Annals of surgery
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Multicenter Study
The Impact of Mental Illness on Postoperative Outcomes Among Medicare Beneficiaries: A Missed Opportunity to Help Surgical Patients?
The aim of this study was to define the prevalence of preexisting mental illness, as well as characterize the impact of a preexisting mental illness diagnosis on postoperative outcomes. ⋯ Three in 10 Medicare beneficiaries had a preexisting mental illness diagnosis, which was strongly associated with worse postoperative outcomes, as well as suicide risk. Surgeons need to optimize mental health assessment and services in the preoperative setting to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.
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The aim of the study was to provide a rapid synthesis of available data to identify the risk posed by utilizing surgical energy devices intraoperatively due to the generation of surgical smoke, an aerosol. Secondarily it aims to summarize methods to minimize potential risk to operating room staff. ⋯ The risk of transmission of SARS-CoV2 through aerosolized surgical smoke associated with energy device use is not fully understood, however transmission is biologically plausible. Caution and appropriate measures to reduce risk to healthcare staff should be implemented when considering intraoperative use of energy devices.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Outcomes after Tracheostomy in COVID-19 Patients.
To determine the outcomes of patients undergoing tracheostomy for COVID-19 and of healthcare workers performing these procedures. ⋯ Alterations to tracheostomy practices and processes were successfully instituted. Following these steps, tracheostomy in COVID-19 intubated patients seems safe for both patients and healthcare workers performing the procedure.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
African Americans Struggle With the Current COVID-19.
Our study aims to explore the differential impact of this pandemic on clinical presentations and outcomes in African Americans (AAs) compared to white patients. ⋯ AAs present with more advanced disease and eventually have worse outcomes from COVID-19 infection. Future studies are warranted for further investigations that should impact the need for providing additional resources to the AA communities.