American journal of surgery
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Penetrating cardiac injuries (PCI) causing tamponade causes subendocardial ischemia, arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest. Pericardial drainage is an important principle, but where drainage should be performed is debated. We hypothesize that drainage in the emergency department (ED) does not delay definitive repair. ⋯ ED pericardial drainage for PCI did not appear to delay operation and had an acceptably low mortality rate. Pericardial drainage is a viable option for stabilization before definitive surgery when surgical intervention is not immediately available in the hemodynamically marginal patient.
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Surgical site infection (SSI) is a costly complication leading to increased resource use and patient morbidity. We hypothesized that postdischarge SSI results in a high rate of preventable readmissions. ⋯ A diagnosis of SSI after discharge is associated with a high readmission rate despite occurring in healthier patients. We propose discharge teaching improvements and a wound surveillance clinic within the first week may result in a decreased readmission rate.