Amniotic fluid index vs single deepest pocket technique during modified biophysical profile: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the superior technique, if either, of the amniotic fluid index (AFI) vs the single deepest pocket technique in predicting an adverse pregnancy outcome among high-risk patients undergoing antenatal testing. STUDY DESIGN: Patients having modified biophysical profile (nonstress test plus sonographic estimation of amniotic fluid) were randomized to either have AFI or determination of the presence or absence of a 2 x 1-cm single deepest pocket. RESULTS: Between January of 1997 and December of 2001, 1080 women were randomized with 530 women in the AFI arm, and 558 in the 2 x 1 pocket arm. The maternal demographics and prenatal complications were similar between groups. Significantly more patients were identified as having oligohydramnios using AFI (17%) compared with using 2 x 1 pocket (10%) ( P =.002). The overall rate of cesarean section for nonreassuring fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing was 3.8% (30 cases, with 16 cases in the AFI-monitored, and 14 cases in the 2 x 1 pocket-monitored groups, respectively, P =.608). Logistic regression analysis showed no difference between the groups with respect to the ability to identify patients who underwent cesarean section for nonreassuring FHR tracing during labor ( P =.999). The umbilical artery pH <7.1 ( P =.688) and admission to the newborn intensive care unit were also comparable between groups. CONCLUSION: During antepartum fetal surveillance, use of single deepest pocket compared with amniotic fluid index is associated with a significantly lower rate of suspected oligohydramnios.     

Mental health: integrated network and family-oriented model for co-operation between mental health patients, adult mental health services and social services

Background. Co‐operation between mental health care units and the social services is important in the case of people with social problems who also suffer from mental health problems. However, participation of patients and their families in the treatment process, and co‐operation between them and the professionals, are also important. Communication between the professionals, patients and their family members, and the professionals is a crucial factor for co‐operation. Aims and objectives. The aim of this study was to elucidate the experiences and importance of co‐operation for the patients. The data consisted of interviews with 22 mental health patients who were also clients of municipal social services. Method. The grounded theory approach was used, focusing on the informants’ experiences of the integrated network and family‐oriented model for co‐operation. Results. The findings indicate the importance of the participation of patients and their social networks in psychiatric care or the treatment process. Meetings should be characterized by open and reflexive discussions with all participants’ points of view being included, so that fruitful co‐operation is possible. However, some negative experiences were also reported, all of which were connected with the professionals’ behaviour. Conclusions. Trust and honesty are essential elements in relations between professionals and psychiatric patients, but it cannot be assumed that they will develop naturally. It is the professionals’ responsibility to adjust their behaviour so that these elements can be created in a mutual process between patients and professionals. Multidisciplinary teams are a necessity in family‐oriented co‐operation between psychiatry and social services, and in a satisfactory caring process. Relevance to clinical practice. Nurses’ work is often individually oriented and nurses are ruled by routines in their work. The mental health caring process should be seen as a shared process between the patient, his/her human environment and professionals for which nurses need skills to their interaction with patients and their social network.     

Three part posterior fracture dislocation of the hip without fracture of the femoral head: review of literature and a case report

This case report describes a rare posterior dislocation of the hip with fractures of the ipsilateral femoral neck and greater trochanter, without fracture of the femoral head, in a young adult male following a railway accident. This patient was managed within 6h of injury by open reconstruction. This unusual injury has not been reported previously. Cases of posterior fracture dislocation of the hip with a fracture of the femoral neck without fracture of the femoral head were reviewed from the literature. Mechanism of injury, controversies regarding operative procedures and appropriate surgical approach are discussed. The authors also believe that this injury pattern merits inclusion in the existing classification system of fracture dislocation of hip for management and prediction of outcome.     

Four-triangular-skin-flap approach to umbilical diseases and laparoscopic umbilical port

Background/purpose

Surgery of umbilical pathology requires restoration of a normal umbilical appearance. Also, the umbilicus is used increasingly as the entry site during laparoscopic surgery. However, conventional approaches leave obvious scars. A simple alternative approach that creates a natural-looking umbilicus is described.

Methods

The umbilicus is opened by creating 4 isosceles triangular skin flaps. Closure is by suture of the flap apex only, creating scaring that resembles a natural umbilicus.

Results

Between November 1996 and March 2003, this technique was used in 204 children with umbilical hernia, 2 children with a small omphalocele, 1 child with a patent omphalomesenteric duct, 2 children with a urachal abscess, and 7 children with an umbilical granuloma. Five children underwent initial trocar insertion during laparoscopic surgery via this approach. All procedures were performed uneventfully. Transient erythema of one flap occurred in 64 patients (29.2%). Infection developed in 10 patients (5.0%) but was treated with oral antibiotics. The postoperative umbilical appearance was satisfactory in all but 5 patients.

Conclusions

The 4-triangular-skin-flap approach is useful for umbilical diseases and laparoscopic umbilical port access.     

Clinical outcome of laparoscopically assisted endorectal pull-through in Hirschsprung's disease: comparison of abdominal and perineal approaches

Background/Purpose

Laparoscopically assisted endorectal pull-through (EPT) via a perineal approach using a prolapsing technique (PA) for Hirschsprung’s disease (HD) has been reported. However, the clinical outcome after this approach has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcome of PA and the conventional transabdominal approach (TA).

Methods

In the period between 1990 and 2001, 20 cases of HD underwent EPT with TA (group O), and 21 underwent EPT with PA (group L). There was no difference in age and weight distribution between the 2 groups. Clinical outcome was assessed 3 years after surgery.

Results

The operation time was comparable in the 2 groups (4.9 ± 0.8 v 5.2 ± 0.8 hr), whereas blood loss (98 ± 52 v 36 ± 30 mL) and postoperative complications requiring surgical intervention (26% v 0%) were significantly lower in group L. The incidence of postoperative enteritis (27% v 28%) and voluntary defecation (more than once every/2 days) were compatible in the 2 groups (70% v 87%). Soiling (small amount of involuntary stooling; >1 per month) was significantly less frequent in group L (45% v 14%).

Conclusions

Laparoscopically assisted ETP with PA is less invasive and can provide a better clinical outcome compared with TA in terms of postoperative soiling.     

胸顶部肿瘤外科治疗27例临床分析

目的　探讨前径路技术在胸顶部肿瘤手术治疗中的应用及其优势。　方法　从 1995年 1月至 2 0 0 1年 1月 ,手术治疗原发性胸顶部肿瘤患者 2 7例 ,平均年龄 4 9 2岁。病理类型包括非小细胞肺癌、肉瘤、神经纤维瘤、颈段食管癌等。通过对临床表现、肿瘤类型及外侵范围、手术径路及切除程度、并发症、生存期等资料进行分析 ,评估前径路对手术安全性和彻底性的帮助以及对延长生存期的作用。　结果　 6例采用前径路半蛤壳切口 ,全部得到完全切除 ;2 1例采用后径路Paulson切口 ,其中 13例为完全切除 ,8例为姑息性切除。随访 2 3～ 4 6个月 (平均 2 9个月 ) ,总的中位生存期为2 1个月 ,其中完全切除者为 2 9个月 ,姑息切除者为 14个月 ,两者差异有显著意义 (P <0 0 1)。前径路的完全切除率明显高于后径路 (χ2 =1.6 78,P <0 0 1)。　结论　前径路切口可显著改善胸顶结构的暴露 ,尤其对于锁骨下血管、臂丛神经等结构可在直视下予以解剖 ,从而增加了手术的安全性和彻底性。     

Anatomic basis for a minimally invasive approach to the subtalar joint

Introduction An isolated arthrodesis of the talocalcaneonavicular joint is a common indication in cases of pain and post-traumatic arthroses.Materials and methods Because of the high infection rate after surgery with the lateral incision, the authors decided to evaluate an alternative, minimally invasive procedure. Joint destruction was carried out via a posterolateral access after the insertion of two guidewires. For an evaluation of the risk for vessel and nerve structures, 102 ankle joint specimens preserved in formalin/alcohol were examined. Additionally, the minimally invasive access was evaluated in ten ankle joint specimens.Results Neither in the specimen nor during evaluation of the minimally invasive access could injuries of vessels or nerve structures larger than 1 mm in diameter be found. The authors did not encounter any problems when drilling open the articular surface with a destruction of 65% of the overall surface and when performing the following arthrodesis using a plug technique. Using a posterolateral, minimally invasive access between the Achilles tendon and lateral malleolus, it is possible to resect about 65% of the subtalar articular surface for arthrodesis without impact on major vessels and nerves. Postoperative complications such as sensitive and sensory failure as well as wound healing impairment at the lateral side of the foot are not to be expected when choosing the minimally invasive access.Conclusion It has to be said, however, that this technique does not offer the opportunity of performing a corrective arthrodesis as the hindfoot cannot be displayed during surgery. As the result of this study was positive, clinical evaluation was started.     

Limited posterior approach for internal fixation of a glenoid fracture

We present the case of a patient who was treated by open reduction and internal fixation for a displaced glenoid fracture using a limited posterior approach.No benefits in any form have been received or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article. No funds were received in support of this study.     

Early results of subvastus versus medial parapatellar approach in primary total knee arthroplasty

Introduction To evaluate the clinical and radiographic results immediately after total knee arthroplasty, we compared the parapatellar and subvastus approach.Materials and methods Fifty-two patients with osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to two groups. The measurement was based on clinical and radiographic features.Results There was a significant difference in passive range of motion. Patients in the subvastus approach group revealed a full knee extension and flexion of 90° significantly earlier than those in the parapatellar group. However, on the day of discharge, both groups were comparable. Radiological assessment revealed analogous results in both groups. Correction of varus or valgus deformity was required in 48 patients.Conclusion Regardless of the surgical approach, the anteroposterior tibial femoral angle improved significantly in both groups. Concerning pain, operation time, blood loss, blood substitution and complications, no major differences could be seen.     

Modified Limberg Transposition Flap for Sacrococcygeal Pilonidal Sinus

Purpose. To investigate the results of wide rhomboid excision with Limberg transposition flap reconstruction to treat pilonidal sinus.Methods. We analyzed the well-documented records of 238 patients with sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus who underwent wide excision with a Limberg transposition flap and were followed up for longer than 1 year postoperatively. After the first 40 operations, we modified this flap reconstruction by tailoring the rhomboid excision asymmetrically to place the lower pole of the flap 1–2cm lateral to the midline. Wound infection rates, hospitalization, time required for free mobilization, and recurrence rates were recorded.Results. Postoperative infection developed in two patients (0.8%), which was easily managed by wound care, antibiotics, removal of skin staples, prolonged drainage, or a combination of these treatments. The mean hospitalization was 2.10 ± 0.20 days (range 1–3 days), and the mean time required for recovery and return to daily activities was 8.00 ± 2.50 days (range 4–17 days). There were only three recurrences (1.26%) after a mean follow-up of 29.20 ± 3.10 months (range 12–38 months). Since we started performing our modification of the technique by lateralization of the inferior apex, no further recurrences have been seen. The recurrence rate differed significantly between the classical Limberg flap group and the modified Limberg flap group (P = 0.004)Conclusion. These results provide further evidence that wide excision with a Limberg transposition flap reconstruction is an effective surgical method for primary or recurrent pilonidal sinus, associated with a low complication rate, short hospitalization and disability, and a low recurrence rate. A modification of the technique was devised to further enhance wound healing and reduce the risk of recurrence.