Background: A hyaluronic acid/carboxymethylcellulose (HA/CMC) membrane is an effective measure to prevent polypropylene mesh induced adhesions. We hypothesized that taurolidine 2% solution might be a cost-effective alternative to decrease adhesion formation. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four rats were randomized into three groups: mesh alone (group 1), mesh + taurolidine 2% (group 2), and mesh + HA/CMC (group 3). Polypropylene mesh (4 cm²) was used to repair surgically induced anterior abdominal wall defects. Taurolidine 2%or a HA/CMC membrane was used as an antiadhesive measure. The animals were sacrificed 6 weeks after the operation, and adhesions to the prosthetic material were evaluated with digital image analysis. Results: Group 1 (mesh alone) had the highest adhesion ratio (58.5 ± 4.8%) compared with groups 2 and 3 (p < 0.05). The differences between groups 2 (mesh + taurolidine 2%; adhesion ratio 42.9 ± 1.6%) and 3 (mesh + HA/CMC; adhesion ratio 40.3 ± 3.0%) were not significant (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The animals of both treatment groups (2 and 3) had lower adhesion ratios compared with the controls (group 1). In particular, the HA/CMC membrane did not present with a superior antiadhesive effect compared with taurolidine. Therefore, taurolidine is a cost-effective alternative to HA/CMC membranes when a polypropylene mesh is used in direct contact with the abdominal viscera.

HS causes less inflammatory reaction and necrosis than diathermy, but more necrosis than CS. Fascia incisions with CS gains tensile strength faster than in other groups. HS appears to cause less tissue injury than diathermy and also has comparable results for wound healing. Further clinical studies on the impact of HS in fascia incisions are needed.

In this study, we investigated the effects of synchronous anastomosis on intestinal healing in experimental colonic resection. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into 3 groups; control (group I), single anastomosis (group II) and synchronous (double) anastomosis (group III). Single and proximal anastomoses were located 3 cm distal to caecum, and distal anastomoses were done 3 cm distal to them. On the 7th postoperative day, bursting pressure, hydroxyproline level and histology of the anastomotic site were assessed. Bursting pressures and hydroxyproline levels indicated that impaired healing of proximal anastomoses in group III was evident. Proximal anastomoses in group III had the lowest hydroxyproline value and bursting pressure level. Significant fibrosis was observed in the histological examination of distal anastomoses in group III. Double colonic anastomoses is not as safe as single anastomoses and involves additional risk. The healing of proximal anastomosis is significantly altered after experimental synchronous resection.

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Dear Sir, Allergic granulomatous angiitis (Churg-Strauss syndrome, CSS) is characterized by the triad of asthma, eosinophilia, and systemic vasculitis [1]. In addition to these classical findings, pulmonary infiltrates, skin lesions, eye, gastrointestinal, and lymph node involvement has been reported [5]. There are rare cases of limited form of CSS with no clinical evidence of asthma [6]. The patient presented here had no history of asthma or pulmonary symptoms. The patient's disease was limited to gastrointestinal system and the lymph nodes draining the involved bowel segment.The patient had an elevated white blood cell count (16,800/ml) with normal red cell indices. On peripheral smear eosinophils were significantly elevated (38%). Serological tests for hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus were negative, as were those for antinuclear antibodies, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA), and rheumatic factor. Urinalysis showed no proteinuria or hematuria. Renal and liver function tests were within normal limits. IgE levels were normal. The patient's neurological examination and electromyographic findings were normal. Chest computed tomography revealed multiple pulmonary nodules on both lungs. Allergy tests were performed and no allergic response was observed on screening tests.The patient was a 19-year-old man who had experience nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue for 1-2 weeks. The patient presented to the emergency room with abdomi-