Diabetes mellitus; prevalence of high blood cholesterol, obesity, smoking and physical activity in urban population of Faisalabad

To estimate the prevalence of diabetes high total cholesterol obesity smoking and physical activity in urban population of Faisalabad. The project was limited to population based screening for above mentioned variables using WHO criteria. Study was conducted by holding numerous screening camps in different urban areas over the course of two years. People age 20 years or above were included in the study. Total 5349 people, 58% males [3102] and 42% females [2247] were screened for diabetes and high blood cholesterol. Body mass index was calculated by measuring height in meter square and weight in kilograms. People were interviewed for smoking and physical activity and relevant data was entered in the designed proforma. Within the chosen age range, total prevalence of diabetes was 16% and among them 11% were previously diagnosed and 5% were unaware of their diabetes [newly diagnosed]. Cholesterol was high [>/= 200 mg/dl] in 48% males and 34% females. 9.2% of the males were found to be obese [BMI>30] in comparison to 14.3% of females whereas 36.26% of males and 36.84% of females were overweight [BMI >/= 25 to 29.9 kg/m[2]]. The prevalence of smoking was 38.8% in males and 1.2% in females respectively. In daily routines only 6.8% of the males were doing the physical exercise [30 minutes exercise five days a week or equivalent] whereas among females it was 1.9%. Diabetes and metabolic syndrome in adults is now a global health problem, and the population of developing countries like Pakistan are facing this menace especially in the urban areas where it is on the rise with each passing day

Fibrin sealant in the management of fistula in-ano

The present study was carried out to assess the efficacy and advantages of fibrin therapy in anal fistulae. 50 patients with anal fistulae were treated by autologous fibrin glue prepared from platelets extract. Preoperative mechanical as well as chemical bowel preparation were adopted. The results were extremely satisfactory in the cured 35 patients [70%], whereas the remaining 15 patients [30%] showed recurrence. The significant causes of recurrence were long duration of the disease, previous surgery, and high fistulous tracts. The mean operative time was 18 minutes, and the mean hospital stay was 1.5 days with marked reduction in the use of postoperative analgesics. The anal continence was not affected in any of the patients [0% incontinence]

harmonic scalpel: Optimizing the quality of radial artery bypass grafts

Development of new antispasmodic agents and minimally traumatic techniques has led to a revival of the use of Radial Artery [RA] in coronary artery bypass surgery. The ultrasonic activated scalpel [Harmonic Scalpel] has been increasingly used in harvesting arterial conduits. We began to use it for RA harvest with the impression that harvest spasm might be less for the new technique In a prospective randomized study, the harmonic scalpel is used to harvest the RA [group H; 21 patients] in comparison with conventional technique using the electrocautery [group C; 20 patients]. Both groups are compared for the harvest time, frequency of spasm, use of hemoclips, free blood flow [immediately after harvesting and after use of topical vasodilator] and incidence for reoperation for bleeding. The use of harmonic scalpel significantly reduced the harvest time, and the need for hemoclips. It also increased significantly the free blood flow from the conduit. It reduced the incidence of spasm [but without statistical significance]. The incidence of reoperation for bleeding was not significantly different between both techniques. Ultrasonic dissection using the harmonic scalpel provides atraumatic, fast, spasm-free RA harvest with minimal use of hemoclips. Long-term patency rates, however, need to be evaluated