Modifications in the production of cytokines and growth factors in drainage fluids following mesh implantation after incisional hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the production of some cytokines (interleukins [ILs]-6, -10, -1, and -1ra), vascular endothelial growth factor, and beta-fibroblast growth factor after polypropylene mesh implantation. METHODS: Twenty female patients were divided into 2 groups. In 1 group, hernia repair was performed with conventional sutures (CR), whereas in the other group polypropylene mesh (MR) was used. Growth factors and cytokines production was analyzed in wound drain fluids based on the amount produced during 24 hours. RESULTS: IL-1 increased substantially in MR patients on postoperative days 1 and 2. IL1-ra and IL-10 production was always significantly higher in CR patients. IL-6 production did not show any considerable difference between the 2 groups. Vascular endothelial growth factor production was significantly higher in the MR than the CR group at all time points, whereas beta-fibroblast growth factor production was higher in the MR than the CR group only on postoperative day 1. COMMENTS: Our data suggest that different surgical procedures induce various levels of inflammation and that implantation of prostheses significantly stimulates the inflammatory response.

[Effectiveness of contemporary injection of botulinum toxin and topical application of glyceryl trinitrate against postoperative pain after Milligan-Morgan haemorrhoidectomy]. / Efficacia della contemporanea iniezione di tossina botulinica ed applicazione perianale di trinitrato di glicerina in funzione antalgica dopo emorroidectomia sec. Milligan-Morgan.

PURPOSE: After haemorrhoidectomy the maximum resting pressure (MRP) of the anal canal is significantly increased. This increase play an important role in the making of postoperative pain. Recently, both the topical application of glyceryl trinitrate (GT) and the intrasphincter injection of botulinum toxin (Tox), resulted effective, in reducing temporary the MRP although with different mechanism of action. In this study the effectiveness and safe of contemporary injection of Tox and topical application of 300 mg/die of GT after Milligan-Morgan haemorrhoidectomy, were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients, undergoing Milligan-Morgan haemorrhoidectomy for 3rd and 4th degree haemorrhoids are included in this study. In all subjects, preoperatively and after 5 and 40 day following surgery, an ano-rectal manometry was performed. At the end of surgery, in all patients, 0.4 ml of solution containing 20UI of Tox was injected and 100 mg of 0.2% of GT was applied in the anal canal and in the perianal wounds. Afterwards the patients has been instructed to apply 100 mg of GT three times daily, for seven days. Time of perianal wounds healing, of first defecation, to return to work, of duration of surgery, of hospital stay, the complications, postoperative pain either on resting or during defecation, the analgesic consumption and side effects were recordered. RESULTS: On the 5th and 40th postoperative day, the MRP resulted significantly reduced as compared to preoperative values. Postoperative pain either on resting or during defecation was higher on the 1st assessment, afterwards it progressively decreased. Anal incontinence was observed only in two patients, whereas headache only in one case. CONCLUSIONS: The contemporary intrasphincter injection of Tox and perianal application of 300 mg/die of GT is safe and effective, with an incidence of complications similar to those detected when this drugs are given alone.

[Efficacy of topical use of 0.2% glyceryl trinitrate in reducing post-haemorrhoidectomy pain and improving wound healing]. / L'efficacia del trinitrato di glicerina allo 0.2% per uso topico nel ridurre il dolore post-emorroidectomia e favorire la guarigione delle ferite.

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether topical application of 0.2% glyceryl trinitrate ointment could reduce post-haemorrhoidectomy healing time and pain both at rest and during defecation. Thirty patients with grade III and IV haemorrhoids were included in the study and divided into two groups. All patients underwent Milligan-Morgan haemorrhoidectomy, and anorectal manometry was performed before surgery and after 5 and 30 days. In one group a placebo ointment was applied to the perianal wounds, while in the other group a 0.2% glyceryl trinitrate ointment was used. Maximum resting pressure was reduced in the glyceryl trinitrate group and increased in the placebo group after 5 days. Postoperative pain both at rest and during defecation, and the time to healing and return to normal activity were significantly reduced in the glyceryl trinitrate group, whilst analgesic consumption was similar. An elevated incidence of headache was observed In the glyceryl trinitrate group. Topical application of glyceryl trinitrate was effective in reducing postoperative pain and healing time, but the substantial incidence of side effects may limit its extensive use.