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In this article a systematic technology assessment was used for ultrasound in blunt abdominal trauma. We found sonography to be a simple, fast and complication-free method with high sensitivity and specificity. Ruptures of the small bowel seemed to be extremely difficult to detect, especially in the early phase after blunt abdominal trauma. No basic definitions of significant free fluid and maximal limit for non-operative treatment are found in the international literature. Only the combination of prognostic factors such as mechanism of the accident, clinical examination, and the intuition of the surgeon leads to a decision.

Urological operations are commonly performed in the lithotomy position. A rare, but serious, complication is the compartment syndrome, which can result in neurovascular damage and permanent disability or limb loss. We describe two cases of compartment syndrome. One arose after transurethral resection of the prostate, and the other after an operation to change a transsexual patient from man to woman. The literature is reviewed, and the causes of the syndrome and possible ways of preventing serious consequences to the patients affected are discussed.