Rigid Plate Fixation for Closure of Emergent Sternotomies for Trauma.

Background: No studies to date have evaluated the use of rigid plate fixation for emergent sternotomy in trauma patients. We evaluated our use of rigid plate fixation vs wire cerclage in patients requiring emergent sternotomy. We hypothesized there would be no difference in complications related to sternal closure between the two groups.

Severe Clostridioides difficile Infection in the Intensive Care Unit-Medical and Surgical Management.

Clostridioides difficile remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the intensive care unit, and therefore, C difficile guidelines are frequently being updated. Currently, fidaxomicin is the suggested treatment of initial and recurrent infection. Oral vancomycin is an acceptable alternative, followed by rifaximin and fecal microbiota transplantation.

Superior Mesenteric Artery and Vein Injuries: Operative Strategies and Outcomes.

Traumatic injuries to the mesenteric vessels are rare and often lethal. Visceral vessels, such as the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and vein (SMV), supply blood to the small and large bowel by a rich system of collaterals. Because fewer than 100 such injuries have been described in the literature, they pose challenges in both diagnosis and management and can unfortunately result in high mortality rates.