ANZ journal of surgery
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ANZ journal of surgery · Jan 2021
Impact of COVID-19-related social restrictions on orthopaedic trauma in a level 1 trauma centre in Sydney: the first wave.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected communities worldwide. This study examines the impact that public health measures to control viral spread have had on orthopaedic trauma presenting to an Australian level 1 trauma centre. We hypothesized that the volume of orthopaedic trauma in the period of social distancing would decrease, and the mechanisms of injury differ, compared to pre-pandemic times. ⋯ The impact of COVID-19-related lockdown measures and social distancing on orthopaedic trauma in Australia has been an overall decrease in volume of cases, combined with significant changes in the mechanisms of injury necessitating surgery.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Jan 2021
Multicenter Study Observational StudyCOVID-19 risk in elective surgery during a second wave: a prospective cohort study.
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected access to elective surgery, largely because of concerns for patients and healthcare workers. A return to normal surgery workflow depends on the prevalence and transmission of coronavirus in elective surgical patients. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of active SARS-coronavirus-2 infection during a second wave among patients admitted to hospital for elective surgery in Victoria. ⋯ The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in asymptomatic elective surgical patients during a second wave was approximately 1 in 833. Given the very low likelihood of coronavirus transmission, and with existing current hospital capacity, recommencement of elective surgery should be considered. A coronavirus screening checklist should be mandated for surgical patients.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Dec 2020
How to minimize airborne droplet contamination while performing laparoscopy in the COVID-19 era.
We describe a safe technique for controlled deflation of pneumoperitoneum to facilitate safe laparoscopic surgery in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era.
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Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the disruptive technologies of the fourth Industrial Revolution that is changing our work practices. This technology is in use in highly diverse industries including health care, defence, insurance and e-commerce. This review focuses on the relevance of AI to surgery. ⋯ This relates to the ramifications for the adoption of AI technology in clinical practice, and its subsequent public funding support and reimbursement. It is evident that AI technology has important applications in surgery in the 21st century. The establishment of a key work programme in this area will be important if surgeons are to fully utilize AI in surgery.