Femoral artery blowout syndrome following radical vulvectomy and radiation therapy.

Arterial blowout syndrome has mostly been described in carotid arteries and has been attributed to factors associated with head and neck neoplasia, radical resection, and a history of irradiation. Only sporadic cases have been described in other arteries. Herein we present a case of the femoral artery blowout syndrome, six months after radical surgery of the vulva and radiation therapy.

Thoracic Epidural Versus Intravenous Patient-Controlled Analgesia after Open Colorectal Cancer Surgery.

The aim of the study was to compare thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) after open colorectal cancer surgery. This prospective study included sixty patients scheduled for elective open colorectal surgery and randomized to either postoperative IV-PCA with morphine (n=30) or TEA with a mixture of levobupivacaine, fentanyl and adrenaline (n=30). Th e primary outcome was return of bowel function. The secondary outcome was quality of postoperative analgesia at rest, on coughing and during mobilization. Intermediate outcomes included patient satisfaction, time out of bed, rate of side effects and postoperative complications, and time of discharge. Recovery of postoperative ileus occurred sooner (p<0.001) and resumption of dietary intake was achieved earlier (p<0.001) in TEA group. Intensity of pain during the first 3 postoperative days was significantly lower at rest, on coughing and during mobilization (p<0.001), and mobilization was much more effi cient (p<0.005) in TEA than in IV-PCA group. Satisfaction scores were better in TEA group (p<0.001). Nausea, sedation and postoperative delirium occurred less frequently in TEA group (p<0.05, p<0.001 and p<0.05, respectively). TEA demonstrated significantly better effectiveness than IV-PCA after open colorectal cancer surgery and had a positive impact on bowel function, dietary intake, patient satisfaction and early mobilization. The results of this study demonstrated the importance of implementation of TEA as a preferred method for postoperative pain control after major open colorectal surgery.

Single stage surgical treatment of amniotic band syndrome ­ Case report.

Introduction: Amniotic band syndrome is a rare congenital disorder with clinical presentation of constricting bands in different parts of extremities or whole extremities. Conservative or surgical treatment is provided depending on the type and severity of the anomaly. Case Outline: The paper presents the case of a neonate patient with constriction bands localized on the left leg. During the second week of life, a surgery was indicated, and a single-stage multiple Z-plasty was performed to correct the anomalies on the left lower leg. Postoperative edema in the distal part of the lower leg was easily managed by incisions and drainage. Two months later, the correction of the stricture of the left thigh was managed using the same procedure. The postoperative course was uneventful and the outcome was satisfactory after a two-year follow-up. Conclusion: Evaluation of a patient with amniotic band syndrome, as well as diagnosis, monitoring, treatment and postoperative care, should always be multidisciplinary. A single-stage correction approach provided satisfactory both functional and aesthetic results. Given many morphological variations of the syndrome, a decision on the strategy of treatment should be made individually for each patient.

[Clinical analysis of congenital abdominal wall defects--omphalocele and gastroschisis].

INTRODUCTION: This is a retrospective analysis of therapeutic approaches and treatment outcomes of congenital abdominal wall defects (omphalocele and gastroschisis) in a five year period. The aim of this study was to identify factors which can affect the prognosis of future therapeutic procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We evaluated 13 children, 7 with omphalocele (2 female/5 male; mean birth weight of 2862 g; mean gestational age of 37 weeks), and 6 patients with gastroschisis (2 female/4 male; mean birth weight of 2640 g; mean gestational age of 36/2 weeks). All patients were treated at the Clinic of Pediatric Surgery from 1999 to 2003. RESULTS: In this study, thirteen cases of congenital abdominal wall defects (omphalocele and gastroschisis) were retrospectively investigated. All patients underwent prenatal ultrasound. Omphalocele was prenatally detected in 42.8% of fetuses, and gastroschisis in 16.7%. Coexisting anomalies were present in 57.1% of patients with omphalocele and in 16.7% of newborns with gastroschisis. Three patients with omphalocele were treated operatively, and four only conservatively. The abdominal wall of patients with gastroschisis was primarily closed in three patients. Two patients required a staged abdominal wall closure. One patient with gastroschisis and intestinal atresia underwent primary closure after partial intestinal resection and enterostomy. Based on these responses, a management protocol (algorithm) was recommended. The most common postoperative complication, in 7 cases of omphalocele, was mechanical ileus (n = 1), whereas among patients with gastroschisis the commonest were mechanical ileus (n = 1) and intestinal perforation (n = 1). The mortality of patients with omphalocele was 52% and with gastroschisis 66.7%. CONCLUSION: A strategy designed to optimize antenatal and neonatal factors is expected to increase the survival rate of patients with abdominal wall defects.

[Constipation--a common problem in childhood].

INTRODUCTION: Constipation in children is defined as the infrequent and difficult passage of hard stool, not necessarily associated with in-frequent stools. All healthy newborns have their first stool within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth. Intestinal transit time increases with age, therapy decreasing the frequency of stooling. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF ANUS AND RECTUM: Acquisition of fecal continence requires: normal internal and external anal sphincters, puborectal muscle as well as intact sensory input from both the rectal vault and anal canal. ETIOLOGY AND DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: During the first year of life, failure to have bowel movement every other day warrants evaluation. During infancy, constipation is usually due to dietary manipulations, malnutrition or some other functional abnormalities. Anatomic causes are found only in 5% of patients. DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY: Diagnosis relies on history and physical examination. Digital rectal examination usually reveals a shorter anal canal with decreased sphincter tone. The rectal ampulla is dilated and filled with stool. Anorectal manometry is helpful in differentiating functional constipation from aganglionosis or other neurologic problems. Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause. Bowel retraining, aimed at establishing regular daily bowel movement, is of utmost importance in children. The response to treatment is usually dramatic. CONCLUSION: Constipation in children causes anxiety in the family and successful treatment requires persistent reassurance and repeted reevaluation.

[Osteosynthesis with Kirschner pin fixation in treatment of fractures with dislocation of the lateral condyle of the humerus in a pediatric population]. / Osteosinteza kirsnerovim iglama u lecenju preloma lateralnog kondila humerusa sa disokacijom ulomka u decjem uzrastu.

INTRODUCTION: Fractures of lateral condyle represent 17% of all pediatric fractures of the distal humerus, and in current pediatric orthopedics there is still no agreement regarding optimal treatment modalities. We presented a treatment protocol for pediatric dislocated fractures of the lateral condyle of the humerus used at the Pediatric Surgery Clinic in Novi Sad. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over the study period (1991-2000) a total of 48 patients with dislocated fractures of the lateral condyle of the humerus were hospitalized at the Pediatric Surgery Clinic. Orthopedic reduction and percutaneous pin fixation under radiological supervision was done in 15 patients, while 33 patients needed surgical reduction and pin fixation. RESULTS: Satisfactory results were obtained in 42 patients (91.3%), out of which 29 patients (63.1%) presented with excellent results. Good results were obtained in 8 patients (17.4%), and fair results in 5 patients (10.8%). Unsatisfactory results were present in 4 patients (8.7%). Two patients were lost to follow-up. DISCUSSION: Dislocation fractures of the lateral condyle represent high risk for development of complications. Adequate diagnosis and treatment represent basic conditions for successful postinterventional result. Orthopedic reduction with percutaneous pin fixation is recommended for fractures that may be anatomically reduced. In cases of unsatisfactory results of reduction, as well as in cases with completely dislocated and rotated fragments, surgical reduction and pin fixation is necessary. CONCLUSIONS: Satisfactory results in 91.3% of cases, and long-term experience suggest that the recommended therapeutic option is adequate in treatment of dislocated fractures of the lateral condyle of the humerus in pediatric population.

[Osteosynthesis with Kirschner wires in the treatment of dislocated supracondylar humeral fractures in children]. / Osteosinteza Kirsnerovim iglama u lecenju dislociranih suprakondilarnih preloma humerusa kod dece.

INTRODUCTION: Elbow fractures account for 7-9% of all fractures in childhood, while the supracondylar type is the most common (up to 70%). 84% of all supracondylar elbow fractures occur under the age of 10 years (most often between the age of 5 and 8). The aim of this study was to present the technique and results of treatment of supracondylar fractures with grade III fragment dislocation in pediatric population. Treatment included orthopedic repositioning and percutaneous pin fixation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over the period 1991-2000, 255 patients were hospitalized due to supracondylar fracture of the humerus with grade III fragment dislocation at the Pediatric Surgery Clinic in Novi Sad. All patients were aged 3-15 years. Orthopedic repositioning and percutaneous pin fixation under X-ray control was performed in 243 patients (95.29%). RESULTS: This study included 167 (65.5%) patients with full documentation. Extensor type of fracture was verified in 151 patients (90.42%). Male patients predominated over female patients--119:48. The average follow-up period was 4, 5 months. On the basis of clinical examination, and after completed rehabilitation, satisfactory results were obtained in 158 patients (94.6%), while in 9 patients the final outcome was unsatisfactory. DISCUSSION: Literature analysis points to advantages of orthopedic repositioning and percutaneous pin fixation, with certain modifications in the treatment of supracondylar elbow fractures with grade III dislocation. CONCLUSIONS: Obtained results of treatment, advantages of this procedure, and our experience, suggest that orthopedic repositioning and percutaneous pin fixation is a procedure of choice in treatment of supracondylar elbow fractures with third III dislocation in children.

[Septic arthritis in neonates and infants]. / Septicni artritis novorodenceta i odojceta.

INTRODUCTION: Septic arthritis represents an intra-articular infection caused by pyogenic bacteria. During the earliest childhood it is considered to be a systemic septic condition and demands early diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of patients with septic arthritis treated at the Department of Orthopedics of the Pediatric Surgery Clinic in Novi Sad, over a 10-year period. We are also presenting a case of a 12-day-old newborn baby, with clear radiological signs of osteoarthritis of the right knee. RESULTS: A retrospective study included the period 1991-2000, and showed that 15 patients, aged 10 days--12 months were treated for osteoarthritis. The most common localization was the hip, in 60% of cases. In 11 patients the causative agent was Staphylococcus aureus, while in the 4 remaining patients the bacteriologic finding was negative. One patient died of generalized sepsis. DISCUSSION: In neonates and infants septic arthritis is characterized by atypical clinical picture, often causing delayed diagnosis. In the initial phases of the disease ultrasonographic findings were of greater use compared to radiological imaging, due to relatively late appearance of radiological signs of disease. CONCLUSIONS: Due to possible development of serious and irreversible damage, even lethal outcome, septic arthritis requires early diagnosis, prompt administration of antibiotics and early surgical treatment. It is a quite unique area in Pediatric Orthopedics where missed or delayed diagnosis may have serious consequences.

[Postoperative nausea and vomiting]. / Postoperativna muka i povracanje.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and pain are the most common complaints following anesthesia and surgery, and due to negative emotional impact on patients, they cause prolonged postoperative recovery. The incidence of PONV is 20-30% during the first 24 h after anesthesia. Both peripheral and central mechanisms are involved in control of emesis. FACTORS: Many factors associated with anesthesia and surgery may affect PONV: patient's age and sex, history of PONV after pervious anesthesia, administration of antiemetics prior to operation, type and duration of operation, type of premedication, induction agent, maintenance agent, reversal of muscle relaxation, treatment of postoperative pain and movement of patients. ANTAGONISTS OF 5-HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE-3 (5-HT3) RECEPTORS: Ondansetron is a competitive serotonin type 3 receptor antagonist important in prevention of PONV. However, if 5-HT 3 receptor antagonists are effective against nausea and vomiting after a variety of anesthetic and surgical procedures, then at last we may have the key to the mechanism of PONV. Prophylaxis with a combination of antiemetic drugs is more effective in prevention of PONV.

[Role and importance of fungal infections in intensive care units]. / Uloga i znacaj gljivicnih infekcija u jedinici intenzivne terapije (JIT).

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of fungal infections is constantly increasing, especially in Intensive Care Units (ICU). On the one hand ICU are places for treatment of most difficult, often immunodeficient patients, and on the other hand their treatment often requires invasive procedures, support of vital organs and adequate monitoring. EPIDEMIOLOGY: In approximately 78% of patients the cause of infection are Candida species with mortality rate of 57%. Less common causative agents are Aspergillus species, but with very high mortality rate of up to 100%. PATHOGENESIS: Candida albicans is a normal inhabitant of the oropharygeal and digestive systems. Hospitalization, trauma, loss of immunity and use of strong antibiotics facilitate fungal colonization. Inadequate nutrition, poor perfusion, ischemia and corticosteroid therapy lead to damage of intestinal mucosa. Combined with improper production of IG A, it predisposes to translocation of fungi through mucosa and invasion of the blood stream. CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS: Most common forms are urinary tract infections, intrabdominal candidiasis, disseminated candidiasis and candidemia. DIAGNOSIS: Diagnosis of fungal infections is very difficult. It is based on clinical picture, microbiological, histological, radiological, serologic and molecular examinations. TREATMENT: Treatment is usually based on systemic antimycotic agents (Amphotericin B, Azoles: Fluconazole, Flucytosine). Prophylactic treatment is still a matter of debate. It is not routinely recommended in ICU, but is commonly used in transplant patients.