Identification of genetic imbalances of nasopharyngeal carcinoma [NPC] by comparative genomic hybridization [CGH]

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma [NPC] is highly prevalent in southern China and southeast Asia. To unveil the molecular basis of this endemic disease, comparative genomic hybridization [CGH] technique was used to identify imbalanced genetic alterations in this malignancy. Chromosornal gains that were found in this study were 4q26 [20%] and 11q13-q14 [20%], while chromosomal losses were 20p12 [40%] and 13q21-q31 [20%]. These preliminary results suggest that there may be activation of oncogenes in the gain regions and suppression of tumour suppressor gene in the loss regions

Endoscopic removal of an extensive sinonasal schwannoma

Schwannoma is a rare, benign and slow-growing tumour which arises exclusively from Schwann cells. Essentially this tumour can be found in any part of the body. In the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity, this tumour originates mostly from the ophthalmic and maxillary branches of the trigeminal nerve. The most common clinical presentation is unilateral nasal obstruction. Histological examination is crucial for diagnosis. The main modality of treatment is surgical excision. The type of surgery will depend on the location and extent of the tumour. Even though it is generally considered a benign tumour, there have been reports of potential malignant transformation. We report a case of a 52-year-old man with an extensive nasal mass which was removed endoscopically and histologically confirmed as schwannoma.

Endoscopic-assisted Enucleation of Radicular Cysts — A Case Report

The standard management for the majority of benign jaw cysts is enucleation, marsupialisation, curettage and decompression. Enucleation has the advantage that the whole specimen is sent for microscopic evaluation so that more sinister pathological processes (i.e. squamous cell carcinoma) may not be missed. In a large cystic lesion, enucleation is still possible, but technical difficulties might be encountered. In such instances, inevitable damage can occur to the surrounding structures. We report a case of a large radicular cyst of the maxilla that was enucleated via endoscopic assistance through the Caldwell Luc approach.

Antrochoanal polyp as a rare presentation of fungal ball

Fungal ball is an extramucosal mycosis. The patient may present with facial pain, nasal blockage, purulent nasal discharge and cacosmia, the fungal ball being present unnoticed for years. Some patients do present as having other nasal problems and later on are found out to have a fungal ball incidentally. We present a case of 38 yearold man who was clinically diagnosed as having left antrochoanal polyp. Intraoperatively, a fungal ball was discovered in the left maxillary antrum.

Inguinal hernia day case surgery: study of 100 cases

This Prospective study was carried out at Surgical Department of Jinnah Hospital Lahore from January 1998 to September 1999, to evaluate the merits and demerits of day case surgery of inguinal hernia in our set up. One hundred patients of simple reducible inguinal hernia presenting in surgical out patient department were included in this study. Patients were selected after discussion with the anaesthatist. Only class I or II patients as mentioned by American society of anaesthesiologists were included. Instructions about preoperative prepration and time to come for surgery were given on non resident basis. All patients were operated under general anaesthesia early on the list. Surgical procedures performed were herniotomy in 27 patients [27%] in children and young fit adults with good inguinal musculature. Herniorrhaphy [darning] was performed in 73 patients [73%] having direct inguinal hernia or indirect inguinal hernia and week posterior wall of the inguinal canal. Main post operative stay in the hospital was eight hours. Four patients [4%] developed scrotal oedema and two patients [2%] developed scrotal haematoma relieved by scrotal support. Two patients [2%] developed superficial [subcutaneous] wound infection which was cured by drainage and dressing on outdoor basis. Five patients [5%] developed postoperative neuralgia at the site of wound which was relieved simply by use of analgesics, except in one case in which local steroid injection was given at the site of maximum tenderness. There was no single recurrence reported in one year follow up after surgery Day case surgery for inguinal hernia can be performed safely in carefully selected patients with no anaesthetic complications and minimal morbidity. The economic benefits are enhanced by short stay, low morbidity and early return to normal activities