ANZ journal of surgery
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Following press reports of patients catching fire or receiving chemical burns in the operating theatre, a review was conducted on the flammability of skin antiseptics. The purpose of the paper was to clarify confusion regarding povidine-iodine (Betadine), which had been reported as being flammable, and also to determine the use of alcohol-based solutions in the Hunter Area Health Service. A risk assessment was conducted and risk reduction strategies outlined. ⋯ Operating theatre fires continue to be a major risk for patient safety. In order to reduce this risk, the strategies outlined here should be followed.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Jul 2005
Validation of Euroscore model in an Australian patient population.
The purpose of the present paper was to assess the performance of the European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation (EuroSCORE) model in an Australian adult cardiac surgical population. ⋯ The additive and logistic EuroSCORE model of risk prediction was not validated in the present population of cardiac surgical patients. The models may not accurately predict outcomes of patients undergoing cardiac surgery in Australia.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Jul 2005
Outcome of oesophagectomy for adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus and oesophagogastric junction.
Oesophageal adenocarcinoma is becoming an increasingly important problem in the Western world. Its incidence is increasing and its prognosis is poor. Because most reports of outcomes following oesophagectomy include patients with squamous cell carcinoma, the outcome following oesophagectomy for adenocarcinoma was evaluated at Flinders Medical Centre, Royal Adelaide Hospital and associated private hospitals. ⋯ Oesophagectomy can be performed for patients with adenocarcinoma with an acceptable perioperative mortality rate. However, the longer term outlook following oesophagectomy for most patients with adenocarcinoma remains poor. Nevertheless, early stage tumours are associated with much better survival. For this reason, efforts to diagnose this disease at an early stage are likely to offer the best chance for improving outcomes.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Jul 2005
Regional anaesthesia and propofol sedation for carotid endarterectomy.
Many surgeons now perform carotid endarterectomy under regional anaesthesia. The aim of the present study was to review a sedation technique using a computer-controlled infusion of propofol. ⋯ Target controlled propofol infusion is an effective method of sedation in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Jul 2005
Evaluation of fresh frozen plasma usage at a tertiary care hospital in North India.
Concerns regarding transfusion-transmitted infections and non-availability of blood components in developing nations, make it crucial to optimize fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusions and reduce wastage. ⋯ Fresh frozen plasma is grossly misused even in resource-deficient nations and immediate intervention is needed to stem the flow of this component. Physician education programmes and a monitoring system to ensure strict adherence to the established guidelines are required to reduce undue waste of this blood component.