American journal of surgery
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Comparative Study
Perioperative atrial arrhythmias in noncardiothoracic patients: a review of risk factors and treatment strategies in the veteran population.
Perioperative atrial arrhythmias (PAAs) in noncardiothoracic patients have poorly defined risk factors and management. ⋯ Coronary artery disease, cardiomegaly, hypokalemia, and premature atrial contractions were significantly associated with PAAs in noncardiothoracic patients. Prospective studies are needed to define treatment guidelines.
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Comparative Study
Briefing guide study: preoperative briefing and postoperative debriefing checklists in the Veterans Health Administration medical team training program.
The purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes of checklist-driven preoperative briefings and postoperative debriefings during the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) medical team training program. ⋯ Checklist-driven preoperative briefings and postoperative debriefings are associated with improvements in patient safety for surgical patients.
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Students may become less adept at developing strong patient-physician relationships during medical school. We evaluated whether students choosing careers in surgery show a similar negative trend. ⋯ Students choosing careers in surgery maintain or improve upon personality traits that are important for developing strong patient-physician relationships.
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Review Meta Analysis
Stapler vs suture closure of pancreatic remnant after distal pancreatectomy: a meta-analysis.
Suture closure and stapler closure of the pancreatic remnant after distal pancreatectomy are the techniques used most often. The ideal choice remains a matter of debate. ⋯ No significant differences occur between suture and stapler closure with respect to the pancreatic fistula or intra-abdominal abscess after distal pancreatectomy, though there is a trend favoring stapler closure.
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The microbiology of war wounds has changed as medicine and warfare have evolved. This study was designed to determine the microbial flora and bacterial quantification of present-day war wounds in US troops from Iraq and Afghanistan upon arrival at the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC). ⋯ Most soft-tissue wounds from Iraq and Afghanistan do not have significant bacterial burden upon arrival to and during initial treatment at NNMC. Improved evaluation of combat wound microbiology at all levels of care is warranted to determine shifts in microbiology and to impact care practices.