2023

The Short- and Long-Term Safety and Efficacy Profile of Subtotal Cholecystectomy: A Single-Centre, Long-Term, Follow-Up Study (2023)

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Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
*Bodla, Ahmed Salman; *Rashid, Muhammad Umair; *Hassan, Maleeha; *Rehman, Saad; *Kirby, George.

Citation:
Cureus. 15(8):e44334, 2023 Aug. [epub ahead of print]

Abstract:
Background Subtotal cholecystectomy (STC) has been reported as an effective method to remove the gallbladder if the hepatocystic triangle anatomy is unfavourable. However, the evidence regarding its long-term outcomes from the United Kingdom (UK) is lacking. This study aimed to assess its short and long-term outcomes with a minimum of one-year follow-up. Methodology We retrospectively analysed all elective and emergency STCs performed in a single UK NHS Trust between 2014 and 2020. Relevant data were collected using electronic patient records and questionnaire-based, long-term, telephonic follow-up (median follow-up of 3.7 years). Outcomes examined were immediate/short-term complications (biliary injury, bile leak, return-to-theatre) and long-term problems (recurrent symptoms, choledocholithiasis, cholangitis/pancreatitis). Results There were a total of 50 STC cases (58% females) out of 4,341 cholecystectomies performed (1.15%), with the median age, body mass index, and length of stay being 69.5 years, 29 kg/m2 and eight days, respectively. Twenty-eight (56%) were emergency. No patient endured bile duct injury. Seven (14%) patients had postoperative bile leak which was significantly more common when Hartmann's pouch was left open (33% vs. 8%; p = 0.03). No bile duct injury was reported. Most were managed conservatively (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography + stent: four; radiological drainage: one; no intervention: one). Only one patient required laparoscopic lavage and drainage. The true incidence of developing choledocholithiasis over the long term was 4/50 (8%) in our study. The median interval between STC and the diagnosis of postoperative choledocholithiasis was 15.9 months. All four patients had undergone type 1 STC (where the remnant of Hartmann's pouch was closed with sutures); however, subsequent cross-sectional imaging (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography or computed tomography) showed that the gallbladder remnant was visible in only two of these four patients. Conclusions STC is a safe option in difficult situations and prevents bile duct injury. Although the risk of bile leak can be reduced by closing Hartmann's pouch remnant, this may slightly increase the risk of subsequent stone formation. Infrequent occurrence of recurrent gallstone-related symptoms or complications favours its use

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Pleural-based giant solitary fibrous tumour with associated hypoglycaemia: unusual presentation with pulmonary hypertension in a patient with Doege-Potter syndrome (2023)

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Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
*Gohir, Qasim; Ghosh, Shilajit; *Bosher, Olivia; Crawford, Emma; *Srinivasan, Koottalai; *Moudgil, Harmesh

Citation:
Clinical Medicine, Sep2023; 23(5): 518-520.

Abstract:
Refractory hypoglycaemia in a patient with a solitary fibrous tumour (SFT) is very rare and was first reported in 1930 independently by Doege and Potter, leading to it being named 'Doege–Potter syndrome'. Here, we report the unusual case of a 77-year-old woman with a giant solitary fibrous pleural tumour who presented with complicating pulmonary hypertension and associated heart failure with hypoglycaemia, and subsequently underwent curative resection of the pleural mass with clinical improvement.

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Should gastric band slippage be managed with laparoscopic unclipping and re-clipping? (2023)

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Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Maharaj G.; *Jain R.; *Riera M.

Citation:
14th Annual Scientific Meeting of British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society, BOMSS 2023

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band (LABG) is a popular bariatric procedure. Gastric band slippage is a recognised complication. Treatment options include band removal or unclip. Subsequent re-clip/reposition of a previously unclipped band may provide further weight loss. This study aims to examine patient outcomes following un-clipping of slipped gastric bands. METHOD(S): Electronic Records of patients who underwent gastric band unclipping during a ten year period were examined. RESULT(S): 11 female patients underwent gastric band unclipping, five as emergencies. Nine patients (82%) had confirmed band slippage/pouch dilatation. Mean age at unclip was 46.5yrs. Median duration band insertion to unclip was 7yrs (range 3-11yrs). 8 patients underwent subsequent band reclip/reposition. 1 patient had attempted re-clip converted to removal. Median duration unclip to re-clip was 9months (range 4-14months). 3/8 patients with re-clipped bands had no further procedures and maintained weight loss. Of the remaining five patients, two had early removal because of acute dysphagia on days-2 and 5 post re-clipping. The other three patients eventually suffered further slippage and band intolerance. Median duration re-clip to band removal 2yrs (range 0-4yrs). Two patients were never re-clipped (one had symptomatic removal, the other is awaiting a further procedure). In total, seven bands were removed (64%). Four of these patients suffered significant weight regain, with two requiring revisional surgery. CONCLUSION(S): This study is small. However 64% of patients who underwent gastric band unclipping had subsequent removal. Hence gastric band unclipping does not appear to provide added benefit to patient care, and exposes them to additional procedures.

A Case of the Cascade Stomach; Laparoscopic Sleeve of Fundoplication (2023)

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Type of publication:Conference abstract

Author(s):*Davies S.; *Maharaja G.; *Riera M.

Citation:14th Annual Scientific Meeting of British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society, BOMSS 2023

Abstract:A Case of the Cascade Stomach; Sleeve of Fundoplication Introduction The cascade stomach is a long standing known entity often referred to as 'cup and spill deformity' but very little is known on the management of these cases particularly surgically. Cases often present with acid reflux and vomiting due to the physiological and anatomical deformity of the stomach and are subsequently referred to the benign upper gastrointestinal/bariatric surgeon to manage. Surgical options reported in the literature are sparse but include gastropexy, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic fundoplication. Methods We present this unusual condition as a case report, discuss the challenges in management and propose surgical management options. Conclusion Although rare this cases propose a challenge to the benign UGI surgeon as currently there is very little in the literature to support best management options. This unusual case was managed with a laparoscopic Nissen's fundoplication and we further propose that this should potentially be the standard recognised course of treatment in these cases due to the pathophysiological nature of this condition and the functional process which often leads to these patients to be high risk of acid reflux.

Improving the care of patients with obesity needing joint replacement - time for a combined ortho-bariatric approach? (2023)

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Type of publication:Conference abstract

Author(s):Sinha Y.; Ikram S.; Ballinger T.; Gouveia S.; Burak M.; Wiggins T.; *Bathgate S.;

Citation:Obesity Surgery. Conference: 14th Annual Scientific Meeting of British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society, BOMSS 2023. Birmingham United Kingdom. 33(Supplement 1) (pp S129), 2023. Date of Publication: July 2023.

Abstract:Introduction Patients with obesity awaiting joint replacement surgery of the lower limbs may benefit from referral to weight-management services. (1) NICE provides BMI criteria for referral to tertiary bariatric services, however this does not always translate into clinical practice. (2, 3) Our aim was to assess the number and management of patients with obesity attending orthopaedic clinics for consideration of lower limb joint replacement. Methods A retrospective analysis was undertaken of all patients attending orthopaedic clinics for joint replacement secondary to osteoarthritis, in the lower limbs, at a single centre, over a two year period. Details of demographics, BMI, comorbidities and management plans were recorded from electronic patient records. Results 335 patients (60% of 558 cases) had BMI recorded and were used for subsequent analysis. 36% (n=120) of patients were eligible for referral to weight-management services. 10% (n=32) were refused joint replacement surgery due to BMI, of which 81% (n=26) were eligible for referral to weight-management services. Instead of surgery, these 32 patients were offered: physiotherapy (n=10, 38%), analgesia (n=12, 46%), non-specific weight-loss advice (n=16, 62%), GP referral for weight-loss (n=6, 23%), and tertiary service referral for weight-loss (n=2, 8%). Conclusions BMI is an important risk factor for orthopaedic operations and increased efforts should be made to record it pre-operatively. An MDT approach would capture the notable proportion of patients who are not being appropriately referred to weight-management services which may impact on their quality of life and postoperative outcomes.

Retrospective multicentre study comparing survival outcomes in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) with genetic risk stratification (2023)

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Type of publication:Conference abstract

Author(s):Qureshi I.; Mandal A.; Foster N.; Rose S.; Sharma K.; McIlroy G.; *Cherian G.; *Lane S.; Wandroo F.; Talbot G.; Pemberton N.; Parry H.; Moss P.; Paneesha S.

Citation:British Journal of Haematology. Conference: 63rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the British Society for Haematology. Birmingham United Kingdom. 201(Supplement 1) (pp 67-68), 2023. Date of Publication: April 2023.

Abstract:Purpose: This retrospective West Midlands multicentre study of CLL patients was conducted to review results of genetic testing in CLL patients and impact on survival. Method(s): 349 patients across the West Midlands were included in this retrospective study collected between December 2018 and March 2022. Clinical centres were asked to obtain data relating to the type and number of lines of treatment, overall response and reported genetic abnormalities. Treatment and response were categorised as per international workshop on chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (iwCLL) criteria.1 Genetic testing comprised fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) for copy number abnormalities of 17p &11q, IgHV mutation status and Oxford Gene Technology CLL Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Panel to detect sequence variants in key genes associated with CLL (including NOTCH1, SF3B1, BIRC3, ATM and TP53). Patients were risk stratified into good, poor or not poor risk categories as per Rodriguez-Vicente et al.2 Statistical Analysis and Results: For 349 patients analysed, 143 (41%) patients were under active surveillance, and 206 (59%) patients received 1st line treatment. Out of the 206 patients that received 1st line treatment, 92 (44%) patients proceeded to 2nd line treatment, 31 (15%) patients proceeded to 3rd line treatment and 21 (10%) of patients required treatment beyond 3rd line Within the poor risk category, 173 patients were identified with 38 had TP53 deletion or mutation and 135 patients had other poor risk mutations such as NOTCH1, SF3B1, ATM. Statistical analysis did not show a difference in survival either from the diagnosis or from the date of NGS sample in the two groups of high-risk patients. Conclusion(s): The data identifies a cohort of patients with poor outcome that are negative for TP53 mutation, highlighting the importance of NGS in CLL patients at the point of treatment.

Acoustic Times or . . . Scan you believe it! - A quality publication. Ultrasound governance: communicating standards during a pandemic (2023)

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Type of publication:Conference abstract

Author(s):*Brown H.

Citation:Ultrasound. Conference: 53rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the British Medical Ultrasound Society. Cardiff United Kingdom. 31(2) (pp NP32), 2023. Date of Publication: May 2023.

Abstract:Introducing new governance processes into a multisite ultrasound department during a pandemic led to the re-thinking of the models of communication used to share governance objectives. The introduction of peer review audit can be challenging for staff. Clear communication is vital to ensure staff are not threatened by the process and are able to use it as a learning opportunity to shape their practice and development, thereby improving patient safety. A monthly newsletter Acoustic Times was introduced to explain the processes and changes giving the opportunity to provide the evidence base and links to national guidance. Peer review audit and learning meetings were introduced and held virtually across sites to identify and share any individual or group learning points. Processes and documents were either redesigned or introduced, with supporting rationale and evidence provided through the newsletter including: evidence based protocols; standard setting; peer review audit, including supporting learning outcomes and CPD; actionable reporting; preceptorship; service user feedback; and equipment QA. Further supported learning was provided on critical reflection, specific focus on technical aspects of clinical examinations, sharing of external learning events, CPD and inhouse ultrasound training. Benefits of the newsletter include: more focus on improving consistency of practice and setting standards; faster reporting of audit findings and reaudits; and improved engagement with consultant colleagues. It also provides an accessible record of the development of governance processes which has been shared with sonographers in other organisations. Setting and communicating clearly defined quality standards and protocols is key to the design of safe working practices and patient safety in healthcare environments.1 Open and honest governance processes with clear, accessible and useable documentation are key in staff engagement and ownership of quality improvement.

Evaluating the lasting effects of teaching sudden unexpected death in infancy and childhood (SUDIC) through simulation (2023)

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Type of publication:Conference abstract

Author(s):Layman S.; Beatty C.; Williams C.; *Belfitt A.; Copeman A.

Citation:Archives of Disease in Childhood. Conference: Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Conference, RCPCH 2023. Glasgow United Kingdom. 108(Supplement 2) (pp A276-A277), 2023. Date of Publication: July 2023.

Abstract:Objectives Paediatricians play a vital role in managing and facilitating investigations in sudden unexpected death in infancy or childhood (SUDIC). SUDIC is a rare occurrence, and many paediatric trainees and consultants have very little experience of the process. The SUDIC simulation course was created due to recommendations by The Kennedy Report. The aim of the course was to bridge the gap between knowledge and clinical experience for senior paediatric trainees and consultants in the West Midlands in managing SUDIC. To assess the longevity of learning from the course, a survey was disseminated to all previous candidates. Its aim was to understand how important the simulation course had been in improving paediatricians' confidence and understanding of the SUDIC process when they were involved in a SUDIC after attending the course. Methods Candidate sign-in sheets were retrospectively reviewed for the 17 SUDIC courses run since January 2016. 195 previous candidates were invited to complete a survey via email. Our aim was to evaluate how the course had impacted subsequent experience of the SUDIC process. Specific questions were included to assess how confident candidates had been in various roles in the SUDIC process using a combination of multiple-choice, free-text, and Likert scales. Results 43% of respondents had been a senior paediatric registrar when they attended. Other candidates were consultants, nurses, or more junior paediatricians. 43% had attended between 1-5 SUDIC events since the course, with 4% having attended more than 10. 47% had been involved in examining the body. 40% involved in an unsuccessful resuscitation and SUDIC investigations, and 43% explained the SUDIC process to bereaved parents. 100% agreed that the course had improved their confidence in explaining the SUDIC process, taking a SUDIC history and performing SUDIC investigations. 94% felt confident in contributing to the child death process with 89% feeling confident in examining the body. Candidates particularly valued the multi-professional approach to the course, especially working with police officers. With further thematic analysis of free text responses, candidates most often reported lasting benefits to supporting and communicating with the family, and understanding the practicalities of the SUDIC process. Conclusion Participation in a SUDIC simulation course is an important educational experience, which continues to be relevant to participants and their clinical practice many years after they have attended. Our survey suggests that simulation-based education is an excellent modality to facilitate learning around the SUDIC process for paediatricians and other health professionals involved.

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Proposal of a modified tip apex distance for prediction of lag screw cut-out in trochanteric hip fractures (2023)

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Type of publication:Journal article

Author(s):*Selim, Amr; Al-Hadithy, Nawfal; Diab, Nader M; Ahmed, Abdulla Mohamed; Kader, Khaled Fawzy Abdel; Hegazy, Mohamed; Azeem, Hazem Abdel; Barakat, Ahmed Samir.

Citation:Sicotj. 9:28, 2023.

Abstract:INTRODUCTION: Lag screw cut-out is a serious complication of dynamic hip screw fixation of trochanteric hip fractures. The lag screw position has been acknowledged as one of the important factors affecting the lag screw cut-out. We propose a modification of the Tip Apex Distance (TAD) and hypothesise that it could improve the reliability of predicting lag screws cut-out in these injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted for hip fracture entries in the period from Jan 2018 to July 2022. A hundred and nine patients were suitable for the final analysis. The modified TAD was measured in millimetres based on the sum of the traditional TAD in the lateral view and the net value of two distances in the AP view, the first distance is from the tip of the lag screw to the opposite point on the femoral head along the axis of the lag screw while the second distance is from that point to the femoral head apex. The first distance is a positive value, whereas the second distance is positive if the lag screw is superior and negative if inferior. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the reliability of the different parameters assessing the lag screw position within the femoral head. RESULTS: Reduction quality, fracture pattern as per the AO/OTA classification, TAD, Calcar Referenced TAD, Axis Blade Angle, Parker's ration in the AP view, Cleveland Zone 1, and modified TAD were statistically associated with lag screw cut-out. Among the tested parameters, the modified TAD had 90.1% sensitivity and 90.9% specificity for lag screw cut-out at a cut-off value of 25 mm with a P-value < 0.001. CONCLUSION: The modified TAD had the highest reliability in the prediction of lag screw cut-out. A value <= 25 mm could potentially protect against lag screw cut-out in trochanteric hip fractures.

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Impelling Factors for Contracting COVID-19 Among Surgical Professionals During the Pandemic: A Multinational Cohort Study (2023)

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Type of publication:Journal article

Author(s):Yang, Wah; Bangash, Ali Haider; Kok, Johnn Henry Herrera; Cheruvu, Chandra; Parmar, Chetan; Isik, Arda; Galanis, Michail; Di Maggio, Francesco; Atici, Semra Demirli; Abouelazayem, Mohamed; *Bandyopadhyay, Samik Kumar; Viswanath, Yirupaiahgari K S.

Citation:Journal of Clinical Medicine Research. 15(4):233-238, 2023 Apr.

Abstract:Background: Medical workers, including surgical professionals working in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treating hospitals, were under enormous stress during the pandemic. This global study investigated factors endowing COVID-19 amongst surgical professionals and students. Methods: This global cross-sectional survey was made live on February 18, 2021 and closed for analysis on March 13, 2021. It was freely shared on social and scientific media platforms and was sent via email groups and circulated through a personal network of authors. Chi-square test for independence, and binary logistic regression analysis were carried out on determining predictors of surgical professionals contracting COVID-19. Results: This survey captured the response of 520 surgical professionals from 66 countries. Of the professionals, 92.5% (481/520) reported practising in hospitals managing COVID-19 patients. More than one-fourth (25.6%) of the respondents (133/520) reported suffering from COVID-19 which was more frequent in surgical professionals practising in public sector healthcare institutions (P = 0.001). Thirty-seven percent of those who reported never contracting COVID-19 (139/376) reported being still asked to practice self-isolation and wear a shield without the diagnosis (P = 0.001). Of those who did not contract COVID-19, 75.7% (283/376) were vaccinated (P < 0.001). Surgical professionals undergoing practice in the private sector (odds ratio (OR): 0.33; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.14 – 0.77; P = 0.011) and receiving two doses of vaccine (OR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.32 – 0.95; P = 0.031) were identified to enjoy decreased odds of contracting COVID-19. Only 6.9% of those who reported not contracting COVID-19 (26/376) were calculated to have the highest "overall composite level of harm" score (P < 0.001). Conclusions: High prevalence of respondents got COVID-19, which was more frequent in participants working in public sector hospitals. Those who reported contracting COVID-19 were calculated to have the highest level of harm score. Self-isolation or shield, getting two doses of vaccines decreases the odds of contracting COVID-19.

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