Muscle elastography: a new imaging technique for multiple sclerosis spasticity measurement.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) spasticity is currently evaluated on the basis of neurological examinations such as Ashworth Scale (AS) and 0-10 NRS. Severity of spasticity is difficult to quantify. We investigated the use of real time elastography (RTHE) ultrasounds for evaluating objectively the muscle fibers status in MS spasticity patients and their changes after a new antispasticity treatment.

Muscle elastography in multiple sclerosis spasticity.

Ultrasound elastography is a novel imaging modality for evaluating the elasticity of biological tissues. The technique is widely used in oncology to detect and differentiate malignant lesions in soft tissues. Studies have explored use of ultrasound elastography to measure the mechanical properties of muscle in patients with multiple sclerosis spasticity.

Laparoscopic appendectomy in Italy: an appraisal of 26,863 cases.

Objective: To evaluate the practice of laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) in Italy.

Methods: On behalf of the Italian Society of Young Surgeons (SPIGC), an audit of LA was carried out through a written questionnaire sent to 800 institutions in Italy. The questions concerned the diffusion of laparoscopic surgery and LA over the period 1990 through 2001, surgery-related morbidity and mortality rates, indications for LA, the diagnostic algorithm adopted prior to surgery, and use of LA among young surgeons (<40 years).

Prevention of postherniorrhaphy persistent pain: results of a prospective study.

Anterior tension-free and laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphies represent one of the most common surgical procedure. Postherniorrhaphy persistent pain due to injures of inguinal regional nerves is rare, difficult to cure, often disabling and involving malpractice litigation. In a prospective study, we evaluated the effectiveness of neurectomy of the iliohypogastric nerve in prevention of postoperative persistent pain after anterior tension free herniorrhaphy.

Total compared with subtotal thyroidectomy in benign nodular disease: personal series and review of published reports.

Objective: To evaluate the outcome after total and subtotal thyroidectomy for the treatment of single and multinodular goitres in two comparable groups of patients.

Design: Prospective randomised study.

Setting: University hospital, Italy.