ABSTRACT
Varicose veins are a common condition that the current paper elaborates the features of the condition in a local Indian population. This prospective clinical study of surgical management of varicose vein was conducted to study the age, sex and occupational distribution of varicose veins of lower limb. Evaluations of clinical features and surgical methods of treatments that were in practice in the management of varicose veins in terms of recurrence and symptoms improvement were also studied. Methods: Two years prospective study was conducted in our institution from April 2016 to March 2018. During this period 68 cases of varicose veins of lower limbs were admitted to our hospital of which 60 cases were selected and were studies in detail. After thorough clinical examination and relevant investigation they are all subjected to surgical management. Results: Out of 60 cases studied, 31 (62%) had only long saphenous vein involvement, 7 (14%) had short saphenous vein involvement and in 5 (10%) cases both short and long saphenous system were involved. In addition to long saphenous vein involvement, incompetent perforators were present in 17 (34%) cases. Among them prominent veins and pain were the main complain in 38 (78%) patients. Itching and pigmentation were present in 4 (8%) patients. Ankle edema was present in 6 (12%) patients. Pain and ulceration of lower leg were present in 2 (4%) patients. After clinical assessment appropriate surgical procedures were followed for each of patients. These cases were followed for 3 year durations. Out of 60 patients 7 (14%) patients had recurrence of varicose vein. 7 (14%) patient complained of recurrence of pain after 2 years of surgery but no appearance of varicose vein. One patient complained of persistence of pigmentation after surgery. 2 patients complained of persistence of ankle edema and there was complete healing of ulcer which was present earlier. Conclusion: Commonest age group of varicose vein of lower limb was 20 to 40 years. Definite relationship exists between the occupation and the incidence of varicose veins. The patients were in the occupation which required standing for long time had the higher chances of varicose vein. Severity of the symptoms is not proportional to the duration of varicose veins. The involvement of long saphenous vein is more common than the short saphenous vein. Since our study shows very low percentage of recurrence and symptoms related to varicose vein the surgical line of treatment is an ideal treatment for varicose vein. For incompetent perforators, sub-fascial ligation appears to be a better method of treatment than extra fascial ligation. Because in the former all the perforators could be visualized and dealt with, while in the latter there were chances of missing one or two perforators. If cases are selected properly with good operative technique the complications are negligible.
ABSTRACT
Objective: Based on recent success of intra-articular (IA) Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A; OnabotulinumtoxinA) in patients with osteoarthritis, we examined if repeat IABoNT/ A is an effective antinociceptive in patients with refractory arthroplasty pain. Methods: 11 patients with refractory chronic arthroplasty joint pain without any evidence of infection or prosthesis loosening were referred by orthopedic surgeons. After discussion of off-label use, each patient underwent IA injection of BoNT/A, repeated based on return of pain on numeric rating scale (NRS) and functional limitation on composite validated scales, Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) or Shoulder Pain and Disability (SPADI). Results: 11 patients (10 men, 1 woman) with 14 painful arthroplasty joints (3 bilateral; 12 knee and 2 shoulder) underwent ≥1 IA-BoNT/A injections (8 joints injected once, one joint injected twice only, five joints injected thrice) with doses ranging 100-300 units. Mean age was 68 years (standard deviation, 12) and follow-up ranged 1-28 months. Clinically meaningful reduction of 2-units in pain severity and really meaningful reduction in pain severity (50% reduction) were reported by 6/11 patients (6/13 joints) and 3/11 patients (3/13 joints), respectively, 1 month after the first IA-BoNT/A (100-units each). Significant improvements were noted in composite functional scales (WOMAC/SPADI). Pain relief was sustained at 3-4 month follow-up and was reproducible in those who received repeat injections. No significant adverse events were seen in any patients. Conclusions: A single intra-articular injection of BoNT/A improved pain and function in patients with chronic, refractory painful knee or shoulder arthroplasty, which sustained with repeat injections. Patients, who were refractory to the first injection, did not respond to subsequent injections of higher dose of IA-BoNT/A.
ABSTRACT
Congenital Complete Heart Block in utero has been diagnosed more frequently with the clinical use of fetal echocardiography. The fetus with complete heart block may remain asymptomatic or develop congestive heart failure. Pacemaker therapy in children involves unique issues regarding patient size, growth, development and possible presence of congenital heart disease. Historically, epicardial pacing was more common in children. As technology has improved, generators and leads have become smaller and more advanced, allowing transvenous pacing system in children. Pacemaker therapy is even technically feasible in infants and neonates. We present a 14mth old baby of just 7.5kg who presented to us with Adams Stokes and subtle signs of congestive heart failure that after stabilization was implanted a transvenous MRI compatible permanent pacemaker (VVIR).