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R Wakeman

Publications and source records attributed to R Wakeman.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

Radiation exposure of orthopaedic trainees: quantifying the risk.

Interest in radiation protection issues has recently grown within the medical profession. Several investigators have examined the radiation exposure of orthopaedic surgeons using X-rays during trauma surgery, and found that doses received are within acceptable limits. These studies however, have been performed over short time-periods or have been confined to single procedures only. In this paper, we report the results of monitoring of the total exposure across all procedures of a group of orthopaedic surgeons over a 4-month period. Doses received were all below the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommended limits. While these results are reassuring, they do not represent grounds for complacency. Continued vigilance will be essential as work practices continue to change. In orthopaedics, in contrast with other specialties, the limiting dose is that to the hands. In view of this finding, extremity dosimetry for surgeons regularly using X-rays in theatre should be considered.

Gloves, Protective↗

Surgical procedures in patients at risk of human immunodeficiency virus infection.

We have studied the outcome of 140 general surgical procedures in 112 patients known or suspected to be infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis B virus. Forty patients had antibodies to HIV. A wide range of surgical procedures was performed, with an overall complication rate of 5.7%. Wound infection, wound haematoma and one unexplained pyrexia were the only complications seen. Some anorectal wounds in patients with HIV antibodies were noted to heal extremely slowly, but the aggressive anorectal sepsis reported by others was not seen. The postoperative course after general surgical procedures was unremarkable in patients with HIV antibodies, and in those suspected of HIV infection, but because anorectal wounds were found to heal slowly, we recommend that anorectal surgery be conservative in patients with HIV antibodies.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗