Diagnostic peritoneal lavage: is 100,000 RBCs a valid figure for penetrating abdominal trauma?

Background: Controversy exists regarding the interpretation of diagnostic peritoneal lavage results. This is especially true in the evaluation of patients sustaining penetrating trauma, specifically stab wounds to the lower chest and abdomen. Ideally one wants to avoid missed injuries and minimize unnecessary operations.

Effect of sleep deprivation on the performance of simulated laparoscopic surgical skill.

Background: Resident work hours may impact patient care. We hypothesized that "call-associated" acute sleep deprivation has no effect on technical dexterity as measured on a minimally invasive surgery trainer, virtual reality (MIST VR) surgical simulator.

Methods: Thirty-five surgical residents were prospectively evaluated pre-call (rested), on-call (rested), and post-call (acutely sleep deprived).