[Inflammatory diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract : Role of radiology in diagnostics]. / Entzündliche Erkrankungen des oberen Gastrointestinaltrakts : Rolle der Radiologie in der Diagnostik.

BACKGROUND: The radiological evaluation of the upper gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) is a diagnostic challenge. Although endoscopy has pushed radiographic methods into the background, these methods continue to play a key role in the diagnosis of dysphagia. In addition, cross-sectional imaging (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) is increasingly used in complex clinical cases to evaluate surrounding tissue changes. METHODS: By combining conventional double-contrast techniques with a video recording, the entire upper GI tract can be assessed both anatomically and functionally in one examination procedure. CONCLUSION: In addition to the clarification of swallowing disorders, videofluoroscopy can be used to assess postoperative control after antireflux and bariatric surgery. To obtain optimal results in video swallowing studies, the procedure should be adapted to the individual symptoms of the patient.

Influence of diversion stoma on surgical outcome and recurrence rates in patients with rectovaginal fistula - A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Rectovaginal fistula is an extremely distressing condition for the patients. There is still no generally accepted standard surgical treatment strategy. Especially the influence of diversion stoma creation on patients' outcome remains controversial. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the influences of diversion stoma on the outcome of patients treated because of rectovaginal fistula with special regard to perioperative complications and recurrence rates. METHODS: Between 2003 and 2013, all patients treated due to rectovaginal fistula in our institutions were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 81 procedures were performed in 62 patients. Procedures were divided into two groups depending on the presence of a diversion stoma or not (diversion stoma, n = 42 vs. no stoma, n = 39). RESULTS: The overall rate of fistula recurrence was 44% without statistical significance in-between the study groups (49 vs. 38%; p = 0.603). Diversion stoma had no influence on complication rates, wound infections or number of operative revisions. Patients treated with diversion stoma had significantly higher ASA-scores (2.6 ± 0.6 vs. 2.1 ± 0.8; p = 0.011), higher rates of malignoma (58 vs. 17%; p = 0.001) and larger sizes of fistula (1.67 ± 0.08 vs. 1.51 ± 0.46 mm; p = 0.012). The in-hospital stay was significantly longer in these patients (30 ± 66 vs. 15 ± 15 days; p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that diversion stoma creation does not influence the outcome of patients with rectovaginal fistula with special regard to rates of fistula recurrence. On the other hand it is mainly used in complex cases of sick patients and larger fistula sizes. Prospective clinical studies need to be conducted to reinforce these findings.

Heavy dependent nicotine smokers--Newfound lifestyle appreciation after quitting successfully. Experiences from inpatient smoking cessation therapy.

OBJECTIVES: This is an evaluation of an ongoing inpatient smoking cessation program available in Austria and aims to show to what extent even heavy nicotine dependent smokers can benefit from a three-week inpatient therapy. STUDY DESIGN: A particular focus lies on analyzing the benefits and changes in lifestyle and sense of well-being. METHODS: 270 initially heavy nicotine dependent smokers are observed for a one year period consisting of recruitment, therapy and two post-therapy follow-up visits; post program smokers are compared to post program ex-smokers. RESULTS: 12 month post-therapy, 42.6% of participants are identified by carbon monoxide-verifications as ex-smokers, 34% as smokers and the remaining did not attend follow-up visits. Significant changes in lifestyle satisfaction are reported by ex-smokers compared to still smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Convincing heavy dependent nicotine smokers that significant changes in lifestyle satisfaction can be expected as part of a successful cessation process should lead to enough motivation for these individuals to seek such inpatient smoking cessation program.

[CT colonography as routine method]. / CT-Kolonographie in der täglichen Praxis.

CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE: Colorectal cancer is a major public health challenge in Austria and Germany. As the participation in dedicated colonoscopy screening programs is rather low, the question of alternative methods is raised again and computed tomography (CT) colonography seems to be a gentle alternative with a very high patient acceptance. STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS: In recent years CT colonography (CTC) has been established besides conventional colonoscopy as a radiological method for the investigation of the entire colon. From axial two-dimensional images three-dimensional images can be generated, allowing a virtual flight through the colon which is why this technique is also known as virtual colonoscopy. METHODICAL INNOVATIONS: The technique of CTC has been improved continuously during recent years. On the one hand the steady decrease in the layer thickness (currently ≤ 1 mm) has improved the resolution of volume data sets and on the other hand there has been significant progress in postprocessing. PERFORMANCE: Numerous studies have recently shown that the significance of CTC in the detection of advanced adenomas is similar to conventional colonoscopy. ACHIEVEMENTS: Meanwhile CT colonography is now a routine investigation method established in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (screening). PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: Study data now clearly show that CTC, as an alternative to conventional colonoscopy, is a powerful method for investigation of colorectal cancer. To achieve good results adequate preparation including fecal tagging, standardized technical procedures during the investigation and expertise in both 2D and 3D reading are essential.

[Acute illness and depression in the elderly and the influence of cognitive impairment : AIDE-cog trial]. / Komorbidität von Depression und Demenz bei geriatrischen Patienten mit akuter körperlicher Erkrankung: AIDE-cog-Studie.

Geriatric patients with acute somatic illness have a high comorbidity of depression and dementia. The following differential diagnoses have to be discerned: pseudodementia in acute depressive states, depression as a risk factor for dementia, and a depressive episode in the early stage of dementia. For both the symptoms and the trigger factors of these differential diagnoses the overlap and the particularities were qualitatively examined in the AIDE-cog (Acute Illness and Depression in Elderly cognition) trial. A second prospective randomized controlled part of the AIDE-cog trial quantitatively evaluated the influence of cognitive impairment in geriatric patients with an acute somatic illness and comorbid depression on the therapeutic effect of cognitive behavioral therapy. A preliminary analysis shows that already in early dementia the therapeutic effects are inferior. Other psychotherapeutic methods that address the remaining cognitive and emotional functions in dementia must be evaluated.

Surface micromachined tunable 1.55 µm-VCSEL with 102 nm continuous single-mode tuning.

For the first time a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) with a single-mode wavelength-tuning over 102 nm in the range of 1550 nm is demonstrated. The fiber-coupled optical output power has a maximum of 3.5 mW and is > 2 mW over the entire tuning range. The sidemode suppression ratios are > 45 dB. The wavelength tuning is achieved with the micro-electro mechanical actuation of a mirror membrane fabricated with surface micro-machining for on-wafer mass production. The mirror membrane consists of low cost dielectric materials (SiOx/SiNy) deposited with low temperature (< 100°C) Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD).

Influence of the elasticity module of synthetic and natural polymeric tissue substitutes on the mobility of the diaphragm and healing process in a rabbit model.

Mesh implants are frequently used in congenital diaphragmatic hernia. This experimental study aimed to examine the influence of different materials on the diaphragmatic movement over time as well as their mechanical qualities after 4 months. Ultrapro®, Surgisis®, and Proceed® were implanted onto a diaphragmatic defect in growing rabbits. Diaphragmatic mobility was determined at three time points. At 4 months, defect shrinkage and mechanical properties were measured. The break strength decreased for Ultrapro® and Surgisis®, but did not change relevantly for Proceed®. Ultrapro® (32.46 N/cm) and Proceed® (31.75 N/cm) showed a four-fold higher resistance to tearing than Surgisis® (8.31 N/cm). The elasticity of Ultrapro® showed no significant difference compared to Surgisis® (p = 0.75). Proceed®, on the other hand, was more than twice as elastic as Ultrapro® or Surgisis® (p = 0.015). Ultrapro® had a higher spring rate (6.48 N/mm) compared to Surgisis® (3.82 N/mm) or Proceed® (5.23 N/mm). Observing the standardized movement rates of the diaphragm for each mesh group over time the only statistical differences were seen for the Proceed® group. On account of its material qualities Ultrapro® was found to be the most suitable mesh material for demanding locations in our model.

Is biocompatibility affected by constant shear stress?--comparison of three commercially available meshes in a rabbit model.

Mesh implants as standard treatment for tissue defects can be adapted to patient's needs by specific bioactive coatings. The biophysical interaction with the surrounding tissue must be understood to describe the influence of coatings qualitatively and quantitatively. This study investigates the use of meshes to repair diaphragmatic defects. The physical stress in this tissue is high in comparison to other applications. Therefore, knowledge gained from this experimental model can be applied to other locations. Meshes were implanted on surgically created diaphragmatic defects in growing rabbits. A standardized load model was used to investigate 33 rabbits. The commercial products Ultrapro®, Surgisis®, and Proceed® were implanted. The adhesive properties of the meshes as well as the defect size were determined macroscopically at explantation after 4 months. Sections of the explanted meshes and diaphragms were examined histologically and immunohistochemically. The median defect size for all mesh groups decreased from the initial size of 10 mm down to 4.5 mm at explantation. No statistically significant differences were seen between the three mesh groups. Surgisis® was found to be completely disintegrated after 4 months. Ultrapro® and Proceed® showed no macroscopic differences compared to their original appearance. Both sealed the original diaphragmatic defect as tightly as at time of implantation. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses showed significant differences between the three mesh groups. Proceed® caused stronger inflammatory reaction in the surrounding tissue and inferior connective tissue formation. Regarding the composition of the newly generated tissue within the defect area, Ultrapro® and Surgisis® were found superior. This can sufficiently be explained by the different gradient of inflammatory reaction in the surrounding tissue. Because Surgisis® offers no sufficiently lasting support for the diaphragmatic defect, our future main focus for mesh modification is laid on Ultrapro®.

Treatment algorithm for postoperative upper gastrointestinal fistulas and leaks using combined vicryl plug and fibrin glue.

The incidence of clinically significant anastomotic leaks after upper gastrointestinal surgery is approximately 4 % - 20 %, and the associated mortality can be as high as 80 %. Depending on the clinical presentation, the treatment options are surgery, conservative treatment with external drainage, or endoscopic treatment. This report presents 39 cases of clinically apparent anastomotic leaks or fistulas after surgery for upper gastrointestinal cancers that were treated by endoscopy with insertion of fibrin glue alone (n = 24) or with a combination of Vicryl plug and fibrin glue (n = 15). Thirteen of the 15 patients who underwent Vicryl/fibrin treatments showed complete healing of the anastomotic leak or fistula after one to four sessions. Long-term follow-up results are presented. Postoperative upper gastrointestinal fistulas or anastomotic leaks can be managed successfully with low morbidity by means of endoscopic insertion of Vicryl mesh with fibrin glue, thereby avoiding repeated major surgery and its associated risks.

[Eosinophilic oesophagitis. Significance of routine oesophageal biopsies for dysphagia of unknown aetiology]. / Eosinophile Ösophagitis. Signifikanz von Routinebiopsien des Ösophagus bei unklarer Dysphagie.

Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EO), primarily a gastro-enterological disease, should be known to the surgeon and endoscopist as a differential diagnosis of dysphagia. We present a chronic and recurrent case of EO. As frequently seen, macroscopic findings are indicative of the causal illness. The diagnosis is finally made by the histological findings of a macroscopically inconspicuous mucosa of the esophagus, which is found in 10% of cases with EO. Random biopsies are necessary for the diagnosis. A short overview of therapy and course and a review of the literature are given.

[Mechanical ileus in childhood--causes and surgical therapy]. / Mechanischer Ileus im Kindesalter--Ursachen und operative Therapiemassnahmen.

BACKGROUND: The present study examines the causes and surgical management in children who underwent surgery for a mechanical Ileus. PATIENTS: We studied all children up to the age of 18 years who had undergone a surgical intervention for a mechanical ileus between 1.1.1996 and 31.12.2006. 89 children were included in this retrospective study. RESULTS: Of the total of 89 children 15 were newborn (16.9 %), 23 babies (25.8 %), 19 toddlers (21.3 %) and 32 school children (36 %) at the time of the operation. 51 of the 89 children had undergone at least one previous abdominal operation. Intraoperative findings showed the cause for the ileus to be adhesions in 56 and a bowel invagination in the remaining 11 children. Associated malformations were found in 34 children, the most frequent being malformations of the heart and gastrointestinal tract. The most frequent surgical intervention was adhesiolysis in 56 children (62.9 %), followed by the reposition of invaginated intestine in 11 (12.4 %). Bowel resection was necessary in 23 children (25.8 %). CONCLUSION: The risk for developing an ileus due to adhesions increases with the number of previous operations. Surgical intervention for an ileus aims to decompress the overstretched bowel and to restore gastrointestinal flow by removing the mechanical obstruction. One third of the children with an ileus have accompanying malformations. Children with a mechanical ileus should undergo surgery as soon as possible.

Dephasing of exciton polaritons in photoexcited InGaAs quantum dots in GaAs nanocavities.

We present a combined experimental and theoretical study of the emission spectrum of zero dimensional nanocavity polaritons in electrically tunable single dot nanocavities. Such devices allow us to vary the dot-cavity detuning in situ and probe the emission spectrum under well-controlled conditions of lattice temperature and incoherent excitation level. Our results show that the observation of a double peak in the emission spectrum is not an unequivocal signature of strong coupling. Moreover, by comparing our results with theory, we extract the effective vacuum Rabi splitting, the pure dephasing rate, and their dependence on the incoherent optical pumping power and lattice temperature. Our study highlights how coupling to the lattice and dynamical fluctuations in the solid-state environment influence the coherence properties of quantum dot microcavity polaritons and, sometimes, may mask the occurrence of strong coupling.

[Surgical treatment and prophylaxis of parastomal hernias]. / Operative Versorgung und Strategien zur Prophylaxe parastomaler Hernien.

Despite the progress concerning operative techniques, parastomal hernias remain a surgical challenge. The high risk for recurrence demands precise indications for operative repair. Mesh implants reduce the recurrence rate. Among such procedures, the retromuscular mesh augmentation represents an established method, whereas the value of other techniques still has to be defined. Also, the prophylactic use of meshes is able to reduce the incidence of parastomal hernias. With regard to short- and long-term complications, their general recommendation must be proven in further studies.