Irish journal of medical science
-
The timing of aggressive airway intervention in adult epiglottitis is controversial. ⋯ Friedman originally advocated airway intervention in any patient stage II or worse, but this intubation threshold should probably be lowered to those patients with rapid-onset stage Ill (moderate respiratory distress, stridor, respiratory rate > 30 per minute, pCO2 > 45mmHg) disease.
-
Cancellation of operations increases theatre costs and decreases efficiency. We examined the causes of theatre cancellations in general surgery. ⋯ Elective surgery cancellation is a significant problem with far-reaching consequences. While multifactorial in aetiology, increased bed usage by medical specialties is one important factor. This study has implications for doctors, training, administrators and patients.
-
Day case surgery is the most cost-effective approach for all minor, most intermediate and some major surgery. ⋯ The cancellation of surgery creates untold hardship for patients who plan their working and family lives around the proposed operation date. Most are cancelled at less than 24 hours notice. The cost implications to the community are immense but have not been calculated. The separation of emergency and planned surgery is essential through adequate observation ward access.
-
Case Reports
"Is this a dagger I see before me?"--an audit of stabbings and gunshot wounds in Limerick.
According to a recent study in Cardiff, the incidence of stab wounds is 14 per 100,000 population per annum. No such figures are available for Ireland. ⋯ The incidence of stab wounds presenting to our institution is high. Although constituting a small percentage of presentations to the A&E department they result in considerable morbidity and surgical activity.