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To compare the effects of using motorized diamond burr polisher in pterygium excision versus manual polishing of the corneoscleral bed in reducing the recurrent rate. A prospective, comparative and interventional study of 90 consecutive patients with different grads of primary pterygium, who underwent pterygium excision at Shahid Aso teaching eye hospital in Sulaimani city, between August 2018 till September 2019, which was performed by single surgeon. In group A (45) eyes polishing of the corneoscleral bed done using motorized diamond polishing burr, and in group B (45) eyes using manual crescent blade for polishing. Recurrent rate was evaluated after about (8±2) months postoperatively. Ethical consideration of the risks and the benefits of the procedure was observed for each individual patient. A 90 patients with the mean age of group A (48.84±12.7) years and group B (49.67±12.3) years, complained of different grads of primary pterygium, group A had 31(68.9%) male and 14(31.1%) female, while group B had 22(48.9%) male and 23(51.1%) female. Each individual factors like age, gender, visual acuity, BCVA pre and postoperatively, IOP measurement, dryness of the eye and risk factors like smoking and UV exposure affecting the recurrence were assessed. In both groups the main indication for surgery was sign of irritation. The mean surgical time was calculated and the difference between two groups were significant. After follow-up of average six months the outcomes and recurrent rate were checked, recurrent rate was in group A 1(2.2%) while in group B was 6(13.3%) patients. it significantly decreased. Corneal scar happens in only 1(2.2%) case of group A while in 11(24.4%) cases in group B, Corneal scar was statistically significant. In both groups the change of BCVA was significant but the visual change was more significant in group A in compare to group B. Motorized diamond burr is a safe instrument for polishing the cornea during pterygium excision, it is easy to handle, low price, need lesser operative time, its effect on recurrence postoperatively is significant and beside it leaves lesser corneal scar and early visual recovery postoperatively.

Objective The objective of the study was to evaluate the relation between occlusal loading and peri-implant crevicular fluid cytokine expression in patients with implant-supported complete fixed prostheses in both arches. Material and methods A prospective longitudinal clinical study was performed at a university clinic. Fifteen patients were selected and 11 were included. All patients had bimaxillary implant-supported complete fixed ceramo-metallic prostheses loaded at least 12 months before the beginning of the study. Allocation was established for each patient using a computerized occlusal analysis system. The test implant was the maxillary implant closest to the point of highest occlusal loading. The maxillary implant with least loading was the control implant. Occlusal adjustment was performed using a round diamond burr. This occlusal distribution was verified with the occlusal analysis system. Expression of cytokines from peri-implant crevicular fluid (TNF-α, IL-10, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-8) were recorded and analyzed in both test and control implants before (baseline: T0) and 2 (T1) and 12 months (T2) after occlusal adjustment. The Brunner-Langer non-parametric test was performed. Results At T0, the expression of IL-10 was significantly higher in the test group implants (p = 0.018). Between T0 and T1, the expression of all the cytokines decreased in the implants of both groups with statistically significant differences, except for TNF (p = 0.271). When comparing both groups at T1, there was no statistically significant difference in any of the analyzed cytokines. At T2, TNF-α suffered when compared with baseline, a statistical decrease in both study and control implants (p Conclusions Implants with higher occlusal load presented higher expression of IL-10 in peri-implant crevicular fluid. Occlusal adjustment produced a decrease in the expression of all the analyzed cytokines, both in test and control implants.

A úlcera refratária é caracterizada por uma lesão espontânea superficial da córnea, geralmente recidivante, e que não cicatriza dentro de um período habitual de tratamento. É ocasionada pela não aderência do epitélio ao estroma corneano. O diagnóstico é realizado pelo curso clínico e característica da lesão, observadas através de exame e testes oftalmológicos. Além do tratamento terapêutico adequado, deve ser removido o epitélio não aderente, a fim de facilitar o crescimento de novas células epiteliais, com complexos de adesão mais fortes. A broca de diamante (DB), destaca-se de forma promissora no tratamento para as úlceras refratárias, através da ceratectomia superficial. O procedimento com a DB é descrito em variadas espécies, contudo é raramente descrita em gatos. Dessa forma objetivou-se relatar o emprego da DB no tratamento de úlcera superficial não cicatrizante em um gato. O DB mostrou ser um dispositivo eficaz, de fácil aplicação, bem tolerado e seguro, na resolução de uma úlcera de córnea refratária num gato da raça Persa.

Purpose: To present a patient with giant cell tumor (GCT) of the orbit by changing behavior from an intraorbital mass to an intraosseous tumor. Methods: A 16-year-old boy presented with pain, swelling, erythematous of the left upper and lower eyelids, proptosis, and diplopia. Ophthalmic examination revealed chemosis, conjunctival injection, limited elevation, depression as well as abduction in the left eye. Results: Multislice computed tomography scan (CT scan) of the orbit and paranasal sinuses showed a hyperdense, oval, extraconal mass with bone erosion. Magnetic resonance imaging of the orbit showed an inferior lateral isointense, oval, extraconal mass that had indented the globe. The patient underwent superior lateral orbitotomy, and the orbital mass was excised. Two months later, the patient developed proptosis, severe chemosis, and eyelid erythema in the same eye. CT scan showed an intraosseous mass in the lateral wall of the orbit that had pushed the globe anteromedially. Intraosseous tumor was resected, and the lateral orbital wall was drilled during the second surgery. GCT was diagnosed based on pathological survey. Conclusion: Following the resection of the orbital GCT, the tumor behavior may change to an intraosseous lesion.

Objectives To serially evaluate morphologic and elemental composition changes to diamond burr tips (DBTs) comparing two sterilization protocols. Animals studied A total of 300 fresh cadaver porcine globes. Procedures Six DBTs were randomly, equally assigned into Group 1 or 2, and then analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) at 0, 25, 50, and 100 cycles. Diamond burr debridement (DBD) was performed for 120 seconds on corneal stroma using the Algerbrush®. DBTs were cleaned, and then: Group 1 was sterilized by Germinator 500™; and Group 2 underwent ultrasonic cleaning and pre-vacuum autoclave. A cycle is defined as one DBD, cleaning and sterilization protocol. Data were quantified using custom MatLab program. Results Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy revealed minor buildup of sulfur on both groups. Group 1 displayed major buildup of carbon and calcium. All DBTs were stippled with inorganic particulate at baseline. Particulates were no longer present on Group 2 by 25 cycles, but remained on Group 1 at all time points. There was significantly more buildup on Group 1 at all time points (P = 0.0000, 0.0009, and 0.0003 for 25, 50, and 100 cycles, respectively). More damage to Group 2 at all time points (P = 0.003, 0.002, and 0.003 for 25, 50, and 100 cycles, respectively) was observed. Conclusions No significant damage to Group 1 DBTs was noted after 100 cycles, however, particulate matter is not adequately removed using this sterilization technique. Ultrasonic cleaning is warranted between DBDs to achieve adequate particulate removal prior to sterilization; greater damage occurs with this technique which supports replacing DBTs regularly.

Purpose To determine whether the use of autologous serum or Vizoovet® improved healing rates of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs) after diamond burr debridement (DBD) in dogs. Study design Two parallel group randomized prospective study with a historical control group. Materials and methods Canine patients having undergone DBD for treatment of SCCEDs were included. Data for the control group (ofloxacin only) were gathered from patient records. Patients were randomly assigned to treatment groups for post-procedural medical treatments of ofloxacin and autologous serum (group 1) or ofloxacin and Vizoovet®, an all-natural eyed drop containing propolis, aloe vera, and chamomile (group 2). Each dog was examined between 2 and 3 weeks until the cornea was fluorescein stain negative. Data points collected included age, sex, breed, type of medications used, retention of bandage contact lens (BCL), time to healing, and number of DBD performed. Results A total of 120 dogs, each contributing one eye to the study, underwent DBD for SCCEDs. Mean (± standard deviation) days until healed were 20.1 ± 11.1 days, 16.3 ± 4.5 days, and 16.0 ± 3.7 days for the control group, group 1, and group 2, respectively. There was a marginally significant difference in days until healed between groups (p = .0515). SCCEDs healed significantly faster in group 2 (p = .03) and marginally faster in group 1 (p = .06) compared with the control group. Days until healing between group 1 and 2 were not significantly different (p = .76). Conclusions As compared to the control group, use of Vizoovet® as adjunctive medical treatment resulted in shorter corneal healing time after DBD.

Key points: Chondrolaryngoplasty or “tracheal shaving” is cosmetic surgery to reduce the laryngeal prominence in transgender women. Chondrolaryngoplasty represents a challenge in seeking a balance between aesthetics and function: a very conservative resection of the thyroid cartilage may lead to aesthetic dissatisfaction, while excessive resection may destabilize the anterior commissure tendon, causing permanent vocal damage. This was the first study to assess fundamental frequency and GRBAS scale before and after the surgery and there was no permanent vocal change in any of the patients. The midpoint of the height of the thyroid cartilage was a simple, easy to perform and safe parameter to locate and preserve the anterior commissure. Smoothing the edges and flattening the residual laryngeal prominence with a 4 mm diamond burr enabled major remodeling without a temerarious resection. All 15 patients presented a positive variation in the visual analogue score for aesthetic satisfaction, with a mean improvement of 8.6 ± 1.9 out of 10. Chondrolaryngoplasty led to significant aesthetic satisfaction in transgender women. The surgery caused no vocal change.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of diamond burr debridement (DBD) vs a combination of diamond burr debridement with superficial grid keratotomy (DBD+SGK) for the treatment of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs) in dogs. Procedure Medical records of dogs diagnosed with SCCEDs from three different institutions that received a DBD or DBD+SGK between 2003 and 2015 were reviewed. Age, breed, sex, history of a previous SCCED, procedures performed, time to healing, and complications were statistically analyzed. Results One hundred and ninety-four dogs met the inclusion criteria. Eighty-two of 106 eyes (77.4%) received a DBD and healed following the first treatment (13.3 ± 4.9 days to recheck, range 2-27). Sixty-eight of 88 eyes (77.3%) received a DBD+SGK and healed following the first treatment (15.4 ± 5.0 days to recheck, range 5-45). No significant difference in healing outcome was found between the two treatments (P = 1). For SCCEDs that healed after a single treatment (n = 150), complications occurred in 13.3% (n = 20) of eyes with no difference in complications between the DBD and DBD+SGK groups (P = .86). Thirty-five of 44 eyes (80.0%) healed after the second treatment (16 ± 8.2 days from second treatment to third visit, range 5-47); nine of 44 eyes (20.0%) were not healed (12 ± 6.2 days from second treatment to third visit, range 5-25). The second treatment method did not influence healing rates (P = .64). Conclusions DBD and DBD+SGK are equally effective treatment methods for canine SCCEDs. No differences in complication rates after one treatment were observed between DBD and DBD+SGK.

Objective To document the characteristics of unilateral, bilateral SCCEDs, and unilateral SCCED with a subsequent SCCED in the contralateral eye that are treated with diamond burr debridement (DBD). Procedure Medical records of canine SCCEDs who have received DBD between 2010 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Signalment, eye(s) affected, procedures performed, time to detected healing, and complications were statistically analyzed. Results Two hundred and forty-nine dogs had unilateral SCCEDs (85.0%), 13 dogs (4.4%) had bilateral SCCEDs, and 31 dogs (10.6%) had unilateral SCCED with a subsequent SCCED in the contralateral eye, 26 of which occurred within 24 months following the unilateral SCCED. No significant differences in healing rates after one DBD were found between different presentations of SCCEDs. Boxers are 2.3 times more likely to have subsequent SCCED in their contralateral eye than non-Boxer breeds. Of the 341 SCCEDs (293 dogs) in the total study population, 252 eyes (73.9%) achieved healing after undergoing one DBD. Fifteen cases were lost to subsequent follow-up, and 58 eyes (17.0%) required additional intervention after a DBD. Complications occurred in 16 eyes (4.7%) including 13 cases of keratomalacia and three cases of anterior uveitis. Conclusion Diamond burr debridement is a safe and effective treatment for different presentations of SCCEDs. No significant differences in healing rates after one DBD were found between different presentations of SCCEDs. Particularly in Boxers, a new SCCED may develop in the contralateral eye, typically within 24 months following a presentation of unilateral SCCED.

PURPOSE To evaluate outcomes of motorized diamond burr polishing versus manual polishing after pterygium excision. SETTING Dr. Rajendra Prasad Center for Ophthalmic Sciences, New Delhi. DESIGN A randomized, interventional observer-masked controlled trial. METHODS Forty consecutive eyes underwent pterygium excision with fibrin, glue-assisted conjunctival autograft. In group 1 (20 eyes), polishing of the corneal bed was done using a crescent blade, and in group 2 (20 eyes), using a motorized diamond burr. RESULTS There was no difference in the 2 groups with respect to mean age (P=0.08), gender (P=0.3), preoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) (P=0.45), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (P=0.52), spherical equivalent (P=0.5), mean astigmatism (P=0.7), tear function tests like tear break-up time, tear film meniscus height, Schirmer I and II (P=0.6, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9 respectively), pterygium dimension (P=0.4), and conjunctival autograft size (P=0.24). Mean intraoperative surgical time was significantly more in group 1 (16.9 ± 2.85 min) as compared with 12.25 ± 1.88 min in group 2 (P=0.0001). Postoperatively, there was a statistically significant reduction in astigmatism and improvement in UCVA, BCVA, spherical equivalent in all eyes. No difference was found in mean epithelial defect healing time, UCVA, BCVA, astigmatism, tear film break-up time, Schirmer I and II, and tear meniscus height at 6 months between 2 groups; however, significantly better UCVA was found in group 2 at 3 months (P=0.04). Surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) was significantly more in group 2 as compared with group 1 at 6 months (P=0.0006). CONCLUSIONS Motorized diamond burr polishing of the corneoscleral bed during primary pterygium excision in comparison with manual polishing requires significantly lesser surgical time with better UCVA, decreased astigmatism, and greater SIA at 6 months, which indicates greater astigmatic correction.

Objectives To describe the signalment, presence of systemic and/or ocular comorbidities, times to detected healing and probabilities of recurrence after diamond burr debridement (DBD) of eyes with presumed corneal calcareous degeneration and secondary ulceration and/or ocular pain. Animals studied Twenty-six dogs with 42 eyes affected, 34 eyes treated with DBD. Methods A case series was conducted using medical records from a private veterinary ophthalmology referral practice. Dogs were included if they had white or gray corneal opacity consistent with corneal calcareous degeneration with either erosive or superficial ulceration and/or ocular pain in at least one eye and had at least one such eye treated with DBD. DBD was performed with a battery-operated handheld motorized burr (The Alger Company, Inc. Lago Vista, TX, USA), and a bandage contact lens was placed in the majority of eyes (30/34). Eyes were considered healed when the cornea was fluorescein negative, and there were no signs of ocular pain. Patient data (signalment, recurrence) were extracted from medical records. Results Dogs were first re-examined 7–62 days after treatment (median: 13 days). All DBD-treated eyes healed within 62 days (% healed: 100%; one-sided 97.5% CI: 90–100%, median: 14 days), 82% of eyes (28/34) were healed at first re-examination (median: 13 days after treatment), and all were healed by their second examination (median: 24 days). Of the 34 treated eyes, 11 were lost to follow up; 11 of the remaining 23 eyes recurred. Estimated 1-year recurrence probability was 58% (95% CI: 35–83%). Seven dogs had systemic disease; 7 had a history of prior ocular disease or intraocular surgery. Conclusions Diamond burr debridement is a safe and effective treatment for rapid resolution of superficial corneal ulceration and ocular pain secondary to presumed corneal calcareous degeneration in dogs.

Recurrent corneal erosion syndrome is a condition characterized by recurrent attacks of mild to severe eye pain, redness, tearing, blurred or distorted vision, and light sensitivity. The underlying mechanism is a disturbance at the level of the corneal epithelial basement membrane, resulting in defective adhesions and recurrent breakdowns of the corneal epithelium. Trauma and anterior corneal dystrophy are the two most important causes. Although the diagnosis is easy, treatment is often frustrating. Management of an acute attack is easy but prevention of recurrences is the real challenge. This article reviews the literature on diagnosis and treatment approaches of recurrent corneal erosion syndrome with a special focus on advances over the last decade.

Endoscopic lacrimal surgery is increasing gaining foothold in the routine of a lacrimal surgeon. A well-designed operating room with well-trained assistants is as important as the instruments for an overall great setup. The major requirement is obviously a good endoscopic system, preferably a high-definition one for desirable surgical experiences [1–5]. For a transnasal endoscopic lacrimal surgery, a limited functional endoscopic sinus surgery set as well as ophthalmic set is required for all the necessary instruments. These should include a set of 4 and 2.7 mm telescopes with variable angles; fiber-optic light probe to guide to the position of the lacrimal sac; a 15 blade on a long, slim handle to provide adequate length for access within the nose; a Freer elevator for elevating the mucosal flap; a straight and 45° upturned Blakesley forceps for grasping bony and mucosal fragments; a microdebrider with a 4 mm Trucut blade for mucosal trimming and 2.5 mm diamond burr for bone removal; a standard sinus suction; a keratome for opening the lacrimal sac; and silicon lacrimal tubes if intubation is planned.

Objectives (i) Compare the outcome of canine SCCED treated with grid keratotomy (GK) or diamond burr debridement (DBD); (ii) Serially evaluate morphologic and elemental composition changes to diamond burr tips. Animals studied A total of 91 eyes of 88 canine SCCED patients treated at the University of Missouri (2005–2015); 75 fresh cadaver porcine globes. Procedures (i) Medical records were reviewed retrospectively. Data were analyzed for age, sex, breed, procedure performed, eye(s) on which the procedure was performed, time to healing after a single surgical procedure, performance of a second surgical procedure, contact lens placement, and postprocedural complications. (ii) Three naive 3.5-mm medium grit burr tips were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). DBD was performed for 120 s on 8-mm porcine corneal stroma using the Algerbrush®. Manufacturer-recommended cleaning protocols were followed. SEM and EDS analyses were performed in triplicate after 10, 25, and 50 DBD, cleaning, and sterilization cycles. Results There was no statistically significant difference in healing between DBD and GK groups (P = 0.50). No diamond particle damage after 10, 25, or 50 DBDs was detected. SEM secondary electron imaging and backscatter electron imaging after repeated uses demonstrated a build-up of contamination composed of carbon, sulfur, and calcium on burr tips. Conclusions Both DBD and GK are effective treatment options for canine SCCED. Although complications are rare after DBD, build-up of contaminants may be a contributing factor. Additional cleaning and sterilization protocols are being investigated.

The training literature may be perfectly written and illustrated, however, it will never replace the practical courses of temporal bone dissection. In order to reduce surgery and failure risks, the lessons must be practiced over and over again. There is a wise spanish proverb saying „ if you follow the path called Later, you will arrive destination named Never“. Otosurgeon is a man of silence whose work starts when the sound of words dies away. Temporal bone dissection laboratory is the place where otosurgeon either individually or guided by a qualified specialist must learn, „train the hand“, practice with work tools and develop attentiveness in regards with complicated segments of temporal bone anatomy. The experience must be gained every day by overcoming dangers hundreds of times, by performing decompression of facial nerve using diamond burr and through thin bone membrane recognizing its pearl like membrane until one is fully convinced that the „stranger“ – the facial nerve has become one‘s friend. The article in detail analyzes the importance of temporal bone dissection, the patologoanatomic techniques of temporal bone removal, conservation of temporal bone, medical equipment of temporal bone laboratory. The article is the result of close and long-term collaboration between French Institute of Otology, Klaipeda University and Klaipeda University Hospital. The historical aspects of temporal bone dissection are described in detail in monograph called „The History of Otology“by Andre A.Sultan and V.Pivrikas, therefore, these aspects will not be discussed in this article. doi:10.5200/sm-hs.2013.072

Purpose To evaluate immediate effects of diamond burr debridement (DBD) on the cornea of canine patients diagnosed with spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs). Animals studied Eight client owned dogs with SCCEDs. Methods Nine eyes from eight dogs with SCCEDs underwent superficial keratectomy (SK). The ulcerated area was divided into quadrants with a 300-micron restricted depth knife. Two of four quadrants underwent DBD for 40–60 s. A SK followed immediately. One burred section and one nonburred section were fixed with formaldehyde 10% and underwent light microscopy (LM). The remaining quadrants from five eyes were fixed with glutaraldehyde 2.5% and underwent transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Masked pathologists evaluated the samples. A student's paired t-test was used to analyze the data. Results With LM all nonburred samples had a superficial stromal hyaline acellular zone (HAZ), seven of the burred samples had an intermittent HAZ and in two burred samples this zone was absent. The HAZ thickness of burred samples (1.062 ± 0.664 μm) was significantly thinner than that of the nonburred samples (4.309 ± 1.348 μm) (P

PURPOSE To study surgical debridement in the management of fungal keratitis in 44 patients. DESIGN A prospective randomized study. METHODS Patients with presumed fungal keratitis were randomized into 2 groups. The first group had diagnostic corneal scraping with a Kimura spatula while the second group underwent surgical debridement utilizing a motorized drill with attached diamond burr. Material obtained from both methods was plated on Sabaurauds medium, blood agar and stained for bacteria and fungi. Topical and systemic antifungal therapy was instituted, and patients were examined until resolution. RESULTS Pathogens were identified to a greater degree in the aggressive debridement group than in the Kimura spatula group. Patients who had aggressive debridement had a significant reduction in time to re-epithelialization and keratitis resolution (9.4 days) compared with the scraping group (17.1 days, P < 0.001). Mean uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) in the surgical group was 1.02 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) preoperatively and 0.43 logMAR postoperatively (P < 0.001). Mean UCVA in the Kimura spatula group was 1.20 logMAR before and 0.58 logMAR after scraping (P = 0.03). A single incidence of perforation occurred in the scraping group with the diagnosis of Fusarium made from the corneal button. CONCLUSIONS Aggressive debridement and debulking of fungal keratitis provides a faster clinical resolution with no reduction in visual potential. The acquisition of pathogens is more accurate with surgical debridement as compared with conventional scraping. Aggressive surgical debridement of keratitis not only aids in diagnosis but may also be therapeutic.

When alveolar ridges lack the appropriate bone volume for implant placement, additional surgicalprocedures are necessary. In the posterior maxilla, the pneumatization of the maxillary sinus reduces theresidual crestal height, and to perform implant placement, several sinus floor elevation techniques have beendeveloped. These techniques involve specific instruments that require some experience, especially whenperforming sinus membrane lifting because of its importance for surgery success. A minimally invasivetransalveolar sinus floor elevation technique is presented, in which a diamond burr used in cranial base surgeryis employed. Surgery was performed on 10 patients. Panoramic radiographs and computerized tomography(CT) scans were taken before surgery and 1 month and 2 years after surgery, and they were used to measurebone height. The achieved augmentation heights were between 2.18 and 5.93 mm. All of the surgical procedureswere conducted without complications. No Schneiderian membrane was perforated, and a verticalaugmentation for allowing implant placement was achieved. It represent a good technique for minimallyinvasive sinus floor elevation. Fil: Decco, Oscar Alfredo. Universidad Nacional de Entre Rios. Facultad de Ingeniería. Departamento de Bioingeniería; Argentina Fil: Zuchuat, Jésica Itatí. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Entre Rios. Facultad de Ingeniería. Departamento de Bioingeniería; Argentina Fil: Maldonado, Ysai. Sanatorio Adventista del Plata; Argentina

Objective To describe the outcome of canine spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCED) treated with diamond burr debridement (DBD) and bandage contact lens placement (BCL). Animal studied Forty eyes of 36 dogs presenting to a single private practice. Procedures A retrospective review of medical records was performed. Cases were eligible for inclusion if they were newly diagnosed with SCCED by a veterinary ophthalmologist and treated with DBD/BCL. All patients received a complete ocular examination followed by DBD using a battery-powered, handheld motorized burr (Algerbrush®, Alger Equipment Company, Lago Vista, TX, USA). A BCL was placed post-debridement in all patients. Data were analyzed for sex, age, breed, duration of clinical signs prior to DBD; number of debridements required before healing was achieved; contact lens retention, complications attributed to DBD, and additional surgical interventions were required to achieve healing. Results The median time to first recheck examination was 7 days (IQR 7–9 days) with 28/40 (70%) of cases healed at this examination. The mean time to second recheck examination was 15.5 ± 5.5 days with 37/40 (92.5%) healed by this examination. The median time to final recheck examination was 19 days (IQR 18–35.5 days) with a range of 18–52 days. All cases resolved by the third and final recheck examination. A second DBD/BCL was performed in 5/40 (12.5%) of cases. The BCL retention rate was 95% over all examination time points. No case required a keratectomy or other surgical intervention to achieve healing. The only complication observed was one case of suspected bacterial keratitis post-DBD/BCL. Conclusions Results suggest that DBD/BCL is safe and effective for treatment of canine SCCED.

Aim of the study: The authors present a prospective histomorphological study of middle ear ossicles, harvested from cholesteatomous ears, to evaluate for presence of residual cholesteatoma after mechanical treatment and short-time autoclaving. Materials and methods: Sixty ossicles were used as specimens in this study. The ossicles were grouped as follows: Group A - ossicles stripped and burred using a fine diamond burr under microscopic control. Group B - ossicles autoclaved for 4 min at 134°C after mechanical burring under microscopic control. Results: In group A, 30 ossicles were histologicaly examined after mechanical treatment. The residual disease was found in one badly eroded ossicle. In group B, 30 ossicles were histologicaly examined after mechanical treatment and autoclaving. That treatment eliminated cholesteatoma in all cases. The difference of results in these two treatment methods was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Authors recommend using mechanical cleaning in cases of mildly eroded ossicles. In cases of badly eroded ossicles authors recommend to either apply a combination of mechanical and autoclaving treatment. The study proved that 4 minutes of autoclaving at 134°C after mechanical cleaning provides safe bone autografts.

Purpose To evaluate the corneal changes immediately after diamond burr debridement of superficial corneal wounds in dogs. Spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs) are the most common form of canine recurrent corneal ulcers. The diamond burr has been used in the management of corneal lesions in humans since 1983. Recently, it has been successfully used in the treatment of SCCEDs in dogs; however, little has been documented as to its mechanism of action. Methods Five adult female research dogs euthanized for reasons unrelated to the study were included, providing 10 normal eyes. An excimer laser spatula was used for epithelial removal after delineation with an 8 mm punch biopsy trephine. Diamond burr debridement was performed for 30 and 45 s in five eyes each (groups 1 and 2 respectively). The procedure was performed on the ventral half of the experimental defect as well as ventral normal cornea, immediately after euthanasia, and prior to enucleation. Samples were processed routinely for histologic evaluation and stained with periodic acid–Schiff. Results No stromal defects could be identified under light microscopy. In experimental corneal wounds, multi-focal areas remained covered by the epithelial basement membrane (BM) after diamond burr treatment in both groups (group 1 = 48%±16SD, group 2 = 26%±12SD). Removal of BM on group 2 was significantly higher than group 1 (P