Serum Sodium and Potassium Levels in Cerebro-vascular Accident Patients

Background: We aim to assess serum sodium and potassium levels in patients with different types of cerebro-vascular accidents (CVA) in comparison to control group. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study conducted on patients admitted to the emergency department from January to August 2012. Control group consisted of patients admitted to emergency department due to common cold, urinary tract infection, low back pain, cluster, and tension headache or migraine. Serum sodium and potassium levels were measured via standard laboratory methods. Results: There were 77 patients in control group and 78 in CVA group. Forty nine patients from the CVA group had ischemic CVA, 11 had hemorrhagic CVA and 18 suffered a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Serum sodium level in control group was significantly lower than in patients with TIA, ischemic CVA, and hemorrhagic CVA (P < 0.001). Serum potassium level in control group was higher than patients with TIA, ischemic CVA, and hemorrhagic CVA (P < 0.001). Patients with hemorrhagic CVA showed significantly lower serum potassium level than patients with TIA and ischemic CVA (P < 0.001). Correspondingly, it was observed that serum sodium to potassium ratio was higher in patients with TIA, ischemic CVA, and hemorrhagic CVA (P < 0.001). In patients with hemorrhagic CVA serum sodium to potassium ratio was higher when compared to patients with TIA and ischemic CVA (P < 0.001). Conclusion: This study shows that higher serum sodium and lower serum potassium level may be associated with higher incidence of CVA. Further studies are paramount to elucidate the role of serum electrolyte levels in vascular events.

Preventive Effect of Tamsulosin on Postoperative Urinary Retention

PURPOSE: To investigate the prophylactic effect of Tamsulosin, a super-selective alpha-1a adrenergic blocking agent, on the development of urinary retention in men undergoing elective inguinal herniorrhaphy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2010 through November 2011, a total of 80 males who underwent elective inguinal herniorrhaphy in a university hospital were included in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups. In group one (control), the patients were given two doses of placebo orally, 6 hours before surgery and 6 to 12 hours after surgery. Patients in group two were given 0.4 mg of Tamsulosin orally in the same manner as the placebo. All patients were closely followed for 24 hours post-operatively, and any voiding difficulties or urinary retention was recorded. RESULTS: There were 40 patients in group one (control group) and 40 patients in group two (Tamsulosin group). The patients' mean age was 64 years. In group one, 6 patients and in group two, 1 patient required catheterization. Thus, 15% of patients in group I and 2.5% of patients in group II had urinary retention. The difference in the requirement for catheterization was statistically significant (p=0.04). The technique of herniorrhaphy, the side of the body in which the hernia was located, the type of anesthesia, the duration of the surgery, and the severity of pre-operative urinary symptoms had no significant effect on the incidence of urinary retention. CONCLUSIONS: The use of perioperative Tamsulosin represents an effective strategy to reduce the risk of post-operative urinary retention following inguinal herniorrhaphy.

Percutaneous Decortication of Cystic Renal Disease

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of percutaneous unroofing in the treatment of simple renal cysts instead of laparoscopic decortication and open surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From November 2009 to October 2010 at our department, 11 patients with 12 simple cyst units were managed by percutaneous unroofing. All cysts were evaluated with ultrasonography and abdominal computed tomography. If there were no contraindications, cyst wall resection was performed. A standard transurethral resectoscope was used to resect the cyst wall, and the parenchymal portion of the cyst was subsequently cauterized. The drain was left in place for 2 days. RESULTS: At the 5-month follow-up, patients were asked about their symptoms and ultrasonography was performed. From 12 cyst units, 8 were completely resolved, 3 were reduced to less than 50%, and 1 was persistent to near its original size. Success was defined as a more than 50% reduction in cyst volume. CONCLUSIONS: Simple renal cysts can be safely managed by percutaneous unroofing with a success rate of more than 90%. This technique can offer several advantages over open surgery, such as decreased length of hospital stay, improved convalescence, and reduced risk of complications. Percutaneous resection also avoids the multiple trocar sites, extensive dissection, and technical difficulty associated with laparoscopy.