Fissure in ano is a very common disorder of the anorectal region. Internal sphincter hypertonia with decreased relaxation coupled with mucosal ischemia of posterior anal canal are the major pathologies in chronic anal fissure (CAF). Though lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) remains the gold standard of treatment for the disease, it is accompanied by the potential complication of incontinence to both flatus and faecal matter. The aim of our study was to explore the role of topical diltiazem as an effective and a safe alternative to sphincterotomy for chronic anal fissure. Ninety patients with CAF were randomly assigned to group A and group B, with 45 patients each. Group A patients received 2 % diltiazem topical application, twice daily, and group B patients underwent LIS. All the patients were reviewed at first, fourth and sixth week after initiation of treatment. Visual analogue scores for pain and healing of fissure by visual inspection were recorded and compared. In group A, 71 % had complete healing of fissure at 6 weeks, with fair amount of pain relief (mean VAS-3.38), and in group B, 96 % showed healing of fissure, with excellent pain relief (mean VAS-1.87). Headache and flushing were noted in two patients in group A while no patients in group B developed incontinence. We conclude that LIS is more effective than topical diltiazem in the treatment of CAF. Topical diltiazem may be employed as an initial conservative treatment option before considering the surgical alternative.
BackgroundIn India, cardiothoracic (CT) surgery training follows a 3+3-year model, where 3 years of general surgery residency with certification (MS/DNB) is required for entering 3 years of thoracic surgery residency (MCh/DNB). There are two certifying boards at the national level. One being the Medical Council of India (MCI), which oversees the major accreditation process involving the undergraduate and postgraduate medical education in India, and the other being the National Board of Examinations (NBE), which was formed for the purpose of establishing a uniform standard of postgraduate medical education. Recently, the latter body has come up with an alternative model for thoracic surgery residency in India. This model includes an integrated 6-year residency, with lesser emphasis on general surgical skills and greater exposure to CT surgery.ConclusionsChanges to the current model of training for CT surgery is the need of the hour and should be initiated very soon by the MCI to meet the future demand for CT surgeons in India. An integrated training program is essential to create a new generation of cardiovascular specialists. Future directions to achieve this goal must include modifications to the undergraduate programs so as to infuse interest for CT surgery in the young minds of medical students.
Anaplastic carcinoma (AC) or undifferentiated carcinoma of the pancreas is a rare variant among the malignant pancreatic neoplasms. These tumors have a poor prognosis with survival measured in months. The role of surgical palliation to improve the quality of life is not well defined in these patients. We report a case of AC of pancreas in a 65-year-old male patient. Patient had upper abdominal pain with frequent bilious vomiting. Computed tomography scan of the abdomen showed a mass in the body of pancreas with possible infiltration of duodenojejunal flexure (DJF). Laparotomy revealed an inoperable mass with posterior fixity and involvement of the DJF. Patient underwent a palliative duodenojejunostomy. Tissue biopsy from the tumor showed pleomorphic type AC with giant cells. Patient had good symptomatic relief from profuse vomiting and progressed well at follow up. AC of pancreas is a rare and aggressive malignancy with dismal outlook. If obstructive symptoms are present due to duodenal involvement, a palliative bypass may be a worthwhile surgical option in selected cases.
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