Surg J R Coll Surg E
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Surg J R Coll Surg E · Feb 2017
Randomized Controlled TrialUsing a multimedia presentation to improve patient understanding and satisfaction with informed consent for minimally invasive vascular procedures.
As vascular procedures become more complex, patient understanding of their treatment(s) can become more difficult. We wished to evaluate the utility of multimedia presentations (MPs) to improve patient understanding of their vascular interventions. ⋯ This study suggests that patients find the use of MP during the consent process to be helpful in patient understanding and that there is improved satisfaction. Given the rapid rate of innovation in vascular interventions, increased regular use of MPs to help patients understand their procedures would be beneficial in the care of patients undergoing vascular interventions.
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Surg J R Coll Surg E · Oct 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialEffect of epidural methylprednisolone on post-operative pain and length of hospital stay in patients undergoing lumbar microdiscectomy.
Intraoperative epidural corticosteroids have been used to decrease post-operative pain post-discectomy. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of epidural corticosteroids on post-operative pain and length of post-operative hospital stay in patients undergoing unilateral lumbar microdiscectomy. ⋯ Intraoperative application of epidural corticosteroids, Depomedrol, significantly reduces post-operative pain, length of post-operative stay and duration to return to daily living activities following lumbar discectomy.
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Surg J R Coll Surg E · Apr 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyEvaluation of post operative shoulder tip pain in low pressure versus standard pressure pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Insufflation of carbon dioxide during laparoscopic cholecystectomy leads to postoperative shoulder tip pain. The origin of shoulder pain is commonly assumed to be due to overstretching of the diaphragmatic muscle fibres owing to a high carbon dioxide pressure. ⋯ Low pressure laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LPLC) significantly decreases the frequency and intensity of postoperative shoulder tip pain. LPLC decreases the demand for postoperative analgesics, decreases postoperative hospital stay and hence improves the quality of life in the early stage of postoperative rehabilitation.
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Surg J R Coll Surg E · Aug 2009
Letter Randomized Controlled TrialThe needle catcher--a safer way to suture.
The needle catcher is a novel surgical instrument which has been developed in Belfast in conjunction with Queen's University Belfast that aims to reduce suture needle exposure and increase operator safety during suturing. The instrument was used to close wounds in 20 patients presenting to A&E in the Royal Group of Hospitals and to the plastic surgery service in the Ulster Hospital. This letter includes a technical description of the instrument, evaluation of needle exposure, comments from users, evaluation of the needle catcher and a discussion on the need for additional protection for medical staff in surgical based specialties where there is frequent exposure to blood, open wounds and sharps.
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Surg J R Coll Surg E · Jun 2006
Randomized Controlled TrialLessons learned from a randomised controlled study of perioperative beta blockade in high risk patients undergoing emergency surgery.
Perioperative beta blockade has been shown to reduce mortality after major elective surgery. The aim of this study was to determine whether it could reduce the rate of death and morbidity from cardiac complications in high risk patients undergoing emergency surgery. ⋯ This study of emergency surgery proved more difficult than similar trials in elective surgery. The final study groups were small and there were no significant differences in outcomes. A much larger study is required for a definitive answer.