Outcomes of balloon-assisted maturation with large-diameter balloons.

Objectives: Balloon-assisted maturation (BAM) is a well-established technique for maturation of inadequate arteriovenous fistulas (AVF). The objective of this study was to evaluate outcomes of initial BAM using large-diameter angioplasty balloons.

Methods: Charts of patients who underwent BAM between 2018 and 2021 at a single academic institution were reviewed.

Does Operative Time Affect Complication Rate in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most common laparoscopic procedure performed in the United States. Our aim was to determine if increased operative time (OT) is associated with increased morbidity following laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods: Using ACS NSQIP from 2006 to 2015, we identified all adult (≥18 years) patients that underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholecystitis performed within 3 days of admission.

Systemic Determinants in Surgery: Nonclinical Factors Affecting Time to Operation for Incarcerated Ventral Hernias.

Introduction: We explore nonclinical factors affecting the amount of time from admission to the operating room for patients requiring nonelective repair of ventral hernias.

Methods: Using the 2005-2012 Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we identified adult patients with a primary diagnosis of ventral hernia without obstruction/gangrene, who underwent nonelective repair. The outcome variable of interest was time from admission to surgery.

Characteristics of clinical trials evaluating cardiovascular therapies for Coronavirus Disease 2019 Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov: a cross sectional analysis.

Unlabelled: Morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19 has increased exponentially, and patients with cardiovascular (CV) disease are at risk for poor outcomes. Several lines of evidence suggest a potential role for CV therapies in COVID-19 treatment. Characteristics of clinical trials of CV therapies related to COVID-19 registered on ClinicalTrials.

Understanding surgical education needs in Zambian residency programs from a Resident's perspective.

Introduction: Approximately 100 surgeons in Zambia serve a population of 16 million, a severe shortage in basic surgical care. Surgical education in Zambia and other low-middle income countries has not been well characterized. The aim of this study was to evaluate surgical training resources from a resident perspective.

Association of Rankings With Cardiovascular Outcomes at Top-Ranked Hospitals vs Nonranked Hospitals in the United States.

Importance: The US News & World Report (USNWR) identifies the "Best Hospitals" for "Cardiology and Heart Surgery." These rankings may have significant influence on patients and hospitals.

Objective: To determine whether USNWR top-ranked hospitals perform better than nonranked hospitals on mortality rates and readmission measures as well as patient satisfaction.

Intranasal Steroid Use for Otitis Media with Effusion: Ongoing Opportunities for Quality Improvement.

Objectives Our objectives were (1) to assess patterns of intranasal steroid administration when otitis media with effusion (OME) has been diagnosed in children, (2) to investigate whether usage varies according to visit setting, and (3) to determine if practice gaps are such that quality improvement could be tracked. Study Design Cross-sectional analysis of an administrative database. Subjects and Methods National Ambulatory and Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys, 2005 to 2012; univariate, multivariate, and stratified analyses of intranasal steroid usage were performed.

Clinical outcomes following surgically repaired bucket-handle meniscus tears.

Objectives: Meniscus tears are one of the most common knee injuries. Our goal is to investigate the failure rate for surgically repaired bucket-handle meniscus tears and compare clinical outcomes of repairs that failed versus those that did not, at a minimum 2-year follow-up interval.

Methods: 51 patients were identified in this retrospective cohort study who experienced bucket-handle meniscus tears that were isolated or with concomitant ACL injury.

Cryptosporidiosis in HIV/AIDS patients in Kenya: clinical features, epidemiology, molecular characterization and antibody responses.

We investigated the epidemiological and clinical features of cryptosporidiosis, the molecular characteristics of infecting species and serum antibody responses to three Cryptosporidium-specific antigens in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients in Kenya. Cryptosporidium was the most prevalent enteric pathogen and was identified in 56 of 164 (34%) of HIV/AIDS patients, including 25 of 70 (36%) with diarrhea and 31 of 94 (33%) without diarrhea. Diarrhea in patients exclusively infected with Cryptosporidium was significantly associated with the number of children per household, contact with animals, and water treatment.

Infectious diarrhoea in antiretroviral therapy-naive HIV/AIDS patients in Kenya.

Background: Diarrhoea is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. The objectives of this study were to investigate the aetiological agents, risk factors and clinical features associated with diarrhoea in HIV/AIDS patients in Kenya.

Methods: Sociodemographic, epidemiological and clinical data were obtained for 164 HIV/AIDS patients (70 with and 94 without diarrhoea) recruited from Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya.