ANZ journal of surgery
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ANZ journal of surgery · Jan 2007
Rectus sheath catheters for continuous analgesia after upper abdominal surgery.
The segmental nerves T6-T11 pass through and innervate the rectus abdominis muscle and overlying skin. The arcuate lines compartmentalize the rectus, but they are deficient posteriorly and hence a catheter tunnelled into the posterior sheath can be used to achieve an effective continuous analgesic block. Volume is important to fill the compartment. It is a simple surgical procedure that has several advantages and appears a viable alternative to epidural analgesia.
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Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) measurements can be used for the early detection and management of the abdominal compartment syndrome. IAP values are widely thought to be atmospheric or subatmospheric. However, there are no reports that describe normal IAP values using urinary bladder pressure measurements in patients not suspected of having a raised IAP level. This study sought to determine these normal values to aid our interpretation of IAP measurements in post-surgical patients or patients with suspected increased IAP. ⋯ Normal IAP using urinary bladder pressure in awake patients are above atmospheric pressure. As a patient is moved from the supine into the upright position, IAP measurements increase.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Dec 2006
Case ReportsAdrenaline-induced digital ischaemia reversed with phentolamine.
Adrenaline autoinjectors are widely prescribed for self-treatment of anaphylactic syndromes. Accidental misfire into digits can cause prolonged significant ischaemia with serious outcomes. Phentolamine is a readily available treatment, which is easily and safely given in the emergency setting.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Nov 2006
Multicenter StudyPerforated diverticulitis managed by laparoscopic lavage.
Traditionally the management of acute diverticulitis complicated by perforation has been the Hartmann's procedure, which may be associated with significant morbidity and mortality and the unpleasantness of a colostomy. We present our early experience in managing perforated diverticulitis acutely by laparoscopic lavage and drainage. ⋯ Laparoscopic lavage and drainage in the acute management of perforated acute diverticulitis may be a promising alternative to more radical procedures, including the Hartmann's procedure. Acute resection should still be carried out in patients found to have faecal peritonitis or who fail to improve following lavage.
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The correlation of the common carotid artery (CCA) bifurcation and its surrounding structures is poorly described. The aim of this study was to describe the anatomy of the CCA bifurcation relative to its surrounding structures. ⋯ The presence of a high CCA bifurcation should caution surgeons that the hypoglossal nerve lies in closer proximity and is more vulnerable. Preoperatively documenting the level of the CCA bifurcation may be helpful in identifying those patients at increased risk of iatrogenic injury.