Arch Surg Chicago
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The technetium Tc 99m sulfur colloid liver-spleen scan is a valuable aid in diagnosis and treatment of patients with splenic injury. After reviewing the charts of 47 patients who were ill as a result of splenic trauma, we came to the following conclusions: (1) the scan identified the injury, accurately mapped its extent, and indicated the presence or absence of associated liver injuries; (2) the scans were useful in following the extent and rate of healing of the splenic injury; (3) the scan is an indirect measurement of of return of splenic fuction; (4) the procedure can be performed in a reasonable time frame with no serious morbidity; and (5) the indications, contraindications, and timing of scans are now reasonably well established.
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Gallbladder perforation due to blunt trauma is an uncommon finding. We report our experience with six patients. ⋯ Peritoneal lavage that contains bile suggests the tentative diagnosis of trauma to the biliary tract or gallbladder, as well as to the liver or upper bowel. A cholecystectomy is the preferred treatment when gallbladder perforation occurs in the traumatized patient.
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Surgery for breast cancer continues to evolve. Less radical procedures and increasing concern about appearance and rehabilitation are now the trend. ⋯ Fifty immediate reconstructions of the breast after modified radical mastectomy were performed in 48 women with carcinoma of the breast. We believe this procedure greatly enhances rehabilitation and quality of life without diminishing the ability to diagnose or treat recurrent disease.
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Hemorrhagic shock plus resuscitation leads to expansion of both interstitial fluid space (IFS) and intracellular fluid (ICF). THe IFS expansion is thought to reflect reduced serum colloid oncotic pressure (COP) from capillary leak of serum albumin (SA). This hypothesis was analyzed in 138 injured patients who received an average of 13.6 units of blood and 10.7 L of saline solution for correction of shock. ⋯ The fall in the PV-ECF ratio during the postresuscitation fluid sequestration phas is associated with but not due to reduced TIAC and COP, both of which remained low after the PV-ECF ratio has normalized during the mobilization phase. Contrary to prior reports, albumin leak is not responsible for reduced COP, TIAC, and postresuscitation weight gain. Presumably, the low COP results from decreased reentry of albumin into the plasma volume due to entrapment within the IFS matrix.