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Monika Lanthaler

Publications and source records attributed to Monika Lanthaler.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

Laparoscopic resection of a giant liver hemangioma.

We present a case report of hepatic resection performed laparoscopically for a giant symptomatic hemangioma. The patient was a 50-year-old woman who was diagnosed with a giant hemangioma 20 cm in diameter. As in the case of our patient, laparoscopic resection of hepatic hemangiomas can be performed successfully, even when dealing with giant hemangiomas. However, a thorough preoperative assessment and a structured approach, in our case including preoperative embolization, is crucial for success.

Combined Modality Therapy↗

It is not always appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Patients who are suspected of having acute appendicitis usually undergo surgery in order to avoid life-threatening complications such as perforation and peritonitis. However, acute appendicitis is difficult to distinguish from other sources of right-sided abdominal pain. The clinical picture is almost indistinguishable from appendiceal diverticulitis, which is a rare entity and remains a difficult diagnostic problem. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We describe the case of a 39-year-old male with perforated appendiceal diverticulitis. The patient was admitted to our surgical unit with acute appendicitis-like symptoms and underwent surgery with a diagnosis of suspected acute appendicitis. RESULTS: The patient was found to have perforated appendiceal diverticulitis and standard appendectomy with abdominal lavage was carried out. DISCUSSION: Most patients presenting with acute right-sided peritonitic pain are diagnosed and managed as cases of acute appendicitis. Acute pain in the lower right side of the abdomen caused by appendiceal diverticulitis is very rare and clinically indistinguishable from acute appendicitis. Inflammatory complications of appendiceal diverticula mimic acute appendicitis. CONCLUSION: Every surgeon should be aware of the possibility of diverticulitis of the appendix in the operating room, even if this does not change the operative management. As diverticula of the cecum can be found as solitary lesions, as multiple lesions confined to the right colon, or as part of a generalized disease of the entire colon, postoperative barium enema examination may be useful.

Abdomen, Acute↗

Is it necessary to deflate the adjustable gastric band for subsequent operations?

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is an effective method in the treatment of morbid obesity. However, it is unknown, whether deflating the gastric band before operations under general anesthesia is necessary to avoid complications such as nausea, vomiting, respiratory complications, and weight regain. METHODS: Between January 1996 and June 2001, we performed LAGB on 408 patients at the University Hospital of Innsbruck. Of these patients, we identified 68 (16.7%) patients who were to undergo subsequent unrelated general, reconstructive, vascular, or orthopedic procedures. These patients were prospectively randomized into two groups: group 1 (n = 32) preoperative deflation of the adjustable band system and group 2 (n = 36) without preoperative deflation of the adjustable band system. RESULTS: There were no anesthetic or perioperative band-related complications in either group 1 or group 2. There were two reoperations necessary due to surgical complications unrelated to the gastric band. CONCLUSIONS: Operations after adjustable gastric banding can be safely performed without deflating the adjustable system.

Adult↗