Recurrent thoracic outlet syndrome

Recurrent symptoms develop in 15% to 20% of patients undergoing either first rib resection or scalenectomy for thoracic outlet syndrome. Over the past 22 years 134 operations for recurrence were performed in 97 patients. Four operations were used: transaxillary first rib resection (26); supraclavicular first rib resection with neurolysis (15); scalenectomy with neurolysis (58); and brachial plexus neurolysis (35). Complications included temporary plexus injury (0.7%), temporary phrenic palsy (3.7%), and permanent phrenic palsy (1.4%). The combined primary success rate of all four operations for recurrence was 84% in the first 3 months. This fell to 59% at 1 to 2 years; 50% at 3 to 5 years; and 41% at 10 to 15 years. No significant difference was found in results between the four operations used for recurrence. When recurrence was caused by trauma the results of reoperations were better than when recurrence was spontaneous. The primary success rates of three initial operations for thoracic outlet syndrome were compared to their secondary success rates (improved after reoperation). By use of life-table methods, reoperation improved the 5- to 10-year success rate of transaxillary first rib resection from 69% to 86% and for scalenectomy from 69% to 84%. Reoperation is successful in most cases of recurrent thoracic outlet syndrome and better when recurrence is the result of a neck injury.     

Die Ausbreitung von Tetracyclin im Innenohr nach unterschiedlicher Applikation im Mittelohr

Zusammenfassung An 31 ohrgesunden Meerschweinchen wurde Tetracyclin in gelöster Form in das Mittelohr appliziert. Dabei wurden entweder nur die beiden Fensternischen oder die gesamte Paukenhöhle gefüllt. Die gefrorenen Köpfe wurden im Kryotom geschnitten und im UV-Licht betrachtet. Auf diese Weise konnte das Tetracyclin im Innenohr nachgewiesen werden. Durch das Einfrieren des Kopfes wurden die Flüssigkeitsräume von Innenohr und Gehirn weder bei der Applikation noch bei der Auswertung eröffnet.Das Tetracyclin gelangt vor allem über das runde Fenster ins Innenohr. Außerdem kann es auch über das ovale Fenster in das Vestibulum eindringen. Als weitere Zugangswege kommen die Diffusion durch die knöcherne Labyrinthkapsel sowie der Transport über labyrinthdurchquerende Gefäße in Betracht. Von der ersten Windung der Scala tympani gelangt das Tetracyclin relativ schnell über den Aquaeductus cochleae in den Subarachnoidalraum.Auszugsweise Veröffentlichung der Dissertation von Hans-Peter Haug     

Spigelian Hernia

We report on the evolution in concept and techniques that allowed us to improve the treatment of spigelian hernia, operable in day surgery in 90% of cases and through a preperitoneal and recently a preperitoneal and subfascial prosthetic repair (PHS). Background data. We propose an innovative use of the PHS mesh for spigelian hernia repair. With this new implementation, we confront the standard surgical technique and its postoperative period. Methods. From January 1992 to March 2004, we performed 2,500 hernia surgical operations, including 32 spigelian hernia repairs (1.3% of total case series). The first surgical approach used for 20 of these 32 patients (62.5% of total spigelian hernias), all electively operated on, was a classical preperitoneal repair (Wantz), performed when possible by size of defect and weight (Body Mass Index) of the patient, under local anesthesia and on a day-surgery basis. Our new modified technique takes place through the insertion of a PHS large-type mesh, whose bottom underlay portion lies flat in the preperitoneal space with the connector obliterating the hernial orifice and with the overlay portion lying on the internal oblique muscle, covered by the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle. Results. Our modification to the classical technique consisted only in the application of a product, such as the PHS, in a hernia defect, which presented with an orifice of the size of the connector and, therefore, was easily repairable with the use of the PHS device. This approach is easier than the preperitoneal approach, its always suitable for local anaesthesia, and it gives a more comfortable postoperative period. The surgical approach may be performed completely in day surgery. Conclusions. We believe that spigelian hernia surgical repair should always be performed by means of a preperitoneal prosthesis under local anaesthesia when the patients clinical and physical conditions allow for it, always in day surgery, and using the PHS mesh when the hernia defect size fits with the connector diameter. This last possibility seems to be easier and more comfortable for the patient in the postoperative period.     

Prevalence and predictors of vitamin D deficiency in five immigrant groups living in Oslo, Norway: the Oslo Immigrant Health Study

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and to identify possible predictors of vitamin D deficiency in five main immigrant groups in Oslo. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, population-based. SETTING: City of Oslo. SUBJECTS: In total, 491 men and 509 women with native countries Turkey, Sri Lanka, Iran, Pakistan and Vietnam living in the county of Oslo. RESULTS: Median serum 25(OH)D level (s-25(OH)D) was 28 nmol/l, ranging from 21 nmol/l in women born in Pakistan to 40 nmol/l in men born in Vietnam. Overall prevalence of vitamin D deficiency defined as s-25(OH)D<25 nmol/l was 37.2%, ranging from 8.5% in men born in Vietnam to 64.9% in women born in Pakistan. s-25(OH)D did not vary significantly with age. s-25(OH)D was higher in blood samples drawn in June compared to samples obtained in April, but not significantly for women. Reported use of fatty fish and cod liver oil supplements showed a strong positive association with s-25(OH)D in all groups. Education length was positively associated with s-25(OH)D in women, whereas body mass index (BMI) was inversely associated with s-25(OH)D in women. These two variables were not related to vitamin D deficiency in men. CONCLUSIONS: There is widespread vitamin D deficiency in both men and women born in Turkey, Sri Lanka, Iran, Pakistan and Vietnam residing in Oslo. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is higher in women than in men, and it is higher in those born in Pakistan and lower in those born in Vietnam compared to the other ethnic groups. Fatty fish intake and cod liver oil supplements are important determinant factors of vitamin D status in the groups studied. BMI and education length are also important predictors in women.     

Postamputation phantom limb pain -- comes the solution into view?

About 70 % of amputees will suffer from phantom limb pain sooner or later. Nearly all of the amputees will feel some phantom sensations. Phantom limb pain not only impairs quality of life, but also impedes considerably social rehabilitation. Therefore effective strategies of prevention and treatment are urgently required. So far, none of the more than 40 treatment methods has proven to be really effective. It is to be expected that the latest theories regarding the emergence of phantom limb pain, which were developed on the basis of modern neuroimaging techniques, will lead to considerable progress. Accordingly the key to success is influencing cortical reorganization and preventing or extinguishing a pain memory. The demonstrable influence on central activities implicates several preventive and therapeutic modalities, i. e. absolute analgesia before amputation for a longer period of time and reduction of cortical reorganization by drugs, behaviour interventions and/or suggestion.