[Uterine artery embolisation in the treatment of uterine fibroids: outcomes of randomised trials]. / Embolisatie als behandeling van uterus myomatosus: resultaten uit gerandomiseerd onderzoek.

In the past so years, uterine artery embolisation has gained popularity in the treatment of uterine fibroids compared with traditional surgical interventions. This was based on promising results from a few non-randomised studies, which reported success rates of 95 to 98%. Were these rates accurate? Two recent randomised studies (the Dutch EMMY trial and the Scottish REST trial) showed that, in patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids, the time to recovery and return to work was significantly shorter after embolisation than after surgery (hysterectomy or myomectomy). However, embolisation was insufficiently effective in approximately 20% of patients, who required further treatment. Despite this, quality of life after one and two years in both treatment arms were identical. Embolisation, therefore, may be a valid treatment alternative in patients with symptomatic fibroids who are candidates for hysterectomy.

[Serious frostbite in a homeless psychiatric patient]. / Ernstige bevriezing bij een dakloze psychiatrische patiënt.

A 22-year-old homeless male psychiatric patient of Ghanaian origin was diagnosed with severe frostbite in both lower legs. The lesion consisted of haemorrhagic blistering with already visible demarcation. When sepsis developed both lower legs had to be amputated as a matter of urgency.

Anal fistulotomy between Skylla and Charybdis.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to assess the results of anal fistulotomy on faecal continence, recurrence and satisfaction. METHODS: We reviewed the records of 60 patients who underwent anal fistulotomy between 1997 and 2000. Follow-up was by a questionnaire with 46 (77%) patients responding. Mean follow-up was 1-4 years. Fistulas were intersphincteric in 12 patients and transsphincteric in 34 patients. Operative procedure consisted of fistulotomy. RESULTS: Of 11 patients with high fistula, 9 (82%) had impaired continence; Of 17 patients with midanal fistula, 4 (24%) suffered impaired continence. Eighteen patients had a low fistula and 8 (44%) developed impaired continence. In the whole group 50% had suffered faecal incontinence. There were no recurrences and there was satisfaction with the situation in 87% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Fistulotomy for primary fistula in ano in this retrospective study with a follow-up up to 4 years was associated with no recurrences. Eighty-two percent of patients with a high anal opening have impaired faecal continence, nevertheless patients' satisfaction is high.