In- and out-of-hospital outcomes following surgical stabilization of rib fractures in 80 years and older: A single-institution experience.

Background: Surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) has demonstrated benefit in patients with flail chest and multiple displaced fractures. There is mounting evidence for SSRF following chest wall injury (CWI) for the geriatric trauma population. A recent multi-center retrospective study highlighted a mortality benefit even for those patients aged 80 years and older.

Surgical stabilization of severe chest wall injury following cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Background: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) contributes to significant chest wall injury similar to blunt trauma. With benefits realized for surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRFs) for flail injuries and severely displaced fractures following trauma, SSRF for chest wall injury following CPR could be advantageous, provided good functional and neurologic outlook. Experience is limited.

Accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound in the evaluation of cystic pancreatic neoplasms: a community hospital experience.

Objectives: Reports on the use of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in differentiating benign, premalignant, and malignant pancreatic lesions have been widely variable, particularly with cystic neoplasms. We evaluated the use of EUS for cystic pancreatic lesions in a community hospital setting.

Methods: All patients who underwent EUS for cystic pancreatic neoplasms from 2007 to 2010 were reviewed.

Selective laparoscopic approach in suspected gallbladder malignancy.

Background And Objectives: We examined patients with clinical findings that are concerning for gallbladder malignancy to determine the incidence of pathology-confirmed malignancy and to discover factors that may be used to determine which patients may be initially treated with a laparoscopic approach.

Methods: All patients referred to a surgical oncologist with preoperative findings that are concerning for gallbladder malignancy who had not undergone previous surgical resection from 2005 to 2011 were reviewed. Variables collected included demographics, imaging, operative findings, and final pathology.

Benefits of transperitoneal approach to bilateral pretransplant laparoscopic nephrectomies in pediatric patients.

Introduction: Pediatric renal transplant patients may require native nephrectomy to avoid complications at the time of kidney transplantation. We have performed unilateral and bilateral transperitoneal pretransplant laparoscopic nephrectomies (PLNs), followed by living-related renal transplantation. The benefits of transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal dissection remain controversial.

Temporal artery biopsy as a means of diagnosing giant cell arteritis: is there over-utilization?

Temporal artery biopsy (TAB) is often recommended for patients suspected of having temporal arteritis. The sensitivity of TAB varies widely and is dependent upon a number of factors (e.g.