Acta Chir Belg
-
Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is defined as a sustained increase of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) above 20 mmHg followed by the development of organ dysfunction. Treatment of ACS is still a question to be discussed and surgical decompression is usually preferred. According to recent data, massive crystalloid resuscitation of shock plays a key role in the development of secondary ACS in trauma patients. ⋯ This approach has been indicated as an interesting option for non-surgical treatment, with a caution that such intervention may exacerbate gut hypoperfusion. In this report we present two patients with secondary ACS development following abdominal surgery in which the achievement of a negative fluid balance showed a similar effect. Moreover, the fluid removal procedure also seemed to be associated with an improvement in splanchnic perfusion, as measured by gastric tonometry.
-
In contrast to familial medullary carcinoma, familial nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma (FNMTC) is less frequent and has been less investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of FNMTC and analyse the main demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients. ⋯ Familial nonmedullary carcinoma of the thyroid gland occurs very rarely.
-
Since January 1, 2008, the Belgian national health insurance (INAMI/RIZIV) edited a new agreement for the prolongation of the pilot-study on spinal cord stimulation for chronic critical unreconstructable lower limb ischemia. After a short introduction and a summary of the results of the initial Belgian pilot study (2000-2005) on spinal cord stimulation, the official new text is now published in both languages.
-
Review Case Reports
Simultaneous dislocation of both joints of the thumb with a fracture involving the interphalangeal joint. A case report and a review of the literature.
Combined dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints of the thumb is uncommon, only five cases having been previously reported. In this case report, a previously unreported case characterized by volar-ulnar dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal joint and dorsal dislocation of the interphalangeal joint, associated with a unicondilar open fracture of the proximal phalanx, is presented. ⋯ Although the diagnosis of dislocation of the interphalangeal joint is obvious, a simultaneous dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal joint can be easily overlooked, which is a fact that underlines the importance of this article. It is therefore recommended to examine the whole hand.