European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Mar 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialA prospective randomized controlled trial of suction versus non-suction to the under-water seal drains following lung resection.
Practice varies as to whether or not suction is applied to under-water seal drains following lung surgery. We tested the null hypothesis that there is no difference with respect to air leak duration. ⋯ Applying suction to the underwater seal drains following lung surgery makes no difference in terms of air leak duration. In the light of this finding we have adopted a uniform policy of no suction being applied to the underwater seal, from the time of surgery, unless a specific clinical judgment is made to use it. The anticipated gains are that this will reduce work and cost and aid mobilization.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Mar 2005
Comparative StudyImproved outcome with composite graft versus homograft root replacement for children with aortic root aneurysms.
Review of surgical repair of aortic root aneurysms using composite graft or homograft in children. ⋯ In children with aortic root aneurysms, reoperation is more common after homograft root replacement than composite graft replacement. Composite graft root replacement provides more stable repair of the aortic root.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Mar 2005
Inability to perform maximal stair climbing test before lung resection: a propensity score analysis on early outcome.
The objective of the present study was to assess whether patients unable to perform a preoperative maximal stair climbing test had an increased incidence of morbidity and mortality after major lung resection compared to patients who were able to exercise. ⋯ Patients unable to perform a preoperative maximal exercise test had an increased risk of mortality after major lung resection. Half of these patients did not survive postoperative complications, due to their decreased aerobic reserve caused by physical inactivity which made them unable to cope with the increased oxygen demand.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Mar 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialManubriotomy versus median sternotomy in thymectomy for myasthenia gravis. Evaluation of the pulmonary status.
In a prospective study, the effect of thymectomy on the pulmonary status of 50 consecutive patients with myasthenia gravis was evaluated over a time range of 4 years in the Chest and Chest surgery departments in the Cairo University Clinics and Thoracic Surgery Department of the Evangelisches Krankenhaus Duisburg-Nord. ⋯ Thymectomy through a manubriotomy, which allows extensive removal of ectopic thymic tissue in addition to the thymus through a less invasive approach than a full median sternotomy, is associated with a significantly smoother postoperative course and less pulmonary complications, when compared with thymectomy through a full median sternotomy.