Urethral monopolar cauterization: alternative infravesical obstruction model in male rats

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine which method gives the most consistent results between urethral monopolar cauterization and standard urethral partial ligation methods for the urethral obstruction model. METHODS: Thirty male rats were randomly divided into control, partial ligation, and monopolar cauterization groups. Six weeks after experimental procedures, the experimental groups were evaluated cystometrically, biochemically, and histologically. RESULTS: According to the cystometric results, bladder capacity, baseline bladder pressure, and compliance data of the monopolar cauterization group were higher than those of the partial ligation and monopolar cauterization groups (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). As a biochemical evaluation, malondialdehyde levels in bladder tissues of group control were higher than partial ligation and monopolar cauterization groups (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). The collagen type I level of the control group was higher than the partial ligation and monopolar cauterization groups (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). Collagen type III levels of the monopolar cauterization group were higher than those of the control group (p<0.01), but the Collagen type I/Collagen type III and transforming growth factor-β levels of the monopolar cauterization group were significantly lower than those of the control group (p<0.001). As a histological evaluation (hematoxylin and eosin), fibrosis in the lamina propria was more prominent in the monopolar cauterization group than in the control group (p<0.05). In addition, the muscular thickness was higher in the monopolar cauterization group compared with control and partial ligation groups (p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: The needle-tipped monopolar cauterization of the posterior urethra may be the method of choice for creating a chronic infravesical obstruction model of infravesical obstruction in male rats.

A Review on Agnikarma- A Boon for Pain Management and its Probable Mode of Action

Pain has always been a distressing feeling or the unpleasant sensory and emotional experience. A pain free life is longing of everyone and this is the biggest challenge for the medical science practitioners nowadays as how to provide efficient pain management. In modern medicine we have variety of pain-relieving medications that works brilliantly for short period of time and when used for longer duration they come up with various side effects. So there is a need to find a way to relieve pain without much suffering to the patient and Agnikarma is one of the sound ways to do so. It is therapeutic burning with special tools on specific sites according to the disease. It is a parasurgical procedure that is utilized as curative procedure, or as postoperative procedure or in hemostatic manner. Agnikarma is derived from Ayurveda, a renowned Indian system of medicine, which is procedure used generally for the management of pain and also for curing various disorders. In Ayurveda Vata Dosha is responsible mainly for various types of Ruja or pain in the body and Agnikarma is one of the best method to pacifying Vata and Kapha Dosha and hence relieves pain. Acharya Sushruta, a renowned Vedic Indian surgeon has very well explained the eminence of Agnikarma by saying that the recurrence of disease will not be there if once they are treated with Agnikarma. He in his text mentioned various Dravyas according to the diseases through which Agnikarma can be performed. Also several Dahanaupkarana are mentioned in the classics that provide practitioner abundant methods to perform Agnikarma without much limitations

Retropharyngeal sinus tract secondary to glass shard impaction in an 8 month-old child; endoscopic diagnosis via telescope endoscopy and management of sinus tract by endoscopic electrocauterization

OBJECTIVES@#•To present a case of an 8 month-old female who ingested a foreign body that impacted itself into the posterior pharyngeal wall resulting in a retropharyngeal sinus tract • To discuss the events leading to the diagnosis of the patient • To explain the reason behind the difficulty of locating the foreign body during rigid esophagoscopy • To discuss the use of endoscopic cauterization as management of the retropharyngeal sinus tract@*METHODS@#Design: Case Report Setting: Tertiary Government Hospital Patient: One@*RESULTS@#An 8 month-old female presented with repeated bouts of vomiting with associated refusal to eat. A chest radiograph showed a triangular radiopaque object at the level of Tl -T2. Emergency foreign body extraction via rigid esophagoscopy was done, however, no foreign body was seen in the esophagus. An intraoperative chest radiograph showed a foreign body at the previously described location. On repeat esophagoscopy, a linear wound with purulent discharge on the posterior pharyngeal wall was seen. This wound was explored using a 0° telescope revealing a retropharyngeal tract measuring 2.4 cm in length. At the end of the retropharyngeal tract, a glass shard was found and was extracted. This tract was monitored endoscopically 4, 18, 25, and 32 days postoperative, respectively for possible spontaneous closure of the tract. Eventually, after 32 days, noted to persist hence was debrided and was cauterized via electrocautery leading to its closure. Postop monitoring via flexible endoscopy and neck soft tissue lateral x-ray showed complete closure of the retropharyngeal sinus tract.@*CONCLUSION@#An 8 month-old female who ingested a glass shard was presented. The ingestion of pointed or sharp objects may be embedded into the retropharyngeal space and its further advancement may be caused by shearing forces caused by repetitive swallowing and vomiting. Immediate detection of these sharp foreign bodies may prevent formation of such tracts. Therefore, a high index of suspicion must be had in cases where foreign bodies that are not visualized by rigid esophagoscopy by careful inspection of the mucosal wall of the pharyngeal area with further guidance of radiographs. The innovation of endoscopic electrocautery as management of the sinus tract, inspired from the management of fourth branchial cleft sinus tracts, is an effective approach in management.

Establishing a rat model of atrophic nonunion by using circular external fixator combined with periosteum cauterization / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Establishment of a standard experimental animal model of atrophic nonunion is necessary for experimental study and related treatment of atrophic nonunion. However, the common modeling methods cannot accurately simulate atrophic nonunion in the clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To construct a standard animal model of atrophic nonunion. METHODS: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. All animals were subjected to bone cutting at the middle-lower segment of the right tibia and the circular external fixator was applied to keep a 4 mm defect interval. The animals in the experimental group were subjected to an additional cauterization of the periosteum at the fracture end of the tibia with a length of 1 mm. The periosteum was not treated in the control group. The study protocol was approved by the Experimental Animal Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine on January 01, 2018, with approval No. TCMF1-2018002. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: After modeling, there was one case of loose external fixation in each group, and no infection occurred in both groups. Imaging examination showed no bone connection and no sign of healing between the fractures of the tibia in the two groups at 6 weeks after modeling. Imaging and histological findings showed no healing at the end of fracture but typical atrophic nonunion in the experimental group at 12 weeks after modeling. By contrast, six animals had atrophic nonunion, and eight had hypertrophic nonunion in the control group. Overall, the animal model of atrophic tibial nonunion can be successfully constructed using circular external fixator combined with periosteal cauterization at the fracture end.

A New Model of Extraocular Muscle Fibrosis by Thermal Cauterization in the Rats

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of cauterization on extraocular muscle (EOM) fibrosis in rats, and to develop a novel EOM fibrosis model. METHODS: Twenty-four eyes of 12 Sprague Dawley rats were assigned randomly to two groups. We exposed the superior rectus muscle (SRM) and performed thermal injury 2 mm behind the insertion site of the SRM using a cautery device in the experimental group. The thermal injuries were performed twice for 1 second, for a total of 2 seconds. In the control group, the same procedures except the thermal injury were performed. Two weeks after surgery, all eyes were enucleated and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome (MT). RESULTS: Staining with H&E and MT showed that thermal injury significantly increased inflammation and fibrosis in the experimental group (p=0.002, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Thermal injury using cauterization effectively induced fibrosis of EOM in the rat model. This simple model was effective in inducing fibrosis of SRM and will be useful for studying postoperative fibrosis after strabismus surgery.

Advances in endoscopic treatment of congenital pyriform sinus fistula in children / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Pyriform sinus fistula is a rare clinical disease, often with recurrent acute suppurative thyroiditis or neck infection in children.The traditional method treatment is complete resection of the fistula with or without hemithyroidectomy in external cervical surgical approach, but in recent years, minimally invasive endoscopic occlusion of the internal opening for the treatment of pyriform sinus fistula is performed in many hospitals, including electrocautery, chemocautery, laser cauterization, biocauterization, and suture closure. Literatures about endoscopic management of pyriform sinus fistula in children are reviewed and various surgical methods, complications and success rate are evaluated.

Inhibitory effects of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody MIL60 on alkali-induced corneal angiogenesis in rats / 眼科新进展

Objective To investigate the efficacy of an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody,MIL60,in inhibiting corneal neovascularization (CoNV) formation in a rat model of alkali cauterization and its involved mechanisms.Methods Rat CoNV model induced by alkali burn was founded in the right eyes,and then 72 cases were randomly divided into four groups according to the subconjunctival administration of medicine next day after the successful establishment of this model:25mg· mL-1 MIL60 group,dexamethasone group,MIL60 solvent group and NaCl group.Then CoNV was observed for recording the its length and the involved area using digital photograph.Next the rats were sacrificed on day 7,14,21 and 28,followed by the collection of rats' cornea for HE and immunohistochemical staining to analyze the protein expression of VEGF,VEGF receptor-1 (VEGFR-1),VEGFR-2 and matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9).Results At each time point,the area and length of CoNV in the 25 mg· mL-1 MIL60 and dexamethasone group were significantly less than those in the MIL60 solvent and NaC1 group,and the differences were statistically significant (all P ＜0.01),and 25 mg· mL-1 MIL60 group had the similar CoNV area and length with the dexamethasone group (all P ＞ 0.05).Moreover,HE and immunohistochemical staining showed that MIL60 could inhibit the protein expression of VEGF,VEGFR-1,VEGFR-2 and MMP-9,which could explain its effective anti-angiogenic activity.Conclusion Subconjunctival administration of MIL60 can significantly inhibit corneal neovascularization formation and alleviate the inflammation in rats suffered from alkali burn.

Different heating modes of Cool-tip on coagulation zone and thremal distribution in vitro and in vivo experiment / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To compare the features of different heating modes cauterization mode and standard ablation mode of Cool-tip on coagulation zone and thermal field distribution in order to provide references for focused and accurate vascular occlusion and explore the primary efficacy of Cool-tip applied to intrahepatic vascular occlusion in living dogs Methods Ex-vivo porcine livers were ablated for 2 4 6 8 minites with cauterization mode and standard ablation mode respectively and the long- and short-axis diameters in the greatest dimension were compared The tissue temperature around the tip midpoint and end of the exposed part of radiofrequency electrode were measured under the circumstance of 4 min ablation by the two modes respectively Animal experiment the intrahepatic vessels of 2 Beagles were ablated with cauterization mode one procedure for each animal and contrast-enhanced ultrasound was used to evaluate the perfusion change of liver tissue Gross anatomy and pathological examination of the liver was performed after 1 week Results In the 2 min 4 min 6 min and 8 min ablation the coagulation volume of cauterization mode and standard ablation mode were 1 01 ± 0 41 cm 3 vs 2 95 ± 0 74 cm 3 1 47 ± 0 33 cm 3 vs 5 03±1 06 cm 3 2 29±0 49 cm 3 vs 9 23±2 53 cm 3 2 70±0 24 cm 3 vs 1 5 89±0 77 cm 3 The coagulation volume was significant smaller in cauterization mode than in standard ablation mode P <0 05 for all The peak temperature of cauterization mode presented on the tip of electrode which averaged 94 4℃ in maximum and maintain around 70 ℃ in the equilibrium phase The peak temperature of standard mode presented on the midpoint of the electrode which periodically variated between 70 ℃- 100 ℃ The result of the animal experiment showed that cauterization mode could be used to occlude the intrahepatic vessel in vivo which induced the ischemia and necrosis in the corresponding area Conclusions Cauterization mode and standard alation mode of Cool-tip have different characteristic in terms of coagulation zone and thermal distribution and carterization mode may have a promising application in intrahepatic vascular occlusion.

Rhinosporidiosis: a clinicopathological study from a Rural Tertiary Health Care Centre, Bihar, India.

Rhinosporidiosis is a chronic granulomatous infection characterized by a bleeding polypoidal mass which commonly affects the nose and nasopharynx. The disease is caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi. It grows in stagnant water and is thought to be transmitted to human by infected soil and water by gaining entry through traumatized epithelium and mucosa of nose and nasopharynx. It has a high incidence of occurrence among rural population. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice. Methods: Totally, 26 patients of histologically proven cases of rhinosporidiosis were included in this clinicopathological study. The mode of presentation in all these patients was polypoidal nasal mass causing recurrent bleeding and nasal obstruction. The period of study was from May 2010 to April 2014. All patients treated surgically were followed-up from 6 months to 1 year. Results: There were 26 patients of histologically proven rhinosporidiosis of nose and nasopharynx. Of total 26 cases, there were 19 males and 9 female patients in our study with a male to female ratio of 2.7:1. The age of presentation varied from 14 years to 67 years, most patients presenting in the second to sixth decade of life with maximum patients in the third and fourth decade of life and were from rural and poor socio-economic background. Recurrent cases were given dapsone. Conclusion: Rhinosporidiosis which was previously thought to be a fungus is now considered as a protoctista parasite, which involves fish and other amphibians, a fungus like protozoa of the class mesomycetozoea.

Primary Aneurysmal Bone Cyst in the Iliac Bone: A Case Report / 대한고관절학회지

Symptomatic aneurysmal bone cysts with expansible lesions in the pelvis are rare in children. The management of an aggressive vascular lesion in a female child is challenging. The standard treatment for aneurysmal bone cysts is accompanied by a high risk of local recurrence. A 12-year-old female presented with a history of pelvic pain for 5 months. Plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging showed a very large expansile lytic lesion arising from the right iliac bone. Intralesional curettage, electric cauterization, chemical sclerotherapy and allogeneic bone graft were performed through the window of the iliac crest. At a follow-up consultation 3.5 years post-surgery, the child had painless full-range movement in the hip joint with no recurrence. Although many treatment options are described, our patient was treated successfully using curettage and allogeneic bone graft without recurrence.

Success Rates of Multiple Treatments for Ingrown Nails / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: An ingrown nail is a common condition of inflammation and infection that can occur when nails are clipped too much or pressure is applied by tight shoes. In Korea, a study on the success of tube insertion after nail guttering has been reported, but studies including other treatments are lacking. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the success rates of three treatments for ingrown nails: 1) nail splinting via a flexible tube; 2) partial nail extraction and electrocautery; or 3) partial nail extraction and phenol cauterization. METHODS: Fifty-one patients who underwent nail splinting via a flexible tube or partial nail extraction followed by either electrocautery or phenol cauterization of the nail matrix over a 6-year period at our hospital were evaluated for treatment outcome. The disease severity was classified using the Heifetz grading scale. We evaluated the success rates of the various treatments according to reduced disease severity. Treatment failure was defined as persistence or re-occurrence of disease symptoms. RESULTS: 1. Out of 51 cases of ingrown nails, 31 (60%) showed no recurrence after treatment. 2. There were conflicting results between the severity grade and success rate. 3. Treatment via partial nail extraction and either electrocautery or phenol cauterization was more effective (success rates of 63% and 60%, respectively) than nail splinting via a flexible tube (56% success rate). However, the results were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Selecting the proper therapeutic method is important for successful treatment of an ingrown nail.

Effect of quercetin on the scar formation after the alkal cauterization in rat's cornea / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective To explore the possible effect and mechanism of quercetin (QU) in inhibiting scar formation after the alkali burn of rat's cornea. Methods We established corneal alkali-burn model on right eyes of the SD rats. The rats were divided into five groups randomly. The control group received blank ophthalmic gel; the QU treatment groups received 2.5, 5, 10, or 20g/kg quercetin ophthalmic gel, respectively. The rats were checked by slit-lamp microscope every day for the degree of corneal opacity, then were killed on day 4, 7, 14, 21 and 28 after operation. The infiltration of the inflammatory cells was observed by histology, the arrangement and proliferation of the collagen fibers in the corneal stroma were observed by Masson trichrome staining. The expression of transforming growth factor-β_1 (TGF-β_1) and receptor of transforming growth factor-βⅠ(TGF-βRⅠ) in cornea was observed by immunohistochemical method. Results The corneal opacity was less severe in the QU treatment groups than in the control group (P<0.05). Corneal scar was inhibited better in 10g/kg QU and 20g/kg QU groups than in 2.5g/kg and 5g/kg QU groups, and 10g/kg and 20g/kg QU groups had no significant differences (P>0.05). HE and Masson staining showed that the density of corneal stroma collagen fibers in the QU treatment groups was lower than that in the control group. The expression of TGF-β_1 and TGF-βRⅠ reached the peak on day 7 after alkali burn, and then decreased slowly, which was close to the normal level. The expression of TGF-β_1 and TGF-βRⅠ was inhibited better in 10g/kg and 20g/kg QU groups than in 2.5g/kg and 5g/kg groups, and 10g/kg and 20g/kg QU groups had no significant differences (P>0.05). Conclusion QU ophthalmic gel can reduce formation of corneal scar to a certain extent, 10g/kg is the optimal concentration. QU may play its role by inhibiting the expression of TGF-β1 and TGF-βRⅠ.

Effects of Cauterization with Suturing in Treatment of Conjunctivochalasis: 4 Cases

PURPOSE: We performed cauterization and suturing without resection and evaluated the technique's efficacy in the treatment of conjunctivochalasis. METHODS: Four eyes of three patients diagnosed with conjunctivochalasis were treated with cauterization and suturing. After opening the eyelids, the loosened bulbar conjunctiva was pulled down tensely. After local anesthesia near the inferior fornix (about 8 mm below the limbus), the bulbar conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule were gripped together by bipolar cautery (UM 150A). The cauterization was performed in one second. Still gripped by the bipolar cautery, the bulbar conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule were fixed to the sclera with Vicryl 6-0. Identical procedures were performed on two other sites along the inferior fornix. The suture stitch were removed 10 days after the surgical procedure. RESULTS The objects were 4 eyes of 3 patients (1 male, 2 females with an average age of 63 years). The mean follow-up period was 4 months. There were no recurrences or any postoperative complications caused by cauterization. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully treated conjunctivochalasis with a simple procedure of conjunctival fixation to the sclera through cauterization and suturing.

Effects of Cauterization with Suturing in Treatment of Conjunctivochalasis: 4 Cases

PURPOSE: We performed cauterization and suturing without resection and evaluated the technique's efficacy in the treatment of conjunctivochalasis. METHODS: Four eyes of three patients diagnosed with conjunctivochalasis were treated with cauterization and suturing. After opening the eyelids, the loosened bulbar conjunctiva was pulled down tensely. After local anesthesia near the inferior fornix (about 8 mm below the limbus), the bulbar conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule were gripped together by bipolar cautery (UM 150A). The cauterization was performed in one second. Still gripped by the bipolar cautery, the bulbar conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule were fixed to the sclera with Vicryl 6-0. Identical procedures were performed on two other sites along the inferior fornix. The suture stitch were removed 10 days after the surgical procedure. RESULTS The objects were 4 eyes of 3 patients (1 male, 2 females with an average age of 63 years). The mean follow-up period was 4 months. There were no recurrences or any postoperative complications caused by cauterization. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully treated conjunctivochalasis with a simple procedure of conjunctival fixation to the sclera through cauterization and suturing.

Influence of Three High-level Disinfectants Sterilization on Cauterization of Dental Instruments / 中华医院感染学杂志

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the influence of three high-level chemical disinfectants for sterilization on cauterization of dental instruments.METHODS The measuring methods for disinfectants on cauterization of metal instruments,and usage indications for disinfectants followed Technical Standard for Disinfection published in 2002 by the Ministry of Health.Fourteen kinds of small instruments(grouped by 4 different metal materials) were analyzed on receipt and after sterilization by three high-level disinfectants(2% glutaraldehyde,chlorine dioxide, and symclosene),using cauterization rate.RESULTS Three high-level disinfectants had different cauterization rates,the cauterization rate was affected by concentration of disinfectant,sterilizing time,and morphology of instruments.The cauterization of chlorine dioxide was the strongest,followed by symclosene(trichloroisocyanuric acid),and then 2% glutaraldehyde.CONCLUSIONS In clinical sterilization,different materials of small instruments need proper disinfectants,concentration and sterilizing time for decreasing their cauterization.

A Case of Acute Suppurative Thyroiditis Caused by Pyriform Sinus Fistula with Thyrotoxicosis / 대한내분비학회지

This is the first case report about acute suppurative thyroiditis with thyrotoxicosis and pyriform sinus in Korea. A female patient, who was previously healthy, visited our hospital for the treatment of common cold symptoms and neck pain which developed 2 weeks before the visit. The condition of the patient did not improve through the use of antipyretics and even worsened. The patient was admitted to the hospital and was diagnosed with acute suppurative thyroiditis. The culture result of the drained fluid revealed group D Streptococcus. The patients condition was improved after using antibiotics and drainage. After recovery from acute thyroiditis, esophagography was performed and the pyriform sinus was found to be obliterated by chemical cauterization. It is very important yet difficult to differentiate acute thyroiditis with thyrotoxicosis from subacute thyroiditis. In this study, we discussed the differential diagnosis between acute thyroiditis and subacute thyroiditis with a review of literature.

Extensive Condyloma Acuminatum Managed by Cauterization under Microscopic and Hysteroscopic Visualization to Lessen Injury of Skin and Mucosa / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Condyloma acuminatum is a manifestation of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The genital warts tend to occur in areas most directly affected by coitus, namely external genitalia, perineum and perianal areas. The warts are highly contagious; more than 75% of sexual partners developed when exposed. We have experienced one case of microscopic and hysteroscopic cauterization of extensive condyloma acuminatum to lessen injury of skin and mucosa. We presented this case with a brief review of literature.

Management of Persistent or Recurrent Otorrhea after Open Cavity Tympano-Mastoidectomy: Laser Application / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Persistent and recurrent otorrhea following open cavity tympano-mastoidectomy can be a serious problem for the patient and the otologic surgeon. Frequent post-operative otorrhea hallmarks surgical failure. Medical treatment may often yield resolution, but a significant number of patients would still require re-operation. So we applied CO2 laser cauterization to draining cavity. The objective of the present study was to introduce the CO2 laser cauterization on draining cavity, and to describe the clinical course of the laser treatment. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Twenty-one cases of post-operative persistent or recurrent otorrhea were diagnosed at our hospital from January 1999 to December 2000. Fifteen cases were selected in this study. The selection criteria included chronic ear patient, open cavity tympano-mastoidectomy, absent residual or recurrent cholesteatoma. The minimum duration of follow up was 6 months. All cases were locally anesthetized with 10% xylocaine. The CO2 laser was Shaplan 100 which was connected to a microscope. The interval of CO2 laser cauterization was one week. RESULTS: All of 15 cases were cured completely. There was no recurrence during the follow up period. The locations of granulation tissues were tegmen (10 cases), mastoid tip (6 cases), retro-facial or facial ridge (4 cases), and sino-dural angle (4 cases). The mechanical causes of retention of debris in open cavity procedures included insufficient meatoplasty (3 cases) and high facial ridge (2 cases). The times of CO2 laser coagulation ranged from 2 to 5. CONCLUSION: Based on our research on the effect of CO2 laser among patients with draining cavity, we concluded that : 1) CO2 laser cauterization was an efficient method for the management of draining cavity, 2) CO2 laser cauterization has benefits which reduced the frequency of OPD visits and 3) CO2 laser cauterization provided a delicate, selective removal of granulation tissues.

Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathetic Ganglion Cauterization for Primary Hyperhidrosis / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis causes important consequences to the social and professional life of the affected patient. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is considered the treatment of choice, because it causes minimal morbidity and high initial success rates. Therefore we used a single-site access technique for primary hyperhidrosis patients. METHOD: The operation was done under general anesthesia with the patient in a half-sitting position. Through an incision made along the line between lateral 1/3 portion of the clavicle and ipsilateral nipple, a Verres needle was introduced below the second rib. About 1.5L of CO2 was insufflated into the pleural cavity. The needle was changed to a 5 mm trochar through which the electroresectoscope was introduced. The heads of the upper 2nd-4th ribs were identified and the sympathetic chain could be seen through the pleura riding over the ribs close to the costovertebral junction. The 2nd-4th ganglia were coagulated and divided down to the periosteum. Finally the lung was expanded by limiting flow until the airway pressure reach 30~40 cmH2O. The wound was closed after the removal of electroresectoscope. The procedure was then repeated on the opposite side. RESULT: There were no postoperative mortality and major complications requring surgical reintervention. The preoperatively wet and cold hands had became warm and dry immediately after operation. All patients were very satisfied. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic thoracic sympathetic ganglion cauterization is a minimally invasive and highly successful treatment for the patients with primary hyperhidrosis.

Antiangiogenic Effects of Retinoids on Corneal Neovascularization

We investigated the effect of topical application of retimids on the corneal neovascularization in the rat induced by chemical cauterization. The center of corneas of Wistar rats were Cauterized with a silver/potassium nitrate applicator for 5 seconds. And then they were treated topically with 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.5%, 2.0% all-trans retimids (retinol, retinoic acid, retinaldehyde) and dimethyl sulfoxide as a control four times a day. After appiications of eye drops for 5 days, each rat was kined and then perfused with a mixture of 11% gelatin 10% India ink-lactated Ringer's solution. Corneal flat preparation were made, and then the percent of the corneal area occupied by blood vessels were analized by computerized image analyzer. Percent vascularization of 0.1% and 0.2% retnoids were not significantly different from control group(p>0.05). Percent vascu1arization of 0.5% retinaldehyde and all 2.0% retnoids were significantly lower than the contml group(p>0.5). These naturally occurring retinoids were effective in antiarlgiogenesis of rat cornea at relatively high concentrations (>0.5%), when treated topicany, It will be necessary to further study on more potent antiangiogenic, at lower concentration, synthetic retimids for the treatment of angiogenic diseases.