The utilization of an absorbable mesh after ostomy reversal does not decrease incisional hernia rates.

Background: Postoperative ostomy reversal hernias are common and can create strain on the healthcare system. There is little literature evaluating the utilization of absorbable mesh following ostomy reversal. The effect on subsequent hernia rates at our institution has not been evaluated.

Firearm Acoustic Detection in Hartford, Connecticut: Outcomes of a Trauma Center - Law Enforcement Collaboration.

Introduction Firearm homicide is a leading cause of violence-related death in the United States.Unfortunately, more than 80% of illegal firearm discharges are never reported to police by traditional means.ShotSpotter (Newark, California) is an acoustic firearm event detection system that can localize gunfire, prompting police, and subsequent emergency medical services (EMS) presence.

Follow-Up Bibliometric Analysis of Neurosurgical Publications from Pakistan and Institutional Comparison with other Countries Using h-Index and i-10 Index.

Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze the neurosurgical research output of Pakistan and compare it with that of developed countries.

Methodology: We conducted a bibliometric analysis of publically available databases for all neurosurgical publications from Pakistan. All indexed peer-reviewed publications from January 2009 to December 2014 where at least one author was affiliated with any neurosurgical departments in Pakistan and research was conducted in Pakistan were selected.

Ependymal enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging for the identification of high-grade gliomas.

Background: High-grade gliomas have high infiltrative potential and spread along white matter and blood vessels. Enhancement of ependymal lining on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered as a marker of parenchymal spread of disease. In this study, we aimed to assess the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of ependymal enhancement (EE) for identification of high-grade glial tumors.

Intrathecal and intraventricular antibiotics for postoperative Gram-negative meningitis and ventriculitis.

Background: Postoperative meningitis is a growing cause of concern, especially with the evolution of multidrug-resistant organism. The authors evaluate the use of intraventricular/intrathecal (IVT/IT) antibiotics for postoperative gram-negative meningitis in patients whom intravenous antibiotics were ineffective.

Methods: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed and neurosurgery patients with gram-negative postoperative infection meningitis/ventriculitis were enrolled in the study.

Complications of in-patient Cerebral Angiography: Comparison between patients with and without sub arachnoid haemorrhage.

Objective: To compare complications of cerebral angiography among patients with and without subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised records of patients undergoing inpatient therapeutic and diagnostic cerebral angiographies from 2001 to 2010. The patients were divided into subarachnoid and non-subarachnoid haemorrhage groups.

Comparison of Irrigation versus No Irrigation during Burr Hole Evacuation of Chronic Subdural Hematoma.

Objective To compare the results of the use of irrigation versus no irrigation during burr hole evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). Methodology The study was a retrospective chart review of those patients who underwent burr hole evacuation of CSDH during a period of 5 years. Cases were divided into two groups based on the use of irrigation during surgery.

Pneumoperitoneum, pneumoretroperitoneum, pneumomediastinum and extensive subcutaneous emphysema in a patient with ulcerative colitis: A case report.

Introduction: Pneumo-mediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema are rare presentations of lower gastrointestinal tract perforation.

Presentation Of Case: We are presenting the case of a middle aged man diagnosed with UC who presented with dyspnea and subcutaneous emphysema, attributed to multiple perforations including the stomach and colon.

Case Discussion: Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) are at an increased risk of perforations due to friability of colonic mucosa given the chronic inflammation and relapsing flares.

Clinical outcome and cost effectiveness of early tracheostomy in isolated severe head injury patients.

Background: Early tracheostomy (ET) has been shown to be effective in reducing complications associated with prolong mechanical ventilation. The study was carried out to evaluate the role of ET in reducing the duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, ICU-related morbidities, and its overall effect on outcome, in patients with isolated severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Methods: This 7-year review included 100 ICU patients with isolated severe TBI requiring mechanical ventilation.

Inter-observer variability in diagnosing radiological features of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage; a preliminary single centre study comparing observers from different specialties and levels of training.

Background: A noncontrast computed tomography (CT) scan remains the initial radiological investigation of choice for a patient with suspected aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). This initial scan may be used to derive key information about the underlying aneurysm which may aid in further management. The interpretation, however, is subject to the skill and experience of the interpreting individual.

Attitudes of medical students towards incentives offered by pharmaceutical companies -- perspective from a developing nation -- a cross-sectional study.

Background: A training physician has his first interaction with a pharmaceutical representative during medical school. Medical students are often provided with small gifts such as pens, calendars and books, as well as free lunches as part of drug promotion offers. Ethical impact of these transactions as perceived by young medical students has not been investigated in Pakistan before.

Intramedullary spinal tuberculoma.

Spinal intradural intramedullary tuberculoma is extremely rare entity of tuberculosis involving the nervous system. Because of its atypical symptomatology, it must be considered in differential diagnosis of spinal cord lesions, especially where prevalence of tuberculosis is high. In this case report this atypical disease is described where good outcome was achieved by surgical excision of the intramedullary lesion followed by antituberculous therapy.

Congenital anomalies of coronary arteries: Diagnosis with 64 slice multidetector CT.

Objective: Congenital coronary artery anomalies are generally incidental, uncommon and asymptomatic. Some can cause severe potentially life threatening symptoms. The common mode of studying the coronary arteries is Conventional Coronary Angiogram.