Surgery
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Comparative Study
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may affect cytokine response and benefit healing of combat-related extremity wounds.
After adequate operative debridement and antimicrobial therapies, combat-related extremity wounds that either heal or fail are both associated with a distinct inflammatory response. Short-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in postoperative pain management may affect this response and, by consequence, the healing potential of these wounds. We investigated whether patients treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs had a distinct inflammatory response; different rates of critical colonization, defined as >105 colony forming units on quantitative bacteriology; and healing potential. ⋯ Treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for postoperative pain management after major combat-related extremity trauma is associated with lesser concentrations of inflammatory cytokines and may contribute to a more favorable inflammatory response leading to successful wound healing.
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Parathyroidectomy offers the only cure for primary hyperparathyroidism, but today only 50% of primary hyperparathyroidism patients are referred for operation, in large part, because the condition is widely under-recognized. The diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism can be especially challenging with mild biochemical indices. Machine learning is a collection of methods in which computers build predictive algorithms based on labeled examples. With the aim of facilitating diagnosis, we tested the ability of machine learning to distinguish primary hyperparathyroidism from normal physiology using clinical and laboratory data. ⋯ Machine learning can diagnose accurately primary hyperparathyroidism without human input even in mild disease. Incorporation of this tool into electronic medical record systems may aid in recognition of this under-diagnosed disorder.
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Review Meta Analysis
Does prophylactic mesh placement in elective, midline laparotomy reduce the incidence of incisional hernia? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Operative intervention to correct incisional hernia affects 150,000 patients annually, with 1 in 3 repairs recurring within 9 years. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of incisional hernia and postoperative complications in elective midline laparotomy patients after the use of prophylactic mesh placement and primary suture closure. ⋯ Prophylactic mesh placement is associated with an 85% postoperative incisional hernia risk reduction when compared to primary suture closure in at-risk patients undergoing elective, midline laparotomy closure. This technique appears to be safe with comparable complication profiles, barring an increased risk of seroma, especially with the onlay technique, and the possibility for an increased risk of chronic pain. Despite this verification, evidence from large domestic trials that sufficiently addresses major knowledge gaps is simply lacking.
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Comparative Study
Appendectomy in patients with human immunodeficiency virus: Not as bad as we once thought.
The number of patients living with human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is growing due to advances in antiretroviral therapy. Existing literature on appendectomy within this patient population has been limited by small sample sizes. Therefore, we used a large, multiyear, nationwide database to study this topic comprehensively. ⋯ Patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome who undergo appendectomy for acute appendicitis are subject to longer and more expensive hospital admissions and have greater rates of postoperative infections while patients with human immunodeficiency virus alone are not at risk for adverse outcomes.
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Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) allows the resection of colorectal liver metastases with curative intent which would otherwise be unresectable and only eligible for palliative systemic therapy. This study aimed to compare outcomes of ALPPS in patients with otherwise unresectable colorectal liver metastases with matched historic controls treated with palliative systemic treatment. ⋯ Early oncologic outcomes of patients with advanced liver metastases undergoing ALPPS were not superior to results of matched patients receiving systemic treatment with palliative intent. Careful patient selection is essential in order to improve outcomes.