Canadian journal of surgery. Journal canadien de chirurgie
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Comparative Study
The Advanced Trauma Life Support Program in Manitoba: a 5-year review.
Twenty Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) courses were conducted at the University of Manitoba between 1982 and 1987. There were 302 registrants, 95 of whom were from rural communities. Twelve registrants failed the course. ⋯ Fifty-two percent thought the course should be mandatory for all physicians, and 100% thought it should be mandatory for all emergency-department physicians. The data suggest that although most physicians treat fewer trauma patients 5 years after their ATLS training, the course is still highly recommended, and it has improved trauma care. Although the ATLS program was intended primarily for rural physicians, more urban-based physicians registered for it.
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Although infrequent, rectal foreign bodies present a challenge in management. The authors report on their experience with 29 patients who had rectal foreign bodies. Emergency-department procedures included rectal examination, proctoscopy and abdominal radiography. ⋯ The mean hospital stay was 3 days (range from 6 hours to 6 days). There were no deaths. Because of the potential complications, rectal foreign bodies should be regarded seriously and treated expeditiously.