Journal of the American College of Surgeons
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Advanced Modular Manikin and Surgical Team Experience During a Trauma Simulation: Results of a Single-Blinded Randomized Trial.
Our aim was assess whether an integrated Advanced Modular Manikin (AMM) provides improved participant experience compared with use of peripheral simulators alone during a standardized trauma team scenario. Simulation-based team training has been shown to improve team performance. To address limitations of existing manikin simulators, the AMM platform was created that enables interconnectedness, interoperability, and integration of multiple simulators ("peripherals") into an adaptable, comprehensive training system. ⋯ This first comprehensive evaluation suggests that integration with the AMM platform provides benefits over individual peripheral simulators and has the potential to expand simulation-based learning opportunities and enhance learner experience, especially for surgeons.
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Despite limited evidence regarding its safety, immediate reconstruction (IR) is increasingly offered to women with T4 breast cancer. We compared outcomes after IR, delayed reconstruction (DR), and no reconstruction (NR) in patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) for T4 disease. ⋯ After IR, women with T4 tumors, particularly T4d disease, experienced delayed initiation of adjuvant treatment and substantial morbidity, suggesting that an interval of >18 months between mastectomy and reconstruction is advisable.
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Recent trends in prehospital tourniquet use remain underreported. In addition, the impact of prehospital tourniquet use on patient survival has not been evaluated in a population-level study. We hypothesized that prehospital tourniquets were used more frequently in Los Angeles County and their use was associated with improved patient survival. ⋯ Prehospital tourniquet use has been on the rise in Los Angeles County. Our results suggest that the use of prehospital tourniquets for extremity vascular injuries is associated with improved patient survival and decreased blood transfusion requirements, without an increase in delayed amputations.
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Studies evaluating the efficacy of ATLS in low- and middle-income countries are limited. We followed up ATLS providers certified by the ATLS India program over a decade (2009 to 2019), aiming to measure the benefits in knowledge, skills, attitude and their attrition over time. ⋯ Cognitive, psychomotor, organizational, and affective impact of ATLS is overwhelmingly positive in the Indian scenario. Until formal trauma systems are established, ATLS remains the best hope for critically injured patients in resource-contrained settings.