Canadian journal of surgery. Journal canadien de chirurgie
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To characterize medical and nonmedical reasons for delayed discharge on a general thoracic surgery unit. ⋯ Length of hospitalization after elective thoracic surgery may be prolonged for medical or nonmedical reasons. Although complications like persistent air leak and pneumonia have an impact on medically required length of stay, social factors may also significantly delay discharge.
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To demonstrate a clinical decision-making process by which to determine if heparin prophylaxis for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is appropriate in a specific patient with multiple injuries. ⋯ Few of the multiple available studies concerning trauma, DVT and pulmonary embolism meet reasonable standards to establish clinical validity. Available guidelines for literature evaluation allow surgeons to select relevant articles for consideration. Patients with multiple trauma appear to be at significant risk for DVT. The death rate associated with subsequent pulmonary embolism is significant. There is reasonably good evidence to suggest that low molecular weight heparin will reduce this likelihood without a significant risk of treatment complications.