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Die durchgreifende Okonomisierung des Deutschen Gesundheitssystems hat zu einem steigenden Kostenbewusstsein gefuhrt. Unter diesem Trend ist auch die arztliche Weiterbildung als moglicher Preistreiber identifiziert worden. Die theoretische und praktische Schulung von Jungarzten kostet Zeit und Geld. Doch eine detaillierte Kostenanalyse fehlt, denn der komplexe arztliche Alltag der Berufsanfanger lasst nur Einzelbetrachtungen zu. Berechnungen aus den USA beziffern die Kosten fur jeden Weiterbildungsassistenten mit 80 000 US$ pro Jahr. Gegenwartig wird in Deutschland die Weiterbildung indirekt uber die DRG-Fallpauschalen durch die Krankenkassen mitfinanziert. Mogliche Alternativen sind die Einfuhrung eines „Weiterbildungsfonds“, der uber eine prozentuale Abgabe der DRG’s und ein staatliches Zusatzentgelt finanziert wird. Ein solcher „Weiterbildungsfond“ unterstutzt nur die Kliniken, die ihren Berufsanfangern eine strukturierte und zertifizierte Weiterbildung anbieten konnen. Fur die weitere Diskussion ist jedoch primar eine detaillierte Kostenanalyse eines solchen strukturierten Curriculums notwendig.

BACKGROUND: Despite improved surgical techniques, anastomotic leakage is still a serious complication in colorectal surgery, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. This study was initiated to investigate those clinical risk factors which may influence the onset of anastomotic wound-healing complications. METHODS: The postoperative courses were assessed in 400 consecutive patients who underwent colonic or rectal resection. Possible clinical risk factors were investigated by unvariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: 23 patients developed an anastomotic leakage (5.8 %). 10 patients could be treated conservatively, 13 had a second operation. In the multivariate analysis significant risk factors were perioperative radiotherapy (OR = 3.76 [95 % CI 1.03-13.7]), blood transfusion (OR = 2.98 [95 % CI 1.18-7.54]), alcohol consumption (OR = 2.94 [95 % CI 1.06-8.17]), and steroid medication (OR = 3.91 [95 % CI 1.17-13.07]). CONCLUSION: The clinically most important risk factors for leakage were radiotherapy and blood transfusion. Further analyses with a focus on the extracellular matrix, including other clinical factors may be valuable in identifying targets for improvement.

Isolated edematous swelling of Bauhin's valve is a rare finding in cases of non-specific abdominal complaints in the lower right abdominal quadrant. The differential diagnosis includes entities such as tumours, chronic gastrointestinal inflammation and ileocoecal intussusception as well as specific infections, all of which require individual therapy. Based on two current cases and a review of the literature, aetiology, clinical picture and diagnostic findings of isolated edema of the ileocoecal valve are described. The typical ultrasound findings are presented. Due to its potential of excluding other diseases, modern ultrasound offers promising results in the case of isolated edematous swelling of Bauhin's valve.

Innerhalb eines Krankenhauses bilden jede Station und jeder Bereich einen eigenen Mikrokosmos. Die chirurgischen Stationen unterliegen hierbei besonderen Anspruchen, da der oftmals zergliederte Tagesablauf eine moglichst reibungslose Patientenversorgung erschwert. Wahrend der Stationsalltag anderer Fachrichtungen haufig von der durchgehenden Prasenz der Stationsarzte gepragt ist, heist es fur den Chirurgen, die vielseitigen Herausforderungen von Patientenversorgung, Operationen, Intensivubernahmen, Neuaufnahmen und Notfallen parallel zu meistern.

HISTORY AND ADMISSION FINDINGS A 21-year-old woman presented with predominantly right-sided cramp-like abdominal pain which had started the previous day. The abdomen was soft on palpation, the peristaltic sounds increased. Body temperature was normal. INVESTIGATIONS Routine laboratory tests were unremarkable, including white cell count (4.5 G/l). and C-reactive protein. TREATMENT AND COURSE She was admitted to hospital for observation. Because the symptoms persisted she underwent a right lower laparotomy because acute appendicitis was suspected. Intraperitoneal examination of the intestines revealed a soft, sponge-like foreign body just above the ileocecal valve. The overlying ileum was incised and a sponge removed. Postoperatively the patient reported having taken 4 capsules of CM3, a weight-reducing preparation, about 14 days ago. These capsules dissolve in the stomach and each releases a small sponge which expands and mechanically induces a feeling of satiation. The further course was unremarkable and she was discharged on the 8th postoperative day. CONCLUSION When producing weight-reducing preparations that act according to physico-mechanical principles, anatomical circumstances should be considered, and they should only be taken under medical supervision.

The radical economisation of the German health-care system has caused an increasing cost awareness. Following this trend, medical education has been identified as a possible expense factor. The theoretical and practical training of young doctors needs time and costs money. However, a detailed cost analysis is still not available, since the complex daily work schedule of young professionals only allows the calculation of single cost factors. Investigations in the USA estimate the costs of surgical training at US$ 80 000 per year and per resident. At present in Germany, surgical training is indirectly financed by the DRG flat rates of the health insurance companies. Possible alternatives include the implementation of a "training fond" which is financed by a percentage fee of the DRG's as well as an on-top funding by the federal government. This "training fond" would support only those surgical units that offer a structured and certified training to surgical residents. However, a systematic cost analysis of such a structured curriculum is necessary for any further discussion.

In order to reduce the high frequency of bowel movement after resection of the rectum in cases of rectal cancer, the creation of a colonic J-pouch was developed. Meanwhile this operation is well established. As a variation to the standard technique, von Flue introduced in 1994 the interposition of an ileocecal segment, intended to improve the reservoir function via its own distensibility. Despite the conserved neural and vascular integrity of the ileocecal segment, major complications arise such as pouchitis with necrosis. In these cases, resection of the pouch and permanent discontinuity of stool passage is routine therapy. Patients with permanent stoma face many difficulties both physical and psychological, and often the quality of life diminishes. In the literature there is no detailed case of colonic J-pouch reconstruction following resection of an insufficient ileocecal pouch. This operation is technically highly demanding but feasible.

The Aachen model is a practical mode in teaching and advanced training, which is closely geared to the areas of academic acquisition and training. During medical education optional student courses with constitutive curricula offer practical points of contact to the surgical department at all times. Besides improvement of manual training the aims are enhancing interests and acquisition of talents. This guided structure will be intensified with progression into advanced education. Next to the formal guidelines of the curriculum, education logbook and progression conversations, quality, transparency and reliability are particularly emphasized. An evaluation of both the reforms and the surgical trainers is still to be made. In addition procurement of an affirmative occupational image is essential.

During the last decade surgical treatment of rectal cancer has seen various improvements. Partial or total mesorectal excision (TME) became standard procedure. The surgical quality of the TME has a high effect on prognosis. Besides metastases, the circumferential resection margin receives the most attention. As recent studies established a distal resection margin of 1 cm, the rate of continence-preserving resections has grown, especially after neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy. In the hands of an expert, laparoscopic rectal resection is a technically safe procedure. Its oncological efficacy cannot yet be decided. Modern therapy for rectal cancer comprises multilateral considerations and therefore needs a multimodal orientation.

An open medical market is supposed to be a promising tool for preserving the meagre resources of the German public health care system. The competition between humane and economic practice induces conflicts which burden physicians as well as patients. To analyse this problem by scientific means, inpatients were interviewed with the help of a standardised protocol.During 10 weeks 524 inpatients were interviewed. The structured questionnaire consisted of nine closed-ended questions with multiple-choice answers. Question 3 included a free amendment. The gender ratio was balanced, and the age pattern represented the typical patient collective of our clinic.The majority of patients expect negative changes in their medical service and the social attitude towards patients and physicians due to promoted medical competition. Besides an increasing financial load, losses in trust, self-determination, and therapeutic freedom are expected. Instead a responsible transparency will not be achieved. Patients still judge the economically dominated reforms on the German health care market with scepticism or even hostility. In their point of view future discussions must aim at a more modern attitude towards health economics in order to bridge the schism they perceive between medical competition and humanitarianism. The understanding of strong financial management as a prime condition for stable social security is the basis of synergies to deal with upcoming reforms.

The financial resources in the German Public Health care system are running short due to reduced budgets and demographic changes. Reform plans of the state, backers, and care providers seem to neglect patients' needs. To analyse this problem by scientific means, inpatients were interviewed as to their views concerning fair allocation.During 6 weeks, 532 inpatients were interviewed. The structured questionnaire consisted of eight closed-end questions with multiple choice answers. The gender ratio was balanced, and the age pattern represented the typical patient collective of our clinic.The majority of the patients do not support the reform plans in the German public health care system. They feel comfortable with the present medical standard and quality of health care and wish no reductions in the medical service. The required individualisation of risk and care is rejected. Thus patients reveal an almost dichotomous understanding of medical care on the one hand and its cost on the other. Modern reform and change concepts need effective professional public relations to increase public understanding and reduce objections to unpopular measures.

The structure and organisation of German hospitals currently are undergoing radical change forced by reforms in the German public health system. Operating procedures, efficiency assays, and management programs compete with the traditional philanthropic relationship between physician and patient. To analyse this problem by scientific means, inpatients were interviewed in standardised fashion on current expectations, ideals, and experience with that relationship.During 4 weeks, 507 inpatients were interviewed. The structured questionnaire used consisted of nine closed multiple-choice questions. The proband sex ratio was balanced, and their age pattern represented the typical patient collective in our clinic.The patient perception of physicians' roles described clear priorities. Besides a skilled expert, the patients were looking for a friend and guide through their disease, diagnosis, and therapy. The paternalistic relationship between physician and patient thus is not very antiquated. In contrast, material institutional criteria, provision of services, and hotel-like atmosphere played secondary roles.

Isolated edematous swelling of Bauhin's valve is a rare finding in cases of non-specific abdominal complaints in the lower right abdominal quadrant. The differential diagnosis includes entities such as tumours, chronic gastrointestinal inflammation and ileocoecal intussusception as well as specific infections, all of which require individual therapy. Based on two current cases and a review of the literature, aetiology, clinical picture and diagnostic findings of isolated edema of the ileocoecal valve are described. The typical ultrasound findings are presented. Due to its potential of excluding other diseases, modern ultrasound offers promising results in the case of isolated edematous swelling of Bauhin's valve.

Over 75% of ingested foreign bodies pass the gastrointestinal tract without any complications. Blunt foreign bodies may lead to a disruption of the intestinal passage, mainly in the area of the ileocoecal opening. The size of the reported foreign bodies varies considerably. The aim of this study was the anatomic investigation to clarify the possible causes of obstruction and its influence on the diameter of the ileocoecal opening.We investigate anatomically and describe the ileocoecal opening on the basis of 27 specimens.We found not a flap mechanism but a valve mechanism in the ileocoecal junction. The median diameter of the formalin-fixated specimens was 10.9 mm respectively 21.8 mm according to an assumed correction factor of 2. The cause for intestinal obstruction most probably is the ingestion of blunt, angular foreign bodies in the ostium ileale.The intraindividual differences as well as the considerable size of foreign bodies that pass the ileoceocal opening support the hypothesis, that the complications described are more a consequence of an ingestion of blunt, cornered foreign bodies in the ostium ileale independent ofn the size of the ileocoecal opening itself.

The definitive closure of the abdominal wall may not be favorable in the treatment of several surgical conditions. Then the temporary closure of the abdominal wall with creation of a laparostomy is necessary. Indications for a laparostomy are planned re-explorations of the abdominal cavity, abdominal wall defects, severe abdominal infections or the onset of an abdominal compartment syndrome.

The Internet offers an increasing amount of medical information, but its value for surgical patients is doubtful.Using "inguinal hernia" as catchword, an amateur search was imitated on a German-speaking metasearch machine. One hundred fifty sites, standardized regarding quality and efficiency,were evaluated.In summary, more than 50% of the sites revealed poor results. Technical appearance, quality of content, and target grouping show big deficiencies. The applicable laws were mostly not respected. The ranking lists of the search machines do not reflect the quality of the sites.Patients need competent guides to process surgical information from the Internet. The establishment of a specialized institution to control surgical websites according to quality, content, and legality seems to be needed.

A 21-year-old woman presented with predominantly right-sided cramp-like abdominal pain which had started the previous day. The abdomen was soft on palpation, the peristaltic sounds increased. Body temperature was normal.Routine laboratory tests were unremarkable, including white cell count (4.5 G/l). and C-reactive protein.She was admitted to hospital for observation. Because the symptoms persisted she underwent a right lower laparotomy because acute appendicitis was suspected. Intraperitoneal examination of the intestines revealed a soft, sponge-like foreign body just above the ileocecal valve. The overlying ileum was incised and a sponge removed. Postoperatively the patient reported having taken 4 capsules of CM3, a weight-reducing preparation, about 14 days ago. These capsules dissolve in the stomach and each releases a small sponge which expands and mechanically induces a feeling of satiation. The further course was unremarkable and she was discharged on the 8th postoperative day.When producing weight-reducing preparations that act according to physico-mechanical principles, anatomical circumstances should be considered, and they should only be taken under medical supervision.

We report a case of gall bladder tuberculosis in a 64-year-old male. The gall bladder is an extremely rare localization of an infectious disease seen frequently worldwide--tuberculosis. The reason for this special resistance against the mycobacteria is not clear and is controversial. In imaging, the disease can mimic acute or chronic cholecystitis or carcinoma of the gall bladder. It is important to consider tuberculous cholecystitis in differential diagnosis and to do tuberculin skin tests in case of suspicion. This test is technically easy and cost-effective. Since 1968, isolated tuberculosis of the gall bladder has not been reported in western civilization. This case study was done because of the rareness of the disease,and we review the literature on this topic.

Tumors of the retrorectal space are rare entities. The case report of a retrorectal tailgut cyst serves to illustrate the clinical and diagnostic findings, differential diagnosis, and therapy of retrorectal tumors. Tumors in this area can be identified by palpation. The subsequent investigations include ultrasound, endosonography, endoscopy, and by choice computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Usually tailgut cysts are characterized as cystic tumors, well delineated with multicystic formation. The diagnosis has to differentiate between carcinomas of the colorectum, hamartomas, lymphomas, teratomas, chordomas, abscess formation, dermoid cysts, epidermoid cysts, and enteral cysts. An elevated level of CEA may point to malignancy. Complete surgical resection is the therapy of choice.

In order to reduce the high frequency of bowel movement after resection of the rectum in cases of rectal cancer, the creation of a colonic J-pouch was developed. Meanwhile this operation is well established. As a variation to the standard technique, von Flüe introduced in 1994 the interposition of an ileocecal segment, intended to improve the reservoir function via its own distensibility. Despite the conserved neural and vascular integrity of the ileocecal segment, major complications arise such as pouchitis with necrosis. In these cases, resection of the pouch and permanent discontinuity of stool passage is routine therapy. Patients with permanent stoma face many difficulties both physical and psychological, and often the quality of life diminishes. In the literature there is no detailed case of colonic J-pouch reconstruction following resection of an insufficient ileocecal pouch. This operation is technically highly demanding but feasible.

Malignant tumors associated with hernial sacs are rare entities. A review of literature offers only small groups of patients. The high incidence of inguinal hernia repair operations demands recognition of this morbidity. It should be suspected in cases of tight tissue in the hernial sac in differentiation to the unreduced inguinal and femoral hernia. Therapy of choice must be a resection in toto (R0), incomplete resection causes inguinal spreading or recurrence of the tumor. The exact evaluation of the surroundings should follow. There is no other standardized therapy besides operation. A case of leiomyosarcoma in inguinal hernia will present the entity of neoplastic disease in hernial sac.