Polski merkuriusz lekarski : organ Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego
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Pol. Merkur. Lekarski · Jan 2004
[Thoracic sympathectomy performed by videothoracoscopic technique].
Thoracic sympathectomy is a method for a segmental elimination of functions of the sympathetic system by the excision of its Th2-Th3 ganglia. The procedure can be performed both using open and videoscopic technique. ⋯ In all patients that underwent thoracic sympathectomy we obtained a positive reaction to a segmental excision of the sympathetic trunk. Patients with Raynaud's showed a significant improvement in symptoms in 76% of cases after a 4-year observation while patients with hyperhidrosis in 100%. The time of hospitalisation was 3.5 days in average. Postoperative complications were observed in two patients (3.7%). Videoscopic thoracic sympathectomy provides good therapeutic and cosmetic results and deserves more common use compared with open technique.
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The concept of intragastric space-occupying balloon developed from observations in psychiatric patients with gastric bezoars. Several gastric balloons consisting of different materials were developed. The BioEnterics Intagastric Balloon System (BIB) is a smooth, spherical, silicone elastomer balloon inducing satiety and restricting food intake. ⋯ Our experience showed that patients who had good results with the balloon they are good candidates for gastric restrictive surgical procedures. There were few complications: balloon intolerance, spontaneous deflation, oesophagitis, gastritis and rarely gastric ulcers. Conclusion is that in selected patients intragastric balloon can be used as effective and safe approach and could be a great help to induce weight loss and to prepare for surgery.
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Pol. Merkur. Lekarski · Jan 2004
Review[Fibromyalgia syndrome--pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment problems].
Fibromyalgia is a fairly common syndrome characterized by chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain, multiple "tender points", fatigue, sleep disturbance, stiffness and other symptoms such as headache, dizziness, trouble with concentration, irritable bowel syndrome, urinary urgency, depression. Fibromyalgia may occur at any age, even in childhood, is much more common in women than in men. The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. ⋯ There are no laboratory tests that can confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Average time from onset to diagnosis is 5-8 years. Treatment of fibromyalgia requires a comprehensive approach.
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Pol. Merkur. Lekarski · Jan 2004
Comparative Study Clinical Trial[Evaluation of positron emission tomography by using F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose in diagnosis of recurrent colorectal cancer].
Accurate detection of recurrent colorectal carcinoma remains a clinical challenge. 18-F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography is new imaging technique that allows direct evaluation of cellular metabolism. This method is mainly used in oncology, especially in fusion with computer tomography (FDG-PET/CT, PET/CT Fusion). The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of FDG-PET/CT in diagnosis of recurrent colorectal cancer. ⋯ FDG-PET/CT is a very useful diagnostic method in case of patients with suspected recurrence of colorectal carcinoma. Its usefulness is higher than the serum level of CEA and other conventional imaging modalities (CT MRI, US, X-ray).
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Pol. Merkur. Lekarski · Jan 2004
[Cancer antigen 125 as a marker of ascites in patients with liver cirrhosis].
Cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) is usually used to monitor the course of epithelial ovarian cancer. It has recently been reported that liver cirrhosis is associated with elevated serum CA-125, especially in the presence of ascites. The aim of the study was to evaluate CA-125 as a marker of ascites in patients with liver cirrhosis. ⋯ CA-125 concentrations were normal in cases of liver cirrhosis without ascites. Elevated cancer antigen 125 is a sensitive marker of cirrhotic ascites. An inappropriate use of this test in cases of liver cirrhosis in females may suggest the ovarian cancer incident and lead to unnecessary surgical intervention.