Endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment (E.P.Si.T.) - first experiences and results.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our article is to present the results and experience with the method E.P.Si.T. - endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment. METHODS: The operation is performed using a special endoscope - fistuloscope. In the first phase, we determine the extent and look for all the sinus tracts. In the second phase, the whole complex  is treated with a grasper, a brush and an electrode from the inside. RESULTS: A total of 21 operations were performed at our department from December 2018 through September 2019. In our sample, men predominated  6:1. Mean age of the patients was 27 years. Complete healing was achieved in 18 patients. Two patients were not healed primarily. One patient was lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION: According to the first experience and results, the E.P.Si.T. seems to be a very good method for treating pilonidal sinus. Compared to open procedures, the length of hospitalization, the need for analgesics and antibiotics were significantly reduced. The period of convalescence was shortened and the return to normal life was faster. The size of the cohort and the duration of post-operative follow-up do not allow us yet to statistically evaluate the results.

[The Effect of Tranexamic Acid on Blood Loss after Primary Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty. Prospective Single-Centre Study]. / Vliv podání kyseliny tranexamové na krevní ztráty po primární jednostranné náhrade kolenního kloubu - prospektivní studie.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent which blocks plasmin-mediated fibrin degradation. It is used in surgery to reduce intra-operative and post-operative blood loss. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of tranexamic acid administration on blood loss after elective primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 119 patients (50 men, 69 women) with an average age of 69.2 years were included. The patients were randomised into two groups: Group A received a single dose of tranexamic acid (Exacyl, 1.5 g i.v.) before the operation; Group B (control) did not receive any antifibrinolytic agent. All patients underwent surgery under spinal anaesthesia with a tourniquet applied to the operated leg. The intra-operative blood loss, post-operative blood loss based on drainage, pre- and post-operative levels of haemoglobin and haematocrit, and the number of administered blood transfusions were analysed. RESULTS: The administration of tranexamic acid led to a reduction in post-operative blood loss at all intervals tested, including the total blood loss (504 ± 214 vs 815 ± 231 ml; p < 0.001), and to reduced requirements for blood transfusion (1.18 ± 0.51 vs 1.54 ± 0.84 transfusion units; p < 0.05). A similar effect was observed in the subgroups of men and women; the total blood loss was higher in men than in women in both group B (non-significant) and group A (p < 0.05) patients. There was a gradual decline in haemoglobin and haematocrit levels during the post-operative period, with no significant differences between the two groups. Nor were there any differences in intra-operative blood losses either. No severe complications such as stroke, acute myocardial infarction or thromboembolic disease were recorded. DISCUSSION The administration of tranexamic acid before the application of a tourniquet resulted in reducing post-operative, but not intra-operative, blood losses in patients undergoing elective total knee arthroplasty. Transfusion requirements were reduced as well. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirmed the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid administration in relation to blood loss after total knee arthroplasty. In this indication, the administration is in accordance with the literature data.

Oncology wounds - recommendations for care based on multidisciplinary cooperation.

BACKGROUND: Oncology wounds and wounds of other etiology are rare but serious complications, which significantly impair patients quality of life. Preventive and curative interventions and education of healthcare personnel and patients reduce the risk of either their occurrence or their impact and consequences. A working group of authors from professional groups (the Supportive Care Group of the Czech Society for Oncology, the Czech Society for Wound Healing, the Society for Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, and the Czech Nurses Association) prepared recommendations for care. A comprehensive approach to the treatment of oncological wounds, including symptomatic treatment of associated healing complications, prevention, early detection, interdisciplinary cooperation and education are essential to deal with wounds related to chemotherapy administration, radiotherapy and oncological treatment in general. The proper choice of local care products and the eventuality of active oncological treatment are important elements of care in ulcerating tumors. PURPOSE: A basic summary of recommended interventions to prevent and treat oncology wounds in daily practice, defined based on expert societies guidelines, trials and literature data, proven practice and on the consensus opinions of the authors group members. The recommended procedures contribute to the reduction of the development, severity and consequences of oncological wounds and wounds of other etiology in oncological  patients.

Providing care for older adults in the Emergency Department: expert clinical recommendations from the European Task Force on Geriatric Emergency Medicine.

PURPOSE: Despite the rapidly expanding knowledge in the field of Geriatric Emergency Medicine in Europe, widespread implementation of change is still lacking. Many opportunities in everyday clinical care are missed to improve care for this susceptible and growing patient group. The aim was to develop expert clinical recommendations on Geriatric Emergency Medicine to be disseminated across Europe. METHODS: A group of multi-disciplinary experts in the field of Geriatric Emergency Medicine in Europe was assembled. Using a modified Delphi procedure, a prioritized list of topics related to Geriatric Emergency Medicine was created. Next, a multi-disciplinary group of nurses, geriatricians and emergency physicians performed a review of recent guidelines and literature to create recommendations. These recommendations were voted upon by a group of experts and placed on visually attractive posters. The expert group identified the following eight subject areas to develop expert recommendations on: Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment in the Emergency Department (ED), age/frailty adjusted risk stratification, delirium and cognitive impairment, medication reviews in the ED for older adults, family involvement, ED environment, silver trauma, end of life care in the acute setting. RESULTS: Eight posters with expert clinical recommendations on the most important topics in Geriatric Emergency Medicine are now available through https://posters.geriemeurope.eu/ . CONCLUSION: Expert clinical recommendations for Geriatric Emergency Medicine may help to improve care for older patients in the Emergency Department and are ready for dissemination across Europe.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues exenatide and liraglutide exert inhibitory effect on the early phase of liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin known for proliferative and antiapoptotic effects on various tissues. Exenatide and Liraglutide are GLP-1 analogues used in clinical practice as antidiabetic drugs. Since GLP-1 and its analogues exert significant effect on liver metabolism and since changes in intermediary metabolism play an important role in the process of liver regeneration, we decided to determine the effect of Exenatide and Liraglutide on the early phase of liver regeneration and selected metabolic parameters in a model of 2/3 partial hepatectomy (PHx) in rats. Animals were submitted either to PHx or laparotomy and received 3 doses of either GLP-1 analogues (Exenatide - 42 microg/kg b.w., Liraglutide - 0.75 mg/kg b.w.) or saline intraperitoneally. We analyzed body and liver weight, liver bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, liver content of DNA, triacylglycerols and cholesterol and biochemical serum parameters. Bromodeoxyuridine labeling was significantly lower in hepatectomized rats receiving either type of GLP-1 analogues when compared to hepatectomized controls. This effect was more pronounced in the Liraglutide group compared to Exenatide (p<0.001). In addition, liver DNA content was lower in hepatectomized rats receiving Liraglutide than in hepatectomized control rats (p<0.001). In conclusion, GLP-1 analogues Exenatide and Liraglutide significantly inhibited an early phase of liver regeneration after PHx in rats. This inhibitory effect was more pronounced in rats receiving Liraglutide.

Comparison of acetaminophen toxicity in primary hepatocytes isolated from transgenic mice with different appolipoprotein E alleles.

The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor, important for combating electrophilic and oxidative stress in the liver and other organs. This encompasses detoxification of hepatotoxic drugs, including acetaminophen (APAP). Recently, an association between apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotype and Nrf2 expression was described. We compared the toxicity of APAP on primary culture hepatocytes isolated from transgenic mice carrying two different human ApoE alleles and wild-type controls. The cells were exposed to APAP in concentrations from 0.5 to 4 mM for up to 24 hours. APAP led to a dose-dependent hepatotoxicity from 1 mM after 16 h exposure in all mice tested. The toxicity was higher in hepatocytes isolated from both transgenic strains than in wild-type controls and most pronounced in ApoE3 mice. Concurrently, there was a decline in mitochondrial membrane potential, especially in ApoE3 hepatocytes. The formation of reactive oxygen species was increased after 24 hours with 2.5 mM APAP in hepatocytes of all strains tested, with the highest increase being in the ApoE3 genotype. The activity of caspases 3 and 7 did not differ among groups and was minimal after 24 hour incubation with 4 mM APAP. We observed higher lipid accumulation in hepatocytes isolated from both transgenic strains than in wild-type controls. The expression of Nrf2-dependent genes was higher in ApoE3 than in ApoE4 hepatocytes and some of these genes were induced by APAP treatment. In conclusion, transgenic mice with ApoE4 and ApoE3 alleles displayed higher susceptibility to acute APAP toxicity in vitro than wild-type mice. Of the two transgenic genotypes tested, ApoE3 allele carriers were more prone to injury.

The effect of oleic and palmitic acid on induction of steatosis and cytotoxicity on rat hepatocytes in primary culture.

In vitro models serve as a tool for studies of steatosis. Palmitic and oleic acids can induce steatosis in cultured hepatocytes. The aim of our study was to verify steatogenic and cytotoxic effects of palmitic acid (PA), oleic acid (OA) and their combinations as well as their impact on functional capacity of rat primary hepatocytes. Hepatocytes were exposed to OA or PA (0.125-2 mmol/l) or their combination at ratios of 3:1, 2:1 or 1:1 at the final concentrations of 0.5-1 mmol/l. Both OA and PA caused a dose-dependent increase in triacylglycerol content in hepatocytes. PA was more steatogenic at 0.25 and 0.5 mmol/l while OA at 0.75 and 1 mmol/l. PA exhibited a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect associated with ROS production, present markers of apoptosis and necrosis and a decrease in albumin production. OA induced a damage of the cytoplasmic membrane from 1 mM concentration. Mixture of OA and PA induced lower cytotoxicity with less weakened functional capacity than did PA alone. Extent of steatosis was comparable to that after exposure to OA alone. In conclusion, OA or combination of OA with PA is more suitable for simulation of simple steatosis than PA alone.