Carboxyhaemoglobin formation and ECG changes during hysteroscopic surgery, transurethral prostatectomy and tonsillectomy using bipolar diathermy.

Diathermy is known to produce a mixture of waste products including carbon monoxide. During transcervical hysteroscopic surgery, carbon monoxide might enter the circulation leading to the formation of carboxyhaemoglobin. In 20 patients scheduled for transcervical hysteroscopic resection of myoma or endometrium, carboxyhaemoglobin was measured before and at the end of the surgical procedure, and compared with levels measured in 20 patients during transurethral prostatectomy, and in 20 patients during tonsillectomy. Haemodynamic data, including ST-segment changes, were recorded. Levels of carboxyhaemoglobin increased significantly during hysteroscopic surgery from median (IQR [range]) 1.0% (0.7-1.4 [0.5-4.9])% to 3.5% (2.0-6.1 [1.3-10.3]%, p < 0.001), compared with levels during prostatectomy or tonsillectomy. Significant ST-segment changes were observed in 50% of the patients during hysteroscopic surgery. Significant correlations were observed between the increase in carboxyhaemoglobin and the maximum ST-segment change (ρ = -0.707, p < 0.01), between the increase in carboxyhaemoglobin and intravasation (ρ = 0.625; p < 0.01), and between intravasation and the maximum ST-segment change (ρ = -0.761; p < 0.01). The increased carboxyhaemoglobin levels during hysteroscopic surgery appear to be related to the amount of intravasation and this could potentially be a contributing factor to the observed ST-segment changes.

How safe is the intravasation limit in hysteroscopic surgery?

BACKGROUND: Transcervical resection of myomas (TCR-M) is considered a safe hysteroscopic procedure if intravasation is limited. Complications may occur if gas formation during myoma resection leads to gaseous embolism. However, the incidence of emboli during transcervical myoma resection is unknown. Therefore in this study the occurrence of physiological changes that indicate the formation of emboli was retrospectively determined in patients undergoing hysteroscopic myoma resection. In addition, these changes were related to the amount of fluid intravasation. METHODS: The anesthesia records and operation files of 234 patients were screened for physiological changes that indicate embolism, as measured with standard intraoperative monitoring. These patients underwent surgery for intrauterine myomas with either a monopolar resectoscope with electrolyte-free distension fluid containing 3% sorbitol (limited to 1500-mL intravasation) or a bipolar resectoscope with normal saline solution (limited to 2500-mL intravasation). The patients were grouped according to the amount of fluid intravasation during the operation: Group 1: 500 mL or less, group 2: 500-1000 mL, group 3: 1000-1500 mL, and group 4: 1500-2500 mL. RESULTS: Physiological changes that could be attributed to gaseous embolism were observed in 33% to 43% of patients with 1000 to 2500 mL fluid intravasation during transcervical myoma resection. Nearly half of those patients had cardiovascular disturbances that indicated the formation of emboli. CONCLUSION: During transcervical resection of myomas, physiological changes that could be attributed to gaseous embolism frequently occurred. Therefore cardiovascular disturbances that indicate gaseous embolism during transcervical resection of myomas may occur despite the limitation of intravasation according to current view.

Paradoxical gas embolism by transpulmonary passage of venous emboli during hysteroscopic surgery: a case report and discussion.

After an episode of apparent venous gas embolism in a patient undergoing surgical hysteroscopy, transoesophageal echocardiography revealed air in the left but not in the right heart. Contrast echocardiography failed to demonstrate anatomical right-to-left shunts, making it likely that venous emboli overwhelmed the capacity of lungs to filter emboli, resulting in paradoxical embolization.

Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome induced by whole-body hyperthermia and polychemotherapy in a patient with disseminated leiomyosarcoma of the uterus.

OBJECTIVE: Whole-body hyperthermia (WBH) in combination with chemotherapy is a relatively new promising treatment modality for patients with cancer. The objective of this report is to present the development of an acute systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) following WBH in combination with chemotherapy. Although WBH can also induce cytokine production, MODS has not been described before in association with WBH. DESIGN: Case report. The patient was treated with WBH (core temperature 41.8 degrees C using a radiant heat device (Aquatherm) ) in combination with polychemotherapy (ifosfamide, carboplatin and etoposide (ICE) ) in the context of a clinical trial for metastatic sarcomas. SETTING: Department of medical oncology and intensive care unit of a university hospital. PATIENT: A 58-year-old Caucasian woman treated for disseminated leiomyosarcoma of the uterus, who developed SIRS with brain dysfunction, hypotension, respiratory failure and renal dysfunction following WBH/ICE. INTERVENTIONS: She was successfully treated in the intensive care unit by mechanical ventilation, inotropics and antibiotics. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: There was a remarkable recovery within 2 days: she regained full conciousness, could be extubated, inotropic support was stopped and creatinine levels returned to pre-treatment levels. All cultures remained sterile. After almost complete recovery, 5 days later a second episode of fever during neutropenia occurred and, despite antibiotic treatment, she died of Bacteroides distasonis sepsis. CONCLUSION: WBH should be added as a new cause to the already known list of physical-chemical insults which can result in MODS.

Open versus laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding: a prospective randomized trial for treatment of morbid obesity.

OBJECTIVE: To perform the first prospective trial of laparoscopic versus open adjustable silicone gastric banding (ASGB) in patients with morbid obesity. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Vertical banded gastroplasty has been used for many years to treat morbid obesity, but the size of the stoma has remained a source of failure after the procedure. ASGB has the advantages of maintaining gastric integrity and the potential for readjustment of the band, if needed. It has been suggested that laparoscopic ASGB, recently introduced to reduce postoperative complications and hospital stay, has a negative impact on outcome. METHODS: Fifty patients with morbid obesity of >5 years' duration and a body-mass index (BMI) > 40 kg/m2 were randomized to undergo laparoscopic or open ASGB. The difficulty of the procedure, surgical time, postoperative complications, and hospital stay were assessed. Stoma adjustments, long-term complications, readmissions, weight loss, and BMI were determined. RESULTS: All procedures were successfully carried out. Of 25 patients assigned to laparoscopic ASGB, 2 were converted to an open procedure. Surgical time was significantly longer for laparoscopic ASGB (150 minutes vs. 76 minutes for open ASGB). There was no difference in complications. Mean hospital stay was 5.9 days for the laparoscopic procedure versus 7.2 days for open ASGB (p < 0.05). The total number of readmissions (6 vs. 15) and overall hospital stay in the first year (7.8 vs. 11.8 days) were lower after laparoscopic ASGB (p < 0.05). Weight and BMI were reduced significantly in both groups, but there was no difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic and open ASGB were equally effective in terms of early (first-year) weight loss, reduction of BMI, and postoperative complications. The laparoscopic procedure was associated with a shorter initial hospital stay and fewer readmissions during follow-up and is therefore the preferred treatment in morbidly obese patients undergoing ASGB.

Initial experiences with the retroperitoneal approach for endoscopic nephrectomy with the patient in the prone position.

Retroperitoneal endoscopic nephrectomy with the patient in the prone position was performed in 12 patients. Indications for this procedure were end-stage kidneys with ureteropelvic junction stenosis or distal ureteric obstruction, nonfunctional kidneys with drug resistant renin-mediated hypertension, and distal ureter malignancy. The retroperitoneal area was exposed using an open surgical technique in combination with the use of a liquid-filled dissection balloon. Removal of kidney tissue was performed with a morcellator through one of the ports. On average, the operating time was 210 min (range 160-480 min) to complete a one-sided nephrectomy. No major complications occurred. Mean hospital stay in this series was 6.6 days, and the follow-up period was uncomplicated in all cases. Retroperitoneal endoscopic nephrectomy with the patient in the prone position is an acceptable alternative to open nephrectomy in selected indications.

Hemodynamics during laparoscopic extra- and intraperitoneal insufflation. An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Total extraperitoneal laparoscopic surgery is an alternative to the laparoscopic transperitoneal route; however, its effects on hemodynamics have not been adequately studied. This experimental study compared the effects of intraperitoneal insufflation and extraperitoneal insufflation on hemodynamics and oxygen transport. METHODS: Sixteen pigs were randomly assigned for intraperitoneal insufflation or extraperitoneal insufflation with 15 mmHg carbon dioxide. Hemodynamic and oxygen transport parameters were taken during an hour of insufflation and analyzed for statistical differences. RESULTS: During extraperitoneal CO2 pneumoperitoneum central venous filling pressures (central venous pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and mean pulmonary arterial pressure) and end-tidal CO2 increased slower but to a similar magnitude in comparison to intraperitoneal insufflation. Cardiac output and indices of oxygen consumption and oxygen delivery were equally affected by both types of insufflation. Arterial CO2 pressure increased significantly more during intraperitoneal insufflation. CONCLUSION: The data from this study suggest that extraperitoneal insufflation might result in less cardiovascular impairment than intraperitoneal insufflation.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy using abdominal wall retraction. Hemodynamics and gas exchange, a comparison with conventional pneumoperitoneum.

BACKGROUND: Disadvantages related to CO2 pneumoperitoneum have led to development of the abdominal wall retractor (AWR), a device designed to facilitate laparoscopic surgery without conventional pneumoperitoneum (15 mmHg CO2). We investigated the effects of the AWR on hemodynamics and gas exchange in humans. We also investigated whether the use of an AWR imposed extra technical difficulties for the surgeon. A pilot study revealed that cholecystectomy without low-pressure pneumoperitoneum was technically impossible. METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial: Twenty patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly allocated into group 1: AWR with low-pressure pneumoperitoneum (5 mmHg), or group 2: conventional pneumoperitoneum (15 mmHg). RESULTS: Surgery using the AWR lasted longer, 72 +/- 16 min (mean +/- SD) vs 50 +/- 18 min compared with standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy. There were no differences between the groups with respect to hemodynamic parameters, although a small reduction of the cardiac output was observed using conventional pneumoperitoneum (from 3.9 +/- 0.7 to 3. 2 +/- 1.1 l/min) and an increase during AWR (from 4.2 +/- 0.9 to 5.2 +/- 1.5 l/min). Peak inspiratory pressures were significantly higher during conventional pneumoperitoneum compared to AWR. A slight decrease in pH accompanied by an increase in CO2 developed during pneumoperitoneum and during the use of the AWR. In both groups arterial PO2 decreased. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the view was impaired during use of the AWR and therefore its use was difficult and time-consuming. Possible advantages of this devices' effects on hemodynamics and ventilatory parameters could not be confirmed in this study.

Laparoscopy without pneumoperitoneum. Effects of abdominal wall retraction versus carbon dioxide insufflation on hemodynamics and gas exchange in pigs.

Laparoscopic surgery with CO2 insufflation is associated with adverse effects on hemodynamics and gas exchange. The abdominal wall retractor (AWR) is an alternative for pneumoperitoneum. Hemodynamics and gas exchange during the use of an AWR were compared to those of CO2 pneumoperitoneum. In eight pigs subjected to 1 h of CO2 pneumoperitoneum or abdominal wall retraction, hemodynamics, gas exchange, and oxygen transport were studied in a randomized cross-over study design. The only change observed during abdominal wall retraction was mild respiratory alkalosis. In contrast, during CO2 pneumoperitoneum mean arterial blood pressure increased 13%, central filling pressures doubled, and a small increase in cardiac output was observed. Peak airway pressures increased 50%, end-tidal CO2 increased 20%, and respiratory acidosis was induced (arterial pH from 7.46 +/- 0.07 to 7.31 +/- 0.06 and pCO2 from 33 +/- 3 mmHg to 53 +/- 4 mmHg). Arterial PO2 decreased but mixed venous oxygen saturation and oxygen consumption were unaffected. In contrast with CO2 pneumoperitoneum, laparoscopy using abdominal wall retraction was not associated with adverse effects on hemodynamics or gas exchange.

Effects of pneumoperitoneum with helium on hemodynamics and oxygen transport: a comparison with carbon dioxide.

Pneumoperitoneum with CO2 is associated with adverse effects, such as hypercarbia, arrhythmias, and circulatory depression, which may limit its use in patients with underlying disease. Some of these effects may be caused by CO2 absorption resulting in acid-base disturbances. Laparoscopic insufflation with helium may be a good alternative for CO2, since it is chemically inert. Because there are few data on the use of helium for laparoscopy, we studied hemodynamics and gas exchange during insufflation with CO2 or helium in 8 pigs at 10, 15, and 20 mm Hg intraabdominal pressure. Heart rate did not change significantly with both gases. Arterial blood pressure increased with CO2 (p < 0.05) but not with helium. Cardiac output, mixed venous oxygen saturation, and oxygen consumption did not decrease, whereas central venous filling pressures increased during insufflation with either gas. Insufflation with CO2 resulted in mild increases in arterial, central venous, and end-expiratory CO2. The results suggest that pneumoperitoneum with helium will not be associated with profound circulatory depression or oxygen transport abnormalities. In addition, the use of helium is not associated with acid-base disturbances, although central venous filling pressures are similarly increased as with the use of CO2 pneumoperitoneum.

Hemodynamics during laparoscopy in the supine or prone position. An experimental study.

During laparoscopy elevations in arterial pressure and a decrease in cardiac output have been reported. Laparoscopic surgery performed in the prone position may be advantageous for some surgical procedures, but the hemodynamic effects of pneumoperitoneum in this position have not been studied. We studied the effects of different levels of increased intraabdominal pressure on hemodynamics and oxygen transport in eight pigs in the prone and the supine position. Increases in intraabdominal pressure did not result in decreased cardiac output or in a reduction of oxygen transport and consumption in either position. These results suggest that laparoscopy in the prone position does not result in more severe hemodynamic depression than laparoscopy in the supine position.

Characterization of the binding of the first selective radiolabelled histamine H3-receptor antagonist, [125I]-iodophenpropit, to rat brain.

1. The binding of the first selective radiolabelled histamine H3-receptor antagonist [125I]-iodophenpropit to rat cerebral cortex membranes was characterized. 2. [125I]-iodophenpropit, radiolabelled to a high specific activity of 1900 Ci mmol-1, saturably bound to a single class of sites with a KD of 0.57 +/- 0.16 nM (n = 4) and Bmax of 268 +/- 119 fmol mg-1 protein. 3. Specific binding at a concentration below 1 nM represented 50 to 60% of total binding. 4. Binding of [125I]-iodophenpropit to rat cerebral cortex membranes was readily displaced by histamine H3-agonists and antagonists. In contrast, the inhibitory potencies of selective histamine H1- and H2-receptor ligands were very low. 5. [125I]-iodophenpropit was biphasically displaced by the histamine H3-receptor antagonists, burimamide and dimaprit, which may indicate the existence of histamine H3-receptor subtypes. Other histamine H3-receptor antagonists showed a monophasic displacement. 6. Competition binding curves of H3-agonists were biphasic and showed a rightward shift upon the addition of the nonhydrolysable GTP analogue, guanosine 5'-o-(3-thio) triphosphate (GTP gamma S; 100 microM) which implicates the interaction of histamine H3-receptors with G-proteins. The affinities of the H3-receptor antagonists iodophenpropit, thioperamide and burimamide were not altered by GTP gamma S. 7. Histamine competition binding curves were shifted to the right by different nucleotides (100 microM) with a rank order of potency GTP gamma S > Gpp(NH)p, GTP. 8 In vitro autoradiographic studies revealed a heterogeneous distribution of [125I]-iodophenpropitbinding sites in rat brain, with highest densities observed in specific cerebral cortical areas and layers,the caudate-putamen complex, the olfactory tubercles, the hippocampal formation, the amygdala complex, the hypothalamic area and the mammillary bodies.9 It is concluded that the histamine H3-receptor antagonist, [125I]-iodophenpropit, meets the criteria fo ra suitable radioligand for histamine H3-receptor binding studies in rat brain.

Laparoscopic fundoplication: a new technique with new complications?

We report pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, and subcutaneous emphysema occurring in patients who underwent laparoscopic fundoplication in our clinic. These complications might adversely affect hemodynamics during this procedure.

Haemodynamic effects of pneumoperitoneum for laparoscopic surgery: a comparison of CO2 with N2O insufflation.

We studied the haemodynamic effects of intra-abdominal insufflation with either CO2 (n = 15) or N2O (n = 15) in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. Haemodynamic variables were measured at increasing levels of intra-abdominal pressure up to 20 mmHg. In the CO2 group cardiac index decreased from 2.6 +/- 0.6 to 2.0 +/- 0.4 litre min-1 m-2 (mean +/- SD, P < 0.001) and in the N2O group from 2.6 +/- 0.5 to 1.8 +/- 0.4 litre min-1 m-2 (P < 0.001)). In the CO2 group, this was accompanied by increases in mean arterial pressure, systemic vascular resistance index and central venous pressure without change in heart rate. In contrast, during N2O insufflation mean arterial pressure decreased (from 77 +/- 8 to 63 +/- 15 mmHg (P < 0.001)) without change in vascular resistance. No further changes in haemodynamic variables were observed during head-up tilt in both groups. After desufflation mean arterial pressure increased in the N2O group to pre-insufflation levels and cardiac index increased in both groups (P < 0.001), but reached pre-insufflation levels only in the CO2 group. In both groups central venous O2 tension and saturation decreased at maximum intra-abdominal pressure and increased after release of the pneumoperitoneum. The results indicate that laparoscopic insufflation with either CO2 or N2O results in cardiovascular depression. Insufflation with N2O may decrease blood pressure, whereas mean arterial pressure is better preserved with CO2 insufflation.

Intraperitoneal local anaesthetics after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: effects on postoperative pain, metabolic responses and lung function.

We have compared the efficacy of 0.9% NaCl 20 ml (n = 15), 0.25% bupivacaine 20 ml (n = 15) and 0.5% lignocaine 20 ml (n = 15), administered i.p., in reducing postoperative pain and opioid requirements, and modifying the metabolic response to surgery and postoperative lung function after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. There were no differences in postoperative pain scores (visual analogue scale and verbal rating scale) between the three groups in the first 4 h after operation and in analgesic requirements during the first 24 h. In all groups, forced vital capacity, peak expiratory flow and forced expiratory volume in 1 s decreased 2 h after surgery (P < 0.001). Ventilatory values recovered only partially in the first 2 days after operation (P < 0.05), with no significant differences between groups. Plasma concentrations of glucose and cortisol increased after surgery (P < 0.05). Cortisol concentrations returned to baseline 48 h after operation. There were no significant differences between the groups in any measured variable. These data suggest that the administration of 20 ml of local anaesthetics i.p. is not effective in reducing postoperative pain, improving lung function, or attenuating the metabolic endocrine response after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

The radial forearm flap: a biomechanical study of donor-site morbidity utilizing sheep tibia.

The use of vascularized bone grafts to reconstruct extremity and mandibular defects is now commonplace in reconstructive surgery. Fibula, scapula, iliac crest, rib, and metatarsal as well as the radial forearm osseocutaneous flaps have all been utilized for this purpose. Troublesome spiral fractures of the distal radius are the most common fractures associated with the use of the distal radius as a vascularized bone-graft donor site. This study was proposed to investigate the effect of donor-site bone loss on the strength of the radius under torsional (rotational) loading. Previous clinical series and experimental studies have not examined this aspect of distal radius loading after harvesting the bone graft. Fifty pairs of sheep tibiae were utilized in the experiment. Five pairs were used in a pilot study and 45 pairs were used in the main experiment. Five pairs of human radii were used for the control in the pilot study. The pilot study attempted to make a comparison between the human radius and the sheep tibia for experimental purposes. For the biomechanical study of donor-site defects, four study groups were examined with random assignment and matched pairs. The control group (group 1) had no alteration to the bone. Each test condition included five matched pairs of sheep tibiae. Experiment 1 compared the difference in the depth of the osteotomy defect. In doing this, one-third of the total length of the bone was removed in each of the following specimens to include (1a) 30 percent of the cross-sectional area of the total bone, (1b) 37 percent of the cross-sectional area of the total bone, and (1c) 50 percent of the cross-sectional area of the total bone. In experiment 2, the osteotomy shape was varied. Instead of the ends of the cuts being squared, the ends were beveled or rounded. Experiment 3 compared different lengths of bone removed in the osteotomy defect and included the following: In experiment 3a the diameter of the sheep tibia was measured at the incisura fibularis. This dimension was one diameter of bone, and a one-diameter length of bone was removed. In experiment 3b, a two-diameter length of bone was removed. In experiment 3c, a three-diameter length of bone was removed. In experiment 3d, a four-diameter length of bone was removed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Pulmonary function and stress response after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: comparison with subcostal incision and influence of thoracic epidural analgesia.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LPC) is increasingly used to treat symptomatic cholelithiasis. We compared the effects of cholecystectomy by subcostal incision to those of LPC on lung function and endocrine metabolic response. The effects of thoracic epidural analgesia for LPC were studied as well. Thirty patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy under general anesthesia were allocated to three study groups: group I, cholecystectomy by subcostal incision; group II, LPC; group III, LPC and epidural analgesia with 0.5% bupivacaine with epinephrine, followed by continuous epidural infusion of 6 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine. Forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s were measured with the patients in a half-sitting position. In all groups, sustained decreases in FVC, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, and peak expiratory flow were observed up to 24 h after surgery. Reduction of FVC was significantly more in group I compared with groups II and III (P less than 0.05). The FVC in group I decreased from 3.8 +/- 0.42 (SD) to 1.1 +/- 0.27 L (P less than 0.01), in group II from 3.6 +/- 1.46 to 2.1 +/- 0.94 L (P less than 0.05), and in group III from 3.8 +/- 0.92 to 2.8 +/- 0.90 L (P less than 0.05). In all groups, plasma glucose and cortisol increased after surgery compared with baseline levels (P less than 0.05). At 240 min after surgery, a small but significant decrease of cortisol was measured in group III (P less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The first radiolabeled histamine H3 receptor antagonist, [125I]iodophenpropit: saturable and reversible binding to rat cortex membranes.

We describe the binding to rat cortex membranes of [125I]iodophenpropit, the first radiolabeled histamine H3 antagonist. The binding of [125I]iodophenpropit is selective, saturable, readily reversible, and of high affinity (KD 0.32 nM; Bmax 209 fmol/mg of protein). Specific binding at a concentration of 0.3 nM accounted for 45-55% of the total binding. [125I]Iodophenpropit seems to fulfill the criteria for a suitable ligand for histamine H3 receptor binding studies.

Role of the epithelium in the control of intestinal motility: implications for intestinal damage after anoxia and reoxygenation.

A vibration technique was used to dislocate the epithelium from the rat small intestine, in order to study the possible regulatory role of the epithelium on intestinal motility. Complete removal of the epithelium led to a slightly potentiated contraction of the longitudinal smooth muscle by the muscarinic agonist methacholine (pD2. 6.5 +/- 0.1 vs. 6.2 +/- 0.2). The maximal beta-adrenergic response expressed relative to the relaxation by 0.5 mM dibutyryl cyclic AMP increased from 55.9 +/- 9.0% to 72.6 +/- 9.1% by this treatment. Efforts were made to relate these observations to the endothelium-dependent relaxation in blood vessels, but no indication was found for a similar mechanism in the small intestine. Not only mechanical dislocation can be employed to affect the mucosal layer, but also intestinal ischemia has been reported to lead to mucosal damage. In this study we mimicked ischemia by applying in vitro anoxia and subsequent reoxygenation to isolated intestinal segments. When intestinal segments are isolated and kept in physiological buffer, xanthine dehydrogenase is converted slowly to xanthine oxidase, irrespective of whether the buffer is oxygenated or not. No evidence was found for oxygen radical damage after anoxia and reoxygenation. However, the intestinal mucosa was damaged both after normoxia, and after anoxia and reoxygenation. Anoxia and subsequent reoxygenation did not affect muscarinic contraction, but slightly increased the beta-adrenergic relaxation, which partly correlates with the effects of mechanical dislocation of the epithelium. The increased sensitivity of the smooth muscle after epithelial damage might be involved in motility changes during intestinal inflammatory diseases.

Rhinoplasty saw: a modified design.

One of the instruments used for osteotomies of the nasal bones in rhinoplasty is the saw. During the initial sawing movements, it is not uncommon to make multiple cuts in the bone. To avoid this problem, we have designed a modification of the Joseph's saw. The new design essentially fixes the saw along a single axis, producing a single and precise bone cut. This saw is useful for basal and superior osteotomies in rhinoplasties and is especially indicated in secondary rhinoplasties.