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BMJ Clinical Evidence Jul 2014The definition of severe recurrent throat infections is arbitrary, but recent criteria have defined severe tonsillitis as: five or more episodes of true tonsillitis a... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The definition of severe recurrent throat infections is arbitrary, but recent criteria have defined severe tonsillitis as: five or more episodes of true tonsillitis a year; symptoms for at least 1 year; and episodes that are disabling and prevent normal functioning. Diagnosis of acute tonsillitis is clinical, and it can be difficult to distinguish viral from bacterial infections. Rapid antigen testing has a very low sensitivity in the diagnosis of bacterial tonsillitis, but more accurate tests take longer to deliver results. Bacteria are cultured from few people with tonsillitis. Other causes include infectious mononucleosis from Epstein-Barr virus infection, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis, HIV, hepatitis A, and rubella.
METHODS AND OUTCOMES
We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical question: What are the effects of tonsillectomy in children and adults with acute recurrent or chronic throat infections? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to April 2014 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically; please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
RESULTS
We found 15 studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review, we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: cold-steel tonsillectomy and diathermy tonsillectomy.
Topics: Electrocoagulation; Humans; Tonsillectomy; Tonsillitis
PubMed: 25051184
DOI: No ID Found -
Seizure Apr 2020Stereoelectroencephalography-guided radiofrequency-thermocoagulation (SEEG-guided RF-TC) consists of coupling SEEG investigation with RF-TC stereotactic lesioning... (Review)
Review
Stereoelectroencephalography-guided radiofrequency-thermocoagulation (SEEG-guided RF-TC) consists of coupling SEEG investigation with RF-TC stereotactic lesioning directly through the recording electrodes. In this systematic review the surgical technique, indications, and outcomes are described. Maximum accuracy is reached when a frame-based procedure with a robotic assistance and a per-operative vascular X-ray imaging are performed. Monitoring of the lesioning procedure based on the impedance, a sharp modification of which indicates that the thermocoagulation has reached its maximum volume, allows the optimization of the lesion size. The first indication concerns patients in whom a SEEG is required to determine whether surgery is feasible and in whom resection is indeed possible. Even if surgery is performed owing to insufficient efficacy of SEEG-guided RF-TC, the procedure remains interesting owing to its high positive predictive value for good outcome after surgery. The second indication concerns patients in whom phase I non-invasive investigations have concluded to surgical contraindication and who may still undergo SEEG in a purely therapeutic perspective (small deep zones inaccessible to surgery and network nodes of large epileptic networks). Lastly, SEEG-guided RF-TC can be considered as a first-line treatment for periventricular nodular heterotopia (PNH). Independently of indication, the overall seizure-free rate is 23% and the responder rate is 58%. The best results are obtained for PNH (38% seizure-free and 81% responders), while the worst results have been reported for temporal lobe-epilepsy in a dedicated study. The overall complication rate is 2.5%. More evidence is needed to help determine the exact place of SEEG-guided RF-TC in the surgical management algorithm.
Topics: Drug Resistant Epilepsy; Electrocoagulation; Electrocorticography; Epilepsies, Partial; Humans; Periventricular Nodular Heterotopia; Stereotaxic Techniques
PubMed: 30711397
DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2019.01.021 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2021Primary liver tumours and liver metastases from colorectal carcinoma are two of the most common malignant tumours to affect the liver. The liver is second only to the...
BACKGROUND
Primary liver tumours and liver metastases from colorectal carcinoma are two of the most common malignant tumours to affect the liver. The liver is second only to the lymph nodes as the most common site for metastatic disease. More than half of the people with metastatic liver disease will die from metastatic complications. Electrocoagulation by diathermy is a method used to destroy tumour tissue, using a high-frequency electric current generating high temperatures, applied locally with an electrode (needle, blade, or ball). The objective of this method is to destroy the tumour completely, if possible, in a single session. With the time, electrocoagulation by diathermy has been replaced by other techniques, but the evidence is unclear.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the beneficial and harmful effects of electrocoagulation by diathermy, administered alone or with another intervention, versus no intervention, other ablation methods, or systemic treatments in people with liver metastases.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE Ovid, Embase Ovid, LILACS, Science Citation Index Expanded, Conference Proceedings Citation Index - Science, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, ICTRP, and FDA to October 2020.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We considered all randomised trials that assessed beneficial and harmful effects of electrocoagulation by diathermy, administered alone or with another intervention, versus comparators, in people with liver metastases, regardless of the location of the primary tumour.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. We assessed risk of bias of the included trial using predefined risk of bias domains, and presented the review results incorporating the certainty of the evidence using GRADE.
MAIN RESULTS
We included one randomised clinical trial with 306 participants (175 males; 131 females) who had undergone resection of the sigmoid colon, and who had five or more visible and palpable hepatic metastases. The diagnosis was confirmed by histological assessment (biopsy) and by carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level. The trial was conducted in Iraq. The age of participants ranged between 38 and 79 years. The participants were randomised to four different study groups. The liver metastases were biopsied and treated (only once) in three of the groups: 75 received electrocoagulation by diathermy alone, 76 received electrocoagulation plus allopurinol, 78 received electrocoagulation plus dimethyl sulphoxide. In the fourth intervention group, 77 participants functioning as controls received a vehicle solution of allopurinol 5 mL 4 x a day by mouth; the metastases were left untouched. The status of the liver and lungs was followed by ultrasound investigations, without the use of a contrast agent. Participants were followed for five years. The analyses are based on per-protocol data only analysing 223 participants. We judged the trial to be at high risk of bias. After excluding 'nonevaluable patients', the groups seemed comparable for baseline characteristics. Mortality due to disease spread at five-year follow-up was 98% in the electrocoagulation group (57/58 evaluable people); 87% in the electrocoagulation plus allopurinol group (46/53 evaluable people); 86% in the electrocoagulation plus dimethyl sulphoxide group (49/57 evaluable people); and 100% in the control group (55/55 evaluable people). We observed no difference in mortality between the electrocoagulation alone group versus the control group (risk ratio (RR) 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94 to 1.03; 113 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We observed lower mortality in the electrocoagulation combined with allopurinol or dimethyl sulphoxide group versus the control group (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.95; 165 participants; low-certainty evidence). We are very uncertain regarding post-operative deaths between the electrocoagulation alone group versus the control group (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.07 to 16.12; 152 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and between the electrocoagulation combined with allopurinol or dimethyl sulphoxide groups versus the control group (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.09 to 10.86; 231 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The trial authors did not report data on number of participants with other adverse events and complications, recurrence of liver metastases, time to progression of liver metastases, tumour response measures, and health-related quality of life. Data on failure to clear liver metastases were not provided for the control group. There was no information on funding or conflict of interest. We identified no ongoing trials.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The evidence on the beneficial and harmful effects of electrocoagulation alone or in combination with allopurinol or dimethyl sulphoxide in people with liver metastases is insufficient, as it is based on one randomised clinical trial at low to very low certainty. It is very uncertain if there is a difference in all-cause mortality and post-operative mortality between electrocoagulation alone versus control. It is also uncertain if electrocoagulation in combination with allopurinol or dimethyl sulphoxide may result in a slight reduction of all-cause mortality in comparison with a vehicle solution of allopurinol (control). It is very uncertain if there is a difference in post-operative mortality between the electrocoagulation combined with allopurinol or dimethyl sulphoxide group versus control. Data on other adverse events and complications, failure to clear liver metastases or recurrence of liver metastases, time to progression of liver metastases, tumour response measures, and health-related quality of life were most lacking or insufficiently reported for analysis. Electrocoagulation by diathermy is no longer used in the described way, and this may explain the lack of further trials.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Allopurinol; Cause of Death; Colonic Neoplasms; Dimethyl Sulfoxide; Electrocoagulation; Female; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Solvents
PubMed: 33507555
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009497.pub3 -
In Vivo (Athens, Greece) 2023To compare the microscopic, macroscopic and thermal damage inflicted to ovarian tissue by conventional monopolar and bipolar energy, argon plasma coagulation (APC) and...
BACKGROUND/AIM
To compare the microscopic, macroscopic and thermal damage inflicted to ovarian tissue by conventional monopolar and bipolar energy, argon plasma coagulation (APC) and diode laser.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Bovine ovaries were used as a substitute for human tissue and subjected to the four aforementioned techniques and the inflicted damage was measured. Sixty fresh and morphologically similar cadaveric bovine ovaries were divided into five equal groups, each group was subjected to one of the following energy applications for both 1 and 5 s: Monopolar, bipolar electrocoagulation, diode laser, preciseAPC and forcedAPC Ovarian temperatures were measured at 4 and 8 s after treatment. Formalin-fixed ovarian specimens were examined by pathologists regarding macroscopic, microscopic and thermal tissue damage.
RESULTS
None of the ovaries reached the temperature producing severe damage (40°C) after 1 s of energy transfer. Heating of adjacent ovarian tissue was least pronounced when preciseAPC and monopolar electrocoagulation were applied (27.2±3.3°C and 28.2±2.9°C after 5 s of application, respectively). Conversely, 41.7% of the ovaries subjected to bipolar electrocoagulation for 5 s overheated. ForcedAPC resulted in the most pronounced lateral tissue defects (2.8±0.3 mm after 1 s and 4.7±0.6 mm after 5 s). When the modalities were applied for 5 s, the electrosurgical instruments (mono- and bipolar) and preciseAPC induced similar lateral tissue damage (1.3±0.6 mm, 1.1±1.6 mm and 1.2±1.3 mm, respectively). preciseAPC created the shallowest defect of all the techniques (0.05±0.1 mm after 5 s of application).
CONCLUSION
Our study hints at superior safety profiles of preciseAPC and monopolar electrocoagulation compared to bipolar electrocoagulation, diode laser and forcedAPC for ovarian laparoscopic surgery.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Humans; Plasma Gases; Lasers, Semiconductor; Electrocoagulation; Formaldehyde; Laparoscopy
PubMed: 36881055
DOI: 10.21873/invivo.13111 -
Indian Journal of Ophthalmology May 2022Corneal angiogenesis occurs as a sequel to an insult and it brings with it cells that mediate immunity as well as repair and aids in flushing toxins out. These vessels...
BACKGROUND
Corneal angiogenesis occurs as a sequel to an insult and it brings with it cells that mediate immunity as well as repair and aids in flushing toxins out. These vessels are formed in haste and leak lipid and cells, ultimately resulting in loss of transparency, lipid keratopathy and immunogenicity. So, they may need treatment prior to an optical keratoplasty.
PURPOSE
To demonstrate the procedure of Fine Needle Diathermy (FND) to treat corneal neovascularization, its indications and contraindications.
SYNOPSIS
FND uses coagulating current from a monopolar cautery unit to occlude the afferent and efferent blood vessels. FND works best at the stage of mature vessel formation. The needle is placed across a tuft of vessels or parallel to a single large vessel, being mindful of the depth and direction. FND is avoided in necrotic tissue where the blood vessel is needed for healing process. Occlusion of the vessel in these situations may result in tissue melt.
HIGHLIGHTS
Corneal neovascularization follows the stages of latent phase, active neovascularization, mature vessel formation and then regression. The treatment modality depends on the stage of angiogenesis. FND works best for neovascularization due to infectious keratitis. Keratoplasty is best performed 3 to 4 months later when regression of corneal vascularization occurs.
VIDEO LINK
https://youtu.be/2RK6d_a2Gdc.
Topics: Corneal Neovascularization; Corneal Transplantation; Diathermy; Electrocoagulation; Humans; Lipids
PubMed: 35502114
DOI: 10.4103/ijo.IJO_1013_22 -
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia E... Sep 2022Female sterilization is a surgical procedure that aims women to permanently stop the use of conception. The benefits, risks and cost-effectiveness are important... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
OBJECTIVE
Female sterilization is a surgical procedure that aims women to permanently stop the use of conception. The benefits, risks and cost-effectiveness are important issues. The purpose of this study was comparing the applicability, complications and efficacy of salpingectomy versus electrocoagulation and tubal occlusion by laparoscopy in the Ambulatory Surgery Unit.
METHODS
We performed a retrospective and observational study that included women undergoing laparoscopic sterilization procedures at our Ambulatory Surgery Unit, during three years. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, applying the Fisher exact test, the Mann-Whitney test, and Linear Regression.
RESULTS
Two hundred and twenty-one laparoscopic surgical procedures were performed, including 79 (35.7%) bilateral total salpingectomies and 142 (64.3%) electrocoagulation and bilateral tubal occlusion procedures. The majority of the procedures were performed by a resident ( = 162; 73.3%), with 40% ( = 33) of salpingectomies. The surgical time, independently the type of surgeon, was significantly shorter in the tubal occlusion (42.2 vs. 52.7 min, < 0.001). Safety and efficacy endpoints were not significantly different between the two groups, with a case of pregnancy in tubal occlusion group.
CONCLUSION
Salpingectomy is a safe and effective alternative comparing with electrocoagulation and tubal occlusion.
Topics: Electrocoagulation; Female; Humans; Laparoscopy; Pregnancy; Retrospective Studies; Salpingectomy; Sterilization, Tubal
PubMed: 36037814
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1755243 -
Seizure Apr 2020Designed from the 60s to the 80s for adults, and despite the development of many new techniques, invasive explorations still have indications in children with focal... (Review)
Review
Designed from the 60s to the 80s for adults, and despite the development of many new techniques, invasive explorations still have indications in children with focal drug-resistant epilepsy. The main types are stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) and subdural explorations (SDE). They provide precise information on the localization of the epileptogenic zone (EZ), its relationships with eloquent cortex, and the feasibility of performing a tailored surgical resection. Thermocoagulations, which are a diagnostic and therapeutic tool, can be performed using SEEG electrodes. Both techniques are feasible in children, with an age limitation for SEEG (which requires a bone thickness above 2 mm). The complication rate is higher with SDE. Opposed for a long time and never compared in a systematic study, they should presently be considered complementary. The indications cannot be directly inferred from those for adults, as there are pediatric particularities in the seizures' semiology, functional areas, imaging and urgent situations. We successively discuss the choice in individual cases of SEEG or SDE respectively, the specific problematic in infancy and early childhood, the schema in SEEG for cryptogenic epilepsies (in particular insular), the particularities of polymicrogyria and deeply located lesions, and finally, SEEG designed for thermocoagulations. Future improvements should include more accurate implantation schemas thanks to advanced non-invasive explorations and possibilities to perform SEEG in infants.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Drug Resistant Epilepsy; Electrocoagulation; Electrocorticography; Epilepsies, Partial; Humans; Stereotaxic Techniques
PubMed: 30503504
DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2018.11.008 -
Current Opinion in Obstetrics &... Dec 2015Permanent methods are the most commonly used contraceptive options worldwide. Even with the increase in popularity and accessibility of long-acting reversible methods,... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Permanent methods are the most commonly used contraceptive options worldwide. Even with the increase in popularity and accessibility of long-acting reversible methods, there remains high demand for permanent options, especially among women in developing countries.
RECENT FINDINGS
Traditional methods of permanent contraception, such as postpartum tubal ligation and interval surgical tubal occlusion or electrocautery by mini-laparotomy or laparoscopy are well tolerated and highly effective. Bilateral total salpingectomy for ovarian cancer risk reduction is currently being investigated. Hysteroscopic tubal occlusion reduces or eliminates the need for anesthesia, but requires surgical training and specialized equipment. Alternative permanent contraception methods are being explored including immediately effective hysteroscopic methods, and nonsurgical permanent contraception methods that have the potential to improve access and reduce cost.
SUMMARY
Permanent contraception methods are an important part of the contraceptive methods mix designed to meet the needs of women who have completed desired family size or wish never to become pregnant. Current surgical approaches to permanent contraception are well tolerated and highly effective. The development of a highly effective nonsurgical approach could simplify the provision of permanent contraception.
Topics: Age Factors; Choice Behavior; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Electrocoagulation; Female; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Laparotomy; Socioeconomic Factors; Sterilization, Reproductive; Sterilization, Tubal; Women's Health
PubMed: 26406934
DOI: 10.1097/GCO.0000000000000213 -
The Pan African Medical Journal 2018Angiokeratomas are vascular dilations (telangiectasic papules) with keratotic surface caused by capillary dilation in the dermal papilla due to venous hyperpression,...
Angiokeratomas are vascular dilations (telangiectasic papules) with keratotic surface caused by capillary dilation in the dermal papilla due to venous hyperpression, vascular malformation or a capillary fragility. They most commonly are benign and just unsightly and they may sometimes reveal a dreaded overload disease known as Fabry Disease. Here we report the case of a 56-year old patient, with no notable medical history, presenting with nontraumatic, nonpruritic, bleeding on contact, grouped cluster erythematous papules without extracutaneous manifestations on the left malar region, that had occurred 4 months before. Diascopy revealed partially emptied papules with keratotic surface. Kaposi syndrome, melanoma, carcinoma or angiokeratoma were suspected. Histological examination revealed angiokeratoma. Treatment based on electrocoagulation was proposed to the patient.
Topics: Angiokeratoma; Diagnosis, Differential; Electrocoagulation; Hemorrhage; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 30374386
DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2018.30.140.14943 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Apr 2024Upper gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage presents a substantial clinical challenge. Initial management typically involves resuscitation and endoscopy within 24 h, although... (Review)
Review
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage presents a substantial clinical challenge. Initial management typically involves resuscitation and endoscopy within 24 h, although the benefit of very early endoscopy (< 12 h) for high-risk patients is debated. Treatment goals include stopping acute bleeding, preventing rebleeding, and using a multimodal approach encompassing endoscopic, pharmacological, angiographic, and surgical methods. Pharmacological agents such as vasopressin, prostaglandins, and proton pump inhibitors are effective, but the increase in antithrombotic use has increased GI bleeding morbidity. Endoscopic hemostasis, particularly for nonvariceal bleeding, employs techniques such as electrocoagulation and heater probes, with concerns over tissue injury from monopolar electrocoagulation. Novel methods such as Hemospray and Endoclot show promise in creating mechanical tamponades but have limitations. Currently, the first-line therapy includes thermal probes and hemoclips, with over-the-scope clips emerging for larger ulcer bleeding. The gold probe, combining bipolar electrocoagulation and injection, offers targeted coagulation but has faced device-related issues. Future advancements involve combining techniques and improving endoscopic imaging, with studies exploring combined approaches showing promise. Ongoing research is crucial for developing standardized and effective hemorrhage management strategies.
Topics: Humans; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage; Hemostasis, Endoscopic; Hemostatics; Electrocoagulation; Treatment Outcome; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal
PubMed: 38681987
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i15.2087