Biomedical subjects

B Rau

Publications and source records attributed to B Rau.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMed1999

Preoperative treatment of rectal cancer with radiation, chemotherapy and hyperthermia: analysis of treatment efficacy and heat-shock response.

Preoperative treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer with radiation, chemotherapy and hyperthermia is analyzed with regard to heat-shock response. In 23 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (uT3/uT4), hyperthermia was administered in combination with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In parallel, the effect of the treatment on levels of the heat-shock proteins HSP27 and inducible HSP70 in tumors and surrounding tissues was investigated by Western blotting. The patients' sera were also examined for autoantibodies against HSPs. HSP27 and inducible HSP70 were detected in most rectal tumors and surrounding tissues before and after treatment. HSP27 and inducible HSP70 levels had changed in 10 tumors after treatment. However, prior to treatment, there existed an unexpected diversity in HSP levels in the tumors and surrounding tissue. Hyperthermia doses in cumulative minutes for which 90% of the tumor is above the reference temperature (cum min T90 > or = 15 min) led to increased survival and response compared to that of a control group of patients treated without or with low-dose hyperthermia (cum min T90 < 15 min). However, there was no correlation to different expression of the HSPs. Hyperthermia as used in this setting does not lead to any sustained expression of HSPs in either the tumor or the surrounding tissue.

Antibodies↗

PubMed1998

Rationale for using invasive thermometry for regional hyperthermia of pelvic tumors.

PURPOSE: Invasive thermometry for regional hyperthermia is time-consuming, uncomfortable, and risky for the patient. We tried to estimate the benefit/cost ratio of invasive thermometry in regional hyperthermia using the radiofrequency system BSD-2000. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We evaluated 182 patients with locally advanced pelvic tumors that underwent regional hyperthermia. In every patient a tumor-related temperature measurement point was obtained either by invasive or minimally invasive catheter measurement tracks. In the earlier period for every patient an intratumoral measurement point was decided as obligatory and intratumoral catheters were implanted intraoperatively, CT guided, or under fluoroscopy. In the later period, invasive thermometry often was avoided, if a measurement point in or near the tumor was reached by an endoluminally inserted catheter (rectal, vaginal, cervical, urethral, or vesical). For every patient side effects and complications referred to thermometry were evaluated and compared with the potential benefit of the invasively achieved temperature data. The suitability of endolumimally registered temperatures is analyzed to estimate local feasibility (specific absorption rate achieved) and local effectiveness (thermal parameters correlated with response). RESULTS: In 74 of 182 patients invasive thermometry was performed, at most CT-guided for soft tissue sarcomas and rectal recurrences. In 14 of 74 (19%) side effects such as local inflammation, pain, or abscess formation occurred that enforced removal of the catheter. However, local problems were strongly correlated with the dwell time of the catheter and nearly never occurred for dwell times less than 5 days. Fortunately, no fatal complications (e.g., bleeding or perforation) occurred during or after implantation which could be attributed to the invasive thermometry procedure. Endoluminal tumor-related temperature rises per time unit (to estimate power density) were correlated with intratumoral rises at the same patients (where both measurements were available). For a subgroup of patients pooled in two Phase II studies with rectal (n = 37) and cervical (n = 18) carcinomas thermal parameters derived from endoluminal measurements were correlated with response or local control, resp. CONCLUSIONS: If a tumor-related endoluminal temperature measurement point is available, additional invasive thermometry gives no further information to improve the power deposition pattern. For primary rectal and cervical cancer, and probably as well for prostate, bladder and anal cancer, endoluminal measurements are suitable to estimate local feasibility and effectiveness. Therefore, invasive thermometry is dispensable in the majority of patients. In some selected cases, temperature measurement in the tumor center is required to estimate the maximum temperature. In those cases, dwell time of catheters should be minimized--and it should be considered to perform invasive thermometry at the beginning (one or two heat treatments).

Catheterization↗

PubMed1998

Radiochemotherapy and hyperthermia in the treatment of rectal cancer.

We evaluated the use of regional hyperthermia with radio-chemotherapy in a phase I/II study on locally advanced rectal carcinomas. Thirty-four patients with primary advanced (stage T3/T4) rectal carcinomas (24 patients) or recurring rectal carcinomas (6 patients) were treated using preoperative radiochemo-thermotherapy. Initial tumour staging was carried out clinically (degree of fixation) and using endorectal ultrasonography and CT. Radiotherapy was carried out with the patient prone (on a belly board) at 5 x 1.8 Gy per week up to 45 Gy at the reference point. 5-Fluorouracil (300-500 mg/m2) was administered with low-dose leucovorin (50 mg) on days 1-5 and 22-26. Patients were treated with regional hyperthermia each week prior to radiotherapy, using the Sigma-60 ring of the BSD-2000 system. Temperature/position curves and temperature/time curves were recorded via endocavitary catheters (tumour contact, bladder, vagina). Following endosonographic and clinical restaging, the operation was carried out 4-6 weeks after the end of preoperative therapy. In cases where tumours were unresectable, a boost of up to 60 Gy was given. Twenty-three of the 34 patients (68%) proved to be curatively resectable. Of these patients, 70% were downstaged endosonographically during preoperative therapy. The actuarial survival rates among these patients were 85% (primary rectal cancer) and 60% (recurrences) at 30 months. All in all, the preoperative multimodal therapy was well tolerated, and premature termination was necessary in only two cases. The quality of temperature distribution (T90, cum min T90 > 40.5 degrees C) depends on the power level and relative power density. The response (particularly downstaging) correlates significantly with the quality parameters of the temperature distributions. This regimen proved practical and effective, with encouraging downstaging rates and local control rates.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

[Phase II study on preoperative radio-chemo-thermotherapy in locally advanced rectal carcinoma].

BACKGROUND: Recent studies show that preoperative radio-chemotherapy can increase resectability and local control of locally advanced rectal carcinomas. Additional regional hyperthermia might increase remission rates and tumor response. We therefore tested regional hyperthermia together with radio-chemotherapy in a phase-II study on locally advanced rectal carcinomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven patients with primary advanced stage uT3/T4 rectal carcinomas were treated with preoperative radio-chemo-thermo-therapy. The initial tumor depth was determined using endosonography, CT, and MRI. Radiotherapy was carried out in prone position (on a belly board) using standard techniques, with 5 x 1.8 Gy per week up to 45 Gy at the reference point. 5-Fluorouracil (300 to 500 mg/m2) was administered with low doses of leucovorin (50 mg) on days 1 to 5 and 22 to 28. The patients were treated with regional hyperthermia each week prior to radiotherapy and simultaneously with chemotherapy, using the Sigma 60 ring from the BSD-2000 system. Temperature/position curves and temperature/time curves were recorded in endocavitary (endorectal) catheters in tumor contact and as well in bladder and vagina. Following endosonographic restaging, the operation was carried out 4 to 6 weeks after the end of preoperative therapy and adjuvant chemotherapy continued in four cycles. In cases where tumors were non-resectable, a boost up to 64 Gy was aimed. RESULTS: Thirty-one of the 37 patients (84%) with primary carcinoma proved locally R0-resectable. In addition we had 1 R1-resection (3%) and 5 non-resectable tumors (13%). Among the resected tumors, 53% experienced a reduction of depth infiltration from the initial endosonographic stage during preoperative therapy. The actuarial survival rate after 4 years is 65% (free of progression 57%). The actuarial 4-year survival rate was particularly favorable for the group of responders. Overall, the preoperative multimodal therapy was well tolerated, and premature termination was only necessary in 1 case (3%). Grade III/IV toxicities in the intestine and skin were reduced as far as possible by field blockings and cooling of the perineal region. They occurred only in 5/37 patients (13%) at the intestine and in 6/37 patients (16%) at the skin. The thermal data were subjected to a statistical analysis. The quality of temperature distribution (T90, cum min T90 > or = 40.5 degrees C) depends on the power level and relative power density. The response (reduction of tumor size or depth infiltration) correlated significantly with quality parameters of the temperature distributions. This dependency is found as a trend for progression-free survival, too. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative radio-chemo-thermo-therapy proved to be practical and effective, with encouraging remission rates and excellent local control rates. For this reason, a phase-III study to test regional hyperthermia has been initiated. At the same time, certain technical improvements are still under development for regional hyperthermia.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Video-assisted thoracic surgery. Staging and management of thoracic tumors.

BACKGROUND: This prospective study was conducted to investigate the value of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for staging and therapy of thoracic tumors. METHODS: VATS was performed in 86 patients presenting peripheral pulmonary nodules. Indications for thoracoscopy included diagnosis of indeterminated pulmonary lesions (n = 55), staging of disseminated disease (n = 24), and therapeutic interventions (n = 7). Previous or simultaneous tumors belonged to gastrointestinal tract (n = 27), sarcoma (n = 19), breast (n = 12), and miscellaneous. VATS was carried out under general anesthesia using double lumen intubation. RESULTS: VATS was successfully performed in 78% of patients. It was converted in 19 patients (22%) because of adhesions (n = 12), technical problems (n = 3), and lesions not to be found (n = 4). VATS revealed malignancy in 81% and benign lesions in 19%. Additional information compared to conventional staging was obtained in 48%, resulting in therapeutic consequences in 34% of the patients. Postoperative complications related to VATS were observed in nine patients. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, VATS proved to be a sensitive technique for staging of pulmonary lesions. Thoracoscopic wedge resection may have significant impact on the operative management of carefully selected patients with peripheral pulmonary lesions.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

The role of staging laparoscopy for multimodal therapy of gastrointestinal cancer.

BACKGROUND: This prospective study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy and the therapeutic relevance of staging laparoscopy. METHODS: Between June 1993 and February 1997 staging laparoscopy was performed in 389 patients with various neoplasms. Additionally, 144 selected patients of this group were examined with laparoscopic ultrasound using a semiflexible ultrasound probe (7.5 MHz). RESULTS: Compared to conventional imaging methods, laparoscopy and laparoscopic ultrasound improved the accuracy of staging in 158 of 389 patients (41%). Statistical subgroup analysis of 131 patients with gastric cancer showed that the accuracy of staging laparoscopy in the detection of distant metastases (68%) was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than that of ultrasound (63%) or computed tomography (58%). In the whole group, laparoscopy alone disclosed intraabdominal tumor dissemination or nonresectable disease in 111 patients. Laparoscopic ultrasound displayed additional metastases-i. e., liver metastases (n = 9), M1 lymph nodes (n = 15), or nonresectable tumors (n = 6) in 30 patients. Although metastastic disease was suggested by preoperative imaging, benign lesions were found in five patients with laparoscopy and in a further 12 patients with ultrasonography. The findings of staging laparoscopy changed the treatment strategy in 45% of the patients. Conversion to open surgery was necessary in 5% of the cases, and complications related to laparoscopy occured in 4% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy with laparoscopic ultrasound improves the staging of gastrointestinal tumors and has a significant impact on a stage-adapted surgical therapy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Increased autologous blood donation in rectal cancer by recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO)

A randomised, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to study whether the subcutaneous administration of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) increases the donated red cell blood volume in patients with rectal cancer. Patients with resectable rectal cancer and a haemoglobin (Hb) level > or = 12.5/ > 12 g/dl (males/females) were scheduled to receive pre-operatively either erythropoietin (200 U/kg body weight daily) (n = 28) or placebo (n = 26) subcutaneously for 11 days. During this period autologous blood was collected. No serious adverse events were attributed to erythropoietin. 20 of 28 patients treated with rhEPO were able to donate > or = 3 units (71%) compared with 11 of 26 control patients (42%). The mean cumulative volume of red cells donated was 29% higher in the patients who received rhEPO (571 versus 444 ml, P = 0.02). The change in the mean reticulocyte value from baseline to the last pre-operative value was significantly higher in the rhEPO group (10.4 to 61.6/1000 versus 11.0 to 20.1/1000, P = 0.0001). The fall in the mean haematocrit from baseline to the last pre-operative value was significantly lower in the rhEPO group (41.4 to 37.6% versus 41.8 to 34.8%, P = 0.0004). rhEPO increases the ability of cancer patients to donate autologous blood during a short pre-operative period and enhances the restoration of haematological values after the donation period.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Role of ultrasonographically guided fine-needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of infected pancreatic necrosis.

BACKGROUND: Early detection of infected pancreatic necrosis has a major impact on further management and outcome in acute pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical value of ultrasonographically guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis over an 8-year period. METHODS: From January 1988 to September 1996 193 (mean 2.0 (range 1-9) aspirations per patient) prospectively assessed FNACs guided ultrasonographically were performed in 98 patients with necrotizing pancreatitis proven by contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Aspirates were considered infected if either Gram stain and/or culture revealed micro-organisms. RESULTS: Ultrasonographically guided FNAC correctly diagnosed infection in 29 of 33 patients with infected necrosis a median of 13 days after onset of symptoms. Of 61 patients with sterile necrosis 55 were identified correctly as sterile by FNAC. There were six false-positive and four false-negative aspirates of which nine occurred during the first week of the disease. In four patients who did not undergo operation FNAC revealed Gram-negative organisms; however, in the absence of repeated aspirations, the positive results remained unconfirmed. An overall sensitivity of 88 per cent and a specificity of 90 per cent was obtained. No difference was found in biochemical and clinical parameters indicating systemic inflammatory response syndrome before each FNAC between patients with proven sterile or infected necrosis. All patients tolerated the procedure well and no major complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonographically guided FNAC is a fast and reliable technique for the diagnosis of infected necrosis. As complication rates are very low, the procedure can be repeated at short intervals to improve the diagnostic accuracy. Ultrasonographically guided FNAC is recommended for all patients with necrotizing pancreatitis in whom systemic inflammatory response syndrome persists beyond the first week after onset of symptoms.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Preoperative hyperthermia combined with radiochemotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer: a phase II clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: A prospective phase II study was performed to determine the feasibility and efficacy in terms of response rate, resectability, and morbidity in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who received preoperative regional hyperthermia combined with radiochemotherapy (HRCT). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Recent studies suggest that preoperative radiochemotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer can induce downstaging, but after resection the incidence of local recurrences remains high. Hyperthermia (HT) may add tumoricidal effects and improve the efficacy of radiochemotherapy in a trimodal approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven patients with histologically proven rectal cancer and T3 or T4 lesions, as determined by endorectal ultrasound and computed tomography, entered the trial. 5-Fluorouracil (300-350 mg/m2) and leucovorin (50 mg) were administered on days 1 to 5 and 22 to 26. Regional HT using the SIGMA 60 applicator (BSD-2000) was given once a week before radiotherapy (45 Gy with 1.8-Gy fractions for 5 weeks). Surgery followed 4 to 6 weeks after completion of HRCT. RESULTS: Preoperative treatment was generally well tolerated, with 16% of patients developing grade III toxicity. No grade IV complications were observed. The overall resectability rate was 32 of 36 patients (89%), and 31 resection specimens had negative margins (R0). One patient refused surgery. In 5 patients (14%), the histopathologic report confirmed no evidence of residual tumor (pCR). A partial remission (PR) was observed in 17 patients (46%). The survival rate after 38 months was 86%. In none of the patients was local recurrence detected after R0(L), but five patients developed distant metastases. CONCLUSION: Preoperative HRCT is feasible and effective and may contribute to locoregional tumor control of advanced rectal cancer, which is to be proven in an ongoing phase III trial.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1998

The clinical value of human pancreas-specific protein procarboxypeptidase B as an indicator of necrosis in acute pancreatitis: comparison to CRP and LDH.

Early assessment of severity in acute pancreatitis (AP) has a major impact on further treatment. Previous studies have shown that human pancreas-specific protein (hPASP)/procarboxypeptidase B (PCPB) is a new diagnostic and prognostic marker in AP. In the present study we focused on the prognostic properties of this parameter and analyzed the clinical value of hPASP in discriminating edematous from necrotizing AP. The results were compared to those for C-reactive protein (CRP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). A total of 70 patients was enrolled in this prospective study. Based on contrast-enhanced computed tomography or intraoperative results, 39 patients (27 male, 12 female; median age, 42 years; median Ranson score, 6) suffered from necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) and 31 patients (12 male, 19 female; median age, 57; median Ranson score, 1.5) from acute interstitial-edematous pancreatitis (AIP). Serum concentrations of hPASP/PCPB, CRP, and LDH were measured at 24-h intervals over 14 days after admission by a radioimmunoassay (upper normal value, 60 ng/ ml), a lasernephelometric assay (upper normal value, 4 mg/L), and an enzymekinetic method (upper normal value, 240 U/L), respectively. During the overall observation period concentrations of hPASP/PCPB, CRP, and LDH were significantly higher in patients with NP compared to those with AIP. Based on receiver operating characteristics, the best cutoff levels for predicting NP were >200 ng/ml for hPASP/PCPB, >140 mg/L for CRP, and >290 U/L for LDH. Discrimination between AIP and NP was best on day 3 for both hPASP/PCPB (sensitivity, 91%; specificity, 64%; accuracy, 79%) and CRP (sensitivity, 83%; specificity, 84%; accuracy, 83%) and on day 5 of AP for LDH (sensitivity, 88%; specificity, 100%; accuracy, 91%). The overall accuracy in differentiating AIP from NP within the first 4 days after onset of symptoms was 74% for hPASP/PCPB, 75% for CRP, and 76% for LDH. None of the parameters correlated with the extent of necrosis or the etiology of AP. hPASP/PCPB provides good discrimination between AIP and NP at an early stage of the disease, with results comparable to those for CRP and LDH. Although hPASP/PCPB is both disease specific and predictive for necrosis, the clinical use of this test in its present form is limited due to drawbacks in terms of test performance and cost factors.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Secretory phospholipase A2 in patients with infected pancreatic necroses in acute pancreatitis.

Secretory synovial-type PLA2 (sPLA2-II) in peripheral blood is known to be associated with systemic complications in patients with severe diseases. Being the pacemaking enzyme in eicosanoid synthesis, sPLA2-II is a mediator of the inflammatory response and plays a role in host defense against bacterial infection. We evaluated the clinical role of systemic sPLA2-II in bacterial infection of pancreatic necroses in severe acute pancreatitis. In 58 patients with acute pancreatitis, pancreatic and sPLA2-I and sPLA2-II were measured daily for the first 14 days of hospital treatment by a time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay. All 36 patients with necrotizing pancreatitis underwent regular fine needle aspiration (FNA) to monitor bacterial infection. In 10 patients, infected necroses were found on FNA and postoperative examination. On admission and at most days throughout the observation period, systemic sPLA2-II was significantly higher in patients with infected necroses than in patients with sterile necroses or interstitial pancreatitis. This difference was not found for sPLA2-I, but values were higher in necrotizing pancreatitis than in interstitial pancreatitis at the first 2 days of hospital treatment. If sPLA2-II was >300 ng/ml on 2 successive days within the first 4 days, infected necroses could be predicted with a sensitivity of 89%, a specificity of 88%, and a negative predictive value of 95%. Systemic sPLA2-II has the potential to identify patients at risk of bacterial infection of pancreatic necroses and its routine measurement may therefore, in combination with FNA, offer a valuable tool in monitoring patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1998

[Effectiveness of preoperative radio-chemo-thermotherapy with respect to thermometry in locally advanced rectal carcinoma].

Additional hyperthermia is able to intensify the effect of radio-chemotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer. The datas represents favourable locally effect, if the necessary parameters of thermometry are achieved. We could demonstrate a correlation between temperatures and downstaging of the primary tumor. Consequently, aim of further developments is to optimize hyperthermia technology.

Combined Modality Therapy↗

PubMed1998

Evolution of socioeconomic impact assessments of HIV/AIDS.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to describe how and why socioeconomic impact assessments, as applied to HIV/AIDS in developing countries, have evolved over time and to discuss the direction that this field should be taking in the future. DESIGN: This paper involves a review of existing literature and incorporates the experience of AIDSCAP/Family Health International, the AIDS and Economics Network (AEN) and other organizations working in this field. RESULTS: Socioeconomic impact methodologies have become more rigorous over the last 10 years. Concurrently, they have been applied to achieve a new understanding of the impact of AIDS on the economy. The results have been successfully utilized because they are often compelling; to inform, sensitize and mobilize policymakers. At the same time, however, demand is growing for socioeconomic impact assessments to continue to evolve to meet the needs of policymakers in developing countries. CONCLUSION: The tools that have been used in the past for performing socioeconomic impact assessments will have to change significantly to reflect the needs of policymakers for more specific, policy-oriented analyses. Existing economic impact assessments in the field of HIV/AIDS will need to be replaced by more targeted economic research intended to encourage the development of appropriate workplace policies, mitigate the impact of HIV/ AIDS on families, and address critical treatment issues.

Anti-HIV Agents↗

PubMed1998

Surgical treatment of acute pancreatitis.

The most important diagnostic step in the management of patients with severe acute pancreatitis is discrimination between interstitial-oedematous and necrotizing pancreatitis. Surgical decision-making is based on clinical, bacteriological and contrast-enhanced CT-data. Persisting or progressive systemic or local organ complications occurring despite ICU-treatment are indicators for surgical management. Patients suffering from sepsis syndrome, cardiovascular shock, multisystemic organ failure syndrome, surgical acute abdomen and persisting or progressing ileus should be treated surgically. The surgical technique is based on careful necrosectomy or debridement in combination with continuous or repeated surgical evacuation of necrotic tissue, bacteria and biologically active compounds. Necrosectomy and postoperative continuous local lavage resulted in a hospital mortality of 17% in necrotizing pancreatitis, conservative management of necrotizing pancreatitis in a hospital mortality of 6.3%. In 1442 patients treated in a 14-year period the overall hospital mortality was 4.4%.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1998

[Thoracoscopic diagnosis and therapy of lung metastases].

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of thoracoscopy on staging and therapy of peripheral pulmonary nodules in patients with a cancer history. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Videothoracoscopy (VATS) was performed in patients presenting peripheral pulmonary nodules (< 3cm) in CT-scan. 65 patients (63%) presented less than 3 nodules and 39 patients (37%) had multiple lesions in the lungs. History revealed a primary gastro-intestinal cancer in 35 patients (34%), a sarcoma in 26 patients (25%), breast cancer in 13 patients (13%) and miscellaneous primary cancer in 22 patients (21%). VATS was performed under general anesthesia using a standard equipment (Olympus). Double lumen endotracheal intubation was carried out. Thoracoscopic pulmonary resection was accomplished with endoscopic stapler (Autosuture Multi-Fire Endo GIA 30). The specimens were removed in a retrieval bag and a tube was inserted into the thoracic cavity. RESULTS: In 24 patients (23%) conversion to thoracotomy was performed, because of adhesions (n = 12), technical reasons (n = 8), no tumor detectable (n = 4). Thoracoscopic wedge resection for coin lesions was performed in 61 of the 80 patients (76%). Three patients underwent decortication and in 16 patients biopsy was sufficient for therapeutical considerations. Additional informations in comparison to conventional diagnostic were found in 39 patients (49%). The treatment regimen altered in 32 patients (40%). CONCLUSIONS: In this study VATS proved to be a sensitive technique for staging of pulmonary coin lesions. Additional informations were achieved in 49% and therapeutic strategy was changed in 40% of the patients due to the distant spread of malignancy or detection of benign lesions obtained by thoracoscopic staging.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

[Obligatory and facultative measures in diagnosis and staging of stomach carcinoma].

A differential therapeutic regimen in gastric cancer requires exact staging. Criteria for accurate staging include exact localization of the tumor, the tumor depth, as well as the definition of local spread (lymph node metastases) and distant metastases (liver metastases, peritoneal carcinosis). Endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), laparoscopy and laparoscopic ultrasound provide the most precise information concerning T-, N- and M-categories in preoperative staging.

Diagnostic Imaging↗

PubMed1998

[Characteristics of anal carcinoma with therapeutic consequences].

Anal cancers have to be looked at either as cancers of the anal canal or those of the anal margin. During the past years, evidence has been obtained that human papilloma virus (HPV) contributes to the formation of cancers, particularly in homo-sexual males. Surgical treatment alone, may only be considered in tumors with less than 2 cm in size. Combined radio-chemotherapy (RCT) using 45 Gy of RT + 5-FU/Mitomycin C is the treatment of choice with superiority to RT alone proven in randomized trials. Abdominoperineal excision is indicated only in case of a tumor recurrence or with stable disease or progression after RCT. Multimodal treatment after discussion in an experienced tumor board may result in recurrence-free and colostomy-free survival at 5 years in up to 80% of our patients.

Anus Neoplasms↗

PubMed1998

[Telecommunication in routine surgical practice].

In an internal inquiry on the use of telecommunication, 267 operations were documented. In 62 cases an interruption was necessary: 43 of them for a second opinion and 29 for a new orientation resulting from findings, and in 10 cases for both. A purely verbal communication/consultation was sufficient in 8 cases, in 29 questions an on-site demonstration was necessary to come to a decision. In the opinion of the operating surgeon, a picture transmission telecommunication system would have been helpful for solving the problem in 27 (44%) of the interruptions. Looking at the minimal invasive operations, the percentage was specially high (60%). We think that in future telecommunication systems can be used for time saving in operating rooms and on a long-term basis contribute to cost cutting and quality improvement in surgical routine.

Forecasting↗