Canadian journal of surgery. Journal canadien de chirurgie
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Comparative Study
A mathematical model for fresh frozen plasma transfusion strategies during major trauma resuscitation with ongoing hemorrhage.
Randomized controlled trials of how best to administer fresh frozen plasma (FFP) in the presence of ongoing severe traumatic hemorrhage are difficult to execute and have not been published. Meanwhile, coagulopathy remains a common occurrence during major trauma resuscitation and hemorrhage remains a major cause of traumatic deaths, suggesting that current coagulation factor replacement practices may be inadequate. ⋯ During resuscitation of a patient who has undergone major trauma, the equivalent of whole-blood transfusion is required to correct or prevent dilutional coagulopathy.
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Comparative Study
Prospective evaluation of hand-held focused abdominal sonography for trauma (FAST) in blunt abdominal trauma.
Ultrasonography (US) has become indispensable in assessing the status of the injured patient. Although hand-held US equipment is now commercially available and may expand the availability and speed of US in assessing the trauma patient, it has not been subjected to controlled evaluation in early trauma care. ⋯ HHFAST performed by clinicians detects intraperitoneal fluid with a high degree of accuracy. All FAST examinations are valuable tests when positive. They will miss some injuries, but the majority of the injuries missed do not require therapy. HHFAST provides an early extension of the physical examination but should be complemented by the selective use of CT, rather than formal repeat US.
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The efficacy of seat belts in reducing deaths from motor vehicle crashes is well documented. A unique association of injuries has emerged in adults and children with the use of seat belts. The "seat-belt syndrome" refers to the spectrum of injuries associated with lap-belt restraints, particularly flexion-distraction injuries to the spine (Chance fractures). ⋯ These incidents illustrate the need for acute awareness of the complete spectrum of intra-abdominal and spinal injuries in restrained pediatric passengers in motor vehicle crashes and for rear seat restraints that include shoulder belts with the ability to adjust them to fit smaller passengers, including older children.
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Comparative Study
Waiting times and patient perspectives for total hip and knee arthroplasty in rural and urban Ontario.
The demand for total hip and total knee arthroplasties is increasing as are the waiting times for these procedures. Because of the differences between rural and urban areas in terms of the provision of arthroplasty services and between the 2 patient groups, patient perspectives of waiting times may also be different. ⋯ Waiting times for hip or knee replacement surgery have increased to the point at which over 50% of surgical patients in 2000-2001 in RUR and URB orthopedic practices had waited longer than 9 months for surgery. In comparing these practices, there was a significantly longer wait in urban than rural practices for the initial consultation but no significant difference in waiting times for surgery.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Efficacy and safety of controlled-release oxycodone and standard therapies for postoperative pain after knee or hip replacement.
Standard therapy (ST) for postoperative pain after knee and hip replacement at the Hamilton Health Sciences Henderson Hospital consists of epidural analgesia or patient-controlled analgesia for the first 48 hours, followed by oral or parenteral analgesics, or both, on an as-needed basis. We compared the efficacy and safety of scheduled controlled-release (CR) oxycodone hydrochloride (OxyContin; Purdue Pharma, Pickering, Ont.) and ST for postoperative pain 48 hours after primary knee and hip replacement. ⋯ CR oxycodone every 12 hours is as effective as ST in treating postoperative pain but length of hospital stay was shorter and analgesic administration in the hospital was used less frequently, providing potential hospital cost savings and reduced use of health care resources.