Journal of the American College of Surgeons
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Comparative Study
Tailoring the operative approach for appendicitis to the patient: a prediction model from national surgical quality improvement program data.
Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is increasingly being performed in the United States, despite controversy about differences in infectious complication rates compared with open appendectomy (OA). Subpopulations exist in which infectious complication rates, both surgical site and organ space, differ with respect to LA compared with OA. ⋯ Subpopulations exist in which OA is superior to LA in terms of OSI, however, SSI is consistently lower in LA patients.
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The decision to transfuse packed RBCs (PRBC) during initial resuscitation of trauma patients is based on physiologic state, evidence for blood loss, and potential for ongoing hemorrhage. Initial hematocrit (Hct) is not considered an accurate marker of blood loss. This study tests the hypothesis that admission Hct is associated with transfusion requirements after trauma. ⋯ Admission Hct is more strongly associated with the PRBC transfusion than either tachycardia, hypotension, or acidosis. Admission Hct is also correlated with 24-hour blood product requirements in those receiving early transfusions. These findings challenge current thinking and suggest that fluid shifts are rapid after trauma and that Hct can be important in initial trauma assessment.
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Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and esophageal atresia (EA) are fairly common congenital anomalies, but the occurrence of both is exceedingly rare, with only anecdotal cases reported in the English literature. The primary objective of the current study is to assess the incidence and outcomes of CDH/EA using the Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Study Group registry. ⋯ In patients with both CDH and EA, survival is significantly lower than other patients with CDH, but not uniformly lethal, therefore, intent to treat is a viable approach. Although the association of CDH with EA has a substantial impact on survival, it is the presence of low birth weight, cardiac and chromosomal abnormalities, surfactant use, and larger defects--and not the mere presence of EA--that influences the outcomes of this unique cohort.