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The novel system of tactile analysis was used in the mechanoreceptor device. The local pressure measurement is carried out in in cameras, divided by the elastic membrane from the analyzed organ. The devise allows fast and adequate real-time measurement of tissue density and elasticity. The results, acquired with the use of the mechanoreceptor device were checked microscopically. The study showed high compatibility and adequacy of the novel mechanoreceptor.

A detailed algorithm of the diagnostic methods of investigation for injuries of the colon is presented. The authors describe the data on the value of certain methods of investigation and shortcomings of the others.

Results of examinations and treatment of 200 patients with acute calculous cholecystitis were analyzed. It is demonstrated that risk of purulent-destructive forms depends on nature of pathologic process in the gall bladder. Among patients with obstructive calculous cholecystitis 79.7% underwent surgery due to purulent-destructive forms of the disease, with non-obstructive calculous cholecystitis -- 38.9%. Risk of intraabdominal complications depends on the fact of obstruction of gallbladder neck and extrahepatic bile ducts. Algorithm of a rapid diagnosis was diagnosed. It permits to diagnose purulent-necrotic forms of acute calculous cholecystitis in 63.5% patients during 2 hours and in 85.7% patients during 6 hours from the time of hospitalization that ensures timely surgery.

Screening based on the measurement of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in the blood is the basic method for early detection of prostatic cancer. However the specificity of this method even in combination with the digital rectal examination (DRE) or with PSA derivatives remains disputable in cases when PSA concentrations in the blood vary between 4 and 10 ng/ml. We evaluated the efficiency of different diagnostic methods in order to create an effective diagnostic method in patients with PSA concentrations of 4-10 ng/ml. The study was carried out in 176 patients divided into 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of 120 patients. The efficiency of DRE, PSA density, PSA transition zone density (PSAT), free to total PSA ratio, and repeated PSA (measured after antibiotic therapy in patients with prostatic inflammations) were assessed. Diagnostic methods with the highest predictive values were identified. Positive predictive values of PSAT (cut-point 0.25 ng/ml/cc), nodule and induration (revealed by DRE) were estimated as 100, 100, and 75%, respectively. Negative predictive value of repeated PSA measurement (after antibiotic therapy) was 100% with the threshold value of 4 ng/ml. Using these diagnostic methods, a model of prostatic cancer screening was created. Group 2 consisted of 56 cases. A screening model representing a combination of the above diagnostic methods with the highest predictive value was clinically tried in this group. The sensitivity of the model was 80%, specificity 94%, positive predictive value 89%, and negative predictive value 89%. Use of this model makes biopsies unnecessary in 64% cases, with the risk of undetected cancer cases no higher than 20%. Hence, the screening model based on the use of diagnostic methods with the highest predictive value effectively detects prostatic cancer among patients with PSA concentrations of 4-10 ng/ml.

The quantitative estimation of safe contraction for the soft tissue cancer detection procedure is presented, which is based on the classical analytical solution for the concentration of stress around spherical inclusions and flaws in elastic media.

The objective technique for determination of the depth of location of the lower and upper poles of a non-organic mass in the small pelvic cavity, irrespective of sex and age of a patient, has been developed. The correct determination of a mass location permits to choose an optimal surgical approach, increase the operability rate of the tumors and reduce the incidence of complications.

Patients with breast cancer and healthy females (150 in each group) aged 40-64 years were examined to assess the extent of breast self-examination development in Estonia. Breast cancer was detected by self-examination in 82.0% of cases. The occurrence of stage I tumors detected by the physician was comparable to that in the self-examination group. Breast self-examination was practised by 69.3% of healthy females and 42.7% of patients. Most of them had read about the method in the literature. Early detection of breast cancer can be assured provided breast self-examination is performed regularly.

The clinical picture and primary diagnosis of 739 benign, 114 border-case and 115 early-stage malignant ovarian tumors are discussed. It was established that 8.4-11% of patients had detected tumors themselves by palpation. The detection of tumors by a considerable number of patients provided a basis for developing practical recommendations on self-examination procedures, which include inspection of the abdomen, surface and deep palpation. Application of these procedures will contribute to better diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

Clinical and electromyographic examinations of the mimic muscles were carried out in 24 patients with facial neuritis. A method of kinesthetic palpation of the mimic muscles has been developed, which has enabled one to reveal pathological infiltrations (myogeloses) in 13 patients with secondary contractures. In 6 patients the emergence and development of the myogeloses before the appearance of distinct symptoms of the facial muscle contractures were followed. In the course of these examinations clinico-electromyographic comparisons were made that gave the authors an opportunity to specify the role of the myogeloses in the formation of principal symptoms of initial manifestations of the post-neuritic contractures.

The results of the digital rectal examination of 218 patients with "acute abdomen" syndrome are generalized here. 145 patients (66.5%) showed a greater pain-fullness at the detachment of the finger from the anterior wall of the rectum than at the pressing on the latter. 183 patients were operated upon; in 126 of them free liquid was found in the abdominal cavity. The endorectal "Shchetkin symptom" was positive in 79% of operated patients (in 93.7% of patients with abdominal free liquid found at the operation).