Journal of the American College of Surgeons
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Although the number of bariatric procedures has grown recently, few studies have focused on the relationship between provider volume and outcomes among patients undergoing a bariatric procedure. ⋯ The likelihood of postoperative complications from bariatric procedures is greater for patients with low-volume surgeons or in low-volume hospitals.
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Bullet-proof vests and helmets protect from harm in combat and military engagements. The use of armor against shrapnel has been studied, yet little has been documented as to how they protect from high velocity gunshots. This study aims to describe the medical consequences of high velocity firearm injuries and to differentiate between patients injured while using protective wear and those injured unprotected. ⋯ Body armor has a protective effect on victims of high velocity gunshot wounds; lower rates of head, brain, chest, and abdominal injuries are seen. In addition, armor reduces the severity of injuries to the chest and the abdomen.
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Endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR), when compared with conventional open surgical repair, has been shown to reduce perioperative morbidity and mortality. We performed a retrospective cohort study with prospectively collected data from the Department of Veterans Affairs to examine outcomes after elective aneurysm repair. ⋯ In routine daily practice, veterans who undergo elective EVAR have substantially lower perioperative mortality and morbidity rates compared with patients having open repair. The benefits of a minimally invasive approach were readily apparent in this cohort, but we recommend using caution in choosing EVAR for all elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repairs until longer-term data on device durability are available.