[Use of cancer support groups by laryngectomees in central Germany]. / Inanspruchnahme von Selbsthilfegruppen für Laryngektomierte in Mitteldeutschland.

BACKGROUND: Cancer support groups provide information and coping resources as well as represent patients' interests. To date it is unknown how often cancer patients post-laryngectomy use support groups and in which parameters users of support groups differ from non-users. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a multicentre study, 224 laryngectomees were asked about their support group membership. Further, possible predictors for membership one year post-surgery were assessed. Data were collected with a semi-structured interview and standardized instruments. RESULTS: Overall, 23% of the laryngectomized patients are actively involved in cancer support groups. The probability of a membership increases if patients are well-educated, are living in good economic conditions and in a partnership, if they perceive low family support and wish additional counselling with a physician. CONCLUSION: A cancer support group seems to "buffer" family support perceived to be insufficient. However, support group users are living more frequently in a partnership and in good economic conditions compared to non-users. Physicians and speech therapists are important mediators to cancer support groups. They particularly should inform laryngectomees who are living in bad economic conditions and who are not living in a partnership about the availability of cancer support groups.

[The positioning of reinforced laryngeal masks (LMA) with the "Zerer-introducer"]. / Die Platzierung von flexiblen Larynxmasken (LMA) mit der "Einführhilfe nach Zerer"

OBJECTIVE: Correct and rapid positioning of reinforced laryngeal masks (LMA) is often a problem in anaesthetics. Although different techniques have been developed, none of them are satisfactory. A newly designed introduction device was used to place reinforced laryngeal masks. These are first results of a clinical observational study. METHODS: A special fork fixed on a handhold was constructed. The introduction of the LMA was possible in an arched movement down to the hypopharynx using appropriate sizes for different sizes of LMA's. RESULTS: The intubation in 500 surgical cases (30 % adult, 70 % children, mostly in ENT-surgery) was easy and rapidly performed. A leading finger for placement was not necessary. There were neither cases of rotation nor retrograde flexion of the top of the mask. Direct vision by the ENT-specialist revealed no evidence of any injuries of the palate or throat. CONCLUSION: A newly designed introduction device allows a fast and efficient placement of reinforced laryngeal masks and contributes to the safety of this mode of application.

[The modified Magill forceps]. / Die modifizierte Magillzange.

The Magill forceps are used for nasotracheal intubation, endotracheal suctioning, passing gastric tubes, placement of tampons in the nasopharynx and extraction of foreign material from the pharynx. There are several disadvantages of the standard Magill forceps; however: the danger of cuff perforation, the necessity of readjusting the forceps when placing a tube or catheter, and the risk of injury to the mucous membrane. For these reasons the standard Magill forceps have been modified: the jaws of the forceps have been changed to give curved atraumatic parts without any serrations or sharp edges. RESULTS. The resulting benefits are as follows: Reduced risk of injuring the mucous membrane and perforating the cuff. Tubes and catheter are safely guided between the semiround jaws, making it unnecessary to open the forceps repeatedly to advance the tube. Tampons being placed in the throat no longer get caught between the serrations, and even small foreign objects can easily be extracted from the pharynx.