American journal of surgery
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The increasing complexity of medical and surgical care often demands comprehensive preoperative work-ups by medical consultants and detailed management recommendations to optimize the patient's medical ailments before surgery. This article aims to review the available evidence and discuss elements of the preoperative medical consultation that are of particular relevance to surgeons. ⋯ Collaborative efforts and adequate communication between the medical and surgical teams are necessary to ensure appropriate patient management before surgery. Although higher-risk patients may require thorough preoperative evaluations, extensive routine investigations may not always be necessary.
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The effect of β-blockade in trauma patients without significant head injuries is unknown. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the impact of β-blocker exposure on mortality in critically injured trauma patients who did not sustain significant head injuries. ⋯ Beta-blocker exposure was associated with reduced mortality in critically injured patients without head injuries. Prospective validation of this finding is warranted.
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The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education implemented new intern work-hour regulations in July 2011 that have unique implications for surgical training at Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers. Implementation of these new regulations required profound restructuring of trainee night coverage systems at many VA medical centers. This article offers approaches and potential solutions to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education regulations used by different surgery programs throughout the country that are applicable to the VA training environment. ⋯ The public expects the medical community to produce safe, experienced surgeons, while demanding they are well rested and directly supervised at all times. The ability to meet these expectations can be challenging.
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Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Comparison of open preperitoneal and Lichtenstein repair for inguinal hernia repair: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
The aim of this article was to compare the outcomes of the open preperitoneal approaches and the Lichtenstein technique in the repair of inguinal hernias. ⋯ The open preperitoneal approach is a feasible alternative for the standard Lichtenstein procedure with similar complication rates and potentially less postoperative recurrence.
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Comparative Study
Differential effect of nutritional status on vascular surgery outcomes in a Veterans Affairs versus private hospital setting.
The goal of this study was to determine whether preoperative albumin level in vascular surgery patients is predictive of postoperative outcomes in the Veterans Affairs (VA) versus private sector and in open versus endovascular interventions. ⋯ Preoperative malnutrition has important prognostic implications for vascular surgery patients in both the VA and private hospital settings, especially for those patients undergoing open repair.