Autologous ring vs. flexible prosthetic ring for ischemic mitral regurgitation.

Ring annuloplasty is the most common strategy for correction of ischemic mitral regurgitation. When a commercial prosthesis is unavailable or too expensive, an autogenous annuloplasty ring can be handmade by the surgeon. The aim of this study was to compare short-term results of mitral valve repair with autologous annuloplasty rings and the SJM Tailor flexible prosthesis.

Role of internal sphincterotomy in the treatment of hemorrhoids: a randomized clinical trial.

Background: Anal canal dilatation and sphincterotomy have been recommended besides hemorrhoidectomy to overcome the anal pressures in the management of hemorrhoids. The aim of this study to compare internal sphincterotomy and hemorrhoidectomy with hemorrhoidectomy alone with respect to manometric and clinical measures.

Methods: One hundred twenty patients with hemorrhoids were randomly assigned to receive either hemorrhoidectomy with sphincterotomy or hemorrhoidectomy alone.