Surgery
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Smoke inhalation injury produces substantial morbidity and mortality caused both by immediate catastrophic pulmonary failure and by the subsequent development of pneumonia. Although carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is present to a degree in nearly all instances of smoke inhalation, the importance of CO in the pathogenesis of smoke inhalation injury remains controversial because smoke contains numerous other potential pulmonary toxins such as aldehydes, chlorine gas, and hydrochloric acid. This study was performed to determine whether CO poisoning acts as a cofactor in the evolution of inhalation injury. ⋯ CO poisoning is an important cofactor in the development of inhalation injury by acceleration of the development of ventilation/perfusion inequality after inhalation.
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More than 50% of breast cancer care in the United States occurs in women over age 65 years. This study investigates age-related differences in breast reconstruction practices after mastectomy for breast cancer. ⋯ Breast reconstruction is a safe option for older women requiring mastectomy. The full array of reconstruction options (autogenous tissue or implants, immediate or delayed) should be considered for use in women of all ages.
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The purpose of this study was to examine the mortality rate of penetrating cardiac trauma in a large urban hospital. ⋯ An isolated cardiac stab wound is a relatively innocent injury in a patient at a hospital accustomed to managing penetrating trauma expeditiously.