[Synchronous tumor treatment in the presence of gynecologycal cancer in three patients]

During the examination of patients, the probability of the occurrence of a secondary tumour is 15.2%, while that of a tertiary tumour is 1.3% [1]. The aim of this article is to draw attention to the fact that the surgical treatment of synchronous tumours in one session, if proper professional background is ensured, provides definite benefits for the patients. No protocols for the treatment of multiple tumours can be found in the relevant literature; mostly descriptions of cases are available to give orientation. The preoperative stage of the diseases, the examination protocol, the surgical procedure and the biopsy results are detailed in the study. In the article, the treatment of a triplex tumour - vulva, rectum and sigma tumour -, a large colon tumour and an endometrial adenocarcinoma with open surgery is described as well as the minimally invasive surgery of a rectal and synchronous endometrial adenocarcinoma with a patient who has gone through neoadjuvant therapy are presented. The three cases presented here prove that the surgical treatment in one session was clearly beneficial for the patients, let alone cost-efficiency. The article is not about the discussion of post-surgical or adjuvant treatments; decisions about these are to be made by the multidisciplinary professional committees of the hospitals, based on the particular situations. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(2): 70-75.

[The use of herbal remedies prior to elective surgical procedures at an urban hospital and a university clinic in Hungary. Descriptive study]

Introduction: Herbal medicine use has become widespread in recent years. This is the first study in Hungary evaluating the use of nutraceutical agents in patients undergoing elective surgery. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the types, frequency of use and predisposing factors of the most commonly used herbs among patients of an urban hospital and a university clinic. Method: We conducted an anonymous survey questionnaire at the Jávorszky Ödön Hospital and at the 1st Department of Surgery of Semmelweis University. A total of 1000 questionnaires were distributed. Results: In total, 612 questionnaires were returned. 34.3% of patients used herbal remedies, 19.6% of them two weeks prior to surgery. The most commonly used herbs were garlic, chamomile and lemongrass, while in the two-week period before surgery were garlic, ginger and rosehips. 58.5% of the patients had some type of co-morbidity; in this group, the use of herbal remedies was significantly more frequent. 64.4% of patients were expected to undergo general surgical intervention; in this group, the use of herbs was more popular. Analyzing the sociodemographic factors, women, people with a higher level of education, the ones that live in the capital and are over 60 years of age are more likely to use these compounds. Conclusion: One third of patients waiting for surgery used herbal remedies, one fifth of them two weeks prior to surgery. Only one fifth of the patients reported the use of these compounds to their doctors. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(1): 17-25.

[Complex supportive care of patients with breast cancer. The preliminary results of a psychological intervention study]

Introduction: Interdisciplinary studies confirm that the traumatic nature of cancer diagnosis and the long course of treatment may often lead to a series of emotional problems among cancer patients, this way precluding physical and psychological recovery. Aim: The aim of the study was to create a complex psychosocial intervention program for breast cancer patients and to present our preliminary results. Method: In our 6 week long study, 50 breast cancer patients were assessed. The intervention group comprised of 20 patients, the control group comprised of 30 patients. Measurements included the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Spielberger State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Surgical Fear Questionnaire (SFQ), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Breast (FACT-B) and the Breast-Impact of Treatment Scale (BITS). Therapeutic tools used were the PRISM-D and the Body-Sculpture Test. Results: Our results indicate that the psychological interventions may have an instant stress-relieving and calming effect on our patients, this way providing social support. The type of surgery significantly influenced the levels of body change stress. Conclusion: Our results highlight the importance of early psychological screening among breast cancer patients before and after surgery as well. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(18): 700-709.

[The reliability and validity of the Hungarian version of the Surgical Fear Questionnaire]

INTRODUCTION

Interdisciplinary studies confirm that surgical fear experienced by patients can have a substantial effect on the outcome of the surgery and the healing process after surgery.

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the Hungarian version of the Surgical Fear Questionnaire in cancer patients.

METHOD

149 patients were assessed using the Spielberger Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Visual Analogue Scale and the Surgical Fear Questionnaire.

RESULTS

The scale showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach-alfa = 0.878; 0.885). The Surgical Fear Questionnaire scores moderately correlated with anxiety, depression and anticipated pain after surgery.

CONCLUSION

The reliability and validity of the Hungarian version of the Surgical Fear Questionnaire in the sample were excellent. The questionnaire turned out to be a useful psychometric tool in the measurement of surgical fear. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(47): 1988-1993.