Repair of large, iatrogenic, tracheo-esophageal fistulae.

Closure of large, iatrogenic, tracheo-esophageal fistulae present a formidable technical challenge. Our method of repair is presented, which describes the exposure and subsequent closure that relies on creating a new "membranous" trachea using remnant flaps of the esophageal wall of the fistula.

Effects of incremental starvation on gut mucosa.

Starvation induces gut mucosal atrophy, but the effects of progressive dietary restriction are not defined. The study's purpose was to determine the effects of incremental starvation on gut epithelial cell turnover. After food intake of mice was determined, they were divided into five groups: control (ad libitum fed), 75% normal intake, 50% intake, 25% intake, and fasted.

Effect of bombesin on gut mucosal impairment after severe burn.

Severe cutaneous bum alters gut epithelial homeostasis. In previous studies, treatment with bombesin decreased mucosal atrophy and improved maintenance of gut mucosal integrity after severe burn. Our current hypothesis is that bombesin reduces burn-induced gut impairment by decreasing gut epithelial cell death.

Role of TNF-alpha in gut mucosal changes after severe burn.

Gut epithelial cell death by apoptosis is increased in the gut epithelium after severe burn associated with mucosal atrophy. We hypothesized that tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-TNF receptor (TNFR) interaction activates apoptosis in small bowel mucosal cells after severe burn. C57BL6 mice received a 30% total body surface area scald burn and were treated with neutralizing anti-TNF-alpha.

Impact of discontinuing a hospital-based air ambulance service on trauma patient outcomes.

Background: The clinical benefit of aeromedical transportation of injured patients in the civilian population has been debated. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of discontinuing a hospital-based helicopter transport program on trauma patient outcomes, with the hypothesis that the loss of an air ambulance would result in increased transport time and increased mortality among severely injured patients.

Methods: Data on injury severity and patient outcomes were collected prospectively for the 12 months immediately preceding and 24 months following discontinuation of the helicopter ambulance service.