Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde
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Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd · Jul 2007
Review[Clinical practice guideline 'Complex regional pain syndrome type I'].
The development and treatment ofthe complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS-I) are a subject of much discussion. Using the method for the development ofevidence-based guidelines, a multidisciplinary guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of this syndrome has been drawn up. The diagnosis of CRPS-I is based on the clinical observation of signs and symptoms. ⋯ To prevent the occurrence of CRPS-I after wrist fractures, the use of vitamin C is recommended. Adequate perioperative analgesia, limitation of operation time and limited use of bloodlessness are advised for the secondary prevention of CRPS-I. Use of regional anaesthetic techniques can also be considered in this connection.
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Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd · Jul 2007
Review[Oncoplastic surgery of the breast: a combination of oncological and plastic surgery].
The term oncoplastic surgery refers to surgery on the basis of oncological principles during which the techniques of plastic surgery are used, mostly for reconstructive and cosmetic reasons. The advantage ofoncoplastic surgery for breast cancer is the possibility of performing a wider excision of the tumour with a good cosmetic result. ⋯ Oncoplastic surgery requires careful preoperative planning, which is essential in all forms of breast-sparing surgery. Oncoplastic principles can easily be applied to basic breast-sparing surgery, but one can also choose to increase the possibilities of breast surgery by organising good cooperation between the oncological surgeon and the plastic surgeon.
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Pregabalin is increasingly being used for the treatment ofneuropathic pain, often as the first-line choice. The question is, however, whether this choice is based on evidence. Seven trials have been published on the effect ofpregabalin in patients with postherpetic neuralgia and painful diabetic neuropathy. ⋯ Pregabalin has not been compared head-to-head with other drugs commonly used for neuropathic pain. Indirect comparison reveals the effectiveness of pregabalin is comparable with that of carbamazepin, tramadol, and gabapentin; pregabalin is possibly less effective than amitriptylin. However, taking into account its price and the lack of clinical experience and evidence, using pregabalin as first-line choice is not recommended.