Biomedical subjects

A Hulkko

Publications and source records attributed to A Hulkko.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Five-year outcome of laparoscopic and Lichtenstein hernioplasties.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic hernia repair has been proved superior to open repairs in terms of short-term results, but long-term results of laparoscopic and open mesh repairs have been lacking until recently. METHODS: A total of 123 patients were randomly allocated to two treatment groups comparing laparoscopic and Lichtenstein hernioplasties in three separate trials. The first and second trials compared small and large mesh used in transabdominal preperitoneal repairs, and the third study compared totally extraperitoneal hernioplasty with the Lichtenstein operation. A 5-year follow-up visit was scheduled to assess recurrencies, symptoms, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: For the follow up evaluation, 121 (98.4%) of the patients were reached. There were five hernia recurrences in the laparoscopic group (small mesh) and two in the Lichtenstein group (difference, 5%; 95% confidence interval, -4-13%; p = 0.3). One patient who underwent the transabdominal preperitoneal polypropylene procedure underwent reoperation 3 years later because of dense small bowel adhesions at the inguinal surgical site. Chronic groin pain was more common after open operation (0 vs 4) patients (difference 7%; confidence interval, -0.4-16%; p = 0.04). Ten patients (16%) in the laparoscopic group and 12 (20%) in the open group reported discomfort or pain at the surgical site. CONCLUSIONS: Both laparoscopic and Lichtenstein hernioplasties have a low risk for hernia recurrence if proper mesh size is used. The patients who undergo hernioplasty with open mesh hernioplasty seem to experience chronic symptoms and pain more often than those managed with the laparoscopic procedure.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Comparison of laparoscopic and open Nissen fundoplication 2 years after operation. A prospective randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic operation has replaced the conventional open procedure in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in spite of the fact that long-term results based on controlled clinical trials have been lacking. The objective of this study was to compare outcome, quality of life, and patient satisfaction after laparoscopic and open Nissen fundoplication in a community hospital setting with a 2-year follow-up. METHODS: Forty-two patients with GERD were randomized to either laparoscopic (LNF) or open (ONF) Nissen fundoplication. Outcome evaluation included reflux symptoms, gastrointestinal quality of life (GIQLI), and upper GI endoscopy. RESULTS: Esophagitis was cured among all patients in the LNF group and in 90% of the ONF group. There were two patients (10%) in both groups who had medicine-dependent recurrent reflux together with significant worsening in the GIQLI scores. One patient in the LNF group has been reoperated due to a suture granuloma in the left epigastric port. Two patients in the LNF group needed esophageal dilatation due to persistent dysphagia. GIQLI scores (scale, 0-144) were equally normalized in both groups. Overall, 90% in the LNF and 100% in the ONF group were either satisfied or very satisfied with the operation. There was only one patient (LNF) who would not choose to have the operation again. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic and open Nissen fundoplication seem to be equally effective methods for improving reflux symptoms and quality of life, resulting in a high rate of satisfaction among patients with an intermediate follow-up period of 2 years.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Short-term symptomatic outcome and quality of life after laparoscopic versus open Nissen fundoplication: a prospective randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic operation has replaced conventional operation in the treatment of reflux disease. This change has been mostly based on excellent results from highly experienced antireflux surgeons rather than on randomized clinical trials. AIMS: The objective of this study was to compare the short-term symptomatic outcome and patient quality of life costs after laparoscopic (LNF) or open Nissen fundoplication (ONF) in a community hospital setting with less experienced surgeons. METHODS: Forty-two patients with documented gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were randomized to either LNF or ONF. Symptomatic outcome using a custom questionnaire and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) were measured pre- and postoperatively at one and three months. RESULTS: Esophagitis was cured among all patients in LNF group compared to 90% in the ONF group. The symptoms observed preoperatively were significantly improved in both groups, except for dysphagia and flatulence. Dysphagia was more common after LNF. The GIQLI (scale 0-144) was equally normalized in both groups. The mean GIQLI-change among all patients was 37.9 points. Patient satisfaction did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: LNF and ONF are effective methods in the operative treatment of GERD in short-term and result in a significant improvement in patients gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Comparison of costs between laparoscopic and open Nissen fundoplication: a prospective randomized study with a 3-month followup.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic antireflux surgery has replaced conventional operation despite the fact that currently no randomized trials have been published regarding its cost effectiveness. The objective of the present study was to compare costs and some short-term outcomes of laparoscopic and open Nissen fundoplication. STUDY DESIGN: Forty-two patients with documented gastroesophageal reflux disease were randomized between October 1995 and October 1996 to either laparoscopic (LNF) or open (ONF) Nissen fundoplication. Some short-term outcomes, Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) hospital costs, and costs to society were assessed. Followup was 3 months. RESULTS: Medians of operation times in the LNF and ONF groups were 98 min and 74 min, respectively. Hospital stay was 2.5 days shorter after laparoscopic operation (LNF 3 days versus ONF 5.5 days). Both operations were equally safe and effective, but the LNF group experienced significantly less pain and fatigue during the first 3 postoperative weeks. Improvement in the GIQLI and overall patient satisfaction were comparable between the methods. Convalescence was faster in the LNF group: return to normal life being 14 versus 31 days and return to work being 21 versus 44 days in the LNF and ONF groups, respectively. Hospital costs were similar, $2,981 and $3,140 in the LNF and ONF groups, respectively, but total costs were lower ($7,506 versus $13,118) in the LNF group as a result of an earlier return to work. CONCLUSIONS: LNF is superior in cost effectiveness, assuming that the longterm results between the methods are comparable.

Costs and Cost Analysis↗

PubMed1998

A cost and outcome comparison between laparoscopic and Lichtenstein hernia operations in a day-case unit. A randomized prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic hernia repair has often been criticized for its high costs. METHODS: To compare the costs of laparoscopic and open hernia repair, 40 patients were randomized for either transabdominal laparoscopic or Lichtenstein mesh repair (under local anesthesia) in a day-case surgery unit. RESULTS: Median operative times for the laparoscopic and open groups were 62 and 65 min, respectively. Postoperative pain was comparable for the two groups. The period before return to normal life was 14 days in the laparoscopic group and 21 days in the open group. The hospital costs were 2051 FIM ($1 US = 4.6 FIM) higher in the laparoscopic group, but the total costs for employed patients (including expenses due to lost work days) were lower. CONCLUSION: Although the Lichtenstein operation is cheaper for the hospital, the total costs for working patients are lower with the laparoscopic technique, when the cost of lost work days is factored into overall expense.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Cost-effective appendectomy. Open or laparoscopic? A prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the outcome and cost-effectiveness of laparoscopic (LA) and open appendectomy (OA). METHODS: Forty consecutive patients were randomized to either the LA (n = 19) or OA (n = 21) group. RESULTS: The medians of operative times in the LA and OA groups were 31.5 and 41 min, respectively. The total operation room times were 91 and 82 min, respectively. There was no significant difference in postoperative pain or fatigue, but return to normal life was faster in the LA group (14 versus 26. 5 days). The median hospital costs per patient were 8,538 and 6,788 FIM ($1 US = 4.6 FIM) in the LA and OA groups, respectively; but the total costs among working patients were lower in the LA group (20, 963 versus 27,778 FIM) due to faster return to work. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic appendectomy is as safe as open appendectomy. The hospital costs are higher, but LA offers significant cost savings to the payer for working patients.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

A prospective randomized outcome and cost comparison of totally extraperitoneal endoscopic hernioplasty versus Lichtenstein hernia operation among employed patients.

Laparoscopic hernia operations have been criticized in regard to their high hospital costs. This study was designed to compare the costs and some outcome features of totally extraperitoneal endoscopic hernia operation (TEP) and Lichtenstein mesh repair (OPN) among 45 randomized employed patients. The medians of operative time in the TEP and OPN groups were 67.5 and 53 min, respectively. Return to normal life was 14 days in the TEP group and 20 days in the OPN group. The hospital costs per patient were $1,239 (all costs are in US dollars) in the TEP group and $782 in the OPN group. The median total costs were $3,912 and $4,661 in the TEP and OPN groups, respectively. The Lichtenstein operation is cheaper for the hospital. The total costs for working patients are lower with the endoscopic technique because fewer working days are lost.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Total costs of laparoscopic and lichtenstein inguinal hernia repairs: a randomized prospective study.

In a prospective, randomized study, laparoscopic (n = 20) and Lichtenstein (n = 18) inguinal hernia repairs were compared in relation to operative time, operative costs, hospital stay, postoperative pain, return to work, patient satisfaction, complications, and total costs. All the operations were performed with the patient under general anesthesia. The median operative times in the laparoscopic and Lichtenstein groups were 71.5 (range, 43-140) and 45 (16-83) min, respectively (p < 0.001). Postoperative pain and use of analgesics was less in the laparoscopic group. The median time to return to work was 14 (8-26) days in the laparoscopic group and 19 (5-40) days in the Lichtenstein group. More complications occurred in the Lichtenstein group. The median of the operative costs, in U.S. dollars, was $1,395 and $878, respectively, and the median total costs (including community expenses resulting from lost workdays) were $4,796 in the laparoscopic and $5,320 in the Lichtenstein groups.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Diagnosis and treatment of stress fracture of the patella in athletes.

Five cases of stress fracture of the patella in athletes are presented. Four of these occurred transversally in the lower part and one longitudinally in the lateral part of the patella. Three of the patients were females (endurance runner, high jumper, and orienteerer) and two males (volleyball and soccer player). The diagnosis was made 2-8 months from the onset of the symptoms. Conservative treatment was successful in only one patient; all others were treated surgically, with good end result. Drilling of the fracture line was performed twice with metal wire cerclage fixation, excision of the lateral fragment was carried out once, and a bone graft with K wires and cerclage compression (tension band) was performed once. In all cases the patellar retinaculum was intact, indicating a stress injury. Stress fracture of the patella is a rare overuse injury, and therefore difficulties and delays in the diagnosis and treatment may occur. In cases with delayed diagnosis we recommend operative treatment.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Stress fracture of the medial malleolus.

We studied eight patients who had a stress fracture of the medial malleolus. The main symptom was localized pain on the medial side of the ankle. The initial radiographs revealed the lesion for only three patients; for the other patients, the diagnosis was made with the use of isotope scans and was confirmed with computerized tomography scans, magnetic resonance images, or subsequent plain radiographs. One vertical fracture was treated initially with compression with AO screws. On the basis of our experience with stress fractures in other bones, drilling was performed to enhance the formation of bone in two patients who had delayed healing and who had had symptoms for eight and twelve months. The fractures healed four and five months after the drilling. The five patients who were managed non-operatively had to avoid running and jumping for at least three months (average, four months) so that healing could take place. All five of these fractures healed within five months.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

[Stress fractures in athletes and military recruits. An overview].

Stress fracture is an overuse injury caused by muscle forces together with bending and impact forces acting on the bone, which has not adapted to the loading. The localization of stress fractures is more common in lower extremities. They are found in many other bones of the body as well. In the history of these patients a considerable amount of running exercise is usually found. The symptoms are stress pain and aching at rest after training. Typical findings are local palpation pain and edema. Sometimes tender resistance is felt. Clinically used radiological imaging methods are radiographs, scintigraphy and in some cases magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. The radiographs are not usually positive until 2 weeks after the onset of symptoms. With a typical history and clinical findings the radiological diagnosis causes no further problems. The corner stones of the treatment are: early identification of the symptoms, early diagnosis, a sufficiently long training pause and in special cases consultation of experts in the field. There are rare stress fractures with increased risk of a delayed union, non-union or complete fracture. Surgical treatment may be needed in some cases. The prevention of stress fractures has proved to be difficult. The risk of acquiring stress fractures is increased by running with improper shoes and in female athletes with menstrual irregularities. If running is changed to some other kind of sport, the incidence stress fractures is lower.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995