No abstract

Hypothesis: Gum chewing after elective open colon resection may stimulate bowel motility and decrease duration of postoperative ileus. Design and Setting: Prospective, randomized study in a community-based teaching hospital. Patients: Thirty-four patients undergoing elective open sigmoid resections for recurrent diverticulitis or cancer. Main Outcome Measures: First feelings of hunger, time to first flatus, time to first bowel movement, length of hospital stay, and complications. Results: A total of 34 patients were randomized into 2 groups: a gum-chewing group (n=17) or a control group (n=17). The patients in the gum-chewing group chewed sugarless gum 3 times daily for 1 hour each time until discharge. Patient demographics, intraoperative, and postoperative care were equivalent between the 2 groups. All

Residents who are more likely to fail the ABS qualifying and certifying examinations can be identified by a low USMLE Step 1 score and by poor performance on the ABSITE at any time during residency. These findings support the use of the USMLE Step 1 score in the surgical residency selection process and a formal academic intervention for residents who perform poorly on the ABSITE.

CSI in patients younger than 3 years is uncommon. Four simple clinical predictors can be used in conjunction to the physical examination to substantially reduce the use of radiographic imaging in this patient population.