Arch Surg Chicago
-
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 7.5% hypertonic saline solution (HTS) as the initial solution in resuscitation of a pig in shock. Twenty-two animals were bled 50% of their blood volume over 30 minutes and maintained in shock for 60 minutes. The 14 survivors were divided into two groups. ⋯ Only two animals in the LR group developed an adequate urine output. Hypertonic saline solution markedly improved survival, and there were significant improvements in hemodynamics. This was accomplished with smaller volumes of resuscitation fluid and may prove useful under conditions where intravascular access is limited.
-
Fourteen patients were found to have developed 53 small-bowel perforations in the absence of pathogenic factors during "open abdominal treatment" for generalized peritonitis. They occurred after three to 17 laparotomies, on average at the eighth postoperative day (one to 120 days). Forty-nine lesions were located superficially. ⋯ The etiology of the lesions remains uncertain, but the open abdominal treatment must play some important role in its pathophysiology. Five patients survived. The therapy of choice appears to be mobilization of the bowel with resection of the affected part and primary anastomosis.
-
The known major determinants of survival for patients with burn injury are age, burn size, inhalation injury, and infection. The clinical courses of 210 patients with burns of 30% of the body surface or greater treated from Jan 1, 1983, through Dec 31, 1985, were reviewed to determine whether excision of the burn wound could be identified as a factor in survival after massive burn injury. ⋯ Effective topical control of bacterial proliferation and excision of the burn wound have resulted in replacement of invasive bacterial wound infection by nonbacterial burn wound infection. The apparent advantages of excision, particularly in large burns, may reflect only patient selection, since only those patients who are considered to be physiologically stable and able to tolerate the physiologic stress of excision are considered for operation.