Journal of the American College of Surgeons
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Blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality after blunt trauma. Numerous screening strategies exist, although which is used is institution- and physician-dependent. We sought to identify the most cost-effective screening strategy for BCVI, hypothesizing that universal screening would be optimal among the screening strategies studied. ⋯ This model suggests universal screening may be the cost-effective strategy for BCVI screening in blunt trauma for certain trauma centers. Trauma centers should develop institutional protocols that take into account individual BCVI rates.
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Observational Study
Symptom Burden in Patients with Malignant Bowel Obstruction Treated With or Without Surgery.
Gastrointestinal obstruction is the most common indication for palliative surgical consultation. We sought to assess patient-reported outcomes and survival after surgical and nonsurgical treatment of malignant bowel obstruction. ⋯ In this first study evaluating patient-reported outcomes after treatment for malignant bowel obstruction, we found that selection for surgical treatment was associated with improved survival, but also more symptom interference in general activities and work. These results may be useful in palliative surgical decision-making and informing patients during consultation for malignant bowel obstruction.