Surgical outcomes of complicated cataract with pediatric trematode granulomatous uveitis.

AIM: To describe the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of complicated cataract with pediatric trematodal granulomatous uveitis (TGU). METHODS: Patients of cataract with TGU in the membranous (inactive) stage underwent cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Preoperative history and ophthalmic examination were conducted for all cases, whereas Schimphlug imaging and corneal topography were done for some patients. Postoperative follow up was done on the 1st, 2nd, and 5th postoperative days after surgery. Then, it was done at least at one, three, and six months postoperatively. Intraoperative and postoperative complications and the methods of their management were reported. RESULTS: Twelve eyes of 12 male children were included in this study ranging from 8 to 16y. The mean best corrected Snellen visual acuity (BCVA) was significantly improved from 0.09±0.06 preoperatively to 0.37±0.11 at the final visit 6mo postoperatively (P<0.001). Schimphlug imaging and corneal topography showed flattening of the anterior surface of the inferior cornea. Intraoperative difficulties and complications included the poor dilatability of the drown down pupil, strong posterior synechia between the anterior lens capsule and the iris at the site of the inferior retrocorneal vascularized membrane and hyphema. All cases underwent primary hydrophobic IOL implantation. CONCLUSION: Surgery for this type of cataract is relatively safe and effective. It is associated with some specific difficulties and complications that should be considered during surgery and follow up.

Effectiveness and Safety of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy for Weight Loss in Mild Obesity: Prospective Cohort Study with 3-Year Follow-up.

PURPOSE: Patients with mild obesity especially in absence of associated medical problems (OAMP) are commonly managed by non-surgical approaches. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has proved itself to be effective and it is now the most performed weight loss procedure. We aimed to study the effectiveness and safety of LSG for weight loss in mild obesity. METHODS: A prospective cohort study. Group A; BMI (30-34.9 kg/m2), and group B; BMI ≥ 40 or BMI ≥ 35 with OAMP. Demographic data, perioperative complications, % excess weight loss (EWL), % total weight loss (TWL), nutritional profile, and evolution of OAMP were recorded and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 250 patients, with 80 patients (32%) in group A, and 170 (68%) in group B. The majority were female. The mean preoperative weight, BMI, and excess weight were 90.1 ± 9.52, 32.7 ± 1.4, and 21.5 ± 4.9 in group A, and 129.88 ± 26.12, 47.8 ± 8.2, and 62.3 ± 23.6 kg in group B respectively. The low BMI group had significantly lower OAMP, with higher pre-LSG non-surgical procedures rate. Overall post-operative morbidity rate was significantly higher in group B. %TWL was significantly lower in low BMI group. Nutritional profile was within the normal range in both groups at 3-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a safe and effective weight loss solution for mild obesity with better outcome than for higher BMI. Further studies are warranted to reconsider NIH's statement for medicolegal aspects, and for matching the current changes in bariatric surgery practice, safety evidence, and patients' demand.

Evaluation of Novel Topical Camel Whey Protein Gel for the Treatment of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: Randomized Clinical Study.

AIM: The aim of this article is to evaluate the topical effect of camel whey protein (CWP) on the healing of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) and the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients with minor RAS were randomly assigned into control and study groups. The control group applied placebo methylcellulose gel topically over the aphthous ulcer, whereas the study group used CWP dissolved in methylcellulose gel topically over the aphthous ulcer. Healing period, pain scale, and serum inflammatory biomarkers were evaluated before and after gel application. Collected data were analyzed statistically using the paired t-test or independent sample t-test. RESULTS: Ulcer healing period, pain scale, and immunological biomarkers were statistically improved in both groups with significant shortening of the ulcer duration and significant regulation of immunological values related to the study group. CONCLUSION: Topical CWP gel is potentially effective in the treatment of RAS.

Evaluation of Anterior Phrenoesophageal Ligament Preservation During Hiatus Hernia Repair in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy as an Anti-Reflux Measure.

Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most common bariatric procedure, but it had been reported to increase the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its consequences. Some surgeons tried to decrease that by routine hiatal dissection with hiatus hernia (HH) repair. But, hiatal dissection with HH repair is considered an important risk factor for the newly emergent complication of intrathoracic sleeve migration (ITSM). We proposed a new hiatal repair technique, which is expected to improve GERD without increasing the potential for ITSM. This study aims to evaluate the results of this technique. Methods: A prospective observational study was performed at the Ain Shams University Hospital between January 2016 and December 2019. It included patients with morbid obesity and one of the following: Clinical manifestations of GERD with endoscopic evidence of HH/laxity or esophagitis. Asymptomatic HH/laxity. LSG combined and HH repair with anterior phrenoesophageal ligament (PEL) preservation was performed for all patients. Patients were followed up for 12 months. Patients were evaluated after 1 year with an upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. Results: Thirty-two patients were enrolled in our study. After 1 year, the mean excess weight loss was 63% ± 23%. The mean GERD health-related quality of life (GERD-HRQL) score dropped to 12 ± 8. GERD-HRQL scores improved in 25 of documented esophagitis patients, worsened in 2, and did not change in 2 patients. Endoscopy showed a decrease in rate and degree of esophagitis (from 28 [87.5%] preoperatively to 8 [25%] patients after 1 year of follow-up). The improvement was better in patients with grade A and B esophagitis. Two patients were converted to gastric bypass due to persistent intractable GERD symptoms with grade C esophagitis despite medical treatment. No cases of ITSM were detected. Conclusion: Anterior PEL preserving HH repair combined with LSG is a safe and feasible technique that can control GERD manifestations without interference with the technique or outcome of LSG.

Vector Analysis of Astigmatism in Keratoconic Eyes After Combined Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments Implantation and Collagen Cross-Linking.

PURPOSE: To analyze astigmatic changes after intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRSs) implantation accompanied by corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in keratoconic eyes using the Alpins vectorial method. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight eyes of 18 patients with keratoconus were included in this retrospective non-comparative study. All patients had combined femtosecond laser-assisted Keraring implantation and CXL, and completed at least 2 years of follow-up. Both manifest and corneal astigmatic changes were analyzed using the Alpins vectorial parameters based on 3 vectors; target induced astigmatism (TIA), surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) and difference vector (DV). RESULTS: Regarding analysis of manifest astigmatism, the TIA arithmetic mean was 5.22 D while the vector mean was 3.13 D Ax 173. The SIA arithmetic mean was 5.41 D while the vector mean was 2.38 D Ax 173. The DV arithmetic mean was 2.10 D while the vector mean was 0.75 D Ax 175. Regarding analysis of corneal astigmatism, the TIA arithmetic mean was 5.22 D while the vector mean was 3.13 D Ax 173. The SIA arithmetic mean was 5.23 D while the vector mean was 1.8 D Ax 12. The DV arithmetic mean was 4.28 D while the vector mean was 2.04 D Ax 157. CONCLUSION: Vector analysis of manifest and corneal astigmatism in keratoconic eyes with previous ICRS and CXL reveals more accuracy and predictability of manifest refraction in calculating SIA.

Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments Implantation And Corneal Cross-Linking For Keratoconus In Children With Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis - Three-Year Results.

PURPOSE: To assess the 3-year safety and efficacy of femtosecond laser-assisted intrastromal corneal ring segments' (ICRS) implantation followed or accompanied by transepithelial accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking (TE-ACXL) as a treatment of keratoconus in children with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty two eyes of 28 children with keratoconus and vernal VKC were included in this study. Cases were divided into 2 groups; the first group had been treated with femtosecond laser-assisted ICRS (Keraring) implantation accompanied or followed by TE-ACXL, while the second group had been treated by TE-ACXL only and all cases completed a follow-up period of 3 years. RESULTS: In group 1: the mean uncorrected (UCVA) and best-corrected (BCVA) visual acuity, spherical equivalent, K-max and Q-value improved markedly from 0.97 ± 0.19, 0.67 ± 0.18, -8.75 ± 4.55, 60.41 ± 4.98, and -1.18 ± 0.54 preoperatively to 0.61 ± 0.27, 0.39±0.21, -3.25 ± 3.56, 55.22 ± 5.72, and -0.44 ± 0.68 postoperatively respectively. While in group 2: the preoperative mean UCVA, BCVA, spherical equivalent, K-max and Q-values were 0.68 ± 0.28, 0.38 ± 0.24, -2.84 ± 2.59, 50.29 ± 4.04, and-0.58 ± 0.23 respectively while their corresponding postoperative values were 0.58 ± 0.34, 0.19 ± 0.17, -2.35 ± 2.07, 49.58 ± 3.26, and -0.57 ± 0.25. Only one case in group 1 required repeat cross-linking. CONCLUSION: Although the long-term safety and efficacy of femtosecond laser-assisted ICRS implantation accompanied or followed by TE-ACXL in children with keratoconus and VKC is high, some cases still may need repeat cross-linking.

Three-Year Outcomes of Cross-Linking PLUS (Combined Cross-Linking with Femtosecond Laser Intracorneal Ring Segments Implantation) for Management of Keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To analyze the results of three-year outcomes of combined epithelium-on cross-linking with femtosecond laser ICRS (cross-linking PLUS) for keratoconus management. DESIGN: A retrospective multicenter clinical study. METHODS: 43 eyes of 38 patients were subjected to preoperative and postoperative UCVA, BCVA, refraction, Pentacam pachymetry, and keratometry examinations at 3-, 6-, 12-, 24-, and 36-month follow-up period. RESULTS: The preoperative and postoperative mean UCVA was 1.30 ± 0.48 (logMAR ± SD) and 0.82 ± 0.22 respectively. The preoperative and postoperative mean BCVA was 0.90 ± 0.40 and 0.60 ± 0.30, respectively. The preoperative and postoperative mean K average was 50.63 ± 0.87 (D ± SD) and 45.56 ± 0.98, respectively. The preoperative and postoperative mean pachymetry was 471 ± 92.36 (µm ± SD) and 423 ± 39.58, respectively. The preoperative and postoperative mean astigmatism was 7.55 ± 1.75 and 3.39 ± 1.26, respectively. One eye showed ICRS edge exposure while 6 eyes showed progression of keratoconus. CONCLUSION: CXL PLUS was proved to be a successful procedure to halt progression (mainly by CXL) and to correct the refractive status of the keratoconic eye (mainly by ICRS). CXL PLUS performed a synergistic action correcting and maintaining the correction of both myopic and astigmatic components of keratoconus.

A Comparative Study: The Use of Collagen Implant versus Mitomycin-C in Combined Trabeculotomy and Trabeculectomy for Treatment of Primary Congenital Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To compare Ologen implant versus mitomycin-C (MMC) in combined trabeculotomy and trabeculectomy as a treatment of primary congenital glaucoma. SETTING: Sohag University Hospital, Egypt. DESIGN: A prospective comparative study. METHODS: Thirty-four eyes of twenty-one patients with primary congenital glaucoma were included in this study. All patients were subjected to preoperative evaluation including complete anterior segment examination under general anesthesia. The patients were divided into two groups: patients of the first group (group A) underwent combined trabeculotomy and trabeculectomy with Ologen implantation while those of the second group (group B) underwent combined trabeculotomy and trabeculectomy with MMC application. RESULTS: Postoperatively, the IOP in group A was as follows: 8 eyes developed IOP levels less than 14 mmHg (complete success), 3 eyes had levels between 14 and 16 mmHg (accepted result), 2 eyes had levels between 16 and 20 mmHg (guarded result), and only 2 eyes showed levels exceeding 20 mmHg (failed procedure), while in group B, 7 eyes showed complete success, 3 eyes had accepted result, 3 eyes had guarded result, and 2 eyes had failed procedure. CONCLUSION: Ologen is a safe and effective adjuvant in combined trabeculotomy and trabeculectomy for treatment of primary congenital glaucoma.

Preoperative subconjunctival combined injection of bevacizumab and mitomycin C before the surgical excision of primary pterygium: clinical and histological results.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to detect the clinical and histological effects of preoperative subconjunctival injection of both bevacizumab and mitomycin C (MMC) 1 month before the surgical excision of primary pterygium using a bare sclera technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 20 patients with primary pterygium underwent subconjunctival combined injection of 0.1 mL of MMC (0.1 mg/mL) and 0.1 mL of bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.1 mL) 1 month before bare sclera excision of the pterygium. The excised pterygium tissues were examined histologically and immunohistologically by CD31 staining, and the patients were followed up clinically for at least 2 years. The excised pterygia of two patients without preoperative injection were used for histological comparison. RESULTS: Clinically, there were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. No recurrence was noted during the follow-up period. Histologically, the previously injected pterygia showed a decreased number of epithelial cells and stromal fibroblasts. The latter were rounded or oval and swollen rather than spindle shaped, and some were degenerating or apoptotic. Collagen and elastic fibers were degenerated, distorted, and decreased in density, while blood capillaries were obliterated. There was a significant decrease in CD31-positive cells in previously injected pterygia. CONCLUSION: Preoperative subpterygium combined injection of bevacizumab and MMC is safe and effective in reducing the postoperative recurrence of primary pterygium. Histological and immunohistological changes in the form of decreased fibrovascular activity and degeneration of the extracellular matrix and nerve axons were noted.

Silibinin Improves the Effects of Methotrexate in Patients with Active Rheumatoid Arthritis: Pilot Clinical Study.

OBJECTIVES: Our study sought to evaluate the effects of silibinin in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with methotrexate (MTX). METHODS: We conducted a randomized multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial over a 16-week treatment period at the Al-Sader and Baghdad Teaching Hospitals in Najaf and Baghdad, respectively. A total of 60 patients (30 of each sex) with active RA, already maintained on 12 mg MTX weekly for at least three consecutive months, were included in the study. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either 120 mg silibinin twice daily or a placebo, combined with their regular MTX regimen. The patients were evaluated by measuring disease activity score using the 28-joint Disease Activity Score, Simple Disease Activity Index, and Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index scores at the start and end of the study. Blood samples were evaluated for the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), hemoglobin (Hb), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), creatine kinase (CK), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP), and the serum cytokine levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-2. RESULTS: Silibinin significantly decreases the already elevated clinical scores compared to placebo treatment. ESR, IL-8, IL-6, TNF-α, anti-CCP, hs-CRP levels were significantly reduced. Additionally, the use of silibinin significantly increases Hb, IL-10, and IL-2 levels. CONCLUSION: Silibinin may improve the effects of MTX on certain biochemical and clinical markers of patients with active RA.

Roux-en-Y reconstruction at greater curvature in biliopancreatic diversion: effects on early postoperative functional recovery.

Delayed gastric emptying after distal gastrectomy and reconstruction of alimentary tract with a gastroenteric anastomosis can significantly influence early and late postoperative course and the length of hospital stay. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect on postoperative functional recovery of two different Roux-en-Y reconstructions: at the gastric greater curvature and at the transected gastric staple line in the Scopinaro's biliopancreatic diversion. We conducted comparative study; 80 patients were enrolled and divided in two groups: group A (RY-GC) and group B (RY-SL) with 40 patients in each group. We compared the early postoperative functional recovery for both groups measuring four parameters: gastric stasis indicated with the volume of the gastric fluid collected per 24 h, day of removal of the nasogastric tube, day of starting the oral intake, and day of hospital discharge. There was statistically significant (p < 0.001) reduction in gastric fluid volume in favor of the RY-GC group starting from the first postoperative day resulting in earlier removal of nasogastric tube with earlier starting of oral feeding than RY-SL group, with no symptoms of stasis required nutrition suspension; while three patients in RY-SL group experienced persistence of nausea and vomiting and needed nutrition suspension for several days. There was statistically significant (p < 0.001) reduction in the hospital stay for RY-GC group. Roux-en-Y reconstruction at the greater curvature ensures a rapid functional recovery with early hospital discharge. The use of stapler devices made this method easier and safer and no complications have arisen with mechanical anastomoses.

Laparoscopic versus open biliopancreatic diversion: a prospective comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is playing an increasingly important role in our society. The surgical approach should be chosen in consistent with the patients' problem. The purpose of this study was to compare surgical outcomes in patients who underwent laparoscopic Scopinaro's biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) versus open BPD in our institute experience. METHODS: Eighty patients were enrolled and divided in two groups: laparoscopic group (VL) and open group (OP), with 40 patients in each group during two calendar years 2006-2007. We performed the same technique for both groups using the same staplers for anastomosis, with the same measurements for alimentary and common limbs in both groups. We compared the following variables in the two groups: operative time, intra and early postoperative complications, postoperative pain, consumption of analgesics, recovery of intestinal function, days to removal of NG tube and start of oral intake, hospital stay, and late complication-incisional hernia incidence. RESULTS: We found statistically significant reduction in favor of laparoscopic group regarding reduction in postoperative pain, consumption of analgesics, incidence of incisional hernia, operative time, and hospital stay-with early removal of NG tube and early oral intake. We did not find any statistically significant difference regarding intra, immediate and early postoperative complications and recovery of intestinal functions. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic BPD is a safe technique; has good results without affecting the duration of the intervention; and ensures less postoperative pain with rapid functional recovery, less hospital stay, and drastic reduction of incisional hernia incidence.