Prognostic influence of witness/victim experiences and PTSD-specific symptoms on working and educational capacity: a comparison between two groups of individuals post-trauma.

Background: Trauma exposure depends of the type of trauma and can result in the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The type of traumatization (such as Holocaust experiences and other sources of trauma) and specific symptoms of PTSD have influences on the outcome, and specific symptoms of PTSD influence personal and professional outcomes. Another factor is the role of the victim in their traumatization.

Aetiology of thrombosed external haemorrhoids: a questionnaire study.

Background: It is important to better understand the aetiology of thrombosed external haemorrhoids (TEH) because recurrence rates are high, prophylaxis is unknown, and optimal therapy is highly debated.

Findings: We conducted a questionnaire study of individuals with and without TEH. Aetiology was studied by comparison of answers to a questionnaire given to individuals with and without TEH concerning demography, history, and published aetiologic hypotheses.

Relationship between anal symptoms and anal findings.

Background: The frequencies and types of anal symptoms were compared with the frequencies and types of benign anal diseases (BAD).

Methods: Patients transferred from GPs, physicians or gynaecologists for anal and/or abdominal complaints/signs were enrolled and asked to complete a questionnaire about their symptoms. Proctologic assessment was performed in the knee-chest position.

Patients' views of medical positioning for proctologic examination.

Background: It is unknown which proctological position is most embarrassing to patients.

Methods: Individuals consecutively referred to our outpatient clinic in order to determine the causes of anal and/or abdominal complaints were randomized to complete an unvalidated six-item questionnaire which asked for their preferred proctologic positioning either before or after a proctological examination in knee-chest position followed by inspection of the anal verge, digital examination of the anal canal, and anoscopy. A third group of patients referred for gastroscopy was asked to complete the questionnaire before being gastroscoped.

Do we at all need surgery to treat thrombosed external hemorrhoids? Results of a prospective cohort study.

Background: It is unknown whether surgery is the gold standard for therapy of thrombosed external hemorrhoids (TEH).

Methods: A prospective cohort study of 72 adults with TEH was conducted: no surgery, no sitz baths but gentle dry cleaning with smooth toilet paper after defecation. Follow-up information was collected six months after admission by questionnaire.