Optimizing Work Relationships for Well-Being.

This article discusses the importance of workplace relationships and its intricate dynamics within the Cardiothoracic Surgery field. It focuses on the demanding nature of the specialty and the significant stressors involved. The article outlines the goals of identifying themes within the workplace to strengthen camaraderie, minimize burnout, and enhance patient care. Key points highlighted include the vital role of teamwork and communication in providing safe and effective patient care. Various studies and initiatives underline the impact of improved teamwork and communication on reducing errors in health care settings.

First report of a post-pneumonectomy nocardia empyema.

Post-pneumonectomy empyema (PPE) is an uncommon but serious complication that carries significant therapeutic challenges. We present a late-onset PPE due to Nocardia nova in an immunocompetent individual. Nine years after a right pneumonectomy for non-small cell lung cancer, surveillance scans revealed new right pleural thickening and FDG avidity concerning for recurrence. Thoracoscopic pleural biopsies were negative for malignancy, but tissue cultures grew N. nova. Nocardia empyema is rare with few reported cases. Most occur in immunocompromised hosts, and all were associated with pulmonary or disseminated nocardiosis. Our case describes the first report of a PPE secondary to Nocardia.

Report of a case involving novel use of a post-operative esophagogastroduodenoscopy to re-evaluate a duodenal ulcer bleed.

INTRODUCTION: Acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding can be a life-threatening condition. This is usually diagnosed and managed by an upper GI tract endoscopy. When treating actively bleeding duodenal ulcers, surgical intervention, or arterial embolization by Interventional Radiology (IR) is warranted in the event of failed initial management. We present a patient with a significant GI bleed and failure of management through endoscopy, necessitating emergent surgical intervention. PRESENTATION OF CASE: An 87-year-old female presented to the emergency department after a fall. Her hemoglobin level dropped significantly and an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed a large pool of blood in the stomach but had a limited view of an active bleed. The patient was taken emergently to the operating room (OR) where she underwent an exploratory laparotomy, gastroduodenostomy, suture ligation, and pyloroplasty. The following day, she had increased sanguineous output from her nasogastric (NG) tube. Re-evaluation was done with an EGD in the OR. The patient tolerated all procedures well and was transferred to a facility with IR capabilities for further management. DISCUSSION: An EGD hours after gastroduodenostomy runs a high risk for perforation and is not the typical course of action. Given the lack of IR availability and concern for rebleeding, this procedure was performed in the OR to minimize risk. CONCLUSION: A favorable outcome was achieved with this patient and hemostasis was confirmed with the post-operative EGD. Further studies will determine whether this approach is a viable option for facilities without IR until the patient can be transferred.