Computed tomography is not justified in every pediatric blunt trauma patient with a suspicious mechanism of injury.

Objective: Computed tomography (CT) has become an important tool for the diagnosis of intra-abdominal and chest injuries in patients with blunt trauma. The role of CT in conscious asymptomatic patients with a suspicious mechanism of injury remains controversial. This controversy intensifies in the management of pediatric blunt trauma patients, who are much more susceptible to radiation exposure.

Preoperative staging using transrectal ultrasound in high and low rectal cancer.

Background: An accurate preoperative definition of tumor and lymph node status is needed for reaching the correct decision regarding rectal cancer treatment. Transrectal ultrasonography is the most commonly used diagnostic modality for the local staging of rectal cancer.

Objectives: To determine the accuracy of TRUS in the staging of rectal cancer.

Intraoperative parathormone measurements and postoperative hypocalcemia.

Background: Hypocalcemia following thyroid and parathyroid surgery is a well-recognized potential complication.

Objectives: To determine the utility of intraoperative quick parathormone assay in predicting severe hypocalcemia development following parathyroidectomy for a single-gland adenoma causing primary hyperparathyroidism.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed.

Prospective, multicenter evaluation of highly concentrated fibrin glue in the treatment of complex cryptogenic perianal fistulas.

Purpose: The surgical management of complex perianal fistulas is challenging and may be associated with the risk of sphincter injury. Instillation of fibrin glue to the fistula tract is a simple procedure that does not involve any muscle division, and potentially results in healing of the fistula. This study was designed to assess the use of highly concentrated fibrin glue with intra-adhesive antibiotics in the treatment of complex cryptogenic perianal fistulas.

Quick parathormone assay in the surgical management of hyperparathyroidism.

Background: Among the various new technologies in the field of parathyroid surgery is intraoperative quick parathormone measurements.

Objectives: To evaluate the contribution of QPTH measurements during parathyroidectomy to the achievement of higher success rates.

Methods: QPTH assay using Immulite Turbo Intact PTH was measured in 32 patients undergoing parathyroidectomy: 30 for primary and 2 for secondary hyperparathyroidism.