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Objective: The aim was to evaluate the effect of honey dressing and silver sulfadiazene (SSD) dressing on wound healing in burn patients. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 108 patients (14-68 years of age), with first and second degree burns of less than 50% of the total body surface area admitted to our institution, over a period of 5 years (2004-2008). Fifty-one patients were treated with honey dressings and 57 with SSD. Time elapsed since burn, site, percentage, degree and depth of burns, results of culture sensitivity at various time intervals, duration of healing, formation of post-treatment hypertrophic scar, and/or contracture were recorded and analyzed. Results: The average duration of healing was 18.16 and 32.68 days for the honey and SSD group, respectively. Wounds of all patients reporting within 1 h of burns became sterile with the honey dressing in less than 7 days while there was none with SSD. All wounds treated with honey became sterile within 21 days while for SSD-treated wounds, this figure was 36.5%. A complete outcome was seen in 81% of all patients in the "honey group" while in only 37% patients in the "SSD group." Conclusion: Honey dressings make the wounds sterile in less time, enhance healing, and have a better outcome in terms of hypertropic scars and postburn contractures, as compared to SSD dressings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Isolated renal trauma in case of blunt trauma abdomen (BTA) is not common. Renal artery occlusion by thrombosis in such cases is seen very rarely. These cases had been traditionally treated by early nephrectomy, but nowadays, renal preservation is considered whenever possible. Treatment options to do so are being developed. Methods: Recently we came across one such case of isolated unilateral renal artery thrombosis (RAT) because of BTA. Relevant literature especially on various therapeutic techniques has been critically reviewed briefly along with case presentation. Results: Isolated blunt traumatic RAT has an incidence of less than 1%. Only about 400 cases have been reported. It must be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible to avoid progressive permanent loss of renal function. Contrast-enhanced CT scanning is the preferred modality for evaluation and follow-up of RAT. Conservative treatment is reserved for unilateral cases. For bilateral cases and when RAT occurs in a solitary kidney, revascularization either surgically or more preferably by less invasive percutaneous techniques has been recommended. Conclusion: Renal arterial thrombosis because of blunt abdominal trauma is still an underreported entity, treatment for which has not yet been established. Both early nephrectomy and delayed revascularization are not justified treatment options. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Biological dressings like collagen are impermeable to bacteria, and create the most physiological interface between the wound surface and the environment. Collagen dressings have other advantages over conventional dressings in terms of ease of application and being natural, non-immunogenic, non-pyrogenic, hypo-allergenic, and pain-free. This study aims to compare the efficacy of collagen dressing in treating burn and chronic wounds with that of conventional dressing materials. Materials and Methods: The records of 120 patients with chronic wounds of varied aetiologies and with mean age 43.7 years were collected and analyzed. The patients had been treated either with collagen or other conventional dressing materials including silver sulfadiazine, nadifloxacin, povidone iodine, or honey (traditional dressing material). Patients with co-morbidities that could grossly affect the wound healing like uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, chronic liver or renal disease, or major nutritional deprivation were not included. For the purpose of comparison the patients were divided into two groups; 'Collagen group' and 'Conventional group', each having 60 patients. For assessment the wound characteristics (size, edge, floor, slough, granulation tissue, and wound swab or pus culture sensitivity results) were recorded. With start of treatment, appearance of granulation tissue, completeness of healing, need for skin grafting, and patients' satisfaction was noted for each patient in both groups. Results: With two weeks of treatment, 60% of the 'collagen group' wounds and only 42% of the 'conventional group' wounds were sterile (P=0.03). Healthy granulation tissue appeared earlier over collagen-dressed wounds than over conventionally treated wounds (P=0.03). After eight weeks, 52 (87%) of 'collagen group' wounds and 48 (80%) of 'conventional group' wounds were >75% healed (P=0.21). Eight patients in the 'collagen group' and 12 in the 'conventional group' needed partial split-skin grafting (P=0.04). Collagen-treated patients enjoyed early and more subjective mobility. Conclusion: No significant better results in terms of completeness of healing of burn and chronic wounds between collagen dressing and conventional dressing were found. Collagen dressing, however, may avoid the need of skin grafting, and provides additional advantage of patients' compliance and comfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital fibrosarcoma (CFS) is a rare soft tissue tumour that usually occurs before the age of 1, and involves the distal extremities. The literature regarding the precise diagnosis and treatment of these tumours is limited. We present and discuss a case of CFS which ended fatally due to lung metastasis after 2 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the efficacy of tunica albuginea urethroplasty for pan urethral stricture management as an alternative approach to conventional dorsal buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty especially in cases with unavailability of healthy buccal mucosa. Materials and Methods: Eighty-six patients with panurethral strictures underwent tunica albuginea urethroplasty at our center with follow-ups at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. Results were assessed by comparative analysis of preoperative and postoperative patient satisfaction (based on symptoms) along with retrograde urethrography, urethrosonography, and uroflowmetry. Ten patients from the successful group underwent postoperative urethroscopic examination. Results: Counting good and fair results as successful (satisfied and not requiring revision urethroplasty), success rate (good + fair) was 95.3% at immediate postoperative and at 6 months. Results reduced to 93% at 12 months, 90.7% at 24 months, and 89.5% at the end of 36 month follow-up. Failure (poor results requiring revision urethroplasty) rate was 10.5% at the end of the 3 years of follow-up. Conclusion: Tunica albuginea urethroplasty runs over the concept of urethral groove and the ease of procedure with adequately satisfactory results provides decent outcomes. Tunica albuginea urethroplasty gives advantage of local availability and achieving patent distensible urethra without any graft. Urethroscopy of these cases, by direct visualization shows the area of roof formed by tunica appears well covered with urothelium, further substantiating its ability to maintain patency and distensibility of urethra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the innovative electoral process in Mauritius that ensures safe and adequate representation of various groups in the National Assembly. Overview of the electoral system in Mauritius; Elections in 1982, 1991 and 1995; Empirical illustration of the Best Loser system in elections.

Primary rectal teratomas are rare and only few cases have been reported in the literature worldwide. These usually occur in females. These are usually cystic but very rarely solid variants may occur. We present a case of a solid intra-rectal dermoid arising primarily in rectum from postero-lateral wall. Excision biopsy was done per rectally. Histology revealed the presence of squamous epithelium, fat cells, hair follicles, cartilaginous material and columnar lining of glandular structures suggestive of mature teratoma. It is usually benign but may become malignant, therefore complete resection is advised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case of reconstruction after penile skin avulsion is described in an eight-year-old boy. Penile coverage was gained by use of the avulsed skin flap itself, without a graft or local tissue flap. The procedure avoids any valuable time delay; thus, enhancing the chances to obtain adequate fl ap viability, avoids patient discomfort caused by perineal expansion, gives a satisfactory cosmetic appearance, and taking into account his age, avoids future psychosomatic and psychosexual problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ganglia are the most common benign cystic swellings found over both the dorsal and volar aspects of the wrist. In spite of technical advancement, both operative and non-operative interventions achieve more or less similar results. Complete evacuation of gelatinous fluid followed with intra cystic instillation of triamcinolone has given encouraging results. Aims: To assess the efficacy and safety of drainage of cyst and instillation of triamcinolone in wrist ganglion. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted on patients with simple ganglion cysts on the wrist. Total of 219 patients underwent this study. Out of this, 105 patients underwent the aspiration of the cyst fluid followed by intracystic instillation of triamcinolone, and 114 patients underwent surgical excision of wrist ganglia. Two years follow up was done for recurrence. Results: Most ganglia of wrist occurred in the extensor aspect. Complications noted among the surgically excised group were post operative pain and restricted mobility of wrist with a recurrence rate of 21.5%. Instillation of Triamcinolone into the ganglion yielded early resolution with a low recurrence of 8.4%. Conclusions: Intracystic instillation of triamcinolone after complete evacuation of cyst fluid is a simple and effective technique for treatment of ganglion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Functional ovarian cysts developing following pituitary down-regulation with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a), if active, are associated with impaired ovarian response and reduced pregnancy rates. Methods: A retrospective report of 1 year's experience of the use of norethisterone cotreatment to prevent functional ovarian cysts was conducted. Norethisterone 5 mg bd was started 2 days prior to buserelin administered by a long luteal protocol. Serum estradiol (E2) was checked after at least 14 days of buserelin and transvaginal ultrasonography was performed to look for the presence of ovarian cysts if the level was >200 pmol/L. Results: Serum E2 > 200 pmol/L was seen in 31 of 618 treatment cycles (5.01%). Parameters of ovarian response and pregnancy rates did not differ significantly between these cycles and cycles where the initial E2 level was < 200 pmol/L. Ovarian cysts were observed in only two cycles (0.3%), one of which culminated in a successful pregnancy. Conclusions: Norethisterone cotreatment with GnRH-a is associated with a very low incidence of functional ovarian cysts following pituitary desensitization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]