The promotion of healing of large abscess cavities attained with topical phenytoin was evaluated in controlled studies of clinical and experimental wounds. In the clinical abscess cavities, phenytoin application in 20 patients compared with conventional treatment in 20 patients resulted in earlier separation of slough, decrease in oedema, control of pain and overall enhanced healing. The mean(s.d.) rate of reduction of wound area was 2.02(0.48) cm2/day in the phenytoin group versus 1.58(0.51) cm2/day in controls (P less than 0.05) on day 10, and 1.8(0.32) cm2/day versus 1.19(0.21) cm2/day (P less than 0.01) on day 20. The mean volume reduction rates at both the 10th and 20th day were 0.48(0.01) cm3/day for phenytoin versus 0.32(0.04) cm3/day for controls; (P less than 0.005). By day 20, 17 of the patients treated with phenytoin were rated as having healed completely, compared with only one of the controls. In a standardized guinea-pig model of the clinical abscess cavity, which included inoculation of the wound with Bacillus proteus and Klebsiella pneumoniae, an enhanced healing rate was also observed (at 7 days 0.40(0.05) cm2/day with phenytoin versus 0.21(0.08) cm2/day in controls; P less than 0.005). All eight of the animals treated with phenytoin healed by day 21, compared with one of the eight controls. Biopsies of wounds treated with phenytoin showed less inflammation, no necrosis, and enhanced neovascularization, collagen deposition and fibroblast proliferation compared to controls. Bacterial colonies also decreased more rapidly with the use of phenytoin.

Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder with no definite cure. A study was carried out on 150 patients diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. These included Duchenne muscular dystrophy, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, and Becker muscular dystrophy variants. They were administered autologous bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells intrathecally and intramuscularly at the motor points of the antigravity weak muscles followed by vigorous rehabilitation therapy. No significant adverse events were noted. Assessment after transplantation showed neurological improvements in trunk muscle strength, limb strength on manual muscle testing, gait improvements, and a favorable shift on assessment scales such as the Functional Independence Measure and the Brooke and Vignos Scales. Furthermore, imaging and electrophysiological studies also showed significant changes in selective cases. On a mean follow-up of 12 ± 1 months, overall 86.67% cases showed symptomatic and functional improvements, with six patients showing changes with respect to muscle regeneration and a decrease in fatty infiltration on musculoskeletal magnetic resonance imaging and nine showing improved muscle electrical activity on electromyography. Fifty-three percent of the cases showed an increase in trunk muscle strength, 48% showed an increase in upper limb strength, 59% showed an increase in lower limb strength, and approximately 10% showed improved gait. These data were statistically analyzed using Student's paired t test and found to be significant. The results show that this treatment is safe and efficacious and also improves the quality of life of patients having muscular dystrophy. This manuscript is published as part of the International Association of Neurorestoratology (IANR) supplement issue of Cell Transplantation.

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has now replaced open cholecystectomy as the first-choice of treatment for gallstones and inflammation of the gallbladder unless there are contraindications to the laparoscopic approach. The present study is done to know the incidence of cholelithiasis in India with respect to age and sex. To compare and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of laparoscopic versus open cholecystectomy surgical procedures. Methods: This is a comparative study done at tertiary care centre for the period of two years. Hundred cases of cholelithiasis were admitted, examined and operated during this period. Seventy two patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and twenty eight patients underwent open cholecystectomy. Surgical complications, duration of hospital stay were also recorded. Results: Maximum incidence of cases was in the 4th decade with female preponderance. The most common symptom was pain abdomen and commonest sign was tenderness. Ultrasonography is the investigation of choice. After laparoscopic cholecystectomy duration of hospital stay as well as return to normal routine work was significantly less as compared to open cholecystectomy. Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is innocuous and actual treatment with early recovery and cosmetic advantage. Open cholecystectomy is preferred if significant adhesions or inflammation are recognized during laparoscopy.

Introduction: Chest physiotherapy has long been an established mode of treatment for pulmonary complications after major abdominal surgery. This study aimed to assess the effect of prophylactic chest physiotherapy on the frequency and severity of pulmonary complications following abdominal surgery. Material and Methods: A randomized controlled study of prophylactic chest physiotherapy was conducted among fifty post-operative patients (age > 60 years) who underwent elective open major abdominal surgery and were admitted in surgical ward of a tertiary care center. The patients were randomized into two groups: treatment group (n=25) and control group (n=25). The treatment group patients were given preoperative verbal information and informed consent was taken to undergo chest physiotherapy. In group A (n=15), patients performed incentive spirometry and in group B (n=10), patient performed breathing exercises with pursed lips, deep breathing and coughing hourly. In the control group (Group C, n=25), patients were not given any preoperative chest physiotherapy. Observations: The frequency of pulmonary complications was higher in group C (Atelectasis-12%, Basal pneumonia-28%, Pleural effusion-4%) in comparison to group A (Atelectasis-6.6%, Basal pneumonia-6.6%) and group B (Atelectasis-10%, Basal pneumonia-10%). The frequency of postoperative pulmonary complications after major abdominal surgery was less with spirometry (group A-40%) compared to other physiotherapy (group B, 50%). Complications were maximum in patients without physiotherapy (group C-72%). Conclusion: Prophylactic chest physiotherapy significantly reduces the frequency and severity of pulmonary complications following abdominal surgery.