Arch Surg Chicago
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Operative mortality rates for esophageal resection vary across hospital volume groups in a nationally representative sample of hospitals. ⋯ The operative mortality rate for esophageal resection varies across hospitals in the United States. To improve the quality of care and reduce operative mortality rates for patients in need of esophageal surgery, patients should either be referred to higher-volume hospitals, or quality improvement should be directed at lower-volume hospitals.
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Selective non-stapling of the mesh during unilateral endoscopic total extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty (TEP) may reduce postoperative pain and morbidity rate. ⋯ Selective non-stapling of the mesh did not confer short-term benefits, such as reduced postoperative pain and morbidity, compared with those who had routine stapling of the mesh during TEP. For patients with a hernial defect measuring less than 4 cm, TEP can be performed without stapling the mesh. The selective non-stapling strategy also helps to reduce the cost of the operation and the potential for nerve entrapment.
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Burn-trauma patient encounters constitute 5% of the emergency department population. ⋯ A large urban population will have an increased frequency (2-fold in our center) of burn-trauma injuries. Assault and child abuse are significant contributory factors to burn-trauma injuries in this population.
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Advances in specialized centers for pancreatic diseases have improved surgical morbidity and outcome. In the past, postoperative local complications (pancreatic fistulae) were causing most of the mortality. Now, more patients experience postoperative complications related to their comorbidity. ⋯ Pancreatic resections can be performed with considerable safety and a low rate of pancreatic complications. More patients die of systemic complications than in the past, which increases the demand for precise preoperative patient selection. Completion pancreatectomy should no longer be considered in patients with a pancreatic fistula.
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Vertical rectus abdominus myocutaneous flap reconstruction facilitates healing within the radiated pelvis and preserves the possibility of subsequent sexual function in patients with colorectal cancer who require partial or complete resection of the vagina. ⋯ The vertical rectus abdominus myocutaneous flap can be successfully used for vaginal reconstruction following resection of locally advanced colorectal cancer. It provides nonirradiated, vascularized tissue that fills the pelvic dead space, allows for stomal placement, and provides a chance for sexual function.