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Biomedical subjects

S M Freys

Publications and source records attributed to S M Freys.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

How long should a long-term esophageal motility study be?

It was the aim of this study to analyze whether a shorter measuring period would render the same diagnostic information on esophageal motility as a circadian measuring period in ambulatory esophageal manometry. In an investigation on normal volunteers (n = 10), patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease without esophageal motility disorders (n = 13), and patients with esophageal motility disorders (n = 14), a comparison was performed between a 5-hr and a 24-hr motility study. An analysis was performed on inter- and intraindividual reproducibility of time periods, prandial phases, and motility sequences (Wilcoxon and Spearman test). There was no significant difference between the two analyzed measuring periods in all three groups with regard to the diagnostic information on esophageal motility in 44 of 45 comparisons for intraindividual variability. A measuring period restricted to 5 hr offers the same diagnostic information on esophageal peristaltic activity as a 24-hr motility study.

Adult↗

[Reconstruction modes following gastrectomy. Results of experimental and clinical controlled trials].

Reconstruction modes following gastrectomy. Results of experimental and clinical controlled trials. In animal experiments four reconstruction methods following gastrectomy were compared: Roux-en Y reconstruction with (n = 33) and without pouch (n = 50) and isoperistaltic jejunum interposition with (n = 26) and without pouch (n = 55). The results were mostly influenced by the extent of esophagitis, documenting the reflux reduction by a pouch. Weight gain was slightly higher following jejunum interposition.Roux-en Y pouch reconstruction with jejunum interposition with pouch was compared in a randomized controlled trial. The additional operative effort of jejunum interposition did not achieve benefits in outcome. Therefore, Roux-en Y reconstruction should be advocated as standard reconstruction. The second randomized controlled trial compared Roux-en Y reconstruction with and without pouch. After more than three years, there was an advantage in life quality for patients with pouch indicating that patients with a favorable prognosis following gastrectomy should be reconstructed with a pouch.

Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y↗

[Recent aspects in endoscopic and surgical antireflux therapy].

In addition to well established operative procedures for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, several laparoscopic, combined laparo-endoscopic, endoscopically guided or assisted, and purely endoscopic procedures have been developed in recent years (semiabsorbable antireflux scarf, laparo-endoscopic intraluminal valvuloplastic, endoluminal gastroplication procedure (C. R. Bard Inc.), endoscopic radiofrequency delivery to the lower esophageal sphincter (= Stretta procedure, Curon Medical Inc.), endoscopic implantable biopolymer (Enteryx) (= LESA procedure, Enteric Medical Technologies Inc.). At present, initial positive experimental and clinical results demonstrate a possible reinforcement of the reflux barrier at the esophagogastric junction. Information on a broader clinical application, a possible spectrum of indications, and long-term results on the safety and endurance of these procedures are not yet available.

Animals↗

Laparoscopic fundoplication--short- and long-term outcome.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is probably the most frequently occurring benign functional disorder in the Western industrial countries. With the increasing popularity of laparoscopic anti-reflux procedures, issues on the appropriate technique have been revitalized. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic fundoplication and reflect on the perspective of an increasing frequency of performed operations. The data sampling is based on a literature review and a questionnaire. It can be summarized that reflux recurrence due to breakdown of the wrap or herniation of the wrap can also develop in later years after the primary surgery and amount up to 8%. Persistent dysphagia is a severe problem in the first post-operative year, but usually decreases with time and is limited to rates of 3-5% on the long-term follow-up. Other functional problems, such as gasbloat, meteorism and epigastric pain--the cause often cannot be further detected or specified--limit the quality of life of patients after laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery in the long-term follow-up in up to 5% of cases. Side effects of laparoscopic antireflux procedures can be limited to 5 to 10%, but not totally avoided.

Chronic Disease↗

Sonography for selecting candidates for laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed the value of sonography in predicting intraoperative difficulties for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy and in identifying indicators for conversion to conventional cholecystectomy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Upper abdominal sonography was performed (according to a checklist) in 75 consecutive patients before laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Sonographic findings were verified by the surgeon in the operating room. RESULTS: Conversion from laparoscopic surgery to laparotomy was performed in five patients (6.7%). Of 75 patients, 19 had sonograms revealing gallbladder wall thickening (>4 mm); surgical preparation difficulties in 16 of these patients led to laparotomy in four patients. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and accuracy of wall thickening as an indicator of technical difficulties were 66.7%, 94.1%, 84.2%, and 85.3%, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and accuracy of wall thickening as an indicator of surgical conversion were 80.0%, 78.6%, 21.1%, and 78.7%, respectively. Technical difficulties at laparoscopy occurred in all five patients with pericholecystic fluid on sonography (sensitivity, 20.8%; specificity, 100%; positive predictive value, 100%; accuracy, 74.7%) and led to laparotomy in three patients (sensitivity 60.0%, specificity 97.1%, positive predictive value 60%, accuracy 94.7%). The accuracy of sonography for cholecystolithiasis was 100%. CONCLUSION: On sonography, gallbladder wall thickening is the most sensitive indicator and pericholecystic fluid is the most specific indicator of technical difficulties during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Such difficulties may require conversion to laparotomy.

Abdomen↗

[Epidemiology and pathophysiology of Barrett esophagus].

The pathophysiology of Barrett's esophagus appears to be a sequential process; the squamous epithelium of the esophagus is replaced by multipotent undifferentiated cells; secondary to cellular damage in the course of gastroesophageal reflux disease these undifferentiated cells further differentiate under the ongoing influence of mucosal damage, thus forming the typical morphology of Barrett mucosa. While the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease amounts to 10% to 30%, the prevalence of Barrett's esophagus is estimated to be 1% in the general population. The epidemiologic data of Barrett's esophagus gain special attention with regard to the fact that the specialized columnar epithelium with intestinal metaplasia represents the only recognized risk factor for the development of adenocarcinoma in the esophagus. Currently it is estimated that the risk of the development of an adenocarcinoma on the basis of Barrett's esophagus is about 30-50 fold higher than that in the general population.

Adenocarcinoma↗

[Functional diagnosis of pelvic floor insufficiency--consequences for surgery].

Functional tests allow for the qualification and quantification of underlying function defects in the diagnosis of pelvic floor incompetence. However, the results of these instrumental investigations alone do not suffice for a therapeutic decision. The decision for a surgical therapy should therefore always be based on the clinical presentation, the extent of subjective impairment, and the degree of the causative pathophysiologic defect detected in the function tests.

Fecal Incontinence↗

Inter- and intraindividual reproducibility of anorectal manometry.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the inter- and intraindividual variability of normal values and, thus, the reproducibility of anorectal manometry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following a standardized protocol, three anorectal manometries were performed 4 h apart on 2 days of investigation, with an interval of 4 weeks, in ten healthy volunteers. Measured parameters in all 60 manometries were: sphincter length (SL), resting pressure (RP), maximum squeeze pressure (MSP), relaxation of the internal anal sphincter (RIAS), and rectal compliance (RC). Interindividual variability was expressed as standard deviation from calculated mean values and intraindividual variability was tested with Wilcoxon's test for tied samples and Spearman's rank correlation test. RESULTS: A large interindividual variability was found for all measured parameters, except for SL, reflecting the extensive absolute range of measured values. Median intraindividual variability among the six individual measurements and between both measurement days revealed that MSP, RIAS and RC are parameters which were not reproducible in this volunteer study. A significant correlation between the results of the repetitive measurements and, thus, a good reproducibility was only found for the parameters SL and RP. CONCLUSIONS: Anorectal manometry has only limited diagnostic value; although rather exact quantifications of individual parameters can be achieved, the impact of these measurements should be regarded rather critically, since only SL and RP appeared to be reproducible parameters.

Adult↗

Application of the new classification for cancer of the cardia.

BACKGROUND: Cancer of the cardia is now topographically classified into three types: type I, with the tumor center in the distal esophagus treated with subtotal esophagectomy; type II, arising at the gastroesophageal junction and treated with distal esophagectomy and either proximal or total gastrectomy; and type III, subcardial cancer treated with extended total gastrectomy. Our objective was to review the new classifications and compare the outcomes in patients grouped and treated according to these classifications. METHODS: Seventy-four patients with cancer of the cardia--15 with type I, 30 with type II, and 29 with type III cancer--underwent surgical resection at our institution between 1992 and 1997. Postoperative complications, UICC stages, and survival (Kaplan-Meier) were compared. RESULTS: The majority of patients with type I (73%) or type II (53%) cancer had stage I or II tumors, but only 27% of patients with type III cancer had this tumor stage (P < .05). Overall 30-day mortality was 4% and morbidity was 31%. Curative resections were performed in 73% (54 of 74) of the patients with 3-year survival rates of 72% (type I), 68% (type II), and 61% (type III). CONCLUSION: The recommended therapy for the different types of cancer of the cardia results in acceptable morbidity, mortality, and survival rates.

Adenocarcinoma↗

[Antroduodenal motility in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease].

Beside the defective lower esophageal sphincter different mechanisms may be involved pathophysiology of GERD. This study shows antroduodenal motility disorders including a lower incidence of IMC's and lower frequencies of contractions in some study periods as possible pathophysiologic feature in selected patients with atypical symptoms and increased duodenogastric reflux.

Adult↗

[Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery--report of experiences from Germany].

This is a report on a questionnaire in Germany reflecting the activity in antireflux surgery, both in open and laparoscopic modifications in the time period of 1990 through 1995. It serves as an overview of the acceptance of diagnostic workup, indication, applied techniques, and different antireflux procedures. In a total of 104 representative hospitals, 2,036 patients were operated during this time. Almost 80% of the hospitals provide antireflux surgery in the open technique and only 1/3 of the hospitals have experience in the laparoscopic technique. There is a total rise in antireflux surgery during the last 5 years, since the number of laparoscopic antireflux operations rises constantly with a total amount of open operations of about 250 cases per year. In open surgery the most favourite technique is the Nissen-Rossetti procedure, while in laparoscopic technique the choice for the original Nissen, the Nissen-Rossetti, or the floppy Nissen technique is divided in almost equal parts.

Cross-Sectional Studies↗

Tailored augmentation of the lower esophageal sphincter in experimental antireflux operations.

BACKGROUND: Modern upper GI function studies allow for the detection of several pathophysiological factors that contribute to gastroesophageal reflux disease. The information obtained can lead to therapeutic consequences in patients with an indication for a surgical intervention, i.e., an individualized choice of antireflux procedure according to the existing pathophysiologic defect. METHODS: In an experimental study on mini-pigs the mechanical effect of four standardized antireflux operations (anterior and posterior 180 degrees hemifundoplication, Nissen-DeMeester and Nissen-Rossetti 360 degrees fundoplication) on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) was investigated. It was the aim of the study to objectively determine the extent of changes in pressure and length parameters at the LES according to the performed antireflux procedure. RESULTS: It could be demonstrated that different degrees of fundic wrap formation lead to a proportional mechanical effect at the LES according to the size of this wrap. CONCLUSION: Choosing a distinct type of fundoplication will allow for a tailored augmentation of the LES according to the individual functional defect.

Animals↗

[Laparoscopic interventions in gastroesophageal reflux--a cost-benefit analysis].

On the basis of a cost analysis of conservative and surgical therapy of gastroesophageal reflux disease in 70 patients health economic aspects are discussed. In a prospective documented series of reflux patients a retrolective analysis of medication cost and duration of conservative therapy is performed. In addition, the costs for surgical therapy including preoperative diagnostic workup, cost during hospitalization as well as costs for complications with necessary additional treatment and readmissions are assessed. For the conservative treatment of 70 reflux patients a total of more than DM < 700,000 had to be spent during preoperative 5 years. A major part of this sum was spent for patients who needed to increase the initial 20 mg dosage of Omeprazol within 5 years. A mean of approximately DM 2,000 per patient was spent for conservative treatment. Surgical treatment without complications was calculated with DM 5,425 per case. However, in 7 patients complications occurred causing prolonged or even rehospitalization with necessary further treatment summing up to about DM 486,000 for surgical therapy in 70 patients including complications. Cost relevant factors are therefore in conservative treatment patients who need increasing dosages, while, in surgical treatment, the cost relevant patients are those with complications and necessary additional treatment.

Adolescent↗

[Olecranon and pre-patellar bursitis].

Olecranon and prepatellar bursitis have a prevalence of 3 in 1000 patients; the predominant etiology is a traumatic lesion with or without inoculation of infectious material, mainly during professional or leisure activities. Separation into septic and non-septic bursitis is possible in most cases according to clinical parameters and characteristics of the contents of the affected bursa. The therapy of acute and chronic bursitis is guided mainly by the nature of the aspirate retrieved from the bursa: a serous content justifies conservative treatment with compression, immobilization, antiphlogistic medication, and (in selected cases) the instillation of corticosteroids; a purulent aspirate necessitates bursotomy with incision and drainage, or bursectomy. Only in selected cases is a conservative trial with antibiotics, immobilization, and antiphlogistic medications justified.

Bursitis↗