been considered a cause of permanent renal parenchymal damage in children with VUR. Management has been directed at preventing UTI by antibiotic prophylaxis and/or surgical correction of VUR. This is an update of a review first published in 2004 and updated in 2007 and 2011. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review was to evaluate the available evidence for both benefits and harms of the currently available treatment options for primary VUR: operative, non-operative or no intervention. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Specialised Register to 3 May 2018 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. Studies contained in the Specialised Register are identified through search strategies specifically designed for CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE; handsearching conference proceedings, and searching the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov. SELECTION CRITERIA: RCTs in any language comparing any treatment of VUR and any combination of therapies. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently determined study eligibility, assessed quality and extracted data. Dichotomous outcomes were expressed as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and continuous data as mean differences (MD) with 95% CI. Data were pooled using the random effects model. MAIN RESULTS: Thirty four studies involving 4001 children were included. Interventions included; long-term low-dose antibiotics, surgical reimplantation of ureters, endoscopic injection treatment, probiotics, cranberry products, circumcision, and oxybutynin. Interventions were used alone and in combinations. The quality of conduct and reporting of these studies was variable, with many studies omitting crucial methodological information used to assess the risk of bias. Only four of the 34 studies were considered at low risk of bias across all fields of study quality. The majority of studies had many areas of uncertainty in the risk of bias fields, reflecting missing detail rather than stated poor design.Low-dose antibiotic prophylaxis compared to no treatment/placebo may make little or no difference to the risk of repeat symptomatic UTI (9 studies, 1667 children: RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.09; low certainty evidence) and febrile UTI (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.21; low certainty evidence) at one to two years. At one to three years, antibiotic prophylaxis made little or no difference to the risk of new or progressive renal damage on DMSA scan (8 studies, 1503 children: RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.33 to 1.61; low certainty evidence). Adverse events were reported in four studies with little or no difference between treatment groups (1056 children: RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.08; ), but antibiotics increased the likelihood of bacterial drug resistance threefold (187 UTIs: RR 2.97, 95% CI 1.54 to 5.74; moderate certainty evidence).Seven studies compared long-term antibiotic prophylaxis alone with surgical reimplantation of ureters plus antibiotics, but only two reported the outcome febrile UTI (429 children). Surgery plus antibiotic treatment may reduce the risk of repeat febrile UTI by 57% (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.70; moderate certainty evidence). There was little or no difference in the risk of new kidney defects detected using intravenous pyelogram at 4 to 5 years (4 studies, 572 children, RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.49; moderate certainty evidence)Four studies compared endoscopic injection with antibiotics alone and three reported the outcome febrile UTI. This analysis showed little or no difference in the risk of febrile UTI with endoscopic injection compared to antibiotics (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.31 to 1.78; low certainty evidence). Four studies involving 425 children compared two different materials for endoscopic injection under the ureters (polydimethylsiloxane (Macroplastique) versus dextranomer/hyaluronic acid polymer (Deflux), glutaraldehyde cross-linked (GAX) collagen (GAX) 35 versus GAX 65 and Deflux versus polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer (VANTRIS)) but only one study (255 children, low certainty evidence) had the outcome of febrile UTI and it reported no difference between the materials. All four studies reported rates of resolution of VUR, and the two studies comparing Macroplastique with Deflux showed that Macroplastique was probably superior to dextranomer/hyaluronic acid polymer (3 months: RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.78; 12 months: RR 0.54 95% CI 0.35 to 0.83; low certainty evidence)Two studies compared probiotic treatment with antibiotics and showed little or no difference in risk of repeat symptomatic UTI (RR 0.82 95% CI 0.56 to 1.21; low certainty evidence)Single studies compared circumcision with antibiotics, cranberry products with no treatment, oxybutynin with placebo, two different surgical techniques and endoscopic injection with no treatment. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Compared with no treatment, the use of long-term, low-dose antibiotics may make little or no difference to the number of repeat symptomatic and febrile UTIs in children with VUR (low certainty evidence). Considerable variation in the study designs and subsequent findings prevented drawing firm conclusions on efficacy of antibiotic treatment.The added benefit of surgical or endoscopic correction of VUR over antibiotic treatment alone remains unclear since few studies comparing the same treatment and with relevant clinical outcomes were available for analysis.

A Comparison of Endoscopic Reduction for Medial Blowout Fractures Using a Bioresorbable Panel and Silastic Sheet.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of endoscopic endonasal reduction using a bioresorbable panel and silastic sheet packed with Merocel for blowout fractures of the medial orbital wall. DESIGN: Retrospective study. METHODS: The study group consisted of 147 patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal reduction of a blowout fracture of the medial orbital wall between January 2005 and December 2016. Fifty-seven fractures were repaired using a splint formed by a silastic sheet and Merocel (splint group), whereas 90 fractures were repaired using a bioresorbable panel for interposition (interposition group). Postoperative complications and surgical outcomes of the 2 groups were compared. RESULTS: Preoperative diplopia in both groups (n = 30) was resolved except 1 in interposition group after the reduction. Enophthalmos was resolved in 10 cases in the splint group and in 6 cases in the interposition group. In postoperative CT scans, 20 of the 57 cases in the splint group exhibited under- or overcorrection, compared with 9 of the 90 cases in the interposition group (P < 0.05). There were no sinus infections or implant-related side effects in the interposition group except for implant extrusion in 4 cases, whereas 7 cases developed sinusitis in the splint group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Endonasal endoscopic reduction using a bioresorbable panel may be considered as a surgical alternative for the treatment of medial orbital blowout fractures.

Efficacy and safety of polydimethylsiloxane injection (Macroplastique® ) for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence: results of a series of 85 patients with ≥3 years of follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term efficacy and safety of polydimethylsiloxane injection (Macroplastique® , Cogentix Medical, Orangeburg, New York, USA) for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI), with a minimum follow-up of 3 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is an observational analytical prospective cohort study conducted in a single uro-gynaecological unit. All consecutive women with urodynamically confirmed pure SUI treated with the Macroplastique procedure, were included. Data regarding patient outcomes (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form, Patient Global Impression of Improvement, and patient satisfaction scores), objective cure rates, and adverse events were collected during follow-up. Uni- and multivariable analyses were performed to investigate outcomes. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify factors involved in the risk of failure of the procedures or recurrence of SUI. RESULTS: In all, 85 women had the Macroplastique procedure. At the 3-year follow-up, all 85 (100%) patients were available for the evaluation. We did not find any significant change in the surgical outcomes during this time. At 3 years after surgery, 42 of 85 patients (49%) declared themselves cured (P = 0.67). Similarly, at the 3-year evaluation, 40 of 85 patients (47%) were objectively cured. There was no significant deterioration of objective cure rates over time (P = 0.3). A history of radical pelvic surgery and a low surgeon's skill were significantly associated with the risk of failure of Macroplastique. The multivariate analysis confirmed these findings; a previous history of radical pelvic surgery and a low surgeon's skill independently predicted the subjective and objective failure of Macroplastique. CONCLUSIONS: The 3-year results of this study showed that Macroplastique could be an acceptable alternative for the treatment of SUI with stable results over time and a negligible complication rate.

Surgical management of urinary stress incontinence - Where are we now?

Mid-urethral sling procedures (MUS) have been the surgical option of choice for most gynaecologists and urologists treating stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women around the world for almost 20 years, since their introduction in the late 1990s. The evidence suggests that the long-term effectiveness of the MUS is good and similar to the Burch Colposuspension and the fascial pubovaginal slings. The bulking agents are now being put forward as another minimally invasive option for the surgical treatment of SUI. Despite the increasing evidence that the retropubic MUS are more effective in long term and in high failure risk women with recurrent SUI and ISD, the TOT continues to have a high satisfaction and usage worldwide.

Non-labeled lensless micro-endoscopic approach for cellular imaging through highly scattering media.

We describe an imaging approach based on an optical setup made up of a miniature, lensless, minimally invasive endoscope scanning a sample and matching post processing techniques that enable enhanced imaging capabilities. The two main scopes of this article are that this approach enables imaging beyond highly scattering medium and increases the resolution and signal to noise levels reaching single cell imaging. Our approach has more advantages over ordinary endoscope setups and other imaging techniques. It is not mechanically limited by a lens, the stable but flexible fiber can acquire images over long time periods (unlike current imaging methods such as OCT etc.), and the imaging can be obtained at a certain working distance above the surface, without interference to the imaged object. Fast overlapping scans enlarge the region of interest, enhance signal to noise levels and can also accommodate post-processing, super-resolution algorithms. Here we present that due to the setup properties, the overlapping scans also lead to dramatic enhancement of non-scattered signal to scattered noise. This enables imaging through highly scattering medium. We discuss results obtained from in vitro investigation of weak signals of ARPE cells, rat retina, and scattered signals from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microchannels filled with hemoglobin and covered by intralipids consequently mimicking blood capillaries and the epidermis of human skin. The development of minimally invasive procedures and methodologies for imaging through scattering medium such as tissues can vastly enhance biomedical diagnostic capabilities for imaging internal organs. We thereby propose that our method may be used for such tasks in vivo.

Results of an innovative bulking agent in patients with stress urinary incontinence who are not optimal candidates for mid-urethral sling surgery.

AIMS: To assess the efficacy and safety of peri-urethral bulking injections (PBI) with an innovative bulking material (PDMS-U) in women with stress-urinary incontinence (SUI) who are not optimal candidates for mid-urethral sling surgery. METHODS: A prospective study was performed in women with SUI who, for several reasons, have a relative contraindication for a mid-urethral sling procedure. These reasons include: (i) recurrent SUI after a prior SUI surgical procedure; (ii) a history of oncologic gynaecological surgery; (iii) a history of neurologic disease resulting in voiding problems; (iv) a maximal flow rate of less than 15 mL per second or; (v) women with a contraindication for surgery with general or regional anaesthesia. All women were treated with PBI consisting of PDMS-U, a bulking agent that polymerizes in situ. The primary outcome was subjective improvement, defined as "a little better" to "very much better" on the PGI-I. Secondary outcomes included objective cure, disease specific quality of life and adverse events. RESULTS: Subjective improvement was reported by 18 (90%) of the 20 included patients. The subjective cure rate was 56% and the objective cure rate was 65%. There was a statistically significant improvement of all domain scores of the UDI-6, IIQ-7, and PISQ-12 at 6 months follow up. Abnormal post voiding residual volume (>150 mL) was the most common adverse event (40%), but persisted in only one patient, based on the patient's preference for a catheter. CONCLUSIONS: PBI with PDMS-U is a viable treatment option in women with a relative contra-indication for mid-urethral sling surgery.

Techniques for Optimizing Surgical Scars, Part 2: Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids.

Surgical management of benign or malignant cutaneous tumors may result in noticeable scars that are of great concern to patients, regardless of sex, age, or ethnicity. Techniques to optimize surgical scars are discussed in this three-part review. Part 2 focuses on scar revision for hypertrophic and keloids scars. Scar revision options for hypertrophic and keloid scars include corticosteroids, bleomycin, fluorouracil, verapamil, avotermin, hydrogel scaffold, nonablative fractional lasers, ablative and fractional ablative lasers, pulsed dye laser (PDL), flurandrenolide tape, imiquimod, onion extract, silicone, and scar massage.

The Effect of Dexpanthenol-Vitamin A (Nazalnem) on Silastic Splints After Nasal Septal Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of dexpanthenol-vitamin A (Nazalnem) ointment applied to the surface of silastic splints with an airway immediately after nasal septal surgery on postoperative complaints and nasal mucosa function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study enrolled 60 patients undergoing nasal septoplasty surgery. Group 1 (n = 30) received silastic splints with ointment containing dexpanthenol-vitamin A (Nazalnem), and Group 2 (n = 30), the control group, received silastic splints with vaseline. Of these patients, 2 patients from the Group 1 and 9 from the Group 2 were excluded.A thin layer of ointment was applied to the flat side of a silastic splint with an airway. The splints were removed on the second postoperative day. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and 1 and 2 weeks postoperatively using a visual analog scale and the Sino-Nasal Outcome test (SNOT-22). Mucociliary clearance (MCC) tests were performed at the same times. RESULTS: Visual analog scale for nasal crusting, nasal congestion, and foul odor was better in Group 1 than in Group 2 both at 1 week and at 2 weeks postoperatively (P < 0.05).The SNOT scores were significantly lower in Group 1 than in Group 2 at 1 week (P < 0.01), but did not differ at 2 weeks postoperatively (P > 0.05).Postoperatively, the MCC were insignificant between the groups and within the groups at 1 and 2 weeks (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although Dexpanthenol-Vitamin A ointment had no direct effect on wound healing, it had significant effects on crusting, obstruction, and foul smell. However, silastic splints with dexpanthenol did not improve the MCC of the nose.

Laparoscopic Silastic Ring Mini-Gastric Bypass (SR-MGBP): Up to 11-Year Results from a Single Centre.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is well established as an effective method for treating obesity and its related comorbidities. The laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass (MGBP) represents a simpler alternative to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP). The placement of a silastic ring (SR) may enhance excess weight loss and minimize weight regain. This study reports long-term results from a cohort of patients undergoing a SR-MGBP in a single centre. METHODS: Long-term outcomes (up to 11 years) in a cohort of 156 patients undergoing surgery between August 2005 and January 2008 were analysed. A combination of follow-up questionnaires and electronic hospital records were used to assess weight loss, comorbidity resolution and complications. RESULTS: A total of 156 patients (mean body mass index 46 kg/m2) underwent surgery. Ninety-two patients responded to the follow-up questionnaires. Computer-based hospital information was available on a total of 139 patients. Mean percent excess weight loss (%EWL) at 11 years was 84.3%. Comorbidity resolution, determined by medication use, showed a reduction in diabetes (21.8% to 7.1%), hypertension (37.2% to 21.4%) and hypercholesterolaemia (40.4% to 13.4%). Five of 139 patients (3.6%) had SR problems needing removal. Two other patients had the SR changed to a bigger size and a further two had endoscopic removal of the SR for erosion. Of the 139 patients, 9.4% required conversion to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP). The number of patients on anti-reflux medications increased from 5.1% to 44.6% at 11 years. There were two deaths unrelated to surgery. CONCLUSIONS: SR-MGBP appears to be a safe and effective operation for the morbidly obese. It is durable, with good weight loss at up to 11 years post-surgery. The SR can easily be removed or exchanged for another size and is reasonable to consider when performing a MGBP. Concerns about bile reflux appear to be well founded, and some patients who are poorly controlled medically will require revision.

Urethral Reconstruction Using Mesothelial Cell-Seeded Autogenous Granulation Tissue Tube: An Experimental Study in Male Rabbits.

Objective. This study was to evaluate the utility of the compound graft for tubularized urethroplasty by seeding mesothelial cells onto autogenous granulation tissue. Methods. Silastic tubes were implanted subcutaneously in 18 male rabbits, of which nine underwent omentum biopsies simultaneously for in vitro expansion of mesothelial cells. The granulation tissue covering the tubes was harvested 2 weeks after operation. Mesothelial cells were seeded onto and cocultured with the tissue for 7 days. A pendulous urethral segment of 1.5 cm was totally excised. Urethroplasty was performed with mesothelial cell-seeded tissue tubes in an end-to-end fashion in nine rabbits and with unseeded grafts in others as controls. Serial urethrograms were performed at 1, 2, and 6 months postoperatively. Meanwhile, the neourethra was harvested and analyzed grossly and histologically. Results. Urethrograms showed cell-seeded grafts maintained wide at each time point, while strictures formation was found in unseeded grafts. Histologically, layers of urothelium surrounded by increasingly organized smooth muscles were observed in seeded grafts. In contrast, myofibroblasts accumulation and extensive scarring occurred in unseeded grafts. Conclusions. Mesothelial cell-seeded granulation tissue tube can be successfully used for tubularized urethroplasty in male rabbits.

Polydimethylsiloxane elastomer injection in the management of the patulous eustachian tube.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of augmentation surgery using polydimethylsiloxane elastomer injection for the management of patulous eustachian tube. METHOD: All patients were treated with eustachian tube injection augmentation performed via a combined transnasal-transoral endoscopic approach. Clinical presentation, volume of injection, complications and initial response were all prospectively recorded. Longer-term follow up was conducted through structured telephone interviews using previously described patient-reported outcome measures. RESULTS: Overall, 8 of 11 patients (73 per cent) derived complete or significant symptom improvement; 1 patient had significant improvements but was dissatisfied, and in 2 patients the symptoms were unchanged. The eight satisfied patients showed improvement in their quality-of-life scores. CONCLUSION: This study describes an effective treatment option for patulous eustachian tube. Unlike many prior published reports, previously described patient-reported outcome measures were utilised in order to allow more direct comparison.

FDG-PET/CT appearance of injected silicone particles (VOX Implants®) in head and neck tissues.

OBJETIVES: In head and neck surgery, Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography imaging (FDG-PET/CT) is often used to identify primary tumor site in patients with unknown primary carcinoma, to predict response after chemoradiotherapy and in some cases, to detect recurrence. To rehabilitate swallowing after surgery in patients with persistent dysphagia, an injectable suspension of silicone (VOX® Implants) can be used to reduce the gaps in the neoglottis. The purpose of this report is to document the PET appearance of PDMS in a series of 3 patients who underwent partial laryngectomy with subsequent VOX® Implants injection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: a retrospective chart and imaging review was performed at our institution. Three patients were identified and included in the study. Appearance of PDMS at PET was described and discussed. RESULTS: An increased uptake of 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) was noticed at PET in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: the increased uptake was possibly due to active inflammatory reactions that are necessary for tissue integration of textured silicone particles.