Surgical and Histopathological Results in Carotid Body Tumors.

OBJECTIVE: The possible relationships between the histopathological findings of carotid body tumors and age, gender, tumor diameter, and Shamblin classification were investigated. In addition, preoperative embolization status, development of neurological complications, need for vascular reconstruction, hemoglobin change, and discharge time were examined and the effects of these variables on each other were analyzed. METHODS: Between 2008 and 2022, 46 cases who underwent carotid body tumor excision were examined retrospectively. The cases were followed for an average of 81 months postoperatively. Histopathological materials were reexamined and the effect of categorical variables was analyzed. RESULTS: Mean tumor diameter was 3.55 ± 1.26 cm, mean discharge time was 3.91 ± 2.37 days, and mean hemoglobin change was 1.86 ± 1.25. Neurological complications developed in 13% of cases. The amount of hemoglobin change was significantly (p = 0.003) higher in those who developed neurological complications, whereas the tumor diameter and discharge time were found to be insignificantly higher. Surgical complications requiring vascular repair occurred in 10.8% of cases. Tumor diameter (p = 0.017) and hemoglobin change (p = 0.046) were significantly higher in these patients. There were significant correlations between higher Shamblin classification and tumor diameter, discharge time, postoperative hemoglobin value, and number of surgical and neurological complications. No significant difference was found between Ki-67, capsular invasion, mitosis, pleomorphism, prominent nucleoli, mean island diameter, and tendency of islands to merge with categorical variables. CONCLUSION: As the tumor diameter increases, the operation becomes more difficult and the postoperative complication rate increases. We think that subadventitial and capsular removal of the tumor is effective in preventing recurrence. To reach a histopathological conclusion, a larger series of studies including tumors with high Ki-67 and mitosis rates, large size, and one or more of the criteria for necrosis are needed.

Effectiveness of Spreader Graft Versus Autospreader Flap in Reducing Nasal Air Resistance.

OBJECTIVE: The authors aimed to compare the functional outcomes of 2 different techniques, spreader graft and autospreader flap, by using them for nasal valve surgery in cadavers using acoustic rhinometry (AR). METHOD: Ten frozen cadavers who underwent nasal valve surgery between May 2017 and August 2018 were randomly divided into 2 groups. Spreader grafts were applied to 10 nasal valve regions in 1 group, while the autospreader flap method was used on the other 10 nasal valve regions. The effectiveness of the surgical techniques was evaluated utilizing AR. RESULT: We objectively evaluated the effect of surgery on nasal air resistance by comparing the preoperative and postoperative AR values (MCA1, MCA2, volume) in both the spreader graft and the autospreader flap groups. In addition, the differences in nasal potency gain after the application of both techniques were compared and the superiority of the 2 surgeries in terms of functional gains was evaluated. A statistically significant difference was observed in preoperative and postoperative MCA1, MCA2, and volume values in both the techniques and sides. The authors found more significant nasal valve opening for the spreader graft technique using acoustic rhinometric values when compared with the autospreader flap technique. CONCLUSIONS: In both methods, the air resistance was observed to decrease objectively in the nasal valve region. Autospreader flaps increase the nasal valve angle without the need for additional cartilage tissue, and it could be an alternative to spreader grafts.

The Effect of Rhinoplasty Dissection Planes (Sub-SMAS, Subperichondrial, and Subperiosteal) on the Viability of Diced Cartilage Grafts in a Rabbit Model.

BACKGROUND: Dorsal preservation surgeries in which the subperichondral and subperiosteal planes are used to elevate the soft tissue envelope of the nose have become increasingly widespread because they can reduce postoperative edema and promote faster healing. However, the effects of surgical dissection planes on the viability of cartilage grafts are not known. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine, in a rabbit model, the viability of diced cartilage grafts in different rhinoplasty dissection planes (sub-superficial musculoaponeurotic system [SMAS], subperichondral, subperiosteal). METHODS: Diced cartilage samples were placed in the sub-SMAS, subperichondrial, and subperiosteal planes, and after 90 days, histopathologic analysis was performed. Cartilage graft viability was evaluated based on the loss of chondrocyte nuclei in the lacuna, the presence of peripheral chondrocyte proliferation, and the loss of matrix metachromasia in the chondroid matrix. RESULTS: The median [interquartile range] percentages of live chondrocyte nucleus viability in the sub-SMAS, subperichondrial, and subperiosteal groups were 67.5% [18.75%] (range, 60%-80%), 35% [17.5%] (range, 20%-45%), and 20% [30.0%] (range, 10%-45%), respectively; and the percentages of peripheral chondrocyte proliferation were 80.0% [22.5%] (range, 60%-90%), 30% [28.75%] (range, 15%-60%), and 20% [28.75%] (range, 5%-60%), respectively. There was strong statistical significance in both parameters (P = .001). Intergroup examination revealed a difference between the sub-SMAS and the other surgical planes (P = .001 for both parameters). A smaller loss of chondrocyte matrix was observed in the sub-SMAS group compared with the other 2 groups, which supports the findings of cartilage viability (P = .006). CONCLUSIONS: Elevating the soft tissue envelope of the nose in the sub-SMAS surgical plane preserves the viability of cartilage grafts better than subperichondrial and subperiosteal elevation.

Computed Tomography Analysis of Nasal Anatomy in Dorsal Preservation Rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Subdorsal septal resection and radix osteotomy are distinctive surgical steps in preservation rhinoplasty. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the nasal bone thickness, the level of the septal bony-cartilaginous junction (K area), and the distances of the frontal sinus and skull base from the transverse osteotomy line in the Turkish population by means of conventional computed tomography (CT). METHODS: A retrospective evaluation was made of 203 consecutive preoperative paranasal CT scans of patients (classified in terms of age and gender) who had undergone rhinoplasty surgery between January 2020 and June 2021. The nasal bone thickness at the medial canthus level, and the distances between the transverse osteotomy line and the K area, the frontal sinus, and the cribriform plate were measured. RESULTS: The mean measurements were similar in terms of age groups (P = 0.402, P = 0.542, P = 0.134 and P = 0.276 for ages 18-30, 30-40, 40-50, and >50 years, respectively). The mean nasal bone thickness and the distance between the transverse osteotomy line and the K area showed statistical significance (P = 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). In both genders, the mean distances between the transverse osteotomy line and the frontal sinus and the cribriform plate were similar (P = 0.921 and P = 0.280, respectively). The nasal bone was thinner and the K area position more cephalic in females. CONCLUSIONS: CT plays an important role in preoperative planning. The need for resection of the ethmoid perpendicular bone may be greater in males when lowering the dorsal hump, and hence they may be more prone to skull base complications. It is therefore necessary to be more careful in the surgical stage of subdorsal septal excision in males.

Prenatal Diagnosis and Intrapartum Management of Congenital Ranula.

A foetal sublingual cystic lesion was diagnosed by routine prenatal ultrasonography at 27 weeks of gestation. Foetal growth and amniotic fluid volume were normal. An ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure was performed, and the cyst was aspirated to allow breathing during planned Caesarean section. The cyst was totally excised when the newborn was 60 days old, and histopathological examination revealed a mucous cyst of the mouth floor.

Can Platelet and Leukocyte Indicators Give Us an Idea about Distant Metastasis in Nasopharyngeal Cancer?

This study aimes to evaluate platelet and leucocyte indicators, such as the mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, plateletcrit, white blood cell count, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in nasopharyngeal cancer patients and also to evaluate the relationship between these indicators and nasopharyngeal cancer with distant metastasis. The medical records of 118 patients diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer in our hospital between January 2006 and August 2015 were reviewed. The nasopharyngeal cancer group was further sub grouped according to the presence or absence of distant metastasis and TNM (tumour - T, node - N, metastasis - M) classification. A control group consisted of 120 healthy patients. The platelet and leucocyte values at the time of the initial diagnosis were recorded. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and platelet distribution width values were significantly higher in the nasopharyngeal cancer group. But only platelet distribution width values were significantly higher in the nasopharyngeal cancer group with distant metastasis compared to the nasopharyngeal cancer group without distant metastasis. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and platelet distribution width values may increase in nasopharyngeal cancer. But only the platelet distribution width values may give us an idea about the distant metastasis in nasopharyngeal cancer.

Single seventh day debridement compared to frequent debridement after endoscopic sinus surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to evaluate the postoperative debridement frequency following endoscopic sinus surgery. Individual randomized controlled trial. Sixty-two adult patients with a diagnosis of chronic rhino sinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (NP) and CRS without NP meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this prospective study. The patients were randomized equally to frequent debridement (FD; at postoperative weeks 1, 2 and 4) or to a single debridement (SD; at postoperative week 1) after surgery. The outcomes were assessed with visual analog scale (VAS) for nine main symptoms concerning patient discomfort within the first 4 weeks, with the modified Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score (MLKES) at weeks 4 and 24 and with the sino-nasal outcome test-20 (SNOT-20) at week 24. Thirty-seven of the patients were male, and twenty-five were female. The mean age was 36.1 ± 13.5 in FD group and 39.2 ± 14.7 in SD group. In the SD group, the VAS scores at postoperative week four showed significantly less discomfort at visits (p = 0.004) and less negative effects on their work (p = 0.013). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the week 4 and 24 MLKES and in the week 24 SNOT-20 scores (p > 0.05). The endoscopic findings did not show significant differences between the groups. Our data indicate that FD causes more discomfort at the required visits, more facial pain and more negative effects on patients' work; this method is not superior to postoperative single seventh day debridement in terms of the 24-week quality of life and endoscopic scores. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1b.

Dysphagia and airway obstruction due to large cervical osteophyte in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis.

Anterior cervical osteophytes are excessive bony formation of cervical vertebra bodies. They are common but rarely symptomatic lesions mostly seen in geriatric population. Large anterior cervical osteophytes may cause symptoms such as dysphagia, dyspnea, dysphonia, and odynophagia. They have been attributed to multiple etiologies including diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, following trauma, cervical spondylitis, and infectious spondylitis. However, symptomatic large anterior cervical osteophyte with ankylosing spondylitis is extremely rare. Surgical excision is the main treatment for symptomatic cases. We report a case of a 53-year-old man with airway obstruction and dysphagia due to large cervical osteophyte who has a history of ankylosing spondylitis, and we also addressed the etiological factors and management of large symptomatic cervical osteophytes.

Comparing Endoscopic Measurements of the Anterior and Posterior Ethmoidal Arteries with CT Measurements: A Cadaveric Study.

OBJECTIVE: To reveal the reliability of radiological measurements of the ethmoid arteries. METHOD: Five fresh frozen cadaveric heads underwent computed tomography and endoscopic sinus surgery. The lateromedial length of the anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) and its distance to the axilla of the middle turbinate (MTA), the sphenoethmoidal recess (SR) and the posterior ethmoidal artery were measured. The posterior ethmoidal artery (PEA) was referenced to the SR. These anatomical parameters were measured both radiologically and endoscopically, and the compatibility of the two was examined. RESULTS: Ten nasal cavities were dissected. We found that the distance of MTA to the AEA was 16±8 mm in dissection, 21±4 mm radiologically in the sagittal section, the distance of SR to the AEA was 14±3 mm in dissection, 19±4 mm radiologically in the sagittal section, and the distance of the AEA to the PEA was 10±3 mm in dissection, 12±3 mm radiologically in the axial section. The distance of the PEA to SR was 6±3 mm in dissection, 8±2 mm radiologically in the sagittal section. CONCLUSIONS: The distance of the AEA to the MTA, the distance of the AEA to the PEA and the distance of the PEA to the SR were compatible with each other in the dissection and in the radiologically evaluation, whereas the distance of the AEA to the SR was not compatible.

vHIT results with the synapsis system according to clinicians' dominant hand use.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: There exists limited information in the literature on dominant hand preference in relation with vHIT applications. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between the clinician's dominant use of right- or left-hand and vHIT results. METHODS: A Synapsys vHIT Ulmer device was used in the study. The tests were administered by 3 clinicians experienced in vHIT, 2 of whom were right-handed and 1 left-handed. The test was applied to the 94 participants three times, one week apart. RESULTS: In this study, the correlation between right-handed clinicians and left-handed clinicians was examined, and in all SCCs, namely RA, LA, RL, LL, RP and LP, a moderate positive significant correlation was found between right-handed1 and right-handed2, between right-handed1 and left-handed, and between right-handed2 and left-handed. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, these findings suggested that measures were reliable across test sessions regardless of hand dominancy (right or left). Based on the vHIT results we obtained with three different right- or left-handed clinicians, the clinician should evaluate the results according to the dominant side.

Endoscopic Anatomy of the Lacrimal Sac: A Cadaveric Study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the anatomy of the lacrimal sac in relation to the lateral nasal wall by cadaver dissection, and to measure the distances of surgically important landmarks from relevant structures for safer and more efficient surgery. METHOD: A total of 12 endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) were performed on both sides (right and left) of 6 fresh-frozen cadavers. The distances of the lacrimal sac to the posterior edge of the uncinate process, the frontal process of the maxilla, the maxillary ostium, the nasal vestibule, the middle turbinate attachment and the inferior turbinate were measured. In addition, the width and length of the lacrimal sac were measured. RESULTS: The mean width and length of the lacrimal sac were 5.6 mm and 11.1 mm, respectively. The lacrimal sac was located at 15.2 mm from the posterior edge of the uncinate process, at 35.5 mm from the nasal vestibule, at 13.5 mm from the maxillary ostium, at 12.2 mm from the frontal process of the maxilla, at 8.7 mm from the middle turbinate attachment, and at 7.3 mm from the inferior turbinate. CONCLUSION: This study provides additional measurements regarding the lacrimal sac and its relationships with nearby landmarks for use in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. The distances of the lacrimal sac to the nasal vestibule, the uncinate process and the frontal process of the maxilla are not as reliable as the middle turbinate attachment for predicting the anatomic localization of the lacrimal sac during DCR.

Evaluation of the efferent auditory system in COVID-19 adult patients.

BACKGROUND: The short- and long-term effects of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on the medial olivocochlear reflex and outer hair cells in the cochlea remain largely unclear. AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the efferent auditory system effects in adult patients with COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 18-50 years old 44 volunteers: 26 individuals (52 ears) with COVID-19 in the study group and 18 healthy individuals (36 ears) in the control group. Otolaryngological examination, immitancemetric evaluation, distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE), contralateral acoustic stimulation with DPOAE, audiometric evaluation, and high frequency audiometric evaluation were performed in all individuals participating in the study. RESULTS: In our study, patients with COVID-19 had significantly lower DPOAE results with or without broadband noise at only 6 kHz frequency and contralateral suppression results at all frequencies compared to healthy individuals. A statistically significant difference was found between the study and control groups according to whether the participants had a response in the high frequency audiometry at 12 and 16 kHz frequencies. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 affects many systems in the body. As a result of the findings obtained in the present study, it is shown that the auditory efferent system may also be affected.

Is there a relationship between causative microorganisms and hearing loss in neonatal sepsis?

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to determine the possible relationship between cultured microorganisms and hearing loss in infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) who could not pass a standard hearing test. METHOD: The medical records of infants treated at the NICU were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were first divided into two groups, and group 1 was divided into two subgroups: Group 1 included patients with hearing loss accompanied by proven sepsis caused by either gram-negative (group 1A) or gram-positive (group 1B) bacteria, and group 2 included patients with clinical sepsis. The groups were compared with potential risk factors related to hearing loss. RESULTS: Between January 2014 and January 2019, the cases of 3,800 infants admitted to the NICU were reviewed. Of 3,548 living babies, the Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test showed that 35 infants (0.98%) were diagnosed with hearing loss. In 12 infants with hearing loss, microbial growth in the blood cultures was detected, whereas in the remaining 23, the blood cultures were negative. Of the cases with microbial growth, five were gram negative and seven were gram positive. In the comparison of groups 1A, 1B, and 2, there were statistically significant differences in terms of risk factors such as low birth weight (p = .048), neonatal hospitalization time (p = .001), free oxygen support (p = .001), intraventricular bleeding (p = .001), loop diuretic use (p = .001), and blood transfusion (p = .048). CONCLUSION: The relationship between hearing loss and microorganisms causing sepsis could not be determined in this research.

[Frontal sinus obliteration with pericranial-subgaleal flap]. / Perikraniyal-subgaleal flep ile frontal sinüs obliterasyonu.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the results of patients who underwent frontal sinus obliteration with vascularized pericranial-subgaleal flap. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Charts of patients (7 males 1 female; mean age 40.5+/-17.1 years; range 9 to 61 years) who underwent frontal sinus obliteration with pericranial-subgaleal flap between June 2001 and January 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, indications for frontal sinus obliteration, immediate and late postoperative complications were recorded. All patients were invited to the clinic and underwent control examinations and computed tomography. The indications for frontal sinus obliteration were fracture of frontal sinus anterior and posterior walls in four cases, frontal sinus mucoceles in two cases, mucopyoceles in one case and fracture of frontal sinus anterior wall in one case. Bicoronal incision was used in all patients and then they underwent frontal sinus obliteration with lateraly based pericranial-subgaleal flap. RESULTS: In the postoperative period rhinorrhea and meningitis, which lasted for two days, developed in one patient with fracture of frontal sinus anterior-posterior walls and hypoestesia developed in the frontal skin area in one patient with fracture of frontal sinus anterior wall. No complications were observed in the other cases. CONCLUSION: Pericranial-subgaleal flap is a well vascularized, close to surgical area, inexpensive, safe and effective tissue that can be used for frontal sinus obliteration.

The effects of local and intraperitoneal zinc treatments on maxillofacial fracture healing in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether administration of topical and intraperitoneal zinc for maxillofacial fractures has any impact on the bone healing process. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Thirty-two New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned to four groups of eight each. The first group was the control group; fracture lines were fixed using titanium microplates and no medication was administered. The second group received fixations using zinc-coated titanium microplates. A single dose of 3 mg/kg zinc was administered intraperitoneally to the third group following fixations with titanium microplates. A single dose of 3 mg/kg zinc was administered intraperitoneally to the fourth group following fixations with zinc-coated titanium microplates. Zinc coating on to the titanium microplates was achieved using the physical vapor deposition technique. A fracture line was created in the nasal bones of all subjects and fixed with five-hole flat microplates and three 5-mm micro screws. All work groups were sacrificed at the end of the sixth week. RESULTS: Histological examination showed that the number of osteoblasts were significantly higher in zinc-coated group (Group 2) than zinc uncoated, control group (Group 1), (415.6 ± 46.7 vs 366.3 ± 11.8) (p < 0.001). It was observed that intraperitoneal zinc treatment alone (Group 3) did not significantly increase in the osteoblast count compared to zinc un-coated group (Group 1), (390.6 ± 83.2 vs 366.3 ± 11.8), (p = 0.341). The immunoreactivity scores for IGF-1 were significantly higher in the zinc-coated group compared to control group (Group 2 vs 1), (9.3 ± 2.8 vs 3.7 ± 1.9) (p < 0.05). It was observed that intraperitoneal zinc treatment did not cause a significant difference in the aspect of IGF-1 for zinc-coated groups (Group 2 vs 4) (9.3 ± 2.8 vs 9.6 ± 2.2) (p = 0.791). The difference in the immunoreactivity score among whole groups for TGF-ß was not statistically significant (Group 1 vs 2, 3.2 ± 1.7 vs 4.4 ± 2.3, p = 0.256; Group 1 vs 3, 3.2 ± 1.7 vs 3.8 ± 2.8, p = 0.524; Group 1 vs 4, 3.2 ± 1.7 vs 2.8 ± 1.3, p = 0.717; Group 2 vs 3, 4.4 ± 2.3, vs 3.8 ± 2.8, p = 0.610; Group 2 vs 4, 4.4 ± 2.3, vs 2.8 ± 1.3, p = 0.124; Group 3 vs 4, 3.8 ± 2.8, vs 2.8 ± 1.3, p = 0.311). CONCLUSION: The local use of titanium microplates coated with zinc by PVD technique was found effective for fracture healing. Zinc coating of titanium microplates used in fracture treatment can accelerate fracture healing. It may be concluded that clinical studies should be performed now in order to explore if comparable results can be achieved in humans.

Development of Pharyngocutaneous Fistula after Total Laryngectomy: The Predictive Value of C-reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate whether C-reactive protein(CRP)/ Albumin ratio (CAR) performed in the early postoperative period after total laryngectomy could be a predictive factor for the development of pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF). METHODS: The files of patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent total laryngectomy between January 2005 and January 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: patients with PCF (PCF group) and without (Non-PCF group). CAR values and risk factors were compared between groups. RESULTS: The overall incidence of PCF was 23.2%. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of CRP and CAR levels (p = 0.001). The CAR value of 27.05 (sensitivity = 75.0% , specificity 68.2%, area under curve (AUC) = 0.742, 95% confidence interval 0.616-0.868) was determined as a cutoff value to describe the development of fistula in the early postoperative period. In multiple linear regression analysis, there was an independent relationship between presence of PCF and previous RT and CAR value. CONCLUSIONS: CAR, performed in the early postoperative period, may be a new and useful marker for predicting PCF after total laryngectomy.

Auditory function after spinal anaesthesia: the effect of differently designed spinal needles.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Recurrent, bilateral or unilateral, persistent or transient, mild or profound hearing loss has been reported after spinal anaesthesia. We studied the effects of the needle type (Quincke, ballpen, pencil-point spinal needles) on hearing loss after spinal anaesthesia with the use of pure-tone audiometry. METHODS: Forty-five ASA physical status I patients scheduled for elective inguinal herniorraphy with spinal anaesthesia were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomly divided into three groups. Group Q (n = 15) patients received spinal anaesthesia through a 25-gauge (G) Quincke spinal needle, group B (n = 15) patients received the same through a 25-G ballpen spinal needle and those in group P (n = 15) received the same through a 25-G pencil-point spinal needle. Patients were interviewed about postoperative complaints such as postdural puncture headache, vertigo, nausea-vomiting, transient neurological symptoms and major neurological deficits. Pure-tone audiometry was performed by an audiologist at specific time intervals. RESULTS: The number of patients who had greater than 10 dB hearing loss in group Q was significantly more than that found in group B and group P at 250, 500, 4000 and 6000 Hz on postoperative day 1. When group B and group P were compared for change in hearing, no statistically significant difference was detected at any frequency tested. CONCLUSION: Because the use of ballpen and pencil-point needles reduces hearing loss after spinal anaesthesia, these needles are preferred.

An oblique anastomosis has more linear length than a transverse anastomosis of a tubular structure in oesophageal anastomosis.

INTRODUCTION: Oesophageal stricture continues to be a challenging paediatric surgical problem. This study aimed to compare the results of oblique and transverse anastomosis to prevent anastomotic stricture that occurred following oesophageal repairs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve New Zealand rabbits were divided equally into two groups: oblique (O) and transverse (T). A 1-cm-long tract of the cervical oesophagus was resected through a cervical incision in both groups. Anastomosis was performed in both groups. Oesophagographic analysis was carried out on postoperative day 7 and the animals were fed orally on the same day on the condition that there was no oesophageal leakage. The rabbits were killed to measure diameters of the oesophageal lumen and bursting pressure (BP) in the anastomosis region 8 weeks later. RESULTS: The diameters of the oesophageal anastomosis lines (3.9 +/- 0.10 mm) in the O group were significantly greater than those (1.9 +/- 0.09 mm) in the T group (P < 0.05). The values of BP (189 +/- 10 mmHg) in the O group were also significantly higher than those (116 +/- 4 mmHg) in the T group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that oblique anastomosis is a better surgical procedure for preventing oesophageal stricture, as shown by the increased diameters of oesophageal anastomosis lines and BP.