The American surgeon
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Three cases of postoperative pulmonary lobe torsion were reported. Two of three showed hemorrhagic infarctions, and as a result underwent rethoracotomies and removal of the affected lobes. From these experiences, we consider that computed tomography (CT) and bronchofiberscopic examinations are useful for the diagnosis of advanced torsion.
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The charts of 56 consecutive patients with penetrating injuries to the abdominal aorta were reviewed in an attempt to identify prognostic factors. Mechanism of injury was gunshot wound (GSW), 82 per cent (.22 cal: 15.2%; greater than .38 cal: 84.8%); shotgun wound (SGW), 5 per cent; and stab wound (SW), 13 per cent. Overall mortality was 73 per cent, with GSW 78 per cent (.22 cal: 0%; greater than .38 cal: 92%), 67 per cent with SGW, and 43 per cent with SW. ⋯ At surgery, six patients had thoracotomy before celiotomy for control of the thoracic aorta, with three surviving the OR and two surviving long-term. Survivors had 2.53 associated injuries; nonsurvivors had 2.89 (NS). No significant difference was noted in number or location of associated injuries between survivors and nonsurvivors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)