No abstract

This study was performed to assess our long-term results with laparoscopic gastric banding in patients with an observation period of at least 9 years calculated from the date of operation. Between January 1996 and December 2000, a total of 276 patients (83% female) underwent laparoscopic gastric banding at our institution. Mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 44 +/- 6 kg/m(2). BMI after 1, 5, 7, 9, and 10 years was 33 +/- 6, 30 +/- 6, 31 +/- 6, 32 +/- 7, and 31 +/- 7 kg/m(2), respectively. Mean excess weight loss after 1 year was 57.1 +/- 23.0% and after 5, 7, 9, and 10 years 73.2 +/- 29.6%, 65.9 +/- 29.3%, 61.8 +/- 32.8%, and 64.0 +/- 32.1%, respectively. Median completeness of follow-up was 80%. Of the study population, 146 (52.9%) patients had at least one complication requiring reoperation. Presently, only 148 (53.6%) patients still have their original band, 49 (17.8%) had their original band replaced with a new one, and 79 (28.6%) had their band removed. Thirty-three patients had no second bariatric operation, a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was done in 39 patients, and six patients underwent sleeve gastrectomy. Our long-term results are good with regard to weight loss in those patients who still have their band in situ. This is accompanied by a high complication rate and a 29% band loss rate.

The results of this small series favour the robotic approach for extended thymectomy for myasthenia gravis in respect of both surgical and early neurologic outcome. However, prospective randomized trials are required to prove a general validity.

Adoption of the proposed standardized reporting may help in the understanding and comparability of different accuracy reports.

Multiglandular disease in primary hyperparathyroidism can be suspected preoperatively in a high percentage of patients. Additionally, this study shows that CT-MIBI-SPECT image fusion is superior to CT or MIBI-SPECT alone in preoperative localization of all pathologic glands in patients suffering from multiglandular disease.

From our 10-year experience, we can state that SAGB is an effective bariatric procedure for achieving weight loss. Because of the high complication and reoperation rate, it is necessary to select patients according to specific criteria for gastric banding.

Background: Ankle sprains often result in ankle instability, which is most likely caused by damage to passive structures and neuromuscular impairment. Whole body vibration (WBV) is a neuromuscular training method improving those impaired neurologic parameters. The aim of this study is to compare the current gold standard functional treatment to functional treatment plus WBV in patients with acute unilateral unstable inversion ankle sprains. Methods/Design: 60 patients, aged 18-40 years, presenting with an isolated, unilateral, acute unstable inversion ankle sprain will be included in this bicentric, biphasic, randomized controlled trial. Samples will be randomized by envelope drawing. All patients will be allowed early mobilization and pain-dependent weight bearing, limited functional immobilization by orthosis, PRICE, NSARDs as well as home and supervised physiotherapy. Supervised physical therapy will take place twice a week, for 30 minutes for a period of 6 weeks, following a standardized intervention protocol. During supervised physical therapy, the intervention group will perform exercises similar to those of the control group, on a side-alternating sinusoidal vibration platform. Two time-dependent primary outcome parameters will be assessed: short-term outcome after six weeks will be postural control quantified by the sway index; mid-term outcome after one year will be assessed by subjective instability, defined by the presence of giving-way attacks. Secondary outcome parameters include: return to pre-injury level of activities, residual pain, recurrence, objective instability, energy/ coordination, Foot and Ankle Disability Index and EQ 5D.

Abnormal cold intolerance is frequently seen in patients with a history of arterial repair in upper limb trauma. It is associated with significant functional impairment. Concomitant nerve injury and involvement of the subclavian or axillary artery are the major predisposing factors for development of cold intolerance after upper limb trauma.