Clinical News - General

November 2009

Glucocorticoid-Induced Diabetes Mellitus

Glucocorticoid treatment impairs both glucose transport in fat and muscle cells and the ability of glucose to stimulate its own utilization (glucose effectiveness), as well as reducing glucose clearance. The most important goal of therapy for hyperglycemia induced by glucocorticoids is to prevent acute hyperglycemic complications, as well as serious adverse effects from therapy. Learn more.

Pain Rehabilitation Program Helps Adolescents

An innovative three-week outpatient program at Mayo Clinic provides treatment for adolescents with chronic pain. The program works to restore the child's ability to function despite persistent pain and symptoms such as nausea, fatigue and dizziness. It teaches family members coping skills and shows parents how to support the child's return to normal activities. Learn more.

October 2009

Diabetic Gastrointestinal Dysmotility

Patients with diabetes mellitus commonly report gastrointestinal symptoms. Approximately 75 percent of patients referred to a diabetes clinic have at least one gastrointestinal symptom. Such symptoms should not be ascribed to diabetes, however, without appropriate evaluation. Learn more.

Advances in BPH Treatment

Mayo Clinic offers several new alternative treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), including photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP), holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and Botox injection. Learn more.

Behavioral Medicine Clinic Helps Body-Mind Problems

The Behavioral Medicine Clinic serves people affected by physical symptoms that are not easily explained or understood. A team of specialists in Mayo Clinic's Department of Psychiatry and Psychology explore medical, behavioral, family and lifestyle elements to help patients understand their illness and reduce its impact. Learn more.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depression

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) provides a noninvasive alternative treatment for moderately treatment-resistant depressed patients or patients who are intolerant of antidepressant medications. During studies of TMS treatment for depression, adult patients and adolescents who also experience chronic pain have shown improvement in their pain. Learn more.

September 2009

Diabetic Nephropathy Update

Annual direct and indirect costs related to diabetic nephropathy in the United States total $174 billion. Studies show that intensified therapy for diabetic nephropathy decreases progression and cardiovascular death. Adjunctive cardiorenal protective therapy is also key to successful outcomes. Learn more.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Epidemiologic studies looking at the major risk factors for diabetic retinopathy have shown a consistent association between retinopathy and duration of diabetes mellitus, degree of hyperglycemia, and presence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, pregnancy, and renal disease. Most patients with diabetes mellitus have some degree of diabetic retinopathy after having diabetes for 20 years. Learn more.

ICD Therapy Prevents Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Evidence supports implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy for prevention of sudden cardiac arrest, but the literature shows low utilization of ICDs. Mayo Clinic cardiologists have developed a system to identify at-risk patients and provide them with information about risk stratification and treatment options. Learn more.

August 2009

Geriatric Proximal Humerus Fracture Fixation

Five advances in modern methods of imaging and fixation have allowed surgery for this condition to become a reliable and viable alternative to humeral head replacement for some complex fractures in the elderly, the cohort most susceptible to this injury. Learn more.

June 2009

Robotic Mitral Valve Repair is a Safe, Durable Alternative to Open Surgical Approaches

Mitral valve regurgitation due to mitral prolapse is common. The traditional surgical treatment has been valve repair through a median sternotomy. Minimally invasive robotic mitral valve repair, performed regularly at Mayo Clinic, allows patients to return to normal activity sooner. It relies on 3D, high-definition video guidance to visualize the intricate heart anatomy and robotic instrumentation to perform precise valve surgery through several very small incisions. Read more.

Treatment Options for Graves' Ophthalmopathy

Management of Graves' ophthalmopathy requires a carefully integrated approach involving the endocrinologist and ophthalmologist, with the goal of preserving the patient's vision, favorable self-perception and quality of life.
Read more.

Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy Reduces Trauma, Speeds Recovery

Encouraging results indicate that minimally invasive esophagectomy is a viable alternative to open surgery. Mayo Clinic is one of a few centers to offer the new approach of combined laparoscopic and thoracoscopic esophagectomy.
Read more.

March 2009

Surgical Approach Reduces Recurrence of Papillary Thyroid Cancer

New debate on the extent of associated lymph node dissection has shifted the mindset of what determines a successful treatment for papillary thyroid cancer from death (a true rarity) to recurrence. In a study conducted at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, 96 percent of patients treated experienced no recurrence of the cancer.

January 2009

Advances in Ventricular Assist Devices for Congestive Heart Failure

Quality and length of life in patients who have congestive heart failure can often be improved through a therapy continuum ranging from medications, to placement of ventricular assist devices, to heart transplant.

Robotic Surgery for Partial Nephrectomy

Urologists at Mayo Clinic have used robotic technology in surgery since 2000. The current focus is on refining robotic partial nephrectomy to treat renal tumors. This procedure has been used experimentally to remove small renal tumors, including complex ones such as hilar, endophytic, and multiple tumors.

Mayo Transplant Program Helps Shape National Collaboration

To improve organ transplantation, the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration evaluated 15 high-performing transplant centers, including Mayo Clinic. The agency included elements from Mayo Clinic's model in its recommendations. Six elements characterize the Mayo Clinic transplant model.