Journal of the American College of Surgeons
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The onset of atrial fibrillation (AFIB) in the postoperative setting has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing major noncardiothoracic operations. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence, associated complications, and outcomes of AFIB after open aortic operations. ⋯ These data suggest that AFIB is not uncommon after aortic operations but is not associated with increased morbidity, mortality, or length of hospital stay. Although a minority of affected patients can have other cardiac complications such as MI, these complications are usually recognized before the onset of AFIB. AFIB does not affect the outcomes of aortic operations. Most patients will revert spontaneously to normal sinus rhythm and do not require longterm anticoagulation to prevent thromboembolic complications.
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Chagas' disease has a wide distribution in Central and South America. It is endemic in 21 countries, with 16 to 18 million persons infected and 100 million at risk. Surgical treatment of achalasia from Chagas' disease is the first choice in advanced stages. The aim of this study was to analyze the late clinical followup of 50 patients operated on for Chagas megaesophagus with the Thal-Harafuku procedure. ⋯ We conclude that the Thal-Hatafuku operation is a therapeutic option that should be considered in the treatment of achalasia of the esophagus secondary to Chagas' disease, in advanced cases.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of renal ablation with cryotherapy, dry radiofrequency, and saline augmented radiofrequency in a porcine model.
Needle ablative therapy has recently generated a lot of interest in the urologic community. We compare renal lesions produced in a porcine model using three forms of needle ablative energy: cryoablation (CR), dry radiofrequency (RF), and saline augmented radiofrequency (SARF). ⋯ Renal cryoablation produces well-defined, completely necrotic lesions that can be monitored reliably with ultrasonography. Longer followup may be required to characterize the full extent of renal necrosis produced by RF, but in the short run, none of the RF modalities reliably produced 100% necrosis in all cases.