A Randomized Comparison of Plasma Levobupivacaine Concentrations Following Thoracic Epidural Analgesia and Subpleural Paravertebral Analgesia in Open Thoracic Surgery.

Background: The aim of this study was to compare plasma levobupivacaine concentrations in thoracic epidural and subpleural paravertebral analgesia.

Methods: Forty-four patients indicated for open lung resection had an epidural catheter inserted preoperatively or a subpleural catheter surgically. A bolus of 0.

[Arthritis sternoclavicularis as a cause of mediastinitis].

Sternoclavicular arthtritis is a condition of the joints and movement apparatus which is treated by Rheumatologists and Orthepedists. Incorrect or late treatment of this condition leads to the development of septic arthritis and overall complications. This report describes three rare cases of mediastinitis caused by inflammation of the sternoclavicular joint.

[Traumatic rupture of the pericardium--the source of massive haemothorax, a case report].

Extensive traumatic haemothorax is a life-threatening condition that requires the surgeon's resolute approach. Massive bleeding may first lead to hypovoleamic shock, then to haemorrhagic shock. The most common sources are bleeding from the chest wall (intercostal artery), bleeding when the lung parenchyma or major intrathoracic vessels are injured.

[Renal cell carcinoma in the coming era of robotic technology].

Renal cell carcinoma is the most malignant urological tumour and the incidence in the Czech Republic is currently highest in the world. Kidney cancer is associated with seven different genes and is characterized nowadays as metabolic disease. Authors present some current facts about advances in diagnosis and new treatment methods.

[Right-sided posttraumatic ruptures of the diaphragm].

The diaphragm is the main respiratory muscle. It has the most significant function in respiratory excursions and the ability to maintain the negative thoracic pressure. Diaphragm injuries are relatively rare and they are the result of blunt or, in our conditions less often, penetrating thoracoabdominal trauma.