Surgical

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences

Kinds of Surgical

  • aggressive surgical
  • intuitive surgical

  • Terms modified by Surgical

  • surgical ablation
  • surgical abortion
  • surgical access
  • surgical adjuvant breast
  • surgical admission
  • surgical alternative
  • surgical anatomy
  • surgical application
  • surgical approach
  • surgical biopsy
  • surgical bypass
  • surgical candidate
  • surgical care
  • surgical case
  • surgical castration
  • surgical cause
  • surgical center
  • surgical centre
  • surgical challenge
  • surgical closure
  • surgical competence
  • surgical competency
  • surgical complication
  • surgical complications
  • surgical condition
  • surgical correction
  • surgical debridement
  • surgical decision
  • surgical decompression
  • surgical defect
  • surgical department
  • surgical detail
  • surgical device
  • surgical diagnosis
  • surgical discipline
  • surgical disease
  • surgical dissection
  • surgical drainage
  • surgical education
  • surgical educator
  • surgical emergency
  • surgical eradication
  • surgical evacuation
  • surgical evaluation
  • surgical excision
  • surgical experience
  • surgical expertise
  • surgical exploration
  • surgical exposure
  • surgical extirpation
  • surgical extraction
  • surgical factor
  • surgical field
  • surgical finding
  • surgical glove
  • surgical group
  • surgical groups
  • surgical guide
  • surgical history
  • surgical icu
  • surgical implantation
  • surgical implication
  • surgical incision
  • surgical indication
  • surgical induction
  • surgical instruments
  • surgical intensive care unit
  • surgical intervention
  • surgical journal
  • surgical lesion
  • surgical ligation
  • surgical management
  • surgical manipulation
  • surgical margin
  • surgical margin status
  • surgical method
  • surgical methods
  • surgical microscope
  • surgical modality
  • surgical model
  • surgical morbidity
  • surgical mortality
  • surgical navigation
  • surgical oncologist
  • surgical oncology
  • surgical operation
  • surgical operations
  • surgical option
  • surgical outcome
  • surgical parameter
  • surgical pathologist
  • surgical pathology
  • surgical patient
  • surgical performance
  • surgical perspective
  • surgical placement
  • surgical plan
  • surgical planning
  • surgical population
  • surgical practice
  • surgical problem
  • surgical procedure
  • surgical procedure used
  • surgical process
  • surgical prophylaxis
  • surgical protocol
  • surgical reconstruction
  • surgical reduction
  • surgical referral
  • surgical release
  • surgical removal
  • surgical repair
  • surgical repositioning
  • surgical research
  • surgical resection
  • surgical resection specimen
  • surgical result
  • surgical revascularization
  • surgical revision
  • surgical risk
  • surgical risk patient
  • surgical robot
  • surgical rotation
  • surgical salvage
  • surgical sample
  • surgical scar
  • surgical series
  • surgical service
  • surgical services
  • surgical setting
  • surgical simulation
  • surgical simulator
  • surgical site
  • surgical site infection
  • surgical site infections
  • surgical skill
  • surgical specialist
  • surgical specialty
  • surgical specimen
  • surgical staff
  • surgical stage
  • surgical staging
  • surgical strategy
  • surgical stress
  • surgical success
  • surgical success rate
  • surgical suture
  • surgical system
  • surgical team
  • surgical technique
  • surgical technique used
  • surgical techniques
  • surgical technology
  • surgical template
  • surgical termination
  • surgical therapy
  • surgical time
  • surgical tool
  • surgical tracheostomy
  • surgical trainee
  • surgical training
  • surgical trauma
  • surgical treatment
  • surgical treatment modality
  • surgical treatment option
  • surgical trials
  • surgical unit
  • surgical volume
  • surgical ward
  • surgical wound
  • surgical wound infection

  • Selected Abstracts


    New Technology and Methodologies for Intraoperative, Perioperative, and Intraprocedural Monitoring of Surgical and Catheter Interventions for Congenital Heart Disease

    ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 8 2002
    Mary J. Rice M.D.
    We review the new technology and methods available for support of intraoperative and intraprocedural imaging in the catheterization laboratory for surgical and interventional catheterization procedures in the treatment of congenital heart disease. The methods reviewed include miniaturized probes and new ways of using them perioperatively for cardiac imaging from transesophageal, substernal, and intracardiac imaging locations. The smaller and more versatile the probes, the better adapted they will be in providing methods to improve the outcomes in babies born with serious forms of congenital heart disease. [source]


    Cognitive Skills in Children with Intractable Epilepsy: Comparison of Surgical and Nonsurgical Candidates

    EPILEPSIA, Issue 6 2002
    Mary Lou Smith
    Summary: ,Purpose: To compare neuropsychological performance of two groups of children with intractable epilepsy: those who are surgical candidates, and those who are not. Methods: Intelligence, verbal memory, visual memory, academic skills, and sustained attention were measured in children aged 6,18 years. The effects of number of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), seizure frequency, age at seizure onset, and duration of seizure disorder were examined. Results: Both groups had high rates of impairment. Group differences were found only on the verbal memory task. Children who experienced seizures in clusters had higher IQ, reading comprehension, and arithmetic scores. Age at seizure onset and proportion of life with seizures were related to IQ. Performance did not vary with AED monotherapy versus polytherapy. Conclusions: Few differences exist in cognitive performance between children with intractable seizures who are and those who are not surgical candidates. These findings suggest that children who are not surgical candidates can serve as good controls in studies on cognitive outcome of surgery. [source]


    Endo-robotic resection of the submandibular gland in a cadaver model,

    HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 11 2005
    David J. Terris MD
    Abstract Background. By means of a prospective, nonrandomized investigation, we evaluated the feasibility of performing endo-robotic resection of the submandibular gland in a cadaver model and compared the results of robotically enhanced endoscopic surgery with those from a conventional endoscopic technique. Methods. Procedural times were recorded in a consecutive series of 11 endoscopic submandibular gland resections using the daVinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) and a modified endoscopic surgical approach previously developed in a porcine model. The presence of neurovascular injury was assessed postoperatively, and the specimens were examined histologically. Results. Eleven endo-robotic submandibular gland resections were successfully performed in six cadavers (no conversions to open resection were necessary). The median duration of the procedures was 48 minutes (range, 33,82 minutes). Creation of the operative pocket took an average (±SD) of 12.2 ± 5.3 minutes, assembly of the robot required 9.3 ± 4.1 minutes, and the mean time for submandibular gland resection was 29.4 ± 8.9 minutes. The time required for robotic assembly was offset by the reduced operative time necessary compared with conventional endoscopic resection. Histologic examination confirmed the presence of normal glandular architecture, without evidence of excessive mechanical or thermal injury. There were no cases of apparent neurovascular injury. Conclusions. Robotically enhanced endoscopic surgery in the neck is feasible and offers a number of compelling advantages over conventional endoscopic neck surgery. Clinical trials will be necessary to determine whether these advantages can be achieved in clinical practice. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck27: XXX,XXX, 2005 [source]


    Hospital inpatients' experiences of access to food: a qualitative interview and observational study

    HEALTH EXPECTATIONS, Issue 3 2008
    Smriti Naithani BSc MSc
    Abstract Background, Hospital surveys indicate that overall patients are satisfied with hospital food. However undernutrition is common and associated with a number of negative clinical outcomes. There is little information regarding food access from the patients' perspective. Purpose, To examine in-patients' experiences of access to food in hospitals. Methods, Qualitative semi-structured interviews with 48 patients from eight acute wards in two London teaching hospitals. Responses were coded and analysed thematically using NVivo. Results, Most patients were satisfied with the quality of the meals, which met their expectations. Almost half of the patients reported feeling hungry during their stay and identified a variety of difficulties in accessing food. These were categorized as: organizational barriers (e.g. unsuitable serving times, menus not enabling informed decision about what food met their needs, inflexible ordering systems); physical barriers (not in a comfortable position to eat, food out of reach, utensils or packaging presenting difficulties for eating); and environmental factors (e.g. staff interrupting during mealtimes, disruptive and noisy behaviour of other patients, repetitive sounds or unpleasant smells). Surgical and elderly patients and those with physical disabilities experienced greatest difficulty accessing food, whereas younger patients were more concerned about choice, timing and the delivery of food. Conclusions, Hospital in-patients often experienced feeling hungry and having difficulty accessing food. These problems generally remain hidden because staff fail to notice and because patients are reluctant to request assistance. [source]


    Assuring quality in HPB surgery , efficacy and safety

    HPB, Issue 5 2007
    Prof G.J. MADDERN
    Surgical innovations have made enormous contributions towards the welfare of patients when they have been appropriate, effective and applied with expertise and overall care. However, the potential for advancement and for harm of new surgical techniques, and the level of expertise necessary for their safe introduction, are not always immediately apparent. Furthermore, it is difficult and time-consuming to assess the efficacy and safety of new procedures in the clinical setting. In 1998 the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons established ASERNIP-S, the Australian Safety and Efficacy Register of New and Interventional Procedures , Surgical, to help ensure that new technologies that are being introduced are well proven in concept, are as safe and effective as possible, and are utilized with high levels of skill underpinned by the level of training. [source]


    Impact of Surgical and Orthotic Intervention on the Quality of Life of People with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities and Their Carers

    JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, Issue 4 2000
    Aileen Neilson
    The increasing analysis of quality of life issues for people with disabilities has not been paralleled in relation to people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMDs). This is nowhere more the case than with regard to the impact of health status on their quality of life. In addition, people with PIMDs, and the interventions which they require, have not been included within wider considerations of the economics of healthcare and its relation to rational decision-making regarding medical provision. The present exploratory study considered the impact of a wide range of surgical and orthotic interventions on the quality of life of 27 children and adults with PIMDs. These were explored on a pre,post-test basis with respect to: (1) the economic costs associated with surgical and orthotic interventions; (2) clinical assessment of function and behaviour; (3) the participants' and carers' quality of life; and (4) carer satisfaction with the interventions. The results are presented with respect to these individual areas and the extent to which the findings are congruent. The need for the development of these measures to meet the specific requirements of this population and the development of a more formal model integrating these steps are considered. [source]


    Chordal Cutting VIA Aortotomy in Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation: Surgical and Echocardiographic Study

    JOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 1 2008
    Georges Fayad M.D.
    In addition, MR may exacerbate during exercise not only trough exercise-induced ischemia but also through an increase in tenting area. Accordingly, we aimed to perform chordal cutting through aortotomy in patients with exercise-induced ischemic worsening of MR. Methods: Five patients with ischemic MR, due to anterior leaflet tenting, whichworsened during exercise echocardiography were enrolled. All patients underwent cutting of the 2 basal chordae attached to the anterior mitral leaflet associated with myocardial revascularization. Three patients had additional mitral valve annuloplasty. Postoperative MR was evaluated using exercise echocardiography. Results: Age ranged from 63 to 78 years and 4 patients were male. Preoperative LV ejection fraction averaged 39 ± 3%. Chordal cutting was performed through aortotomy allowing comfortable access to the anterior mitral valve. Mitral effective regurgitant orifice at rest and at peak exercise was reduced by surgery (10 ± 3 to 0.6 ± 0.5 mm2 at rest and from 20 ± 3 to 6 ± 2 mm2 at peak exercise; p = 0.03). Mitral tenting area at rest and at peak exercise was concomitantly reduced by surgery (1.83 ± 0.21 cm2 to 0.50 ± 0.4 cm2 at rest and from 3.11 ± 0.58 to 1.7 ± 0.5 cm2 at peak exercise; p = 0.03). Left ventricular size and function remained unchanged after surgery. Conclusions: Chordal cutting through aortotomy may be an effective option to treat ischemic MR due to anterior leaflet tenting. Associated with myocardial revascularization, it resulted in a decrease of MR at rest and during exercise through a decrease in tenting area without impairment of LV function. [source]


    Use of Stereolithographic Templates for Surgical and Prosthodontic Implant Planning and Placement.

    JOURNAL OF PROSTHODONTICS, Issue 2 2006
    Part II.
    Eight implants were placed in the posterior part of the mandible using computer-generated stereolithographic templates. Preoperative implant simulation was done on a 3D computer model created by reformatted computerized tomography data. The surgeon and the prosthodontist positioned the simulated implants in the most favorable position addressing all concerns with regard to anatomy, biomechanics, and esthetics. The length and diameter of each implant along with the angulation/collar of abutments required for a screw-retained prosthesis were determined. Stereolithographic templates were then fabricated by incorporating the precise spatial position of the implants within the bone as previously planned during the computer simulation. The templates were fabricated to seat directly on the bone and were stable. The first template was used to complete osteotomies with a 2-mm twist drill followed by the second template for the 3-mm drill. Implants were placed and allowed to integrate for 4 months. After second-stage surgery, the definitive abutments were torqued into place followed by insertion of the definitive screw-retained prostheses. Dimensions of all implants and abutments were the same as planned during the computer simulation. [source]


    Use of Stereolithographic Templates for Surgical and Prosthodontic Implant Planning and Placement.

    JOURNAL OF PROSTHODONTICS, Issue 1 2006
    Part I. The Concept
    Surgical and prosthodontic implant complications are often an inadvertent sequelae of improper diagnosis, planning, and placement. These complications pose a significant challenge in implant dentistry. Presented in this article is a technique using a highly advanced software program along with a rapid prototyping technology called stereolithography. It permits graphic and complex 3D implant simulation and the fabrication of computer-generated surgical templates. These templates seat directly on the bone and are preprogrammed with the individual depth, angulation, and mesio-distal and bucco-lingual positioning of individual implants as planned during the 3D computer simulation. [source]


    Rotterdam score predicts early mortality in Budd-Chiari syndrome, and surgical shunting prolongs transplant-free survival

    ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 10 2009
    A. J. MONTANO-LOZA
    Summary Background, Budd,Chiari syndrome carries significant mortality, but factors predicting this outcome are uncertain. Aim, To determine factors associated with 3-month mortality and compare outcomes after surgical shunting or liver transplantation. Methods, From 1985 to 2008, 51 patients with Budd,Chiari syndrome were identified. Results, By logistic regression analysis, features associated with higher risk of 3-month mortality were Rotterdam class III, Clichy >6.6, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) >20 and Child,Pugh C. Rotterdam class III had the best performance to discriminate 3-month mortality with sensitivity of 0.89 and specificity of 0.63, whereas Clichy >6.60 had sensitivity of 0.78 and specificity of 0.69; MELD >20 had sensitivity of 0.78 and specificity of 0.75 and Child,Pugh C had sensitivity of 0.67 and specificity of 0.72. Eighteen patients underwent surgical shunts and 14 received liver transplantation with no significant differences in survival (median survival 10 ± 3 vs. 8 ± 2 years; log-rank, P = 0.9). Conclusions, Rotterdam score is the best discrimination index for 3-month mortality in Budd,Chiari syndrome and should be used preferentially to determine treatment urgency. Surgical shunts constitute an important therapeutic modality that may help save liver grafts and prolong transplantation-free survival in a selected group of patients with Budd,Chiari syndrome. [source]


    Use of the U-clip for microvascular anastomosis

    MICROSURGERY, Issue 8 2006
    Jesse Taylor M.D.
    Microvascular anastomosis is a demanding skill requiring technical excellence and a thorough knowledge of anatomy and physiology. Every suture placed in a microvascular anastomosis should be considered critical as each has the potential to compromise the delicate reconstruction. As such, any device that can facilitate microvascular suture placement deserves thorough evaluation. The U-clip (Coalescent Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) is such a device in that it eliminates the often time consuming process of tying knots. We evaluated use of the U-clip in microvascular anastomosis of a 1.5 mm artery. We found the U-clip to offer some advantages including ease of use, traditional feel of directed suture placement (as compared to couplers), and elimination of time needed for knot tying. Its shortcomings include size (in diameter, the "pop-off" section of the device appears larger than standard 8-0 suture), the significant force required to "pop-off" the device and difficulty removing the device. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2006. [source]


    Robotics in cardiac surgery: the Istanbul experience

    THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ROBOTICS AND COMPUTER ASSISTED SURGERY, Issue 2 2006
    Ertan Sagbas
    Abstract Background Robots are sensor-based tools capable of performing precise, accurate and versatile actions. Initially designed to spare humans from risky tasks, robots have progressed into revolutionary tools for surgeons. Tele-operated robots, such as the da VinciŌ (Intuitive Surgical, Mountain View, CA), have allowed cardiac procedures to start benefiting from robotics as an enhancement to traditional minimally invasive surgery. Methods The aim of this text was to discuss our experience with the da Vinci system during a 12 month period in which 61 cardiac patients were operated on. There were 59 coronary bypass patients (CABG) and two atrial septal defect (ASD) closures. Results Two patients (3.3%) had to be converted to median sternotomy because of pleural adhesions. There were no procedure- or device-related complications. Conclusion Our experience suggests that robotics can be integrated into routine cardiac surgical practice. Systematic training, team dedication and proper patient selection are important factors that determine the success of a robotic surgery programme. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    Itinerant Surgical and Medical Specialist Care in Kansas: Report of a Survey of Rural Hospital Administrators

    THE JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH, Issue 2 2001
    Rick Kellerman M.D
    ABSTRACT In most rural areas, specialist nonprimary care, when available, is provided by "itinerant" physicians and surgeons who periodically visit from a distant home base. Little is known about current usage and acceptability of itinerant specialists in rural communities. Administrators of hospitals in rural and frontier Kansas counties were asked to report the frequency of itinerant care in their facilities, the home base of each specialist and a listing of procedures performed during specialist visits. Administrators were also asked to respond on a Likert scale to six questions inviting their assessment of itinerant care. Responses were received from 53 of 56 hospitals. All offered at least one monthly session of itinerant medical or surgical care. The most common specialties represented were cardiology (in 87 percent of hospitals), urology (68 percent), orthopedics (68 percent) and radiology (60 percent). General surgeons consulted in over 80 percent of responding hospitals. Psychiatrists, dermatologists and neurologists were rarely available in the hospitals surveyed. Administrators generally rated itinerant care highly, though some expressed concern about revenue lost when specialists performed procedures in their home-base office or hospital. No associations were found between amount of care offered and potential explanatory variables such as hospital size, distance from subregional centers, or percentage of patients hospitalized locally. Furttier study is needed to better understand differences in itinerant specialist utilization and acceptance among rural Kansas hospitals. Because Kansas demographics are similar to those of many other American rural areas, such study may offer insights applicable to other regions. [source]


    Transoral Robotic Surgery: Supraglottic Laryngectomy in a Canine Model,

    THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 7 2005
    Gregory S. Weinstein MD
    Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: To develop a technique for computer enhanced robotic transoral supraglottic partial laryngectomy in the canine model. Study Design: Surgical procedure on the larynx in a canine model with a commercially available surgical robot. Methods: With use of the da Vinci Surgical Robot (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA), the supraglottic partial laryngectomy was performed on a mongrel dog that had been orotracheally intubated using general anesthesia. The videoscope and the 8 mm end-effectors of the robotic system were introduced through three ports, transorally. The surgical procedure was performed remotely from the robotic system console. The procedure was documented with still and video photography. Results: Supraglottic partial laryngectomy was successfully performed using the da Vinci Surgical Robot, with 8 mm instrumentation. The robotic system allowed for celerity and accuracy secondary to findings specific to the surgical approach, including excellent hemostasis, superb visualization of the operative field with expeditious identification of laryngeal submucosal soft tissue and skeletal landmarks, and multiplanar transection of tissues. In addition, the use of the robotic system also was found to have technical advantages inherent in robotic surgery, including the use of "wristed" instrumentation, tremor abolition, motion scaling, and three-dimensional vision. Conclusions: The da Vinci Surgical Robot allowed for successful robotic transoral supraglottic partial laryngectomy in the canine model. [source]


    Microdissection or Microspot CO2 Laser for Limited Vocal Fold Benign Lesions: A Prospective Randomized Trial,

    THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue S92 2000
    Michael S. Benninger MD
    CO2 lasers have become an important technological advance and an integral tool for the laryngeal surgeon since the 1960s. Surgeons have used lasers for a variety of benign and malignant lesions in the larynx with good success. With better understanding of the microarchitecture of the vocal folds and the recognition of heat distribution into surrounding tissues that occurs with the use of standard CO2 lasers, questions and concerns have been raised regarding the use of the CO2 laser for benign lesions of the vocal folds. With the advent of the microspot CO2 laser with a spot size of less than 250 ,m, the potential heat distribution to the deeper layers of the lamina propria has been reduced. The microspot CO2 laser has been suggested to be an appropriate tool for the excision of superficial benign lesions of the vocal fold and may be considered as an appropriate treatment alternative to microdissection. Only a limited number of studies have compared the efficacy of microdissection versus microspot CO2 laser surgery in the larynx, and no prospective, randomized trials have been performed. Objective This study was designed to compare microspot CO2 laser excision and microdissection for superficial benign lesions confined to the free margin of the vocal fold. Study Design: A randomized, prospective trial comparing microspot CO2 laser excision and microdissection in the removal of nodules, polyps, and mucous retention cysts of the vocal fold. Methods Acoustic and aerodynamic measures and videostroboscopic and perceptual audio recordings evaluated by a panel of blinded viewers and listeners were studied preoperatively and 2 to 3 weeks and 5 to 12 weeks postoperatively. Surgical and recovery times were compared between the two groups. Results Thirty-seven patients met selection criteria and were enrolled, 21 in the microdissection group and 16 in the laser excision group. Significant improvements in videostroboscopic parameters were found over time in both groups. Significant improvements were noted for perceptual analysis over time for the laser excision group with nonsignificant improvements over time for the microdissection group. There was no difference in any measure between laser excision and microdissection at the two postoperative visits. There was no difference in surgical or recovery time between laser excision and microdissection. Acoustic and aerodynamic parameters were noncontributory in evaluating outcomes of treatment, since most values were normal before surgery. Conclusion No differences in clinical outcomes are identified when comparing microdissection with laser excision of nodules, polyps, and mucous retention cysts of the vocal folds. [source]


    Targeting Allograft Injury and Inflammation in the Management of Post-Lung Transplant Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome

    AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 6 2009
    A. G. N. Robertson
    Chronic allograft dysfunction, manifesting as bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in human lung transplant recipients. While alloimmunity has a definite role, there is increasing interest in overall allograft injury and subsequent inflammation and remodeling. This review deals with nonalloimmune factors that may potentiate alloimmune injury. We discuss infection and reflux/aspiration as examples of allograft injury, which may lead to chronic loss of graft function and BOS. Surgical and nonsurgical treatments aimed at preventing these insults and improving survival are considered. The need for further evidence, including randomized-controlled trials, to evaluate the role of medical and surgical therapies is emphasized by the current literature. [source]


    ASERNIP-S: INTERNATIONAL TREND SETTING

    ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 10 2008
    Guy Maddern
    The Australian Safety and Efficacy Register of New Interventional Procedures , Surgical (ASERNIP-S) came into being 10 years ago to provide health technology assessments specifically tailored towards new surgical techniques and technologies. It was and remains the only organisation in the world to focus on this area of research. Most funding has been provided by the Australian Government Department of Health, and assessments have helped inform the introduction of new surgical techniques into Australia. ASERNIP-S is a project of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. The ASERNIP-S program employs a diverse range of methods including systematic reviews, technology overviews, assessments of new and emerging surgical technologies identified by horizon scanning, and audit. Support and guidance for the program is provided by Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. ASERNIP-S works closely with consumers to produce health technology assessments and audits, as well as consumer information to keep patients fully informed of research. Since its inception, the ASERNIP-S program has developed a strong international profile through the production of over 60 reports on evidence-based surgery, surgical technologies and audit. The work undertaken by ASERNIP-S has evolved from assessments of the safety and efficacy of procedures to include guidance on policies and surgical training programs. ASERNIP-S needs to secure funding so that it can continue to play an integral role in the improvement of quality of care both in Australia and internationally. [source]


    Issues of consent and privacy affecting the functioning of ASERNIP,S

    ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 8 2002
    Maggi Boult
    The Australian Safety and Efficacy Register for New Interventional Procedures , Surgical (ASERNIP,S) undertakes horizon scanning, systematic reviews and audits. By disseminating information derived from these processes, ASERNIP,S aims to improve the quality of health care. In the present article, we discuss some of the legal and ethical issues surrounding the collection of identified data for the purposes of audit. The individual's right to privacy is considered as well as the benefits of improving the quality of surgical health care. [source]


    Robotic Skeletonized Internal Thoracic Artery Harvesting: The Sliding Fascia Technique

    ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 6 2010
    Norihiko Ishikawa
    Abstract Robotic skeletonizing and harvesting of the internal thoracic artery, using the da Vinci surgical system, has a number of advantages over robotic pediculed ITA harvesting. The advantages include greater blood flow, a longer conduit, and less bleeding. The technique is facilitated by use of the EndoWrist spatula cautery and fine tissue forceps (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA). How the technique is performed is described in this report. [source]


    Conservative treatment of patients with periapical lesions associated with extraoral sinus tracts

    AUSTRALIAN ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 3 2007
    Janir Alves Soares phd
    Abstract This paper describes the clinical courses of three cases with extra-oral sinus tract formation, from diagnosis and treatment to short-term follow-up and evaluation. All teeth involved had periradicular radiolucent areas noted on radiographic examination and extra-oral sinus tracts appearing on the chin with exudation and unpleasant aesthetic appearance. The adopted treatment protocol included treating the sinus tract surface simultaneously with the root canal therapy. After root canal shaping using 5.25% sodium hypochlorite solution, calcium hydroxide-based pastes associated with different vehicles were inserted into the root canal for 4 months, and were changed monthly. All the sinus tracts healed in 7 to 10 days. The apical lesions were completely repaired in a maximum period of 24 months. The treatment adopted provided a complete healing of the periapical lesions in a short follow-up period. Surgical repair of the cutaneous sinus tract was therefore unnecessary. [source]


    Surgical and radiotherapy treatment of a spinal cord ependymoma in a dog

    AUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 1-2 2006
    H. UENO
    A 4-year-old Beagle dog was presented for investigation of a left pelvic limb gait abnormality. Neurolocalisation indicated a lumbar (L2 to L5) spinal cord lesion. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), an intramedullary mass was demonstrated at L3. The mass was partially removed under general anaesthesia and a diagnosis of ependymoma was made on histological examination. The dog was treated with postoperative orthovoltage x-ray radiation (total dose; 44 Gy given in 11 fractions over a 4 week period) combined with low dose carbo-platin (25 mg/m2). The dog was alive 16 months after surgery without further neurological deficits. No further tumour growth was detected on subsequent MRI evaluations. [source]


    Myogenic bladder decompensation in boys with a history of posterior urethral valves is caused by secondary bladder neck obstruction?

    BJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2005
    Philippos A. Androulakakis
    OBJECTIVE To investigate whether myogenic bladder decompensation in patients treated for congenital posterior urethral valves (PUV, the most serious cause of infravesical obstruction in male neonates and infants) may be secondary to bladder neck obstruction, as despite prompt ablation of PUV these patients can have dysfunctional voiding during later childhood or adolescence, the so-called ,valve bladder syndrome'. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study comprised 18 boys (mean age 14 years, range 6.2,18.5) who had had successful transurethral ablation of PUV between 1982 and 1996, and had completed a follow-up which included serial assessment of serum creatinine, completion of a standard voiding diary, ultrasonography with measurement of urine before and after voiding, a urodynamic examination with simultaneous multichannel recording of pressure, volume and flow relationships during the filling and voiding phases, coupled with video-cystoscopy at least twice. The mean (range) follow-up was 9.3 (6,17) years. RESULTS Urodynamic investigation showed myogenic failure with inadequate bladder emptying in 10 patients; five with myogenic failure also had unstable bladder contractions. On video-cystoscopy the posterior bladder neck lip appeared elevated in all patients but in those with myogenic failure it was strongly suggestive of hypertrophy, with evidence of obstruction. At the last follow-up one patient with myogenic failure who had had bladder neck incision and four others who were being treated with ,-adrenergic antagonists had a significant reduction of their postvoid residual urine. CONCLUSION Despite early valve ablation, a large proportion of boys treated for PUV have gradual detrusor decompensation, which may be caused by secondary bladder neck obstruction leading to obstructive voiding and finally detrusor failure. Surgical or pharmacological intervention to improve bladder neck obstruction may possibly avert this course, but further studies are needed to validate this hypothesis. [source]


    Robot-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy: preliminary UK results

    BJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2004
    S. Undre
    Authors from London describe the early results from the UK in the use of robot-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy. In a small group of patients they found that patients could be treated early, with early discharge from hospital. The use of retrograde balloon dilatation of PUJ obstruction is revisited by authors from Plymouth, who review their 10 years of experience with this technique. They found that the procedure gave good symptomatic relief in 76% of their patients, but found no relationship between symptom relief and renographic improvement. In a few patients with a long-term follow-up there was symptomatic improvement and good maintenance of split renal function. OBJECTIVE To describe the results of our first two cases of laparoscopic adrenalectomy using the da VinciTM surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Mountain View, CA, USA). PATIENTS AND METHODS Amongst 75 robot-assisted procedures performed at our institution, two patients underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy. The set-up time, procedure time, hospital stay, complications and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS Both operations were completed successfully using the robot; the mean (range) set-up time was 31 (25,37) min and mean procedure time 118.5 (107,130) min. One patient had a postoperative pulmonary embolus and was discharged 5 days after surgery; the second patient was discharged after 3 days. There were no intraoperative complications; both patients were well at the 1-year follow-up CONCLUSIONS Robot-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy is technically feasible and can be conducted efficiently and safely with the da Vinci surgical system. [source]


    The management of cancer pain,

    CA: A CANCER JOURNAL FOR CLINICIANS, Issue 2 2000
    Dr. Nathan I. Cherny MBBS
    Any therapeutic strategy developed for patients experiencing cancer pain depends on the goals of care, which can be broadly categorized as prolonging survival, optimizing comfort, and optimizing function. The relative priority of these goals for any individual should direct therapeutic decision-making. By combining primary treatments, systemic analgesic agents, and other techniques, most cancer patients can achieve satisfactory relief of pain. In cases where pain appears refractory to these interventions, invasive anesthetic or neurosurgical maneuvers may be necessary, and sedation may be offered to those with unrelieved pain at the end of life. The principles of analgesic therapy are presented, as well as the practical issues involved in drug administration, ranging from calculating dosage to adverse effects, and, when necessary, how to switch and/or combine therapies. Adjuvant analgesics, which are drugs indicated for purposes other than relief of pain but which may have analgesic effects, are also listed and discussed in some detail. Surgical and neurodestructive techniques, such as rhizotomy or cordotomy, although not frequently required or performed, represent yet other options for patients with unremitting pain and diminished hope of relief. Although cancer pain can be a complex medical problem arising from multiple sources, patients should be assured that suffering is not inevitable and that relief is attainable. [source]


    Surgical versus radiographic determination of para-aortic lymph node metastases before chemoradiation for locally advanced cervical carcinoma,,

    CANCER, Issue 9 2008
    A Gynecologic Oncology Group study§
    Abstract BACKGROUND Patients with cervical cancer who had negative para-aortic lymph nodes (PALNs) identified by pretreatment surgical staging were compared with patients who had only radiographic exclusion of PALN metastases before they received treatment with pelvic radiation and brachytherapy (RT) plus cisplatin (C)-based chemotherapy. METHODS Patients who participated in 1 of 3 Phase III Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) trials (GOG 85, GOG 120, and GOG 165) and who were assigned randomly to receive either RT plus C or RT plus C combined with 5-fluorouracil with or without hydroxyurea comprised this retrospective analysis. Patients who had negative PALN status determined by surgical sampling (mandatory in GOG 85 and GOG 120 and optional in GOG 165) were compared with patients who had negative PALN status determined radiographically (GOG 165). RESULTS Five hundred fifty-five patients underwent surgical PALN sampling (the S group), and 130 patients underwent radiographic evaluation only (the R group). Age, race, histology, and tumor grade were similar. Patients in the R group had better performance status (P < .01), less advanced stage (P = .023), and smaller tumor size (P = .004) compared with patients in the S group, although patients with stage III and IV disease in the S group had better 4-year progression-free survival (48.9% vs 36.3%) and overall survival (54.3% vs 40%) compared with patients in the R group. In multivariate analysis, the R group was associated independently with a poorer prognosis compared with the S group (for disease progression: hazard ratio [HR], 1.35, 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.01,1.81; for death: HR, 1.46, 95% CI, 1.08,1.99). CONCLUSIONS Surgical exclusion (compared with radiographic exclusion) of positive PALNs in patients with cervical cancer who received chemoradiation (RT plus C-based chemotherapy) had a significant prognostic impact. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society. [source]


    The Marius Implant Bridge: Surgical and Prosthetic Rehabilitation for the Completely Edentulous Upper Jaw with Moderate to Severe Resorption: A 5-Year Retrospective Clinical Study

    CLINICAL IMPLANT DENTISTRY AND RELATED RESEARCH, Issue 2 2002
    Yvan Fortin DDS
    ABSTRACT Background: Patients seeking replacement of their upper denture with an implant-supported restoration are most interested in a fixed restoration. Accompanying the loss of supporting alveolar structure due to resorption is the necessity for lip support, often provided by a denture flange. Attempts to provide a fixed restoration can result in compromises to oral hygiene based on designs with ridge laps. An alternative has been an overdenture prosthesis, which provides lip support but has extensions on to the palate and considerations of patient acceptance. The Marius bridge was developed as a fixed bridge alternative offering lip support that is removable by the patient for hygiene purposes, with no palatal extension beyond normal crown-alveolar contours. Purpose: Implant-supported restorative treatment of completely edentulous upper jaws, as an alternative to a complete denture, is frequently an elective preference, and it requires significant patient acceptance beyond the functional improvement of chewing. Patients with moderate to severe bone resorption and thin ridges present additional challenges for adequate bone volume and soft-tissue contours. The purpose of this investigation was to develop a surgical and prosthetic implant treatment protocol for completely edentulous maxillae in which optimal lip support and phonetics is achieved in combination with substantial implant anchorage without bone grafting. Materials and Methods: The Marius bridge is a complete-arch, double-structure prosthesis for maxillae that is removable by the patient for oral hygiene. The first 45 consecutive patients treated by one person (YF) in one center with this concept are reported, with 245 implants followed for up to 5 years after prostheses connection. Results: The cumulative fixture survival rate for this 5-year retrospective clinical study was 97%. Five fixtures failed before loading, in five different patients, and two fixtures in the same patient failed at the 3-year follow-up visit. None of the bridges failed, giving a prostheses survival rate of 100%. The complications were few and mainly prosthetic: nine incidences of attachment component complications, one mesobar fracture, and three reports of gingivitis. All complications were solved or repaired immediately, with minimal or no interruption of prostheses use. Conclusions: Satisfactory medium-term results of survival and patient satisfaction show that the Marius bridge can be recommended for implant dentistry. The technique may reduce the need for grafting, because it allows for longer implants to be placed with improved bone anchorage and prostheses support. [source]


    Demonstrating the clinical and cost effectiveness of adhesion reduction strategies

    COLORECTAL DISEASE, Issue 5 2002
    M. S. Wilson
    Abstract Objective To examine the feasibility of conducting Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT) in lower abdominal surgery to demonstrate a reduction in adhesion-related admissions following use of an adhesion reduction product, and to model the cost effectiveness of such products. Methods The number of patients in each limb of a RCT comparing an adhesion reduction product to a control has been estimated based on 25% and 50% reductions in adhesion-related readmissions one year after surgery, for P = 0.05 at a power of 80% and P = 0.01 at a power of 90%. A cost effectiveness model based on the Surgical and Clinical Adhesions Research Group (SCAR) database has been developed which calculates the percentage reduction in readmissions required of an adhesion reduction product to return the cost of investment. It also estimates the cumulative costs of adhesion-related readmissions for lower abdominal surgery and the cost savings associated with an adhesion reduction policy using a low or high cost product. Results 7.2% of patients undergoing lower abdominal surgery will readmit due to adhesions in the first year after surgery. To demonstrate a 25% reduction in readmissions one year after surgery, it is calculated that a RCT would require between 5686 (P = 0.05, power = 80%) and 7766 (P = 0.01, power = 90%) lower abdominal surgery patients followed-up for one year. A cost effectiveness analysis demonstrates that routine use of adhesion reduction products costing £50 per patient will payback the cost of such investment if they reduce adhesion-related readmissions by 16% after 3 years. A product costing £200 will need to offer a 64.1% reduction in readmissions after 3 years. For the estimated 158 000 lower abdominal surgery operations conducted in the UK each year, the cumulative costs of adhesion-related readmissions over 10 years are estimated at £569 Million. Conclusion Demonstrating the clinical effectiveness of adhesion reduction products in the RCT setting is unlikely to be feasible due to the large number of patients required. Products costing £200 or more are unlikely to payback their direct costs. [source]


    Early and Midterm Results of an Alternative Procedure to Homografts in Primary Repair of Truncus Arteriosus Communis

    CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE, Issue 3 2010
    Pedro Curi-Curi MD
    ABSTRACT Background., Repair of truncus arteriosus communis (TAC) in the neonatal and early infant period has become a standard practice. We report our experience on primary repair of TAC with a bovine pericardial-valved woven Dacron conduit as an alternative procedure to homografts, with a focus on early and midterm results. Methods., From January 2001 to December 2007, 15 patients with mean age 1.5 years (range 3 months to 8 years), underwent primary repair of simple TAC. Cases with cardiogenic shock, complex-associated cardiac lesions, or adverse anatomy of the truncal valve were excluded. The Collett and Edwards anatomical type classification of TAC was as follows: type I, 13 (87%); and type II, 2 (13%). Right ventricular outflow tract was reconstructed in all the cases with a bovine pericardial-valved woven Dacron conduit. Results., Overall mortality was 6.6% (1 death due to severe pulmonary hypertension). At a mean follow-up of 31 months (range 6,51), there were no deaths (5-year actuarial survival 93.4%). Out of the 14 midterm survivors, three developed stenosis of the pericardial-valved woven Dacron conduit, but only one underwent interventional procedure including percutaneous balloon dilation with stenting for associated left pulmonary artery hypoplasia. The rate of patients with no surgical or percutaneous reinterventions performed because of obstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction in the midterm (5 years) was 86%. Conclusions., Truncus arteriosus communis repair with a bovine pericardial-valved woven Dacron conduit can be performed with a very low perioperative mortality and satisfactory midterm morbidity, favorably compared with that reported for the use of homografts. Interventional cardiac catheterization may delay the time of reoperation for inevitable conduit replacement due to stenosis. [source]


    Transcatheter versus Surgical Closure of Secundum Atrial Septal Defect in Adults: Impact of Age at Intervention.

    CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE, Issue 3 2007
    A Concurrent Matched Comparative Study
    Abstract Objectives., To compare the short- and mid-term outcomes of surgical (SUR) vs. transcatheter closure of secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) using Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) in adults with a very similar spectrum of the disease; and to identify predictors for the primary end point. Design., Single-center, concurrent comparative study. Surgically treated patients were randomly matched (2:1) by age, sex, date of procedure, ASD size, and hemodynamic profile. Setting., Tertiary referral center. Patients., One hundred sixty-two concurrent patients with ASD submitted to ASO (n = 54) or SUR closure (n = 108) according with their preferences. Main Outcome Measures., Primary end point was a composite index of major events including failure of the procedure, important bleeding, critical arrhythmias, serious infections, embolism, or any major cardiovascular intervention-related complication. Predictors of these major events were investigated. Results., Atrial septal defects were successfully closed in all patients, and there was no mortality. The primary event rate was 13.2% in ASO vs. 25.0% in SUR (P = .001). Multivariate analysis showed that higher rate of events was significantly associated with age >40 years; systemic/pulmonary output ratio <2.1; and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure >50 mm Hg; while in the ASO group the event rate was only associated with the ASD size (>15 cm2/m2; relative risk = 1.75, 95% confidence interval 1.01,8.8). There were no differences in the event-free survival curves in adults with ages <40 years. Conclusions., The efficacy for closure ASD was similar in both groups. The higher morbidity observed in SUR group was observed only in the patients submitted to the procedure with age >40 years. The length of hospital stay was shorter in the ASO group. Surgical closure is a safe and effective treatment, especially in young adults. There is certainly nothing wrong with continuing to do surgery in countries where the resources are limited. [source]


    Fontan Operation and the Single Ventricle

    CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE, Issue 1 2007
    Jamil A. AboulHosn MD
    ABSTRACT The Fontan operation has gone through multiple incarnations since Fontan and Baudet's initial description in 1971. Through the medical dossier of a patient with a single ventricle, we plot the history of medical, surgical, and percutaneous interventions over the past 40 years, specifically focusing on the Fontan procedure, its development, indications, sequelae, and complications. Cardiac computed tomography with angiography is highlighted as a noninvasive imaging tool for the evaluation of the complex Fontan circulation. [source]