World journal of surgery
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World journal of surgery · Dec 2005
Randomized Controlled TrialProspective, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study of the Effect of TENS on postthoracotomy pain and pulmonary function.
We investigated the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for postthoracotomy pain control in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. We studied two groups of patients undergoing posterolateral thoracotomy. In group 1, TENS was used postoperatively on 60 patients for 5 days. ⋯ We observed that TENS produced no evidence of side effects or intolerance in the patients of group 1. TENS is thus beneficial for pain relief following thoracotomy and has no side effects. Consequently, the routine use of TENS following thoracic surgery is recommended.
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World journal of surgery · Dec 2005
Comparative StudyPercutaneous versus Conventional Tracheostomy in Burned Patients with Inhalation Injury.
The aim of the study was to compare conventional tracheostomy with percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy in patients with inhalation burn injury. A total of 37 patients with severe burn injuries and associated inhalation injury, underwent percutaneous tracheostomy in our burn unit and were retrospectively compared with 22 patients who underwent conventional surgical tracheostomy. In the first group, 25 of 37 patients and in the second group 17 of 22 patients presented with partial or full-thickness burn injuries (or both) in the neck region. ⋯ With the percutaneous technique, spontaneous closure of the stoma occurred within 1 to 3 days after removal of the tracheostomy tube, whereas with the conventional technique it was within 5 to 7 days. Percutaneous tracheostomy is associated with a lower complication rate and can be safely performed at the bedside. Moreover, it is faster and can be done at a lower cost than conventional open tracheostomy.
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World journal of surgery · Dec 2005
Effective radiation dose from radiologic studies in pediatric trauma patients.
Evaluation of the pediatric trauma patient frequently requires radiologic studies. Although low-dose radiation from diagnostic radiology is considered safe, lifetime risks per unit dose of radiation are increased in children compared to adults. The total effective dose of radiation to a typical pediatric trauma patient is unknown. ⋯ We conclude that in pediatric trauma patients, the estimated total effective dose of radiation varied widely. Computed tomography contributed virtually the entire total effective dose. Regarding radiographic evaluation of pediatric trauma patients, the risks and benefits of current practices should continue to be evaluated critically, because lifetime risks associated with radiation exposure are inversely proportional to age at exposure.