Histologic analysis of acellular dermal matrix in the treatment of anal fistula in an animal model.

BACKGROUND: Human acellular dermal matrix (ADM) has been used successfully for the treatment of severe burns, ureter support, and abdominal wall reconstruction. This study was designed to evaluate the mechanism of ADM in the closure of anal fistula in an experimental porcine model. STUDY DESIGN: The fistula-in-ano model was created in the porcine model and treated with ADM in 14 animals. Fistula specimens were obtained at hours 12 and 24 and on days 3, 7, 14, 28, 60. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson trichrome staining, and immunohistochemical staining for alpha smooth muscle actin and matrix metalloproteinase 9 were performed. RESULTS: The cell density increased from hour 12 to day 7 and decreased from day 7 to day 28 (p < 0.001). Mature vessels stained with alpha smooth muscle actin were identified at day 7. Alpha smooth muscle actin-positive myofibroblasts were found in clusters at the edge of the ADM at day 7. The density of vessels (p < 0.001) and myofibroblasts (p < 0.001) increased from day 7 to day 14. The density of matrix metalloproteinase 9 increased from hour 12 to day 7 and decreased from day 14 to day 60 (p < 0.001). Partially organized bundles of muscle were found by day 60. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that ADM is a reasonable new option for closure of anal fistulas. Anal fistulas begin to heal as early as 12 hours, and day 7 may be an important time point to judge whether the fistula healed preliminarily or not. The ability of ADM to become vascularized and remodeled by autologous cells may be advantageous for anal fistula healing.

Inguinal hernia repair with tension-free hernioplasty under local anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of local anesthesia in tension-free hernioplasty in a local hospital. METHODS: The study took place at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, China during the period from January 2007 to May 2008. All 110 patients who had undergone inguinal hernia repair with mesh under local anesthesia were included in the study. To increase the homogeneity of the sample, we excluded umbilical hernia repairs, parastomal hernia repairs, non-elective procedures, procedures not involving mesh, and repairs performed concurrently with another surgical procedure. We performed a retrospective review of all 110 patients' data. RESULTS: The average operating time was 45 minutes (30-70 minutes), and the average hospital stay was 3-4 days. There was no postoperative mortality in this study. No surgical site infection occurred. Two patients (18%) that suffered from a moderate scrotal hematoma had recovered after extract injection therapy was applied. The duration of incisional pain was 2-3 days, and no patient required post-operative analgesia. During the follow-up, no recurrence occurred. CONCLUSION: The use of local anesthesia in inguinal hernia repair with tension-free hernioplasty is a safe and effective alternative for inpatient treatment.

Deep venous thrombosis after gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma: a case report.

The treatment of gastric carcinoma consists of neoadjuvant chemoradiation, partial gastrectomy, subtotal gastrectomy, total gastrectomy, extended resection, and postoperative chemotherapy. Currently, gastrectomy and extended lymphadenectomy is the optimal choice for late gastric carcinoma. Postoperative complications are common after total gastrectomy including hemorrhage, anastomotic leakage, fistula, and obstruction. However, deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is an uncommon complication after gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma. We describe a case of a 68-year-old female patient with DVT after gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma. The patient was treated with anticoagulants and thrombolytics and subjected to necessary laboratory monitoring. The patient recovered well after treatment and was symptom-free during a 3-mo follow-up. We conclude that correct diagnosis and treatment of DVT are crucial.