Effect of foveal herniation on surgical outcomes in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the anatomical and visual outcomes of idiopathic epiretinal membrane peeling surgery, with and without foveal herniation. METHODS: This retrospective, comparative, two-center study included age- and sex-matched patients exhibiting an idiopathic epiretinal membrane with and without foveal herniation (epiretinal membrane + foveal herniation group and epiretinal-membrane-only group, respectively). The baseline best-corrected visual acuity and central foveal thickness were compared within the groups through months 1, 3, 6, and 12 of follow-up postoperatively. Then, changes in these two parameters at all follow-up points were compared between the groups. RESULTS: We enrolled 16 patients per study group. The baseline best-corrected visual acuity and central foveal thickness were not significantly different between the two groups (p>0.05). Compared with the baseline, both the best-corrected visual acuity and central foveal thickness improved significantly in both groups in all follow-ups (p<0.05), except for the best-corrected visual acuity of the epiretinal-membrane-only group after month 1 (p<0.05). The mean best-corrected visual acuity improvement after month 1 and the mean central foveal thickness reduction after months 1, 3, and 6 were significantly better in the foveal herniation + epiretinal membrane group than in the epiretinal-membrane-only group (p<0.05). However, the best-corrected visual acuity and central foveal thickness changes were not significantly different between the groups at the final visit (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although epiretinal membrane + foveal herniation demonstrated prompt anatomical and functional improvement, foveal herniation occurrence did not affect the final surgical outcomes in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane.

Effect of foveal herniation on surgical outcomes in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane / O Efeito da herniação foveal nos resultados cirúrgicos em pacientes com membrana epirretiniana idiopática

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to compare the anatomical and visual outcomes of idiopathic epiretinal membrane peeling surgery, with and without foveal herniation. Methods: This retrospective, comparative, two-center study included age- and sex-matched patients exhibiting an idiopathic epiretinal membrane with and without foveal herniation (epiretinal membrane + foveal herniation group and epiretinal-membrane-only group, respectively). The baseline best-corrected visual acuity and central foveal thickness were compared within the groups through months 1, 3, 6, and 12 of follow-up postoperatively. Then, changes in these two parameters at all follow-up points were compared between the groups. Results: We enrolled 16 patients per study group. The baseline best-corrected visual acuity and central foveal thickness were not significantly different between the two groups (p>0.05). Compared with the baseline, both the best-corrected visual acuity and central foveal thickness improved significantly in both groups in all follow-ups (p<0.05), except for the best-corrected visual acuity of the epiretinal-membrane-only group after month 1 (p<0.05). The mean best-corrected visual acuity improvement after month 1 and the mean central foveal thickness reduction after months 1, 3, and 6 were significantly better in the foveal herniation + epiretinal membrane group than in the epiretinal-membrane-only group (p<0.05). However, the best-corrected visual acuity and central foveal thickness changes were not significantly different between the groups at the final visit (p>0.05). Conclusions: Although epiretinal membrane + foveal herniation demonstrated prompt anatomical and functional improvement, foveal herniation occurrence did not affect the final surgical outcomes in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar os resultados anatômicos e visuais da cirurgia com peeling da membrana epirretiniana idio pática na presença e ausência de herniação foveal. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, comparativo, de dois centros. Pacientes com membrana epirretiniana idiopática pareados por idade e sexo com herniação foveal (grupo membrana epirretiniana + herniação foveal) e sem herniação foveal (grupo apenas com membrana epirretiniana) foram incluídos. Mudanças na acuidade visual melhor corrigida e espessura foveal central em todos os pontos de acompanhamento foram comparadas entre os grupos. A linha de base da melhor acuidade visual corrigida e a espessura foveal central foram comparadas dentro dos grupos no 1º, 3º, 6º e 12º meses de acompanhamento após a cirurgia Resultados: Dezesseis pacientes com membrana epirretiniana + olhos com herniação foveal e 16 pacientes com olhos apenas com membrana epirretiniana foram incluídos no estudo. Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos na linha de base com melhor acuidade visual corrigida e espessura foveal central (p>0,05), exceto para a melhor acuidade visual corrigida do grupo da membrana epirretiniana após o 1º mês (p> 0,05), a melhor acuidade visual corrigida e a espessura foveal central melhoraram significativamente em ambos os grupos em todos os acompanhamentos em comparação com a linha de base (p<0,05). A média da melhor acuidade visual corrigida melhorou após o 1º mês e a redução média da espessura foveal central após o 1º, 3º e 6º meses foram significativamente melhores no grupo de herniação foveal + membrana epirretiniana do que no grupo com apenas membrana epirretiniana (p<0,05). Não houve diferença significativa na melhor acuidade visual corrigida e nas alterações da espessura foveal central entre os grupos na visita final (p>0,05). Conclusões: Embora uma melhora anatômica e funcional bem mais precoce tenha sido mostrada no grupo membrana epirretiniana + herniação foveal, a presença de her niação foveal não afetou os resultados cirúrgicos finais em pacientes com membrana epirretiniana idiopática.

Comparison of the non-absorbable polymer clips, knot-tying, and loop ligature appendiceal stump closure methods in laparoscopic appendectomy.

OBJECTIVE: In laparoscopic appendectomy (LA), closure of the appendix stump is important. This method must be safe and easy-to-use as well as an economical one. We compared three methods of the appendix stump closure in terms of safety, easiness, and financial cost. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three-hundred and ten LA patients operated between January 2011 and December 2019 and appendix stump was closed using one of the three methods, namely, non-absorbable polymeric clips (Group 1, n = 126), knot-tying group (Group 2, n = 101), and laparoscopic loop ligature group (Group 3, n = 83) were retrospectively analyzed in terms of stump leakage, infection, operation, and hospital stay duration. RESULTS: There were 148 female and 162 male patients. The mean age was 33.57 ± 12.60 years. There was not any appendiceal stump leakage nor intra-abdominal infection in none of the groups. Local trocar site infection in 11 patients was medically treated. Surgical site infection and hospital stay period did not show statistically important difference among the groups. The operation duration in Group 1 was found to be shorter compared to the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: All three techniques are safe in LA. Non-absorbable polymer clips provide a shorter operation time. Extracorporeal knot-tying with knot-pusher provides the cheapest closure of the stump.

OBJETIVO: En la apendicectomía laparoscópica (LA), el cierre del muñón del apéndice es importante. Comparamos tres métodos de cierre de tocones del apéndice en términos de seguridad, facilidad y costo financiero. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron 310 pacientes de AL intervenidos entre 2011-2019 con cierre del muñón del apéndice mediante uno de los tres métodos: clips poliméricos no absorbibles (grupo 1), grupo de anudado (grupo 2) y grupo de ligadura de asa laparoscópica (grupo 3). Se analizaron las complicaciones, la operación y la duración de la estancia hospitalaria. RESULTADOS: Hubo 148 pacientes mujeres y 162 hombres. La edad media fue de 33.57 ± 12.60 años. No hubo ninguna fuga del muñón apendicular ni infección intraabdominal en ninguno de los grupos. La infección local del sitio del trocar en 11 pacientes fue tratada médicamente. La infección del sitio quirúrgico y el período de estancia hospitalaria no mostraron diferencias estadísticamente importantes entre los grupos. CONCLUSIONES: Las tres técnicas son seguras en LA. Los clips de polímero no absorbible brindan un tiempo de operación más corto. El atado de nudos extracorpóreo con empujador de nudos proporciona el cierre más económico del muñón.

The Effect of Single-Dose Intraperitoneal Bevacizumab on Peritoneal Adhesion Formation.

BACKGROUND: Intra-abdominal adhesions and their complications following abdominal surgery are serious problems, with an incidence of 67-93%. Prevention of peritoneal adhesion formation may eliminate the need for surgical intervention, decreasing complications, morbidity, and cost. Bevacizumab is a recombinant monoclonal antibody which specifically binds vascular endothelial growth factor, an important cytokine in adhesion formation, and neutralizes its biological activity. We developed an experimental model in rats to determine the effect of bevacizumab in preventing adhesion formation and analyzed its effect both micro- and macroscopically. METHODS: We used 32. Wistar rats randomly divided into two groups: Group A (control) and Group B (bevacizumab), with 16 rats each. A modified cecum abrasion model was developed; 0.9% NaCl solution was administered intraperitoneally to Group A and bevacizumab to Group B. On day 15, adhesion formation was evaluated both macro- and microscopically. RESULTS: Both micro- and macroscopic adhesion grades in Group B were significantly lower than those of control Group A; macroscopic grades were 2.69 ± 0.95 and 0.69 ± 0.8, and microscopic grades were 2.25 ± 1.06 and 0.5 ± 0.52 for Groups A and B, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Bevacizumab was effective in preventing intraperitoneal adhesion formation in our study; however, its inhibitory effects on embryogenesis and the hematopoietic, endocrine, and immune systems may limit its clinical use.

Are the effects of hemodialysis on ocular parameters similar during and after a hemodialysis session?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the changes in several ocular parameters, including choroidal thickness, during and after hemodialysis. METHODS: Twenty-seven eyes of 27 patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis were included. The patients underwent an ophthalmic examination, including intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness, iridocorneal angle, subfoveal choroidal thickness, and blood pressure, just before a hemodialysis session, during the second hour of the session, and half an hour after the end of the session. Body weight was measured before and after the session, and ultrafiltration volume was noted after the session. Central corneal thickness, intraocular pressure, and subfoveal choroidal thickness were measured by optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: In comparison with baseline levels, mean intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness increased significantly during the second hour of hemodialysis (p=0.001 and p=0.011, respectively) and showed no significant changes after hemodialysis (p=0.844 and p=0.246, respectively). Mean iridocorneal angle did not significantly change during the second hour of hemodialysis (p=0.101) and after hemodialysis (p=0.589). Mean subfoveal choroidal thickness was significantly lower during the second hour of hemodialysis (p<0.001) and after hemodialysis (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Mean intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness increased and subfoveal choroidal thickness decreased during the second half of the hemodialysis session. During the second half of the session, intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness had a trend toward reduction, while subfoveal choroidal thickness had a relatively steady course. Because of possible fluctuations in the values, it would be reasonable to evaluate the changes not only from before to after hemodialysis but also during hemodialysis when analyzing the ocular effects of dialysis.

Are the effects of hemodialysis on ocular parameters similar during and after a hemodialysis session? / Os efeitos da hemodiálise sobre os parâmetros oculares são semelhantes durante e após a sessão de hemodiálise?

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the changes in several ocular parameters, including choroidal thickness, during and after hemodialysis. Methods: Twenty-seven eyes of 27 patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis were included. The patients underwent an ophthalmic examination, including intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness, iridocorneal angle, subfoveal choroidal thickness, and blood pressure, just before a hemodialysis session, during the second hour of the session, and half an hour after the end of the session. Body weight was measured before and after the session, and ultrafiltration volume was noted after the session. Central corneal thickness, intraocular pressure, and subfoveal choroidal thickness were measured by optical coherence tomography. Results: In comparison with baseline levels, mean intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness increased significantly during the second hour of hemodialysis (p=0.001 and p=0.011, respectively) and showed no significant changes after hemodialysis (p=0.844 and p=0.246, respectively). Mean iridocorneal angle did not significantly change during the second hour of hemodialysis (p=0.101) and after hemodialysis (p=0.589). Mean subfoveal choroidal thickness was significantly lower during the second hour of hemodialysis (p<0.001) and after hemodialysis (p<0.001). Conclusions: Mean intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness increased and subfoveal choroidal thickness decreased during the second half of the hemodialysis session. During the second half of the session, intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness had a trend toward reduction, while subfoveal choroidal thickness had a relatively steady course. Because of possible fluctuations in the values, it would be reasonable to evaluate the changes not only from before to after hemodialysis but also during hemodialysis when analyzing the ocular effects of dialysis.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as alterações em vários parâmetros oculares, incluindo a espessura da coroide, durante e após a hemodiálise. Métodos: Foram incluídos 27 olhos de 27 pacientes portadores de insuficiência renal crônica e submetidos a hemodiálise. Todos foram submetidos ao exame oftalmológico, incluindo pressão intraocular, medida da espessura corneana central, ângulo iridocorneal e espessura da coroide subfoveal, além da medida da pressão arterial. A espessura corneana central, o ângulo iridocorneal e a espessura da coroide subfoveal foram medidos através da tomografia de coerência óptica. Os exames foram realizados logo antes, durante (na segunda hora) e meia hora após uma única sessão de hemodiálise. O peso corporal foi medido antes e depois da sessão, e os volumes de ultra filtração foram anotados após a sessão de hemodiálise. Resultados: Em comparação com os níveis basais, a pressão intraocular média e a espessura corneana central aumentaram significativamente na segunda hora de hemodiálise (p=0,001 e p=0,011, respectivamente), mas não houve diferença após a hemodiálise (p=0,844 para pressão intraocular e p=0,246 para espessura corneana central). O ângulo iridocorneal mostrou ligeira diminuição na segunda hora de hemodiálise (p=0,101) e após a sessão de hemodiálise (p=0,589), porém esta redução não foi estatisticamente significativa. Já a espessura da coroide subfoveal mostrou uma redução significativa tanto na segunda hora de hemodiálise (p<0,001) quanto após a sessão de hemodiálise (p<0,001). Conclusões: A pressão intraocular e a espessura corneana central aumentaram, enquanto a espessura da coroide subfoveal diminuiu na primeira metade da sessão de hemodiálise. Na segunda metade da sessão, a pressão intraocular e a espessura corneana central mostraram uma tendência de redução, enquanto a espessura da coroide subfoveal permaneceu estável. Ao analisar os efeitos oculares da hemodiálise, seria interessante avaliar as mudanças não só antes e depois da sessão, como também durante a hemodiálise, devido a possíveis flutuações dos valores.