The American surgeon
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Intraosseous (IO) needle placement is an alternative for patients with difficult venous access. The purpose of this retrospective study was to examine indications and outcomes associated with IO use at a Level 1 trauma center (January 2008-May 2015). Data points included demographics, time to insertion, intravenous (IV) access points, indications, infusions, hospital and intensive care unit length of stay, and mortality. ⋯ Extravasation, the most common complication, was experienced by 7.4 per cent of patients. Inhospital mortality was 72.9 per cent. IO access should be considered when there is a need for rapid intervention requiring vascular access.
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The American surgeon · Oct 2016
Comparative StudyIs Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection Necessary in All Patients with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Undergoing Total Mastectomy?
When ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is found on core needle biopsy, rates of upgrade to invasive cancer of 25 per cent and nodal positivity of 10 per cent have been reported. Sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) is recommended when mastectomy is performed for DCIS. We investigated the role of SLND in DCIS patients undergoing partial and total mastectomy (TM). ⋯ Upgrade to invasive carcinoma on final breast pathology was found in 8.2 per cent of patients overall, including 4.0 per cent of patients undergoing PM alone, 22.2 per cent undergoing PM with SLND, and 11.3 per cent for TM with SLND (P = 0.8). In this study, patients diagnosed with DCIS on core needle biopsy had lower than expected rates of positive sentinel nodes and upgrade to invasive carcinoma. Surgeons and patients should revisit the necessity of SLND in DCIS patients undergoing mastectomy, which could lead to decreased health expenditure, resources, time, morbidity, and emotional impact on patients.
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Elderly trauma patients may be at increased risk for underassessment and inadequate pain control in the emergency department (ED). We sought to characterize risk factors for oligoanalgesia in the ED in elderly trauma patients and determine whether it impacts outcomes in elderly trauma patients. We included elderly patients (age ≥55 years) with Glasgow Coma Scale scores 13 to 15 and Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥9 admitted through the ED at a Level I trauma center. ⋯ However, NO MED was older, with higher head Abbreviated Injury Scale score and longer intensive care unit length of stay. Importantly, as patients aged they reported lower pain and were less likely to receive analgesics at similar ISS. Risk factors for oligoanalgesia may include advanced age and head injury.