Arch Surg Chicago
-
Contrary to popular belief, the barium enema is a safe diagnostic tool in the management of acute appendicitis. This is a survey of our experience over three years with 489 cases of suspected acute appendicitis. Two hundred eighteen barium enema examinations were done. ⋯ This group traditionally represents the greatest diagnostic challenge in appendicitis. As a result, our negative exploration rate has been reduced to a figure below the average for this disease. We recommend its performance in all patients who pose a diagnostic dilemma.
-
From 1968 to 1976, 314 patients were treated by splenectomy for blunt splenic injuries. Three hundred four of these were operated on within 24 hours. ⋯ In only three of this late group was the evidence in favor of possible delayed rupture of a subcapsular hematoma. These data support our conclusion that delayed rupture is an unusual sequel to blunt splenic trauma, and that most patients thought to have delayed rupture of the spleen have, instead, delayed recognition of splenic rupture.