Practical considerations in the use of a porcine model (Sus scrofa domesticus) to assess prevention of postoperative peritubal adhesions.

Infertility has been a common postoperative problem caused by peritoneal adhesions. Since several prophylactic agents have recently shown promising preliminary results, more complete studies comparing their real efficacy and safety are needed urgently. The aim of this study was to investigate and describe practical considerations of a porcine model that can be used to assess such prophylactic agents. First, 10 healthy 5½ months old female pigs (24.3-31.3 Kg) underwent a standardized laparoscopy to provoke peritubal adhesion formation without prophylactic agents. After 30 days, a second-look laparoscopy was performed to evaluate adhesions and perform adnexectomy for histopathological evaluation. Adhesions at different sites were classified by grade, for which the scores range from 0 (no adhesion) to 3 (very strong vascularized adhesions), and also by area, with scores ranging from 0 (no adhesion) to 4 (>75% of the injured area). The histopathological evaluation of the distal uterine horns, oviducts and ovaries were compared withthose from a control group of six healthy pigs with no previous surgery. Biological samples were collected to assess vitality, inflammation and renal, hepatic and hematopoietic systems. There were small (but significant) changes in serum albumin (P = 0.07), globulin (P = 0.07), C-reactive protein (P = 0.011), fibrinogen (P = 0.023) and bilirubin (P<0.01) after 30 days, but all values were within the normal range. No inflammation or abscess formation was observed, but different degrees of adhesion were identified. The estimated occurrence of adhesion (scores >0) and of strong / very strong adhesion (scores >1) was 75% (95% CI: 55-94.9) and 65% (95% CI: 45-85), respectively. The porcine model represents a useful animal platform that can be used to test the efficacy and safety of candidate prophylactic agents intended to prevent postoperative peritubal adhesions formation. We present several practical considerations and measures that can help to minimize animal suffering and avoid problems during such experiments.

Trabecular trichoblastoma in a domestic cat (Felis catus domesticus, Linnaeus 1758) / Tricoblastoma trabecular em gato doméstico (Felis catus domesticus, Linnaeus 1758)

Trichoblastoma is characterized as a benign cutaneous neoplasm that originates in the trichoblastic epithelium of the hair bulb. The present report describes the case of a 4-year-old cross breed neutered male cat that had a history of a slow, freely movable, ulcerated, slow growing, solitary cutaneous nodule located on the left scapular region. Histopathological evaluation showed neoplastic cells arranged in cohesive nests or palisades with eosinophilic and scant cytoplasm. Based on the microscopic findings, a diagnosis of trabecular trichoblastoma was made. The treatment of choice consisted of total surgical excision of the mass with safe surgical margins. Tumor recurrence was not observed.(AU)

O Tricoblastoma se caracteriza como uma neoplasia benigna cutânea que tem origem no epitélio tricoblástico do bulbo piloso. O presente relato descreve o caso de felino macho, sem raça definida (SRD), com histórico de nódulo solitário de crescimento lento, não aderido e ulcerado, localizado na região escapular esquerda. A histopatologia evidenciou células neoplásicas organizadas em ninhos coesos, em paliçadas com citoplasma eosinofílico e escasso, os achados foram compatíveis com a descrição de tricoblastoma trabecular. O tratamento de eleição consistiu na exérese cirúrgica total da massa com ampla margem de segurança e recidivas não foram observadas.(AU)

Trabecular trichoblastoma in a domestic cat (Felis catus domesticus, Linnaeus 1758): Case report / Tricoblastoma trabecular em gato doméstico (Felis catus domesticus, Linnaeus 1758): Relato de caso

Trichoblastoma is characterized as a benign cutaneous neoplasm that originates in the trichoblastic epithelium of the hair bulb. The present report describes the case of a 4-year-old cross breed neutered male cat that had a history of a slow, freely movable, ulcerated, slow growing, solitary cutaneous nodule located on the left scapular region. Histopathological evaluation showed neoplastic cells arranged in cohesive nests or palisades with eosinophilic and scant cytoplasm. Based on the microscopic findings, a diagnosis of trabecular trichoblastoma was made. The treatment of choice consisted of total surgical excision of the mass with safe surgical margins. Tumor recurrence was not observed.(AU)

O Tricoblastoma se caracteriza como uma neoplasia benigna cutânea que tem origem no epitélio tricoblástico do bulbo piloso. O presente relato descreve o caso de felino macho, sem raça definida (SRD), com histórico de nódulo solitário de crescimento lento, não aderido e ulcerado, localizado na região escapular esquerda. A histopatologia evidenciou células neoplásicas organizadas em ninhos coesos, em paliçadas com citoplasma eosinofílico e escasso, os achados foram compatíveis com a descrição de tricoblastoma trabecular. O tratamento de eleição consistiu na exérese cirúrgica total da massa com ampla margem de segurança e recidivas não foram observadas(AU)

Hemostasis with the Ultrasonic Scalpel.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The ultrasonically activated scalpel is a surgical instrument that is used in minimally invasive surgery to safely cut and seal vessels. This study reported the experimental observations of the use of a laparoscopic ultrasonic scalpel, including its safety and feasibility. in sealing vessels of different diameters in an in vivo animal model during both physiological and supraphysiological blood pressure (BP) conditions. METHODS: One healthy female swine was used. We performed resections of the omentum, biopsies in different regions of the liver, and a hysterectomy. Vessels with diameters ranging from 2 to 10 mm were sealed with the ultrasonic scalpel under regular hemodynamic conditions and during pharmacologically induced arterial hypertension (BP challenge). RESULTS: For 10 random cuts made in the omentum and during the hysterectomy, the ultrasonic scalpel was effective and fast, with no immediate or delayed bleeding. Bipolar energy, sutures, and hemoclips were not required to control bleeding. No bleeding was observed in sealed vessels up to 8 mm, even during BP challenges sustained for longer than 5 minutes. When testing vessels of 10 mm, bleeding occurred in 1 common iliac vein before 10 minutes of waiting (the point of bleeding was easily identified) and bleeding occurred in 1 of the common iliac arteries during the BP challenge. CONCLUSION: Our findings corroborate that the ultrasonic scalpel can safely seal arteries up to 8 mm in diameter to prevent or control bleeding during laparoscopic procedures, even when BP exceeds normal levels.