Intradermal methylene blue analgesic application in posthemorrhoidectomy pain management: a randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: Unbearable post-hemorrhoidectomy pain is a well-documented challenge, significantly impacting patient well-being and satisfaction after surgery, often influencing patients to decline in undergoing this procedure. It is widely recognized that methylene blue has an effect of reducing inflammation and pain by reduces the production of nitric oxide and inhibiting the action potentials production in nerves. This study aims to explore the potential benefits of postoperative regional administration of methylene blue in providing extended relief from post-hemorrhoidectomy pain. Methods: This study included 97 patients aged 18-75 undergoing hemorrhoidectomy for stage III or IV hemorrhoids. A double-blind, randomized controlled trial compared postoperative intradermal injections of 1% methylene blue to 0.5% Marcaine as the control group. Two-week follow-up assessed pain. Statistical analysis, adherence to ethical standards, and registration were conducted. Result: No significant differences were found in baseline demographics, surgical parameters, or complications between the Methylene Blue and control groups. Intervention group remained lower in mean pain score until the 12th day. Methylene blue group reported significantly lower postoperative pain scores from days 1 to 7, with no significant differences afterward. Conclusion: This ongoing randomized controlled trial reveals the potential analgesic benefits of intradermal injection 1% methylene blue. It demonstrates comparable efficacy in reducing post-hemorrhoidectomy pain, with negligible side effects and complications.

Endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment: A minimally invasive surgical technique.

INTRODUCTION: Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is a common skin and subcutaneous disease that is mainly seen in men (mean age, 30 years); its incidence rate is 26 cases per 100 000. PSD greatly affects quality of life. Ideally, a surgical procedure to treat PSD should involve a minimal hospital stay and require minimal time off work, discomfort, operative time, and cost; it should also limit recurrence. In this study, we present a new minimally invasive technique for pilonidal sinus surgery known as endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment (EPSiT). METHODS: From February 2017 to April 2019, 100 patients diagnosed with PSD were treated with the EPSiT method at the Department of General Surgery, Imam Reza Hospital. Patient information was recorded prospectively. During the operation, the fistula cavity and tracts were ablated by an electrode that was introduced through the operative channel. All the epithelial and granulation tissues were removed by a brush inserted into the operative channel or by a Volkmann spoon. RESULTS: None of the patients had postoperative complications, such as hematoma, seroma, or wound infection, during the follow-up period. Recurrence was seen four patients (4%). At 1 week postoperatively, the visual analog scale score was 3 for 37 patients (37%) and 2 for 28 patients (28%). The maximal cosmetic satisfaction rate was reported in 85 patients (85%). CONCLUSION: As a minimally invasive procedure, EPSiT is effective for treating PSD. Compared with excision and primary closure techniques, EPSiT has a very low recurrence rate after the procedure and a short hospital stay.

Learning preferences among dental students using the VARK questionnaire: A comparison between different academic levels and gender.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the learning style preferences of undergraduate dental students and determine the influence of gender on their selection. METHODS: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at the College of Dentistry, King Saud University, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from September 2016 to January 2017.The Arabic version of visual, audio, read/write, and kinaesthetic questionnaire was administered to students from the first to the fifth academic year. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. P<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Of the 491 students, 368(75.1%) completed the questionnaire. Of them, 269(73.1%) were males and 99(26.9%) were females. Significant differences were found when learning styles were compared (p<0.05). No significant differences could be found when the models were assessed as in the unimodal, bimodal, trimodal or quadmodal methods (p>0.05). A significant difference was found between genders when learning styles were compared (p=0.05). Males preferred the unimodal style, while females preferred the bimodal and quadmodal styles almost equally (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Most dental undergraduate students preferred multi-modal learning.

Simulation training in endotracheal intubation in a pediatric residency.

BACKGROUND: Airway management and endotracheal intubation are essential skills for pediatric residents. Simulation-based technology is used for training residents but it remains unclear whether high fidelity simulation results in better retention of skills compared to low fidelity. The study assesses high fidelity simulation of endotracheal intubation and traditional low fidelity training in improving pediatric residents' knowledge retention and technical skills; and if the difference translates into higher "real time" intubation success rates. METHODS: Second and third year pediatric residents were randomized into high fidelity (intervention) or low fidelity simulation (control) groups. Airway management and intubation skills were taught using a didactic lecture and demonstration on low fidelity mannequins. Knowledge was assessed before randomization (T0) and 6 months after training (T6). Other outcome measures were: 1) airway management and intubation skills at T6 and T12 (12 months later) and 2) successful intubation of actual patients by T12. RESULTS: 10 out of 11 residents completed the intervention. Theoretical knowledge improved for both groups. Participants made less mistakes (M) overtime: M (T0) = 3.2 and M (T6) = 2.6 for the intervention group, and M (T0) = 4 and M (T6) = 2.40 for the control. There was no significant effect of fidelity on intubation skills or the number of successful intubations recorded in logbooks (allp > 0.05). In some instances intubation skills showed regression over time. CONCLUSION: High fidelity simulation showed no impact on residents' airway management and intubation skills. Retention of theoretical knowledge persisted over time while practical skills remained at baseline or declined.