Surgery, gynecology & obstetrics
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Surg Gynecol Obstet · Nov 1993
Pediatric pelvic fractures combined with an additional skeletal injury is an indicator of significant injury.
Traumatic fractures of the adult pelvic area have high rates of associated injuries and hemorrhagic complications resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. We studied whether or not the plain roentgenographic identification of other fractures is a reliable marker of increased morbidity and mortality in children with pelvic fractures. The records of 79 children admitted with the diagnosis of pelvic fracture from January 1986 through December 1990 were reviewed. ⋯ The RTS was significantly lower (p < 0.05). In children with pelvic fractures, we found that any additional bony fracture is a significant marker for head and abdominal injury. This constellation identifies patients who may benefit from early transfer to a regional pediatric trauma center.
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Surg Gynecol Obstet · Nov 1993
Comparative StudyA review of the results of laparoscopic versus open appendectomy.
Proponents of laparoscopic appendectomy emphasize the advantages of laparoscopic operation--decreased hospitalization, paralytic ileus, postoperative pain and wound complications, including infection. This study compared open laparoscopic appendectomy with laparoscopic appendectomy. To compare the two techniques, patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy at four hospitals were compared with patients undergoing open appendectomy during a six month period. ⋯ Patients with acute appendicitis recuperated more quickly from the laparoscopic procedure, as evidenced by the time until eating regular diet, period of hospitalization, incidence of nausea and pain medications on postoperative day one (p < 0.05). The absence of wound infections after laparoscopic appendectomy can be attributed to the practice of placing the appendix in a sterile bag or into the trocar sleeve before removal from the abdomen. Laparoscopic appendectomy reduces the period of hospitalization, postoperative ileus, nausea and postoperative pain in patients with acute appendicitis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)