ANZ journal of surgery
-
ANZ journal of surgery · Dec 2015
ReviewCervical spine immobilization following blunt trauma: a systematic review of recent literature and proposed treatment algorithm.
Management of the cervical spine following blunt trauma is commonplace. In 2013, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) published practice guidelines drawn from evidence dating to 2011. Since then, further publications have emerged that are reviewed, and a simple management algorithm produced to assist practitioners in Australian trauma centres. These publications attempt to shed light on two controversial scenarios, those being the management of symptomatic patients with negative computed tomography (CT) and management of the obtunded patient. ⋯ Several of these findings represent a departure from previous practices, including clearance of patients with non-neurological symptoms on the basis of CT and the exclusion of flexion-extension film in detecting injury. Management of the obtunded patient remains controversial.
-
ANZ journal of surgery · Dec 2015
ReviewPrevalence of bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment in surgery in Australasia.
The topic of discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment in surgery was raised in the Australian media earlier in 2015. This led the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) to commission an Expert Advisory Group to investigate and advise the College on their prevalence in surgery in Australia and New Zealand. This paper reports the findings with respect to prevalence of these inappropriate behaviours. ⋯ Discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment are common in surgical practice and training in Australia and New Zealand. RACS needs to urgently address these behaviours in surgery. This will involve a change in culture, more education for fellows and trainees, and better processes around complaints including support for those who have suffered.