Acta Chir Belg
-
Case Reports
Spontaneous hematoma of the rectus abdominis muscle: a rare cause of acute abdominal pain in the elderly.
A rectus abdominis sheath hematoma (RSH) is uncommon. It may mimic other acute abdominal disorders. The underlying conditions are trauma, coagulation disorders, or anticoagulant therapy, complications related to operations, subcutaneous injections to the abdominal wall, although it can also develop spontaneously. ⋯ We herein report an elderly woman presenting with an acute painful abdominal mass, without any underlying conditions, which was diagnosed as spontaneous RSH. She needed an operation. We concluded that RSH should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain in the elderly, even in the absence of underlying conditions.
-
We determined a strategy to regulate the elective occupation of operating rooms; it was based on the determination of a median operating room occupation time, per procedure and per operator. ⋯ Determination of individualized median occupation times, associated with definition of a daily limit, resulted in reduction of time overruns and delays before surgery.
-
Early stroke occurs in 0.9% to 7% of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA). These have been thought to be mostly due to embolization. However, in our recent clinical experience, we noted hyperperfusion syndrome to be a significant cause of postoperative strokes. Therefore, we reviewed our experience and investigated the distribution of causes of early postoperative strokes. ⋯ Embolization to the cerebral arteries remains the leading cause of early postoperative strokes. However, hyperperfusion syndrome also accounts for a significant portion of these postoperative strokes. The percentage of patients with this syndrome might be even higher, once clinical picture is clearly defined. These data warrant further investigation of hyperperfusion syndrome.
-
Review
Coagulopathy, hypothermia and acidosis in trauma patients: the rationale for damage control surgery.
Severe trauma to the torso or extremities often results in significant hemorrhage, which contributes to morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to this traumatic blood loss are complex. We review its major components: coagulopathy, acidosis and hypothermia, which have led to the concept of damage control surgery.