Binocular summation in comitant exotropia: Change after surgery

Purpose: To assess the change in binocular summation (BiS) in comitant exotropia (XT) after strabismus surgery. Methods: This is a prospective study on 20 patients who underwent surgery for comitant XT over a one year period. Patients with sensory exotropia and nystagmus were excluded. Best?corrected visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity (CS) of both eyes separately and together (binocularly) were recorded. BiS score was calculated as binocular score minus better eye score. BiS score at the end of 3 months was compared with the preoperative data. Results: The mean ± SD of BiS score increased from 2.95 ± 0.88 to 4.55 ± 0.68 (P?value < 0.0001) for VA (on ETDRS letters) and from 2.75 ± 0.44 to 4.5 ± 0.76 (P?value < 0.001 for CS (on Pelli–Robson chart) after surgery. Conclusion: There is significant improvement in BiS in XT after strabismus surgery. Authors recommend its inclusion in evaluation of functional outcome of XT surgery

A near miss case of placenta percreta in a patient with post myomectomy scar

The term placenta accreta or placenta accrete syndrome is used to describe a spectrum of an abnormal placental implantation and firm adherence which are classified according to the depth of invasion into the uterus. A 28-year-old elderly primigravida presented AIIMS OPD to for the 1st time at 13+2 weeks of gestation with brownish discharge per vaginum. Ultrasonography done showed 12 weeks single intrauterine pregnancy with subchorionic haemorrhage of 3.7×2.52 cm with placenta being fundoanterior. She underwent myomectomy 2 years back and during her antenatal care in 3rd trimester growth scan at 30+2 weeks of gestation placenta was fundoanterior with loss of retroplacental hypoechoic in the upper margin of placenta at the myomectomy scar site with small extra uterine collection seen measuring 7.6×2.3 cm and hence possibility of placenta accreta was suggestive by the above findings confirmed by MRI. Emergency cesarean section done at 36+6 weeks of gestation for leaking per vaginum. Manual removal of placenta was tried but it failed and soon atonic PPH developed. Seeing no response with uterotonics internal iliac artery ligation was also attempted but failed. Immediate decision for hysterectomy was taken as a life-saving method. On adhesiolysis in the fundal region placental tissue perforating uterine serosa was visible on the surface of uterus, hence diagnosis of placenta percreta was confirmed which was further confirmed on histopathological report. Currently hysterectomy or local resection is preferred over conservative management with methotrexate.

Recurrent hematometra with endometriosis in an adolescent girl: a case report

Hematometra is a collection or retention of blood in the uterine cavity. This condition is most commonly associated with congenital uterine anomalies that result from abnormal formation, fusion or resorption of Mullerian ducts during fetal life or may be due to prior surgical procedures, causing an obstruction of the genitourinary outflow tract. We report an unusual case of hematometra with endometriosis secondary to cervical stenosis. This is a rare and important case report due to the complexity of diagnosis as cervical stenosis was not presented as primary amenorrhoea as its usual presentation. This case was successfully managed by Hysteroscopic cervical dilatation under USG guidance followed by transcervical insertion of a catheter to prevent recurrent stenosis.

Transscleral fixation of closed loop haptic acrylic posterior chamber intraocular lens in aphakic nonvitrectomized eyes.

Purpose: To evaluate the outcome of transscleral fixation of closed loop haptic acrylic posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL) in aphakia in nonvitrectomized eyes. Materials and Methods: Patients with postcataract surgery aphakia, trauma with posterior capsule injury, subluxated crystalline lens, and per operative complications where sulcus implantation was not possible were included over a 1‑year period. Scleral fixation of acrylic hydrophilic PCIOL was performed according to the described technique, and the patients were evaluated on the day 1, 3, 14, and at 3 and 12 months postoperatively for IOL centration, pseudophakodonesis, change in best‑corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and any other complications. Results: Out of twenty‑nine eyes of 24 patients, who completed the study, 25 (86.2%) eyes had improved, 2 (6.9%) eyes showed no change, and 2 (6.9%) eyes had worsening of BCVA. Three (10.3%) eyes developed postoperative complications. A significant improvement in mean BCVA (P < 0.0001) was observed after the procedure. Mean duration of follow‑up was 26.2 months (range 22–35 months). Conclusion: The use of closed loop haptic acrylic IOL for scleral fixation appears to be safe and effective alternative to conventional scleral fixated polymethyl methacrylate intraocular lenses.

Adjustable recessions in horizontal comitant strabismus: A pilot study.

Aim: To compare the surgical outcome of adjustable with the conventional recession in patients with horizontal comitant strabismus. Patients and Methods: A prospective comparative nonrandomized interventional pilot study was performed on patients with horizontal comitant strabismus. Fifty‑four patients (27 in each group) were allocated into 2 groups to undergo either adjustable suture (AS) recession or non‑AS (NAS) recession along with conventional resection. The patients were followed up for 6 months. A successful outcome was defined as deviation ±10 prism diopters at 6 months. The results were statistically analyzed by Chi‑square test, Fisher’s exact test, and Student’s t‑test. Results: A successful outcome was found in 24 (88.8%) patients in AS and 17 (62.9%) in NAS group (P = 0.02). The postoperative adjustment was done in 13 (48.1%) patients in AS group. There was one complication (tenon’s cyst) in AS group. Conclusion: AS recession may be considered in all cooperative patients undergoing strabismus surgery for comitant deviations.

Comparative study of electrolytes and metabolic changes during percutaneous nephrolithotomy: spinal vs. general anaesthesia.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a common surgery for renal stones and it can be performed under spinal and general anaesthesia. There is always a debate upon the superiority of one of the above technique over other. This study was undertaken to study the metabolic changes associated with the use of above techniques. We also studied the blood loss associated with them. Methods: 60 patients of either sex, aged between 25 to 60 years belonging to ASA physical status I or II undergoing PCNL were divided randomly into two groups and they received spinal (SA) and general anaesthesia (GA) as per standard protocol and study parameters were evaluated. Results: Blood pressure was lower and heart rate was higher in SA group compared to GA group. Changes in pH, bicarbonate, serum sodium, serum potassium and serum lactate were insignificant. Blood loss was report to be lower in SA group. Conclusions: In both the groups, patients were haemodynamically stable throughout the surgery and both the techniques were safe regarding hemodynamic changes and no significant advantage or disadvantage exists between the two. In both the groups there was a trend towards metabolic acidosis with increased lactate levels but it was not clinically significant with any of the anaesthetic technique. No changes were seen in electrolytes levels (Na and K) in any of the groups. Spinal anaesthesia was associated with lesser amount of blood loss and need for post-operative blood transfusion as compared to general anaesthesia.

Knowledge attitude and practice (KAP) of emergency contraceptive pills among women of reproductive age group attending AIIMS OPD Raipur (C.G.).

India’s population as per 2011 census was 1.028 billion. Even though a wide variety of contraceptive choices are available in India, contraceptive prevalence in the country is only 56% as per the WHO global health statistics 2012. Most couples in India do not want to use a contraceptive method on a long-term basis hence unwanted and unplanned pregnancies are common. Emergency contraceptive Pills are largely underutilized in India resulting in women resorting to unsafe or illegal abortions contributing 8% to the cause of maternal mortality in India, which if taken correctly can reduce the risk of an unintended pregnancy to the range of 75-79%. The objective of the study is to assess knowledge, attitude& practice (preference &experience) of emergency contraceptive pills among women of child bearing age. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 328 females of reproductive age group. Data was collected using an anonymous pretested structured questionnaire. Results: Out of 328 subjects 300 women gave consent for the study. Around 56% women had heard of emergency contraceptive pills but only 19.3% had ever used it. Detailed and specific knowledge of ECPs are poor and misinformation is high. This was because main source of information was through electronic media which are unreliable and gives limited information. Conclusion: The study concludes that in spite of having awareness about EC Pills there is great knowledge and attitude gap in the community. Public information strategy needs to be devised to generate awareness and bring attitudinal change among females for emergency contraceptive pills. Support from women advocacy groups is thus necessary and their views, apprehensions, doubts and perceptions have to be adequately addressed to make their occasional use to prevent unwanted pregnancy is likely to bring down the load on the therapeutic abortion services.

A novel technique to recanalize the nasolacrimal duct with endodiathermy bipolar probe.

Aims: To evaluate a new approach for recanalization (RC) of nasolacrimal duct obstruction in the treatment of the symptomatic nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). Materials and Methods: A prospective, interventional, comparative study in 302 eyes of 209 patients of symptomatic nontraumatic NLDO. Eyes with previous failed surgery were excluded. One hundred and fifty‑one eyes underwent RC with 20 G endodiathermy bipolar probe connected to a 7 W diathermy followed by bicanalicular intubation under direct visualization. One hundred and fifty‑one eyes underwent standard external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). Follow‑up was for 24 months and evaluation was done on basis of change in symptoms and lacrimal syringing. Data was analyzed by Chi‑square test and unpaired t‑test. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Success defined as an asymptomatic patient or freely patent syringing was 92.7% (140 eyes) in RC group and 83.44% (126 eyes) in DCR group. Success was significantly more (P ≤ 0.01) in RC than DCR group. Surgical time was significantly less in RC than DCR (P ≤ 0.001). In RC group, RC could not be performed in three eyes and had to be later taken up for DCR. Intubation after RC was not achieved in four eyes; however these eyes had a patent pathway till 24 months. Twenty‑two eyes had a premature extrusion of the tube; but the success rate in these (20 eyes) was comparable to the others within the group (P > 0.05). Two eyes in RC and one in DCR group had complications. Conclusions: RC with 20 G endodiathermy bipolar probe is a quick, simple, and effective alternative to standard external DCR.

Pattern of tobacco use among school children in National Capital Territory (NCT).

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence, consumption patterns and correlates of tobacco use among adolescent SZI children in Government schools in the National Capital territory of Delhi. METHODS: Thirty schools in National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, India, were selected by two stage cluster random design and population proportionate to size sampling (PPS) methodology. A sample of 3,422 children in the age group of 10-18 years studying in the 30 middle and senior secondary Government schools in NCT of Delhi were studied. Each student was administered a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Overall 9.8% of the study children had at least once experimented with any form of tobacco in their lifetime. The proportion of children who were current users of tobacco products was 5.4% (boys: 4.6%, Girls: 0.8%). Current users differed from abstainers in location of their schools, category of school, class, gender, hobbies, not having friends, having tobacco users in family and school etc. CONCLUSION: Consumption of tobacco amongst adolescents is an emerging health problem in Delhi. A number of variables seem to differentiate between the current users and abstainers. Tobacco use in family and school environment is a mutable factor that should be focused in tobacco reduction campaigns. Encouraging friendship has a protective influence. There is a need for similar studies in other metropolitan cities of the country.

Tobacco consumption and awareness of their health hazards amongst lower income group school children in National Capital Territory of Delhi.

Consumption of tobacco is a complex and multidimensional problem faced by the country. It is the main culprit behind oral cancer. The present study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of consumption of tobacco amongst adolescent school children of low-income group in National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi and to study the perception of the children regarding the health hazards of tobacco. A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 3,422 children in the age group of 10-18 years studying in government schools in NCT of Delhi. About 9.8% of the study children had at least once experimented with any form of tobacco in their lifetime. The proportion of children who were "current users" of tobacco products was 5.4% (boys: 4.6%, Girls: 0.8%). Nearly eighty percent of the study subjects knew that, tobacco consumption is injurious to health. The parents of 59% of the children discussed the harmful effects of tobacco consumption with their children.

Efficacy of caudal butorphanol.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of butorphanol with or without bupivacaine for caudal epidural anesthesia in children undergoing infraumbilical surgery. METHODS: Sixty ASA physical status I and II patients of either sex aged 1-10 yr were randomized to one of three groups. Group L received 1 ml/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine; Group B received 1 ml/kg of 25 microg/kg butorphanol diluted in normal saline; and Group LB received 1 ml/kg of 25 microg/kg butorphanol in combination with 0.25% bupivacaine, in caudal epidural anesthesia. Hemodynamic variables (HR and MAP) and respiratory rate were monitored in all patients. Sedation score, pain score and requirement of rescue analgesia were recorded at preset time intervals alongwith post-operative complications. RESULTS: There was no difference among the groups regarding sedation scores, requirement of rescue analgesia and post-operative complications. Mean duration of analgesia was maximum in group BL (14.5 +/- 3.5 hr, P<0.001), than in group L (8.8 +/- 4.8 hr) and group B (6.8 +/- 2.9 hr). CONCLUSION: The addition of 25 microg/kg butorphanol to bupivacaine resulted in superior analgesia with a longer period compared with caudal bupivacaine and butorphanol alone, without an increase of side effects.

Shunt revision in hydrocephalus.

OBJECTIVE: A retrospective analysis of 50 hydrocephalic children having a minimum follow-up of 6 months was carried out to see their etiology, clinical features, complications, incidence of shunt revisions, outcome and the variation from their Western counterparts. METHODS: Clinical features, image findings and treatment of all the cases were recorded from their discharge summaries. Record of shunt revision complications and outcome was maintained by the principal author. The data of all the cases were analyzed. RESULTS: The age of children varied from 1 month to 12 yr (mean 2.2 yr). The most common etiology of hydrocephalus was aqueductal stenosis in 18 (36%) children. Post infective hydrocephalus, either of post-tubercular meningitis (TBM) or following bacterial meningitis, remained the cause in 15 children (30%). Congenital TORCH infection was responsible for 3 cases of hydrocephalus making infective etiology as the cause in 18 (36%) cases. Intra 4th ventricular neurocysticercus cyst caused blockade of CSF pathway in 2 children. 15 out of 50 children required shunt revision, either due to infection (8,16%) or shunt obstruction (7, 14%). Multiple shunt revisions were required in 2 children only. These revisions were required due to infection, obstruction or malfunction of the shunt. CONCLUSIONS: Infective etiology is responsible for hydrocephalus in significant number of children (36%). The possibility of TORCH infection, as a cause of hydrocephalus should be considered even amongst the children of screened mothers during antenatal check-up. Pure intra 4th ventricular neurocysticercus cysts (without intraparenchymal cyst), though rare, can manifest with outlet obstruction. Incidence of shunt revision using Chhabra's medium pressure shunt is very high in children at an average follow up of 1.6 yr. Post infective hydrocephalus is a major cause of delayed milestones, contributing to mental retardation.

Oral midazolam and oral butorphanol premedication.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of oral midazolam and oral butorphanol for their sedative analgesic effects in children. METHODS: Sixty children, aged 2 to 10 yrs, of ASA physical status I and II, scheduled for surgical procedures of 1 to 2 hrs duration were randomized to one of the two groups. Group I: children received midazolam 0.5 mg/kg orally and Group II: children received butorphanol 0.2 mg/kg orally. Score of the children was assessed every 5 minutes till the induction of anesthesia. Intraoperative and postoperative analgesic requirement was recorded along with postoperative recovery and complications. RESULTS: The groups were identical regarding the patient's characteristics, hemodynamic variables, duration of surgery and awakening time. Less time was required for the onset and time of maximum sedation in the butorphanol group (p<0.05). Sedation scores were similar among the groups at all time intervals, while the scores were higher in the butorphanol group at the time of induction (p<0.05). Less number of children required intraoperative and postoperative rescue analgesia in the butorphanol group (p<0.05). Statistically significant difference was found among the groups in respect to complete amnesia (50% in group I vs 80% I group II, p<0.05) and recollection (40% in group I vs 10% in group II, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Oral butorphanol is comparable to oral midazolam in children but analgesia along with sedation is an additional advantage which makes it better than midazolam without a significant increase in side effects.

Comparative study of complex spina bifida and split cord malformation.

OBJECTIVE: To see the difference in clinical profiles, radiological findings and surgical outcome of the group 1 split cord malformation and meningomyelocele (SCM with MMC) from group 2 (SCM without MMC). METHODS: 46 patients of SCM were selected from a total of 138 cases of spinal dysraphism. They were divided into two groups, based on presence or absence of MMC. Group I (SCM with MMC) n =19 patients and Group II (SCM without MMC) n=27 patients. A detail clinical evaluation and MR screening of whole spine of all cases was performed. All patients underwent surgical detethering of cord. After an average follow-up of 1.7 years, the operative results were clinically assessed and statistical significance was calculated. RESULTS: Male to female ratio was 1:09. Mean age of presentation was 3.6 years. Cutaneous markers like tuft of hair, cutaneous haemangioma, etc, had a higher incidence in group II in comparison to group I (50% vs 10.5%). The incidence of motor deficits was significant in group I in comparison to group II (63% vs 40%). The incidences of sensory loss, trophic ulcers, sphincteric dysfunction and muscle atrophy were relatively more common in group I patients, while neuro-orthopedic deformities such as congenital telepes equinovarus (CTEV), scoliosis and limb shortening were more frequent (67%) in group II children as compared to group I (53%). Type I SCM has higher incidence in group I children. Low lying conus were found in 47% patient of group I, while in group II it was noticed in 69%. The associated cranial anomalies like hydrocephalus, ACM and syrinx, were slightly higher in group I patients. At surgery, dysgenetic nerve roots, neural placode, arachnoid bands and atrophic cord were seen mainly in group I. Postoperative complications like, CSF leak, pseudomeningocele and meningitis were more commonly encountered in group I patients. The patients of group II showed better operative outcome compared to group I cases. CONCLUSION: Incidence of SCM with MMC amount to 41% of total SCM cases. Progressive neurological deficit was higher in this group (SCM with MMC) in comparison to the group harboring SCM without MMC. In view of a significant association of SCM in MMC cases, associated with other craniospinal anomalies, a thorough screening of neuraxis (by MRI) is recommended to treat all treatable anomalies simultaneously for desired outcome.

An unusual intraorbital foreign body.

A plastic foreign body penetrating the anterior base of skull through the orbit in a 10-year-old male child is reported.

Ascites in ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

OBJECTIVE: To fetch out the factors responsible for ascites, following shunt CSF diversion in cases of intracarnial lesions. Four children developing ascites/abdominal psuedocyst following ventriculoperitoneal shunt were analyzed to see the factors responsible for such complication. METHODS: Records of 4 cases developing ascites were studied retrospectively. These children developed ascites at 8 months, 6 months, 1 year and 1 year 2 months interval following their shunt installation. RESULTS: The primary etiology of hydrocephalus was demonstrated as thalamic glioblastoma, choroid plexus papillomas of third ventricle, post tubercular meningitis hydrocephalus and suprasellar craniopharyngioma. CONCLUSION: The proposed etiology of ascites in these cases was peritoneal metastasis from thalamic glioblastoma through ventriculoperitoneal shunt in first case, excessive production of CSF by choroid plexus papilloma in second, infection in the third case and craniopharyngioma causing excessive production of CSF in the fourth child. All the children were treated by reasonable laparotomy and fenestration of cyst along with the repositioning of shunt tip at another site.