Microvascular changes following four-hour single arteriole occlusion.

Background: Free tissue transplantations are lengthy procedures that result in prolong tissue ischemia. Restoral of blood flow is essential for free flap recovery; however, upon reperfusion tissue that is viable may continue to be nonperfused. To further elucidate this pathophysiology skeletal muscle microcirculation was investigated during reperfusion following 4-hour single arteriole occlusion.

Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for mild gallstone pancreatitis: time for a paradigm shift.

HYPOTHESIS Patients with mild gallstone pancreatitis may undergo an early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) within 48 hours of hospital admission without awaiting the normalization of pancreatic and liver enzyme levels. This may decrease the hospital stay without increasing morbidity or mortality and may minimize the unnecessary use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. DESIGN A retrospective review.

Analysis of exhaled volatile compounds following acute superior mesenteric artery occlusion in a pilot rat study.

Background: Prompt diagnosis and treatment of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) requires a high index of suspicion for timely management. Poor clinical outcomes and delays in surgical treatment are demonstrated even in modern clinical series. Recognition of exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) specific to AMI may facilitate early detection and diagnosis and improve patient outcomes.

Why do breast cancer mortality rates vary across states?

In 2001 approximately 40,000 deaths from breast cancer will occur in the United States. Although some estimates suggest possible state-to-state variations in breast cancer mortality rates the reasons for such differences remain unknown. Our objective was to confirm whether breast cancer mortality rates are significantly different by state and to identify predictors for such variation.

Human cytokine levels in nonperforated versus perforated appendicitis: molecular serum markers for extent of disease?

Appendicitis is a common surgical problem that is associated with a systemic inflammatory response. Previous studies have shown that cytokines are activated early in acute inflammation and sepsis and may serve as indicators of clinical severity. In this study we examined the role of cytokines as serum markers to distinguish nonperforated versus perforated appendicitis.

Effect of intraoperative cholangiography during cholecystectomy on outcome after gallstone pancreatitis.

Acute gallstone pancreatitis has traditionally been managed by early cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiography (IOC). To evaluate the effect of IOC on patient outcome, we analyzed all patients operated on for acute gallstone pancreatitis at our institution over a 3-year period. A total of 200 patients (37 open, 163 laparoscopic) were evaluated.

Management of carotid body paragangliomas and review of a 30-year experience.

Carotid body tumors are rare neoplasms and must be considered in the evaluation of all lateral neck masses; early surgical removal has been recommended. In this study, the medical records of 29 patients with 34 carotid body paragangliomas who were treated at our institution between 1971 and 2001 were retrospectively reviewed. An overview is provided of this lesion, including diagnosis, classification, metastatic potential, possible secretory function, operative techniques, and nonsurgical methods of management.