The American surgeon
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The American surgeon · Mar 2012
Review Meta AnalysisAntibiotic prophylaxis in patients undergoing open mesh repair of inguinal hernia: a meta-analysis.
The use of antibiotic prophylaxis in hernia repair is still under debate. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the effect of antibiotic prophylaxis in patients undergoing open mesh repair of inguinal hernia with respect to incidence of postoperative surgical site infection (SSI). A literature search was conducted in databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. ⋯ Antibiotics showed a protective effect in preventing SSI after mesh inguinal hernia repair (odds ratio: 0.61, 95% confidence interval: 0.40-0.92, I(2): 0%). Antibiotic prophylaxis did reduce the incidence of SSI in hernia patients undergoing mesh hernioplasty. The cost effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis needs further evaluation.
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The American surgeon · Mar 2012
ReviewIncreased risk of neoplasm in appendicitis treated with interval appendectomy: single-institution experience and literature review.
Appendicitis is a common diagnosis encountered by the acute care surgeon. Management of complicated appendicitis is controversial and often involves initial nonoperative therapy with interval appendectomy. This study reviews single-institutional experience with management of complicated appendicitis with interval appendectomy and addresses an unusually high occurrence of incidental appendiceal malignancies observed with a review of relevant literature. ⋯ Two of the three neoplasms in the acute group were carcinoid, whereas three of the five neoplasms in the interval group were adenocarcinoma. Surgeons should consider appendiceal or colonic neoplasms in cases of complicated appendicitis when nonoperative management is considered. This is most important in patients older than 40 years, in those who forego interval appendectomy, or in those who could be lost to follow-up.