Membranous Obstruction Research Articles

Post-operative Clinical Evaluation of Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy: Insights from a Three-Month Follow-Up Study.

A bibliometric analysis concluded that the evaluation of post-operative outcomes of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in Indonesia had yet to be done. Hence, this study aims to assess the postoperative outcomes of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy, focusing on ostium granulation, intranasal synechiae, membranous obstruction, and ostium stenosis after a three-month follow-up in our Indonesian center. A longitudinal study (2017-2023) at our Indonesian center included cases with a minimum of three-month follow-up. Nasal endoscopy assessed ostium granulation, intranasal synechiae, membranous obstruction, and ostium stenosis. 28 cases were successfully followed up for three months. At three months, ostium granulation was present in 42.9% of cases, membranous obstruction in 14.3% of cases, with no intranasal synechiae or ostium stenosis observed. Out of 28 cases, 13 were successfully followed for six months, revealing ostium granulation in 7.7%, membranous obstruction in 38.5%, and ostium stenosis in 23.1%. Ostium granulation predominates, followed by membranous obstruction at three-month follow-up. Ostium stenosis, a minimal occurrence, manifests after six months.

Unlocking the secrets of success in probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction: investigating the factors that matter.

The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of different factors on the success rate of probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO). A retrospective analysis was conducted on 239 eyes of 202 patients who underwent probing for CNLDO between 2014 and 2019. Patients were divided into three age groups (12-24months, 25-36months, and over 36months) and two groups based on the type of membranous obstruction (MO) and incomplete complex obstruction (ICO), with complete complex obstruction (CCO) cases being excluded. The study involved administering general anesthesia (GA) to all participants during the probing procedure. The patients were then monitored at scheduled intervals for up to 6 months after the surgery. Success was defined as an improvement in symptoms and signs, and logistic regression and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis. The mean age of the patients was 25.48 ± 13.38months, and the total success rate was 86.61%. The success rate for MO was 92.8%, 95.87%, and 97% in age groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The success rate for ICO was 91.17%, 80%, and 23.52% in age groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The success rate for MO was significantly higher than ICO in all age groups. The success rate for ICO was significantly lower in age group 3 (p = 0.009). The study found that probing performed within the first 36months had high success rates regardless of age and type of obstruction. However, the success rate significantly decreased in patients undergoing probing for ICO at 36months or later.

Clinical characteristics and cytological changes in mucinous obstruction diagnosed by dacryoendoscopy

To analyze the clinical characteristics of mucinous obstruction diagnosed by dacryoendoscopy and compared the cytological changes with membranous obstruction using a modified liquid-based thin prep cytology method. A retrospective chart review was conducted on 53 eyes of 51 patients with mucus obstruction based on dacryoendoscopic findings from January 2022 to October 2022. Liquid-based thin-prep cytology was performed by irrigating the inside of the nasolacrimal drainage system with saline during dacryoendoscopy-guided silicone tube intubation. Pathological findings were analyzed through a comparison of mucinous obstruction with membranous obstruction as determined by dacryoendoscopic findings. The modified liquid-based thin prep cytology technique had a higher cytology detection rate across all cases. Mucinous obstruction exhibited a significantly higher number of successful canalicular irrigation test cases compared to membranous obstruction. In mucinous obstruction, epithelial squamous cells were more frequently detected in pre-sac obstruction, whereas columnar epithelial cells were predominant in post-sac obstruction. Inflammatory cells showed a stronger correlation with primary change and post-sac obstruction. Bacterial colonies were observed exclusively in cases of mucinous obstruction. The use of a modified liquid-based thin prep cytology method enables the examination of histopathological changes in the lacrimal passage in primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO), particularly in cases of mucinous obstruction, without the need for invasive biopsies. These findings enhance the understanding of the etiopathogenesis of mucinous obstruction, complementing knowledge of membranous obstruction in PANDO.

Surgical Outcomes in Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction After Probing Failure: A One-Stage Approach.

This study evaluates the outcomes of a one-stage obstruction-based strategy for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) in children who have prior probing failure. The objective is to assess the success rates of probing, balloon dacrioplasty (BDP), monocanalicular intubation (MCI), and external dacryocystorhinostomy (external DCR) performed in the same anesthesia session. A retrospective analysis included 55 eyes (45 patients, aged 12-120 months) with initial probing at another center. Procedures involved probing, probing plus BDP, MCI, and external DCR. For membranous obstruction (MO), the procedure concludes after probing; for incomplete complex obstruction (ICO) it includes BDP or MCI; and for complete complex obstruction (CCO), external DCR is performed. Success rates were assessed based on obstruction types and age groups, with improvement in symptoms and signs as the measure of success. Statistical analysis utilized Kruskal-Wallis, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression. The overall success rate for all procedures was 72.7%. Success rates were 77.8% for MO, 66.7% for ICO, and 100% for CCO, introducing a promising perspective for the management of different CNLDO types. External DCR exhibited a 100% success rate, highlighting its effectiveness in cases of CCO. Success rates for interventions were 77.8% for probing, 61.5% for probing plus BDP, and 73.1% for MCI, emphasizing the feasibility and success of one-stage obstruction-based treatments. Age did not significantly correlate with success rates. The one-stage obstruction-based approach, which demonstrated favorable success rates in treating CNLDO and introduced a paradigm shift in the treatment strategy after probing failure, underscores the importance of tailoring interventions to the specific obstruction type. The study also highlights the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of performing multiple BDP, MCI, or external DCR procedures concurrently during the same anesthesia session, further emphasizing the crucial role of customizing treatments based on the nature of the obstruction.

Advancements and Challenges in Membrane Bioreactor Technology for Industrial Wastewater Treatment

Due to its success in achieving the majority of wastewater treatment objectives, Membrane Bioreactor Technology (MBR) has replaced the Conventional Activated Sludge Process (CAS) as the leading method for treating wastewater. Nowadays, the treatment of industrial wastewater become one of the world’s major concerns, MBR technologies are used more frequently. This technology has a bright future in wastewater treatment (especially industrial wastewater). In general, this article is designed to give a general view of various aspects of an MBR, with the aim of addressing and overcoming any potential drawbacks or limitations. In this work, the fouling in MBR technology its variations and mechanisms, influencing factors are also discussed in detail. However, membrane fouling is thought to be the biggest challenge this technology faces. One of the main agents that causes the fouling of the membrane is Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS), which results in a decrease in filterability and a decline in membrane flux, which affects the membrane lifespan. Furthermore, it looks into how to minimize membrane fouling in MBR systems and offers biological tactics to lessen the likelihood of membrane fouling in MBR technology. Finally, this work quoted also how artificial technology might help to increase removal effectiveness and prevent filtering membrane obstruction.

Bony Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction: A Novel Phenotype of Aplasia of Lacrimal and Major Salivary Glands

PurposeAplasia of lacrimal and salivary gland (ALSG) is a syndromic disorder characterized by aplasia of lacrimal and salivary systems. Reported ophthalmic manifestations of ALSG include aplasia of lacrimal glands, punctal agenesis, lacrimal sac mucocele and membranous congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO). Bony CNLDO, a rare cause of congenital epiphora, has not been associated with any syndromic disorder. This study investigated the relationship between genetic mutations and bony CNLDO in three Chinese families with ALSG. DesignSingle-center observational case study. ParticipantsThree Chinese families with bony CNLDO including 7 affected and 9 healthy family members. MethodsSlit-lamp ophthalmic examination, comprehensive physical examination, orbital Computed Tomography (CT), cervicofacial Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), audiometry and whole exome sequencing on periphery blood were performed. Variants were cross-referenced with 1000 control genomes and various population databases. Pathologic variants were identified using bioinformatic tools. Main Outcome MeasuresClinical examination, diagnostic imaging, whole exome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis findings. ResultsAffected patients had decreased tear production on Schimer I Test and reduced tear break-up time. Bony CNLDO was observed on computed tomography, showing unilateral or bilateral bony termination at the middle or terminal segment of the nasolacrimal canal. Cervicofacial MRI showed aplasia or absence of lacrimal, parotid and submandibular glands. Physical examination revealed normal ears, digits and facial morphology. Audiometry and dental assessment were conducted on the pediatric patients and yielded normal results. The clinical characteristic of patients aligned with diagnosis of ALSG. Genomic analysis revealed three novel heterozygous missense mutations of Fgf10 gene: c.316T>C, c.327C>G, c.332T>G. The inheritance pattern was autosomal dominant with variable penetrance. These variants were not observed in 1000 control chromosomes and population databases. These variant positions were also shown to be highly conversed across various animal species. Mutated genes and proteins were predicted as “deleterious” with most computational models with a few suggesting they may be “benign”. ConclusionsBony CNLDO was identified as a novel phenotype of ALSG implicated by missense mutations of highly conserved residues in the Fgf10 gene. These cases broadened our knowledge of Fgf10-related phenotypes and prompt clinicians to consider syndromic associations in patients with bony CNLDO.

Comparison of Outcomes of Silicone Tube Intubation with or without Dacryoendoscopy for the Treatment of Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

In this retrospective study, we compared and analyzed two groups of patients who underwent silicone tube intubation (STI) to treat congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNDO). We employed dacryoendoscopy to visualize the lacrimal pathways of one group. In total, 85 eyes of 69 patients were included (52 of 41 patients in the non-dacryoendoscopy and 33 eyes of 28 patients in the dacryoendoscopy group). Clinical characteristics, dacryoendoscopic findings, and surgical outcomes were evaluated. The overall STI success rate was 91.8%, and the success rate was significantly higher in the dacryoendoscopy versus non-dacryoendoscopy group (97.0% and 88.5%, respectively). For patients < 36 months of age, the success rate was 100% (23 eyes). All patients with Hasner valve membranous obstructions were younger than 36 months and had structural obstructions of the lacrimal drainage system (LDS) (p = 0.04). However, in patients lacking Hasner valve obstructions, LDS secretory (50.0%) and structural (50%) obstructions occurred at similar rates, which did not vary by age. Dacryoendoscopy-assisted STI enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of CNDO and identified diverse CNDO etiologies beyond Hasner valve obstructions. These findings emphasize the potential advantages of dacryoendoscopy in surgical treatment for CNDO patients.

Association between the antiadhesion membrane and small bowel obstruction after open gastrectomy: A supplemental analysis of the randomized controlled JCOG1001 trial.

Postoperative small bowel obstruction (SBO) is one of the major complications that is mainly caused by postoperative adhesion. Recently, the antiadhesion membrane has become popular for postoperative SBO prevention. However, its efficacy is yet to be confirmed in the gastric cancer surgery field. Here, we conducted the supplemental analysis of the randomized controlled trial JCOG1001 to investigate the efficacy of the antiadhesion membrane on SBO prevention in patients with open gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Of the 1204 patients enrolled in JCOG1001, 1200 patients were included. The development of SBO of Grade ≥ IIIa according to the Clavien-Dindo classification was recorded. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed using the Fine and Gray model to determine the risk factors for SBO. Fifty-one patients developed SBO (median follow-up duration: 5.6 years). Total gastrectomy, combined resection, and blood loss significantly increased the risk for SBO development in the univariable analysis. Large amount of blood loss was independently associated with SBO development in the multivariable analysis (hazard ratio [HR], 3.089; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.562-6.109, p = 0.0012). Antiadhesion membrane did not reduce the risk for SBO (HR, 1.299; 95% CI 0.683-2.470; p = 0.4246). In the patients belonging to subgroup analyses who received distal and total gastrectomy, the antiadhesion membrane was not associated with the incidence of SBO. Antiadhesion membrane did not decrease SBO occurrence rate after open gastrectomy. Therefore, the use of antiadhesion membrane would not be effective for preventing SBO in gastric cancer surgery.

Chronic obstruction of the stomach as a result of congenital malformation in a child of 1 year 10 months. Case report

Congenital malformation of the gastrointestinal tract in a rare case can cause partial obstruction and masquerade as functional disorders of the intestine for a long time. Atypical clinic of membranous gastric obstruction causes difficulties in diagnosis and determination of treatment tactics. The aim to determine and present to the surgical community the features of diagnosis, surgical treatment, possible complications of a rare malformation of the stomach in children in the form of a stomach membrane.
 The paper presents a clinical case of the stomach membrane in a child 1 year 10 months old with complaints of vomiting after each meal, bloating, lethargy for one month. The results of ultrasonography, X-ray examination with the passage of a contrast agent through the gastrointestinal tract, fibrogastroduodenoscopy established anatomical changes in the stomach in the form of pyloric stenosis up to 0.40.5 cm in diameter. Intraoperative revision of the stomach, supplemented by intraluminal endoscopic support, made it possible to reliably establish the presence of a perforated pyloric membrane. The membrane is radically cut along the entire circumference at the level of its base. The next postoperative period was uneventful. After 1.5 months, the child was again admitted to the pediatric surgical department on an emergency basis with a clinic of intestinal obstruction, including the childs anxiety, repeated vomiting, and bloating. X-ray and endoscopic picture corresponded to the diagnosis of cicatricial stenosis of the pyloric part of the stomach. Taking into account the presence of cicatricial deformity, due to the high risk of complications during resection of the stenotic part of the stomach and the imposition of gastroduodenoanastomosis, a bypass retrocolic gastrojejunoanastomosis with Brown fistula was formed. When examining a child of a child in the late postoperative period, no complications were identified.
 The presented clinical case confirms that congenital malformations of the gastrointestinal tract in the form of stenoses and membranes can have a long stage of compensation, their diagnosis is based on a comprehensive examination of the child using radiopaque and endoscopic studies.

Removal of water nitrate using modified Purolite A520E resin, synthesis and experimental design

Today, the amount of nitrate (NO3−) and nitrite(NO2−) anions as the last step in the oxidation of the nitrogen compounds are important chemical indicators of water pollution. The presence of nitrates in water causes illness. Removing these anions is costly due to the high solubility in the water. Numerous methods have been used to remove nitrates. Some problems with these methods include cost, low efficiency, interference of other ions, high power consumption, destroying electrodes, membrane obstruction and the need for an operator. However, using adsorbents is a convenient method to remove nitrate. In this study, the adsorption with the aid of the Purolite A520E resin, which is functionalized using magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, is used to remove nitrate. In order to activate the resin, it was rinsed with acid and base and used as a powder with dimensions of less than 120 μm. Using experiment design, the optimum condition was obtained which was pH 6 and 60 min in the ambient temperature. To study the adsorption thermodynamics, the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm was investigated. It was observed that the nitrate adsorption model of the resin had better agreement with the Langmuir model. The resin affinity for nitrate ion was compared with that of the other ions, It follows the pattern NO3− > SO4−2> cL−. Reuse of the recovered resin after 7 periods showed satisfactory results. FTIR, VSM, XRD, EDAX and SEM have been used to characterize the magnetic resin.

S2566 Idiopathic Membranous Hepatic IVC Obstruction: A Search for Viable Options

S2566 Idiopathic Membranous Hepatic IVC Obstruction: A Search for Viable Options

Persistent Hymen in a Jersey Crossbred Heifer-A Novel Approach with Borescope

Background: Visualizing the internal genital organs in cattle using vaginoscope or endoscope is a costly affair and practically it is not possible to use this instrument in diagnosis of anatomical defects causing infertility under field conditions. An attempt was made to replace the costly instruments with low cost and easily available borescope in the diagnosis of persistent hymen in a Jersey crossbred heifer and the procedure has been reported for the benefit of field veterinarians and theriogenologists.Methods: A Jersey crossbred heifer with normal estrous cycle length and that failed to conceive even after 6 inseminations with fertile semen was presented to the Gynaecological ward. Rectal examination revealed a fluctuating swelling in the vagina. Vaginal examination revealed obstruction in the passage and the vaginal speculum could not be progressed into the vagina. Ultrasonographic examination revealed hypoechoic fluid in the vaginal cavity. A novel approach with borescope revealed a clear view of the membranous obstruction at the level of vagino-vestibular junction. Hence, the case was diagnosed as persistent hymen and hymenotomy was performed. Result: Upon hymenotomy, about two litres of thick, gummy, tenacious reddish brown colored mucus was evacuated from the vagina. The patency was checked and the animal was treated with antibiotics for three days. The animal was inseminated at the subsequent estrus on the 22nd day and pregnancy was confirmed on 45th day. The animal calved normally and delivered a live male calf. Thus, the borescope could be effectively used in the field of animal reproduction as an alternative tool for the diagnosis of developmental defects in the vagina.

Endoscopic pancreatic stenting using the combination technique of injection needle and needle knife for complete pancreaticojejunal anastomotic obstruction.

Watch a video of this article. A 69-year-old woman who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy presented with chronic diarrhea and exacerbation of diabetes mellitus. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed dilatation of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) (Fig. 1a). Exocrine and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency due to pancreaticojejunal anastomotic stenosis (PJS) were considered as possible causes of the symptoms. Therefore, endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) was planned. On endoscope (PCF-H290ZI; Olympus Medical Systems, Tokyo, Japan) insertion, the anastomotic site (AS), which was characterized by membranous obstruction, was identified (Fig. 2a). ERP using a conventional cannulation method was considered difficult because of complete anastomotic obstruction (CAO). As we confirmed that there were no major blood vessels around the AS on computed tomography (Fig. 1b), ERP using an injection needle (23-G TOP endoscopic injection needle; TOP, Tokyo, Japan) was performed. Four punctures were required for ERP and dilatation of the MPD was observed (Fig. 2b). The AS was incised using a needle knife (KD-1L-1; Olympus Medical Systems) (Fig. 2c). After incision of the AS and guidewire placement, it was dilated using a dilator (ES dilator; Zeon Medical, Tokyo, Japan) and a 5-Fr × 5-cm pancreatic stent (Advanix Pancreatic Stent; Boston Scientific Japan, Tokyo, Japan) was placed without adverse events (Fig. 2d) (Video S1). For CAO in PJS, endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic duct drainage is preferred because endoscopic pancreatic stenting under ERP (EPS) is technically challenging.1-3 However, EPS has the advantage that it can be safely performed using a physiological route.4 Similar to our technique, for CAO in hepaticojejunostomy, cholangiography and guidewire placement were simultaneously performed through a 20-G injection needle, and the access route to the bile duct was secured using a diathermic dilator via a guidewire.5 This technique should also be considered because it does not involve a blind incision with the risk of perforation. EPS using these techniques may be a treatment option for CAO. This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical standards described in the latest revision of the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent for patient participation and publication was received. All data relevant to the study are included in the article. Authors declare no conflict of interest for this article. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.

Budd-Chiari syndrome: consensus guidance of the Asian Pacific Association for the study of the liver (APASL).

Budd Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a diverse disease with regard to the site of obstruction, the predisposing thrombophilic disorders and clinical presentation across the Asia-Pacific region. The hepatic vein ostial stenosis and short segment thrombosis are common in some parts of Asia-Pacific region, while membranous obstruction of the vena cava is common in some and complete thrombosis of hepatic veins in others. Prevalence of myeloproliferative neoplasms and other thrombophilic disorders in BCS varies from region to region and with different sites of obstruction. This heterogeneity also raises several issues and dilemmas in evaluation and approach to management of a patient with BCS. The opportunity to recanalize hepatic vein in patients with hepatic vein ostial stenosis or inferior vena cava stenting or pasty among those membranous obstruction of the vena cava is a unique opportunity in the Asia-Pacific region to restore hepatic outflow closely mimicking physiology. In order to address these issues arising out of the diversity as well as the unique features in the region, the Asia Pacific Association for Study of Liver has formulated these guidelines for clinicians.

Dacryoendoscopy-assisted incision of Hasner\u2019s valve under nasoendoscopy for membranous congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction after probing failure: a retrospective study

BackgroundTo introduce a treatment option: dacryoendoscopy-assisted incision of Hasner’s valve under nasoendoscopy and assess its efficacy in treating membranous congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) in children older than 1 year with history of initial probing failure.Methods52 eyes of 43 children with membranous CNLDO who underwent dacryoendoscopy-assisted incision of Hasner’s valve under nasoendoscopy between May 2012 and October 2020 were enrolled in this retrospective study. All participants were older than 1 year and all the eyes had gone through probing at least once but still had symptoms of epiphora and discharge. Surgical success was defined as a normal fluorescein dye disappearance test (FDDT) and the absence of pre-operation complaints, including epiphora, muco-purulent discharge, increased tear lake or the symptoms of acute infection such as acute dacryocystitis. Patients’ demographics, clinical features and follow-up outcomes were evaluated.ResultsOf all these operated cases, surgical success was achieved in 52/52 eyes without any early or late complications. The overall success rate was 100%.ConclusionsDacryoendoscopy-assisted incision of Hasner’s valve under nasoendoscopy is an effective and minimally invasive surgical treatment in membranous CNLDO patients with initial probing failure.

Usefulness of high definition sialoendoscope for evaluation of lacrimal drainage system in congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

Sialoendoscope was used as a dacryoendoscope, high- definition images of the lacrimal drainage system (LDS) were captured and its performance in congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is reported. Nasal endoscopy was done as the first in all the cases using a 0°, 2.7 mm nasal endoscope (Karl Stroz Tutlingan Germany). This was followed by Dacryoendoscopy (DEN) of the lacrimal drainage system from puncta till the valve of Hasner. DEN was performed under general anaesthesia in 26 children (including 17 primary and 9 failed probing cases). All cases were examined using 0.8 mm sialoendoscope (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) with fibreoptic light transmission with a side port for irrigation. We were able to obtain high-definition images of canaliculi, lacrimal sac, sac duct junction, proximal, mid and distal segments of nasolacrimal duct in all the children with CNLDO.In 17 primary cases 16 had distal membranous obstruction and I case had proximal canalicular obstruction. In nine children with history of failed probing, five had membranous obstruction, two had dacryoliths, two had NLD malformation at different levels. An overall success rate of 88.4% was achieved. Sialoendoscope can be used as high-definition dacryoendoscope for diagnostic and therapeutic use in CNLDO. Useful information can be obtained on dacryoendoscopy in complex CNLDO cases.

Long-term follow-up after recanalisation of aortic arch atresia.

Aortic arch atresia (AAA) is one of the rarest obstructive defects. The presence of this anomaly in adult age is uncommon. The typical anatomic feature consists of a complete occlusion of the membranous obstruction resulting in an acquired atresia without flow continuity between the proximal and distal segments. This feature is important in determining the feasibility of percutaneous intervention. The aim of the present study was to share long-term follow-up data of adult patients with AAA requiring percutaneous interventions for the management of this rare anomaly involving five different centres. Retrospective data of 19 patients (12 males, 63.2%, mean age 32.2±18.9 years) diagnosed with AAA treated in five different centres between 1999 and 2017 were collected. All patients underwent percutaneous recanalisation by (1) radiofrequency (RF) system (five patients, 26.3%), (2) extra-stiff guidewire (12 patients, 63.2%), and (3) transseptal needle (two patients, 10.5%). All procedures were subsequently followed by covered stent implantation. Two patients developed complications during the procedure and one of them died. Over a median follow-up of 4.94 years, four (21%) patients were able to be weaned from medications for hypertension. All the patients underwent reassessment for recurrence or restenosis during the follow-up. Seven (36.8%) patients underwent successful stent dilatation with a balloon. After the intervention, one patient experienced a late complication; however, one patient died due to an unknown cause believed to be unrelated to the previous recanalisation procedure. Percutaneous treatment of AAA is feasible with good long-term survival. This study reports the largest case series so far available in the literature.

Bronchocele (bronchial retention cyst): from structure to diagnosis

SummaryIntroduction. Bronchocele is a relatively frequent inci-dental finding on computed tomography and is a dilated bronchus filled with mucous content due to continued se-cretion of the mucous membrane and proximal airway ob-struction, which often manifests itself as tubular branched structures associated with the bronchial tree («Finger in glove» sign). Purpose: to present “from simple to complex” diagnostic algorithm for detecting changes in the type of bronchocele on computed tomography. Results. The dif-ferential diagnosis of the causes of bronchocele is wide and includes both congenital and acquired pathologies, which can be divided into obstructive and non-obstructive. Also, etiology-wise, they can be divided into the following groups: congenital infectious pathology, and obstruction of the bronchus by masses or foreign body. Computed tomography is the preferred method for diagnosing bron-chocele; in some cases, CT is performed in combination with contrast enhancement for differential diagnosis with arteriovenous malformation or atypical manifestation of lung metastases. In case of a locally located bronchocele, obstructive genesis by masses or foreign body should always be excluded, which requires the use of broncho-scopic examination methods. The most difficult option for differential diagnosis is bronchocele caused by infectious agents, due to the non-specificity of the radiation pattern. To make a correct diagnosis, it is necessary to verify and identify the pathogen. Conclusion. The paper presents a diagnostic algorithm that allows to optimally diagnoseis the “bronchocele” type changes.

A national study of choanal atresia in tertiary care centers in Canada \u2013 part I: clinical presentation

BackgroundTo evaluate the clinical presentation of choanal atresia (CA) in tertiary centers across Canada.MethodsMulti-centre case series involving six tertiary care pediatric hospitals across Canada. Retrospective chart review of patients born between 1980 and 2010 diagnosed with CA at a participating center.ResultsThe health charts of 215 patients (59.6% female) with CA were reviewed and included in this study. The mean age of patients at time of CA presentation was 0.4 months (range 0.1 to 7.2 months) for bilateral CA and 37.8 months (range 0.1 to 164.1 months) for unilateral cases. The most common presenting symptoms for bilateral CA in decreasing order were respiratory distress (96.4%), feeding difficulties (68.2%), and rhinorrhea (65.5%), and for unilateral cases in decreasing order were rhinorrhea (92.0%), feeding difficulties (24.7%), and respiratory distress (18.0%). For the majority of patients (73.2%), the obstruction comprised mixed bony and membranous tissue, with only 10.5% presenting with a purely membranous obstruction. Familial history of CA was confirmed in only 3.3% of cases. One half of patients with CA presented with one or more associated anomalies and 30.6% had a syndrome.ConclusionsThe present investigation is the first national multi-institutional study evaluating the clinical presentation of CA over three decades. The present cohort of CA patients presented with a breadth of co-morbidities with highly variable presentations, with bilateral cases being more severely affected than unilateral cases. Further investigation into hereditary linkages to CA development is warranted.Graphical abstract

Эндоназальная дакриоцисториностомия как способ лечения острого абсцедирующего дакриоцистита

Aim. Estimation of acute abscessed dacryocystitis endosurgery treatment long term results. Methods. A retrospective analysis of a group including 16 patients with acute dacryocystitis and lacrimal sac abscess in whom endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy was performed as a primary procedure. Mean age was 57 years. All operations were performed under general anesthesia. To remove the mucous membrane of the lateral wall of the nose and the medial wall of the lacrimal sac, we used the Coblator® II radio wave cold plasma ablator (RF8000E) (USA). The bone window was formed using a SONOCA 185 ultrasonic bone dissector from Soring (Germany) with an oscillation frequency of 35 kHz. The operation was completed by bicanalicular intubation with FCI’s Bika silicone system. Results. Mean post-op follow-up period was 6 months. Lacrimal ducts passability was achieved in 13 of 16 patients (81,25 %). Three patients (18,75 %) had recurrent epiphora after surgery and underwent reoperations. In one of them (6,25 %) granuloma formation around the dacryostoma was found and in two (12,5 %) membranous obstruction of the anastomosis occurred. In all the patients pain has ceased within 3 days post-oр. Medial eyelids edema and erythema have gradually ceased in 2 days and completely resolved in 7–10 days. Conclusions. Success rate (81,25 %) in long-term functional results of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy operations shows high efficacy of our methods of nasolacrimal anastomosis formation in the treatment of patients with acute dacryocystitis and lacrimal sac abscess. Key words: endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy; lacrimal sac abscess; ultrasound bone dissection; cold plasma ablation.