Initial experience on efficacy in closure of cryptoglandular and Crohn's transsphincteric fistulas by the use of the anal fistula plug.

Background And Aims: It was the aim of this prospective study to analyze the efficacy of the Cook Surgisis AFP anal fistula plug (AFP) for the closure of cryptoglandular and Crohn's disease-associated transsphincteric anorectal fistulas.

Materials And Methods: All patients with transsphincteric anorectal fistulas who underwent a surgical procedure using the AFP were prospectively enrolled in this study. Inclusion criteria included transsphincteric, single-tract fistulas.

Survey of inpatient counseling by hospital pharmacists.

A survey was conducted to determine the inpatient-counseling practices of hospital pharmacists. A questionnaire about the frequency of inpatient counseling, barriers to counseling, and suggestions for increasing the level of inpatient counseling was mailed to 667 hospital pharmacists. Recipients were asked to rate six attitudinal statements about inpatient counseling.

Influence of blood transfusions on tumor recurrence and survival rate in colorectal carcinoma.

Determinants for homologous blood transfusion and its influence on postoperative and long-term results were evaluated in 439 curatively resected colorectal cancer patients. The rate of transfusion was significantly higher in rectal cancer, large tumors, advanced pT stage and extended resection but not in tumor stenosis, lower graded tumors, advanced Dukes stage or less experienced surgeons. Transfused patients showed significantly more postoperative complications, higher recurrence rates as well as less favorable long-term survival.

Intracellular pH, esterase activity, and DNA measurements of human lung carcinomas by flow cytometry.

An important intention of flow cytometric investigations is to obtain biochemical and biophysical information about cells which is suitable for automated tumor diagnosis. In this study, the ploidy status, the intracellular pH value, the intracellular esterase activity, and the cell volume of vital cells and the DNA and cell volume of dead cells were measured in cancerous tissue and normal lung tissue of 30 patients by flow cytometry. The cell samples were simultaneously stained with the pH and esterase indicator dye 1.