Intraoperative radio-guided identification of parathyroid adenomas with the gamma probe: initial experiences in a community hospital.

Previous radiological imaging studies for identification of parathyroid adenomas have generally been unreliable. Currently, preoperative administration of Tc-99m sestamibi improves detection of parathyroid adenomas. Combining preoperative administration of sestamibi radionuclide with the gamma probe intraoperatively can successfully identify the exact location of parathyroid adenomas in a community hospital setting and facilitate a safe and efficient operation.

Creating a cost-effective pain management task force in a community hospital. US Agency for Health Care Policy and Research.

The management of pain remains a major public health problem despite the release of guidelines by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. An interdisciplinary team approach to quality pain management is not only essential to good pain management but also promotes cost-effective care.

Endoscopic comparison of three aspirin preparations and placebo.

Eighty of 84 volunteers aged 22 to 70 years successfully completed a 3-month, single-blind endoscopic study in which they received single-dose placebo or 325 mg/day of enteric-coated aspirin (ECA), buffered aspirin (BA), or plain aspirin (ASA). Upper endoscopy was performed at the beginning of the study and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The gastric and duodenal mucosa was scored endoscopically using a system adapted from Lanza et al.