Author: Jason Curtis

Resection and primary anastomosis in perforated diverticulitis: Selecting the right operation for the right patients (2022)

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Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Rajalingam V.; *Chang J.; *Dowdeswell M.; *McCloud J.; *Cheetham M.

Citation:
Colorectal Disease. Conference: Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland Annual Meeting. Edinburgh United Kingdom. 24(Supplement 2) (pp 77), 2022. Date of Publication: September 2022.

Abstract:
Purpose: For decades there has been very little change in practice in the surgical management of perforated diverticulitis. Reluctance to risk anastomotic leak persists despite increasing recognition that primary anastomosis (PA) should be considered in selected patients as an alternative to Hartmanns Procedure (HP). We retrospectively studied our outcomes for patients undergoing resectional surgery for diverticulitis. Method(s): All patients undergoing emergency resectional surgery for perforated diverticulitis between March 2015 and Jan 2021 were identified from the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data. Demographics were collected and the patient groups were case matched for age and Charleson Comorbidity Index (CCI), Computed Tomography (CT) appearance and intraoperative contamination data. Result(s): 105 patients were included. 15 patients had PA (without diversion) and 90 HP. In the PA cohort were 10 males, median age 52 (range 27-76). There were no anastomotic leaks. 30-day morbidities were superficial wound dehiscence (1) and early incisional hernia (1). Median post-operative stay was 9 days (range 5-25). HP control group (age below 76, CCI 10 and below, Hinchey 1-3). 58 patients, 26 males, median age 60.5 (range 30-76). Median post-operative stay was 10.5 days (range 5-227). 2 patients required re-operation. 5 patients developed wound infections. At the time of the study 18 patients have undergone reversal, 6 are on waiting-list. There was a single 30-day mortality (post-discharge). Conclusion(s): PA in selected patients is not only safe, but has lower morbidity than HP. We should be challenging the status quo and offering our patients appropriate surgery on an individualised basis.

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Rectal mucus protein collection using the OricolTM sampling device: Comparison of calprotectin levels in stool and rectal mucus in patients with suspected or confirmed inflammatory bowel disease (Oricol-EGI- 01 Study) (2022)

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Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Jones, G.

Citation:
Colorectal Disease. Conference: Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland Annual Meeting. Edinburgh United Kingdom. 24(Supplement 2) (pp 58), 2022. Date of Publication: September 2022.

Abstract:
Background: Faecal calprotectin testing is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to distinguish between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) after cancer exclusion. Many patients do not produce faecal samples as requested and therefore a direct collection technique may have a role in IBD diagnosis or monitoring. We compared the performance of faecal and rectal mucus calprotectin collected with the OriColTM sampling device Methods: Sixty-six patients with confirmed or suspected IBD were recruited in the Oricol-EGI- 01 Study. OriColTM and matched stool samples were collected and processed following standard operating procedures. Calprotectin concentrations were measured using IDK Calprotectin and fCAL assays Results: Calprotectin was detectable in the OriColTM samples with good discrimination across the calprotectin assays and discernible correlation to corresponding faecal calprotectin concentrations Using thresholds determined for rectal mucus calprotectin (calculated by linear regression), the percentage agreement between calprotectin concentrations in stool and rectal mucus for patients with faecal calprotectin >=50 mug/g was between 68% and 91% with a percentage agreement at <50 mug/g between 40% and 71% with IDK Calprotectin and fCAL assays respectively. Good agreement was observed for IBD patients with the results being above the threshold for both faecal and rectal mucus calprotectin with 93% and 86% for IDK Calprotectin and fCAL assays respectively Conclusion(s): The OriColTM Calprotectin Kit was successfully used to collect rectal mucus and measure calprotectin concentrations with positive correlation to corresponding faecal calprotectin and is potentially a new and acceptable modality in IBD patients.

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Clinical indications and triaging for adult transthoracic echocardiography: a consensus statement by the British Society of Echocardiography in collaboration with British Heart Valve Society (2022)

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Type of publication:Journal article

Author(s):Bennett S; Stout M; *Ingram TE; Pearce K; Griffiths T; Duckett S; Heatlie G; Thompson P; Tweedie J; Sopala J; Ritzmann S; Victor K; Skipper J; Shah BN; Robinson S; Potter A; Augustine DX; Colebourn CL

Citation:Echo Research and Practice, 2022; Vol. 9 (1)

Abstract:Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is widely utilised within many aspects of clinical practice, as such the demand placed on echocardiography services is ever increasing. In an attempt to provide incremental value for patients and standardise patient care, the British Society of Echocardiography in collaboration with the British Heart Valve Society have devised updated guidance for the indications and triaging of adult TTE requests for TTE services to implement into clinical practice.

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Effectiveness of weight loss interventions in breast cancer survivors: a systematic review of reviews (2022)

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Type of publication:Systematic Review

Author(s):*Lake B; Damery S; Jolly K

Citation:BMJ Open, 2022 Oct 07; Vol. 12 (10), pp. e062288

Abstract:Background: Elevated body mass index (BMI) in breast cancer survivors (BCS) is associated with cancer recurrence and poorer treatment response. Guidelines recommend 5%-10% weight loss for overweight or obese BCS.Objectives: To assess effectiveness of lifestyle interventions for female BCS on weight loss, BMI, body composition, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), physical functioning, psychosocial measures, biomarkers.Design: Systematic review of reviews and meta-analyses.Setting: All clinical settings.Participants: Adult female BCS (active treatment or post-treatment).Methods: Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library (including Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects) were searched for systematic reviews published in English between 1990 and 2022, with weight, BMI or body fat as primary outcome. Narrative reviews, editorials, letters, conference abstracts were excluded. Review quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute quality assessment tool.Results: 17 reviews were included. Twelve reported significant reductions in one or more anthropometric outcomes: weight -1.36 kg (95% CI:-2.51 to -0.21) to -3.8 kg (95% CI: -5.6 to -1.9); BMI -0.89 kg/m 2 (95% CI: -0.15 to -0.28) to -3.59 kg/m 2 (95% CI: -6.29 to 0.89) or body fat -1.6% (95% CI: -2.31 to -0.88) to -2.6% (95% CI not reported). Significant reductions in two or more anthropometric outcomes were reported in 7/12 reviews, with effective interventions comprising aerobic exercise/aerobic exercise plus resistance training (n=5), or diet and exercise with or without counselling (n=2). Significant improvements were also reported for HRQoL (8/11 reviews), mental health (4/7) and physical functioning (2/3). Group interventions comprising aerobic exercise or aerobic exercise plus resistance training were most likely to improve outcomes.Conclusions: Lifestyle interventions can significantly improve outcomes for BCS. Multimodal interventions are likely to have the greatest impact in reducing weight, BMI and body fat. Further research must define the optimal combination, intensity and duration of effective interventions.

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Clinical outcomes after using patient specific instrumentation: is it worth the effort? A minimum 5-year retrospective review of 298 PSI knees (2023)

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Type of publication:Journal article

Author(s):Rammohan R; *Nugent L; Kasture S; Ganapathi M

Citation:Archives of Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgery, Jun 2023; 143(6): 3409-3422.

Abstract:Introduction: Use of patient specific instrumentation (PSI) for performing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been shown to improve component positioning but there is dearth of evidence regarding clinical outcomes. The aim of our study was to report patient satisfaction and functional outcome scores of patients who underwent PSI TKAs at minimum 5 year follow up.Methods: This is a retrospective study of a prospectively collected data of patients who underwent PSI TKAs between January 2012 and October 2015 under a single surgeon. Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs), patient satisfaction questionnaires, surgeon directed 3D planning changes and intra-operative changes were collected and analysed.Results: The cohort included 298 consecutive PSI TKAs performed on 249 patients at a mean age of 71 years (range: 49-93 years). On an average 4 changes were made for each knee during 3D planning compared to preliminary plan. Intra-operative implant size change was required only in 3% (10 knees). The PROM scores were collected at a mean follow-up period of 6.8 years (range: 5.0-8.6 years) for 224 knees. Oxford Knee Score improved from median pre-operative score of 18 (IQR: 13-24) to median post-operative score of 44 (IQR: 40-47) with a median gain of 23 (IQR: 16-30). The median modified Forgotten Joint Score was 87.5 (IQR: 54.4-98.1). For the Beverland questionnaire, 75% (n = 166) reported being "Very Happy" and only 4% (n = 9/222) were 'Never Happy'.Conclusion: Excellent patient satisfaction and functional scores at mid-term can be achieve d using PSI technique to perform TKA with careful surgeon directed pre-operative planning.

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Unilateral Testicular Tuberculosis: An Extra-Pulmonary Manifestation (2021)

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Type of publication:Journal article

Author(s):*Al-Hashimi KA; Said UN

Citation:Cureus, 2021 Oct 19; Vol. 13 (10), pp. e18896

Abstract:The pathogenicity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) causes it to most commonly manifest within the respiratory system (pulmonary tuberculosis); however, 15% of cases undergo extra-pulmonary spread to various organs. Genitourinary tuberculosis (GUTB) is a rare form of tuberculosis infection which has a propensity to affect the genitourinary tract, primarily affecting the kidneys, epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate; however, 0.5% of cases result in infection of the testicles. This may present unilaterally or bilaterally with varying atypical presentations, thus misleading physicians in diagnosis. We present a case in a 48-year-old patient admitted to the surgical assessment unit in our hospital presenting with a unilateral painful testicular lesion and scrotal changes. He was admitted nine weeks prior for unexplainable constitutional symptoms however presented again whilst awaiting follow up in an outpatient clinic. Ultrasound guidance and fine-needle aspiration & culture (FNAC) of the lesion resulted in a positive diagnosis for M. tuberculosis. He underwent anti-tuberculous chemotherapy treatment for six months as per clinical guidance with adequate clinical response.

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A Brief Clinical Study: The Use of a Custom Guide for Scapula Free Flap Harvest and Mandibular Reconstruction (2022)

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Type of publication:Journal article

Author(s):*Chundoo S; *Naredla P; *Thomas S

Citation:Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, 2022 Oct 01; Vol. 33 (7), pp. 2142-2145.

Abstract:Head and neck cancer can leave patients with significant defects requiring major reconstruction. The scapula free flap remains a relatively underused flap choice. This article examines the novel use of a custom guide for a scapula free flap in mandibular reconstruction following resection. A case file was created involving a consultant surgeon, KLS advisor, and technical team based in Belgium. A computed tomography scan of the mandible was sent electronically to render a 3-dimensional model. Custom cutting guides for resection and scapula graft harvest were fabricated. A custom plate for fixation was also developed. The scapula free flap was successfully placed using custom guides. In this case, the use of a custom guide enabled easier harvest, manipulation, and handling of the scapula free flap into the defect. The use of new technology and computer-generated guides represents a considerable shift forward into improving precision in complex surgical procedures and reducing intraoperative time. The use of a custom guide can provide an easier means to handle and manipulate one of the largest free flaps in surgery, the scapula free flap.

Systematic Review of Focal and Salvage Cryotherapy for Prostate Cancer (2022)

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Type of publication:Systematic Review

Author(s):Chin YF; *Lynn N

Citation:Cureus, 2022 Jun 28; Vol. 14 (6), pp. e26400

Abstract:Cryotherapy is one of the recognised ablative modalities for both primary and salvage therapy for prostate cancer. It presents an alternative, less invasive treatment for an organ-confined disease, improved preservation of surrounding tissue and a more suitable option for patients who are unfit for radical prostatectomy. Nevertheless, the currently available literature is relatively too scarce to provide definite conclusions regarding the treatment outcomes in cryotherapy. The present study aimed to review current oncological and survival outcomes in cryotherapy for primary and recurrent prostate cancer. Furthermore, this study aimed to establish the complications and functional outcomes of cryotherapy for prostate cancer. A literature search was performed on the PubMed, Cochrane and Google Scholar databases. Current guidelines and recommendations from the European Association of Urology were also reviewed. The search keywords used included 'Cryotherapy, Prostate Cancer', 'Cryoablation, Prostate Cancer' and 'Cryosurgery, Focal Prostate Cancer'. Truncations and Boolean operators were used with the keywords. All relevant studies from after 2015, including abstracts and non-English research assessing oncological and functional outcomes and complications, were included. Twenty-six studies consisting of 11,228 patients were reviewed. Fifteen studies assessed the outcomes of primary cryotherapy, whereas 11 studies reported the outcomes in salvage therapy. The patient's age ranged 55-85 years, and the pre-procedural prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ranged 0.01-49.33 ng/mL. A total of 2031 patients were classified to be at low risk, 2,995 were at moderate risk and 253 were at high risk on the D'Amico prostate cancer risk classification system. Follow-ups ranged from 9.0 to 297.6 months. The disease-specific survival rate was 65.5%-100.0%, overall survival was 61.3%-99.1%, the PSA nadir was 0.01-2.63 ng/mL and the overall biochemical recurrence rate was 15.4%-62.0%. The complications included erectile dysfunction (3.7%-88.0%), urinary retention (2.13%-25.30%) and bladder neck stricture/stenosis (3.0%-16.7%). The functional assessment showed a mixture of improved, unchanged or worsened post-procedural outcomes in primary therapy. This systematic review did not find significant differences in the cancer-specific, overall and biochemical-free survival rate between the primary and salvage cryotherapy cohorts. The most common complications encountered in both cohorts were erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, lower urinary tract/bladder neck stricture and infection. More prospective and double-arm studies are critically needed to provide guidance on the careful selection of patient cohorts for cryotherapy, whether for curative or salvage intent.

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Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of COVID-19: The PAN-COVID study (2022)

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Type of publication:Journal article

Author(s):Mullins E; Perry A; Banerjee J; Townson J; Grozeva D; Milton R; Kirby N; Playle R; Bourne T; Lees C; PAN-COVID Investigators (including *Millward, H.)

Citation:European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, 2022 Sep; Vol. 276, pp. 161-167.

Abstract:Objective: To assess perinatal outcomes for pregnancies affected by suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.Methods: Prospective, web-based registry. Pregnant women were invited to participate if they had suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between 1st January 2020 and 31st March 2021 to assess the impact of infection on maternal and perinatal outcomes including miscarriage, stillbirth, fetal growth restriction, pre-term birth and transmission to the infant.Results: Between April 2020 and March 2021, the study recruited 8239 participants who had suspected or confirmed SARs-CoV-2 infection episodes in pregnancy between January 2020 and March 2021. Maternal death affected 14/8197 (0.2%) participants, 176/8187 (2.2%) of participants required ventilatory support. Pre-eclampsia affected 389/8189 (4.8%) participants, eclampsia was reported in 40/ 8024 (0.5%) of all participants. Stillbirth affected 35/8187 (0.4 %) participants. In participants delivering within 2 weeks of delivery 21/2686 (0.8 %) were affected by stillbirth compared with 8/4596 (0.2 %) delivering ≥ 2 weeks after infection (95 % CI 0.3-1.0). SGA affected 744/7696 (9.3 %) of livebirths, FGR affected 360/8175 (4.4 %) of all pregnancies. Pre-term birth occurred in 922/8066 (11.5%), the majority of these were indicated pre-term births, 220/7987 (2.8%) participants experienced spontaneous pre-term births. Early neonatal deaths affected 11/8050 livebirths. Of all neonates, 80/7993 (1.0%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.Conclusions: Infection was associated with indicated pre-term birth, most commonly for fetal compromise. The overall proportions of women affected by SGA and FGR were not higher than expected, however there was the proportion affected by stillbirth in participants delivering within 2 weeks of infection was significantly higher than those delivering ≥ 2 weeks after infection. We suggest that clinicians' threshold for delivery should be low if there are concerns with fetal movements or fetal heart rate monitoring in the time around infection. The proportion affected by pre-eclampsia amongst participants was not higher than would be expected, although we report a higher than expected proportion affected by eclampsia. There appears to be no effect on birthweight or congenital malformations in women affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy and neonatal infection is uncommon. This study reflects a population with a range of infection severity for SARS-COV-2 in pregnancy, generalisable to whole obstetric populations.

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