What’s caught my eye lately? A few things, as usual.
So maybe, just maybe, steroids improve survival in sepsis, or at least in the sickest of the septic patients. Clearly this issue isn’t yet dead in critical care.
If you know me well, you know that I am a huge fan of OPKs (that’s other peoples’ kids) and haven’t felt that pull to have my own. My life choices aside, the impact of a surgical career on childbearing is a critical issue for many young women considering our profession. We now have more information on childbearing and fertility patterns, and it may not be encouraging information for those planning a family and a surgical career.
Does laparoscopic or open surgery result in fewer surgical site infections? According to this study, using NSQIP data, laparoscopy is the way to go for appendectomy, colectomy, hysterectomy, and radical prostatectomy.
In burns we believe in the Hot OR (it’s why we don’t need hot yoga!). Apparently general surgeons need to give it some thought too, or at least be mindful of patient temperatures intraoperatively.
Important fodder for faculty development in medical education: Most effective teaching behaviors are described as teaching process and learning atmosphere by residents.
Finally, if you want to know what was important in the Burn literature for 2013, my colleagues at Davis have provided a fine synopsis for you.
Current fiction read: Claire of the Sea Light