The American surgeon
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The American surgeon · Feb 2004
Predictors of mortality in patients with traumatic diaphragmatic rupture and associated thoracic and/or abdominal injuries.
This is a retrospective review of 731 patients sustaining diaphragmatic trauma over a 22 year period (1980-2002) at an urban level I trauma center. Patients had an average injury severity score (ISS) of 22 +/- 12. The mortality rate (MR) was 23 per cent (168/731). ⋯ Multivariate analysis revealed blunt trauma, blood transfusions, ISS, and pancreatic injury as the most significant independent predictors of infection (P < 0.001). The initial physiologic presentation of the patient and the severity of hemorrhagic shock are the primary determinants for survival. Prompt identification of associated injuries with rapid control of bleeding is paramount to survival.
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The American surgeon · Feb 2004
Residents' working hours in a consortium-wide surgical education program.
Traditional work schedules of surgical residents have been cited as a factor that negatively influences education and the quality of patient care. Demands by federal and state legislators as well as the general public have forced a re-evaluation of the issue. Long working hours and resulting sleep deprivation affect the lives of residents profoundly, but the question remains does it lower the quality of medical care? The justification for the long hours is that they are vital to medical education, but residents are so drained by their schedules that they are rarely in the best state of mind to learn from their experiences. ⋯ The results of our study indicates that the majority of residents in general surgery programs in Michigan perceive a need for reform of work schedules. Surgical educators may have underestimated this need in the past. Most residents thought that long hours impaired their educational experience and at times compromised their clinical care.
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Despite surgical advances, antimicrobial therapy, and intensive care, the morbidity and mortality of intra-abdominal sepsis remains high. The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether open abdomen management of intra-abdominal sepsis reduces intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital mortality. The records of 81 consecutive patients with open abdomen management for intra-abdominal sepsis admitted to the surgical ICU from January 1998 to April 2002 were retrospectively reviewed. ⋯ An overall fistula rate of 14.8 per cent was demonstrated in the open abdomen patients. A significant difference in overall ICU and hospital mortality was not demonstrated between patients treated with open abdomen management and historical controls. A prospective randomized study accounting for extent of sepsis may define a role for open abdomen management in selected subgroups of patients.
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The American surgeon · Jan 2004
Comparative StudyThe evolving management of blunt hepatic trauma in a rural setting.
Over the past decade, a nonoperative approach toward the management of blunt hepatic trauma has become prevalent at most major urban trauma centers. To determine the applicability of the nonoperative approach in a rural setting, a 10-year retrospective review was conducted at a level I rural university-based trauma center. The Census Bureau defines ruralized areas to provide a better separation of urban and rural territory and population. ⋯ We have found a definite trend over the past decade toward nonoperative management of blunt hepatic trauma in a rural setting. The rural setting with a delay in transport time to level I trauma center also did not significantly affect the outcome of the patients with nonoperative management of liver injuries. Approximately 78 per cent of our liver injury patients over the past 5 years have been managed nonoperatively and are associated with statistically significant reductions in hospital and ICU LOS and transfusion requirements.
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The American surgeon · Jan 2004
Serum lactic acid determines the outcomes of CT diagnosis of pneumatosis of the gastrointestinal tract.
Computed tomography (CT) diagnosis of pneumatosis involving the gastrointestinal tract can represent a broad range of clinical entities from a benign process to ischemic bowel. The purpose of this study is to define the significance and outcome of pneumatosis intestinalis (PI). All CT scans from 5/93 to 12/01 with the finding of PI were reviewed. ⋯ CT diagnosis of PI is associated with significant in-hospital mortality, especially in the elderly. Serum LA level > 2.0 mmol/L at time of diagnosis is associated with a greater than 80 per cent mortality. Surgical consultation is necessary to determine which patients need urgent surgical intervention.