Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
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Surgical diathermy is an invaluable aid in modern surgery and most contemporary diathermy machines are considered safe. However, diathermy accidents still do occur and a diathermy unit can be potentially lethal if adequate care is not exercised in its use.
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Ann R Coll Surg Engl · Jan 2000
Clinical TrialAudit of topical glyceryl trinitrate for treatment of fissure-in-ano.
To clarify the clinical role of topical glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) in the management of anal fissures. ⋯ Treatment of fissure-in-ano using GTN ointment was effective in up to 50% of patients with chronic anal fissure, and has the benefit of being repeatable if the fissure recurs. Patients should be aware that treatment is likely to take some months to be effective and is associated with significant side effects in up to 15% of patients.
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Ann R Coll Surg Engl · Jan 2000
The effect of a 'fast-track' unit on the performance of a cardiothoracic department.
The objective of this study was to describe the impact of a 'fast-track' unit, combined with a computerised system for information collection and analysis, on the clinical practice and finance of a cardiothoracic department over the first 12 month period of its application. ⋯ The development of a 'fast-track' unit, supported by a computerised system for information collection and analysis and a pre-admission clinic, has resulted in a substantial improvement of operating numbers and financial income, without adversely affecting the clinical results. This task demanded close collaboration between a dedicated list manager and a designated member of the medical team. Patient selection with appropriate 'fast-track,' criteria may improve further the efficiency of 'fast-track' units in the future.