Search

This study was designed to investigate the effects of bipolar and mononopolar electrocauterization on peripheral nerve tissue. The comparison on the deleterious effects of the different cautery modalities and the importance of probe tip placement are evaluated using electrophysiological, electron microscopic and biochemical assessment parameters. Ninety-eight male Wistar albino rats, each weighing 250–275 g, were randomly divided into 14 groups. Each group consisted of seven animals. Monopolar and bipolar electrocautery were performed at 15 watts. The application was performed either directly on the nerve or 1 mm lateral to the longitudinal axis of the nerve for ‘near the nerve groups’, respectively. The electrophysiological findings showed that the mean amplitudes were at the lowest value in the first day for all the groups. At the end of the 3rd week, we recognised that the electrophysiological recovery continued. Electron microscopic evaluation showed myelin disruption in all groups. Myelin disruption of healthy neurons was at the highest level in the 1st day of application in accordance with the electrophysiological findings. Biochemical evaluation revealed statistical significance between the control and the two of the ‘near the nerve groups’ (GIII and GV) for NO (nitrite and nitrate) serum level. The data of the present study might suggest that electrocautery, independent of the type and form of application, may result in significant damage in histological and electrophysological basis. Although the relative proportions cannot be ascertained, the time course of recovery suggests that both axon and myelin damage have occurred. The probable electrocautery damage may be of substantial importance for the situation that the nerves are displaced by tumor masses or atypical neural traces.

Malignant melanoma is placed among central nervous system metastases as the third most common following lung and breast cancers [1]. Our case of multiple intracranial malignant melanoma metastases originating from a giant congenital naevus is very rare. In the literature, almost all the cases had undergone open surgery for de®nite histological diagnosis, however in our case the diagnosis was by stereotactic biopsy.

In some situations, the identification of subgroups of patients with elevated serum prolactin (PRL) levels on the basis of different forms of PRL present in the blood, may be complementary to generally accepted and performed biochemical and radiological examinations in addition to a thorough clinical evaluation. Further analysis of elevated PRL subgroups is advisable especially for cases lacking the signs of amenorrhea and galactorea harboring a space occupying lesion in the sellar region. We present the case report of a patient with a high ratio of macroprolactin with regard to total serum PRL harboring a radiologically confirmed stalk mass lesion. An appropriate treatment plan for this patient is discussed.

In this paper, a brief information on factors taking role in intracranial air formation and tension pneumocephalus because of two cases epidural air formation and tension pneumocephalus following transsphenoidal operation is presented. Two cases were treated conservatively.