The Journal of surgical research
-
The relationship between timing of postoperative complications on mortality is unknown. We investigated the time-variable mortality risks of common surgical complications. ⋯ Timing of complications plays an important role in mortality. Surgeons and trainees should be aware of these patterns and tailor their clinical care and monitoring practices to account for the implications of complication timing on mortality.
-
Hydrogen-rich saline provides a high concentration of hydrogen, which selectively reduces levels of hydroxyl radicals and alleviates acute oxidative stress in many models. We investigated the protective effects and mechanisms of three different hydrogen-rich liquid resuscitation preparations on lung injury-induced uncontrolled-hemorrhagic shock (UHS) in rats. ⋯ Each hydrogen-rich liquid resuscitation preparation could protect the lung against acute injury secondary to UHS. These mechanisms may be associated with hydrogen inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, promoting anti-inflammatory cytokine release, and reducing oxidative damage.
-
Ultrapure alginate gel is promising in terms of adhesion prevention. Because anti-adhesive barriers have been shown to disturb healing of bowel anastomoses, the effect of ultrapure alginate gel on the repair of colon anastomoses was studied. ⋯ While reducing adhesion formation, ultrapure alginate gel does not interfere with the development of colonic anastomotic strength during the crucial early healing period.
-
We evaluated an "open lung" ventilation (OV) strategy using low tidal volumes, low respiratory rate, low FiO2, and high continuous positive airway pressure in patients undergoing major lung resections. ⋯ The OV strategy, previously shown to have benefits during mechanical ventilation of patients with respiratory failure, proved safe and effective in lung resection patients. Because postoperative pulmonary complications may be directly attributable to the anesthetic management, adopting an OV strategy that optimizes lung mechanics and gas exchange may help reduce postoperative problems and improve overall surgical results. A randomized trial is planned to ascertain whether this technique will reduce postoperative pulmonary complications.
-
The main postoperative complications after tonsillectomy are due to bleeding, and effective hemostasis may lead to a reduction of overall postoperative morbidity. This study was undertaken to determine the efficacy and safety of a novel kaolin-based hemostatic dressing in tonsillectomy. ⋯ Preliminary findings show that the KG is effective and safe in managing surgical bleeding after tonsillectomy. In addition to rapid bleeding control, the dressing causes minimal inflammation and pain and allows patients to quickly return to normal activities. This novel dressing is a promising tool for ear, nose and throat surgical hemostasis.