Zentralblatt für Chirurgie
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The treatment of distal femoral fractures was for a long-time associated with high complication rates. Although implants and surgical techniques were improved, plate osteosynthesis and intramedullary nailing suffered from considerable rates of infection, non-union und malalignment. ⋯ This article should give a review about these two new techniques for the treatment of distal femoral fractures. Indications, the clinical use and the aftercare will be discussed.
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The aim of the present paper is to compare the results obtained using two osteosynthesis systems developed for the surgical treatment of unstable fractures of the trochanteric region of the femur: the proximal femoral nail (PFN) and the dynamic hip screw (DHS) with trochanteric butt-press plate (TBPP). From December 1997 to November 2000, 173 patients with instable trochanteric fractures (type 31 A-2 and A-3 according to the AO-classification) had osteosynthesis by PFN (n = 122) or DHS/TBPP (n = 51). The average patient age was 74 years (range 27 to 98). ⋯ Full-weight-bearing immediately after the osteosynthesis was possible for 98 % of the PFN patients and 81 % of the DHS/TBPP patients. The DHS/TBPP osteosynthesis in instable trochanteric fractures is associated with a higher incidence of complications. Therefore we recommend to treat instable fractures of the trochanteric region with the PFN.
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Low concentration of protein C in severe sepsis may be associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The present study was designed to clarify to what extent there are differences in the time course of plasma concentrations of protein C in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome or patients with severe sepsis. In addition, the cause of decreased expression of protein C in severe sepsis was examined. ⋯ Surviving patients with severe sepsis exhibited higher plasma concentrations of protein C than patients who died during severe sepsis. The lower plasma concentrations of protein C in non-survivors may be caused by an increased turnover of protein C served as endogenous anticoagulant in sepsis associated activation of coagulation.
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Comparative Study
[Results of surgical treatment in ampullary and pancreatic carcinoma and its prognostic parameters after R0-resection].
Resection is currently the only established reasonable therapeutic option with curative potential in pancreatic and ampullary carcinoma. The aim of the study was i) to analyze value and results of surgical therapy and ii) to detect the prognostic parameters, which determine significantly higher survival rates. ⋯ Resection of pancreatic and ampullary carcinoma according to oncological criteria with tumor-free margins can be considered a treatment option with curative intention and potential. Despite relative high postoperative morbidity, only a low mortality rate was observed. The 5-year survival-rate of 16.2 % in ductal pancreatic carcinoma underlines the demand for the development of effective multimodal therapeutic concepts. Interventions with primary palliative intention or resections with microscopically or macroscopically detectable tumor residual in situ lead to no significant or only marginal prolongation of survival time. Such interventions in patients with pancreatic carcinoma are no reasonable treatment alternative. They are of value only for treatment of tumor-associated complications and problems.
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Comparative Study
[Vena cava filter -- is there an indication for implantation?].
The indication of vena cava filter implantation is controversially discussed. On the basis of the available literature and our own results a critical analysis of this issue is given. Between 1994 and 2003, we inserted a total of 29 vena cava filters; 24 temporary and 5 permanent filters. ⋯ Moreover, in one case the strut of a temporary filter broke and subsequently dislocated 17 days after insertion. However, there is little evidence concerning vena cava filters, and further investigations are necessary. Until additional data are available, filters should generally be restricted to patients with deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism who cannot receive anticoagulation, and highly selected cases.