Aarberg

Researchers are evaluating the treatment of degenerative lumbar spine diseases using different rod stiffness levels in the SpineShape System IV. This study aims to determine whether using high-flex or mid-flex rods is not worse than using low-flex rods regarding clinical outcomes and safety. The focus is on comparing the reduction in back pain and improvement in functionality after surgery in patients with degenerative symptoms in one to two lumbar spine segments. Participants will be randomly assigned in equal groups to receive implantation of one of three rod types: elastic (high-flex), medium (mid-flex), or stiff (low-flex) rods from the SpineShape System IV. The study includes surgical implantation of these devices, and patients will be followed over time to assess clinical results. Questionnaires will be completed before surgery and then at 3 months, 12 months, 24 months, and 60 months post-surgery to monitor progress. During the study, participants will undergo assessments including questionnaires on pain and function at specified intervals up to five years. The primary outcome measured is the level of lower back pain using the Visual Analogue Scale 24 months after implantation. Safety and clinical performance will be monitored throughout, ensuring long-term follow-up of patient outcomes after receiving the implanted rods.

Gastroentero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) are rare tumors that arise from the neuroendocrine system in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. This registry study aims to better understand these tumors by collecting detailed clinical information from patients diagnosed with GEP-NETs in Switzerland. Since limited knowledge exists about the biology and treatment of these tumors, the study focuses on gathering data to improve understanding and management strategies. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors from any location who agree to participate will have their information entered prospectively into a secure, anonymized database. Data collection involves visits from study nurses to healthcare centers, where patient files are reviewed and information is recorded. There are no specific treatments assigned by this registry; instead, it tracks various treatment approaches used in Switzerland. Participants contribute data that includes tumor types, treatments received, and outcomes such as mortality and hospitalization rates. The study reviews and evaluates this information regularly to identify patterns and assess patient outcomes over time. The main outcome measured is tumor-related mortality every five years, helping to monitor long-term effects. This registry allows for improved knowledge sharing across hospitals and practitioners in Switzerland to enhance care for patients with neuroendocrine tumors.