New Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Problems After Joint Surgery Identified
In addition to confirming previously identified risk factors for cardiovascular complications after total joint replacement (TJR) surgery, researchers have shown that bilateral and revision operations are associated with increased risk. "Revision joint replacement and bilateral surgery are much more prolonged operations than primary unilateral joint replacement," Dr. Jeffrey N. Katz, from Brigham and Women's Hospital […]
Capillary Blood Gas Sampling for Neonatal and Pediatric Patients
Ramaz Mitaishvili, MD1. PROCEDURE: Capillary sampling for blood gas analysis
Percutaneous Thrombectomy an Option in Some Cases of Pulmonary Embolism
Combined clot fragmentation and thrombus aspiration appears to be beneficial in certain patients with massive angiographic pulmonary embolism (PE), according to Mexican researchers.
Potential Neuroregulatory Basis for SIDS
SIDS cases had significantly more serotonergic system abnormalities than did controls. SummaryAlthough sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of mortality during the first year of life, no unifying neurophysiologic basis has been identified. The serotonergic (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) system of the medulla oblongata helps regulate autonomic and respiratory function and has been implicated […]
Early Laparoscopic Surgery Best for Acute Cholecystitis
In patients with acute cholecystitis, performing laparoscopic gallbladder removal within 24 hours of admission, rather than waiting weeks to years after a course of antibiotics has been given, reduces the hospital stay without increasing the risk of complications, new research shows.
Outcomes Similar With Resective or Drainage Procedures in Pancreatitis
Long-term follow-up of chronic pancreatitis patients who underwent the pylorus-preserving variant of the Whipple resection procedure shows that results are ultimately comparable to those achieved using the more recent Frey organ-sparing extended drainage approach, according to German researchers.
Autogenous Tendon Grafting Effective for Extensor Tendon Reconstruction
Autogenous palmaris longus tendon grafting is effective for repairing ruptured extensor tendons in the wrist in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to a report in the April 24th Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research.
Teamwork Slashes Cardiac Surgery Wound Infection Rates
A multidisciplinary approach to maintaining optimal glycometabolism in cardiac surgery patients has led to an impressive reduction in deep sternal wound infection rates at one New England hospital.
Rebleeding Often Occurs After Embolization of Gastroduodenal Hemorrhage
Angiographic embolization for gastroduodenal hemorrhage can be achieved technically in most patients, but in-hospital rebleeding occurs in almost half of cases, researchers report in the May issue of the Archives of Surgery.
Blood Substitute Safely Reduces Need for Transfusion Following Elective Surgery
A hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC-201, Biopure Corporation) appears to be a safe substitute for blood transfusion, according to results of a multinational, phase III clinical trial among patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery. However, the blood substitute may not be appropriate for high-risk patients and patients over the age of 80, the findings suggest.
