Surg J R Coll Surg E
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Intensive care and the surgical therapy of burn injuries have made significant advancements. The immediate care on the scene of the accident, however, is not uniform. There is no 'golden hour' which will decide the further clinical process. ⋯ The choice of transport has no discernible impact on the prognosis of the patient. Avoiding hypothermia and perceiving associated trauma can be of crucial prognostic importance in the pre-hospital care of burn patients. Detailed knowledge about the circumstances of the injury is of exceeding importance.
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Surg J R Coll Surg E · Apr 2010
ReviewKnown knowns, known unknowns and unknown unknowns: a 2010 update on carotid artery disease.
The management of carotid artery disease never ceases to attract controversy. The last 12 months has seen publication of a number of important studies which have informed debate and 2010 holds the prospect of much more. ⋯ The available evidence suggests that while most 'known knowns' will endure, quite a few may be returning to the category of 'known unknowns' once again. Who knows what 'unknown unknowns' await us in 2010 and beyond.
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A surgical fire is potentially devastating for a patient. Fire has been recognised as a potential complication of surgery for many years. Surgical fires continue to happen with alarming frequency. We present a review of the literature and an examination of possible solutions to this problem. ⋯ Surgery will always carry a risk of fire. Reducing this risk requires a concerted effort from all team members.
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Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is defined as the presence of free air in the mediastium in the absence of any obvious precipitating cause. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with this condition, discuss mechanisms and provide a management algorithm. ⋯ Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is a benign self-limiting condition that requires early differentiation from more serious causes, in particular Boerhaave's syndrome.