ANZ journal of surgery
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ANZ journal of surgery · Apr 2003
Differences in the surgical admissions to hospital between the indigenous and non-indigenous populations of Australia.
The overall rate of admission to hospital for indigenous Australians is in general much higher than that for the non-indigenous Australians. However, this result is not uniform for surgical and medical admissions. Previous studies in the Northern Territory have suggested a cultural aversion to surgery among indigenous Australians. In the present study the current data of admission to hospital are analysed to explore the pattern for surgical procedures in the indigenous population and to determine whether the disparity between indigenous and non-indigenous populations still exists at this later period. ⋯ It seems that the disparity between admission patterns for indigenous and non-indigenous populations still exists in NSW at this later period, particularly in rural areas. There appears to be a need to find ways to overcome a possible bias within the indigenous population against surgery. It is possible that medical treatments are being substituted for surgical procedures.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Mar 2003
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical TrialFluoropolymer coated Dacron or polytetrafluoroethylene for femoropopliteal bypass grafting: a multicentre trial.
This trial was designed to compare graft patency between expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and fluoro-polymer coated Dacron for femoropopliteal bypass in patients in whom saphenous vein was unavailable. ⋯ Polytetrafluoroethylene has superior primary patency and similar secondary patency to fluoropolymer coated Dacron. These results support the preferential use of PTFE in patients with critical limb ischaemia, especially when a below-knee distal anastomosis and smaller diameter graft is required.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Jan 2003
Relationship between elevated preoperative troponin T and adverse outcomes following cardiac surgery.
The prognostic value of troponin T (TnT) has been demonstrated in patients following a myocardial infarction. There are limited data regarding the prognostic utility of preoperative TnT in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The aim of the present study was to determine if elevated preoperative TnT is a predictor of more complex recovery outcomes in the cardiac surgical setting. ⋯ Elevated preoperative TnT highlights a subgroup of cardiac surgical patients who are more likely to have a post-operative course with increased morbidity and mortality.
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Chemical burns account for relatively few admissions to a burns unit. These injuries, however, deserve separate consideration because of their ability to cause continuing tissue destruction, their potential to cause systemic toxicity and the value of early treatment with copious lavage. Widespread inexperience in the treatment of chemical burns highlights the potential for greater levels of general awareness and knowledge. ⋯ Widespread inexperience in the treatment of chemical injuries highlights the potential for greater levels of knowledge. This is particularly apparent in the early management of these injuries.