Der Chirurg; Zeitschrift für alle Gebiete der operativen Medizen
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The clinical spectrum of diverticular disease varies from asymptomatic diverticulosis to symptomatic disease with potentially fatal complications, such as perforation or bleeding. Laparoscopic sigmoid resection with restoration of continuity is currently the prevailing modality for treating acute and recurrent sigmoid diverticulitis. The tenets of surgical treatment of diverticulitis are resection of the entire sigmoid and creation of a tension-free anastomosis in the upper rectum. ⋯ The Hartmann procedure should be reserved for perforated diverticulitis with severe septic complications; however, the final treatment decision for primary anastomosis or Hartmann's procedure should be dependent on the individual patient. There have been a number of recent publications on the use of laparoscopic peritoneal lavage for perforated sigmoid diverticulitis as an alternative to resection surgery. In cases of diverticular bleeding a subtotal colectomy should be performed if the diverticular bleeding site cannot be localized.
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Multiple trauma is an independent injury pattern which, because of its complexity, is responsible for 25 % of the costs for the treatment of all injured patients. Because of the often long-lasting physical impairment and the high incidence of residual permanent handicaps, it is apparent that multiple trauma can lead to a reduction in patient quality of life. ⋯ The fact that mortality after multiple trauma has decreased but not impairment of the quality of life makes it clear that in addition to the acute medical treatment, a follow-up treatment including not only physiotherapy but also psychotherapy is crucial for multiple trauma patients.
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The attitude of humility in the context of surgical intensive care medicine incorporates a serving attitude towards the patient and the recognition of limitations in intensive care medicine. Limitations are set in the indications for intensive care medicine, in that which is medically possible and reasonable as well as ethically by the will of the patient which is binding for physicians. ⋯ It is absolutely necessary to recognize and avoid futile care because this involves the use of resources which will be lost for the care of other patients who would profit from intensive care. The formal difficulties in the definition and determination of futile care are discussed.
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Minimum volume thresholds for specific medical treatments have been implemented in Germany since 2004. In the last 9 years the catalogue of procedures, which is determined by the Federal Joint Committee, has changed continuously and currently consists of 8 procedures. ⋯ An overview of systematic reviews was published in 2012 outlining the correlation between the volume components and medical outcome. The body of evidence identified is compared to the current regulatory conditions of the Federal Joint Committee.
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Inveterated fractures or dislocations of the foot which are defined as being more than 6-12 weeks old can be secondarily reconstructed anatomically in only very rare cases. All other cases need reorientation of all axes of the foot requiring single or combined joint fusion. ⋯ Old cases of dislocation, for example after subtalar dislocation without anatomical reduction, need reorientation of the foot axes by performing arthrodesis. Subluxation of the medial Lisfranc joint after an unrecognized rupture of Lisfranc ligament can be controlled later by anatomical repair of this ligament by using half of the extensor digitorum longus tendon and thus avoiding arthrodesis.