The value of preoperative chest X-rays in gynecological patients.

We assessed the value of preoperative chest x-rays in gynecological patients. Abnormalities were noted in the chest x-rays of 10% of 1175 patients with genital or breast disorders. When the chest x-ray was abnormal, 48% of patients had no clinical features of intrathoracic disease. Abnormal chest x-ray results did not seem to have a major influence on the decision to operate or on the type of anesthesia used. In our series, probably only one patient would have received inappropriate treatment in the absence of a chest x-ray. We conclude that preoperative chest x-rays are of value in ruling out metastases in patients with a suspected neoplasm, but have little value in other circumstances.

Barium enema in the diagnostic work-up of gynecologic patients.

We evaluated the role of the barium enema in the diagnostic work-up of 120 gynecologic patients. Major abnormalities were detected in 10% of patients. We conclude that patients presenting with pelvic tumors or suspected gynecologic malignancies should have a pre-therapeutic barium enema in order to define the extent of the disease and to rule out colon cancer.

[Causes and prevention of burnings caused by electrocoagulation during surgery (author's transl)]. / Uber die Entstehung und Vermeidung unbeabsichtigter Verbrennungen bei der Anwendung von Elektrokoagulationsgeräten.

During surgery accidential burnings caused by electrocoagulation are quite often. They are usually due to contact of patients with grounded parts of the table or the monitoring devices. Besides that burnings occur because of insufficient fixation of the neutral electrode. To prevent injuries the patient must be isolated carefully from every grounded metal. The neutral electrode should be fixed as close as possible to the area which is operated on and should be of a broad contact. Other more rarely occurring causes of burnings and their prevention are described.