Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
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Ann R Coll Surg Engl · Nov 2001
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialAdhesive retention dressings are more comfortable than alginate dressings on split skin graft donor sites--a randomised controlled trial.
A prospective randomised trial examining the effectiveness, comparative comfort and ease of care of two different split skin graft donor site dressings was performed. One of the dressings was an alginate (Kaltostat), and the other an adhesive retention tape (Mefix). Alginates are the standard plastic surgical dressing, whereas the use of adhesive retention tapes as a donor site dressing presents a novel use of a readily available product. ⋯ The retention dressings allowed the patients easier mobility and a greater range of daily activities, especially washing. There was no significant difference in wound healing nor in complications. Adhesive retention tape applied directly to the split skin graft donor site wound is an effective, cheap and comfortable dressing requiring little postoperative care.
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Ann R Coll Surg Engl · Nov 2001
An assessment of clinical guidelines for the management of acute pancreatitis.
Recent guidelines have been issued for the management of acute pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to audit the management of acute pancreatitis in one district general hospital, to determine the problems and benefits associated with the implementation of such guidelines. ⋯ Acceptable mortality can be achieved for acute pancreatitis despite failure to implement BSG guidelines for the management of severe acute pancreatitis. Inadequate investigation and treatment of gallstone disease leads to an unacceptable incidence of recurrent acute pancreatitis.
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Acute pancreatitis is rarely considered in the diagnosis of paediatric abdominal pain and can be misdiagnosed. Gallstones are uncommon in children and are a rare cause of pancreatitis. Trauma, infections and idiopathic causes are the commonest aetiological factors. ⋯ The three children had presented previously to a doctor with symptoms of gallstone disease but the diagnosis was missed. It is concluded that acute pancreatitis should be considered in children presenting as an emergency with abdominal pain. Children with recurrent attacks of upper abdominal pain should be investigated for gallstone disease so that the diagnosis is made before the development of potentially serious complications such as acute pancreatitis and jaundice.
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Ann R Coll Surg Engl · Sep 2001
Use of the laryngeal mask airway in thyroid and parathyroid surgery as an aid to the identification and preservation of the recurrent laryngeal nerves.
A prospective study was carried out in patients undergoing thyroid and parathyroid surgery using a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) and electrical nerve stimulation to identify the recurrent laryngeal nerves. A total of 150 consecutive patients undergoing thyroid and parathyroid surgery by a single surgeon were assessed for suitability of anaesthesia via the LMA. Peroperatively, a fibre-optic laryngoscope was passed through the LMA to enable the anaesthetist to visualise the vocal cords while adduction of the cords was elicited by applying a nerve stimulator in the operative field. ⋯ There were no cases of vocal cord dysfunction resulting from surgery. The LMA can be safely used for thyroid and parathyroid surgery even in the presence of a deviated or narrowed trachea. It can assist in identification and preservation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and is, therefore, of benefit to both patient and surgeon.