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S Rakovec

Publications and source records attributed to S Rakovec.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

[Spenic abscesses].

Abscess of the spleen is an uncommon entity that seems even less common as it still represents a diagnostic problem. The most common cause of splenic abscess is metastatic hematogenous seeding of the diseased spleen especially of the infarcted areas or traumatic hematomas. It can result also from the direct spread of infection from surrounding structures. Many patients with splenic abscess have a rapidly progressive generalized sepsis and even the combination of well-timed surgery and antibiotic therapy is not always curative. Local symptoms may be mild and overlooked and there may be only general symptoms of suppuration present. X-rays investigations often yield valuable information about the location of the abscess. By far the most promising technique is splenic scanning with the use of radioisotopes. Our case of splenic abscess following appendicitis has been described. The course and the diagnosis has been established using liver-spleen scanning. The patient was treated with Obracin and Dalacin and the diseased spleen has been removed. After drainage of the left subphrenic abscess the recovery was uneventful.

Abscess

The mechanisms of the action of electrical stimulation of muscles.

The mechanisms of the action of electrical stimulation of muscles are discussed. We believe that the principal cause for the good results obtained in cases of stress incontinence with electrical stimulation must be due to the formation of a better reflex in contraction of the muscles of the pelvic floor. This, however, envolves changes at the level of the spinal cord. By the help of stimulation the patient learns to use the urethral sphincter and secondary forces of retention in a better and a more proper way. The good results obtained in the treatment of some cases of nocturnal enuresis by anal plugs require yet another explanation. It can be considered that in nocturnal enuresis the unconscious inhibition of the reflex mechanism for emptying the bladder is not developed enough. From the experience we know that vigorous voluntary activation of the muscles of the pelvic floor inhibits the contraction of the detrusor muscle. In this way it is possible to depress the urging sensation to urinate. In the paper we have tried to demonstrate this mechanism objectively. On the basis of our findings we believe that the good results in treating nocturnal enuresis may be due to this mechanism of stimulation.

Electric Stimulation

Reflex electrical stimulation for urinary incontinence.

Our previous observations have shown that the electrical stimulation of muscles is prevalently reflex. One of the advantages of reflex stimulation is that it activates not only a limited number of motor units, but rather a number of muscles connected by the same reflex from a single stimulation site. Consequently, it is not necessary to place electrodes into the muscle to be activated. They can be put elsewhere provided that the same effect is obtained and that it is more convenient for the patient. Such an opportunity arises when treating urinary incontinence which involves not only the urethral sphincter but also the group of synergistic muscles of the pelvic floor. Our experiments with several patients suffering stress incontinence have shown that indirect stimulation of the levator ani with a vaginal stimulator and especially of the anal sphincter with an anal stimulator affects the urethral sphincter in the same way as direct stimulation. These findings are significant since they enable us to use external instead of implantable stimulators. External stimulation is worth trying in all cases of stress incontinence where conservative measures have failed. In our cases, the results have been very satisfactory.

Electric Stimulation

Reflex electrical stimulation for urinary incontinence.

Experiments with several patients suffering from stress incontinence have shown that indirect stimulation of the levator ani with a vaginal stimulator and especially of the anal sphincter with an anal stimulator affects the urethral sphincter in the same way as direct stimulation. These findings are significant since they enable us to avoid the use of implantable stimulators by substituting external ones. External stimulation is worth trying in all cases of stress incontinence, where other conservative measures have failed. In our cases the results have been very satisfactory.

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