Harefuah
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Multicenter Study
[Percutaneous discectomy and intradiscal radiofrequency thermocoagulation for low back pain: evaluation according to the best available evidence].
Within the framework of evidence-based medicine, high quality randomized trials and systematic reviews are needed for new medical treatment. Clinicians should conscientiously, explicitly and judiciously use the best current evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients. This paper summarizes the best available evidence from systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials concerning two minimally invasive procedures: percutaneous discectomy and percutaneous intradiscal radiofrequency thermocoagulation. ⋯ Results of systematic reviews were retrieved from four leading evidence-based databases: the National Institute for Clinical Excellence--NICE, which is an independent organization responsible for providing national guidance on treatments, the Cochrane Library, which is the largest library world-wide for systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials, the Center for Review and Dissemination (CRD) at the University of York, which undertakes reviews of research about the effects of interventions in health and social care and finally, a search via Medline. The results from those systematic reviews and randomized trials shows that, at present, unless or until better scientific evidence is available, automated percutaneous discectomy and laser discectomy should be regarded as research techniques. Radiofrequency denervation can relieve pain from neck joints, but may not relieve pain originating from lumbar discs, and its impact on low-back joint pain is uncertain.
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Multicenter Study
[The management of pediatric appendicitis: an opinion survey of Israeli pediatric surgeons].
Appendicitis remains the most common acute surgical condition of the abdomen in children. However, considerable controversy still exists among surgeons as to the management of pediatric appendicitis. The goal of this study was to determine current practice patterns and provide a foundation for evidence-based outcome studies that would standardize patient care. ⋯ There is an apparent consensus on the many aspects of perioperative and postoperative care of pediatric appendicitis among Israeli Pediatric Surgeons (IPS). This study consolidates current opinions on appropriate management of pediatric appendicitis, providing a foundation for evidence-based outcome studies.
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Multicenter Study
[The role of nonoperative management of penetrating renal trauma].
Penetrating renal trauma has been treated traditionally by renal exploration. In view of the successful outcome of nonoperative treatment of major blunt renal trauma, there has been a gradual shift in the approach to penetrating renal injuries, in selected cases. This study reviews the local experience with the conservative approach to penetrating renal injuries. ⋯ The present study presents a successful conservative approach to penetrating renal injuries in 10 out of 18 cases. All renal units in the nonoperated patients were preserved in comparison to only half in the surgically treated patients. Hence, nonoperative treatment is a reasonable option for the majority of minor penetrating renal injuries as well as in many selected high-grade injuries. This approach provides maximal preservation of the injured kidney with manageable complications.
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
[Efficacy and safety of levetiracetam (keppra) add-on treatment in adult patients with refractory epilepsy in two tertiary centers].
Levetiracetam (LEV) is a new generation anti-epileptic drug, which has been approved as add-on therapy for partial epilepsy. The mechanism of LEV is not yet completely understood. ⋯ The results of this study, as well as previous studies, suggest that LEV is a well-tolerated new antiepileptic drug, and as an add-on therapy it may effectively improve seizure control in patients with intractable epilepsy.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
[The benefit of combining spinal morphine and intravenous buprenorphine for perioperative pain].
Concurrent administration of opioids with different affinity produces synergistic antinociceptive effect in rats. We tested the perioperative antinociceptive effects of the simultaneous double blind administration of morphine, a pure agonist and buprenorphine, a partial agonist, in 30 patients undergoing hysterectomy under general anesthesia. Pre- and post-operatively regimens consisted of random patient assignment to intrathecal 0.3 mg morphine plus intravenous saline (group 1), intravenous 0.09 mg buprenorphine plus intrathecal saline (group 2) or intrathecal morphine 0.3 mg plus intravenous buprenorphine 0.09 mg (group 3). ⋯ Buprenorphine-induced analgesia in group 3 lasted significantly (P < 0.05) longer than in group 2. Side effects in groups 2 and 3 were by 44% and 42% fewer than in group 1, respectively, with no withdrawal symptoms. Thus, concomitant administration of intrathecal morphine and low dose intravenous buprenorphine produces better and longer pain relief than intravenous buprenorphine alone in women after hysterectomy.