Outcome of anterior cervical discectomy with cage in cervical disc degeneration

This study evaluates the efficiency and outcome of interbody polyetheretherketone [PEEK] cage implantation in 50 consecutive cases treated, for cervical disc degeneration. This work was conducted in Assiut University Hospital, Neurosurgery Department over 3 ears duration from 2006 to 2009. Fifty patients with cervical disc disease, were treated with cervical discectomy and Cervical interbody fusion using a PEEK cage. PEEK cages were packed with demineralised bone grafts or synthetic bone grafts. Additional plating was not used in any case. The median duration of follow-up was 12 Months [range, 6-36 months]. Cervical x-rays were routinely used in the follow-up to assess the fusion pseudoarthrosis, kyphosis, cage migration, subsidence or breakage. There were 39 male and 11 female patients and the mean age 45 years [range, 30-60 years]. No implant insufficiency or significant complications was observed in any case. The use of a cervical PEEK cage seems to be a good way that does not require additional anterior plating and bone graft harvesting/or achieving cervical interbody replacement. Anterior cervical discectomy and interbody fusion is an effective treatment for radicular pain in selected patients with cervical disc disease after six months follow up. Because of similar clinical outcomes and lack of donor site morbidity when using PEEK, we now prefer fusion with PEEK cage to autologous iliac crest graft

Assessment of metabolic and acid-base changes during trans-urethral resection of prostate

TURP patients are usually critically ill and suffer from multiple diseases. The use of irrigation fluid has its own risks. This study was carried out to detect if any acid base disorders develop in these patients. Thirty patients received general anesthesia with controlled ventilation to maintain normocarbia. Arterial blood gases, electrolytes and lactate were determined preoperatively, 30 minutes after the start of the procedure and after finishing the operation. The present study revealed mild acidosis that can be explained on the basis of the Stewart concept as a decreased strong ion difference acidosis. This may pay our attention to acid base monitoring in TURP patients when there is too much absorption of the irrigation fluid and in prolonged cases