Der Chirurg; Zeitschrift für alle Gebiete der operativen Medizen
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In recent years, two methods of intraoperative monitoring of the laryngeal nerve have mostly been used: evoked electromyographic responses via endscopically applied needle electrodes inserted into the adducting laryngeal muscles, and non-invasive electrodes like special tubes with integrated electrodes or separately insertable electrodes like the postcricoid electrode or disposable electrodes attached to the tube, as used in this study. The incidence of recurrent nerve paresis or paralysis during the IRM period was 1/174 nerves (0.6%). The advantage of the IRM is the quick and certain identification of the nerve; intraoperative monitoring cannot replace a proper surgical technique. We conclude that the IRM, using a laryngeal surface electrode attached to the tube, is a safe and reliable method.
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Abnormal surgical bleeding may be caused by congenital or acquired plasmatic and/or thrombocytic coagulation disorders. They may be known at the time of operation, or they may occur during the perioperative course for the first time. A detailed identification of haemostatic defects can be performed by a diagnostic spectrum of multiple tests. ⋯ In diagnostic routine three groups of patients have to be considered: (1) patients with no personal or family history of bleeding and no operative bleeding risk; (2) patients with no history, but increased bleeding risk by the planned procedure; (3) patients with a known haemorrhagic diathesis in their own history. In all difficult situations a specialist in haemostasiology should be consulted, because only rational diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring achieve an optimal and cost-effective operative result. The surgeon should always be aware that surgical bleeding from an operative cause must be considered in the differential diagnosis.
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Postoperative delirium is a common psychic disturbance occurring acutely after various surgical procedures and typically presenting with a fluctuating course. These patients' recovery takes longer. In this study we analyze the incidence of postoperative delirium in patients undergoing vascular surgery and try to identify risk factors for its development. ⋯ Postoperative delirium after vascular surgery is frequent. Patients undergoing aortic surgery, with specific concomitant medical disease, psychopathological disturbances and a severe intraoperative course, are at risk of developing postoperative delirium.