DEAR DR. ROACH: There once was what I thought was a promising procedure to increase blood flow to the myocardium — transmyocardial revascularization (TMR). As a heart patient with five stents, I was particularly interested in this procedure. It appeared to show great promise. In short: What has happened to TMR? — F.S.

ANSWER: The theory of TMR was great: Use a laser to make new routes for blood to flow to the heart muscle. Initial studies showed some promise, with improvement in angina symptoms even years after the procedure. However, there are some problems. The first is that the initial procedure is dangerous. Five percent to as many as 12 percent of people did not survive the procedure. Further, the new channels opened by the laser appear to close within 24 hours of the procedure. No study has shown reduction in heart attacks or longer life in those who received the procedure. Finally, the best-done trial did not show an improvement in symptoms.

Like so much in research, this procedure showed early promise, only to fail in larger studies. However, I am sure researchers continue to try to find ways of improving the procedure to reduce the risk of the initial procedure as well as long-term outcomes. It’s still too early to tell, and way too early to use outside the research setting.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have Parkinson’s disease. Although my medication is still working, it’s not as effective as it was. I have heard that this is the time to consider stem-cell treatment. Can you tell me if this is a good idea? — S.A.

ANSWER: Parkinson’s disease is caused by the loss of neurons (nerve calls) in a portion of the brain called the substantia nigra. Stem cells are early, unspecialized cells, capable of differentiating into any kind of cell. The theory with stem-cell treatment is that the stem cells will go into the affected part of the brain and take on the role of the damaged or destroyed cells. Some early work has been shown to be very promising.

In my view, the technology is not yet ready for widespread clinical use. I don’t recommend it. There are many new medications for Parkinson’s disease, and I have recommended non-pharmacologic therapy, including exercise, several times. The treatment for Parkinson’s disease is changing so fast that I strongly recommend evaluation by an expert, preferably a neurologist experienced in Parkinson’s disease.

A reader recently wrote to tell me that treatment of his vitamin D deficiency greatly relieved his Parkinson’s symptoms.

DEAR DR. ROACH: My gallbladder was removed 16 years ago, and I have been having frequent diarrhea for those 16 years! I understand it’s because without the gallbladder, there’s no bile. It seems to me that with all the brilliant researchers in the world, someone could come up with a substitute for bile. A pill, maybe?

I am an 85-year-old female and have seen at least four gastroenterologists during this time, and none of them had a clue. The last one I saw told me to “live with it.” Has anyone asked you about this problem? — D.E.

ANSWER: It’s not uncommon at all. Also, the liver still makes bile, and some experts think that it is too much bile that causes diarrhea. If occasional Imodium isn’t doing the job, I have had good success with cholestyramine, which binds excess bile salts.

TO READERS: Questions about the common problem of uterine fibroids are answered in the booklet of that name. To obtain a copy, write: Dr. Roach — No. 1106, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Health newsletters may be ordered from www.rbmamall.com.

(c) 2013 North America Syndicate Inc.

All Rights Reserved

Copy the Story Link