ANZ journal of surgery
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Mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs) of the pancreas are rare, but have recently been increasing in incidence. The aim of this retrospective clinical study was to elucidate the clinicopathological features and prognosis of MCNs with ovarian stroma at a single centre. ⋯ The prognosis of the resected non-invasive MCNs was excellent. Although resection should be considered for all cases, in low-risk MCNs (<5 cm and without nodules), nonradical resections (i.e. enucleations) are appropriate.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Dec 2013
Review Meta AnalysisEffectiveness of massive transfusion protocols on mortality in trauma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
The effectiveness of massive transfusion protocols (MTPs) has been assumed from low quality studies with multiple biases. This review aimed to (i) evaluate the association between the institution of an MTP and mortality and (ii) determine the effect of MTPs on transfusion practice post trauma. ⋯ Despite the popularity of MTPs and directives mandating their use in trauma centres, in before-after studies, MTPs have not always been associated with improved mortality. Evidence-based standardization of MTPs, improved compliance and analysis of broader endpoints were identified as areas for further research.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Dec 2013
ReviewIs it time to include point-of-care ultrasound in general surgery training? A review to stimulate discussion.
Point-of-care ultrasound scanning or POCUS is a focused ultrasound (US) scan, performed by non-imaging clinicians during physical examination, an invasive procedure or surgery. As this technology becomes cheaper, smaller and easier to use, its scope for use by surgeons grows, a trend that may generate a gap between use and training. Opportunities for enhanced general surgery skill sets may be reduced unless consideration is given to inclusion of POCUS in general surgery training. ⋯ Increasingly, medical students are graduating with basic POCUS skills. Specialty-specific uses of POCUS are proliferating. Training and assessment resources are not keeping up, in accessibility or standardization. A learned surgical college led training and accreditation process would require aligned education in anatomy and US technology and collaboration with the specialist imaging community to ensure appropriate standards are clarified and met. Research is also required into how general surgery trainees can best achieve and maintain POCUS competence.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Dec 2013
Modified distally based sural adipofascial flap for reconstructing of leg and ankle.
While free flaps can be used in many cases to cover soft tissue defects in the distal leg and ankle in a single stage, factors such as diabetes and advanced age can interfere with success of vascular anastomoses. ⋯ The modified reverse sural adipofascial flap preserved the sensation of the donor site and the anatomic contour of both recipient and donor sites.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Dec 2013
Is extended thromboprophylaxis necessary in elective colorectal cancer surgery?
Colorectal cancer surgery carries a high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) but the optimal duration of thromboprophylaxis is unknown. The cost-effectiveness of extended prophylaxis is not known in Australasia. The aims of this study were to determine the 30-day incidence of VTE in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery, to audit compliance with thromboprophylaxis protocols and to estimate the cost of treating all patients for 28 days with enoxaparin. ⋯ We have demonstrated excellent compliance with in-hospital thromboprophylaxis. Hence, we have low VTE rates in-particular, post-discharge VTE. The infrequency of post-discharge VTE means that the cost-effectiveness of extended prophylaxis might be questioned.