Cancer
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Information regarding patient outcomes, complications, and mortality after surgery for spinal metastasis has previously been derived from single-institution series. The aim of this study was to report inpatient mortality, complications, and outcomes on a national level. ⋯ A national perspective is provided on inpatient complications and outcomes after surgery for spinal metastasis in the U.S. The significant negative effect of postoperative complications on mortality and resource utilization is demonstrated. Furthermore, preoperative comorbidity is identified as an important risk factor and its impact is defined on patient outcomes.
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Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is among the most feared side effects of cancer treatment. Poorly controlled CINV may lead to additional office visits or emergency room admissions, thus increasing the overall costs of cancer care. The objective of the project was to estimate the societal costs of uncontrolled CINV among working-age cancer patients. ⋯ Despite a prevalent use of the 5-HT(3) receptor antagonists, uncontrolled CINV remained a common and costly problem among cancer patients treated with highly or moderately emetogenic chemotherapy.
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To determine the effects of preoperative exercise training on cardiorespiratory fitness in patients undergoing thoracic surgery for malignant lung lesions. ⋯ Preoperative exercise training is a beneficial intervention to improve cardiorespiratory fitness in patients undergoing pulmonary resection. This benefit may have important implications for surgical outcome and postsurgical recovery in this population. Larger randomized controlled trials are warranted.