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Biomedical subjects

M Schein

Publications and source records attributed to M Schein.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

[Temporal artery biopsy--required or superfluous?].

Temporal arteritis is a systemic disease affecting large and medium-sized arteries in the elderly. The incidence of the disease increases with age and its major complications are blindness, cerebrovascular accidents and aortic dissection. Diagnosis is mainly based on clinical signs and symptoms. Temporal artery biopsy is a popular and simple diagnostic procedure and if positive confirms the diagnosis. However, a negative biopsy cannot exclude temporal arteritis due to its segmental nature, and the specific signs and symptoms still require treatment with corticosteroids. During the years 1982-1991 we performed 206 temporal artery biopsies, of which only 21 (10.2%) confirmed the presence of temporal arteritis. Our experience is presented with regard to the usefulness of temporal artery biopsy in particular. In view of the low biopsy yield we recommend more selective referral for this purpose.

Adult

[Isolated iliac aneurysm].

The incidence of isolated iliac artery aneurysm is 1-2% of that of abdominal aortic aneurysms. The natural history is of gradual enlargement, with rupture the most common clinical presentation. The signs and symptoms of such an aneurysm are influenced by its concealed location within the bony pelvis. Awareness of these special characteristics improves the chances of early diagnosis and proper surgical treatment before possible rupture. We report 2 cases which demonstrate the spectrum of the clinical presentation.

Aged

[Total colectomy and mucosal proctectomy with J-pouch anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis and familial colonic polyposis].

Total colectomy and mucosal proctectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is the accepted surgical procedure for ulcerative colitis and familial polyposis of the colon. During 1981-1990, 25 patients with ulcerative colitis or familial polyposis underwent this operation in our department. In the majority a J-pouch was performed. In the early years, an 8 cm rectal muscular sleeve was left. In later cases, in accordance with opinions expressed in the medical literature, the length of the sleeve was shortened to about 3 cm. We present the functional results and the early and late complications on follow-up of up to 10 years (mean 3.5 years). Although this operation is not the ideal solution, it is better than the alternatives and is the surgical procedure of choice.

Adolescent

[Subtotal cholecystectomy: an emergency procedure for the difficult gallbladder and high-risk patient].

Emergency cholecystectomy in high-risk patients is still associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Occasionally technical difficulties and bleeding diathesis are complicating factors. Our prospective experience with subtotal cholecystectomy in 23 consecutive patients is presented. All presented as increased surgical risks (APACHE II above 10) and suffered from acute cholecystitis with empyema or perforation. 1 patient died (4.4%), but overall, surgical complications were minimal. We conclude that subtotal cholecystectomy combines the advantages of cholecystectomy and cholecystostomy. We believe that this short, simple and safe procedure is a logical choice for emergency situations in critically ill patients.

Adult

Contemporary management of the appendiceal mass.

An appendiceal mass is the end result of a walled-off appendiceal perforation and represents a pathological spectrum ranging from phlegmon to abscess. Over the past decade, improved imaging and interventional radiological techniques have allowed a more accurate definition of pathology and thus a more specific and less invasive management than was previously possible. A management policy should be possible that allows over 80 per cent of patients presenting with an appendiceal mass to be safely spared an open operation.

Appendectomy

Management of the leaking rectal stump after Hartmann's procedure.

Hartmann's procedure is often selected in situations in which the construction of a colorectal anastomosis is considered unsafe. Paradoxically, the creation of the rectal stump involves placement of an intestinal suture line that is prone to leakage. We report our experience with 11 patients with a clinically significant leakage from the rectal stump after Hartmann's procedure, which was manifested as persistent postoperative intra-abdominal infection. A method for the treatment and prevention of this potentially lethal complication is presented.

Adult

Infected peri-pancreatic necrosis causing gallbladder necrosis by direct extension.

Acute acalculous cholecystitis may develop in patients suffering from necrotizing pancreatitis. Conversely, acute pancreatitis may complicate acute gallbladder disease. We present a case that lends support to the existence of another possibility: gallbladder necrosis caused by direct extension of the necrotizing pancreatitic process.

Alcoholism