Canadian journal of surgery. Journal canadien de chirurgie
-
Inguinal neuralgia, an uncommon condition, can readily be diagnosed if the anatomy of the sensory nerves of the lumbar plexus is understood. The authors review 50 patients with this condition, pointing out the importance of injury to these nerves, not only on the anterior abdominal wall but also in the retroperitoneal space on the posterior abdominal wall. Successful treatment is achieved by surgical section of the nerves. First the inguinal region is explored; if this does not result in cure the authors recommend retroperitoneal section of the nerve.
-
Varicose veins are a very common problem, affecting women more than men. The major concern is usually the unsightly appearance of the veins. Various options to deal with this problem are discussed-- compression stockings, compression sclerotherapy and surgery. ⋯ Sclerotherapy is best used for dilated superficial or residual varicose veins, recurrent varicosities or leg perforators. Operation should be reserved for very large varicose veins or an incompetent long or short saphenous vein. A sound understanding of the problems and discussion of anticipated results with the patient will prevent unrealistic expectations.
-
Accidents and their sequelae are the main cause of death in Germany among people under 40 years of age. The cost in disability payments and lost work averages $40 000 per injury. The author describes the German system for trauma rescue. ⋯ A study comparing the efficiency of the helicopter and ambulance systems showed that as the severity of the injuries increases, the death rate is greater in the group rescued by ambulance. Of 22 accidents involving rescue helicopters, 7 (32%) resulted in at least one death. Between 1973 and 1983, 16 doctors, pilots or attendants were killed.
-
From 1978 to 1983, 111 patients with symptomatic internal hemorrhoids were treated as outpatients by a modification of the Barron ligation technique. Each ligated hemorrhoid was injected with a sclerosant. Follow-up, available for 94 of the patients, ranged from 2 to 60 months (mean 18 months). ⋯ Nine patients had minor complications, which included pain lasting 24 to 72 hours in seven, bleeding in one and syncope in one. The addition of sclerotherapy to traditional band ligation for the management of internal hemorrhoids has the advantages of exciting a greater inflammatory reaction between the mucosa and submucosa and preventing premature slipping of the band. The authors conclude that this method of therapy is effective for symptomatic hemorrhoids and that surgical hemorrhoidectomy is seldom indicated.
-
The incidence of hollow-organ injury has increased steadily since the use of seat-belts was introduced. It has become apparent that the clinical manifestations of intestinal injury may be delayed considerably. Delayed perforations can pose a diagnostic challenge to the attending surgeon. ⋯ All patients had low severity of injury (scores ranging from 4 to 13) but had persistent vague abdominal pain before perforation occurred. Three of the four patients suffered spinal trauma as their major initial injury. Such patients appear to be at higher risk for delayed perforation and should be monitored carefully.