[Comparison of intra-abdominal pressure, during spine surgeries, among two prone positional apparatuses in the same patient - a case report]. / Porównanie zmiany wartosci cisnienia sródbrzusznego podczas operacji kregoslupa przy zastosowaniu dwóch systemów ulozenia chorego w pozycji na brzuchu ­ opis przypadku.

Spinal surgeries often require prone positioning of the patient. This is associated with increased intra-abdominal pressure, which may increase the risk of intra- and postoperative complications. The described case enables the comparison of two prone positional apparatuses and their influence on changes in intra-abdominal pressure during spine surgeries. A CASE REPORT: A 74-year-old female patient underwent two spine surgeries due to a fracture of the Th12 vertebra and traumatic kyphosis. Both were performed in the prone position. During the first procedure, stabilization of the fracture, positioning was performed by placing the patient on the Allen table, whereas during the second procedure, laminectomy, by placing the patient on gel pads. During both surgeries the patient's intra-abdominal pressure was measured. The values measured while lying on the Allen table were found to be lower (mean 13.8 mmHg ± 0.66 mmHg) than the results obtained during the procedure utilizing gel pads (mean 24 mmHg ± 1.22 mmHg). Both surgeries were completed without complications. In both cases, creatinine, urea, and potassium concentrations as well as daily diuresis were measured to assess postoperative renal function. The results of these analyses did not indicate renal damage. CONCLUSIONS: The way the patient is positioned on the abdomen has a significant impact on intra-abdominal pressure. Compared to gel pads, the Allen table allows for a reduction in abdominal pressure, which corresponds with lower values of intra-abdominal pressure. This may help reduce the risk of complications during surgeries performed in the prone position.

[Comparison of the Ender's nailing and Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) fixation in the treatment of trochanteric fractures in elderly patients]. / Porównanie rozleglosci zabiegu przy zastosowaniu pretów Endera i sruboplytki DHS w leczeniu zlamaan przezkretarzowych kosci udowej u osób w wieku podeszlym.

The aim of this study was an evaluation which operative method of treatment: stabilisation with the Dynamic Hip Screw or with Ender's nails is less invasive procedure in elderly patients with trochanteric fractures. 100 consecutive patients with trochanteric fracture were enrolled into the study, of which 53 patients (49 women, 4 men; mean age 89 years) were stabilised intramedullarily with the use of Ender's nails and 47 patients (26 women, 21 men; mean age 76 years) were treated operatively with the use of Dynamic Hip Screw. The factors compared the mean length of hospital stay, the mean duration of the surgery, post-operative blood loss, early local and general complication rate and mortality in both groups. We took into account their general health and coexisting illnesses according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, type of fracture according to AO and Evan's classifications and the surgeon's experience. The mean duration of the surgery was 27 minutes longer in the case of DHS stabilisation. The complication rate was higher and the mean length of postoperative hospital stay was longer after Ender nailing. The mean blood loss: the drop in Red Blood Cells (RBC), Haematocrit (Ht) and the Mean Haemoglobin Concentration (Hb) was also higher in patients treated with the use of Ender nails. The mean rate of blood units that had to be transfused postoperatively was also higher in "Ender" group. The difference was statistically significant, especially in the group of patients treated as emergency procedure at the day of admission (p < 0.05). The operative treatment of trochanteric fractures in elderly patients with the use of DHS device showed to be a less invasive procedure in comparison to Ender nailing. In conclusion, the indications for this method of trochanteric fractures' treatment should be expanded, especially in the case of unstable fractures.