[Disordered postoperative course. A retrospective analysis]. / Der gestörte postoperative Verlauf. Eine retrospektive Analyse.

A brief definition of the term of "relaparotomy" is followed by reference to some causes of erroneous or delayed decisionmaking on re-operation. The background of postoperative disorders is, basically, one and the same throughout acute surgery: haemorrhage, peritonitis, ileus. Relaparotomy was necessary in 0.6 per cent of the authors' cases, in the course of five years. Lethality amounted to 31 per cent at an average age of 50 years. Colorectal carcinoma was the most common cause of relaparotomy, with ileus of the small intestine being the most important of all indications. The average intervals between primary surgery and relaparotomy were seven days for ileus, 3.5 days for peritonitis, and up to 24 hours for postoperative bleeding. A lethality analysis after the first operation showed that only two of 96 deaths were attributable to omission of relaparotomy. Finally, reference is made to some clinical peculiarities in postoperative developments as well as to evaluation and interpretation of paraclinical data.

[Causes of death in the aged and their significance for surgery]. / Die Todesursachen im Alter und ihre Bedeutung für die Chirurgie.

Based on an analysis of the most frequent causes of death in old age, i.e. cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary diseases and neoplasia, a number of consequences can be drawn from the surgical point of view. It is undoubtedly difficult still to find ways and means of prolonging the life of an elderly person suffering from an acute illness in the presence of degenerative cardiac and vascular diseases. Yet we feel, that interdisciplinary cooperation with a high degree of responsibility between surgeons, internal specialists and anesthetists still offers possibilities to achieve this aim. All efforts should be focused on relieving cardiovascular and respiratory insufficiency. Furthermore, we regard surgery at the time of choice as an opportunity to reduce mortality rates which are greatly influenced by complications of diseases requiring an operation. The success of an operation depends on precise surgical work and swift acting. It should be a moral duty not only of the medical profession, but also of young people to treat the elderly with esteem, respect, love and care.

[Surgery of old age (author's transl)]. / Uber Bedeutung und Spezifik der Alterschirurgie.

The importance of surgery in the aged is based on the increased life expectancy of the population. Besides the multimorbidity of geriatric people psychological and social aspects must be taken into consideration. In old age the danger of shock is increased therefore the indication for urgent surgery permits no delay. In 1975 649 patients over 60 years out of a total of 2532 operations underwent surgical procedures; 349 were urgent cases. Mortality rate below 10%.

[Parental influence to the smoking habits of juveniles (author's transl)]. / Der Einfluss der Eltern auf die Rauchgewohnheiten Jugendlicher

A questionnaire was administered to 640 juveniles to get informed about their and their parents smoking behavior. 424 questionnaires could be evaluated, the results and conclusions are reported. Parental smoking habits, especially of their father's are very important influencing factors for the smoking behavior of their children. In their efforts to reduce or to stop smoling the juveniles are looking and seeking for qualified informations as well as support by friends. Physicians, parents, teachers and educators play an important role as key-persons in this respect.