[Stereotactic biopsy and brachytherapy in the diagnostics and treatment of brain tumors--preliminary report]. / Wczesne wyniki zastosowania biopsji stereotaktycznej i brachyterapii w diagnostyce i leczeniu guzów mózgu.

Promising results have been obtained using brachytherapy in the treatment of brain tumors. Between November 99 and August 2000, 28 patients with brain tumors (15 newly diagnosed gliomas, 11 recurrent gliomas, 2 metastases) underwent implantation of temporary iridium 192 sources with stereotactic technique. This group received external beam radiation therapy (45 Gy) following implantation. Patients were followed-up with CT scans every 3 months. Serious complications occurred in two patients (postradiation brain oedema). Median survival has not been assessed due to short follow-up period and small number of patients. Further clinical assessment is required especially long-term follow-up. Brachytherapy appears to be a useful technique for the treatment of selected brain tumors.

[Posttraumatic ectopic calcification as an additional pathologic factor of brachial plexus palsy]. / Pourazowe wapnienie ektopowe jako dodatkowy czynnik patologiczny porazenia splotu ramiennego.

The authors describe a case of a 54-year-old male, who was attacked with a broken bottle and wounded in left supraclavicular region. No neurologic deficit was observed immediately after injury. Some days later signs of upper trunk brachial plexus palsy were detected. Gradually symptoms of the Erb syndrome have developed. He was operated on 5 months after injury. During surgery no discontinuity of the brachial plexus was found. Unexpectedly there were an inner scar and free bony fragment compressing the upper trunk and the suprascapular nerve. Both the scar and bony fragment were carefully dissected and removed. Result of surgery: pain relief, restoration of normal sensation and partial restoration of biceps function.

[Peridural fibrosis in lumbar disc surgery--pathogenesis, clinical problems and prophylactic attempts]. / Blizna oponowa w operacjach odcinka ledzwiowego kregoslupa--mechanizm powstawania, problemy kliniczne i próby profilaktyki.

Postoperative peridural fibrosis is unavoidable adverse effect of lumbar disc surgery. This process is disadvantageous both to the patient and to the surgeon. It is assumed that peridural fibrosis is responsible for as much as 25% of all Failed Back Surgery Syndrome. In case of reherniated discs requiring reoperation epidural scar may cause technical difficulties. Thus the prevention or inhibition of postoperative peridural fibrosis and adhesions is an essential goal for successful lower back surgery. The authors review new opinions on pathophysiology of peridural fibrosis, clinical aspects of the process, results of experimental approaches for limiting peridural fibrosis and perspective of anti-adhesion gel Adcon-L.