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Biomedical subjects

J M Head

Publications and source records attributed to J M Head.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

Esophageal hematoma and tear requiring emergency surgical intervention. A case report and literature review.

Esophageal hematoma is a disorder characterized by the sudden development of pain, hematemesis, or dysphagia, commonly with minimal precipitant. We present the case of 59-year-old man with esophageal hematoma, precipitated by eating, with massive hematemesis requiring surgical intervention. A review of 31 additional cases in the literature since 1980 is discussed. The Mallory-Weiss syndrome and Boerhaave syndrome are distinct entities with some clinical similarities.

Emergencies↗

Multilevel spine fractures: intraoperative nursing management.

Stabilization of multiple level spine fractures in blunt trauma victims is an extensive and complicated surgical procedure. A multidisciplinary approach to the thoracolumbar anatomy and subsequent stabilization poses a variety of challenges to the neurosurgical operating room staff. Transfer to the operating table and positioning for the procedure are dictated by the following treatment protocol for vertebral fractures: immobilization and stabilization of fractures with skin or skeletal traction, administration of parenteral muscle relaxants and analgesics, assessment and documentation of neurologic status, maintenance of bone and joint alignment and provision of skin care. Standard preoperative preparation and intraoperative nursing diagnoses and interventions are discussed. The importance of communication and psychological support to family members is stressed.

Humans↗

Inhalation injury in burns.

(1) Inhalation injury usually occurs in persons with large flame burns indoors, frequently followed by respiratory failure and death. (2) fiberoptic bronchoscopy accurately verifies the diagnosis. (3) Assessment of pulmonary capillary integrity plus bronchoscopy can predict early respiratory failure. (4) Surfactant deficiency may promote late respiratory failure. (5) Corticosteroids probably are beneficial.

Adolescent↗

Pulmonary resection for metastatic neoplasms in the lung. Experience at the Massachusetts General Hospital.

Cumulative survival in a series of 142 patients undergoing 163 pulmonary resections for metastatic malignant disease is 30% at five years, a statistic that is slightly higher than survival for 820 cases of resection for primary lung carcinoma at the same institution (26%). Removal of pulmonary metastases continues to be a relatively safe approach with hospital mortality of 1.2% and low operative morbidity. Unfavorable predictors, if primary disease is under control, are limited. The primary ones include extent of disease requiring pneumonectomy, melanomatous disease, and appearance of the metastasis antedating knowledge of the primary. An aggressive approach to removal of pulmonary metastases merits continued consideration.

Adolescent↗