Seizure onset patterns predict outcome after stereo-electroencephalography-guided laser amygdalohippocampotomy.

OBJECTIVE: Stereotactic laser amygdalohippocampotomy (SLAH) is an appealing option for patients with temporal lobe epilepsy, who often require intracranial monitoring to confirm mesial temporal seizure onset. However, given limited spatial sampling, it is possible that stereotactic electroencephalography (stereo-EEG) may miss seizure onset elsewhere. We hypothesized that stereo-EEG seizure onset patterns (SOPs) may differentiate between primary onset and secondary spread and predict postoperative seizure control. In this study, we characterized the 2-year outcomes of patients who underwent single-fiber SLAH after stereo-EEG and evaluated whether stereo-EEG SOPs predict postoperative seizure freedom. METHODS: This retrospective five-center study included patients with or without mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) who underwent stereo-EEG followed by single-fiber SLAH between August 2014 and January 2022. Patients with causative hippocampal lesions apart from MTS or for whom the SLAH was considered palliative were excluded. An SOP catalogue was developed based on literature review. The dominant pattern for each patient was used for survival analysis. The primary outcome was 2-year Engel I classification or recurrent seizures before then, stratified by SOP category. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients were included, with a mean follow-up duration of 39 ± 12 months after SLAH. Overall 1-, 2-, and 3-year Engel I seizure freedom probability was 54%, 36%, and 33%, respectively. Patients with SOPs, including low-voltage fast activity or low-frequency repetitive spiking, had a 46% 2-year seizure freedom probability, compared to 0% for patients with alpha or theta frequency repetitive spiking or theta or delta frequency rhythmic slowing (log-rank test, p = .00015). SIGNIFICANCE: Patients who underwent SLAH after stereo-EEG had a low probability of seizure freedom at 2 years, but SOPs successfully predicted seizure recurrence in a subset of patients. This study provides proof of concept that SOPs distinguish between hippocampal seizure onset and spread and supports using SOPs to improve selection of SLAH candidates.

Explantation of phakic intraocular lenses: causes and outcomes.

PURPOSE: To describe reasons for explantation of anterior and posterior chamber phakic intraocular lenses (pIOLs), as well as outcomes of the surgery. METHODS: The medical files of patients who underwent pIOL explantation due to complications were reviewed. All patients were divided into three groups based on the type of explanted pIOL: anterior chamber angle-supported (AS pIOL), anterior chamber iris-fixated (IF pIOL), and posterior chamber (PC pIOL). RESULTS: Sixty-two eyes of 41 patients were evaluated. There were 26 (41.9%), 16 (25.8%), and 20 (32.2%) eyes in the AS pIOL, IF pIOL, and PC pIOL groups, respectively. The mean interval between the implantation and removal of the pIOL (i.e., survival time) was 13.6 ± 8.1 years (range 0.01-21.22 years). The mean follow-up after the explantation was 22.5 ± 4.0 months (range 11.3-28.7 months). The main causes of explantation were cataract in the PC pIOL group (60%) and chronic endothelial cell loss in the AS pIOL group (53.8%) and IF pIOL group (56.2%). Overall, the procedure most often combined with pIOL explantation was phacoemulsification and implantation of a posterior chamber IOL (40.3%), followed by keratoplasty (9.6%). Intraoperative complications were significantly more common in the AS pIOL group than the other groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Explantation of anterior chamber pIOLs due to severe endothelial cell loss and the proportion of keratoplasty was more common in patients with a relatively long survival time. Therefore, patients with pIOL implantation should be monitored regularly after surgery.

Efficacy of novel albendazole salt formulations against secondary cystic echinococcosis in experimentally infected mice.

In this study, we evaluated the efficacy, expressed as a mean weight decrease of the whole echinococcal cyst mass, of novel benzimidazole salt formulations in a murine Echinococcus granulosus infection model. BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally infected with protoscoleces of E. granulosus (genotype G1). At 9 months post-infection, treatment with albendazole (ABZ), ricobendazole (RBZ) salt formulations, and RBZ enantiomer salts (R)-(+)-RBZ-Na and (S)-(-)-RBZ-Na formulations were initiated. Drugs were orally applied by gavage at 10 mg kg-1 body weight per day during 30 days. Experimental treatments with benzimidazole sodium salts resulted in a significant reduction of the weight of cysts compared to conventional ABZ treatment, except for the (S)-(-)-RBZ-Na enantiomer formulation. Scanning electron microscopy and histological inspection revealed that treatments impacted not only the structural integrity of the parasite tissue in the germinal layer, but also induced alterations in the laminated layer. Overall, these results demonstrate the improved efficacy of benzimidazole salt formulations compared to conventional ABZ treatment in experimental murine cystic echinococcosis.

SEEG in 3D: Interictal Source Localization From Intracerebral Recordings.

BACKGROUND: Stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) uses a three-dimensional configuration of depth electrodes to localize epileptiform activity, but traditional analysis of SEEG is spatially restricted to the point locations of the electrode contacts. Interpolation of brain activity between contacts might allow for three-dimensional representation of epileptiform activity and avoid pitfalls of SEEG interpretation. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to validate SEEG-based interictal source localization and assess the ability of this technique to monitor far-field activity in non-implanted brain regions. METHODS: Interictal epileptiform discharges were identified on SEEG in 26 patients who underwent resection, ablation, or disconnection of the suspected epileptogenic zone. Dipoles without (free) and with (scan) gray matter restriction, and current density (sLORETA and SWARM methods), were calculated using a finite element head model. Source localization results were compared to the conventional irritative zone (IZ) and the surgical treatment volumes (TV) of seizure-free vs. non-seizure-free patients. RESULTS: The median distance from dipole solutions to the nearest contact in the conventional IZ was 7 mm (interquartile range 4-15 mm for free dipoles and 4-14 mm for scan dipoles). The IZ modeled with SWARM predicted contacts within the conventional IZ with 83% (75-100%) sensitivity and 94% (88-100%) specificity. The proportion of current within the TV was greater in seizure-free patients (P = 0.04) and predicted surgical outcome with 45% sensitivity and 93% specificity. Dipole solutions and sLORETA results did not correlate with seizure outcome. Addition of scalp EEG led to more superficial modeled sources (P = 0.03) and negated the ability to predict seizure outcome (P = 0.23). Removal of near-field data from contacts within the TV resulted in smearing of the current distribution (P = 0.007) and precluded prediction of seizure freedom (P = 0.20). CONCLUSIONS: Source localization accurately represented interictal discharges from SEEG. The proportion of current within the TV distinguished between seizure-free and non-seizure-free patients when near-field recordings were obtained from the surgical target. The high prevalence of deep sources in this cohort likely obscured any benefit of concurrent scalp EEG. SEEG-based interictal source localization is useful in illustrating and corroborating the epileptogenic zone. Additional techniques are needed to localize far-field epileptiform activity from non-implanted brain regions.

Source localization of ictal SEEG to predict postoperative seizure outcome.

OBJECTIVE: Stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) is inherently-three-dimensional and can be modeled using source localization. This study aimed to assess the validity of ictal SEEG source localization. METHODS: The dominant frequency at ictal onset was used for source localization in the time and frequency domains using rotating dipoles and current density maps. Validity was assessed by concordance with the epileptologist-defined seizure onset zone (conventional SOZ) and the surgical treatment volume (TV) of seizure-free versus non-seizure-free patients. RESULTS: Source localization was performed on 68 seizures from 27 patients. Median distance to nearest contact in the conventional SOZ was 7 (IQR 6-12) mm for time-domain dipoles. Current density predicted ictal activity with up to 86 % (60-87 %) accuracy. Distance from time-domain dipoles to the TV was smaller (P = 0.045) in seizure-free (2 [0-4] mm) versus non-seizure-free (12 [2-17] mm) patients, and predicted surgical outcome with 91 % sensitivity and 63 % specificity. Removing near-field data from contacts within the TV negated outcome prediction (P = 0.51). CONCLUSIONS: Source localization of SEEG accurately mapped ictal onset compared with conventional interpretation. Proximity of dipoles to the TV predicted seizure outcome when near-field recordings were analyzed. SIGNIFICANCE: Ictal SEEG source localization is useful in corroborating the epileptogenic zone, assuming near-field recordings are obtained.

A novel locus for autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing impairment, DFNB63, maps to chromosome 11q13.2-q13.4.

Hereditary hearing impairment is a genetically heterogeneous disorder. To date, 49 autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing impairment (ARNSHI) loci have been described, and there are more than 16 additional loci announced. In 25 of the known loci, causative genes have been identified. A genome scan and fine mapping revealed a novel locus for ARNSHI (DFNB63) on chromosome 11q13.2-q13.4 in a five-generation Turkish family (TR57). The homozygous linkage interval is flanked by the markers D11S1337 and D11S2371 and spans a 5.3-Mb interval. A maximum two-point log of odds score of 6.27 at a recombination fraction of theta = 0.0 was calculated for the marker D11S4139. DFNB63 represents the eighth ARNSHI locus mapped to chromosome 11, and about 3.33 Mb separate the DFNB63 region from MYO7A (DFNB2/DFNB11). Sequencing of coding regions and exon-intron boundaries of 13 candidate genes, namely SHANK2, CTTN, TPCN2, FGF3, FGF4, FGF19, FCHSD2, PHR1, TMEM16A, RAB6A, MYEOV, P2RY2 and KIAA0280, in genomic DNA from an affected individual of family TR57 revealed no disease-causing mutations.

Comparison of transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches in abdominal aortic surgery.

BACKGROUND: The transperitoneal approach (TP) to the aorta is the most widely accepted surgical approach in aortic surgery as it is simple, fast and provides excellent exposure of the intra-abdominal cavity and vascular structures. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the retroperitoneal (RP) approach to the aorta since it has been described as having a better outcome, i.e., preserving pulmonary function and gastro-intestinal physiology, reducing the intra-operative blood loss, minimising patient discomfort or pain, decreasing the incidence of wound complications and shortening ICU and hospital stay. The aim of this study is to compare the transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches in aortic surgery for aorto-iliac occlusive disease (AIOD). METHODS: From December 2003 to June 2006, a total of 153 consecutive patients who had undergone aortic surgery for AIOD, were studied retrospectively. The TP approach was used in 85 patients and the RP approach in 68 patients. Demographic features, intra-operative and postoperative data were analysed and compared according to the approach used. RESULTS: The mean operating time (83.6 +/- 23 vs. 104.4 +/- 30 min, p < 0.001) and mean aortic cross-clamp time (18.4 +/- 3 vs. 15.2 +/- 3 min, p < 0.0412) were significantly longer in the RP group. Peri-operative blood loss (700 +/- 350 vs. 650 +/- 330 ml, p < 0.683) and mortality rate < or = 30 day (1/1.2% vs. 0/0.0%, p < 0.896) were similar between the groups. The operative 30 day mortality rate was 0.7% (1 of 153) overall. The RP group had an earlier return of bowel functions (17.1 < or = 3 vs. 24.2 < or = 5 hrs, p < 0.001), earlier resumption of diet (26.4 < or = 4 vs. 31.4 < or = 5 hrs, p < 0.001), shorter period of intubation (3.5 < or = 2 vs. 6.5 < or = 3 hrs, p < 0.001), ICU stay (1.5 < or = 1 vs. 4.2 < or = 1 hrs, p < 0.001) and hospital stay (4.0 < or = 1 vs. 5.9 < or = 1 days, p < 0.001). Mean effort-pain scores were significantly lower in the RP group (3.8 < or = 1 vs. 5.3 < or = 1, p < 0.001). Incidence of pulmonary complications (4.4%, 3 of 68 vs. 7.3%, 8 of 85, p < 0.001), paralytic ileus (1.5%, 1 of 68 vs. 3.5%. 3 of 85, p < 0.001) were also lower in the RP group. Wound complications were more common in the TP group (4.7%, 4 of 85 vs. 10.3%, 7 of 86, p < 0.001). Most cases in both groups were related to incisional hernia or evisceration. CONCLUSION: This report presents our experience with the use of TP and RP approaches in a patient population merely consisting of AIOD. The RP approach was associated with a significantly lower incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications, rapid recovery of gastro-intestinal functions, shorter ICU and hospital stay, less peri-operative blood loss and lower mean effort-pain scores. We conclude that the RP approach is a safe and feasible technique that exposes patients to less postoperative complications.

Standard open repair versus minilaparotomy approach for abdominal aortic aneurysms: what is the best approach in patients with ischemic heart disease?

AIM: The beneficial effects of minilaparotomy approach in patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair have been defined. In this respect, the authors compared treatment outcome and procedure-related mortality rates of minilaparotomy technique with those of open standard repair in patients with ischemic heart disease. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed data on 212 patients who underwent elective AAA repair via a minilaparotomy approach at the Hospital of Istanbul over an 8-year period from February 1995 to January 2003. The clinical study included 46 patients who have only ischemic heart disease as a sole risk factor. This group was matched in a case-control fashion to a group of 57 patients with similar characteristics who were operated via standard median laparotomy. All available clinical, pathologic and postoperative data were reviewed and analyzed for postoperative outcome. RESULTS: Mean operative times in mini- and standard laparotomy groups were 190+/-26 min and 165+/-15 min, respectively (P=0.32). Aortic clamping times did not differ significantly between two groups (61+/-12 min vs 53+/-10 min, P=0.43). Blood requirement was lower in minilaparotomy group. Five patients (8.7%) in the standard median laparatomy group died, while one death (2%) occurred in the other group (P<0.01). In patients who have undergone traditional repair, 5 patients suffered from myocardial infarction and 4 patients required prolonged mechanical ventilation. No coronary ischemic event was noticed in minilaparotomy patients. The minilaparotomy group had significantly shorter lengths of hospital (6.2+/-1.1 vs 9.3+/-2.8 days, P=0.03) and intensive care unit (ICU) stays (7.8+/-2.3 vs 14.5+/-3.2 hours, P=0.01). Duration of adynamic ileus (1.9+/-0.6 vs 2.8+/-1.1 days, P=0.02), return to normal diet (3.2+/-1.0 vs 4.6+/-1.3 days, P=0.01) and day of ambulation (1.5+/-0.3 vs 3.2+/-0.7 days, P=0.001) were significantly lower in the minilaparotomy group. The standard median laparotomy group was twice as costly as the minilaparotomy group (3 200+/-600 vs 5 900+/-900 US dollars, P=0.001). CONCLUSION: The minilaparotomy technique has advantages that include less postoperative morbidity and mortality rates, early resumption of intestinal functions, reduced cost, decreased length of stay in the ICU and hospital. There-fore, the authors believe that this approach is still a valid alternative approach in the treatment of patients with AAA having ischemic heart disease as a risk factor.

Epidural anaesthesia and mini-laparotomy for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the use of epidural and general anaesthesia techniques in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) through mini-laparotomy in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: Between March 2002 and October 2005, 23 patients with severe COPD underwent elective infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Endovascular therapy could not be established due to financial reasons and health insurance policies. All the operations were performed through mini-laparotomy, using epidural anaesthesia on 10 patients (Group I) and general anaesthesia on the remaining patients (Group II). Pulmonary disease was diagnosed by clinical history and pulmonary function tests. The diagnosis of severe COPD was made with the presence of one or more of the following criteria : Room air PaO2 < or = 60 mmHg, PaCO2 > or = mmHg in arterial blood gas samples, FEV1 < or = 50% of predicted value and FVC < or = 75% of predicted value in respiratory function tests. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the ages, sex, pre-operative morbidity status, operation time and total blood loss of the patients in the two groups. Postoperative intensive care unit requirement, postoperative pulmonary complications and hospital stay were significantly higher in group II. All patients tolerated surgery safely. There was one in-hospital mortality from group II on the 35th postoperative day due to prolonged entubation and sepsis related to pulmonary infections. There was no late morbidity or mortality related to the technique in the postoperative follow-up period of the discharged patients. CONCLUSION: Epidural anaesthesia for abdominal aortic aneurysm repair through mini-laparotomy is feasible and should be especially considered in patients with severe COPD where endovascular treatment could not be performed.

Surgery of the carotid artery: local anaesthesia versus general anaesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: Carotid artery surgery is safely and commonly performed under general, regional or local anaesthesia. The aim of the study was to compare local and general anaesthesia in carotid artery surgery in order to establish whether differences exist in terms of peri-operative results, use of intra-operative shunts and costs. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data on 426 patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy with either local or general anaesthesia at our institution over a four-year period. All available clinical, pathologic and postoperative data were reviewed and analyzed for postoperative results. Surgical indications, outcome, operative techniques, and complications were compared. RESULTS: A total of 306 carotid endarterectomy operations under local, and 127 under general anaesthesia were performed and analyzed. Groups were similar in terms of age, sex and pre-operative risk factor distribution. The local anaesthesia group was associated with a lower incidence of shunt placement and operative time when compared to the general anaesthesia group. Postoperative intensive care unit requirement, hospital stay and costs were also lower with local anaesthesia. Significant difference in neurological complications and mortality rate was not observed between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Carotid endarterectomy performed under local or general anaesthesia is associated with low morbidity and mortality rates. Local anaesthesia enables the surgeon to assess the neurological status during the procedure. It is also associated with decreased shunt usage, decreased operative time and, in high risk patients, lower intensive care unit requirement and hospital stay.

[Aortoduodenal fistulae: about two cases]. / Fistule aortoduodénale: à propos de deux cas.

Aortoduodenal fistulae are an unusual complication of aortic pathology or surgery and a life-threatening entity. The results of surgical treatment may be disappointing because of postoperative complications. We report here two cases and discuss the diagnostic investigations and characteristics of aortoduodenal fistulae.

Effect of superior and temporal clear corneal incisions on astigmatism after sutureless phacoemulsification.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of superior and temporal clear corneal incisions on astigmatism after sutureless, small incision phacoemulsification. SETTING: World Eye Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. METHODS: This prospective study evaluated 40 eyes of 20 patients with cataract having bilateral, sutureless, small incision phacoemulsification by the same surgeon. A superior clear corneal incision was used in all right eyes and a temporal clear corneal incision in all left eyes. Mean preoperative astigmatism was 0.63 diopter (D) +/- 0.21 (SD) and 0.65 +/- 0.20 D, respectively. Mean patient age was 66.45 years. Patients were examined preoperatively and 1 day, 1 week, and 1 and 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Three months postoperatively, mean astigmatism was 1.60 +/- 0.37 D in the superior incision group and 0.83 +/- 0.19 D in the temporal incision group. Induced astigmatism calculated by vector analysis was 1.44 +/- 0.31 D and 0.62 +/- 0.28 D, respectively. The temporal incision group had significantly lower astigmatism at all follow-ups (P = .000). CONCLUSION: Upper lid pressure on the superior corneal incisions led to fluctuating, against-the-rule astigmatism that was significantly higher than that induced by temporal incisions.

BCG vaccination to prevent implantation of endometriosis: an experimental study in rats.

To investigate whether BCG vaccination can prevent endometrial implantation in a rat model. Forty sexually mature virgin Wistar-Albino rats weighing 185-215g were randomly assigned (double-blind) to two groups. The first group (n=20) were injected with BCG 3 weeks before endometrial implantation to the eye. The second group (n=20) with BCG not injected before endometrial implantation was the control. Photobiomicroscopy observation was done weekly and 6 weeks post endometrial implantation all eyes were investigated histologically.Five implants grew in the anterior surface of the iris of the first (vaccinated) group and 17 in the second (control) group. The difference was statistically significant. Systemic prophylaxis with BCG can exert an inhibitory effect on endometrial transplantation.

Surgical treatment of pulmonary hydatidosis in children: experience in 92 patients.

Ninety-two patients with a total of 112 pulmonary hydatid cysts underwent surgical treatment in our clinic between January 1980 and January 1992. Nine patients were found to have concomitant liver and pulmonary hydatid cysts. There were 65 boys and 27 girls; the age range was 5 to 14 years. The authors performed cystotomy and capitonnage in 78 patients, lobectomy in 9, segmentectomy in 3, and wedge resection in 2. Of 9 cases with concomitant liver and pulmonary hydatid cysts, 8 were approached by right thoracophrenotomy and 1 by median sternotomy and right phrenotomy. A one-stage operation via median sternotomy was performed in 3 patients who had bilateral pulmonary hydatid cysts. To prevent the development of secondary hydatid cysts because of spillage of hydatid fluid, the authors used 10% povidone-iodine poly (1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone)-iodine complex intraoperatively as a scolicidal agent. There was no mortality or recurrence in the series.

Primary aortoduodenal fistula complicated by abdominal aortic aneurysm.

A 74-year-old male patient was operated in Vakif Gureba Hospital for aortoduodenal fistula developing from abdominal aortic aneurysm. The patient was diagnosed as abdominal aortic aneurysm after physical examination and computed tomography in another center. Appearing of melena and hematemesis gastroduodenoscopy and radionuclide scanning was performed as diagnosis. After 6 days gastrointestinal bleeding recurred in massive haemorrhage and the patient was operated with a diagnosis of aortoenteric fistula as emergency. A midline laparotomy was performed. There was a fistula between infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (with diameter 8x10 cm) and the 3rd portion of the duodenum. The duodenum was resected segmental and the fistula was disconnected. Following aneurysmotomy a prosthetic graft was placed in the aortobiiliac position. The patient was discharged at the 42nd postoperative day. Primary aortoenteric fistula is a very rare consequence of untreated abdominal aortic aneurysm. The segments of intestine most frequently involved in aortoenteric fistula are the 3rd and 4th portions of the duodenum. Clinical presentation is recurrent episodes of gross gastrointestinal haemorrhage. These cases have high mortality and morbidity unless evaluated as quickly as possible and appropriate surgical intervention performed.

Effect of sex in branch retinal vein occlusion.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of sex in relation to crossing numbers, arterial overcrossings and occlusion sites in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). METHODS: Fifty-one eyes with BRVO (study group) and 48 eyes with retinal problems other than BRVO (control group) were investigated. All venous occlusions were examined in detail with regard to their anatomical positions, sites and arteriovenous crossings on the retinal surrounding area two disc diameters nasally, four disc diameters temporally, three disc diameters superiorly and three inferiorly from the optic disc, in the arteriovenous phase of fundus fluorescein angiography and fundus color photography. RESULTS: The study group comprised 29 women (56.86%) and 22 men (43.14%). All occlusions were unilateral and located at the crossing areas. BRVO had arterial overcrossing in 28 eyes (96.6%) in females and 22 eyes (95.5%) in males (p>0.005). The average numbers of crossings were 7.79 +/- 1.57 in females and 7.82 +/- 1.05 in males in the study group (p>0.05), and respectively 7.30 +/- 1.19 and 6.95 +/- 1.13 (p>0.05) in the control group. The average arterial overcrossing ratios were 75% in females and 71% in males in the study group (p>0.05), and 74% and 65% in the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that females have a higher risk than males because of their arterial overcrossing ratio and BRVO prefer arterial overcrossing. However the insignificant difference between the female and male patients leads us to assume that the effect of sex on BRVO cannot be explained only by local anatomical factors since their effect is only slight.

Intraoperative application of mitomycin C in the surgical treatment of pterygium.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effectiveness of intraoperative mitomycin C in pterygium surgery. METHODS: The effectiveness of intraoperatively administered mitomycin C and the occurrence of postoperative complications were evaluated in 17 patients with two recurrences of pterygium. The authors employed the "bare-sclera technique" and placed a sterile sponge soaked in a 0.02% mitomycin C solution intraoperatively in the episcleral space for 3 minutes. The control group (15 patients) underwent only surgical excision. Patients were followed for 21 to 30 months. RESULTS: The pterygium recurred in one (5.9%) of the 17 patients in group 1 and in six (40%) of the 15 controls. Statistical analysis using Fisher's exact test showed a significant (p = 0.027) reduction of recurrences of pterygium in the group treated intraoperatively with mitomycin C. No serious complications or side effects arose during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Mitomycin C administered intraoperatively can be considered an effective treatment to improve the success rate after surgical excision.

Effects of 0.5% and 0.25% apraclonidine on postoperative intraocular hypertension after cataract extraction.

PURPOSE: We conducted a double-masked, prospective study to evaluate the effect of 0.5% and 0.25% apraclonidine on postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients undergoing extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. METHODS: Fifty-four patients scheduled for ECCE were randomly divided into three groups of 18. The first group received one drop of 0.50% apraclonidine topically one hour before surgery and immediately after the end of the procedure. The second group received the same regimen but with 0.25% apraclonidine. The third group received artificial tears as the control group. IOP was measured 12 h preoperatively and 6 and 24 h postoperatively. All the measurements were made using the same Goldmann applanation tonometer by the same surgeon who did not know to which group the patient belonged. RESULTS: Preoperative mean IOP was 13.66 +/- 2.76 mmHg in the first group, 14.27 +/- 2.24 mmHg in the second and 14.5 +/- 1.34 mmHg in the control group. The differences were not significant (p = 0.398). Mean IOP at the early postoperative visit (6 h) was significantly lower in the first group (17.44 +/- 4.95 mmHg) than the second (21.78 +/- 7.19 mmHg) and the control group (24.55 +/- 5.65 mmHg) (p < 0.001). Mean postoperative IOP at 24 h was again significantly lower in the first group (14.33 +/- 3.75 mmHg) than the second (17.11 +/- 4.16 mmHg) and the control group (19.61 +/- 3.20 mmHg) (p, 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that topical 0.5% apraclonidine controlled early postoperative intraocular hypertension after cataract extraction without any side effects, while the 0.25% drops were not effective.

The effect of 0.25% apraclonidine in preventing intraocular pressure elevation after Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy.

PURPOSE: The efficacy and adverse effects of 0.25% apraclonidine on intraocular pressure (IOP) after Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy were investigated, and the results were compared with placebo, 0.50% timolol maleate and 1% apraclonidine. METHODS: Eighty eyes were randomly assigned to four groups of 20 eyes. In a double-masked design, the groups were treated with placebo (group 1), 0.50% timolol maleate (group 2), 1% apraclonidine (group 3), 0.25% apraclonidine (group 4) one hour before and five minutes after Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy. IOP was measured by applanation tonometry 1 hour before (baseline IOP) and 1, 3, 24 hours after capsulotomy. RESULTS: The average baseline IOP increased respectively 3.90 +/- 5.35, 5.95 +/- 5.32, 1.15 +/- 3.20 mmHg in the first group 1, 3 and 24 hours post-treatment. There were significant differences between baseline IOP and 1 and 3 hours but not at 24 hours (p = 0.004, p = 0.001, p = 0.13). IOP increased 0.40 +/- 4.08, 0.75 +/- 5.33, 0.80 +/- 6.03 mmHg in the second group at the same times. The differences between the average baseline IOP and the 1, 3 and 24 h measurement were not significant (p = 0.83, p = 0.65, p = 0.93). In the third group, IOP decreased 3.70 +/- 2.40, 3.30 +/- 2.47, 2.65 +/- 1.56 mmHg at the measurement times, with significant differences between the average baseline IOP and the 1, 3 and 24 hour measurements (p = 0.001, p = 0.0001, p = 0.01). In the fourth group IOP increased 0.35 +/- 3.32 mmHg at 1 hour, but decreased 1.25 +/- 3.41, 0.90 +/- 2.07 mmHg at 3 and 24 hours. The differences were not significant (p = 0.94, p = 0.16, p = 0.08). When the 0.25% and 1% apraclonidine groups were compared, there were significant differences between the average IOP at 1 hour in both groups but not at 3 and 24 hours (p = 0.01, p = 0.17, p = 0.21). Similarly, there were no significant differences between the average IOP at the same times when the 0.25% apraclonidine group was compared with the timolol group (p = 0.30, p = 0.08, p = 0.16). Some systemic and local side effects were seen in the timolol and 1% apraclonidine groups, but none with 0.25% apraclonidine. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that 0.25% apraclonidine is effective in preventing the early elevation of IOP after Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy and may offer an alternative to 0.50% timolol maleate and 1% apraclonidine.

The refractive changes and long-term (3 years) results of radial keratotomy performed at high altitude.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the development of regression or progression following radial keratotomy (RK) performed at high altitude (1,720 meters) at long-term follow-up (3 years). METHODS: Thirty-nine eyes of 21 myopia patients (between -3.25 D and -11.00 D) whose ages were 19-32 years were included in the study. The RK procedures were performed in standard Russian style. RESULTS: The average spherical equivalent cycloplegic refractions were -5.49 D +/- 2.08 (SD) preoperatively, -1.64 +/- 1.59 D in the short-term (3.41 +/- 1.46 months) and -1.40 +/- 1.71 D in the long-term (30.72 +/- 4.36 months) follow-up period. There was no statistically significant difference between these values at the short- and long-term follow-up measurements (t = -1.57, P =.12). CONCLUSIONS: The refractive changes following RK performed at high altitude occur through a combination of both the direct effect of reduced barometric pressure and the edematous corneal expansion because of hypoxia. An ophthalmologist performing RK surgery at high altitude must consider the long-lasting therapeutic effects of high altitude surgery compared to surgery at sea level.