Estimation of physiologic ability and surgical stress score does not predict immediate outcome after pancreatic surgery.

Objective: The Estimation of Physiologic Ability and Surgical Stress score was designed to predict postoperative morbidity and mortality in general surgery. Our study aims to evaluate its use and accuracy in estimating postoperative outcome after elective pancreatic surgery.

Methods: Between 2002 and 2007, approximately 304 patients requiring pancreatic resection at our institution were recorded prospectively and evaluated retrospectively.

Personal experience with whole-body, low-dosage, digital X-ray scanning (LODOX-Statscan) in trauma.

Background: Lodox-Statscan is a whole-body, skeletal and soft-tissue, low-dose X-ray scanner Anterior-posterior and lateral thoraco-abdominal studies are obtained in 3-5 minutes with only about one-third of the radiation required for conventional radiography. Since its approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA, several trauma centers have incorporated this technology into their Advanced Trauma Life Support protocols. This review provides a brief overview of the system, and describes the authors' own experience with the system.

Could full-body digital X-ray (LODOX-Statscan) screening in trauma challenge conventional radiography?

Background: ATLS Guidelines recommend single plain radiography of the chest and pelvis as part of the primary survey. Such isolated radiographs, usually obtained by bedside machines, can result in limited, low-quality studies that can adversely affect management. A new digital, low-radiation imaging device, the "Lodox Statscan" (LS), provides full-body anterior and lateral views based on enhanced linear slot-scanning technology in just over 5 minutes.