Journal of the American College of Surgeons
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Trauma systems are designed to deliver timely and appropriate care. Prehospital triage regulations and interfacility transfer guidelines are the primary determinants of system efficacy. We analyzed the effectiveness of the Florida trauma system in delivering trauma patients to trauma centers over time. ⋯ Triage improved over time, enabling near complete capture of at-risk children and adults independent of DTC proximity. Because distance from a DTC does not limit access for children and adults, existing trauma system resources are sufficient to meet the current demands. Efforts are needed to determine the trauma resource and triage needs of the severely injured elderly.
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Multicenter Study
Surgical management of patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastasis: a multicenter international analysis.
The goal of this study was to investigate the surgical management and outcomes of patients with primary colorectal cancer (CRC) and synchronous liver metastasis (sCRLM). ⋯ Simultaneous and staged resections for sCRLM can be performed with comparable morbidity, mortality, and long-term oncologic outcomes.
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Esophagectomy has been recommended for patients when recurrent dysphagia develops after Heller myotomy for achalasia. My colleagues and I prefer to correct the specific anatomic problem with redo myotomy and preserve the esophagus. We examined the results of this approach. ⋯ The majority of failures after Heller myotomy present with dysphagia associated with esophageal narrowing. Upper gastrointestinal series is most useful to plan therapy and predicts outcomes. With few exceptions, patients improve substantially with redo myotomy, which can be accomplished laparoscopically with relatively low risk. These findings challenge the previously held concept that all myotomy failures need to be treated by an esophagectomy.
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Comparative Study
To pump or not to pump: a comparison of machine perfusion vs cold storage for deceased donor kidney transplantation.
A recent multicenter European trial has demonstrated reduced rates of delayed graft function when kidneys undergo machine perfusion before transplantation. This study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of machine perfusion on early kidney transplant function in the United States. ⋯ Machine perfusion of deceased donor kidneys results in significantly decreased rates of DGF.
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Comparative Study
Are commercial negative pressure systems worth the cost in open abdomen management?
A commercial negative pressure product is compared with the Barker technique (sterile x-ray cassette cover, lap pads, adhesive drape with negative pressure) for temporary abdominal closure in open abdomen management. ⋯ A commercially available negative pressure device for temporary abdominal closure had significantly greater success with ultimate closure after open abdomen management compared with the Barker technique. The added cost of the device is offset by improved patient results and savings from successful closure.