Surgical treatment of 50 carotid dissections: indications and results

PURPOSE

This article analyzes the course of 48 patients with 49 chronic carotid dissections (who were treated surgically at our institution after a median anticoagulation period of 9 months because of a persistent high-grade stenosis or an aneurysm) and the course of one additional patient with acute carotid dissection (who underwent early operative reconstruction 12 hours after onset because of fluctuating neurologic symptoms).

METHODS

All medical and surgical records and imaging studies were reviewed retrospectively. All histologic specimens were reevaluated by a single pathologist to assess the cause of dissection. Follow-up of 41 patients (85%) after 70 months (range, 1-190 months) consisted of an examination of the extracranial vessels in the neck by Doppler ultrasound scanning and a questionnaire about the patients' medical history and their personal appraisals of cranial nerve function.

RESULTS

Seventy percent of the dissections had developed spontaneously; 18% were caused by trauma; 12% of all patients (22% of the women) had a fibromuscular dysplasia. Indication for surgery was a high-grade persisting stenosis and a persisting or newly developed aneurysm. Flow restoration was achieved by resection and vein graft replacement in 40 cases (80%) and thromboendarterectomy and patch angioplasty in three cases (6%). Gradual dilatation was performed and effective in two cases (4%). Five internal carotid arteries (10%) had to be clipped because dissection extended into the skull base. One patient died of intracranial bleeding. Five patients (10%) experienced the development of a recurrent minor stroke (ipsilateral, 4 patients; contralateral, 1 patient). Cranial nerve damage could not be avoided in 29 cases (58%) but were transient in most of the cases. During follow-up, one patient died of unrelated reasons, and only one patient had experienced the development of a neurologic event of unknown cause.

CONCLUSION

Chronic carotid dissection can be effectively treated by surgical reconstruction to prevent further ischemic or thromboembolic complications, if medical treatment for 6 months with anticoagulation failed or if carotid aneurysms and/or high-grade carotid stenosis persisted or have newly developed.

Infections and vaccinations preceding childhood Guillain-Barré syndrome: a prospective study

INTRODUCTION

We performed a prospective, multicentre study in children with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), diagnosed according to international criteria, to investigate the frequency and aetiology of antecedent diseases. All infections and vaccinations occurring within a 6-week period prior to the onset of GBS were documented.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Stool cultures, standardised serological investigations and PCR analyses for 24 different infective agents were performed. Serological findings were regarded as significant if specific immunoglobulin (Ig)M or IgA antibodies were detected, if the IgM enzyme immunoassay or immunfluorescence assay findings were confirmed by immunoblot, if complement fixation test titres rose fourfold or if geometric titres were more than threefold higher than in uninfected control persons. Ninety-five children with GBS were included in the study over a 40-month period. Preceding events were reported in 82%.

RESULTS

Microbiological studies carried out on 84 patients resulted in a probable diagnosis in 46 (55%). Coxsackieviruses (15%), Chlamydia pneumoniae (8%), cytomegalovirus (7%) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (7%) were the most frequently involved agents. Serological evidence of a Campylobacter jejuni infection was found in six patients (7%). Eight children had been vaccinated during the 6 weeks preceding the onset of GBS; in six of these children concomitant infectious diseases were reported, and in one child the time between vaccination and GBS was extremely short.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that, in contrast to adults, Campylobacter spp. does not seem to play a major role in childhood GBS in German-speaking countries. The aetiology of antecedent diseases is distributed over a wide spectrum of paediatric infectious diseases. Most of the children who had been vaccinated showed concomitant infectious diseases, thus obscuring the causative role for GBS.

Reference typing report for complement component C4

During the 7th Complement Genetics Workshop, Mainz, Germany, May 1998, a complement component C4 typing exercise took place with the aim of applying present technologies to the definition of reference C4 alleles/phenotypes and the recognition of nonexpressed (Q0) C4 alleles within expressed haplotypes. Eleven samples were submitted from 3 laboratories and tested by 14 participating laboratories with basic protein-typing technologies; in addition, each laboratory contributed data from local expertise. The samples were introduced to the reference typing for one or more characteristic allotype or for partial or total nonexpression of one isotype. The blinded samples were centrally evaluated and the results discussed among the participants at a plenum meeting. From the results, the samples could be classified into a group of common, easy to diagnose pheno-/allotypes, less common but still unanimously recognised variants, and a third group with difficult pheno-/allotypes. Within the latter group, the allotypes were either new (C4A '92'; C4B '93') and/or showed partial or total reversed antigenicity and unusual Rodgers/Chido (Rg/Ch) PCR subtypes (C4A '92'; C4A 12; C4B '35'; C4B '13'). Semiquantitative C4-alpha-chain estimates of relative isotype levels correlated well with the number of alleles seen at each locus by agarose gel electrophoresis, and were superior to other isotype quantitation methods. From the evaluation of the reference typing it was concluded that the recognition of rare, aberrant or hybrid C4 alleles with partial or total reversed Rg/Ch antigenicity or monoclonal reactivity is still difficult in most instances; besides isotype-dependent lysis, relative migration values, immunoblots with Rg- and Ch-specific monoclonal antibodies, Rg/Ch PCR typing, side-by-side comparison with already described allotypes will ultimately be required. The recognition of nonexpressed alleles within C4A and C4B expressed phenotypes remains the major obstacle in C4 genetic typing. Finally, a conclusive interpretation of DNA typing results will be achieved only in the context of complete allotyping results at the protein level, and at present cannot replace conventional protein allotyping.

Eurotransplant Senior Program 'old for old': results from 10 patients

More frequently there is the need for renal transplantation of older patients. Against the background of an increasing number of old donors and recipients, Eurotransplant Leiden started the Eurotransplant Senior Program (ESP) 'old for old' in 1999. The ESP works with donors and recipients both over 65 yr. The kidneys are transplanted with short cold ischaemia time regardless of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) compatibility. Compatibility of blood groups, negative crossmatch and less than 5% cytotoxic antibodies are required. First experiences from 10 patients at Heinrich Heine University hospital are reported here. The course of 10 transplanted patients is described from January 1999 until November 1999 (28.4+/-15.8 wk). Age of donor and recipient, cause of dialysis and concomitant diseases from recipients, function of the transplanted kidney and complications are analysed. Immunosuppression consisted initially of cyclosporin A, mycophenolic acid and steroids. The results of these 10 patients were compared to 14 patients who were transplanted according to the ordinary Eurotransplant criteria (Eurotransplant Kidney Allocation System) in the same period of time. Kidneys from six donors (70.5+/-3.3 yr) were transplanted to 10 different recipients (66.9+/-2.2 yr). The control group consisted of 14 patients (47.6+/-14.4 yr) who received kidneys from 14 donors (48.3+/-10.1 yr). One double kidney transplantation was performed in the senior group, i.e. two kidneys from a marginal donor were transplanted to one recipient ('two in one'). In the ESP group, cold ischaemia time was reduced by 5 h and mean of HLA mismatches was more than doubled. Mean length of hospitalisation of ESP and control groups was 47.2+/-28.2 and 34.2+/-11.6 d, respectively. Intraoperatively, no complications were seen, post-operative care was performed on a normal ward. ESP patients suffered more often from delayed graft function, which led to further need for haemodialysis for 11.2 d. Finally, 9 of 10 patients acquired a satisfactory renal graft function. A total of 13 biopsies were performed in eight cases. Altogether seven acute rejections in 6 patients were found (four interstitial, one vascular, one interstitial+vascular, one clinical). The 9 patients with sufficient renal graft function were discharged with a mean serum creatinine level of 2.3+/-0.5 mg/dL (control: 1.9+/-0.8 mg/dL). Comparing these 10 recipients to a control group consisting of 14 patients, the results are comparable and encouraging. In conclusion, the short-term results of the ESP are promising. Nevertheless, the post-operative care requires more attention due to several complications. Though the HLA compatibility was not considered, all rejections were coped with effectively. Quality of life was improved.

[The acute mesenteric ischemia - not understood or incurable?]

PURPOSE

Despite surgical research and progress, the high mortality of acute intestinal ischemia seems to be improved insignificantly over the past fifty years. In this study we analyzed the specific diagnostic and therapeutic problems of the disease in order to improve further management of acute mesenteric ischemia.

METHODS

From 1979 until 2000 64 patients (female 31, male 33) with a mean age of 64 (30-89) years underwent operation for primary intestinal ischemia at our institution. All medical and surgical records and imaging studies were reviewed retrospectively. Follow up consisted of clinical examination and duplex sonography.

RESULTS

Only in 26 patients (41 %) a preoperative diagnostic work-up including angiography 12 and CT 14 was performed, whereas in 42 cases the intestinal ischemia was diagnosed during surgical exploration. Intestine malperfusion was caused primarily by venous thrombosis in 9 cases (14 %) and by arterial occlusive disease in 55 cases (86 %). Arterial disorders consisted of arterial thrombosis in 19 cases (30 %), arterial embolism in 18 cases (28 %), aortic or mesenteric artery dissection in 10 cases (15 %), non occlusive disease (NOD) in 5 cases (8 %), trauma 3 cases (5 %). Five different therapeutic strategies were applied: group I: Intestinal resection: 24 patients, anastomotic insufficiency 5 (39 %), mortality 11 (46 %), group II: intestinal artery revascularization: 5 patients, secondary patency rate 80 %, mortality 40 %, GROUP III: Intestinal artery revacularization and perfusion with Ringer's solution: 11 patients, mortality 8 (73 %), group IV intestinal artery revascularization and intestinal resection: 3 patients, mortality 100 %, group V intestinal artery revascularization and perfusion and intestinal resection: 3 patients, mortality 33 %. A second look operation was performed in 29 cases (40 %) and displayed malperfusion in 72 %. Only 21 of 64 patients survived the acute intestinal ischemia (in hospital mortality was 67 %). Delayed diagnostic and operation caused higher mortality (interval 10 hours: mortality 59 %, interval 37 hours mortality; 71 %, p = 0,06). Follow up after 61 (4-72) months of 21 patients (100 %) could be achieved. Ten patients (48 %) had meanwhile died, 5 patients (50) % as consequence of mesenteric ischemia, the others of unrelated reasons. Eleven patients are still alive without clinical signs of intestinal ischemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Early diagnosis before hospitalisation and in-hospital (arteriography) and operation are essential to improve the outcome of patients with acute intestinal ischemia. To avoid short bowel syndrome bowel resection should be combined with mesenteric revascularization. Resection of malperfused bowel should be done cautiously and should be followed automatically by second look operations. Special expertise and good team work of visceral and vascular surgeons are required to achieve better therapeutic results.

[Current diagnosis and therapy of non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia]

PURPOSE

Non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) is a life threatening disease. Therapy and prognosis depend upon the length of time elapsed between primary clinical manifestation and the time of definitive diagnosis and treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

NOMI was diagnosed by intraarterial selective angiography in four patients. After a bolus administration of 20 g Alprostadil (Prostavasin) into the superior mesenteric artery, intraarterial perfusion was continued with 60 microg Alprostadil/day via the catheter for three days.

RESULTS

The mesenteric ischemia resolved in all patients. One patient recovered completely. Three patients recovered from mesenteric ischemia, but died subsequently due to complications of their primary diseases.

CONCLUSION

When NOMI without perforation or necrosis of the bowel wall is suspected clinically, immediate intraarterial angiography is the diagnostic method of choice. If NOMI is confirmed, the appropriate treatment is the intraarterial application of potent vasodilators for several days. The diagnostic work-up in suspected NOMI and the impact of different radiological examinations are explained. The literature is reviewed.

Evidence for the ground-state resonance of 26O

Evidence for the ground state of the neutron-unbound nucleus (26)O was observed for the first time in the single proton-knockout reaction from a 82 MeV/u (27)F beam. Neutrons were measured in coincidence with (24)O fragments. (26)O was determined to be unbound by 150(-150)(+50) keV from the observation of low-energy neutrons. This result agrees with recent shell-model calculations based on microscopic two- and three-nucleon forces.

Outcome of critical foot ischaemia in longstanding diabetic patients: a retrospective cohort study in a specialised tertiary care centre

Background: We sought to establish risk factors predicting the outcome of foot lesions in longstanding diabetic patients with critical foot ischaemia (CFI). Patients and methods: We investigated retrospectively 98 consecutive diabetic patients with ischaemic foot lesions. The patients (mean age 70 years, duration of diabetes 21 years) were jointly cared for by specialised diabetologists and vascular surgeons; 75 patients were treated by arterial revascularisation. Results: Good outcome (lesions healing) was observed in 53 patients (54%). Bad outcome was observed in 45 patients: not healing lesions (n = 5), major amputation(n = 19), and death in relation to the foot lesion (n = 21). Patients with good and bad outcome did not differ regarding age, sex, smoking status, type, duration and treatment of diabetes mellitus, presence of neuropathy, coronary heart disease, stroke, previous amputations, current revascularization, and localization of the foot lesion. The risk of bad outcome was increased 8.9 times in patients on dialysis for end-stage renal disease; 7.0 times if surgical complications were present; and 5.4 times with C-reactive protein (CRP) above the second quintile (cut-off value 8 mg/dl). Conclusion: Management of longstanding diabetic patients with ischaemic foot lesions leaves room for improvement. Dialysis treatment, elevated CRP levels and surgical complications were strongly predictive of non-healing lesions, major amputation and death.

Donor-specific sensitization by cadaveric venous allografts used for arterial reconstruction in peripheral arterial occlusive vascular disease

The use of allogeneic venous grafts from postmortal organ donors allows for the reconstruction of critically affected arteries in patients with peripheral occlusive vascular disease. We were interested to determine the prevalence and specificity of anti-HLA antibodies in patients after allogeneic vein transplantation. Anti-HLA class I and II alloantibodies were analyzed by flowcytometric analysis using color-coded microbeads coated with HLA antigens including recombinant single antigens. Nine out of 10 patients involving 12 venous allografts were positive for anti-HLA alloantibodies. All antibody-positive patients carried both anti-HLA class I and II alloantibodies. Anti-donor HLA specificity of the anti-HLA alloantibodies was seen in seven out of nine patients for anti-class I antibodies and in eight out of nine patients for anti-HLA class II antibodies. A high rate of donor-specific allosensitization was seen after allogeneic venous transplantation. In conclusion, allosensitization not only includes a humoral response against the constitutively expressed class I antigens but also extends to class II antigens.

Age-specific activities that support successful transition to adulthood for children with disabilities

Twenty-two activities that support transition to adulthood previously published by Blomquist et al. 1998) were explored in a focus group with parents of successful young adults with disabilities. Parents rated these activities on a 5-point Likert scale, and comments were gathered about the activities parents felt were essential for transition to adulthood. Parents rated the activities high with highest agreement being: "Do not do for them what they can do for themselves," "Assign appropriate household chores," and "Help children interact with others in varied settings." The lowest agreement ratings involved issues about school to work transitions, vocational programs within schools, and strategies assuring continuity of care with adult health care providers. Parents offered insights into the daily activities in school, home, and community that support transition to adulthood. Through review and understanding of these transition activities, health care professionals gain insight into the activities fostering a child's independence throughout their development.

Antigenic cross-reactivity between Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia recurrentis, Treponema pallidum, and Treponema phagedenis

The antigenic cross-reactivity between different Borrelia and Treponema species was determined by the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test and sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by immunoblotting. The protein profiles of Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia recurrentis, Treponema pallidum, and Treponema phagedenis revealed essential differences. Using immunoblotting, rabbit immune sera to B. burgdorferi and B. recurrentis exhibited strong cross-reactivities to heterologous borrelial antigens and, to a lesser extent, to treponemal antigens. Immune sera to T. pallidum and T. phagedenis reacted with heterologous treponemal antigens, but exhibited lesser cross-reactivities to borrelial antigens. Five B. burgdorferi and seven T. pallidum major antigens were not cross-reacting with antisera raised against T. pallidum and B. burgdorferi, respectively. However, absorption of the investigated antisera with a T. phagedenis ultrasonicate eliminated cross-reacting borrelial and treponemal antibodies.

[Aortoiliac reconstruction after kidney transplantation. Strategies to avoid ischemic damage of the transplant]

INTRODUCTION

The rising life expectancy of patients undergoing kidney transplantation and the improvement in the function rate of the allografts have led to an increasing number of patients suffering from arteriosclerosis-related diseases of the aortoiliac arteries. In these particular cases, an interruption of the blood supply of the allograft is always necessary for operative repair of the aortic and iliac arteries. This means a high risk of ischemic damage to the transplanted kidney.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1987 and 2000, 1,076 kidney transplantations were performed in our department. During this time, 14 reconstructive operations of the aortoiliac arteries were performed in 12 patients (6 women, 6 men, average age 55.2 (45-71) years). Operations were indicated in patients suffering from occlusive disease with imminent extremity or allograft loss, and symptomatic or asymptomatic aneurysms with a maximum diameter of more than 4 cm. In patients presenting with thoracoabdominal (1) and abdominal aortic aneurysms (3), protection of the transplanted kidney was performed by axilloiliac or axillofemoral bypass. Hypothermic flush-perfusion of the allograft containing PGE1 and heparin was performed in seven of nine operations for occlusive disease.

RESULTS

None of the patients presented with a permanent decrease in kidney function, six patients showed temporary creatinine elevation, and in nine patients creatinine levels at discharge were lower than they were preoperatively. None of the patients died.

CONCLUSION

Reviewing all reported methods of allograft protection, we recommend a three-step strategy including sequential clamp technique (ischemia < 30 min.), hypothermic flush-perfusion (ischemia < or = 60 min.), and temporary axilloiliac/femoral shunt (ischemia > 60 min), depending on the expected renal ischemia time.

Trends in lower extremity surgical and endovascular revascularization in Germany

BACKGROUND

We analyzed trends in lower extremity endovascular and open surgical procedures in hospitalized patients in Germany.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We used national statistics (DRG statistics) published by the Federal Statistical Office including data from almost all hospitals in Germany to calculate annual procedure rates of lower extremity endovascular and open surgical procedures in the years 2005 to 2008. Detailed lists of the OPS-codes 8 - 836, 5 - 381, 5 - 393 separated by the 6th number of the code were analyzed regarding procedures representing revascularization of peripheral arteries including the aorta.

RESULTS

Between 2005 and 2008 the total number of endovascular procedures increased from 73,584 to 98,664 and the number of surgical procedures from 74,789 to 86,172 a year. Age-adjusted incidence rates of endovascular procedures in people >= 65 years increased from 325 to 432 per 100,000 while the incidence rates of all open surgical procedures increased from 315 to 351 per 100.000. Looking only at bypass surgery the incidence remained unchanged with 177 and 176 per 100,000 in the same period. Endovascular procedures other than balloon angioplasty including percutaneous atherectomy, laser recanalization or usage of cutting balloon, account for less than 1 % in Germany.

CONCLUSIONS

The numbers of endovascular procedures overweigh the numbers of open surgical procedures for treatment of lower extremity PAD in Germany today. In contrast to data from the USA we could not demonstrate a decrease of open surgical procedures in Germany in recent years.

Monoclonal antibodies with in vitro borreliacidal activities define the outer surface proteins A and B of Borrelia burgdorferi

Thirteen monoclonal antibodies (mAb) were produced against Borrelia burgdorferi strains B31 and PKa. Five mAb recognized the outer surface protein OspA (relative molecular mass (M(r)) 31,000) and four OspB with an M(r) of 34,000. Two of these mAb were directed against flagellin with an M(r) of 41,000, and the remaining two against the antigens of B. burgdorferi with M(r) values of 19,000 and 17,000. Immunoblot and immunofluorescence studies with these mAb on five isolates of B. burgdorferi revealed differences in the individual antigenic epitopes of OspA and OspB. OspA and OspB specific mAb showed a borreliacidal activity in vitro. These antibodies were additionally reactive in haemagglutination and immunofluorescence assays. Enzymatic digestion investigations on intact borreliae suggest that the antigenic determinants of mAb with borreliacidal activity are located in the peptide chain of OspA and OspB.

[Survey of therapy of deep venous thrombosis among members of the German Society of Vascular Surgery]

INTRODUCTION

In the literature of the past 15 years, deep venous thrombectomy has been rarely described. The only indications reported for thrombectomy seem to be recurrent pulmonary embolisation and phlegmasia coerulea dolens. Many contraindications and severe complications are making decisions concerning thrombolysis very difficult. At present, anticoagulation therapy is preferred over fibrinolysis. There is no conclusive concept for the standardization of treatment for deep venous thrombosis. As a first step towards achieving this, it was necessary to know what therapy is performed in hospitals throughout Germany.

METHODS

In 1999, we sent letters of enquiry to the members of the "Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gefässchirurgie". We wrote to 341 members (hospitals), and the information gained by means of a questionnaire was analysed and evaluated.

RESULTS

We received answers from 39.9% (n = 136) of the members. In all, 69% of the hospitals had an independent vascular department. In 1999, 6,718 patients underwent treatment for deep venous thrombosis, on average, 51 patients per hospital. Overall, 7,665 therapies were performed in one year (15.9% thrombectomy, 18.6% fibrinolysis, and 65.5% only anticoagulation). Only 23.5% of the hospitals had their own data about the outcome of their patients. The patency rate was 71.8% for thrombectomy and 48.9% for fibrinolysis. A severe postthrombotic syndrome was seen in 6.2% after thrombectomy, in 8.1% after fibrinolysis, and in 10.4% after singular anticoagulation.

CONCLUSION

At present, there is still no standardized concept for the treatment of patients with deep venous thrombosis. It seems that there are better results for some indications with thrombectomy than with other methods. For the establishment of a concept of treatment, a prospective randomised study is necessary.

[Chronic intestinal ischemia]

Ischemic lesions of the splanchnic organs are characterized by an insidious course and therefore are often underestimated. They can result in dramatic courses of disease which even in the last decade still results in a mortality of up to 90%. The reasons for this depressing situation are various but mainly due to insufficient consideration of the symptoms and late therapy due to delayed diagnosis.The incidence of chronic splanchnic ischemia is approximately 1-2% of all abdominal diseases. In contrast to acute intestinal ischemia the course is progressive, caused by progression of the underlying atherosclerosis and polymorbidity in this aging society. On the one hand occlusions of splanchnic arteries are diagnosed more often and on the other hand the incidence has increased due to the rising number of therapy-linked vascular catheter maneuvers. Due to excellent collateralization, diffuse stenotic processes can maintain asymptomatic for a long time. Duplex sonography should be performed as this technique reveals relevant insights into the hemodynamic severity of lesions.

Perioperative vascular flushing perfusion in acute mesenteric artery occlusion

AIM

To evaluate in animals and patients a perioperative vascular flushing perfusion with antioxidants in order to improve postischaemic condition of the bowel and hence, to prolong the warm ischaemia tolerance time.

MATERIALS

40 rats and 10 patients with acute mesenteric artery occlusion.

METHODS

Intestinal ischaemia was induced in 40 rats by clipping the superior mesenteric artery for 1 h. Thirty animals received a vascular flushing perfusion with oxygen radical scavengers (ascorbate, tocopherol or oxypurinol). Histology, ATP, ADP levels were examined in tissue biopsies and malondialdehyde, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase levels were measured in blood during ischaemia and 60 min after reperfusion.

RESULTS

ATP restoration was particularly improved in the oxypurinol group (ATP/ADP-ratio = 2 vs. 1.2 in the control group). Malondialdehyde increase observed after reperfusion as a marker of radical induced lipid destruction was significantly attenuated (control group 160% of base level vs. 127% in the ascorbate group, 133% in the tocopherol group, 121% in the oxypurinol group). Histological alterations during ischaemia/reperfusion were markedly less extensive in the perfusion groups than in control. The patients treated perioperatively with arterial flushing perfusion had an overall mortality of 10%.

CONCLUSION

Vascular flushing perfusion with oxygen radical scavengers prevents radical induced ischaemic damage and may prolong the warm ischaemic tolerance time of the intestine.

Aufgaben und Funktion des Medizinischen Dienstes der Krankenversicherung (MDK)

The German Medical Review Board of the Statutory Health Insurance (MDK) is a sociomedical service for impartial medical opinion and consultation. Together with the statutory health insurance companies it takes part in shaping the public health care system. Many recent developments are changing the german health insurance system. This article illustrates the complex sociomedical framework of MDK's activities in relation to current issues in dermatology. The article focuses on: new diagnostic and therapeutic methods, drugs (off-label-use), out-patient and in-patient dermatological rehabilitation and hospital treatment.

[Reconstruction of the inferior vena cava for extended resection of malignant tumors]

OBJECTIVES

Malignant tumor invasion in the inferior vena cava (IVC) has for a long time been the limiting factor in the resection of retroperitoneal tumors. The clinical outcome in these patients depends on vascular surgical techniques, the central role of which is played by IVC reconstruction.

METHODS

Within the last 7 years, 9,085 vascular reconstructive procedures were performed in our department. Six patients suffered from retroperitoneal invasion of tumor into the IVC. After tumor resection, the involved IVC segments were replaced by polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) grafts to restore IVC continuity. In three patients, an adjunctive arteriovenous (AV) fistula was constructed.

RESULTS

The graft patency after a mean follow-up of 30.2 months (range 1 to 79) was 83.3%. The only graft occlusion occurred in a patient without AV fistula. There were no perioperative deaths and no major complications demanding reoperation.

CONCLUSION

In patients with tumor involvement of the IVC, clinical outcome depends on vascular surgical coprocedure. After resection of the IVC, a PTFE graft should be interposed in combination with an AV fistula. Anticoagulation and CT scan are recommended after 3 months before ligation of the AV fistula.

High repetition rate operation of saturated tabletop soft x-ray lasers in transitions of neon-like ions near 30 nm

We report average powers exceeding 1 microwatt in laser transitions of Ne-like ions at wavelengths near 30 nm. Gain-saturated operation was obtained at a repetition rate of 5 Hz exciting solid targets with pump pulses of ~1 J energy and 8 ps duration impinging at grazing incidence of 20 degrees. Gain-length products of about 20 were obtained in the 30.4 nm and 32.6 nm transitions of Ne-like V and Ne-like Ti respectively. Strong lasing was also observed in Ne-like Cr at 28.6 nm and in the 30.1 nm line of Ne-like Ti.

[Ureteroarterial fistula - pathogenesis, diagnostics, and therapeutic outcome]

Although ureteroarterial fistulas are rare, they result in a high mortality because of the massive urogenital haemorrhage. The diagnosis is often difficult even when invasive measures are applied. Including the ureteroarterial fistula in the diagnostic process in cases of macrohaematuria with a positive medical history can be helpful. A ureteroarterial fistula typically develops in pa-tients who have undergone pelvic surgery and radiation as well as after long-term ureteral stents. Patients are usually multimorbid. The treatment of choice consists of fistula exclusion by stent graft deployment in the iliac artery and application of a ureteral stent or a ureterostomy. The significance of surgical treatment is diminishing. The long-term results of endovascular treatment, however, are inconsistent because of stent infections and recurrent bleeding. Therefore, close patient surveillance and cooperation among the treating specialists is necessary.·