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Biomedical subjects

G Fasching

Publications and source records attributed to G Fasching.

15 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

The role of transanal endorectal pull-through in the treatment of Hirschsprung's disease - a multicenter experience.

The transanal approach (TAA) is a new technique for surgery of Hirschsprung's disease (HD) that was introduced by de la Torre in 1998. The purpose of this multicenter study, including experience from three Austrian and one Italian departments of peadiatric surgery, was to evaluate the role of this approach in HD in 18 children aged 1-72 months. In 14 children the TAA only was performed; in 3 an additional laparoscopy was performed and in 1 conversion to a laparotomy was necessary. One complication (abscess) occurred after laparoscopic-assisted pull-through. The postoperative recovery was rapid, no severe long-term problems were observed. The transanal pull-through technique is generally possible in most classic cases of HD with extension of the disease to the sigmoid colon. If necessary, it can be combined with laparoscopy. Our preliminary results show that the technique is safe, less invasive, and gives excellent cosmetic results, and allows rapid recovery. Long-term results are still pending.

Child↗
PubMed2000

Gastroesophageal reflux and diaphragmatic motility after repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

At the Department of Pediatric Surgery in Graz, 31 boys and 23 girls were operated on for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) from 1978 to 1994. In 49 patients the defect was on the left, in five on the right side. In 46 cases, the hernia was diagnosed within the first week of life; in eight children at a later date. 19 children (35%) died. 25 of the 35 survivors (71%) came to a follow-up examination on average 9.4 (1-17) years after the operation. 24 h pH-monitoring or manometry and Upper G.I. series revealed pathological gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in 16 patients. Nine children were treated conservatively; in seven patients an antireflux procedure was performed. A thoracic position of the stomach or left liver lobe, presence of a hernial sac, gestational age, prenatal diagnosis, use of a patch or severity of lung hypoplasia did not significantly influence the incidence of GER. In three patients, a hiatal hernia was found. The motility of the diaphragm was documented with M-mode sonography (n = 18); a restricted motility could be demonstrated in five patients. GER is very common in patients after repair of CDH. We recommend long-term follow-up with special interest in respect of GER.

Child↗
PubMed1998

[Dynamic splinting after flexor tendon injuries of the hand in childhood].

Ninety severed flexor tendons were repaired in 24 boys and 14 girls in a four-year-period at the Department of Pediatric Surgery in Graz. Mean age was 4.9 years. In 16 patients (42%) additional lesions were found. Direct repair was performed with modified techniques of Kirchmayr (23) or Kleinert (8). In four fingers, flexor tendon reconstructions were carried out. Postoperatively, the dynamic Kleinert splint was used for early nonresistive motion, beginning on average on the second postoperative day. Intensive training of motion was performed in physiotherapeutic sessions during a mean period of five months, postoperatively. In five cases tenolysis was performed; in one case a rupture of a sutured tendon had to be corrected. 27 patients (71%) with 42 injured fingers were followed-up on average 2.7 years after the operation. In accordance with the Buck-Gramcko classification, very good results were achieved in 37 cases (88%), and a poor result in one patient (2%). Atraumatic technique, dynamic splinting, consequent physiotherapeutic training by experienced physiotherapists, and well informed parents will yield excellent results after flexor tendon repair in the paediatric age group.

Child↗
PubMed1997

[Effect of the mode of delivery on the newborn infant with gastroschisis. With data from the Styrian Malformation Register].

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to investigate the influence of the mode of delivery on the outcome of children with gastroschisis. METHODS: 38 children were born and treated at the University Hospital of Graz between 1977 and 1995. The perinatal and surgical data were analyzed retrospectively. Furthermore, we compared the prevalence of gastroschisis in Styria to international data. RESULTS: The mode of delivery did not influence the fetal outcome. The higher rate of acidosis and shorter interval from rupture of the membranes to delivery in cases of cesarean section may be attributable to the obstetric decision for an operative delivery. The prevalence of gastroschisis is high as compared to European data. CONCLUSIONS: Our data and the majority of publications do not show a benefit of cesarean section for children with gastroschisis. A randomized prospective trial is still lacking to end controversies.

Abdominal Muscles↗
PubMed1997

Paragliding accidents in remote areas.

Paragliding is an increasingly popular hobby, as people try to find new and more adventurous activities. However, there is an increased and inherent danger with this sport. For this reason, as well as the inexperience of many operators, injuries occur frequently. This retrospective study centers on the helicopter rescue of 70 individuals in paragliding accidents. All histories were examined, and 43 patients answered a questionnaire. Nineteen (42%) pilots were injured when taking off, 20 (44%) during the flight, and six (13%) when landing. Routine and experience did not affect the prevalence of accident. Analysis of the causes of accident revealed pilot errors in all but three cases. In 34 rescue operations a landing of the helicopter near the site of the accident was possible. Half of the patients had to be rescued by a cable winch or a long rope fixed to the helicopter. Seven (10%) of the pilots suffered multiple trauma, 38 (54%) had injuries of the lower extremities, and 32 (84%) of them sustained fractures. Injuries to the spine were diagnosed in 34 cases with a fracture rate of 85%. One patient had an incomplete paraplegia. Injuries to the head occurred in 17 patients. No paraglider pilot died. The average hospitalization was 22 days, and average time of working inability was 14 weeks. Fourteen (34%) patients suffered from a permanent damage to their nerves or joints. Forty-three percent of the paragliders continued their sport despite the accident; two of them had another accident. An improved training program is necessary to lower the incidence of paragliding accidents. Optimal equipment to reduce injuries in case of accidents is mandatory. The helicopter emergency physician must perform a careful examination, provide stabilization of airways and circulation, give analgesics, splint fractured extremities, and transport the victim on a vacuum mattress to the appropriate hospital.

Accidents↗
PubMed1995

[Experiences with using the soft cast in injuries of the fibular ligament of the upper ankle joint].

From June 1993 until October 1994, 75 persons with recent ruptures in the region of the fibular ligament at the ankle joint were treated with a Softcast at our hospital. The patients were divided into a surgical and a conservative group: 33 patients were operated on and 42 were treated conservatively; 49 persons were male, 26 female. Both groups were initially treated with a conventional cast, and after the first week a Softcast was used. Surgery was performed whenever X-ray examination showed a difference of more than 10 degrees in supinatory subluxation between the unstable ankle and the intact one or anterior instability of more than 10 mm. In 55 of these patients follow up by clinical and X-ray examination was possible after an average period of 14.5 months after trauma and treatment. For the clinical follow-up the 100-point Pförringer-Stolz score was used (6), and the X-ray examination was performed under constant conditions by means of these standardized conditions, excellent and good results were achieved in more than 95% of the patients. The authors recommend the semi-rigid immobilization with Softcast in both operatively and conservatively treated patients with ruptures of the lateral ankle ligaments.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Baby walkers--an underestimated hazard for our children?

Baby walkers (BWs) continue to be a frequent cause of head injuries in young children. A random sample survey of 240 families with children aged 2-6 years revealed a use rate of baby walkers of 55%. Of the children using baby walkers 20% were found to have suffered a BW-related accident. In a retrospective study we reviewed 172 case reports of infants who suffered a BW-related injury between January 1990 and June 1993. We observed 19 skull fractures, 23 concussions of the brain and 125 contusions and lacerations of the head including 4 teeth luxations and 3 fractures or distortions of the upper extremity. BW-related injuries represent the third most common mode of injury in children aged 7-14 months. We conclude that despite previous warnings BW still represent a frequent cause of severe head injuries in young children. We recommend a general ban on the sale and manufacture of BWs.

Accidental Falls↗
PubMed1994

Surgical strategies in very-low-birthweight neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis.

Very-low-birthweight (VLBW) neonates are more prone to complications and death than term infants are. In a 15-year period, 19 neonates with VLBW were operated on for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Indications for operation were pneumoperitoneum in 12 and deterioration of general condition in 7. Bowel resection and intestinal diversion was performed in 12, a lateral enterostomy at the site of perforation was created in 5, and 2 neonates with necrosis of the whole bowel underwent an exploratory laparotomy without any further surgical treatment. Surgical complications were found in one-third of the patients. The mortality rate was significantly higher when the ileum was affected. The survival rate was 68%. Prior to 1984 the survival rate was 37% (3/8); subsequently, it has improved to 91% (10/11) as a result of improved intensive therapy.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed1994

Psychosocial and psychomotoric development of very low birthweight infants with necrotizing enterocolitis.

UNLABELLED: Twenty-six very low birthweight infants (VLBI) were treated for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). We investigated their consecutive health problems and psychosocial development. METHOD: One to 13 years after onset of NEC, follow-up studies were performed in 12 of the surviving children. Identical follow-up studies were performed in 6 VLBI who had been operated on for diseases other than NEC (control group). We used a detailed interview, a Denver test and a drawing test. RESULTS: Five children of the NEC group had major persistent health problems that impaired their psychomotoric and psychosocial development (including hearing impairment, concomitant strabismus, early onset bronchial asthma). Nine of 12 VLBI of the NEC group showed signs of reduced social contact, logopaedic problems and minimal partial skill reductions. CONCLUSION: We found similar results in both children who suffered from NEC and in a small control group of VLBI who had not suffered from NEC, therefore impaired psychomotoric and psychosocial development is probably due to prematurity.

Child↗
PubMed1994

[Equestrian accidents in children and adolescents].

The rate of pediatric equestrian injuries is relatively low, but the severity of injuries is greater than in many other pediatric sport activities. In a 4-year period the charts of 109 patients up through the age of 15 years, who were admitted for equestrian-related injuries were reviewed. Falls from horses are the most frequent cause of injuries and responsible for their anatomic localization and type of injury. In our study the upper extremity was the most common (38%) area injured and head injuries comprised the second largest group with 36%. Forty percent of all injuries were fractures, 72% of which were fractures of long bones. The circumstances surrounding the accident and mechanisms of these injuries were analyzed. Effective safety measures such as improved equestrian helmets and adequate training in dealing with horses could reduce the risk of injuries.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Preservation of the ileocecal valve and right colon in total colonic aganglionosis.

A new surgical technique for the treatment of total colonic aganglionosis is described. Preservation of the right colon and the ileocecal valve is possible by performing an end-to-back anastomosis between a prececal short ileum segment and the uneffected ileum, and by creating a side-to-side anastomosis between an isolated ileal loop and the right colon. The ileorectal anastomosis is performed with a curved EEA 21 circular stapler (USSC, Norwalk, CT). After a neonatal ileostomy, the operation is performed as a one-stage procedure. The advantage of preserving the right colon and the ileocecal valve is discussed.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed1993

Course of pubic tubercle--centre of testicle distance in children with and without testicular maldescent.

The aim of this study was to establish whether a more precise classification of the different types of testicular maldescent could be made by using the measurement of pubic tubercle-centre of testicle distance. The pubic tubercle-centre of testicle distance was determined in 77 healthy children. The results were obtained in children aged 1 month to 15 years. The results were compared to the distances obtained in 47 children with testicular maldescent. The distance between pubic tubercle and centre of testicle represents an objective parameter in the examination of testicular maldescent. It is used to determine the testicular position precisely, and by comparing it to our graphs of normal values, it is possible to find pathological results. Our graphs of normal values for pubic tubercle-centre of testicle distance for different age groups, weight groups and body length groups in children can also be used to record the effect of hormonal or surgical therapy. Surprisingly there exists no obvious growth of the pubic tubercle-centre of testicle distance within the first seven years of life. By comparing the measurement of the pubic tubercle-centre of testicle distance of a child with testicular maldescent to our graphs of normal values, it is easy to find an objective parameter for the initiation of therapy, or for the decision to wait and see. By comparing a series of measurements of one case to our graphs of normal values, it is possible to set ideal intervals for consultations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

[Effect of surgery on inflammation parameters].

Of 27 patients undergoing major surgical procedures--mainly orthopaedic ones--we took the temperature, blood sedimentation rate, total white blood cell count, fraction of immature to total neutrophils (I:T proportion) and C-reactive protein. With the exception of the I:T proportion all unspecific indicators of inflammation showed an increase after the operation. Therefore, the I:T proportion is the most reliable parameter for the postoperative control of infections, since it is not subject to surgical trauma.

Adolescent↗