Surgical rescue: The next pillar of acute care surgery.

Background: The evolving field of acute care surgery (ACS) traditionally includes trauma, emergency general surgery, and critical care. However, the critical role of ACS in the rescue of patients with a surgical complication has not been explored. We here describe the role of "surgical rescue" in the practice of ACS.

Jaundice in the intensive care unit.

Hyperbilirubinemia, or jaundice, is common in the ICU, with incidence up to 40% among critically ill patients. Unfortunately, it is poorly understood in the critically ill, and too often presents a diagnostic dilemma to the ICU physician. Causes of jaundice in the ICU are multiple; the etiology in any given patient, multifactorial.

Is outcome after blunt splenic injury in adults better in high-volume trauma centers?

An association between outcome and case volume has been demonstrated for selected complex operations. The relationship between trauma center volume and patient outcome has also been examined, but no clear consensus has been established. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has published recommendations on optimal trauma center volume for level 1 designation.

Maternity policy and practice during surgery residency: how we do it.

Background: Pregnancy during general surgery residency has traditionally been discouraged.

Methods: In 2001, using an approved protocol, we anonymously surveyed 25 residents (PGY3 level or greater) concerning their experiences working with each other during episodes of resident pregnancy and maternity leave.

Results: From 1995 to 2001, 13 of 59 residents in general surgery were female (22%).