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Anterior cervical discectomy with spinal cord and spinal canal decompression and Anterior interbody fusion at C5-C6 utilizing Bengal cage.

Surgery

Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Interbody Fusion - 2

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES: ,1. Large herniated nucleus pulposus, C5-C6 with myelopathy (722.21).,2. Cervical spondylosis.,3. Cervical stenosis, C5-C6 secondary to above (723.0).,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES: ,1. Large herniated nucleus pulposus, C5-C6 with myelopathy (722.21).,2. Cervical spondylosis.,3. Cervical stenosis, C5-C6 secondary to above (723.0), with surgical findings confirmed.,PROCEDURES: , ,1. Anterior cervical discectomy at C5-C6 with spinal cord and spinal canal decompression (63075).,2. Anterior interbody fusion at C5-C6, (22554) utilizing Bengal cage (22851).,3. Anterior instrumentation for stabilization by Uniplate construction, C5-C6, (22845); with intraoperative x-ray times two.,ANESTHESIA: , General.,SERVICE: , Neurosurgery.,OPERATION: ,The patient was brought into the operating room, placed in a supine position where general anesthesia was administered. Then the anterior aspect of the neck was prepped and draped in a routine sterile fashion. A linear skin incision was made in the skin fold line from just to the right of the midline to the leading edge of the right sternocleidomastoid muscle and taken sharply to platysma, which was dissected only in a subplatysmal manner bluntly, and with only blunt dissection at the prevertebral space where a localizing intraoperative x-ray was obtained, once self-retaining retractors were placed along the mesial edge of a cauterized longus colli muscle, to protect surrounding tissues throughout the remainder of the case. A prominent anterior osteophyte at C5-C6 was then localized, compared to preoperative studies in the usual fashion intraoperatively, and the osteophyte was excised with a rongeur and bony fragments saved. This allowed for an annulotomy, which was carried out with a #11 blade and discectomy, removed with straight disc forceps portions of the disc, which were sent to Pathology for a permanent section. Residual osteophytes and disc fragments were removed with 1 and 2-mm micro Kerrison rongeurs as necessary as drilling extended into normal cortical and cancellous elements widely laterally as well. A hypertrophied ligament and prominent posterior spurs were excised as well until the dura bulged into the interspace, a sign of a decompressed status. At no time during the case was evidence of CSF leakage, and hemostasis was readily achieved with pledgets of Gelfoam subsequently removed with copious amounts of antibiotic irrigation. Once the decompression was inspected with a double ball dissector and all found to be completely decompressed, and the dura bulged at the interspace, and pulsated, then a Bengal cage was filled with the patient's own bone elements and fusion putty and countersunk into position, and was quite tightly applied. Further stability was added nonetheless with an appropriate size Uniplate, which was placed of appropriate size with appropriate size screws and these were locked into place in the usual manner. The wound was inspected, and irrigated again with antibiotic solution and after further inspection was finally closed in a routine closure in a multiple layer event by first approximation of the platysma with interrupted 3-0 Vicryl, and the skin with a subcuticular stitch of 4-0 Vicryl, and this was Steri-Stripped for reinforcement, and a sterile dressing was applied, incorporating a Penrose drain, which was carried from the prevertebral space externally to the skin wound and safety pin for security in the usual manner. Once the sterile dressing was applied, the patient was taken from the operating room to the recovery area having left in stable condition.,At the conclusion of the case, all instruments, needle, and sponge counts were accurate and correct, and there were no intraoperative complications of any type.

Anterior lumbar fusion, L4-L5, L5-S1, PEEK vertebral spacer, structural autograft from L5 vertebral body, BMP and anterior plate. Severe low back pain.

Surgery

Anterior Lumbar Fusion

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: , Severe low back pain.,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: , Severe low back pain.,OPERATIONS PERFORMED: , Anterior lumbar fusion, L4-L5, L5-S1, PEEK vertebral spacer, structural autograft from L5 vertebral body, BMP and anterior plate.,ANESTHESIA:, General endotracheal.,ESTIMATED BLOOD LOSS: , Less than 50 mL.,DRAINS:, None.,COMPLICATIONS: , None.,PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS:, Dr. X made the approach and once we were at the L5-S1 disk space, we removed the disk and we placed a 13-mm PEEK vertebral spacer filled with a core of bone taken from the L5 vertebral body. This was filled with a 15 x 20-mm Chronos VerteFill tricalcium phosphate plug. At L4-L5, we used a 13-mm PEEK vertebral spacer with structural autograft and BMP, and then we placed a two-level 87-mm Integra sacral plate with 28 x 6-mm screws, two each at L4 and L5 and 36 x 6-mm screws at S1.,OPERATION IN DETAIL:, The patient was placed under general endotracheal anesthesia. The abdomen was prepped and draped in the usual fashion. Dr. X made the approach, and once the L5-S1 disk space was identified, we incised this with a knife and then removed a large core of bone taking rotating cutters. I was able to remove additional disk space and score the vertebral bodies. The rest of the disk removal was done with the curette, scraping the endplates. I tried various sized spacers, and at this point, we exposed the L5 body and took a dowel from the body and filled the hole with a 15 x 20-mm Chronos VerteFill tricalcium phosphate plug. Half of this was used to fill the spacer at L5-S1, BMP was placed in the spacer as well and then it was tapped into place. We then moved the vessels over the opposite way approaching the L4-L5 disk space laterally, and the disk was removed in a similar fashion and we also used a 13-mm PEEK vertebral spacer, but this is the variety that we could put in from one side. This was filled with bone and BMP as well. Once this was done, we were able to place an 87-mm Integra sacral plate down over the three vertebral bodies and place these screws. Following this, bleeding points were controlled and Dr. X proceeded with the closure of the abdomen.,SUMMARY: , This is a 51-year-old man who reports 15-year history of low back pain and intermittent bilateral leg pain and achiness. He has tried multiple conservative treatments including physical therapy, epidural steroid injections, etc. MRI scan shows a very degenerated disk at L5-S1, less so at L3-L4 and L4-L5. A discogram was positive with the lower 3 levels, but he has pain, which starts below the iliac crest and I feel that the L3-L4 disk is probably that symptomatic. An anterior lumbar interbody fusion was suggested. Procedure, risks, and complications were explained.

Arthroscopy of the left knee was performed with the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Removal of loose bodies. Medial femoral chondroplasty and meniscoplasty.

Surgery

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: , Anterior cruciate ligament rupture.,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES:,1. Anterior cruciate ligament rupture.,2. Medial meniscal tear.,3. Medial femoral chondromalacia.,4. Intraarticular loose bodies.,PROCEDURE PERFORMED:,1. Arthroscopy of the left knee was performed with the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.,2. Removal of loose bodies.,3. Medial femoral chondroplasty.,4. Medial meniscoplasty.,OPERATIVE PROCEDURE: ,The patient was taken to the operative suite, placed in supine position, and administered a general anesthetic by the Department of Anesthesia. Following this, the knee was sterilely prepped and draped as discussed for this procedure. The inferolateral and inferomedial portals were then established; however, prior to this, a graft was harvested from the semitendinosus and gracilis region. After the notch was identified, then ACL was confirmed and ruptured. There was noted to be a torn, slipped up area of the medial meniscus, which was impinging and impinged on the articular surface. The snare was smoothed out. Entire area was thoroughly irrigated. Following this, there was noted in fact to be significant degenerative changes from this impingement of the meniscus again to the periarticular cartilage. The areas of the worn away portion of the medial femoral condyle was then debrided and ________ chondroplasty was then performed of this area in order to stimulate bleeding and healing. There were multiple loose bodies noted in the knee and these were then __________ and then removed. The tibial and femoral drill holes were then established and the graft was then put in place, both which locations after a notchplasty was performed. The knee was taken through a full range of motion without any impingement. An Endobutton was used for proximal fixation. Distal fixation was obtained with an independent screw and a staple. The patient was then taken to Postanesthesia Care Unit at the conclusion of the procedure.,

C5-C6 anterior cervical discectomy, allograft fusion, and anterior plating.

Surgery

Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion - 8

PROCEDURES PERFORMED: , C5-C6 anterior cervical discectomy, allograft fusion, and anterior plating.,ESTIMATED BLOOD LOSS: , 10 mL.,CLINICAL NOTE: , This is a 57-year-old gentleman with refractory neck pain with single-level degeneration of the cervical spine and there was also some arm pain. We decided go ahead with anterior cervical discectomy at C5-C6 and fusion. The risks of lack of pain relief, paralysis, hoarse voice, nerve injuries, and infection were explained and the patient agreed to proceed.,DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE: ,The patient was brought to the operating room where a general endotracheal anesthesia was induced without complication. The patient was placed in the slightly extended position with the neck and the head was restrained in a doughnut and the occiput was restrained by the doughnut. He had tape placed over the shoulders during intraoperative x-rays and his elbows were well padded. The tape was placed and his arms were well padded. He was prepped and draped in a sterile fashion. A linear incision was fashioned at the cricothyroid level from near the midline to over the sternocleidomastoid muscle. We separated the platysma from the subcutaneous tissue and then opened the platysma along the medial border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. We then dissected sharply medial to carotid artery, which we palpated to the prevertebral region. We placed Caspar retractors for medial and lateral exposure over the C5-C6 disc space, which we confirmed with the lateral cervical spine x-ray including 18-gauge needle in the disc space. We then marked the disc space. We then drilled off ventral osteophyte as well as osteophyte creating concavity within the disc space. We then under magnification removed all the disc material, we could possibly see down to bleeding bone and both the endplates. We took down posterior longitudinal ligament as well. We incised the 6-mm cornerstone bone. We placed a 6-mm parallel medium bone nicely into the disc space. We then sized a 23-mm plate. We inserted the screws nicely above and below. We tightened down the lock-nuts. We irrigated the wound. We assured hemostasis using bone wax prior to placing the plate. We then assured hemostasis once again. We reapproximated the platysma using 3-0 Vicryl in a simple interrupted fashion. The subcutaneous level was closed using 3-0 Vicryl in a simple buried fashion. The skin was closed with 3-0 Monocryl in a running subcuticular stitch. Steri-Strips were applied. Dry sterile dressing with Telfa was applied over this. We obtained an intraoperative x-ray to confirm the proper level and good position of both plates and screw construct on the lateral x-ray and the patient was transferred to the recovery room, moving all four extremities with stable vital signs. I was present as a primary surgeon throughout the entire case.

Anterior cervical discectomy with decompression, C5-C6, arthrodesis with anterior interbody fusion, C5-C6, spinal instrumentation, C5-C6 using Pioneer 18-mm plate and four 14 x 4.0 mm screws (all titanium), implant using PEEK 7 mm, and Allograft using Vitoss.

Surgery

Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Interbody Fusion

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES,1. Neck pain with bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, left more than the right.,2. Cervical spondylosis with herniated nucleus pulposus, C5-C6.,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES,1. Neck pain with bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, left more than the right.,2. Cervical spondylosis with herniated nucleus pulposus, C5-C6.,OPERATIVE PROCEDURES,1. Anterior cervical discectomy with decompression, C5-C6.,2. Arthrodesis with anterior interbody fusion, C5-C6.,3. Spinal instrumentation, C5-C6 using Pioneer 18-mm plate and four 14 x 4.0 mm screws (all titanium).,4. Implant using PEEK 7 mm.,5. Allograft using Vitoss.,DRAINS: , Round French 10 JP drain.,FLUIDS: ,1200 cc of crystalloids.,URINE OUTPUT: , No Foley catheter.,SPECIMENS: , None.,COMPLICATIONS: , None.,ANESTHESIA: , General endotracheal anesthesia.,ESTIMATED BLOOD LOSS: , Less than 50 cc.,INDICATIONS FOR THE OPERATION:, This is a case of a very pleasant 38-year-old Caucasian female who has been complaining over the last eight years of neck pain and shoulder pain radiating down across the top of her left shoulder and also across her shoulder blades to the right side, but predominantly down the left upper extremity into the wrist. The patient has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and subsequently, has been treated with pain medications, anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants. The patient's symptoms continued to persist and subsequently, an MRI of the C-spine was done, which showed disc desiccation, spondylosis and herniated disk at C5-C6, an EMG and CV revealed a presence of mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome. The patient is now being recommended to undergo decompression and spinal instrumentation and fusion at C5-C6. The patient understood the risks and benefits of the surgery. Risks include but not exclusive of bleeding and infection. Bleeding can be in the form of soft tissue bleeding, which may compromise airway for which she can be brought emergently back to the operating room for emergent evacuation of the hematoma as this may cause weakness of all four extremities, numbness of all four extremities, as well as impairment of bowel and bladder function. This could also result in dural tear with its attendant symptoms of headache, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and posterior neck pain as well as the development of pseudomeningocele. Should the symptoms be severe or the pseudomeningocele be large, she can be brought back to the operating room for repair of the CSF leak and evacuation of the pseudomeningocele. There is also the risk of pseudoarthrosis and nonfusion, for which she may require redo surgery at this level. There is also the possibility of nonimprovement of her symptoms in about 10% of cases. The patient understands this risk on top of the potential injury to the esophagus and trachea as well as the carotid artery. There is also the risk of stroke, should an undiagnosed plaque be propelled into the right cerebral circulation. The patient also understands that there could be hoarseness of the voice secondary to injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve. She understood these risks on top of the risks of anesthesia and gave her consent for the procedure.,DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE: ,The patient was brought to the operating room, awake, alert and not in any form of distress. After smooth induction and intubation, the patient was positioned supine on the operating table with the neck placed on hyperextension and the head supported on a foam doughnut. A marker was placed. This verified the level to be at the C5-C6 level and incision was then marked in a transverse fashion starting from the midline extending about 5 mm beyond the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The area was then prepped with DuraPrep after the head was turned 45 degrees to the left.,After sterile drapes were laid out, an incision was made using a scalpel blade #10. Wound edge bleeders were carefully controlled with bipolar coagulation and the platysma was cut using a hot knife in a transverse fashion. Dissection was then carried underneath the platysma superiorly inferiorly. The anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid was identified and dissection was carried out lateral to the esophagus to trachea as well as medial to the carotid sheath in the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The prevertebral fascia was noted to be taken her case with a lot of fat deposition. Bipolar coagulation of bleeders was done; however, branch of the superior thyroid artery was ligated with Hemoclips x4. After this was completed, a localizing x-ray verified the marker to be at the C6-C7 level. We proceeded to strip the longus colli muscles off the vertebral body of the C5 and C6. Self-retaining retractor was then laid down. An anterior osteophyte was carefully drilled using a Midas 5-mm bur and the disk together with the inferior endplate of C5 and the superior endplate of C6 was also drilled down with the Midas 5-mm bur. This was later followed with a 3-mm bur and the disk together with posterior longitudinal ligament was removed using Kerrison's ranging from 1 to 4 mm. The herniation was noted on the right. However, there was significant neuroforaminal stenosis on the left. Decompression on both sides was done and after this was completed, a Valsalva maneuver showed no evidence of any CSF leakage. The area was then irrigated with saline with bacitracin solution. A 7 mm implant with its inferior packed with Vitoss was then laid down and secured in place with four 14 x 4.0 mm screws and plate 18 mm, all of which were titanium. X-ray after this placement showed excellent position of all these implants and screws and _____ and the patient's area was also irrigated with saline with bacitracin solution. A round French 10 JP drain was then laid down and exteriorized through a separate stab incision on the patient's right inferiorly. The catheter was then anchored to the skin with a nylon 3-0 stitch and connected to a sterile draining system. The wound was then closed in layers with Vicryl 3-0 inverted interrupted sutures for the platysma, Vicryl subcuticular 4-0 Stitch for the dermis, and the wound was reinforced with Dermabond. Dressing was placed only at the exit site of the catheter. C-collar was placed. The patient was extubated and transferred to recovery.

Anterior cervical discectomy for neural decompression and anterior interbody fusion at C4-C5, C5-C6, and C6-C7 utilizing Bengal cages times three.

Surgery

Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Interbody Fusion - 1

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES: ,1. Herniated nucleus pulposus, C5-C6, greater than C6-C7 and C4-C5 with left radiculopathy.,2. Cervical stenosis with cord compression, C5-C6 (723.0).,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES: ,1. Herniated nucleus pulposus, C5-C6, greater than C6-C7 and C4-C5 with left radiculopathy.,2. Cervical stenosis with cord compression, C5-C6 (723.0), with surgical findings confirmed.,PROCEDURES: ,1. Anterior cervical discectomy at C4-C5, C5-C6, and C6-C7 for neural decompression (63075, 63076, 63076).,2. Anterior interbody fusion at C4-C5, C5-C6, and C6-C7 (22554, 22585, 22585) utilizing Bengal cages times three (22851).,3. Anterior instrumentation for stabilization by Slim-LOC plate C4, C5, C6, and C7 (22846); with intraoperative x-ray times two.,ANESTHESIA:, General.,SERVICE: , Neurosurgery.,OPERATION: , The patient was brought into the operating room, placed in a supine position where general anesthesia was administered. Then the anterior aspect of the neck was prepped and draped in a routine sterile fashion. A linear skin incision was made in the skin fold line from just to the right of the midline to the leading edge of the right sternocleidomastoid muscle and taken sharply to platysma, which was dissected in a subplatysmal manner, and then the prevertebral space was encountered and prominent anterior osteophytes were well visualized once longus colli muscle was cauterized along its mesial border, and self-retaining retractors were placed to reveal the anterior osteophytic spaces. Large osteophytes were excised with a rongeur at C4-5, C5-C6, and C6-C7 revealing a collapsed disc space and a #11 blade was utilized to create an annulotomy at all three interspaces with discectomies being performed with straight disc forceps removing grossly degenerated and very degenerated discs at C4-C5, then at C5-C6, then at C6-C7 sending specimen for permanent section to Pathology in a routine and separate manner. Residual disc fragments were drilled away as drilling extended into normal cortical and cancellous elements in order to perform a wide decompression all the way posteriorly to the spinal canal itself finally revealing a ligament, which was removed in a similar piecemeal fashion with 1 and 2-mm micro Kerrison rongeurs also utilizing these instruments to remove prominent osteophytes, widely laterally bilaterally at each interspace with one at C4-C5, more right-sided. The most prominent osteophyte and compression was at C5-C6 followed by C6-C7 and C4-C5 with a complete decompression of the spinal canal allowing the dura to finally bulge into the interspace at all three levels, once the ligaments were proximally removed as well and similarly a sign of a decompressed status. The nerve roots themselves were inspected with a double ball dissector and found to be equally decompressed. The wound was irrigated with antibiotic solution and hemostasis was well achieved with pledgets of Gelfoam subsequently irrigated away. Appropriate size Bengal cages were filled with the patient's own bone elements and countersunk into position, filled along with fusion putty, and once these were quite tightly applied and checked, further stability was added by the placement of a Slim-LOC plate of appropriate size with appropriate size screws, and a post placement x-ray showed well-aligned elements.,The wound was irrigated with antibiotic solution again and inspected, and hemostasis was completely achieved and finally the wound was closed in a routine closure by approximation of the platysma with interrupted 3-0 Vicryl, and the skin with a subcuticular stitch of 4-0 Vicryl, and this was sterilely dressed, and incorporated a Penrose drain, which was carried from the prevertebral space externally to the skin wound and safety pin for security in a routine fashion. At the conclusion of the case, all instruments, needle, and sponge counts were accurate and correct, and there were no intraoperative complications of any type.

Herniated nucleus pulposus C5-C6. Anterior cervical discectomy fusion C5-C6 followed by instrumentation C5-C6 with titanium dynamic plating system, Aesculap. Operating microscope was used for both illumination and magnification.

Surgery

Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion - 9

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: , Herniated nucleus pulposus C5-C6.,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: , Herniated nucleus pulposus C5-C6.,PROCEDURE:, Anterior cervical discectomy fusion C5-C6 followed by instrumentation C5-C6 with titanium dynamic plating system, Aesculap. Operating microscope was used for both illumination and magnification.,FIRST ASSISTANT: , Nurse practitioner.,PROCEDURE IN DETAIL: , The patient was placed in supine position. The neck was prepped and draped in the usual fashion for anterior discectomy and fusion. An incision was made midline to the anterior body of the sternocleidomastoid at C5-C6 level. The skin, subcutaneous tissue, and platysma muscle was divided exposing the carotid sheath, which was retracted laterally. Trachea and esophagus were retracted medially. After placing the self-retaining retractors with the longus colli muscles having been dissected away from the vertebral bodies at C5 and C6 and confirming our position with intraoperative x-rays, we then proceeded with the discectomy.,We then cleaned out the disc at C5-C6 after incising the annulus fibrosis. We cleaned out the disc with a combination of angled and straight pituitary rongeurs and curettes, and the next step was to clean out the disc space totally. With this having been done, we then turned our attention with the operating microscope to the osteophytes. We drilled off the vertebral osteophytes at C5-C6, as well as the uncovertebral osteophytes. This was removed along with the posterior longitudinal ligament. After we had done this, the dural sac was opposed very nicely and both C6 nerve roots were thoroughly decompressed. The next step after the decompression of the thecal sac and both C6 nerve roots was the fusion. We observed that there was a ____________ in the posterior longitudinal ligament. There was a free fragment disc, which had broken through the posterior longitudinal ligament just to the right of midline.,The next step was to obtain the bone from the back bone, using cortical cancellous graft 10 mm in size after we had estimated the size. That was secured into place with distraction being applied on the vertebral bodies using vertebral body distractor.,After we had tapped in the bone plug, we then removed the distraction and the bone plug was fitting nicely.,We then use the Aesculap cervical titanium instrumentation with the 16-mm screws. After securing the C5-C6 disc with four screws and titanium plate, x-rays showed good alignment of the spine, good placement of the bone graft, and after x-rays showed excellent position of the bone graft and instrumentation, we then placed in a Jackson-Pratt drain in the prevertebral space brought out through a separate incision. The wound was closed with 2-0 Vicryl for subcutaneous tissues and skin was closed with Steri-Strips. Blood loss during the operation was less than 10 mL. No complications of the surgery. Needle count, sponge count, and cottonoid count were correct.,

Anterior cervical discectomy with decompression of spinal cord. Anterior cervical fusion. Anterior cervical instrumentation. Insertion of intervertebral device. Use of operating microscope.

Surgery

Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion - 6

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: ,Symptomatic disk herniation, C7-T1.,FINAL DIAGNOSIS: ,Symptomatic disk herniation, C7-T1.,PROCEDURES PERFORMED,1. Anterior cervical discectomy with decompression of spinal cord C7-T1.,2. Anterior cervical fusion, C7-T1.,3. Anterior cervical instrumentation, anterior C7-T1.,4. Insertion of intervertebral device, C7-T1.,5. Use of operating microscope.,ANESTHESIOLOGY: , General endotracheal.,ESTIMATED BLOOD LOSS: ,A 30 mL.,PROCEDURE IN DETAIL: ,The patient was taken to the operating room where he was orally intubated by The Anesthesiology Service. He was placed in the supine position on an OR table. His arms were carefully taped down. He was sterilely prepped and draped in the usual fashion.,A 4-cm incision was made obliquely over the left side of his neck. Subcutaneous tissue was dissected down to the level of the platysma. The platysma was incised using electrocautery. Blunt dissection was done to create a plane between the strap muscles and the sternoclavicular mastoid muscle. This allowed us to get right down on to the anterior cervical spine. Blunt dissection was done to sweep off the longus colli. We isolated the C7-T1 interspace. An x-ray was taken to verify; we were indeed at the C7-T1 interspace.,Shadow-Line retractor was placed as well as Caspar pins. This provided very, very good access to the C7-T1 disk.,At this point, the operating microscope was brought into the decompression.,A thorough and aggressive C7-T1 discectomy was done using a succession of curettes, pituitary rongeur, 4-mm cutting bur and a #2 Kerrison rongeur. At the end of the discectomy, the cartilaginous endplates were carefully removed using 4-mm cutting burr. The posterior longitudinal ligament was carefully resected using #2 Kerrison rongeur. Left-sided C8 foraminotomy was accomplished using nerve hook and a 2-mm Kerrison rongeur. At the end of the decompression, there was no further compression on the left C8 nerve root.,A Synthes cortical cancellous ____________ bone was placed in the interspace. Sofamor Danek Atlantis plate was then placed over the interspace and four screws were placed, two in the body of C7 and two in the body of T1. An x-ray was taken. It showed good placement of the plate and screws.,A deep drain was placed. The platysma layer was closed in running fashion using #1 Vicryl. Subcutaneous tissue was closed in an interrupted fashion using 2-0 Vicryl. Skin was closed in a running fashion using 4-0 Monocryl. Steri-Strips and dressings were applied. All counts were correct. There were no complications.

Anterior cervical discectomy fusion C3-C4 and C4-C5 using operating microscope and the ABC titanium plates fixation with bone black bone procedure. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy with cord compression and cervical spondylosis.

Surgery

Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES:, Cervical spondylotic myelopathy with cord compression and cervical spondylosis.,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES:, Cervical spondylotic myelopathy with cord compression and cervical spondylosis. In addition to this, he had a large herniated disk at C3-C4 in the midline.,PROCEDURE: , Anterior cervical discectomy fusion C3-C4 and C4-C5 using operating microscope and the ABC titanium plates fixation with bone black bone procedure.,PROCEDURE IN DETAIL: , The patient placed in the supine position, the neck was prepped and draped in the usual fashion. Incision was made in the midline the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid at the level of C4. Skin, subcutaneous tissue, and vertebral muscles divided longitudinally in the direction of the fibers and the trachea and esophagus was retracted medially. The carotid sheath was retracted laterally after dissecting the longus colli muscle away from the vertebral osteophytes we could see very large osteophytes at C4-C5. It appeared that the C5-C6 disk area had fused spontaneously. We then confirmed that position by taking intraoperative x-rays and then proceeded to do discectomy and fusion at C3-C4, C4-C5.,After placing distraction screws and self-retaining retractors with the teeth beneath the bellies of the longus colli muscles, we then meticulously removed the disk at C3-C4, C4-C5 using the combination of angled strip, pituitary rongeurs, and curettes after we had incised the anulus fibrosus with #15 blade.,Next step was to totally decompress the spinal cord using the operating microscope and high-speed cutting followed by the diamond drill with constant irrigation. We then drilled off the uncovertebral osteophytes and midline osteophytes as well as thinning out the posterior longitudinal ligaments. This was then removed with 2-mm Kerrison rongeur. After we removed the posterior longitudinal ligament, we could see the dura pulsating nicely. We did foraminotomies at C3-C4 as well as C4-C5 as well. After having totally decompressed both the cord as well as the nerve roots of C3-C4, C4-C5, we proceeded to the next step, which was a fusion.,We sized two 8-mm cortical cancellous grafts and after distracting the bone at C3-C4, C4-C5, we gently tapped the grafts into place. The distraction was removed and the grafts were now within. We went to the next step for the procedure, which was the instrumentation and stabilization of the fused area.,We then placed a titanium ABC plate from C3-C5, secured it with 16-mm titanium screws. X-rays showed good position of the screws end plate.,The next step was to place Jackson-Pratt drain to the vertebral fascia. Meticulous hemostasis was obtained. The wound was closed in layers using 2-0 Vicryl for the subcutaneous tissue. Steri-Strips were used for skin closure. Blood loss less than about 200 mL. No complications of the surgery. Needle counts, sponge count, and cottonoid count was correct.

Anterior cervical discectomy at C5-C6 and C6-C7 for neural decompression and anterior interbody fusion at C5-C6 and C6-C7 utilizing Bengal cages x2. Anterior instrumentation by Uniplate construction C5, C6, and C7 with intraoperative x-ray x2.

Surgery

Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion - 5

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES: ,1. Cervical spondylosis C5-C6 greater than C6-C7 (721.0).,2. Neck pain, progressive (723.1) with right greater than left radiculopathy (723.4).,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES: ,1. Cervical spondylosis C5-C6 greater than C6-C7 (721.0).,2. Neck pain, progressive (723.1) with right greater than left radiculopathy (723.4), surgical findings confirmed.,PROCEDURES: ,1. Anterior cervical discectomy at C5-C6 and C6-C7 for neural decompression (63075, 63076).,2. Anterior interbody fusion at C5-C6 and C6-C7 (22554, 22585) utilizing Bengal cages x2 (22851).,3. Anterior instrumentation by Uniplate construction C5, C6, and C7 (22845); with intraoperative x-ray x2.,ANESTHESIA: ,General.,OPERATIONS: , The patient was brought to the operating room and placed in the supine position where general anesthesia was administered. Then the anterior aspect of the neck was prepped and draped in the routine sterile fashion. A linear skin incision was made in the skin fold line from just to the right of the midline to the leading edge of the right sternocleidomastoid muscle and taken sharply to platysma, which was dissected in a subplatysmal manner and then with only blunt dissection, the prevertebral space was encountered and localizing intraoperative x-ray was obtained once cauterized the longus colli muscle bilaterally allowed for the placement along its mesial portion of self-retaining retractors for exposure of tissues. Prominent anterior osteophytes once identified and compared to preoperative studies were removed at C5-C6 and then at C6-C7 with rongeur, allowing for an annulotomy with an #11 blade through collapsed disc space at C5-6, and even more collapsed at C6-C7. Gross instability appeared and though minimally at both interspaces and residual disc were removed then with the straight disc forceps providing a discectomy at both levels, sending to Pathology in a routine fashion as disc specimen. This was sent separately and allowed for residual disc removal of power drill where drilling extended in normal cortical and cancellous elements of the C5 and C6 interspaces and at C6-C7 removing large osteophytes and process, residual osteophytes from which were removed finally with 1 and 2 mm micro Kerrison rongeurs allowing for excision of other hypertrophied ligament posteriorly as well. This allowed for the bulging into the interspace of the dura, sign of decompressed status, and this was done widely bilaterally to decompress the nerve roots themselves and this was assured by inspection with a double ball dissector as needed. At no time during the case was there evidence of CSF leakage and hemostasis was well achieved with pledgets of Gelfoam and subsequently removed with copious amounts of antibiotic irrigation as well as Surgifoam. Once hemostasis well achieved, Bengal cage was filled with the patient's own bone elements of appropriate size, and this was countersunk into position and quite tightly applied it at first C5-C6, then secondly at C6-C7. These were checked and found to be well applied and further stability was then added by placement nonetheless of a Uniplate of appropriate size. The appropriate size screws and post-placement x-ray showed well-aligned elements and removal of osteophytes, etc. The wound was again irrigated with antibiotic solution, inspected, and finally closed in a multiple layered closure by approximation of platysma with interrupted #3-0 Vicryl and the skin with subcuticular stitch of #4-0 Vicryl incorporating a Penrose drain from vertebral space externally through the skin wound and safety pin, and later incorporated itself into sterile bandage.,Once the bandage was placed, the patient was taken, extubated from the operating room to the Recovery area, having in stable, but guarded condition. At the conclusion of the case, all instrument, needle, and sponge counts were accurate and correct. There were no intraoperative complications of any type.

Anterior cervical discectomy with decompression and arthrodesis with anterior interbody fusion. Spinal instrumentation using Pioneer 18-mm plate and four 14 x 4.3 mm screws (all titanium).

Surgery

Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion - 4

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: , Cervical myelopathy, C3-4, secondary to stenosis from herniated nucleus pulposus, C3-4.,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES: , Cervical myelopathy, C3-4, secondary to stenosis from herniated nucleus pulposus, C3-4.,OPERATIVE PROCEDURES,1. Anterior cervical discectomy with decompression, C3-4.,2. Arthrodesis with anterior interbody fusion, C3-4.,3. Spinal instrumentation using Pioneer 18-mm plate and four 14 x 4.3 mm screws (all titanium).,4. Implant using PEEK 7 mm.,5. Allograft using Vitoss.,DRAINS: , Round French 10 JP drain.,FLUIDS: , 1800 mL of crystalloids.,URINE OUTPUT: ,1000 mL.,SPECIMENS: , None.,COMPLICATIONS: ,None.,ANESTHESIA: , General endotracheal anesthesia.,ESTIMATED BLOOD LOSS: ,Less than 100 mL.,CONDITION: ,To postanesthesia care unit extubated with stable vital signs.,INDICATIONS FOR THE OPERATION: ,This is a case of a very pleasant 32-year-old Caucasian male who had been experiencing posterior neck discomfort and was shooting basketball last week, during which time he felt a pop. Since then, the patient started complaining of acute right arm and right leg weakness, which had been progressively worsening. About two days ago, he started noticing weakness on the left arm. The patient also noted shuffling gait. The patient presented to a family physician and was referred to Dr. X for further evaluation. Dr. X could not attempt to this, so he called me at the office and the patient was sent to the emergency room, where an MRI of the brain was essentially unremarkable as well as MRI of the thoracic spine. MRI of the cervical spine, however, revealed an acute disk herniation at C3-C4 with evidence of stenosis and cord changes. Based on these findings, I recommended decompression. The patient was started on Decadron at 10 mg IV q.6h. Operation, expected outcome, risks, and benefits were discussed with him. Risks to include but not exclusive of bleeding and infection. Bleeding can be superficial, but can compromise airway, for which he has been told that he may be brought emergently back to the operating room for evacuation of said hematoma. The hematoma could also be an epidural hematoma, which may compress the spinal cord and result in weakness of all four extremities, numbness of all four extremities, and impairment of bowel and bladder function. Should this happen, he needs to be brought emergently back to the operating room for evacuation of said hematoma. There is also the risk by removing the hematoma that he can deteriorate as far as neurological condition, but this hopefully with the steroid prep will be prevented or if present will only be transient. There is also the possibility of infection, which can be superficial and treated with IV and p.o. antibiotics. However, should the infection be extensive or be deep, he may require return to the operating room for debridement and irrigation. This may pose a medical problem since in the presence of infection, the graft as well as spinal instrumentation may have to be removed. There is also the possibility of dural tear with its attendant complaints of headache, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, as well as the development of pseudomeningocele. This too can compromise airway and may require return to the operating room for repair of the dural tear. There is also potential risk of injury to the esophagus, the trachea, as well as the carotid. The patient can also have a stroke on the right cerebral circulation should the plaque be propelled into the right circulation. The patient understood all these risks together with the risk associated with anesthesia and agreed to have the procedure performed.,DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE: ,The patient was brought to the operating room, awake, alert and not in any form of distress. After smooth induction and intubation, a Foley catheter was inserted. No monitoring leads were placed. The patient was then positioned supine on the operating table with the head supported on a foam doughnut and the neck placed on hyperextension with a shoulder roll under both shoulders. Localizing x-ray verified the marker to be right at the C3-4 interspace. Proceeded to mark an incision along the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid with the central point at the area of the marker measuring about 3 cm in length. The area was then prepped with DuraPrep.,After sterile drapes were laid out, an incision was made using a scalpel blade #10. Wound edge bleeders were controlled with bipolar coagulation and a hot knife was utilized to cut the platysma in a similar fashion. The anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid was identified and dissection was carried superior to and lateral to the esophagus and trachea, but medial to the carotid sheath. The prevertebral fascia was identified. Localizing x-ray verified another marker to be at the C3-4 interspace. Proceeded to strip the longus colli muscles off the vertebral body of C3 and C4 and a self-retaining retractor was then laid out. There was some degree of anterior osteophyte and this was carefully drilled down with a Midas 5-mm bur. The disk was then cut through the annulus and removal of the disk was done with the use of the Midas 5-mm bur and later a 3-mm bur. The inferior endplate of C3 and the superior endplate of C4 were likewise drilled out together with posterior inferior osteophyte at the C3 and the posterior superior osteophyte at C4. There was note of a central disk herniation centrally, but more marked displacement of the cord on the left side. By careful dissection of this disk, posterior longitudinal ligament was removed and pressure on the cord was removed. Hemostasis of the epidural bleeders was done with a combination of bipolar coagulation, but we needed to put a small piece of Gelfoam on the patient's left because of profuse venous bleeder. With this completed, the Valsalva maneuver showed no evidence of any CSF leakage. A 7-mm implant with its interior packed with Vitoss was then tapped into place. An 18-mm plate was then screwed down with four 14 x 4.0 mm screws. The area was irrigated with saline, with bacitracin solution. Postoperative x-ray showed excellent placement of the graft and spinal instrumentation. A round French 10 JP drain was laid over the construct and exteriorized though a separate stab incision on the patient's right inferiorly. The wound was then closed in layers with Vicryl 3-0 inverted interrupted sutures for the platysma, Vicryl 4-0 subcuticular stitch for the dermis and Dermabond. The catheter was anchored to the skin with a nylon 3-0 stitch. Dressing was placed only on the exit site of the drain. C-collar was placed, and the patient was transferred to the recovery awake and moving all four extremities.

Radical anterior discectomy with removal of posterior osteophytes, foraminotomies, and decompression of the spinal canal. Anterior cervical fusion. Utilization of allograft for purposes of spinal fusion. Application of anterior cervical locking plate.

Surgery

Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion - 3

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES,1. Cervical spinal stenosis, C3-c4 and C4-C5.,2. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy.,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES,1. Cervical spinal stenosis, C3-C4 and C4-C5.,2. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy.,OPERATIVE PROCEDURES,1. Radical anterior discectomy, C3-C4 with removal of posterior osteophytes, foraminotomies, and decompression of the spinal canal (CPT 63075).,2. Radical anterior discectomy C4-C5 with removal of posterior osteophytes, foraminotomies, and decompression of the spinal canal (CPT 63076).,3. Anterior cervical fusion, C3-C4 (CPT 22554),4. Anterior cervical fusion, C4-C5 (CPT 22585).,5. Utilization of allograft for purposes of spinal fusion (CPT 20931).,6. Application of anterior cervical locking plate C3-C5 (CPT 22845).,ANESTHESIA:, General endotracheal.,COMPLICATIONS: , None.,ESTIMATED BLOOD LOSS: ,250 cc.,OPERATIVE INDICATIONS: ,The patient is a 50-year-old gentleman who presented to the hospital after a fall, presenting with neck and arm pain as well as weakness. His MRI confirmed significant neurologic compression in the cervical spine, combined with a clinical exam consistent with radiculopathy, myelopathy, and weakness. We discussed the diagnosis and the treatment options. Due to the severity of his neurologic symptoms as well as the amount of neurologic compression seen radiographically, I recommended that he proceed with surgical intervention as opposed to standard nonsurgical treatment such as physical therapy, medications, and steroid injections. I explained the surgery itself which will be to remove pressure from the spinal cord via anterior cervical discectomy and fusion at C3-C4 and C4-C5. We reviewed the surgery itself as well as risks including infection and blood vessels or nerves, leakage of spinal fluid, weakness or paralysis, failure of the pain to improve, possible worsening of the pain, failure of the neurologic symptoms to improve, possible worsening of the neurologic symptoms, and possible need for further surgery including re-revision and/or removal. Furthermore I explained that the fusion may not become solid or that the hardware could break. We discussed various techniques available for obtaining fusion and I recommended allograft and plate fixation. I explained the rationale for this as well as the options of using his own bone. Furthermore, I explained that removing motion at the fusion sites will transfer stress to other disc levels possibly accelerating there degeneration and causing additional symptoms and/or necessitating additional surgery in the future.,OPERATIVE TECHNIQUE: , After obtaining the appropriate signed and informed consent, the patient was taken to the operating room, where he underwent general endotracheal anesthesia without complications. He was then positioned supine on the operating table, and all bony prominences were padded. Pulse oximetry was maintained on both feet throughout the case. The arms were carefully padded and tucked at his sides. A roll was placed between the shoulder blades. The areas of the both ears were sterilely prepped and cranial tongs were applied in routine fashion. Ten pounds of traction was applied. A needle was taped to the anterior neck and an x-ray was done to determine the appropriate level for the skin incision. The entire neck was then sterilely prepped and draped in the usual fashion.,A transverse skin incision was made and carried down to the platysma muscle. This was then split in line with its fibers. Blunt dissection was carried down medial to the carotid sheath and lateral to the trachea and esophagus until the anterior cervical spine was visualized. A needle was placed into a disc and an x-ray was done to determine its location. The longus colli muscles were then elevated bilaterally with the electrocautery unit. Self-retaining retractors were placed deep to the longus colli muscle in an effort to avoid injury to the sympathetic chains.,Radical anterior discectomies were performed at C3-C4 and C4-C5. This included complete removal of the anterior annulus, nucleus, and posterior annulus. The posterior longitudinal ligament was removed as were the posterior osteophytes. Foraminotomies were then accomplished bilaterally. Once all of this was accomplished, the blunt-tip probe was used to check for any residual compression. The central canal was wide open at each level as were the foramen.,A high-speed bur was used to remove the cartilaginous endplates above and below each interspace. Bleeding cancellous bone was exposed. The disc spaces were measured and appropriate size allografts were placed sterilely onto the field. After further shaping of the grafts with the high-speed bur, they were carefully impacted in to position. There was good juxtaposition against the bleeding decorticated surfaces and good distraction of each interspace. All weight was then removed from the crania tongs.,The appropriate size anterior cervical locking plate was chosen and bent into gentle lordosis. Two screws were then placed into each of the vertebral bodies at C3, C4, and C5. There was excellent purchase. A final x-ray was done confirming good position of the hardware and grafts. The locking screws were then applied, also with excellent purchase.,Following a final copious irrigation, there was good hemostasis and no dural leaks. The carotid pulse was strong. A drain was placed deep to the level of the platysma muscle and left at the level of the hardware. The wounds were then closed in layers using 4-0 Vicryl suture for the platysma muscle, 4-0 Vicryl suture for the subcutaneous tissue, and 4-0 Vicryl suture in a subcuticular skin closure. Steri-Strips were placed followed by application of a sterile dressing. The drain was hooked to bulb suction. A Philadelphia collar was applied.,The cranial tongs were carefully removed. The soft tissue overlying the puncture site was massaged to free it up from the underlying bone. There was good hemostasis.,The patient was then carefully returned to the supine position on his hospital bed where he was reversed and extubated and taken to the recovery room having tolerated the procedure well.

Herniated nucleus pulposus, C5-C6, with spinal stenosis. Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion C5-C6.

Surgery

Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion - 2

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: , Herniated nucleus pulposus, C5-C6, with spinal stenosis.,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: , Herniated nucleus pulposus, C5-C6, with spinal stenosis.,PROCEDURE: , Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion C5-C6.,PROCEDURE IN DETAIL: , The patient was placed in supine position. The neck was prepped and draped in the usual fashion. An incision was made from midline to the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid in the right side. Skin and subcutaneous tissue were divided sharply. Trachea and esophagus were retracted medially. Carotid sheath was retracted laterally. Longus colli muscles were dissected away from the vertebral bodies of C5-C6. We confirmed our position by taking intraoperative x-rays. We then used the operating microscope and cleaned out the disk completely. We then sized the interspace and then tapped in a #7 mm cortical cancellous graft. We then used the DePuy Dynamic plate with 14-mm screws. Jackson-Pratt drain was placed in the prevertebral space and brought out through a separate incision. The wound was closed in layers using 2-0 Vicryl for muscle and fascia. The blood loss was less than 10-20 mL. No complication. Needle count, sponge count, and cottonoid count was correct.

Anterior cervical discectomy with decompression C6-C7, arthrodesis with anterior interbody fusion C6-C7, spinal instrumentation using Pioneer 20 mm plate and four 12 x 4.0 mm screws, PEEK implant 7 mm, and Allograft using Vitoss.

Surgery

Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Decompression

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES,1. Left neck pain with left upper extremity radiculopathy.,2. Left C6-C7 neuroforaminal stenosis secondary to osteophyte.,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES,1. Left neck pain with left upper extremity radiculopathy.,2. Left C6-C7 neuroforaminal stenosis secondary to osteophyte.,OPERATIVE PROCEDURE,1. Anterior cervical discectomy with decompression C6-C7.,2. Arthrodesis with anterior interbody fusion C6-C7.,3. Spinal instrumentation using Pioneer 20 mm plate and four 12 x 4.0 mm screws.,4. PEEK implant 7 mm.,5. Allograft using Vitoss.,ANESTHESIA: , General endotracheal anesthesia.,FINDINGS: , Showed osteophyte with a disc complex on the left C6-C7 neural foramen.,FLUIDS: ,1800 mL of crystalloids.,URINE OUTPUT: , No Foley catheter.,DRAINS: ,Round French 10 JP drain.,SPECIMENS,: None.,COMPLICATIONS: , None.,ESTIMATED BLOOD LOSS:, 250 mL.,The need for an assistant is important in this case, since her absence would mean prolonged operative time and may increase operative morbidity and mortality.,CONDITION: , Extubated with stable vital signs.,INDICATIONS FOR THE OPERATION:, This is the case of a very pleasant 46-year-old Caucasian female with subarachnoid hemorrhage secondary to ruptured left posteroinferior cerebellar artery aneurysm, which was clipped. The patient last underwent a right frontal ventricular peritoneal shunt on 10/12/07. This resulted in relief of left chest pain, but the patient continued to complaint of persistent pain to the left shoulder and left elbow. She was seen in clinic on 12/11/07 during which time MRI of the left shoulder showed no evidence of rotator cuff tear. She did have a previous MRI of the cervical spine that did show an osteophyte on the left C6-C7 level. Based on this, negative MRI of the shoulder, the patient was recommended to have anterior cervical discectomy with anterior interbody fusion at C6-C7 level. Operation, expected outcome, risks, and benefits were discussed with her. Risks include, but not exclusive of bleeding and infection, bleeding could be soft tissue bleeding, which may compromise airway and may result in return to the operating room emergently for evacuation of said hematoma. There is also the possibility of bleeding into the epidural space, which can compress the spinal cord and result in weakness and numbness of all four extremities as well as impairment of bowel and bladder function. Should this occur, the patient understands that she needs to be brought emergently back to the operating room for evacuation of said hematoma. There is also the risk of infection, which can be superficial and can be managed with p.o. antibiotics. However, the patient may develop deeper-seated infection, which may require return to the operating room. Should the infection be in the area of the spinal instrumentation, this will cause a dilemma since there might be a need to remove the spinal instrumentation and/or allograft. There is also the possibility of potential injury to the esophageus, the trachea, and the carotid artery. There is also the risks of stroke on the right cerebral circulation should an undiagnosed plaque be propelled from the right carotid. There is also the possibility hoarseness of the voice secondary to injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve. There is also the risk of pseudoarthrosis and hardware failure. She understood all of these risks and agreed to have the procedure performed.,DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE: , The patient brought to the operating room, awake, alert, not in any form of distress. After smooth induction and intubation, a Foley catheter was inserted. Monitoring leads were placed by Premier Neurodiagnostics and this revealed normal findings, which remained normal during the entire case. The EMGs were silent and there was no evidence of any stimulation. After completion of the placement of the monitoring leads, the patient was positioned supine on the operating table with the neck placed on hyperextension. The head was supported on a foam doughnut. The right cervical area was then exposed by turning the head about 45 to 60 degrees to the left side. A linear incision was made about two to three fingerbreadths from the suprasternal notch along the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle to a distance of about 3 cm. The area was then prepped with DuraPrep.,After sterile drapes were laid out, the incision was made using a scalpel blade #10. Wound edge bleeders were controlled with bipolar coagulation and a hot knife was utilized to carry the dissection down to the platysma in the similar fashion as the skin incision. The anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle was identified as well as the sternohyoid/omohyoid muscles. Dissection was then carried lateral and superior to the omohyoid muscle and lateral to the esophagus and the trachea, and medial to the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the carotid sheath. The prevertebral fascia was identified and cut sharply. A localizing x-ray verified the marker to be at the C6-C7 interspace. Proceeded to the strip the longus colli muscles off the vertebral body of C6 and C7. Self-retaining retractor was then laid out. The annulus was then cut in a quadrangular fashion and piecemeal removal of the dura was done using a straight pituitary rongeurs, 3 and 5 mm burr. The interior endplate of C6 and superior endplate of C7 was likewise was drilled down together with posteroinferior edge of C6 and the posterior superior edge of C7. There was note of a new osteophyte on the left C6-C7 foramen. This was carefully drilled down. After decompression and removal of pressure, there was noted to be release of the epidural space with no significant venous bleeders. They were controlled with slight bipolar coagulation, temporary tamponade with Gelfoam. After this was completed, Valsalva maneuver showed no evidence of any CSF leakage. A 7-mm implant was then tapped into placed after its interior was packed with Vitoss. The plate was then applied and secured in place with four 12 x 4.7 mm screws. Irrigation of the area was done. A round French 10 JP drain was laid out over the graft and exteriorized through a separate stab incision on the patient's right inferiorly. The wound was then closed in layers with Vicryl 3-0 inverted interrupted sutures as well as Vicryl 4-0 subcuticular stitch for the dermis. The wound was reinforced with Dermabond. The catheter was anchored to the skin with nylon 3-0 stitch and dressing was applied only at the exit site. C-collar was placed and the patient was transferred to Recovery after extubation.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, C2-C3, C3-C4. Removal of old instrumentation, C4-C5. Fusion C3-C4 and C2-C3 with instrumentation using ABC plates.

Surgery

Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion - 1

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES,1. Herniated nucleus pulposus C2-C3.,2. Spinal stenosis C3-C4.,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES,1. Herniated nucleus pulposus C2-C3.,2. Spinal stenosis C3-C4.,PROCEDURES,1. Anterior cervical discectomy, C3-C4, C2-C3.,2. Anterior cervical fusion, C2-C3, C3-C4.,3. Removal of old instrumentation, C4-C5.,4. Fusion C3-C4 and C2-C3 with instrumentation using ABC plates.,PROCEDURE IN DETAIL: , The patient was placed in the supine position. The neck was prepped and draped in the usual fashion for anterior cervical discectomy. A high incision was made to allow access to C2-C3. Skin and subcutaneous tissue and the platysma were divided sharply exposing the carotid sheath which was retracted laterally and the trachea and esophagus were retracted medially. This exposed the vertebral bodies of C2-C3 and C4-C5 which was bridged by a plate. We placed in self-retaining retractors. With the tooth beneath the blades, the longus colli muscles were dissected away from the vertebral bodies of C2, C3, C4, and C5. After having done this, we used the all-purpose instrumentation to remove the instrumentation at C4-C5, we could see that fusion at C4-C5 was solid.,We next proceeded with the discectomy at C2-C3 and C3-C4 with disc removal. In a similar fashion using a curette to clean up the disc space and the space was fairly widened, as well as drilling up the vertebral joints using high-speed cutting followed by diamond drill bit. It was obvious that the C3-C4 neural foramina were almost totally obliterated due to the osteophytosis and foraminal stenosis. With the operating microscope; however, we had good visualization of these nerve roots, and we were able to ___________ both at C2-C3 and C3-C4. We then placed the ABC 55-mm plate from C2 down to C4. These were secured with 16-mm titanium screws after excellent purchase. We took an x-ray which showed excellent position of the plate, the screws, and the graft themselves. The next step was to irrigate the wound copiously with saline and bacitracin solution and s Jackson-Pratt drain was placed in the prevertebral space and brought out through a separate incision. The wound was closed with 2-0 Vicryl for subcutaneous tissues and Steri-Strips used to close the skin. Blood loss was about 50 mL. No complication of the surgery. Needle count, sponge count, cottonoid count was correct.,The operating microscope was used for the entirety for both visualization and magnification and illumination which was quite superb. At the time of surgery, he had total collapse of the C2, C3, and C4 disc with osteophyte formation. At both levels, he has high-grade spinal stenosis at these levels, especially foramen stenosis causing the compression, neck pain, headaches, and arm and shoulder pain. He does have degenerative changes at C5-C6, C6-C7, C7-T1; however, they do not appear to be symptomatic, although x-rays show the disks to be partially collapsed at all levels with osteophyte formation beginning to form.

Anterior cervical discectomy C4-C5 arthrodesis with 8 mm lordotic ACF spacer, corticocancellous, and stabilization with Synthes Vector plate and screws. Cervical spondylosis and herniated nucleus pulposus of C4-C5.

Surgery

Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Arthrodesis - 2

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: ,Cervical spondylosis and herniated nucleus pulposus of C4-C5.,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS:, Cervical spondylosis and herniated nucleus pulposus of C4-C5.,TITLE OF OPERATION:, Anterior cervical discectomy C4-C5 arthrodesis with 8 mm lordotic ACF spacer, corticocancellous, and stabilization with Synthes Vector plate and screws.,ESTIMATED BLOOD LOSS:, Less than 100 mL.,OPERATIVE PROCEDURE IN DETAIL: , After identification, the patient was taken to the operating room and placed in supine position. Following the induction of satisfactory general endotracheal anesthesia, the patient was prepared for surgery. A shoulder roll was placed between the scapula and the head was rested on a doughnut in a slightly extended position. A preoperative x-ray was obtained to identify the operative level and neck position. An incision was marked at the C4-C5 level on the right side. The incision was opened with #10 blade knife. Dissection was carried down through subcutaneous tissues using Bovie electrocautery. The platysma muscle was divided with the cautery and mobilized rostrally and caudally. The anterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle was then dissected rostrally and caudally with sharp and blunt dissection. The avascular plane was then entered and dissection was carried bluntly down to the anterior cervical fascia. This was opened with scissors and dissected rostrally and caudally with the peanut dissectors. The operative level was confirmed with an intraoperative x-ray. The longus colli muscles were mobilized bilaterally using bipolar electrocautery and periosteal elevator. The anterior longitudinal ligament was then taken down with the insulated Bovie electrocautery tip exposing the vertebral bodies of C4 and C5. Self-retaining retractor was placed in submuscular position, and distraction pins were placed in the vertebral bodies of C4 and C5, and distraction was instituted. We then incise the annulus of C4-C5 and a discectomy was now carried out using pituitary rongeurs and straight and angled curettes. Operating microscope was draped and brought into play. Dissection was carried down through the disc space to the posterior aspect of the disc space removing the disc with the angled curette as we went. We now use the diamond bit to thin the posterior bone spurs and osteophytes at the uncovertebral joints bilaterally. Bone was then removed with 2 mm Kerrison punch and then we were able to traverse the posterior longitudinal ligament and this ligament was now removed in a piecemeal fashion with a 2 mm Kerrison punch. There was a transligamentous disc herniation, which was removed during this process. We then carried out bilateral foraminotomies with removal of the uncovertebral osteophytes until the foramina were widely patent. Cord was seen to be pulsating freely behind the dura. There appeared to be no complications and the decompression appeared adequate. We now used a cutting bit to prepare the inner space for arthrodesis fashioning a posterior ledge on the posterior aspect of the C5 vertebral body. An 8 mm lordotic trial was used and appeared perfect. We then used a corticocancellous 8 mm lordotic graft. This was tapped into position. Distraction was released, appeared to be in excellent position. We then positioned an 18 mm Vector plate over the inner space. Intraoperative x-ray was obtained with the stay screw in place; plates appeared to be in excellent position. We then use a 14 mm self-tapping variable angle screws in each of the four locations drilling 14 mm pilot holes at each location prior to screw insertion. All of the screws locked to the plate and this was confirmed on visual inspection. Intraoperative x-ray was again obtained. Construct appeared satisfactory. Attention was then directed to closure. The wound was copiously irrigated. All of the self-retaining retractors were removed. Bleeding points were controlled with bone wax and bipolar electrocautery. The platysma layer was now closed with interrupted 3-0 Vicryl sutures. The skin was closed with running 3-0 Vicryl subcuticular stitch. Steri-Strips were applied. A sterile bandage was applied. All sponge, needle, and cottonoid counts were reported as correct. The patient tolerated the procedure well. He was subsequently extubated in the operating room and transferred to PACU in satisfactory condition.

Anterior cervical discectomy at C5-6 and placement of artificial disk replacement. Right C5-C6 herniated nucleus pulposus.

Surgery

Anterior Cervical Discectomy - 2

ADMITTING DIAGNOSIS: , Right C5-C6 herniated nucleus pulposus.,PRIMARY OPERATIVE PROCEDURE: , Anterior cervical discectomy at C5-6 and placement of artificial disk replacement.,SUMMARY:, This is a pleasant, 43-year-old woman, who has been having neck pain and right arm pain for a period of time which has not responded to conservative treatment including ESIs. She underwent another MRI and significant degenerative disease at C5-6 with a central and right-sided herniation was noted. Risks and benefits of the surgery were discussed with her and she wished to proceed with surgery. She was interested in participating in the artificial disk replacement study and was entered into that study. She was randomly picked for the artificial disk and underwent the above named procedure on 08/27/2007. She has done well postoperatively with a sensation of right arm pain and numbness in her fingers. She will have x-rays AP and lateral this morning which will be reviewed and she will be discharged home today if she is doing well. She will follow up with Dr. X in 2 weeks in the clinic as per the study protocol with cervical AP and lateral x-rays with ring prior to the appointment. She will contact our office prior to her appointment if she has problems. Prescriptions were written for Flexeril 10 mg 1 p.o. t.i.d. p.r.n. #50 with 1 refill and Lortab 7.5/500 mg 1 to 2 q.6 h. p.r.n. #60 with 1 refill.

Anterior cervical discectomy, arthrodesis, partial corpectomy, Machine bone allograft, placement of anterior cervical plate with a Zephyr. 7. Microscopic dissection.

Surgery

Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Arthrodesis

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS:, Cervical myelopathy secondary to very large disc herniations at C4-C5 and C5-C6.,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: , Cervical myelopathy secondary to very large disc herniations at C4-C5 and C5-C6.,PROCEDURE PERFORMED:,1. Anterior cervical discectomy, C4-C5 and C5-C6.,2. Arthrodesis, C4-C5 and C5-C6.,3. Partial corpectomy, C5.,4. Machine bone allograft, C4-C5 and C5-C6.,5. Placement of anterior cervical plate with a Zephyr C4 to C6.,6. Fluoroscopic guidance.,7. Microscopic dissection.,ANESTHESIA:, General.,ESTIMATED BLOOD LOSS: , 60 mL.,COMPLICATIONS: , None.,INDICATIONS:, This is a patient who presents with progressive weakness in the left upper extremity as well as imbalance. He has also noted to have cord signal at the C4-C5 level secondary to a very large disc herniation that came behind the body at C5 as well and as well as a large disc herniation at C5-C6. Risks and benefits of the surgery including bleeding, infection, neurologic deficit, nonunion, progressive spondylosis, and lack of improvement were all discussed. He understood and wished to proceed.,DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE: , The patient was brought to the operating room and placed in the supine position. Preoperative antibiotics were given. The patient was placed in the supine position with all pressure points noted and well padded. The patient was prepped and draped in standard fashion. An incision was made approximately above the level of the cricoid. Blunt dissection was used to expose the anterior portion of the spine with carotid moved laterally and trachea and esophagus moved medially. We then placed needle into the disc spaces and was found to be at C5-C6. Distracting pins were placed in the body of C4 and in to the body of C6. The disc was then completely removed at C4-C5. There was very significant compression of the cord. This was carefully removed to avoid any type of pressure on the cord. This was very severe and multiple free fragments were noted. This was taken down to the level of ligamentum. Both foramen were then also opened. Other free fragments were also found behind the body of C5, part of the body of C5 was taken down to assure that all of these were removed. The exact same procedure was done at C5-C6; however, if there were again free fragments noted, there was less not as severe compression at the C4-C5 area. Again part of the body at C5 was removed to make sure that there was no additional constriction. Both nerve roots were then widely decompressed. Machine bone allograft was placed into the C4-C5 as well as C5-C6 and then a Zephyr plate was placed in the body of C4 and to the body of C6 with a metal pin placed into the body at C5. Excellent purchase was obtained. Fluoroscopy showed good placement and meticulous hemostasis was obtained. Fascia was closed with 3-0 Vicryl, subcuticular 3-0 Dermabond for skin. The patient tolerated the procedure well and went to recovery in good condition.

Herniated nucleus pulposus. Anterior cervical decompression, anterior spine instrumentation, anterior cervical spine fusion, and application of machined allograft.

Surgery

Anterior Cervical Decompression

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES,1. Herniated nucleus pulposus, C5-C6.,2. Herniated nucleus pulposus, C6-C7.,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES,1. Herniated nucleus pulposus, C5-C6.,2. Herniated nucleus pulposus, C6-C7.,PROCEDURE PERFORMED,1. Anterior cervical decompression, C5-C6.,2. Anterior cervical decompression, C6-C7.,3. Anterior spine instrumentation.,4. Anterior cervical spine fusion, C5-C6.,5. Anterior cervical spine fusion, C6-C7.,6. Application of machined allograft at C5-C6.,7. Application of machined allograft at C6-C7.,8. Allograft, structural at C5-C6.,9. Allograft, structural at C6-C7.,ANESTHESIA: , General.,PREOPERATIVE NOTE: ,This patient is a 47-year-old male with chief complaint of severe neck pain and left upper extremity numbness and weakness. Preoperative MRI scan showed evidence of herniated nucleus pulposus at C5-C6 and C6-C7 on the left. The patient has failed epidural steroid injections. Risks and benefits of the above procedure were discussed with the patient including bleeding, infection, muscle loss, nerve damage, paralysis, and death.,OPERATIVE REPORT: , The patient was taken to the OR and placed in the supine position. After general endotracheal anesthesia was obtained, the patient's neck was sterilely prepped and draped in the usual fashion. A horizontal incision was made on the left side of the neck at the level of the C6 vertebral body. It was taken down through the subcutaneous tissues exposing the platysmus muscle. The platysmus muscle was incised along the skin incision and the deep cervical fascia was bluntly dissected down to the anterior cervical spine. An #18 gauge needle was placed in the C5-C6 interspace and the intraoperative x-ray confirmed that this was the appropriate level. Next, the longus colli muscles were resected laterally on both the right and left side, and then a complete anterior cervical discectomy was performed. The disk was very degenerated and brown in color. There was an acute disk herniation through posterior longitudinal ligament. The posterior longitudinal ligament was removed and a bilateral foraminotomy was performed. Approximately, 5 mm of the nerve root on both the right and left side was visualized. A ball-ended probe could be passed up the foramen. Bleeding was controlled with bipolar electrocautery and Surgiflo. The end plates of C5 and C6 were prepared using a high-speed burr and a 6-mm lordotic machined allograft was malleted into place. There was good bony apposition both proximally and distally. Next, attention was placed at the C6-C7 level. Again, the longus colli muscles were resected laterally and a complete anterior cervical discectomy at C6-C7 was performed. The disk was degenerated and there was acute disk herniation in the posterior longitudinal ligament on the left. The posterior longitudinal ligament was removed. A bilateral foraminotomy was performed. Approximately, 5 mm of the C7 nerve root was visualized on both sides. A micro nerve hook was able to be passed up the foramen easily. Bleeding was controlled with bipolar electrocautery and Surgiflo. The end plates at C6-C7 were then prepared using a high-speed burr and then a 7-mm machined lordotic allograft was malleted into place. There was good bony apposition, both proximally and distally. Next, a 44-mm Blackstone low-profile anterior cervical plate was applied to the anterior cervical spine with six 14 mm screws. Intraoperative x-ray confirmed appropriate positioning of the plate and the graft. The wound was then copiously irrigated with normal saline and bacitracin. There was no active bleeding upon closure of the wound. A small drain was placed deep. The platysmal muscle was closed with 3-0 Vicryl. The skin was closed with #4-0 Monocryl. Mastisol and Steri-Strips were applied. The patient was monitored throughout the procedure with free-running EMGs and SSEPs and there were no untoward events. The patient was awoken and taken to the recovery room in satisfactory condition.

Arthrodesis - anterior interbody technique, anterior cervical discectomy, anterior instrumentation with a 23-mm Mystique plate and the 13-mm screws, implantation of machine bone implant. Disc herniation with right arm radiculopathy.

Surgery

Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Arthrodesis - 1

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES: , C5-C6 disc herniation with right arm radiculopathy.,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES: , C5-C6 disc herniation with right arm radiculopathy.,PROCEDURE:,1. C5-C6 arthrodesis, anterior interbody technique.,2. C5-C6 anterior cervical discectomy.,3. C5-C6 anterior instrumentation with a 23-mm Mystique plate and the 13-mm screws.,4. Implantation of machine bone implant.,5. Microsurgical technique.,ANESTHESIA: ,General endotracheal.,ESTIMATED BLOOD LOSS: , Less than 100 mL.,BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND SURGICAL INDICATIONS: ,The patient is a 45-year-old right-handed gentleman who presented with neck and right arm radicular pain. The pain has become more and more severe. It runs to the thumb and index finger of the right hand and it is accompanied by numbness. If he tilts his neck backwards, the pain shoots down the arm. If he is working with the computer, it is very difficult to use his mouse. He tried conservative measures and failed to respond, so he sought out surgery. Surgery was discussed with him in detail. A C5-C6 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion was recommended. He understood and wished to proceed with surgery. Thus, he was brought in same day for surgery on 07/03/2007.,DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE: , He was given Ancef 1 g intravenously for infection prophylaxis and then transported to the OR. There general endotracheal anesthesia was induced. He was positioned on the OR table with an IV bag between the scapulae. The neck was slightly extended and taped into position. A metal arch was placed across the neck and intraoperative x-ray was obtain to verify a good position for skin incision and the neck was prepped with Betadine and draped in the usual sterile fashion.,A linear incision was created in the neck beginning just to the right of the midline extending out across the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The incision was extended through skin, subcutaneous fat, and platysma. Hemostasis was assured with Bovie cautery. The anterior aspect of the sternocleidomastoid muscle was identified and dissection was carried medial to this down to the carotid sheath. The trachea and the esophagus were swept out of the way and dissection proceeded medial to the carotid sheath down between the two bellies of the longus colli muscle on to the anterior aspect of the spine. A Bovie cautery was used to mobilize the longus colli muscle around initially what turned out to be C6-C7 disk based on x-rays and then around the C5-C6 disk space. An intraoperative x-ray confirmed C5-C6 disk space had been localized and then the self-retained distraction system was inserted to maintain exposure. A 15-blade knife was used to incise the C5-C6 disk and remove disk material. and distraction pins were inserted into C5-C6 and distraction placed across the disk space. The operating microscope was then brought into the field and used throughout the case except for the closure. Various pituitaries, #15 blade knife, and curette were used to evacuate the disk as best as possible. Then, the Midas Rex drill was taken under the microscope and used to drill where the cartilaginous endplate driven back all the way into the posterior aspect of the vertebral body. A nerve hook was swept underneath the posterior longitudinal ligament and a fragment of disk was produced and was pulled up through the ligament. A Kerrison rongeur was used to open up the ligament in this opening and then to march out in the both neural foramina. A small amount of disk material was found at the right neural foramen. After a good decompression of both neural foramina was obtained and the thecal sac was exposed throughout the width of the exposure, the wound was thoroughly irrigated. A spacing mechanism was intact into the disk space and it was determined that a #7 spacer was appropriate. So, a #7 machine bone implant was taken and tapped into disk space and slightly counter sunk. The wound was thoroughly irrigated and inspected for hemostasis. A Mystique plate 23 mm in length was then inserted and anchored to the anterior aspect of C5-C6 to hold the bone into position and the wound was once again irrigated. The patient was valsalved. There was no further bleeding seen and intraoperative x-ray confirmed a good position near the bone, plate, and screws and the wound was enclosed in layers. The 3-0 Vicryl was used to approximate platysma and 3-0 Vicryl was used in inverted interrupted fashion to perform a subcuticular closure of the skin. The wound was cleaned.,Mastisol was placed on the skin, and Steri-strips were used to approximate skin margins. Sterile dressing was placed on the patient's neck. He was extubated in the OR and transported to the recovery room in stable condition. There were no complications.

Anterior cervical discectomy, removal of herniated disc and osteophytes, bilateral C4 nerve root decompression, harvesting of bone for autologous vertebral bodies for creation of arthrodesis, grafting of fibular allograft bone for creation of arthrodesis, creation of arthrodesis via an anterior technique with fibular allograft bone and autologous bone from the vertebral bodies, and placement of anterior spinal instrumentation using the operating microscope and microdissection technique.

Surgery

Anterior Cervical Discectomy - 1

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: , Cervical spondylosis at C3-C4 with cervical radiculopathy and spinal cord compression.,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS:, Cervical spondylosis at C3-C4 with cervical radiculopathy and spinal cord compression.,OPERATION PERFORMED,1. Anterior cervical discectomy of C3-C4.,2. Removal of herniated disc and osteophytes.,3. Bilateral C4 nerve root decompression.,4. Harvesting of bone for autologous vertebral bodies for creation of arthrodesis.,5. Grafting of fibular allograft bone for creation of arthrodesis.,6. Creation of arthrodesis via an anterior technique with fibular allograft bone and autologous bone from the vertebral bodies.,7. Placement of anterior spinal instrumentation using the operating microscope and microdissection technique.,INDICATIONS FOR PROCEDURE: , This 62-year-old man has progressive and intractable right C4 radiculopathy with neck and shoulder pain. Conservative therapy has failed to improve the problem. Imaging studies showed severe spondylosis of C3-C4 with neuroforaminal narrowing and spinal cord compression.,A detailed discussion ensued with the patient as to the nature of the procedure including all risks and alternatives. He clearly understood it and had no further questions and requested that I proceed.,PROCEDURE IN DETAIL: , The patient was placed on the operating room table and was intubated using a fiberoptic technique. The methylprednisolone spinal cord protocol was instituted with bolus and continuous infusion doses. The neck was carefully prepped and draped in the usual sterile manner.,A transverse incision was made on a skin crease on the left side of the neck. Dissection was carried down through the platysmal musculature and the anterior spine was exposed. The medial borders of the longus colli muscles were dissected free from their attachments to the spine. A needle was placed and it was believed to be at the C3-C4 interspace and an x-ray properly localized this space. Castoff self-retaining pins were placed into the body of the C3 and C4. Self-retaining retractors were placed in the wound keeping the blades of the retractors underneath the longus colli muscles.,The annulus was incised and a discectomy was performed. Quite a bit of overhanging osteophytes were identified and removed. As I worked back to the posterior lips of the vertebral body, the operating microscope was utilized.,There was severe overgrowth of spondylitic spurs. A high-speed diamond bur was used to slowly drill these spurs away. I reached the posterior longitudinal ligament and opened it and exposed the underlying dura.,Slowly and carefully I worked out towards the C3-C4 foramen. The dura was extremely thin and I could see through it in several areas. I removed the bony compression in the foramen and identified soft tissue and veins overlying the root. All of these were not stripped away for fear of tearing this very tissue-paper-thin dura. However, radical decompression was achieved removing all the bony compression in the foramen, out to the pedicle, and into the foramen. An 8-mm of the root was exposed although I left the veins over the root intact.,The microscope was angled to the left side where a similar procedure was performed.,Once the decompression was achieved, a high-speed cortisone bur was used to decorticate the body from the greater posterior shelf to prevent backward graft migration. Bone thus from the drilling was preserved for use for the arthrodesis.,Attention was turned to creation of the arthrodesis. As I had drilled quite a bit into the bodies, I selected a large 12-mm graft and distracted the space maximally. Under distraction the graft was placed and fit well. An x-ray showed good graft placement.,Attention was turned to spinal instrumentation. A Synthes Short Stature plate was used with four 3-mm screws. Holes were drilled with all four screws were placed with pretty good purchase. Next, the locking screws were then applied. An x-ray was obtained which showed good placement of graft, plate, and screws. The upper screws were near the upper endplate of C3. The C3 vertebral body that remained was narrow after drilling off the spurs. Rather than replace these screws and risk that the next holes would be too near the present holes I decided to leave these screws intact because their position is still satisfactory as they are below the disc endplate.,Attention was turned to closure. A Hemovac drain was placed in the anterior vertebral body space and brought out through a separate stab wound incision in the skin. The wound was then carefully closed in layers. Sterile dressings were applied along with a rigid Philadelphia collar. The operation was then terminated.,The patient tolerated the procedure well and left for the recovery room in excellent condition. The sponge and needle counts were reported as correct and there were no intraoperative complications.,Specimens were sent to Pathology consisted of bone and soft tissue as well as C3-C4 disc material.

C5-C6 anterior cervical discectomy, bone bank allograft, and anterior cervical plate. Left cervical radiculopathy.

Surgery

Anterior Cervical Discectomy - 4

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: , Left cervical radiculopathy.,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: ,Left cervical radiculopathy.,PROCEDURES PERFORMED:,1. C5-C6 anterior cervical discectomy.,2. Bone bank allograft.,3. Anterior cervical plate.,TUBES AND DRAINS LEFT IN PLACE: , None.,COMPLICATIONS: , None.,SPECIMEN SENT TO PATHOLOGY: , None.,ANESTHESIA: , General endotracheal.,INDICATIONS: , This is a middle-aged man who presented to me with left arm pain. He had multiple levels of disease, but clinically, it was C6 radiculopathy. We tested him in the office and he had weakness referable to that nerve. The procedure was done at that level.,DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE: , The patient was taken to the operating room at which time an intravenous line was placed. General endotracheal anesthesia was obtained. He was positioned supine in the operative area and the right neck was prepared.,An incision was made and carried down to the ventral spine on the right in the usual manner. An x-ray confirmed our location.,We were impressed by the degenerative change and the osteophyte overgrowth.,As we had excepted, the back of the disk space was largely closed off by osteophytes. We patiently drilled through them to the posterior ligament. We went through that until we saw the dura.,We carefully went to the patient's symptomatic, left side. The C6 foramen was narrowed by uncovertebral joint overgrowth. The foramen was open widely.,An allograft was placed. An anterior Steffee plate was placed. Closure was commenced.,The wound was closed in layers with Steri-Strips on the skin. A dressing was applied.,It should be noted that the above operation was done also with microscopic magnification and illumination.

Anterior cervical discectomy (two levels) and C5-C6 and C6-C7 allograft fusions. A C5-C7 anterior cervical plate fixation (Sofamor Danek titanium window plate) intraoperative fluoroscopy used and intraoperative microscopy used. Intraoperative SSEP and EMG monitoring used.

Surgery

Anterior Cervical Discectomy - 3

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES: , Cervical disk protrusions at C5-C6 and C6-C7, cervical radiculopathy, and cervical pain.,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES:, Cervical disk protrusions at C5-C6 and C6-C7, cervical radiculopathy, and cervical pain.,PROCEDURES:, C5-C6 and C6-C7 anterior cervical discectomy (two levels) C5-C6 and C6-C7 allograft fusions. A C5-C7 anterior cervical plate fixation (Sofamor Danek titanium window plate) intraoperative fluoroscopy used and intraoperative microscopy used. Intraoperative SSEP and EMG monitoring used.,ANESTHESIA: , General endotracheal.,COMPLICATIONS:, None.,INDICATION FOR THE PROCEDURE: , This lady presented with history of cervical pain associated with cervical radiculopathy with cervical and left arm pain, numbness, weakness, with MRI showing significant disk protrusions with the associate complexes at C5-C6 and C6-C7 with associated cervical radiculopathy. After failure of conservative treatment, this patient elected to undergo surgery.,DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE: ,The patient was brought to the OR and after adequate general endotracheal anesthesia, she was placed supine on the OR table with the head of the bed about 10 degrees. A shoulder roll was placed and the head supported on a donut support. The cervical region was prepped and draped in the standard fashion. A transverse cervical incision was made from the midline, which was lateral to the medial edge of the sternocleidomastoid two fingerbreadths above the right clavicle. In a transverse fashion, the incision was taken down through the skin and subcutaneous tissue and through the platysmata and a subplatysmal dissection done. Then, the dissection continued medial to the sternocleidomastoid muscle and then medial to the carotid artery to the prevertebral fascia, which was gently dissected and released superiorly and inferiorly. Spinal needles were placed into the displaced C5-C6 and C6-C7 to confirm these disk levels using lateral fluoroscopy. Following this, monopolar coagulation was used to dissect the medial edge of the longus colli muscles off the adjacent vertebrae between C5-C7 and then the Trimline retractors were placed to retract the longus colli muscles laterally and blunt retractors were placed superiorly and inferiorly. A #15 scalpel was used to do a discectomy at C5-C6 from endplate-to-endplate and uncovertebral joint. On the uncovertebral joint, a pituitary rongeur was used to empty out any disk material ____________ to further remove the disk material down to the posterior aspect. This was done under the microscope. A high-speed drill under the microscope was used to drill down the endplates to the posterior aspect of the annulus. A blunt trocar was passed underneath the posterior longitudinal ligament and it was gently released using the #15 scalpel and then Kerrison punches 1-mm and then 2-mm were used to decompress further disk calcified material at the C5-C6 level. This was done bilaterally to allow good decompression of the thecal sac and adjacent neuroforamen. Then, at the C6-C7 level, in a similar fashion, #15 blade was used to do a discectomy from uncovertebral joint to uncovertebral joint and from endplate-to-endplate using a #15 scalpel to enter the disk space and then the curette was then used to remove the disk calcified material in the endplate, and then high-speed drill under the microscope was used to drill down the disk space down to the posterior aspect of the annulus where a blunt trocar was passed underneath the posterior longitudinal ligament which was gently released. Then using the Kerrison punches, we used 1-mm and 2-mm, to remove disk calcified material, which was extending more posteriorly to the left and the right. This was gently removed and decompressed to allow good decompression of the thecal sac and adjacent nerve roots. With this done, the wound was irrigated. Hemostasis was ensured with bipolar coagulation. Vertebral body distraction pins were then placed to the vertebral body of C5 and C7 for vertebral distraction and then a 6-mm allograft performed grafts were taken and packed in either aspect with demineralized bone matrix and this was tapped in flush with the vertebral bodies above and below C5-C6 and C6-C7 discectomy sites. Then, the vertebral body distraction pins were gently removed to allow for graft seating and compression and then the anterior cervical plate (Danek windows titanium plates) was then taken and sized and placed. A temporary pin was initially used to align the plate and then keeping the position and then two screw holes were drilled in the vertebral body of C5, two in the vertebral body of C6, and two in the vertebral body of C7. The holes were then drilled and after this self-tapping screws were placed into the vertebral body of C5, C6, and C7 across the plate to allow the plate to fit and stay flush with the vertebral body between C5, C6, and C7. With this done, operative fluoroscopy was used to check good alignment of the graft, screw, and plate, and then the wound was irrigated. Hemostasis was ensured with bipolar coagulation and then the locking screws were tightened down. A #10 round Jackson-Pratt drain was placed into the prevertebral space and brought out from a separate stab wound skin incision site. Then, the platysma was approximated using 2-0 Vicryl inverted interrupted stitches and the skin closed with 4-0 Vicryl running subcuticular stitch. Steri-Strips and sterile dressings were applied. The patient remained hemodynamically stable throughout the procedure. Throughout the procedure, the microscope had been used for the disk decompression and high-speed drilling. In addition, intraoperative SSEP, EMG monitoring, and motor-evoked potentials remained stable throughout the procedure. The patient remained stable throughout the procedure.

Anterior cervical discectomy and removal of herniated disk and osteophytes and decompression of spinal cord and bilateral nerve root decompression. Harvesting of autologous bone from the vertebral bodies. Grafting of allograft bone for creation of arthrodesis.

Surgery

Anterior Cervical Discectomy

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES,1. Cervical spondylosis with myelopathy.,2. Herniated cervical disk, C4-C5.,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES,1. Cervical spondylosis with myelopathy.,2. Herniated cervical disk, C4-C5.,OPERATIONS PERFORMED,1. Anterior cervical discectomy and removal of herniated disk and osteophytes and decompression of spinal cord at C5-C6.,2. Bilateral C6 nerve root decompression.,3. Anterior cervical discectomy at C4-C5 with removal of herniated disk and osteophytes and decompression of spinal cord.,4. Bilateral C5 nerve root decompression.,5. Anterior cervical discectomy at C3-C4 with removal of herniated disk and osteophytes, and decompression of spinal cord.,6. Bilateral C4 nerve root decompression.,7. Harvesting of autologous bone from the vertebral bodies.,8. Grafting of allograft bone for creation of arthrodesis.,9. Creation of arthrodesis with allograft bone and autologous bone from the vertebral bodies and bone morphogenetic protein at C5-C6.,10. Creation of additional arthrodesis using allograft bone and autologous bone from the vertebral bodies and bone morphogenetic protein at C4-C5.,11. Creation of additional arthrodesis using allograft bone and autologous bone from the vertebral bodies and bone morphogenetic protein at C3-C4.,12. Placement of anterior spinal instrumentation from C3 to C6 using a Synthes Small Stature Plate, using the operating microscope and microdissection technique.,INDICATIONS FOR PROCEDURE: , This 62-year-old man has severe cervical spondylosis with myelopathy and cord compression at C5-C6. There was a herniated disk with cord compression and radiculopathy at C4-C5. C3-C4 was the source of neck pain as documented by facet injections.,A detailed discussion ensued with the patient as to the pros and cons of the surgery by two levels versus three levels. Because of the severe component of the neck pain that has been relieved with facet injections, we elected to proceed ahead with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion at C3-C4, C4-C5, and C5-C6.,I explained the nature of this procedure in great detail including all risks and alternatives. He clearly understands and has no further questions and requests that I proceed.,PROCEDURE: ,The patient was placed on the operating room table and was intubated taking great care to keep the neck in a neutral position. The methylprednisolone spinal cord protocol was instituted with bolus and continuous infusion dosages.,The left side of the neck was carefully prepped and draped in the usual sterile manner.,A transverse incision was made in the neck crease. Dissection was carried down through the platysma musculature and the anterior spine was exposed. The medial borders of the longus colli muscle were dissected free from their attachments to the spine. Caspar self-retaining pins were placed into the bodies of C3, C4, C5, and C6 and x-ray localization was obtained. A needle was placed in what was revealed to be the disk space at C4-C5 and an x-ray confirmed proper localization.,Self-retaining retractors were then placed in the wound, taking great care to keep the blades of the retractors underneath the longus colli muscles.,First I removed the large amount of anterior overhanging osteophytes at C5-C6 and distracted the space. The high-speed cutting bur was used to drill back the osteophytes towards the posterior lips of the vertebral bodies.,An incision was then made at C4-C5 and the annulus was incised and a discectomy was performed back to the posterior lips of the vertebral bodies.,The retractors were then adjusted and again discectomy was performed at C3-C4 back to the posterior lips of the vertebral bodies. The operating microscope was then utilized.,Working under magnification, I started at C3-C4 and began to work my way down to the posterior longitudinal ligament. The ligament was incised and the underlying dura was exposed. I worked out laterally towards the takeoff of the C4 nerve root and widely decompressed the nerve root edge of the foramen. There were a large number of veins overlying the nerve root which were oozing and rather than remove these and produce tremendous amount of bleeding, I left them intact. However, I could to palpate the nerve root along the pedicle into the foramen and widely decompressed it on the right. The microscope was angled to the left side where similar decompression was achieved.,The retractors were readjusted and attention was turned to C4-C5. I worked down through bony osteophytes and identified the posterior longitudinal ligament. The ligament was incised; and as I worked to the right of the midline, I encountered herniated disk material which was removed in a number of large pieces. The C5 root was exposed and then widely decompressed until I was flush with the pedicle and into the foramen. The root had a somewhat high takeoff but I worked to expose the axilla and widely decompressed it. Again the microscope was angled to the left side where similar decompression was achieved. Central decompression was achieved here where there was a moderate amount of spinal cord compression. This was removed by undercutting with 1 and 2-mm Cloward punches.,Attention was then turned to the C5-C6 space. Here there were large osteophytes projecting posteriorly against the cord. I slowly and carefully used the high-speed cutting diamond bur to drill these and then used 1 to 2-mm Cloward punches to widely decompress the spinal cord. This necessitated undercutting the bodies of both C5 and C6 extensively, but I was then able to achieve a good decompression of the cord. I exposed the C6 root and widely decompressed it until I was flush with the pedicle and into the foramen on the right. The microscope was angled to the left side where a similar decompression was achieved.,Attention was then turned to creation of the arthrodesis. A high-speed Cornerstone bur was used to decorticate the bodies of C5-C6, C4-C5 and C3-C4 to create a posterior shelf to prevent backwards graft migration. Bone dust during the drilling was harvested for later use.,Attention was turned to creation of the arthrodesis. Using the various Synthes sizers, I selected a 7-mm lordotic graft at C5-C6 and an 8-mm lordotic graft at C4-C5 and a 9-mm lordotic graft at C3-C4. Each graft was filled with autologous bone from the vertebral bodies and bone morphogenetic protein soaked sponge. I decided to use BMP in this case because there were three levels of fusion and because this patient has a very heavy history of smoking and having just recently discontinued for two weeks. The BMP sponge and the ____________ bone were then packed in the center of the allograft.,Under distraction, the graft was placed at C3-C4, C4-C5, and C5-C6 as described. An x-ray was obtained which showed good graft placement with preservation of the cervical lordosis.,Attention was turned to the placement of anterior spinal instrumentation. Various sizes of Synthes plates were selected until I decided that a 54-mm plate was appropriate. The plate had to be somewhat contoured and bent inferiorly and the vertebral bodies had to be drilled so that the plates would sit flush. The holes were drilled and the screws were placed. Eight screws were placed with two screws at C3, two screws at C4, two screws at C5, and two screws at C6. All eight screws had good purchase. The locking screws were tightly applied. An x-ray was obtained which showed good placement of the graft, plate, and screws.,Attention was turned to closure. The wound was copiously irrigated with Bacitracin solution and meticulous hemostasis was obtained. A medium Hemovac drain was placed in the anterior vertebral body space and brought out through a separate stab incision in the skin. The wound was then carefully closed in layers. Sterile dressings were applied, and the operation was terminated.,The patient tolerated the procedure well and left for the recovery room in excellent condition. The sponge and needle counts were reported as correct. There were no intraoperative complications.,Specimens were sent to Pathology consisting of disk material and bone and soft tissue.

Selective coronary angiography of the right coronary artery, left main LAD, left circumflex artery, left ventricular catheterization, left ventricular angiography, angioplasty of totally occluded mid RCA, arthrectomy using 6-French catheter, stenting of the mid RCA, stenting of the proximal RCA, femoral angiography and Perclose hemostasis.

Surgery

Angiography & Catheterization - 1

INDICATION:, Acute coronary syndrome.,CONSENT FORM: , The procedure of cardiac catheterization/PCI risks included but not restricted to death, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, emergent open heart surgery, bleeding, hematoma, limb loss, renal failure requiring dialysis, blood loss, infection had been explained to him. He understands. All questions answered and is willing to sign consent.,PROCEDURE PERFORMED:, Selective coronary angiography of the right coronary artery, left main LAD, left circumflex artery, left ventricular catheterization, left ventricular angiography, angioplasty of totally occluded mid RCA, arthrectomy using 6-French catheter, stenting of the mid RCA, stenting of the proximal RCA, femoral angiography and Perclose hemostasis.,NARRATIVE: , The patient was brought to the cardiac catheterization laboratory in a fasting state. Both groins were draped and sterilized in the usual fashion. Local anesthesia was achieved with 2% lidocaine to the right groin area and a #6-French femoral sheath was inserted via modified Seldinger technique in the right common femoral artery. Selective coronary angiography was performed with #6 French JL4 catheter for the left coronary system and a #6 French JR4 catheter of the right coronary artery. Left ventricular catheterization and angiography was performed at the end of the procedure with a #6-French angle pigtail catheter.,FINDINGS,1. Hemodynamics systemic blood pressure 140/70 mmHg. LVEDP at the end of the procedure was 13 mmHg.,2. The left main coronary artery is a large with mild diffuse disease in the distal third resulting in less than 20% angiographic stenosis at the take off of the left circumflex artery. The left circumflex artery is a large caliber vessel with diffuse disease in the ostium of the proximal segment resulting in less than 30% angiographic stenosis. The left circumflex artery gives rise to a high small obtuse marginal branch that has high moderate-to-severe ostium. The rest of the left circumflex artery has mild diffuse disease and it gives rise to a second large obtuse marginal branch that bifurcates into an upper and lower trunk.,The LAD is calcified and diffusely disease in the proximal and mid portion. There is mild nonobstructive disease in the proximal LAD resulting in less than 20% angiographic stenosis.,3. The right coronary artery is dominant. It is septal to be occluded in the mid portion.,The findings were discussed with the patient and she opted for PCI. Angiomax bolus was started. The ACT was checked. It was higher in 300. I have given the patient 600 mg of oral Plavix.,The right coronary artery was engaged using a #6-French JR4 guide catheter. I was unable to cross through this lesion using a BMW wire and a 3.0x8 mm balloon support. I was unable to cross with this lesion using a whisper wire. I was unable to cross with this lesion using Cross-IT 100 wire. I have also used second #6-French Amplatz right I guide catheter. At one time, I have lost flow in the distal vessel. The patient experienced severe chest pain, ST-segment elevation, bradycardia, and hypotension, which responded to intravenous fluids and atropine along with intravenous dopamine.,Dr. X was notified.,Eventually, an Asahi grand slam wire using the same 3.0 x 8 mm Voyager balloon support, I was able to cross into the distal vessel. I have performed careful balloon angioplasty of the mid RCA. I have given nitroglycerin under the nursing several times during the procedure.,I then performed arthrectomy using #5-French export catheter.,I performed more balloon predilation using a 3.0 x16 mm Voyager balloon. I then deployed 4.0 x15 mm, excised, and across the mid RCA at 18 atmospheres with good angiographic result. Proximal to the proximal edge of the stent, there was still some persistent haziness most likely just diseased artery/diffuse plaquing. I decided to cover this segment using a second 4.0 x 15 mm, excised, and two stents were overlapped, the overlap was postdilated using the same stent delivery balloon at high pressure with excellent angiographic result.,Left ventricular catheterization was performed with #6-French angle pigtail catheter. The left ventricle is rather smaller in size. The mid inferior wall is minimally hypokinetic, ejection fraction is 70%. There is no evidence of aortic wall stenosis or mitral regurgitation.,Femoral angiography revealed that the entry point was above the bifurcation of the right common femoral artery and I have performed this as Perclose hemostasis.,CONCLUSIONS,1. Normal left ventricular size and function. Ejection fraction is 65% to 70%. No MR.,2. Successful angioplasty and stenting of the subtotally closed mid RCA. This was hard, organized thrombus, very difficult to penetrate. I have deployed two overlapping 4.0 x15 mm excised and with excellent angiographic result. The RCA is dominant.,3. No moderate disease in the distal left main. Moderate disease in the ostium of the left circumflex artery. Mild disease in the proximal LAD.,PLAN: , Recommend smoking cessation. Continue aspirin lifelong and continue Plavix for at least 12 months.

Adenotonsillectomy, primary, patient under age 12.

Surgery

Adenotonsillectomy

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: , Chronic hypertrophic adenotonsillitis.,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: , Chronic hypertrophic adenotonsillitis.,OPERATIVE PROCEDURE:, Adenotonsillectomy, primary, patient under age 12.,ANESTHESIA: , General endotracheal anesthesia.,PROCEDURE IN DETAIL: , This patient was brought from the holding area and did receive preoperative antibiotics of Cleocin as well as IV Decadron. She was placed supine on the operating room table. General endotracheal anesthesia was induced without difficulty. In the holding area, her allergies were reviewed. It is unclear whether she is actually allergic to penicillin. Codeine caused her to be excitable, but she did not actually have an allergic reaction to codeine. She might be allergic to BACTRIM and SULFA. After positioning a small shoulder roll and draping sterilely, McIvor mouthgag, #3 blade was inserted and suspended from the Mayo stand. There was no bifid uvula or submucous cleft. She had 3+ cryptic tonsils with significant debris in the tonsillar crypts. Injection at each peritonsillar area with 0.25% with Marcaine with 1:200,000 Epinephrine, approximately 1.5 mL total volume. The left superior tonsillar pole was then grasped with curved Allis forceps. _______ incision and dissection in the tonsillar capsule and hemostasis and removal of the tonsil was obtained with Coblation Evac Xtra Wand on 7/3. Mouthgag was released, reopened, no bleeding was seen. The right tonsil was then removed in the same fashion. The mouthgag released, reopened, and no bleeding was seen. Small red rubber catheter in the nasal passage was used to retract the soft palate. She had mild-to-moderate adenoidal tissue residual. It was removed with Coblation Evac Xtra gently curved Wand on 9/5. Red rubber catheter was then removed. Mouthgag was again released, reopened, no bleeding was seen. Orogastric suction carried out with only scant clear stomach contents. Mouthgag was then removed. Teeth and lips were inspected and were in their preoperative condition. The patient then awakened, extubated, and taken to recovery room in good condition.,TOTAL BLOOD LOSS FROM TONSILLECTOMY: , Less than 2 mL.,TOTAL BLOOD LOSS FROM ADENOIDECTOMY: , Less than 2 mL.,COMPLICATIONS: , No intraoperative events or complications occurred.,PLAN:, Family will be counseled postoperatively. Postoperatively, the patient will be on Zithromax oral suspension 500 mg daily for 5 to 7 days, Lortab Elixir for pain. _______ and promethazine if needed for nausea and vomiting.

Adenoidectomy. Adenoid hypertrophy. The McIvor mouth gag was placed in the oral cavity and the tongue depressor applied.

Surgery

Adenoidectomy - 1

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: , Adenoid hypertrophy.,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: , Adenoid hypertrophy.,PROCEDURE PERFORMED: ,Adenoidectomy.,ANESTHESIA: , General endotracheal.,DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE: , The patient was taken to the operating room and prepped and draped in the usual fashion after induction of general endotracheal anesthesia. The McIvor mouth gag was placed in the oral cavity and the tongue depressor applied. Two #12-French red rubber Robinson catheters were placed, 1 in each nasal passage, and brought out through the oral cavity and clamped over a dental gauze roll placed on the upper lip to provide soft palate retraction. The nasopharynx was inspected with the laryngeal mirror. Serial passages of the curettes were utilized to remove the nasopharyngeal tissue, following which the nasopharynx was packed with 2 cherry gauze sponges coated in a solution of 0.25% Neo-Synephrine and tannic acid powder.,Attention was then redirected to the oropharynx. The McIvor was reopened, packs removed, and the bleeding was controlled with the suction Bovie unit. The catheters were removed, and the nasal passages and oropharynx were suctioned free of debris. The McIvor was then removed, and the procedure was terminated.,The patient tolerated the procedure well and left the operating room in good condition.

The Ahmed shunt was primed and placed in the superior temporal quadrant and it was sutured in place with two 8-0 nylon sutures. The knots were trimmed.

Surgery

Ahmed Shunt Placement

PROCEDURE IN DETAIL: ,While in the holding area, the patient received a peripheral IV from the nursing staff. In addition, pilocarpine 1% was placed into the operative eye, two times, separated by 10 minutes. The patient was wheeled to the operating suite where the anesthesia team established peripheral monitoring lines. Through the IV, the patient received IV sedation in the form of propofol and once somnolent from this, a retrobulbar block was administrated consisting of 2% Xylocaine plain. Approximately 3 mL were administered. The patient then underwent a Betadine prep with respect to the face, lens, lashes, and eye. During the draping process, care was taken to isolate the lashes. A Vicryl traction suture was placed through the superior cornea and the eye was reflected downward to expose the superior temporal conjunctiva. Approximately 8 to 10 mm posterior to limbus, the conjunctiva was incised and dissected forward to the limbus. Blunt dissection was carried out in the superotemporal quadrant. Next, a 2 x 3-mm scleral flap was outlined that was one-half scleral depth in thickness. This flap was cut forward to clear cornea using a crescent blade. The Ahmed shunt was then primed and placed in the superior temporal quadrant and it was sutured in place with two 8-0 nylon sutures. The knots were trimmed. The tube was then cut to an appropriate length to enter the anterior chamber. The anterior chamber was then entered after a paracentesis wound had been made temporally. A trabeculectomy was done and then the tube was threaded through the trabeculectomy site. The tube was sutured in place with a multi-wrapped 8-0 nylon suture. The scleral flap was then sutured in place with two 10-0 nylon sutures. The knots were trimmed, rotated and buried. A scleral patch was then placed of an appropriate size over the two. It was sutured in place with interrupted 8-0 nylon sutures. The knots were trimmed. The overlying conjunctiva was then closed with a running 8-0 Vicryl suture with a BV needle. The anterior chamber was filled with Viscoat to keep it deep as the eye was somewhat soft. A good flow was established with irrigation into the anterior chamber. Homatropine, Econopred, and Vigamox drops were placed into the eye. A patch and shield were placed over the eye after removing the draping and the speculum. The patient tolerated the procedure well. He was taken to the recovery in good condition. He will be seen in followup in the office tomorrow.

Laparoscopic hand-assisted left adrenalectomy and umbilical hernia repair. Patient with a 5.5-cm diameter nonfunctioning mass in his right adrenal.

Surgery

Adrenalectomy & Umbilical Hernia Repair

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES,1. Adrenal mass, right sided.,2. Umbilical hernia.,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES,1. Adrenal mass, right sided.,2. Umbilical hernia.,OPERATION PERFORMED: , Laparoscopic hand-assisted left adrenalectomy and umbilical hernia repair.,ANESTHESIA: ,General.,CLINICAL NOTE: , This is a 52-year-old inmate with a 5.5 cm diameter nonfunctioning mass in his right adrenal. Procedure was explained including risks of infection, bleeding, possibility of transfusion, possibility of further treatments being required. Alternative of fully laparoscopic are open surgery or watching the lesion.,DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION: ,In the right flank-up position, table was flexed. He had a Foley catheter in place. Incision was made from just above the umbilicus, about 5.5 cm in diameter. The umbilical hernia was taken down. An 11 mm trocar was placed in the midline, superior to the GelPort and a 5 mm trocar placed in the midaxillary line below the costal margin. A liver retractor was placed to this.,The colon was reflected medially by incising the white line of Toldt. The liver attachments to the adrenal kidney were divided and the liver was reflected superiorly. The vena cava was identified. The main renal vein was identified. Coming superior to the main renal vein, staying right on the vena cava, all small vessels were clipped and then divided. Coming along the superior pole of the kidney, the tumor was dissected free from top of the kidney with clips and Bovie. The harmonic scalpel was utilized superiorly and laterally. Posterior attachments were divided between clips and once the whole adrenal was mobilized, the adrenal vein and one large adrenal artery were noted, doubly clipped, and divided. Specimen was placed in a collection bag, removed intact.,Hemostasis was excellent.,The umbilical hernia had been completely taken down. The edges were freshened up. Vicryl #1 was utilized to close the incision and 2-0 Vicryl was used to close the fascia of the trocar.,Skin closed with clips.,He tolerated the procedure well. All sponge and instrument counts were correct. Estimated blood loss less than 100 mL.,The patient was awakened, extubated, and returned to recovery room in satisfactory condition.

Left heart catheterization, bilateral selective coronary angiography, left ventriculography, and right heart catheterization. Positive nuclear stress test involving reversible ischemia of the lateral wall and the anterior wall consistent with left anterior descending artery lesion.

Surgery

Angiography & Catheterization

PROCEDURES PERFORMED:,1. Left heart catheterization.,2. Bilateral selective coronary angiography.,3. Left ventriculography.,4. Right heart catheterization.,INDICATION: , Positive nuclear stress test involving reversible ischemia of the lateral wall and the anterior wall consistent with left anterior descending artery lesion.,PROCEDURE: , After risks, benefits, and alternatives of the above-mentioned procedure were explained in detail to the patient, informed consent was obtained both verbally and in writing. The patient was taken to cardiac catheterization suite where the right femoral region was prepped and draped in the usual sterile fashion. 1% lidocaine solution was used to infiltrate the skin overlying the right femoral artery and vein. Once adequate anesthesia has been obtained, a thin-walled #18 gauge Argon needle was used to cannulate the right femoral artery. A steel guidewire was inserted through the needle into the vascular lumen without resistance. A small nick was then made in the skin. The pressure was held. The needle was removed over the guidewire. Next, a #6 French arterial sheath was then advanced over the guidewire into the vascular lumen without resistance. The guidewire and dilator were then removed. The sheath was flushed. Next, an angulated pigtail catheter was advanced to the level of the ascending aorta under the direct fluoroscopy visualization with the use of a guidewire. The catheter was then guided into the left ventricle. The guidewire and dilator were then removed. The catheter was then flushed. LVEDP was measured and found to be favorable for a left ventriculogram. The left ventriculogram was performed in the RAO position with a single power injection of nonionic contrast material. LVEDP was then remeasured. Pullback was performed, which failed to reveal an LVAO gradient. The catheter was then removed. Next, a Judkins left #4 catheter was advanced to the level of the ascending aorta under direct fluoroscopic visualization with the use of a guidewire. The guidewire was removed. The catheter was connected to the manifold and flushed. The ostium of the left main coronary was unable to be engaged with this catheter. Thus it was removed over a guidewire. Next, a Judkins left #5 catheter was advanced to the level of the ascending aorta under direct fluoroscopic visualization with the use of a guidewire. The guidewire was removed. The catheter was connected to the manifold and flushed. Left main coronary artery was then engaged. Using hand injections of nonionic contrast material, the left coronary system was evaluated in several different views. The catheter was then removed from the ostium of the left main coronary artery and was removed over a guidewire. Next, a Judkins right #4 catheter was then advanced to the level of the ascending aorta under direct fluoroscopic visualization with the use of a guidewire. The guidewire was removed. The catheter was connected to the manifold and flushed. Using hand injections of nonionic contrast material, the right coronary system was evaluated in several different views. The catheter was then removed from the ostium of the right coronary artery and then removed. The sheath was then flushed. Because the patient did have high left ventricular end-diastolic pressures, it was determined that the patient wound need a right heart catheterization. Thus an #18 gauge Argon needle was used to cannulate the right femoral vein. A steel guidewire was inserted through the needle into the vascular lumen. The needle was removed over the guidewire. Next, an #8 French venous sheath was advanced over the guidewire into lumen without resistance. The guidewire and dilator were then removed. The sheath was then flushed. Next, a Swan-Ganz catheter was advanced to the level of 20 cm. The balloon was inflated. Under fluoroscopic visualization, the catheter was guided into the right atrium, right ventricle, and into the pulmonary artery wedge position. Hemodynamics were measured along the way. PA saturation, right atrial saturation, femoral artery saturation were all obtained. Once adequate study has been performed, the catheter was then removed. Both sheaths were flushed and found fine. The patient was returned to the cardiac catheterization holding area in stable satisfactory condition.,FINDINGS:,LEFT VENTRICULOGRAM: ,There is no evidence of any wall motion abnormalities with estimated ejection fraction of 60%. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was 38 mmHg preinjection and 40 mmHg postinjection. There is no LVAO. There is no mitral regurgitation. There is a trileaflet aortic valve noted.,LEFT MAIN CORONARY ARTERY: ,The left main is a moderate caliber vessel, which bifurcates into the left anterior descending and circumflex arteries. There is no evidence of any hemodynamically significant stenosis.,LEFT ANTERIOR DESCENDING: , The LAD is a moderate caliber vessel, which traverses through the intraventricular groove and reaches the apex of the heart. There is a proximal 60% to 70% stenotic lesion. There was also a mid 70% to 80% stenotic lesion at the takeoff of the first and second diagonal branches.,CIRCUMFLEX ARTERY: ,The circumflex is a moderate caliber vessel, which traverses through the atrioventricular groove. There is a mid 60% to 70% stenotic lesion followed by a second mid 90% stenotic lesion. The first obtuse marginal branch is small and the second obtuse marginal branch is large without any evidence of critical disease. The third obtuse marginal branch is also small.,RIGHT CORONARY ARTERY: ,The RCA is a moderate caliber vessel with minor luminal irregularities throughout. There is no evidence of any critical disease. The right coronary artery is the dominant right coronary vessel.,RIGHT HEART FINDINGS: ,Pulmonary artery pressure equals 61/23 with a mean of 44. Pulmonary artery wedge pressure equals 32. Right ventricle pressure equals 65/24. The right atrial pressure equals to 22. Cardiac output by Fick is 4.9. Cardiac index by Fick is 2.3. Hand calculated cardiac output equals 7.8. Hand calculated cardiac index equals 3.7. On 2 liters nasal cannula, pulmonary artery saturation equals 77.8%. Femoral artery saturation equals 99.1%. Pulse oximetry is 99%. Right atrial saturation is 76.3%. Systemic blood pressure is 166/58. Body surface area equals 2.12. Hemoglobin equals 12.6.,IMPRESSION:,1. Two-vessel coronary artery disease with a complex left anterior descending arterial lesion as well as circumflex disease.,2. Normal left ventricular function with an estimated ejection fraction of 60%.,3. Biventricular overload.,4. Moderate pulmonary hypertension.,5. There is no evidence of shunt.,PLAN:,1. The patient will be admitted for IV diuresis in light of the biventricular overload.,2. The findings of the heart catheterization were discussed in detail with the patient and the patient's family. There is some concern with the patient's two-vessel coronary artery disease in light of the patient's diabetic history. We will obtain a surgical evaluation for the possibility of a coronary artery bypass grafting.,3. The patient will remain on aggressive medical regimen including ACE inhibitor, aspirin, Plavix, and nitrate.,4. The patient will need to undergo aggressive risk factor modification including weight loss and diet control.,5. The patient will have an Internal Medicine evaluation regarding the patient's diabetic history.

Lower extremity angiogram, superficial femoral artery laser atherectomy and percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty, external iliac artery angioplasty and stent placement, and completion angiogram.

Surgery

Angiogram & Angioplasty

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES:,1. Left superficial femoral artery subtotal stenosis.,2. Arterial insufficiency, left lower extremity.,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES:,1. Left superficial femoral artery subtotal stenosis.,2. Arterial insufficiency, left lower extremity.,OPERATIONS PERFORMED:,1. Left lower extremity angiogram.,2. Left superficial femoral artery laser atherectomy.,3. Left superficial femoral artery percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty. ,4. Left external iliac artery angioplasty.,5. Left external iliac artery stent placement.,6. Completion angiogram.,FINDINGS: ,This patient was brought to the OR with a non-severe stenosis of the proximal left superficial femoral artery in the upper one-third of his thigh. He is also known to have severe calcific disease involving the entire left external iliac system as well as the common femoral and deep femoral arteries.,Our initial plan today was to perform an atherectomy with angioplasty and stenting of the left superficial femoral artery as necessary. However, whenever we started the procedure, it became clear that there was a severe stenosis of the left superficial femoral artery at its takeoff from the left common femoral artery. The area was severely calcified including the external iliac artery extending up underneath the left inguinal ligament. Indeed, this ultimately was dissected due to manipulation of sheath catheters and sheath through the area. Ultimately, this wound up being a much more complex case than initially anticipated.,Because of the above, we ultimately performed a laser atherectomy of the left superficial femoral artery, which then had to be angioplastied to obtain a satisfactory result. The completion angiogram showed that there was a dissection of the left external iliac artery, which precluded flow down into the left lower extremity. We then had to come up and perform angioplasty and stenting of the left external iliac artery as well as aggressively dilating the takeoff of the less superficial femoral artery from the common femoral artery.,The left superficial femoral artery was dilated with a 6-mm balloon.,The left external iliac artery and common femoral arteries were dilated with an 8-mm balloon.,A 2.5-mm ClearPath laser probe was used to initially arthrectomize and debulk the superficial femoral artery starting at its takeoff from the common femoral artery and extending down to the tight stenotic area in the upper one-third of the thigh. After the laser atherectomy was performed, the area still did not look good and so an angioplasty was then done, which looked good; however, as noted above, after we had dealt with the superficial femoral artery, we then had proximal inflow problems, which had to be dealt by angioplasty and stenting.,The patient had good dorsalis pedis pulses bilaterally upon completion.,The right common femoral artery was used for access in an up-and-over technique.,PROCEDURE: , With the patient in the supine position under general anesthesia, the abdomen and lower extremities were prepped and draped in the sterile fashion.,The right common femoral artery was punctured percutaneously, and a #5-French sheath was initially placed. We used a pigtail catheter to go up and over the aortic bifurcation and placed a stiff Amplatz guidewire down into the left common femoral artery. We then heparinized the patient and placed a #7-French Raby sheath over the Amplatz wire. A selective left lower extremity angiogram was then done with the above-noted findings.,We then used a ClearPath 2.5-mm laser probe to laser the proximal superficial femoral artery. Because of the findings as noted above, this became more involved than initially hoped for. Once the laser atherectomy had been completed, the vessel still did not look good, so we used a 6-mm balloon to thoroughly dilate the area. Once that had been done, it looked good and we performed what we felt would be a completion angiogram only to find out that we had a more proximal problem precluding flow down into the left femoral artery.,Once that was discovered, we then had to proceed with angioplasty and stenting of the left external iliac artery right down to the acetabular level.,Once we had dealt with our run-on problems, we then did another completion angiogram, which showed a good flow through the entire area and down into the left lower extremity.,Following completion of the above, all wires, sheaths, and catheters were removed from the right common femoral artery. Firm pressure was held over the puncture site for 20 minutes followed by application of a sterile Coverlet dressing and a firm pressure dressing.,The patient tolerated the procedure well throughout. He had good palpable dorsalis pedis pulses bilaterally on completion. He was taken to the recovery room in satisfactory condition. Protamine was given to partially reverse the heparin.

Adenotonsillectomy. Adenotonsillitis with hypertrophy. The patient is a very nice patient with adenotonsillitis with hypertrophy and obstructive symptoms. Adenotonsillectomy is indicated.

Surgery

Adenotonsillectomy - 2

POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Adenotonsillitis with hypertrophy.,OPERATION PERFORMED: Adenotonsillectomy.,ANESTHESIA: General endotracheal.,INDICATIONS: The patient is a very nice patient with adenotonsillitis with hypertrophy and obstructive symptoms. Adenotonsillectomy is indicated.,DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE: The patient was placed on the operating room table in the supine position. After adequate general endotracheal anesthesia was administered, table was turned and shoulder roll was placed on the shoulders and face was draped in clean fashion. A McIvor mouth gag was applied. The tongue was retracted anteriorly and the McIvor was gently suspended from a Mayo stand. A red rubber Robinson catheter was inserted through the left naris and the soft palate was retracted superiorly. The adenoids were removed with suction electrocautery under mere visualization. The left tonsil was grasped with a curved Allis forceps, retracted medially and the anterior tonsillar pillar was incised with Bovie electrocautery. The tonsil was removed from the superior and inferior pole using Bovie electrocautery in its entirety in the subcapsular fashion. The right tonsil was grasped in the similar fashion and retracted medially and the anterior tonsillar pillar was incised with Bovie electrocautery. The tonsil was removed from the superior pole and inferior pole using Bovie electrocautery in its entirety in the subcapsular fashion. The inferior, middle and superior pole vessels were further cauterized with suction electrocautery. Copious saline irrigation of the oral cavity was then performed. There was no further identifiable bleeding at the termination of the procedure. The estimated blood loss was less than 10 mL. The patient was extubated in the operating room, brought to the recovery room in satisfactory condition. There were no intraoperative complications.

Adenotonsillectomy. Recurrent tonsillitis. The adenoid bed was examined and was moderately hypertrophied. Adenoid curettes were used to remove this tissue and packs placed.

Surgery

Adenotonsillectomy - 1

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: , Recurrent tonsillitis.,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: , Recurrent tonsillitis.,PROCEDURE: ,Adenotonsillectomy.,COMPLICATIONS:, None.,PROCEDURE DETAILS:, The patient was brought to the operating room and, under general endotracheal anesthesia in supine position, the table turned and a McIvor mouthgag placed. The adenoid bed was examined and was moderately hypertrophied. Adenoid curettes were used to remove this tissue and packs placed. Next, the right tonsil was grasped with a curved Allis and, using the gold laser, the anterior tonsillar pillar incised and, with this laser, dissection carried from the superior pole to the inferior pole and removed off the tonsillar muscular bed. A similar procedure was performed on the contralateral tonsil. Following meticulous hemostasis, saline was used to irrigate and no further bleeding noted. The patient was then allowed to awaken and was brought to the recovery room in stable condition.

Bilateral open Achilles lengthening with placement of short leg walking cast.

Surgery

Achilles Lengthening

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: , Idiopathic toe walker.,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: , Idiopathic toe walker.,PROCEDURE: , Bilateral open Achilles lengthening with placement of short leg walking cast.,ANESTHESIA: , Surgery performed under general anesthesia. A total of 10 mL of 0.5% Marcaine local anesthetic was used.,COMPLICATIONS: ,No intraoperative complications.,DRAINS: , None.,SPECIMENS: , None.,TOURNIQUET TIME: ,On the left side was 30 minutes, on the right was 21 minutes.,HISTORY AND PHYSICAL:, The patient is a 10-year-old boy who has been a toe walker since he started ambulating at about a year. The patient had some mild hamstring tightness with his popliteal angle of approximately 20 degrees bilaterally. He does not walk with a crouched gait but does toe walk. Given his tightness, surgery versus observation was recommended to the family. Family however wanted to correct his toe walking. Surgery was then discussed. Risks of surgery include risks of anesthesia, infection, bleeding, changes in sensation and motion of the extremities, failure to resolve toe walking, possible stiffness, cast, and cast problems. All questions were answered and parents agreed to above surgical plan.,PROCEDURE IN DETAIL: , The patient was taken to the operating room and placed supine on the operating table General anesthesia was then administered. The patient received Ancef preoperatively. The patient was then subsequently placed prone with all bony prominences padded. Two bilateral nonsterile tourniquets were placed on each thigh. Both extremities were then prepped and draped in a standard surgical fashion. We turned our attention first towards the left side. A planned incision of 1 cm medial to the Achilles tendon was marked on the skin. The extremity was wrapped in Esmarch prior to inflation of tourniquet to 250 mmHg. Incision was then made and carried down through subcutaneous fat down to the tendon sheath. Achilles tendon was identified and Z-lengthening was done with the medial distal half cut. Once Z-lengthening was completed proximally, the length of the Achilles tendon was then checked. This was trimmed to obtain an end-on-end repair with 0 Ethibond suture. This was also oversewn. Wound was then irrigated. Achilles tendon sheath was reapproximated using 2-0 Vicryl as well as the subcutaneous fat. The skin was closed using 4-0 Monocryl. Once the wound was cleaned and dried and dressed with Steri-Strips and Xeroform, the area was injected with 0.5% Marcaine. It was then dressed with 4 x 4 and Webril. Tourniquet was released at 30 minutes. The same procedure was repeated on the right side with tourniquet time of 21 minutes. While the patient was still prone, two short-leg walking casts were then placed. The patient tolerated the procedure well and was subsequently flipped supine on to hospital gurney and taken to PACU in stable condition.,POSTOPERATIVE PLAN: ,The patient will be discharged on the day of surgery. He may weightbear as tolerated in his cast, which he will have for about 4 to 6 weeks. He is to follow up in approximately 10 days for recheck as well as prescription for intended AFOs, which he will need up to 6 months. The patient may or may not need physical therapy while his Achilles lengthenings are healing. The patient is not to participate in any PE for at least 6 months. The patient is given Tylenol No. 3 for pain.

Achilles tendon rupture, left lower extremity. Primary repair left Achilles tendon. The patient was stepping off a hilo at work when he felt a sudden pop in the posterior aspect of his left leg. The patient was placed in posterior splint and followed up at ABC orthopedics for further care.

Surgery

Achilles Tendon Repair

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: , Achilles tendon rupture, left lower extremity.,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: , Achilles tendon rupture, left lower extremity.,PROCEDURE PERFORMED:, Primary repair left Achilles tendon.,ANESTHESIA: , General.,COMPLICATIONS: , None.,ESTIMATED BLOOD LOSS: , Minimal.,TOTAL TOURNIQUET TIME: ,40 minutes at 325 mmHg.,POSITION:, Prone.,HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS: ,The patient is a 26-year-old African-American male who states that he was stepping off a hilo at work when he felt a sudden pop in the posterior aspect of his left leg. The patient was placed in posterior splint and followed up at ABC orthopedics for further care.,PROCEDURE:, After all potential complications, risks, as well as anticipated benefits of the above-named procedure were discussed at length with the patient, informed consent was obtained. The operative extremity was then confirmed with the patient, the operative surgeon, Department Of Anesthesia, and nursing staff. While in this hospital, the Department Of Anesthesia administered general anesthetic to the patient. The patient was then transferred to the operative table and placed in the prone position. All bony prominences were well padded at this time.,A nonsterile tourniquet was placed on the left upper thigh of the patient, but not inflated at this time. Left lower extremity was sterilely prepped and draped in the usual sterile fashion. Once this was done, the left lower extremity was elevated and exsanguinated using an Esmarch and the tourniquet was inflated to 325 mmHg and kept up for a total of 40 minutes. After all bony and soft tissue land marks were identified, a 6 cm longitudinal incision was made paramedial to the Achilles tendon from its insertion proximal. Careful dissection was then taken down to the level of the peritenon. Once this was reached, full thickness flaps were performed medially and laterally. Next, retractor was placed. All neurovascular structures were protected. A longitudinal incision was then made in the peritenon and opened up exposing the tendon. There was noted to be complete rupture of the tendon approximately 4 cm proximal to the insertion point. The plantar tendon was noted to be intact. The tendon was debrided at this time of hematoma as well as frayed tendon. Wound was copiously irrigated and dried. Most of the ankle appeared that there was sufficient tendon links in order to do a primary repair. Next #0 PDS on a taper needle was selected and a Krackow stitch was then performed. Two sutures were then used and tied individually ________ from the tendon. The tendon came together very well and with a tight connection. Next, a #2-0 Vicryl suture was then used to close the peritenon over the Achilles tendon. The wound was once again copiously irrigated and dried. A #2-0 Vicryl sutures were then used to close the skin and subcutaneous fashion followed by #4-0 suture in the subcuticular closure on the skin. Steri-Strips were then placed over the wound and the sterile dressing was applied consisting of 4x4s, Kerlix roll, sterile Kerlix and a short length fiberglass cast in a plantar position. At this time, the Department of anesthesia reversed the anesthetic. The patient was transferred back to hospital gurney to the Postanesthesia Care Unit. The patient tolerated the procedure well. There were no complications.

Removal of the hardware and revision of right AC separation. Loose hardware with superior translation of the clavicle implants. Arthrex bioabsorbable tenodesis screws.

Surgery

AC Separation Revision & Hardware Removal

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS:, Right AC separation.,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS:, Right AC separation.,PROCEDURES:, Removal of the hardware and revision of right AC separation.,ANESTHESIA:, General.,BLOOD LOSS:, 100 cc.,COMPLICATIONS:, None.,FINDINGS: , Loose hardware with superior translation of the clavicle implants.,IMPLANTS: , Arthrex bioabsorbable tenodesis screws.,SUMMARY: , After informed consent was obtained and verified, the patient was brought to the operating room and placed supine on the operating table. After uneventful general anesthesia was obtained, he was positioned in the beach chair and his right shoulder was sterilely prepped and draped in a normal fashion. The incision was reopened and the hardware was removed without difficulty. The AC joint was inspected and reduced. An allograft was used to recreate the coracoacromial ligaments and then secured to decorticate with a bioabsorbable tenodesis screw and then to the clavicle. And two separate areas that were split, one taken medially and one taken laterally, and then sewed together for further stability. This provided good stability with no further superior translation of the clavicle as viewed under fluoroscopy. The wound was copiously irrigated and the wound was closed in layers and a soft dressing was applied. He was awakened from anesthesia and taken to recovery room in a stable condition.,Final needle and instrument counts were correct.

Excision of abscess, removal of foreign body. Repair of incisional hernia. Recurrent re-infected sebaceous cyst of abdomen. Abscess secondary to retained foreign body and incisional hernia.

Surgery

Abscess Excision

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: , Recurrent re-infected sebaceous cyst of abdomen.,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES:,1. Abscess secondary to retained foreign body.,2. Incisional hernia.,PROCEDURES,1. Excision of abscess, removal of foreign body.,2. Repair of incisional hernia.,ANESTHESIA: , LMA.,INDICATIONS: , Patient is a pleasant 37-year-old gentleman who has had multiple procedures including a laparotomy related to trauma. The patient has had a recurrently infected cyst of his mass at the superior aspect of his incision, which he says gets larger and then it drains internally, causing him to be quite ill. He presented to my office and I recommended that he undergo exploration of this area and removal. The procedure, purpose, risks, expected benefits, potential complications, and alternative forms of therapy were discussed with him and he was agreeable to surgery.,FINDINGS:, The patient was found upon excision of the cyst that it contained a large Prolene suture, which is multiply knotted as it always is; beneath this was a very small incisional hernia, the hernia cavity, which contained omentum; the hernia was easily repaired.,DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE: , The patient was identified, then taken into the operating room, where after induction of an LMA anesthetic, his abdomen was prepped with Betadine solution and draped in sterile fashion. The puncta of the wound lesion was infiltrated with methylene blue and peroxide. The lesion was excised and the existing scar was excised using an ellipse and using a tenotomy scissors, the cyst was excised down to its base. In doing so, we identified a large Prolene suture within the wound and followed this cyst down to its base at which time we found that it contained omentum and was in fact overlying a small incisional hernia. The cyst was removed in its entirety, divided from the omentum using a Metzenbaum and tying with 2-0 silk ties. The hernia repair was undertaken with interrupted 0 Vicryl suture with simple sutures. The wound was then irrigated and closed with 3-0 Vicryl subcutaneous and 4-0 Vicryl subcuticular and Steri-Strips. Patient tolerated the procedure well. Dressings were applied and he was taken to recovery room in stable condition.

Congenital chylous ascites and chylothorax and rule out infradiaphragmatic lymphatic leak. Diffuse intestinal and mesenteric lymphangiectasia.

Surgery

Abdominal Exploration

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES: ,1. Congenital chylous ascites and chylothorax.,2. Rule out infradiaphragmatic lymphatic leak.,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES: , Diffuse intestinal and mesenteric lymphangiectasia.,ANESTHESIA: , General.,INDICATION: ,The patient is an unfortunate 6-month-old baby boy, who has been hospitalized most of his life with recurrent chylothoraces and chylous ascites. The patient has been treated somewhat successfully with TPN and voluntary restriction of enteral nutrition, but he had repeated chylothoraces. Last week, Dr. X took the patient to the operating room in hopes that with thoracotomy, a thoracic duct leak could be found, which would be successfully closed surgically. However at the time of his thoracotomy exploration what was discovered was a large amount of transdiaphragmatic transition of chylous ascites coming from the abdomen. Dr. X opened the diaphragm and could literally see a fountain of chylous fluid exiting through the diaphragmatic hole. This was closed, and we decided that perhaps an abdominal exploration as a last stage effort would allow us to find an area of lymphatic leak that could potentially help the patient from this dismal prognostic disease. We met with his parents and talked to them about this, and he is here today for that attempt.,OPERATIVE FINDINGS: ,The patient's abdomen was relatively soft, minimally distended. Exploration through supraumbilical transverse incision immediately revealed a large amount of chylous ascites upon entering into the peritoneal cavity. What we found which explains the chronic chylous ascites and chylothorax was a diffuse lymphangiectatic picture involving the small bowel mesentery approximately two thirds to three quarters of the distal small bowel including all of the ileum, the cecum, and the portion of the ascending colon. It appeared that any attempt to resect this area would have been met with failure because of the extensive lymphatic dilatation all the way down towards the root of the supramesenteric artery. There was about one quarter to one third of the jejunum that did not appear to be grossly involved, but I did not think that resection of three quarters of the patient's small bowel would be viable surgical option. Instead, we opted to close his abdomen and refer for potential small intestine transplantation procedure in the future if he is a candidate for that.,The lymphatic abnormality was extensive. They were linear dilated lymphatic channels on the serosal surface of the bowel in the mesentery. They were small aneurysm-like pockets of chyle all along the course of the mesenteric structures and in the mesentery medially adjacent to the bowel as well. No other major retroperitoneal structure or correctable structure was identified. Both indirect inguinal hernias were wide open and could be palpated from an internal aspect as well.,DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION: ,The patient was brought from the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit to the operating room within an endotracheal tube im place and with enteral feeds established at full flow to provide maximum fat content and maximum lymphatic flow. We conducted a surgical time-out and reiterated all of the patient's important identifying information and confirmed the operative plan as described above. Preparation and draping of his abdomen was done with chlorhexidine based prep solution and then we opened his peritoneal cavity through a transverse supraumbilical incision dividing both rectus muscles and all layers of the abdominal wall fascia. As the peritoneal cavity was entered, we divided the umbilical vein ligamentum teres remnant between Vicryl ties, and we were able to readily identify a large amount of chylous ascites that had been previously described. The bowel was eviscerated, and then with careful inspection, we were able to identify this extensive area of intestinal and mesenteric lymphangiectasia that was a source of the patient's chylous ascites. The small bowel from the ligament of Treitz to the proximal to mid jejunum was largely unaffected, but did not appear that resection of 75% of the small intestine and colon would be a satisfactory tradeoff for The patient, but would likely render him with significant short bowel and nutritional and metabolic problems. Furthermore, it might burn bridges necessary for consideration of intestinal transplantation in the future if that becomes an option. We suctioned free all of the chylous accumulations, replaced the intestines to their peritoneal cavity, and then closed the patient's abdominal incision with 4-0 PDS on the posterior sheath and 3-0 PDS on the anterior rectus sheath. Subcuticular 5-0 Monocryl and Steri-Strips were used for skin closure.,The patient tolerated the procedure well. He lost minimal blood, but did lose approximately 100 mL of chylous fluid from the abdomen that was suctioned free as part of the chylous ascitic leak. The patient was returned to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit with his endotracheal tube in place and to consider the next stage of management, which might be an attempted additional type of feeding or referral to an Intestinal Transplantation Center to see if that is an option for the patient because he has no universally satisfactory medical or surgical treatment for this at this time.

Incision and drainage (I&D) of abdominal abscess, excisional debridement of nonviable and viable skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscle, then removal of foreign body.

Surgery

Abdominal Abscess I&D

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: , Abdominal wall abscess.,POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: , Abdominal wall abscess.,PROCEDURE: , Incision and drainage (I&D) of abdominal abscess, excisional debridement of nonviable and viable skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscle, then removal of foreign body.,ANESTHESIA: , LMA.,INDICATIONS: , Patient is a pleasant 60-year-old gentleman, who initially had a sigmoid colectomy for diverticular abscess, subsequently had a dehiscence with evisceration. Came in approximately 36 hours ago with pain across his lower abdomen. CT scan demonstrated presence of an abscess beneath the incision. I recommended to the patient he undergo the above-named procedure. Procedure, purpose, risks, expected benefits, potential complications, alternatives forms of therapy were discussed with him, and he was agreeable to surgery.,FINDINGS:, The patient was found to have an abscess that went down to the level of the fascia. The anterior layer of the fascia was fibrinous and some portions necrotic. This was excisionally debrided using the Bovie cautery, and there were multiple pieces of suture within the wound and these were removed as well.,TECHNIQUE: ,Patient was identified, then taken into the operating room, where after induction of appropriate anesthesia, his abdomen was prepped with Betadine solution and draped in a sterile fashion. The wound opening where it was draining was explored using a curette. The extent of the wound marked with a marking pen and using the Bovie cautery, the abscess was opened and drained. I then noted that there was a significant amount of undermining. These margins were marked with a marking pen, excised with Bovie cautery; the curette was used to remove the necrotic fascia. The wound was irrigated; cultures sent prior to irrigation and after achievement of excellent hemostasis, the wound was packed with antibiotic-soaked gauze. A dressing was applied. The finished wound size was 9.0 x 5.3 x 5.2 cm in size. Patient tolerated the procedure well. Dressing was applied, and he was taken to recovery room in stable condition.

Speech therapy discharge summary. The patient was admitted for skilled speech therapy secondary to cognitive-linguistic deficits.

Speech - Language

Speech Therapy - Discharge Summary

LONG-TERM GOALS:, Both functional and cognitive-linguistic ability to improve safety and independence at home and in the community. This goal has been met based on the patient and husband reports the patient is able to complete all activities, which she desires to do at home. During the last reevaluation, the patient had a significant progress and all cognitive domains evaluated, which are attention, memory, executive functions, language, and visuospatial skill. She continues to have an overall mild cognitive-linguistic deficit, but this is significantly improved from her initial evaluation, which showed severe impairment., ,The patient does no longer need a skilled speech therapy because she has accomplished all of her goals and her progress has plateaued. The patient and her husband both agreed with the patient's discharge.

Global aphasia. The patient is referred to Medical Center's Outpatient Rehabilitation Department for skilled speech therapy, status post stroke.

Speech - Language

Speech Therapy Evaluation

MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS:, Strokes.,SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY DIAGNOSIS: ,Global aphasia.,SUBJECTIVE: ,The patient is a 44-year-old female who is referred to Medical Center's Outpatient Rehabilitation Department for skilled speech therapy, status post stroke. The patient's sister-in-law was present throughout this assessment and provided all the patient's previous medical history. Based on the sister-in-law's report, the patient had a stroke on 09/19/08. The patient spent 6 weeks at XY Medical Center, where she was subsequently transferred to XYZ for therapy for approximately 3 weeks. ABCD brought the patient to home the Monday before Thanksgiving, because they were not satisfied with the care the patient was receiving at a skilled nursing facility in Tucson. The patient's previous medical history includes a long history of illegal drug use to include cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, and marijuana. In March of 2008, the patient had some type of potassium issue and she was hospitalized at that time. Prior to the stroke, the patient was not working and ABCD reported that she believes the patient completed the ninth grade, but she did not graduate from high school. During the case history, I did pose several questions to the patient, but her response was often "no." She was very emotional during this evaluation and crying occurred multiple times.,OBJECTIVE: ,To evaluate the patient's overall communication ability, a Western Aphasia Battery was completed. Also tests were not done due to time constraint and the patient's severe difficulty and emotional state. Speech automatic tests were also completed to determine if the patient had any functional speech.,ASSESSMENT:, Based on the results of the Weston aphasia battery, the patient's deficits most closely resemble global aphasia. On the spontaneous speech subtest, the patient responded "no" to all questions asked except for how are you today where she gave a thumbs-up. She provided no responses to picture description task and it is unclear if the patient was unable to follow the direction or if she was unable to see the picture clearly. The patient's sister-in-law did state that the patient wore glasses, but she currently does not have them and she did not know the extent the patient's visual deficit.,On the auditory verbal comprehension portion of the Western Aphasia Battery, the patient answered "no" to all "yes/no" questions. The auditory word recognition subtest, the patient had 5 out of 60 responses correct. With the sequential command, she had 10 out of 80 corrects. She was able to shut her eyes, point to the window, and point to the pen after directions. With repetition subtest, she repeated bed correctly, but no other stimuli. At this time, the patient became very emotional and repeatedly stated "I can't". During the naming subtest of the Western Aphasia Battery, the patient's responses contained numerous paraphasias and her speech was often unintelligible due to jargon. The word fluency test was not administered and the patient scored 2 out of 10 on the sentence completion task and 0 out of 10 on the responsive speech. In regards to speech automatics, the patient is able to count from 1 to 9 accurately; however, stated 7 instead of 10 at the end of the task. She is not able to state the days of the week or months in the year or her name at this time. She cannot identify the day on calendar and was unable to verbally state the date or month.,DIAGNOSTIC IMPRESSION: ,The patient's communication deficits most closely resemble global aphasia where she has difficulty with both receptive as well as expressive communication. She does perseverate and is very emotional due to probable frustration. Outpatient skilled speech therapy is recommended to improve the patient's functional communication skills.,PATIENT GOAL: , Her sister-in-law stated that they would like to improve upon the patient's speech to allow her to communicate more easily at home.,PLAN OF CARE: , Outpatient skilled speech therapy two times a week for the next 12 weeks. Therapy to include aphasia treatment and home activities.,SHORT-TERM GOALS (8 WEEKS):,1. The patient will answer simple "yes/no" questions with greater than 90% accuracy with minimal cueing.,2. The patient will be able to complete speech automatic tasks with greater than 80% accuracy without models or cueing.,3. The patient will be able to complete simple sentence completion and/or phrase completion with greater than 80% accuracy with minimal cueing.,4. The patient will be able to follow simple one-step commands with greater than 80% accuracy with minimal cueing.,5. The patient will be able to name 10 basic everyday objects with greater than 80% accuracy with minimal cueing.,SHORT-TERM GOALS (12 WEEKS):, Functional communication abilities to allow the patient to express her basic wants and needs.

The patient was referred for outpatient skilled speech therapy, secondary to right hemisphere disorder, status post stroke. The patient attended nine outpatient skilled speech therapy sessions.

Speech - Language

Speech Therapy - Discharge Summary - 2

The patient made some progress during therapy. She accomplished two and a half out of her five short-term therapy goals. We did complete an oral mechanism examination and clinical swallow evaluation, which showed her swallowing to be within functional limits. The patient improved on her turn taking skills during conversation, and she was able to listen to a narrative and recall the main idea plus five details after a three-minute delay independently. The patient continues to have difficulty with visual scanning in cancellation task, secondary to her significant left neglect. She also did not accomplish her sustained attention goal, which required her to complete tasks greater than 80% accuracy for at least 15 minutes independently. Thus she also continued to have difficulty with reading, comprehension, secondary to the significance of her left neglect. The patient was initially authorized for 12 outpatient speech therapy sessions, but once again she only attended 9. Her last session occurred on 01/09/09. She has not made any additional followup sessions with me for over three weeks, so she is discharged from my services at this time.

The patient was referred to Medical Center's Outpatient Rehabilitation Department for skilled speech therapy to improve her functional communication skills and swallowing function and safety.

Speech - Language

Speech Therapy - Discharge Summary - 1

HISTORY: , The patient is a 67-year-old female, was referred to Medical Center's Outpatient Rehabilitation Department for skilled speech therapy to improve her functional communication skills and swallowing function and safety. At the onset of therapy, on 03/26/08, the patient was NPO with a G-tube and the initial speech and language evaluation revealed global aphasia with an aphasia quotient of 3.6/100 based on the Western Aphasia Battery. Since the initial evaluation, the patient has attended 60 outpatient speech therapy sessions, which have focussed on her receptive communication, expressive language, multimodality communication skills, and swallowing function and safety.,SHORT-TERM GOALS:,1. The patient met 3 out of 4 original short-term therapy goals, which were to complete a modified barium swallow study, which she did do and which revealed no aspiration. At this time, the patient is eating and drinking and taking all medications by mouth; however, her G-tube is still present. The patient was instructed to talk to the primary care physician about removal of her feeding tube.,2. The patient will increase accuracy of yes-no responses to greater than 80% accuracy. She did accomplish this goal. The patient is also able to identify named objects with greater than 80% accuracy.,ADDITIONAL GOALS: , Following the completion of these goals, additional goals were established. Based on reevaluation, the patient met 2 out of these 3 initial goals and she is currently able to read and understand simple sentences with greater than 90% accuracy independently and she is able to write 10 words related to basic wants and needs with greater than 80% accuracy independently. The patient continues to have difficulty stating verbally, yes or no, to questions as well as accurately using head gestures and to respond to yes-no questions. The patient continues to have marked difficulty with her expressive language abilities. She is able to write simple words to help express her basic wants and needs. She has made great strides; however, with her receptive communication, she is able to read words as well as short phrases and able to point to named objects and answer simple-to-moderate complex yes-no questions. A reevaluation completed on 12/01/08, revealed an aphasia quotient of 26.4. Once again, she made significant improvement and comprehension, but continues to have unintelligible speech. An alternative communication device was discussed with the patient and her husband, but at this time, the patient does not want to utilize a communication device. If, in the future, the patient continues to struggle with her expressive communication, an alternative augmented communication device would be a benefit to her. Please reconsult at that time if and when the patient is ready to use a speech generating device. The patient is discharged from my services at this time due to a plateau in her progress. Numerous home activities were recommended to allow her to continue to make progress at home.

Abdominosacrocolpopexy, enterocele repair, cystoscopy, and lysis of adhesions.

Surgery

Abdominosacrocolpopexy

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES:,1. Vault prolapse.,2. Enterocele.,PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES:,1. Vault prolapse.,2. Enterocele.,OPERATIONS:,1. Abdominosacrocolpopexy.,2. Enterocele repair.,3. Cystoscopy.,4. Lysis of adhesions.,ANESTHESIA: , General endotracheal.,ESTIMATED BLOOD LOSS:, Less than 100 mL.,SPECIMEN: , None.,BRIEF HISTORY:, The patient is a 53-year-old female with history of hysterectomy presented with vaginal vault prolapse. The patient had good support in the anterior vagina and in the posterior vagina but had significant apical prolapse. Options such as watchful waiting, pessary, abdominal surgery, robotic sacrocolpopexy versus open sacrocolpopexy were discussed.,The patient already had multiple abdominal scars. Risk of open surgery was little bit higher for the patient. After discussing the options the patient wanted to proceed a Pfannenstiel incision and repair of the sacrocolpopexy. Risks of anesthesia, bleeding, infection, pain, MI, DVT, PE, mesh erogenic exposure, complications with mesh were discussed. The patient understood the risks of recurrence, etc, and wanted to proceed with the procedure. The patient was told to perform no heavy lifting for 3 months, etc. The patient was bowel prepped, preoperative antibiotics were given.,DETAILS OF THE OPERATION: , The patient was brought to the OR, anesthesia was applied. The patient was placed in dorsal lithotomy position. The patient was prepped and draped in usual sterile fashion. A Pfannenstiel low abdominal incision was done at the old incision site. The incision was carried through the subcutaneous tissue through the fascia and the fascia was lifted off the rectus abdominus muscle. The muscle was split in the middle and peritoneum was entered using sharp mets. There was no injury to the bowel upon entry. There were significant adhesions which were unleashed. All the adhesions in the sigmoid colon from the right lower quadrant and left lower quadrant were released, similarly colon was mobilized. There was minimal space, everything was packed, Bookwalter placed then over the sacral bone. The middle of the sacral bone was identified. The right ureter was clearly identified and was lateral to where the posterior peritoneum was opened. The ligament over the sacral or sacral __________ was easily identified, 0 Ethibond stitches were placed x3. A 1 cm x 5 cm mesh was cut out. This was a Prolene soft mesh which was tied at the sacral ligament. The bladder was clearly off the vault area which was exposed, in the raw surface 0 Ethibond stitches were placed x3. The mesh was attached. The apex was clearly up enterocele sac was closed using 4-0 Vicryl without much difficulty. The ureter was not involved at all in this process. The peritoneum was closed over the mesh. Please note that the peritoneum was opened and it was brought around and over the mesh so that the mesh would not be exposed to the bowel. Prior to closure antibiotic irrigation was done using Ancef solution. The mesh has been exposed in antibiotic solution prior to the usage.,After a through irrigation with L and half of antibiotic solution. All the solution was removed. Good hemostasis was obtained. All the packing was removed. Count was correct. Rectus abdominus muscle was brought together using 4-0 Vicryl. The fascia was closed using loop #1 PDS in running fascia from both sides and was tied in the middle. Subcutaneous tissue was closed using 4-0 Vicryl and the skin was closed using 4-0 Monocryl in subcuticular fashion. Cystoscopy was done at the end of the procedure. Please note that the Foley was in place throughout the entire procedure which was placed thoroughly at the beginning of the procedure. Cystoscopy was done and indigo carmine has been given. There was good efflux of indigo carmine in both of the ureteral opening. There was no injury to the rectum or the bladder. The bladder appeared completely normal. The rectal exam was done at the end of the procedure after the cystoscopy. After the cysto was done, the scope was withdrawn, Foley was placed back. The patient was brought to recovery in the stable condition.

Status post brain tumor with removal. The patient did receive skilled speech therapy while in the acute rehab, which focused on higher level cognitive and linguistic skills such as attention, memory, mental flexibility, and improvement of her executive function.

Speech - Language

Speech Therapy Evaluation - 1

DIAGNOSIS: , Status post brain tumor with removal.,SUBJECTIVE: ,The patient is a 64-year-old female with previous medical history of breast cancer that has metastasized to her lung, liver, spleen, and brain, status post radiation therapy. The patient stated that on 10/24/08 she had a brain tumor removed with subsequent left-sided weakness. The patient was readmitted to ABC Hospital on 12/05/08 and was found to have massive swelling in the brain and a second surgery was performed to reduce the swelling. The patient remained at the acute rehab at ABC until she was discharged home on 01/05/09. The patient did receive skilled speech therapy while in the acute rehab, which focused on higher level cognitive and linguistic skills such as attention, memory, mental flexibility, and improvement of her executive function. The patient also complains of difficulty with word retrieval and slurring of speech. The patient denies any difficulty with swallowing at this time.,OBJECTIVE: ,Portions of the cognitive linguistic quick test was administered. An oral mechanism exam was performed. A motor speech protocol was completed.,The cognitive linguistic subtests of recalling personal facts, symbol cancellation, confrontational naming, clock drawing, story retelling, generative naming, design and memory, and completion of mazes was administered.,The patient was 100% accurate with recalling personal facts, completion of the symbol cancellation tasks, and with confrontational naming. She had no difficulty with the clock drawing task; however, she has considerable hand tremors, which makes writing difficult. In the storytelling task, she scored within normal limits. She was also within normal limits for generative naming. She did have difficulty with the design, memory, and mazes subtests. She was unable to complete the second maze during the allotted time. The design generation subtest was also completed. She was able to draw four unique designs, and toward the end of the tasks was no longer able to recall the stated direction.,ORAL MECHANISM EXAMINATION:, The patient has mild left facial droop with decreased nasolabial fold. Tongue is at midline, and lingual range of motion and strength are within functional limit. The patient does complain of biting her tongue on occasion, but denied biting the inside of her cheeks. Her AMRs are judged to be within functional limit. Her rate of speech is decreased with a monotonous vocal quality. The decreased rate may be a compensation for decreased word retrieval ability. The patient's speech is judged to be 100% intelligible without background noise.,DIAGNOSTIC IMPRESSION: ,The patient has mild cognitive linguistic deficits in the areas of higher level cognitive function seen in mental flexibility, memory, and executive function.,PLAN OF CARE:, Outpatient skilled speech therapy two times a week for four weeks to include cognitive linguistic treatment.,SHORT-TERM GOALS (THREE WEEKS):,1. The patient will complete deductive reasoning and mental flexibility tasks with greater than 90% accuracy, independently.,2. The patient will complete perspective memory test with 100% accuracy using compensatory strategy.,3. The patient will complete visual perceptual activities, which focus on scanning, flexibility, and problem solving with greater than 90% accuracy with minimal cueing.,4. The patient will listen to and/or read a lengthy narrative and be able to recall at least 6 details after a 15-minute delay, independently.,PATIENT'S GOAL: ,To improve functional independence and cognitive abilities.,LONG-TERM GOAL (FOUR WEEKS): ,Functional cognitive linguistic abilities to improve safety and independence at home and to decrease burden of care on caregiver.,

Cognitive linguistic impairment secondary to stroke. The patient was referred to Medical Center's Outpatient Rehabilitation Department for skilled speech therapy secondary to cognitive linguistic deficits.

Speech - Language

Cognitive Linguistic Impairment - Discharge

DIAGNOSIS: , Cognitive linguistic impairment secondary to stroke.,NUMBER OF SESSIONS COMPLETED:, 5,HOSPITAL COURSE: ,The patient is a 73-year-old female who was referred to Medical Center's Outpatient Rehabilitation Department for skilled speech therapy secondary to cognitive linguistic deficits. Based on the initial evaluation completed 12/29/08, the patient had mild difficulty with generative naming and auditory comprehension and recall. The patient's skilled speech therapy was recommended for three times a week for 8 weeks to improve her overall cognitive linguistic abilities. At this time, the patient has accomplished all 5 of her short-term therapy goals. She is able to complete functional mass tasks with 100% accuracy independently. She is able to listen to a narrative and recall the main idea plus at least five details after a 10 minute delay independently.,She is able to read a newspaper article and recall the main idea plus five details after a 15 minute delay independently. She is able to state 15 items in a broad category within a minute and a half independently. The patient is also able to complete deductive reasoning tasks to promote her mental flexibility with 100% accuracy independently. The patient also met her long-term therapy goal of functional cognitive linguistic abilities to return to teaching and improve her independence and safety at home. The patient is no longer in need of skilled speech therapy and is discharged from my services. She did quite well in therapy and also agreed with this discharge.

The patient is a 67-year-old white female with a history of uterine papillary serous carcinoma who is status post 6 cycles of carboplatin and Taxol, is here today for followup.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Uterine Papillary Serous Carcinoma

HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS:, The patient is a 67-year-old white female with a history of uterine papillary serous carcinoma who is status post 6 cycles of carboplatin and Taxol, is here today for followup. Her last cycle of chemotherapy was finished on 01/18/08, and she complains about some numbness in her right upper extremity. This has not gotten worse recently and there is no numbness in her toes. She denies any tingling or burning.,REVIEW OF SYSTEMS: , Negative for any fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, melena, hematochezia or dysuria. The patient is concerned about her blood pressure being up a little bit and also a mole that she had noticed for the past few months in her head.,PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:,VITAL SIGNS: Temperature 35.6, blood pressure 143/83, pulse 65, respirations 18, and weight 66.5 kg. GENERAL: She is a middle-aged white female, not in any distress. HEENT: No lymphadenopathy or mucositis. CARDIOVASCULAR: Regular rate and rhythm. LUNGS: Clear to auscultation bilaterally. EXTREMITIES: No cyanosis, clubbing or edema. NEUROLOGICAL: No focal deficits noted. PELVIC: Normal-appearing external genitalia. Vaginal vault with no masses or bleeding.,LABORATORY DATA: , None today.,RADIOLOGIC DATA: , CT of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis from 01/28/08 revealed status post total abdominal hysterectomy/bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with an unremarkable vaginal cuff. No local or distant metastasis. Right probably chronic gonadal vein thrombosis.,ASSESSMENT: , This is a 67-year-old white female with history of uterine papillary serous carcinoma, status post total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and 6 cycles of carboplatin and Taxol chemotherapy. She is doing well with no evidence of disease clinically or radiologically.,PLAN:,1. Plan to follow her every 3 months and CT scans every 6 months for the first 2 years.,2. The patient was advised to contact the primary physician for repeat blood pressure check and get started on antihypertensives if it is persistently elevated.,3. The patient was told that the mole that she is mentioning in her head is no longer palpable and just to observe it for now.,4. The patient was advised about doing Kegel exercises for urinary incontinence, and we will address this issue again during next clinic visit if it is persistent.,

The patient was referred for an outpatient speech and language pathology consult to increase speech and swallowing abilities. The patient is currently NPO with G-tube to meet all of his hydration and nutritional needs. A trial of Passy-Muir valve was completed to allow the patient to achieve hands-free voicing.

Speech - Language

Barium Swallow Study & Speech Evaluation

CURRENT MEDICATIONS:, Lortab.,PREVIOUS MEDICAL HISTORY: , Cardiac stent in 2000.,PATIENT'S GOAL: , To eat again by mouth.,STUDY: ,A trial of Passy-Muir valve was completed to allow the patient to achieve hands-free voicing and also to improve his secretion management. A clinical swallow evaluation was not completed due to the severity of the patient's mucus and lack of saliva control.,The patient's laryngeal area was palpated during a dry swallow and he does have significantly reduced laryngeal elevation and radiation fibrosis. The further evaluate of his swallowing function is safety; a modified barium swallow study needs to be concluded to objectively evaluate his swallow safety, and to rule out aspiration. A trial of neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy was completed to determine if this therapy protocol will be beneficial and improving the patient's swallowing function and safety.,For his neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy, the type was BMR with a single mode cycle time is 4 seconds and 12 seconds off with frequency was 60 __________ with a ramp of 2 seconds, phase duration was 220 with an output of 99 milliamps. Electrodes were placed on the suprahyoid/submandibular triangle with an upright body position, trial length was 10 minutes. On a pain scale, the patient reported no pain with the electrical stimulation therapy.,FINDINGS: ,The patient was able to tolerate a 5-minute placement of the Passy-Muir valve. He reported no discomfort on the inhalation; however, he felt some resistance on exhalation. Instructions were given on care placement and cleaning of the Passy-Muir valve. The patient was instructed to buildup tolerance over the next several days of his Passy-Muir valve and to remove the valve at anytime or he is going to be sleeping or napping throughout the day. The patient's voicing did improve with the Passy-Muir valve due to decreased leakage from his trach secondary to finger occlusion. Mucus production also seemed to decrease when the Passy-Muir was placed.,On the dry swallow during this evaluation, the patient's laryngeal area is reduced and tissues around his larynx and showed radiation fibrosis. The patient's neck range of motion appears to be adequate and within normal limits.,A trial of neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy:,The patient tolerating the neuromuscular electrical stimulation, we did achieve poor passive response, but these muscles were contracting and the larynx was moving upon stimulation. The patient was able to actively swallow with stimulation approximately 30% of presentation.,DIAGNOSTIC IMPRESSION: , The patient with a history of head and neck cancer status post radiation and chemotherapy with radiation fibrosis, which is impeding his swallowing abilities. The patient would benefit from outpatient skilled speech therapy for neuromuscular electrical stimulation for muscle reeducation to improve his swallowing function and safety and he would benefit from a placement of a Passy-Muir valve to have hands-free communication.,PLAN OF CARE: , Outpatient skilled speech therapy two times a week to include neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy, Passy-Muir placement and a completion of the modified barium swallow study.,SHORT-TERM GOALS (6 WEEKS):,1. Completion of modified barium swallow study.,2. The patient will coordinate volitional swallow with greater than 75% of the neuromuscular electrical stimulations.,3. The patient will increase laryngeal elevation by 50% for airway protection.,4. The patient will tolerate placement of Passy-Muir valve for greater than 2 hours during awaking hours.,5. The patient will tolerate therapeutic feedings with the speech and language pathologist without signs and symptoms of aspiration.,6. The patient will decrease mild facial restrictions to the anterior neck by 50% to increase laryngeal movement.,LONG-TERM GOALS (8 WEEKS):,1. The patient will improve secretion management to tolerable levels.,2. The patient will increase amount and oral consistency of p.o. intake tolerated without signs and symptoms of aspirations.,3. The patient will be able to communicate without using finger occlusion with the assistance of a Passy-Muir valve.

This is a pleasant 50-year-old female who has undergone an APR secondary to refractory ulcerative colitis. Overall, her quality of life has significantly improved since she had her APR. She is functioning well with her ileostomy.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Wound Check - Status Post APR

HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS:, Ms. Connor is a 50-year-old female who returns to clinic for a wound check. The patient underwent an APR secondary to refractory ulcerative colitis. Subsequently, she developed a wound infection, which has since healed. On our most recent visit to our clinic, she has her perineal stitches removed and presents today for followup of her perineal wound. She describes no drainage or erythema from her bottom. She is having good ostomy output. She does not describe any fevers, chills, nausea, or vomiting. The patient does describe some intermittent pain beneath the upper portion of the incision as well as in the right lower quadrant below her ostomy. She has been taking Percocet for this pain and it does work. She has since run out has been trying extra strength Tylenol, which will occasionally help this intermittent pain. She is requesting additional pain medications for this occasional abdominal pain, which she still experiences.,PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: , Temperature 95.8, pulse 68, blood pressure 132/73, and weight 159 pounds. This is a pleasant female in no acute distress. The patient's abdomen is soft, nontender, nondistended with a well-healed midline scar. There is an ileostomy in the right hemiabdomen, which is pink, patent, productive, and protuberant. There are no signs of masses or hernias over the patient's abdomen.,ASSESSMENT AND PLAN: , This is a pleasant 50-year-old female who has undergone an APR secondary to refractory ulcerative colitis. Overall, her quality of life has significantly improved since she had her APR. She is functioning well with her ileostomy. She did have concerns or questions about her diet and we discussed the BRAT diet, which consisted of foods that would slow down the digestive tract such as bananas, rice, toast, cheese, and peanut butter. I discussed the need to monitor her ileostomy output and preferential amount of daily output is 2 liters or less. I have counseled her on refraining from soft drinks and fruit drinks. I have also discussed with her that this diet is moreover a trial and error and that she may try certain foods that did not agree with her ileostomy, however others may and that this is something she will just have to perform trials with over the next several months until she finds what foods that she can and cannot eat with her ileostomy. She also had questions about her occasional abdominal pain. I told her that this was probably continue to improve as months went by and I gave her a refill of her Percocet for the continued occasional pain. I told her that this would the last time I would refill the Percocet and if she has continued pain after she finishes this bottle then she would need to start ibuprofen or Tylenol if she had continued pain. The patient then brought up some right hand and arm numbness, which has been there postsurgically and was thought to be from positioning during surgery. This is all primarily gone away except for a little bit of numbness at the tip of the third digit as well as some occasional forearm muscle cramping. I told her that I felt that this would continue to improve as it has done over the past two months since her surgery. I told her to continue doing hand exercises as she has been doing and this seems to be working for her. Overall, I think she has healed from her surgery and is doing very well. Again, her quality of life is significantly improved. She is happy with her performance. We will see her back in six months just for a general routine checkup and see how she is doing at that time.

Followup on weight loss on phentermine.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Weight Loss on Phentermine

SUBJECTIVE:, She is here for a followup on her weight loss on phentermine. She has gained another pound since she was here last. We talked at length about the continued plateau she has had with her weight. She gained a pound the month before and really has not been able to get her weight any farther down than she had when her lowest level was 136. She is frustrated with this as well. We agree that if she continues to plateau she really should not stay on phentermine. We would not want her to take it to maintain her weight but only to help her get her weight down, and she may have really lost any benefit from it, and she agrees.,REVIEW OF SYSTEMS:, Otherwise negative. She has no specific complaints. No shortness of breath, chest pain or palpitations.,PHYSICAL EXAM:,Vital signs: Her blood pressure is fine. Her diastolic is a little bit high, but otherwise okay.,General: She appears in good spirits. No apparent distress.,HEENT: Negative.,Neck: Supple without bruits.,Chest: Clear.,Cardiac exam: Regular without extra sounds.,ASSESSMENT:, Weight loss on phentermine, really has plateaued.,PLAN:, If she does not lose weight in the next month we will probably consider having her go off the phentermine. If she does lose a couple of pounds, then we will keep her on it until she gets closer to her goal of 135 and then try to keep her there for one or two months and then stop. She agrees with this plan.

Chronic laryngitis, hoarseness. The patient was referred to Medical Center's Outpatient Rehabilitation Department for skilled speech therapy secondary to voicing difficulties.

Speech - Language

Laryngitis - Discharge

DIAGNOSIS: , Chronic laryngitis, hoarseness.,HISTORY: ,The patient is a 68-year-old male, was referred to Medical Center's Outpatient Rehabilitation Department for skilled speech therapy secondary to voicing difficulties. The patient attended initial evaluation plus 3 outpatient speech therapy sessions, which focused on training the patient to complete resonant voice activities and to improve his vocal hygiene. The patient attended therapy one time a week and was given numerous home activities to do in between therapy sessions. The patient made great progress and he came in to discuss with an appointment on 12/23/08 stating that his voice had finally returned to "normal".,SHORT-TERM GOALS:,1. To be independent with relaxation and stretching exercises and Lessac-Madsen Resonant Voice Therapy Protocol.,2. He also met short-term goal therapy 3 and he is independent with resonant voice therapy tasks.,3. We did not complete his __________ ratio during his last session; so, I am unsure if he had met his short-term goal number 2.,4. To be referred for a videostroboscopy, but at this time, the patient is not in need of this evaluation. However, in the future if hoarseness returns, it is strongly recommended that he be referred for a videostroboscopy prior to returning to additional outpatient therapy.,LONG-TERM GOALS:,1. The patient did reach his long-term goal of improved vocal quality to return to prior level of function and to utilize his voice in all settings without vocal hoarseness or difficulty.,2. The patient appears very pleased with his return of his normal voice and feels that he no longer needs outpatient skilled speech therapy.,The patient is discharged from my services at this time with a home program to continue to promote normal voicing.

Speech - Language

Barium Swallow Study & Speech Evaluation - 1

SUBJECTIVE: , The patient is a 60-year-old female, who complained of coughing during meals. Her outpatient evaluation revealed a mild-to-moderate cognitive linguistic deficit, which was completed approximately 2 months ago. The patient had a history of hypertension and TIA/stroke. The patient denied history of heartburn and/or gastroesophageal reflux disorder. A modified barium swallow study was ordered to objectively evaluate the patient's swallowing function and safety and to rule out aspiration.,OBJECTIVE: , Modified barium swallow study was performed in the Radiology Suite in cooperation with Dr. ABC. The patient was seated upright in a video imaging chair throughout this assessment. To evaluate the patient's swallowing function and safety, she was administered graduated amounts of liquid and food mixed with barium in the form of thin liquid (teaspoon x2, cup sip x2); nectar-thick liquid (teaspoon x2, cup sip x2); puree consistency (teaspoon x2); and solid food consistency (1/4 cracker x1).,ASSESSMENT,ORAL STAGE:, Premature spillage to the level of the valleculae and pyriform sinuses with thin liquid. Decreased tongue base retraction, which contributed to vallecular pooling after the swallow.,PHARYNGEAL STAGE: , No aspiration was observed during this evaluation. Penetration was noted with cup sips of thin liquid only. Trace residual on the valleculae and on tongue base with nectar-thick puree and solid consistencies. The patient's hyolaryngeal elevation and anterior movement are within functional limits. Epiglottic inversion is within functional limits.,CERVICAL ESOPHAGEAL STAGE: ,The patient's upper esophageal sphincter opening is well coordinated with swallow and readily accepted the bolus. Radiologist noted reduced peristaltic action of the constricted muscles in the esophagus, which may be contributing to the patient's complaint of globus sensation.,DIAGNOSTIC IMPRESSION:, No aspiration was noted during this evaluation. Penetration with cup sips of thin liquid. The patient did cough during this evaluation, but that was noted related to aspiration or penetration.,PROGNOSTIC IMPRESSION: ,Based on this evaluation, the prognosis for swallowing and safety is good.,PLAN: , Based on this evaluation and following recommendations are being made:,1. The patient to take small bite and small sips to help decrease the risk of aspiration and penetration.,2. The patient should remain upright at a 90-degree angle for at least 45 minutes after meals to decrease the risk of aspiration and penetration as well as to reduce her globus sensation.,3. The patient should be referred to a gastroenterologist for further evaluation of her esophageal function.,The patient does not need any skilled speech therapy for her swallowing abilities at this time, and she is discharged from my services.

Comes in complaining that he was stung by a Yellow Jacket Wasp yesterday and now has a lot of swelling in his right hand and right arm.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Wasp Sting - SOAP

SUBJECTIVE:, He is a 29-year-old white male who is a patient of Dr. XYZ and he comes in today complaining that he was stung by a Yellow Jacket Wasp yesterday and now has a lot of swelling in his right hand and right arm. He says that he has been stung by wasps before and had similar reactions. He just said that he wanted to catch it early before he has too bad of a severe reaction like he has had in the past. He has had a lot of swelling, but no anaphylaxis-type reactions in the past; no shortness of breath or difficultly with his throat feeling like it is going to close up or anything like that in the past; no racing heart beat or anxiety feeling, just a lot of localized swelling where the sting occurs.,OBJECTIVE:,Vitals: His temperature is 98.4. Respiratory rate is 18. Weight is 250 pounds.,Extremities: Examination of his right hand and forearm reveals that he has an apparent sting just around his wrist region on his right hand on the medial side as well as significant swelling in his hand and his right forearm; extending up to the elbow. He says that it is really not painful or anything like that. It is really not all that red and no signs of infection at this time.,ASSESSMENT:, Wasp sting to the right wrist area.,PLAN:,1. Solu-Medrol 125 mg IM X 1.,2. Over-the-counter Benadryl, ice and elevation of that extremity.,3. Follow up with Dr. XYZ if any further evaluation is needed.

Evaluation of possible tethered cord. She underwent a lipomyomeningocele repair at 3 days of age and then again at 3-1/2 years of age.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Tethered Cord Evaluation

REASON FOR VISIT: , The patient referred by Dr. X for evaluation of her possible tethered cord.,HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS:, Briefly, she is a 14-year-old right handed female who is in 9th grade, who underwent a lipomyomeningocele repair at 3 days of age and then again at 3-1/2 years of age. The last surgery was in 03/95. She did well; however, in the past several months has had some leg pain in both legs out laterally, worsening at night and requiring Advil, Motrin as well as Tylenol PM.,Denies any new bowel or bladder dysfunction or increased sensory loss. She had some patchy sensory loss from L4 to S1.,MEDICATIONS: , Singulair for occasional asthma.,FINDINGS: , She is awake, alert, and oriented x 3. Pupils equal and reactive. EOMs are full. Motor is 5 out of 5. She was able to toe and heel walk without any difficulties as well as tendon reflexes were 2 plus. There is no evidence of clonus. There is diminished sensation from L4 to S1, having proprioception.,ASSESSMENT AND PLAN: , Possible tethered cord. I had a thorough discussion with the patient and her parents. I have recommended a repeat MRI scan. The prescription was given today. MRI of the lumbar spine was just completed. I would like to see her back in clinic. We did discuss the possible symptoms of this tethering.

Sore throat - Upper respiratory infection.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

URI - SOAP

SUBJECTIVE:, Mom brings patient in today because of sore throat starting last night. Eyes have been very puffy. He has taken some Benadryl when all of this congestion started but with a sudden onset just yesterday. He has had low-grade fever and just felt very run down, appearing very tired. He is still eating and drinking well, and his voice has been hoarse but no coughing. No shortness of breath, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain.,PAST MEDICAL HISTORY:, Unremarkable. There is no history of allergies. He does have some history of some episodes of high blood pressure, and his weight is up about 14 pounds from the last year.,FAMILY HISTORY: , Noncontributory. No one else at home is sick.,OBJECTIVE:,General: A 13-year-old male appearing tired but in no acute distress.,Neck: Supple without adenopathy.,HEENT: Ear canals clear. TMs, bilaterally, gray in color. Good light reflex. Oropharynx pink and moist. No erythema or exudate. Some drainage is seen in the posterior pharynx. Nares: Swollen, red. No drainage seen. No sinus tenderness. Eyes are clear.,Chest: Respirations are regular and nonlabored.,Lungs: Clear to auscultation throughout.,Heart: Regular rhythm without murmur.,Skin: Warm, dry and pink, moist mucous membranes. No rash.,LABORATORY:, Strep test is negative. Strep culture is negative.,RADIOLOGY:, Water's View of the sinuses is negative for any sinusitis or acute infection.,ASSESSMENT:, Upper respiratory infection.,PLAN:, At this point just treat symptomatically. I gave him some samples of Levall for the congestion and as an expectorant. Push fluids and rest. May use ibuprofen or Tylenol for discomfort.

Postoperative day #1, total abdominal hysterectomy. Normal postoperative course.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Total Abdominal Hysterectomy - Followup

POSTOPERATIVE DAY #1, TOTAL ABDOMINAL HYSTERECTOMY,SUBJECTIVE: , The patient is alert and oriented x3 and sitting up in bed. The patient has been ambulating without difficulty. The patient is still NPO. The patient denies any new symptomatology from 6/10/2009. The patient has complaints of incisional tenderness. The patient was given a full explanation about her clinical condition and all her questions were answered.,OBJECTIVE:,VITAL SIGNS: Afebrile now. Other vital signs are stable.,GU: Urinating through Foley catheter.,ABDOMEN: Soft, negative rebound.,EXTREMITIES: Without Homans, nontender.,BACK: Without CVA tenderness.,GENITALIA: Vagina, slight spotting. Wound dry and intact.,ASSESSMENT:, Normal postoperative course.,PLAN:,1. Follow clinically.,2. Continue present therapy.,3. Ambulate with nursing assistance only.,

The patient comes for three-week postpartum checkup, complaining of allergies.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Three-Week Postpartum Checkup

CHIEF COMPLAINT:, The patient comes for three-week postpartum checkup, complaining of allergies.,HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS:, She is doing well postpartum. She has had no headache. She is breastfeeding and feels like her milk is adequate. She has not had much bleeding. She is using about a mini pad twice a day, not any cramping or clotting and the discharge is turned from red to brown to now slightly yellowish. She has not yet had sexual intercourse. She does complain that she has had a little pain with the bowel movement, and every now and then she notices a little bright red bleeding. She has not been particularly constipated but her husband says she is not eating her vegetables like she should. Her seasonal allergies have back developed and she is complaining of extremely itchy watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and kind of a pressure sensation in her ears.,MEDICATIONS:, Prenatal vitamins.,ALLERGIES:, She thinks to Benadryl.,FAMILY HISTORY: , Mother is 50 and healthy. Dad is 40 and healthy. Half-sister, age 34, is healthy. She has a sister who is age 10 who has some yeast infections.,PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:,VITALS: Weight: 124 pounds. Blood pressure 96/54. Pulse: 72. Respirations: 16. LMP: 10/18/03. Age: 39.,HEENT: Head is normocephalic. Eyes: EOMs intact. PERRLA. Conjunctiva clear. Fundi: Discs flat, cups normal. No AV nicking, hemorrhage or exudate. Ears: TMs intact. Mouth: No lesion. Throat: No inflammation. She has allergic rhinitis with clear nasal drainage, clear watery discharge from the eyes.,Abdomen: Soft. No masses.,Pelvic: Uterus is involuting.,Rectal: She has one external hemorrhoid which has inflamed. Stool is guaiac negative and using anoscope, no other lesions are identified.,ASSESSMENT/PLAN:, Satisfactory three-week postpartum course, seasonal allergies. We will try Patanol eyedrops and Allegra 60 mg twice a day. She was cautioned about the possibility that this may alter her milk supply. She is to drink extra fluids and call if she has problems with that. We will try ProctoFoam HC. For the hemorrhoids, also increase the fiber in her diet. That prescription was written, as well as one for Allegra and Patanol. She additionally will be begin on Micronor because she would like to protect herself from pregnancy until her husband get scheduled in and has a vasectomy, which is their ultimate plan for birth control, and she anticipates that happening fairly soon. She will call and return if she continues to have problems with allergies. Meantime, rechecking in three weeks for her final six-week postpartum checkup.

Essential thrombocytosis. He underwent a bone marrow biopsy, which showed essential thrombocytosis. His CBC has been very stable.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Thrombocytosis Followup

CHIEF COMPLAINT:, Essential thrombocytosis.,HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS: , This is an extremely pleasant 64-year-old gentleman who I am following for essential thrombocytosis. He was first diagnosed when he first saw a hematologist on 07/09/07. At that time, his platelet count was 1,240,000. He was initially started on Hydrea 1000 mg q.d. On 07/11/07, he underwent a bone marrow biopsy, which showed essential thrombocytosis. He was positive for the JAK-2 mutation. On 11/06/07, his platelets were noted to be 766,000. His current Hydrea dose is now 1500 mg on Mondays and Fridays and 1000 mg on all other days. He moved to ABCD in December 2009 in an attempt to improve his wife's rheumatoid arthritis.,Overall, he is doing well. He has a good energy level, and his ECOG performance status is 0. He denies any fevers, chills, or night sweats. No lymphadenopathy. No nausea or vomiting. No change in bowel or bladder habits.,CURRENT MEDICATIONS: , Hydrea 1500 mg on Mondays and Fridays and 1000 mg the other days of the week, Flomax q.d., vitamin D q.d, saw palmetto q.d., aspirin 81 mg q.d., and vitamin C q.d.,ALLERGIES: , No known drug allergies.,REVIEW OF SYSTEMS:, As per the HPI, otherwise negative.,PAST MEDICAL HISTORY:,1. He is status post an appendectomy.,2. Status post a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.,3. Status post bilateral cataract surgery.,4. BPH.,SOCIAL HISTORY: ,He has a history of tobacco use, which he quit at the age of 37. He has one alcoholic drink per day. He is married. He is a retired lab manager.,FAMILY HISTORY: ,There is no history of solid tumor or hematologic malignancies in his family.,PHYSICAL EXAM:,VIT:

Patient with immune thrombocytopenia

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Thrombocytopenia - SOAP Note

SUBJECTIVE: , I am following the patient today for immune thrombocytopenia. Her platelets fell to 10 on 01/09/07 and shortly after learning of that result, I increased her prednisone to 60 mg a day. Repeat on 01/16/07 revealed platelets up at 43. No bleeding problems have been noted. I have spoken with her hematologist who recommends at this point we decrease her prednisone to 40 mg for 3 days and then go down to 20 mg a day. The patient had been on 20 mg every other day at least for a while, and her platelets hovered at least above 20 or so.,PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: , Vitals: As in chart. The patient is alert, pleasant, and cooperative. She is in no apparent distress. The petechial areas on her legs have resolved.,ASSESSMENT AND PLAN: , Patient with improvement of her platelet count on burst of prednisone. We will decrease her prednisone to 40 mg for 3 days, then go down to 20 mg a day. Basically thereafter, over time, I may try to sneak it back a little bit further. She is on medicines for osteoporosis including bisphosphonate and calcium with vitamin D. We will arrange to have a CBC drawn weekly.,

Persistent frequency and urgency, in a patient with a history of neurogenic bladder and history of stroke.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Urinary Frequency & Urgency - Followup

HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS: ,This is a 55-year-old female with a history of stroke, who presents today for followup of frequency and urgency with urge incontinence. This has been progressively worsening, and previously on VESIcare with no improvement. She continues to take Enablex 50 mg and has not noted any improvement of her symptoms. The nursing home did not do a voiding diary. She is accompanied by her power of attorney. No dysuria, gross hematuria, fever or chills. No bowel issues and does use several Depends a day.,Recent urodynamics in April 2008, here in the office, revealed significant detrusor instability with involuntary urinary incontinence and low bladder volumes, and cystoscopy was unremarkable.,IMPRESSION: ,Persistent frequency and urgency, in a patient with a history of neurogenic bladder and history of stroke. This has not improved on VESIcare as well as Enablex. Options are discussed.,We discussed other options of pelvic floor rehabilitation, InterStim by Dr. X, as well as more invasive procedure. The patient and the power of attorney would like him to proceed with meeting Dr. X to discuss InterStim, which was briefly reviewed here today and brochure for this is provided today. Prior to discussion, the nursing home will do an extensive voiding diary for one week, while she is on Enablex, and if this reveals no improvement, the patient will be started on Ventura twice daily and prescription is provided. They will see Dr. X with a prior voiding diary, which is again discussed. All questions answered.,PLAN:, As above, the patient will be scheduled to meet with Dr. X to discuss option of InterStim, and will be accompanied by her power of attorney. In the meantime, Sanctura prescription is provided, and voiding diaries are provided. All questions answered.

The patient noted for improving retention of urine, postop vaginal reconstruction, very concerned of possible vaginal prolapse.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Urinary Retention - Followup

HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS: , The patient presents today for followup. No dysuria, gross hematuria, fever, chills. She continues to have urinary incontinence, especially while changing from sitting to standing position, as well as urge incontinence. She is voiding daytime every 1 hour in the morning especially after taking Lasix, which tapers off in the afternoon, nocturia time 0. No incontinence. No straining to urinate. Good stream, emptying well. No bowel issues, however, she also indicates that while using her vaginal cream, she has difficulty doing this as she feels protrusion in the vagina, and very concerned if she has a prolapse.,IMPRESSION: ,1. The patient noted for improving retention of urine, postop vaginal reconstruction, very concerned of possible vaginal prolapse, especially while using the cream.,2. Rule out ascites, with no GI issues other than lower extremity edema.,PLAN: , Following a detailed discussion with the patient, she elected to proceed with continued Flomax and will wean off the Urecholine to two times daily. She will follow up next week, request Dr. X to do a pelvic exam, and in the meantime, she will obtain a CT of the abdomen and pelvis to further evaluate the cause of the abdominal distention. All questions answered.

He got addicted to drugs. He decided it would be a good idea to get away from the "bad crowd" and come up and live with his mom.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

SOAP - Substance Abuse

SUBJECTIVE: , This patient presents to the office today with his mom for checkup. He used to live in the city. He used to go to college down in the city. He got addicted to drugs. He decided it would be a good idea to get away from the "bad crowd" and come up and live with his mom. He has a history of doing heroin. He was injecting into his vein. He was seeing a physician in the city. They were prescribing methadone for some time. He says that did help. He was on 10 mg of methadone. He was on it for three to four months. He tried to wean down on the methadone a couple of different times, but failed. He has been intermittently using heroin. He says one of the big problems is that he lives in a household full of drug users and he could not get away from it. All that changed now that he is living with his mom. The last time he did heroin was about seven to eight days ago. He has not had any methadone in about a week either. He is coming in today specifically requesting methadone. He also admits to being depressed. He is sad a lot and down. He does not have much energy. He does not have the enthusiasm. He denies any suicidal or homicidal ideations at the present time. I questioned him on the symptoms of bipolar disorder and he does not seem to have those symptoms. His past medical history is significant for no medical problems. Surgical history, he voluntarily donated his left kidney. Family and social history were reviewed per the nursing notes. His allergies are no known drug allergies. Medications, he takes no medications regularly.,OBJECTIVE: , His weight is 164 pounds, blood pressure 108/60, pulse 88, respirations 16, and temperature was not taken. General: He is nontoxic and in no acute distress. Psychiatric: Alert and oriented times 3. Skin: I examined his upper extremities. He showed me his injection sites. I can see marks, but they seem to be healing up nicely. I do not see any evidence of cellulitis. There is no evidence of necrotizing fasciitis.,ASSESSMENT: , Substance abuse.,PLAN: , I had a long talk with the patient and his mom. I am not prescribing him any narcotics or controlled substances. I am not in the practice of trading one addiction for another. It has been one week without any sort of drugs at all. I do not think he needs weaning. I think right now it is mostly psychological, although there still could be some residual physical addiction. However, once again I do not believe it to be necessary to prescribe him any sort of controlled substance at the present time. I do believe that his depression needs to be treated. I gave him fluoxetine 20 mg one tablet daily. I discussed the side effects in detail. I did also warn him that all antidepressant medications carry an increased risk of suicide. If he should start to feel any of these symptoms, he should call #911 or go to the emergency room immediately. If he has any problems or side effects, he was also directed to call me here at the office. After-hours, he can go to the emergency room or call #911. I am going to see him back in three weeks for the depression. I gave him the name and phone number of Behavioral Health and I told him to call so that he can get into rehabilitation program or at least a support group. We are unable to make a referral for him to do that. He has to call on his own. He has no insurance. However, I think fluoxetine is very affordable. He can get it for $4 per month at Wal-Mart. His mom is going to keep an eye on him as well. He is going to be staying there. It sounds like he is looking for a job.

The patient is admitted for shortness of breath, continues to do fairly well. The patient has chronic atrial fibrillation, on anticoagulation, INR of 1.72. The patient did undergo echocardiogram, which shows aortic stenosis, severe. The patient does have an outside cardiologist.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

SOAP - Shortness of Breath

SUBJECTIVE: , The patient is admitted for shortness of breath, continues to do fairly well. The patient has chronic atrial fibrillation, on anticoagulation, INR of 1.72. The patient did undergo echocardiogram, which shows aortic stenosis, severe. The patient does have an outside cardiologist. I understand she was scheduled to undergo workup in this regard.,PHYSICAL EXAMINATION,VITAL SIGNS: Pulse of 78 and blood pressure 130/60.,LUNGS: Clear.,HEART: A soft systolic murmur in the aortic area.,ABDOMEN: Soft and nontender.,EXTREMITIES: No edema.,IMPRESSION:,1. Status shortness of breath responding well to medical management.,2. Atrial fibrillation, chronic, on anticoagulation.,3. Aortic stenosis.,RECOMMENDATIONS:,1. Continue medications as above.,2. The patient would like to follow with her cardiologist regarding aortic stenosis. She may need a surgical intervention in this regard, which I explained to her. The patient will be discharged home on medical management and she has an appointment to see her cardiologist in the next few days.,In the interim, if she changes her mind or if she has any concerns, I have requested to call me back.

She is a 79-year-old female who came in with acute cholecystitis and underwent attempted laparoscopic cholecystectomy 8 days ago. The patient has required conversion to an open procedure due to difficult anatomy. Her postoperative course has been lengthened due to a prolonged ileus, which resolved with tetracycline and Reglan. The patient is starting to improve, gain more strength. She is tolerating her regular diet.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

SOAP - Cholecystitis

SUBJECTIVE: , She is a 79-year-old female who came in with acute cholecystitis and underwent attempted laparoscopic cholecystectomy 8 days ago. The patient has required conversion to an open procedure due to difficult anatomy. Her postoperative course has been lengthened due to a prolonged ileus, which resolved with tetracycline and Reglan. The patient is starting to improve, gain more strength. She is tolerating her regular diet.,PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:,VITAL SIGNS: Today, her temperature is 98.4, heart rate 84, respirations 20, and BP is 140/72.,LUNGS: Clear to auscultation. No wheezes, rales, or rhonchi.,HEART: Regular rhythm and rate.,ABDOMEN: Soft, less tender.,LABORATORY DATA:, Her white count continues to come down. Today, it is 11.6, H&H of 8.8 and 26.4, platelets 359,000. We have ordered type and cross for 2 units of packed red blood cells. If it drops below 25, she will receive a transfusion. Her electrolytes today show a glucose of 107, sodium 137, potassium 4.0, chloride 103.2, bicarbonate 29.7. Her AST is 43, ALT is 223, her alkaline phosphatase is 214, and her bilirubin is less than 0.10.,ASSESSMENT AND PLAN:, She had a bowel movement today and is continuing to improve.,I anticipate another 3 days in the hospital for strengthening and continued TPN and resolution of elevated white count.

Pulmonary disorder with lung mass, pleural effusion, and chronic uncontrolled atrial fibrillation secondary to pulmonary disorder. The patient is admitted for lung mass and also pleural effusion. The patient had a chest tube placement, which has been taken out. The patient has chronic atrial fibrillation, on anticoagulation.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

SOAP - Lung Mass

SUBJECTIVE:, The patient is admitted for lung mass and also pleural effusion. The patient had a chest tube placement, which has been taken out. The patient has chronic atrial fibrillation, on anticoagulation. The patient is doing fairly well. This afternoon, she called me because heart rate was in the range of 120 to 140. The patient is lying down. She does have shortness of breath, but denies any other significant symptoms.,PAST MEDICAL HISTORY:, History of mastectomy, chest tube placement, and atrial fibrillation; chronic.,MEDICATIONS:,1. Cardizem, which is changed to 60 mg p.o. t.i.d.,2. Digoxin 0.25 mg daily.,3. Coumadin, adjusted dose.,4. Clindamycin.,PHYSICAL EXAMINATION,VITAL SIGNS: Pulse 122 and blood pressure 102/68.,LUNGS: Air entry decreased.,HEART: PMI is displaced. S1 and S2 are irregular.,ABDOMEN: Soft and nontender.,IMPRESSION:,1. Pulmonary disorder with lung mass.,2. Pleural effusion.,3. Chronic uncontrolled atrial fibrillation secondary to pulmonary disorder.,RECOMMENDATIONS:,1. From cardiac standpoint, follow with pulmonary treatment.,2. The patient has an INR of 2.09. She is on anticoagulation. Atrial fibrillation is chronic with the rate increased.,Adjust the medications accordingly as above.

Numbness and tingling in the right upper extremity, intermittent and related to the positioning of the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome suspected.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

SOAP - Numbness & Tingling

SUBJECTIVE: , This patient presents to the office today because of some problems with her right hand. It has been going tingling and getting numb periodically over several weeks. She just recently moved her keyboard down at work. She is hoping that will help. She is worried about carpal tunnel. She does a lot of repetitive type activities. It is worse at night. If she sleeps on it a certain way, she will wake up and it will be tingling then she can usually shake out the tingling, but nonetheless it is very bothersome for her. It involves mostly the middle finger, although, she says it also involves the first and second digits on the right hand. She has some pain in her thumb as well. She thinks that could be arthritis.,OBJECTIVE: , Weight 213.2 pounds, blood pressure 142/84, pulse 92, respirations 16. General: The patient is nontoxic and in no acute distress. Musculoskeletal: The right hand was examined. It appears to be within normal limits and the appearance is similar to the left hand. She has good and equal grip strength noted bilaterally. She has negative Tinel's bilaterally. She has a positive Phalen's test. The fingers on the right hand are neurovascularly intact with a normal capillary refill.,ASSESSMENT: ,Numbness and tingling in the right upper extremity, intermittent and related to the positioning of the wrist. I suspect carpal tunnel syndrome.,PLAN: ,The patient is going to use Anaprox double strength one pill every 12 hours with food as well as a cock-up wrist splint. We are going to try this for two weeks and if the condition is still present, then we are going to proceed with EMG test at that time. She is going to let me know. While she is here, I am going to also get her the blood test she needs for her diabetes. I am noting that her blood pressure is elevated, but improved from the last visit. I also noticed that she has lost a lot of weight. She is working on diet and exercise and she is doing a great job. Right now for the blood pressure we are going to continue to observe as she carries forward additional measures in her diet and exercise to lose more weight and I expect the blood pressure will continue to improve.

MRI demonstrated right contrast-enhancing temporal mass.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

SOAP - Temporal Mass

SUBJECTIVE: , The patient is a 55-year-old African-American male that was last seen in clinic on 07/29/2008 with diagnosis of new onset seizures and an MRI scan, which demonstrated right contrast-enhancing temporal mass. Given the characteristics of this mass and his new onset seizures, it is significantly concerning for a high-grade glioma. ,OBJECTIVE: , The patient is alert and oriented times three, GCS of 15. Cranial nerves II to XII are grossly intact. Motor exam demonstrates 5/5 strength in all four extremities. Sensation is intact to light touch, pain, temperature, and proprioception. Cerebellar exam is intact. Gait is normal and tandem on heels and toes. Speech is appropriate. Judgment is intact. Pupils are equal and reactive to light.,ASSESSMENT AND PLAN: , The patient is a 55-year-old African-American male with a new diagnosis of rim-enhancing right temporal mass. Given the characteristics of the MRI scan, it is highly likely that he demonstrates high-grade glioma and concerning for glioblastoma multiforme. We have discussed in length the possible benefits of biopsy, surgical resection, medical management, as well as chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and doing nothing. Given the high probability that the mass represents a high-grade glioma, the patient, after weighing the risks and the benefits of surgery, has agreed to undergo a surgical biopsy and resection of the mass as well as concomitant chemotherapy and radiation as the diagnosis demonstrates a high-grade glioma. The patient has signed consent for his right temporal craniotomy for biopsy and likely resection of right temporal brain tumor. He agrees that he will be n.p.o. after mid night on Wednesday night. He is sent for preoperative assessment with the Anesthesiology tomorrow morning. He has undergone vocational rehab assessment.

Followup after a full-night sleep study performed to evaluate her for daytime fatigue and insomnia. This patient presents with history of sleep disruption and daytime sleepiness with fatigue. Her symptoms are multifactorial.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Sleep Study Followup

REASON FOR VISIT:, This 48-year-old woman returns in followup after a full-night sleep study performed to evaluate her for daytime fatigue and insomnia.,HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS: , The patient presented initially to the Pulmonary Clinic with dyspnea on minimal exertion. At that time, she was evaluated and found to have evidence for sleep disruption and daytime fatigue. She also complained of nocturnal choking episodes that have since abated over the past several months. In the meantime, she had been scheduled for an overnight sleep study performed to evaluate her for sleep apnea, returns today to review her study results.,The patient's sleep patterns consist of going to bed between 9.00 and 10.00 p.m. and awakening in the morning between 5.00 and 6.00 a.m. She reports difficulty in initiating sleep and then recurrent awakenings every 1 to 2 hours throughout the night. She reports tossing and turning throughout the night and awakening with the sheets in disarray. She reports that her sleep was much better quality in the sleep laboratory as compared to home. When she awakens, she might have a dull headache and feels tired in the morning. Her daughter reports that she has heard the patient talking during sleep and snoring. There are no apneic episodes. The patient reports that she used to cough a lot in the middle of the night, but has no longer been doing so in recent weeks.,During the daytime, the patient reports spending a lot of sedentary time reading and watching TV. She routinely dozes off during these sedentary activities. She also might nap between 2.00 and 3.00 p.m., and nods off in the evening hours.,The patient smokes perhaps one to two packs of cigarettes per day, particularly after dinner.,She reports that her weight has fluctuated and peaked at 260 pounds approximately 1 year ago. Since that time, her weight is down by approximately 30 pounds.,The patient is managed in Outpatient Psychiatry and at her Maintenance Clinic. She takes methadone, trazodone, and Seroquel.,PAST MEDICAL HISTORY:,1. Depression.,2. Hepatitis C.,3. Hypertension.,4. Inhaled and intravenous drug abuse history.,The patient has a history of smoking two packs per day of cigarettes for approximately 25 pounds. She also has a history of recurrent atypical chest pain for which she has been evaluated.,FAMILY HISTORY: , As previously documented.,SOCIAL HISTORY: ,The patient has a history of inhalation on intravenous drug abuse. She is currently on methadone maintenance. She is being followed in Psychiatry for depression and substance abuse issues. She lives with a room-mate.,REVIEW OF SYSTEMS:, Not contributory.,MEDICATIONS: , Current medications include the following:,1. Methadone 110 mg by mouth every day.,2. Paxil 60 mg by mouth every day.,3. Trazodone 30 mg by mouth nightly.,4. Seroquel 20 mg by mouth nightly.,5. Avalide (irbesartan) and hydrochlorothiazide.,6. Albuterol and Flovent inhalers two puffs by mouth twice a day.,7. Atrovent as needed.,FINDINGS: , Vital Signs: Blood pressure 126/84, pulse 67, respiratory rate 18, weight 232 pounds, height 5 feet 8 inches, temperature 97.4 degrees, SaO2 is 99 percent on room air at rest. HEENT: Sclerae anicteric. Conjunctivae pink. Extraocular movements are intact. Pupils are equal, round, and reactive to light. The nasal passages show deviation in the nasal septum to the right. There is a slight bloody exudate at the right naris. Some nasal mucosal edema was noted with serous exudate bilaterally. The jaw is not foreshortened. The tongue is not large. Mallampati airway score was 3. The oropharynx was not shallow. There is no pharyngeal mucosa hypertrophy. No tonsillar tissue noted. The tongue is not large. Neck is supple. Thyroid without nodules or masses. Carotid upstrokes normal. No bruits. No jugular venous distention. Chest is clear to auscultation and percussion. No wheezing, rales, rhonchi or adventitious sounds. No prolongation of the expiratory phase. Cardiac: PMI not palpable. Regular rate and rhythm. S1 and S2 normal. No murmurs or gallops. Abdomen: Nontender. Bowel sounds normal. No liver or spleen palpable. Extremities: No clubbing or cyanosis. There is 1+ pretibial edema. Pulses are 2+ in upper and lower extremities. Neurologic: Grossly nonfocal.,LABORATORIES:, Pulmonary function studies reportedly show a mild restrictive ventilatory defect without obstruction. Diffusing capacity is well preserved.,An overnight sleep study was performed on this patient at the end of 02/07. At that time, she reported that her sleep was better in the laboratories compared to home. She slept for a total sleep time of 398 minutes out of 432 minutes in bed (sleep proficiency 92 percent). She fell asleep in the middle of latency of less than 1 minute. She woke up after sleep onset of 34 minutes. She had stage I sleep that was some elevated at 28 percent of total sleep time, and stage I sleep is predominantly evident in the lateral portion of the night. The remainders were stage II at 69 percent, stage III and IV at 3 percent of total sleep time.,The patient had no REM sleep.,The patient had no periodic limb movements during sleep.,The patient had no significant sleep-disordered breathing during non-REM sleep with less than one episode per hour. Oxyhemoglobin saturation remained in the low to mid 90s throughout the night.,Intermittent inspiratory flow limitation compatible with snoring was observed during non-REM sleep.,ASSESSMENT AND PLAN: , This patient presents with history of sleep disruption and daytime sleepiness with fatigue. Her symptoms are multifactorial.,Regarding the etiology of difficulty in initiating and maintaining sleep, the patient has a component of psychophysiologic insomnia, based on reports of better sleep in the laboratory as compared to home. In addition, nontrivial smoking in the home setting may be contributing significantly to sleep disruption.,Regarding her daytime sleepiness, the patient is taking a number of long-acting central nervous system acting medications to sedate her and can produce a lasting sedation throughout the daytime. These include trazodone, Seroquel, and methadone. Of these medications, the methadone is clearly indicative, given the history of substance abuse. It would be desirable to reduce or discontinue trazodone and then perhaps consider doing the same with Seroquel. I brought this possibility up with the patient, and I asked her to discuss this further with her psychiatrist.,Finally, to help mitigate sleep disruption at night, I have provided her with tips for sleep hygiene. These include bedtime rituals, stimulus control therapy, and sleep restriction as well as avoidance of nicotine in the evening hours.

The patient was admitted approximately 3 days ago with increasing shortness of breath secondary to pneumonia. Pulmonary Medicine Associates have been contacted to consult in light of the ICU admission.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Shortness Of Breath - Progress Note

She was evaluated this a.m. and was without any significant clinical change. Her white count has been improving and down to 12,000. A chest x-ray obtained today showed some bilateral infiltrates, but no acute cardiopulmonary change. There was a suggestion of a bilateral lower lobe pneumonitis or pneumonia.,She has been on Zosyn for the infection.,Throughout her hospitalization, we have been trying to adjust her pain medications. She states that the methadone did not work for her. She was "immune" to oxycodone. She had been on tramadol before and was placed back on that. There was some question that this may have been causing some dizziness. She also was on clonazepam and alprazolam for the underlying bipolar disorder.,Apparently, her husband was in this afternoon. He had a box of her pain medications. It is unclear whether she took a bunch of these or precisely what happened. I was contacted that she was less responsive. She periodically has some difficulty to arouse due to pain medications, which she has been requesting repeatedly, though at times does not appear to have objective signs of ongoing pain. The nurse found her and was unable to arouse her at this point. There was a concern that she had taken some medications from home. She was given Narcan and appeared to come around some. Breathing remained somewhat labored and she had some diffuse scattered rhonchi, which certainly changed from this a.m. Additional Narcan was given as well as some medications to reverse a possible benzodiazepine toxicity. With O2 via mask, oxygenation was stable at 90% to 95% after initial hypoxia was noted. A chest x-ray was obtained at this time. An ECG was obtained, which shows a sinus tachycardia, noted to have ischemic abnormalities.,In light of the acute decompensation, she was then transferred to the ICU. We will continue the IV Zosyn. Respiratory protocol with respiratory management. Continue alprazolam p.r.n., but avoid if she appears sedated. We will attempt to avoid additional pain medications, but we will continue with the Dilaudid for time being. I suspect she will need something to control her bipolar disorder.,Pulmonary Medicine Associates have been contacted to consult in light of the ICU admission. At this juncture, she does not appear to need an intubation. Pending chest x-ray, she may require additional IV furosemide.

Followup of moderate-to-severe sleep apnea. The patient returns today to review his response to CPAP. Recommended a fiberoptic ENT exam to exclude adenoidal tissue that may be contributing to obstruction.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Sleep Apnea

REASON FOR VISIT: , Mr. ABC is a 30-year-old man who returns in followup of his still moderate-to-severe sleep apnea. He returns today to review his response to CPAP.,HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS: , The patient initially presented with loud obnoxious snoring that disrupted the sleep of his bed partner. He was found to have moderate-to-severe sleep apnea (predominantly hypopnea), was treated with nasal CPAP at 10 cm H2O nasal pressure. He has been on CPAP now for several months, and returns for followup to review his response to treatment.,The patient reports that the CPAP has limited his snoring at night. Occasionally, his bed partner wakes him in the middle of the night, when the mask comes off, and reminds him to replace the mask. The patient estimates that he uses the CPAP approximately 5 to 7 nights per week, and on occasion takes it off and does not replace the mask when he awakens spontaneously in the middle of the night.,The patient's sleep pattern consists of going to bed between 11:00 and 11:30 at night and awakening between 6 to 7 a.m. on weekdays. On weekends, he might sleep until 8 to 9 a.m. On Saturday night, he might go to bed approximately mid night.,As noted, the patient is not snoring on CPAP. He denies much tossing and turning and does not awaken with the sheets in disarray. He awakens feeling relatively refreshed.,In the past few months, the patient has lost between 15 and 18 pounds in combination of dietary and exercise measures.,He continues to work at Smith Barney in downtown Baltimore. He generally works from 8 to 8:30 a.m. until approximately 5 to 5:30 p.m. He is involved in training purpose to how to sell managed funds and accounts.,The patient reports no change in daytime stamina. He has no difficulty staying awake during the daytime or evening hours.,The past medical history is notable for allergic rhinitis.,MEDICATIONS: , He is maintained on Flonase and denies much in the way of nasal symptoms.,ALLERGIES: , Molds.,FINDINGS: ,Vital signs: Blood pressure 126/75, pulse 67, respiratory rate 16, weight 172 pounds, height 5 feet 9 inches, temperature 98.4 degrees and SaO2 is 99% on room air at rest.,The patient has adenoidal facies as noted previously.,Laboratories: The patient forgot to bring his smart card in for downloading today.,ASSESSMENT: , Moderate-to-severe sleep apnea. I have recommended the patient continue CPAP indefinitely. He will be sending me his smart card for downloading to determine his CPAP usage pattern. In addition, he will continue efforts to maintain his weight at current levels or below. Should he succeed in reducing further, we might consider re-running a sleep study to determine whether he still requires a CPAP.,PLANS: , In the meantime, if it is also that the possible nasal obstruction is contributing to snoring and obstructive hypopnea. I have recommended that a fiberoptic ENT exam be performed to exclude adenoidal tissue that may be contributing to obstruction. He will be returning for routine followup in 6 months.

Refractory hypertension, much improved, history of cardiac arrhythmia and history of pacemaker secondary to AV block, history of GI bleed, and history of depression.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Refractory Hypertension - Followup

PROBLEM LIST:,1. Refractory hypertension, much improved.,2. History of cardiac arrhythmia and history of pacemaker secondary to AV block.,3. History of GI bleed in 1995.,4. History of depression.,HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS:, This is a return visit to the renal clinic for this patient. She is an 85-year-old woman with history as noted above. Her last visit was approximately four months ago. Since that time, the patient has been considerably more compliant with her antihypertensive medications and actually had a better blood pressure reading today than she had had for many visits previously. She is not reporting any untoward side effect. She is not having weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, chest pain, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. She has no orthopnea. Her exercise capacity is about the same. The only problem she has is musculoskeletal and that pain in the right buttock, she thinks originating from her spine. No history of extremity pain.,CURRENT MEDICATIONS:,1. Triamterene/hydrochlorothiazide 37.5/25 mg.,2. Norvasc 10 mg daily.,3. Atenolol 50 mg a day.,4. Atacand 32 mg a day.,5. Cardura 4 mg a day.,PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:,VITAL SIGNS: Temperature 36.2, pulse 47, respirations 16, and blood pressure 157/56. THORAX: Revealed lungs that are clear, PA and lateral without adventitious sounds. CARDIOVASCULAR: Demonstrated regular rate and rhythm. S1 and S2 without murmur. No S3. I could not hear murmur today. ABDOMEN: Above plane, but nontender. EXTREMITIES: Revealed no edema.,ASSESSMENT:, This is a return visit for this patient who has refractory hypertension. This seems to be doing very well given her current blood pressure reading, at least much improved from what she had been previously. We had discussed with her in the past beginning to see an internist at the senior center. She apparently had an appointment scheduled and it was missed. We are going to reschedule that today given her overall state of well-being and the fact that she has no evidence of GFR that is greater than 60%.,PLAN: , The plan will be for her to follow up at the senior center for her routine health care, and should the need arise for further management of blood pressure, a referral back to us. In the meantime, we will discharge her from our practice. Should there be confusion or difficulty getting in the senior center, we can always see her back in followup

A 33-year-old black male with main complaint of sexual dysfunction, would like to try Cialis.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Sexual Dysfunction - Chart Note

SUBJECTIVE:, The patient is a 33-year-old black male who comes in to the office today main complaint of sexual dysfunction. Patient reports that he would like to try Cialis to see if it will improve his erectile performance. Patient states that he did a quiz on-line at the Cialis web site and did not score in the normal range, so he thought he should come in. Patient states that perhaps his desire has been slightly decreased, but that has not been the primary problem. In discussing with me directly, patient primarily expresses that he would like to have his erections last longer. However, looking at the quiz as he filled it out, he reported that much less than half the time was he able to get erections during sexual activity and only about half of the time he was able to maintain his erection after penetration. However, he only reports that it is slightly difficult to maintain the erection until completion of intercourse. Patient has no significant past medical history. He has never had any previous testicular infections. He denies any history of injuries to the groin and he has never been told that he has a hernia.,CURRENT MEDICATIONS:, None.,ALLERGIES: , No drug allergies.,SOCIAL: , Only occasionally drinks alcohol and he is a nonsmoker. He currently is working as a nurse aid, second shift, at a nursing home. He states that he did not enroll in Wichita State this semester. Stating he just was tired and wanted to take some time off. He states he is in a relationship with one partner and denies any specific stress in the relationship.,OBJECTIVE:,General: He appears in no distress.,Vital Signs: Blood pressure: With large cuff is 120/90.,Lungs: Clear to auscultation.,Cardiovascular: Normal S1-S2 without murmur.,Abdomen: Soft, nontender. Femoral pulses are 2+.,GU: Testicles descended bilaterally. No evidence of masses. No evidence of inguinal hernias.,ASSESSMENT:, Sexual dysfunction.,PLAN:, We will check a free and total testosterone level as he does note some diminished desire. He was given a sample of Cialis 10 mg with instructions on usage and a prescription for that if that is successful. He will follow up here p.r.n. Lastly, I did give him a blood pressure recording card, as his blood pressure is borderline today. He will have that checked weekly at his workplace and follow up if they remain elevated.

Epicondylitis. history of lupus. Injected with 40-mg of Kenalog mixed with 1 cc of lidocaine.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Rheumatology Progress Note

SUBJECTIVE:, The patient is here for a follow-up. The patient has a history of lupus, currently on Plaquenil 200-mg b.i.d. Eye report was noted and appreciated. The patient states that she is having some aches and pains of the hands and elbows that started recently a few weeks ago. She denied having any trauma. She states that the pain is bothering her. She denies having any fevers, chills, or any joint effusion or swelling at this point. She noted also that there is some increase in her hair loss in the recent times.,OBJECTIVE:, The patient is alert and oriented. General physical exam is unremarkable. Musculoskeletal exam reveals positive tenderness in both lateral epicondyles of both elbows, no effusion. Hand examination is unremarkable today. The rest of the musculoskeletal exam is unremarkable.,ASSESSMENT:, Epicondylitis, both elbows, possibly secondary to lupus flare-up.,PLAN:, We will inject both elbows with 40-mg of Kenalog mixed with 1 cc of lidocaine. The posterior approach was chosen under sterile conditions. The patient tolerated both procedures well. I will obtain CBC and urinalysis today. If the patient's pain does not improve, I will consider adding methotrexate to her therapy.,Sample Doctor M.D.

Patient returns to Pulmonary Medicine Clinic for followup evaluation of COPD and emphysema.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Pulmonary Medicine Clinic Followup

SUBJECTIVE:, The patient returns to the Pulmonary Medicine Clinic for followup evaluation of COPD and emphysema. She was last seen in the clinic in March 2004. Since that time, she has been hospitalized for psychiatric problems and now is in a nursing facility. She is very frustrated with her living situation and would like to return to her own apartment, however, some believes she is to ill to care for herself.,At the present time, respiratory status is relatively stable. She is still short of breath with activity, but all-in-all her pulmonary disease has not changed significantly since her last visit. She does have occasional cough and a small amount of sputum production. No fever or chills. No chest pains.,CURRENT MEDICATIONS:, The patient’s current medications are as outlined.,ALLERGIES TO MEDICATIONS:, Erythromycin.,REVIEW OF SYSTEMS:, Significant for problems with agitated depression. Her respiratory status is unchanged as noted above.,EXAMINATION:,General: The patient is in no acute distress.,Vital signs: Blood pressure is 152/80, pulse 80 and respiratory rate 16.,HEENT: Nasal mucosa was mild-to-moderately erythematous and edematous. Oropharynx was clear.,Neck: Supple without palpable lymphadenopathy.,Chest: Chest demonstrates decreased breath sounds throughout all lung fields, coarse but relatively clear.,Cardiovascular: Distant heart tones. Regular rate and rhythm.,Abdomen: Soft and nontender.,Extremities: Without edema.,Oxygen saturation was checked today on room air, at rest it was 90%.,ASSESSMENT:,1. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/emphysema, severe but stable.,2. Mild hypoxemia, however, oxygen saturation at rest is stable without supplemental oxygen.,3. History of depression and schizophrenia.,PLAN:, At this point, I have recommended that she continue current respiratory medicine. I did suggest that she would not use her oxygen when she is simply sitting, watching television or reading. I have recommended that she use it with activity and at night. I spoke with her about her living situation. Encouraged her to speak with her family, as well as primary care physician about making efforts for her to return to her apartment. Follow up evaluation is planned in Pulmonary Medicine Clinic in approximately three months or sooner if need be.

Followup left-sided rotator cuff tear and cervical spinal stenosis. Physical examination and radiographic findings are compatible with left shoulder pain and left upper extremity pain, which is due to a combination of left-sided rotator cuff tear and moderate cervical spinal stenosis.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Rotator Cuff Tear

REASON FOR VISIT: , Followup left-sided rotator cuff tear and cervical spinal stenosis.,HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS: , Ms. ABC returns today for followup regarding her left shoulder pain and left upper extremity C6 radiculopathy. I had last seen her on 06/21/07.,At that time, she had been referred to me Dr. X and Dr. Y for evaluation of her left-sided C6 radiculopathy. She also had a significant rotator cuff tear and is currently being evaluated for left-sided rotator cuff repair surgery, I believe on, approximately 07/20/07. At our last visit, I only had a report of her prior cervical spine MRI. I did not have any recent images. I referred her for cervical spine MRI and she returns today.,She states that her symptoms are unchanged. She continues to have significant left-sided shoulder pain for which she is being evaluated and is scheduled for surgery with Dr. Y.,She also has a second component of pain, which radiates down the left arm in a C6 distribution to the level of the wrist. She has some associated minimal weakness described in detail in our prior office note. No significant right upper extremity symptoms. No bowel, bladder dysfunction. No difficulty with ambulation.,FINDINGS: , On examination, she has 4 plus over 5 strength in the left biceps and triceps muscle groups, 4 out of 5 left deltoid, 5 out of 5 otherwise in both muscle groups and all muscle groups of upper extremities. Light touch sensation is minimally decreased in the left C6 distribution; otherwise, intact. Biceps and brachioradialis reflexes are 1 plus. Hoffmann sign normal bilaterally. Motor strength is 5 out of 5 in all muscle groups in lower extremities. Hawkins and Neer impingement signs are positive at the left shoulder.,An EMG study performed on 06/08/07 demonstrates no evidence of radiculopathy or plexopathy or nerve entrapment to the left upper extremity.,Cervical spine MRI dated 06/28/07 is reviewed. It is relatively limited study due to artifact. He does demonstrate evidence of minimal-to-moderate stenosis at the C5-C6 level but without evidence of cord impingement or cord signal change. There appears to be left paracentral disc herniation at the C5-C6 level, although axial T2-weighted images are quite limited.,ASSESSMENT AND PLAN: , Ms. ABC's history, physical examination and radiographic findings are compatible with left shoulder pain and left upper extremity pain, which is due to a combination of left-sided rotator cuff tear and moderate cervical spinal stenosis.,I agree with the plan to go ahead and continue with rotator cuff surgery. With regard to the radiculopathy, I believe this can be treated non-operatively to begin with. I am referring her for consideration of cervical epidural steroid injections. The improvement in her pain may help her recover better from the shoulder surgery.,I will see her back in followup in 3 months, at which time she will be recovering from a shoulder surgery and we will see if she needs any further intervention with regard to the cervical spine.,I will also be in touch with Dr. Y to let him know this information prior to the surgery in several weeks.

A 6-year-old male with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, doing fairly well with the Adderall.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Recheck of ADHD Meds

SUBJECTIVE:, This is a 6-year-old male who comes in rechecking his ADHD medicines. We placed him on Adderall, first time he has been on a stimulant medication last month. Mother said the next day, he had a wonderful improvement, and he has been doing very well with the medicine. She has two concerns. It seems like first thing in the morning after he takes the medicine and it seems like it takes a while for the medicine to kick in. It wears off about 2 and they have problems in the evening with him. He was initially having difficulty with his appetite but that seems to be coming back but it is more the problems early in the morning after he takes this medicine than in the afternoon when the thing wears off. His teachers have seen a dramatic improvement and she did miss a dose this past weekend and said he was just horrible. The patient even commented that he thought he needed his medication.,PAST HISTORY:, Reviewed from appointment on 08/16/2004.,CURRENT MEDICATIONS:, He is on Adderall XR 10 mg once daily.,ALLERGIES: , To medicines are none.,FAMILY AND SOCIAL HISTORY:, Reviewed from appointment on 08/16/2004.,REVIEW OF SYSTEMS:, He has been having problems as mentioned in the morning and later in the afternoon but he has been eating well, sleeping okay. Review of systems is otherwise negative.,OBJECTIVE:, Weight is 46.5 pounds, which is down just a little bit from his appointment last month. He was 49 pounds, but otherwise, fairly well controlled, not all that active in the exam room. Physical exam itself was deferred today because he has otherwise been very healthy.,ASSESSMENT:, At this point is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, doing fairly well with the Adderall.,PLAN:, Discussed with mother two options. Switch him to the Ritalin LA, which I think has better release of the medicine early in the morning or to increase his Adderall dose. As far as the afternoon, if she really wanted him to be on the medication, we will do a small dose of the Adderall, which she would prefer. So I have decided at this point to increase him to the Adderall XR 15 mg in the morning and then Adderall 5 mg in the afternoon. Mother is to watch his diet. We would like to recheck his weight if he is doing very well, in two months. But if there are any problems, especially in the morning then we would do the Ritalin LA. Mother understands and will call if there are problems. Approximately 25 minutes spent with patient, all in discussion.

Pulmonary Medicine Clinic for followup evaluation of interstitial disease secondary to lupus pneumonitis.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Pulmonary - Followup Note

SUBJECTIVE:, The patient returns to the Pulmonary Medicine Clinic for followup evaluation of interstitial disease secondary to lupus pneumonitis. She was last seen in the Pulmonary Medicine Clinic in January 2004. Since that time, her respiratory status has been quite good. She has had no major respiratory difficulties; however, starting yesterday she began with increasing back and joint pain and as a result a deep breath has caused some back discomfort. She denies any problems with cough or sputum production. No fevers or chills. Recently, she has had a bit more problems with fatigue. For the most part, she has had no pulmonary limitations to her activity.,CURRENT MEDICATIONS:, Synthroid 0.112 mg daily; Prilosec 20 mg daily; prednisone, she was 2.5 mg daily, but discontinued this on 06/16/2004; Plaquenil 200 mg b.i.d.; Imuran 100 mg daily; Advair one puff b.i.d.; Premarin 0.3 mg daily; Lipitor 10 mg Monday through Friday; Actonel 35 mg weekly; and aspirin 81 mg daily. She is also on calcium, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin C and a multivitamin.,ALLERGIES:, Penicillin and also intolerance to shellfish.,REVIEW OF SYSTEMS:, Noncontributory except as outlined above.,EXAMINATION:,General: The patient was in no acute distress.,Vital signs: Blood pressure 122/60, pulse 72 and respiratory rate 16.,HEENT: Nasal mucosa was mild-to-moderately erythematous and edematous. Oropharynx was clear.,Neck: Supple without palpable lymphadenopathy.,Chest: Chest demonstrates decreased breath sounds, but clear.,Cardiovascular: Regular rate and rhythm.,Abdomen: Soft and nontender.,Extremities: Without edema. No skin lesions.,O2 saturation was checked at rest. On room air it was 96% and on ambulation it varied between 94% and 96%. Chest x-ray obtained today showed mild increased interstitial markings consistent with a history of lupus pneumonitis. She has not had the previous chest x-ray with which to compare; however, I did compare the markings was less prominent when compared with previous CT scan.,ASSESSMENT:,1. Lupus with mild pneumonitis.,2. Respiratory status is stable.,3. Increasing back and joint pain, possibly related to patient’s lupus, however, in fact may be related to recent discontinuation of prednisone.,PLAN:, At this time, I have recommended to continue her current medications. We would like to see her back in approximately four to five months, at which time I would like to recheck her pulmonary function test as well as check CAT scan. At that point, it may be reasonable to consider weaning her Imuran if her pulmonary status is stable and the lupus appears to be under control.

A 16-year-old male with Q-fever endocarditis.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Q-Fever Endocarditis

HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS: , This is a follow-up visit on this 16-year-old male who is currently receiving doxycycline 150 mg by mouth twice daily as well as hydroxychloroquine 200 mg by mouth three times a day for Q-fever endocarditis. He is also taking digoxin, aspirin, warfarin, and furosemide. Mother reports that he does have problems with 2-3 loose stools per day since September, but tolerates this relatively well. This has not increased in frequency recently.,Mark recently underwent surgery at Children's Hospital and had on 10/15/2007, replacement of pulmonary homograft valve, resection of a pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm, and insertion of Gore-Tex membrane pericardial substitute. He tolerated this procedure well. He has been doing well at home since that time.,PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:,VITAL SIGNS: Temperature is 98.5, pulse 84, respirations 19, blood pressure 101/57, weight 77.7 kg, and height 159.9 cm.,GENERAL APPEARANCE: Well-developed, well-nourished, slightly obese, slightly dysmorphic male in no obvious distress.,HEENT: Remarkable for the badly degenerated left lower molar. Funduscopic exam is unremarkable.,NECK: Supple without adenopathy.,CHEST: Clear including the sternal wound.,CARDIOVASCULAR: A 3/6 systolic murmur heard best over the upper left sternal border.,ABDOMEN: Soft. He does have an enlarged spleen, however, given his obesity, I cannot accurately measure its size.,GU: Deferred.,EXTREMITIES: Examination of extremities reveals no embolic phenomenon.,SKIN: Free of lesions.,NEUROLOGIC: Grossly within normal limits.,LABORATORY DATA: , Doxycycline level obtained on 10/05/2007 as an outpatient was less than 0.5. Hydroxychloroquine level obtained at that time was undetectable. Of note is that doxycycline level obtained while in the hospital on 10/21/2007 was 6.5 mcg/mL. Q-fever serology obtained on 10/05/2007 was positive for phase I antibodies in 1/2/6 and phase II antibodies at 1/128, which is an improvement over previous elevated titers. Studies on the pulmonary valve tissue removed at surgery are pending.,IMPRESSION: , Q-fever endocarditis.,PLAN: ,1. Continue doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine. I carefully questioned mother about compliance and concomitant use of dairy products while taking these medications. She assures me that he is compliant with his medications. We will however repeat his hydroxychloroquine and doxycycline levels.,2. Repeat Q-fever serology.,3. Comprehensive metabolic panel and CBC.,4. Return to clinic in 4 weeks.,5. Clotting times are being followed by Dr. X.

Moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, 1+ enlarged prostate with normal seminal vesicles.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Prostate Adenocarcinoma - 3

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: , The patient is a 63-year-old executive who was seen by his physician for a company physical. He stated that he was in excellent health and led an active life. His physical examination was normal for a man of his age. Chest x-ray and chemical screening blood work were within normal limits. His PSA was elevated.,IMAGING:,Chest x-ray: Normal.,CT scan of abdomen and pelvis: No abnormalities.,LABORATORY:, PSA 14.6.,PROCEDURES: , Ultrasound guided sextant biopsy of prostate: Digital rectal exam performed at the time of the biopsy showed a 1+ enlarged prostate with normal seminal vesicles.,PATHOLOGY: ,Prostate biopsy: Left apex: adenocarcinoma, moderately differentiated, Gleason's score 3 + 4 = 7/10. Maximum linear extent in apex of tumor was 6 mm. Left mid region prostate: moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, Gleason's 3 + 2 = 5/10. Left base, right apex, and right mid-region and right base: negative for carcinoma.,TREATMENT:, The patient opted for low dose rate interstitial prostatic implants of I-125. It was performed as an outpatient on 8/10.

Moderate to poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma in the right lobe and poorly differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma in the left lobe of prostate.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Prostate Adenocarcinoma - 2

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:, This 71-year-old man went to his primary care physician for a routine physical. His only complaints were nocturia times two and a gradual "slowing down" feeling. The physical examination on 1/29 was within normal limits except for the digital rectal exam which revealed an asymmetric prostate gland with nodularity, R>L. PSA was elevated. The differential diagnosis for the visit was abnormal prostate, suggestive of CA.,IMAGING: ,CT pelvis: Irregular indentation of bladder. Seminal vesicles enlarged. Streaky densities in periprostatic fat consistent with transcapular spread to periprostatic plexus. Impression: prostatic malignancy with extracapsular extension and probable regional node metastasis.,Bone scan: Negative for distant metastasis.,LABORATORY:, PSA 32.1,PROCEDURES:, Transrectal needle biopsy of prostate. Pelvic lymphadenectomy and radical prostatectomy.,PATHOLOGY: ,Prostate biopsy: Moderate to poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma in the right lobe and poorly differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma in the left lobe of prostate.,Lymphadenectomy and prostatectomy: Frozen section of removed pelvic lymph nodes demonstrated metastatic adenocarcinoma in one lymph node in the right obturator fossa. Therefore, the radical prostatectomy was canceled. ,Final pathology diagnosis: Pelvic lymphadenectomy; left obturator fossa, single negative lymph node. Right obturator fossa; metastatic adenocarcinoma in 1/5 lymph nodes. Largest involved node 1.5 cm.,TREATMENT: , Patient began external beam radiation therapy to the pelvis.

A 65-year-old man with chronic prostatitis returns for recheck.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Prostatitis - Recheck

SUBJECTIVE:, The patient is a 65-year-old man with chronic prostatitis who returns for recheck. He follow with Dr. XYZ about every three to four months. His last appointment was in May 2004. Has had decreased libido since he has been on Proscar. He had tried Viagra with some improvement. He has not had any urinary tract infection since he has been on Proscar. Has nocturia x 3 to 4.,PAST MEDICAL HISTORY/SURGERIES/HOSPITALIZATIONS: ,Soon after birth for treatment of an inperforated anus and curvature of the penis. At the age of 70 had another penile operation. At the age of 27 and 28 he had repeat operations to correct this. He did have complications of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism with one of those operations. He has had procedures in the past for hypospadias, underwent an operation in 1988 to remove some tissue block in the anus. In January of 1991 underwent cystoscopy. He was hospitalized in 1970 for treatment of urinary tract infection. In 2001, left rotator cuff repair with acromioplasty and distal clavicle resection. In 2001, colonoscopy that was normal. In 2001, prostate biopsy that showed chronic prostatitis. In 2003, left inguinal hernia repair with MESH.,MEDICATIONS:, Bactrim DS one pill a day, Proscar 5 mg a day, Flomax 0.4 mg daily. He also uses Metamucil four times daily and stool softeners for bedtime.,ALLERGIES:, Cipro.,FAMILY HISTORY:, Father died from CA at the age of 79. Mother died from postoperative infection at the age of 81. Brother died from pancreatitis at the age of 40 and had a prior history of mental illness. Father also had a prior history of lung cancer. Mother had a history of breast cancer. Father also had glaucoma. He does not have any living siblings. Friend died a year and half ago.,PERSONAL HISTORY:, Negative for use of alcohol or tobacco. He is a professor at College and teaches history and bible.,REVIEW OF SYSTEMS:,Eyes, nose and throat: Wears eye glasses. Has had some gradual decreased hearing ability.,Pulmonary: Denies difficulty with cough or sputum production or hemoptysis.,Cardiac: Denies palpitations, chest pain, orthopnea, nocturnal dyspnea, or edema.,Gastrointestinal: Has had difficulty with constipation. He denies any positive stools. Denies peptic ulcer disease. Denies reflux or melena.,Genitourinary: As mentioned previously.,Neurologic: Without symptoms.,Bones and Joints: He has had occasional back pain.,Hematologic: Occasionally has had some soreness in the right axillary region, but has not had known lymphadenopathy.,Endocrine: He has not had a history of hypercholesterolemia or diabetes.,Dermatologic: Without symptoms.,Immunization: He had pneumococcal vaccination about three years ago. Had an adult DT immunization five years ago.,PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:,Vital Signs: Weight: 202.8 pounds. Blood pressure: 126/72. Pulse: 60. Temperature: 96.8 degrees.,General Appearance: He is a middle-aged man who is not in any acute distress.,HEENT: Eyes: Pupils are equally regular, round and reactive to light. Extraocular movements are intact without nystagmus. Visual fields were full to direct confrontation. Funduscopic exam reveals middle size disc with sharp margins. Ears: Tympanic membranes are clear. Mouth: No oral mucosal lesions are seen.,Neck: Without adenopathy or thyromegaly.,Chest: Lungs are resonant to percussion. Auscultation reveals normal breath sounds.,Heart: Normal S1 and S2 without gallops or rubs.,Abdomen: Without tenderness or masses to palpation.,Genitorectal exam: Not repeated since these have been performed recently by Dr. Tandoc.,Extremities: Without edema.,Neurologic: Reflexes are +2 and symmetric throughout. Babinski is negative and sensation is intact. Cranial nerves are intact without localizing signs. Cerebellar tension is normal.,IMPRESSION/PLAN:,1. Chronic prostatitis. He has been stable in this regard.,2. Constipation. He is encouraged to continue with his present measures. Additionally, a TSH level will be obtained.,3. Erectile dysfunction. Testosterone level and comprehensive metabolic profile will be obtained.,4. Anemia. CBC will be rechecked. Additional stools for occult blood will be rechecked.

Prostate gland showing moderately differentiated infiltrating adenocarcinoma - Excised prostate including capsule, pelvic lymph nodes, seminal vesicles, and small portion of bladder neck.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Prostate Adenocarcinoma - 4

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:, Patient is a 46-year-old white male seen for annual physical exam and had an incidental PSA elevation of 4.0. All other systems were normal.,PROCEDURES: ,Sextant biopsy of the prostate.,Radical prostatectomy: Excised prostate including capsule, pelvic lymph nodes, seminal vesicles, and small portion of bladder neck.,PATHOLOGY:,Prostate biopsy: Right lobe, negative. Left lobe, small focus of adenocarcinoma, Gleason's 3 + 3 in approximately 5% of the tissue.,Radical prostatectomy: Negative lymph nodes. Prostate gland showing moderately differentiated infiltrating adenocarcinoma, Gleason 3 + 2 extending to the apex involving both lobes of the prostate, mainly right. Tumor overall involved less than 5% of the tissue. Surgical margin was reported and involved at the apex. The capsule and seminal vesicles were free.,DISCHARGE NOTE:, Patient has made good post-op recovery other than mild urgency incontinence. His post-op PSA is 0.1 mg/ml.

Complete urinary obstruction, underwent a transurethral resection of the prostate - adenocarcinoma of the prostate.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Prostate Adenocarcinoma - 1

HISTORY:, This 75-year-old man was transferred from the nursing home where he lived to the hospital late at night on 4/11 through the Emergency Department in complete urinary obstruction. After catheterization, the patient underwent cystoscopy on 4/13. On 4/14 the patient underwent a transurethral resection of the prostate and was discharged back to the nursing home later that day with voiding improved. Final diagnosis was adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Because of his mental status and general debility, the patient's family declined additional treatment.,LABORATORY:, None,PROCEDURES:,Cystoscopy: Blockage of the urethra by a markedly enlarged prostate.,Transurethral resection of prostate: 45 grams of tissue were sent to the Pathology Department for analysis.,PATHOLOGY: , Well differentiated adenocarcinoma, microacinar type, in 1 of 25 chips of prostatic tissue.

The patient returns for followup evaluation 21 months after undergoing prostate fossa irradiation for recurrent Gleason 8 adenocarcinoma. Concerning slow ongoing rise in PSA.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Prostate Fossa Irradiation - Followup

HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS: , The patient returns for followup evaluation 21 months after undergoing prostate fossa irradiation for recurrent Gleason 8 adenocarcinoma. His urinary function had been stable until 2 days ago. Over the past couple of days he has been waking every 1 to 1-1/2 hours and has had associated abdominal cramping, as well as a bit of sore throat (his wife has had a cold for about 2 weeks). His libido remains intact (but he has not been sexually functional), but his erections have been dysfunctional. The bowel function is stable with occasional irritative hemorrhoidal symptoms. He has had no hematochezia. The PSA has been slowly rising in recent months. This month it reached 1.2.,PAIN ASSESSMENT: , Abdominal cramping in the past 2 days. No more than 1 to 2 of 10 in intensity.,PERFORMANCE STATUS: , Karnofsky score 100. He continues to work full-time.,NUTRITIONAL STATUS: , Appetite has been depressed over the past couple of days, and he has lost about 5 pounds. (Per him, mostly this week.),PSYCHIATRIC: , Some stress regarding upcoming IRS audits of clients.,REVIEW OF SYSTEMS: , Otherwise noncontributory.,MEDICATIONS,1. NyQuil.,2. Timolol eye drops.,3. Aspirin.,4. Advil.,5. Zinc.,PHYSICAL EXAMINATION,GENERAL: Pleasant, well-developed, gentleman in no acute distress. Weight is 197 pounds.,HEENT: Sclerae and conjunctivae are clear. Extraocular movement are intact. Hearing is grossly intact. The oral cavity is without thrush. There is minor pharyngitis.,LYMPH NODES: No palpable lymphadenopathy.,SKELETAL: No focal skeletal tenderness.,LUNGS: Clear to auscultation bilaterally.,CARDIOVASCULAR: Regular rate and rhythm.,ABDOMEN: Soft, nontender without palpable mass or organomegaly.,DIGITAL RECTAL EXAMINATION: There are external hemorrhoids. The prostate fossa is flat without suspicious nodularity. There is no blood on the examining glove.,EXTREMITIES: Without clubbing, cyanosis, or edema.,NEUROLOGIC: Without focal deficit.,IMPRESSION:, Concerning slow ongoing rise in PSA.,PLAN: , Discussed significance of this in detail with the patient. He understands the probability that there may be residual cancer although the location is unknown. For now there is no good evidence that early management affects the ultimate prognosis. Accordingly, he is comfortable with careful monitoring, and I have asked him to return here in 3 months with an updated PSA. I also suggested that he reestablish contact with Dr. X at his convenience.

Acute supraglottitis with airway obstruction and parapharyngeal cellulitis and peritonsillar cellulitis.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Progress Note - Supraglottitis

HISTORY: , A 59-year-old male presents in followup after being evaluated and treated as an in-patient by Dr. X for acute supraglottitis with airway obstruction and parapharyngeal cellulitis and peritonsillar cellulitis, admitted on 05/23/2008, discharged on 05/24/2008. Please refer to chart for history and physical and review of systems and medical record.,PROCEDURES PERFORMED: ,Fiberoptic laryngoscopy identifying about 30% positive Muller maneuver. No supraglottic edema; +2/4 tonsils with small tonsil cyst, mid tonsil, left.,IMPRESSION: ,1. Resolving acute supraglottic edema secondary to pharyngitis and tonsillar cellulitis.,2. Possible obstructive sleep apnea; however, the patient describes no known history of this phenomenon.,3. Hypercholesterolemia.,4. History of anxiety.,5. History of coronary artery disease.,6. Hypertension.,RECOMMENDATIONS: , Recommend continuing on Augmentin and tapered prednisone as prescribed by Dr. X. Cultures are still pending and follow up with Dr. X in the next few weeks for re-evaluation. I did discuss with the patient whether or not a sleep study would be beneficial and the patient denies any history of obstructive sleep apnea and wishes not to pursue this, but we will leave this open for him to talk with Dr. X on his followup, and he will pay more attention on his sleep pattern.

Patient developed iron deficiency anemia and had blood in his stool.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Progress Note - Iron Deficiency Anemia

HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS:, The patient is a 55-year-old gentleman, a patient of Mrs. A, who was referred to me because the patient developed iron deficiency anemia and he had blood in his stool. The patient also has chronic diarrhea. His anemia was diagnosed months ago when he presented with unusual pruritus and he got a CBC. At that time he was discovered to have hemoglobin of 9 and MCV 65. The patient also had multiple episodes of dark blood and bright blood in the stool for the last 5 months on and off. Last colonoscopy was performed by Dr. X in Las Cruces 3 years ago. At that time the patient had polyps removed from the colon, all of them were hyperplastic in nature. The patient also was diagnosed with lymphocytic colitis. He was not treated for diarrhea for more than 3 years.,PAST MEDICAL HISTORY: , Includes chronic diarrhea as I mentioned before and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease secondary to heavy smoking.,MEDICATIONS: , Iron supplement.,ALLERGIES: ,The patient has no known drug allergies.,FAMILY HISTORY:, Includes coronary artery disease, hypertension. Nobody in the family was diagnosed with any type of colon cancer or any type of other cancer.,SOCIAL HISTORY:, The patient smoked 1-1/2 packs for more than 40 years. He consumes 6 beers per day. He denies any drug use.,REVIEW OF SYSTEMS: , The patient has no night sweats. Good appetite. Stable weight. No chills, no fevers. No visual problems. No hearing problems. The patient denies any difficulty swallowing, any nausea or vomiting, any burning sensation in the esophagus. The patient has had chronic diarrhea for more than 3 years. His stool is daily, 1-2 times per day and very loose. He also admitted to have dark and bright blood in the stool on and off for more than 5 months. Respiratory review of systems was significant for COPD. The patient is not on oxygen and his COPD is mild. He denies any neurological problems, psychiatric problems, endocrine problems, hematological problems, lymphatic problems, immunological problems, allergy problems. The patient had recent episode of significant skin itching all over the body.,PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:,VITAL SIGNS: Weight 221 pounds. Height 6 feet 1 inch. Blood pressure 124/62, heart rate 87, temperature 98.4, saturation 98%. Pain is 0/10.,GENERAL: Well-developed, well-nourished, normal asthenic. Good attention to grooming.,HEENT: PERRLA. EOM intact. Oropharynx is clear of lesions. Good dentition.,NECK: Supple. No lymphadenopathy. No thyromegaly.,LUNGS: Clear to auscultation and percussion bilaterally. No wheezing, no rhonchi, no crackles.,CARDIOVASCULAR: Regular rate and rhythm. The patient had 2/6 systolic ejection murmur on aortic valve projected to carotid artery. No rubs, no gallops. No JVD. Peripheral pulses 2+ in both radialis and both dorsalis pedis bilaterally.,ABDOMEN: No masses, no tenderness. No distention. No hepatosplenomegaly. Bowel sounds present.,RECTAL: Good sphincter tone. No palpable nodules. No masses. No blood. Dark stool, the patient is taking iron. Test was sent for occult blood test.,BACK: No costovertebral tenderness bilaterally.,LYMPHATICS: The patient had no neck, axial, groin or supraclavicular lymphadenopathy on exam.,MUSCULOSKELETAL: The patient had good, stable gait. No clubbing, no cyanosis, no pitting edema. Full range of motion. No joint deformities.,SKIN: Clear of rashes and lesions. No ulcers.,NEUROLOGICAL: Cranial nerves II-XII within normal limits. Deep tendon reflexes 2+ in both knees and both biceps. Babinski negative bilaterally. Good control of bowel and urinary bladder. No local weakness.,PSYCHIATRIC: The patient had good judgment and insight. Oriented x4. Good recent and remote memory. Appropriate mood and affect.,ASSESSMENT & PLAN: ,The patient is a 55-year-old gentleman with iron deficiency anemia, blood in the stool. The patient needs evaluation for source of bleeding with a colonoscopy. The patient was explained rationale, risks, benefits, and alternatives of the procedure. He accepted the recommendation. Colonoscopy scheduled. The patient will need antibiotic prophylaxis prior to procedure because of valvular abnormality and we are not completely aware of what type of abnormality. The patient had multiple tests from a previous examination. One of the pathology reports from Dr. X from 2003 showed lymphocytic microscopic colitis, hyperplastic polyps. Reviewed also multiple lab tests including CBC, CMP. The patient had Coombs' test negative. His reticulocyte count is 2.41. His iron TIBC 514, serum iron 29, ferritin 7. He had no liver function test abnormality. PSA was in the normal range. The patient had x-ray which showed pulmonary hyperinflation and emphysema. The patient will be followed up with result of colonoscopy.

This patient is one-day postop open parathyroid exploration with subtotal parathyroidectomy and intraoperative PTH monitoring for parathyroid hyperplasia. She has had an uneventful postoperative night.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Postop Parathyroid Exploration & Parathyroidectomy

SUMMARY: ,This patient is one-day postop open parathyroid exploration with subtotal parathyroidectomy and intraoperative PTH monitoring for parathyroid hyperplasia. She has had an uneventful postoperative night. She put out 1175 mL of urine since surgery. Her incision looks good. IV site and extremities are unremarkable.,LABORATORY DATA: ,Her calcium level was 7.5 this morning. She has been on three Tums orally b.i.d. and I am increasing three Tums orally q.i.d. before meals and at bedtime.,PLAN:, I will heparin lock her IV, advance her diet, and ambulate her. I have asked her to increase her prednisone when she goes home. She will double her regular dose for the next five days. I will advance her diet. I will continue to monitor her calcium levels throughout the day. If they stabilize, I am hopeful that she will be ready for discharge either later today or tomorrow. She will be given Lortab Elixir 2 to 4 teaspoons orally every four hours p.r.n. pain, dispensed #240 mL with one refill. Her final calcium dosage will be determined prior to discharge. I will plan to see her back in the office on the 12/30/08, and she has been instructed to call or return sooner for any problems.

Followup for polycythemia vera with secondary myelofibrosis. JAK-2 positive myeloproliferative disorder. He is not a candidate for chlorambucil or radioactive phosphorus because of his young age and the concern for secondary malignancy.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Polycythemia Vera Followup

DIAGNOSIS:, Polycythemia vera with secondary myelofibrosis.,REASON FOR VISIT:, Followup of the above condition.,CHIEF COMPLAINT: , Left shin pain.,HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS: , A 55-year-old white male who carries a diagnosis of polycythemia vera with secondary myelofibrosis. Diagnosis was made some time in 2005/2006. Initially, he underwent phlebotomy. He subsequently transferred his care here. In the past, he has been on hydroxyurea and interferon but did not tolerate both of them. He is JAK-2 positive. He does not have any siblings for a match-related transplant. He was seen for consideration of a MUD transplant, but was deemed not to be a candidate because of the social support as well as his reasonably good health.,At our institution, the patient received a trial of lenalidomide and prednisone for a short period. He did well with the combination. Subsequently, he developed intolerance to lenalidomide. He complained of severe fatigue and diarrhea. This was subsequently stopped.,The patient reports some injury to his left leg last week. His left leg apparently was swollen. He took steroids for about 3 days and stopped. Left leg swelling has disappeared. The patient denies any other complaints at this point in time. He admits to smoking marijuana. He says this gives him a great appetite and he has actually gained some weight. Performance status in the ECOG scale is 1.,PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:,VITAL SIGNS: He is afebrile. Blood pressure 144/85, pulse 86, weight 61.8 kg, and respiratory rate 18 per minute. GENERAL: He is in no acute distress. HEENT: There is no pallor, icterus or cervical adenopathy that is noted. Oral cavity is normal to exam. CHEST: Clear to auscultation. CARDIOVASCULAR: S1 and S2 normal with regular rate and rhythm. ABDOMEN: Soft and nontender with no hepatomegaly. Spleen is palpable 4 fingerbreadths below the left costal margin. There is no guarding, tenderness, rebound or rigidity noted. Bowel sounds are present. EXTREMITIES: Reveal no edema. Palpation of the left tibia revealed some mild tenderness. However, I do not palpate any bony abnormalities. There is no history of deep venous thrombosis.,LABORATORY DATA: , CBC from today is significant for a white count of 41,900 with an absolute neutrophil count of 34,400, hemoglobin 14.8 with an MCV of 56.7, and platelet count 235,000.,ASSESSMENT AND PLAN:,1. JAK-2 positive myeloproliferative disorder. The patient has failed pretty much all available options. He is not a candidate for chlorambucil or radioactive phosphorus because of his young age and the concern for secondary malignancy. I have e-mailed Dr. X to see whether he will be a candidate for the LBH trial. Hopefully, we can get a JAK-2 inhibitor trial quickly on board.,2. I am concerned about the risk of thrombosis with his elevated white count. He is on aspirin prophylaxis. The patient has been told to call me with any complaints.,3. Left shin pain. I have ordered x-rays of the left tibia and knee today. The patient will return to the clinic in 3 weeks. He is to call me in the interim for any problems.

A 44-year-old, 250-pound male presents with extreme pain in his left heel.

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Plantar Fasciitis

S -, A 44-year-old, 250-pound male presents with extreme pain in his left heel. This is his chief complaint. He says that he has had this pain for about two weeks. He works on concrete floors. He says that in the mornings when he gets up or after sitting, he has extreme pain and great difficulty in walking. He also has a macular blotching of skin on his arms, face, legs, feet and the rest of his body that he says is a pigment disorder that he has had since he was 17 years old. He also has redness and infection of the right toes.,O -, The patient apparently has a pigmentation disorder, which may or may not change with time, on his arms, legs and other parts of his body, including his face. He has an erythematous moccasin-pattern tinea pedis of the plantar aspects of both feet. He has redness of the right toes 2, 3 and 4. Extreme exquisite pain can be produced by direct pressure on the plantar aspect of his left heel.,A -, 1. Plantar fasciitis.,

Outpatient rehabilitation physical therapy progress note. A 52-year-old male referred to physical therapy secondary to chronic back pain, weakness, and debilitation secondary to chronic pain.

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Physical Therapy - Outpatient Rehab

SUMMARY: ,The patient has attended physical therapy from 11/16/06 to 11/21/06. The patient has 3 call and cancels and 3 no shows. The patient has been sick for several weeks due to a cold as well as food poisoning, so has missed many appointments.,SUBJECTIVE: ,The patient states pain still significant, primarily 1st seen in the morning. The patient was evaluated 1st thing in the morning and did not take his pain medications, so objective findings may reflect that. The patient states overall functionally he is improving where he is able to get out in the house and visit and do activities outside the house more. The patient does feel like he is putting on more muscle girth as well. The patient states he is doing well with his current home exercise program and feels like pool therapy is also helping as well.,OBJECTIVE: , Physical therapy has consisted of:,1. Pool therapy incorporating endurance and general lower and upper extremity strengthening.,2. Clinical setting incorporating core stabilization and general total body strengthening and muscle wasting.,3. The patient has just begun this, so it is on a very beginners level at this time.,ASSESSMENT, DONE ON 12/21/06,STRENGTH,Activities

Six-month follow-up visit for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). She reports that she is getting occasional chest pains with activity. Sometimes she feels that at night when she is lying in bed and it concerns her.

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PAF - 6-Month Followup

REASON FOR VISIT:, Six-month follow-up visit for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF).,She reports that she is getting occasional chest pains with activity. Sometimes she feels that at night when she is lying in bed and it concerns her.,She is frustrated by her inability to lose weight even though she is hyperthyroid.,MEDICATIONS: , Tapazole 10 mg b.i.d., atenolol/chlorthalidone 50/25 mg b.i.d., Micro-K 10 mEq q.d., Lanoxin 0.125 mg q.d., spironolactone 25 mg q.d., Crestor 10 mg q.h.s., famotidine 20 mg, Bayer Aspirin 81 mg q.d., Vicodin p.r.n., and Nexium 40 mg-given samples of this today.,REVIEW OF SYSTEMS:, No palpitations. No lightheadedness or presyncope. She is having mild pedal edema, but she drinks a lot of fluid.,PEX: , BP: 112/74. PR: 70. WT: 223 pounds (up three pounds). Cardiac: Regular rate and rhythm with a 1/6 murmur at the upper sternal border. Chest: Nontender. Lungs: Clear. Abdomen: Moderately overweight. Extremities: Trace edema.,EKG: , Sinus bradycardia at 58 beats per minute, mild inferolateral ST abnormalities.,IMPRESSION:,1. Chest pain-Mild. Her EKG is mildly abnormal. Her last stress echo was in 2001. I am going to have her return for one just to make sure it is nothing serious. I suspect; however, that is more likely due to her weight and acid reflux. I gave her samples of Nexium.,2. Mild pedal edema-Has to cut down on fluid intake, weight loss will help as well, continue with the chlorthalidone.,3. PAF-Due to hypertension, hyperthyroidism and hypokalemia. Staying in sinus rhythm.,4. Hyperthyroidism-Last TSH was mildly suppressed, she had been out of her Tapazole for a while, now back on it.,5. Dyslipidemia-Samples of Crestor given.,6. LVH.,7. Menometrorrhagia.,PLAN:,1. Return for stress echo.,2. Reduce the fluid intake to help with pedal edema.,3. Nexium trial.

Overactive bladder with microscopic hematuria.

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Overactive Bladder

REASON FOR VISIT: , Overactive bladder with microscopic hematuria.,HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS: , The patient is a 56-year-old noted to have microscopic hematuria with overactive bladder. Her cystoscopy performed was unremarkable. She continues to have some episodes of frequency and urgency mostly with episodes during the day and rare at night. No gross hematuria, dysuria, pyuria, no other outlet obstructive and/or irritative voiding symptoms. The patient had been previously on Ditropan and did not do nearly as well. At this point, what we will try is a different medication. Renal ultrasound is otherwise unremarkable, notes no evidence of any other disease.,IMPRESSION: , Overactive bladder with microscopic hematuria most likely some mild atrophic vaginitis is noted. She has no other significant findings other than her overactive bladder, which had continued. At this juncture what I would like to do is try a different anticholinergic medication. She has never had any side effects from her medication.,PLAN: , The patient will discontinue Ditropan. We will start Sanctura XR and we will follow up as scheduled. Otherwise we will continue to follow her urinalysis over the next year or so.

The patient is now on his third postoperative day for an open reduction and internal fixation for two facial fractures, as well as open reduction nasal fracture. He is on his eighth hospital day.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

ORIF Facial Fractures - Followup

Mr. ABC was transferred to room 123 this afternoon. We discussed this with the nurses, and it was of course cleared by Dr. X. The patient is now on his third postoperative day for an open reduction and internal fixation for two facial fractures, as well as open reduction nasal fracture. He is on his eighth hospital day.,The patient had nasal packing in place, which was removed this evening. This will make it much easier for him to swallow. This will facilitate p.o. fluids and IMF diet.,Examination of the face revealed some decreased swelling today. He had good occlusion with intact intermaxillary fixation.,His tracheotomy tube is in place. It is a size 8 Shiley nonfenestrated. He is being suctioned comfortably.,The patient is in need of something for sleep in the evening, so we have recommended Halcion 5 mg at bedtime and repeat of 5 mg in 1 hour if needed.,Tomorrow, we will go ahead and change his trach to a noncuffed or a fenestrated tube, so he may communicate and again this will facilitate his swallowing. Hopefully, we can decannulate the tracheotomy tube in the next few days.,Overall, I believe this patient is doing well, and we will look forward to being able to transfer him to the prison infirmary.

A 47-year-old white female presents with concern about possible spider bite to the left side of her neck.

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Possible Spider Bite

SUBJECTIVE:, This 47-year-old white female presents with concern about possible spider bite to the left side of her neck. She is not aware of any specific injury. She noticed a little tenderness and redness on her left posterior shoulder about two days ago. It seems to be getting a little bit larger in size, and she saw some red streaks extending up her neck. She has had no fever. The area is very minimally tender, but not particularly so.,CURRENT MEDICATIONS:, Generic Maxzide, Climara patch, multivitamin, Tums, Claritin, and vitamin C.,ALLERGIES:, No known medicine allergies.,OBJECTIVE:,Vital Signs: Weight is 150 pounds. Blood pressure 122/82.,Extremities: Examination of the left posterior shoulder near the neckline is an area of faint erythema which is 6 cm in diameter. In the center is a tiny mark which could certainly be an insect or spider bite. There is no eschar there, but just a tiny marking. There are a couple of erythematous streaks extending towards the neck.,ASSESSMENT:, Possible insect bite with lymphangitis.,PLAN:,1. Duricef 1 g daily for seven days.,2. Cold packs to the area.,3. Discussed symptoms that were suggestive of the worsening, in which case she would need to call me.,4. Incidentally, she has noticed a little bit of dryness and redness on her eyelids, particularly the upper ones’ and the lower lateral areas. I suspect she has a mild contact dermatitis and suggested hydrocortisone 1% cream to be applied sparingly at bedtime only.

Maculopapular rash in kind of a linear pattern over arms, legs, and chest area which are consistent with a poison ivy or a poison oak.

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Poison Ivy - SOAP

SUBJECTIVE:, He is a 24-year-old male who said that he had gotten into some poison ivy this weekend while he was fishing. He has had several cases of this in the past and he says that is usually takes quite awhile for him to get over it; he said that the last time he was here he got a steroid injection by Dr. Blackman; it looked like it was Depo-Medrol 80 mg. He said that it worked fairly well, although it seemed to still take awhile to get rid of it. He has been using over-the-counter Benadryl as well as cortisone cream on the areas of the rash and having a little bit of improvement, but this last weekend he must have gotten into some more poison ivy because he has got another outbreak along his chest, legs, arms and back.,OBJECTIVE:,Vitals: Temperature is 99.2. His weight is 207 pounds.,Skin: Examination reveals a raised, maculopapular rash in kind of a linear pattern over his arms, legs and chest area which are consistent with a poison ivy or a poison oak.,ASSESSMENT AND ,PLAN:, Poison ivy. Plan would be Solu-Medrol 125 mg IM X 1. Continue over-the-counter Benadryl or Rx allergy medicine that he was given the last time he was here, which is a one-a-day allergy medicine; he can not exactly remember what it is, which would also be fine rather than the over-the-counter Benadryl if he would like to use that instead.

Followup visit status post removal of external fixator and status post open reduction internal fixation of right tibial plateau fracture.

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ORIF - Followup

REASON FOR VISIT:, Followup visit status post removal of external fixator and status post open reduction internal fixation of right tibial plateau fracture.,HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS: , The patient is now approximately week status post removal of Ex-Fix from the right knee with an MUA following open reduction internal fixation of right tibial plateau fracture. The patient states that this pain is well controlled. He has had no fevers, chills or night sweats. He has had some mild drainage from his pin sites. He just started doing range of motion type exercises for his right knee. He has had no numbness or tingling.,FINDINGS: , On exam, his pin sites had no erythema. There is some mild drainage but they have been dressing with bacitracin, it looks like there may be part of the fluid noted. The patient had 3/5 strength in the EHL, FHL. He has intact sensation to light touch in a DP, SP, and tibial nerve distribution.,X-rays taken include three views of the right knee. It demonstrate status post open reduction internal fixation of the right tibial plateau with excellent hardware placement and alignment.,ASSESSMENT: , Status post open reduction and internal fixation of right tibial plateau fracture with removal ex fix.,PLANS: , I gave the patient a prescription for aggressive range of motion of the right knee. I would like to really work on this as he has not had much up to this time. He should remain nonweightbearing. I would like to have him return in 2 weeks' time to assess his knee range of motion. He should not need x-rays at that time.

Orthopedic progress note for follow up of osteoarthritis, knees.

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Osteoarthritis - Progress Note

CHIEF COMPLAINT: , Right knee. ,HISTORY OF THE PRESENT ILLNESS: , The patient presents today for follow up of osteoarthritis Grade IV of the bilateral knees and flexion contracture, doing great. Physical therapy is helping. The subjective pain is on the bilateral knees right worse than left.,Pain: Localized to the bilateral knees right worse than left.,Quality: There is no swelling, no redness, or warmth. The pain is described as aching occasionally. There is no burning. ,Duration: Months.,Associated symptoms: Includes stiffness and weakness. There is no sleep loss and no instability. ,Hip Pain: None. ,Back pain: None. ,Radicular type pain: None. ,Modifying factors: Includes weight bearing pain and pain with ambulation. There is no sitting, and no night pain. There is no pain with weather change.,VISCOSUPPLEMENTATION IN PAST:, No Synvisc.,VAS PAIN SCORE: , 10 bilaterally.,WOMAC SCORE: , 8,A-1 WOMAC SCORE: , 0,See the enclosed WOMAC osteoarthritis index, which accompanies the patient's chart, for complete details of the patient's limitations to activities of daily living. ,REVIEW OF SYSTEMS:, No change.,Constitutional: Good appetite and energy. No fever. No general complaints.,HEENT: No headaches, no difficulty swallowing, no change in vision, no change in hearing.,CV - RESP: No shortness of breath at rest or with exertion. No paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, orthopnea, and without significant cough, hemoptysis, or sputum. No chest pain on exertion.,GI:

MGUS. His bone marrow biopsy showed a normal cellular bone marrow; however, there were 10% plasma cells and we proceeded with the workup for a plasma cell dyscrasia. All his tests came back as consistent with an MGUS.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

MGUS Followup

CHIEF COMPLAINT: , MGUS.,HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS:, This is an extremely pleasant 86-year-old gentleman, who I follow for his MGUS. I initially saw him for thrombocytopenia when his ANC was 1300. A bone marrow biopsy was obtained. Interestingly enough, at the time of his bone marrow biopsy, his hemoglobin was 13.0 and his white blood cell count was 6.5 with a platelet count of 484,000. His bone marrow biopsy showed a normal cellular bone marrow; however, there were 10% plasma cells and we proceeded with the workup for a plasma cell dyscrasia. All his tests came back as consistent with an MGUS.,Overall, he is doing well. Since I last saw him, he tells me that he has had onset of atrial fibrillation. He has now started going to the gym two times per week, and has lost over 10 pounds. He has a good energy level and his ECOG performance status is 0. He denies any fever, chills, or night sweats. No lymphadenopathy. No nausea or vomiting. No change in bowel or bladder habits.,CURRENT MEDICATIONS: , Multivitamin q.d., aspirin one tablet q.d., Lupron q. three months, Flomax 0.4 mg q.d., and Warfarin 2.5 mg q.d.,ALLERGIES: ,No known drug allergies.,REVIEW OF SYSTEMS: , As per the HPI, otherwise negative.,PAST MEDICAL HISTORY:,1. He is status post left inguinal hernia repair.,2. Prostate cancer diagnosed in December 2004, which was a Gleason 3+4. He is now receiving Lupron.,SOCIAL HISTORY: , He has a very remote history of tobacco use. He has one to two alcoholic drinks per day. He is married.,FAMILY HISTORY: , His brother had prostate cancer.,PHYSICAL EXAM:,VIT:

Septic from nephrolithiasis - Nephrolithiasis status post lithotripsy and stent placed in the left ureter, urinary incontinence, recent sepsis.

SOAP / Chart / Progress Notes

Nephrolithiasis - Progress Note

SUBJECTIVE:, The patient returns today for a followup. She was recently in the hospital and was found to be septic from nephrolithiasis. This was all treated. She did require a stent in the left ureter. Dr. XYZ took care of this. She had a stone, which was treated with lithotripsy. She is now back here for followup. I had written out all of her medications with their dose and schedule on a progress sheet. I had given her instructions regarding follow up here and follow with Dr. F. Unfortunately, that piece of paper was lost. Somehow between the hospital and home she lost it and has not been able to find it. She has no followup appointment with Dr. F. The day after she was dismissed, her nephew called me stating that the prescriptions were lost, instructions were lost, etc. Later she apparently found the prescriptions and they were filled. She tells me she is taking the antibiotic, which I believe was Levaquin and she has one more to take. She had no clue as to seeing Dr. XYZ again. She says she is still not feeling very well and feels somewhat sick like. She has no clue as to still having a ureteral stent. I explained this to she and her husband again today.,ALLERGIES: , Sulfa.,CURRENT MEDICATIONS:, As I have given are Levaquin, Prinivil 20 mg a day, Bumex 0.5 mg a day, Levsinex 0.375 mg a day, cimetidine 400 mg a day, potassium chloride 8 mEq a day, and atenolol 25 mg a day.,REVIEW OF SYSTEMS:, She says she is voiding okay. She denies fever, chills, or sweats.,OBJECTIVE:,General: She was able to get up on the table by herself although she is quite unstable.,Vital Signs: Blood pressure was okay at about 120/70 by me.,Neck: Supple.,Lungs: Clear.,Heart: Regular rate and rhythm.,Abdomen: Soft.,Extremities: There is no edema.,IMPRESSION:,1. Hypertension controlled.,2. Nephrolithiasis status post lithotripsy and stent placed in the left ureter by Dr. F.,3. Urinary incontinence.,4. Recent sepsis.,PLAN:,1. I discussed at length with she and her husband again the need to get into at least an assisted living apartment.,2. I gave her instructions, in writing, to stop by Dr. F’s office on the way out today to get an appointment for followup regarding her stent.,3. See me back here in two months.,4. I made no changes in her medications.

A woman with end-stage peritoneal mesothelioma with multiple bowel perforations.

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Mesothelioma - Chart Note

The patient's home regimen includes Duragesic patch at 125 mcg every 3 days. She is currently on a Dilaudid PCA of 1 mg every 10 minutes lockout, Dilaudid boluses 2 mg q.3 h. p.r.n., Ativan 2 mg q.4 h., Tylenol per rectum. The patient was offered multiple procedures to help with her abdominal pain including a thoracic epidural placement for sympathetic block for pain control and a celiac plexuses/neurolytic block. The patient's family and she will continue to think about these pain procedures and let us know if they are interested in either. For the moment, we will not make any further recommendations on her current medical management. We did ask Dr. X, a psychiatrist, who works for the Pain Service to come in and see Ms. A as anxiety is a large component of her suffering at this time.,