Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in man, and as seen below, a frequent cause of emergency department (ED) visits. Diabetics now have more treatment options available, better delivery systems for their insulin and greater technology to allow them to self-monitor their glucose levels. We now know that good control of glucose is the best defense against the deadly long-term consequences of diabetesblindness, renal disease, peripheral neuropathy, etc.
The ECG image in this article was obtained from an elderly woman who was being seen in the office for shortness of breath. No chest pain. What do you make of her "arrows and tachycardia?"
The patients are sicker and older, and the procedures are lengthier. This is the challenge faced by surgeons and outpatient surgery staff. How do you make sure the patients that enter your outpatient program are appropriate for outpatient surgery?