Electrospun asymmetric membranes for wound dressing applications.

To accomplish a rapid wound healing it is necessary to develop an asymmetric membrane with interconnected pores consisting of a top layer that prevents rapid dehydration of the wound and bacteria penetration and a sub-layer with high absorption capacity and bactericidal properties. Polycaprolactone (PCL)/polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) asymmetric membranes loaded with the bactericidal monoterpene carvacrol (CRV) were synthesized and characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Mechanical properties in dry and wet conditions and fluid handling behavior were also assessed. In addition, biological studies regarding their bactericidal effects, cytocompatibility and wound closure properties were also developed. Loading efficiencies of 40-50% were achieved in the prepared samples and 85-100% of the loaded CRV was released in simulated wound pH evolution medium. The significant inhibition of Gram negative (Escherichia coli S17) and Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923) bacteria growth clearly showed the suitability of the fabricated membranes for wound healing applications. Furthermore, cytocompatibility of the loaded membranes was demonstrated both in 2D and 3D human dermal fibroblast cultures, as well as cell migration was not impaired by released carvacrol from the membranes. These results highlight the potential of these polymeric electrospun membranes for wound healing.

International expert consensus on the management of bleeding during VATS lung surgery.

Intraoperative bleeding is the most crucial safety concern of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for a major pulmonary resection. Despite the advances in surgical techniques and devices, intraoperative bleeding is still not rare and remains the most common and potentially fatal cause of conversion from VATS to open thoracotomy. Therefore, to guide the clinical practice of VATS lung surgery, we proposed the International Interest Group on Bleeding during VATS Lung Surgery with 65 experts from 10 countries in the field to develop this consensus document. The consensus was developed based on the literature reports and expert experience from different countries. The causes and incidence of intraoperative bleeding were summarised first. Seven situations of intraoperative bleeding were collected based on clinical practice, including the bleeding from massive vessel injuries, bronchial arteries, vessel stumps, and bronchial stumps, lung parenchyma, lymph nodes, incisions, and the chest wall. The technical consensus for the management of intraoperative bleeding was achieved on these seven surgical situations by six rounds of repeated revision. Following expert consensus statements were achieved: (I) Bleeding from major vascular injuries: direct compression with suction, retracted lung, or rolled gauze is useful for bleeding control. The size and location of the vascular laceration are evaluated to decide whether the bleeding can be stopped by direct compression or by ligation. If suturing is needed, the suction-compressing angiorrhaphy technique (SCAT) is recommended. Timely conversion to thoracotomy with direct compression is required if the operator lacks experience in thoracoscopic angiorrhaphy. (II) Bronchial artery bleeding: pre-emptive clipping of bronchial artery before bronchial dissection or lymph node dissection can reduce the incidence of bleeding. Bronchial artery bleeding can be stopped by compression with the suction tip, followed by the handling of the vascular stump with energy devices or clips. (III) Bleeding from large vessel stumps and bronchial stumps: bronchial stump bleeding mostly comes from accompanying bronchial artery, which can be clipped for hemostasis. Compression for hemostasis is usually effective for bleeding at the vascular stump. Otherwise, additional use of hemostatic materials, re-staple or a suture may be necessary. (IV) Bleeding from the lung parenchyma: coagulation hemostasis is the first choice. For wounds with visible air leakage or an insufficient hemostatic effect of coagulation, suturing may be necessary. (V) Bleeding during lymph node dissection: non-grasping en-bloc lymph node dissection is recommended for the nourishing vessels of the lymph node are addressed first with this technique. If bleeding occurs at the site of lymph node dissection, energy devices can be used for hemostasis, sometimes in combination with hemostatic materials. (VI) Bleeding from chest wall incisions: the chest wall incision(s) should always be made along the upper edge of the rib(s), with good hemostasis layer by layer. Recheck the incision for hemostasis before closing the chest is recommended. (VII) Internal chest wall bleeding: it can usually be managed with electrocoagulation. For diffuse capillary bleeding with the undefined bleeding site, compression of the wound with gauze may be helpful.

Composite scaffold obtained by electro-hydrodynamic technique for infection prevention and treatment in bone repair.

Bone infection is a devastating condition resulting from implant or orthopaedic surgery. Therapeutic strategies are extremely complicated and may result in serious side effects or disabilities. The development of enhanced 3D scaffolds, able to promote efficient bone regeneration, combined with targeted antibiotic release to prevent bacterial colonization, is a promising tool for the successful repair of bone defects. Herein, polymeric electrospun scaffolds composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibres decorated with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) particles loaded with rifampicin were fabricated to achieve local and sustained drug release for more efficient prevention and treatment of infection. The release profile showed an initial burst of rifampicin in the first six hours, enabling complete elimination of bacteria. Sustained and long-term release was observed until the end of the experiments (28 days), facilitating a prolonged effect on the inhibition of bacterial growth, which is in agreement with the common knowledge concerning the acidic degradation of the microparticles. In addition, bactericidal effects against gram negative (Escherichia coli) and gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria were demonstrated at concentrations of released rifampicin up to 58 ppm after 24 h, with greater efficacy against S. aureus (13 ppm vs 58 ppm for E. coli). Cell morphology and cytocompatibility studies highlighted the suitability of the fabricated scaffolds to support cell growth, as well as their promising clinical application for bone regeneration combined with prevention or treatment of bacterial infection.

Polymeric electrospun scaffolds for bone morphogenetic protein 2 delivery in bone tissue engineering.

HYPOTHESIS: The development of novel scaffolds based on biocompatible polymers is of great interest in the field of bone repair for fabrication of biodegradable scaffolds that mimic the extracellular matrix and have osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties for enhanced bone regeneration. EXPERIMENTS: Polycaprolactone (PCL) and polycaprolactone/polyvinyl acetate (PCL/PVAc) core-shell fibers were synthesised and decorated with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) [PLGA] particles loaded with bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) by simultaneous electrospinning and electrospraying. Hydroxyapatite nanorods (HAn) were loaded into the core of fibers. The obtained scaffolds were characterised by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The in vitro potential of these materials for bone regeneration was assessed in biodegradation assays, osteoblast viability assays, and analyses of expression of specific bone markers, such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), and osteopontin (OPN). FINDINGS: PLGA particles were homogeneously distributed in the entire fibre mat. The growth factor load was 1.2-1.7 µg/g of the scaffold whereas the HAn load was in the 8.8-12.6 wt% range. These scaffolds were able to support and enhance cell growth and proliferation facilitating the expression of osteogenic and osteoconductive markers (OCN and OPN). These observations underline the great importance of the presence of BMP2 in scaffolds for bone remodelling as well as the good potential of the newly developed scaffolds for clinical use in tissue engineering.

Synthesis of a Novel Electrospun Polycaprolactone Scaffold Functionalized with Ibuprofen for Periodontal Regeneration: An In Vitro andIn Vivo Study.

Ibuprofen (IBU) has been shown to improve periodontal treatment outcomes. The aim of this study was to develop a new anti-inflammatory scaffold by functionalizing an electrospun nanofibrous poly-ε-caprolactone membrane with IBU (IBU-PCL) and to evaluate its impact on periodontal inflammation, wound healing and regeneration in vitro and in vivo. IBU-PCL was synthesized through electrospinning. The effects of IBU-PCL on the proliferation and migration of epithelial cells (EC) and fibroblasts (FB) exposed to Porphyromonas gingivlais lipopolysaccharide (Pg-LPS) were evaluated through the AlamarBlue test and scratch assay, respectively. Anti-inflammatory and remodeling properties were investigated through Real time qPCR. Finally, the in vivo efficacy of the IBU-PCL membrane was assessed in an experimental periodontitis mouse model through histomorphometric analysis. The results showed that the anti-inflammatory effects of IBU on gingival cells were effectively amplified using the functionalized membrane. IBU-PCL reduced the proliferation and migration of cells challenged by Pg-LPS, as well as the expression of fibronectin-1, collagen-IV, integrin α3ß1 and laminin-5. In vivo, the membranes significantly improved the clinical attachment and IBU-PCL also reduced inflammation-induced bone destruction. These data showed that the IBU-PCL membrane could efficiently and differentially control inflammatory and migratory gingival cell responses and potentially promote periodontal regeneration.

The Society for Translational Medicine: clinical practice guidelines for the postoperative management of chest tube for patients undergoing lobectomy.

The Society for Translational Medicine and The Chinese Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery conducted a systematic review of the literature in an attempt to improve our understanding in the postoperative management of chest tubes of patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy. Recommendations were produced and classified based on an internationally accepted GRADE system. The following recommendations were extracted in the present review: (I) chest tubes can be removed safely with daily pleural fluid of up to 450 mL (non-chylous and non-sanguinous), which may reduce chest tube duration and hospital length of stay (2B); (II) in rare instances, e.g., persistent abundant fluid production, the use of PrRP/B <0.5 when evaluating fluid output to determine chest tube removal might be beneficial (2B); (III) it is recommended that one chest tube is adequate following pulmonary lobectomy, except for hemorrhage and space problems (2A); (IV) chest tube clearance by milking and stripping is not recommended after lung resection (2B); (V) chest tube suction is not necessary for patients undergoing lobectomy after first postoperative day (2A); (VI) regulated chest tube suction [-11 (-1.08 kPa) to -20 (1.96 kPa) cmH2O depending upon the type of lobectomy] is not superior to regulated seal [-2 (0.196 kPa) cmH2O] when electronic drainage systems are used after lobectomy by thoracotomy (2B); (VII) chest tube removal recommended at the end of expiration and may be slightly superior to removal at the end of inspiration (2A); (VIII) electronic drainage systems are recommended in the management of chest tube in patients undergoing lobectomy (2B).

Laser-treated electrospun fibers loaded with nano-hydroxyapatite for bone tissue engineering.

Core-shell polycaprolactone/polycaprolactone (PCL/PCL) and polycaprolactone/polyvinyl acetate (PCL/PVAc) electrospun fibers loaded with synthesized nanohydroxyapatite (HAn) were lased treated to create microporosity. The prepared materials were characterized by XRD, FTIR, TEM and SEM. Uniform and randomly oriented beadless fibrous structures were obtained in all cases. Fibers diameters were in the 150-300nm range. Needle-like HAn nanoparticles with mean diameters of 20nm and length of approximately 150nm were mostly encase inside the fibers. Laser treated materials present micropores with diameters in the range 70-120µm for PCL-HAn/PCL fibers and in the 50-90µm range for PCL-HAn/PVAC material. Only samples containing HAn presented bioactivity after incubation during 30days in simulated body fluid. All scaffolds presented high viability, very low mortality, and human osteoblast proliferation. Biocompatibility was increased by laser treatment due to the surface and porosity modification.

The influence of prior multiport experience on the learning curve for single-port thoracoscopic lobectomy: a multicentre comparative study†.

OBJECTIVES: Competency in video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lobectomy is estimated to be reached after the surgeon completes 50 cases. We wanted to explore the impact of competency in performing multiport VATS lobectomies on completing the needed number of single-port VATS. METHODS: In a retrospective multicentre study, 6 individual surgeons (3 with previous competency in multiport VATS lobectomy and 3 without) submitted their first 50 cases of single-port VATS lobectomies. Extended and sublobar resections were excluded. Pre-, peri- and postoperative data were compared between the groups of surgeons. Chi-square and Wilcoxon's rank tests were used. The less experienced surgeons had previously attended dedicated training courses and visited with experts. RESULTS: A total of 300 cases were included [150 in Group A (surgeons with previous experience performing multiport VATS) and 150 in Group B (surgeons without extensive experience performing multiport VATS)]. Surgeons in Group B performed significantly more elective open lobectomies during their learning curve period than surgeons of Group A (58 vs 1). Patients in Group B were older and had more risk factors. There were 3 in-hospital deaths (respiratory failure, sepsis and fatal stroke). There were no differences between the groups in operative time, intensive care unit admissions, hospital stay, total complications, tumour size or number of N2 stations explored. Only the duration of intercostal drainage (2 vs 3 days, 0.012), incidence of respiratory tract infections (1% vs 7%, P = 0.002) and conversion rates (4% vs 12%, P = 0.018) were better in Group A. Patients characteristics played a role in the development of respiratory infections and longer drainage times but not in the need for conversion. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, postoperative outcomes during the learning curve period for single-port VATS lobectomies are not noticeably affected by previous multiport VATS experience. Less experienced surgeons were more selective in order to achieve competency (more lower lobectomies and more open operations). Competency in single-port VATS lobectomy can be acquired safely with adequate training and good case selection but will be achieved 'faster' with previous competency in multiport VATS lobectomy.

Dynamic 3D printed titanium copy prosthesis: a novel design for large chest wall resection and reconstruction.

Due to high rates of complications, chest wall resection and reconstruction is a high risk procedure when large size of resection is required. Many different prosthetic materials have been used with similar results. Recently, thanks to the new advances in technology, personalized reconstruction have been possible with specific custom-made prosthesis. Nevertheless, they all generate certain amount of stiffness in thoracic motion because of his rigidity. In this report, we present a forward step in prosthesis design based on tridimensional titanium-printed technology. An exact copy of the resected chest wall was made, even endowing simulated sternochondral articulations, to achieve the most exact adaptation and best functional results, with a view to minimize postoperative complications. This novel design, may constitute an important step towards the improvement of the functional postoperative outcomes compared to the other prosthesis, on the hope, to reduce postoperative complications.

Experiencia de los Servicios de Cirugía Torácica españoles en el tratamiento del pectus excavatum mediante la técnica de Nuss / Experience with the Nuss technique for the treatment of Pectus Excavatum in Spanish Thoracic Surgery Departments

INTRODUCCIÓN: Aunque la introducción de la técnica de Nuss revolucionó el tratamiento quirúrgico del pectus excavatum, no se ha generalizado su uso en nuestro medio. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer la situacion actual del uso de esta técnica en una selección de Servicios de Cirugía Torácica de España. MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional retrospectivo multicéntrico que analiza los principales aspectos epidemiológicos y resultados clínicos tras 10 años de experiencia empleando técnica de Nuss. RESULTADOS: Entre 2001 y 2010 se intervino a 149 pacientes (media de edad 21,2 años), 74% varones. Los resultados estéticos iniciales fueron excelentes o buenos en el 93,2%, regulares en el 4,1% y malos en el 2,7% de los casos. Un total de 45 pacientes (30,6%) presentaron complicaciones tras la primera intervención. Las más frecuentes fueron la presencia de seroma en las heridas quirúrgicas, desplazamiento de la barra, rotura del estabilizador, neumotórax, hemotórax, infección de la herida, neumonía, pericarditis y un taponamiento pericárdico que requirió la extracción de la barra de urgencia. El dolor postoperatorio fue referido por todos los pacientes y 3 de ellos (2%) requirieron la extracción precoz de la barra por dolor intratable. Tras una media de 39,2 meses, se había retirado la barra a 72 pacientes (49%), con dificultades en la extracción en 5 (7%). Tras un seguimiento medio de 1,6 años se constató buen resultado en 145 pacientes (98,7%). CONCLUSIONES: La técnica de Nuss en adultos ha tenido buenos resultados en los Servicios de Cirugía Torácica españoles aunque no se ha generalizado su utilización. Las posibles complicaciones se han de tener en cuenta, por lo que la indicación debe ser muy bien valorada. La posibilidad de un tratamiento conservador previo es valorado por alguno de los servicios en la actualidad

INTRODUCTION: Up to 93% of patients undergoing abdominal surgery will develop intra-abdominal adhesions with the subsequent morbidity that they represent. Various substances have been tested for the prevention of adhesions with controversial results; the aim of our study is to compare the capability of pirfenidone in adhesion prevention against sodium hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose. METHODS: A randomized, prospective, longitudinal experimental study with Winstar rats. They were divided into 3 groups. The subjects underwent an exploratory laparotomy and they had a 4 cm2 cecal abrasion. The first group received saline on the cecal abrasion, and groups 2 and 3 received pirfenidone and sodium hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose respectively. All rats were sacrificed on the 21st day after surgery and the presence of adhesions was evaluated with the modified Granat scale. Simple frequency, central tendency and dispersion measures were recorded. For the statistical analysis we used Fisher's test. RESULTS: To evaluate adhesions we used the Granat's modified scale. The control group had a median adhesion formation of 3 (range 0-4). The pirfenidone group had 1.5 (range 0-3), and the sodium hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose group had 0 (range 0-1). There was a statistically significant difference to favor sodium hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose against saline and pirfenidone (P< 0 .009 and P< .022 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The use of sodium hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose is effective for the prevention of intra-abdominal adhesions. More experimental studies are needed in search for the optimal adhesion prevention drug

Experience with the Nuss technique for the treatment of Pectus Excavatum in Spanish Thoracic Surgery Departments.

INTRODUCTION: Although the Nuss technique revolutionized the surgical treatment of pectus excavatum, its use has not become widespread in our country. The aim of this study was to analyze the current use of this technique in a sample of Thoracic Surgery Departments in Spain. METHODS: Observational rectrospective multicentric study analyzing the main epidemiological aspects and clinical results of ten years experience using the Nuss technique. RESULTS: Between 2001 and 2010 a total of 149 patients were operated on (mean age 21.2 years), 74% male. Initial aesthetic results were excellent or good in 93.2%, mild in 4.1% and bad in 2.7%. After initial surgery there were complications in 45 patients (30.6%). The most frequent were wound seroma, bar displacement, stabilizer break, pneumothorax, haemothorax, wound infection, pneumonia, pericarditis and cardiac tamponade that required urgent bar removal. Postoperative pain appeared in all patients. In 3 cases (2%) it was so intense that it required bar removal. After a mean follow-up of 39.2 months, bar removal had been performed in 72 patients (49%), being difficult in 5 cases (7%). After a 1.6 year follow-up period good results persisted in 145 patients (98.7%). CONCLUSION: Nuss technique in adults has had good results in Spanish Thoracic Surgery Departments, however its use has not been generalized. The risk of complications must be taken into account and its indication must be properly evaluated. The possibility of previous conservative treatment is being analyzed in several departments at present.

Clinical outcomes of CO2-less single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy versus open thymectomy: comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Although video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for thymic disorders has been introduced, its oncological outcome and benefits over others open approaches remains unclear. Single-port VATS thymectomy using a flexible port and CO2 has been described. However, VATS thymectomy is possible by a single incision of 3 cm without CO2 insufflation or special port device avoiding objections related to CO2 insufflation and allowing instruments to move more freely making procedure easier and cheaper. Our institutional experience in open and CO2-less VATS single-port thymectomy was retrospectively reviewed to evaluate compared to sternotomy, the clinical and oncological outcomes with this novel approach. METHODS: A retrospective review consisting of 84 patients who underwent thymectomy because different thymic disorders especially thymoma was performed. Eighteen patients underwent CO2-less VATS single port thymectomy, while 66 underwent thymectomy through open sternotomy. Many clinical factors associated with the surgical and clinical outcomes, including tumor recurrence and clinical remission, were recorded. RESULTS: Non major postoperative complications were observed in any group. The median operative time and postoperative hospital stay of CO2-less VATS single port thymectomy were 95 min and 1 day, respectively and 120 min and 7 days for open sternotomy. The thymoma was the most common thymic disorder with 7 patients (38%) in VATS group and 28 patients (42.4%) for the open approach. The median lesion size was 2.6 cm in the VATS group and 3.2 cm in the open approach. No thymoma recurrence in patients undergoing VATS was observed during the follow-up time, while in the open surgery group 14.28% recurrence was observed, distributed as follows: loco-regional 75% and 25% at distance; free disease period of these patients was 8.3 months. Thymectomy associated with myasthenia gravis (MG) was observed in 6 (33%) patients in the VATS group and 32 (48%) patients for sternotomy; our results regarding thymectomy for the treatment of MG were established by the MG post-intervention status [complete stable remission (CSR), pharmacologic remission, minimal manifestations, improved, unchanged and worse exacerbation, and died of MG] and reflected similar results in both approaches. CONCLUSIONS: CO2-less VATS single-port thymectomy is a feasible and safe procedure. Oncologic outcomes are similar to open approaches. Complications, surgical time and hospital stay are shorter compared with sternotomy. This is an initial experience, further work is required to evaluate long-term results.

Four years' experience in uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for major lung resections: influence of silicosis in clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Crystalline silica (CS) is one of the most common minerals and a common particulate air pollutant in both working and living environments. Lung cancer is considered one of the serious consequences of silica exposure. This paper gives an overview of the role of silicosis in results of perioperative and postoperative of lung resection surgery performed by the most up to date video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) approach: the uniportal VATS. METHODS: In January 2012 a program of video-assisted thoracoscopic anatomic pulmonary resections through a uniportal approach (no rib spreading) was started in our institution by a single surgeon experienced in postero-lateral open major resections and in other VATS procedures except lobectomies. We have retrospectively reviewed our first 4 years of experience in which 128 consecutive patients had undergone this approach, setting as a variable comparison of the results the presence of silicosis. RESULTS: Between January 2012 to December 2015, 128 anatomical resections where attempted. Of these attempted major resections, 115 (90%) were successfully completed. Out of 128 patients 21 (16%) had a diagnosis of complex silicosis. The most frequent resection was left upper lobectomy. The mean surgical time was 178±65 min. The median postoperative chest drain time was 3 days and the median postoperative hospital stay time was 3 days. There were 25 (19%) minor complications 17 (68%) of them in the first year of experience, and 3 (2.3%) had major complications. Preoperative forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) less than 60%, diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and silicosis have been predictive of postoperative minor complications. CONCLUSIONS: The uniportal VATS for major anatomic lung resections is reproducible and safe with good results when performed by surgeons experienced in both open major resections (anterior or postero-lateral thoracotomy), and multiport VATS minor procedures, even in highly complex cases such as patients with silicosis. Presence of silicosis should be taken into account as a predictive factor for postoperative complications. Therefore, overestimation of the benefits of the procedure in the patient selection process especially in the initial part of the experience must be avoided.

From open surgery to uniportal VATS: asturias experience.

OBJECTIVE: Uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) resections are of increasing interest in many thoracic surgery departments. This study shows our initial experience in uniportal VATS anatomical resections in direct transition from posterolateral thoracotomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the 82 files of patients on whom anatomical pulmonary resection via uniportal VATS was attempted in our department by a single surgeon experienced in VATS for almost all purposes except major pulmonary resections. Demographic data of patients, smoking habits, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), presence of cardiopulmonary comorbidities, general characteristics of pulmonary lesions, preoperative FEV1, intraoperative findings, operative time, postoperative-drain-time, hospital-stay-time, successfully completed or converted to thoracotomy, intraoperative and postoperative complications and 30-day mortality were recorded. The patients were chronologically divided into two groups for analysis (A: operated on in the first year; B: operated on after the first year). We compare our results with the largest published experience in anatomical resections by uniportal VATS started from multiport technique and anterior thoracotomy in order to identify the feasibility of this transition. RESULTS: From January 2012 to January 2014, 82 uniportal VATS anatomical pulmonary resections were attempted. Of these 82 resections attempted, 74 (90.2%) were completely carried out. The median drain-time and hospital-stay-time were 3 days, and 4 days for the first year of experience and 2 and 3 days for the second year of experience respectively. The most frequent intraoperative complication was bleeding in 10 (12.1%), of these 8 occurred in the first year of experience (group A). In 8 (9.75%) cases conversion to thoracotomy widening the incision was needed for different reasons, of these 6 occurred in group A. The most frequent minor complication was chest tube reinsertion in 12 (14.6%) patients. There were no major complications or mortality in the first year of experience (group A). Two cases of mortality in the 8(th) and 15(th) postoperative day respectively occurred in group B in two patients with serious comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: Uniportal VATS for anatomical resections is a feasible and safe technique with good results even if experience is started in direct transition from open surgery, on condition that general recommendations for an initial VATS program were observed. Specific training courses with experts are also necessary. Patient selection is crucial. The number of procedures necessary to obtain appropriate experience may be similar to those reported for transition from open surgery to multiport technique.

First case report of single port video-assisted thoracoscopic middle lobectomy for the treatment of pulmonary aspergilloma in a pediatric patient.

We present the case of an 11-year-old girl with pulmonary aspergilloma secondary to a hematologic disease successfully treated with a single port video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy. This surgical procedure was not previously reported. We consider this approach to be a safe and appropriate procedure for lung resection, in children or adults requiring minimal intervention and early recovery.

In vitro release kinetics and physical, chemical and mechanical characterization of a POVIAC®/CaCO3/HAP-200 composite.

Coralline calcium-hydroxyapatite and calcium carbonate from Porites Porites coral were added to a polymeric matrix based on polyvinyl acetate (POVIAC(®)), to obtain a novel bone substitute composite as well as a system for the controlled drug (cephalexin) release. Composite samples with different compositions were characterized by physical-chemical and mechanical methods. Furthermore, the in vitro release profile of cephalexin and the kinetic behavior of its release from these composites were analyzed by appropriate mathematical models. It was shown that there is no chemical interaction between the inorganic filler and the polymer matrix, each conserving the original properties of the raw materials. The compressive mechanical strength and Young modulus of the composite with 17.5% of POVIAC(®), has better mechanical properties than those of cancellous bone. The variation of POVIAC(®) content can affect the cephalexin release kinetic in the composite. The cephalexin release mechanism from the composites can be considered as the result of the joint contribution of a prevailing Fickian diffusion and of polymer chain relaxation. It was also demonstrated that cephalexin is occluded inside the composites and not on their surface.

INTERFERON-ß-ASSOCIATED RETINOPATHY.

BACKGROUND: Interferon-associated retinopathy is a rare complication of interferon treatment. It has been well described with the use of interferon-α. METHODS: This study reports a retrospective case series of interferon-ß-associated retinopathy in three patients that were being treated for multiple sclerosis. RESULTS: All cases were characterized by cotton-wool spots or peripheral microaneurysms. One central retinal artery occlusion was observed associated with interferon-ß treatment. Findings improved spontaneously in two of three cases; all three patients elected to continue interferon treatment. CONCLUSION: Patients being treated with interferon-ß should have periodic fundus examinations to determine if they have evidence of interferon-associated retinopathy.

21-year results of the uncemented fully textured lord hip prosthesis.

We report the updated results for a previously evaluated patient cohort who had uncemented total hip arthroplasties using the Lord femoral component. The original cohort consisted of 114 total hip arthroplasties (110 patients) performed from 1979 to 1984. The patients were followed up for an average of 21 years postoperatively. We describe the radiographic findings of 57 hips. At the last followup 11 (9.6%) of the 114 femoral components were revised or removed. Excluding infection there was an 83% 21-year survival according to Kaplan-Meier analysis. No significant radiographic changes occurred since the last publication. The prostheses are very well-fixed with no signs of loosening. Our current findings show the durability of the uncemented Lord femoral component indicating this prosthesis provides good long-term results.

Prevalencia de hemoptisis luego de la cura bacteriológica en pacientes dados de alta del Programa de Control de Tuberculosis del Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia / Prevalence of hemoptysis after bacteriologic cure in patients discharged from the Tuberculosis Control Program at the Cayetano Heredia National Hospital

La tuberculosis produce alteraciones estructurales y de función pulmonar que persisten pese a la cura bacteriológica (secuelas). La hemoptisis es frecuente y causa gran morbilidad y demanda a los servicios de salud. Objetivo: Con el propósito de conocer sus características epidemiológicas y sus factores de riesgo, se diseño un estudio descriptivo, analítico, con metodología de cohorte única de casos en el Programa de Control de Tuberculosis (PCT), en el Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia (HNCH) entre enero de 1984 y diciembre de 1996. Material y Método: Se programó visitas domiciliarias evaluando 109. Se realizó una prueba de baciloscopía en los pacientes sintomáticos. Resultados: Hemoptisis estuvo presente en 15 casos (13.76 por ciento), de los cuales 7 experimentaron recaída bacteriológica. Todos los casos tuvieron baciloscopía negativa al momento de la encuesta. Se encontró mayor frecuencia en varones (p = 0.0017 RR = 10.61) y en el grupo etáreo menor 28 años (p = 0.022 RR = 2.92). Se tuvo mayor incidencia en el primer y cuarto año luego del alta. Doce casos (80 por ciento) aparecieron en los primeros tres años. Ningún factor previo al diagnóstico se asoció con hemoptisis luego del alta. Esputo hemoptoico en el cuadro inicial de tuberculosis se asoció con la presencia de hemoptisis luego del alta (p = 0.036 RR = 2.75). Hemoptisis fue estadísticamente más frecuente en pacientes que persisten sintomáticos luego del alta (tos y expectoración crónicas y ataques de sibilancias y disnea). Se observó una fuerte asociación entre recaída bacteriológica y presencia de hemoptisis luego del alta (p menor 0.0001 RR = 7.8). Conclusiones: En pacientes dados de alta del PCT del HNCH, la prevalencia de hemoptisis es 13.76 por ciento, teniendo más riesgo los varones, el grupo etáreo menor de 28 años, los pacientes que presentan esputo hemoptoico en el cuadro inicial de tuberculosis, los que permanecen sintomáticos luego del alta y los que experimentan al menos un episodio de recaída bacteriológica