The British journal of surgery
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Although most patients are essentially well enough to be able to resist or to adapt to unfavourable ambient conditions, this may not be so with an ill patient or one who is having or has had a serious operation. The climatic conditions necessary in the operating room to give an optimal environment are discussed. These are second in importance only to control of infectivity. ⋯ The need for full air-conditioning is absolute although this is often ignored. The delivery of conditioned air within the intensive care unit is also fully presented, especially the need to avoid direct chilling of the patient. The advantages of horizontal laminar air flow are presented.
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Thirty-three patients seen in a urological department had taken large doses of analgesic for prolonged periods of time. In 9 cases a diagnosis of pyramidal necrosis was established, while 4 other had pyelographic evidence of pyelonephritis, and analgesic abuse was probably an important aetiological factor in their renal condition. Analgesic nephropathy is easily overlooked unless patients are questioned routinely regarding their intake of analgesic. It is important to identify the group of patients without evidence of serious renal disease who are taking excessive quantities of analgesic and to urge them to abandon the practice.
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Peripheral lymphadenitis is a leading manifestation of tuberculosis. Among the Igbos, who constitute one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria, it presents most commonly in the neck, as in other parts of the world. ⋯ The maximal incidence occurs in the 10-29-year age group, males outnumbering females slightly. It is only the 40-59-year range that tuberculosis is less common than lymphoma or carcinoma of the peripheral lymph nodes.