Although most clinicians are aware of the problem of antimicrobial resistance, most also underestimate its significance in their own hospital. The incorrect and inappropriate use of antibiotics and other antimicrobials, as well as poor prevention and poor control of infections, are contributing to the development of such resistance. Appropriate use of antibiotics and compliance with infection prevention and control measures should be integral aspects of good clinical practice and standards of care. However, these activities are often inadequate among clinicians, and there is a considerable gap between the best evidence and actual clinical practice. In hospitals, cultural determinants influence clinical practice, and improving behaviour in terms of infection prevention and antibiotics-prescribing practice remains a challenge. Despite evidence supporting the effectiveness of best practices, many clinicians fail to implement them, and evidence-based processes and practices that are known to optimize both the prevention and the treatment of infections tend to be underused. Addressing precisely this problem, this volume offers an essential toolkit for all surgeons and intensivists interested in improving their clinical practices.

This volume is a "how-to guide" to treating thoracic trauma and emergencies for acute care surgeons. It highlights the diagnosis and management of thoracic disease and injuries, and each chapter includes algorithms that lead readers through the process of identifying and treating many common and some uncommon thoracic pathologies. The international team of authors provides readers with a unique and diverse approach to the operative and non-operative challenges encountered by ACS surgeons. The large number of figures offers readers insights into what they can expect to see when caring for these patients. The editors understand that the management of adults and children differ and have included a specific chapter on pediatrics. Given the broad audience and diverse settings in which the text can be used, the authors also provide details of care in limited-resource environments. The volume is a valuable tool for professionals interested in thoracic surgery and acute care surgery.

This book on post-injury multiple organ failure (MOF) offers a comprehensive overview and clinically focused practical guide to treating the condition. MOF is arguably the most difficult complication to manage in polytrauma patients and is responsible for the majority of trauma deaths among patients who survived the first 24 hours after injury. Beyond mortality, it has a major impact on healthcare resource utilization and a persistent negative effect on patients' long-term reported outcomes. This book is edited by surgeons who are passionate about the topic, and about optimizing the outcomes for polytrauma patients. Grasping the fascinating pathophysiology of MOF is essential for providing patients with quality early care. Each chapter highlights key learning objectives, historical perspectives, diagnostic and therapeutic pearls, and includes a must-know summary, additional reading suggestions and future research directions. Flowcharts, decision-making guides, summary tables, graphics and clinical photographs help to maximize the learning experience and to ensure readers retain what they've learned. The book fills a unique niche area for many specialties dedicated to critical care of polytrauma patients and to their management before and beyond intensive care.

Unique book provides comprehensive discussion of MIS versus traditional techniques in modern Acute Care Surgery The combination of a surgeon shortage and poor access to emergency surgical care led to establishment of the Acute Care Surgery paradigm and subspecialty in 2003. Concurrently, minimally invasive approaches revolutionized surgical practice in the 21st century. In the U.S., acute care surgeons stand at the front line of patient care for emergency general surgery, trauma, and surgical critical care, and thus are positioned to positively impact healthcare delivery and costs. Surgical Decision Making in Acute Care Surgery by renowned surgeons Kimberly Davis and Raul Coimbra is the first text that comprehensively discusses when to use minimally invasive techniques and advanced technology versus traditional open procedures in acute traumatic and non-traumatic surgical emergencies. The text begins with three opening chapters covering the background of the Acute Care Surgery subspecialty, anatomic and physiological considerations, and the impact of acute surgical illness on pre- and post-operative critical care decisions. Subsequent chapters outline surgical approaches for commonly encountered acute conditions. Trauma chapters cover interventions for cervical, blunt and penetrating abdominal, and thoracic injuries. Emergency general surgery topics run the gamut from appendicitis to emergency management of paraesophageal hernias and esophageal perforations. An impressive group of senior surgeons and younger rising stars in American surgery share their expertise throughout the book. Key Highlights Disease-specific chapters include epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic tools, treatment strategies, surgical techniques, cost analyses, complications, and national guidelines where available Subchapters feature expert commentary on preceding chapters, including clinical pearls and controversies (e.g. operative vs. nonoperative management) In-depth discussion of surgical decision making encompasses the type of surgical approach, as well as indications and contraindications for MIS The roles of MIS procedures such as laparoscopy, thoracoscopy, radiology-based percutaneous techniques, as well as endovascular surgery are examined The quintessential resource on contemporary Acute Care Surgery practice, this is a must-read for residents, junior faculty, and practicing surgeons in this discipline. This book includes complimentary access to a digital copy on https://medone.thieme.com.