The British journal of surgery
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Diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischaemia in the early stages is now possible with modern computed tomography (CT), using intravenous contrast enhancement and imaging in the arterial and/or portal venous phase. The availability of CT around the clock means that more patients with acute mesenteric ischaemia may be treated with urgent intestinal revascularization. ⋯ Modern treatment of acute mesenteric ischaemia involves a specialized approach that considers surgical and, increasingly, endovascular options for best outcomes.
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Comparative Study
Accuracy of MRI compared with ultrasound imaging and selective use of CT to discriminate simple from perforated appendicitis.
Discrimination between simple and perforated appendicitis in patients with suspected appendicitis may help to determine the therapy, timing of surgery and risk of complications. The aim of this study was to estimate the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in distinguishing between simple and perforated appendicitis, and to compare MRI against ultrasound imaging with selected additional (conditional) use of computed tomography (CT). ⋯ MRI is comparable to ultrasonography with conditional use of CT in identifying perforated appendicitis. However, both strategies incorrectly classify up to half of all patients with perforated appendicitis as having simple appendicitis. Triage of appendicitis based on imaging for conservative treatment is inaccurate and may be considered unsafe for decision-making. Presented to a scientific meeting of the Association of Surgeons of the Netherlands, Veldhoven, The Netherlands, May 2012; published in abstract form as Br J Surg 2012; 99(Suppl 7): S6.
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Acute abdominal complaints in children are common presentations in the emergency department. The aetiology, presentation, diagnosis and management often differ from those in adults. ⋯ Knowledge of abdominal disorders in childhood, their specific presentation, diagnosis and treatment facilitates management of children with acute abdomen in emergency departments. Imaging and minimally invasive techniques are becoming increasingly important in the diagnosis of acute abdomen in children. Urgent operation remains the cornerstone of therapy for most acute abdominal disorders.
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Takayasu arteritis (TA) predisposes to the development of arterial stenoses and aneurysms, and is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality amongst young patients. The aims of this study were to analyse indications and outcomes of surgical intervention, and to assess the potential benefits of immunosuppression and the use of perioperative imaging. ⋯ Outcomes of vascular intervention in TA may be improved by detailed preoperative assessment including measurement of disease activity, and by ensuring optimal immunomodulatory therapy before and after the procedure.
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The aim of this study was to assess the effect of antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) on postoperative infections in acute cholecystectomy. ⋯ The present study suggests that AP provides no benefit in acute cholecystectomy.