Distal femoral fractures: periprosthetic fractures have four times more complications than non-periprosthetic fractures and cerclage should be avoided: retrospective analysis of 206 patients.

Background: Distal femoral fractures account for less than 1% of all fractures. The therapy of choice is usually surgical stabilization. Despite advances in implant development over the past few years, complication rate remains comparatively high.

Acute effect of propranolol on resting energy expenditure in hyperthyroid patients.

Objective: Hyperthyroidism is a common endocrine disorder which leads to higher resting energy expenditure (REE). Increased activity of brown adipose tissue (BAT) contributes to elevated REE in hyperthyroid patients. For rapid control of hyperthyroid symptoms, the non-selective β-blocker propranolol is widely used.

Resting Energy Expenditure and Cold-induced Thermogenesis in Patients With Overt Hyperthyroidism.

Context: Thyroid hormone (TH) is crucial for the adaptation to cold.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of hyperthyroidism on resting energy expenditure (REE), cold-induced thermogenesis (CIT) and changes in body composition and weight.

Methods: This was a prospective cohort study at the endocrine outpatient clinic of a tertiary referral center.

Trovafloxacin in the treatment of intra-abdominal infections: results of a double-blind, multicenter comparison with imipenem/cilastatin. Trovafloxacin Surgical Group.

Background: Trovafloxacin, a new broad-spectrum fourth-generation quinolone, has in vitro activity against most gram-negative and gram-positive anaerobes and aerobes. Trovafloxacin is available as both an intravenous formulation, alatrofloxacin, and a single daily oral tablet. Excellent tissue pharmacokinetics and oral bioavailability suggest usefulness in the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections.

[Diffusion of ceftriaxone in healthy and infected peritoneal tissue].

The authors studied the peritoneal diffusion of ceftriaxone in the four quadrants of the abdomen (right and left inguinal and right and left hypochondrium) in 50 adult patients divided into 4 groups: pre-operative IVD administration of ceftriaxone in patients with healthy peritoneum, 1 g (group I), 2 g (group II): pre-operative IVD administration of ceftriaxone in patients presenting peritonitis 1 g (group III), 2 g (group IV). After laparotomy, a fragment of peritoneal membrane was resected from each of the four quadrants, the product was extracted from the peritoneum by a crushing technique and the assayed by HPLC with concomitant blood level assay. The mean assayed concentrations in situ are respectively in groups I to IV: 27.

[The "left-open abdomen". Technic, indication and results].

Critical evaluation of 22 cases with serious diffuse purulent or fecal peritonitis treated by open abdomen following surgical intervention. Seven (32%) patients died, three because of continuing sepsis and one because of acute haemorrhagic necrotizing pancreatitis. The three other died of general complications (1 coma hepaticum, 2 massive embolisms; at autopsy their abdominal cavity was entirely cleaned.

[Effect of surgery on the level of total and free thyroid hormones, reverse T3 and TSH].

Changes in total and free thyroid hormones, reverse triiodothyronine (rT3) and TSH were followed in 64 patients undergoing surgery and divided into three groups according to nature of surgery. Group I patients underwent extraperitoneal surgery, group II mild and group III heavy intraperitoneal surgery. A significant fall in total and free triiodothyronine (T3), a rise in rT3, free thyroxine (FT4) and in TSH were noted in each group after surgery, while total T4 levels remained unchanged.

[Intra- and sub-peritoneal effusions of barium. A report on 16 cases (author's transl)].

The authors report 16 cases of intra or retro-peritoneal effusion of barium due to colorectal or gastroduodenal perforations. Possible mechanisms and the consequences of barium loss are discussed. Treatment must be directed towards repair of the visceral perforation, usually in the colon or rectum, employing exteriorization or resection but without initial anastomisis, and must treat associated peritonitis by very careful extensive cleaning of the peritoneal cavity.

[The giant ulcer of the stomach. Notes concerning 30 cases (author's transl)].

The giant stomach ulcer can be defined as a crater measuring more than 30 mm in diameter. This variety of stomach ulcer represents 10-15% of the whole range of gastric ulcers, but they are not quite different from the nosologic point of view. It appears effectively that no etiopathogenic clinical or evolving particular factors can distinguish this kind of ulcer from the niches of normal size.

[Should the B-I gastric resection no longer be used? Results of 228 cases (author's transl)].

Clinical indications, operative findings, technical details and pathological studies in 228 Billroth-I-Pean gastrict resections for gastric ulcer, are represented in detail. 186 of these patients could be followed up with a maximum of 18 years: 8.6% had troubles after meals, 8.