Long-term results of carpal tunnel decompression. Assessment of 60 cases.

The long-term prognosis of 60 patients operated on for carpal tunnel syndrome has been assessed in a prospective study with a median follow-up period of 5.5 years (range 2-11 years). Analysis of motor, sensory, trophic, and electrodiagnostic findings and assessment of pain were performed pre- and post-operatively using a standardized grading system. The results were generally favourable with a variable degree of improvement in 86% of cases. Statistical evaluation using multiple Dunn-Rankin tests revealed pain to be the most prominent pre-operative finding. On post-operative re-examination, pain was found to be improved to a significantly greater extent than any other variable. Analysis of several potential prognostic factors showed that pain lasting for more than 5 years prior to surgery indicates a poor prognosis. Only patients with diabetes mellitus exhibited a trend toward less pain relief.

[Duplication of the colon. An incidental finding in segmental rectal stenosis]. / Duplikatur des Dickdarmes. Ein Zufallsbefund bei segmentaler Rectumstenose.

Colonic duplication is a rare, congenital anomaly. A case is presented in order to show the etiology, pathology and clinical importance of colonic duplication.

[A new assessment model for the evaluation of late results following a decompressive operation of the median nerve]. / Ein neues Bewertungsschema zur Spätergebnisbeurteilung nach Dekompressionsoperation des N. medianus.

Of ninety patients who had undergone carpal tunnel release in the years from 1970 to 1980, 67% could be reinvestigated after a follow-up period of five years and six months (average interval). A new scheme for classification of long-term results was used. This was achieved by the use of objective clinical and electro-physiological observations. Postoperatively 71% could be classified as "cured" or "much improved". Only 15% were graded as "improved" and 14% remained "unchanged" or "worse".

[Formation of a liver abscess as the first manifestation of concealed perforated sigmoid diverticulitis]. / Leberabszessbildung als Erstmanifestation einer gedeckt perforierten Sigmadivertikulitis.

Normally colonic diverticulitis presents itself clinically with symptoms. In our presentation pyogenic liver abscess was the primary finding of a concealed perforation of sigma colon diverticulitis. Investigations, diagnostic procedures and therapy are presented.

[Carcinoembryonic antigen: Comparison of radioimmunoassay and enzyme immunoassay in postoperative surveillance of patients with carcinoma of the colon or rectum (author's transl)]. / Karzinoembryonales Antigen: Vergleich der radiound enzymimmunologischen Bestimmungsmethode in der Therapiekontrolle kolorektaler Karzinome.

In the recent time measurement of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has gained increasing importance in post-operative surveillance of patients having been operated upon because of colorectal carcinomas. Simple routine laboratory procedures are needed therefore. CEA was measured in 230 patients; it is demonstrated, that the results obtained by conventional radioimmunoassay are accurate and precise. In addition the specimens were measured by an enzyme immunoassay. Results of both assays coincided rather well. Since the enzyme immunoassay is much easier to perform it is to be prefered as a routine laboratory procedure.

[Functional results after reconstruction of severed flexor tendons by means of free flexor tendon grafts]. / Funktionsergebnisse nach Wiederherstellung verletzter Beugesehnen durch freie Beugesehnenplastik.

From 93 free flexor tendon grafts which have been performed in the years 1959--1976 because of flexor tendon laceration 85% could be reinvestigated after 6 years 10 months (average intervall). Three reinvestigation schemes for classification of the functional results were used (VERDAN/MICHON 1961, McKENZIE 1967, BUCK-GRAMCKO 1976). This had the advantage that marked differences in the classification schemes could be demonstrated. With 56% of very good and 22% of good results according to the classification of McKENZIE or 30% of very good and 26% of good results according to the classification of BUCK-GRAMCKO the results of free flexor tendon graft in the area of the thumb are significantly better than those in the fingers. In addition the relationship between the objective reinvestigation results of the operation and the subjective results appraised by the patients is demonstrated and shows that BUCK-GRAMCKO's classification comes closest to the patients evaluation.

[Gangrene of the intestine with pneumatosis intestinalis in a child with meningomyelocele]. / Darmgangrän mit Pneumatosis intestinalis bei einem Kind mit Meningomyelozele.

A 13-year-old girl with meningomyelocele and a cauda-equina-paraplegia-syndrome, with resulting long-standing ileus, developed an extensive gangrene of the stomach, the small bowel and parts of the colon. As pathogenesis a non-occlusive-ischemia is suspected; the exceptional neurological situation is discussed.

New lectin receptors in carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA).

The glycoprotein CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) carries carbohydrate groups, which react with the plant lectins from Agaricus bisporus, Arachis hypogaea (peanut), with Tridacnin from invertebrate clams and with the anti-A lectins from snails. Accordingly, it has cryptantigenic structures, which correspond to the T or T-like antigen, the Tridacnin receptor and to the so called A-like antigen.