Asthma symptoms and airway hyperresponsiveness are lower during treatment with nedocromil sodium than during treatment with regular inhaled albuterol.

In a double-blind, double-dummy, multicenter study, 212 patients with asthma whose symptoms were not controlled by as-needed use of inhaled bronchodilators were randomized to receive either 4 mg of nedocromil sodium or 180 micrograms of albuterol four times daily for 12 weeks. Asthma symptom scores (daytime asthma, nighttime asthma, morning chest tightness, and cough) and peak expiratory flow rate were recorded daily on diary cards. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness was assessed by changes in diurnal variation in peak expiratory flow rate and by methacholine inhalation challenge.

Robotically assisted laparoscopic surgery. From concept to development.

The evolution of laparoscopy from a monocular view to the video screen has enabled all in the operating room to see the procedure. This has meant the surgeon must rely on an assistant to hold the scope, which has many drawbacks. Robotic enhancement technology creates a symbiotic relationship between the surgeon and robot and leads to great improvement in the performance of the case.

The utility of diagnostic laparoscopy for abdominal disorders. Audit of 120 patients.

We audited our recent experience with diagnostic laparoscopy performed over a 30-month period on 131 consecutive patients. Laparoscopy was 100% accurate in the diagnosis or exclusion of intra-abdominal malignant neoplasms, and future care decisions were affected by this information. Laparoscopy in the evaluation of chronic abdominal pain yielded positive findings in 47% of cases.