Zentralblatt für Chirurgie
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In 212 patients after injury of the thorax (54 males, 158 females; penetrating (15), blunt (197), multiple trauma (128)) 158 cases demonstrated rib fractures and 103 radiological proven pneumo- or hematothoraces or sometimes both, 108 of 138 had to be drained. 96.5% of the effusions and 98% of the pneumothoraces were clinical confirmed. 93.5% of 97 pulmonary contusions (79 unilateral, 18 bilateral) were detected by bronchoscopy within 10 h, 72% by x-ray. Caused by anatomical problems or for additional diagnosis 4 patients underwent thoracic CT. ⋯ After CT we performed: 9 resections of the lower lobe, 1 pneumectomy, 1 decortication, 7 thoracotomies with drainage, 8 drainages. To detect a septic focus under treatment the CT proved being an important diagnostic tool in chest trauma and lung contusion.
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Emergency medicine is subjected worldwide to financial stringencies and organizational evaluations of cost-effectiveness. The various links in the chain of survival are affected differently. Bystander assistance or bystander CPR is available in only 30% of the emergencies, response intervals--if at all required by legislation--are observed to only a limited degree or are too extended for survival in cardiac arrest. ⋯ Efficiency of emergency physician activities can be demonstrated in polytraumatized patients or in patients with ventricular fibrillation or acute myocardial infarction, in patients with acute myocardial insufficiency and other emergency clinical pictures. Cost effectiveness is clearly in favor of emergency medicine. Future developments will be characterized by the consequences of new health care legislation and by effects of financial stringencies on the emergency medical services.
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Though German hospitals are normally not built for day case surgery, this became a new challenge based on changed legal regulations. A stepwise adaptation of the present facilities to the altered necessities seems to be a relatively simple way to realise day case surgery also in hospitals. Preoperatively surgeons and anaesthetists offer office hours during the same time to avoid patients having to wait. ⋯ At a fixed time in the afternoon patients are visited by the surgeon and the anaesthetist to clear the conditions for dismission. While anaesthesia, surgery and recovery take the same time as for inpatients, the pre- and postoperative procedures are more time consuming. With a rising number of outpatients a separate department for outpatient surgery with its own administration, operating theaters and day case ward should be developed.
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In the Department of Traumatology and Reconstructive Surgery of Steglitz Medical Center, Berlin, a total of 1,323 patients with proximal femoral fractures were treated between 1978 and 1992. 988 patients were female and 335 male, age range 18-99 years, mean age 74 years. 479 fractures were classified as medial femoral neck fractures and 205 as lateral femoral neck fractures, further 461 pertrochanteric and 178 subtrochanteric fractures were seen. Based upon computerized data--especially regarding lethality and complication rates--the evolution of fracture treatment is outlined. ⋯ In older patients with medial femoral neck fractures the therapeutic standard today is the bipolar prosthesis, in younger patients osteosynthesis. In lateral femoral neck fractures as well as pertrochanteric fractures the most suitable osteosynthesis is the DHS, in subtrochanteric fractures the condylar plate. Whenever possible osteosynthesis should be preferred to total hip arthroplasty if patient condition and hip joint integrity allow this treatment. The more stable and biological procedure of osteosynthesis should be preferred.
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Microcirculatory disturbances and increased adhesion of leukocytes to the hepatic endothelium immediately following hemorrhagic shock have been observed. It is currently discussed, that mediators released by activated macrophages may have regulative functions for these alterations. The aim of the study performed was to investigate the effects of platelet activating factor (PAF) by application of PAF-receptor antagonists in respect to disorders of liver microcirculation and leukocyte adhesion following hemorrhagic shock. ⋯ Liver microcirculation following adequately treated hemorrhagic shock was disturbed, as indicated by narrowed sinusoids and increased adhesion of leukocytes. PAF seems to have no effect on sinusoidal narrowing in this period, however, it seems involved in temporary adhesion of leukocytes. The relevance of these early changes following hemorrhagic shock in respect to the development of organ dysfunction should be further addressed.