The American surgeon
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The American surgeon · Sep 2006
Detection of cervical spine injuries in alert, asymptomatic geriatric blunt trauma patients: who benefits from radiologic imaging?
There are differing recommendations in the literature regarding cervical spine imaging in alert, asymptomatic geriatric patients. Previous studies also have not used computed tomography routinely. Given that cervical radiographs may miss up to 60 per cent of fractures, the incidence of cervical spine injuries in this population and its implications for clinical management are unclear. ⋯ The overall incidence of cervical spine injury in the alert, asymptomatic geriatric population is low. The risk is increased with a potentially distracting injury above the clavicles. Patients with distracting injuries in other anatomic locations or no distracting injuries may not need routine cervical imaging.
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Since 1996, the technique for minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) has gained increasing acceptance among pediatric patients. However, the feasibility of the operation and outcomes have not yet been evaluated in adult patients. This study was a retrospective analysis of the author's experience combined with a survey of members of the American Pediatric Surgical Association in treating adult patients with MIRPE. ⋯ MIRPE can be used safely for repair of pectus excavatum in adult patients. The complication rate appears to be similar to previously reported series of pediatric patients. Although adult patients may have residual asymmetry of the chest postrepair, overall satisfaction with the repair was very good or excellent in 86 per cent of patients.
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The American surgeon · Sep 2006
Effects of sentinel lymph node biopsy on surgical residency training.
Axillary node dissection (AND) is an integral part of surgical training. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLN) was introduced into our residency in 1997. Our purpose in this study was to evaluate the impact of SLN on AND experience. ⋯ Attendings cited 15 and 24 AND before feeling comfortable performing and teaching the procedure to a resident. Since the introduction of SLN into our residency, the number of AND has decreased, with senior residents feeling that SLN has decreased their ability to perform AND. As fewer AND are performed than our attendings cite to feel comfortable, future residents may not be competent to perform or teach AND.
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The American surgeon · Aug 2006
Comparative StudyMinimally invasive esophagectomy: early experience and outcomes.
Minimally invasive esophageal surgery has the potential to improve mortality, hospital stay, and functional outcomes when compared with open methods. Although technically complex, combined laparoscopic and thoracoscopic esophageal resection is feasible. A case series of 20 patients who underwent minimally invasive total esophagectomy is presented. ⋯ The application of minimally invasive techniques in the arena of esophageal surgery continues to evolve. This approach has the potential to improve mortality, hospital stay, and other outcomes when compared with open methods. Although technically complex, laparoscopic total esophagectomy is feasible.
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The American surgeon · Aug 2006
Randomized Controlled TrialImpedance cardiography: can it replace thermodilution and the pulmonary artery catheter?
Clinical assessment of cardiac output (CO) is inaccurate, yet the use of the pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) for thermodilution (TD) measurement of CO (CO(TD)) has declined significantly. Can noninvasive impedance cardiography (ICG) now be used to measure CO (CO(ICG)) in place of CO(TD)? A literature review of recent CO(ICG) correlations with CO(TD) (r = 0.73-0.92) were similar to ours, r = 0.81. A search for conditions interfering with CO(ICG) revealed no serious problems with patient position, cardiac or pulmonary assist devices, "wet lungs," body mass index > or = 30, or age > or = 70 years. ⋯ Data from ICG was revealed only in the study group, resulting in a 49 per cent change in treatment compared with 29 per cent in the control group. Length of stay was shorter in the study than the control group in the intensive care unit (2.4 +/- 8.8 vs 3.3 +/- 7.3 days) and on the floor (9.8 +/- 10.6 vs 15.7 +/- 19.0 days). In conclusion, ICG is comparable with TD, is easily, accurately, and safely performed, enhances clinical assessment of CO, and improves care in hemodynamically compromised patients.