International journal of surgery
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Comparative Study
Conventional wound management versus a closed suction irrigation method for infected laparotomy wound--a comparative study.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a closed suction irrigation method for the management of infected laparotomy wounds. ⋯ Encouraging results were obtained with the use of the closed suction irrigation method for infected laparotomy wounds. The closed suction irrigation method decreased hospital stay and allowed early rehabilitation. The findings of our study need to be substantiated in large-scale randomized controlled trials.
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Accurate handover of clinical information is imperative to ensure continuity of patient care, patient safety and reduction in clinical errors. Verbal and paper-based handovers are common practice in many institutions but the potential for clinical errors and inefficiency is significant. We have recently introduced an electronic templated signout to improve clarity of transfer of patient details post-surgical take. ⋯ Our results show that introduction of this electronic signout significantly reduced median length of stay from five to four days (P=0.047). No significant difference in ASA grades, time to first intervention or overall admission diagnosis was obtained between the two time periods. In conclusion, this is the first study to show that the introduction of electronic signout post-call was associated with a significant reduction in patient length of stay and provided better continuity of care than the previously used paper-based handover.
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Abnormal muscle response (AMR) to the electrical stimulation of a branch of facial nerve is a specific electrophysiological feature of primary hemifacial spasm (HFS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of AMR monitoring during microvascular decompression surgery (MVD), and the correlation between the AMR changes and the clinical outcomes. ⋯ Intraoperative AMR monitoring was an effective assistant for a successful MVD for the patient with HFS. It is worth being routinely employed during the operation.
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Scar endometriosis is a rare form of extrapelvic endometriosis that is usually confused with other surgical or dermatological conditions leading to delay in diagnosis. ⋯ Increasing awareness of this condition among doctors can help in early diagnosis and treatment with gratifying results.
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We sought to assess the effects of aortic cross-clamp time (XCL) on outcome following cardiac surgery in low- and high-risk patients. ⋯ Prolonged cross-clamp time significantly correlates with major post-operative morbidity and mortality in both low- and high-risk patients. This effect increases with increasing XCL time. Prior knowledge on this effect can help in preventing some of these complications.