The New Zealand medical journal
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Comparative Study
Postoperative epidural analgesia following elective major abdominal surgery in high risk patients: a retrospective cohort study.
To describe the effect of post-operative epidural analgesia on morbidity and mortality rates in a group of high-risk patients undergoing elective major abdominal surgery. ⋯ This study does not show any benefit from post-operative epidural analgesia on morbidity and mortality rates in high risk patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. It does illustrate that ASA 3 and 4 patients undergoing major abdominal surgery have a high morbidity and mortality.
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To quantify the effect of a recent national law change on the presentation of ethanol intoxicated patients to a central city Emergency Department (ED). ⋯ The recent lowering of the minimum legal drinking age from 20 to eighteen years has resulted in increased presentations to the ED of intoxicated eighteen and nineteen year olds. A similar trend was seen in the 15-17 year olds.
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To assess job satisfaction, job-related stress and psychological morbidity among New Zealand physicians, surgeons and community pharmacists and provide a comparison with New Zealand general practitioners (GPs). ⋯ All three groups were generally satisfied with their jobs. Pharmacists were significantly less so. Physicians and surgeons reported similar levels of psychological morbidity to GPs, which have been previously reported as a cause for concern.
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To estimate the burden of visual impairment attributable to smoking in New Zealand. ⋯ Smoking is a major cause of untreatable visual impairment and also a significant reason for cataract surgery in New Zealand. There is a need for more intensive tobacco control activities in New Zealand.
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To describe the Wellington Neurosurgical Unit's recent experience of managing tuberculosis between January 1998 and January 2001. ⋯ The number of patients presenting with neurotuberculosis appears to have increased recently in the Wellington region. The high proportion of paradoxical progression in our series is unusual. Neurosurgical intervention may be required for diagnosis, to treat hydrocephalus, or to relieve mass effect. Management is prolonged and often complex, and close co-operation is required between the neurosurgical team and a physician experienced in the management of tuberculosis.