World journal of surgery
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World journal of surgery · Apr 2014
Observational StudyImpact of intraoperative distractions on patient safety: a prospective descriptive study using validated instruments.
There is emerging evidence indicating that distractions in the operating room (OR) are prevalent. Studies have shown a negative impact of distractions, but they have been conducted mostly with residents in simulated environments. We tested the hypothesis that intraoperative distractions are associated with deterioration in patient safety checks in the OR. ⋯ Distractions are prevalent in ORs and in this study were linked to deterioration in intraoperative patient safety checks. Surgeons should be mindful of their tolerance to distractions. Surgical leadership can help control distractions and reduce their potential impact on patient safety and performance.
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World journal of surgery · Apr 2014
Teaching the management of surgical emergencies through a short course to surgical residents in East/Central Africa delivers excellent educational outcomes.
In Africa surgical trainees (residents) are often 'at the coalface' in managing surgical emergencies. A practical course on management of surgical emergencies was developed, as requested and guided by the learning needs of surgical trainees in East/Central Africa, to teach structured thinking processes in surgical emergencies; to thoroughly assess participants' knowledge, technical and non-technical skills; and to correlate assessment scores with participants' feedback on course quality. ⋯ An intensive course on management of surgical emergencies can be effectively delivered by a small core faculty for each specialty. Feedback from participants and local faculty indicated that this course filled a specific learning niche. Effective assessment can be based on continuous evaluation during course participation.
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World journal of surgery · Apr 2014
Tumor size does not independently affect long-term survival after curative resection of solitary hepatocellular carcinoma without macroscopic vascular invasion.
The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of tumor size alone on long-term survival and recurrence after curative resection for solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) without macroscopic vascular invasion. ⋯ Tumor size did not independently affect long-term survival and recurrence after curative resection of solitary HCC without macroscopic vascular invasion. Therefore, there is no size limit that precludes hepatic resection for solitary HCC, provided the tumor is resectable.
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World journal of surgery · Apr 2014
Electrochemotherapy treatment of locally advanced and metastatic soft tissue sarcomas: results of a non-comparative phase II study.
Our aim was to evaluate the activity, toxicity, and feasibility of electrochemotherapy (ECT) in patients with soft-tissue sarcomas (STS). ⋯ ECT may represent an active and safe treatment to achieve local control in advanced STS patients with symptomatic disease. Future research challenges include the improvement of electrode placement and voltage delivery together with the containment of soft tissue toxicity.
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World journal of surgery · Apr 2014
Fatal surgical or procedure-related complications: a Finnish registry-based study.
In Finland, all healthcare personnel must be insured against causing patient injury. The Patient Insurance Centre (PIC) pays compensation in all cases of malpractice and in some cases of infection or other surgical complications. This study aimed to analyze all complaints relating to fatal surgical or other procedure-related errors in Finland during 2006-2010. ⋯ Fatal surgical and procedure-related complications are rare in Finland. Complications are usually the result of errors of judgment, technical errors, and infections.