Canadian journal of surgery. Journal canadien de chirurgie
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Tisseel (Immuno AG, Vienna, Austria), a fibrin sealant, adhesive and hemostatic agent made up of sterilized human and bovine components, was used in hypospadias repairs. The incidence of fistula and significant edema and the duration of hospitalization were all reduced in 30 patients who underwent modified Mustardé repairs in which Tisseel was used when compared with a matched group of 30 repairs without Tisseel. In addition, the rate of complications in fistula repairs and complex revisions was reduced when Tisseel was used on urethral suture lines and under all skin flaps.
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Small-volume resuscitation with hypertonic saline is an attractive modality but is still at an early stage of experimental and clinical investigation. Aggressive resuscitation from traumatic, hypovolemic shock could be facilitated during the prehospital phase, but hypotension remains a physiological and beneficial compensatory mechanism to minimize active bleeding until definitive care is provided. Despite encouraging results, the author concludes that, at present, hypertonic saline cannot be considered a truly "magic potion" for resuscitation of the trauma patient.
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Emergency airway management in the patient with blunt trauma is a clinical dilemma. Many of these patients require immediate airway management, but each method carries its own set of risks and benefits. ⋯ In this article, the issues surrounding selection of an appropriate technique for airway management are reviewed critically. Recommendations are made for management of the airway in this high-risk group of patients with injury to the cervical spine.