Vitamin B12 deficiency after total gastrectomy for gastric cancer, prevalence, and symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Nutrient deficiency is one of the common complications in patients who undergo gastrectomy, especially those vitamins and minerals absorbed in the stomach or by substances in the gastric juice, such as vitamin B12. Hence, this systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted for the first time to investigate the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency and its symptoms in gastric cancer (GC) patients who underwent gastrectomy. METHOD: PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases were searched to find related studies. After screening, studies were selected based on the abstract and title of related studies. The heterogeneity and inconsistency between studies were evaluated using Cochran's Q, I 2 tests. Egger's test analyzed publication bias for studies. A 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was used to estimate the overall prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency. RESULTS: Fourteen studies, including 2627 GC patients who underwent surgery, were included in the study. The mean age of the patients in this study was 61.2 ±â€…4.93 years. The pooled estimate of meta-analysis results showed that the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency after gastrectomy in patients with GC was 48.8% (95% CI:32.4, 65.2%, I 2 : 98.85, τ 2  = 0.05, Q (13) = 1127.8, P  < 0.001). The most important symptoms were anemia, fatigability, cold feet or legs, numbness, and dizziness. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Vitamin B12 deficiency has a high prevalence among patients who have undergone gastrectomy, and it is necessary to pay enough attention to treating these patients after surgery to prevent its complications.

A Case Report of an Atypical Neurological Presentation of COVID-19 in Pregnancy.

Symptomatic patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mostly have flu-like symptoms. However, neurologic manifestations are common and may be the early findings of COVID-19. Data for COVID-19 do not indicate an increased risk of infection in pregnant individuals, but the risk of disease severity and mortality is high in this patient population. We report a case of a pregnant woman in the 10th gestational week, who presented with neurological symptoms of sudden impairment in walking, balance, speech, and consciousness, started the night before, and a seven-day history of fever, chills, myalgia, and general weakness before admission. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was positive for the cerebrospinal fluid sample a day before the positive nasopharyngeal sample. Axial brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed the involvement of the spinothalamic tract. Following treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin, the patient's neurological condition gradually recovered, except for lower limb muscle strength, and she was discharged from the hospital on the 10th day of admission. This case is unique as it emphasizes the importance of considering COVID-19 when uncommon neurologic manifestations with negative nasopharyngeal PCR are present.

Effect of ABO blood group on postoperative overall survival and recurrence-free survival rate in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy: a multi-center retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. The survival rate after hepatectomy as the first line of treatment for HCC depends on various factors. This study evaluated the association of the ABO blood group and Rh with overall survival (OS) and Recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate after hepatectomy. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cohort study reviewed the medical files of 639 HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy from 2010 to 2022 in three medical centers affiliated with the Iran University of Medical Sciences. Patient data, including demographic, clinical, tumor characteristics, and post-surgery outcomes, were collected by referring to the patient's medical profiles. The Cox proportional hazard investigated the relationship between ABO blood group type and OS and RFS rate after hepatectomy. RESULTS: The five-year OS and RFS rates were 25.4% and 18.7%, respectively. The five-year OS (Lok rank:40.89, P:0.001) and RFS rate in patients with blood type A were significantly lower than in non-A patients. (Lok rank:10.8, P:0.001) The multivariate Cox analysis showed that blood type A, age < 45 years, tumor size > 5 cm, Poor tumor differentiation, presence of metastasis, The number of involved lymph nodes ≤ 2, and serum Alpha-Fetoprotein)AFP( level ≥ 400 were significantly related to the decreased survival rate of HCC patients after hepatectomy (P < 0.05) There was no significant association between Rh with OS and RFS (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Blood group type A, compared to non-A, can be associated with decreased OS and RFS rates in patients with HCC after hepatectomy.

The Association between ABO Blood Group and the Risk of Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, studies have investigated the relationship between blood types and cancers. Contradictory results regarding the relationship between blood group type and colorectal cancer(CC) have been reported. The purpose of this study was to systematically investigate the distribution of ABO blood group frequency and evaluate its relationship with CC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To conduct this systematic meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases using appropriate MESH terms until July 2022. All observational studies which assessed the ABO blood group frequency distribution and the association between ABO and CC were included. The Risk of Bias Assessment tool was used to assess the quality of studies. A random model was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR). The Egger test was used to assess the publication bias. RESULTS: Overall,14 studies (413,132 patients) were included. According to the pooled estimation, blood groups A, B, AB, and O frequency in patients with CC were 37%,18%,9%, and 31%, respectively. The OR of CC in people with the A blood group was higher than in the other groups (OR: 1.11, 95% CI:1.03,1.19, P:0.001). In contrast, the OR of CC in people with the O blood group was significantly lower than in other blood groups (OR: 0.93, 95% CI:0.83,0.97, P:0.001). No significant relationship was observed for B and AB blood groups with CC. CONCLUSIONS: This Meta-analysis showed that blood group type A has a greater risk of developing CC, while blood group type O was associated with lower chances of CC.

Effect of Metformin Use on Survival and Recurrence Rate of Gastric Cancer After Gastrectomy in Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common worldwide cancers and causes of death. Various studies have investigated the effect of metformin on overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and recurrence rate in diabetic patients after gastrectomy, and their results have been contradictory. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of metformin use compared to sulfonylurea compounds with OS, CSS, RFS, and recurrence rate after gastrectomy in diabetic patients. METHODS: We reviewed the Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embassy databases until September 2022 based on appropriate MESH terms. All observational studies that evaluated the effect of metformin on survival in diabetic patients who underwent surgery for GC were included. The hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% confidence interval was used to estimate the effect size. The Egger test was used to evaluate publication bias. RESULTS: Overall, nine studies, including 245,387 GC patients who underwent surgery, were included. The use of metformin significantly increased the OS rate (HR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.78, 0.86, P: 0.001, I2: 4.5%), CSS rate (HR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.63, 0.81, P: 0.011, I2 = 0%), and RFS rate (HR: 719, 95% CI: 0.524, 0.986, P: 0.001) and decreased the recurrence rate after gastrectomy (HR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.77, 0.87, P: 0.001, I2: 0%). The use of metformin was significantly associated with a greater increase in OS and CSS rate and a greater decrease in recurrence rate in the Asian population than in the Western population. CONCLUSION: The use of metformin in diabetic patients with GC can be associated with improved OS, CSS, RFS, and reduced recurrence rate after gastrectomy, especially in the Asian population.

Effect of the number of negative lymph nodes removed on the survival and recurrence rate after gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer: a multicenter retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Various factors affect the survival rate of Gastric cancer (GC) patients after gastrectomy. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the number of negative lymph nodes (NLNs) removed on GC patients' survival and recurrence rate after gastrectomy. METHODS: In this retrospective, multicenter cohort study, we reviewed the medical profile of 639 patients with a definite diagnosis of GC who underwent gastrectomy from 2010 to 2022 in one of the medical centers affiliated with the Iran University of Medical Sciences. Based on the number of NLNs removed, patients were divided into three groups, including (0-9NLNs), (10-15 NLNs), and (≥ 16 NLNs), including 155, 231, and 253 GC patients, respectively. Demographic characteristics, tumor characteristics, and pathological findings of the patients were extracted by referring to the patient's files. RESULTS: The 5-year survival rate of patients was estimated at 48.2%. The 5-year tumor recurrence rate in patients with the number of NLNs 1-9, NLNs 10-15, and ≥ 16 NLNs were 79.4%, 51.1%, and 30.8%, respectively. (Log-rank = 9.24, P 0.001) The multivariate analysis showed that the 5-year survival rate in patients with fewer NLNs removed ≥ 16 was significantly higher than in the other two groups. In addition, age, BMI, tumor size, tumor stage, metastasis, and tumor differentiation were significantly related to the survival of GC patients after gastrectomy. (p < 0.05) CONCLUSION: Paying attention to the number of NLNs removed during gastrectomy can be a key factor in improving the survival prediction of GC patients.

Attitude and Belief of Healthcare Professionals Towards Effective Obesity Care and Perception of Barriers; An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a serious chronic disease that adversely affects health and quality of life. However, a significant percentage of people do not participate in or adhere to weight loss programs. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach is needed to identify critical barriers to effective obesity management and to examine health practitioners' attitudes and behaviors towards effective obesity treatment. METHODS: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020. Eligible studies were identified through a systematic review of the literature using Medline, Scopus, Cochrane, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Embase databases from January 1, 2011 to March 2, 2021. RESULTS: A total of 57 articles were included. Data on 12663 physicians were extracted from a total of 35 quantitative articles. Some of the most commonly perceived attitude issues included "obesity has a huge impact on overall health", "obesity is a disease" and "HCPs are to blame". Health professionals were more inclined to believe in "using BMI to assess obesity," "advice to increase physical activity," and "diet/calorie reduction advice." The major obstacles to optimal treatment of obesity were "lack of motivation", "lack of time" and "lack of success". CONCLUSION: Although the majority of health care professionals consider obesity as a serious disease which has a large impact on overall health, counseling for lifestyle modification, pharmacologic or surgical intervention occur in almost half of the visits. Increasing the length of physician visits as well as tailoring appropriate training programs could improve health care for obesity.

Histopathologic Changes of Appendicitis Stage During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: We decided to compare the pathology stage of appendicitis in patients referred to Firoozabadi Medical Center before and after the official announcement of the coronavirus outbreak in Iran because we believe that people's fears of COVID-19 are keeping them away from hospitals and it likely causes them to come in later stages of the disease. Therefore, this study aims at investigating the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the stage of appendicitis at presentation. Methods: In this retrospective study, histopathology records of all acute appendicitis patients who underwent an emergency appendectomy in the surgical unit in our institute between December 2019 and April 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. The study period was designed to include 2 months before and 2 months after the officially announced onset of the COVID-19 outbreak in Iran on February 20, 2020. All cases of complicated appendicitis (perforated appendicitis, phlegmonous appendix, itis or abscess) were excluded. Descriptive statistics were used to describe our study variables. Furthermore, ordinal logistic regression was used to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and demographic variables on the stage of appendicitis at presentation. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics Version 22. Results: The study was conducted on 170 clinically diagnosed acute appendicitis patients. The odds ratio for gender was equal to 0.45 (0.23, 0.86), which means that women presented at an earlier pathological stage than men ( p = 0.016). Also, patients who had health insurance were 50% less likely to present in later pathological stages than those who did not ( p = 0.024). The COVID-19 outback did not have a significant role in the pathological stage at presentation ( p = 0.235). Conclusion: The number of appendicitis patients was down by about 50% following the outbreak announcement in Iran. Surprisingly, we did not find any significant changes in the distribution pattern of appendicitis pathological staging after the outbreak. Being uninsured and male sex were found to have the most significant roles in delayed hospital presentation and higher pathological stages in patients with acute appendicitis.

Predictors for weight loss after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: the trend and associated factors for weight loss.

BACKGROUND: Historically, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has been considered the gold standard of bariatric surgery (BS). This procedure acts as a mixed restrictive and malabsorptive operation. METHODS:  This retrospective cohort study included 410 morbidly obese patients (BMI > 40 kg/m2 or BMI > 35 kg/m2 along with at least one major comorbidity) who underwent primary laparoscopic RYGB surgery from 2009 to 2015 by a single surgery team. The patients were 18 years and older with at least 12 months of follow-up. Total weight loss (%TWL) and comorbidity resolution were compared in short-term (12 months) and mid-term (12-60 months) follow-ups. The primary and secondary outcomes were evaluating the effect of Roux-en-Y on weight loss and control of comorbidities, respectively. RESULTS:  The mean ± SD age, weight, and BMI at surgery were 40.1 ± 10.58 years, 123.32 ± 19.88 kg, and 45.78 ± 5.54 kg/m2, respectively, and 329 (80%) were female, and 62 (15%) had T2DM. %TWL was significantly higher in T2DM patients 9 months postoperatively and after that. Patients with lower BMI (< 50 kg/m2) at surgery and non-diabetic patients had a significantly lower %TWL over a short- and long-term follow-up (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: BS remains the most efficacious and durable weight loss treatment. However, a proportion of patients will experience insufficient weight loss following BS.

Changes in Body Composition, Basal Metabolic Rate, and Blood Albumin during the First Year following Laparoscopic Mini-Gastric Bypass.

Bariatric surgery is currently the only method that can significantly and continuously reduce weight and improve obesity-related comorbidities in morbidly obese patients. Significant weight loss through bariatric surgery can lead to changes in body composition. This study shows the changes in body composition, basal metabolic rate (BMR), and serum albumin in obese people following bariatric surgery. The study included 880 patients who underwent laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass surgery (LMGBP) between 2016 and 2020. The body mass index (BMI), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), age, gender, blood albumin, WC (waist circumference), HC (hip circumference), BMR, and blood albumin were recorded at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months, postoperatively. The reduction in serum albumin concentration was not consistent with weight loss. Bariatric surgery promotes the breakdown of both fat and lean mass on the arms, torso, and thighs. This size reduction usually aggravates the concomitant skin redundancy in these areas which is a challenge for the plastic surgery team. Interestingly, the rate of lean mass reduction of the arms is faster than that of the torso and thighs. Excessive loss of lean body mass will also lower BMR and lead to subsequent weight gain. Despite the faster loss of proteins and lean mass in somatic areas, internal organs and viscera lose fats faster than proteins. According to this study, visceral proteins are the latest proteins to be affected by weight loss. This finding shows a different metabolic response of viscera comparing to somatic areas.

Evaluation of preoperative liver function test efficacy in patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis.

AIM: The present study aimed at investigating the necessity of preoperative liver function tests (LFTs) in patients with uncomplicated gallstone disease before laparoscopic cholecystectomy. BACKGROUND: Significant relationship between common bile duct (CBD) stones and acute cholecystitis is reported. There are contradictory reports about the effect of CBD stones on liver function tests in patients (LFTs). METHODS: In the current study, patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis who referred to hospitals during January 2015 and May 2016 were enrolled. Routine tests and ultrasonography were performed on all patients before surgery. Data were presented as means ± SD and qualitative variables as frequency (percentage) were considered. Statistical analyzes were performed with SPSS software. RESULTS: A consecutive series of 270 patients (58 males and 212 females) who referred for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were enrolled in this retrospective study. Pre- operative LFTs were normal in 249 patients (85%) and abnormal LFT was detected in 41 patients (15 %). CONCLUSION: This study showed that 15 % of patients with cholelithiasis without dilated CBD had impaired LFTs. Routine LFTs in preoperative evaluation of symptomatic cholelithiasis usually reveals normal findings and is not helpful in uncomplicated cholelithiasis.

Rare Complication of Botox Injection: A Case Report.

Botulinum toxin (BTX) is also well-known as Botox is produced by a gram-positive anaerobic bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. Generally, clinical manifestations of BTX can be observed after consumption of contaminated food, from colonization of the infant gastrointestinal tract, as well as following the infection of the wound to this bacterium. There are seven types of this neurotoxin labeled as A, B, C (C1, C2), D, E, and F. Human botulinum is caused by types A, B, E and rarely F. The most common clinical symptoms of BTX in cosmetic goals are cervical dystonia, severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis, strabismus, neurogenic detrusor over-activity, chronic migraine, upper limb spasticity and blepharospasm. Botox has a wide range of therapeutic uses and occasionally patients receiving this treatment may experience botulism symptom including local and even distant and autonomic symptoms. Despite the efficacies of Botox in treatment of myriad neurologic and cosmetic conditions, it may carry some risk of sever adverse effects which may be the result of local or systemic spreading of the drug. Our patient was a 22 years old man who received Botox for axillary hyperhidrosis after two weeks, when most of generalized complications of botulinum toxin appeared. This case was introduced for being aware of dangerous complication of Botox. Pyridostigmine could relieve symptoms of the patient.

Surgical Correction of Unicoronal Craniosynostosis with Frontal Bone Symmetrization and Staggered Osteotomies.

BACKGROUND: Craniosynostosis is the premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures that produce abnormal head shape. Plagiocephaly is a general term that describes unilateral flattening of the anterior or posterior quarter of the cranium. Anterior plagiocephaly is almost always due to unilateral coronal synostosis. Early surgical treatment is the best option for these patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the surgical correction results of unicoronal craniosynostosis with frontal bone symmetrization and staggered osteotomies. METHODS: All unicoronal craniosynostosis cases treated surgically from 2013 to 2016 at our hospital, with frontal bone symmetrization and staggered osteotomies and fronto-orbital advancement, were reviewed. The following variables were analyzed: sex, age, weight, hospital stay time, ICU stay time, per os (PO) starting time, anesthetic time, estimated blood loss volume (ml), estimated blood loss as percentage of total volume, surgical complication, follow-up time, and Whitaker grade. All data were analyzed with SPSS. RESULTS: The study consisted of 33 patients (19 females, 14 males). Average age was 10.24 months, average weight was 8.97 Kg, average hospital stay time was 7.84 days, average ICU stay time was 1.69 days, average PO starting time was 1.24 days after surgery, average anesthetic time was 397.72 minutes, average estimated blood loss was 213.78 ml, and estimated blood loss as percentage of total volume was 31.69%. One case (3.03%) needed reoperation and two cases had postoperative seizure. No mortality was seen. CONCLUSION: It is supposed that surgical correction of unicoronal craniosynostosis with frontal bone symmetrization and staggered osteotomies results in lower blood loss, lower complication rate and reoperation, and more durable results.

An interesting case of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor presenting as cholangiocarcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a reactive or inflammatory state mostly affecting the pulmonary system and commonly occurs in children and young adults. IMT presentation in the hepatic duct bifurcation is very rare and has sporadically been reported before. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 12-year-old girl presented with jaundice, pruritus which had begun 5 weeks previously. Ultrasound revealed intrahepatic biliary ductal dilation and an isoechoic 25*30mm lesion at or near the confluence of the right and left hepatic ducts that were suggestive of a hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Limited resection was decided intraoperatively because the intraoperative frozen section assessment of the CBD, right and left hepatic duct wall samples and porta hepatis lymph nodes was normal. Histologically the tumor proved an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT). DISCUSSION: Almost all patients with resectable IMT should be managed with radical surgical resection or single nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition, conservative treatments with NSAIDs, corticosteroids or chemotherapeutic agents could not be started in many cases due to the lack of definitive diagnosis of the mass preoperatively. Thus, surgical removal is frequently unavoidable. CONCLUSION: Biliary IBT is extremely rare and should be considered by all hepatobiliary surgeons dealing with the teens with cholangiocarcinoma, to avoid unnecessary major surgical resections.

Introducing a Favourite Tip Definition and Projection with Tripod Suture in Rhinoplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical manipulation of the lower lateral cartilages of nasal tip could cause subtle but significant responses to the manipulation. The suture-techniques almost always offer a reliable and dramatic method of tip reshaping without a need to break or interrupt the alar rim strip or even adding tip graft. AIM: The aim of this study was to describe and assess outcomes of a new suture technique in rhinoplasty by using cephalic dome septal rotation suture for better tip definition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All consecutive women (62 women) who attended our centre with nasal tip drooping and some degree of columellar retraction, underwent this technique from January 2005 to September 2009. Their ages ranged from 17 to 32 years old. Fifty one primary open and 11 secondary open rhinoplasties were performed using the conventional techniques and then the new suture technique was applied before closing the incisions on each patient. RESULTS: The patients were followed-up from 22 to 72 months (mean = 52.3). The projection and rotation was satisfactory in all patients and the final results persisted with only minimal changes over time. CONCLUSION: It is important to say that this new suture is different from 'tip rotation suture' that was described by Tebbets. Our suture maintains the favorite tip definition with slight dorsal tip inclination. Indeed, it causes a two-point definition as the columellar lobular angle and the supra tip break definition. In addition, long-term follow-up has shown that this new suture (i.e., cephalic dome-septal rotation suture) is able to maintain optimal position of the nasal tip projection and definition.

Laparoscopic Repair of Perforated Peptic Ulcer: Outcome and Associated Morbidity and Mortality.

INTRODUCTION: The mainstay of treatment for perforated peptic ulcer is Omental patch closure. With the advent of laparoscopic surgery, this approach is being used for the treatment of perforated peptic ulcer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of laparoscopy in Firoozgar general hospital over a period of 18 months. The outcome of the laparoscopic approach and the associated morbidity and mortality, operation time, conversion rate and hospital stay were assessed. METHODS: A prospective analysis of 29 consecutive patients (mean age 37.5 years; 23 men) with perforated peptic ulcers and who had undergone laparoscopic surgery was carried over a period of 18 months from March 2014 until September 2015. Pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative clinical data were collectively analyzed by SPSS 19 for Windows. RESULTS: Seventeen patients had a history of cigarette smoking, 11 patients had a history of opium consumption, 19 were chronic NSAID users, 26 had Helicobacter pylori infections, and six had a co-morbid condition. Previous surgical history included laparotomy for pancreatic cancer in two patients, for sigmoid colon cancer in one patient, and for acute appendicitis in four patients. The average operating time for all cases was 47.5 + 20 min. The mean lag time between onset of symptoms and surgery was 20.4 hours. All patients underwent laparoscopic closure of the perforation with Omental patch closure. No morbidity was observed, and none of the patients needed conversion to open surgery. One patient died after 11 months of follow-up due to the progression of underlying pancreatic cancer. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.2 days. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the laparoscopic approach for perforated peptic ulcer were promising, with no conversion to open surgery, no morbidity, and mortality.

Treating anal fistula with the anal fistula plug: case series report of 12 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent and complex high fistulas remain a surgical challenge. This paper reports our experience with the anal fistula plug in patients with complex fistulas. METHODS: Data were collected prospectively and analyzed from consecutive patients undergoing insertion of a fistula plug from January 2011 through April 2014 at Hazrat-e-Rasoul Hospital in Tehran. We ensured that sepsis had been eradicated in all patients prior to placement of the plug. During surgery, a conical shaped collagen plug was pulled through the fistula tract. RESULTS: Twelve patients were included in this case study. All patients had previously undergone failed surgical therapy to cure their fistula and had previously-placed Setons. There were eight males and four females with an average age of 44 who were treated for complex fistulas. At a median time of follow-up of 22.7 months, 10 of the 12 patients had healed (83.3%). One patient developed an abscess that was noted on the sixth postoperative day, and there was one recurrence during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Fistula plugs are effective for the long-term closure of complex anal fistulas. Success of treatment with the fistula plug depends on the eradication of sepsis prior to plug placement.

Evaluating the Time Interval for Presenting the Signs of Hypocalcaemia after Thyroidectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Thyroidectomy is one of the most prevalent treatments for thyroid malignancies. It has very low rate of complications except the hypocalcaemia. Only a small number of studies have evaluated the clinical signs of hypocalcaemia but no study have reported the time interval between the procedure and signs of hypocalcaemia. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine that time interval in those patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical files of a group of patients who underwent thyroidectomy were reviewed. Demographic characteristics of the patients and the time interval to hypocalcaemia were recorded and analysed by SPSS software. p-value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: One hundred and eight patients, 65 women (60.2%) and 43 men (39.8%) with a mean age of 42.6+12.2 years were included. Perioral numbness was reported in 30 (27.8%) patients while 29 (26.8%) patients had lip numbness. Numbness in extremities and muscle spasm were found in 19 (17.6%) and 13 (12%) patients respectively. Seizure was reported in 3 (2.8%) patients. The Trousseau and Chvostek signs were found in 17 (15.7%) and 9 (8.3%) patients respectively. Only the Trousseau sign was different between the two surgical groups. The mean time interval was 41.25±11.5 hours postoperatively. However the time interval was shorter for the total thyroidectomy. CONCLUSION: Physical examination is useful for diagnosing hypocalcaemia due to the presentation of sings during the first 48 hours of thyroidectomy. Total thyroidectomy is associated with shorter time interval.

Evaluating the accuracy of fine needle aspiration and frozen section based on permanent histology in patients with follicular lesions.

BACKGROUND: Fine needle aspiration (FNA) has led to a decrease in unnecessary surgeries for thyroid nodules. This study was designed to compare diagnostic value of FNA and frozen section methods in the follicular lesions. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study based on the medical records of 42 patients who were referred to surgery clinic of Rasool-e-Akram hospital in Tehran with complaint of thyroid nodules. All FNAs were diagnosed as follicular lesions in pathologic evaluation. All the patients underwent thyroid surgery and their frozen section results were also assessed. Finally, diagnostic value of the two tests was compared based on final permanent histologic report. RESULTS: Forty two patients with follicular thyroid nodules diagnosed with FNA were included. During the operation, using frozen sections, diagnosis of papillary carcinoma, non-papillary malignancies, benign lesion and intermediate cytology was made in 13 (31%), 3 (7%), 25 (59.5%), 1 (2.5%) patients, respectively. RESULTS of permanent histology showed that follicular adenoma is the most prevalent lesion which appeared in 25 (59.5%) cases. Papillary and follicular carcinomas were detected in 10 (23.8%) and 4 (9.5%) cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: RESULTS of the study demonstrate a 73% reduction in second surgery in patients with follicular thyroid lesions based on intraoperative frozen section results.

The Demodex mites and their relation with seborrheic and atopic Dermatitis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of seborrhoeic dermatitis (SD) and atopic dermatitis (AD) between the Demodex folliculorum (D. folliculorum) positive and D. folliculorum negative patients and to investigate any possible relationship between the D. folliculorum mites and the presence of SD and AD. METHODS: In this cross sectional study, authors collected samples from the skin around the nasal tip of 180 randomized patients who reffered to Amir Al-Momenin Hospital dermatology clinic for skin erythema, scaling and pruritis, to examine the precence of demodicosis (D. folliculorum) infestation under optical microscope. Then authors assessed the prevalence of SD and AD between the D. folliculorum positive and D. folliculorum negative patients. Finally, data analysis using SPSS software and Chi-square test were performed. RESULTS: Our study showed no significant association between the demodicosis (D. folliculorum) and SD (P=0.68) and AD (P=0.70) prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: According to the result of this study, the eradication of Demodex mites probably is not effective to reduces the prevalence of both dermatitis. However further investigation on a larger scale in a case-control study in this area is recommended.