Arch Surg Chicago
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To determine the accuracy of diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) for the evaluation of intraabdominal injury in patients with a pelvic fracture as a result of blunt trauma. ⋯ Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is a reliable method for the evaluation of intra-abdominal injury and should remain a standard component in the evaluation of patients following blunt injury with or without pelvic fractures.
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To examine the techniques and the outcome of liver transplantation with maximal conservation of blood products and to analyze the potential benefits or drawbacks of blood conservation and salvage techniques. ⋯ Orthotopic liver transplantation without the use of blood products is possible. Blood conservation techniques do not increase morbidity or mortality and can result in fewer transfusion-related, in-hospital charges.
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The current standard treatment of mediastinitis following median sternotomy is radical sternal débridement and obliteration of anterior mediastinal dead space with muscle or omental flaps. This report describes and reviews our experiences with a new technique of sternal salvage based on osseous quantitative bacteriologic assessment and rigid fixation in patients with postoperative mediastinitis. ⋯ Radical sternal débridement may not be necessary in all patients with postoperative mediastinitis following median sternotomy. Sternal salvage can safely and reliably be performed with a combination of clinical assessment of vascularity and osseous quantitative bacteriologic assessment. Anatomic reduction of the viable sternal segments is possible even in severely osteoporotic bone.
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Multicenter Study
Mortality factors in geriatric blunt trauma patients.
To examine various clinical factors for their ability to predict mortality in geriatric patients following blunt trauma. ⋯ Admission variables in geriatric trauma patients can be used to predict outcome and may also be useful in making decisions about triage, quality assurance, and use of intensive care unit beds.