This Month in FREE

Good results can be achieved by completing the pancreatectomy after noting peritonitis following pancreatoduodenectomy with pancreatojejunal leak. Gueroult et al demonstrated that the mortality is still high but completion pancreatectomy may represent the only means of obtaining source control following postoperative peritonitis.

The question arises after use of a conjugated hemoglobin solution as to whether off-loading of oxygen at the tissue level is adequate. Wirk and Vaslef, using swine, have demonstrated effectively that pyridoxalated hemoglobin polyoxyethylene conjugate is at least as effective as shed blood in restoring hemodynamics and oxygen delivery following moderate hemorrhage (25%).

The changing face of surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism in Hong Kong, China, during 3 decades is described. Despite potential flaws in interpretation owing to the presence of only surgical cases, the message remains important—modern technology plus heightened awareness of and improved general knowledge about this disease will lead to earlier and more frequent diagnosis. Please read the Invited Critique.

This study of 564 267 procedures represents an initial effort to demonstrate the risk associated with outpatient surgery in a large, diverse population of elderly individuals. The mortality rate and rate of admission to an inpatient hospital setting within 7 days were significant. Beware!

Maruta et al found that dipeptidyl aminopeptidase IV activity in cytological samples is the best discriminatory marker between follicular adenoma and carcinoma and its more widespread application could alter the clinical management of patients with thyroid follicular tumors.

There has been much talk of late regarding the use of technologies that could allow the creation of replacement tissue for the defective host. A basic understanding of stem cell biology is paramount to stay informed of this emerging technology and national debate. To provide this concise review for surgeons, Sylvester and Longaker have provided us with this important summary.