The British journal of surgery
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Review
Multidisciplinary management strategies for acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
The modern management of acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding is centred on endoscopy, with recourse to interventional radiology and surgery in refractory cases. The appropriate use of intervention to optimize outcomes is reviewed. ⋯ An evidence-based approach with multidisciplinary collaboration is required to optimize outcomes of patients presenting with acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
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Review Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Systematic review and meta-analysis of percutaneous subclavian vein puncture versus surgical venous cutdown for the insertion of a totally implantable venous access device.
Totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) are commonly used in patients with cancer. Although several methods of implantation have been described, there is not enough evidence to support the use of a specific technique on a daily basis. The objective of this study was systematically to assess the literature comparing percutaneous subclavian vein puncture with surgical venous cutdown. ⋯ Percutaneous subclavian vein puncture is associated with a higher TIVAD implantation success rate and a procedure duration similar to that of surgical cutdown. Pneumothorax develops exclusively after percutaneous puncture and requires special attention from clinicians dealing with TIVAD insertion.
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Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapidly progressing skin infection characterized by necrosis of the fascia and subcutaneous tissue, accompanied by severe systemic toxicity. The objective of this systematic review was to identify clinical features and investigations that will aid early diagnosis. ⋯ A high index of suspicion of necrotizing fasciitis is needed in a patient presenting with cutaneous infection causing swelling, pain and erythema, with co-morbidity of diabetes or liver disease. The presence of bullae, or gas on plain X-ray can be diagnostic. Early surgical exploration is the best approach in the uncertain case.
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Observational Study
Diagnostic value of abdominal drainage in individual risk assessment of pancreatic fistula following pancreaticoduodenectomy.
The use of prophylactic abdominal drainage following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is controversial as its therapeutic value is uncertain. However, the diagnosis of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), the main cause of PD-associated morbidity, is often based on drain pancreatic amylase (DPA) levels. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of DPA, plasma pancreatic amylase (PPA) and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) for diagnosing POPF after PD. ⋯ The combination of serum CRP and DPA adequately predicted the development of clinically relevant pancreatic fistula following PD.