Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

K Galbraith

Publications and source records attributed to K Galbraith.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

Quantitative appraisal of Picolax (sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate) in the preparation of the large bowel for elective surgery.

The authors have investigated the metabolic sequelae Picolax bowel preparation in a group receiving their preparation either 24 hours (n = 17) or 48 hours (n = 18) before elective colonic resection. No significant changes in any metabolic parameter were found in the 24-hour group. In the 48-hour group, there was a significant decrease in serum sodium (P less than 0.005), serum chloride (P less than 0.005), pH (P less than 0.005), HCO3 (P less than 0.005), and base excess (P less than 0.005). Only 16 of 35 cases (46 percent) had an acceptable bowel preparation: 11 of 17 (65 percent) in the 24-hour group and 5 of 18 (28 percent) in the 48-hour group. Marker studies did not correlate with the quality of bowel preparation. The risk of potentially explosive intraluminal gas was increased if the bowel preparation was poor: 12 of 19 patients (63 percent) with a poor bowel preparation compared with 3 of 16 patients (19 percent) of those with an acceptable preparation (P less than 0.005). Picolax is a poor mechanical bowel preparation and is associated with unacceptable physiologic disturbance if given two days before surgery.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

Recent experience with arterial embolism of the limbs in a vascular unit.

A 5 1/2-year experience of 147 patients with arterial embolism of the limbs is reported. The mean age was 66.9 years, range 24-90 years and the male to female ratio was 1.07 to 1. Two distinct types of embolic episode with very different clinical consequences were recognised. Type I (64%) in which large emboli occluded the proximal arteries of the lower limb. They were usually treated by embolectomy and were followed by death or permanent disability in 63% of patients. Type II (36%) in which small emboli occluded the arterial supply of the upper limb or the arteries of the distal lower limb. Embolectomy was performed in only 60% of cases. Death was unusual and disability occurred largely as a consequence of non-surgical management. After occlusion of the aorta, iliac or femoral arteries embolectomy is necessary to save both life and limb while after embolism of the arm or distal lower limb it is essential for the preservation of function.

Adult↗