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survey was conducted in 47 locations in nine cotton-growing states of India to identify the composition of mealybug species occurring on cotton. Results of the taxonomic study showed that two mealybug species, the solenopsis mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis (Tinsley), and the pink hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green), were found to infest cotton plants from all nine cotton growing states of the country. However, P. solenopsis was found to be the predominant mealybug species, comprising 95% of the samples examined. P. solenopsis, which was hitherto not reported to occur in India, now appears to be widespread on cotton in almost all cotton-growing states of the country. P. solenopsis is an exotic species originated from the USA and was reported to damage cotton and crops of 14 families. This report discusses the implications of the introduction of this exotic polyphagous pest species and the necessary steps to mitigate its potential threat to agriculture in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Female conjoined twins (thoraco-omphalopagus) were delivered by emergency caesarean section in a private nursing home. On examination, one of the twins was dead and was threatening the survival of the surviving twin (twin A). An emergency separation was performed to salvage the surviving twin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colostomy site, which is a potentially contaminated wound, is traditionally closed with interrupted skin stitches and placement of intraperitoneal or parietal or both drains; often with poor cosmetic outcome in our country. This study aims at prospective evaluation of colostomy closure wounds by different techniques. Patients and Methods: This study was carried out in all infants and children with colostomy (for different pathologies) admitted for colostomy closure in our institute from August 1, 2006 to February 29, 2008. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A with colostomy closure without any drain and subcuticular skin closure and Group B with colostomy closure with both intraperitoneal and parietal drain and interrupted skin closure. Patient's details, including age, sex, body weight, diagnosis, preoperative bowel preparation, peroperative antibiotics, postoperative wound infection, anastomotic leaks, duration of hospitalisation and postoperative follow-up for wound assessment, were recorded. By the end of February 2008, 151 cases of colostomy closure were recorded, 70 in Group A and 81 in Group B. Results: Statistical analysis of the data showed no statistically significant difference in wound infection and anastomotic leak between the two groups. On postoperative follow-up, wound assessment showed significantly better cosmesis in the no drain subcuticular group. Conclusion: This study shows that closing colostomies without any drain and subcuticular skin closure does not result in any increased incidence of wound infection and has better cosmetic results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim and Objective: To compare the outcomes in patients with colostomy closure prospectively by different techniques; with or without placing drains and with interrupted or subcuticular skin closure. Materials and Methods: This ongoing prospective study is being carried out in all children with colostomy (from anorectal malformation, Hirschprung's disease, other causes) admitted for colostomy closure in our institute from 1st August 2006 onwards. Patients admitted under one unit were operated without any drain and subcuticular skin closure while those admitted under other units have their colostomy closed with both intraperitoneal and subcutaneous drains and interrupted skin closure. The details regarding preoperative preparation; use of antibiotics, duration of mechanical bowel preparation, use of PEGLEC, and the cost were recorded. Requirements of blood transfusion, perioperative antibiotics, postoperative wound infection, anastomotic leaks, duration of Parenteral nutrition, duration of hospitalization and postoperative 2nd week follow-up for wound assessment were also recorded. Results: By the end of May 2006; 50 cases of colostomy closure, 25 cases each in no drain, subcuticular closure group and drains, interrupted skin closure group were recorded. Analysis of the data showed no statistically significant difference in wound infection and anastomotic leak rates between the 2 groups. Instead the cost of treatment and duration of hospitalization was significantly lower in the no drain, subcuticular closure group. 2nd postoperative week follow-up wound assessment showed significantly better Cosmesis in the no drain, subcuticular closure group. Conclusion: There is a belief that colostomies are infective wounds and their closure need drains and interrupted skin closure. But our study shows that closing colostomies without any drain and subcuticular closure does not result in any increased incidence of wound infection & anastomotic leaks but there is a significant decrease in the cost of treatment, duration of hospitalization and better cosmetic result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastric teratoma is a rare lesion seen most often in male infants. This patient, aged one year, female was having a massive benign gastric teratoma. The size of the tumour was 22 cm x 10 cm x 8 cm and weighted 2.250 kg making it one of the largest gastric teratoma. The tumour was removed by surgery. Histopathology revealed presence of all 3 elements in the form of skin, cartilage, fibrofatty tissue, blood vessels and gland with tall columnar epithelium. Postoperative period was uneventful.