Journal of gastrointestinal surgery : official journal of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract
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J. Gastrointest. Surg. · Oct 2013
Comparative StudySchematic pancreatic configuration: a risk assessment for postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) remains a serious complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Preoperative risk assessment of POPF is desirable in careful preparation for operation. The aim of this study was to assess simple and accurate risk factors for clinically relevant POPF based on a schematic understanding of the pancreatic configuration using preoperative multidetector computed tomography. ⋯ Independent risk factors for POPF grade B/C included main pancreatic duct diameter (MPDd) < 2 mm (P = 0.001), parenchymal thickness ≥ 8 mm (P = 0.018), not performing portal vein/superior mesenteric vein resection (P = 0.004), and amylase level of drainage fluid on postoperative day 3 ≥ 375 IU/L (P < 0.001). Pancreatic configuration data including MPDd and parenchymal thickness were good indicators of clinically relevant POPF.
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General surgery is a "high-risk specialty" with respect to medical malpractice rates, and appendicitis is one of the most common diagnoses encountered by practitioners. Our objectives were to detail issues affecting malpractice litigation regarding appendicitis and appendectomies, including outcomes, awards, alleged causes of malpractice, and other factors instrumental in determining legal responsibility and increasing patient safety. ⋯ An important strategy to decrease liability in a physician's practice is prompt evaluation of an appendicitis patient. An integral part of this is efficient communication between physicians practicing a wide variety of specialties, especially including practitioners in emergency medicine and general surgery. Additionally, completing a thorough informed consent explaining all aspects of the procedure including the factors we outline will not only increase patient awareness of potential risks but also protect the physician in the face of litigation.
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J. Gastrointest. Surg. · Oct 2013
Esophageal perforation and rupture: a comprehensive medicolegal examination of 59 jury verdicts and settlements.
Consequences accompanying esophageal perforation make this complication a prime litigation target. We characterize factors in jury verdicts and settlements regarding esophageal perforation, including operative procedure, patient demographics, alleged cause(s) of malpractice, outcome, and other factors. ⋯ An understanding of the factors important in determining legal responsibility is of great interest for practitioners in multiple specialties. The requirement of surgical repair and a delay in diagnosis are two of the most common factors present in litigated cases resulting in a payment. The importance of explicitly listing esophageal perforation in the informed consent for esophagogastroduodenoscopy, abdominal surgery, and any patients at risk of intubation injury needs to be emphasized.
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J. Gastrointest. Surg. · Oct 2013
Irreversible electroporation of locally advanced pancreatic head adenocarcinoma.
Irreversible electroporation of locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma has been used to palliate appropriate patients with locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The setting was at a university tertiary care center. ⋯ The technique of open irreversible electroporation with continuous intraoperative ultrasound imaging and consideration of intraoperative navigational system is described. Irreversible electroporation of locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma is feasible for locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer.