Physicians in the United States, Canada, and Mexico
Physicians with current and valid licenses in the United States, Canada, or Mexico who read any 3 of the selected continuing medical education (CME) articles in this issue of Archives of Surgery, complete the CME Evaluation Form, and fax it to the number or mail it to the address at the bottom of the CME Evaluation Form are eligible for Category 1 CME credit. There is no charge.
The American Medical Association (AMA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to sponsor continuing medical education for physicians. The AMA designates this educational activity for up to 1 hour of Category 1 credit per Archives of Surgery issue toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award (PRA). Each physician should claim only those hours of credit that were actually spent in the educational activity.
Physicians in Other Countries
Physicians with current and valid licenses in the United States, Mexico, or Canada are eligible for CME credit even if they live or practice in other countries. Physicians licensed in other countries are also welcome to participate in this CME activity. However, the PRA is only available to physicians licensed in the United States, Canada, or Mexico.
Earning Credit
To earn credit, read the articles designated for CME credit carefully and complete the CME Evaluation Form. The CME Evaluation Form must be submitted within 3 months of the issue date. A certificate awarding 1 hour of Category 1 CME credit will be faxed or mailed to you; it is then your responsibility to maintain a record of credit received. Questions about CME credit processing should be directed to The Blackstone Group; tel: (312) 419-0400, ext 225; fax: (312) 269-1636.
CME Evaluation Form
One of our goals is to assess continually the educational needs of our readers so we may enhance the educational effectiveness of the Archives of Surgery. To achieve this goal, we need your help. You must complete the CME Evaluation Form to receive credit.
Statement of Educational Purpose
The mission of the Archives of Surgery is to promote the art and science of surgery by publishing relevant peer-reviewed clinical and basic science information to assist the surgeon in optimizing patient care. The Archives of Surgery will also serve as a forum for the discussion of issues that involve ethics, teaching, surgical history, and socioeconomic concerns. The curriculum of the CME activities will be developed by the Archives of Surgery Board, its readership, reviewers, and editors. The Archives of Surgery Reader's Choice CME activity allows readers, as adult learners, to determine their own educational needs and to assist the editors in addressing their needs in future issues.
Readers of the Archives of Surgery should be able to attain the following educational objectives: (1) acquire new information developed from surgical research, both clinical and basic science; (2) be appraised of the latest advances in surgery; (3) assess the relevance of these new developments; (4) assist in the development of diagnostic and therapeutic skills in controversial areas; and (5) develop an appreciation of historical developments within the discipline.
CME Articles in This Issue of Archives of Surgery
The following articles in this issue may be read for CME credit:
Complications of Laparoscopic Splenectomy (SEE ARTICLE)
Educational Objective: To report the feasibility of laparoscopic splenectomy and its complications.
Interval Nodes: The Forgotten Sentinel Nodes in Patients With Melanoma (SEE ARTICLE)
Educational Objective: To point out the presence and importance of interval (in-transit) nodes in patients with melanoma.
Diabetic Mastopathy: A Report of 5 Cases and a Review of the Literature (SEE ARTICLE)
Educational Objective: To alert one to the entity of diabetic mastopathy and its appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Effective Control of Hepatic Bleeding With a Novel Collagen-Based Composite Combined With Autologous Plasma: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial (SEE ARTICLE)
Educational Objective: To suggest a novel collagen-based composite for use in controlling diffuse hepatic bleeding following resection.
Clostridium difficileToxins Influence Hepatocyte Protein Synthesis Through the Interleukin 1 Receptor (SEE ARTICLE)
Educational Objective: To acquaint one with the role of the IL-1 receptor in the stimulation of acute phase protein by Clostridium difficile toxins.
Absorbable Mesh Sling Prevents Radiation-Induced Bowel Injury During "Sandwich" Chemoradiation for Rectal Cancer (SEE ARTICLE)
Educational Objective: To reiterate a valuable technique for avoiding radiation injury to the bowels during treatment for rectal cancer.
Isolated Resection of Segment 8 for Liver Tumors: A New Approach for Anatomical Segmentectomy (SEE ARTICLE)
Educational Objective: To present a novel new approach to segmental liver resection—notably, segment 8.
