[ modified method for placing drains to reduce the risk of surgical site infections: a pilot experimental study]

Surgical site infection is a major concern in surgery and has a high prevalence rate in many developing countries. There are many controversies on the use of drains as they may not reduce the risk of infections. In this pilot experimental study, we are introducing a modification in placing tube drains to reduce the of surgical site infections. Ninety albino male rats were used in three groups. In group one [test], the drains were placed subcutaneously, and were then fixed to the skin after making a two-turn crossing-over circular loop. In group two [control], the drain was just simply tied to the skin and in group three [sham], a skin incision was created without any drain placement. Animals were followed for signs of infection for one week and were then examined for microbiologic evidences of infection. There were no significant differences among groups in terms of clinical signs of infection; however, the colonization rate by gram positive cocci was significantly lower in test group [p<0.001]. This finding implies that our method may impair retrograde transfer of germs into the surgical site hence reducing the rate of infections

[Stem cell transplantation into rat inner ear]

Recent advances in regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy has opened new horizons with promising results in treating diseases so far known as incurable. Therapy with stem cells has been considered in treating various disorders encompassing hematologic, cardiovascular, neurologic, dermatologic and orthopedic entities as well as diabetes. Stem cells transplantation has been lately evaluated in treating hearing impairments in experimental studies and it is expected to open its way in treating patients with sensori-neural hearing loss in future. The present study is a review of literature published in medical databases current as of July 2007. Authors in this article has highlighted important characteristics of this novel approach including basics of stem cell biology and its potential application in treating auditory disorders. Despite primary hopeful results from stem cells transplantation in treating hearing impairments in experimental research, there are many questions which should be answered before their being introduced in clinical trials. Finding a proper source for cellular isolation, method of differentiation, way of delivery to the target organ and the right dosing as well as the ethical issues and potential hazards confronted are such challenges which should be first overcome