Surgery
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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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After sphincter-saving operation for rectal cancer, the impact of anastomotic leakage on function has been well studied. The purpose of the present work was to assess the influence of symptomatic and asymptomatic anastomotic leakage on bowel function and health-related quality of life using the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome score and the disease-specific questionnaire European Organization for Research and Treatment of Quality of Life Questionnaire for Colorectal Cancer. ⋯ Symptomatic anastomotic leakage impairs function and quality of life after laparoscopic, sphincter-saving operative intervention for rectal cancer.
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Observational Study
Gastrostomy tube placement: An opportunity for establishing patient-centered goals of care.
Surgeons and other health care providers are frequently consulted for gastrostomy tube placement in seriously ill patients at risk of outcomes poorly aligned with patient goals. Palliative care assessments have been recommended to guide decision-making in this setting. We aimed to characterize patient-centered outcomes and define the extent of unmet palliative care need in patients receiving gastrostomy tubes. ⋯ Given high risks of mortality and poor functional outcomes, consideration of gastrostomy tube placement is an appropriate but underutilized trigger for palliative care assessment. This study highlights an untapped opportunity to optimize the goal concordance of treatment in operative intervention.
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Comparative Study
Postconditioning: "Toll-erating" mesenteric ischemia-reperfusion injury?
Postconditioning may prove to be a suitable method to decrease ischemia-reperfusion injury of intestine after mesenteric arterial occlusion. Toll-like-receptor-4 is involved in the pathophysiology of organ damage after ischemia-reperfusion; therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the effect of postconditioning on the mucosal expression of toll-like-receptor-4. ⋯ Small intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury in male Wistar rats caused by the occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery was ameliorated by the use of postconditioning, showing a more favorable inflammatory response, which may be attributed to the decreased mucosal expression of toll-like-receptor-4.
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The implementation of mandated restrictions in resident duty hours has led to increased handoffs for patient care and thus more opportunities for errors during transitions of care. Much of the current handoff literature is empiric, with experts recommending the study of handoffs within an established framework. ⋯ Studying the handoff process within an established framework highlights factors that impair communication. Internal and external distractions are common during handoffs and along with the working relationship between the source and receiver impact the quality of the handoff process. This information allows further study and targeted interventions of the handoff process to improve overall effectiveness and patient safety of the handoff.