Abstract In this study, the pitfalls of tumor measurement in nude mouse were evaluated. Regarding intermethod variation, diameters subcutaneous tumors mice expressed as length, area, and volume; weights also recorded. These measurements all compared to a reference standard: water displacement volume. Estimates area volume derived from caliper correlated well with (r = 0.97 0.98, respectively). At necropsy, weight was most consistent reproducible reflection 1.0000). interobserver mean...

PURPOSE: Comorbid conditions affect the risk of adverse outcomes after surgery, but magnitude has not previously been quantified using multivariate statistical methods and prospectively collected data. Identifying factors that predict results surgical procedures would be valuable in assessing quality care. This study was performed to define events colectomy for cancer Department Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program contains extensively...

In Brief BACKGROUND: A previously published clinical trial of epidural-supplemented versus general anesthesia, Veterans Affairs Cooperative Study No. 345, showed no difference in 30-day mortality and morbidity rates between the two treatments. We hypothesized that long-term postoperative survival would be increased by epidural anesthesia/analgesia supplementation during colon cancer resection. METHODS: studied after resection a anesthesia with without analgesia for 345. Cox log-normal models...

Clostridium difficile colitis is a relatively common entity, yet large series of patients with fulminant C. are infrequently reported. This study was designed to identify risk factors, clinical characteristics, and outcome who required colectomy for colitis.A population-based on all in 159 hospitals the Department Veterans Affairs from 1997 2001 performed. Data were compiled several national computerized data sets. Supplementary information including demographic information, discharge...

In Brief Objective To define risk factors that predict adverse outcomes after the surgical treatment of appendicitis in Department Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. Summary Background Data Risk for adults are poorly defined. Accurate presurgical assessment perioperative complications and death is important planning therapy. Methods The VA National Surgical Quality Improvement Program contains prospectively collected extensively validated data on ∼1,000,000 major operations. All patients...

Sigmoid volvulus is the third leading cause of large-bowel obstruction. The optimal management strategy remains controversial. This study was undertaken to evaluate care patients with sigmoid recently treated at Department Veterans Affairs hospitals.All International Classification Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification, Third Edition code for colonic during period 1991 1995 were identified in computerized national database. Data on patient demographics, clinical course, and...

In Brief Objective: To construct risk indices predicting adverse outcomes following surgery for small bowel obstruction (SBO). Methods: The VA National Surgical Quality Improvement Program contains prospectively collected data on more than 1 million patients. Patients undergoing adhesiolysis only or resection SBO from 1991 to 2002 were selected. Independent variables included 68 presurgical and 12 intraoperative factors; dependent 21 including death. Stepwise logistic regression was used...

There is a need to explore management practices that reduce nitrate (NO3-) leaching and aid in meeting current greenhouse gas reduction goals. Tile drainage involves using perforated pipes remove excess subsurface water from agricultural fields, also removing nutrients. The inclusion of cover crops tile-drained systems the Midwest has been shown NO3- losses potentially strategy mitigate soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. objectives this research were 1) evaluate cumulative N2O with without...

The follow-up of patients after potentially curative resection colon cancer has important clinical and financial implications for society, yet the ideal surveillance strategy is unknown.The aim this study was to determine current practice pattern a large, diverse group experts.The 1,663 members American Society Colon Rectal Surgeons were asked, via detailed questionnaire, how often they request nine discrete evaluations in their treated cure with TNM Stage I, II, or III over first five...

Objective The outcomes of patients with squamous cell carcinoma the anal canal treated by either sphincter-preserving procedures or radical surgery were evaluated, goals identifying factors predicting treatment failure and quantifying results salvage therapy in recurrent disease. Basic Procedures A population-based study on all 159 hospitals Department Veterans Affairs (VA) from 1987 to 1991 was carried out. Data compiled several national computerized VA data sets. Supplementary information...

Wound healing consists of re-epithelialization, contraction and formation granulation scar tissue. TGF-b is involved in these events, but its exact roles are not well understood. Here we demonstrate that topical application a synthetic antagonist accelerates re-epithelialization pig burn wounds (100% antagonist-treated vs. approximately 70% control on postburn day 26) reduces wound scarring standard skin burn, excision rabbit wounds. These results support the distinct complex process...

Objective To define risk factors that predict adverse outcomes after proctectomy for cancer in Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. Summary Background Data Accurate presurgical assessment the perioperative complications and death is important planning surgical therapy. Methods The National VA Surgical Quality Improvement Program contains prospectively collected extensively validated data on >287,000 patients. All patients undergoing rectal from 1991 to 1995 who were registered...

Background Treatment selection and results were reviewed in a population with distal bile duct cancers. Method Cases of cancer retrieved from computerized U.S. Department Veterans Affairs records 1987–1991. Result: A total 156 patients cancers recovered (34 resections, 37 operative bypasses, 85 nonoperative biliary intubations). Mean survival after resection was 22 months, which significantly higher than bypass (14 months) or intubation (11 months). Death rate within 30 days resection,...

Objectives The first objective was to identify variations in patient management practice patterns after potentially curative lung cancer surgery. Patient were expected range from intensive follow-up no active surveillance. second measure whether intensity of related outcomes. Methods An 18-month retrospective analysis conducted 182 patients with low TNM stage (≤IIIA) who surgically treated intent over the 11 -year period 1982 through 1992 at St. Louis Department Veterans Affairs Medical...

Objective The authors compiled the results after Whipple resection for cancer from a large U.S. national hospital system. Methods Computerized and death benefits records patients treated with 1987 to 1991 in Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals were analyzed, excluding lymphomas neuroendocrine tumors. Institutional tumor registrar reports allowed TNM staging 45% these cancers. Results resections performed 252 pancreatic 117 other periampullary Complications occurred 37%. 30-day operative...