Retroperitoneal Hematoma Following Elective Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: A Case Report.

Retroperitoneal hematoma formation following elective open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair may be occult. We report a case of recurrent hypotensive episodes in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) that were temporarily treated successfully with fluid, blood products, and vasopressors. At reoperation, active bleeding was excluded; however, upon reopening the bovine pericardial patch closure of the retroperitoneum, hematoma between the aneurysmal sac and inferior vena cava (IVC) had caused IVC compression.

Should early extubation be the goal for children after congenital cardiac surgery?

Objective: We sought to determine the feasibility and assess the clinical outcomes associated with an early extubation strategy for all children undergoing congenital heart surgery, including neonates (age, <30 days).

Methods: We performed a linked database analysis of all patients undergoing congenital heart surgery from July 1, 2010 to December 31, 2012. We collected data on the cardiac diagnoses, preoperative status, procedure, and postoperative course, including the duration of invasive and noninvasive ventilation, failure of extubation, hemodynamic data, length of stay, complications, and mortality.