An evidence-based cesarean section suggested for universal use

Objectives This article suggests a unified way to perform Cesarean sections. Even in the same departments, different modifications are in use. Therefore, one cannot rely on the early or late outcome of the procedure as long as all the surgical steps are not standardized. Methods The Misgav Ladach (Stark) Cesarean Section presented here is an evidence-based operation. Its basic principles are a modified Joel-Cohen abdominal incision, one-layer continuous suturing of the uterus using a big needle, leaving peritoneum open, closing fascia continuously and a few Donati skin sutures. Results This method has been subjected to scores of comparative studies with other methods in use, proving its advantages over them concerning duration, blood loss, febrile morbidity, need for analgesics, and costs. Conclusions It is suggested that this method should be used as the standardized universal method which will enable comparison between obstetricians and institutions, and offer the parturient the best possible outcome.

Evaluating the predictive factors affecting outcome in patients with severe traumatic brain injury: a prospective observational study

Background: Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a neurosurgical emergency and timely intervention is critical for favorable outcome. We aimed to evaluate certain demographic, clinical and radiological factors for outcome prediction in TBI patients in terms of morbidity and mortality.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in 100 patients of severe TBI admitted to our hospital from September 2016 to June 2018. Those with penetrating head injury, associated severe chest, abdominal or orthopedic trauma and pregnant or lactating women were excluded. Clinical outcome was assessed at the time of discharge and after three months according to Glasgow outcome score (GOS).Results: Majority of patients were adults in the age group 20 to 39 years. Road-side accident (75%) was the commonest mode of injury followed by fall (23%) and assault (2%). Out of 100 patients, 51 had in-hospital mortality. Of 49 patients who survived for GOS assessment at 3 months, three (6.1%) patients had unfavourable GOS I to III. Presence of hypoxemia, pupil non-reactivity, computerised tomography (CT) head findings of hemorrhagic contusion, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), midline shift and effacement of basal cisterne were associated with significantly increased risk of unfavorable early and late outcome after severe TBI (p<0.05). Poor GCS score and fracture skull were associated with adverse early and late outcome respectively (p<0.001).Conclusions: Low GCS score at admission, pupil non reactivity, presence of hypoxemia, abnormal CT head findings (hemorrhagic contusion, SAH, midline shift and effacement of basal cisterne) were strong predictors of adverse outcome after severe TBI.

Triple flap meatoplasty for acquired meatal atresia

<p class="abstract">Surgical intervention was undertaken in post-traumatic cartilaginous meatal atresia with an intact tympano-ossicular assembly, utilizing a triple flap meatoplasty, to achieve a wide meatus. The intricacies of the procedure with the late outcome are being discussed.</p>

Late Outcome after Surgery for Type-A Aortic Dissection

The aim of this study was to evaluate all-cause mortality and aortic reoperations after surgery for Stanford type A aortic dissection (TAAD). We evaluated the late outcome of patients who underwent surgery for acute TAAD from January 2005 to December 2017 at the Helsinki University Hospital, Finland. We studied 309 patients (DeBakey type I TAAD: 89.3%) who underwent repair of TAAD. Aortic root repair was performed in 94 patients (30.4%), hemiarch repair in 264 patients (85.4%) and partial/total aortic arch repair in 32 patients (10.4%). Hospital mortality was 13.6%. At 10 years, all-cause mortality was 34.9%, and the cumulative incidence of aortic reoperation or late aortic-related death was 15.6%, of any aortic reoperation 14.6%, reoperation on the aortic root 6.6%, on the aortic arch, descending thoracic and/or abdominal aorta 8.7%, on the descending thoracic and/or abdominal aorta 6.4%, and on the abdominal aorta 3.8%. At 10 years, cumulative incidence of reoperation on the distal aorta was higher in patients with a diameter of the descending thoracic aorta ≥35 mm at primary surgery (cumulative incidence in the overall series: 13.2% vs. 4.0%, SHR 3.993, 95%CI 1.316–12.120; DeBakey type I aortic dissection: 13.6% vs. 4.5%, SHR 3.610, 95%CI 1.193–10.913; patients with dissected descending thoracic aorta: 15.8% vs. 5.9%, SHR 3.211, 95%CI 1.067–9.664). In conclusion, surgical repair of TAAD limited to the aortic segments involved by the intimal tear was associated with favorable survival and a low rate of aortic reoperations. However, patients with enlarged descending thoracic aorta at primary surgery had higher risk of late reoperation. Half of the distal aortic reinterventions were performed on the abdominal aorta.

Case Report: A forty year-survivor of Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia and chronic pediatric shunt thrombosis; findings from cardiac CT scan

Here we illustrate a rare case of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) with pulmonary atresia in a 40-year-old survivor patient, despite a chronic pediatric shunt thrombosis. The patient became symptomatic at 38-years-old with progressive dyspnea on exertion and short cyanosis spells. The clinical findings were unspecific except for sinus tachycardia. To reassess cardiac abnormalities and associated intrathoracic malformations, a cardiac CT-scan was performed. Here we explain the mechanism for prolonged survival as an expansion of several and huge major aortopulmonary collateral arteries. This case predicts an exceptional late outcome of untreated TOF.