Appropriateness Criteria for Ureteral Stent Omission following Ureteroscopy for Urinary Stone Disease.

Objective: To bridge the gap between evidence and clinical judgement, we defined scenarios appropriate for ureteral stent omission after uncomplicated ureteroscopy (URS) using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method (RAM). We retrospectively assessed rates of appropriate stent omission, with the goal to implement these criteria in clinical practice. Methods: A panel of 15 urologists from the Michigan Urological Surgery Improvement Collaborative (MUSIC) met to define uncomplicated URS and the variables that influence stent omission decision-making. Over two rounds, they scored clinical scenarios for Appropriateness Criteria (AC) for stent omission based on a combination of variables. AC were defined by median scores: 1 to 3 (inappropriate), 4 to 6 (uncertain), and 7 to 9 (appropriate). Multivariable analysis determined the association of each variable with AC scores. Uncomplicated URS cases in the MUSIC registry were assigned AC scores and stenting rates assessed. Results: Seven variables affecting stent decision-making were identified. Of the 144 scenarios, 26 (18%) were appropriate, 88 (61%) inappropriate, and 30 (21%) uncertain for stent omission. Most scenarios appropriate for omission were pre-stented (81%). Scenarios with ureteral access sheath or stones >10mm were only appropriate if pre-stented. Stenting rates of 5,181 URS cases correlated with AC scores. Stents were placed in 61% of cases appropriate for omission (practice range, 25% to 98%). Conclusion: We defined objective variables and AC for stent omission following uncomplicated URS. AC scores correlated with stenting rates but there was substantial practice variation. Our findings demonstrate that the appropriate use of stent omission is underutilized.

[Ultrasound diagnostics for myotendinous injuries and insertion tendinopathies of the elbow joint]. / Ultraschalldiagnostik bei muskuloligamentären Verletzungen sowie Insertionstendinopathien am Ellenbogengelenk.

INTRODUCTION: Acute capsular injuries of the elbow joint and its ligaments predominantly occur after joint dislocation or subluxation. Together with lateral and medial epicondylitis they represent a common injury pattern in radiology, orthopedic and trauma surgery. CLINICAL ISSUE: Because of the complexity of the elbow joint, knowledge of the elbow dislocation and injury pattern as well as the anatomy is essential in order to adequately estimate the injury severity and joint stability. This is crucial for the correct diagnosis and choice of treatment. Systematic physical examination and careful radiographic evaluation are components of an adequate management of acute soft tissue elbow injuries. DIAGNOSTIC WORK-UP: The cost-effective ultrasound has emerged as a useful imaging modality for the diagnosis of acute joint and soft tissue pathologies especially in the acute phase after injury. Ultrasound as a diagnostic tool enables visualization of motion sequences during dynamic examination and therefore a better understanding of pathologies. Ultrasound examinations of the most common injuries of the elbow joint are presented in this overview.

[Trends in retinal detachment surgery : What has changed compared to 2001?] / Trends in der Ablatiochirurgie : Was hat sich im Vergleich zu 2001 geändert?

INTRODUCTION: In 2001 a survey among retinal surgeons regarding the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment either with scleral buckling methods or primary vitrectomy was performed. Due to the technical progress of vitrectomy and observational systems, it seemed appropriate to renew and update this survey supplemented with current aspects. METHODS: In this study 78 vitreoretinal surgeons from German-speaking countries were surveyed via an anonymous online questionnaire on their treatment decisions for defined retinal detachment constellations. Furthermore, general aspects, such as surgical experience, timing of surgery and anesthesia were queried. The results were compared to the results of 2001. RESULTS: Only 31.1% of the surgeons had performed more than 1000 scleral buckling procedures, whereas 80.8% had performed more than 1000 primary vitrectomies, 72.7% use mainly 23 gauge, 19.5% use 20 gauge and 7.8% use 25 gauge vitrectomy systems. Of the participants 88.5% perform retinal detachment surgery also on weekends and 85.9% in emergency services. In cases of one-hole configuration 73.1% of surgeons would choose treatment with a scleral buckle and only 7.7% with primary vitrectomy. The willingness to perform scleral buckling procedure decreases with coexisting risk factors. In the presence of two adjacent retinal tears but still treatable by scleral buckling, only 56.9% would perform a conventional buckling technique but 33.3% primary vitrectomy. In a more complex retinal hole configuration but still treatable with scleral buckling elements, only 6.4% would chose scleral buckling whereas 71.8% primary vitrectomy. In comparison with the 2001 survey, there is a marked trend in retinal detachment surgery in favor of primary vitrectomy not only in pseudophakic eyes. General anesthesia was the preferred anesthesia method and in a macular-on situation nearly 50% of the responders would perform surgery on the next day. CONCLUSION: The results of our survey confirm an obvious tendency away from buckling surgery towards primary vitrectomy in the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

The role of delayed head CT in evaluation of elderly blunt head trauma victims taking antithrombotic therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Increasing active longevity has created an increasing surge of elderly trauma patients. The majority of these patients suffer blunt trauma and many are taking antithrombotic agents. The literature is mixed regarding the utility of routine repeat head CT in patients taking antithrombotic medications with a GCS of 15 and initial negative head CT. We hypothesized that scheduled delayed CT head 12 h after admission (D-CTH) in elderly blunt trauma victims would not identify clinically significant new hemorrhages or change management. METHODS: A retrospective chart review using our institutional trauma registry of patients ≥65 years sustaining blunt head injuries from 2010 to 2012 was performed. By hospital protocol, all such patients on antithrombotic therapy receive a routine D-CTH. All of these patients were included. Demographics, injuries, medications, laboratory values, LOS, mental status, and management were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 234 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 8 initially were identified as having D-ICH. Upon further review, five patients had the same findings on both initial and delayed CT scans and one patient was determined to actually have had a hemorrhage stroke. Ultimately, only two patients (0.85%, 95% CI 0.1-3.1%) had new ICH discovered on D-CTH. None of the patients on warfarin demonstrated any new injury on D-CTH (95% CI ≤ 4.6%). Only one patient taking aspirin as a sole agent had a delayed injury on D-CTH (1.1%, 95% CI 0-4.2%). The remaining patient was taking a combination of aspirin and clopidogrel representing 2.2% of 45 patients on combination therapy (95% CI 0.1-11.8%). Only two patients taking a direct thrombin inhibitor (dabigatran) met inclusion criteria and neither endured a bleed (95% CI ≤ 77.6%). Further analysis revealed no cases with clinical changes or surgical intervention for new ICH on delayed imaging. No inference could be made to predict which patients would suffer D-ICH. CONCLUSIONS: D-CTH in elderly trauma patients taking antithrombotic agents shows no statistically significant or clinical benefit for diagnosing delayed intracranial hemorrhage after minor head injury. In those with delayed imaging showing new ICH, management was not significantly altered. Not enough data were available to predict which patients would develop D-ICH, even if asymptomatic.

Importance to question sinonasal symptoms and to perform rhinoscopy and rhinomanometry in cystic fibrosis patients.

OBJECTIVES: Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients almost regularly reveal sinonasal pathology. The purpose of this study was to assess association between objective and subjective measurements of sinonasal involvement comparing nasal airflow obtained by active anterior rhinomanometry (AAR), nasal endoscopic findings, and symptoms assessed with the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-20 (SNOT-20). METHODS: Nasal cavities were explored by anterior rigid rhinoscopy and findings were compared to inspiratory nasal airflow measured by AAR to quantify nasal patency and subjective health-related quality of life in sinonasal disease obtained with the SNOT-20 questionnaire. Relations to upper and lower airway colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, medical treatment, and sinonasal surgery were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 124 CF patients were enrolled (mean age 19.9 ± 10.4 years, range 4-65 years). A significant association of detection of nasal polyposis (NP) in rhinoscopy was found with increased primary nasal symptoms (PNS) which include "nasal obstruction," "sneezing," "runny nose," "thick nasal discharge," and "reduced sense of smell." At the same time patients with pathologically decreased airflow neither showed elevated SNOT-20 scores nor abnormal rhinoscopic findings. Altogether, rhinomanometric and rhinoscopic findings are not significantly related. CONCLUSIONS: Among SNOT-20 scores the PNS subscore is related to rhinoscopically detected polyposis and sinonasal secretion. Therefore, we recommend including short questions regarding PNS into CF-routine care. At the same time our results show that a high inspiratory airflow is not associated with a good sensation of nasal patency. Altogether, rhinomanometry is not required within routine CF-care, but it can be interesting as an outcome parameter within clinical trials. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:167-174. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[Tibial defects and infected non-unions : Treatment results after Masquelet technique]. / Tibiadefekt- und Infektpseudarthrosen : Behandlungsergebnisse nach Masquelet-Technik.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of non-unions with large bone defects or osteitis is a major challenge in orthopedic and trauma surgery. A new concept of therapy is a two-step procedure: Masquelet technique according to the diamond concept. METHODS: Between February 2010 and June 2014, 55 patients with tibia non-unions or infections were treated in a two-step Masquelet technique in our center. The patients' average age was 48 (median 50; minimum 15-maximum 72) with an average BMI (body mass index) of 28 (27; 18-52). There were 10 (18 %) female and 45 (82 %) male patients in the group. All study patients went through a follow up. Bone healing and clinical functional data were collected, as well as data according to subjective patient statements about pain and everyday limitations. RESULTS: In 42 cases (76.4 %) the outcome was a sufficient bony consolidation. On average, the time to heal was 10.3 (8, 5; 3-40) months, defect gaps were 4 cm (3 cm; 0,6-26 cm), and on average the patients had had 6 (median 4; range 1-31) previous operations . In all cases patients received osteosynthesis as well as a defect filling with RIA (reamer-irrigator-aspirator), and growth factor BMP-7 (bone morphogenetic protein-7). In 13 cases (23.6 %) there was no therapeutic success. In the evaluation of the SF12 questionnaire the mental health score increased from 47.4 (49.1; 27.6-65.7) to 49.8 (53.0; 28.7-69.4) and the well-being score from 32.7 (32.7;16.9-55.7) to 36.6 (36.5; 24.6-55.9). CONCLUSION: The two-step bone grafting method in the Masquelet technique used for tibia non-unions according to the diamond concept is a promising treatment option. Its application for tibia shaft non-unions with large bone defects or infections means a high degree of safety for the patient.

The IsoStretcher: An isotropic cell stretch device to study mechanical biosensor pathways in living cells.

Mechanosensation in many organs (e.g. lungs, heart, gut) is mediated by biosensors (like mechanosensitive ion channels), which convert mechanical stimuli into electrical and/or biochemical signals. To study those pathways, technical devices are needed that apply strain profiles to cells, and ideally allow simultaneous live-cell microscopy analysis. Strain profiles in organs can be complex and multiaxial, e.g. in hollow organs. Most devices in mechanobiology apply longitudinal uniaxial stretch to adhered cells using elastomeric membranes to study mechanical biosensors. Recent approaches in biomedical engineering have employed intelligent systems to apply biaxial or multiaxial stretch to cells. Here, we present an isotropic cell stretch system (IsoStretcher) that overcomes some previous limitations. Our system uses a rotational swivel mechanism that translates into a radial displacement of hooks attached to small circular silicone membranes. Isotropicity and focus stability are demonstrated with fluorescent beads, and transmission efficiency of elastomer membrane stretch to cellular area change in HeLa/HEK cells. Applying our system to lamin-A overexpressing fibrosarcoma cells, we found a markedly reduced stretch of cell area, indicative of a stiffer cytoskeleton. We also investigated stretch-activated Ca(2+) entry into atrial HL-1 myocytes. 10% isotropic stretch induced robust oscillating increases in intracellular Fluo-4 Ca(2+) fluorescence. Store-operated Ca(2+) entry was not detected in these cells. The Isostretcher provides a useful versatile tool for mechanobiology.

[Analysis of cardiovascular diseases after the upload phase with intravitreal ranibizumab and bevacizumab in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration]. / Analyse kardiovaskulärer Erkrankungen nach der Upload-Phase mit intravitrealem Ranibizumab oder Bevacizumab bei Patienten mit exsudativer altersbedingter Makuladegeneration.

BACKGROUND: The intravitreal administration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors is the gold standard in the treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) but the possible risks of systemic, particularly cardiovascular side effects are still discussed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively followed 111 patients at the University Hospital in Göttingen with exudative AMD and intravitreal ocular treatment with bevacizumab and ranibizumab during the upload phase of 3 months using a questionnaire for documentation of possible cardiovascular events. RESULTS: In 5 out of 111 patients angina pectoris was observed and in 6 patients the antihypertensive medication had to be increased. No differences were found between bevacizumab and ranibizumab. A patient with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases suffered a stroke in the upload phase but no thromboembolic events were observed in the other patients. CONCLUSION: In this small but prospective clinical study no increased risk for cardiovascular events during the upload phase of the VEGF inhibitors ranibizumab and bevacizumab could be detected when taking the age and pre-existing cardiovascular diseases into consideration.

Risk adjustment models for short-term outcomes after surgical resection for oesophagogastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Outcomes for oesophagogastric cancer surgery are compared with the aim of benchmarking quality of care. Adjusting for patient characteristics is crucial to avoid biased comparisons between providers. The study objective was to develop a case-mix adjustment model for comparing 30- and 90-day mortality and anastomotic leakage rates after oesophagogastric cancer resections. METHODS: The study reviewed existing models, considered expert opinion and examined audit data in order to select predictors that were consequently used to develop a case-mix adjustment model for the National Oesophago-Gastric Cancer Audit, covering England and Wales. Models were developed on patients undergoing surgical resection between April 2011 and March 2013 using logistic regression. Model calibration and discrimination was quantified using a bootstrap procedure. RESULTS: Most existing risk models for oesophagogastric resections were methodologically weak, outdated or based on detailed laboratory data that are not generally available. In 4882 patients with oesophagogastric cancer used for model development, 30- and 90-day mortality rates were 2·3 and 4·4 per cent respectively, and 6·2 per cent of patients developed an anastomotic leak. The internally validated models, based on predictors selected from the literature, showed moderate discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve 0·646 for 30-day mortality, 0·664 for 90-day mortality and 0·587 for anastomotic leakage) and good calibration. CONCLUSION: Based on available data, three case-mix adjustment models for postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing curative surgery for oesophagogastric cancer were developed. These models should be used for risk adjustment when assessing hospital performance in the National Health Service, and tested in other large health systems.

[Anatomic Success of Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment during the Changeover from 20 to 23 Gauge - A Study on 313 Consecutive Cases]. / Anatomischer Erfolg der Pars-plana-Vitrektomie bei rhegmatogener Netzhautablösung im Rahmen der Umstellung von 20 auf 23 Gauge - eine Studie an 313 konsekutiven Fällen.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effect on the anatomic surgical success with the changeover from 20 Gauge (G) (n = 206) to 23 G (n = 107) pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. METHODS: 313 consecutive patients were retrolective-prospectively analysed. Several parameters including lens status, number of retinal breaks, extent of retinal detachment, proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and refractive error were examined. Primary success rate was defined as anatomic success after a minimum follow-up of 6 months. The secondary success rate was determined as anatomic success after one further operation if necessary. Moreover recurring retinal detachment after initial success was registered. In additional to the analysis over all patients, cases were grouped according to the severity of the preoperative baseline situation. RESULTS: Primary success rate was 87.4 % for 20 G PPV and 87.9 % for 23 G PPV, secondary success rate was 95.6 % for 20 G PPV and 94.4 % for 23 G PPV. 13.9 % (20 G) and 7.4 % (23 G) of patients with initially reattached retina after one surgery developed recurrent retinal detachment in the follow-up and were successfully treated in 17/25 and 7/7 cases. With 20 G PPV a primary success rate of 85 % was obtained in phakic eyes and 89.6 % in pseudophakic eyes, respectively. However, primary success rate with 23 G PPV was 90.4 % for phakic eyes and 85.5 % for pseudophakic eyes. For simple, medium and severe cases, the primary success rate decreased from 97.1 to 92.4 and 74.2 % in 20 G PPV, whereas no obvious tendency appeared for 23 G PPV (93.9, 83.7, 88 %). In 20 G PPV surgery the lens status had no influence on the primary success rate (p > 0.05), for medium and severe cases in 23 G PPV better results were obtained in phakic eyes (88.5 and 93.3 %) compared to pseudophakic eyes (78.3 and 80 %, n. s.). CONCLUSION: 20 G PPV as well as 23 G PPV are good surgical techniques in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Overall the miniaturisation of surgical instruments seems to be without any disadvantage for the surgical success.

Comparing colon cancer outcomes: The impact of low hospital case volume and case-mix adjustment.

OBJECTIVE: When comparing performance across hospitals it is essential to consider the noise caused by low hospital case volume and to perform adequate case-mix adjustment. We aimed to quantify the role of noise and case-mix adjustment on standardized postoperative mortality and anastomotic leakage (AL) rates. METHODS: We studied 13,120 patients who underwent colon cancer resection in 85 Dutch hospitals. We addressed differences between hospitals in postoperative mortality and AL, using fixed (ignoring noise) and random effects (incorporating noise) logistic regression models with general and additional, disease specific, case-mix adjustment. RESULTS: Adding disease specific variables improved the performance of the case-mix adjustment models for postoperative mortality (c-statistic increased from 0.77 to 0.81). The overall variation in standardized mortality ratios was similar, but some individual hospitals changed considerably. For the standardized AL rates the performance of the adjustment models was poor (c-statistic 0.59 and 0.60) and overall variation was small. Most of the observed variation between hospitals was actually noise. CONCLUSION: Noise had a larger effect on hospital performance than extended case-mix adjustment, although some individual hospital outcome rates were affected by more detailed case-mix adjustment. To compare outcomes between hospitals it is crucial to consider noise due to low hospital case volume with a random effects model.

Melissa officinalis extract induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation in colon cancer cells through formation of reactive oxygen species.

PURPOSE: Efficient strategies for the prevention of colon cancer are extensively being explored, including dietary intervention and the development of novel phytopharmaceuticals. Safe extracts of edible plants contain structurally diverse molecules that can effectively interfere with multi-factorial diseases such as colon cancer. In this study, we describe the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects of ethanolic lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) leaves extract in human colon carcinoma cells. We further investigated the role of extra- and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). METHODS: Antitumor effects of lemon balm extract (LBE) were investigated in HT-29 and T84 human colon carcinoma cells. Inhibition of proliferation was analyzed by DNA quantification. The causal cell cycle arrest was determined by flow cytometry of propidium iodide-stained cells and by immunoblotting of cell cycle regulator proteins. To investigate apoptosis, cleavage of caspases 3 and 7 was detected by immunoblotting and fluorescence microscopy. Phosphatidylserine externalization was measured by Annexin V assays. Mechanistic insights were gained by measurement of ROS using the indicator dyes CM-H2DCFDA and Cell ROX Green. RESULTS: After 3 and 4 days of treatment, LBE inhibited the proliferation of HT-29 and T84 colon carcinoma cells with an inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 346 and 120 µg/ml, respectively. Antiproliferative effects were associated with a G2/M cell cycle arrest and reduced protein expression of cyclin dependent kinases (CDK) 2, 4, 6, cyclin D3, and induced expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2C (p18) and 1A (p21). LBE (600 µg/ml) induced cleavage of caspases 3 and 7 and phosphatidylserine externalization. LBE-induced apoptosis was further associated with formation of ROS, whereas quenching of ROS by antioxidants completely rescued the colon carcinoma cells from LBE-induced apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) extract inhibits the proliferation of colon carcinoma cells and induces apoptosis through formation of ROS. Taken together, LBE or subfractions thereof could be used for the prevention of colon cancer.

[Nutritional prevention of urological tumours]. / Alimentäre Prävention urologischer Tumoren.

Through the last decade considerations on the role of vitamins and antioxidants in the primary prevention of genitourinary tumors have changed dramatically. In spite of all efforts, the efficacy of a specific compound has not been proven so far. In consequence, recommendations to use vitamins or other supplements for the primary prevention of urological tumors should be avoided. However, there is some evidence that moderate food consumption, reduction of dairy products and an Asian or Mediterranean diet may not only prevent prostate cancer (PCA) but also harbour additional beneficial effects on general health. Although quantification of these findings may be difficult, it becomes evident that these measures will have additional synergistic effects on cardiovascular diseases. Considering the large number of PCA patients dying not cancer-related but from concomitant diseases, primary prevention in particular of PCA should always also consider the general health of the target population. More recent studies suggest a potential effect of nutritional compounds on biochemical tumour recurrence in PCA patients after definite therapy. These observations may serve as a starting point for validation within controlled clinical trials.

Effect of IL-6 on the insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels are associated with type 2 diabetes, but its role in glucose metabolism is controversial. We investigated the effect of IL-6 on insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetes patients and hypothesized that an acute, moderate IL-6 elevation would increase the insulin-mediated glucose uptake. Men with type 2 diabetes not treated with insulin [n = 9, age 54.9 ± 9.7 (mean ± SD) yr, body mass index 34.8 ± 6.1 kg/m(2), HbA1c 7.0 ± 1.0%] received continuous intravenous infusion with either recombinant human IL-6 (rhIL-6) or placebo. After 1 h with placebo or rhIL-6, a 3-h hyperinsulinemic-isoglycemic clamp was initiated. Whole body glucose metabolism was measured using stable isotope-labeled tracers. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) expression were measured in muscle biopsies. Whole body energy expenditure was measured using indirect calorimetry. In response to the infusion of rhIL-6, circulating levels of IL-6 (P < 0.001), neutrophils (P < 0.001), and cortisol (P < 0.001) increased while lymphocytes decreased (P < 0.01). However, IL-6 infusion did not change glucose infusion rate, rate of appearance, or rate of disappearance during the clamp. While IL-6 enhanced phosphorylation of STAT3 in skeletal muscle (P = 0.041), the expression of SOCS3 remained unchanged. Whole body oxygen uptake (P < 0.01) and expired carbon dioxide (P < 0.01) increased during rhIL-6 infusion. In summary, although IL-6 induced local and systemic responses, the insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was not affected. While different contributing factors may be involved, our results are in contrast to our hypothesis and previous findings in young, healthy men.

[ASA and clopidogrel for urological operations. Perioperative management]. / ASS und Clopidogrel bei urologischen Operationen. Perioperatives management.

In a systematic overview and meta-analysis among more than 50,000 patients at risk for coronary artery disease, not adhering to or discontinuing aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) was associated with a significantly increased risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction or death. Withdrawal of low dose aspirin was correlated with a threefold increase in the risk of adverse cardiovascular events. This risk is present irrespective of the length of time patients had been taking low dose aspirin. Therefore, in patients on chronic low dose aspirin for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, aspirin should never be discontinued. In the few available studies in urological surgery the increase in bleeding does not translate into a significant increase in specific morbidity. This seems to be also true for the additional administration of clopidogrel to aspirin. Nevertheless, in patients with drug-eluting stents and dual antiplatelet therapy, urologists should ensure a multidisciplinary management of the perioperative course.

Optimal parameters of transcranial electrical stimulation for intraoperative monitoring of motor evoked potentials of the tibialis anterior muscle during pediatric scoliosis surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Transcranial electric stimulation elicited muscle motor evoked potentials (TESmMEPs) is one of the best methods for corticospinal tract's function monitoring during spine and spinal cord surgeries. A train of multipulse electric stimulation is required for eliciting TESmMEPs under general anaesthesia. Here, we investigated the best stimulation parameters for eliciting and recording tibialis anterior's TESmMEPs during paediatric scoliosis surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Numbers of pulses (NOP), inter-stimulus intervals (ISI) and current intensities allowing the best size tibialis anterior muscle's TESmMEPs under general anaesthesia, were tested and collected during 77 paediatric scoliosis surgery monitoring procedures in our hospital. Individual pulse duration was kept at 0.5 ms and stimulating electrodes were positioned at C1 and C2 (International 10-20-EEG-System) during all the tests. RESULTS: The NOP used for eliciting the best tibialis anterior TESmMEPs response was 5, 6, and 7 respectively in 21 (27%), 47 (61%) and 9 (12%) out of the 77 patients. The ISI was 2, 3 and 4 ms respectively in 13 (17%), 55 (71%) and 9 (12%) of them. The current intensity used varied from 300 to 700 V (mean: 448±136 V). CONCLUSION: Most patients had 6 as best NOP (61%) and 3 ms as best ISI (71%). These findings support that a NOP of 6 and an ISI of 3 ms should be preferentially used as optimal stimulation settings for intraoperative tibialis anterior muscle's TESmMEPs eliciting and recording during paediatric scoliosis surgery.

[Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis for urological operations]. / Venenthromboseembolieprophylaxe bei urologischen Operationen.

Deep vein thrombosis and the associated danger of pulmonary embolism are two manifestations of one disease. The frequency of deep vein thrombosis in operative medicine without medicinal prophylaxis varies between 14% and 32% and the resulting pulmonary embolism rate is approximately 0.8-6.2%. When deep vein thrombosis is suspected, a diagnostic clarification is carried out by determination of D-dimer levels, compression sonography of the veins and if necessary phlebography. When pulmonary embolism is suspected, the diagnostics are extended to computed tomography angiography (CTA) and if necessary echocardiography. If deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism are present, therapy must be started immediately (full heparinization or systemic thrombolysis). The occurrence of deep vein thrombosis with subsequent pulmonary embolism can be reduced by consistent prophylaxis. The risk assessment incorporates exponential and dispositional risk factors. Prophylactic measures include early mobilization, compression stockings and in the highest risk group (radical prostatectomy and cystectomy) medicinal measures, as a rule low molecular weight heparins. Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis following such interventions should be continued postoperatively for 4-5 weeks.

[Metabolic syndrome and prostate cancer]. / Metabolisches Syndrom und Prostatakarzinom.

The relationship between metabolic syndrome (MS) and prostate cancer (PCA) is highly complex and harbors multiple facets not least because MS is not a single entity but represents a poorly defined inhomogeneous mixture of different diseases and conditions. Although numerous studies suggest a correlation between MS or components of MS and the development of prostate cancer, current evidence cannot be considered convincing. While diabetes appears to be inversely related to PCA, increased serum levels of triglycerides, cholesterol and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) may be predictive for high grade disease. Further studies suggested that MS and high serum insulin levels are independent predictors of an unfavorable prognosis in patients with metastatic PCA. Early detection and improved therapeutic options have dramatically prolonged the course of the disease in advanced PCA through the last decades. As a consequence, development of MS in patients undergoing hormone therapy along with the cardiovascular risks has gained increasing relevance. Based on this evolution prevention, early detection and sustainable therapy represent an important clinical challenge to modern urologists active in urooncology.

Morphological analysis and differentiation of benign cystic neoplasms of the pancreas using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

PURPOSE: To evaluate morphologic characteristics and establish a standardized diagnostic algorithm to differentiate benign cystic pancreatic tumors (CPTs) in non-pancreatitis patients using multidetector computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with histopathologically proven CPTs who had undergone MRI and/or CT and subsequent tumor resection in our institution were retrospectively identified. Images were analyzed for morphology and enhancement patterns by three independent blinded observers. Preoperative image findings were correlated with histopathological results. Based on the evaluated morphologic parameters, a standardized diagnostic algorithm was designed to help characterize the lesions. RESULTS: A total of 62 consecutive patients with 64 CPTs were identified from the surgical database (21 intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms; 10 mucinous cystic neoplasms; 12 serous microcystic adenomas; 3 serous oligocystic adenomas; 6 solid pseudopapillary tumors; 12 neuroendocrine neoplasms). The overall averaged accuracy for the 3 observers was 89.9 % for CT and 93.1 % for MRI with increasing overall accuracy in relation to the experience of the observer (88.2 %, 91.5 %, and 93.8 %, respectively). Overall, the generalized kappa value was 0.69 (CT, 0.64; MRI, 0.76); p < 0.001). The accuracy of the standardized diagnostic algorithm was 91.1 %. CONCLUSION: It is possible to characterize benign CPTs with MRI and CT, while MRI appears to be superior to CT. Diagnostic accuracy depends on the observer's experience. The standardized algorithm can aid in the differential diagnosis but still needs to be tested in other patient populations.