Splenic artery aneurysm: an important cause of hemoperitoneum and shock.

Background: Splenic artery aneurysm ruptures are rare and highly morbid events that are frequently associated with pregnancy. However, approximately 15% may occur in men, and it is important to have this possibility in the differential diagnosis in cases of hemoperitoneum and hemorrhagic shock. Rapid diagnosis and treatment is essential to survival.

A multi-institutional study of the Family Conference Objective Structured Clinical Exam: a reliable assessment of professional communication.

Background: To test the value of a simulated Family Conference Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) for resident assessment purposes, we examined the generalizability and construct validity of its scores in a multi-institutional study.

Methods: Thirty-four first-year (PG1) and 27 third-year (PG3) surgery residents (n = 61) from 6 training programs were tested. The OSCE consisted of 2 cases (End-of-Life [EOL] and Disclosure of Complications [DOC]).

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: are there comparative advantages over traditional methods of repair?

Recent studies have noted advantages of laparoscopic over open repair of ventral hernias. Because few reports have involved comparison with traditional repair we report a comparison between laparoscopic and open approaches. We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients undergoing ventral hernia repair over a 28-month period.