Does prophylactic subcutaneous heparin increase the risk of wound infection after colorectal surgery?

Chemical prophylaxis using unfractionated heparin (UH) and low-molecular weight heparin is used in surgical patients to prevent venous thromboembolism. There is some evidence that prophylactic doses of heparin may increase the rate of surgical site infection (SSI) after elective orthopedic procedures. Little is known regarding the effect of heparin on SSI after colorectal procedures.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in the management of penetrating and blunt thoracic trauma.

Background: The role of video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) is still being defined in the management of thoracic trauma. We report our trauma cases managed by VATS and review the role of VATS in the management of thoracic trauma.

Materials And Methods: All the trauma patients who underwent VATS from 2000 to 2007 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center were retrospectively studied.

Wound infection after ileostomy closure can be eliminated by circumferential subcuticular wound approximation.

Purpose: Wound infections after ileostomy closure are common with primary closure of the skin. Although this risk can be reduced by secondary closure, cosmetic outcomes are less than desirable. In an effort to balance these issues, we have used circumferential subcuticular wound approximation to decrease wound size.

Compartment syndrome of the leg in the coagulopathic, end-stage liver disease patient: Fasciotomy is not the best answer.

Background: Compartment syndrome of the leg secondary to spontaneous bleeding has been described in coagulopathic patients. Correction of the coagulopathy and emergency fasciotomy is the recommended treatment. We present a cirrhotic patient with a short life expectancy who developed compartment syndrome of the leg secondary to spontaneous bleeding.