American journal of surgery
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This study sought to determine whether early referral from the emergency department (ED) would increase the number of organ donors and the number of organs transplanted per donor (OTPD). ⋯ Referral for organ donation from the ED is associated with an increased likelihood of organ recovery and with an increased number of OTPD.
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Failed extubation and delayed tracheostomy contribute to poor outcomes in patients with a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). We determined if the level and completeness of SCI predict the need for tracheostomy. ⋯ Tracheostomy is unlikely in patients with incomplete SCI, regardless of the level of injury. Patients with complete SCI above C6 are likely to require tracheostomy.
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Injury-related coagulopathy is a complex process. We analyzed coagulation in a swine model of shock using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM). ⋯ ROTEM demonstrated the development of an acute coagulopathy. The most significant impacts on coagulopathy were seen with clot initiation and fibrin polymerization. Clot strength decreased over time, although there was little impact on clot breakdown because of fibrinolysis.
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The implementation of duty-hour restrictions and a heightened awareness of patient safety has changed resident education and training. A new focus has been placed on high-yield training programs and simulation training has naturally grown to fill this need. ⋯ The current curricula that have been developed for surgical education cover the breadth of a surgical residency well. This curriculum went beyond these curricula and developed a structured framework for surgical training, a method that can be applied to any procedure.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A randomized trial of antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of surgical site infection after open mesh-plug hernia repair.
The efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of surgical-site infection (SSI) after open tension-free inguinal hernia repair remains controversial. ⋯ This study indicates that antibiotic prophylaxis is effective for the prevention of SSI after open mesh-plug hernia repair.