Annals of surgery
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To determine the contemporary clinical relevance of acute lower extremity ischemia and the factors associated with amputation and in-hospital mortality. ⋯ In patients with acute limb ischemia, the more widespread use of heparin anticoagulation and, in select patients, performance of embolectomy rather than pursuing thrombolysis may improve patient outcomes.
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To report the long-term results of our experience using cerebrospinal fluid drainage and distal aortic perfusion in descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic repair. ⋯ Use of adjunct over a long period of time has produced favorable results; approximately 1 neurologic deficit saved for every 20 uses of adjunct overall. In extent II aneurysms, where the effect is greatest, this increases to 1 saved per 5 uses. Adjunct is also associated with long-term survival, which is consistent with mitigation of ischemic end-organ injury. These long-term results indicate that cerebrospinal fluid drainage and distal aortic perfusion are safe and effective adjunct for reducing morbidity and mortality following thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic repair.
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To identify prognostic factors and reasons for improved survival over time in patients with esophageal cancer. ⋯ Survival has improved; chemoradiation enabled better patient selection for curative resections and also resulted in more R0 resections by tumor downstaging. This treatment strategy led to overall better outcome for the whole patient cohort, even in those treated by nonsurgical means.
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Shock resuscitation leads to visceral edema often precluding abdominal wall closure. We have developed a staged approach encompassing acute management through definitive abdominal wall reconstruction. The purpose of this report is to analyze our experience with this technique applied to the treatment of patients with open abdomen and giant abdominal wall defects. ⋯ The staged management of patients with giant abdominal wall defects without the use of permanent mesh results in a safe and consistent approach for both initial and definitive management with low morbidity and no technique-related mortality. Absorbable mesh provides effective temporary abdominal wall defect coverage with a low fistula rate. Because of the low recurrent hernia rate and avoidance of permanent mesh, the components separation technique is the procedure of choice for definitive abdominal wall reconstruction.
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To evaluate the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic repair of ventral hernias. ⋯ In this large series, LVHR had a low rate of conversion to open surgery, a short hospital stay, a moderate complication rate, and a low risk of recurrence.