Journal of the American College of Surgeons
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The aim of this systematic review is to assess all comparative randomized controlled trials evaluating Heller myotomy, pneumatic dilation, and peroral endoscopic myotomy. ⋯ The treatment of achalasia should be chosen in accordance with patient goals. After any of the 3 interventions, QOL appears to be similar. However, peroral endoscopic myotomy may be associated with the lowest rates of perforation/leak, dysphagia, and reintervention and may be the lowest risk option. However, there are barriers to widespread use due to challenges in training and adoption.
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Blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality after blunt trauma. Numerous screening strategies exist, although which is used is institution- and physician-dependent. We sought to identify the most cost-effective screening strategy for BCVI, hypothesizing that universal screening would be optimal among the screening strategies studied. ⋯ This model suggests universal screening may be the cost-effective strategy for BCVI screening in blunt trauma for certain trauma centers. Trauma centers should develop institutional protocols that take into account individual BCVI rates.
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Although evidence suggests that racial and ethnic minority (REM) patients receive inadequate pain management in the acute care setting, it remains unclear whether these disparities also occur during the prehospital period. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of race and ethnicity on prehospital analgesic use by emergency medical services (EMS) in trauma patients. ⋯ Patients from racial and ethnic minority groups were less likely to receive prehospital pain medication after traumatic injury than White patients. Forms of conscious and unconscious bias contributing to this inequity need to be identified and addressed.
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Observational Study
Symptom Burden in Patients with Malignant Bowel Obstruction Treated With or Without Surgery.
Gastrointestinal obstruction is the most common indication for palliative surgical consultation. We sought to assess patient-reported outcomes and survival after surgical and nonsurgical treatment of malignant bowel obstruction. ⋯ In this first study evaluating patient-reported outcomes after treatment for malignant bowel obstruction, we found that selection for surgical treatment was associated with improved survival, but also more symptom interference in general activities and work. These results may be useful in palliative surgical decision-making and informing patients during consultation for malignant bowel obstruction.
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Whole blood was historically transfused as a type-specific product. Given recent advocacy for low-titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) as a universal blood product, we examined outcomes after LTOWB transfusion stratified by recipient blood groups. ⋯ LTOWB appears to be a safe product for universal use across all blood groups. Group B recipients arrived with worse physiologic values associated with hemorrhagic shock whether receiving LTOWB or standard component products.