American journal of surgery
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Comparative Study
Gender influences outcomes in trauma patients with elevated systolic blood pressure.
This analysis explored the association between gender and systolic blood pressure (SBP) in trauma patients and then established how gender influenced outcomes in those with elevated SBP. ⋯ In this retrospective review of trauma registry data, men presented with higher SBP. In patients with TBI, regardless of gender, increased SBP was associated with increased pneumonia, and in men with TBI increased SBP was associated with increased mortality. The cause and relevance of these epidemiological findings require further investigation.
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Comparative Study
Swallowing dysfunction after prolonged intubation: analysis of risk factors in trauma patients.
The clinical significance of post-extubation swallowing dysfunction (PSD) is profound, resulting in both increased morbidity and mortality. Specific risk factors have not been described in an injured patient cohort. The purpose of this pilot study was to elucidate independent factors that predict PSD in this population. ⋯ PSD is a common occurrence in trauma patients. Age older than 55 years and ventilator days are independent risk factors for PSD. Injury severity, altered GCS upon arrival, comorbidities, and nosocomial pneumonia were not independent risk factors for PSD in our cohort. These results suggest that older patients with extended intensive care unit stays and ventilator requirements may benefit from early swallowing evaluation.
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Comparative Study
Surgical intern survival skills curriculum as an intern: does it help?
The transition from medical student to surgical intern is fraught with anxiety. We implemented a surgical intern survival skills curriculum to alleviate this through a series of lectures and interactive sessions. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate its effectiveness. ⋯ The implementation of a surgical intern survival skills curriculum significantly improved the confidence levels of general surgery interns and seemed to ease the transition from medical student to surgical intern.
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Comparative Study
What is the likelihood of requiring contralateral inguinal hernia repair after unilateral repair?
Factors that predispose patients to the development of inguinal hernias will persist after repair. This study aimed to determine the incidence of future contralateral hernia repair. ⋯ Despite a reported 8% to 22% incidence of clinically unsuspected contralateral inguinal hernia, the likelihood of undergoing contralateral repair within 10 years is low at 3.8%.