World journal of surgery
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World journal of surgery · Aug 2012
Diagnostic role of procalcitonin in patients with suspected appendicitis.
The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of procalcitonin (PCT) in emergency department (ED) patients with suspected appendicitis. ⋯ The study does not support the hypothesis that the PCT test may be useful for screening ED patients for appendicitis. However, determination of the PCT level may be useful for risk assessment of ED patients with suspected complicated appendicitis.
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World journal of surgery · Aug 2012
Biochemical profile and outcomes in trauma patients subjected to open cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a prospective observational pilot study.
The predictive factors to regain a heartbeat following emergency department resuscitative thoracotomy (EDT) for trauma are poorly understood. The objective of the present study was to prospectively assess the electrolyte profile, coagulation parameters, and acid-base status from intracardiac blood samples in trauma patients subjected to open cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the presence of established cardiac arrest. ⋯ Most patients undergoing open CPR have normal blood gas levels. Severe lactic acidosis, hyperkalemia, and hypernatremia are associated with decreased probability for return of cardiac function. Calcium and magnesium levels were not significantly different between the two groups, making the therapeutic role of these electrolytes very questionable.
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World journal of surgery · Aug 2012
A tool and index to assess surgical capacity in low income countries: an initial implementation in Sierra Leone.
A first step toward improving surgical care in many low and middle income countries is to document the need. To facilitate the collection and analysis of surgical capacity data and measure changes over time, Surgeons OverSeas (SOS) developed a tool and index based on personnel, infrastructure, procedures, equipment, and supplies (PIPES). ⋯ The PIPES tool was easily administered at hospitals in Sierra Leone and an index was found useful. Surgical capacity in Sierra Leone improved between 2008 and 2011, as demonstrated by an increase in the overall PIPES indices.
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World journal of surgery · Jul 2012
Subcuticular absorbable suture with subcutaneous drainage system prevents incisional SSI after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma.
The effectiveness of subcuticular absorbable suture with subcutaneous drainage to decrease the risk of postoperative incisional surgical site infection (SSI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients was evaluated. ⋯ We have demonstrated that the subcuticular suture with subcutaneous drainage is effective in preventing incisional SSI in patients undergoing Hx for HCC.
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World journal of surgery · Jul 2012
Effects of abdominal fat distribution parameters on severity of acute pancreatitis.
Obesity is a well-established risk factor for acute pancreatitis. Increased visceral fat has been shown to exacerbate the pro-inflammatory milieu experienced by patients. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the severity of acute pancreatitis and abdominal fat distribution parameters measured on computed tomography (CT) scan. ⋯ Overall, estimation of abdominal fat distribution parameters from CT scans performed on patients with acute pancreatitis indicates a strong association between visceral fat, severe acute pancreatitis, and the subsequent development of systemic complications. These data suggest that visceral fat volume should be incorporated into future predictive scoring systems.