Journal of the American College of Surgeons
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Even after successful operations on children, unattractive postoperative scars are often distressing to patients and their parents. There are no reports about the factors affecting keloid or hypertrophic scar (HS) development after congenital cardiac surgery. ⋯ These data suggest that age and skin blood flow ratio were the factors affecting HS development. Postoperative use of tranilast did not affect the frequency of HS development but did reduce its redness.
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Resection of a large malignant tumor in the groin often leaves a substantial soft-tissue defect that makes wound closure difficult. Nevertheless, palliation and lower extremity salvage is frequently possible if the tumor is widely excised and the wound closed with well-vascularized tissue; however, few data are available on patients undergoing such procedures. ⋯ Functional limb salvage after radical resection of the groin and lower abdominal wall is very successful, has an acceptable morbidity rate, does not prolong hospital stay, and contributes significantly to the patient's quality of life. Chronic lymphedema is a frequent complication after this treatment but can be managed successfully with conservative techniques.
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Despite improvement in surgical techniques and stapling devices during the last 10 years, colorectal anastomoses are still prone to leakage. The purpose of this study was to assess the performance and safety of stapled anastomoses in rectal surgery and to identify factors that influence the occurrence of anastomotic leaks. ⋯ Low anastomoses were associated with a leak rate greater than with high colorectal anastomoses. We conclude that anastomoses to the rectum using the circular stapler can be done with low mortality and morbidity.
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Jejunoileal (JI) bypass was developed as a therapy for morbid obesity in the late 1960s but has since been abandoned because of a high rate of complications, including cirrhosis. The need for liver transplantation after JI bypass has been infrequent, with only four previous patients reported in the literature; however, because the time to develop symptomatic end-stage liver disease after JI bypass may be quite long (25 years or more), the incidence of patients who will require liver transplantation may only now be increasing. ⋯ The incidence of patients who require liver transplantation after JI bypass may be on the increase. Take down of the JI bypass may precipitate acute liver failure in the cirrhotic patient. JI bypass should be accomplished either at the time of transplantation or if signs of liver dysfunction occur after transplantation. Liver transplant recipients can be at risk for recurrent obesity after takedown of the JI bypass. Transplantation for those patients with decompensated cirrhosis after JI bypass has demonstrated excellent early results.
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Blunt carotid artery trauma remains a rare but potentially devastating injury. Early detection and treatment remain the goals of management. Our objective was to identify patients sustaining blunt carotid injuries at a regional trauma center and report on the incidence, demographics, diagnostic workup, management, and outcome. ⋯ Blunt carotid injuries are rare but are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The combination of craniofacial and chest wounds should raise the index of suspicion for blunt carotid injury. Anticoagulation was associated with the least morbidity.