Surgery

Acute aortic occlusion is a deadly condition. This post by Sara Adibi provides what you need to know.

The critical patient with a neurosurgical complication. Pneumocephalus, hyponatremic encephalopathy, infection… these are just several of the many issues that may occur in these complicated patients. This post breaks down the sick neurosurgical patient.

When should you consider pneumoperitoneum? What should raise your suspicion?

How do you evaluate and manage the patient with complication from a nephrostomy tube?

The sick patient with an abdominal aortic aneurysm is challenging. What should you consider? How do you resuscitate these patients, and what about transfer?

Ready for an evidence-based approach to Fournier’s gangrene? Tim Montrief brings you the keys to evaluation and management.

A patient presenting status post CABG can be difficult to evaluate and manage. What should you consider? Tim Montrief provides you with pearls and pitfalls for your next shift.

Intra-abdominal abscess can be a tricky diagnosis. What are the keys to diagnosis and management of this condition?

Abdominal pain is common; so are strongly held myths and legends about what is concerning, and what is not. One of our largest responsibilities in the Emergency Department is sorting out benign from surgical or medical causes of abdominal pain. Morbidity and mortality varies by age and condition.

A 61-year-old male presents with lower abdominal pain on the right side. He says “I’ve had this bulge in my groin on the right for two days”. You find a small bulge in the right groin, but with no redness or discoloration of the skin. Palpation reveals mild tenderness over the site. What’s the next step in your evaluation and treatment?