Journal of the American College of Surgeons
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Few studies have investigated the effects of anemia in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The objective of this study was to examine the role of anemia and blood transfusion on outcomes in TBI patients. ⋯ Blood transfusion is associated with significantly worse outcomes in traumatic brain injured patients. In addition, blood transfusion is a major contributing factor to worse outcomes in TBI patients who are anemic. We caution against the liberal use of blood in TBI patients.
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Comparative Study
Conservative management of postoperative Fever in gynecologic patients undergoing major abdominal or vaginal operations.
To develop a standardized protocol for management of postoperative fever in gynecology patients to decrease unnecessary diagnostic workups and empiric use of antibiotics. ⋯ Although postoperative fever is common in gynecologic patients, the incidence of infection is low (3%). A standardized postoperative fever protocol in low-risk gynecology patients decreases use of empiric antibiotics without compromising morbidity.
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Comparative Study
Surgery for gallbladder cancer: a population-based analysis.
Gallbladder cancer is an aggressive neoplasm, and resection is the only curative modality. Single institutional studies report an aggressive surgical approach improves survival. This analysis was performed to examine the components of surgical resection and resultant survival. ⋯ Very few patients underwent aggressive surgery. En bloc resection and lymphadenectomy may have stage-specific effects on survival. Additional studies should explore the underuse of aggressive operations, verify survival advantages, and define stage-specific resection strategies.