ANZ journal of surgery
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ANZ journal of surgery · Jan 2015
Review Meta AnalysisEpidural versus local anaesthetic infiltration via wound catheters in open liver resection: a meta-analysis.
This meta-analysis was designed to systematically analyse all published studies comparing local anaesthetic infiltration with wound catheters and epidural catheters in open liver resection. ⋯ Local anaesthetic infiltration via wound catheters combined with patient-controlled opiate analgesia provides comparable pain relief to epidural catheters except for the first POD. Both techniques are associated with similar hospital stay and opioid use with wound catheters associated with lower complication rate.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Jan 2015
Outcomes from the Northern Territory Audit of Surgical Mortality: Aboriginal deaths.
A significant 'gap' in life expectancy exists for Australian Aboriginal people. The role of surgical care in this gap has been poorly addressed. This study has compared in-hospital surgical deaths of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal persons in order to identify patient factors plus deficiencies of care that may have contributed to the gap. ⋯ A large gap of 12 years exists for age at death between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal persons admitted as surgical patients in the Northern Territory. Aboriginal persons had significantly more co-morbidities at time of death, particularly diabetes, renal and hepatic disease. No significant discrepancies of surgical care were identified between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal persons.