ANZ journal of surgery
-
ANZ journal of surgery · Aug 2005
Biography Historical ArticleSurgical accountability in the 1880s: the death of Susan Nixon.
Susan Nixon died in 1881 following a surgical error. Her surgeon, Dr W. E. ⋯ The surgical misadventure that resulted in Mrs Nixon's death became a public scandal, which gained currency through both parliamentary debate and the popular press. The purpose of referring to this case is to explore the mechanisms of accountability that surgeons faced in the 1880s--a decade of rapid change in the practice of surgery. The response of late nineteenth century society to surgical error and the resultant reaction of the medical profession have resonances that are relevant to surgeons practising today.
-
ANZ journal of surgery · Aug 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyRandomized, prospective comparison of postoperative pain in low- versus high-pressure pneumoperitoneum.
Reduced postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) compared to open cholecystectomy (OC) may be able to be further optimized. To reduce pain, focus should be directed on the effects of individual components of pain. ⋯ There was no correlation between high- and low-pressure laparoscopy and postoperative pain after LC. Peritoneal stretching may be more responsible for shoulder pain but has less effect on intensity of abdominal pain or incisional pain. On the basis of these negative findings, routine use of low-pressure pneumoperitoneum for alleviation of postoperative pain following LC is not recommended.
-
ANZ journal of surgery · Aug 2005
Does off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting beneficially affect renal function?
Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has been reported to beneficially affect renal function, but this remains to be confirmed. The purpose of the present paper was to study the effects of off-pump CABG on renal function and analyse predictors of postoperative renal impairment in patients who received off-pump CABG. ⋯ Off-pump CABG provides better renal protection than on-pump CABG. However, perioperative renal function should be closely monitored in patients who have left ventricular dysfunction or who undergo multivessel grafting, even when off-pump CABG is performed.
-
ANZ journal of surgery · Aug 2005
Percutaneous splanchnic nerve radiofrequency ablation for chronic abdominal pain.
Splanchnic nerve block is a useful alternative to coeliac plexus block in the management of patients with chronic upper abdominal pain. The predictable relationship of the splanchnic nerves to other structures allows for accurate needle placement and hence a low risk of iatrogenic damage. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses a high frequency alternating current to heat tissues leading to thermal coagulation. It produces predictable and accurate lesions and hence is useful alternative to more conventional phenol and alcohol neurolytic methods. ⋯ Although preliminary data regarding RFA ablation of splanchnic nerves are encouraging, further trials are also needed comparing percutaneous splanchnic nerve ablation with opioid analgesia and coeliac plexus blockade.
-
ANZ journal of surgery · Aug 2005
Use of a single silastic chest drain following thoracotomy: initial evaluation.
It is standard practice to use multiple large bore semi-rigid chest tubes to drain the pleural cavity following thoracic procedures. These can cause pain and discomfort at the insertion site. ⋯ The use of a single, small silastic chest drains following thoracotomy may be safe and effective in draining both fluid and air, though an additional tube may be necessary for persistent leaks.