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Biomedical subjects

L Heuser

Publications and source records attributed to L Heuser.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

Multipractice analysis of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 1,983 patients.

We analyzed the results of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 1,983 patients from a variety of practice settings in order to evaluate a large, cross-sectional experience for this new procedure. Twenty general surgeons from 9 clinics in 4 states examined the records and outcome of their laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients through March 1991. In 88 patients (4.5%), the operation was converted to an open procedure, usually because of marked inflammation and unclear anatomy. A total of 644 cases were performed with laser dissection and 1,339 with cautery, and the results of these 2 methods were similar. There were 41 complications. Reoperation for repair was necessary in 18 patients, including 5 with common duct injuries, and, to date, the outcome has been good in each patient. Seventy-six patients (3.8%) have had recognized common duct stones; these were removed preoperatively by endoscopic sphincterotomy (ERS) in 20 patients, during cholecystectomy in 46 patients, and postoperatively by ERS in 4 patients. In six patients, common duct stones became apparent 1 to 4 months after cholecystectomy. We conclude that trained general surgeons can perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy safely with risks comparable to those for conventional open cholecystectomy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

The effect of an informational newsletter on control participation rates: a randomized study.

We employed a randomized study of 344 subjects to determine whether an initial contact letter accompanied by an informational newsletter increased participation in a population-based case-control study. The results indicated that there was no benefit in including a newsletter with a letter of introduction. There may have been a slight detrimental effect, since those who received the newsletter were less likely to consent to an in-person interview (82%) than those who did not (88%).

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Radiation exposure during angiography of the arteries supplying the brain. A comparison between intra-arterial DSA and the conventional technique].

Simulated angiographic examinations of the cerebral arteries for various diagnostic purposes were carried out. Radiation exposure was compared between DSA and a conventional cut film technique in two planes. For most radio-sensitive structures in the head and neck, and particularly for the orbits, there was marked dose reduction for DSA, although additional projections were possible because of the reduced amounts of contrast. The cut film technique produced lower doses for the cervical marrow, cerebellum and parotid gland. All measured values were well below the critical dose so that, even with repeated examinations, no radiation damage is to be expected.

Angiography, Digital Subtraction↗
PubMed1990

[Embolization therapy of tumors and vascular lesions of the facial bones and the base of the skull].

The article reports on goals and results of therapeutic embolization in a total of 28 patients with vascular lesions of the skull base and maxillofacial region. Compared to other procedures of vascular occlusion the technique of arterial embolization offers crucial advantages, since, by using a microcatheter system under fluoroscopic control, it is more effective and extremely selective. In terms of the reduction of vascular degree, 27 out of 31 interventions were classified as "successful", with only one patient developing a complication. Therapeutic embolization is very useful in the treatment of highly vascularized tumors and vascular lesions of the maxillofacial region and skull base, whether in cases of hemorrhagic complications or as a preoperative method to improve visualization and complete tumor excision. A high degree of technical practice in the performance of superselective angiography is essential to reduce the risk of inadvertent embolization of unconcerned vessels.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Cigarette smoking and acute nonlymphocytic leukemia.

In a case-control study of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia in western Washington state, cigarette smokers experienced a twofold increased risk of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia compared with nonsmokers. Risk increased significantly with the number of pack-years smoked (p = 0.0008) and decreased with the number of years stopped smoking (p = 0.15). The increased risk in smokers appeared to be limited to those who inhaled into the chest. The authors suggest that further studies of this potential relation are warranted, especially since the prevalence of cigarette smoking is relatively high in our society.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed1990

Qualitative and quantitative assessment of geographic clustering of population samples selected using different methods of random digit dialing.

Random digit dialing is a method commonly used to select random population samples in epidemiologic research. Although random digit dialing is generally presumed to provide representative samples, coverage and nonresponse errors may affect the degree to which the sample is representative. The present investigation was undertaken to determine whether the geographic distributions of samples selected using variations of the basic random digit dialing technique accurately reflect the underlying population distribution, and if not, whether such samples tend to be either more or less dispersed than the populations from which they were selected. Data regarding control groups from three case-control studies conducted from 1983-1986 were utilized. The residence addresses of 998 controls were located and assigned an X-Y coordinate and census tract designation within a three-county geographic area in northwest Washington State. Initially, the spatial distributions of controls were examined graphically in relation to the age-sex structure of the underlying population. No differences in geographic pattern were apparent. A more formal statistical evaluation was conducted based on centrographic techniques utilizing two measures to describe the spatial distribution of a set of points. Results indicate that the samples chosen were neither more nor less dispersed than the underlying populations. However, the geographic centers of samples selected using primary numbers tended to be shifted from the centers of their respective populations. Several possible explanations for such shifts are considered, and extensions of the analytical approach are suggested in relation to the further evaluation of population sampling and the investigation of space-time aggregations of disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Acute myelocytic leukemia and prior allergies.

The relationship between prior allergies and adult acute myelocytic leukemia was investigated in a population-based case-control study. Based on data from personal interviews of 98 cases and 133 controls, a history of any type of allergy was associated with a significantly decreased risk of acute myelocytic leukemia (OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.20-0.60). Risk declined with the total number of specific allergies reported (p less than 0.001), and was reduced in relation to a history of prior asthma, eczema and hives. The implications of these findings in relation to natural immune surveillance against developing neoplasms are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Acute nonlymphocytic leukemia and residential exposure to power frequency magnetic fields.

Recent research has suggested that nonionizing radiation in the form of power-frequency magnetic fields may play some role in carcinogenesis in general and in acute nonlymphocytic leukemia in particular. Much of the epidemiologic evidence is preliminary in nature and the methods of previous studies have been criticized. In order to further evaluate this hypothesis, a population-based case-control study of adult acute nonlymphocytic leukemia and residential exposure to power-frequency magnetic fields was carried out in western Washington state. Analyses were based on 114 cases who were newly diagnosed from 1981 to 1984 and identified from a population-based cancer registry, and 133 controls who were chosen from the study area by random digit dialing. Magnetic field exposure was estimated from external electrical wiring configurations within 140 ft (42.7 m) of each subject's residence. In addition, magnetic fields were measured inside the subject's residence at the time of interview. Neither the directly measured magnetic fields nor the surrogate values based on the wiring configurations were associated with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1988

Next-of-kin attitudes regarding participation in an epidemiologic case-control study.

We assessed next-of-kin's attitudes about participating in an epidemiologic case-control study of adult acute nonlymphocytic leukemia. Responses from a mailed questionnaire indicated that 95 per cent were glad they participated. While 74 per cent benefited, 18.5 per cent were bothered in some way. Results concerning the need to obtain physician permission before contacting next-of-kin were inconclusive; however, 8 of 10 females contacted by the case's physician considered consent necessary.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

[Perirenal extravasation of contrast media during urography].

The authors report on 28 cases of contrast medium extravasates during urography. Own results and those obtained by other authors in respect of clinical findings, diagnosis and therapy are discussed. Our experiences have shown that an aggressive diagnostic or therapeutic approach is not indicated, since the sequels of these extravasates have no special clinical importance. As a rule, treatment is unnecessary, especially inpatient observation. Hence, our experiences confirm the trend to proceed as conservatively as possible.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

[Aortic dissection in childhood. Occurrence and diagnostic procedure].

Aortic dissections of the aorta thoracalis are rare in childhood, and mostly cause a life-threatening situation in which an immediate diagnosis is the key for survival. Main causes are an aortic vitium or a traumatic disruption. The conclusive diagnosis can only be obtained by a chest-X-ray, the two-dimensional echocardiography and the dynamic computed tomography scanning of the thorax. It must be taken into account, that patients with a polytrauma could possibly suffer from a traumatic aortic dissection, which sometimes can only be diagnosed at a later date.

Adolescent↗