Antibiotic resistance in primary and persistent endodontic infections.

Introduction: The presence of antibiotic resistance genes in endodontic microorganisms might render the infection resistant to common antibiotics. The aims of this project were to identify selected antibiotic resistance genes in primary and persistent endodontic infections and to determine the effectiveness of contemporary endodontic procedures in eliminating bacteria with these genes.

Methods: In patients undergoing primary endodontic treatment or retreatment, the root canals were aseptically accessed and sampled before endodontic procedures as well as after contemporary chemomechanical preparation and medication with calcium hydroxide.

Liver function disturbances following laparoscopic cholecystectomy: incidence and significance.

Background: Unexplained disturbances of liver function parameters after laparoscopic cholecystectomy have been reported in a few previous studies. We aimed to assess the incidence of these disturbances, and their relation to age, sex, duration of surgery, and type of gallbladder inflammation, as well as their clinical significance.

Patients And Methods: All patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Dallah Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during the year 2001 were prospectively evaluated.