[The importance of hemorrhoids in gynecology and obstetrics (author's transl)]. / Die Bedeutung des Hämorrhoidalleidens in Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe.

Hemorrhoids are of enough importance in gynecology and obstetrics that the gynecologist should be well versed in proctologic diagnosis and treatment. In the gynecological office practice about 19% of the patients and in the antenatal practice about 46% of the patients have hemorrhoids which require treatment. Prior to treatment an exact examination with the exclusion of carcinoma of the rectum is important. The indications for different modes of treatment are discussed. Minor hemorrhoids require only general and conservative measures. Recurrent and severe hemorrhoid problems require specific treatment. The specific treatment should be as tolerable for the patient as possible, have few recurrences and be economic regarding time and money. These requirements are best fulfilled by aspiration rubberband ligature or the combination of this ligature with cryotherapy.

[Combined rubber band ligation and cryosurgery of hemorrhoids (author's transl)]. / Kombinierte Gummibandligatur und Kryochirurgie von Hämorrhoiden.

By means of the combined rubber band ligation and cryosurgery of hemorrhoids a good therapy result was achieved on more than 200 patients. For the treatment of not too large hemorrhoid nodes and confluent hemorrhoids the aspiration ligation is quite sufficient. In third degree hemorrhoids, particularly in large prolapsing hemorrhoids, the rubber band ligation should include also the cryodestruction. In some cases two or three weeks later the cryodestruction has to be carried out again, depending on the finding and stage progredience. The advantage of this combined method is that the treatment can be performed on outpatients, and without much pains it is an effective therapy in any kind of hemorrhoid ailments. In addition, the postoperative complaints are less than by using the cryosond only. The application of cryotherapy shows also good results in the case of marriscae and anal fissures.

Azygos continuation syndrome with aneurysm of the azygos vein: CT and MR appearances.

We present a case of azygos vein continuation with aneurysm of the azygos vein simulating a tumor in the right upper mediastinum. The dynamic CT examination initially showed a structure of malignant appearance during the early arterial phase. Further dynamic CT revealed marked enhancement of the mass during the late venous phase, suggesting a vascular structure. Confirmation of diagnosis was made by MRI using a fast gradient echo imaging technique in cine mode, showing turbulent flow in the azygos aneurysm, and contrast-enhanced MR angiography, demonstrating a dilated azygos vein. Dynamic CT has a potential pitfall in the diagnosis of vascular structures.