Accidental decannulation following placement of a tracheostomy tube.

Background: Accidental decannulation is a cause of substantial morbidity and mortality in patients in long-term acute care hospitals who require a tracheostomy tube.

Objective: To analyze features of accidental decannulation (AD) following placement of a tracheostomy tube, and to implement strategies to reduce the problem.

Methods: An analysis of data collected prospectively for quality management in a long-term acute care hospital was performed.

Does the outcome of colonic flexure cancers differ from the other colonic sites?

Background: Anecdotally, colonic flexure cancers (FC) appear to have a poorer prognosis compared to other colonic cancers (OCC). The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of colonic flexure cancers compared to the cancers of the rest of the colon.

Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of colonic cancer over a 5-year period (2002-2006) were retrieved from a prospective database.

Psychological impact of colostomy pouch change and disposal.

This article presents some of the findings from a multicentre cross-sectional correlational study to evaluate the relationship between colostomy pouch change and disposal practices and the patient's psychological wellbeing. Five questionnaires were used in a one-off interview with 86 patients. Patients were assessed at between one and four months postoperatively.