Pacifying the open abdomen with concomitant intestinal fistula: a novel approach.

The management of the open abdomen, particularly when complicated by the presence of intestinal fistula, remains a significant challenge of modern trauma care. Although several approaches have been proposed, these varied and complex cases defy the application of a universal approach to local therapy. Ultimately, abdominal closure is desired but is not always possible.

Management of a nontraumatic extracranial internal carotid aneurysm with external carotid transposition.

Primary aneurysms of the extracranial internal carotid artery are exceptionally rare, with only a very few reports in the medical literature that are not related to known connective tissue disease or antecedent trauma. The natural history of these entities has not been precisely defined. Nevertheless, the embolic risk that an aneurysm at this location represents mandates prompt intervention when identified.

Does lower limb revascularization result in an improvement in sensory perception thresholds?

Patients with peripheral vascular disease are susceptible to neuropathy from chronic hypoxia. We wished to determine whether revascularization of chronically ischemic limbs results in any clinical changes in peripheral sensory thresholds. We prospectively measured quantitative vibration perception thresholds (VPT) using a Horwell neurothesiometer (in volts) in patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass, preoperatively and up to 6 month postoperatively.