Hashimoto's thyroiditis: a retrospective study in southern Jordan

To determine the frequency of Hashimoto's thyroiditis in southern Jordan and to study the natural course, mode of presentation, diagnosis and treatment of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This is a retrospective review of 50 patients diagnosed to have Hashimoto's thyroiditis in the period between 1988 and 1998 in the south of Jordan. Routine pre-operative investigations were conducted to diagnose the cases. During the 10 years' study period, a total of 423 thyroid patients were diagnosed and out of them 50 cases [11.8%] were diagnosed as Hashimotio's thyroiditis. Hashimoto's thyroiditis was the commonest cause of hypothyroidism in Southern Jordan. Fine needle aspiration biopsy is the best way to confirm diagnosis and to decrease the number of patients who will undergo surgical intervention

comparison between laparoscopic varicocelectomy and the open method. Our experience at the hospitals of the Royal Medical Services

To report our experience in laparoscopic varicocelectomy in the treatment of varicocele in adults and to compare the results with those treated by the open method. During the period from January 1998 till January 2001 two groups of adult patients with varicocele were simultaneously operated on at the hospitals of the Royal Medical Services, group I by laparoscopy and group II by open method. Each group included 100 patients. There was no significant difference regarding the operative time between the two groups. However, group I patients had significantly less consumption of pethidine equivalent for postoperative pain control, they were mobilized earlier, had a shorter hospital stay, and a faster return to normal activities and less complication rates. None of this group needed conversion to the open method. Laparoscopic varicocelectomy has results similar to those of the open method. However, its postoperative advantages compared to the open approach are obvious

Laparoscopic total extra peritoneal hernioplasty: a retrospective study at Royal Medical Services at Queen Alia Hospital/Jordan

Aim : to evaluate the role and benefits of laporoscopic total extraperitoneal hernioplasty. Patients and methods this is a retrospective study of 25 patients who underwent laporoscopic total extra-peritoneal [I.T.E.P.] hernioplasty in Royal medical services between January 1998 and January 2000.Twenty-three patients were males and two patients were females, the age range was 20-50 years. Eight patients had right sided hernia, thirteen patients had left sided hernia and the rest four patients had bilateral hernia. Results one case converted to trans-peritoneal laporoscopic hernioplasty; another case had peritoneal puncture during surgery but the operation was continued extra peritoneally. The mean operative time was one hour and the mean post operative hospital stay was one day. Bleeding occurred in 2 patients [8%] the average of estimated blood loss during the procedure is 25 cc .One patient developed surgical emphysema which resolved spontaneously. we think that this procedure seems to be the method of choice at centers with laparoscopic experience because our results confirm the safety and the efficacy of laparoscopic extra peritoneal repair for the treatment of inguinal hernia with very low conversion and low serious complication rates