Do routine antibiotics after loop diathermy excision reduce morbidity?

Objective: To evaluate whether routinely giving an antibiotic after loop diathermy excision of the cervical transformation zone reduced post-operative vaginal loss.

Design: Prospective, randomised, double-blind placebo controlled parallel study.

Participants: Five hundred women undergoing loop diathermy excision in a colposcopy clinic.

Direct listing' for tonsillectomy by general practitioners.

The aim of this prospective study was to determine the suitability of 'direct listing' of patients for tonsillectomy by their General Practitioner. All General Practitioners were issued guidelines outlining the indications and contraindications for direct listing. One hundred consecutive patients, referred over a 6-month period, were screened by an otolaryngologist.

Treatment of chronic otitis externa by KTP/532 laser.

The traditional meatoplasty operations performed for chronic otitis externa, which has entered the 'fibrotic' phase, are often unsatisfactory because the results in terms of canal patency, hearing gain and patient satisfaction are variable. Although the use of laser in chronic ear surgery is well recognized, it has not been previously reported as a meatoplasty technique. Ten KTP laser meatoplasty operations were performed on eight patients with chronic otitis externa.

How rheumatoid arthritis affects patients and families.

This article looks at the social problems of adults with rheumatoid arthritis. The effects on the family and children are discussed along with the role responsibilities. The role of the nurse in relation to patients and their family is illustrated.

Silent myocardial infarction during hypoglycaemic coma.

A case of silent myocardial infarction associated with hypoglycaemic coma is described. A hypoglycaemic episode represents a risk factor for a patient with underlying ischaemic heart disease. A routine ECG may be indicated in such circumstances.