Journal of the American College of Surgeons
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Comparative Study
Laparoscopic colorectal resection: a safe option for elderly patients.
Open colorectal surgery in the elderly has been associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates. The favorable short-term outcomes of laparosocopic colorectal resection might reduce the morbidity in elderly patients. This study compares results of elderly patients (aged 70 and above) who underwent laparoscopic colorectal resection with those having open surgery. ⋯ Laparoscopic colorectal resection is a safe option for elderly patients and is associated with more favorable short-term outcomes in terms of earlier return of bowel function, earlier resumption of diet, and shorter hospital stay. It is also associated with less cardiopulmonary morbidity, which is an important complication after colorectal surgery in the elderly.
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Comparative Study
Comparative evaluation of duplex-derived parameters in patients with chronic venous insufficiency: correlation with clinical manifestations.
Quantification of venous reflux is still a matter of debate. Our goal was to compare the duplex-derived parameters between patients with early and advanced chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), and to determine indicative parameters reflecting the progression of CVI. ⋯ Superficial venous insufficiency might play a major role in the development of advanced CVI. The peak reflux velocity and peak reflux volume improve discrimination power between early-stage and advanced CVI.
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Comparative Study
A cost and outcomes comparison of a novel integrated pediatric air and ground transportation system.
The purpose of this study is to compare air transportation of critically ill pediatric patients with a mixed air-ground transportation system by evaluating timeliness, safety, and cost. The setting was a tertiary care "hub" center with three outlying-referral "spoke" facilities. ⋯ We have demonstrated that a "hub-and-spoke" ground transportation system supplements air transportation in a safe, timely, and cost-effective manner.