The Surgical clinics of North America
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Operation Iraqi Freedom is the largest casualty-producing conflict this nation's military has faced since Vietnam. Medical departments from the three services have done an extraordinary job reacting to the ever-changing landscape of modern warfare and the devastating injuries produced. From the revamping of prehospital care to new applications of damage-control surgery, challenges have erupted, lessons have been learned, and lives are being saved.
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Surg. Clin. North Am. · Jun 2006
Peacekeeping and stability operations: a military surgeon's perspective.
Military surgeons serve a unique role in peacekeeping and stability operations and in response to natural disasters. Military medical units are the best medical resource to respond early in times of cri-sis but are often less equipped for prolonged missions and subsequent management of the chronic health care needs of the masses. ⋯ The primary medical mission is to treat the peacekeeping force, but the reality lies in eventually treating the refugees and victims of hostile conflict, including women, small children, and the elderly. This article explores the unique features of a surgeon's role in the support of these missions.
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Surg. Clin. North Am. · Dec 2005
Review Comparative StudyPatient safety practices in the operating room: correct-site surgery and nothing left behind.
Not until the late 1990s, after the publication of the National Academy of Medicine's treatise "To Err Is Human," did safety standards specifically for patients begin to be considered in operating room practices. This report and other studies documented operating room mistakes including, for example, operations on the wrong hand or limb, operations on the wrong patient, and the performance of wrong procedures. ⋯ Poor communication is the most common root cause of errors. This article explores these issues and explains procedures and protocols developed to reduce surgical errors.
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Reactions to latex rubber products are a growing problem. The danger of latex allergy has been noted for many years, but it has gained significantly more attention since the institution of so-called"universal precautions" following the identification of AIDS and other transmitted viral diseases. Recognition of the various latex reactions ranging from contact dermatitis to true latex allergy is required to prevent unnecessary morbidity and mortality among health-care workers and patients. Several approaches to the problem of latex allergy are reviewed and guidelines for minimizing exposure are recommended.