American journal of surgery
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the study habits (SHs) of surgery residents preparing for the annual American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE). ⋯ The correlations of surgical resident ABSITE performance with SSHA scores were on the same order of magnitude as those of college students and academic performance with the original SSHA. Although SH in this study accounted for a measurable yet small contribution to ABSITE performance, this contribution was not enough to consider using the SSHA instrument in its current modified form as a diagnostic and counseling tool. Published instruments not specifically designed for residents may not be tailored enough to measure residents' unique SH.
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Inability to close the abdominal wall after laparotomy for trauma may occur as a result of visceral edema, retroperitoneal hematoma, use of packing, and traumatic loss of tissue. Often life-saving, decompressive laparotomy and temporary abdominal closure require later restoration of anatomic continuity of the abdominal wall. ⋯ Silicone sheeting TAC provides a safe and reliable temporary abdominal closure allowing for later definitive reconstruction. Direct fascial repair or components separation closure with or without tissue expansion can be utilized in the majority of patients for definitive reconstruction with low recurrence rate.
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The Protein C Worldwide Evaluation in Severe Sepsis (PROWESS) trial examined the safety and efficacy of drotrecogin alfa (activated) (Xigris) in adult patients with severe sepsis. A clinical evaluation committee examined clinical data for each patient enrolled in PROWESS. However, there were no surgeons on the committee, and thus questions remained regarding the safety and efficacy of drotrecogin alfa (activated) in surgical patients. ⋯ Consistent with the overall PROWESS results, drotrecogin alfa (activated) has a favorable benefit/risk profile in surgical patients.