Annals of surgery
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Between 1960 and 1980, 137 patients with colonic volvulus (52% cecal, 3% transverse colon, 2% splenic flexure, and 43% sigmoid) were seen at the Mayo Clinic. Among the 59 patients with sigmoid volvulus, four (7%) had colonic infarction. Total mortality with sigmoid volvulus was seven per cent. ⋯ Total mortality for cecal volvulus patients was 17%. Mortality for all forms of volvulus in patients with viable colons was 11%. Mortality for all patients with volvulus was 14%.
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Comparative Study
Extracellular fluid deficit following operation and its correction with Ringer's lactate. A reassessment.
The changes in extracellular fluid volume (ECV) in two groups of surgical patients, one receiving Ringer's lactate solution intraoperatively and the other receiving only dextrose and water, were assessed. A deficit in the ECV, as measured by radioactive sulfate, of 1.9 +/- 0.8 l (p less than 0.003) compared to the preoperative volume was found in the dextrose group. ⋯ The use of intraoperative Ringer's lactate (1660 cc +/- 96 cc) resulted in no change in the ECV, an increase in the mean creatinine clearance (+10% p less than 0.05), and no change in sodium excretion or tracer clearance. As a result of these findings, it appears that postoperative sodium retention is a physiologic response to a decreased ECV, which can be prevented by the administration of Ringer's lactate.
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Although surgery, radiology, and anticancer chemicals have been effective in the treatment of cancer, the immunologic phase of therapy deserves more effort and thought, because the possibilities are considerable. However, the immunologic phase is so complicated that, without the advances made during the past few years, little could be expected from immunology. The focus of this paper is on the immunosuppression produced by major cancer operations, at which time the patient needs immunologic help.
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Peripheral vascular disease of the extremities causes ischemic pain and, at times, skin ulcerations and gangrene. It has been suggested that epidural spinal electrical stimulation (ESES) could improve peripheral circulation. Since 1978 we have used ESES in 34 patients with severe limb ischemia; all had resting pain and most had ischemic ulcers. ⋯ Seventy per cent of the patients showed improved skin temperature recordings. Only 38% of the stimulated arteriosclerotic patients underwent amputations during a mean followup period of 16 months, as compared to 90% of a comparable group of unstimulated patients. ESES is very promising in severe limb ischemia where reconstructive surgery is impossible or has failed.