Use of Two Novel Dyes to Enhance Visualization of Cut Ends of the Vessel in Microvascular Anastomosis-An Experimental Study of 45 Rats.

BACKGROUND: Good visualization is a prerequisite for performing microvascular anastomosis. The most commonly used dye, methylene blue, has several limitations: it is washed off quickly and stains all the vessel layers. The objective of our study is to use 2 new novel dyes for improving visualization. METHODS: After ethical committee approval, 2 Dyes (2% cresyl violet, 1% eosin) were studied in 3 groups, 20 rats in each group and 5 rats in the combined group. End-to-side anastomosis was performed in the classic fashion in 45 rats. After venotomy, the dye was applied to the raw surface of the vessels and subsequently, anastomosis was performed. The improvement in visualization was judged by 3 blinded experts and nonexperts in 4 groups on a scale of 1-10. Scores were statistically analyzed. After 2 weeks, animals were re-explored to check the delayed patency, and segments were harvested for histopathologic analysis. RESULTS: The immediate and delayed patency rates were 100% (45/45) and 97% (33/34), respectively. In statistical analysis, the combined group (P = 0.005)was judged statistically significant because of the contrast in color. All the layers were stained by both dyes, staining lasted until the end of the surgery. Visibility of the cut ends was better in cresyl violet. All histopathologic findings suggested normal changes at the anastomotic site. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the use of these 2 dyes was not only feasible but highly efficacious. Even though all the layers were stained by both the dyes, the visibility of the cut ends was better. In both dyes, staining lasted until the end of surgery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that has used these 2 novel dyes to improve visualization in microvascular anastomosis in an experimental setting.

Anaerobic bacteriological profile of brain abscess in a tertiary care center in southern India.

Brain abscess accounts for 8% of all intracranial insults in developing countries. Anaerobic infections are missed in most cases due to difficult isolation techniques. This study was done to determine the anaerobic bacteriological profile of brain abscess, their distribution according to sociodemographic variables, anatomical location, management and the outcome during the subjects' stay in a neurosciences' speciality hospital. We included 190 cases of confirmed anaerobic brain abscess from the year 1998-2017. The median age was 22 years with more males (73% of 190 cases) than females. The Bacteroides spp. were the most common (64%) anaerobic organisms isolated followed by Gram positive anaerobic cocci (51%). While 67% of the samples showed purely anaerobic bacteria on culture, remaining were mixed. Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) was the most common predisposing factor.