Zentralblatt für Chirurgie
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Between 1982 and 1997 inferior vena cava filters were implanted in 182 patients. Indications were recurrent pulmonary embolism, massive embolism and prophylactic use prior to planned high-risk-operations upon patients with thromboembolic complications in shorter history. Kimray-Greenfield, Cardial and Vascor-systems were implanted. ⋯ In our opinion the vena cava filter is an effective and safe method to prevent pulmonary re-embolism. Handling is quite easy and filter complications are low. In some elected cases prophylactic use of vena cava filters in high-risk-patients may be indicated.
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The indication of vena cava filter implantation is controversially discussed. A pure prophylactic indication is increasingly favoured, especially for temporary filter systems without any anamnestic pulmonary embolisms. On the basis of the available literature and our own results a critical analysis of this issue is given. ⋯ Local infections of the catheter and introducer sets were observed in two patients. Moreover, in one case the strut of a temporary filter broke and subsequently dislocated 17 days after insertion. We conclude on the basis of these complication rates that until the results of randomised studies are available the usage of all filter systems should be limited to highly selected cases.
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Laparoscopy is very useful in penetrating abdominal trauma, in particular to exclude intraabdominal lesions in stab wounds. In blunt abdominal trauma laparoscopy is not the first choice of diagnostic means though it warrants comparable good results to CTscan and ultrasound. ⋯ In the future it has to be thought about laparoscopy in local anesthesia and in bedside procedure e.g. on the intensive care unit. Laparoscopy should be regarded as an integral part of diagnostic spectrum in blunt abdominal trauma.
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While substantial and practical qualification for medical practice within the framework of emergency medical services have to be proven by an advanced training, there are no special training programs for in-hospital emergency situations. As in the emergency room a transparent in-hospital emergency management has to be established including definite competencies to avoid time delays and inadequate treatment due to disputes about competence. ⋯ Thus, the physician working in ICUs needs professional qualification and specialized knowledge as well as marked competence to co-operate. In any case the final clinical responsibility has to be taken over by physicians who not only have performed their internship on a ICU but are highly qualified in the whole range of intensive care medicine including all topics required in advanced intensive care medicine curricula.
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Due to European law all examinations taken by officially recognized national boards have to be accepted in every member state. In 1958 the UEMS was founded on behalf of the European Council. Several Divisions in the "Section of Surgery" and the "European Board of Surgery" have to define the content and duration of their knowledge within the common trunk as well for the division's specialty itself. ⋯ East European countries start to harmonize their structure due to the demands of the UEMS. The charter on continuing Medical Education was established by the UEMS in 1998. This concept was also accepted by the national authorities in Germany and will be officially structured in our country very soon.