Arch Surg Chicago
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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.
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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.
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Since 1967, three series of rechargeable single-cell silver-mercuric oxide-zinc pacemakers have been implanted in dogs with complete heart block. The five nonhermetic units in series 1 failed after less than or equal to 18 months, primarily due to prototype cell deficiencies, although one cell functioned for eight years. The six units in series II contained improved cells, but failed due to gradual transepoxy fluid absorption after less than or equal to 31 months. ⋯ Series III now totals 20 doubly hermetically sealed units, tested for up to three years (total more than 300 months or 26 years), with no pacemaker failures. Accelerated tests indicate a minimum life of more than 50 years. A clinical trial is in progress.
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Comparative Study
Central venous pressure and pulmonary wedge pressure. A comparative study in anesthetized surgical patients.
To determine the reliability of central venous pressure (CVP) as a guide to fluid therapy during an operation, repeated and simultaneous CVP and pulmonary wedge pressure (PWP) measurements were made with a Swan-Ganz catheter in 13 relatively elderly patients without obvious cardiac or respiratory disease- Overall correlation between CVP and PWP was highly significant (P less than .001); there was, however, an important variation of the correlation for each patient. For values of CVP greater than or equal to 8 mm Hg, the correlation was not significant. The disparity between right and left ventricular filling pressures was confirmed by the relationship between serial changes in CVP and PWP. These data strongly suggest that in relatively elderly patients undergoing surgery without evidence of cardiac or respiratory disease, CVP may be misleading index for appreciating PWP.
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Pancreatic abscess is probably the most serious complication of acute pancreatitis. During the ten-year period from 1966 to 1975, twenty-eight patients with pancreatic abscess following acute pancreatitis were treated by surgical drainage. A review of these cases revealed that there was a lull in the clinical course of the antecedent pancreatitis prior to the time of surgical drainage in 70% of the cases. ⋯ The operative treatment of pancreatic abscess must be aggressive and persistent. In addition to extensive drainage with soft sump drains, vigilance must be exercised to avoid pressure against bowel or major vessels. Reoperation should be considered if postoperative improvement is not sustained.