Annals of vascular surgery
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Our goal was to analyze the incidence and risk factors for 30-day postdischarge mortality in patients with vascular disease undergoing major lower extremity amputation. ⋯ Patients with vascular disease undergoing major amputation are at high risk for postdischarge mortality. This risk is not associated with recent decrease in hospital stay. Systemic comorbid risk factors were identified, thus highlighting the need for adequate medical management of these patients in the 30 days after the operation. Coordination of postdischarge care to ensure management of systemic illness could potentially improve outcomes.
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We reviewed our experience to determine the effect of epidural versus intravenous analgesia on postoperative pulmonary function and pain control in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) undergoing open surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm. ⋯ Epidural anesthesia and postoperative epidural analgesia improve the postoperative respiratory function, compared with general anesthesia and systemic analgesia, and reduce postoperative pain as well, in COPD patients undergoing elective infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.
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Case Reports
Delayed axillary artery pseudoaneurysm as an isolated consequence to anterior dislocation of the shoulder.
Injury to the axillary artery after anterior shoulder dislocation is a very rare occurrence; although infrequently seen as an iatrogenic complication, very few cases have been reported. We describe a case of delayed axillary artery pseudoaneurysm, presenting as single complication after anterior shoulder dislocation reduction, which was successfully managed by surgical intervention-resection-anastomosis. Although uncommon, pseudoaneurysms should not be forgotten after trivial trauma. The early diagnosis of upper-limb pseudoaneurysms should prevent the risk of vascular and neurological compromises with potential serious long-term sequelae.
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Aortoenteric fistulas (AEFs) are a rare complication of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. They occur in <1% of aortic grafting procedures, result from graft defects, foreign bodies, and trauma, and are associated with a high mortality rate. We report a complex AEF associated with vertebral body osteomyelitis, likely secondary to tuberculous infection. ⋯ With fluoroscopic guidance, injection of contrast in the aortic sac drainage catheter demonstrated complex fistulous communications from the aortic sac to the overlying small intestine. After a course of drainage, antibiotic therapy, and parenteral nutrition, the patient underwent a transperitoneal repair of the AEF with duodeno-duodenectomy and wide debridement of the aortic sac and Dacron graft. Pathology revealed giant cell granulomas, highly suggestive of tuberculosis.
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Cardiovascular complications, such as death, myocardial infarction, or heart failure, are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in adult patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery. ⋯ These data suggest a significant benefit of an intensive cardiac preoperative evaluation in reducing the incidence of perioperative and postoperative cardiac morbidity and mortality.