ANZ journal of surgery
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ANZ journal of surgery · Jan 2004
Anatomy of the pudendal nerve and its terminal branches: a cadaver study.
This study documents the anatomy of the pudendal nerve, which has a major role in maintaining faecal continence. Unexpected faecal incontinence can develop following perineal surgery even when the anal sphincters are not damaged. In addition, injury to the pudendal nerve might be encountered during pelvic procedures such as a sacrospinous colpopexy. ⋯ A sound knowledge of the anatomical variations of the pudendal nerve and its branches is essential for all surgeons operating in the perineal region.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Dec 2003
Clinical TrialFixation of femoral fractures in multiple-injury patients with combined chest and head injuries.
The purpose of the present paper was to study the effects of a femoral shaft fracture and its early stabilization on the morbidity, mortality, and outcome of multiple-injury patients with combined blunt head and chest trauma. The clinical course of patients was analysed using a prospectively gathered data base. ⋯ The present study suggests that a femoral shaft fracture and its early stabilization in a multitrauma patient with combined chest and head injury do not adversely affect mortality and outcome and supports aggressive surgical management for these patients.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Sep 2003
Postoperative confusion assessed with the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire.
Confusion is a common occurrence after cardiac surgery. However, there is great variability in the reported incidence of confusion in patients following cardiac surgery, mainly due to the diagnostic methods and instruments employed in assessing confusion. ⋯ Unlike a subjective ward interview, the SPMSQ is a brief and objective diagnostic tool that can be used to measure accurately both the presence and severity of confusion in postoperative cardiac surgery patients.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Aug 2003
Preoperative cardiac assessment for patients with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms: a survey of current practice by vascular surgeons in New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory.
The reported mortality rate following open elective repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) varies between 0 and 12%. Much of the mortality and major morbidity is caused by cardiac events. The evidence regarding best practice for cardiac assessment and optimization of this patient group is unclear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate current practice of cardiac risk factor assessment by vascular surgeons in New South Wales (NSW) and Australian Capital Territory (ACT) for patients undergoing open elective repair of infrarenal AAA. ⋯ Preoperative assessment of cardiac risk in patients for repair of AAA lacks consensus among vascular surgeons in NSW and ACT. The diversity of clinical practice may rest with the paucity of prospective trials published in the medical literature or the influence of local institutional facilities.