World journal of surgery
-
World journal of surgery · Dec 2003
Comparative StudySubareolar subcutaneous injection of blue dye versus peritumoral injection of technetium-labeled human albumin to identify sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer patients.
Lymphatic mapping in breast cancer patients is a widely used technique for axillary staging, though the optimal technique is not yet established. The purpose of this study was to show that subareolar and subcutaneous injection of blue dye drains to the same sentinel lymph node (SLN) in the axillary basin as does peritumoral injection of technetium (Tc)-labeled albumin. Two injection methods were compared in 154 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed pT1 or pT2 breast cancers (tumor size 5-45 mm). ⋯ Our results support the hypothesis that the lymphatic drainage of the breast parenchyma and the subareolar plexus leads to the same sentinel lymph node. It is a rapid, reliable method for identifying SLNs in breast cancer patients. It is easy to perform, especially in nonpalpable tumors, and it does not disturb surgery by discoloring peritumoral tissue.
-
World journal of surgery · Oct 2003
Prediction of cardiac risk prior to elective abdominal aortic surgery: role of multiple gated acquisition scan.
Debate continues regarding the value of cardiac testing before major vascular surgery. Studies looking at whether a low radioisotope left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) could reliably predict postoperative cardiac events have produced conflicting results. Technetium-99m multiple gated acquisition (MUGA) scanning was employed in 122 patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery to estimate the resting LVEF and to detect regional or global myocardial wall motion abnormalities (WMAs). ⋯ Only the presence of WMAs (not the resting LVEF) was useful for predicting postoperative cardiac events. A history of cardiac disease, additional procedures, and reoperation during the postoperative period also place a patient at high risk for cardiac complications. A normal LVEF is by no means reassuring that a patient is at low risk of suffering an adverse cardiac outcome.
-
World journal of surgery · Oct 2003
Blunt liver injuries in polytrauma: results from a cohort study with the regular use of whole-body helical computed tomography.
The estimated prevalence of liver injury in patients with blunt multiple trauma ranges from 1% to 8%. The objective of this study was to investigate the profile of accompanying liver injury in a cohort of polytraumatized patients who had regularly undergone contrast-enhanced, whole-body helical computed tomography (CT). We enrolled consecutive patients admitted between September 1997 and January 2001 to a level I trauma center. ⋯ Sevenfold increased relative odds were observed if liver laceration was considered the leading injury (OR 7.17, 95% CI 1.17-43.97). The prevalence of liver lacerations among multiple-trauma patients is likely to be underestimated and must be determined by the independent application of reference standards, such as helical CT. High-grade hepatic injuries and the need for surgical repair are associated with poorer survival prognosis.
-
World journal of surgery · Aug 2003
ReviewPatient safety in surgery: error detection and prevention.
Error in medicine is becoming a well recognized phenomenon. The U. S. ⋯ Retrospective studies and a few prospective studies are shedding more light on this challenging problem. Strategies to reduce error and increase patient safety have not been widely developed or embraced by surgeons for a variety of reasons. We provide a review on patient safety aimed at surgeons that includes definitions, incidence of errors including those in the surgical literature, causes of error, methods of error detection, and strategies to minimize errors and maximize patient safety.
-
World journal of surgery · Jul 2003
ReviewManagement of appendiceal masses in a peripheral hospital in Nigeria: review of thirty cases.
The objective of this work was to conduct a truly rural-based study to evaluate, from our own rural data devoid of influence from urban-based studies, the management of appendiceal masses in a typical peripheral hospital in Nigeria. The study aimed to highlight the results of neglected appendicitis in our community and the occasional difficulty of making a correct preoperative diagnosis. It also sought to draw the attention of the health care practitioner in our community to the importance of continued enlightenment of the people regarding the need to seek medical treatment early. ⋯ No deaths were recorded. The study showed that appendical masses are most prevalent during the fifth decade of life and are rare before age 10 and after age 60. More men are affected than women, and most cases can be diagnosed before surgery, although some patients must await more sophisticated diagnostic tools or surgical exploration for diagnosis.