The American surgeon
-
The American surgeon · Sep 1998
Comparative StudyA protocol for the initial management of unstable pelvic fractures.
The initial management of life-threatening hemorrhage associated with severe pelvic fractures has long been a source of debate. A review of the literature reveals that many advocate emergent orthopedic external fixation (EX-FIX) for severe pelvic fractures, whereas others claim greater success with angiographic embolization (ANGIO) as the first line of treatment. Although many have attempted to classify management options by fracture pattern, to date there has been no prospective trial comparing outcomes for each method of treatment. ⋯ However, the complication rate was higher in patients who underwent initial emergency EX-FIX, primarily because of failure to adequately control hemorrhage. We conclude that patients with anterior-posterior compression type 2 and 3, lateral compression type 2 and 3, or vertical shear injuries, who are hemodynamically unstable as a result of their pelvic fracture, should undergo immediate ANGIO if laparotomy is not indicated. If laparotomy is indicated, EX-FIX should be placed intraoperatively, followed by postoperative ANGIO.
-
The American surgeon · Sep 1998
Comparative StudyIliac artery ischemic: analysis of risks for ischemic complications.
Risk factors for lower extremity ischemic complications (ICs) following iliac arterial injuries have not been addressed. Patients with penetrating iliac artery injuries over a 15-year period were reviewed. IC was defined as compartment syndrome with or without tissue loss. ⋯ Delayed recognition of compartment syndrome in the remaining 11 IC patients resulted in eight amputations (P < 0.05). We conclude that ICs following iliac arterial injuries significantly correlate with shock as indicated by systemic pH, lactate and transfusion requirements, and a preoperative pulseless extremity. In these patients, close monitoring of compartment pressures is necessary, and immediate fasciotomies should be strongly considered.
-
The University of Virginia Health System inpatient satisfaction survey identified noise as the most important irritant to surgical inpatients. Analysis of the level and pattern of noise on patient floors and intensive care units was done with baseline measurements followed by then two separate interventions: 1) education of nursing and physician staff 2) closing patient room doors. A decibel meter (M-27 Dosimeter) recorded the noise level over 24 hours. ⋯ Closing patient doors on surgical floors decreased noise an average of 6.0 dB, a change that patients can readily perceive. Conversely, intensive care unit patients are exposed to more noise with closed doors, presumably because most noise emanates from equipment within the room. A policy of closing patient floor room doors may increase patient satisfaction.
-
The American surgeon · Sep 1998
Multicenter StudyPancreatic injuries resulting from penetrating trauma: a multi-institution review.
Pancreatic injury from penetrating trauma continues to be a source of significant morbidity and mortality, with questions remaining regarding optimal treatment of injuries. Our goal was to evaluate current trends in the operative management of these injuries. Our patient population comprised all patients admitted to one of three Level I trauma centers over an 8-year period that had sustained penetrating pancreatic trauma. ⋯ Appropriate management of the pancreatic injury can reduce the long-term complications. These results support treating patients with suspected ductal injuries by appropriate resection. Drainage should probably be sufficient for most nonductal pancreatic injuries.
-
Thyroglossal duct cysts develop from a persistent portion of the thyroglossal tract and have been described as occurring anywhere from the base of the tongue to the manubrium. We present two patients who presented with a cystic thyroid nodule due to an intrathyroid thyroglossal duct cyst. A fine-needle aspiration biopsy was performed, which revealed benign squamous cells. ⋯ Intrathyroid thyroglossal duct cysts should be included in the differential of patients with cystic thyroid lesions. Fine-needle aspiration revealing benign squamous cells is usually diagnostic and may detect an occult carcinoma arising within the cyst. Surgical resection is curative and should include a Sistrunk procedure if a thyroglossal duct tract is present.