Otto Riedl

Intraoperative frozen section analysis for breast-conserving therapy in 1016 patients with breast cancer

OBJECTIVE We evaluate the number of surgical two-stage procedures after FSA during breast-conserving therapy (clinical false negative result of FSA) and investigate the influence of microcalcifications, small tumour diameter, neoadjuvant therapy and preoperative biopsy on the clinical false negative rate of FSA. SUBJECTS We retrospectively examined 1016 patients after intraoperative FSA during breast-conserving therapy for breast cancer operated between 1995 and 2001 at the Medical University Vienna. RESULTS Only 9% of all patients had to undergo a two-stage operation due to a false negative intraoperative FSA result. The annual local recurrence rate was 1.2% in all patients with no difference between one- and two-stage operated patients. In situ and pT1 lesions were similarly distributed between one-stage and two-stage operated patients. The use of neoadjuvant therapy and stereotactic biopsy (reflecting non-palpable lesions and microcalcifications) were significantly predictive for a false negative FSA result. The use of a preoperative core biopsy, however, reduced the necessity of performing a two-stage operation. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates that FSA leads to a low rate of two-stage operations. Small lesions and microcalcifications as well as the occurrence of intraductal cancer cells and neoadjuvant therapy increased while preoperative core biopsy reduced the false negative rate of FSA. Overall local recurrence rates after FSA were acceptable.

Quality of life in GERD patients: Medical treatment versus antireflux surgery

Medical and surgical treatments are able to improve symptoms in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome in GERD patients without therapy, under continuous medical treatment, and after laparoscopic antireflux surgery. Five hundred seventy-nine consecutive patients underwent medical or surgical treatment for GERD-induced symptoms. Patients were studied in detail before and after treatment by means of a symptom questionnaire, endoscopy, esophageal manometry, 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring, and a barium esophagogram. In addition, quality of life was measured by the means of the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) and the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL) questionnaire. Surgery was indicated and performed in 351 patients with persistent or recurrent GERD symptoms and/or complications, and in patients preferring surgery to medical treatment, despite the use of an adequate medication. The remaining 228 patients were treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) in the standard dose, or if required, the double dose. The outcome was assessed 3 and 12 months after treatment. While symptoms and quality of life were highly impaired in GERD patients without therapy compared with normal people, a significant improvement was obtained by PPI therapy. Following surgery, quality of life was normalized in all subsections and was significantly higher compared with the medically treated group. These results stayed constant in short-term and intermediate follow-up. Medical and surgical therapies are both able to improve symptoms and quality of life in GERD patients. Nevertheless, the outcome is significantly better following surgery. It can be suggested that surgical treatment may be the more successful therapy in the long-term.

Breast-conserving surgery for T3/T4 breast cancer: an analysis of 196 patients

IntroductionBreast conservation therapy (BCT) increases quality of life and self-esteem of breast cancer patients. In special cancer centers up to 90% of patients are treated with BCT. T3/T4 breast cancer is one of the few contraindications for BCT. However, retrospective data suggest that BCT may be eligible in selected cases of T3/T4 breast cancer.MethodWe analyzed retrospectively 196 breast cancer patients (operated between 1995 and 2004) suffering from T3/T4 tumors and compared BCT and radiotherapy with mastectomy in these patients in terms of overall survival (OS), local recurrence free-survival (LRFS) and breast cancer-related death (BCRD).ResultDemographic data showed no significant differences in prognostic factors between patients treated with mastectomy compared with BCT. Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated no significant difference for OS, LRFS and BCRD between the two groups.DiscussionOur data strongly suggest that BCT with R0 resection followed by radiotherapy is feasible in patients with T3/T4 breast cancer. Prospective studies have to be performed to further investigate this issue.

Prosthetic reconstruction in high amputations of the upper extremity

ZusammenfassungHintergrundDie Steuerung myoelektrischer Armprothesen erfolgte konventionellerweise über zwei Oberflächenelektroden, welche von zwei getrennt innervierten Muskelgruppen angesteuert werden. Zwischen den verschiedenen prothetischen Gelenken wird mittels Kokontraktion dieser Muskeln gewechselt und in der jeweiligen Ebene mit denselben Muskeln linear gesteuert. Ein harmonischer, dem natürlichen Bewegungsmuster entsprechender Bewegungsablauf ist mit diesem Steuerungsmechanismus nicht möglich.FragestellungÜbersicht über die chirurgischen, therapeutischen und prothetischen Möglichkeiten bei hohen Amputationen der oberen Extremität.Material und MethodeEs erfolgte eine selektive Literaturrecherche unter Berücksichtigung eigener Erfahrungen des klinischen Alltags und Durchsicht von Patientenakten.ErgebnisseDurch selektive Nerventransfers der amputierten Armnerven des Plexus brachialis auf verbliebene Stumpfmuskulatur können bis zu sechs Signalgeber geschaffen werden, welche intuitiv und simultan die verschiedenen prothetischen Gelenke steuern können. Auf diese Weise ist eine effiziente und harmonische Steuerung der Prothese gewährleistet ohne dass der Patient zwischen den verschiedenen Steuerungsebenen wechseln muss. Gleichzeitig werden etwaige Neurome behandelt und somit ein schmerzfreies Tragen der Prothese ermöglicht. Aufgrund der dadurch vermehrten Verwendung von myoelektrischen Prothesen steigen auch die Anforderungen an den Stumpf. Hier gilt es sowohl chirurgisch als auch orthopädietechnisch eine stabile Verbindung zwischen Stumpf und Prothese zu schaffen, um eine optimale Prothesenfunktion zu ermöglichen.AbstractBackgroundConventional upper arm prostheses are controlled via two surface electrodes that measure motor activity of two separately innervated muscle groups. The various prosthetic joints are chosen by co-contractions and controlled linearly by these two muscles. A harmonious and natural course of movements is not possible in this way.ObjectivesOverview regarding surgical, therapeutical and prosthetic options in high amputations of the upper extremity.MethodsSelective literature research including the authors’ own experience in everyday clinical practice as well as a review of medical records.ResultsSelective nerve transfers of the amputated nerves of the brachial plexus to the remaining stump muscles can create up to six myosignals for intuitive and simultaneous control of the different prosthetic joints. In this way, an efficient and harmonious control of the prosthetic device is possible without the need to change between the different control levels. At the same time, possible neuromas are treated and painless wear of the prosthesis is achieved. Due to the resulting extended use of the prosthetic device, the demands regarding stump quality are increased. Thus, both surgically and by the means of the orthopedic technician a stable stump-socket connection should be achieved to enable optimal prosthetic function.

Broadband Prosthetic Interfaces: Combining Nerve Transfers and Implantable Multichannel EMG Technology to Decode Spinal Motor Neuron Activity

Modern robotic hands/upper limbs may replace multiple degrees of freedom of extremity function. However, their intuitive use requires a high number of control signals, which current man-machine interfaces do not provide. Here, we discuss a broadband control interface that combines targeted muscle reinnervation, implantable multichannel electromyographic sensors, and advanced decoding to address the increasing capabilities of modern robotic limbs. With targeted muscle reinnervation, nerves that have lost their targets due to an amputation are surgically transferred to residual stump muscles to increase the number of intuitive prosthetic control signals. This surgery re-establishes a nerve-muscle connection that is used for sensing nerve activity with myoelectric interfaces. Moreover, the nerve transfer determines neurophysiological effects, such as muscular hyper-reinnervation and cortical reafferentation that can be exploited by the myoelectric interface. Modern implantable multichannel EMG sensors provide signals from which it is possible to disentangle the behavior of single motor neurons. Recent studies have shown that the neural drive to muscles can be decoded from these signals and thereby the users intention can be reliably estimated. By combining these concepts in chronic implants and embedded electronics, we believe that it is in principle possible to establish a broadband man-machine interface, with specific applications in prosthesis control. This perspective illustrates this concept, based on combining advanced surgical techniques with recording hardware and processing algorithms. Here we describe the scientific evidence for this concept, current state of investigations, challenges, and alternative approaches to improve current prosthetic interfaces.

Is Endocrine Therapy Really Pleasant? Considerations about the Long-Term Use of Antihormonal Therapy and Its Benefit/Side Effect Ratio

Endocrine therapy has become a key part in the adjuvant treatment of hormone responsive breast cancer. The positive effect on relapse risk reduction is well defined, but therapy is not free from bothersome side effects for which estrogen deprivation accounts to a great extent. Since endocrine therapy is usually prescribed for 5 years or longer to optimally display its protective effect, and because physical strain is missing, good tolerability and safety properties are important, particularly in low-risk patients. While tamoxifen has been the standard adjuvant endocrine treatment with well documented efficiency, it is increasingly replaced by third generation aromatase inhibitors due to their better effectiveness and tolerability. Because tamoxifen holds a risk for life-threatening adverse events such as endometrial cancer, pulmonary embolism, and stroke, its recommended duration of therapy is limited to 5 years, also because extension beyond that time did not produce a measurable advantage. While some side effects are present both with tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors, differences in side effect profiles are well established. Although side effects of aromatase inhibitor-related therapy usually are mild and common to symptoms of menopause, misconception of the symptoms and their mechanism of action, as well as lack of knowledge about how to handle them, can easily lead to dangerous discontinuation of therapy.

Local Therapy of Early Breast Cancer

This review discusses the 2007 St. Gallen oral presentations and posters on the subject of local treatment of primary breast cancer. With a view to surgical interventions, recent results are examined in the management of ductal carcinoma in situ and advanced disease, in sentinel node biopsy and in oncoplastic surgery. In terms of radiotherapy, the focus of this report is on postmastectomy and partial breast irradiation, radiotherapy and systemic therapy, and quality-of-life questions. Finally, conclusions are given with respect to novel developments and unresolved research issues in local therapies as reflected at this year’s St. Gallen Breast Cancer Conference.

Prothetische Rekonstruktion hoher Amputationen der oberen Extremität@@@Prosthetic reconstruction in high amputations of the upper extremity

ZusammenfassungHintergrundDie Steuerung myoelektrischer Armprothesen erfolgte konventionellerweise über zwei Oberflächenelektroden, welche von zwei getrennt innervierten Muskelgruppen angesteuert werden. Zwischen den verschiedenen prothetischen Gelenken wird mittels Kokontraktion dieser Muskeln gewechselt und in der jeweiligen Ebene mit denselben Muskeln linear gesteuert. Ein harmonischer, dem natürlichen Bewegungsmuster entsprechender Bewegungsablauf ist mit diesem Steuerungsmechanismus nicht möglich.FragestellungÜbersicht über die chirurgischen, therapeutischen und prothetischen Möglichkeiten bei hohen Amputationen der oberen Extremität.Material und MethodeEs erfolgte eine selektive Literaturrecherche unter Berücksichtigung eigener Erfahrungen des klinischen Alltags und Durchsicht von Patientenakten.ErgebnisseDurch selektive Nerventransfers der amputierten Armnerven des Plexus brachialis auf verbliebene Stumpfmuskulatur können bis zu sechs Signalgeber geschaffen werden, welche intuitiv und simultan die verschiedenen prothetischen Gelenke steuern können. Auf diese Weise ist eine effiziente und harmonische Steuerung der Prothese gewährleistet ohne dass der Patient zwischen den verschiedenen Steuerungsebenen wechseln muss. Gleichzeitig werden etwaige Neurome behandelt und somit ein schmerzfreies Tragen der Prothese ermöglicht. Aufgrund der dadurch vermehrten Verwendung von myoelektrischen Prothesen steigen auch die Anforderungen an den Stumpf. Hier gilt es sowohl chirurgisch als auch orthopädietechnisch eine stabile Verbindung zwischen Stumpf und Prothese zu schaffen, um eine optimale Prothesenfunktion zu ermöglichen.AbstractBackgroundConventional upper arm prostheses are controlled via two surface electrodes that measure motor activity of two separately innervated muscle groups. The various prosthetic joints are chosen by co-contractions and controlled linearly by these two muscles. A harmonious and natural course of movements is not possible in this way.ObjectivesOverview regarding surgical, therapeutical and prosthetic options in high amputations of the upper extremity.MethodsSelective literature research including the authors’ own experience in everyday clinical practice as well as a review of medical records.ResultsSelective nerve transfers of the amputated nerves of the brachial plexus to the remaining stump muscles can create up to six myosignals for intuitive and simultaneous control of the different prosthetic joints. In this way, an efficient and harmonious control of the prosthetic device is possible without the need to change between the different control levels. At the same time, possible neuromas are treated and painless wear of the prosthesis is achieved. Due to the resulting extended use of the prosthetic device, the demands regarding stump quality are increased. Thus, both surgically and by the means of the orthopedic technician a stable stump-socket connection should be achieved to enable optimal prosthetic function.

Tensor fasciae latae-tendon transfer for functional reconstruction of the quadriceps muscle after femoral nerve palsy

Femoral nerve palsy can lead to severe reduction in mobility and quality of life. In cases of iatrogenic nerve lesions after surgery, a quick recovery is the main goal. This paper outlines transfer of the tensor fasciae latae (TFL) tendon to restore active extension in the knee joint in a patient with a one-year history of femoral nerve palsy following hip replacement. Two months after surgery the patient was able to achieve independent and fully functional gait. We believe this is a reliable method for the reconstruction of quadriceps function in cases where nerve regeneration was either delayed or not successful. Orthopedic, trauma or oncologic surgeries may lead to nerve lesions with consequent palsies. In cases of femoral nerve lesions, loss of quadriceps function can lead to severe reduction in mobility and quality of life. In order to restore functional gait a quick recovery is the desired goal, but sometimes, spontaneous regeneration of nerve function is delayed. If there is no gain in function of the quadriceps in this period of time, even after nerve reconstruction, the muscles may be irrevocably damaged. When the quadriceps shows no physiological activity on electromyographic (EMG) examination and only fatty degeneration on magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound due to the denervation, the potential of recovery even after a nerve repair is very low. At this point only muscle/tendon transfers or even free muscle