[Implantation metastasis of colorectal adenocarcinoma in an anal fistula]. / Colorectalis adenocarcinoma implantációs áttéte végbélsipolyban.

In our case report, we describe a rare form of metastatic colorectal carcinoma, in which tumor cells spread intraluminally and metastasis occurs with implantation mechanism far from the primary tumor. A 43-year-old male patient developed perianal abscess. After surgical intervention a fistula-in-ano appeared at the site of the abscess. Fistulotomy was performed in another hospital. A few months later, we admitted him to our department with an abnormal tissue proliferation appearing in the surgical area. Histology confirmed adenocarcinoma. Colonoscopy detected tissue proliferation in the sigmoid colon, causing a subtotal stenosis. Laparoscopic rectosigmoid resection and per anum tumor excision were performed. Detailed histological examination confirmed the same mucinous adenocarcinoma in the colon and the anorectal malformation. In this case, implantation mechanism is likely in the development of a synchronous tumor at the site of the fistula-in-ano. Implantation metastasis is considered rare, only a few cases have been reported in the international literature so far. We are not aware of any similar case reported from Hungary. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(3): 110-113.

Effectiveness of negative pressure wound therapy: Minimum five-year follow-up and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to assess the effectiveness of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in a five-year patient cohort and to discuss the results in the light of literature data. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2012 and December 2016, a total of 74 patients (35 males, 39 females; median age: 60 years; range, 20 to 95 years) who received NPWT were retrospectively analyzed. The patients included 49 orthopedic and traumatology, 12 vascular surgery, and 13 general surgery patients. The efficacy of wound healing, bacterial load, and the impact of comorbidities on wound healing were examined. RESULTS: The distribution of wound types varied very widely. Certain comorbidities affected wound healing. In orthopedic traumatology patients, we observed mainly skin flora infection (57.14%), while in surgical and vascular patients, mixed flora (80%) and in many cases poly-resistant pathogens were present (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus 24%) A total of 43.3% of wounds were completely closed, while 44.6% of patients had a wound healing. Successful skin grafting was performed in 75% of wounds. CONCLUSION: This technique may be used as widely and as early as possible. However, further large-scale, multi-center, randomized clinical trials are needed worldwide to find a place for this technique in wound care and even in primary care.

Non-active implantable device treating acid reflux with a new dynamic treatment approach: 1-year results : RefluxStop™ device; a new method in acid reflux surgery obtaining CE mark.

BACKGROUND: RefluxStop™ is an implantable, non-active, single use device used in the laparoscopic treatment of GERD. RefluxStop™ aims to block the movement of the LES up into the thorax and keep the angle of His in its original, anatomically correct position. This new device restores normal anatomy, leaving the food passageway unaffected. METHODS: In a prospective, single arm, multicentric clinical investigation analyzing safety and effectiveness of the RefluxStop™ device to treat GERD, 50 subjects with chronic GERD were operated using a standardized surgical technique between December 2016 and September 2017. They were followed up for 1 year (CE-mark investigation 6-months). Primary safety outcome was prevalence of serious adverse events related to the device, and primary effectiveness outcome reduction of GERD symptoms based on GERD-HRQL score. Secondary outcomes were prevalence of adverse events other than serious adverse events, reduction of total acid exposure time in 24-h pH monitoring, and reduction in average daily PPI usage and subject satisfaction. RESULTS: There were no serious adverse events related to the device. Average GERD-HRQL total score at 1 year improved 86% from baseline (p < 0.001). 24-h pH monitoring compared to baseline showed a mean reduction percentage of overall time with pH < 4 from 16.35 to 0.80% at the 6-month visit (p < 0.001), with 98% of subjects showing normal 24-h pH. At 1 year: No new cases of dysphagia were recorded, present in 2 subjects, which existed already at baseline. Regular daily PPI usage occurred in all 50 subjects at baseline. At 1-year follow-up, only 1 subject took regular daily PPIs due to a too low placement of the device thereby prohibiting its function. None or minimal occasional episodes of regurgitation occurred in 97.8% of evaluable subjects. Gas bloating disappeared in 30 subjects and improved in 7 subjects. CONCLUSION: The new principle of RefluxStop™ is safe and effective to treat GERD according to investigation results. At 1-year follow-up, both the GERD-HRQL score and 24-h pH monitoring results indicate success for the new treatment principle. In addition, with the dynamic treatment for acid reflux, which avoids compressing the food passageway, prevalence of dysphagia and gas bloating are significantly reduced. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT02759094 . Registered 3 May, 2016.

[Gardner's syndrome, a rare disease]. / Gardner-syndroma, avagy amikor a raritások "kopogtatnak az ajtón".

Introduction: Gardner's syndrome is a clinical subgroup of Familial Adenomatosus Polyposis, arare, autosomal disease. It is characterized by gastrointestinal polyps and extra-intestinal manifestations including multiple osteomas, skin and tissue tumours. The authors describe a case of a male patient, and discuss the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with Gardner's syndrome. We conclude that the knowledge of rare syndromes is very important for the correct treatment.

Endoscopic sphincterotoMy for delayIng choLecystectomy in mild acute biliarY pancreatitis (EMILY study): protocol of a multicentre randomised clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: According to the literature, early cholecystectomy is necessary to avoid complications related to gallstones after an initial episode of acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP). A randomised, controlled multicentre trial (the PONCHO trial) revealed that in the case of gallstone-induced pancreatitis, early cholecystectomy was safe in patients with mild gallstone pancreatitis and reduced the risk of recurrent gallstone-related complications, as compared with interval cholecystectomy. We hypothesise that carrying out a sphincterotomy (ES) allows us to delay cholecystectomy, thus making it logistically easier to perform and potentially increasing the efficacy and safety of the procedure. METHODS/DESIGN: EMILY is a prospective, randomised, controlled multicentre trial. All patients with mild ABP, who underwent ES during the index admission or in the medical history will be informed to take part in EMILY study. The patients will be randomised into two groups: (1) early cholecystectomy (within 6 days after discharge) and (2) patients with delayed (interval) cholecystectomy (between 45 and 60 days after discharge). During a 12-month period, 93 patients will be enrolled from participating clinics. The primary endpoint is a composite endpoint of mortality and recurrent acute biliary events (that is, recurrent ABP, acute cholecystitis, uncomplicated biliary colic and cholangitis). The secondary endpoints are organ failure, biliary leakage, technical difficulty of the cholecystectomy, surgical and other complications. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The trial has been registered internationally ISRCTN 10667869, and approved by the relevant organisation, the Scientific and Research Ethics Committee of the Hungarian Medical Research Council (EKU/2018/12176-5). TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISCRTN 10667869; Pre-results.

Magnetic Twin Stent for Short-Term Palliation of Acquired Nonmalignant Tracheoesophageal Fistula.

Through a tracheostomy with a rigid esophagoscope in the esophagus, the authors simultaneously placed self-made magnetic twin stents in a critically ill patient with high tracheoesophageal fistula. The operation took 17 minutes. Oral nutrition was started immediately. The stents were checked and changed after the months 3, 7, and 14. At 18 months, a tracheal resection and esophageal reconstruction through a partial median sternotomy was completed successfully. The magnetic twin stent technique can temporize critically ill patients with an acquired nonmalignant tracheoesophageal fistula until they become operable.

An international, multicenter, prospective study of a prothrombin complex concentrate, Prothromplex Total®, in anticoagulant reversal.

INTRODUCTION: Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) are a common treatment option for the reversal of oral anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). This study assessed efficacy and safety of Prothromplex Total®. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients (≥18 years) with acquired prothrombin complex coagulation factor deficiency (international normalized ratio [INR] ≥ 2 at screening) due to oral VKAs, requiring reversal of anticoagulation, were treated with 25, 35, or 50 IU/kg BW PCC. After infusion, efficacy was assessed for 72 ± 4 hours. Adverse events (AEs) were captured for 15 days. RESULTS: Sixty-one subjects, 48 requiring interventional procedures and 13 with acute bleeds, received a single infusion of PCC. Of 59 subjects analyzed, all achieved normalization of INR (≤ 1.3) within 30 ± 5 minutes of infusion, demonstrating effective anticoagulant reversal. IVRs of factors II, VII, IX, and X ranged from 1.12-2.03 IU/dL:IU/kg. Median INRs remained between 1.00 and 1.18 for up to 6 hours. Overall efficacy of treatment was rated "excellent" for 60 subjects. Three AEs were deemed possibly related to treatment: 1 serious AE (SAE) of acute myocardial infarction (rated severe), 1 SAE of deep vein thrombosis (rated mild), and 1 AE of pyrexia (rated mild). Thrombotic adverse events (2/61, 3.3%) reported here are comparable to rates observed in other PCC studies. CONCLUSIONS: While there is a risk of thromboembolic events following treatment with PCC products, the number of events reported here was low and could have occurred without PCC treatment. The individualized, INR-based dosing of PCC used here for VKA anticoagulant reversal produces rapid normalization of INR to ≤ 1.3 within 30 minutes.

[Laparoscopic reconstruction in traumatic rupture of the diaphragm]. / Traumás rekeszruptura laparoscopos reconstructiója.

The authors report the case of a 63-year-old patient who was polytraumatized in a motor vehicle accident and suffered multiple traumatic injuries. Chest and pelvic fractures as well as left-sided diaphragmatic rupture with associated omentum herniation were diagnosed on CT scan. None of the injuries required urgent surgical intervention. After 10 days supportive therapy, elective laparoscopic reconstruction of the diaphragmatic hernia was performed. The authors discuss the role of laparoscopic diaphragm reconstruction.

[Intestinal bleeding and obstruction in the small intestine caused by metastatic thyroid angiosarcoma. Case report]. / Pajzsmirigy-angiosarcoma gastrointestinalis vérzést, obstrukciót okozó áttéte a vékonybélben.

The authors present a case of a primary angiosarcoma of the thyroid gland with an intestinal metastasis. The 59-year-old female patient with tarry stool and anemia was referred to the outpatient hospital. Her past history included a thyroid "cold" nodule. Gastroscopy and colonoscopy failed to identify the origin of gastrointestinal bleeding, however, capsule endoscopy verified synchronous tumors in the small intestine. The distal tumor showed signs of bleeding and caused bowel obstruction. An urgent operation was performed and the tumorous part of the ileum was resected. Histology of the removed specimen indicated cleft-like spaces in the mucosa with CD31+ epithelial cells. Pathological report described metastatic epithelial angiosarcoma with an unknown origin. Before chemotherapy the patient underwent total thyroidectomy and histology confirmed malignancy similar to that found in the intestinal surgical specimens. This case seems particularly interesting, because bleeding from intestinal metastasis leaded to the diagnosis of the primary tumor located in the thyroid gland.

Transoral mucosal excision sutured gastroplasty: a pilot study for GERD and obesity with two-year follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: An outpatient transoral endoscopic procedure for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obesity would be appealing if safe, effective, and durable. We present the first in human experience with a new system. METHODS: Eight patients with GERD (3) and obesity (5) were selected according to a preapproved study protocol. All GERD patients had preprocedure manometry and pH monitoring to document GERD as well as quality of life and symptom questionnaires. Obese patients (body mass index >35) underwent a psychological evaluation and tests for comorbidities. Under general anesthesia, a procedure was performed at the gastroesophageal junction including mucosal excision, suturing of the excision beds for apposition, and suture knotting. RESULTS: One patient with micrognathia could not undergo the required preprocedural passage of a 60 F dilator and was excluded. The first 2 GERD patients had incomplete procedures due to instrument malfunction. The subsequent 5 subjects had a successfully completed procedure. Four patients were treated for obesity and had an average excess weight loss of 30.3% at 2-year follow-up. Of these patients, one had an 8-mm outlet at the end of the procedure recognized on video review--a correctable error--and another vomited multiple times postoperatively and loosened the gastroplasty sutures. The treated GERD patient had resolution of reflux-related symptoms and is off all antisecretory medications at 2-year follow-up. Her DeMeester score was 8.9 at 24 months. CONCLUSION: The initial human clinical experience showed promising results for effective and safe GERD and obesity therapy.

Endoscopic transluminal pancreatic necrosectomy using a self-expanding metal stent and high-flow water-jet system.

Walled-off pancreatic necrosis and a pancreatic abscess are the most severe complications of acute pancreatitis. Surgery in such critically ill patients is often associated with significant morbidity and mortality within the first few weeks after the onset of symptoms. Minimal invasive approaches with high success and low mortality rates are therefore of considerable interest. Endoscopic therapy has the potential to offer safe and effective alternative treatment. We report here on 3 consecutive patients with infected walled-off pancreatic necrosis and 1 patient with a pancreatic abscess who underwent direct endoscopic necrosectomy 19-21 d after the onset of acute pancreatitis. The infected pancreatic necrosis or abscess was punctured transluminally with a cystostome and, after balloon dilatation, a non-covered self-expanding biliary metal stent was placed into the necrotic cavity. Following stent deployment, a nasobiliary pigtail catheter was placed into the cavity to ensure continuous irrigation. After 5-7 d, the metal stent was removed endoscopically and the necrotic cavity was entered with a therapeutic gastroscope. Endoscopic debridement was performed via the simultaneous application of a high-flow water-jet system; using a flush knife, a Dormia basket, and hot biopsy forceps. The transluminal endotherapy was repeated 2-5 times daily during the next 10 d. Supportive care included parenteral antibiotics and jejunal feeding. All patients improved dramatically and with resolution of their septic conditions; 3 patients were completely cured without any further complications or the need for surgery. One patient died from a complication of prolonged ventilation severe bilateral pneumonia, not related to the endoscopic procedure. No procedure related complications were observed. Transluminal endoscopic necrosectomy with temporary application of a self-expanding metal stent and a high-flow water-jet system shows promise for enhancing the potential of this endoscopic approach in patients with walled-off pancreatic necrosis and/or a pancreatic abscess.

"Mystic" transient recurrent nerve palsy after thyroid surgery.

BACKGROUND: The mechanism of transient recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy remains unclear. METHODS: Samples were harvested from the RLN adjacent thyroid capsule and perineural fascia during 223 lobectomies and 89 RLNs from cadavers were used for histologic and immunohistologic evaluation. Intraoperative chromoendoscopic features of the RLN were compared with postoperative ear, nose, and throat examinations. RESULTS: Those nerves that macroscopically seem to be single-branched (35 of 89 = 39.3%), microscopically consist of multiple fascicles in most of the cases (23 of 35 = 65.7%), resembling a plexus more than a single cord. Chronic lymphocytic infiltration of the thyroid capsule adjacent to the RLN was present in 29% (65 of 223) of the cases. The perineural fascia showed lymphocytic (18 of 223 = 8.1%) or granulocytic (7 of 223 = 3.1%) infiltration. CONCLUSIONS: The origin of transient RLN palsy is multifactorial: plexus shaped microscopic nerve structure with or without branches, frame-like adventitial tissue, variable epineurium, inflammatory changes that involve not only the thyroid capsule but the perineural fascia, resultant nerve edema, and diffuse microhemorrhages by injury of fragile capillaries.

[Reconstruction of large tissue loss of the anus and perineum with bilateral inferior gluteal and right gracilis myocutaneous flaps]. / Jelentos végbél- és gáttáji lágyrész-hiány fedése kétoldali musculus gluteus major és jobb oldali gracilis musculocutan lebenyplasztikával.

The authors present a case of locally advanced anal squamous cell carcinoma which, due to infiltration of deep structures, caused anal incontinence, serious pain, exulceration, and bleeding. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy made the tumour operable and abdominoperineal extirpation was performed. The large tissue loss of the anal and perineal region was covered by bilateral gluteus maximus myocutaneous flaps, and the loss of the pelvic musculature and the remaining pelvic skin loss were replaced by a right gracilis myocutaneous flap. The patient was discharged on the 36th postoperative day. There was no flap necrosis noted and an incomplete lesion of the proximal urethra healed after direct suturing. The patient was allowed to lye on the flap in the second postoperative month and sitting on the third month. Unfortunately, an inoperable infiltrative lymph node metastasis occurred in the right inguinal region after six months, and the patient died 10 months after the surgery. We believe that in cases of large, ulcerating anal tumours, when direct closure would be impossible due to massive tissue loss after resection, quality of life can be significantly improved by resection and closure with myocutaneous flaps.

Casopitant and ondansetron for postoperative nausea and vomiting prevention in women at high risk for emesis: a phase 3 study.

HYPOTHESIS: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are associated with a variety of complications. Neurokinin subtype 1 receptor antagonists have antiemetic activity in the postoperative setting, and the neurokinin subtype 1 receptor antagonist casopitant mesylate (GW679769) was well tolerated and effective at reducing the incidence of PONV in phase 1 and phase 2 trials. DESIGN: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, phase 3 analysis was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of casopitant in combination with a single intravenous dose of the serotonin subtype 3 receptor antagonist ondansetron hydrochloride for the prevention of PONV in the perioperative setting. SETTING: Forty-three centers in 11 countries. PATIENTS: We studied 484 women at high risk for developing PONV scheduled to undergo operations associated with high emetogenic risk. INTERVENTIONS: The women were randomized to receive a single dose of intravenous ondansetron, 4 mg, or oral casopitant, 50 mg, in combination with intravenous ondansetron, 4 mg. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary end point was the proportion of patients who achieved a complete response, defined as no vomiting, retching, or rescue therapy. Patients received a balanced anesthetic regimen. RESULTS: Between March 20 and August 31, 2006, 484 patients were enrolled in the study. Patients in the casopitant plus ondansetron group had a 68.7% rate of complete response during the first 24 hours after surgery compared with 58.7% in the ondansetron-only group (P = .03). The difference between groups in complete response from 24 to 48 hours (63.4% with ondansetron only vs 70.0% with ondansetron plus casopitant) was not significant. No vomiting for 0 to 24 hours was observed in 89.7% of the casopitant plus ondansetron group compared with 74.9% of the ondansetron-only group (P < .001). Oral casopitant administered in combination with ondansetron was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this pivotal phase 3 study demonstrate that the combination of casopitant and ondansetron was superior to ondansetron only in patients at high risk for PONV. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00326248.

Recurrent, nonmalignant tracheoesophageal fistulas and the need for surgical improvisation.

BACKGROUND: Despite the many recent advances in thoracic surgery, the management of patients with recurrent, nonmalignant tracheoesophageal fistulas remains problematic, controversial, and challenging. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2008, we treated 8 patients with RTEF. Closure of the original tracheoesophageal fistula had been attempted once in 5 patients, twice in 2 patients, and 4 times in 1 patient, all in different institutions. Four cases necessitated right posterolateral thoracotomy and cervical exposure, 2 cases cervical and abdominal incision, and 1 case right posterolateral thoracotomy, with abdominal and cervical exposure. With the exception of the 2 patients whose excluded esophagus was used to substitute for the trachea membranous wall, the damaged tracheal segment was removed. In general, a pedicled mediastinal pleural flap was pulled into the neck to increase the safety of the tracheal anastomosis formed with the trachea, and (or) to separate the suture lines of the two organs. RESULTS: A single intervention was sufficient for all 8 patients: no reoperation was necessary, and there was no perioperative mortality. Transient reflux, abdominal distention, and dyspnea in response to forced physical exertion occurred in 1 case each. Only 1 patient subsequently takes medication regularly for reflux disease. CONCLUSIONS: Separation initiated from the tracheal bifurcation, a pedicled mediastinal pleural flap pulled into the neck, a tracheal anastomosis sewn onto the cricoid cartilage with avoidance of its posterolateral elbow, a shaped Dumon stent (Novatech, Plan de Grasse, France) with an individually fenestrated tracheostomy cannula, and endoscopy-assisted, transhiatal vagal-preserving esophageal exclusion all served as successful elements of our surgical procedures.

Feasibility and safety of emergency ERCP and small-caliber pancreatic stenting as a bridging procedure in patients with acute biliary pancreatitis but difficult sphincterotomy.

BACKGROUND: The aims of the present study were: (1) to assess the feasibility and safety of emergency endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and pancreatic duct (PD) stenting with small-caliber stents as a bridging procedure in acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) patients in whom biliary endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) proved difficult, failed or was contraindicated, and (2) to compare the clinical outcome of those patients having emergency ERCP with and without pancreatic stent. METHOD: Eighty-seven consecutive patients with ABP were referred for emergency ERCP. In 60 of these ABP patients, ERCP, EST, and stone extraction (if necessary) were performed without PD stenting. In the remaining 27 patients, small-caliber (3-5 F, 4 cm) pancreatic stent insertion was initially applied. All patients were hospitalized for medical therapy and were followed up. RESULTS: The mean ages, the initial symptom-to-ERCP times, the Glasgow severity scores, and the peak amylase and CRP levels at initial presentation were not significantly different in the ERCP + EST with PD stent group versus the ERCP + EST without PD stent group. More importantly, the complication rate was significantly lower in the ERCP + EST with PD stent group versus the ERCP + EST without PD stent group (7.4% vs. 25%); while the mortality rates (0% vs. 6.7%) were comparable, reasonably low, and demonstrated no statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Temporary PD stenting with small-caliber stents is a safe and effective procedure that may afford sufficient PD decompression to reverse the process of ABP and serve as a bridging procedure in severe ABP in patients with failed, complicated, or contraindicated biliary EST.

[The role of radical surgical approach in the treatment of benign multinodular goitre depending on anatomical variations of the recurrent laryngeal nerve]. / A radikalitás helye a benignus pajzsmirigybetegségek sebészi kezelésében a nervus rekurrens anatómiai sajátságainak tükrében.

UNLABELLED: From time to time there is a surprise at the end of surgery - even after subtotal resection - when a vocal cord is observed on indirect laryngoscopy to be non-functional. Surgeons are highly individualistic and develop their own special ways of locating and protecting the nerve. The present study has tried to clarify whether relying on palpation alone during surgery is safe enough in each case. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 01.01.2001 and 31.12.2008, 1228 recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) were exposed in 702 patients on thyroid surgery. The RLN was found and traced until the laryngeal entry point in all patients. Substernal spreading was noted in 38.6% (271/702), while tracheal compression or dislocation was present in 19.5% (137/702). Recurrent thyroid disease counted for 8.4% (59/702) of all cases. Total thyroid lobectomy was carried out in 82.2% (1009/1228), near-total thyroidectomy in 15.5% (191/1228), and subtotal resection only in 2.3% (28/1228). RESULTS: Palpation was helpful in 80.7% (991/1228), proved false positive in 8.7% (107/1228), while in 10.6% (130/1228) it did not provide any help in the localization. The palpability of the RLN showed marked discrepancy between the two sides. False positivity was noted with palpation in 3.4% (21/625) and 14.3% (86/603) on the right and left side, respectively. On the other hand, palpation helped localization in 4.8% (29/603) on the left side, while the same figure was 16.2% (101/603) on the right side. Definitive RLN palsy was experienced in 0.8% of all cases (10/1228), whilst transient paresis was encountered in 1.4% (17/1228). Occult malignancy was noticed in 5.6% (39/702). CONCLUSIONS: No indication has been left for subtotal resection. Even if benign multinodular goitre is present, since the clinical and pathophysiological evidences suggest that multinodular goitre affects the entire gland, any surgery that leaves potentially abnormal thyroid tissue in situ carries a risk of recurrent disease. RLN palpatory method is a useful part of thyroid surgery but it is suitable for rough orientation only.

[Liver failure a la Eastern Europe]. / Májelégtelenség kelet-európai módra.

The use of valeriana was underplayed at the beginning of the 20th century because of its addictive and side effects. The 38-year-old woman, mother of a 20-month-old child from Eastern Europe, was treated with liver insufficiency and vascular, parenchymal decompensated cirrhosis needing plasmapheresis for the first time in our hospital. In case history, abusus of aethyl-alcohol and valeriana was found to be as toxic agent which was treated as the etiologic factor of the liver disease and liver failure. After intensive and conservative treatment her status was stabilised, during the follow-up she had no signs and symptoms, the laboratory results tend to be in normal range. Half year after her hospitalization intensive care treatment was necessary abroad due to gastric bleeding. In the background the histology of gastric biopsy taken during gastroscopic examination showed gastric sigillocellular carcinoma in our hospital. Total gastrectomy, omentectomy, lymphadenectomy were performed, the tumor was removed and she received cytostatic treatment. The use of valeriana and aethyl-alcohol is supposed to have a potential effect on tumorgenesis and on the increase of toxicity.

Place and value of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palpatory method in preventing RLN palsy during thyroid surgery.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, certain publications have appeared confirming that intraoperative palpation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is a very reliable method. METHOD: The characteristics of the surgical anatomy of 1023 RLN have been summarized on the basis of intraoperative palpability, running down, branching variations, thickness, and laryngeal entry site. RESULTS: Palpation was helpful in 81.4% (833/1023), proved false positive in 8.2% (84/1023), and in 10.4% (106/1023) it was of no help in the exact localization. Definitive RLN palsy was experienced in 0.78% of all cases (8/1023), while transient paresis was encountered in 1.2% (12/1023). Only a moderately strong stochastic correlation could be found between RLN palsies and those nerves which were nonpalpable and atypical, which showed the joint occurrence of being both thinner than normal and branching already before the plane of the inferior thyroid artery (Cramer's associate coefficient, C = 0.383). CONCLUSION: Palpation alone cannot substitute visualization and proper surgical dissection of the nerve.