Laparoscopic surgery for rectal prolapse and pelvic floor disorders.

Pelvic floor disorders are different dysfunctions of gynaecological, urinary or anorectal organs, which can present as incontinence, outlet-obstruction and organ prolapse or as a combination of these symptoms. Pelvic floor disorders affect a substantial amount of people, predominantly women. Transabdominal procedures play a major role in the treatment of these disorders.

The TICAP-Study (titanium clips for appendicular stump closure): A prospective multicentre observational study on appendicular stump closure with an innovative titanium clip.

Background: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the DS Titanium Ligation Clip for appendicular stump closure in laparoscopic appendectomy.

Methods: Overall, 502 patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy were recruited for this observational multicentre study in nine study centres between October 2011 and July 2013. The clip was finally applied in 390 patients.

Oncologic colorectal resection after endoscopic treatment of malignant polyps: does endoscopy have an adverse effect on oncologic and surgical outcomes?

Background: Early colorectal cancer is increasingly treated by endoscopic removal. In cases of incomplete resection or high-risk carcinoma, additional surgery is necessary.

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of subsequent oncologic surgery after endoscopic resection of colorectal cancer, the rate of lymph node metastasis, residual cancer, and morbidity and mortality rates of the operation.

Influence of conversion on the perioperative and oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic resection for rectal cancer compared with primarily open resection.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of conversion on perioperative and short- and long-term oncologic outcomes in laparoscopic resection for rectal cancer and to compare these with those for an open control group.

Methods: The data of 276 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for rectal cancer between 2006 and 2010 at a single institution were prospectively collected. Of the 276 patients, 114 underwent primarily open surgery, and 162 underwent laparoscopic surgery (on an intention-to-treat basis).

Risk of colorectal cancer after detection and removal of adenomas at colonoscopy: population-based case-control study.

Purpose: Empirical evidence for recommendations of surveillance intervals after detection and removal of adenomas at colonoscopy is still sparse and mostly based on observations of adenoma recurrence. We aimed to assess risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) according to time since polypectomy and factors that might be relevant for risk stratification.

Methods: In a population-based case-control study conducted in Germany, detailed history and results of previous large-bowel endoscopies were obtained by interview and from medical records.

Appendix stump closure with titanium clips in laparoscopic appendectomy.

Purpose: Different techniques, including clips, have been used to close the stump in laparoscopic appendectomy. The aim was to investigate the results after application of a newly developed titanium clip for this operation.

Methods: From June 2008 to February 2010, 104 patients from two different hospitals undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy were included in this prospective study.

Protection from colorectal cancer after colonoscopy: a population-based, case-control study.

Background: Colonoscopy with detection and removal of adenomas is considered a powerful tool to reduce colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence. However, the degree of protection achievable in a population setting with high-quality colonoscopy resources remains to be quantified.

Objective: To assess the association between previous colonoscopy and risk for CRC.

A modified ex vivo human whole blood model of infection for studying the pathogenesis of Neisseria meningitidis during septicemia.

For the purpose of establishing a model to study host-bacteria interaction and virulence mechanisms of Neisseria meningitidis during the septic phase of disease a modified human whole blood model of infection is proposed. Compared to published whole blood models the current model was modified with respect to the initial number of viable bacteria (10(4) cfu ml(-1)), the anticoagulant used and the incubation time. The results obtained after incubation of a number of human blood samples from healthy volunteers for 24 h with serogroup B meningococci were in good agreement with findings reported from patients who suffered severe meningococcal disease.