The Journal of surgical research
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Patient satisfaction surveys are an important tool in measuring physician performance. We hypothesized that nonmodifiable factors would be associated with surgical outpatient satisfaction scores. ⋯ Using satisfaction scores to evaluate providers should take into account nonmodifiable factors of the underlying patient population, the specialty of the provider, and the practice setting of the visit.
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Epidemiologic studies have shown that undocumented immigrants (UIs) display characteristics of having a low socioeconomic status and are primarily of ethnic minorities. These social determinants of health are known to be associated with diminished health care access and poor clinical outcomes. We therefore investigated the impact of documentation status on the clinical outcomes of patients with traumatic injuries. ⋯ There was no association between in-hospital mortality and documentation status; however, UIs had a longer average LOS and were less likely to be placed into rehab following their hospitalization. A longer LOS and a decreased likelihood for rehabilitation placement suggest that disparities in trauma care exist for UIs, putting them at risk for worse clinical and functional outcomes.
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Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) can significantly improve the survival in selected patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. This study aims to identify perioperative patient characteristics predictive of failure to rescue (FTR), mortality following postoperative complications from CRS/HIPEC. ⋯ ASA class 4, major morbidity, and likely dependent functional status are independent predictors of FTR following CRS/HIPEC to treat peritoneal carcinomatosis. Therefore, ASA class 4 and dependent functional status should be considered as contraindications for CRS/HIPEC and only offered in highly selective cases.
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Observational Study
Epidural analgesia for traumatic rib fractures is associated with worse outcomes: a matched analysis.
The optimal method of pain control for patients with traumatic rib fractures is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of epidural analgesia on respiratory complications and in-hospital mortality in patients with rib fractures. ⋯ Epidural analgesia is associated with increased respiratory complications without providing mortality benefit after traumatic rib fractures. Alternate analgesic strategies should be investigated to treat these severely injured patients.
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Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe intestinal disease of premature infants with high mortality. Studies suggest a causative relationship between red blood cell (RBC) transfusion and NEC; however, whether RBC transfusion leads to worse outcomes in NEC is unknown. We sought to determine whether RBC transfusion was associated with an increased risk of surgical NEC and mortality. ⋯ Infants of lower GA and BW were more likely to receive an RBC transfusion before NEC, which was significantly associated with surgical intervention and an increasing risk of mortality. Judicious use of transfusions in premature infants may improve NEC outcomes.