The most practical diagnostic imaging for detecting body packers during the drug trafficking: Ultrasonography.

INTRODUCTION: Body packing is one of the most common methods used in the transboundary trafficking of illicit drugs. These drugs are packaged in capsules and taken orally or inserted into the rectum or vagina. Its diagnosis is, therefore, difficult. Methods like x-ray, ultrasonography, and computed tomography (CT) are usually used to diagnose body packers. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic power and feasibility of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool in patients who have a suspicion of being body packers. METHODS: This study is designed as a prospective and single-centered case-control study in the emergency department of a training and research hospital. Cases admitted to the emergency department with suspicion of being a body packer were included in the study. The data obtained was recorded on the study form. p < 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS: One hundred and one patients were included in the study; 76.2% (n = 77) were male. Packages were detected in 56.5% (n = 57) of the cases. Ultrasonography was found to be significantly useful in evaluating the presence of intra-abdominal packages. Ultrasonography had 92.4% sensitivity and 97.8% specificity in evaluating the presence of packs. CONCLUSION: CT is frequently used to diagnose patients admitted to the emergency departments with suspected body packing. In our study, ultrasonography is an advantageous imaging method, given its success rate, radiation-free nature, and low cost. We have found ultrasonography to be a successful imaging modality in examining patients suspected of being body packers for the presence of packs, and it can replace CT in clinics.

Two Cases of Severe Amanita Muscaria Poisoning Including a Fatality.

Ingestion of Amanita muscaria mushrooms results in transient central nervous system excitation and depression mediated by its components, ibotenic acid and muscimol. The mushroom is distributed worldwide and ingestions occur with some frequency. Although these ingestions have traditionally been considered benign, serious complications can occur. We present 2 cases of serious toxicity, including a fatality. The first case was a 44-y-old man who presented to the emergency department (ED) after cardiopulmonary arrest approximately 10 h after ingesting 4 to 5 dried A muscaria mushroom caps, which he used for their mind-altering effects. Despite successful resuscitation, he remained unresponsive and hypotensive and died 9 days later. The second case was a 75-y-old man who presented to the ED after accidentally consuming one large A muscaria mushroom cap he foraged in Eastern Turkey. The patient initially presented to the ED with hallucinations followed by lethargy, and he was intubated for airway protection. The patient's condition gradually improved, and he made a full recovery. A muscaria ingestion should not be considered benign as serious outcomes do occur. An understanding of how the main neuroactive chemicals, ibotenic acid and muscimol, affect the brain can help anticipate outcomes. Several high-risk features that portend a more serious course are identified.

How do specialist surgeons treat the atrophic tooth gap? A vignette-based study among maxillofacial and oral surgeons.

BACKGROUND: There is little information available regarding the decision-making process of clinicians, especially in the choice of therapy for a severely atrophic tooth gap. The aim of this research was to use case vignettes to determine the influence of possible factors on the decision making of maxillofacial and oral surgeons. METHODS: A total of 250 maxillofacial (MFS) and oral (OS) surgeons in southern Germany were surveyed for atrophic single- or multiple-tooth gap with the help of case vignettes. The influence of different determinants on the therapy decision was investigated. Two case vignettes were designed for this purpose: vignette 1 with determinants "patient age" and "endocarditis prophylaxis" and vignette 2 with determinants "anxiety" and "bisphosphonate therapy". Furthermore, the specialist designation was assessed for both. The options available to achieve a sufficient implant site were "bone split", "bone block", "augmentation with bone substitute material" and "bone resection". Therapy was either recommended or rejected based on principle. RESULTS: A total of 117 participants returned the questionnaire: 68 (58%) were OS and 49 (42%) MFS. "Patient age" and "patient anxiety" were not significantly associated with any therapy decision. However, required "endocarditis prophylaxis" led to significantly higher refusal rates for "bone split", "bone block" and "bone replacement material" and to higher rates of general refusal of a therapy. "Bisphosphonate therapy" was significantly associated with general refusal of therapy, but with no significant correlation with different therapy options. In vignette 1, OS refused therapy significantly more often than MFS, though there was no association with the specialist designation for other therapy modalities. In vignette 2, specialty was not significantly associated with the therapy decision. CONCLUSION: "Patient age" as well as "patient anxiety" appear to have no or little influence on the treatment decision for severely atrophic single- or multiple-tooth gap by specialist surgeons. Surgeons more often refuse treatment for patients with endocarditis prophylaxis and bisphosphonate therapy.

Pre-implantological treatment routines for alveolar ridge atrophy - an investigation among maxillofacial and oral surgeons in southern Germany.

BACKGROUND: It is not well-known which pre-implantological procedures are preferred by maxillofacial (MFS) and oral surgeons (OS) for the narrow atrophic alveolar ridge under practice based conditions and, if different training paths in surgery lead to other pre-implantological techniques being preferred. This study aims to identify which procedures are preferred by the respective specialists in which indication. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to a total of 300 MFS and OS in southern Germany. The questionnaire examined pre-implantological procedures (bone block, bone grafting material and/or particulate autogenous bone, titanium mesh, bone split, resection) in the edentulous severely atrophic mandible and in the severely atrophic single-tooth gap. Kendall's Tau-b test was used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: One hundred seventeen participants returned the questionnaire. 68 (58%) were OS and 49 (42%) were MFS. In the edentulous mandible, bone substitute material and resection were most preferred by both specialists. Bone blocks were statistically significantly more frequently associated with MFS and bone substitute materials with OS. Bone split was more frequently used in the atrophic single tooth gap than in the edentulous mandible. OS preferred bone blocks in the single tooth gap more often than in the edentulous mandible. MFS and OS preferred resection in the edentulous mandible significantly more frequently than in the single tooth gap. CONCLUSIONS: MFS in general prefer more invasive pre-implantological therapies with the same initial diagnosis than OS, which seems to be attributed to different training paths.

Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Supraclavicular and Interscalene Brachial Plexus Blocks in Postoperative Pain Management After Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The interscalene brachial plexus block (ISBB) is an effective procedure for minimizing postoperative opioid consumption and pain following arthroscopic shoulder surgery. The ultrasound (US)-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block (SCBB) seems to be an alternative technique for arthroscopic shoulder surgery. However, evidence is lacking regarding the impact of SCBB on postoperative pain management and recovery after arthroscopic shoulder surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of SCBB with ISBB in terms of postoperative pain and quality of recovery after arthroscopic shoulder surgery. METHODS: A total of 62 adult patients scheduled for arthroscopic shoulder surgery under general anesthesia were randomized into 2 groups to receive either ISBB (IB group, n = 31) or SCBB (SB group, n = 29) with 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine under US guidance. Assessments included postoperative pain scores, additional analgesic requirement, timing of the first analgesic requirement, Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR-40) scores, block characteristics, and side effects. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the 2 groups for pain scores (P = 0.34), timing of first analgesic requirement (P = 0.30), additional analgesic requirement (P = 0.34), or QoR-40 scores (P = 0.13). The block characteristics regarding procedure time (P = 0.95), block failure, and onset time of sensory blockade (P = 0.33) were similar. Horner's syndrome occurred in 8 patients in the IB group and 1 patient in the SB group (P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that US-guided SCBB is as effective as ISBB in reducing postoperative pain and improving the quality of recovery for arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

The potential use of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) in mountain search and rescue operations.

OBJECTIVE: This study explores the potential use of drones in searching for and locating victims and of motorized transportation of search and rescue providers in a mountain environment using a simulation model. METHODS: This prospective randomized simulation study was performed in order to compare two different search and rescue techniques in searching for an unconscious victim on snow-covered ground. In the control arm, the Classical Line Search Technique (CLT) was used, in which the search is performed on foot and the victim is reached on foot. In the intervention arm, the Drone-snowmobile Technique (DST) was used, the search being performed by drone and the victim reached by snowmobile. The primary outcome of the study was the comparison of the two search and rescue techniques in terms of first human contact time. RESULTS: Twenty search and rescue operations were conducted in this study. Median time to arrival at the mannequin was 57.3min for CLT, compared to 8.9min for DST. The median value of the total searched area was 88,322.0m2 for CLT and 228,613.0m2 for DST. The median area searched per minute was 1489.6m2 for CLT and 32,979.9m2 for DST (p<0.01 for all comparisons). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, a wider area can be searched faster by drone using DST compared to the classical technique, and the victim can be located faster and reached earlier with rescuers transported by snowmobile.

The effect of patient positions on perfusion index.

BACKGROUND: The optimal position for surgery is one in which the patient is provided the best possible surgical intervention and put at minimum risk. Different surgical positions may cause changes in tissue perfusion. This study investigates the relationship between surgical patient positions and perfusion index. METHODS: A sample of 61 healthy individuals with no peripheral circulatory disorders, chronic diseases, or anemia was included in this study. Participants held six different positions: supine, prone, 45-degree sitting-supine, 45-degree supine with legs lifted, Trendelenburg (45-degrees head down), and reverse Trendelenburg (45-degrees head up). Perfusion index values were then measured and recorded after individuals held their positions for five minutes. RESULTS: Participants' perfusion index values were affected by different body positions (p < 0.05). Perfusion index was lowest in the sitting position (4.5 ± 2.5) and highest in individuals with Trendelenburg position (7.8 ± 3.8). CONCLUSION: Different body positions can cause changes in tissue perfusion. This should be considered in patient follow-up along with the perfusion index.

A Comparison of the Effects of Grayanotoxin-Containing Honey (Mad Honey), Normal Honey, and Propolis on Fracture Healing.

OBJECTIVES: Delayed healing and non-union of fractures have a significant effect upon patient morbidity. Studies have therefore largely concentrated on accelerating fracture healing. This study was intended to compare the effect of "mad honey" and propolis on fracture healing using radiological and histopathological analysis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Femur fracture was surgically performed on 48 rats, followed by fixation. Animals were then divided into 8 groups: 2 control groups (15- and 30-day) and 6 treatment groups (15- and 30-day normal honey, 15- and 30-day "mad honey," and 15- and 30-day propolis). Rats were sacrificed at the end of these periods, and radiological and histological examinations were performed. RESULTS: Radiological healing in the propolis group after 15-day therapy was statistically better than in the control (p = 0.004) and normal honey (p = 0.006) groups. After 30-day therapy, healing in the propolis group (p = 0.005) and grayanotoxin-containing "mad honey" group (p = 0.007) were significantly better than in the control group. Histologically, there was a statistically significant difference between the 15-day propolis group and the other groups (control, honey, mad honey: p = 0.003, p = 0.003, and p = 0.002, respectively). We also found a statistically significant difference when the 30-day propolis group (p = 0.005) and "mad honey" group (p = 0.007) were compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that grayanotoxin-containing "mad honey" and propolis can accelerate fracture healing.

The diagnostic value of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in distinguishing between subarachnoid hemorrhage and migraine.

OBJECTIVE: Migraine and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients present to emergency departments with the similar symptoms as headache, nausea, and vomiting. This study investigated whether the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) could distinguish patients with SAH from those with migraine. METHODS: This retrospective study was performed after research ethics committee approval. Data were gathered from the ED and neurology clinics of a university hospital between January 2015 and January 2016, from patients with symptoms of headache (primarily), nausea and vomiting. One hundred and twenty one with SAH, 123 patients with migraine and 987 with other primary headache syndromes were considered. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratios (NLR-1) were compared between groups on admission. In SAH patients NLR taken on the 24th-30th hour of admission (NLR-2) was compared to admission NLR. RESULTS: NLR values, showed that the median NLR values of SAH patients were significantly higher than migraine and other headaches group values (p<0.001; p<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the NLR values of the migraine and control groups (p>0.05). An NLR cut-off value of 4.02 produced 85.95% sensitivity, 97.46% specificity, a 33.79 positive likelihood ratio (LR+), and a 0.14 negative likelihood ratio (LR-). A statistically significant increase was observed in median NLR-2 values compared to median NLR-1 values in SAH patients (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In this retrospective analysis, NLR distinguished patients with SAH from those with migraine. Presence of SAH should be evaluated from discharged and readmitted patients (with headache symptoms) when an increase in NLR between initial and readmission levels is observed.

A retrospective analysis of nebulized versus intravenous fentanyl for renal colic.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of nebulized fentanyl used for analgesia in renal colic. MATERIALS/METHODS: This research was planned as a randomized, blinded study in which prospectively collected data were analyzed retrospectively to compare nebulized and intravenous (iv) fentanyl therapies. Patients with renal colic with 'moderate' or worse pain on a four-point verbal pain score (VPS) or with pain of 20mm or above on a 100-mm visual analogue score (VAS) at time of presentation were randomized into iv fentanyl (n=62) or nebulized fentanyl (n=53) study groups. Decreases in VAS and VPS scores at 15 and 30min compared to baseline, rescue analgesia requirements and side-effects between the groups were compared. RESULTS: Both iv fentanyl and nebulized fentanyl provided effective analgesia in renal colic patients at the end of 30min. However, iv fentanyl provided more rapid and more effective analgesia than nebulized fentanyl. Patients receiving iv fentanyl had lower rescue analgesia requirements than those receiving nebulized fentanyl (37.1% vs 54.7%), although the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.058). In addition, side-effects were more common in the iv fentanyl group compared to the nebulized fentanyl group (22.1% vs 9.4%), although the difference was also not significant (p=0.058). CONCLUSION: Nebulized fentanyl provides effective analgesia in patients with renal colic. However, iv fentanyl exhibits more rapid and more powerful analgesic effects than nebulized fentanyl. Nonetheless, due to its ease of use and few potential risks and side-effects the nebulized form can be used as an alternative in renal colic.

The diagnostic value of serum pentraxin 3 levels in pulmonary contusion.

PURPOSE: To investigate the difference in pentraxin 3 (PTX 3) levels between patients with pulmonary contusion and healthy volunteers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted with a group of 20 trauma patients diagnosed with pulmonary contusion and 30 healthy individuals enrolled as a control group in a tertiary university hospital. RESULTS: Median PTX 3 levels were 7.05 (3.29-13.1), ng/ml in the contusion group and 1.03 (0.7-1.58) ng/ml in the control group. PTX 3 titers were significantly higher in patients with pulmonary contusion compared to those of the control group (p<0.001). An area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.968 investigated using ROC analysis to determine the diagnostic value of the PTX-3 in pulmonary contusion patients was measured. A PTX-3 cut-off value of 2.06 produced 95.5% sensitivity and 86.7% specificity. CONCLUSION: PTX 3 levels in pulmonary contusion increased significantly compared to the healthy control group. If supported by wider series, PTX 3 may be expected to be capable of use as a marker in pulmonary contusion.

Prediction of difficult laryngoscopy using spirometry: a pilot study.

Prediction of difficult laryngoscopy is still the uncovered secret of anesthetic practice. This pilot study is aimed to assess the efficacy of spirometry measurements in predicting difficult laryngoscopy compared with conventional airway assessment techniques. We enrolled 202 adults, ages 18-40 years, with an American Society of Anaesthesiologists score of I or II, scheduled for elective surgery and undergoing general anesthesia. Spirometry was used for lung capacity measurements before the operation. The Mallampati classification, neck circumference, sternomental distance, thyromental distance, maximum mouth-opening measurement, and upper lip bite test of the subjects were measured. During intubation, the Cormack-Lehane grade was recorded. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to define the linearity between spirometry outputs and airway measurements. Receiver operating curves were drawn to discriminate the predictive features of the significant values. The thyromental distance showed a higher correlation with forced inspiratory vital capacity (ρ = 0.420, P < 0.001). In a multivariate linear regression model, all spirometry measurements revealed that forced inspiratory vital capacity (ß = -2.050, P = 0.022) was the significant predictor for difficult laryngoscopy. The area under the curve for forced inspiratory vital capacity with a cut-off value of 3.1950 L while using thyromental distance as difficult laryngoscopy indicator is 0.754 and forced inspiratory vital capacity showed a sensitivity of 0.718 and specificity of 0.714 with a positive likelihood ratio of 2.5104 and negative likelihood ratio of 0.3949. Forced inspiratory vital capacity showed a close association with the prediction of difficult laryngoscopy.

Effects of sevoflurane on female reproductive functions in Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of sevoflurane by inhalation on female reproductive hormones and ovarian tissues. METHODS: This experimental study was conducted at the Gaziosmanpasa University, Tokat, Turkey, and comprised Wistar-Albino female rats. The rats were divided into six groups; one control and five study groups. The control group (C) received 2 L/min O2 in 18 min/day for seven days; the first study group (S1) received 1 minimum alveolar concentration sevoflurane + 2 L/min O2 in 18 min/day for seven days; the second group (S2) received 1 minimum alveolar concentration sevoflurane + 2 L/min O2 in 18 min/day for seven days and no treatment for the following seven days; the third group (S3) received 1 minimum alveolar concentration sevoflurane + 2 L/min O2 in 18 min/day for 14 days; the fourth group (S4) received 1 minimum alveolar concentration sevoflurane + 2 L/min O2 in 18 min/day for 14 days and no treatment for the following seven days; and the fifth group (S5) received 1 minimum alveolar concentration sevoflurane + 2 L/min O2 in 18 min/day for 14 days and no treatment for the following 14 days. The duration of the study was 28 days in February 2015. Reproductive system hormone levels were analysed and histological assessment of the ovaries was performed. SPSS 20 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Of the 30 rats, there were 5(16.7%) in each group. Histological injury scores in S2, S3, S4, and S5 were significantly higher than in C (p=0.016, p=0.008, p=0.016 and p=0.032, respectively). The hormone levels belonging to follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, estradiol and progesterone revealed significant alterations in all groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic exposure to sevoflurane negatively affected the histological structure of the ovary and hormonal regulation.

The effect of ethyl pyruvate and N-acetylcysteine on ischemia-reperfusion injury in an experimental model of ischemic stroke.

INTRODUCTION: Reperfusion therapies play an important role in early-period treatment for patients presenting to the emergency department due to stroke. However, the ischemia-reperfusion injury that may occur with reperfusion must then be considered. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and ethyl pyruvate in preventing ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHOD: This study is a randomized, controlled experimental study. In group 1, rats' left main carotid arteries were clamped. Reperfusion was established by releasing the clamp after 1.5 hours. In group 2, the left main carotid artery was clamped, and 20 mg/kg intraperitoneal NAC was administered after 1 hour. The clamp was released 0.5 hour after NAC administration. In group 3, rats' left carotid arteries were clamped, and 50 mg/kg ethyl pyruvate was administered intraperitoneally after 1 hour. The clamp was released 0.5 hour after ethyl pyruvate administration. All tissue samples were collected 2.5 hours after reperfusion. Brain tissues were compared histopathologically. RESULTS: A higher percentage of degenerative neurons was determined in group 1 compared with groups 2 and 3 (P values: P(a) = .003 and P(c) = .003, respectively). A significant difference was also observed between groups 2 and 3 (P(b) = .003), with the percentage of degenerative neurons being lower in the NAC group than in the ethyl pyruvate group. CONCLUSION: The use of NAC and ethyl pyruvate reduces injury resulting from ischemia-reperfusion in an experimental animal model of acute ischemic stroke and subsequent reperfusion.

A study to develop clinical decision rules for the use of radiography in wrist trauma: Karadeniz wrist rules.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with wrist trauma using physical examination findings and functional tests and to identify findings with high sensitivity and specificity among the parameters assessed in patients with fracture in the wrist. The ultimate objective was thus to establish a reliable and widely usable clinical decision rule for determining the necessity of radiography in wrist trauma. METHODS: This prospective, multicenter study was performed in 8 hospitals. The relation between radiologically determined fracture and clinical findings consisting of physical examination findings and functional tests was assessed in terms of whether or not these were markers of radiography requirement, with the aim of identifying predictive values for fracture. RESULTS: A total of 603 eligible trauma patients presented to the participating EDs during the study period. Fracture was identified in 24.5% of patients (n = 148). The 4-way combination with the highest sensitivity was identified as axial compression and the positive distal radioulnar drawer test, and pain with radial deviation and dorsal flexion. Sensitivity at distal ulna palpation was added as a fifth parameter, and sensitivity and negative predictive value thus increased to 100%. CONCLUSION: With their 100% sensitivity and 100% negative predictive values, the Karadeniz wrist rules may represent a clinical decision rule that can be used in practice in EDs. If all 5 findings are negative, there is no indication for wrist radiography.

The effect of anesthesia depth on the oculocardiac reflex in strabismus surgery.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the bispectral index (BIS) guided depth of anesthesia to inhibition of the oculocardiac reflex (OCR) during pediatric strabismus surgery. Patients between the ages of 3 and 16 years who were scheduled for elective strabismus surgery were randomly assigned to two groups. In Group 1 (n: 32), the BIS values of the patients were maintained at <50; in Group 2 (n: 28), the BIS values of the patients were maintained at levels greater than or equal to 50 with 4-7 % desflurane in a 50 % O2-air mixture by titrating the concentration during the surgery. The heart rates, presence of dysrhythmia, anticholinergic drug usage and the type of the operated extra ocular muscle were recorded. The incidence of OCR was 25 % in Groups 1 and 64.3 % in Group 2, (p < 0.05). Moreover, the incidence of OCR in group 2 was higher in medial rectus (MR) traction (78.9 %) than in lateral rectus (LR) traction (33.3 %) (p = 0.035), with no significant difference in Group 1 between MR (21.1 %) and LR (26.7 %) tractions (p = 0.83). We found that the lower BIS values are associated with the lower incidence of OCR in pediatric patients undergoing strabismus surgery. And our findings confirmed that the deeper anesthesia has a protective effect against the OCR.

Age-dependent structural and radiological changes in the larynx.

AIM: To define radiological physiological changes in the larynx by establishing an age-related scale. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present retrospective study used radiological records of patients that had undergone lateral cervical imaging. Three hundred patients were included. Thyroid cartilage was divided into anatomical regions. The hyoid bone was evaluated as the body and greater horns. Cases were compared by grouping by age and gender. RESULTS: Thyroid tissue and cricoid cartilage only became visible after the second decade. Ossification in the thyroid cartilage began in the posterior inferior horn and progressed to the superior horn and central lamina. It also began in the posterior part of the cricoid cartilage and moved forward with age. In the first decade, the body and greater horn parts of the hyoid bone could be seen more distinctly, and after the third decade the hyoid bone appeared as a single bone. The hyoid bone was the only structure ossified in the laryngeal region below the age of 20 and formed an image on direct imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Age-related changes to the laryngeal tissues are evident on radiographs. Clinicians should bear this in mind when evaluating neck radiographs.

A wild wolf attack and its unfortunate outcome: rabies and death.

Wild animal attacks are potential occurrences in rural areas of Turkey. Wolf attacks, however, are rare this century, but there are many anecdotal reports from previous times. Attacks by wolves are generally directed against animals, such as cows and sheep, and for feeding purposes. Wolf attacks on humans are a little known and unexpected phenomenon. A 60-year-old man was brought to the emergency department with facial injuries caused by a wolf emerging from a rural area and leaping at his face as he was sitting in his garden. During the incident, the patient strangled the wolf to death. Despite postexposure prophylaxis the patient likely died because of rabies.

Decision-Making in Implantology-A Cross-Sectional Vignette-Based Study to Determine Clinical Treatment Routines for the Edentulous Atrophic Mandible.

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the influence of possible factors in the patient history on decision making in the therapy for a severely atrophied edentulous mandible. A vignette-based survey among 250 maxillofacial and oral surgeons was conducted. Determinants that could influence the therapy decision were patient age, smoking, fear of surgery, and radiotherapy in the head and neck area (the implant region is not in the direct radiation area). To achieve a suitable implant site, the options offered to the surgeons were bone split, bone block, augmentation with bone substitute material, and bone resection. There also was the option of rejecting any therapy. The response rate was 47%. Patient age, radiotherapy, and fear of surgery did not influence the approval of a therapy. Smoking was associated with a significantly lower endorsement of a treatment. Resection was preferred by a large majority to all other forms of therapy, regardless of the four determinants. Surgeons tend to refrain from bone block transplants in older patients. In summary, it can be said that, of the four determinants, only smoking influenced treatment refusal. Bone resection is the preferred therapy independent of all determinants.