American journal of surgery
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This study was designed to investigate the role of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4 on the wound healing process in left colonic anastomoses in the presence of intra-abdominal sepsis. ⋯ This study showed that moderate doses (15 mL/kg) of HES 130/0.4 administration significantly prevented this intraperitoneal sepsis-induced impaired anastomotic healing of the left colon. This beneficial effect of HES 130/0.4 can be mainly attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and beneficial effects of modulating endothelial-associated coagulopathy.
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The Residency Review Committee requires that 65% of general surgery residents pass the American Board of Surgery qualifying and certifying examinations on the first attempt. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of successful first-attempt completion of the examinations. ⋯ Residency programs can use this information in selecting residents and in identifying residents who may need remediation.
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Comparative Study
Influence of T3 or T4 sympathicotomy for palmar hyperhidrosis.
This retrospective study aimed to compare the efficacy of video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathicotomy at the T3 or T4 level in the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis. ⋯ Although both sympathicotomies were effective, safe, and minimally invasive methods for the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis, T4 appeared to be a more optimal technique with less CH.
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Differences in head injury severity may not be fully appreciated in child abuse victims. The purpose of this study was to determine if differential findings on initial head computed tomography (CT) scan could explain observed differential outcome by race. ⋯ African-American children had a significantly higher mortality rate despite similar findings on initial head CT scans. Factors other than injury severity may explain these disparate outcomes.
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Definitive practice guidelines regarding the utility of chest x-ray (CXR) following chest tube removal in trauma patients have not been established. The authors hypothesized that the selective use of CXR following chest tube removal is safe and cost effective. ⋯ The selective omission of CXR following chest tube removal in less severely injured, nonventilated patients does not adversely affect outcomes or increase reintervention rates. Avoiding unnecessary routine CXR after chest tube removal could provide a significant reduction in total hospital charges.