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Guidelines have reported that although microwave ablation (MWA) has potential advantages over radiofrequency ablation (RFA), superiority in efficacy and safety remain unclear. Aim of the study is to compare MWA with RFA in the treatment of liver cancer.

Background: Thermoablation is an attractive treatment of thyroid nodules for its minimal-invasiveness. It remains unclear whether results and morbidity meet the patients' expectations.Objective: The aim of the presented study is to show data obtained after microwave thyroid ablation from a patients' perspective.Methods: Indications and preoperative diagnosis were chosen according to international guidelines. Thermoablation was achieved using a CE certified microwave system. The procedures heeded the published recommendations of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology. Follow-up included ultrasound, laboratory parameters and a standardized questionnaire.Results: Thirty patients were enrolled into the study. All patients reported an improvement of complaints following the procedure. Scar formation occurred in 3 cases (10%) with 0.5 ± 1.3 mm length and 0.4 ± 1.0 mm width. No cosmetic, neurological, vocal or pharyngeal complication occurred. Energy required for non-functioning nodules (n= 15, 50%) was 2.56 ± 3.41 kJ/mL, for autonomous adenoma (n= 8, 27%) 0.96 kJ/mL (p< 0.05, t-test).Conclusion: The presented data summarize an initial experience in selected patients and resemble excellent patient reported outcome with minimal morbidity. These preliminary data indicate the majority of patients satisfied with the procedure. Further trials will be required to endorse these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence is lacking concerning a clear benefit of single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) and transvaginal cholecystectomy (TVC) over the classical laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC). In this study, we investigated the preferences of the operation techniques among female employees in a tertiary university clinic. Materials and Methods: Study participants in the department of general surgery and gynecology were interviewed regarding their personal felt preferences for the mentioned procedures using a standardized illustrated questionnaire. Results: A total of 111 participants were included in the study. In 70.3% of cases, the transvaginal approach was unknown. The classical techniques were preferred in 95.2% of respondents. Participants with a wish for children showed a higher preference for nontransvaginal techniques (P = .011). The acceptance rate of transvaginal techniques among employees of the department of gynecology was higher than those of the department of general surgery (P = .028). Conclusions: The overall acceptance rate for TVC is low. Especially in case of a wish for children, SILC and CLC represent the preferred techniques. The lack of popularity of TVC could be an explanation for the refusal of this technique. Among employees of the gynecologic department, a transvaginal approach was significantly more often accepted. The cosmetic outcome and the knowledge about an operation technique certainly influence the decision making for the preferred surgical method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]