Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
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Ann R Coll Surg Engl · Nov 2015
Multicenter StudyLitigation costs of wrong-site surgery and other non-technical errors in orthopaedic operating theatres.
This study reviews the litigation costs of avoidable errors in orthopaedic operating theatres (OOTs) in England and Wales from 1995 to 2010 using the National Health Service Litigation Authority Database. ⋯ Improved patient-safety strategies such as the World Health Organization Surgical Checklist may be responsible for the recent reduction in prevalence of litigation for NTEs. However, addition of a specific feature in orthopaedic surgery, an 'implant time-out' could translate into a cost benefit for National Health Service hospital trusts and improve patient safety.
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Ann R Coll Surg Engl · Nov 2015
ReviewAn evidence-based approach to red blood cell transfusions in asymptomatically anaemic patients.
Surgeons and physicians encounter blood transfusions on a daily basis but a robust evidence-based strategy on indications and timing of transfusion in asymptomatic anaemic patients is yet to be determined. For judicious use of blood products, the risks inherent to packed red blood cells, the patient's co-morbidities and haemoglobin (Hb)/haematocrit levels should be considered. This review critiques and summarises the latest available evidence on the indications for transfusions in healthy and cardiac disease patients as well as the timing of transfusions relative to surgery. ⋯ Six level 1 studies (randomised controlled trials or systematic reviews) and six professional society guidelines were included in this review. In healthy patients without cardiac disease, a restrictive transfusion trigger of Hb 70-80g/l is safe and appropriate whereas in cardiac patients, the trigger is Hb 80-100g/l. The literature on timing of transfusions relative to surgery is limited. For the studies available, preoperative transfusions were associated with a decreased incidence of subsequent transfusions and timing of transfusions did not affect the rates of colorectal cancer recurrence.
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Ann R Coll Surg Engl · Nov 2015
No association between seniority of surgeon and postoperative recurrence of chronic subdural haematoma.
Neurosurgical trainees should achieve competency in chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) drainage at an early stage in training. The effect of surgeon seniority on recurrence following surgical drainage of CSDH was examined. ⋯ CSDH drainage is a suitable case for neurosurgical trainees to perform without increasing the chance of recurrence.