Optimization of intraocular lens constant improves refractive outcomes in combined endothelial keratoplasty and cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculations with A-constant optimization in Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) combined with cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation (DSAEK triple procedure). DESIGN: Retrospective case series. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty eyes of 22 patients with Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy who underwent the DSAEK triple procedure performed by a single surgeon. METHODS: Prediction errors were calculated retrospectively for consecutive DSAEK triple procedures. These prediction errors then were used to determine an IOL constant for this cohort of patients. The new optimized IOL constant subsequently was compared with the manufacturer's IOL constant, allowing evaluation and quantification of refractive benefits of optimization. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: The error in diopters (D) of the predicted refraction with the manufacturer's and optimized IOL constants. RESULTS: Optimization of the A constant decreased the mean absolute error (MAE) from 1.09 ± 0.63 D (range, 0.12-2.41 D) to 0.61 ± 0.4 D (range, 0-1.58 D; P = 0.004). Comparing the intended and final postoperative refractions calculated with the original manufacturer's constant and the optimized constant, 20% versus 43% of all eyes were in the less than 0.5-D range and 50% versus 83% of all eyes were in the less than 1.0-D range of the target refraction. Furthermore, optimization decreased the number of eyes that were more than 1.0 D from the target refraction from 50% to 17%. CONCLUSIONS: Optimization of the IOL constant showed significantly improved accuracy of predicted postoperative refraction compared with the manufacturer's IOL constant, which may help improve the postoperative refractive outcomes in patients undergoing the DSAEK triple procedure.

A three-dimensional printed photopolymer resin implant for orbital rehabilitation for evisceration.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the biocompatibility of three-dimensional (3D) printed orbital spheres for evisceration. MATERIALS: A total of 10 consecutive patients (eight females and two males; mean age, 46.8 ± 14.2 years) underwent evisceration of blind painful eyes. 3D spherical implants produced by a rapid prototype machine were used to restore orbital volume. The implants were produced from a commercially available photocurable resin (Fullcure®). Systemic toxicity was evaluated by comparing serum biochemical measurements (creatine phosphokinase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, creatinine, urea, alkaline phosphatase, and C-reactive protein) before and at 12 months after surgery. Local toxicity was assessed by the evaluation of signs of socket inflammation at the first postoperative month. Changes in implant size were determined by computed tomography scans at 2 and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: The postoperative evaluations were uneventful. The biochemical evaluation showed no significant changes after surgery. None of the patients presented signs of orbital implant inflammation, infection, exposure, or extrusion. Computed tomography scan evaluations revealed no changes in implant size. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first phase-1 clinical study to certify the biocompatibility of the Fullcure resin for orbital implants in humans. The 3D printing technology permits fast and accurate production of implants for this purpose.

[Treatment of trichiasis with high-frequency radio wave electrosurgery]. / Eletrólise com radiofrequência no tratamento da triquíase.

PURPOSE: Trichiasis is an acquired condition in which the eyelashes are directed posteriorly, touching the surface of the cornea. It poses a complex therapeutic problem. Despite several therapeutic options (epilation, electroepilation, cryotherapy, laser ablation and standard surgical techniques), relapse is frequent. METHODS: A prospective, nonmasked study was conducted to determine the efficacy of high-frequency radioelectrosurgery for treatment of trichiasis. Thirty-four patients (fifty-four eyelid segments) were treated with this technique. After eight weeks, all patients were reviewed regarding the success rate, relapse and complications. RESULTS: Cure was achieved after only one session of treatment in twenty-two patients, and two or more sessions in the remaining twelve. No complications have been reported. CONCLUSIONS: We consider high-frequency radioelectrosurgery a simple, not expensive, effective and free of complications technique for the treatment of trichiasis.

[Relationship between high-order aberrations and age and between high-order aberrations and refraction errors]. / Aberrações de alta ordem: associação com a idade e erros de refração.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between high-order aberrations and refractive errors, and between high-order aberrations and age. METHODS: An analytic retrospective study of patients that underwent aberrometry examination was conducted. All subjects examined with LadarWave aberrometer at the Hospital de Olhos do Paraná from April 2004 to April 2005 were included in this study. The major inclusion criterion was 20/20 or better - corrected or not - visual acuity; and the major exclusion criterion, the presence of previous eye surgery or disease. The following variables were analyzed: age, refraction, spherical equivalent, and high-order aberrations wich were: coma, spherical aberration, others, and high-order root mean square (RMS). All data were obtained by LadarWave aberrometry examination, under cycloplegia, utilizing only 6.5 mm pupil results. High-order aberrations up to eight order Zernike's coefficients were evaluated. Patients were divided into 6 groups according to refraction error and into 3 groups according to age. RESULTS: Two hundred and one of 312 eyes were studied. The mean age was 33.9 +/- 10.1, varying from 7 to 62 years of age. Among the refraction error groups hyperopic patients with less than -0.75 D astigmatism (Group 5) showed a higher amount of spherical aberration, and hyperopic patients with more than -0.75 D astigmatism (Group 6) showed a higher amount of other and high-order RMS aberrations. In the general comparison between the age groups, the 45 or older group (Group C) showed a higher amount of all the analyzed aberrations. CONCLUSION: a) There was a statistically significant positive relationship between hyperopia - with or without astigmatism - and spherical aberration and high-order RMS. b) There was a statistically significant positive relationship between age and all analyzed aberrations.

[Psychological and social aspects of patients with keratoconus]. / Aspectos psicossociais do paciente com ceratocone.

INTRODUCTION: Keratoconus is a progressive and non-inflammatory ectasia of the cornea, mostly bilateral causing low vision because of the irregular astigmatism. The influence of the disease on quality of life is dependent on limiting factors and personality type. PURPOSE: To verify quality of life and personality type of the person with keratoconus. METHODS: Sixty-eight individuals with keratoconus and 52 without the ocular disease were studied. The following data were collected: personal demographic data, keratoconus measurements and specific questions, complete ophthalmologic examination, measurement of quality of life and personality type using standardized instruments. RESULTS: Both groups were demographically similar and comparable. SF-36 and MIPS differed between keratoconus and control patients. SF-36 scores showed that the keratoconus group had lower scores regarding the physical component (353.0 +/- 58.2 x 379.1 +/- 52.9) (p=0.005) as well as the mental component (326.3 +/- 89.9 x 364.2 +/- 66.4) (p=0.004), mainly functional capacity (86.3 +/- 9.7 x 92.6 +/- 9.7) (p<0.0001) and general health (76.8 +/- 16.9 x 83.5 +/- 16.5) (p=0.014). MIPS scores showed that patients with keratoconus were significantly more pain avoiding (p=0.007) presented more, imaginative intuition (p=0.004), asocial withdrawal (p=0.014) and anxious hesitation (p=0.010) than the control group. CONCLUSION: The results showed psychosocial impairment in the keratoconus group. Keratoconus influenced the quality of life expressed by the SF-36. MIPS showed keratoconus patients to be more pain avoiding, with more imaginative intuition, asocial withdrawal and anxious hesitation than the control group.

[Analysis of corneal curvature alteration following intrastromal corneal ring implantation: experimental study in rabbits]. / Análise das alterações na curvatura corneana com implante intra-estromal: estudo experimental em coelhos.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of intrastromal corneal ring implantation on corneal curvature in rabbits. METHODS: Thirty eyes of 15 rabbits were divided into two groups: group 1 with 7 animals and group 2 with 8 animals. The left eye underwent surgery and the right eye was used as control. Ultrasound pachymetry and corneal topography were performed prior to surgery. Anterior segment biomicroscopy and corneal topography were performed after surgery. In group 1, implantation of two ring segments was performed. In group 2, ring segments were implanted separately. Topographical findings, before and after surgery, were compared through quantitative and qualitative alterations and divided into four quadrants. RESULTS: Quantitative analysis showed no significant difference between the groups in the preoperative period. Experiment group 1 showed nasal (p=0.02) and temporal (p=0.04) corneal steepening, compared to control group 1. Experiment group 2 showed nasal and temporal corneal steepening and superior and inferior corneal flattening (p=0.02 for all quadrants) compared to the control group 2. Qualitative analysis showed uniform astigmatism in both control groups. In experiment group 1, against-the-rule regular symmetrical astigmatism was observed after surgery. In experiment group 2, against-the-rule regular asymmetrical astigmatism was found after implantation of the first ring segment, and against the rule regular symmetrical astigmatism was observed after implantation of the second segment. CONCLUSION: In this study, significant corneal flattening occurred in quadrants where ring segments extremities were located and corneal steepening was observed in quadrants where its body was located. Implantation of one ring segment induces asymmetrical astigmatism.

[Total testosterone level in postmenopausal women with dry eye]. / Nível de testosterona total em mulheres pós-menopausa com olho seco.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare total testosterone blood level among three groups of postmenopausal women: control, mild to moderate dry eye and severe dry eye. METHODS: Twenty-nine postmenopausal women were selected. The exclusion criteria were: hormone replacement therapy in the last 8 weeks, mechanical palpebral abnormalities, pterygium, lacrimal obstructions, intraocular inflammation or contact lens use. A blood sample was collected for total testosterone level determination, and the patients were submitted to an ophthalmologic examination (emphasizing on dry eye detection) and answered the OSDI (Ocular Surface Disease Index) questionnaire. Five patients were excluded. Postmenopausal women were divided into three groups according to OSDI score and the ophthalmic examination. RESULTS: Five patients were classified in the no dry eye group (control), fifteen in the mild to moderate dry eye group and four in the severe dry eye group. There were no statistically significant differences regarding mean age (p=0.3915); instruction level (p=0.9333); number of comorbidities (p=0.2551); medication taken (p=0.2844) and total testosterone level among those groups (p=0.1275). CONCLUSION: Further research with a greater bigger sample is necessary to establish the relation of androgen levels in dry eye patients.

[Influence of corneal astigmatism in final visual acuity after implantation of AcrySof ReSTOR: case report]. / Influência do astigmatismo corneano na acuidade visual final após implante de AcrySof ReSTOR: relato de caso.

Currently, new types of intraocular lenses have been developed aiming to eliminate presbyopia and the use has become more popular. The authors report the case of a patient with bilateral cataract and corneal irregularities and astigmatism higher than 2D in the corneal topography, in which AcrySof ReSTOR intraocular lens was implanted in the left eye associated to relaxing limbal incisions trying to reduce corneal astigmatism. The near and distance postoperative visual acuity were worse than expected, with no improvement with refraction. Apparently, no other reason apart from irregular astigmatism/multifocal lens justified the low vision. After 45 days, with no visual acuity improvement, the intraocular lens was explanted and a monofocal one was implanted. The final corrected visual acuity improved. Thus, the present case emphasizes the need of a correct preoperative selection of patients to implant this type of multifocal lens, with special attention to corneal topography data.

Hyoscine butylbromide for colorectal polyp detection: prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES:: The removal of pre-malignant colorectal lesions prevents cancer. Hyoscine has been proposed as a means of improving diagnosis by reducing colonic movements. The aim of this study was to analyze whether this anti-spasmodic enhances the detection of pre-malignant colorectal lesions. METHODS:: In a randomized, double-blinded fashion patients received hyoscine or a saline solution in all consecutive colonoscopies in which the cecum was reached. Lesions were analysed with respect to number, size, location, histology and capillary pattern. RESULTS:: A total of 440 colonoscopies were randomized. The overall polyp detection rate (PDR) and the adenoma detection rate (ADR) were 65.2% and 49.3%, respectively. In the hyoscine group, non-polypoid lesions were detected significantly more often (p=0.01). In the placebo group 281 lesions were diagnosed (202 adenomas) and in the hyoscine group 282 lesions were detected (189 adenomas) (p=0.23). The PDR and ADR were similar between the placebo and hyoscine groups (64% vs 66% and 50% vs 47%, respectively). No differences were observed between the two groups in the advanced-ADR or advanced neoplasia detection rate, as well the mean numbers of polyps, adenomas, advanced adenomas and advanced neoplasias detected per patient. The administration of hyoscine also did not improve the diagnostic accuracy of digital chromoendoscopy. The presence of adenomatous polyps in the right colon was detected significantly more frequently in the hyoscine group (OR 5.41 95% CI 2.7 - 11; p<0.01 vs OR 2.3 95% CI 1.1 - 4.6; p=0.02). CONCLUSION:: The use of hyoscine before beginning the withdrawal of the colonoscope does not seem to enhance the PDR and the ADR.

[Evaluation of aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) extract on the healing process of gastroraphy in rats]. / Avaliação do extrato de Aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) no processo de cicatrização de gastrorrafias em ratos.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the healing process of gastric suture in rats using hydroalcoholic aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) extract. METHODS: Forty adult male rats, divided into two groups of 20 animals were operated and named as follows: aroeira group (Ga), and the control group (Gc). Each group was divided into two subgroups (SG) of 10 animals (SGa and SGc) according to the time of provoked death (three and seven days). The same surgical procedure was performed in all animals consisting in incision and simple suture of the stomach (Prolene(R) 6-0). The only difference was on the type of medical treatment. The aroeira group received a single 100 mg/kg of aroeira extract in an intraperitoneal dose and the animals from the control group received the same quantity in milliliters (ml) of the isotonic saline solution. The evaluated parameters were: macroscopic alterations, microscopic healing process and toleration to atmospheric air insufflation. RESULTS: All animals had good healing process of abdominal wall with no clinical evidence of infection, dehiscence, abscesses and peritonitis. Both groups presented adherences to gastric suture line area with surrounding organs, mainly the liver, lower intestines and the abdominal wall. Microscopic analysis showed only chronic inflammation significant difference between the aroeira and control groups on the third day of observation. Resistance tests did not present significant statistical differences in the studied groups. CONCLUSION: The use of aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) hydro-alcoholic extract did not alter the stomach healing process, considered on macroscopic, tensiometric and microscopic assessment.

[Evaluation of the hydro-alcoholic Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Aroeira) extract in the healing process of the alba linea in rats]. / Avaliação do efeito do extrato hidroalcoólico de Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Aroeira) no processo de cicatrização da linea alba de ratos.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the healing process in the abdominal wall of rats after the intra-peritoneal injection of the hydro-alcoholic Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi extract. METHODS: Forty Wistar rats were used, distributed in two groups of 20 animals, divided into two subgroups, according to the death day, three or seven, after the intra-peritoneal injection of the extract. The experimental group was injected with only one dose of the hydro-alcoholic Aroeira extract (100mg per animal kilogram); the control group was injected with only one dose of isotonic saline solution at 0.9%. After the animal death, an inventory of the peritoneal cavity was carried out in a careful search for any adhesion, followed by the resection of the anterior abdominal wall encompassing the operating incision in order to examine it for evidence of infection. The adhesions were classified according to the Nair criteria. The tensiometric assessment was performed by means of the measurement of the maximum charge and maximum deformity tolerated, measured in a universal Tiratest type testing machine and, finally, the histological evaluation was performed by means of the hematoxylin-eosine staining in following parameters: severe inflammation, chronic inflammation, ischemic necrosis, gigantocellular reaction of the foreign body type, fibroblastic proliferation, fibrosis, re-epithelization and co-optation of the suture borders. RESULTS: The macroscopic evaluation didn't have any evidence of significant adherence between the alba linea and the intra-abdominal viscera in the study groups. The tensiometry showed significant effect for the Maximum Charge and Maximum Deformity (p=0.006 and p=0.000, respectively) between the 7-day control and experimental groups. The histological 3-day and 7-day control and experimental intergroup evaluation did not show significant alteration for the parameters vascular neoformation, necrosis, fibrosis, re-epithelization and co-aptation. A significant difference was perceived for fibroblastic proliferation (p=0.014) in the 3-day intergroup evaluation and for chronic inflammation (p=0.023) and gigantocellular reaction of the foreign body type (p=0.008) in the 7-day intergroup evaluation. The control intragroup analysis, had a significant difference for chronic inflammation in the 3-day group and, finally, in the experimental intragroup analysis, a significant difference was observed for acute inflammation and fibroblastic proliferation (p=0.001 and p=0.020) in the 3-day regarding the 7-day group. CONCLUSION: The intraperitoneal injection of the Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi hydro-alcoholic extract in median laparotomies in rats has not determined any significant alteration in the macroscopic analysis, but it induced an increase of maximum charge of rupture and maximum deformity of the alba linea in the tensiometric analysis. In the histological point of view, the Aroeira group had a positive healing effect on the 3-day.

[Healing process in cutaneous surgical wounds in rats under the influence of Orbignya phalerata aqueous extract]. / Análise comparativa da cicatrização da pele com o uso intraperitoneal de extrato aquoso de Orbignya phalerata (babaçu). Estudo controlado em ratos.

INTRODUCTION: The wounds healing is a highly complex process with many phases. Countless substances have been used since the remote times with the purpose a simulating the process. Among them the Orbignya phalerata extract was considered as having a stimulating action. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to verify the healing action of the Orbignya phalerata in the healing of skin surgical wounds by a comparative analysis of the alterations obtained in histological and morphologic aspects. METHODS: Sixty male adult Wistar rats were used. They were distributed in a randomly in two groups of 30 each and, in one group, Orbignya phalerata extract was used intraperitoneally in a dose of 50 mg/Kg in the first day of surgery. The experimental procedure consisted in a circular incision of two centimeters of diameter with metallic punch. In the control group the substance was not used. The rats were killed in the 7th, 14th, 21st days of the post-operative period and submitted to macro and microscopic analysis. The macroscopic one was made with magnifying glass and paquimeter. For the histological analysis, the sheets were processed with Hematoxilina-Eosina (HE) and trichromic of Masson and slides the vascular proliferation, mononuclear cells, polymorphonuclear cells, fibroblastic proliferation, collagen fibers and re-epithelization were assigned. RESULTS: In the macroscopic view the experimental group of seven days had only one animal with small amount of secretion. In the animals of 14 days all of them had good aspect. The ones of 21 days, complete healing was observed in all animals. In the histological analysis, there was no significant difference among groups, except for the 7th day with significant difference in the fibroblastic proliferation and re-epithelization favoring the experimental group. CONCLUSION: A favorable effect of the aqueous extract of babassu mesocarp was observed in a microscope analysis in the healing process of cutaneous surgical wounds in rats.

Infecção por HSV-1, do corticoide ao transplante: relato de caso / HSV-1 infection, from corticoid to transplant: case report

INTRODUÇÃO: O herpes vírus simples está presente em cerca de 67% da população até os 50 anos. O herpes vírus tipo I apresenta, geralmente, repercussões acima da região umbilical, como por exemplo a ceratite herpética, que necessita de um diagnóstico e tratamento precoce, a fim de diminuir a morbidade da doença. OBJETIVO: Relatar o caso de um paciente com histórico de ceratite herpética que evoluiu com um quadro de perfuração corneana devido ao uso indiscriminado de corticoide. RELATO DE CASO: homem, 57, vem ao consultório com queixas de incômodo e vermelhidão em olho direito. Este com diagnóstico prévio de herpes com recidiva de endotelite e ceratite herpética, e por isso iniciado Maxidex®, colírio, por conta. À biomicroscopia de olho direito indicou úlcera geográfica grande associada a uma área de afinamento central importante da córnea. Colírio suspenso com início de antiviral. Ao retorno, foi confirmando a perfuração corneana e o transplante corneano foi imediatamente indicado. CONCLUSÃO: O caso ilustra a importância da orientação correta ao paciente, reforçando a necessidade de acompanhamento oftalmológico constante especialmente nos casos de pacientes com herpes recorrente, ou imunossupressão visto as peculiaridades de suas diferentes formas e a rápida instalação de complicações oculares da infecção herpética tal como as consequências do uso indiscriminado de corticoides

INTRODUCTION: Herpes simplex virus is present in about 67% of the population up to 50 years of age. Herpes virus type I generally has repercussions above the umbilical region, such as herpetic keratitis, which requires early diagnosis and treatment in order to reduce the disease's morbidity. OBJECTIVE: To report the case of a patient with a history of herpetic keratitis who developed corneal perforation due to indiscriminate use of corticosteroids. CASE REPORT: man, 57, comes to the office with complaints of discomfort and redness in his right eye. This with previous diagnosis of herpes with recurrence of endothelitis and herpetic keratitis, and for this reason Maxidex®, eye drops, started. Biomicroscopy of the right eye indicated a large geographical ulcer associated with an important central thinning area of the cornea. Suspended eye drops with onset of antiviral. Upon return, the Korean perforation was confirmed and the corneal transplant was immediately indicated. CONCLUSION: The case illustrates the importance of correct patient guidance, reinforcing the need for constant ophthalmological monitoring especially in cases of patients with recurrent herpes, or immunosuppression given the peculiarities of its different forms and the rapid installation of ocular complications of herpetic infection as well as the consequences of indiscriminate use of corticosteroids

Quais são os principais fatores de risco para infecção do sítio cirúrgico? / What are the main risk factors for surgical site infection?

As infecções de ferida operatória são consideradas o maior subgrupo de infecções nosocomiais, contribuindo com mais de 20%. Podem levar ao aumento na morbimortalidade, no custo de internação e no tempo de hospitalização. Os objetivos deste estudo foram traçar o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes submetidos às cirurgias abdominais e que vieram a desenvolver infecção, podendo identificar, quais fatores atuam direta ou indiretamente no processo. A amostra constituiu-se de 219 pacientes que tiveram seus dados avaliados através de parâmetros selecionados e obtidos em prontuários. Foram levantados dados sobre idade, comorbidades, uso de drenos, procedimento cirúrgico e tempo cirúrgico. Em conclusão, verificou-se que a infecção do sítio cirúrgico é influenciada pelo tipo o procedimento, pela utilização de drenos e pelo tempo cirúrgico.

Surgical wound infections are considered the largest subgroup of nosocomial infections, contributing more than 20%. They can lead to an increase in morbidity and mortality, in the cost of hospitalization and in the length of hospital stay. The objectives of this study were to trace the epidemiological profile of patients submitted to abdominal surgeries and who developed infection, being able to identify which factors act directly or indirectly in the process. The sample consisted of 219 patients who had their data evaluated through selected parameters obtained from medical records. Data on age, comorbidities, use of drains, surgical procedure and surgical time were collected. In conclusion, it was found that surgical site infection is influenced by the type of procedure, the use of drains and the surgical time.

Achados tomográficos nos traumas abdominais contusos e perfil dos pacientes / Tomographic findings in contune abdominal trauma and patient profile

O trauma é a 5ª. causa de morte no mundo e, na população com menos de 40 anos, é a maior causa de óbitos. O abdome é região frequentemente lesada e requer tratamento cirúrgico com frequência. Em se tratando de trauma contuso, exames de imagem oferecem diagnóstico mais acurado conduzindo tratamento mais adequado. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a relação dos achados tomográficos, do exame físico e a prevalência das lesões. Foram selecionados 39 politraumatizados e vítimas de trauma abdominal contuso, através de um estudo prospectivo. Foram comparados exame físico e o achado tomográfico. Em conclusão, mostrou-se que a avaliação clínica isoladamente pode fazer com que lesões passem desapercebidas; a tomografia computadorizada teve boa sensibilidade e especificidade devendo ser realizada para diagnosticar e melhor guiar a terapêutica.

Trauma is the 5th cause of death in the world and, in the population under 40 years old, it is the biggest cause of death. The abdomen is a frequently injured region and often requires surgical treatment. In the case of blunt trauma, imaging tests offer a more accurate diagnosis leading to more appropriate treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between tomographic and physical examination findings and the prevalence of lesions. Thirty-nine polytraumatized and victims of blunt abdominal trauma were selected through a prospective study. Physical examination and tomographic findings were compared. In conclusion, it has been shown that clinical assessment alone can make lesions go unnoticed; computed tomography had good sensitivity and specificity and should be performed to diagnose and better guide therapy.

Comparative analysis of endoscopic and histopathological features of superficial elevated lesions resected by endoscopic mucosal resection in the distal and proximal colon.

OBJECTIVE: to compare endoscopic and histopathologic features of superficial, elevated lesions with one or more centimeters in diameter, diagnosed by videocolonoscopy on the distal and proximal colon, and subjected to mucosal resection. METHODS: we conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study involving 8,075 videocolonoscopies. From this total, we evaluated 166 mucosectomies in 145 patients with superficial, elevated lesions with a diameter equal to or greater than 1cm. RESULTS: the lesion prevalence was lower in G1 than in G2 (34.9% vs. 65%). The mean age, gender distribution and size (1.9cm in G1 versus 2.0cm in G2, p=0.921) were similar. There was no difference of mucosal surfaces in relation to the location (p=0.575). Considering Intraepithelial neoplasias, both the low grade, high grade (including carcinomas) and hyperplasic ones showedd no difference (p=0.527), nor did the neoplastic lesions when divided into serrated and non-serrated (p=0.124). Excluding 13 hyperplastic lesions and two carcinomas, 124 (82.1%) were non-serrated and 27 (17.9%), serrated. CONCLUSION: were found no significant differences between endoscopic and histopathological aspects of superficial, elevated lesions of 1cm or more in diameter in distal colon compared with the proximal, when resected by mucosectomy. Although not significant, there was a tendency of association between the location of the lesion and the presence of serrated features. OBJETIVO: comparar aspectos endoscópicos e histopatológicos de lesões superficialmente elevadas, com um ou mais centímetros de diâmetro, diagnosticadas por videocolonoscopias e ressecadas por mucosectomias do cólon distal com as do cólon proximal. MÉTODOS: estudo foi retrospectivo, transversal, observacional, envolvendo 8075 videocolonoscopias. Avaliou-se 166 mucosectomias em 145 pacientes com lesões superficialmente elevadas com diâmetro igual ou maior do que 1cm. RESULTADOS: a prevalência de lesões foi menor no G1 do que no G2 (34,9% x 65%). A média de idade, a distribuição por sexo e o tamanho (1,9cm no G1 e 2cm no G2, p=0,921) foram semelhantes. Não houve diferenças das superfícies em relação à localização (p=0,575). Considerando neoplasia intraepitelial de baixo grau, neoplasia intraepitelial de alto grau (incluindo carcinomas) e hiperplásicas, não houve diferença (p=0,527), assim como quando foram divididas as lesões neoplásicas em serrilhadas e não serrilhadas (p=0,124). Excluindo-se 13 lesões hiperplásicas e duas com carcinomas, 124 (82,1%) foram não serrilhadas e 27 (17,9%) serrilhadas. CONCLUSÃO: não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os aspectos endoscópicos e os histopatológicos das lesões superficialmente elevadas, com 1cm ou mais de diâmetro, ressecadas por mucosectomia do cólon distal em relação ao proximal. Embora não significante, há tendência à associação entre a localização da lesão e a presença de características serrilhadas.

[Study of torsional movements in refractive surgery]. / Estudo dos movimentos torcionais em cirurgia refrativa.

PURPOSE: To observe torsional movements of the eye in refractive surgery, and their possible consequences in the surgery outcome. METHODS: In a prospective study, 49 eyes of 40 patients were submitted to surgical correction of astigmatism, by the LASIK technique. Patients were divided in two groups based on the cylindric power. Group A from -0.25 to -2.00D; group B from -2.25 to -6.00D. The occurrence of torsional movements was recorded in all patients, and based on this, the axis of treatment was corrected. RESULTS: Mean torsion was 3.5 masculine +/- in group A; and 4.5 masculine+/- in group B. There was no statistical difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Torsional movements occurred in almost all cases, and therefore should be corrected if one desires best results. This is specially important in matching personalized data captured in wave front analyzers for the eye at the time of surgery.

[Experimental investigation of postoperative use of medication in refractive surgery]. / Investigação experimental da utilidade da medicação no pós-operatório em cirurgia refrativa.

PURPOSE: To harvest microorganisms from the microkeratome after LASIK. To induce experimental infectious keratitis and investigate the use of routine postoperative medication. METHODS: During eight consecutive days, we cultured the plate of the microkeratome after routine LASIK. Dilutions of the most frequent microorganism was prepared according to the MacFarland scale. Ten microliters were injected into both corneas of eight guinea pigs. The right cornea was used as control and the left cornea was treated with 0.3% ciprofloxacin associated with dexamethasone and ketorolac tromethamine every 4 hours for 24 hours (group 2). The animals were sacrificed and the corneas were divided into two halves, which were sent to analyzed by the microbiology and histopathology laboratory. RESULTS: In the control group, Staphylococcus aureus could be retrieved from all corneas, while in group 2, only 50% showed positive cultures (p=0.0128). Histopathology concerning polymorphonuclear cells showed an intense degree of inflammation in group 1 (p=0.0203) and regarding monomorphonuclear cells, it was also more intense in group 1 (p=0.0051). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the use of wide-spectrum antibiotic associated with anti-inflammatory eye drops has a significant effect on the reduction of a potential infectious and inflammatory process after refractive surgery.

[Amniotic membrane transplantation associated with conjunctival autograft for primary pterygium treatment]. / Transplante de membrana amniótica associado ao transplante de conjuntiva autólogo no tratamento do pterígio primário.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of amniotic membrane transplantation associated with conjunctival autograft in primary pterygium treatment. METHODS: We have analyzed, prospectively, 26 patients (14 women and 12 men), from 20 to 60 years old, examined at the Evangelic Hospital Ophthalmology Outpatient Clinic. They were submitted to primary pterygium treatment with pterygium excision surgery, amniotic membrane transplantation and conjunctival autograft, from April to November, 2001. The evaluated aspects were: degree of pterygium, postoperative complications and recurrence. RESULTS: Four cases (15.38%) showed complications, none of them considered serious, conjunctival graft contraction in 2 cases being the most frequent. After a follow-up of 6 months, 24 patients (92.3%) had a successful result and 2 patients (7.69%) had corneal or conjunctival recurrence. Among the patients with complications 50% presented pterygium recurrence (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: It is a safe surgical procedure with a low degree of recurrence rate. Complications are associated with a greater chance of relapse. This procedure is also an option in cases where there is not sufficient conjunctiva to cover all excised area.