EFFECTS OF PREOPERATIVE ENOXAPARIN ON BLEEDING AFTER CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS SURGERY.

Background: Low molecular weight heparins are replacing unfractionated heparin in practice prior to cardiac surgery. This study examines postoperative (post-op) bleeding indicators in patients who received enoxaparin and underwent elective isolated first time coronary artery bypass graft.

Methods: A total of 125 consecutive patients who underwent this procedure between 2009 and 2011 at one tertiary center were reviewed and divided into three groups: Group A (n = 50) received the last dose of enoxaparin between 12 and 24 hours before surgery, Group B (n = 25) received the last dose before 24 hours and Group C (n = 50) did not receive enoxaparin.

Large thymolipoma causing primarily respiratory distress.

Thymolipoma, is an anterior mediastinal tumor that is benign in origin. It is often asymptomatic, but can enlarge significantly prior to diagnosis. It consists of thymic and fatty tissue and is surrounded by a capsule.

Acquired nonmalignant tracheoesophageal fistula.

Acquired nonmalignant tracheoesophageal fistula is a rare clinical entity and a difficult problem to diagnose and manage. We report a 59-year-old woman diagnosed with a tracheoesophageal fistula secondary to prolonged intubation. The diagnosis was delayed for a year, hence her mild symptoms; cough and dysphagia mainly to liquids.