Der Chirurg; Zeitschrift für alle Gebiete der operativen Medizen
-
Imaging of the spine is an essential prerequisite in the clinical workup of spine disease. Conventional radiography (CR) is still used as a basic diagnostic tool and enables an initial diagnosis to clarify symptomatology. ⋯ Nuclear medicine bone scans and positron emission tomography serve as screening studies and are an adjunct to morphologic radiological imaging. This review article summarizes the radiological and nuclear medicine imaging modalities and their diagnostic and therapeutic significance for diagnostic workup of common spinal disorders.
-
Severe sepsis and septic shock have an increasing incidence and unchanged high mortality. Early diagnosis is necessary to slow the progression of organ dysfunction and improve outcome. Early administration of broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy, early and aggressive hemodynamic therapy, and surgical source control are the most promising therapeutic approaches. ⋯ Starches for volume resuscitation, intensive insulin therapy (aiming at 80-110 mg/dl), and low-dose hydrocortisone are not recommended outside randomized trials. Recombinant activated protein C is one choice for certain patients. The German Sepsis Competence Network (SepNet) is currently investigating other open questions.
-
Abdominal surgery is regularly followed by immune dysfunction that can last for several days. In case of septic complications during this period, there is imminent danger of mortality due to reduced immune function. This fact leads to classification of sepsis in regard to its genesis: spontaneously acquired sepsis type A is distinguishable from sepsis type B, which is acquired postoperatively. ⋯ A direct correlation exists between magnitude of immune dysfunction and complexity of the previous surgical trauma. For the first time it is now possible to study this phenomenon of postoperative immune dysfunction by use of an adequate animal model. Intestinal manipulation in mice fulfils the necessary criteria to serve as a model of surgically induced immune dysfunction.
-
Review Comparative Study
[Endobronchial ultrasound for diagnosis of the mediastinum].
The development of endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is one of the most important advances in bronchoscopy in recent years. Two different techniques are available which improve sonographic diagnostics of the mediastinum and staging in patients with lung and non-lung cancer. ⋯ Endobronchial ultrasound as a diagnostic tool is expected to gain importance in the near future. Especially the method combining EBUS and TBNA may replace more invasive methods such as mediastinoscopy for evaluating patients with unknown mediastinal lesions or for staging patients with lung cancer.
-
Review Comparative Study
[Patterns of injury in a combat environment. 2007 update].
Epidemiological analysis of injury patterns and mechanisms help in identifying the expertise that military surgeons need in a combat setting and also in adjusting training requirements accordingly. This paper attempts to assess the surgical specialties and skills of particular importance in the management of casualties in crisis areas. ⋯ Military surgeons must have excellent skills in the fields of thoracic, visceral, and vascular surgery as well as practical skills in neurosurgery and oral and maxillofacial surgery. It also is of vital importance to ensure the availability of sufficient medical evacuation capabilities. Furthermore, there is a need for a standardized registration system for all injuries similar to the German Trauma Registry.