Extrahepatic portal vein aneurysm: Two case reports of surgical intervention

PubMed Central

Jin, Bi; Sun, Yuan; Li, Yi-Qing; Zhao, Yu-Guo; Lai, Chuan-Shan; Feng, Xian-Song; Wan, Chi-Dan

2005-01-01

We report two cases of extrahepatic portal vein aneurysm, and both of them underwent surgical intervention. The first case had a mild pain in right upper quadrant of the abdomen; the second had no obvious symptoms. Physical examination revealed nothing abnormal. Both of them were diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging angiography (MRA). One of the aneurysms was located at the main portal vein, the other, at the confluence of the superior mesenteric vein and the splenic vein, and these two places are exactly the most common locations of the extrahepatic portal vein aneurysm reported in the literature (30.7% each site). The first case underwent aneurysmorrhaphy and the second case, aneurysm resection with splene-ctomy. Both of them recovered soon after the operation, and the symptom of the first case was greatly alleviated. During the follow-up of half a year, no complication and adverse effect of surgical intervention was found and the color Doppler ultrasonography revealed no recurrence of the aneurysmal dilation. We suggest that surgical interv-ention can alleviate the symptom of the extrahepatic portal vein aneurysm and prevent its complications effectively and safely for low risk patients. PMID:15810096

The development of search filters for adverse effects of surgical interventions in medline and Embase.

PubMed

Golder, Su; Wright, Kath; Loke, Yoon Kong

2018-06-01

Search filter development for adverse effects has tended to focus on retrieving studies of drug interventions. However, a different approach is required for surgical interventions. To develop and validate search filters for medline and Embase for the adverse effects of surgical interventions. Systematic reviews of surgical interventions where the primary focus was to evaluate adverse effect(s) were sought. The included studies within these reviews were divided randomly into a development set, evaluation set and validation set. Using word frequency analysis we constructed a sensitivity maximising search strategy and this was tested in the evaluation and validation set. Three hundred and fifty eight papers were included from 19 surgical intervention reviews. Three hundred and fifty two papers were available on medline and 348 were available on Embase. Generic adverse effects search strategies in medline and Embase could achieve approximately 90% relative recall. Recall could be further improved with the addition of specific adverse effects terms to the search strategies. We have derived and validated a novel search filter that has reasonable performance for identifying adverse effects of surgical interventions in medline and Embase. However, we appreciate the limitations of our methods, and recommend further research on larger sample sizes and prospective systematic reviews. © 2018 The Authors Health Information and Libraries Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Health Libraries Group.

A navigated mechatronic system with haptic features to assist in surgical interventions.

PubMed

Pieck, S; Gross, I; Knappe, P; Kuenzler, S; Kerschbaumer, F; Wahrburg, J

2003-01-01

In orthopaedic surgery, the development of new computer-based technologies such as navigation systems and robotics will facilitate more precise, reproducible results in surgical interventions. There are already commercial systems available for clinical use, though these still have some limitations and drawbacks. This paper presents an alternative approach to a universal modular surgical assistant system for supporting less or minimally invasive surgery. The position of a mechatronic arm, which is part of the system, is controlled by a navigation system so that small patient movements are automatically detected and compensated for in real time. Thus, the optimal tool position can be constantly maintained without the need for rigid bone or patient fixation. Furthermore, a force control mode of the mechatronic assistant system, based on a force-torque sensor, not only increases safety during surgical interventions but also facilitates hand-driven direct positioning of the arm. A prototype has been successfully tested in clinical applications at the Orthopadische Universitätsklinik Frankfurt. For the first time worldwide, implantation of the cup prosthesis in total hip replacement surgery has been carried out with the assistance of a mechatronic arm. According to measurements by the digitizing system, operating tool angle deviation remained below 0.5 degrees, relative to the preoperative planning. The presented approach to a new kind of surgical mechatronic assistance system supports the surgeon as needed by optimal positioning of the surgical instruments. Due to its modular design, it is applicable to a wide range of tasks in surgical interventions, e.g., endoscope guidance, bone preparation, etc.

Does massive intraabdominal free gas require surgical intervention?

PubMed

Furihata, Tadashi; Furihata, Makoto; Ishikawa, Kunibumi; Kosaka, Masato; Satoh, Naoki; Kubota, Keiichi

2016-08-28

We describe a rare case of an 81-year-old man who presented with severe epigastralgia. A chest radiograph showed massive free gas bilaterally in the diaphragmatic spaces. Computed tomography (CT) scan also showed massive free gas in the peritoneal cavity with portal venous gas. We used a wait-and-see approach and carefully considered surgery again when the time was appropriate. The patient received conservative therapy with fasting, an intravenous infusion of antibiotics, and nasogastric intubation. The patient soon recovered and was able to start eating meals 4 d after treatment; thus, surgical intervention was avoided. Thereafter, colonoscopy examination showed pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis in the ascending colon. On retrospective review, CT scan demonstrated sporadic air-filled cysts in the ascending colon. The present case taught us a lesson: the presence of massive intraabdominal free gas with portal venous gas does not necessarily require surgical intervention. Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis should be considered as a potential causative factor of free gas with portal venous gas when making the differential diagnosis.

Surgical Interventions for Pediatric Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Butskiy, Oleksandr; Mistry, Bhavik; Chadha, Neil K

2015-07-01

The most widely used surgical interventions for pediatric unilateral vocal cord paralysis include injection laryngoplasty, thyroplasty, and laryngeal reinnervation. Despite increasing interest in surgical interventions for unilateral vocal cord paralysis in children, the surgical outcomes data in children are scarce. To appraise and summarize the available evidence for pediatric unilateral vocal cord paralysis surgical strategies. MEDLINE (1946-2014) and EMBASE (1980-2014) were searched for publications that described the results of laryngoplasty, thyroplasty, or laryngeal reinnervation for pediatric unilateral vocal cord paralysis. Further studies were identified from bibliographies of relevant studies, gray literature, and annual scientific assemblies. Two reviewers independently appraised the selected studies for quality, level of evidence, and risk of bias as well as extracted data, including unilateral vocal cord paralysis origin, voice outcomes, swallowing outcomes, and adverse events. Of 366 identified studies, the inclusion criteria were met by 15 studies: 6 observational studies, 6 case series, and 3 case reports. All 36 children undergoing laryngeal reinnervation (8 studies) had improvement or resolution of dysphonia. Of 31 children receiving injection laryngoplasty (6 studies), most experienced improvement in voice quality, speech, swallowing, aspiration, and glottic closure. Of 12 children treated by thyroplasty (5 studies), 2 experienced resolution of dysphonia, 4 had some improvement, and 4 had no improvement (2 patients had undocumented outcomes). Thyroplasty resolved or improved aspiration in 7 of 8 patients. Published studies suggest that reinnervation may be the most effective surgical intervention for children with dysphonia; however, long-term follow-up data are lacking. With the exception of polytetrafluoroethylene injections, injection laryngoplasty was reported to be a relatively safe, nonpermanent, and effective option for most children with

Surgical interventions for high grade vulval intraepithelial neoplasia

PubMed Central

Kaushik, Sonali; Pepas, Litha; Nordin, Andy; Bryant, Andrew; Dickinson, Heather O

2014-01-01

Background Vulval intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) is a pre-malignant condition of the vulval skin. This uncommon chronic skin condition of the vulva is associated with a high risk of recurrence and the potential to progress to vulval cancer. The condition is complicated by its’ multicentric and multifocal nature. The incidence of this condition appears to be rising particularly in the younger age group. There is a lack of consensus on the optimal surgical treatment method. However, the rationale for surgical treatment of VIN has been to treat symptoms and exclude underlying malignancy with the continued aim of preservation of vulval anatomy and function. Repeated treatments affect local cosmesis and cause psychosexual morbidity thus impacting on the patients’ quality of life. Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of surgical interventions for high grade VIN. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Issue 3, 2010, Cochrane Gynaecological Cancer Group Trials Register, MEDLINE and EMBASE up to September 2010. We also searched registers of clinical trials, abstracts of scientific meetings, reference lists of included studies and contacted experts in the field. Selection criteria Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared surgical interventions, in adult women diagnosed with high grade vulval intraepithelial neoplasia. Data collection and analysis Two review authors independently abstracted data and assessed risk of bias. Main results We found only one RCT which included 30 women that met our inclusion criteria and this trial reported data on carbon dioxide laser (CO2 laser) versus ultrasonic surgical aspiration (USA). There was no statistically significant difference in the risk of disease recurrence after one year follow-up, pain, presence of scarring, dysuria or burning, adhesions, infection, abnormal discharge and eschar between women who received CO2 laser and those who received USA. The trial

Improving the Quality of Ward-based Surgical Care With a Human Factors Intervention Bundle.

PubMed

Johnston, Maximilian J; Arora, Sonal; King, Dominic; Darzi, Ara

2018-01-01

This study aimed to explore the impact of a human factors intervention bundle on the quality of ward-based surgical care in a UK hospital. Improving the culture of a surgical team is a difficult task. Engagement with stakeholders before intervention is key. Studies have shown that appropriate supervision can enhance surgical ward safety. A pre-post intervention study was conducted. The intervention bundle consisted of twice-daily attending ward rounds, a "chief resident of the week" available at all times on the ward, an escalation of care protocol and team contact cards. Twenty-seven junior and senior surgeons completed validated questionnaires assessing supervision, escalation of care, and safety culture pre and post-intervention along with interviews to further explore the impact of the intervention. Patient outcomes pre and postintervention were also analyzed. Questionnaires revealed significant improvements in supervision postintervention (senior median pre 5 vs post 7, P = 0.002 and junior 4 vs 6, P = 0.039) and senior surgeon approachability (junior 5 vs 6, P = 0.047). Both groups agreed that they would feel safer as a patient in their hospital postintervention (senior 3 vs 4.5, P = 0.021 and junior 3 vs 4, P = 0.034). The interviews confirmed that the safety culture of the department had improved. There were no differences in inpatient mortality, cardiac arrest, reoperation, or readmission rates pre and postintervention. Improving supervision and introducing clear protocols can improve safety culture on the surgical ward. Future work should evaluate the effect these measures have on patient outcomes in multiple institutions.

The effectiveness of non-surgical interventions in the treatment of Charcot foot.

PubMed

Smith, Caroline; Kumar, Saravana; Causby, Ryan

2007-12-01

Background  Charcot neuropathic osteoarthropathy is commonly known as 'Charcot foot'. It is a serious foot complication of diabetes mellitus that can frequently lead to foot ulceration, gangrene, hospital admission and foot amputation. A multidisciplinary approach to the management of Charcot foot is taken involving medical and allied health professionals. The management approach may also differ between different countries. To date, there is no systematic review of the literature undertaken to identify the clinical effectiveness of non-operative interventions in the treatment of acute Charcot foot. Objective  The objective of this review was to identify the effectiveness of non-surgical interventions with reducing lesions, ulceration, the rate of surgical intervention, reducing hospital admissions and improve the quality of life of subjects with Charcot foot. Search strategy  A comprehensive search strategy was undertaken on databases available from University of South Australia from their inception to November 2006. Selection criteria  Randomised controlled trials or clinical controlled trials were primarily sought. Critical appraisal of study quality and data extraction was undertaken using Joanna Briggs Institute instruments. Review Manager software was used to calculate comparative statistics. Results  This review identified 11 trials and five trials were included in the review. Three trials involved the use of bisphosphonate, a pharmacological agent. Two experimental treatments were also included, evaluating palliative radiology and magnetic fields. No trials were found using immobilisation and off-loading interventions for acute Charcot foot. The overall methodological quality score of the five studies was moderate. Owing to heterogeneous data, meta-analysis could not be performed. The trials did not report on reducing lesions, ulceration, rate of surgical intervention, hospital admissions and the quality of life of subjects with Charcot foot. The

The role of early surgical intervention in civilian gunshot wounds to the head.

PubMed

Helling, T S; McNabney, W K; Whittaker, C K; Schultz, C C; Watkins, M

1992-03-01

Surgical management of gunshot wounds of the head has remained a controversial issue in the care of civilian patients. In an attempt to determine who might benefit from aggressive surgical intervention, we examined 89 patients over a 3-year period who had suffered cranial gunshot wounds and had at least one computed tomographic scan of the head after admission. Patients were divided into those receiving early (less than 24 hours) surgical intervention (ES, n = 27), late (greater than 24 hours) surgical intervention (LS, n = 6) or no surgical intervention (NS, n = 56). Overall mortality was 63%. Ten of 27 patients (37%) in the ES group died compared with 46 of 56 patients (82%) in the NS group (p less than 0.0001). Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores in the ES group averaged 7.86 +/- 4.72 and in the NS group 5.59 +/- 4.42 (p less than 0.05). The GCS scores in the LS group (all of whom survived) were significantly higher than those of the other two groups, 12.17 +/- 4.10. The number of patients with GCS scores of 3 or 4 on admission was significantly less in the ES (41%) than in the NS group (66%, p = 0.035) and survival was better with surgery (36%) than without (3%, p = 0.007). Patients with mass lesions (clot, ventricular blood) were more often found in the ES group (17/27) than in the NS group (18/56) (p = 0.008). Patients with bihemispheric injuries fared better with surgery (7 of 14 survivors) than without (2 of 33 survivors, p = 0.0003). Only one infectious complication (brain abscess) was encountered in the LS group. No delayed intracranial complications in survivors in the NS group were seen.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Penile fracture: long-term outcome of immediate surgical intervention.

PubMed

Ibrahiem, el-Housseiny I; el-Tholoth, Hossam S; Mohsen, Tarek; Hekal, Ihab A; el-Assmy, Ahmed

2010-01-01

To assess the etiology and the late effects of penile fractures treated by immediate surgical intervention. Between 1986 and 2008, a total of 155 patients with penile fracture were treated surgically in our center. The interval from injury to presentation was between 1 and 96 hours. Those patients were contacted by mail or phone and were re-evaluated. All patients were re-evaluated by questionnaire and local examination. Patients with erectile dysfunction were evaluated by color Doppler ultrasonography. The most common cause of fracture of penis is sexual intercourse (51.5%). Unilateral and bilateral corporeal ruptures were present in 139 (89.7%) and 3 (1.9%) cases, respectively, whereas no tunical tear was found in 13 (8.4%) cases. Concomitant urethral injury was present in 14 (9%) cases. Long-term follow-up (>12 months) was available for 141 patients; among whom there was no complications in 108 (77%), painful erection in 2 (1.3%), penile deviation in 5 (3.2%), both in 1 (0.7%), erectile dysfunction in 11 (7.8%), and palpable scarring in 14 (10%). Scar formation was highly associated using nonabsorbable sutures (P <.001). Vigorous sexual intercourse was found to be the most common cause of penile fracture. Immediate surgical intervention has low morbidity, short hospital stay, rapid functional recovery, and no serious long-term sequelae. Nonabsorbable sutures should be avoided as it has a higher incidence of scar formation. 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Site of impaction of ureteric calculi requiring surgical intervention.

PubMed

El-Barky, Ehab; Ali, Yusuf; Sahsah, Mohammed; Terra, Ali A; Kehinde, Elijah O

2014-02-01

Textbooks describe three narrowest anatomic sites in the ureter as the most likely places for ureteral calculi to lodge, these are: the pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ), the point where the ureters cross over the iliac vessels and the ureterovesical junction (UVJ). The purpose of this study is to determine whether calculi causing ureteric obstruction and requiring surgical treatment are found mostly at these three narrowest anatomic points of the ureter. Three hundred consecutive patients with impacted ureteric calculi who required surgical intervention were studied. The location of the impacted calculus on the day of surgical intervention was categorized according to nine predetermined levels outlined in a designed diagram based on findings on non-contrast CT of kidneys, ureters and bladder. Two peaks in stone distribution in the ureters were encountered; the first was above the ischial spine in the proximal part of the lower third ureter (84 patients, 28%), while the second was at the level between L3 and L4 lumbar vertebrae (66 patients, 22%). Overall, the location of impacted calculi was as follows, 53, 34, 10 and 3% in the lower third ureter, upper third ureter, PUJ and mid ureter, respectively. This study demonstrates two peaks of calculi distribution in the ureter where ureteric calculi become impacted: the upper ureter below the PUJ and a second in the lower ureter, more proximal than the UVJ. There was an absence of the peak in stone location over the iliac vessels, that is, the mid ureter.

Non-surgical interventions for adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis: an overview of systematic reviews.

PubMed

Płaszewski, Maciej; Bettany-Saltikov, Josette

2014-01-01

Non-surgical interventions for adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis remain highly controversial. Despite the publication of numerous reviews no explicit methodological evaluation of papers labeled as, or having a layout of, a systematic review, addressing this subject matter, is available. Analysis and comparison of the content, methodology, and evidence-base from systematic reviews regarding non-surgical interventions for adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Systematic overview of systematic reviews. Articles meeting the minimal criteria for a systematic review, regarding any non-surgical intervention for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, with any outcomes measured, were included. Multiple general and systematic review specific databases, guideline registries, reference lists and websites of institutions were searched. The AMSTAR tool was used to critically appraise the methodology, and the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine and the Joanna Briggs Institute's hierarchies were applied to analyze the levels of evidence from included reviews. From 469 citations, twenty one papers were included for analysis. Five reviews assessed the effectiveness of scoliosis-specific exercise treatments, four assessed manual therapies, five evaluated bracing, four assessed different combinations of interventions, and one evaluated usual physical activity. Two reviews addressed the adverse effects of bracing. Two papers were high quality Cochrane reviews, Three were of moderate, and the remaining sixteen were of low or very low methodological quality. The level of evidence of these reviews ranged from 1 or 1+ to 4, and in some reviews, due to their low methodological quality and/or poor reporting, this could not be established. Higher quality reviews indicate that generally there is insufficient evidence to make a judgment on whether non-surgical interventions in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis are effective. Papers labeled as systematic reviews need to be considered in terms

Validation of Rules to Predict Emergent Surgical Intervention in Pediatric Trauma Patients

PubMed Central

Boatright, Dowin H; Byyny, Richard L; Hopkins, Emily; Bakes, Katherine; Hissett, Jennifer; Tunson, Java; Easter, Joshua S; Vogel, Jody A; Bensard, Denis; Haukoos, Jason S

2014-01-01

Background Trauma centers use guidelines to determine when a trauma surgeon is needed in the emergency department (ED) on patient arrival. A decision rule from Loma Linda University identified patients with penetrating injury and tachycardia as requiring emergent surgical intervention. Our goal was to validate this rule and to compare it to the American College of Surgeons’ Major Resuscitation Criteria (MRC). Study Design We used data from 1993 through 2010 from two Level 1 trauma centers in Denver, Colorado. Patient demographics, injury severity, times of ED arrival and surgical intervention, and all variables of the Loma Linda Rule and the MRC were obtained. The outcome, emergent intervention (defined as requiring operative intervention by a trauma surgeon within one hour of arrival to the ED or performance of cricothyroidotomy or thoracotomy in the ED) was confirmed using standardized abstraction. Sensitivities, specificities, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results 8,078 patients were included and 47 (0.6%) required emergent intervention. Of the 47 patients, the median age was 11 years (IQR: 7–14), 70% were male, 30% had penetrating mechanisms, and the median ISS was 25 (IQR: 9–41). At the two institutions, the Loma Linda Rule had a sensitivity and specificity of 69% (95% CI: 45%–94%) and 76% (95% CI: 69%–83%), respectively, and the MRC had a sensitivity and specificity of 80% (95% CI: 70%–92%) and 81% (95% CI: 77%–85%), respectively. Conclusions Emergent surgical intervention is rare in the pediatric trauma population. Although precision of predictive accuracies of the Loma Linda Rule and MRC were limited by small numbers of outcomes, neither set of criteria appears to be sufficiently accurate to recommend their routine use. PMID:23623222

Early intervention to promote medical student interest in surgery and the surgical subspecialties.

PubMed

Patel, Madhukar S; Mowlds, Donald S; Khalsa, Bhavraj; Foe-Parker, Jennifer E; Rama, Asheen; Jafari, Fariba; Whealon, Matthew D; Salibian, Ara; Hoyt, David B; Stamos, Michael J; Endres, Jill E; Smith, Brian R

2013-01-01

Concerns about projected workforce shortages are growing, and attrition rates among surgical residents remain high. Early exposure of medical students to the surgical profession may promote interest in surgery and allow students more time to make informed career decisions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a simple, easily reproducible intervention aimed at increasing first- and second-year medical student interest in surgery. Surgery Saturday (SS) is a student-organized half-day intervention of four faculty-led workshops that introduce suturing, knot tying, open instrument identification, operating room etiquette, and basic laparoscopic skills. Medical students who attended SS were administered pre-/post-surveys that gauged change in surgical interest levels and provided a self-assessment (1-5 Likert-type items) of knowledge and skills acquisition. First- and second-year medical students. Change in interest in the surgical field as well as perceived knowledge and skills acquisition. Thirty-three first- and second-year medical students attended SS and completed pre-/post-surveys. Before SS, 14 (42%) students planned to pursue a surgical residency, 4 (12%) did not plan to pursue a surgical residency, and 15 (46%) were undecided. At the conclusion, 29 (88%) students indicated an increased interested in surgery, including 87% (13/15) who were initially undecided. Additionally, attendees reported a significantly (p < 0.05) higher comfort level in the following: suturing, knot tying, open instrument identification, operating room etiquette, and laparoscopic instrument identification and manipulation. SS is a low resource, high impact half-day intervention that can significantly promote early medical student interest in surgery. As it is easily replicable, adoption by other medical schools is encouraged. Copyright © 2012 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Endoscopic duodenal perforation: surgical strategies in a regional centre

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Duodenal perforation is an uncommon complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) and a rare complication of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Most are minor perforations that settle with conservative management. A few perforations however result in life-threatening retroperitoneal necrosis and require surgical intervention. There is a relative paucity of references specifically describing the surgical interventions required for this eventuality. Methods Five cases of iatrogenic duodenal perforation were ascertained between 2002 and 2007 at Cairns Base Hospital. Clinical features were analyzed and compared, with reference to a review of ERCP at that institution for the years 2005/2006. Results One patient recovered with conservative management. Of the other four, one died after initial laparotomy. The other three survived, undergoing multiple procedures and long inpatient stays. Conclusions Iatrogenic duodenal perforation with retroperitoneal necrosis is an uncommon complication of endoscopy, but when it does occur it is potentially life-threatening. Early recognition may lead to a better outcome through earlier intervention, although a protracted course with multiple procedures should be anticipated. A number of surgical techniques may need to be employed according to the individual circumstances of the case. PMID:24461069

Grave's disease with transverse and sigmoid sinus thrombosis needing surgical intervention.

PubMed

Srikant, Banumathy; Balasubramaniam, Srikant

2013-07-01

Thrombosis of venous sinuses associated with thyrotoxicosis is rare, and isolated transverse and sigmoid sinus thrombosis is rarer and reported only once previously. We present a case of Graves disease, who suffered unilateral sigmoid and transverse sinus thrombosis with intracranial hemorrhage. A 42-year-old female, a diagnosed case of Graves disease, presented to us with headache, drowsiness, and hemiparesis. Computed Tomography revealed a large right temporo-parieto-occipital venous infarct. The patient needed surgical intervention in the form of decompressive craniotomy following which she improved, and on follow-up is having no deficits. Thrombophilia profile showed a low Protein S and Anti thrombin III (AT III) levels. Deranged thrombophilia profile in combination with the hypercoagulable state in thyrotoxicosis, most likely precipitated the thrombotic event. Timely surgical intervention can be offered in selective cases with a good clinical outcome.

Non-surgical interventions for convergence insufficiency

PubMed Central

Scheiman, Mitchell; Gwiazda, Jane; Li, Tianjing

2014-01-01

Background Convergence insufficiency is a common eye muscle co-ordination problem in which the eyes have a strong tendency to drift outward (exophoria) when reading or doing close work. Symptoms may include eye strain, headaches, double vision, print moving on the page, frequent loss of place when reading, inability to concentrate, and short attention span. Objectives To systematically assess and synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness of non-surgical interventions for convergence insufficiency. Search strategy We searched The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index, the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) (www.controlled-trials.com) and ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov) on 7 October 2010. We manually searched reference lists and optometric journals. Selection criteria We included RCTs examining any form of non-surgical intervention against placebo, no treatment, sham treatment, or each other. Data collection and analysis Two authors independently assessed eligibility, risk of bias, and extracted data. We performed meta-analyses when appropriate. Main results We included six trials (three in children, three in adults) with a total of 475 participants. We graded four trials at low risk of bias. Evidence from one trial (graded at low risk of bias) suggests that base-in prism reading glasses was no more effective than placebo reading glasses in improving clinical signs or symptoms in children. Evidence from one trial (graded at high risk of bias) suggests that base-in prism glasses using a progressive addition lens design was more effective than progressive addition lens alone in decreasing symptoms in adults. At three weeks of therapy, the mean difference in Convergence Insufficiency Symptoms Survey (CISS) score was −10.24 points (95% confidence interval (CI) −15.45 to −5.03). Evidence from two trials (graded at low risk of bias) suggests that outpatient (or office-based as used in the

A comparative study of a happiness intervention in medical-surgical nurses.

PubMed

Appel, Linda; Labhart, Lana; Balczo, Pam; McCleary, Nancy; Raley, Mary; Winsett, Rebecca P

2013-01-01

An intervention study evaluating the impact of journaling on nurse happiness was conducted with 91 medical-surgical nurses. No differences in general happiness, percentage of time happy, and gratitude were detected among groups although journaling was qualitatively described as meaningful.

Novel ways to explore surgical interventions in randomised controlled trials: applying case study methodology in the operating theatre.

PubMed

Blencowe, Natalie S; Blazeby, Jane M; Donovan, Jenny L; Mills, Nicola

2015-12-28

Multi-centre randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in surgery are challenging. It is particularly difficult to establish standards of surgery and ensure that interventions are delivered as intended. This study developed and tested methods for identifying the key components of surgical interventions and standardising interventions within RCTs. Qualitative case studies of surgical interventions were undertaken within the internal pilot phase of a surgical RCT for obesity (the By-Band study). Each case study involved video data capture and non-participant observation of gastric bypass surgery in the operating theatre and interviews with surgeons. Methods were developed to transcribe and synchronise data from video recordings with observational data to identify key intervention components, which were then explored in the interviews with surgeons. Eight qualitative case studies were undertaken. A novel combination of video data capture, observation and interview data identified variations in intervention delivery between surgeons and centres. Although surgeons agreed that the most critical intervention component was the size and shape of the gastric pouch, there was no consensus regarding other aspects of the procedure. They conceded that evidence about the 'best way' to perform bypass was lacking and, combined with the pragmatic nature of the By-Band study, agreed that strict standardisation of bypass might not be required. This study has developed and tested methods for understanding how surgical interventions are designed and delivered delivered in RCTs. Applying these methods more widely may help identify key components of interventions to be delivered by surgeons in trials, enabling monitoring of key components and adherence to the protocol. These methods are now being tested in the context of other surgical RCTs. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN00786323 , 05/09/2011.

Evaluation of spinal missile injuries with respect to bullet trajectory, surgical indications and timing of surgical intervention: a new guideline.

PubMed

Duz, Bulent; Cansever, Tufan; Secer, Halil Ibrahim; Kahraman, Serdar; Daneyemez, Mehmet Kadri; Gonul, Engin

2008-09-15

Analysis of the patients with spinal missile injury (SMI). Choosing the optimum treatment for SMI with respect to bullet trajectory, evaluation of surgical indications, and timing of surgical intervention. A few guidelines were reported for the management of SMI. But there is still no consensus about the indication and timing of the surgery. The relationship between the surgery and bullet trajectory was not reported previously. One hundred twenty-nine patients with spinal missile injury were admitted to our department from 1994 to 2006 and 122 of them could be functionally monitored. Functional recovery and complications in surgical and conservative treatment groups were evaluated. Surgical indications were discussed. The injuries were classified with respect to the bullet's trajectory. Seventy-four patients were treated surgically, of whom 60 (81%) had incomplete injuries. All 17 patients whose vertebral column was injured with side-to-side trajectory were operated on because of instability. In the surgical group, 33 (56.9%) showed improvement, 20 (34.5%) showed no change, and 5 (8.6%) worsened. The best results were obtained by the patients who received operations because of rapid neurologic decline, compression, and instability in the spinal canal (P < 0.0001). Twenty-three (31%) complications and associated injuries were seen in the surgically treated patients and 18 (34.6%) were seen in the conservatively treated patients. Anteroposterior and oblique trajectories [Gulhane Military Medical Academy (GATA)-SMI I and GATA-SMI II] of SMI must be recognized as highly infective in the lumbar region. A side-to-side trajectory (GATA-SMI III) missile causing spinal cord injury is unstable and needs further stabilization. The spinal cord is not injured by the GATA-SMI IV trajectory, and thus, the best approach in this case is conservative. The best results from neurosurgical interventions may be achieved after rapid neurologic deteriorations because of spinal compression

Effects of surgical intervention on trochlear remodeling in pediatric patients with recurrent patella dislocation cases.

PubMed

Sugimoto, Dai; Christino, Melissa A; Micheli, Lyle J

2016-07-01

Patella instability is often encountered among physically active pediatric athletes, and surgical intervention is useful in cases with recurrent patella dislocations, chronic instability, and abnormal alignment. Several surgical procedures have been used for patella-realignment and stabilization, but the effects of surgical intervention on bony trochlear remodeling in skeletally immature patients have not been well studied. We thus present two cases of pediatric recurrent patella dislocations that showed trochlear remodeling following patella-realignment surgery. The first case describes an 11-year-old female treated with a Roux-Golthwait procedure and the second case highlights a 12-year-old male treated with lateral release and medial capsular reefing. The Merchant technique, a radiographic criterion that was designed to evaluate patella alignment in relation to the femoral trochlea groove, including sulcus and congruence angles was used to measure postoperative bony development. Both pediatric patients showed successful outcomes following surgical interventions for chronic patella instability. Using the Merchant technique, both patients showed improved congruence and sulcus angles postoperatively. Patella realignment in skeletally immature patients may be beneficial for promoting trochlear remodeling and deepening of the trochlear groove, which may help protect against future dislocation or subluxation events. Level IV, case report.

Non-Surgical Interventions for Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis: An Overview of Systematic Reviews

PubMed Central

Płaszewski, Maciej; Bettany-Saltikov, Josette

2014-01-01

Background Non-surgical interventions for adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis remain highly controversial. Despite the publication of numerous reviews no explicit methodological evaluation of papers labeled as, or having a layout of, a systematic review, addressing this subject matter, is available. Objectives Analysis and comparison of the content, methodology, and evidence-base from systematic reviews regarding non-surgical interventions for adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Design Systematic overview of systematic reviews. Methods Articles meeting the minimal criteria for a systematic review, regarding any non-surgical intervention for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, with any outcomes measured, were included. Multiple general and systematic review specific databases, guideline registries, reference lists and websites of institutions were searched. The AMSTAR tool was used to critically appraise the methodology, and the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine and the Joanna Briggs Institute’s hierarchies were applied to analyze the levels of evidence from included reviews. Results From 469 citations, twenty one papers were included for analysis. Five reviews assessed the effectiveness of scoliosis-specific exercise treatments, four assessed manual therapies, five evaluated bracing, four assessed different combinations of interventions, and one evaluated usual physical activity. Two reviews addressed the adverse effects of bracing. Two papers were high quality Cochrane reviews, Three were of moderate, and the remaining sixteen were of low or very low methodological quality. The level of evidence of these reviews ranged from 1 or 1+ to 4, and in some reviews, due to their low methodological quality and/or poor reporting, this could not be established. Conclusions Higher quality reviews indicate that generally there is insufficient evidence to make a judgment on whether non-surgical interventions in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis are effective. Papers

Surgical Versus Conservative Intervention for Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture: A PRISMA-Compliant Systematic Review of Overlapping Meta-Analyses.

PubMed

Zhang, Hao; Tang, Hao; He, Qianyun; Wei, Qiang; Tong, Dake; Wang, Chuangfeng; Wu, Dajiang; Wang, Guangchao; Zhang, Xin; Ding, Wenbin; Li, Di; Ding, Chen; Liu, Kang; Ji, Fang

2015-11-01

Although many meta-analyses comparing surgical intervention with conservative treatment have been conducted for acute Achilles tendon rupture, discordant conclusions are shown. This study systematically reviewed the overlapping meta-analyses relating to surgical versus conservative intervention of acute Achilles tendon rupture to assist decision makers select among conflicting meta-analyses, and to offer intervention recommendations based on the currently best evidence.Multiple databases were comprehensively searched for meta-analyses comparing surgical with conservative treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture. Meta-analyses only comprising randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Two authors independently evaluated the meta-analysis quality and extracted data. The Jadad decision algorithm was applied to ascertain which meta-analysis offered the best evidence.A total of 9 meta-analyses were included. Only RCTs were determined as Level-II evidence. The scores of Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) ranged from 5 to 10 (median 7). A high-quality meta-analysis with more RCTs was selected according to the Jadad decision algorithm. This study found that when functional rehabilitation was used, conservative intervention was equal to surgical treatment regarding the incidence of rerupture, range of motion, calf circumference, and functional outcomes, while reducing the incidence of other complications. Where functional rehabilitation was not performed, conservative intervention could significantly increase rerupture rate.Conservative intervention may be preferred for acute Achilles tendon rupture at centers offering functional rehabilitation, because it shows a similar rerupture rate with a lower risk of other complications when compared with surgical treatment. However, surgical treatment should be considered at centers without functional rehabilitation as this can reduce the incidence of rerupture.

Surgical Intervention for Instability of the Craniovertebral Junction

PubMed Central

TAKAYASU, Masakazu; AOYAMA, Masahiro; JOKO, Masahiro; TAKEUCHI, Mikinobu

2016-01-01

Surgical approaches for stabilizing the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) are classified as either anterior or posterior approaches. Among the anterior approaches, the established method is anterior odontoid screw fixation. Posterior approaches are classified as either atlanto-axial fixation or occipito-cervical (O-C) fixation. Spinal instrumentation using anchor screws and rods has become a popular method for posterior cervical fixation. Because this method achieves greater stability and higher success rates for fusion without the risk of sublaminar wiring, it has become a substitute for previous methods that used bone grafting and wiring. Several types of anchor screws are available, including C1/2 transarticular, C1 lateral mass, C2 pedicle, and translaminar screws. Appropriate anchor screws should be selected according to characteristics such as technical feasibility, safety, and strength. With these stronger anchor screws, shorter fixation has become possible. The present review discusses the current status of surgical interventions for stabilizing the CVJ. PMID:27041630

Teamwork, communication and safety climate: a systematic review of interventions to improve surgical culture.

PubMed

Sacks, Greg D; Shannon, Evan M; Dawes, Aaron J; Rollo, Johnathon C; Nguyen, David K; Russell, Marcia M; Ko, Clifford Y; Maggard-Gibbons, Melinda A

2015-07-01

To define the target domains of culture-improvement interventions, to assess the impact of these interventions on surgical culture and to determine whether culture improvements lead to better patient outcomes and improved healthcare efficiency. Healthcare systems are investing considerable resources in improving workplace culture. It remains unclear whether these interventions, when aimed at surgical care, are successful and whether they are associated with changes in patient outcomes. PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science and Scopus databases were searched from January 1980 to January 2015. We included studies on interventions that aimed to improve surgical culture, defined as the interpersonal, social and organisational factors that affect the healthcare environment and patient care. The quality of studies was assessed using an adapted tool to focus the review on higher-quality studies. Due to study heterogeneity, findings were narratively reviewed. The 47 studies meeting inclusion criteria (4 randomised trials and 10 moderate-quality observational studies) reported on interventions that targeted three domains of culture: teamwork (n=28), communication (n=26) and safety climate (n=19); several targeted more than one domain. All moderate-quality studies showed improvements in at least one of these domains. Two studies also demonstrated improvements in patient outcomes, such as reduced postoperative complications and even reduced postoperative mortality (absolute risk reduction 1.7%). Two studies reported improvements in healthcare efficiency, including fewer operating room delays. These findings were supported by similar results from low-quality studies. The literature provides promising evidence for various strategies to improve surgical culture, although these approaches differ in terms of the interventions employed as well as the techniques used to measure culture. Nevertheless, culture improvement appears to be associated with other positive effects, including

G-Spotplasty: A New Surgical Plastic Intervention-The Preliminary Study.

PubMed

Ostrzenski, Adam

2018-04-20

Ostrzenski's G-pot anatomical structure discovery has been verified by the anatomy, histology, MRI in vivo, and electrovaginography in vivo studies. The objectives of this scientific-clinical investigation were to develop a new surgical reconstructive intervention (G-spotplasty); to determine the ability of G-spotplasty surgical implementation; to observe for potential complications; and to gather initial information on whether G-spotplasty improves female sexual activity, sexual behaviors, and sexual concerns. A case series study was designed and conducted with 5-year follow-up (October 2013 and October 2017). The rehearsal of new G-spotplasty was performed on fresh female cadavers. Three consecutive live women constituted this clinical study population, and they were subjected to the newly developed G-spotplasty procedure in October 2013. Preoperatively and postoperatively, a validated, self-completion instrument of Sexual Relationships and Activities Questionnaire (SRA-Q) was used to measure female sexual activity, sexual behaviors, and sexual concerns. Three out of twelve women met inclusion criteria and were incorporated into this study. All patients were subjected to G-spotplasty, completed 5-year follow-up, and returned completed SRA-Q in a sealed envelope. New G-spotplasty was successfully implemented without surgical difficulty and without complications. All patients reported re-establishing vaginal orgasms with different degrees of difficulties, observing return of anterior vaginal wall engorgement, and were very pleased with the outcome of G-spotplasty. The G-spotplasty is a simple surgical intervention, easy to implement, and improves sexual activities, sexual behaviors, and sexual concerns. The preliminary results are very promising and paved the way for additional clinical-scientific research. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to

Surgical therapy in chronic pancreatitis.

PubMed

Neal, C P; Dennison, A R; Garcea, G

2012-12-01

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas which causes chronic pain, as well as exocrine and endocrine failure in the majority of patients, together producing social and domestic upheaval and a very poor quality of life. At least half of patients will require surgical intervention at some stage in their disease, primarily for the treatment of persistent pain. Available data have now confirmed that surgical intervention may produce superior results to conservative and endoscopic treatment. Comprehensive individual patient assessment is crucial to optimal surgical management, however, in order to determine which morphological disease variant (large duct disease, distal stricture with focal disease, expanded head or small duct/minimal change disease) is present in the individual patient, as a wide and differing range of surgical approaches are possible depending upon the specific abnormality within the gland. This review comprehensively assesses the evidence for these differing approaches to surgical intervention in chronic pancreatitis. Surgical drainage procedures should be limited to a small number of patients with a dilated duct and no pancreatic head mass. Similarly, a small population presenting with a focal stricture and tail only disease may be successfully treated by distal pancreatectomy. Long-term results of both of these procedure types are poor, however. More impressive results have been yielded for the surgical treatment of the expanded head, for which a range of surgical options now exist. Evidence from level I studies and a recent meta-analysis suggests that duodenum-preserving resections offer benefits compared to pancreaticoduodenectomy, though the results of the ongoing, multicentre ChroPac trial are awaited to confirm this. Further data are also needed to determine which of the duodenum-preserving procedures provides optimal results. In relation to small duct/minimal change disease total pancreatectomy represents the only

Reasons for and Experiences With Surgical Interventions for Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C): A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Berg, Rigmor C; Taraldsen, Sølvi; Said, Maryan A; Sørbye, Ingvil Krarup; Vangen, Siri

2017-08-01

Because female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) leads to changes in normal genital anatomy and functionality, women are increasingly seeking surgical interventions for their FGM/C-related concerns. To conduct a systematic review of empirical quantitative and qualitative research on interventions for women with FGM/C-related complications. We conducted systematic searches up to May 2016 in 16 databases to obtain references from different disciplines. We accepted all study designs consisting of girls and women who had been subjected to FGM/C and that examined a reparative intervention for a FGM/C-related concern. We screened the titles, abstracts, and full texts of retrieved records for relevance. Then, we assessed the methodologic quality of the included studies and extracted and synthesized the study data. All outcomes were included. Of 3,726 retrieved references, 71 studies including 7,291 women were eligible for inclusion. We identified three different types of surgical intervention: defibulation or surgical separation of fused labia, excision of a cyst with or without some form of reconstruction, and clitoral or clitoral-labial reconstruction. Reasons for seeking surgical interventions consisted of functional complaints, sexual aspirations, esthetic aspirations, and identity recovery. The most common reasons for defibulation were a desire for improved sexual pleasure, vaginal appearance, and functioning. For cyst excision, cystic swelling was the main reason for seeking excision; for reconstruction, the main reason was to recover identity. Data on women's experiences with a surgical intervention are sparse, but we found that women reported easier births after defibulation. Our findings also suggested that most women were satisfied with defibulation (overall satisfaction = 50-100%), typically because of improvements in their sexual lives. Conversely, the results suggested that defibulation had low social acceptance and that the procedure created distress in

Interventions for treating chronic ankle instability.

PubMed

de Vries, J S; Krips, R; Sierevelt, I N; Blankevoort, L

2006-10-18

interventions (two studies): both studies provided evidence that early functional mobilization leads to an earlier return to work and sports than immobilisation. Conservative interventions: the only study in this group showed better proprioception and functional outcome with the bi-directional than with the uni-directional pedal technique on a cyclo-ergometer. In view of the low quality methodology of almost all the studies, this review does not provide sufficient evidence to support any specific surgical or conservative intervention for chronic ankle instability. However, after surgical reconstruction, early functional rehabilitation was shown to be superior to six weeks immobilisation regarding time to return to work and sports.

Early versus late surgical intervention or medical management for infective endocarditis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Anantha Narayanan, Mahesh; Mahfood Haddad, Toufik; Kalil, Andre C; Kanmanthareddy, Arun; Suri, Rakesh M; Mansour, George; Destache, Christopher J; Baskaran, Janani; Mooss, Aryan N; Wichman, Tammy; Morrow, Lee; Vivekanandan, Renuga

2016-06-15

Infective endocarditis is associated with high morbidity and mortality and optimal timing for surgical intervention is unclear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare early surgical intervention with conservative therapy in patients with infective endocarditis. PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, CINAHL and Google-scholar databases were searched from January 1960 to April 2015. Randomised controlled trials, retrospective cohorts and prospective observational studies comparing outcomes between early surgery at 20 days or less and conservative management for infective endocarditis were analysed. A total of 21 studies were included. OR of all-cause mortality for early surgery was 0.61 (95% CI 0.50 to 0.74, p<0.001) in unmatched groups and 0.41 (95% CI 0.31 to 0.54, p<0.001) in the propensity-matched groups (matched for baseline variables). For patients who had surgical intervention at 7 days or less, OR of all-cause mortality was 0.61 (95% CI 0.39 to 0.96, p=0.034) and in those who had surgical intervention within 8-20 days, the OR of mortality was 0.64 (95% CI 0.48 to 0.86, p=0.003) compared with conservative management. In propensity-matched groups, the OR of mortality in patients with surgical intervention at 7 days or less was 0.30 (95% CI 0.16 to 0.54, p<0.001) and in the subgroup of patients who underwent surgery between 8 and 20 days was 0.51 (95% CI 0.35 to 0.72, p<0.001). There was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality, embolisation, heart failure and recurrence of endocarditis between the overall unmatched cohorts. The results of our meta-analysis suggest that early surgical intervention is associated with significantly lower risk of mortality in patients with infective endocarditis. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Effectiveness of Surgical and Postsurgical Interventions for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome-A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Huisstede, Bionka M; van den Brink, Janneke; Randsdorp, Manon S; Geelen, Sven J; Koes, Bart W

2017-05-31

To present an evidence-based overview of the effectiveness of surgical and postsurgical interventions for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PEDro were searched for relevant systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to April 8, 2016. Two reviewers independently applied the inclusion criteria to select potential studies. Two reviewers independently extracted the data and assessed the methodologic quality. A best-evidence synthesis was performed to summarize the results. Four systematic reviews and 33 RCTs were included. Surgery versus nonsurgical interventions, timing of surgery, and various surgical techniques and postoperative interventions were studied. Corticosteroid injection was more effective than surgery (strong evidence, short-term). Surgery was more effective than splinting or anti-inflammatory drugs plus hand therapy (moderate evidence, midterm and long-term). Manual therapy was more effective than surgical treatment (moderate evidence, short-term and midterm). Within surgery, corticosteroid irrigation of the median nerve before skin closure as additive to CTS release or the direct vision plus tunneling technique was more effective than standard open CTS release (moderate evidence, short-term). Furthermore, short was more effective than long bulky dressings, and a sensory retraining program was more effective than no program after surgery (moderate evidence, short-term). For all other interventions only conflicting, limited, or no evidence was found. Surgical treatment seems to be more effective than splinting or anti-inflammatory drugs plus hand therapy in the short-term, midterm, and/or long-term to treat CTS. However there is strong evidence that a local corticosteroid injection is more effective than surgery in the short-term, and moderate evidence that manual therapy is more effective than surgery in the short-term and midterm. There is no unequivocal evidence that suggests one

Economic modeling of surgical disease: a measure of public health interventions.

PubMed

Corlew, D Scott

2013-07-01

The measurement of the burden of disease and the interventions that address that burden can be done in various units. Reducing these measures to the common denominator of economic units (i.e., currency) enables comparison with other health entities, interventions, and even other fields. Economic assessment is complex, however, because of the multifactorial components of what constitutes health and what constitutes health interventions, as well as the coupling of those data to economic means. To perform economic modeling in a meaningful manner, it is necessary to: (1) define the health problem to be addressed; (2) define the intervention to be assessed; (3) define a measure of the effect of the health entity with and without the intervention (which includes defining the counterfactual); and (4) determine the appropriate method of converting the health effect to economics. This paper discusses technical aspects of how economic modeling can be done both of disease entities and of interventions. Two examples of economic modeling applied to surgical problems are then given.

Structured recording of intraoperative surgical workflows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neumuth, T.; Durstewitz, N.; Fischer, M.; Strauss, G.; Dietz, A.; Meixensberger, J.; Jannin, P.; Cleary, K.; Lemke, H. U.; Burgert, O.

2006-03-01

Surgical Workflows are used for the methodical and scientific analysis of surgical interventions. The approach described here is a step towards developing surgical assist systems based on Surgical Workflows and integrated control systems for the operating room of the future. This paper describes concepts and technologies for the acquisition of Surgical Workflows by monitoring surgical interventions and their presentation. Establishing systems which support the Surgical Workflow in operating rooms requires a multi-staged development process beginning with the description of these workflows. A formalized description of surgical interventions is needed to create a Surgical Workflow. This description can be used to analyze and evaluate surgical interventions in detail. We discuss the subdivision of surgical interventions into work steps regarding different levels of granularity and propose a recording scheme for the acquisition of manual surgical work steps from running interventions. To support the recording process during the intervention, we introduce a new software architecture. Core of the architecture is our Surgical Workflow editor that is intended to deal with the manifold, complex and concurrent relations during an intervention. Furthermore, a method for an automatic generation of graphs is shown which is able to display the recorded surgical work steps of the interventions. Finally we conclude with considerations about extensions of our recording scheme to close the gap to S-PACS systems. The approach was used to record 83 surgical interventions from 6 intervention types from 3 different surgical disciplines: ENT surgery, neurosurgery and interventional radiology. The interventions were recorded at the University Hospital Leipzig, Germany and at the Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, D.C., USA.

Cost-effectiveness of surgical interventions for the management of osteoarthritis: a systematic review of the literature.

PubMed

Kamaruzaman, Hanin; Kinghorn, Philip; Oppong, Raymond

2017-05-10

The primary purpose of this study is to assess the existing evidence on the cost-effectiveness of surgical interventions for the management of knee and hip osteoarthritis by systematically reviewing published economic evaluation studies. A systematic review was conducted for the period 2004 to 2016. Electronic databases were searched to identify both trial and model based economic evaluation studies that evaluated surgical interventions for knee and hip osteoarthritis. A total of 23 studies met the inclusion criteria and an assessment of these studies showed that total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and total hip arthroplasty (THA) showed evidence of cost-effectiveness and improvement in quality of life of the patients when compared to non-operative and non-surgical procedures. On the other hand, even though delaying TKA and THA may lead to some cost savings in the short-run, the results from the study showed that this was not a cost-effective option. TKA and THA are cost-effective and should be recommended for the management of patients with end stage/severe knee and hip OA. However, there needs to be additional studies to assess the cost-effectiveness of other surgical interventions in order for definite conclusions to be reached.

Endoscopic vs. Surgical Interventions for Painful Chronic Pancreatitis: What is Needed for Future Clinical Trials

PubMed Central

Windsor, John A; Reddy, Nageshwar D

2017-01-01

The treatment of painful chronic pancreatitis remains controversial. The available evidence from two randomized controlled trials favor surgical intervention, whereas an endotherapy-first approach is widely practiced. Chronic pancreatitis is complex disease with different genetic and environmental factors, different pain mechanisms and different treatment modalities including medical, endoscopic, and surgical. The widely practiced step-up approach remains unproven. In designing future clinical trials there are some important pre-requisites including a more comprehensive pain assessment tool, the optimization of conservative medical treatment and interventional techniques. Consideration should be given to the need of a control arm and the optimal timing of intervention. Pending better designed studies, the practical way forward is to identify subgroups of patients who clearly warrant endotherapy or surgery first, and to design the future clinical trials for the remainder. PMID:28079861

Elective percutaneous coronary intervention without on-site surgical backup: a community hospital experience.

PubMed

Djelmami-Hani, M; Mouanoutoua, Mouatou; Hashim, Abdelazim; Solis, Joaquin; Bergen, Lawrence; Oldridge, Neil; Egbujiobi, Leo C; Allaqaband, Suhail; Akhtar, Masood; Bajwa, Tanvir

2007-12-01

The American College of Cardiology guidelines consider elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) without on-site surgical backup (OSB) a Class-III indication. Our objective was to determine the safety of elective PCI without OSB. The study is a prospective analysis of a cohort of patients who underwent elective PCI without OSB at our institution. All patients were at our community satellite institution in Beloit, Wis. Three hundred twenty-one elective interventions were performed (mean age 64 +/-12, 68% male). The prevalence of diabetes and hypertension was 28% and 82.5% respectively. A predefined protocol was designed to transfer patients to a cardiac surgical facility if necessary. An experienced interventional cardiologist reviewed the diagnostic angiograms. Patients with complex lesions were excluded from the study. Any procedure-related death or emergency coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Three hundred eighty-two vessels were stented. Multi-vessel intervention was performed in 61 patients (19%). Only 5% of lesions were type C. Four hundred thirty-seven stents were deployed. IIb-IIIa inhibitors were used in 77 (24%) cases. Procedural success was 99.7%. There were no deaths, myocardial infarctions nor need for urgent target vessel revascularization at 6 months. With careful patient/lesion selection, an experienced interventional cardiologist and a predefined transfer protocol, elective PCI without OSB can be performed safely.

A Checklist-based Intervention to Improve Surgical Outcomes in Michigan: Evaluation of the Keystone Surgery Program

PubMed Central

Reames, Bradley N.; Krell, Robert W.; Campbell, Darrell A.; Dimick, Justin B.

2015-01-01

Importance Previous studies of checklist-based quality improvement interventions have reported mixed results. Objective To evaluate whether implementation of a checklist-based quality improvement intervention, Keystone Surgery, was associated with improved outcomes in patients undergoing general surgery in large statewide population. Design, Setting and Exposure Retrospective longitudinal study examining surgical outcomes in Michigan patients using Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative clinical registry data from the years 2006–2010 (n=64,891 patients in 29 hospitals). Multivariable logistic regression and difference-in-differences analytic approaches were used to evaluate whether Keystone Surgery program implementation was associated with improved surgical outcomes following general surgery procedures, apart from existing temporal trends toward improved outcomes during the study period. Main Outcome Measures Risk-adjusted rates of superficial surgical site infection, wound complications, any complication, and 30-day mortality. Results Implementation of Keystone Surgery in participating centers (n=14 hospitals) was not associated with improvements in surgical outcomes during the study period. Adjusted rates of superficial surgical site infection (3.2 vs. 3.2%, p=0.91), wound complications (5.9 vs. 6.5%, p=0.30), any complication (12.4 vs. 13.2%, p=0.26), and 30-day mortality (2.1 vs. 1.9%, p=0.32) at participating hospitals were similar before and after implementation. Difference-in-differences analysis accounting for trends in non-participating centers (n=15 hospitals), and sensitivity analysis excluding patients receiving surgery in the first 6- or 12-months after program implementation yielded similar results. Conclusions and Relevance Implementation of a checklist-based quality improvement intervention did not impact rates of adverse surgical outcomes among patients undergoing general surgery in participating Michigan hospitals. Additional research is

Risk of kidney stones with surgical intervention in living kidney donors.

PubMed

Thomas, S M; Lam, N N; Welk, B K; Nguan, C; Huang, A; Nash, D M; Prasad, G V R; Knoll, G A; Koval, J J; Lentine, K L; Kim, S J; Lok, C E; Garg, A X

2013-11-01

A kidney stone in a person with a solitary kidney requires urgent attention, which may result in surgical and/or hospital attention. We conducted a matched retrospective cohort study to determine if living kidney donors compared to healthy nondonors have a higher risk of: (i) kidney stones with surgical intervention, and (ii) hospital encounters for kidney stones. We reviewed all predonation charts for living kidney donations from 1992 to 2009 at five major transplant centers in Ontario, Canada, and linked this information to healthcare databases. We selected nondonors from the healthiest segment of the general population and matched 10 nondonors to every donor. Of the 2019 donors and 20 190 nondonors, none had evidence of kidney stones prior to cohort entry. Median follow-up time was 8.4 years (maximum 19.7 years; loss to follow-up <7%). There was no difference in the rate of kidney stones with surgical intervention in donors compared to nondonors (8.3 vs. 9.7 events/10 000 person-years; rate ratio 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47-1.53). Similarly there was no difference in the rate of hospital encounters for kidney stones (12.1 vs. 16.1 events/10 000 person-years; rate ratio 0.75; 95% CI 0.45-1.24). These interim results are reassuring for the safety of living kidney donation. © Copyright 2013 The American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons.

Refusal of Medical and Surgical Interventions by Older Persons with Advanced Chronic Disease

PubMed Central

Van Ness, Peter H.; O’Leary, John R.; Fried, Terri R.

2007-01-01

BACKGROUND Patients with advanced chronic disease are frequently offered medical and surgical interventions with potentially large trade-offs between benefits and burdens. Little is known about the frequency or outcomes of treatment refusal among these patients. OBJECTIVE To assess the frequency of, reasons for, factors associated with, and outcomes of treatment refusal among older persons with advanced chronic disease. DESIGN Observational cohort study. PARTICIPANTS Two hundred twenty-six community-dwelling persons with advanced cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or congestive heart failure, interviewed at least every 4 months for up to 2 years. MEASUREMENTS Participants were asked if they had refused any treatments recommended by their physicians, and why. RESULTS Thirty-six of 226 patients (16%) reported refusing 1 or more medical or surgical treatments recommended by their physician. The most frequently refused interventions were cardiac catheterization and surgery. The most common reason for refusal was fear of side effects (41%). Treatment refusal was more frequent among patients who wanted prognostic information (10% vs 2%, p = .02) or estimated their own longevity at 2 years or less (18% vs 5%, p = .02). There was an increased risk of mortality among refusers compared with non-refusers (HR 1.98, 95% CI 1.02–3.86). CONCLUSIONS Refusal of medical and surgical interventions other than medications is common among persons with advanced chronic disease, and is associated with a greater desire for, and understanding of, prognostic information. PMID:17483977

Wrong-Site Surgery, Retained Surgical Items, and Surgical Fires : A Systematic Review of Surgical Never Events.

PubMed

Hempel, Susanne; Maggard-Gibbons, Melinda; Nguyen, David K; Dawes, Aaron J; Miake-Lye, Isomi; Beroes, Jessica M; Booth, Marika J; Miles, Jeremy N V; Shanman, Roberta; Shekelle, Paul G

2015-08-01

Serious, preventable surgical events, termed never events, continue to occur despite considerable patient safety efforts. To examine the incidence and root causes of and interventions to prevent wrong-site surgery, retained surgical items, and surgical fires in the era after the implementation of the Universal Protocol in 2004. We searched 9 electronic databases for entries from 2004 through June 30, 2014, screened references, and consulted experts. Two independent reviewers identified relevant publications in June 2014. One reviewer used a standardized form to extract data and a second reviewer checked the data. Strength of evidence was established by the review team. Data extraction was completed in January 2015. Incidence of wrong-site surgery, retained surgical items, and surgical fires. We found 138 empirical studies that met our inclusion criteria. Incidence estimates for wrong-site surgery in US settings varied by data source and procedure (median estimate, 0.09 events per 10,000 surgical procedures). The median estimate for retained surgical items was 1.32 events per 10,000 procedures, but estimates varied by item and procedure. The per-procedure surgical fire incidence is unknown. A frequently reported root cause was inadequate communication. Methodologic challenges associated with investigating changes in rare events limit the conclusions of 78 intervention evaluations. Limited evidence supported the Universal Protocol (5 studies), education (4 studies), and team training (4 studies) interventions to prevent wrong-site surgery. Limited evidence exists to prevent retained surgical items by using data-matrix-coded sponge-counting systems (5 pertinent studies). Evidence for preventing surgical fires was insufficient, and intervention effects were not estimable. Current estimates for wrong-site surgery and retained surgical items are 1 event per 100,000 and 1 event per 10,000 procedures, respectively, but the precision is uncertain, and the per

Diagnosis and expedited surgical intervention of a complete hamstring avulsion in a military combatives athlete: a case report.

PubMed

O'Laughlin, Shaun J; Flynn, Timothy W; Westrick, Richard B; Ross, Michael D

2014-05-01

Hamstring injuries are frequent injuries in athletes, with the most common being strains at the musculotendinous junction or within the muscle belly. Conversely, hamstring avulsions are rare and often misdiagnosed leading to delay in appropriate surgical interventions. The purpose of this case report is to describe the history and physical examination findings that led to appropriate diagnostic imaging and the subsequent diagnosis and expedited surgical intervention of a complete avulsion of the hamstring muscle group from the ischium in a military combatives athlete. The patient was a 25 year-old male who sustained a hyperflexion injury to his right hip with knee extension while participating in military combatives, presenting with acute posterior thigh and buttock pain. History and physical examination findings from a physical therapy evaluation prompted an urgent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study, which led to the diagnosis of a complete avulsion of the hamstring muscle group off the ischium. Expedited surgical intervention occurred within 13 days of the injury potentially limiting comorbidities associated with delayed diagnosis. Recognition of the avulsion led to prompt surgical evaluation and intervention. Literature has shown that diagnosis of hamstring avulsions are frequently missed or delayed, which results in a myriad of complications. Level 4.

Surgical interventions for pulmonary tuberculosis in Mumbai, India: surgical outcomes and programmatic challenges.

PubMed

Shirodkar, S; Anande, L; Dalal, A; Desai, C; Corrêa, G; Das, M; Laxmeshwar, C; Mansoor, H; Remartinez, D; Trelles, M; Isaakidis, P

2016-09-01

Setting: While surgery for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is considered an important adjunct for specific cases, including drug-resistant tuberculosis, operational evidence on its feasibility and effectiveness is limited. Objective: To describe surgical outcomes and programmatic challenges of providing surgery for PTB in Mumbai, India. Design: A descriptive study of routinely collected data of surgical interventions for PTB from 2010 to 2014 in two Mumbai hospitals, one public, one private. Results: Of 85 patients, 5 (6%) died and 17 (20%) had complications, with wound infection being the most frequent. Repeat operation was required in 12 (14%) patients. Most procedures were performed on an emergency basis, and eligibility was established late in the course of treatment. Median time from admission to surgery was 51 days. Drug susceptibility test (DST) patterns and final treatment outcomes were not systematically collected. Conclusion: In a high-burden setting such as Mumbai, important data on surgery for PTB were surprisingly limited in both the private and public sectors. Eligibility for surgery was established late, culture and DST were not systematically offered, the interval between admission and surgery was long and TB outcomes were not known. Systematic data collection would allow for proper evaluation of surgery as adjunctive therapy for all forms of TB under programmatic conditions.

Surgical interventions for pulmonary tuberculosis in Mumbai, India: surgical outcomes and programmatic challenges

PubMed Central

Shirodkar, S.; Anande, L.; Dalal, A.; Desai, C.; Corrêa, G.; Laxmeshwar, C.; Mansoor, H.; Remartinez, D.; Trelles, M.; Isaakidis, P.

2016-01-01

Setting: While surgery for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is considered an important adjunct for specific cases, including drug-resistant tuberculosis, operational evidence on its feasibility and effectiveness is limited. Objective: To describe surgical outcomes and programmatic challenges of providing surgery for PTB in Mumbai, India. Design: A descriptive study of routinely collected data of surgical interventions for PTB from 2010 to 2014 in two Mumbai hospitals, one public, one private. Results: Of 85 patients, 5 (6%) died and 17 (20%) had complications, with wound infection being the most frequent. Repeat operation was required in 12 (14%) patients. Most procedures were performed on an emergency basis, and eligibility was established late in the course of treatment. Median time from admission to surgery was 51 days. Drug susceptibility test (DST) patterns and final treatment outcomes were not systematically collected. Conclusion: In a high-burden setting such as Mumbai, important data on surgery for PTB were surprisingly limited in both the private and public sectors. Eligibility for surgery was established late, culture and DST were not systematically offered, the interval between admission and surgery was long and TB outcomes were not known. Systematic data collection would allow for proper evaluation of surgery as adjunctive therapy for all forms of TB under programmatic conditions. PMID:27695683

Changes to medial gastrocnemius architecture after surgical intervention in spastic diplegia.

PubMed

Shortland, Adam P; Fry, Nicola R; Eve, Linda C; Gough, Martin

2004-10-01

We assessed the architecture of the medial gastrocnemius in nine children (five males, four females; age range 6 to 15 years; mean 10 years 10 months, SD 3 years 6 months) with spastic diplegia by ultrasound imaging before and after a gastrocnemius recession. The children were ambulant (seven independent, one with a posterior walker, one using crutches) before and after surgical intervention. We compared values for fascicle lengths and deep fascicular-aponeurosis angles with those from a group of normally developing children (five males, five females; age range 6 to 11 years; mean 8 years 4 months, SD 1 year 4 months). Despite a variable interval between assessments (from 56 to 610 days), fascicles were shorter (p=0.00226) and the deep fascicular-aponeurosis angle increased (p=0.0152) after intervention. Fascicle lengths of patients were similar to those in the group of normally developing children before surgery. After surgery, fascicles in the group of children with spastic diplegia were shorter than in their normally developing peers (p=0.00109). The gastrocnemius recession procedure alters muscle architecture, though the degree of fascicular shortening varied, with four of the participants in our study losing less than 10% of their original fascicular length at maximum dorsiflexion. Increases in ankle-joint power in walking, observed after surgical intervention in children with spastic diplegia, may be due to a more normal ankle position rather than to improvements in the active mechanical performance of the gastrocnemius.

Application of radiofrequency energy in surgical and interventional procedures: are there interactions with ICDs?

PubMed

Fiek, Michael; Dorwarth, Uwe; Durchlaub, Ilka; Janko, Sabine; Von Bary, Christian; Steinbeck, Gerhard; Hoffmann, Ellen

2004-03-01

During surgical and interventional procedures, interference may occur between ICDs and electrical cautery or with the application of RF energy. This may lead to the false induction of ICD therapies or could even result in device malfunction, which represents a potential perioperative hazard for the patient. This study analyzed the intraoperative interactions in 45 consecutive ICD patients in reference to different surgical and interventional procedures. A total of 33 surgical operations (general surgery [n = 14], urologic [n = 5], abdominal [n = 10], gynecological [n = 2], thoracic [n = 1], neurosurgical [n = 1]) and 12 interventional therapies (RF catheter ablation [n = 10], endoscopic papillotomy [n = 2]) were performed. The ICD devices were all located in left pectoral position and consisted of 25 single and 20 dual chamber defibrillators. During the procedure, tachyarrhythmia detection (VF 296 +/- 20 ms, VT 376 +/- 49 ms) of the devices was maintained active (monitoring mode), only ICD therapies were inactivated. The indifferent electrode of the electrical cauter/RF generator was placed in standard positions (right/left mid-femoral position [n = 27/8], thoracic spine area [n = 10]). After the procedure, the ICD memory was checked for detections and for changes in the programming. There was no oversensing, reprogramming, or damage of any defibrillator caused by RF energy. Despite the lack of undesired interactions, ICDs should be inactivated preoperatively to assure maximum patient safety. However, should inactivation not be possible, or the achievement uncertain, electromagnetic interference is highly unlikely.

Intraocular robotic interventional surgical system (IRISS): Mechanical design, evaluation, and master-slave manipulation.

PubMed

Wilson, Jason T; Gerber, Matthew J; Prince, Stephen W; Chen, Cheng-Wei; Schwartz, Steven D; Hubschman, Jean-Pierre; Tsao, Tsu-Chin

2018-02-01

Since the advent of robotic-assisted surgery, the value of using robotic systems to assist in surgical procedures has been repeatedly demonstrated. However, existing technologies are unable to perform complete, multi-step procedures from start to finish. Many intraocular surgical steps continue to be manually performed. An intraocular robotic interventional surgical system (IRISS) capable of performing various intraocular surgical procedures was designed, fabricated, and evaluated. Methods were developed to evaluate the performance of the remote centers of motion (RCMs) using a stereo-camera setup and to assess the accuracy and precision of positioning the tool tip using an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system. The IRISS can simultaneously manipulate multiple surgical instruments, change between mounted tools using an onboard tool-change mechanism, and visualize the otherwise invisible RCMs to facilitate alignment of the RCM to the surgical incision. The accuracy of positioning the tool tip was measured to be 0.205±0.003 mm. The IRISS was evaluated by trained surgeons in a remote surgical theatre using post-mortem pig eyes and shown to be effective in completing many key steps in a variety of intraocular surgical procedures as well as being capable of performing an entire cataract extraction from start to finish. The IRISS represents a necessary step towards fully automated intraocular surgery and demonstrated accurate and precise master-slave manipulation for cataract removal and-through visual feedback-retinal vein cannulation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Use of the national surgical quality improvement program to reduce surgical mortality: implementation of intensive preoperative screening and intervention.

PubMed

Konstantinidis, Agathoklis; Fogel, Sandy; Jones, James; Gilliam, Brenda; Kundzins, John; Baker, Christopher

2014-09-01

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) data at our institution indicated that surgical mortality was significantly higher than expected. This study examines the effect of implementation of a strict, intensive preoperative screening and intervention process on postoperative mortality at our institution, as measured by the NSQIP. Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital (CRMH) is a 763-bed tertiary care hospital serving a population of one million people in southwest Virginia. Data were collected for NSQIP at CRMH from July 2007 to December 2012. In January 2010, a new preoperative process was implemented to include risk assessment and intervention for hypertension, cardiac disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes, renal disease, and obstructive sleep apnea. Before initiation of our preoperative program (July 2007 to January 2010), odds ratios (ORs) for 30-day mortality in general and vascular cases were significantly higher than expected (1.40, 1.43, 1.58, and 1.56 in successive reporting periods). Beginning with the first report after implementation of the preoperative screening program, CRMH showed a progressively decreasing OR for overall 30-day mortality (1.26, 1.19, 1.14, 0.86, 0.82, 0.84, 0.89) with similar reductions in both general (0.92) and vascular (0.92) surgery. The implementation of an intensive preoperative screening and intervention process in our institution was accompanied by a significant decrease in the 30-day mortality for general surgery and vascular procedures, as measured by the NSQIP.

The role of interventional radiology in the management of surgical complications after pancreatoduodenectomy

PubMed Central

Sanjay, Pandanaboyana; Kellner, Maximiliane; Tait, Iain Stephen

2012-01-01

Objectives This study evaluates the role of interventional radiology (IR) in the management of postoperative complications after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). Methods A total of 120 consecutive patients were reviewed to identify IR procedures performed for early complications after PD. Results Findings showed that 24 patients (20.0%) required urgent radiological or surgical re-intervention for early complications, including 11 instances of post-pancreatectomy haemorrhage (PPH), six intra-abdominal abscesses, two bile leaks, one pancreatic fistula and one bowel ischaemia. Three of 24 complications were managed by surgery and 21 were managed by IR. Two of 11 PPHs involved intraluminal haemorrhage (ILH) and nine involved intra-abdominal haemorrhage (IAH). One ILH was managed conservatively and one required surgical intervention. In eight of nine patients with IAH, the bleeding site was identified on computed tomography angiography, and endovascular stenting or coil embolization were performed. No patient required a re-look laparotomy following IR for haemorrhage or intra-abdominal abscess. Overall, three of 120 patients required an urgent re-look laparotomy for early complications. Conclusions Rates of major morbidity after PD remain high. However, many significant complications (PPH, pancreatic fistula, intra-abdominal abscess) can be managed by IR, reducing the need for reoperation. Re-look surgery is still required in a small percentage (2.5%) of patients. PMID:23134182

A comprehensive subaxial cervical spine injury severity assessment model using numeric scores and its predictive value for surgical intervention.

PubMed

Tsou, Paul M; Daffner, Scott D; Holly, Langston T; Shamie, A Nick; Wang, Jeffrey C

2012-02-10

Multiple factors contribute to the determination for surgical intervention in the setting of cervical spinal injury, yet to date no unified classification system exists that predicts this need. The goals of this study were twofold: to create a comprehensive subaxial cervical spine injury severity numeric scoring model, and to determine the predictive value of this model for the probability of surgical intervention. In a retrospective cohort study of 333 patients, neural impairment, patho-morphology, and available spinal canal sagittal diameter post-injury were selected as injury severity determinants. A common numeric scoring trend was created; smaller values indicated less favorable clinical conditions. Neural impairment was graded from 2-10, patho-morphology scoring ranged from 2-15, and post-injury available canal sagittal diameter (SD) was measured in millimeters at the narrowest point of injury. Logistic regression analysis was performed using the numeric scores to predict the probability for surgical intervention. Complete neurologic deficit was found in 39 patients, partial deficits in 108, root injuries in 19, and 167 were neurologically intact. The pre-injury mean canal SD was 14.6 mm; the post-injury measurement mean was 12.3 mm. The mean patho-morphology score for all patients was 10.9 and the mean neurologic function score was 7.6. There was a statistically significant difference in mean scores for neural impairment, canal SD, and patho-morphology for surgical compared to nonsurgical patients. At the lowest clinical score for each determinant, the probability for surgery was 0.949 for neural impairment, 0.989 for post-injury available canal SD, and 0.971 for patho-morphology. The unit odds ratio for each determinant was 1.73, 1.61, and 1.45, for neural impairment, patho-morphology, and canal SD scores, respectively. The subaxial cervical spine injury severity determinants of neural impairment, patho-morphology, and post-injury available canal SD have

Facial Nerve Paralysis due to Chronic Otitis Media: Prognosis in Restoration of Facial Function after Surgical Intervention

PubMed Central

Kim, Jin; Jung, Gu-Hyun; Park, See-Young

2012-01-01

Purpose Facial paralysis is an uncommon but significant complication of chronic otitis media (COM). Surgical eradication of the disease is the most viable way to overcome facial paralysis therefrom. In an effort to guide treatment of this rare complication, we analyzed the prognosis of facial function after surgical treatment. Materials and Methods A total of 3435 patients with COM, who underwent various otologic surgeries throughout a period of 20 years, were analyzed retrospectively. Forty six patients (1.33%) had facial nerve paralysis caused by COM. We analyzed prognostic factors including delay of surgery, the extent of disease, presence or absence of cholesteatoma and the type of surgery affecting surgical outcomes. Results Surgical intervention had a good effect on the restoration of facial function in cases of shorter duration of onset of facial paralysis to surgery and cases of sudden onset, without cholesteatoma. No previous ear surgery and healthy bony labyrinth indicated a good postoperative prognosis. Conclusion COM causing facial paralysis is most frequently due to cholesteatoma and the presence of cholesteatoma decreased the effectiveness of surgical treatment and indicated a poor prognosis after surgery. In our experience, early surgical intervention can be crucial to recovery of facial function. To prevent recurrent cholesteatoma, which leads to local destruction of the facial nerve, complete eradication of the disease in one procedure cannot be overemphasized for the treatment of patients with COM. PMID:22477011

Antiretroviral treatment-based cost saving interventions may offset expenses for new patients and earlier treatment start.

PubMed

Angeletti, C; Pezzotti, P; Antinori, A; Mammone, A; Navarra, A; Orchi, N; Lorenzini, P; Mecozzi, A; Ammassari, A; Murachelli, S; Ippolito, G; Girardi, E

2014-03-01

Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has become the main driver of total costs of caring for persons living with HIV (PLHIV). The present study estimated the short/medium-term cost trends in response to the recent evolution of national guidelines and regional therapeutic protocols for cART in Italy. We developed a deterministic mathematical model that was calibrated using epidemic data for Lazio, a region located in central Italy with about six million inhabitants. In the Base Case Scenario, the estimated number of PLHIV in the Lazio region increased over the period 2012-2016 from 14 414 to 17 179. Over the same period, the average projected annual cost for treating the HIV-infected population was €147.0 million. An earlier cART initiation resulted in a rise of 2.3% in the average estimated annual cost, whereas an increase from 27% to 50% in the proportion of naïve subjects starting cART with a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based regimen resulted in a reduction of 0.3%. Simplification strategies based on NNRTIs co-formulated in a single tablet regimen and protease inhibitor/ritonavir-boosted monotherapy produced an overall reduction in average annual costs of 1.5%. A further average saving of 3.3% resulted from the introduction of generic antiretroviral drugs. In the medium term, cost saving interventions could finance the increase in costs resulting from the inertial growth in the number of patients requiring treatment and from the earlier treatment initiation recommended in recent guidelines. © 2013 British HIV Association.

[INTERVENTIONAL AND SURGICAL TREATMENT OF THE ANGINA PECTORIS RECURRENCE AFTER CORONARY SHUNTING OPERATION].

PubMed

Fanta, S M

2015-12-01

There were examined 134 patients, in whom in the clinic in 2005-2014 yrs a coronary shunting operation was performed. In patients with the angina pectoris recurrence a reoperation is indicated. The data of repeated coronaroventriculography and shuntography were analyzed. Efficacy of the surgical and interventional methods application in the patients was proved.

Surgical interventions in patients with chronic constipation refractory to intensive medical treatment.

PubMed

Yalcin, Samet; Yalcin, Bulent; Gecim, Ethem I

2009-01-01

Management of patients with chronic constipation (CC), irresponsive to medical treatment, is very difficult. There are some surgical approaches reported for the treatment. In this study we aimed to assess the results of different surgical procedures in patients with severe CC who were refractory to intensive medical treatments. Fifteen patients with refractory chronic constipation underwent surgical management between 1998 and 2003 in Ankara University School of Medicine Department of General Surgery. Median age of the patients was 40 years (range, 24-77), female/male ratio was 11/4, median duration of symptoms was 13 years (range, 4-35 years) and median interval of two subsequent bowel movements was 15 (range, 5-30) days. Preoperative evaluation including barium enema, colonoscopy, colonic transit time, and cinedefecography and balloon expulsion test were done in all patients. Clinical analysis of constipation with these tests indicated a simple slow transit colon in three patients but more complicated variations of combined anatomical functional disorders in the rest of the cases. Surgical procedures consisted of total colectomy, Frykman-Goldberg procedure, Wells procedure and appendisostomy, laparoscopically in 8 of them. Deep vein thrombosis developed in the postoperative period after rectopexy and pelvic floor repair in one case. The median follow-up time was 5.5 years. Fourteen (93.3%) patients had an excellent bowel movement and were highly satisfied with the surgical management. Surgical interventions may be beneficial in selected patients with refractory chronic constipation (Tab. 2, Ref. 13). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.

Outcomes after medical and surgical interventions in horses with temporohyoid osteoarthropathy.

PubMed

Espinosa, P; Nieto, J E; Estell, K E; Kass, P H; Aleman, M

2017-11-01

included a low number of cases. The survival prognosis in horses with THO is good to excellent in those submitted to surgical intervention, and fair in those treated with medical therapy alone. © 2017 EVJ Ltd.

Surgical treatment of chronic pancreatitis in young patients.

PubMed

Zhou, Feng; Gou, Shan-Miao; Xiong, Jiong-Xin; Wu, He-Shui; Wang, Chun-You; Liu, Tao

2014-10-01

The main treatment strategies for chronic pancreatitis in young patients include therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) intervention and surgical intervention. Therapeutic ERCP intervention is performed much more extensively for its minimally invasive nature, but a part of patients are referred to surgery at last. Historical and follow-up data of 21 young patients with chronic pancreatitis undergoing duodenum-preserving total pancreatic head resection were analyzed to evaluate the outcomes of therapeutic ERCP intervention and surgical intervention in this study. The surgical complications of repeated therapeutic ERCP intervention and surgical intervention were 38% and 19% respectively. During the first therapeutic ERCP intervention to surgical intervention, 2 patients developed diabetes, 5 patients developed steatorrhea, and 5 patients developed pancreatic type B pain. During the follow-up of surgical intervention, 1 new case of diabetes occurred, 1 case of steatorrhea recovered, and 4 cases of pancreatic type B pain were completely relieved. In a part of young patients with chronic pancreatitis, surgical intervention was more effective than therapeutic ERCP intervention on delaying the progression of the disease and relieving the symptoms.

Prior Surgical Score: An Analysis of the Prognostic Significance of an Initial Nondefinitive Surgical Intervention in Patients With Peritoneal Carcinomatosis of a Colorectal Origin Undergoing Cytoreductive Surgery and Perioperative Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy.

PubMed

Paul, Bikram K; Ihemelandu, Chukwuemeka; Sugarbaker, Paul H

2018-03-01

The prior surgical score estimates the extent of previous surgical intervention by quantitating surgical dissection within 9 abdominopelvic regions. Our aim was to analyze the prognostic significance of the prior surgical score in our cohort of patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis of a colorectal origin. This was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database for all patients treated for peritoneal carcinomatosis of a colorectal origin. The prospectively maintained surgical oncology tumor database was analyzed for the study period 1989-2014. A total of 407 patients diagnosed with peritoneal carcinomatosis of a colorectal origin and treated with cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy were included in this analysis. The prognostic significance and clinicopathologic factors associated with an initial nondefinitive surgical intervention in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis of a colorectal origin undergoing cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy was evaluated. There were 210 men (51.6%) and 197 women (48.4%) in the study. Mean age at presentation was 53.7 years (range, 19.0-87.0 y). Data on prior surgical score for 69 patients were missing, leaving us with a study cohort of 338 patients. Grouped by prior surgical score, 46 (13.6%) had a prior surgical score of 0 versus 25 (7.4%), 122 (36.1%), and 145 (42.9%) who had a prior surgical score of 1, 2, or 3. Overall survival was 53.0%. Three- and 5-year survival rates were 75% and 75% for group prior surgical score 0 versus 26% and 13%, 39% and 37%, and 21% and 16% for group prior surgical scores 1, 2, and 3. Median survival time for the various prior surgical score groups were 180.0, 30.4, 30.5, and 21.3 months for prior surgical scores 0, 1, 2, and 3 (p = 0.000). A total of 87.2% of the prior surgical score 0 group had a completeness of cytoreduction score of 0

Surgical and interventional radiographic treatment of dogs with hepatic arteriovenous fistulae.

PubMed

Chanoit, Guillaume; Kyles, Andrew E; Weisse, Chick; Hardie, Elizabeth M

2007-04-01

To report outcome after surgical and interventional radiographic treatment of hepatic arteriovenous fistulae (HAVF) in dogs. Retrospective study. Dogs (n=20) with HAVF. Medical records of dogs with HAVF were reviewed. Referring veterinarians and owners were contacted by telephone. History, clinical signs, biochemical and hematologic variables, ultrasonographic and angiographic findings, surgical findings, techniques used to correct the HAVF, survival time, and clinical follow-up were recorded. Canine HAVF often appeared to be an arteriovenous malformation rather than a single fistula. Multiple extrahepatic portosystemic shunts were identified in 19 dogs. Surgery (lobectomy or ligation of the nutrient artery) and/or interventional radiology (glue embolization of the abnormal arterial vessels) was performed in 17 dogs. Thirteen dogs were treated by surgery alone, 4 dogs by glue embolization alone, and 1 dog by glue embolization and surgery. Three dogs treated by surgery alone died <1 month later, and 3 dogs were subsequently euthanatized or died because of persistent clinical signs. None of the dogs treated by glue embolization died <1month after the procedure and all were alive, without clinical signs, at follow-up (9-17 months). Overall, 9 of 12 (75%) dogs with long-term follow-up required dietary or medical management of clinical signs. HAVF-related death occurred less frequently after glue embolization than after surgery. Glue embolization may be a good alternative to surgery for treatment of certain canine HAVF.

What do Cochrane systematic reviews say about non-surgical interventions for urinary incontinence in women?

PubMed

Costa, Anderson Adriano Leal Freitas da; Vasconcellos, Igor Martins; Pacheco, Rafael Leite; Bella, Zsuzsanna Ilona Katalin de Jármy Di; Riera, Rachel

2018-01-01

Urinary incontinence is a highly prevalent condition that impacts self-esteem and overall quality of life. Many non-surgical treatment options are available, ranging from pharmacological approaches to pelvic exercises. We aimed to summarize the available evidence regarding these non-surgical interventions. Review of systematic reviews, conducted in the Discipline of Evidence-Based Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM-UNIFESP). A sensitive search was conducted to identify all Cochrane systematic reviews that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Titles and abstracts were screened by two authors. We included 20 Cochrane systematic reviews: 4 assessing methods of vesical training, 3 evaluating pharmacological interventions, 4 studying pelvic floor muscle training approaches and 9 aimed at other alternatives (such as urethral injections, weighted vaginal cone use, acupuncture, biostimulation and radiofrequency therapy). The reviews found that the evidence regarding the benefits of these diverse interventions ranged in quality from low to high. This review included 20 Cochrane systematic reviews that provided evidence (of diverse quality) for non-pharmacological interventions for patients with urinary incontinence. Moderate to high quality of evidence was found favoring the use of pelvic floor muscle training among women with urinary incontinence. To establish solid conclusions for all the other comparisons, further studies of good methodological quality are needed.

The role of interventional radiology in the management of surgical complications after pancreatoduodenectomy.

PubMed

Sanjay, Pandanaboyana; Kellner, Maximiliane; Tait, Iain Stephen

2012-12-01

This study evaluates the role of interventional radiology (IR) in the management of postoperative complications after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). A total of 120 consecutive patients were reviewed to identify IR procedures performed for early complications after PD. Findings showed that 24 patients (20.0%) required urgent radiological or surgical re-intervention for early complications, including 11 instances of post-pancreatectomy haemorrhage (PPH), six intra-abdominal abscesses, two bile leaks, one pancreatic fistula and one bowel ischaemia. Three of 24 complications were managed by surgery and 21 were managed by IR. Two of 11 PPHs involved intraluminal haemorrhage (ILH) and nine involved intra-abdominal haemorrhage (IAH). One ILH was managed conservatively and one required surgical intervention. In eight of nine patients with IAH, the bleeding site was identified on computed tomography angiography, and endovascular stenting or coil embolization were performed. No patient required a re-look laparotomy following IR for haemorrhage or intra-abdominal abscess. Overall, three of 120 patients required an urgent re-look laparotomy for early complications. Rates of major morbidity after PD remain high. However, many significant complications (PPH, pancreatic fistula, intra-abdominal abscess) can be managed by IR, reducing the need for reoperation. Re-look surgery is still required in a small percentage (2.5%) of patients. © 2012 International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association.

Evaluation of a Powered Stapler System with Gripping Surface Technology on Surgical Interventions Required During Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.

PubMed

Fegelman, Elliott; Knippenberg, Susan; Schwiers, Michael; Stefanidis, Dimitrios; Gersin, Keith S; Scott, John D; Fernandez, Adolfo Z

2017-05-01

Transection of gastric tissue during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) can be challenging. Reinforcing the staple line may decrease the incidence of issues requiring intervention. The objective of this study was to compare the number of intraoperative surgical interventions for a surgical stapler and reload system with Gripping Surface Technology (GST) to standard reloads in patients who underwent LSG. Patients who underwent elective LSG were enrolled. The study was conducted in two stages. For Stage 1, procedures were performed using a powered stapler and standard reloads. For Stage 2, a reload system with GST was used. The primary endpoint was surgical interventions for bleeding and/or staple line issues during transection of the greater curvature of the stomach. Propensity score matching was applied to create two groups similar in baseline characteristics and risk factors. A total of 111 subjects were enrolled across four centers. Propensity-matched procedures were completed with the standard (n = 38) or GST reloads (n = 38). The mean number of interventions in the standard group was 1.9 (1.29) versus 1.1 (1.45) in the GST group. Nonparametric comparisons were statistically significant, indicating a reduction in the distribution of interventions for GST subjects (P = .0036 for matched pair data). Tissue slippage during transection was low for both groups. Intraoperative leak testing was negative in all procedures, and no procedures were converted to open. Use of the GST stapling system reduces the need for staple line interventions in LSG. Both stapling systems had an acceptable safety profile.

Interventions to improve utilization of cataract surgical services by girls: Case studies from Asia and Africa.

PubMed

Adhisesha Reddy, Priya; Kishiki, Elizabeth A; Thapa, Hari Bahadur; Demers, Lisa; Geneau, Robert; Bassett, Ken

2018-06-01

Gender and blindness initiatives continue to make eye care personnel aware of the service utilization inequity strongly favouring men, yet interventions to reduce that inequity, particularly for girls, are under developed. This descriptive study gathered quantitative data on the degree of gender equity at five Child Eye Health Tertiary Facilities (CEHTFs) in Asia and Africa and conducted in-depth interviews with eye care personnel to assess their strategies and capacity to reduce gender inequity. Cataract surgery was utilized to assess the degree of inequity and success of interventions to reduce inequity in case finding, service utilization, and follow-up. CEHTF administrative data showed significant gender inequity in cataract surgical services favouring boys in all settings. CEHTFs actively seek children through community and school-based outreach, yet do not have initiatives to reduce gender inequity. Little gender inequity was found among children receiving surgical and follow-up care, although two out of three children were boys. CEHTF staff, despite being aware, offered no effective means to reduce gender inequity involving cataract surgical services. Interventions that successfully increased service utilization by girls came from individual cases, involving extraordinary effort by a single eye care programme person. Community-based case finders such as Anganwadi workers in India, Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs) in Nepal, and Key Informants (KIs) in Africa are necessary to identify children in need of cataract services, but insufficient to increase service utilization by girls. Secondary, often extra-ordinary community-based interventions by eye care personnel are needed in all settings.

Intermuscular pterygoid-temporal abscess following inferior alveolar nerve block anesthesia–A computer tomography based navigated surgical intervention: Case report and review

PubMed Central

Wallner, Jürgen; Reinbacher, Knut Ernst; Pau, Mauro; Feichtinger, Matthias

2014-01-01

Inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) anesthesia is a common local anesthetic procedure. Although IANB anesthesia is known for its safety, complications can still occur. Today immediately or delayed occurring disorders following IANB anesthesia and their treatment are well-recognized. We present a case of a patient who developed a symptomatic abscess in the pterygoid region as a result of several inferior alveolar nerve injections. Clinical symptoms included diffuse pain, reduced mouth opening and jaw's hypomobility and were persistent under a first step conservative treatment. Since image-based navigated interventions have gained in importance and are used for various procedures a navigated surgical intervention was initiated as a second step therapy. Thus precise, atraumatic surgical intervention was performed by an optical tracking system in a difficult anatomical region. A symptomatic abscess was treated by a computed tomography-based navigated surgical intervention at our department. Advantages and disadvantages of this treatment strategy are evaluated. PMID:24987612

Intermuscular pterygoid-temporal abscess following inferior alveolar nerve block anesthesia-A computer tomography based navigated surgical intervention: Case report and review.

PubMed

Wallner, Jürgen; Reinbacher, Knut Ernst; Pau, Mauro; Feichtinger, Matthias

2014-01-01

Inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) anesthesia is a common local anesthetic procedure. Although IANB anesthesia is known for its safety, complications can still occur. Today immediately or delayed occurring disorders following IANB anesthesia and their treatment are well-recognized. We present a case of a patient who developed a symptomatic abscess in the pterygoid region as a result of several inferior alveolar nerve injections. Clinical symptoms included diffuse pain, reduced mouth opening and jaw's hypomobility and were persistent under a first step conservative treatment. Since image-based navigated interventions have gained in importance and are used for various procedures a navigated surgical intervention was initiated as a second step therapy. Thus precise, atraumatic surgical intervention was performed by an optical tracking system in a difficult anatomical region. A symptomatic abscess was treated by a computed tomography-based navigated surgical intervention at our department. Advantages and disadvantages of this treatment strategy are evaluated.

Patients With Failed Prior Two-Stage Exchange Have Poor Outcomes After Further Surgical Intervention.

PubMed

Kheir, Michael M; Tan, Timothy L; Gomez, Miguel M; Chen, Antonia F; Parvizi, Javad

2017-04-01

Failure of 2-stage exchange arthroplasty for the management of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) poses a major clinical challenge. There is a paucity of information regarding the outcomes of further surgical intervention in these patients. Thus, we aim to report the clinical outcomes of subsequent surgery for a failed prior 2-stage exchange arthroplasty. Our institutional database was used to identify 60 patients (42 knees and 18 hips), with a failed prior 2-stage exchange, who underwent further surgical intervention between 1998 and 2012, and had a minimum 2-year follow-up. A retrospective review was performed to extract relevant clinical information, including mortality, microbiology, and subsequent surgeries. Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria were used to define PJI, and treatment success was defined using Delphi criteria. Irrigation and debridement (I&D) was performed after a failed 2-stage exchange in 61.7% of patients; 56.8% subsequently failed. Forty patients underwent an intended second 2-stage exchange; 6 cases required a spacer exchange. Reimplantation occurred only in 65% of cases, and 61.6% had infection controlled. The 14 cases that were not reimplanted resulted in 6 retained spacers, 5 amputations, 2 PJI-related mortalities, and 1 arthrodesis. Further surgical intervention after a failed prior 2-stage exchange arthroplasty has poor outcomes. Although I&D has a high failure rate, many patients who are deemed candidates for a second 2-stage exchange either do not undergo reimplantation or fail after reimplantation. The management of PJI clearly remains imperfect, and there is a dire need for further innovations that may improve the care of these patients. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Adopting epidemic model to optimize medication and surgical intervention of excess weight

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Ruoyan

2017-01-01

We combined an epidemic model with an objective function to minimize the weighted sum of people with excess weight and the cost of a medication and surgical intervention in the population. The epidemic model is consisted of ordinary differential equations to describe three subpopulation groups based on weight. We introduced an intervention using medication and surgery to deal with excess weight. An objective function is constructed taking into consideration the cost of the intervention as well as the weight distribution of the population. Using empirical data, we show that fixed participation rate reduces the size of obese population but increases the size for overweight. An optimal participation rate exists and decreases with respect to time. Both theoretical analysis and empirical example confirm the existence of an optimal participation rate, u*. Under u*, the weighted sum of overweight (S) and obese (O) population as well as the cost of the program is minimized. This article highlights the existence of an optimal participation rate that minimizes the number of people with excess weight and the cost of the intervention. The time-varying optimal participation rate could contribute to designing future public health interventions of excess weight.

Interventional and surgical therapeutic strategies for pulmonary arterial hypertension: Beyond palliative treatments.

PubMed

Sandoval, Julio; Gomez-Arroyo, Jose; Gaspar, Jorge; Pulido-Zamudio, Tomas

2015-10-01

Despite significant advances in pharmacological treatments, pulmonary arterial hypertension remains an incurable disease with an unreasonably high morbidity and mortality. Although specific pharmacotherapies have shifted the survival curves of patients and improved exercise endurance as well as quality of life, it is also true that these pharmacological interventions are not always accessible (particularly in developing countries) and, perhaps most importantly, not all patients respond similarly to these drugs. Furthermore, many patients will continue to deteriorate and will eventually require an additional, non-pharmacological, intervention. In this review we analyze the role of atrial septostomy and Potts anastomosis in the management of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, we summarize the current worldwide clinical experience (case reports and case series), and discuss why these interventional/surgical strategies might have a therapeutic role beyond that of a "bridge" to transplantation. Copyright © 2015 Japanese College of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Challenges in evaluating surgical innovation.

PubMed

Ergina, Patrick L; Cook, Jonathan A; Blazeby, Jane M; Boutron, Isabelle; Clavien, Pierre-Alain; Reeves, Barnaby C; Seiler, Christoph M; Altman, Douglas G; Aronson, Jeffrey K; Barkun, Jeffrey S; Campbell, W Bruce; Cook, Jonathan A; Feldman, Liane S; Flum, David R; Glasziou, Paul; Maddern, Guy J; Marshall, John C; McCulloch, Peter; Nicholl, Jon; Strasberg, Steven M; Meakins, Jonathan L; Ashby, Deborah; Black, Nick; Bunker, John; Burton, Martin; Campbell, Marion; Chalkidou, Kalipso; Chalmers, Iain; de Leval, Marc; Deeks, Jon; Grant, Adrian; Gray, Muir; Greenhalgh, Roger; Jenicek, Milos; Kehoe, Sean; Lilford, Richard; Littlejohns, Peter; Loke, Yoon; Madhock, Rajan; McPherson, Kim; Rothwell, Peter; Summerskill, Bill; Taggart, David; Tekkis, Parris; Thompson, Matthew; Treasure, Tom; Trohler, Ulrich; Vandenbroucke, Jan

2009-09-26

Research on surgical interventions is associated with several methodological and practical challenges of which few, if any, apply only to surgery. However, surgical evaluation is especially demanding because many of these challenges coincide. In this report, the second of three on surgical innovation and evaluation, we discuss obstacles related to the study design of randomised controlled trials and non-randomised studies assessing surgical interventions. We also describe the issues related to the nature of surgical procedures-for example, their complexity, surgeon-related factors, and the range of outcomes. Although difficult, surgical evaluation is achievable and necessary. Solutions tailored to surgical research and a framework for generating evidence on which to base surgical practice are essential.

Study on real-time force feedback for a master-slave interventional surgical robotic system.

PubMed

Guo, Shuxiang; Wang, Yuan; Xiao, Nan; Li, Youxiang; Jiang, Yuhua

2018-04-13

In robot-assisted catheterization, haptic feedback is important, but is currently lacking. In addition, conventional interventional surgical robotic systems typically employ a master-slave architecture with an open-loop force feedback, which results in inaccurate control. We develop herein a novel real-time master-slave (RTMS) interventional surgical robotic system with a closed-loop force feedback that allows a surgeon to sense the true force during remote operation, provide adequate haptic feedback, and improve control accuracy in robot-assisted catheterization. As part of this system, we also design a unique master control handle that measures the true force felt by a surgeon, providing the basis for the closed-loop control of the entire system. We use theoretical and empirical methods to demonstrate that the proposed RTMS system provides a surgeon (using the master control handle) with a more accurate and realistic force sensation, which subsequently improves the precision of the master-slave manipulation. The experimental results show a substantial increase in the control accuracy of the force feedback and an increase in operational efficiency during surgery.

Patient survival and surgical re-intervention predictors for intracapsular hip fractures.

PubMed

González Quevedo, David; Mariño, Iskandar Tamimi; Sánchez Siles, Juan Manuel; Escribano, Esther Romero; Granero Molina, Esther Judith; Enrique, David Bautista; Smoljanović, Tomislav; Pareja, Francisco Villanueva

2017-08-01

Choosing between total hip replacement (THR) and partial hip replacement (PHR) for patients with intracapsular hip fractures is often based on subjective factors. Predicting the survival of these patients and risk of surgical re-intervention is essential to select the most adequate implant. We conducted a retrospective cohort study on mortality of patients over 70 years with intracapsular hip fractures who were treated between January 2010 and December 2013, with either PHR or THR. Patients' information was withdrawn from our local computerized database. The age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI) and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score were calculated for all patients. The patients were followed for 2 years after surgery. Survival and surgical re-intervention rates were compared between the two groups using a Multivariate Cox proportional hazard model. A total of 356 individuals were included in this study. At 2 years of follow-up, 221 (74.4%) of the patients with ACCI score≤7 were still alive, in contrast to only 20 (29.0%) of those with ACCI score>7. In addition, 201 (76.2%) of the patients with ASA score≤3 were still alive after 2 years, compared to 30 (32.6%) of individuals with ASA >3. Patients with the ACCI score>7, and ASA score>3 had a significant increase in all-cause 2-year mortality (adjusted hazard ratio of 3.2, 95% CI 2.2-4.6; and 3.12, 95% CI 2.2-4.5, respectively). Patients with an ASA score>3 had a quasi-significant increase in the re-intervention risk (adjusted hazard ratio 2.2, 95% CI 1.0-5.1). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values of ACCI in predicting 2-year mortality were 39.2%, 91.1%, 71%, and 74.4%, respectively. On the other hand, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values of ASA score in predicting 2-year mortality were 49.6%, 79.1%, 67.4%, and 76.1%, respectively. Both ACCI and ASA scales were able to predict the 2-year

Does timing of presentation of penile fracture affect outcome of surgical intervention?

PubMed

el-Assmy, Ahmed; el-Tholoth, Hossam S; Mohsen, Tarek; Ibrahiem, el-Housseiny I

2011-06-01

To assess the effect of timing of presentation of cases with penile fracture on the outcome of surgical intervention. Between January 1986 and May 2010, 180 patients with penile fracture were treated surgically in our center. To assess the effect of timing of presentation, patients were classified into 2 groups: group I with early presentation (≤24 hours) and group II with delayed presentation (>24 hours). All patients were contacted by mail or phone and were re-evaluated. All patients were reevaluated by questionnaire and local examination. Patients with erectile dysfunction were evaluated by color Doppler ultrasonography. Group I included 149 patients (82.8%) and group II included 31 (17.2%). In group I, patients presented to the emergency department from 1-24 hours (mean, 11.8) after occurrence of the penile trauma. Although patients in group II presented from 30 hours to 7 days (mean, 44.7 hours). Both groups were similar regarding etiology of injury, clinical presentation, surgical findings, and incidence of associated urethral injury. Mean follow-up period for group I was 105 months, and for group II it was 113 months. After such long-term follow up, 35 (19.4%) patients had complications; however, there was no statistically significant difference between both groups. Cases of penile fracture with early or delayed presentation up to 7 days should be managed surgically. Both groups have comparable excellent outcome with no serious long-term complications. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Non-surgical Intervention for Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears.

PubMed

Barlow, Susan J

2016-12-01

The current literature contains no reports of treatment options other than surgery following failed conservative management of a triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tear. The purpose of this study is to describe the use of a novel brace as a non-surgical intervention for TFCC tears. This paper is a case study of a subject with a magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed TFCC tear. As an alternative to surgery, he consented to wear a novel brace for 12 weeks after conservative management of his injury had failed. His recovery from injury was monitored with a weight-bearing tolerance test and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) outcome measure. An increase in weight-bearing tolerance and upper extremity use was evident immediately after donning the brace. After 12 weeks, the subject demonstrated a return to normal weight-bearing tolerance and normal DASH outcome measure scores. These improvements were still evident at a 1-year follow-up appointment. Utilizing this novel brace resulted in functional status improvement in a subject with a TFCC tear as demonstrated by significant changes in his DASH outcome measure scores. This case study demonstrates the first non-surgical alternative treatment for a TFCC tear after conservative management has failed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Surgical Strategies for Management of Mitral Regurgitation: Recent Evidence from Randomized Controlled Trials.

PubMed

Tolis, George; Sundt, Thoralf M

2015-12-01

In contrast to mitral regurgitation (MR) caused by structural abnormality of the valve ("primary" MR), about which there is increasing consensus regarding treatment, there is increasing controversy around the management of functional or "secondary" MR, of which "ischemic mitral regurgitation" (IMR) is a common cause. While the trend in the management of primary MR is increasingly aggressive, with wide agreement on the preference for repair over replacement such that debate centers on earlier and earlier repair even among asymptomatic patients, the situation is reversed in the setting of secondary MR with uncertainly beyond the mode of management (repair or replacement) to the value of intervening at all. This is, in part, because the term IMR has been somewhat loosely applied by the medical and surgical communities to include regurgitation secondary to active myocardial ischemia, as well as that resulting from a completed myocardial infarct. As a result, there is considerable variability in reported outcomes of surgical interventions for IMR. In addition, the natural history of IMR is quite adverse-more so than that of many solid organ malignancies-and its surgical treatment has traditionally carried a higher operative mortality than many cardiac surgical procedures, including similar operations for primary MR and incidental coronary artery disease. Added to this, with recent advances in both the medical and surgical treatment of heart failure improving nonoperative outcomes and simultaneously reducing operative risk compared to reports from previous decades, the landscape has been quite dynamic. Here, we review the issues surrounding surgical treatment for IMR, along with available evidence supporting different approaches, to lend an informed perspective on the divergent opinions among experts in this field and guide the appropriate management of the individual patient.

Design and Performance Evaluation of Real-time Endovascular Interventional Surgical Robotic System with High Accuracy.

PubMed

Wang, Kundong; Chen, Bing; Lu, Qingsheng; Li, Hongbing; Liu, Manhua; Shen, Yu; Xu, Zhuoyan

2018-05-15

Endovascular interventional surgery (EIS) is performed under a high radiation environment at the sacrifice of surgeons' health. This paper introduces a novel endovascular interventional surgical robot that aims to reduce radiation to surgeons and physical stress imposed by lead aprons during fluoroscopic X-ray guided catheter intervention. The unique mechanical structure allowed the surgeon to manipulate the axial and radial motion of the catheter and guide wire. Four catheter manipulators (to manipulate the catheter and guide wire), and a control console which consists of four joysticks, several buttons and two twist switches (to control the catheter manipulators) were presented. The entire robotic system was established on a master-slave control structure through CAN (Controller Area Network) bus communication, meanwhile, the slave side of this robotic system showed highly accurate control over velocity and displacement with PID controlling method. The robotic system was tested and passed in vitro and animal experiments. Through functionality evaluation, the manipulators were able to complete interventional surgical motion both independently and cooperatively. The robotic surgery was performed successfully in an adult female pig and demonstrated the feasibility of superior mesenteric and common iliac artery stent implantation. The entire robotic system met the clinical requirements of EIS. The results show that the system has the ability to imitate the movements of surgeons and to accomplish the axial and radial motions with consistency and high-accuracy. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Prospective clinical trial of surgical intervention for painful rib fracture nonunion.

PubMed

Fabricant, Loic; Ham, Bruce; Mullins, Richard; Mayberry, John

2014-06-01

We performed a prospective clinical trial of resection with or without plate fixation for symptomatic rib fracture nonunion three or more months postinjury with 6-month postoperative followup. The McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) and RAND 36 Health Survey were administered and activity level (sedentary, ambulatory, moderately active, vigorous), functional status (disabled, nonphysical labor, physical labor), and work status (employed, unemployed, retired, student) were queried pre- and postoperatively. Twenty-four patients 4 to 197 months (median, 16 months) postinjury underwent surgical intervention for one to four rib fracture nonunions (median, two nonunions). Evidence of intercostal nerve entrapment was present in nine patients (38%). MPQ Present Pain Intensity and Pain Rating Index and RAND 36 Physical Functioning, Role Physical, Social Functioning, Role Social, Bodily Pain, Vitality, Mental Health, and General Health were significantly improved at six months compared with study entry (P < 0.05). Activity levels significantly improved (P < 0.0001) but functional and work status did not change. Twenty-four-hour morphine equivalent dosage of opioids at study entry was 20.3 ± 30.8 (mean ± standard deviation) and at study completion was 9.4 ± 17.5 (P = 0.054). Complications included one wound infection, two partial screw backouts, and one chest wall hernia at one year after resection of adjacent nonunions with significant gaps repaired with absorbable plates. Surgical intervention for rib fracture nonunion may improve chronic pain and disability but without change in functional or work status. Resection of adjacent nonunions with significant gaps may lead to chest wall hernia.

CORRIGENDUM to The impact of prehabilitation on post-surgical complications in patients undergoing non-urgent cardiovascular surgical intervention: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

2018-06-01

The impact of prehabilitation on post-surgical complications in patients undergoing non-urgent cardiovascular surgical intervention: Systematic review and meta-analysis by F Marmelo et al. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology January 2018 25: 404-417, DOI: 2016 doi: 10.1177/2047487317752373 The third author's name, affiliation and Funding information were incorrect, the correct details are below: Daniel Moreira-Gonçalves Departamento de Cirurgia e Fisiologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Portugal CIAFEL, Faculdade de Desporto, Universidade do Porto, Portugal Funding D.M.G is supported by an individual fellowship grant from Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (SFRH/BPD/90010/ 2012) This has been corrected in the online article.

[The accreditation of professional competence: the analysis of nursing
interventions to control anxiety in surgical patients].

PubMed

Brea-Rivero, Pilar; Herrera-Usagre, Manuel; Rojas-de-Mora-Figueroa, Ana; Esposito, Thomas

2016-01-01

. The accreditation of professional competence: the analysis of nursing interventions to control anxiety in surgical patients. The preoperative anxiety is a state of discomfort or unpleasant tension resulting from concerns about illness, hospitalization, anesthesia, surgery or the unknown. Nurses play a vital role reducing preoperative anxiety. An accreditation program was developed in Andalusia (Spain) to measure nurses' competences in this and others fields. To analyze the accredited nurses' interventions spectrum to reduce anxiety in surgical patients and to check if their range of interventions depends upon their professional skills accreditation level. Cross-sectional study. From 20016 to 2014, 1.282 interventions performed by 303 operating room nurses accredited through the Professional Skills Accreditation Program of the Andalusian Agency for Health Care Quality (ACSA) were analyzed with the latent class analysis (LCA) and multinomial logistic regression. Two-thirds of the sample was accredited in Advanced level, about 31% in Expert level and 2.6% in Excellent level. Mean age of patients was 58.5±19.8 years. Three professional profiles were obtained from the LCA. Those nurses classified in Class I (22.4% of the sample) were more likely to be women, to can for younger patients, and to be accredited in Expert or Excellent Level and to perform the larger range of interventions, becoming therefore the most complete professional profile. Those nurses who perform a wider range of interventions and specifically two evidence based interventions such Calming Technique and Coping Enhancement are those who have a higher level of accreditation level.

Surgical Management of Pediatric Epilepsy: Decision-Making and Outcomes.

PubMed

Kellermann, Tanja S; Wagner, Janelle L; Smith, Gigi; Karia, Samir; Eskandari, Ramin

2016-11-01

First-line treatment for epilepsy is antiepileptic drug and requires an interdisciplinary approach and enduring commitment and adherence from the patient and family for successful outcome. Despite adherence to antiepileptic drugs, refractory epilepsy occurs in approximately 30% of children with epilepsy, and surgical treatment is an important intervention to consider. Surgical management of pediatric epilepsy is highly effective in selected patients with refractory epilepsy; however, an evidence-based protocol, including best methods of presurgical imaging assessments, and neurodevelopmental and/or behavioral health assessments, is not currently available for clinicians. Surgical treatment of epilepsy can be critical to avoid negative outcomes in functional, cognitive, and behavioral health status. Furthermore, it is often the only method to achieve seizure freedom in refractory epilepsy. Although a large literature base can be found for adults with refractory epilepsy undergoing surgical treatment, less is known about how surgical management affects outcomes in children with epilepsy. The purpose of the review was fourfold: (1) to evaluate the available literature regarding presurgical assessment and postsurgical outcomes in children with medically refractory epilepsy, (2) to identify gaps in our knowledge of surgical treatment and its outcomes in children with epilepsy, (3) to pose questions for further research, and (4) to advocate for a more unified presurgical evaluation protocol including earlier referral for surgical candidacy of pediatric patients with refractory epilepsy. Despite its effectiveness, epilepsy surgery remains an underutilized but evidence-based approach that could lead to positive short- and long-term outcomes for children with refractory epilepsy. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Interventions to improve patient comprehension in informed consent for medical and surgical procedures: a systematic review.

PubMed

Schenker, Yael; Fernandez, Alicia; Sudore, Rebecca; Schillinger, Dean

2011-01-01

Patient understanding in clinical informed consent is often poor. Little is known about the effectiveness of interventions to improve comprehension or the extent to which such interventions address different elements of understanding in informed consent. . To systematically review communication interventions to improve patient comprehension in informed consent for medical and surgical procedures. Data Sources. A systematic literature search of English-language articles in MEDLINE (1949-2008) and EMBASE (1974-2008) was performed. In addition, a published bibliography of empirical research on informed consent and the reference lists of all eligible studies were reviewed. Study Selection. Randomized controlled trials and controlled trials with nonrandom allocation were included if they compared comprehension in informed consent for a medical or surgical procedure. Only studies that used a quantitative, objective measure of understanding were included. All studies addressed informed consent for a needed or recommended procedure in actual patients. Data Extraction. Reviewers independently extracted data using a standardized form. All results were compared, and disagreements were resolved by consensus. Data Synthesis. Forty-four studies were eligible. Intervention categories included written information, audiovisual/multimedia, extended discussions, and test/feedback techniques. The majority of studies assessed patient understanding of procedural risks; other elements included benefits, alternatives, and general knowledge about the procedure. Only 6 of 44 studies assessed all 4 elements of understanding. Interventions were generally effective in improving patient comprehension, especially regarding risks and general knowledge. Limitations. Many studies failed to include adequate description of the study population, and outcome measures varied widely. . A wide range of communication interventions improve comprehension in clinical informed consent. Decisions to enhance

High-Density Free Fluid on Computed Tomography: a Predictor of Surgical Intervention in Patients with Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction.

PubMed

Matsushima, Kazuhide; Inaba, Kenji; Dollbaum, Ryan; Cheng, Vincent; Khan, Moazzam; Herr, Keith; Strumwasser, Aaron; Asturias, Sabrina; Dilektasli, Evren; Demetriades, Demetrios

2016-11-01

Patients with adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) often develop intraabdominal free fluid (IFF). While IFF is a finding on abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) associated with the need for surgical intervention, many patients with IFF can be still managed non-operatively. A previous study suggested that a higher red blood cell count of IFF is highly predictive of strangulated ASBO. We hypothesized that radiodensity in IFF (Hounsfield unit (HU)) on CT would predict the need for surgical intervention. Patients with clinicoradiological evidence of ASBO between January 2009 and December 2013 were identified. In patients with IFF > 3 cm 2 identified on CT, the HU was measured in the largest pocket of IFF. A sensitivity analysis was performed to determine a high-density HU threshold. The HU of patients who underwent therapeutic laparotomy was compared with those successfully discharged with non-operative management. A total of 318 patients with ASBO (median age 52 years, 56.0 % male) were identified. Of 111 patients who had IFF on CT, 55.9 % underwent therapeutic laparotomy and 15.3 % required bowel resection. Radiodensity of IFF in the operative group was significantly higher than that in the non-operative group (18.2 vs. 7.0 HU, p < 0.01). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of high-density IFF (>10 HU) to predict the need for surgical intervention were 83.9, 65.3, 75.4, 76.2, and 75.6 %, respectively. High-density IFF on CT was significantly associated with the need for surgical intervention in patients with ASBO. Prospective study to validate the predictive value of high-density IFF on CT will be warranted.

Does Surgical Stabilization of Lateral Compression-type Pelvic Ring Fractures Decrease Patients' Pain, Reduce Narcotic Use, and Improve Mobilization?

PubMed

Hagen, Jennifer; Castillo, Renan; Dubina, Andrew; Gaski, Greg; Manson, Theodore T; O'Toole, Robert V

2016-06-01

Debate remains over the role of surgical treatment in minimally displaced lateral compression (Young-Burgess, LC, OTA 61-B1/B2) pelvic ring injuries. Lateral compression type 1 (LC1) injuries are defined by an impaction fracture at the sacrum; type 2 (LC2) are defined by a fracture that extends through the posterior iliac wing at the level of the sacroiliac joint. Some believe that operative stabilization of these fractures limits pain and eases mobilization, but to our knowledge there are few controlled studies on the topic. (1) Does operative stabilization of LC1 and LC2 pelvic fractures decrease patients' narcotic use and lower their visual analog scale pain scores? (2) Does stabilization allow patients to mobilize earlier with physical therapy? This retrospective study of LC1 and LC2 fractures evaluated patients treated definitively at one institution from 2007 to 2013. All patients treated surgically, all nonoperative LC2, and all nonoperative LC1 fractures with complete sacral injury were included. In general, LC1 or LC2 fractures with greater than 10 mm of displacement and/or sagittal/axial plane deformity on static radiographs were treated surgically. One hundred fifty-eight patients in the LC1 group (107 [of 697 screened] nonoperative, 51 surgical) and 123 patients in the LC2 group (78 nonoperative, 45 surgical) met inclusion criteria. The surgical and nonoperative groups were matched for fracture type. To account for differences between patients treated surgically and nonoperatively, we used propensity modeling techniques incorporating treatment predictors. Propensity scores demonstrated good overlap and were used as part of multiple variable regression models to account for selection bias between the surgically treated and nonoperative groups. Patient-reported pain scores and narcotic administration were tallied in 24-hour increments during the first 24 hours of hospitalization, at 48 hours after intervention, and in the 24 hours before discharge. Time

Earlier snowmelt and warming lead to earlier but not necessarily more plant growth.

PubMed

Livensperger, Carolyn; Steltzer, Heidi; Darrouzet-Nardi, Anthony; Sullivan, Patrick F; Wallenstein, Matthew; Weintraub, Michael N

2016-01-01

Climate change over the past ∼50 years has resulted in earlier occurrence of plant life-cycle events for many species. Across temperate, boreal and polar latitudes, earlier seasonal warming is considered the key mechanism leading to earlier leaf expansion and growth. Yet, in seasonally snow-covered ecosystems, the timing of spring plant growth may also be cued by snowmelt, which may occur earlier in a warmer climate. Multiple environmental cues protect plants from growing too early, but to understand how climate change will alter the timing and magnitude of plant growth, experiments need to independently manipulate temperature and snowmelt. Here, we demonstrate that altered seasonality through experimental warming and earlier snowmelt led to earlier plant growth, but the aboveground production response varied among plant functional groups. Earlier snowmelt without warming led to early leaf emergence, but often slowed the rate of leaf expansion and had limited effects on aboveground production. Experimental warming alone had small and inconsistent effects on aboveground phenology, while the effect of the combined treatment resembled that of early snowmelt alone. Experimental warming led to greater aboveground production among the graminoids, limited changes among deciduous shrubs and decreased production in one of the dominant evergreen shrubs. As a result, we predict that early onset of the growing season may favour early growing plant species, even those that do not shift the timing of leaf expansion. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Annals of Botany Company.

Outcomes of surgical intervention for anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery: A large contemporary prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Mery, Carlos M; De León, Luis E; Molossi, Silvana; Sexson-Tejtel, S Kristen; Agrawal, Hitesh; Krishnamurthy, Rajesh; Masand, Prakash; Qureshi, Athar M; McKenzie, E Dean; Fraser, Charles D

2018-01-01

The purpose of this study was to prospectively analyze the outcomes of patients with anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery undergoing surgical intervention according to a standardized management algorithm. All patients aged 2 to 18 years undergoing surgical intervention for anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery between December 2012 and April 2017 were prospectively included. Patients underwent stress nuclear perfusion imaging, stress cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and retrospectively electrocardiogram-gated computed tomography angiography preoperatively. Patients were cleared for exercise at 3 months postoperatively if asymptomatic and repeat stress nuclear perfusion imaging, stress cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography angiography showed normal results. A total of 44 patients, with a median age of 14 years (8-18 years), underwent surgical intervention: 9 (20%) for the anomalous left coronary artery and 35 (80%) for the anomalous right coronary artery. Surgical procedures included unroofing in 35 patients (80%), translocation in 7 patients (16%), ostioplasty in 1 patient (2%), and side-side-anastomosis in 1 patient (2%). One patient who presented with aborted sudden cardiac death from an anomalous left coronary and underwent unroofing presented 1 year later with a recurrent episode and was found to have an unrecognized myocardial bridge and persistent compression of the coronary requiring reintervention. At last follow-up, 40 patients (91%) are asymptomatic and 4 patients have nonspecific chest pain; 42 patients (95%) have returned to full activity, and 2 patients are awaiting clearance. Surgical treatment for anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery is safe and should aim to associate the coronary ostium with the correct sinus, away from the intercoronary pillar. After surgery, the majority of patients are cleared for exercise and remain asymptomatic. Longer follow-up is needed to assess the true efficacy of

An investigation into the use of recorded music as a surgical intervention: A systematic, critical review of methodologies used in recent adult controlled trials.

PubMed

Williams, Courtney; Hine, Trevor

2018-04-01

While music is being increasingly used as a surgical intervention, the types of music used and the reasons underlying their selection remain inconsistent. Empirical research into the efficacy of such musical interventions is therefore problematic. To provide clear guidelines for musical selection and employment in surgical interventions, created through a synthesis of the literature. The aim is to examine how music is implemented in surgical situations, and to provide guidance for the selection and composition of music for future interventions. English language quantitative surgical intervention studies from Science Direct, ProQuest, and Sage Journals Online, all published within the last 10 years and featuring recorded music, were systematically reviewed. Variables investigated included: the time the intervention was performed, the intervention length, the outcomes targeted, music description (general and specific), theoretical frameworks underlying the selection of the music, whether or not a musical expert was involved, participant music history, and the participants' feedback on the chosen music. Several aspects contribute to the lack of scientific rigour regarding music selection in this field, including the lack of a theoretical framework or frameworks, no involvement of musical experts, failure to list the music tracks used, and the use of vague and subjective terms in general music descriptions. Patients are frequently allowed to select music (risking both choosing music that has an adverse effect and making study replication difficult), and patient music history and listening habits are rarely considered. Crucially, five primary theoretical frameworks underlying the effectiveness of music arose in the literature (distraction, relaxation, emotional shift, entrainment, and endogenous analgesia), however music was rarely selected to enhance any of these mechanisms. Further research needs to be conducted to ensure that music is selected according to a

Aggressive surgical interventions for severe stroke: Impact on quality of life, caregiver burden and family outcomes.

PubMed

Green, Theresa; Demchuk, Andrew; Newcommon, Nancy

2015-01-01

Decompressive hemicraniectomy, clot evacuation, and aneurysmal interventions are considered aggressive surgical therapeutic options for treatment of massive cerebral artery infarction (MCA), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and severe subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) respectively. Although these procedures are saving lives, little is actually known about the impact on outcomes other than short-term survival and functional status. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of personal and social consequences of surviving these aggressive surgical interventions in order to aid acute care clinicians in helping family members make difficult decisions about undertaking such interventions. An exploratory mixed method study using a convergent parallel design was conducted to examine functional recovery (NIHSS, mRS & BI), cognitive status (Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale, MoCA), quality of life (Euroqol 5-D), and caregiver outcomes (Bakas Caregiver Outcome Scale, BCOS) in a cohort of patients and families who had undergone aggressive surgical intervention for severe stroke between the years 2000-2007 Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate analysis of variance, and multivariate logistic regression. Content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative interviews conducted with stroke survivors and family members. Twenty-seven patients and 13 spouses participated in this study. Based on patient MOCA scores, overall cognitive status was 25.18 (range 23.4-26.9); current functional outcomes scores: NIHSS 2.22, mRS 1.74, and BI 88.5. EQ-5D scores revealed no significant differences between patients and caregivers (p = 0.585) and caregiver outcomes revealed no significant diferences between male/female caregivers or patient diagnostic group (MCA, SAH, ICH; p = 0.103). Overall, patients and families were satisfied with quality of life and decisions made at the time of the initial stroke. There was consensus among study

The Helminths Causing Surgical or Endoscopic Abdominal Intervention: A Review Article.

PubMed

Uysal, Erdal; Dokur, Mehmet

2017-01-01

Helminths sometimes require surgical or endoscopic intervention. Helminths may cause acute abdomen, mechanical intestinal obstruction, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, perforation, hepatitis, pancreatitis, and appendicitis. This study aimed to determine the surgical diseases that helminths cause and to gather, analyze the case reports, case series and original articles about this topic in literature. This study was designed as a retrospective observational study. In order to determine the studies published in literature, the search limits in Pub-Med database were set to 1 Jan 1957 and 31 Mar 2016 (59 yr), and the articles regarding Helminth-Surgery-Endoscopy were taken into examination. Among 521 articles scanned, 337 specific ones were involved in this study. The most common surgical pathology was found to be in Ascaris lumbricoides group. Enterobius vermicularis was found to be the parasite that caused highest amount of acute appendicitis. Anisakiasis was observed to seem mainly because of abdominal pain and mechanical intestinal obstruction. Strongyloides stercoraries causes duodenal pathologies such as duodenal obstruction and duodenitis. Taenia saginata comes into prominence with appendicitis and gastrointestinal perforations. Fasciola hepatica exhibits biliary tract involvement and causes common bile duct obstruction. Hookworms were observed to arise along with gastrointestinal hemorrhage and anemia. Trichuris trichiuria draws attention with gastrointestinal hemorrhage, mechanical intestinal obstruction. Helminths may lead to life-threatening clinic conditions such as acute abdomen, gastrointestinal perforation, intestinal obstruction, and hemorrhages. There is a relationship between surgery and helminths. It is very important for surgeons to consider and remember helminths in differential diagnoses during their daily routines.

The Helminths Causing Surgical or Endoscopic Abdominal Intervention: A Review Article

PubMed Central

UYSAL, Erdal; DOKUR, Mehmet

2017-01-01

Background: Helminths sometimes require surgical or endoscopic intervention. Helminths may cause acute abdomen, mechanical intestinal obstruction, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, perforation, hepatitis, pancreatitis, and appendicitis. This study aimed to determine the surgical diseases that helminths cause and to gather, analyze the case reports, case series and original articles about this topic in literature. Methods: This study was designed as a retrospective observational study. In order to determine the studies published in literature, the search limits in Pub-Med database were set to 1 Jan 1957 and 31 Mar 2016 (59 yr), and the articles regarding Helminth-Surgery-Endoscopy were taken into examination. Among 521 articles scanned, 337 specific ones were involved in this study. Results: The most common surgical pathology was found to be in Ascaris lumbricoides group. Enterobius vermicularis was found to be the parasite that caused highest amount of acute appendicitis. Anisakiasis was observed to seem mainly because of abdominal pain and mechanical intestinal obstruction. Strongyloides stercoraries causes duodenal pathologies such as duodenal obstruction and duodenitis. Taenia saginata comes into prominence with appendicitis and gastrointestinal perforations. Fasciola hepatica exhibits biliary tract involvement and causes common bile duct obstruction. Hookworms were observed to arise along with gastrointestinal hemorrhage and anemia. Trichuris trichiuria draws attention with gastrointestinal hemorrhage, mechanical intestinal obstruction. Conclusion: Helminths may lead to life-threatening clinic conditions such as acute abdomen, gastrointestinal perforation, intestinal obstruction, and hemorrhages. There is a relationship between surgery and helminths. It is very important for surgeons to consider and remember helminths in differential diagnoses during their daily routines. PMID:28761475

[Diverticular disease of the large bowel - surgical treatment].

PubMed

Levý, M; Herdegen, P; Sutoris, K; Simša, J

2013-07-01

Surgical treatment, despite the rapid development of the numerous modern miniinvasive intervention techniques, remains essential in the treatment of complicated diverticular disease. The aim of this work is to summarize indications for surgical treatment in both acute and elective patients suffering from diverticular disease of the large bowel. Review of the literature and recent findings concerning indications for surgical intervention in patients with diverticulosis of the colon. The article describes indications, types of procedures, techniques and postoperative care in patients undergoing surgical intervention for diverticular disease.

Interventions to Improve Patient Comprehension in Informed Consent for Medical and Surgical Procedures: A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Schenker, Yael; Fernandez, Alicia; Sudore, Rebecca; Schillinger, Dean

2017-01-01

Background Patient understanding in clinical informed consent is often poor. Little is known about the effectiveness of interventions to improve comprehension or the extent to which such interventions address different elements of understanding in informed consent. Purpose To systematically review communication interventions to improve patient comprehension in informed consent for medical and surgical procedures. Data Sources A systematic literature search of English-language articles in MEDLINE (1949–2008) and EMBASE (1974–2008) was performed. In addition, a published bibliography of empirical research on informed consent and the reference lists of all eligible studies were reviewed. Study Selection Randomized controlled trials and controlled trials with non-random allocation were included if they compared comprehension in informed consent for a medical or surgical procedure. Only studies that used a quantitative, objective measure of understanding were included. All studies addressed informed consent for a needed or recommended procedure in actual patients. Data Extraction Reviewers independently extracted data using a standardized form. All results were compared, and disagreements were resolved by consensus. Data Synthesis Forty-four studies were eligible. Intervention categories included written information, audiovisual/multimedia, extended discussions, and test/feedback techniques. The majority of studies assessed patient understanding of procedural risks; other elements included benefits, alternatives, and general knowledge about the procedure. Only 6 of 44 studies assessed all 4 elements of understanding. Interventions were generally effective in improving patient comprehension, especially regarding risks and general knowledge. Limitations Many studies failed to include adequate description of the study population, and outcome measures varied widely. Conclusions A wide range of communication interventions improve comprehension in clinical informed

Multiple magnet ingestion: is there a role for early surgical intervention?

PubMed

Salimi, Amrollah; Kooraki, Soheil; Esfahani, Shadi Abdar; Mehdizadeh, Mehrzad

2012-01-01

Children often swallow foreign bodies. Multiple magnet ingestion is rare, but can result in serious complications. This study presents three unique cases of multiple magnet ingestion: one case an 8-year-old boy with multiple magnet ingestion resulting in gastric obstruction and the other two cases with intestinal perforations due to multiple magnet intake. History and physical examination are unreliable in children who swallow multiple magnets. Sometimes radiological findings are not conclusive, whether one magnet is swallowed or more. If magnets are not moved in sequential radiology images, we recommend early surgical intervention before gastrointestinal complications develop. Toy companies, parents, physicians, and radiologists should be warned about the potential complications of such toys.

Influence of a 5-year serial infection control and antibiotic stewardship intervention on cardiac surgical site infections.

PubMed

Frenette, Charles; Sperlea, David; Tesolin, Joey; Patterson, Connie; Thirion, Daniel J G

2016-09-01

Surgical site infections (SSIs) complicate surgery, resulting in higher morbidity and mortality. Infection control bundles and antibiotic stewardship can be effective at reducing SSIs. The influence of long-term serial interventions is unclear. The goal of this retrospective quasiexperimental study was to assess the influence of a 5-year serial infection control and antibiotic stewardship intervention on SSIs. The multidisciplinary program actively implemented pre-, intra-, and postoperative strategies over a 5-year period from 2009-2014 for all patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), valve replacement, or both at a tertiary care public institution. Outcomes are compared with a 2-year preinterventions period (2007-2009) and 1-year postinterventions period (2014-2015). A total of 6,518 procedures were included. After interventions, the overall combined infection rate for CABG, CABG and valve, and valve procedures decreased by 66.3%, from 11.9%-4.0% (odds ratio, 0.34; 95% confidence interval, 0.23-0.49; P < .001). A significant decrease of >50% (P < .001) relative rate was observed in overall, sternum, leg, CABG, and combined CABG and valve infection rates when comparing pre- and postinterventions groups. The antibiotic stewardship intervention increased overall conformity to the internal surgical prophylaxis protocol by 46.8%, from 39.8%-86.6% (95% confidence interval, 41.0-52.4; P < .001). Long-term, serial comprehensive infection control and antibiotic stewardship interventions decrease overall SSIs in patients undergoing CABG and valve replacement procedures. Copyright © 2016 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Measurement of patient reported disability using WHODAS 2.0 before and after surgical intervention in Madagascar.

PubMed

White, Michelle C; Randall, Kirsten; Alcorn, Dennis; Greenland, Rachel; Glasgo, Christine; Shrime, Mark G

2018-04-27

Patient reported outcomes (PRO) measure the quality of care from the patient's perspective. PROs are an important measure of surgical outcome and can be used to calculate health gains after surgical treatment. The World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0 is a PRO used to evaluate pre and post-operative disability across a range of surgical specialities. In this study, Mercy Ships, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), used WHODAS 2.0 to evaluate patient reported disability in 401 consecutive patients in Madagascar. We hypothesised that surgical interventions would decrease pre-operative patient reported disability across a range of specialties (maxillofacial, plastic, orthopaedic, general and obstetric fistula surgery). WHODAS 2.0 was administered preoperatively by face-to-face interview, and at 3 months post-operatively by telephone. Demographic data, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical classification score, duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, and in-hospital post-operative complications were collected from a separately maintained patient database. The primary outcome measure was difference in pre- and post-operative WHODAS 2.0 scores. No differences were seen between the two groups in preoperative disability (p = 0.25), ASA score (p = 0.46), or duration of surgery (p = 0.85). At 3 months 44% (176/401) of patients were available for telephone for postoperative evaluation. All had a significant reduction in their disability score from 8.4% to 1.0% (p < 0.001), 17 experienced a post-operative complication, but none had residual disability and there were no deaths. The group lost to follow-up were more likely to be female (65% versus 50%, p < 0.05), were younger (mean age 31 versus 35, p < 0.05), had longer hospital stays (10 versus 4 days, p < 0.001), and were more likely to have experienced post-operative complications (p < 0.05). This study demonstrates that surgical

Surgical and nonsurgical interventions for vulvar and clitoral pain in girls and women living with female genital mutilation: A systematic review.

PubMed

Ezebialu, Ifeanyichukwu; Okafo, Obiamaka; Oringanje, Chukwudi; Ogbonna, Udoezuo; Udoh, Ekong; Odey, Friday; Meremikwu, Martin M

2017-02-01

Vulvar and clitoral pain are known complications of female genital mutilation (FGM). Several interventions have been used to treat these conditions. This review focuses on surgical and nonsurgical interventions to improve vulvar and clitoral pain in women living with FGM. To evaluate the impact of nonsurgical and surgical interventions for alleviating vulvar and clitoral pain in women living with any type of FGM and to assess the associated adverse events. The search included the following major databases: Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov. These were searched from inception until August 10, 2015 without any language restrictions. Study designs included randomized controlled trials, cluster randomized trials, nonrandomized trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, controlled before-and-after studies, historical control studies, and interrupted time series with reported data comparing outcomes among women with FGM who were treated for clitoral or vulvar pain with either surgical or nonsurgical interventions. Two team members independently screened studies for eligibility. No studies were included. Limited information exists on management of vulvar and clitoral pain in women living with FGM. This constitutes an important area for further research. CRD42015024521. © 2017 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.The World Health Organization retains copyright and all other rights in the manuscript of this article as submitted for publication.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreaticobiliary intervention in patients with surgically altered anatomy and inaccessible papillae: A review of current literature

PubMed Central

Martin, Aaron; Kistler, Charles Andrew; Wrobel, Piotr; Yang, Juliana F.; Siddiqui, Ali A.

2016-01-01

The management of pancreaticobiliary disease in patients with surgically altered anatomy is a growing problem for gastroenterologists today. Over the years, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has emerged as an important diagnostic and therapeutic modality in the treatment of pancreaticobiliary disease. Patient anatomy has become increasingly complex due to advances in surgical resection of pancreaticobiliary disease and EUS has emerged as the therapy of choice when endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography failed cannulation or when the papilla is inaccessible such as in gastric obstruction or duodenal obstruction. The current article gives a comprehensive review of the current literature for EUS-guided intervention of the pancreaticobiliary tract in patients with altered surgical anatomy. PMID:27386471

Clinical outcomes and hospital length of stay in 2,756 elderly patients with hip fractures: a comparison of surgical and non-surgical management.

PubMed

Tan, Stephen Thong Soon; Tan, Wei Ping Marcus; Jaipaul, Josephine; Chan, Siew Pang; Sathappan, Sathappan S

2017-05-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of elderly hip fracture patients who received surgical treatment with those who received non-surgical treatment. This retrospective study involved 2,756 elderly patients with hip fractures who were admitted over a six-year period. The patients' biodata, complications, ambulatory status at discharge and length of hospital stay were obtained from the institution's hip fracture registry. Among the 2,756 hip fracture patients, 2,029 (73.6%) underwent surgical intervention, while 727 (26.4%) opted for non-surgical intervention. The complication rate among the patients who underwent surgical intervention was 6.6%, while that among the patients who underwent non-surgical intervention was 12.5% (p < 0.01). The mean length of hospital stay for the surgical and non-surgical hip fracture patients was 15.7 days and 22.4 days, respectively (p < 0.01). Surgical management of hip fractures among the elderly is associated with a lower complication rate, as well as a reduced length of hospital stay. Copyright: © Singapore Medical Association

Musical intervention reduces patients' anxiety in surgical extraction of an impacted mandibular third molar.

PubMed

Kim, Yu-Kyoung; Kim, Soung-Min; Myoung, Hoon

2011-04-01

Patients undergoing impacted mandibular third molar (IMTM) extraction often have severe perioperative anxiety, which may lead to increased perceptions of pain and vital sign instability throughout surgery. Intraoperational musical interventions have been used during operations to decrease patient anxiety levels. We investigated the anxiolytic effects of musical intervention during surgical extraction of an IMTM. We tested the hypothesis that musical intervention would have positive effects on patients' vital signs, anxiety levels, and perceptions of pain. We recruited 219 patients with IMTM surgery to participate in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to a music-treated group (106 subjects) or a control group (113 subjects). In a preoperative meeting, patient demographic data were collected, and the patients' favorite songs were selected. For the music-treated group, their selected music was played from the time of arrival to the operating room until the end of the operation. Perioperative anxiety and perceptions of pain were assessed using the Dental Anxiety Scale and the Visual Analog Scale, respectively. Patients' vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate) were monitored throughout the surgery. One-way analysis of covariance using perioperative anxiety as a covariant was performed to compare intraoperative anxiety levels and perioperative perceptions of pain between the 2 groups. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare changes in vital signs across surgical stages between the 2 groups. Vital signs changed significantly throughout surgery according to the stage of the procedure. For both groups, vital signs increased from baseline and reached peak values at the time of the initial incision and then decreased quickly and plateaued within normal limits. There were no significant differences between groups in blood pressure; however, the music-treated group showed a significantly smaller change in heart rate than

A tailored relocation stress intervention programme for family caregivers of patients transferred from a surgical intensive care unit to a general ward.

PubMed

Lee, Seul; Oh, HyunSoo; Suh, YeonOk; Seo, WhaSook

2017-03-01

To develop and examine a relocation stress intervention programme tailored for the family caregivers of patients scheduled for transfer from a surgical intensive care unit to a general ward. Family relocation stress syndrome has been reported to be similar to that exhibited by patients, and investigators have emphasised that nurses should make special efforts to relieve family relocation stress to maximise positive contributions to the well-being of patients by family caregivers. A nonequivalent control group, nonsynchronised pretest-post-test design was adopted. The study subjects were 60 family caregivers of patients with neurosurgical or general surgical conditions in the surgical intensive care unit of a university hospital located in Incheon, South Korea. Relocation stress and family burden were evaluated at three times, that is before intervention, immediately after transfer and four to five days after transfer. This relocation stress intervention programme was developed for the family caregivers based on disease characteristics and relocation-related needs. In the experimental group, relocation stress levels significantly and continuously decreased after intervention, whereas in the control group, a slight nonsignificant trend was observed. Family burden levels in the control group increased significantly after transfer, whereas burden levels in the experimental group increased only marginally and nonsignificantly. No significant between-group differences in relocation stress or family burden levels were observed after intervention. Relocation stress levels of family caregivers were significantly decreased after intervention in the experimental group, which indicates that the devised family relocation stress intervention programme effectively alleviated family relocation stress. The devised intervention programme, which was tailored to disease characteristics and relocation-related needs, may enhance the practicality and efficacy of relocation stress

Mortality reporting in interventional radiology: experience of a pilot audit with the Scottish Audit of Surgical Mortality.

PubMed

White, R D; Ingram, S; Moss, J G; Pace, N; Chakraverty, S

2013-10-01

To describe the initial pilot phase of the 2009 Scottish Audit of Surgical Mortality (SASM), which includes outcomes and difficulties that arose during any interventional radiology (IR) procedure performed on patients in this audit over an 18 month period. Approximately 40 consultant interventional radiologists from all units in Scotland elected to participate in the audit. Each response was then peer reviewed after anonymisation of the patient and institution. If a relevant ACON (area for consideration or area of concern) was generated, this was checked by one of the other reviewers before communication with the original reporting radiologist and colleagues. There was then a right of reply by the reporting unit before formal documentation was sent out. Initial results were analysed after 18 months period, during which time 95 forms relating to deaths of surgical inpatients were sent to interventional radiologists identified as having been involved in an IR procedure at some time during the patient's admission. Seventy-one forms had been returned by July 2010, of which 46 had gone through the entire SASM process. From these, 10 ACONs were attributed. Anonymised case vignettes and reports from these were used as educational tools. Involvement with SASM is a useful process. Significant safety issues and learning points were identified in the pilot. The majority of ACONs identified by the audit were in patients who had undergone percutaneous biliary interventions. Copyright © 2013 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A qualitative study exploring the views, attitudes and beliefs of patients and health professionals towards exercise intervention for people who are surgically treated for lung cancer.

PubMed

Crandall, K; Maguire, R; Campbell, A; Kearney, N

2018-03-01

Surgical removal remains the best curative option for patients diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer. However, it is also associated with significant morbidity and reduced quality of life. Interventions to improve patient outcomes are required. This study aimed to explore the views, attitudes and beliefs of key stakeholders on exercise intervention for people who are surgically treated for lung cancer to inform the development of future interventions. Focus groups and individual interviews were carried out at two Scottish sites. The study was guided by the Health Action Process Approach behaviour change model. A total of 23 (12 patients and 11 health professionals) participated in the study. The data analysis resulted in three main themes: attitudes and beliefs, external factors and intervention design. The results highlighted certain key elements that should be included in an exercise intervention, such as the need for supervised sessions, an element of individualisation and the perceived social benefits of exercising with others. This study emphasises the importance of including key stakeholders in the development of complex interventions such as exercise and provides important information for the development of future exercise intervention trials for people who are surgically treated for lung cancer. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Surgical intervention in central toxic keratopathy.

PubMed

Tu, Kyaw L; Aslanides, Ioannis M

2012-05-03

Purpose. To report management and outcome of 3 cases of bilateral central toxic keratopathy (CTK). Methods. A retrospective chart review on 3 laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis patients who developed CTK within a short time of one another. Results. Patient A had flap lifts and irrigation (FL+I) twice in the right eye (OD) on postoperative day 1 at diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) stage 3 and once each on days 1 (at DLK stage 3) and 5 (at CTK) for the left eye (OS). She attained 20/20 unaided visual acuity (UVA) OD at 1 month. Her UVA OS remained at 20/32 but best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) gradually improved to 20/25 at 8 months. Patient B had right FL+I on day 3 and left FL+I on day 5 (both for CTK). His OS achieved full visual potential (20/25 UVA) by 1 month but UVA OD was reduced to 20/25 (preoperative BCVA 20/20) at 8 months. Patient C had medical management only. Her preoperative BCVA OD of 20/33 fell to 20/50 postoperative UCVA/BCVA; OS regained full visual potential of 20/40 between 2 and 8 months. Patient A's OD did not develop a full-blown CTK; instead an arrested CTK resulted. All except that one eye had initial hyperopic/astigmatic errors that gradually lessened. Artemis II imaging confirmed early stromal loss posterior to the flap with stroma regaining some thickness over the following months. Conclusions. Surgical intervention in cases of CTK may improve clinical outcomes.

Surgical interventions for treating acute fractures or non-union of the middle third of the clavicle.

PubMed

Lenza, Mário; Faloppa, Flávio

2015-05-07

This review covers two conditions: acute clavicle fractures and non-union resulting from failed fracture healing. Clavicle (collarbone) fractures account for around 4% of all fractures. While treatment for these fractures is usually non-surgical, some types of clavicular fractures, as well as non-union of the middle third of the clavicle, are often treated surgically. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2009. To evaluate the effects (benefits and harms) of different methods of surgical treatment for acute fracture or non-union of the middle third of the clavicle. We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register (27 June 2014), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2014, Issue 5), MEDLINE (1966 to June week 3 2014), EMBASE (1988 to 2014 week 25), LILACS (1982 to 27 June 2014), trial registries and reference lists of articles. We applied no language or publication restrictions. We considered randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials evaluating any surgical intervention for treating people with fractures or non-union of the middle third of the clavicle. The primary outcomes were shoulder function or disability, pain and treatment failure (measured by the number of participants who had undergone or were being considered for a non-routine secondary surgical intervention for symptomatic non-union, malunion or other complications). Two review authors selected eligible trials, independently assessed risk of bias and cross-checked data. Where appropriate, we pooled results of comparable trials. We included seven trials in this review with 398 participants. Four trials were new in this update.The four new trials (160 participants) compared intramedullary fixation with open reduction and internal fixation with plate for treating acute middle third clavicle fractures in adults. Low quality evidence from the four trials indicated that intramedullary fixation did not

Intraoperative interventions for preventing surgical site infection: an overview of Cochrane Reviews.

PubMed

Liu, Zhenmi; Dumville, Jo C; Norman, Gill; Westby, Maggie J; Blazeby, Jane; McFarlane, Emma; Welton, Nicky J; O'Connor, Louise; Cawthorne, Julie; George, Ryan P; Crosbie, Emma J; Rithalia, Amber D; Cheng, Hung-Yuan

2018-02-06

Surgical site infection (SSI) rates vary from 1% to 5% in the month following surgery. Due to the large number of surgical procedures conducted annually, the costs of these SSIs can be considerable in financial and social terms. Many interventions are used with the aim of reducing the risk of SSI in people undergoing surgery. These interventions can be broadly delivered at three stages: preoperatively, intraoperatively and postoperatively. The intraoperative interventions are largely focused on decontamination of skin using soap and antiseptics; the use of barriers to prevent movement of micro-organisms into incisions; and optimising the patient's own bodily functions to promote best recovery. Both decontamination and barrier methods can be aimed at people undergoing surgery and operating staff. Other interventions focused on SSI prevention may be aimed at the surgical environment and include methods of theatre cleansing and approaches to managing theatre traffic. To present an overview of Cochrane Reviews of the effectiveness and safety of interventions, delivered during the intraoperative period, aimed at preventing SSIs in all populations undergoing surgery in an operating theatre. Published Cochrane systematic reviews reporting the effectiveness of interventions delivered during the intraoperative period in terms of SSI prevention were eligible for inclusion in this overview. We also identified Cochrane protocols and title registrations for future inclusion into the overview. We searched the Cochrane Library on 01 July 2017. Two review authors independently screened search results and undertook data extraction and 'Risk of bias' and certainty assessment. We used the ROBIS (risk of bias in systematic reviews) tool to assess the quality of included reviews, and we used GRADE methods to assess the certainty of the evidence for each outcome. We summarised the characteristics of included reviews in the text and in additional tables. We included 32 Cochrane Reviews

Quantifying surgical capacity in Sierra Leone: a guide for improving surgical care.

PubMed

Kingham, T Peter; Kamara, Thaim B; Cherian, Meena N; Gosselin, Richard A; Simkins, Meghan; Meissner, Chris; Foray-Rahall, Lynda; Daoh, Kisito S; Kabia, Soccoh A; Kushner, Adam L

2009-02-01

Lack of access to surgical care is a public health crisis in developing countries. There are few data that describe a nation's ability to provide surgical care. This study combines information quantifying the infrastructure, human resources, interventions (ie, procedures), emergency equipment and supplies for resuscitation, and surgical procedures offered at many government hospitals in Sierra Leone. Site visits were performed in 2008 at 10 of the 17 government civilian hospitals in Sierra Leone. The World Health Organization's Tool for Situational Analysis to Assess Emergency and Essential Surgical Care was used to assess surgical capacity. There was a paucity of electricity, running water, oxygen, and fuel at the government hospitals in Sierra Leone. There were only 10 Sierra Leonean surgeons practicing in the surveyed government hospitals. Many procedures performed at most of the hospitals were cesarean sections, hernia repairs, and appendectomies. There were few supplies at any of the hospitals, forcing patients to provide their own. There was a disparity between conditions at the government hospitals and those at the private and mission hospitals. There are severe shortages in all aspects of infrastructure, personnel, and supplies required for delivering surgical care in Sierra Leone. While it will be difficult to improve the infrastructure of government hospitals, training additional personnel to deliver safe surgical care is possible. The situational analysis tool is a valuable mechanism to quantify a nation's surgical capacity. It provides the background data that have been lacking in the discussion of surgery as a public health problem and will assist in gauging the effectiveness of interventions to improve surgical infrastructure and care.

The impact of a single surgical intervention for patients with a cleft lip living in rural Ethiopia.

PubMed

Fell, Matthew J; Hoyle, Tom; Abebe, Mekonen E; Kebede, Yegeremu; Medhin, Yohannes D; Hiwot, Fikre A; Cifeta, Taye H; Ali, Ibrahim M; McGurk, Mark

2014-09-01

Humanitarian organisations commonly provide reconstructive treatment for patients with cleft lip within developing countries, but follow-up is often non-existent, particularly for those living in rural areas. This study aimed to assess whether a single surgical intervention was sufficient to produce an observable change to the life of a patient with cleft lip living in rural Hararghe in eastern Ethiopia. 356 patients with isolated cleft lips, who received a single surgical treatment at least 6 months previously, were evaluated in 21 rural health centres. Patients and their families expressed unhappiness before treatment, mainly because the society reacted negatively towards the deformities, isolating the patients from community activities. Postoperatively, the percentage of school-aged children participating in education increased from 46% to 79%, some older patients were able to marry, but employment was unaffected. The prevalence of wound dehiscence in the lip repair was 3% and occurred more frequently in patients with a bilateral cleft lip compared to a unilateral cleft lip (p < 0.001, RR 49.25, 95% CI 6.7-1037.35). We demonstrated that follow-up can be achieved by charitable organisations treating rural patients and that the majority of patients report a positive impact following surgical intervention. We recommend that bilateral cleft lips have a more intense rural aftercare. Copyright © 2014 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lung Radiofrequency Ablation for the Treatment of Unresectable Recurrent Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer After Surgical Intervention

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kodama, Hiroshi, E-mail: h-kodama@clin.medic.mie-u.ac.jp; Yamakado, Koichiro; Takaki, Haruyuki

Purpose: A retrospective evaluation was done of clinical utility of lung radiofrequency (RF) ablation in recurrent non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after surgical intervention. Methods: During May 2003 to October 2010, 44 consecutive patients (26 male and 18 female) received curative lung RF ablation for 51 recurrent NSCLC (mean diameter 1.7 {+-} 0.9 cm, range 0.6 to 4.0) after surgical intervention. Safety, tumor progression rate, overall survival, and recurrence-free survival were evaluated. Prognostic factors were evaluated in multivariate analysis. Results: A total of 55 lung RF sessions were performed. Pneumothorax requiring pluerosclerosis (n = 2) and surgical suture (n = 1)more » were the only grade 3 or 4 adverse events (5.5%, 3 of 55). During mean follow-up of 28.6 {+-} 20.3 months (range 1 to 98), local tumor progression was found in 5 patients (11.4%, 5 of 44). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 97.7, 72.9, and 55.7%, respectively. The 1- and 3-year recurrence-free survival rates were 76.7 and 41.1%, respectively. Tumor size and sex were independent significant prognostic factors in multivariate analysis. The 5-year survival rates were 73.3% in 18 women and 60.5% in 38 patients who had small tumors measuring {<=}3 cm. Conclusion: Our results suggest that lung RF ablation is a safe and useful therapeutic option for obtaining long-term survival in treated patients.« less

[Peculiarities of surgical interventions in the nasopharynx of patients presenting with lymphoid tissue hypertrophy and exudative otitis media].

PubMed

Zav'ialov, F N; Salikov, A V

2011-01-01

A total of 118 patients presenting with exudative otitis media and lymphoid tissue hypertrophy in the nasopharynx were examined and treated. A classification of different variants of lymphoid tissue hypertrophy and pharyngeal tonsil hypertrophy was developed and used as a basis to plan the strategy of surgical interventions in the nasopharynx.

Non-surgical interventions for the management of chronic pelvic pain.

PubMed

Cheong, Ying C; Smotra, Grisham; Williams, Amanda C de C

2014-03-05

Chronic pelvic pain is a common and debilitating condition; its aetiology is multifactorial, involving social, psychological and biological factors. The management of chronic pelvic pain is challenging, as despite interventions involving surgery, many women remain in pain without a firm gynaecological diagnosis. To assess the effectiveness and safety of non-surgical interventions for women with chronic pelvic pain. We searched the Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group Specialised Register. We also searched (from inception to 5 February 2014) AMED, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and LILACS. We handsearched sources such as citation lists, trial registers and conference proceedings. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on non-surgical management of chronic pelvic pain were eligible for inclusion. We included studies of women with a diagnosis of pelvic congestion syndrome or adhesions but excluded those with pain known to be caused by endometriosis, primary dysmenorrhoea (period pain), active chronic pelvic inflammatory disease or irritable bowel syndrome. We considered studies of any non-surgical intervention, including lifestyle, physical, medical and psychological treatments. Study selection, quality assessment and data extraction were performed independently by two review authors. Meta-analysis was performed using the Peto odds ratio (Peto OR) for dichotomous outcomes and the mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The primary outcome measure was pain relief, and secondary outcome measures were psychological outcomes, quality of life, requirement for analgesia and adverse effects. The quality of the evidence was assessed by using GRADE methods. Twenty-one RCTs were identified that involved non-surgical management of chronic pelvic pain: 13 trials were included in the review, and eight were excluded. The studies included a total of 750 women-406 women in the intervention groups and 344 in the control groups

Surgical Management of Infective Endocarditis Complicated by Embolic Stroke: Practical Recommendations for Clinicians.

PubMed

Yanagawa, Bobby; Pettersson, Gosta B; Habib, Gilbert; Ruel, Marc; Saposnik, Gustavo; Latter, David A; Verma, Subodh

2016-10-25

There has been an overall improvement in surgical mortality for patients with infective endocarditis (IE), presumably because of improved diagnosis and management, centered around a more aggressive early surgical approach. Surgery is currently performed in approximately half of all cases of IE. Improved survival in surgery-treated patients is correlated with a reduction in heart failure and the prevention of embolic sequelae. It is reported that between 20% and 40% of patients with IE present with stroke or other neurological conditions. It is for these IE patients that the timing of surgical intervention remains a point of considerable discussion and debate. Despite evidence of improved survival in IE patients with earlier surgical treatment, a significant proportion of patients with IE and preexisting neurological complications either undergo delayed surgery or do not have surgery at all, even when surgery is indicated and guideline endorsed. Physicians and surgeons are caught in a common conundrum where the urgency of the heart operation must be balanced against the real or perceived risks of neurological exacerbation. Recent data suggest that the risk of neurological exacerbation may be lower than previously believed. Current guidelines reflect a shift toward early surgery for such patients, but there continue to be important areas of clinical equipoise. Individualized clinical assessment is of major importance for decision making, and, as such, we emphasize the need for the functioning of an endocarditis team, including cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, infectious diseases specialists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, and interventional neuroradiologists. Here, we present 2 illustrative cases, critically review contemporary data, and offer conceptual and practical suggestions for clinicians to address this important, common, and often fatal cardiac condition. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

Surgical versus non-surgical management of abdominal injury.

PubMed

Oyo-Ita, Angela; Ugare, Udey G; Ikpeme, Ikpeme A

2012-11-14

Injury to the abdomen can be blunt or penetrating. Abdominal injury can damage internal organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and intestine. There are controversies about the best approach to manage abdominal injuries. To assess the effects of surgical and non-surgical interventions in the management of abdominal trauma. We searched the Cochrane Injuries Group's Specialised Register, CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2012, issue 1), MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), and ISI Web of Science: Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Science (CPCI-S) all until January 2012; CINAHL until January 2009. We also searched the reference lists of all eligible studies and the trial registers www.controlled-trials.com and www.clinicaltrials.gov in January 2012. Randomised controlled trials of surgical and non surgical interventions among patients with abdominal injury who are haemodynamically stable and with no signs of peritonitis. Two review authors independently applied the search criteria. One study involving participants with penetrating abdominal injury met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted by two authors using a standard data extraction form. One study including 51 participants with moderate risk of bias was included. Participants were randomised to surgery or an observation protocol. There were no deaths among the participants. Seven participants had complications; 5 (18.5%) in the surgical group and 2 (8.3%) in the non-surgical group; the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.42; Fischer's exact). Among the 27 who had surgery six (22.2%) surgeries were negative laparotomies, and 15 (55.6%) were non-therapeutic. Based on the findings of one study involving 51 participants, which was at moderate risk of bias, there is no evidence to support the use of surgery over observation for people with abdominal trauma.

Surgical treatment for Ellis type 3 coronary perforation during percutaneous catheter intervention.

PubMed

Totsugawa, Toshinori; Kuinose, Masahiko; Yoshitaka, Hidenori; Katayama, Keijiro; Tsushima, Yoshimasa; Ishida, Atsuhisa; Chikazawa, Genta; Hiraoka, Arudo

2012-01-01

Coronary perforation (CP) is a rare, but sometimes lethal, complication of percutaneous catheter intervention (PCI). We reviewed surgically-treated cases of type 3 CP during PCI. From 2007 to 2010, 5 patients underwent surgical repair for type 3 CP (3 men, 2 women; mean age, 74 years). The mean number of diseased coronary branches was 2.6 and the mean SYNTAX score was 45. The target lesions were the left anterior descending artery in 4 cases and the right coronary artery in 1 case. Types of American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology classification were type B2 in only one case and type C in 4 cases. The causes of perforation were balloon inflation in 4 patients and rotational atherectomy in 1 patient. The in-hospital mortality rate was 20%. In the cases of CP associated with balloon inflation, coronary lacerations were so severe that re-bleeding occurred even if the covered stent could temporarily achieve hemostasis, and percutaneous cardiopulmonary support and emergency surgery were required. CP induced by balloon inflation tends to result in a serious condition compared with rotablator-induced CP. Surgery should be immediately performed even after covered stent implantation if there is any possibility of re-bleeding in the case of balloon-induced type 3 CP.

Proportion of patients in the Uganda rheumatic heart disease registry with advanced disease requiring urgent surgical interventions.

PubMed

Zhang, WanZhu; Okello, Emmy; Nyakoojo, Wilson; Lwabi, Peter; Mondo, Charles K

2015-12-01

Since the establishment of the Uganda Rheumatic Heart Registry, over 900 patients have been enrolled. We sought to stratify the patients in the registry according to disease severity and optimal management strategy. We reviewed data of 618 patients who had enrolled in the Registry between March 2010 and February 2013. The 67 patients who had died were excluded leaving 551 patients who were recruited. The optimum management strategy was determined according to the 2012 European Society of Cardiology guidelines on the management of valvular heart disease. Out of the 551 patient's records evaluated, 398 (72.3%) required invasive intervention, with 332(60.3%) patients requiring surgery and 66 (12.0%) requiring percutaneous mitral commissurotomy (PMC). This leaves only 27.7% of patients who required only medical management. Currently, majority of the patients (498, 90.4%) in the registry are on medical treatment. Of the 60.3% requiring surgical intervention, only 8.0% (44 patients) underwent valvular surgery and 5(1.0%) patients of the 66 (12.0%) underwent PMC successfully. There is a high proportion of patients with severe disease that require surgical treatment yet they cannot access this therapy due to absence of local expertise.

Earlier versus later continuous Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) for stable low-birth-weight infants: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Nagai, S; Andrianarimanana, D; Rabesandratana, N; Yonemoto, N; Nakayama, T; Mori, R

2010-06-01

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of earlier continuous Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) for relatively stable low-birth-weight (LBW) infants in a resource-limited country. A randomized controlled trial was performed in LBW infants at a referral hospital in Madagascar. Earlier continuous KMC (intervention) was begun as soon as possible, within 24 h postbirth, and later continuous KMC (control: conventional care) was begun after complete stabilization (generally after 24 h postbirth). Main outcome measure was mortality during the first 28 days postbirth. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00531492. A total of 73 infants (intervention 37, control 36) were included. Earlier continuous KMC had higher but no statistically different mortality in the first 28 days postbirth (1 vs. 2; risk ratio, 1.95; 95% CIs, 0.18-20.53; p = 1.00). There were no differences in incidence of morbidities. Body weight loss from birth to 24 h postbirth was significantly less in earlier KMC infants compared with later KMC infants. (-34.81 g vs. -73.97 g; mean difference, 39.16 g; 95% CIs, 10.30-68.03; p = 0.01; adjusted p = 0.02). Adverse events and duration of hospitalization were not different between the two groups. Further evaluations of earlier continuous KMC including measurement of KMC dose, are needed in resource-limited countries.

Surgical orthodontics.

PubMed

Strohl, Alexis M; Vitkus, Lauren

2017-08-01

The article reviews some commonly used orthodontic treatments as well as new strategies to assist in the correction of malocclusion. Many techniques are used in conjunction with surgical intervention and are a necessary compliment to orthognathic surgery. Basic knowledge of these practices will aid in the surgeon's ability to adequately treat the patient. Many orthodontists and surgeons are eliminating presurgical orthodontics to adopt a strategy of 'surgery first' orthodontics in orthognathic surgery. This has the benefit of immediate improvement in facial aesthetics and shorter treatment times. The advent of virtual surgical planning has helped facilitate the development of this new paradigm by making surgical planning faster and easier. Furthermore, using intraoperative surgical navigation is improving overall precision and outcomes. A variety of surgical and nonsurgical treatments may be employed in the treatment of malocclusion. It is important to be familiar with all options available and tailor the patient's treatment plan accordingly. Surgery-first orthodontics, intraoperative surgical navigation, virtual surgical planning, and 3D printing are evolving new techniques that are producing shorter treatment times and subsequently improving patient satisfaction without sacrificing long-term stability.

Survival was Significantly Better with Surgical/Medical/Radiation Co-interventions in a Single-Institution Practice Audit of Frameless Stereotactic Radiosurgery.

PubMed

Taggar, Amandeep; MacKenzie, Joanna; Li, Haocheng; Lau, Harold; Lim, Gerald; Nordal, Robert; Hudson, Alana; Khan, Rao; Spencer, David; Voroney, Jon-Paul

2016-05-17

To audit outcomes after introducing frameless stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastases, including co-interventions: neurosurgery, systemic therapy, and whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT). We report median overall survival (MS), local failure, and distant brain failure. We hypothesized patients treated with SRS would have clinically meaningful improved MS compared with historic institutional values. We further hypothesized that patients treated with co-interventions would have clinically meaningful improved MS compared with patients treated with SRS alone. One hundred twenty patients (N = 120) with limited intracranial disease underwent 130 frameless SRS sessions from April 2010 to May 2013. Median follow-up was 11 months. MS was measured from brain metastases diagnosis, local failure, and distant brain failure from the time of first SRS. Practice pattern during the first year of the study favored upfront WBRT (79%) over SRS (21%) while upfront SRS (45%) was almost as common as upfront WBRT (55%) in the last year of the study. MS was 18 months; 37% received SRS alone as initial radiotherapy (MS 12 months); 63% received WBRT prior to SRS (MS 19 months); 50% received systemic therapy post-SRS (MS 21 months); and 26% had tumor resection then SRS to the surgical cavity (MS 42 months). Local failure occurred in 10% of lesions and radio-necrosis occurred in 4%. Differences in distant brain failure among patients treated with upfront SRS (40% rate), WBRT followed by SRS (33% rate) or systemic therapy post-SRS (37% rate) were not statistically significant. Frameless SRS effectively treats surgical cavities, persistent tumors post-WBRT, and can be used as an upfront treatment of brain metastases. Surgery, systemic therapy, and WBRT are associated with longer MS. Patients can live for years while receiving multiple therapies. Systemic therapy for patients with brain metastases is increasingly common, palliative care occurs earlier and improves

Improving the quality of the surgical morbidity and mortality conference: a prospective intervention study.

PubMed

Mitchell, Erica L; Lee, Dae Y; Arora, Sonal; Kenney-Moore, Pat; Liem, Timothy K; Landry, Gregory J; Moneta, Gregory L; Sevdalis, Nick

2013-06-01

Surgical morbidity and mortality conferences (M&MCs) provide surgeons with an opportunity to confront medical errors, discuss adverse events, and learn from their mistakes. Yet, no standardized format for these conferences exists. The authors hypothesized that introducing a standardized presentation format using a validated framework would improve presentation quality and educational outcomes for all attendees. Following a review of the literature and the solicitation of experts' opinions, the authors adapted a validated communication tool-the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendations) framework. In 2010, they then introduced this novel standardized presentation format into the surgical M&MCs at the Oregon Health & Science University. The authors assessed three outcome measures--user satisfaction, presentation quality, and education outcomes--before and after implementation of their standardized presentation format. Over the six-month study period, residents delivered 66 presentations to 197 faculty, resident, and medical student attendees. Attendees' performance on the multiple-choice questionnaires improved after the intervention, indicating an improvement in their knowledge. Presentation quality also improved significantly after the intervention, according to evaluations by trained faculty assessors. They noted specific improvements in the quality of the Background, Assessment, and Recommendation sections. The M&MC plays a pivotal role in educating residents and improving patient safety. Standardizing the M&MC presentation format using an adapted SBAR framework improved the quality of residents' presentations and attendees' educational outcomes. The authors recommend using such a standardized presentation format to enhance the educational value of M&MCs, with the goal of improving surgeons' knowledge, skills, and patient care practices.

Surgical versus non-surgical management of abdominal injury.

PubMed

Oyo-Ita, Angela; Chinnock, Paul; Ikpeme, Ikpeme A

2015-11-13

Injury to the abdomen can be blunt or penetrating. Abdominal injury can damage internal organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, intestine, and large blood vessels. There are controversies about the best approach to manage abdominal injuries. To assess the effects of surgical and non-surgical interventions in the management of abdominal trauma in a haemodynamically stable and non-peritonitic abdomen. We searched the Cochrane Injuries Group's Specialised Register, The Cochrane Library, Ovid MEDLINE(R), Ovid MEDLINE(R) In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE(R) Daily and Ovid OLDMEDLINE(R), EMBASE Classic+EMBASE (Ovid), ISI WOS (SCI-EXPANDED, SSCI, CPCI-S & CPSI-SSH), CINAHL Plus (EBSCO), and clinical trials registers, and screened reference lists. We ran the most recent search on 17 September 2015. Randomised controlled trials of surgical interventions and non-surgical interventions involving people with abdominal injury who were haemodynamically stable with no signs of peritonitis. The abdominal injury could be blunt or penetrating. Two review authors independently applied the selection criteria. Data were extracted by two authors using a standard data extraction form, and are reported narratively. Two studies are included, which involved a total of 114 people with penetrating abdominal injuries. Both studies are at moderate risk of bias because the randomisation methods are not fully described, and the original study protocols are no longer available. The studies were undertaken in Finland between 1992 and 2002, by the same two researchers.In one study, 51 people were randomised to surgery or an observation protocol. None of the participants in the study died. Seven people had complications: 5 (18.5%) in the surgical group and 2 (8.3%) in the observation group; the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.42; Fischer's exact). Among the 27 people who had surgery, 6 (22.2%) surgeries were negative laparotomies, and 15 (55.6%) were non

[Indications and surgical approach for lamellar macular holes and pseudoholes].

PubMed

Haritoglou, C; Schumann, R G

2017-12-01

This article presents a discussion on the indications for surgical interventions of lamellar macular holes and pseudoholes. What are the criteria for deciding on the surgical intervention for lamellar macular holes and pseudoholes? The article is based on a literature search in PubMed RESULTS: Lamellar macular holes and pseudoholes are subdivided into degenerative and tractive alterations. Both entities are associated with relatively specific morphological and functional criteria, which correlate with the expected functional and morphological results of the surgical intervention. Patients with pseudoholes therefore profit more from a surgical intervention because alterations to the outer retina are less pronounced in these cases. The indications for surgery of lamellar macular holes and pseudoholes are established by the type of lamellar defect and the morphological and functional alterations associated with this condition.

[Assessment of antibiotic use and impact of an intervention intended to modify the prescribing behavior in surgical prophylaxis in 6hospitals in the metropolitan area of Monterrey, Mexico].

PubMed

Palacios-Saucedo, Gerardo Del Carmen; de la Garza-Camargo, Mauricio; Briones-Lara, Evangelina; Carmona-González, Sandra; García-Cabello, Ricardo; Islas-Esparza, Luis Arturo; Saldaña-Flores, Gustavo; González-Cano, Juan Roberto; González-Ruvalcaba, Román; Valadez-Botello, Francisco Javier; Muñoz-Maldonado, Gerardo Enrique; Montero-Cantú, Carlos Alberto; Díaz-Ramos, Rita Delia; Solórzano-Santos, Fortino

Improper use of antibiotics increases antimicrobial resistance. Evaluate the use of antibiotics and the impact of an intervention designed to improve antibiotic prescription for surgical prophylaxis in 6 hospitals of Monterrey, Mexico. Design: A prospective multicenter survey and a pretest-postest experimental study. Phase 1: Survey to evaluate the use of antibiotics through an especially designed guide. Phase 2: Intervention designed to improve antibiotic prescription for surgical prophylaxis by the medical staff by using printed, audiovisual and electronic messages. Phase 3: Survey to evaluate the impact of the intervention. Frequencies, percentages, medians, ranges and X 2 test. Phase 1: We evaluated 358 surgical patients, 274 prophylactic antibiotic regimens. A total of 96% of antibiotics regimens began with inappropriate timing (290/302), 82.8% were inappropriate regimens (274/331), 77.7% were in inappropriate dosage (230/296), 86% of inadequate length (241/280), and in 17.4% restricted antibiotics were used (52/299). Phase 2: 9 sessions including 189 physicians (14 department chairs, 58 general practitioners and 117 residents). Phase 3: We evaluated 303 surgical patients, 218 prophylactic antibiotics regimens. Inappropriate treatment commencement was reduced to 84.1% (180/214) (P<0.001), inappropriate regimens to 75.3% (162/215) (P=0.03), inappropriate dosages to 51.2% (110/215) (P<0.001), and use of restricted antibiotics to 8.3% (18/215) (P=0.003). Inappropriate use of prophylactic antibiotics in surgery is a frequent problem in Monterrey. The intervention improved the antibiotic prescription for surgical prophylaxis by reducing inappropriate treatment commencement, regimens, dosages, and overuse of restricted antibiotics. It is necessary to strengthen strategies to improve the prescription of antibiotics in surgical prophylaxis. Copyright © 2016 Academia Mexicana de Cirugía A.C. Publicado por Masson Doyma México S.A. All rights reserved.

Hemodynamic and oxygenation changes in surgical intensive care unit patients with fever and fever lowering nursing interventions.

PubMed

Çelik, Sevim; Yildirim, Ismail; Arslan, Ibrahim; Yildirim, Sinan; Erdal, Fatih; Yandi, Yunus Emre

2011-12-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of fever and nursing interventions to lower fever on hemodynamic values and oxygenation in febrile (temperature greater than 38.3°C) surgical intensive care unit patients. This retrospective study was conducted in 53 febrile patients out of 519 patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit at a university hospital. Data were obtained from the medical records, laboratory files and nursing notes. Statistical analysis of the data was analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance and a paired sample t-test. The average hourly urine output (F = 5.46; P = 0.002) and systolic blood pressure (F = 2.87; P = 0.03) were significantly lower after fever onset. Heart rate, respiratory rate, positive end-expiratory pressure settings and FiO(2) settings were unchanged after the development of fever. Diastolic blood pressure and oxygen saturation had non-statistically significant decreases. Nursing interventions for febrile patients consisted of medication administration (69.8%), ice (62.3%) and sponging with tepid water (62.3%). The present results showed that fever was associated with an increase in heart rate, decreased systolic arterial pressure, mean arterial pressure, oxygen saturation and hourly urine output. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Self-reported changes in the professional singing voice after surgical intervention treatment for breast cancer: a survey pilot study of female professional singers.

PubMed

Baroody, Margaret M; Barnes-Burroughs, Kathryn; Rodriguez, Michael C; Sataloff, Dahlia M; Sataloff, Robert Thayer

2013-03-01

The effects of breast cancer surgical treatment on the professional singing voice are unknown. The purpose of this study was to discover whether there are self-perceived changes in the quality and/or process of singing experienced by professional female singers who have undergone surgical intervention for the treatment of diagnosed breast cancer-including any changes perceived from the use of radiation, chemotherapy, and other drug treatments related to those surgeries. A voluntary subject pool comprised female professional singers who have undergone surgery for breast cancer was recruited from professional singing networks. Participants underwent evaluation through an anonymous online survey, psychometrically vetted for content and instrument reliability/validity before administration. Valid participants (N=56) responded to 45 questions regarding surgical procedures, related therapies, and self-perceived vocal effects. Analysis of results produced a preliminary description of types of voice change, duration of changes, and qualitative self-perceptions. This initial report reveals that there are self-perceived singing voice changes experienced by professional singers treated for breast cancer. However, additional research is needed to determine the degree of vocal impact perceived to be attributable to individual surgical interventions and related therapies. Copyright © 2013 The Voice Foundation. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Surgical interventions for treating fractures of the olecranon in adults.

PubMed

Matar, Hosam E; Ali, Amjid A; Buckley, Simon; Garlick, Nicholas I; Atkinson, Henry D

2014-11-26

Fractures of the olecranon (the bony tip of the elbow) account for approximately 1% of all upper extremity fractures. Surgical intervention is often required to restore elbow function. Two key methods of surgery are tension band wire fixation and plate fixation. To assess the effects (benefits and harms) of different surgical interventions in the treatment of olecranon fractures in adults. We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register (22 September 2014), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, 2014, Issue 8), MEDLINE (1946 to September week 2 2014), EMBASE (1980 to 19 September 2014), trial registers, conference proceedings and reference lists of articles. Randomised controlled trials (RCT) and quasi-RCTs that compared different surgical interventions for the treatment of olecranon fractures in adults. Two review authors independently performed study selection, risk of bias assessment and data extraction. The primary outcomes of this review were function, pain and adverse events. We included six small trials involving 244 adults with olecranon fractures. Of these, four were RCTs and two were quasi-RCTs; both of were at high risk of selection bias. All six trials were at high risk of performance bias, reflecting lack of blinding, and four trials were at high risk of detection bias. The quality of the evidence for most outcomes was generally very low because of limitations in study design and implementation, and either imprecision of the results or inadequate outcome measures. Thus, we are very uncertain about the estimates of effect.One trial (41 participants) comparing plate fixation with standard tension band wiring provided very low quality evidence at 16 to 86 weeks' follow-up of a better clinical outcome after plate fixation (good outcome (little pain or loss of elbow motion): 19/22 versus 9/19, risk ratio (RR) 1.82 favouring plate fixation, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10 to 3.01). There was very low

Surgical strategies for pediatric epilepsy

PubMed Central

Guan, Jian; Karsy, Michael; Ducis, Katrina

2016-01-01

Pediatric epilepsy is a debilitating condition that impacts millions of patients throughout the world. Approximately 20–30% of children with recurrent seizures have drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). For these patients, surgery offers the possibility of not just seizure freedom but significantly improved neurocognitive and behavioral outcomes. The spectrum of surgical options is vast, ranging from outpatient procedures such as vagus nerve stimulation to radical interventions including hemispherectomy. The thread connecting all of these interventions is a common goal—seizure freedom, an outcome that can be achieved safely and durably in a large proportion of patients. In this review, we discuss many of the most commonly performed surgical interventions and describe the indications, complications, and outcomes specific to each. PMID:27186522

Insight Into Illness and Cognition in Schizophrenia in Earlier and Later Life.

PubMed

Gerretsen, Philip; Voineskos, Aristotle N; Graff-Guerrero, Ariel; Menon, Mahesh; Pollock, Bruce G; Mamo, David C; Mulsant, Benoit H; Rajji, Tarek K

2017-04-01

Impaired insight into illness in schizophrenia is associated with illness severity and deficits in premorbid intellectual function, executive function, and memory. A previous study of patients aged 60 years and older found that illness severity and premorbid intellectual function accounted for variance in insight impairment. As such, we aimed to test whether similar relationships would be observed in earlier life. A retrospective analysis was performed on 1 large sample of participants (n = 171) with a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of schizophrenia aged 19 to 79 years acquired from 2 studies: (1) a psychosocial intervention trial for older persons with schizophrenia (June 2008 to May 2014) and (2) a diffusion tensor imaging and genetics study of psychosis across the life span (February 2007 to December 2013). We assessed insight into illness using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) item G12 and explored its relationship to illness severity (PANSS total modified), premorbid intellectual function (Wechsler Test of Adult Reading [WTAR]), and cognition. Insight impairment was more severe in later life (≥ 60 years) than in earlier years (t = -3.75, P < .001). Across the whole sample, the variance of impaired insight was explained by PANSS total modified (Exp[B] = 1.070, P < .001) and WTAR scores (Exp[B] = 0.970, P = .028). Although age and cognition were correlated with impaired insight, they did not independently contribute to its variance. However, the relationships between impaired insight and illness severity and between impaired insight and cognition, particularly working memory, were stronger in later life than in earlier life. These results suggest an opportunity for intervention may exist with cognitive-enhancing neurostimulation or medications to improve insight into illness in schizophrenia across the life span. Original study registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT00832845). © Copyright 2017 Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc.

[Surgical therapy of gynecomastia].

PubMed

Heckmann, A; Leclère, F M; Vogt, P M; Steiert, A

2011-09-01

Nowadays surgical intervention is an essential part of the treatment of idiopathic gynecomastia. Choosing the right method is crucial and is based on the current status in the clinical and histological evaluation. Before finalizing the process of choosing a specific method a prior interdisciplinary evaluation of the patient is necessary to ascertain clear indications for a surgical intervention. Liposuction is one of the methods which have become popular in recent years. The advantages are the possible combination with traditional techniques, such as subcutaneous mastectomy or periareolar mastopexy. The main indication is for gynecomastia stage IIa/b and is justifiable due to the reduction in surgical complications and scarring. Furthermore this technique provides an excellent aesthetical outcome for the patient. A total of 162 patients suffering from gynecomastia stages I-III (according to Simon) were surgically treated between 2000 and 2010 and these cases were retrospectively evaluated. The results showed a decline in the use of a T-shaped incision in combination with subcutaneous mastectomy with periareolar tightening compared to an increase in the use of subcutaneous mastectomy in combination with liposuction. The excised tissue should always be sent for histological examination to make sure no malignant cells were present.

A needs assessment study of undergraduate surgical education

PubMed Central

Birch, Daniel W.; Mavis, Brian

2006-01-01

Background There is compelling evidence to suggest that undergraduate surgical education may fail to provide appropriate instruction in basic surgical principles and skills. Methods We completed a descriptive, cross-sectional survey of stakeholder groups (surgeon educators and recent medical school graduates) to assess the perceived relevance and learning for surgical principles, surgical skills, teaching environments and teaching interventions. Results Graduates returned 123 surveys, and surgeons returned 55 surveys (response rates: graduates 46%, surgeons 45%). Both graduates and surgeons considered 8 of 10 surgical principles highly relevant to current medical practice. Despite this, the surgical clerkship seemed to enable proficiency in far fewer principles (graduates: 3, surgeons: 5). Graduates believed that each of the 15 basic surgical skills is relevant to current medical practice, whereas surgeons indicated that more invasive skills (i.e., central venous lines, thoracentesis) are much less relevant. Graduates and surgeons indicated that medical students will achieve proficiency in only 3 basic skills areas as a result of the surgical clerkship. Graduates and surgeons considered each surgical specialty relevant and effective in undergraduate surgical education. According to graduates and surgeons, the most effective teaching environments are outpatient settings (emergency department, outpatient clinics). Graduates and surgeons ranked resident teaching as the most effective teaching intervention, and traditional interventions (grand rounds, formal rounds) and electronic resources (computer-assisted learning, web-based learning) were ranked the least effective. Conclusions In this study, we assessed the learning needs of contemporary medical students in surgery. The results suggest that respondent graduate students and surgeons believe that the level of proficiency achieved in surgical principles and basic skills through undergraduate surgical educations is

Extra-Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Its Surgical Treatment.

PubMed

Fry, Donald E

2016-08-01

Tuberculous infection has declined in the United States but remains a major infectious disease with morbidity and death for millions of people. Although the primary therapy is drugs, complications of the disease require surgical interventions. The published literature on tuberculosis was reviewed to provide a current understanding of the medical treatment of the disease and to define those areas where surgical intervention continues to be necessary. Multi-drug therapy for tuberculosis has become the standard and has reduced the complications of the disease necessitating surgical intervention. However, multi-drug resistance and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis continue to be major problems and require effective initial therapy with surveillance to define resistant infections. The roles of surgery in tuberculosis are in establishing the diagnosis in extra-pulmonary infection and in the management of complications of disseminated disease. Tuberculosis remains an occupational risk for surgeons and surgical personnel. Tuberculosis is still a global problem, mandating recognition and treatment. Surgeons should have an understanding of the diverse presentation and complications of the disease.

Interventions to improve access to cataract surgical services and their impact on equity in low- and middle-income countries.

PubMed

Ramke, Jacqueline; Petkovic, Jennifer; Welch, Vivian; Blignault, Ilse; Gilbert, Clare; Blanchet, Karl; Christensen, Robin; Zwi, Anthony B; Tugwell, Peter

2017-11-09

Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and the prevalence is inequitably distributed between and within countries. Interventions have been undertaken to improve cataract surgical services, however, the effectiveness of these interventions on promoting equity is not known. To assess the effects on equity of interventions to improve access to cataract services for populations with cataract blindness (and visual impairment) in LMICs. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register) (2017, Issue 3), MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to 12 April 2017), Embase Ovid (1980 to 12 April 2017), LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature Database) (1982 to 12 April 2017), the ISRCTN registry (www.isrctn.com/editAdvancedSearch); searched 12 April 2017, ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov); searched 12 April 2017 and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (www.who.int/ictrp/search/en); searched 12 April 2017. We did not use any date or language restrictions in the electronic searches for trials. We included studies that reported on strategies to improve access to cataract services in LMICs using the following study designs: randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials (RCTs), controlled before-and-after studies, and interrupted time series studies. Included studies were conducted in LMICs, and were targeted at disadvantaged populations, or disaggregated outcome data by 'PROGRESS-Plus' factors (Place of residence; Race/ethnicity/ culture/ language; Occupation; Gender/sex; Religion; Education; Socio-economic status; Social capital/networks. The 'Plus' component includes disability, sexual orientation and age). Two authors (JR and JP) independently selected studies, extracted data and assessed them for risk of bias. Meta-analysis was not possible, so included studies were

Catheter tracking in an interventional photoacoustic surgical system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Alexis; Itsarachaiyot, Yuttana; Kim, Younsu; Zhang, Haichong K.; Taylor, Russell H.; Boctor, Emad M.

2017-03-01

In laparoscopic medical procedures, accurate tracking of interventional tools such as catheters are necessary. Current practice for tracking catheters often involve using fluoroscopy, which is best avoided to minimize radiation dose to the patient and the surgical team. Photoacoustic imaging is an emerging imaging modality that can be used for this purpose and does not currently have a general tool tracking solution. Photoacoustic-based catheter tracking would increase its attractiveness, by providing both an imaging and tracking solution. We present a catheter tracking method based on the photoacoustic effect. Photoacoustic markers are simultaneously observed by a stereo camera as well as a piezoelectric element attached to the tip of a catheter. The signals received by the piezoelectric element can be used to compute its position relative to the photoacoustic markers using multilateration. This combined information can be processed to localize the position of the piezoelectric element with respect to the stereo camera system. We presented the methods to enable this work and demonstrated precisions of 1-3mm and a relative accuracy of less than 4% in four independent locations, which are comparable to conventional systems. In addition, we also showed in another experiment a reconstruction precision up to 0.4mm and an estimated accuracy up to 0.5mm. Future work will include simulations to better evaluate this method and its challenges and the development of concurrent photoacoustic marker projection and its associated methods.

The effect of time until surgical intervention on survival in dogs with secondary septic peritonitis

PubMed Central

Bush, Maxwell; Carno, Margaret A.; St. Germaine, Lindsay; Hoffmann, Daniel E.

2016-01-01

This retrospective study examined the effect of time to intervention on outcome in cases of dogs with secondary septic peritonitis, and also searched for other potential prognostic factors. The medical records of 55 dogs were reviewed. No association was found between outcome and the time from hospital admission to surgical source control. However, several other factors were found to influence survival, including: age, needing vasopressors, lactate, pre-operative packed cell volume, serum alkaline phosphatase, serum total bilirubin, and post-operative serum albumin. These values were then used to create accurate pre- and post-operative survival prediction models. PMID:27928174

Surgical Interventions for the Treatment of Supracondylar Humerus Fractures in Children: Protocol of a Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Belloti, João Carlos; Matsunaga, Fabio Teruo

2017-01-01

Background The treatment of supracondylar humerus fracture in children (SHFC) is associated with complications such as functional deficit, residual deformity, and iatrogenic neurological damage. The standard treatment is closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation with different configurations. Despite this fact, there is still no consensus on the most effective technique for the treatment of these fractures. Objective The aim of this systematic review will be to evaluate the effect of surgical interventions on the treatment of Gartland type II and III SHFC by assessing function, complications, and error as primary outcomes. Clinical outcomes such as range of motion and pain and radiographic outcomes will also be judged. Methods A systematic review of randomized controlled trials or quasi-randomized controlled trials evaluating the surgical treatment of SHFC will be carried out in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde, and Excerpta Medica Database. The search will also occur at ongoing and recently completed clinical trials in selected databases. Data management and extraction will be performed using a data withdrawal form and by analyzing the following: study method characteristics, participant characteristics, intervention characteristics, results, methodological domains, and risk of bias. To assess the risk of bias of the included trials, the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool will be used. Dichotomous outcome data will be analyzed as risk ratios, and continuous outcome data will be expressed as mean differences, both with 95% confidence intervals. Also, whenever possible, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and assessment of heterogeneity will be performed. Results Following the publication of this protocol, searches will be run and included studies will be deeply analyzed. We hope to obtain final results in the next few months and have the final paper published by

Surgical rescue: The next pillar of acute care surgery.

PubMed

Kutcher, Matthew E; Sperry, Jason L; Rosengart, Matthew R; Mohan, Deepika; Hoffman, Marcus K; Neal, Matthew D; Alarcon, Louis H; Watson, Gregory A; Puyana, Juan Carlos; Bauzá, Graciela M; Schuchert, Vaishali D; Fombona, Anisleidy; Zhou, Tianhua; Zolin, Samuel J; Becher, Robert D; Billiar, Timothy R; Forsythe, Raquel M; Zuckerbraun, Brian S; Peitzman, Andrew B

2017-02-01

The evolving field of acute care surgery (ACS) traditionally includes trauma, emergency general surgery, and critical care. However, the critical role of ACS in the rescue of patients with a surgical complication has not been explored. We here describe the role of "surgical rescue" in the practice of ACS. A prospective, electronic medical record-based ACS registry spanning January 2013 to May 2014 at a large urban academic medical center was screened by ICD-9 codes for acute surgical complications of an operative or interventional procedure. Long-term outcomes were derived from the Social Security Death Index. Of 2,410 ACS patients, 320 (13%) required "surgical rescue": most commonly, from wound complications (32%), uncontrolled sepsis (19%), and acute obstruction (15%). The majority of complications (85%) were related to an operation; 15% were related to interventional procedures. The most common rescue interventions required were bowel resection (23%), wound debridement (18%), and source control of infection (17%); 63% of patients required operative intervention, and 22% required surgical critical care. Thirty-six percent of complications occurred in ACS primary patients ("local"), whereas 38% were referred from another surgical service ("institutional") and 26% referred from another institution ("regional"). Hospital length of stay was longer, and in-hospital and 1-year mortalities were higher in rescue patients compared with those without a complication. Outcomes were equivalent between "local" and "institutional" patients, but hospital length of stay and discharge to home were significantly worse in "institutional" referrals. We here describe the distinct role of the acute care surgeon in the surgical management of complications; this is an additional pillar of ACS. In this vital role, the acute care surgeon provides crucial support to other providers as well as direct patient care in the "surgical rescue" of surgical and procedural complications

Converting Scoliosis Research Society-24 to Scoliosis Research Society-22r in a Surgical-Range, Medical/Interventional Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patient Cohort.

PubMed

Chen, Antonia F; Bi, Wenzhu; Singhabahu, Dilrukshika; Londino, Joanne; Hohl, Justin; Ward, Maeve; Ward, W Timothy

2013-03-01

Prospective questionnaire administration study. To assess the ability to translate total and domain scores from Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-24 to SRS-22r in a surgical-range, medical/interventional adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patient population. Conversion of SRS-24 to SRS-22r is demonstrated in an operative cohort of patients with AIS, but not in a medical/interventional patient population. We simultaneously administered SRS-24 and SRS-22r questionnaires to 75 surgical-range, medical/interventional AIS patients and compared them. We performed analysis by regression modeling to produce conversion equations from SRS-24 to SRS-22r. The total SRS-24 score for these medical/interventional AIS patients was 92.5 ± 9.45 (mean, 3.9 ± 0.39), and the total SRS-22r score was 93.5 ± 9.63 (mean, 4.3 ± 0.44). The correlation between these 2 groups was fair (R 2 = 0.77) and improved to good when mental health or recall questions were removed. The correlation was also fair for total pain domains (R 2 = 0.73). However, there was poor correlation for general self-image (R 2 = 0.6) and unacceptable for post-treatment self-image (R 2 = 0.01), general function (R 2 = 0.52), activity function (R 2 = 0.56), and satisfaction (R 2 = 0.53). Compared with a published population of operative AIS patients, R 2 values for total SRS-24 scores, pain, general self-image, activity function, and satisfaction were similar (p > .05). The R 2 values for general function and combined general and activity function were significantly different between the operative and medical/interventional cohorts. Scoliosis Research Society-24 can be converted to SRS-22r scores with fair accuracy in the surgical-range, medical/interventional AIS patient population for total score, and total pain domains. The SRS-24 translates unacceptably to the SRS-22r in self-image, function, and satisfaction domains. The SRS-24 to SRS-22r conversion equations are similar to operative AIS patients, except for the

A Surgical Approach to Pediatric Glaucoma

PubMed Central

Khan, Arif O

2015-01-01

Glaucoma in children differs from adult-onset disease and typically requires surgical intervention. However, affected children exhibit a spectrum of disease severity and prospective data guiding the choice of operation are lacking. This article reviews common procedures and a surgical approach to pediatric glaucoma. PMID:26069523

Surgical Management of the Constricted or Obliterated Vagina.

PubMed

Gebhart, John B; Schmitt, Jennifer J

2016-08-01

Management of the constricted or obliterated vagina demands an understanding and recognition of the potential etiologies leading to this presentation. A thorough and comprehensive medical and surgical review is required to arrive at an accurate diagnosis, which then will guide medical or surgical intervention. It is paramount to recognize when underlying medical conditions are contributing to these conditions and to begin medical therapy; failure to do so will often yield suboptimal results. When these conditions arise after surgical interventions, compensatory surgical techniques that correct upper and lower vaginal strictures or obliteration include incision through the stricture, vaginal advancement, Z-plasty, skin grafts, perineal flaps, and abdominal flaps and grafts. Postoperative surveillance and dilation are critical to optimize long-term success.

Orthodontic-orthognathic interventions in orthognathic surgical cases: “Paper surgery” and “model surgery” concepts in surgical orthodontics

PubMed Central

Gandedkar, Narayan H.; Chng, Chai Kiat; Yeow, Vincent Kok Leng

2016-01-01

Thorough planning and execution is the key for successful treatment of dentofacial deformity involving surgical orthodontics. Presurgical planning (paper surgery and model surgery) are the most essential prerequisites of orthognathic surgery, and orthodontist is the one who carries out this procedure by evaluating diagnostic aids such as crucial clinical findings and radiographic assessments. However, literature pertaining to step-by-step orthognathic surgical guidelines is limited. Hence, this article makes an attempt to provide an insight and nuances involved in the planning and execution. The diagnostic information revealed from clinical findings and radiographic assessments is integrated in the “paper surgery” to establish “surgical-plan.” Furthermore, the “paper surgery” is emulated in “model surgery” such that surgical bite-wafers are created, which aid surgeon to preview the final outcome and make surgical movements that are deemed essential for the desired skeletal and dental outcomes. Skeletal complexities are corrected by performing “paper surgery” and an occlusion is set up during “model surgery” for the fabrication of surgical bite-wafers. Further, orthodontics is carried out for the proper settling and finishing of occlusion. Article describes the nuances involved in the treatment of Class III skeletal deformity individuals treated with orthognathic surgical approach and illustrates orthodontic-orthognathic step-by-step procedures from “treatment planning” to “execution” for successful management of aforementioned dentofacial deformity. PMID:27630506

Relationships among NANDA-I diagnoses, nursing outcomes classification, and nursing interventions classification by nursing students for patients in medical-surgical units in Korea.

PubMed

Noh, Hyun Kyung; Lee, Eunjoo

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to identify NANDA-I, Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC), and Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC; NNN) linkages used by Korean nursing students during their clinical practice in medical-surgical units. A comparative descriptive research design was used to measure the effects of nursing interventions from 153 nursing students in South Korea. Nursing students selected NNN using a Web-based nursing process documentation system. Data were analyzed by paired t-test. Eighty-two NANDA-I diagnoses, 116 NOC outcomes, and 163 NIC interventions were identified. Statistically significant differences in patients' preintervention and postintervention outcome scores were observed. By determining patient outcomes linked to interventions and how the degree of outcomes change after interventions, the effectiveness of the interventions can be evaluated. © 2014 NANDA International, Inc.

A small randomized pilot study of a workplace mindfulness-based intervention for surgical intensive care unit personnel: effects on salivary α-amylase levels.

PubMed

Duchemin, Anne-Marie; Steinberg, Beth A; Marks, Donald R; Vanover, Kristin; Klatt, Maryanna

2015-04-01

To determine whether a workplace stress-reduction intervention decreases reactivity to stress among personnel exposed to a highly stressful occupational environment. Personnel from a surgical intensive care unit were randomized to a stress-reduction intervention or a waitlist control group. The 8-week group mindfulness-based intervention included mindfulness, gentle yoga, and music. Psychological and biological markers of stress were measured 1 week before and 1 week after the intervention. Levels of salivary α-amylase, an index of sympathetic activation, were significantly decreased between the first and second assessments in the intervention group with no changes in the control group. There was a positive correlation between salivary α-amylase levels and burnout scores. These data suggest that this type of intervention could decrease not only reactivity to stress but also the risk of burnout.

Changing use of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis in Thika Hospital, Kenya: a quality improvement intervention with an interrupted time series design.

PubMed

Aiken, Alexander M; Wanyoro, Anthony K; Mwangi, Jonah; Juma, Francis; Mugoya, Isaac K; Scott, J Anthony G

2013-01-01

In low-income countries, Surgical Site Infection (SSI) is a common form of hospital-acquired infection. Antibiotic prophylaxis is an effective method of preventing these infections, if given immediately before the start of surgery. Although several studies in Africa have compared pre-operative versus post-operative prophylaxis, there are no studies describing the implementation of policies to improve prescribing of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis in African hospitals. We conducted SSI surveillance at a typical Government hospital in Kenya over a 16 month period between August 2010 and December 2011, using standard definitions of SSI and the extent of contamination of surgical wounds. As an intervention, we developed a hospital policy that advised pre-operative antibiotic prophylaxis and discouraged extended post-operative antibiotics use. We measured process, outcome and balancing effects of this intervention in using an interrupted time series design. From a starting point of near-exclusive post-operative antibiotic use, after policy introduction in February 2011 there was rapid adoption of the use of pre-operative antibiotic prophylaxis (60% of operations at 1 week; 98% at 6 weeks) and a substantial decrease in the use of post-operative antibiotics (40% of operations at 1 week; 10% at 6 weeks) in Clean and Clean-Contaminated surgery. There was no immediate step-change in risk of SSI, but overall, there appeared to be a moderate reduction in the risk of superficial SSI across all levels of wound contamination. There were marked reductions in the costs associated with antibiotic use, the number of intravenous injections performed and nursing time spent administering these. Implementation of a locally developed policy regarding surgical antibiotic prophylaxis is an achievable quality improvement target for hospitals in low-income countries, and can lead to substantial benefits for individual patients and the institution.

Changing Use of Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Thika Hospital, Kenya: A Quality Improvement Intervention with an Interrupted Time Series Design

PubMed Central

Aiken, Alexander M.; Wanyoro, Anthony K.; Mwangi, Jonah; Juma, Francis; Mugoya, Isaac K.; Scott, J. Anthony G

2013-01-01

Introduction In low-income countries, Surgical Site Infection (SSI) is a common form of hospital-acquired infection. Antibiotic prophylaxis is an effective method of preventing these infections, if given immediately before the start of surgery. Although several studies in Africa have compared pre-operative versus post-operative prophylaxis, there are no studies describing the implementation of policies to improve prescribing of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis in African hospitals. Methods We conducted SSI surveillance at a typical Government hospital in Kenya over a 16 month period between August 2010 and December 2011, using standard definitions of SSI and the extent of contamination of surgical wounds. As an intervention, we developed a hospital policy that advised pre-operative antibiotic prophylaxis and discouraged extended post-operative antibiotics use. We measured process, outcome and balancing effects of this intervention in using an interrupted time series design. Results From a starting point of near-exclusive post-operative antibiotic use, after policy introduction in February 2011 there was rapid adoption of the use of pre-operative antibiotic prophylaxis (60% of operations at 1 week; 98% at 6 weeks) and a substantial decrease in the use of post-operative antibiotics (40% of operations at 1 week; 10% at 6 weeks) in Clean and Clean-Contaminated surgery. There was no immediate step-change in risk of SSI, but overall, there appeared to be a moderate reduction in the risk of superficial SSI across all levels of wound contamination. There were marked reductions in the costs associated with antibiotic use, the number of intravenous injections performed and nursing time spent administering these. Conclusion Implementation of a locally developed policy regarding surgical antibiotic prophylaxis is an achievable quality improvement target for hospitals in low-income countries, and can lead to substantial benefits for individual patients and the institution. PMID

Penile fracture: outcomes of early surgical intervention.

PubMed

Swanson, Daniel E W; Polackwich, A Scott; Helfand, Brian T; Masson, Puneet; Hwong, James; Dugi, Daniel D; Martinez Acevedo, Ann C; Hedges, Jason C; McVary, Kevin T

2014-11-01

To report a series of penile fractures, describing preoperative evaluation, surgical repair, and long-term outcomes. Medical records from Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Oregon Health & Science University from 2002 to 2011 were reviewed. Clinical presentation, preoperative evaluation, time from injury, mechanism and site of injury, and presence of urethral injury were assessed. Outcomes including erectile dysfunction, penile curvature, and voiding symptoms were evaluated using International Prostate Symptom Score and International Index of Erectile Function scores. Twenty-nine patients with 30 separate episodes of penile fractures presenting to the emergency room were identified. Mean patient age was 43 ± 9.6 years. The time from presentation to the initiation of surgery was 5.5 ± 4.4 hours. Mechanism of injury was intercourse in 26 of 30 fractures with the remaining attributed to masturbation or "rolling over." Immediate surgical repair was offered to all patients. Twenty-seven patients underwent surgery. Urethral injury was noted in 5 of the 27. The site of fracture was at the proximal shaft in 11, mid shaft in 12, and distal shaft in 4 patients. The mean follow-up period was 14.3 ± 15.8 weeks. Nine patients reported new mild erectile dysfunction or penile curvature. One patient reported new irritative voiding symptoms. The most common mechanism of penile fracture was from sexual intercourse, and frequent concomitant urethral injuries were observed. The frequency of concomitant urethral injury was higher than in previous studies. Although we observed high incidence of erectile dysfunction or penile curvature with early surgical repair, we retain it as the favored approach. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Interventional Cardiology for Congenital Heart Disease

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Congenital heart interventions are now replacing surgical palliation and correction in an evolving number of congenital heart defects. Right ventricular outflow tract and ductus arteriosus stenting have demonstrated favorable outcomes compared to surgical systemic to pulmonary artery shunting, and it is likely surgical pulmonary valve replacement will become an uncommon procedure within the next decade, mirroring current practices in the treatment of atrial septal defects. Challenges remain, including the lack of device design focused on smaller infants and the inevitable consequences of somatic growth. Increasing parental and physician expectancy has inevitably lead to higher risk interventions on smaller infants and appreciation of the consequences of these interventions on departmental outcome data needs to be considered. Registry data evaluating congenital heart interventions remain less robust than surgical registries, leading to a lack of insight into the longer-term consequences of our interventions. Increasing collaboration with surgical colleagues has not been met with necessary development of dedicated equipment for hybrid interventions aimed at minimizing the longer-term consequences of scar to the heart. Therefore, great challenges remain to ensure children and adults with congenital heart disease continue to benefit from an exponential growth in minimally invasive interventions and technology. This can only be achieved through a concerted collaborative approach from physicians, industry, academia and regulatory bodies supporting great innovators to continue the philosophy of thinking beyond the limits that has been the foundation of our specialty for the past 50 years. PMID:29671282

Interventional Cardiology for Congenital Heart Disease.

PubMed

Kenny, Damien

2018-05-01

Congenital heart interventions are now replacing surgical palliation and correction in an evolving number of congenital heart defects. Right ventricular outflow tract and ductus arteriosus stenting have demonstrated favorable outcomes compared to surgical systemic to pulmonary artery shunting, and it is likely surgical pulmonary valve replacement will become an uncommon procedure within the next decade, mirroring current practices in the treatment of atrial septal defects. Challenges remain, including the lack of device design focused on smaller infants and the inevitable consequences of somatic growth. Increasing parental and physician expectancy has inevitably lead to higher risk interventions on smaller infants and appreciation of the consequences of these interventions on departmental outcome data needs to be considered. Registry data evaluating congenital heart interventions remain less robust than surgical registries, leading to a lack of insight into the longer-term consequences of our interventions. Increasing collaboration with surgical colleagues has not been met with necessary development of dedicated equipment for hybrid interventions aimed at minimizing the longer-term consequences of scar to the heart. Therefore, great challenges remain to ensure children and adults with congenital heart disease continue to benefit from an exponential growth in minimally invasive interventions and technology. This can only be achieved through a concerted collaborative approach from physicians, industry, academia and regulatory bodies supporting great innovators to continue the philosophy of thinking beyond the limits that has been the foundation of our specialty for the past 50 years. Copyright © 2018. The Korean Society of Cardiology.

Surgical Scar Revision: An Overview

PubMed Central

Garg, Shilpa; Dahiya, Naveen; Gupta, Somesh

2014-01-01

Scar formation is an inevitable consequence of wound healing from either a traumatic or a surgical intervention. The aesthetic appearance of a scar is the most important criteria to judge the surgical outcome. An understanding of the anatomy and wound healing along with experience, meticulous planning and technique can reduce complications and improve the surgical outcome. Scar revision does not erase a scar but helps to make it less noticeable and more acceptable. Both surgical and non-surgical techniques, used either alone or in combination can be used for revising a scar. In planning a scar revision surgeon should decide on when to act and the type of technique to use for scar revision to get an aesthetically pleasing outcome. This review article provides overview of methods applied for facial scar revision. This predominantly covers surgical methods. PMID:24761092

Surgical videos for accident analysis, performance improvement, and complication prevention: time for a surgical black box?

PubMed

Gambadauro, Pietro; Magos, Adam

2012-03-01

Conventional audit of surgical records through review of surgical results provides useful knowledge but hardly helps identify the technical reasons lying behind specific outcomes or complications. Surgical teams not only need to know that a complication might happen but also how and when it is most likely to happen. Functional awareness is therefore needed to prevent complications, know how to deal with them, and improve overall surgical performance. The authors wish to argue that the systematic recording and reviewing of surgical videos, a "surgical black box," might improve surgical care, help prevent complications, and allow accident analysis. A possible strategy to test this hypothesis is presented and discussed. Recording and reviewing surgical interventions, apart from helping us achieve functional awareness and increasing the safety profile of our performance, allows us also to effectively share our experience with colleagues. The authors believe that those potential implications make this hypothesis worth testing.

Geospatial analysis of unmet pediatric surgical need in Uganda.

PubMed

Smith, Emily R; Vissoci, Joao Ricardo Nickenig; Rocha, Thiago Augusto Hernandes; Tran, Tu M; Fuller, Anthony T; Butler, Elissa K; de Andrade, Luciano; Makumbi, Fredrick; Luboga, Samuel; Muhumuza, Christine; Namanya, Didacus B; Chipman, Jeffrey G; Galukande, Moses; Haglund, Michael M

2017-10-01

In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), an estimated 85% of children do not have access to surgical care. The objective of the current study was to determine the geographic distribution of surgical conditions among children throughout Uganda. Using the Surgeons OverSeas Assessment of Surgical Need (SOSAS) survey, we enumerated 2176 children in 2315 households throughout Uganda. At the district level, we determined the spatial autocorrelation of surgical need with geographic access to surgical centers variable. The highest average distance to a surgical center was found in the northern region at 14.97km (95% CI: 11.29km-16.89km). Younger children less than five years old had a higher prevalence of unmet surgical need in all four regions than their older counterparts. The spatial regression model showed that distance to surgical center and care availability were the main spatial predictors of unmet surgical need. We found differences in unmet surgical need by region and age group of the children, which could serve as priority areas for focused interventions to alleviate the burden. Future studies could be conducted in the northern regions to develop targeted interventions aimed at increasing pediatric surgical care in the areas of most need. Level III. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Hospitalization, frequency of interventions, and quality of life after endoscopic, surgical, or conservative treatment in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

PubMed

Rutter, Karoline; Ferlitsch, A; Sautner, T; Püspök, A; Götzinger, P; Gangl, A; Schindl, M

2010-11-01

Patients with chronic pancreatitis usually have a long and debilitating history of disease with frequent hospital admissions, episodes of intractable pain and multiple interventions. The sequences of treatment at initial presentation, endoscopy, surgery, or conservative treatment may affect the time course and admissions needed for disease control, thereby determining quality of life and overall outcome. A total of 292 patients with initial endoscopic, surgical, or conservative pharmacological treatment were retrospectively analyzed regarding frequency of interventions, days in hospital, symptom-free intervals, morbidity, and mortality. Quality of life (QoL) at the latest follow-up was measured by two standardized quality of life questionnaires (EORTC C30 and PAN26). Endoscopic treatment was initially performed in 150 (51.4%) patients, whereas 99 (33.9%) underwent surgery and 43 (14.7%) patients were treated conservatively at their initial presentation. Patients who underwent surgery had a significantly shorter time in the hospital (25.3 ± 24.6, 34.4 ± 35.1, 61.1 ± 37.9; P < 0.001), fewer subsequent therapies (0.43 ± 1.0, 2.1 ± 2.4, 3.1 ± 3.0; P ≤ 0.001), and a longer relapse-free interval (P = 0.004) compared with endoscopically treated patients. The overall complication rate was 32% both after surgery and endoscopy. Infectious-related complications occurred more often after surgical treatment (P ≤ 0.001), whereas patients after endoscopic intervention developed acute or chronic pancreatitis or pseudocyst formation (P = 0.023). Patients who undergo surgery as their initial treatment for chronic pancreatitis require less consecutive interventions, a shorter hospital stay, and have a better quality of life compared with any other treatment. Surgery should therefore be considered early for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis, when endoscopic or conservative treatment fails and patients require further intervention.

Surgical data science: The new knowledge domain

PubMed Central

Vedula, S. Swaroop; Hager, Gregory D.

2017-01-01

Healthcare in general, and surgery/interventional care in particular, is evolving through rapid advances in technology and increasing complexity of care with the goal of maximizing quality and value of care. While innovations in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies have driven past improvements in quality of surgical care, future transformation in care will be enabled by data. Conventional methodologies, such as registry studies, are limited in their scope for discovery and research, extent and complexity of data, breadth of analytic techniques, and translation or integration of research findings into patient care. We foresee the emergence of Surgical/Interventional Data Science (SDS) as a key element to addressing these limitations and creating a sustainable path toward evidence-based improvement of interventional healthcare pathways. SDS will create tools to measure, model and quantify the pathways or processes within the context of patient health states or outcomes, and use information gained to inform healthcare decisions, guidelines, best practices, policy, and training, thereby improving the safety and quality of healthcare and its value. Data is pervasive throughout the surgical care pathway; thus, SDS can impact various aspects of care including prevention, diagnosis, intervention, or post-operative recovery. Existing literature already provides preliminary results suggesting how a data science approach to surgical decision-making could more accurately predict severe complications using complex data from pre-, intra-, and post-operative contexts, how it could support intra-operative decision-making using both existing knowledge and continuous data streams throughout the surgical care pathway, and how it could enable effective collaboration between human care providers and intelligent technologies. In addition, SDS is poised to play a central role in surgical education, for example, through objective assessments, automated virtual coaching, and robot

Surgical data science: The new knowledge domain.

PubMed

Vedula, S Swaroop; Hager, Gregory D

2017-04-01

Healthcare in general, and surgery/interventional care in particular, is evolving through rapid advances in technology and increasing complexity of care with the goal of maximizing quality and value of care. While innovations in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies have driven past improvements in quality of surgical care, future transformation in care will be enabled by data. Conventional methodologies, such as registry studies, are limited in their scope for discovery and research, extent and complexity of data, breadth of analytic techniques, and translation or integration of research findings into patient care. We foresee the emergence of Surgical/Interventional Data Science (SDS) as a key element to addressing these limitations and creating a sustainable path toward evidence-based improvement of interventional healthcare pathways. SDS will create tools to measure, model and quantify the pathways or processes within the context of patient health states or outcomes, and use information gained to inform healthcare decisions, guidelines, best practices, policy, and training, thereby improving the safety and quality of healthcare and its value. Data is pervasive throughout the surgical care pathway; thus, SDS can impact various aspects of care including prevention, diagnosis, intervention, or post-operative recovery. Existing literature already provides preliminary results suggesting how a data science approach to surgical decision-making could more accurately predict severe complications using complex data from pre-, intra-, and post-operative contexts, how it could support intra-operative decision-making using both existing knowledge and continuous data streams throughout the surgical care pathway, and how it could enable effective collaboration between human care providers and intelligent technologies. In addition, SDS is poised to play a central role in surgical education, for example, through objective assessments, automated virtual coaching, and robot

A modular wireless in vivo surgical robot with multiple surgical applications.

PubMed

Hawks, Jeff A; Rentschler, Mark E; Farritor, Shane; Oleynikov, Dmitry; Platt, Stephen R

2009-01-01

The use of miniature in vivo robots that fit entirely inside the peritoneal cavity represents a novel approach to laparoscopic surgery. Previous work demonstrates that both mobile and fixed-based robots can successfully operate inside the abdominal cavity. A modular wireless mobile platform has also been developed to provide surgical vision and task assistance. This paper presents an overview of recent test results of several possible surgical applications that can be accommodated by this modular platform. Applications such as a biopsy grasper, stapler and clamp, video camera, and physiological sensors have been integrated into the wireless platform and tested in vivo in a porcine model. The modular platform facilitates rapid development and conversion from one type of surgical task assistance to another. These self-contained surgical devices are much more transportable and much lower in cost than current robotic surgical assistants. These devices could ultimately be carried and deployed by non-medical personnel at the site of an injury. A remotely located surgeon could use these robots to provide critical first response medical intervention.

Surgical Interventions for the Treatment of Supracondylar Humerus Fractures in Children: Protocol of a Systematic Review.

PubMed

Carrazzone, Oreste Lemos; Belloti, João Carlos; Matsunaga, Fabio Teruo; Mansur, Nacime Salomão Barbachan; Matsumoto, Marcelo Hide; Faloppa, Flavio; Tamaoki, Marcel Jun Sugawara

2017-11-21

The treatment of supracondylar humerus fracture in children (SHFC) is associated with complications such as functional deficit, residual deformity, and iatrogenic neurological damage. The standard treatment is closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation with different configurations. Despite this fact, there is still no consensus on the most effective technique for the treatment of these fractures. The aim of this systematic review will be to evaluate the effect of surgical interventions on the treatment of Gartland type II and III SHFC by assessing function, complications, and error as primary outcomes. Clinical outcomes such as range of motion and pain and radiographic outcomes will also be judged. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials or quasi-randomized controlled trials evaluating the surgical treatment of SHFC will be carried out in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde, and Excerpta Medica Database. The search will also occur at ongoing and recently completed clinical trials in selected databases. Data management and extraction will be performed using a data withdrawal form and by analyzing the following: study method characteristics, participant characteristics, intervention characteristics, results, methodological domains, and risk of bias. To assess the risk of bias of the included trials, the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool will be used. Dichotomous outcome data will be analyzed as risk ratios, and continuous outcome data will be expressed as mean differences, both with 95% confidence intervals. Also, whenever possible, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and assessment of heterogeneity will be performed. Following the publication of this protocol, searches will be run and included studies will be deeply analyzed. We hope to obtain final results in the next few months and have the final paper published by the end of 2018. This study was funded

Recognition of surgical skills using hidden Markov models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Speidel, Stefanie; Zentek, Tom; Sudra, Gunther; Gehrig, Tobias; Müller-Stich, Beat Peter; Gutt, Carsten; Dillmann, Rüdiger

2009-02-01

Minimally invasive surgery is a highly complex medical discipline and can be regarded as a major breakthrough in surgical technique. A minimally invasive intervention requires enhanced motor skills to deal with difficulties like the complex hand-eye coordination and restricted mobility. To alleviate these constraints we propose to enhance the surgeon's capabilities by providing a context-aware assistance using augmented reality techniques. To recognize and analyze the current situation for context-aware assistance, we need intraoperative sensor data and a model of the intervention. Characteristics of a situation are the performed activity, the used instruments, the surgical objects and the anatomical structures. Important information about the surgical activity can be acquired by recognizing the surgical gesture performed. Surgical gestures in minimally invasive surgery like cutting, knot-tying or suturing are here referred to as surgical skills. We use the motion data from the endoscopic instruments to classify and analyze the performed skill and even use it for skill evaluation in a training scenario. The system uses Hidden Markov Models (HMM) to model and recognize a specific surgical skill like knot-tying or suturing with an average recognition rate of 92%.

Interventions for treating chronic ankle instability.

PubMed

de Vries, Jasper S; Krips, Rover; Sierevelt, Inger N; Blankevoort, Leendert; van Dijk, C N

2011-08-10

than anatomical reconstruction (risk ratio (RR) 5.50, 95% CI 1.39 to 21.71). One trial (99 participants) comparing dynamic versus static tenodesis excluded 17 patients allocated dynamic tenodesis because their tendons were too thin. The same trial found that dynamic tenodesis resulted in higher numbers of people with unsatisfactory function (RR 8.62, 95% CI 1.97 to 37.77, 82 participants). One trial comparing techniques of lateral ankle ligament reconstruction (60 participants) found that operating time was shorter using the reinsertion technique than the imbrication method (MD -9.00 minutes, 95% CI -13.48 to -4.52). Two trials (70 participants) compared functional mobilisation with immobilisation after surgery. These found early mobilisation led to earlier return to work (MD -2.00 weeks, 95% CI -3.06 to -0.94; 1 trial) and to sports (MD -3.00 weeks, 95% CI -4.49 to -1.51; 1 trial). Neuromuscular training alone appears effective in the short term but whether this advantage would persist on longer-term follow-up is not known. While there is insufficient evidence to support any one surgical intervention over another surgical intervention for chronic ankle instability, it is likely that there are limitations to the use of dynamic tenodesis. After surgical reconstruction, early functional rehabilitation appears to be superior to six weeks immobilisation in restoring early function.

Discharging patients earlier in the day: a concept worth evaluating.

PubMed

Kravet, Steven J; Levine, Rachel B; Rubin, Haya R; Wright, Scott M

2007-01-01

Patient discharges from the hospital often occur late in the day and are frequently clustered after 4 PM. When inpatients leave earlier in the day, quality is improved because new admissions awaiting beds are able to leave the emergency department sooner and emergency department waiting room backlog is reduced. Nursing staff, whose work patterns traditionally result in high activity of discharge and admission between 5 PM and 8 PM, benefit by spreading out their work across a longer part of the day. Discharging patients earlier in the day also has the potential to increase patient satisfaction. Despite multiple stakeholders in the discharge planning process, physicians play the most important role. Getting physician buy-in requires an ability to teach physicians about the concept of early-in-the-day discharges and their impact on the process. We defined a new physician-centered discharge planning process and introduced it to an internal medicine team with an identical control team as a comparison. Discharge time of day was analyzed for 1 month. Mean time of day of discharge was 13:39 for the intervention group versus 15:45 for the control group (P<.001). If reproduced successfully, this process could improve quality at an important transition point in patient care.

Proposal for evaluating the quality of reports of surgical interventions in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia: the Surgical Trigeminal Neuralgia Score.

PubMed

Akram, Harith; Mirza, Bilal; Kitchen, Neil; Zakrzewska, Joanna M

2013-09-01

The aim of this study was to design a checklist with a scoring system for reporting on studies of surgical interventions for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and to validate it by a review of the recent literature. A checklist with a scoring system, the Surgical Trigeminal Neuralgia Score (STNS), was devised partially based on the validated STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) criteria and customized for TN after a literature review and then applied to a series of articles. These articles were identified using a prespecified MEDLINE and Embase search covering the period from 2008 to 2010. Of the 584 articles found, 59 were studies of interventional procedures for TN that fulfilled the inclusion criteria and 56 could be obtained in full. The STNS was then applied independently by 3 of the authors. The maximum STNS came to 30, and was reliable and reproducible when used by the 3 authors who performed the scoring. The range of scores was 6-23.5, with a mean of 14 for all the journals. The impact factor scores of the journals in which the papers were published ranged from 0 to 4.8. Twenty-four of the studies were published in the Journal of Neurosurgery or in Neurosurgery. Studies published in neurosurgical journals ranked higher on the STNS scale than those published in nonneurosurgical journals. There was no statistically significant correlation between STNS and impact factors. Stereotactic radiosurgery (n = 25) and microvascular decompression (n = 15) were the most commonly reported procedures. The diagnostic criteria were stated in 35% of the studies, and 4 studies reported subtypes of TN. An increasing number of studies (46%) used the recommended Kaplan-Meier methodology for pain survival outcomes. The follow-up period was unclear in 8 studies, and 26 reported follow-ups of more than 5 years. Complications were reported fairly consistently but the temporal course was not always indicated. Direct interview, telephone conversation

Earlier warning: a multi-indicator approach to monitoring trends in the illicit use of medicines.

PubMed

Mounteney, Jane; Haugland, Siren

2009-03-01

The availability of medicines on the illicit drug market is currently high on the international policy agenda, linked to adverse health consequences including addiction, drug related overdoses and injection related problems. Continuous surveillance of illicit use of medicines allows for earlier identification and reporting of emerging trends and increased possibilities for earlier intervention to prevent spread of use and drug related harm. This paper aims to identify data sources capable of monitoring the illicit use of medicines; present trend findings for Rohypnol and Subutex using a multi-indicator monitoring approach; and consider the relevance of such models for policy makers. Data collection and analysis were undertaken in Bergen, Norway, using the Bergen Earlier Warning System (BEWS), a multi-indicator drug monitoring system. Data were gathered at six monthly intervals from April 2002 to September 2006. Drug indicator data from seizures, treatment, pharmacy sales, helplines, key informants and media monitoring were triangulated and an aggregated differential was used to plot trends. Results for the 4-year period showed a decline in the illicit use of Rohypnol and an increase in the illicit use of Subutex. Multi-indicator surveillance models can play a strategic role in the earlier identification and reporting of emerging trends in illicit use of medicines.

Surgical “Placebo” Controls

PubMed Central

Tenery, Robert; Rakatansky, Herbert; Riddick, Frank A.; Goldrich, Michael S.; Morse, Leonard J.; O’Bannon, John M.; Ray, Priscilla; Smalley, Sherie; Weiss, Matthew; Kao, Audiey; Morin, Karine; Maixner, Andrew; Seiden, Sam

2002-01-01

Objective To set ethical guidelines on the use of surgical placebo controls in the design of surgical trials. Background Data Ethical concerns recently arose from surgical trials where subjects in the control arm underwent surgical procedures that had the appearance of a therapeutic intervention, but during which the essential therapeutic maneuver was omitted. Although there are ethical guidelines on the use of a placebo in drug trials, little attention has been paid to the use of a surgical placebo control in surgical trials. Methods The Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs developed ethical guidelines based on a wide literature search and consultation with experts. Results Surgical placebo controls should be limited to studies of new surgical procedures aimed at treating diseases that are not amenable to other surgical therapies, and are reasonably anticipated to be susceptible to substantial placebo effects. If the standard nonsurgical treatment is efficacious and acceptable to the patient, then it must be offered as part of the study design. Conclusions Surgical placebo controls should be used only when no other trial design will yield the requisite data and should always be accompanied by a rigorous informed consent process and a careful consideration of the related risks and benefits. The recommended ethical guidelines were adopted as AMA ethics policy and are now incorporated in the AMA’s Code of Medical Ethics. PMID:11807373

Pediatric surgical capacity building - a pathway to improving access to pediatric surgical care in Haiti.

PubMed

Kaseje, Neema; Jenny, Hillary; Jeudy, Andre Patrick; MacLee, Jean Louis; Meara, John G; Ford, Henri R

2018-02-01

Lack of human resources is a major barrier to accessing pediatric surgical care globally. Our aim was to establish a model for pediatric surgical training of general surgery residents in a resource constrained region. A pediatric surgical program with a pediatric surgical rotation for general surgery residents in a tertiary hospital in Haiti in 2015 was established. We conducted twice daily patient rounds, ran an outpatient clinic, and provided emergent and elective pediatric surgical care, with tasks progressively given to residents until they could run clinic and perform the most common elective and emergent procedures. We conducted baseline and post-intervention knowledge exams and dedicated 1 day a week to teaching and research activities. We measured the following outcomes: number of residents that completed the rotation, mean pre and post intervention test scores, patient volume in clinic and operating room, postoperative outcomes, resident ability to perform most common elective and emergent procedures, and resident participation in research. Nine out of 9 residents completed the rotation; 987 patients were seen in outpatient clinic, and 564 procedures were performed in children <15years old. There was a 50% increase in volume of pediatric cases and a 100% increase in procedures performed in children <4years old. Postoperative outcomes were: 0% mortality for elective cases and 18% mortality for emergent cases, 3% complication rate for elective cases and 6% complication rate for emergent cases. Outcomes did not change with increased responsibility given to residents. All senior residents (n=4) could perform the most common elective and emergent procedures without changes in mortality and complication rates. Increases in mean pre and post intervention test scores were 12% (PGY1), 24% (PGY2), and 10% (PGY3). 75% of senior residents participated in research activities as first or second authors. Establishing a program in pediatric surgery with capacity building

[Comprehensive monitoring of cerebral haemodynamics during surgical interventions on brachiocephalic arteries].

PubMed

Ignat'ev, I M; Bredikhin, R A; Falina, T G; Vinogradova, V V; Khismatullina, L I

2010-01-01

The authors analysed a total of 152 surgical interventions on the brachiocephalic arteries (BCAs) performed in 142 patients. All the patients were subjected to intraoperative monitoring of cerebral haemodynamics by means of transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography simultaneously accompanied by electroencephalography (EEG). Additionally, the state of the reconstructed carotid arteries was controlled by means of ultrasonographic duplex scanning (USDS). Comparing the findings of the TCD recording and EEG made it possible to single out 5 groups of the operated patients. The EEG technique turned out to have more informative value as compared with TCD ultrasonography in determining the degree of cerebral ischaemia during clamping of the carotid arteries (CAs). Nine (5.9%) patients demonstrated lower tolerance of the brain to ischaemia, and the operation on the BCA was performed with the use of a temporal intraluminal bypass graft. Microembolic signals (MES) were registered in 54.6% of cases. Single MES were detected in six patients, sporadic MES--in 53, and multiple MES--in 24. Mention should be made that the--MES associated with the placement of the bypass graft appeared to be multiple and were registered in all the operated patients. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance tomography revealed fresh foci of lacunar cerebral infarctions in 14 (25%) of the 56 patients thus examined. Intraoperative USDS of the reconstructed carotid arteries revealed floatation of the residual remnants of the intima in two patients, which was the cause of a repeat intervention. Combined monitoring of cerebral haemodynamics makes it possible to timely prevent cerebral ischaemia, to narrow the indications for placement of an intraluminal bypass graft, and to dramatically decrease the rate of postoperative complications.

Surgical Intervention for Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax in Pediatric Population: When and Why?

PubMed

Yeung, Fanny; Chung, Patrick H Y; Hung, Esther L Y; Yuen, Chi Sum; Tam, Paul K H; Wong, Kenneth K Y

2017-08-01

Spontaneous pneumothorax in pediatric patients is relatively uncommon. The management strategy varies in different centers due to dearth of evidence-based pediatric guidelines. In this study, we reviewed our experience of thoracoscopic management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) in children and identified risk factors associated with postoperative air leakage and recurrence. We performed a retrospective analysis of pediatric patients who had PSP and underwent surgical management in our institution between April 2008 and March 2015. Demographic data, radiological findings, interventions, and surgical outcomes were analyzed. A total of 92 patients with 110 thoracoscopic surgery for PSP were identified. The indications for surgery were failed nonoperative management with persistent air leakage in 32.7%, recurrent ipsilateral pneumothorax in 36.4%, first contralateral pneumothorax in 14.5%, bilateral pneumothorax in 10%, and significant hemopneumothorax in 5.5%. Bulla was identified in 101 thoracoscopy (91.8%) with stapled bullectomy performed. 14.5% patients had persistent postoperative air leakage and treated with reinsertion of thoracostomy tube and chemical pleurodesis. 17.3% patients had postoperative recurrence occurred at mean time of 11 months. Operation within 7 days of symptoms onset was associated with less postoperative air leakage (P = .04). Bilateral pneumothorax and those with abnormal radiographic features had significantly more postoperative air leakage (P = .002, P < .01 respectively) and recurrence (P < .01, P = .007). Early thoracoscopic mechanical pleurodesis and stapled bullectomy after thoracostomy tube insertion could be offered as a primary option for management of large PSP in pediatric population, since most of these patients had bulla identified as the culprit of the disease.

Interventions in randomised controlled trials in surgery: issues to consider during trial design.

PubMed

Blencowe, Natalie S; Brown, Julia M; Cook, Jonathan A; Metcalfe, Chris; Morton, Dion G; Nicholl, Jon; Sharples, Linda D; Treweek, Shaun; Blazeby, Jane M

2015-09-04

Until recently, insufficient attention has been paid to the fact that surgical interventions are complex. This complexity has several implications, including the way in which surgical interventions are described and delivered in trials. In order for surgeons to adopt trial findings, interventions need to be described in sufficient detail to enable accurate replication; however, it may be permissible to allow some aspects to be delivered according to local practice. Accumulating work in this area has identified the need for general guidance on the design of surgical interventions in trial protocols and reports. Key issues to consider when designing surgical interventions include the identification of each surgical intervention and their components, who will deliver the interventions, and where and how the interventions will be standardised and monitored during the trial. The trial design (pragmatic and explanatory), comparator and stage of innovation may also influence the extent of detail required. Thoughtful consideration of surgical interventions in this way may help with the interpretation of trial results and the adoption of successful interventions into clinical practice.

A Small Randomized Pilot Study of a Workplace Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Surgical Intensive Care Unit Personnel: Effects on Salivary α-Amylase Levels

PubMed Central

Duchemin, Anne-Marie; Steinberg, Beth A.; Marks, Donald R.; Vanover, Kristin; Klatt, Maryanna

2015-01-01

Objective To determine if a workplace stress-reduction intervention decreases reactivity to stress among personnel exposed to a highly stressful occupational environment. Methods Personnel from a surgical intensive care unit (SICU) were randomized to a stress reduction intervention or a wait-list control group. The 8-week group mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) included mindfulness, gentle yoga and music. Psychological and biological markers of stress were measured one week before and one week after the intervention. Results Levels of salivary α-amylase, an index of sympathetic activation, were significantly decreased between the 1st and 2nd assessments in the intervention group with no changes in the control group. There was a positive correlation between salivary α-amylase levels and burnout scores. Conclusions These data suggest that this type of intervention could not only decrease reactivity to stress, but also decrease the risk of burnout. PMID:25629803

Do emotional support and classroom organization earlier in the year set the stage for higher quality instruction?

PubMed

Curby, Timothy W; Rimm-Kaufman, Sara E; Abry, Tashia

2013-10-01

Many teachers believe that providing greater emotional and organizational supports in the beginning of the year strengthens their ability to teach effectively as the year progresses. Some interventions, such as the Responsive Classroom (RC) approach, explicitly embed this sequence into professional development efforts. We tested the hypothesis that earlier emotional and organizational supports set the stage for improved instruction later in the year in a sample of third- and fourth-grade teachers enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of the RC approach. Further, we examined the extent to which the model generalized for teachers using varying levels of RC practices as well as whether or not teachers were in the intervention or control groups. Teachers' emotional, organizational, and instructional interactions were observed using the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (Pianta, La Paro, & Hamre, 2008) on five occasions throughout the year. Results indicated a reciprocal relation between emotional and instructional supports. Specifically, higher levels of emotional support earlier in the year predicted higher instructional support later in the year. Also, higher levels of instructional support earlier in the year predicted higher emotional support later in the year. Classroom organization was not found to have longitudinal associations with the other domains across a year. This pattern was robust when controlling for the use of RC practices as well as across intervention and control groups. Further, teachers' use of RC practices predicted higher emotional support and classroom organization throughout the year, suggesting the malleability of this teacher characteristic. Discussion highlights the connection between teachers' emotional and instructional supports and how the use of RC practices improves teachers' emotionally supportive interactions with students. Copyright © 2013 Society for the Study of School Psychology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights

Surgical nurses' work-related stress when caring for severely ill and dying patients in cancer after participating in an educational intervention on existential issues.

PubMed

Udo, Camilla; Danielson, Ella; Henoch, Ingela; Melin-Johansson, Christina

2013-10-01

The aim of this study was to describe surgical nurses' perceived work-related stress in the care of severely ill and dying patients with cancer after participating in an educational intervention on existential issues. This article reports a mixed methods pilot study of an education programme consisting of lectures and supervised discussions conducted in 2009-2010 in three surgical wards in a county hospital in Sweden. The concurrent data collections consisted of repeated interviews with eleven nurses in an educational group, and questionnaires were distributed to 42 nurses on four occasions. Directly after the educational intervention, the nurses described working under high time pressure. They also described being hindered in caring because of discrepancies between their caring intentions and what was possible in the surgical care context. Six months later, the nurses described a change in decision making, and a shift in the caring to make it more in line with their own intentions and patients' needs rather than the organizational structure. They also reported decreased feelings of work-related stress, decreased stress associated with work-load and feeling less disappointed at work. Results indicate that it may be possible to influence nurses' work-related stress through an educational intervention. According to nurses' descriptions, reflecting on their ways of caring for severely ill and dying patients, many of whom had cancer, from an existential perspective, had contributed to enhanced independent decision making in caring. This in turn appears to have decreased their feelings of work-related stress and disappointment at work. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Minimally invasive image-guided interventional management of hepatic artery pseudoaneurysms.

PubMed

Vyas, Sameer; Khandelwal, Niranjan; Gupta, Vivek; Kamal Ahuja, Chirag; Kumar, Ajay; Kalra, Naveen; Kang, Mandeep; Prakash, Mahesh

2014-01-01

Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysms (HAPs) are uncommon entities. With the development of interventional techniques, their management has evolved from conventional (surgical) to non-surgical minimally invasive image-guided interventional techniques. Fifteen cases of HAPs who had undergone non-surgical interventional management in our department were reviewed. All patients were comprehensively evaluated for demographic information, morphology of pseudoaneurysm, indication for intervention and means of intervention, approach (endovascular or percutaneous), follow up and complications. Trauma and iatrogenic injury were most common causes of HAPs. Most of the HAPs (9 out of 10 in whom long follow up was available) managed with image-guided interventional techniques had favorable outcome. Minimally invasive image-guided interventional management is the preferred modality for HAPs.

Bilateral breast calciphylaxis in a patient who survived earlier extensive tissue necrosis 5 years previously: A case report.

PubMed

Verstappen, E M J; Maaskant-Braat, A J G; Scheltinga, M R

2018-05-07

Calciphylaxis is a rare condition including patchy dermal necrosis that mostly affects chronic hemodialysis patients. The syndrome usually heralds impending death although patients may survive following a set of measures including an adapted dialysis regimen. The present case is a unique patient who recovered from an earlier episode of upper leg calciphylaxis 5 years previously but developed fatal bilateral breast necrosis. A 69 year old Caucasian woman with a history of atrial fibrillation, hypertension, CVA, hyperparathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism and end stage renal disease with hemodialysis recovered in 2012 from extensive symptomatic left upper leg necrosis due to calciphylaxis. In 2017, she developed painful, necrotic ulcers on both breasts, again due to calciphylaxis. She had no history of anticoagulants use but she did use prednisolone 5mg/day. She received adequate wound care, pain medication, antibiotics and dialysis frequency was increased with an addition of sodium thiosulfate. A bilateral ablation was discussed but she decided to stop all treatment following pulmonary aspiration and passed away one week later. Calciphylaxis is a rare diagnosis that should be considered in patients with renal insufficiency developing painful patches of skin necrosis. A multidisciplinary treatment approach including hyperparathyroidectomy, modified hemodialysis and wound treatment is recommended. There is limited evidence for surgical intervention. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Surgical interventions for meniscal tears: a closer look at the evidence.

PubMed

Mutsaerts, Eduard L A R; van Eck, Carola F; van de Graaf, Victor A; Doornberg, Job N; van den Bekerom, Michel P J

2016-03-01

The aim of the present study was to compare the outcomes of various surgical treatments for meniscal injuries including (1) total and partial meniscectomy; (2) meniscectomy and meniscal repair; (3) meniscectomy and meniscal transplantation; (4) open and arthroscopic meniscectomy and (5) various different repair techniques. The Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Register, Cochrane Database, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL were searched for all (quasi) randomized controlled clinical trials comparing various surgical techniques for meniscal injuries. Primary outcomes of interest included patient-reported outcomes scores, return to pre-injury activity level, level of sports participation and persistence of pain using the visual analogue score. Where possible, data were pooled and a meta-analysis was performed. A total of nine studies were included, involving a combined 904 subjects, 330 patients underwent a meniscal repair, 402 meniscectomy and 160 a collagen meniscal implant. The only surgical treatments that were compared in homogeneous fashion across more than one study were the arrow and inside-out technique, which showed no difference for re-tear or complication rate. Strong evidence-based recommendations regarding the other surgical treatments that were compared could not be made. This meta-analysis illustrates the lack of level I evidence to guide the surgical management of meniscal tears. Level I meta-analysis.

Acute and chronic pancreatitis: surgical management.

PubMed

Dzakovic, Alexander; Superina, Riccardo

2012-08-01

Pancreatitis is becoming increasingly prevalent in children, posing new challenges to pediatric health care providers. Although some general adult treatment paradigms are applicable in the pediatric population, diagnostic workup and surgical management of acute and chronic pancreatitis have to be tailored to anatomic and pathophysiological entities peculiar to children. Nonbiliary causes of acute pancreatitis in children are generally managed nonoperatively with hydration, close biochemical and clinical observation, and early initiation of enteral feeds. Surgical intervention including cholecystectomy or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is often required in acute biliary pancreatitis, whereas infected pancreatic necrosis remains a rare absolute indication for pancreatic debridement and drainage via open, laparoscopic, or interventional radiologic procedure. Chronic pancreatitis is characterized by painful irreversible changes of the parenchyma and ducts, which may result in or be caused by inadequate ductal drainage. A variety of surgical procedures providing drainage, denervation, resection, or a combination thereof are well established to relieve pain and preserve pancreatic function. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Reduction in surgical antibiotic prophylaxis expenditure and the rate of surgical site infection by means of a protocol that controls the use of prophylaxis.

PubMed

Gomez, Marisa I; Acosta-Gnass, Silvia I; Mosqueda-Barboza, Luisa; Basualdo, Juan A

2006-12-01

To evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention based on training and the use of a protocol with an automatic stop of antimicrobial prophylaxis to improve hospital compliance with surgical antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines. An interventional study with a before-after trial was conducted in 3 stages: a 3-year initial stage (January 1999 to December 2001), during which a descriptive-prospective survey was performed to evaluate surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis and surgical site infections; a 6-month second stage (January to June 2002), during which an educational intervention was performed regarding the routine use of a surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis request form that included an automatic stop of prophylaxis (the "automatic-stop prophylaxis form"); and a 3-year final stage (July 2002 to June 2005), during which a descriptive-prospective survey of surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis and surgical site infections was again performed. An 88-bed teaching hospital in Entre Ríos, Argentina. A total of 3,496 patients who underwent surgery were included in the first stage of the study and 3,982 were included in the final stage. Comparison of the first stage of the study with the final stage revealed that antimicrobial prophylaxis was given at the appropriate time to 55% and 88% of patients, respectively (relative risk [RR], 0.27 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.25-0.30]; P<.01); the antimicrobial regimen was adequate in 74% and 87% of patients, respectively (RR, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.45-0.55]; P<.01); duration of the prophylaxis was adequate in 44% and 55% of patients, respectively (RR, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.77-0.84]; P<.01); and the surgical site infection rates were 3.2% and 1.9%, respectively (RR, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.44-0.79]; P<.01). Antimicrobial expenditure was 10,678.66 US$ per 1,000 patient-days during the first stage and 7,686.05 US$ per 1,000 patient-days during the final stage (RR, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.86-0.89]; P<.01). The intervention based on training and application of a

Percutaneous imaging-guided interventions for acute biliary disorders in high surgical risk patients

PubMed Central

Donkol, Ragab Hani; Latif, Nahed Abdel; Moghazy, Khaled

2010-01-01

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous imaging-guided biliary interventions in the management of acute biliary disorders in high surgical risk patients. METHODS: One hundred and twenty two patients underwent 139 percutaneous imaging-guided biliary interventions during the period between January 2007 to December 2009. The patients included 73 women and 49 men with a mean age of 61 years (range 35-90 years). Fifty nine patients had acute biliary obstruction, 26 patients had acute biliary infection and 37 patients had abnormal collections. The procedures were performed under computed tomography (CT)- (73 patients), sonographic- (41 patients), and fluoroscopic-guidance (25 patients). Success rates and complications were determined. The χ2 test with Yates’ correction for continuity was applied to compare between these procedures. A P value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The success rates for draining acute biliary obstruction under CT- , fluoroscopy- or ultrasound-guidance were 93.3%, 62.5% and 46.1%, respectively with significant P values (P = 0.026 and 0.002, respectively). In acute biliary infection, successful drainage was achieved in 22 patients (84.6%). The success rates in patients drained under ultrasound- and CT-guidance were 46.1% and 88.8%, respectively and drainage under CT-guidance was significantly higher (P = 0.0293). In 13 patients with bilomas, percutaneous drainage was successful in 11 patients (84.6%). Ten out of 12 cases with hepatic abscesses were drained with a success rate of 83.3%. In addition, the success rate of drainage in 12 cases with pancreatic pseudocysts was 83.3%. The reported complications were two deaths, four major and seven minor complications. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous imaging-guided biliary interventions help to promptly diagnose and effectively treat acute biliary disorders. They either cure the disorders or relieve sepsis and jaundice before operations. PMID:21160698

Developing a tool to measure pharmacoeconomic outcomes of post-surgical pain management interventions.

PubMed

Keller, Deborah S; Smalarz, Amy; Haas, Eric M

2016-01-01

Financial pressures have limited the ability of providers to use medication that may improve clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. New interventions are often fraught with resistance from individual cost centers. A value realization tool (VRT) is essential for separate cost centers to communicate and comprehend the overall financial and clinical implications of post-surgical pain management medication interventions (PSMI). The goal was to describe development of a VRT. An evaluation of common in-patient PSMI approaches, impacts, and costs was performed. A multidisciplinary task force guided development of the VRT to ensure appropriate representation and relevance to clinical practice. The main outcome was an Excel-based tool that communicates the overall cost/benefit of PSMI for the post-operative patient encounter. The VRT aggregated input data on costs, clinical impact, and nursing burden of PSMI assessment and monitoring into two high-level outcome reports: Overall Cost Impact and Nurse & Patient Impact. Costs included PSMI specific medication, equipment, professional placement, labor, overall/opioid-related adverse events, re-admissions, and length of stay. Nursing impact included level of practice interference, job satisfaction, and patient care metrics. Patient impact included pain scores, opioid use, PACU time, and satisfaction. Reference data was provided for individual institutions that may not collect all variables included in the VRT. The VRT is a valuable way for administrators to assess PSMI cost/benefits and for individual cost centers to see the overall value of individual interventions. The user-friendly, decision-support tool allows the end-user to use built-in referenced or personalized outcome data, increasing relevance to their institutions. This broad picture could facilitate communication across cost centers and evidence-based decisions for appropriate use and impacts of PSMI.

Chasing zero: the drive to eliminate surgical site infections.

PubMed

Thompson, Kristine M; Oldenburg, W Andrew; Deschamps, Claude; Rupp, William C; Smith, C Daniel

2011-09-01

It is estimated that healthcare associated infections (HAI) account for 1.7 million infections and 99,000 associated deaths each year, with annual direct medical costs of up to $45 billion. Surgical Site Infections (SSI) account for 17% of HAIs, an estimated annual cost of $3.5 to 10 billion for our country alone. This project was designed to pursue elimination of SSIs and document results. Starting in 2009 a program to eliminate SSIs was undertaken at a nationally recognized academic health center. Interventions already outlined by CMS and IHI were utilized, along with additional interventions based on literature showing relationships with SSI reduction and best practices. Rapid deployment of multiple interventions (SSI Bundle) was undertaken. Tactics included standardized order sets, a centralized preoperative evaluation (POE) clinic, high compliance with intraoperative interventions, and widespread monthly reporting of compliance and results. Data from 2008 to 2010 were collected and analyzed. Between May 1, 2008 and June 30, 2010, all patients with Class I and Class II wounds were tracked for SSIs. Baseline data (May-June 2008) was obtained showing a Class I surgical site infection rate of 1.78%, Class II of 2.82% (total surgical volume: 4160 cases). As of the second quarter 2010, those rates have dropped to 0.51% and 1.44%, respectively (P < 0.001 and P = 0.013; total surgical cases: 2826). This represents a 57% decrease in the SSI rate with an estimated institution specific cost savings of nearly $1 million during the study period. Committed leadership, aggressive assurance of high compliance with multiple known interventions (SSI Bundle), transparency to achieve high levels of staff engagement, and centralization of critical surgical activities result in significant declines in SSIs with resulting substantial cost savings.

Surgical ethics: surgical virtue and more.

PubMed

Vercler, Christian J

2015-01-01

The encounter between a patient and her surgeon is unique for several reasons. The surgeon inflicts pain upon a patient for the patient's own good. An operative intervention is irreducibly personal, such that the decisions about and performance of operations are inseparable from the idiosyncrasies of the individual surgeon. Furthermore, there is a chasm of knowledge between the patient and surgeon that is difficult to cross. Hence, training in the discipline of surgery includes the inculcation of certain virtues and practices to safeguard against abuses of this relationship and to make sure that the best interests of the patient are prioritized. The stories in this issue are evidence that in contemporary practice this is not quite enough, as surgeons reflect on instances they felt were ethically challenging. Common themes include the difficulty in communicating surgical uncertainty, patient-surgeon relationships, ethical issues in surgical training, and the impact of the technological imperative on caring for dying patients.

Surgical treatment of childhood recurrent pancreatitis.

PubMed

Clifton, Matthew S; Pelayo, Juan C; Cortes, Raul A; Grethel, Erich J; Wagner, Amy J; Lee, Hanmin; Harrison, Michael R; Farmer, Diana L; Nobuhara, Kerilyn K

2007-07-01

Surgical intervention that improves pancreatic ductal drainage is a reasonable treatment strategy for recurrent pancreatitis in children. This study was approved by the Committee on Human Research (San Francisco, CA). A retrospective chart review was performed on children aged 0 to 17 years given the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision coding diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis who underwent surgical intervention from 1981 to 2005. From 1981 to 2005, 32 children were treated for the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. The etiologies were obstructive (n = 13), idiopathic (n = 10), hereditary (n = 6), medications (n = 2), and infection (n = 1). Fifteen patients underwent 17 operations for chronic pancreatitis, including Puestow (n = 9), cystenterostomy (n = 2), Whipple (n = 1), distal pancreatectomy (n = 1), Frey (n = 1), DuVal (n = 1), excision of enteric duplication cyst (n = 1), and pancreatic ductal dilation (n = 1). The mean age at presentation of patients undergoing surgery was 6.0 +/- 4.1 years (mean +/- SD). The mean time from presentation to operation was 3.3 +/- 3.3 years. There were no deaths after surgical intervention. Of 15 patients, 2 (13%) required rehospitalization within 90 days of surgery, one for bowel obstruction, the other for splenic infarction. The median length of stay postoperatively was 8 days (range, 5-66 days). Chronic pancreatitis in children differs markedly in etiology when compared with adults. In most cases seen in our institution, chronic pancreatitis resulted from ineffective ductal drainage. These disorders are amenable to surgical decompression, which, ultimately, can prevent disease recurrence.

Earlier Pulmonary Valve Replacement in Down Syndrome Patients Following Tetralogy of Fallot Repair.

PubMed

Sullivan, Rachel T; Frommelt, Peter C; Hill, Garick D

2017-08-01

The association between Down syndrome and pulmonary hypertension could contribute to more severe pulmonary regurgitation after tetralogy of Fallot repair and possibly earlier pulmonary valve replacement. We compared cardiac magnetic resonance measures of pulmonary regurgitation and right ventricular dilation as well as timing of pulmonary valve replacement between those with and without Down syndrome after tetralogy of Fallot repair. Review of our surgical database from 2000 to 2015 identified patients with tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary stenosis. Those with Down syndrome were compared to those without. The primary outcome of interest was time from repair to pulmonary valve replacement. Secondary outcomes included pulmonary regurgitation and indexed right ventricular volume on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. The cohort of 284 patients included 35 (12%) with Down syndrome. Transannular patch repair was performed in 210 (74%). Down syndrome showed greater degree of pulmonary regurgitation (55 ± 14 vs. 37 ± 16%, p = 0.01) without a significantly greater rate of right ventricular dilation (p = 0.09). In multivariable analysis, Down syndrome (HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2-4.5, p = 0.02) and transannular patch repair (HR 5.5, 95% CI 1.7-17.6, p = 0.004) were significant risk factors for valve replacement. Those with Down syndrome had significantly lower freedom from valve replacement (p = 0.03). Down syndrome is associated with an increased degree of pulmonary regurgitation and earlier pulmonary valve replacement after tetralogy of Fallot repair. These patients require earlier assessment by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to determine timing of pulmonary valve replacement and evaluation for and treatment of preventable causes of pulmonary hypertension.

Current Surgical Options for Patients with Epilepsy.

PubMed

Rasul, Fahid T; Bal, Jarnail; Pereira, Erlick A; Tisdall, Martin; Themistocleous, Marios; Haliasos, Nikolaos

2017-01-01

Surgery for epilepsy dates back to 1886 and has undergone significant developments. Today it is considered a key treatment modality in patients who are resistant to pharmacological intervention. It improves seizure control, cognition and quality of life. New technologies, advances in surgical technique and progress in scientific research underlie the expansion of surgery in epilepsy treatment. Effectiveness of surgical treatment depends on several factors including the type of epilepsy, the underlying pathology and the localisation of the epileptogenic zone. Timely referral to an experienced epilepsy surgery centre is important to allow the greatest chance of seizure control and to minimise associated morbidity and mortality. Following referral, patients undergo thorough presurgical investigation to evaluate their suitability for surgery. The commonest form of epilepsy treated by surgery is mesial temporal lobe sclerosis and there is Class I evidence for the medium-term efficacy of temporal lobe resection from two randomised control trials. Various other forms of epilepsy are now considered for resective and neuromodulatory surgical intervention due to favourable results. In this article, the authors review the current status of surgical treatment for epilepsy including the presurgical evaluation of patients, surgical techniques and the future directions in epilepsy surgery. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Psychologic Intervention Improves Survival for Breast Cancer Patients

PubMed Central

Andersen, Barbara L.; Yang, Hae-Chung; Farrar, William B.; Golden-Kreutz, Deanna M.; Emery, Charles F.; Thornton, Lisa M.; Young, Donn C.; Carson, William E.

2009-01-01

BACKGROUND The question of whether stress poses a risk for cancer progression has been difficult to answer. A randomized clinical trial tested the hypothesis that cancer patients coping with their recent diagnosis but receiving a psychologic intervention would have improved survival compared with patients who were only assessed. METHODS A total of 227 patients who were surgically treated for regional breast cancer participated. Before beginning adjuvant cancer therapies, patients were assessed with psychologic and behavioral measures and had a health evaluation, and a 60-mL blood sample was drawn. Patients were randomized to Psychologic Intervention plus assessment or Assessment only study arms. The intervention was psychologist led; conducted in small groups; and included strategies to reduce stress, improve mood, alter health behaviors, and maintain adherence to cancer treatment and care. Earlier articles demonstrated that, compared with the Assessment arm, the Intervention arm improved across all of the latter secondary outcomes. Immunity was also enhanced. RESULTS After a median of 11 years of follow-up, disease recurrence was reported to occur in 62 of 212 (29%) women and death was reported for 54 of 227 (24%) women. Using Cox proportional hazards analysis, multivariate comparison of survival was conducted. As predicted, patients in the Intervention arm were found to have a reduced risk of breast cancer recurrence (hazards ratio [HR] of 0.55; P=.034) and death from breast cancer (HR of 0.44; P=.016) compared with patients in the Assessment only arm. Follow-up analyses also demonstrated that Intervention patients had a reduced risk of death from all causes (HR of 0.51; P=.028). CONCLUSIONS Psychologic interventions as delivered and studied here can improve survival. PMID:19016270

[da Vinci surgical system].

PubMed

Watanabe, Gou; Ishikawa, Norihiro

2014-07-01

The da Vinci surgical system was developed by Intuitive Surgical Inc. in the United States as an endoscopic surgical device to assist remote control surgeries. In 1998, the Da Vinci system was first used for cardiothoracic procedures. Currently a combination of robot-assisted internal thoracic artery harvest together with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) through a mini-incision (ThoraCAB) or totally endoscopic procedures including anastomoses under robotic assistance (TECAB) are being conducted for the treatment of coronary artery diseases. With the recent advances in catheter interventions, hybrid procedures combining catheter intervention with ThoraCAB or TECAB are anticipated in the future.On the other hand, with the decrease in number of coronary artery bypass surgeries, the share of valvular surgeries is expected to increase in the future. Among them, mitral valvuloplasty for mitral regurgitation is anticipated to be conducted mainly by low-invasive procedures, represented by minimally invasive cardiac surgery( MICS) and robot-assisted surgery. Apart from the intrinsic good surgical view, robotic-assisted systems offer additional advantages of the availability of an amplified view and the easy to observe the mitral valve in the physiological position. Thus, robotic surgical surgeries that make complicated procedures easier are expected to accomplish further developments in the future. Furthermore, while the number of surgeries for atrial septal defects has decreased dramatically following the widespread use of Amplatzer septal occluder, robotic surgery may become a good indication for cases in which the Amplatzer device is not indicated. In Japan, clinical trial of the da Vinci robotic system for heart surgeries has been completed. Statutory approval of the da Vinci system for mitral regurgitation and atrial septal defects is anticipated in the next few years.

Risk stratification of gallbladder polyps (1-2 cm) for surgical intervention with 18F-FDG PET/CT.

PubMed

Lee, Jaehoon; Yun, Mijin; Kim, Kyoung-Sik; Lee, Jong-Doo; Kim, Chun K

2012-03-01

We assessed the value of (18)F-FDG uptake in the gallbladder polyp (GP) in risk stratification for surgical intervention and the optimal cutoff level of the parameters derived from GP (18)F-FDG uptake for differentiating malignant from benign etiologies in a select, homogeneous group of patients with 1- to 2-cm GPs. Fifty patients with 1- to 2-cm GPs incidentally found on the CT portion of PET/CT were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had histologic diagnoses. GP (18)F-FDG activity was visually scored positive (≥liver) or negative (surgical intervention more effectively than other known risk factors. However, all criteria derived from (18)F-FDG uptake presented in this series may be applicable to the assessment of 1- to 2-cm GPs.

Impact of surgical innovation on tissue repair in the surgical patient.

PubMed

Tevlin, R; Atashroo, D; Duscher, D; Mc Ardle, A; Gurtner, G C; Wan, D C; Longaker, M T

2015-01-01

Throughout history, surgeons have been prolific innovators, which is hardly surprising as most surgeons innovate daily, tailoring their intervention to the intrinsic uniqueness of each operation, each patient and each disease. Innovation can be defined as the application of better solutions that meet new requirements, unarticulated needs or existing market needs. In the past two decades, surgical innovation has significantly improved patient outcomes, complication rates and length of hospital stay. There is one key area that has great potential to change the face of surgical practice and which is still in its infancy: the realm of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. A literature review was performed using PubMed; peer-reviewed publications were screened for relevance in order to identify key surgical innovations influencing regenerative medicine, with a focus on osseous, cutaneous and soft tissue reconstruction. This review describes recent advances in regenerative medicine, documenting key innovations in osseous, cutaneous and soft tissue regeneration that have brought regenerative medicine to the forefront of the surgical imagination. Surgical innovation in the emerging field of regenerative medicine has the ability to make a major impact on surgery on a daily basis. © 2015 BJS Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Symptomatic lumbosacral transitional vertebra: a review of the current literature and clinical outcomes following steroid injection or surgical intervention.

PubMed

Holm, Emil Kongsted; Bünger, Cody; Foldager, Casper Bindzus

2017-01-01

Bertolotti's syndrome (BS) refers to the possible association between the congenital malformation lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV), and low back pain (LBP). Several treatments have been proposed including steroid injections, resections of the LSTV, laminectomy, and lumbar spinal fusion. The aim of this review was to compare the clinical outcomes in previous trials and case reports for these treatments in patients with LBP and LSTV. A PubMed search was conducted. We included English studies of patients diagnosed with LSTV treated with steroid injection, laminectomy, spinal fusion or resection of the transitional articulation. Of 272 articles reviewed 20 articles met the inclusion criteria. Their level of evidence were graded I-V and the clinical outcomes were evaluated. Only 1 study had high evidence level (II). The remainders were case series (level IV). Only 5 studies used validated clinical outcome measures. A total of 79 patients were reported: 31 received treatment with steroid injections, 33 were treated with surgical resection of the LSTV, 8 received lumbar spinal fusion, and 7 cases were treated with laminectomy. Surgical management seems to improve the patient's symptoms, especially patients diagnosed with "far out syndrome" treated with laminectomy. Clinical outcomes were more heterogenetic for patient's treated with steroid injections. The literature regarding BS is sparse and generally with low evidence. Non-surgical management (e.g., steroid injections) and surgical intervention could not directly be compared due to lack of standardization in clinical outcome. Generally, surgical management seems to improve patient's clinical outcome over time, whereas steroid injection only improves the patient's symptoms temporarily. Further studies with larger sample size and higher evidence are warranted for the clinical guidance in the treatment of BS. © The Authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2017.

Symptomatic lumbosacral transitional vertebra: a review of the current literature and clinical outcomes following steroid injection or surgical intervention

PubMed Central

Holm, Emil Kongsted; Bünger, Cody; Foldager, Casper Bindzus

2017-01-01

Bertolotti’s syndrome (BS) refers to the possible association between the congenital malformation lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV), and low back pain (LBP). Several treatments have been proposed including steroid injections, resections of the LSTV, laminectomy, and lumbar spinal fusion. The aim of this review was to compare the clinical outcomes in previous trials and case reports for these treatments in patients with LBP and LSTV. A PubMed search was conducted. We included English studies of patients diagnosed with LSTV treated with steroid injection, laminectomy, spinal fusion or resection of the transitional articulation. Of 272 articles reviewed 20 articles met the inclusion criteria. Their level of evidence were graded I–V and the clinical outcomes were evaluated. Only 1 study had high evidence level (II). The remainders were case series (level IV). Only 5 studies used validated clinical outcome measures. A total of 79 patients were reported: 31 received treatment with steroid injections, 33 were treated with surgical resection of the LSTV, 8 received lumbar spinal fusion, and 7 cases were treated with laminectomy. Surgical management seems to improve the patient’s symptoms, especially patients diagnosed with “far out syndrome” treated with laminectomy. Clinical outcomes were more heterogenetic for patient’s treated with steroid injections. The literature regarding BS is sparse and generally with low evidence. Non-surgical management (e.g., steroid injections) and surgical intervention could not directly be compared due to lack of standardization in clinical outcome. Generally, surgical management seems to improve patient’s clinical outcome over time, whereas steroid injection only improves the patient’s symptoms temporarily. Further studies with larger sample size and higher evidence are warranted for the clinical guidance in the treatment of BS. PMID:29243586

Parallel pocket incision: Less invasive surgical intervention for the treatment of intractable pressure ulcer with wound edge undermining.

PubMed

Yamamoto, Takumi; Yoshimatsu, Hidehiko; Hayashi, Akitatsu; Koshima, Isao

2015-10-01

The treatment of deep pressure ulcer with a wide wound edge undermining (pocket) is challenging, especially when conservative treatments are ineffective. As most patients with a pressure ulcer suffer from systemic comorbidities, invasive surgery cannot be performed on all patients, and less invasive treatment is required. Less invasive surgical intervention to a deep pressure ulcer, parallel pocket incision (PPI), was performed on 10 patients with intractable pressure ulcers with a pocket formation. In PPI procedures, two parallel skin incisions were made to open up the deepest fold of the pocket and to preserve the skin overlying the pocket lesion; through the created incisions, the necrotic tissues around the deepest fold of the undermining could be easily removed, which facilitated spontaneous wound healing. Postoperative results and complications were evaluated. All PPI procedures were safely performed under local infiltration anesthesia without major postoperative complication; minor bleeding was seen intraoperatively in three patients, which could be easily controlled with electric cautery coagulation. Nine of 10 ulcers were cured after PPI, and one could not be followed up due to the patient's death non-related to the pressure ulcer. For the nine cured patients, the average time for cure was 14.9 weeks, and no recurrence was observed at postoperative 6 months. PPI is a simple, technically easy, and less invasive surgical intervention to an intractable pressure ulcer with a pocket, which can be safely performed under local infiltration anesthesia even on a patient with severe systemic comorbidities. Copyright © 2015 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pregnancy and Motherhood During Surgical Training.

PubMed

Rangel, Erika L; Smink, Douglas S; Castillo-Angeles, Manuel; Kwakye, Gifty; Changala, Marguerite; Haider, Adil H; Doherty, Gerard M

2018-03-21

Although family priorities influence specialty selection and resident attrition, few studies describe resident perspectives on pregnancy during surgical training. To directly assess the resident experience of childbearing during training. A self-administered 74-question survey was electronically distributed in January 2017 to members of the Association of Women Surgeons, to members of the Association of Program Directors in Surgery listserv, and through targeted social media platforms. Surgeons who had 1 or more pregnancies during an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited US general surgery residency program and completed training in 2007 or later were included. Important themes were identified using focus groups of surgeons who had undergone pregnancy during training in the past 7 years. Additional topics were identified through MEDLINE searches performed from January 2000 to July 2016 combining the keywords pregnancy, resident, attrition, and parenting in any specialty. Descriptive data on perceptions of work schedule during pregnancy, maternity leave policies, lactation and childcare support, and career satisfaction after childbirth. This study included 347 female surgeons (mean [SD] age, 30.5 [2.7] years) with 452 pregnancies. A total of 297 women (85.6%) worked an unmodified schedule until birth, and 220 (63.6%) were concerned that their work schedule adversely affected their health or the health of their unborn child. Residency program maternity leave policies were reported by 121 participants (34.9%). A total of 251 women (78.4%) received maternity leave of 6 weeks or less, and 250 (72.0%) perceived the duration of leave to be inadequate. The American Board of Surgery leave policy was cited as a major barrier to the desired length of leave by 268 of 326 respondents (82.2%). Breastfeeding was important to 329 (95.6%), but 200 (58.1%) stopped earlier than they wished because of poor access to lactation facilities and challenges leaving

Results from a pediatric surgical centre justify early intervention in disorders of sex development.

PubMed

Crawford, Jennifer M; Warne, Garry; Grover, Sonia; Southwell, Bridget R; Hutson, John M

2009-02-01

Controversy persists surrounding early management of disorders of sex development. We assessed genital appearance, gender identity, and quality of life in prepubertal children who have had early surgical intervention. Children treated for disorders of sex development who were 5 to 10 years of age were eligible (n = 54). Children were scored (modified Creighton scale) for anatomical and cosmetic outcome, and both patients and parents completed PedsQL quality-of-life and gender identity questionnaires, with ethics approval. Of 54 patients, 41 presented for review. Treatment began at 13.2 (1.8-250.1) months (median; range) and were reviewed at 7.5 +/- 2.1 (mean +/- SD) years of age. Nineteen were raised as girls and 22 as boys. Girls had good (85%) or satisfactory (15%) anatomical/cosmetic outcome, whereas 52% boys had good, 38% satisfactory, and 10% poor cosmetic outcomes. On gender identity questionnaire, boys scored 3.9 +/- 0.4 (mean +/- SD) and girls 3.6 +/- 0.5; 1 of 19 boys and 3 of 19 girls had lower scores, suggesting risk of gender identity disorder. Quality-of-life scores were 80+ for physical and 65 to 80 for psychosocial scores. Early intervention is generally associated with positive outcomes for patients and parents. Girls had better anatomical outcomes than boys, and gender dysphoria risks were low in both sexes.

Initial experience of US Marine Corps forward resuscitative surgical system during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

PubMed

Chambers, Lowell W; Rhee, Peter; Baker, Bruce C; Perciballi, John; Cubano, Miguel; Compeggie, Michael; Nace, Michael; Bohman, Harold R

2005-01-01

Modern US Marine Corps (USMC) combat tactics are dynamic and nonlinear. While effective strategically, this can prolong the time it takes to transport the wounded to surgical capability, potentially worsening outcomes. To offset this, the USMC developed the Forward Resuscitative Surgical System (FRSS). By operating in close proximity to active combat units, these small, rapidly mobile trauma surgical teams can decrease the interval between wounding and arrival at surgical intervention with resultant improvement in outcomes. Case series. Echelon 2 surgical units during the invasion phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Ninety combat casualties, consisting of 30 USMC and 60 Iraqi patients, were treated in the FRSS between March 21 and April 22, 2003. Tactical surgical intervention consisting of selectively applied damage control or definitive trauma surgical procedures. Time to surgical intervention and outcome following treatment in the FRSS. Ninety combat casualties with 170 injuries required 149 procedures by 6 FRSS teams. The USMC patients were received within a median of 1 hour of wounding with the critically injured being received within a median of 30 minutes. Fifty-three USMC personnel were killed in action and 3 died of wounds for a killed in action rate of 13.5% and a died of wounds rate of 0.8% during the invasion phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom. All Marines treated in the FRSS survived. The use of the FRSS in close proximity to the point of engagement during the initial, dynamic combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom prevented delays in surgical intervention of USMC combat casualties with resultant beneficial effects on patient outcomes.

Outcomes of nonemergent percutaneous coronary intervention with and without on-site surgical backup: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Singh, Param Puneet; Singh, Mukesh; Bedi, Updesh Singh; Adigopula, Sasikanth; Singh, Sarabjeet; Kodumuri, Vamsi; Molnar, Janos; Ahmed, Aziz; Arora, Rohit; Khosla, Sandeep

2011-01-01

Despite major advances in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) techniques, the current guidelines recommend against elective PCI at hospitals without on-site cardiac surgery backup. Nonetheless, an increasing number of hospitals without on-site cardiac surgery in the United States have developed programs for elective PCI. Studies evaluating outcome in this setting have yielded mixed results, leaving the question unanswered. Hence, a meta-analysis comparing outcomes of nonemergent PCI in hospitals with and without on-site surgical backup was performed. A systematic review of literature identified four studies involving 6817 patients. Three clinical end points were extracted from each study and included in-hospital death, myocardial infarction, and the need for emergency coronary artery bypass grafting. The studies were homogenous for each outcome studied. Therefore, the combined relative risks (RRs) across all the studies and the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed using the Mantel-Haenszel fixed-effect model. A two-sided alpha error less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Compared with facilities with on-site surgical backup, the risk of in-hospital death (RR, 2.7; CI, 0.6-12.9; P = 0.18), nonfatal myocardial infarction (RR, 1.3; CI, 0.7- 2.2; P = 0.29), and need of emergent coronary artery bypass grafting (RR, 0.46; CI, 0.06- 3.1; P = 0.43) was similar in those lacking on-site surgical backup. The present meta-analysis suggests that there is no difference in the outcome with regard to risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction, need for emergency coronary artery bypass grafting, and the risk of death in patients undergoing elective PCI in hospitals with and without on-site cardiac surgery backup.

Time courses and value of circulating microparticles in patients with operable stage non-small cell lung cancer undergoing surgical intervention.

PubMed

Tseng, Chia-Cheng; Wang, Chin-Chou; Hsiao, Chang-Chun; Lu, Hung-I; Leu, Steve; Chang, Huang-Chih; Huang, Kuo-Tung; Fang, Wen-Feng; Chen, Yu-Mu; Liu, Shih-Feng; Yang, Cheng-Ta; Lin, Meng-Chih; Yip, Hon-Kan

2016-09-01

Microparticles (MPs) are substantially increased in patients with operable stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) prior to lung resection surgery. This study tested the hypothesis that there is a decrease in MPs after surgical intervention. Between March 2012 and January 2015, 33 patients who had operable stage NSCLC were consecutively and prospectively enrolled into the study. Additionally, 31 healthy subjects who were consecutively enrolled in the study period served as age- and gender-matched controls. Circulating MPs (EDAc-MPs, EDAp-MPs, PDAc-MPs, PDAp-MPs) were measured by flow cytometry once in control subjects and twice (i.e., prior to and three months later after surgical intervention) in NSCLC patients. Compared with control subjects, these four types of circulating MPs were significantly higher in NSCLC patients prior to operation (all P < 0.005), but did not differ among the controls and NSCLC patients at 3 months after surgery (all P > 0.2). Additionally, a receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) showed that these four types of MPs were significantly valuable predictors for detecting early stage NSCLC (all P < 0.004). Circulating MPs which were remarkably increased in the operable stage of NSCLC prior to surgery were substantially decreased 3 months later after surgery. These findings show that circulating MPs might be an accessory biomarker for monitoring those of NSCLC after receiving lung resection surgery.

Earlier Age at Menopause, Work and Tobacco Smoke Exposure

PubMed Central

Fleming, Lora E; Levis, Silvina; LeBlanc, William G; Dietz, Noella A; Arheart, Kristopher L; Wilkinson, James D; Clark, John; Serdar, Berrin; Davila, Evelyn P; Lee, David J

2009-01-01

Objective Earlier age at menopause onset has been associated with increased all cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality risks. Risk of earlier age at menopause associated with primary and secondary tobacco smoke exposure was assessed. Design Cross-sectional study using a nationally representative sample of US women. Methods 7596 women participants (representing an estimated 79 million US women) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III were asked: time since last menstrual period, occupation, and tobacco use (including home and workplace secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure). Blood cotinine and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were assessed. Logistic regressions for the odds of earlier age at menopause, stratified on race/ethnicity in women 25-50 years and adjusted for survey design, were controlled for age, BMI, education, tobacco smoke exposure, and occupation. Results Among 5029 US women ≥ 25 years with complete data, earlier age at menopause was found among all smokers, and among service and manufacturing industry sector workers. Among women age 25-50 years, there was an increased risk of earlier age at menopause with both primary smoking and with SHS exposure, particularly among Black women. Conclusions Primary tobacco use and SHS exposure were associated with an increased odds of earlier age at menopause in a representative sample of US women. Earlier age at menopause was found for some women worker groups with greater potential occupational SHS exposure. Thus, control of SHS exposures in the workplace may decrease the risk of mortality and morbidity associated with earlier age at menopause in US women workers. PMID:18626414

Surgical management of chronic pancreatitis: current utilization in the United States.

PubMed

Bliss, Lindsay A; Yang, Catherine J; Eskander, Mariam F; de Geus, Susanna W L; Callery, Mark P; Kent, Tara S; Moser, A James; Freedman, Steven D; Tseng, Jennifer F

2015-09-01

Surgical intervention is uncommon in chronic pancreatitis. Literature largely describes single institution or international experiences. This study describes US-based chronic pancreatitis surgical management. Retrospective analysis of chronic pancreatitis patients in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Florida State Inpatient Database 2007-2011. Patients with malignancy or congenital abnormalities were excluded. Univariate analysis using the chi-square test. The number of readmissions, inpatient length of stay and cost using Wilcoxon's signed-rank test. Multivariate analysis of surgery by logistic regression. Twenty-one thousand four hundred and forty-five patients with chronic pancreatitis. 10.8% (2 307) underwent surgery including 1652 cholecystectomies, 564 drainage procedures and 498 pancreatectomies. Procedures decreased from 12.1% to 8.3% over time (P < 0.001), but intervention within 3 months increased (7.2% to 8.4%; P = 0.017). 15.3% (3 278) had pancreatic cysts/pseudocysts and 43.4% (9 312) had diabetes. The median numbers of admissions were 2 [interquartile range (IQR) 1,5] and 3 (IQR 2,7) among non-surgical and surgical patients, respectively (P < 0.001). Predictors of surgery were fewer co-morbidities, private insurance, and either diabetes mellitus or pancreatic cyst/pseudocyst. Chronic pancreatitis leads to numerous inpatient readmissions, but surgical intervention only occurs in a minority of cases. Complicated patients are more likely to undergo surgery. The complexities of chronic pancreatitis management warrant early multidisciplinary evaluation and ongoing consideration of surgical and non-surgical options. © 2015 International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association.

High-frequency oscillations, extent of surgical resection, and surgical outcome in drug-resistant focal epilepsy

PubMed Central

Haegelen, Claire; Perucca, Piero; Châtillon, Claude-Edouard; Andrade-Valença, Luciana; Zelmann, Rina; Jacobs, Julia; Collins, D. Louis; Dubeau, François; Olivier, André; Gotman, Jean

2013-01-01

surgical outcome. Significance In TLE, removal of HFO-generating areas may lead to improved surgical outcome. Less consistent findings emerge from ETLE, but these may be related to sample size limitations of this study. Size of resection, a factor that was ignored and that could have affected results of earlier studies did not influence results. PMID:23294353

How to write a surgical clinical research protocol: literature review and practical guide.

PubMed

Rosenthal, Rachel; Schäfer, Juliane; Briel, Matthias; Bucher, Heiner C; Oertli, Daniel; Dell-Kuster, Salome

2014-02-01

The study protocol is the core document of every clinical research project. Clinical research in studies involving surgical interventions presents some specific challenges, which need to be accounted for and described in the study protocol. The aim of this review is to provide a practical guide for developing a clinical study protocol for surgical interventions with a focus on methodologic issues. On the basis of an in-depth literature search of methodologic literature and on some cardinal published surgical trials and observational studies, the authors provides a 10-step guide for developing a clinical study protocol in surgery. This practical guide outlines key methodologic issues important when planning an ethically and scientifically sound research project involving surgical interventions, with the ultimate goal of providing high-level evidence relevant for health care decision making in surgery. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The surgical treatment for Crohn's disease.

PubMed

Alecu, L; Ursuţ, B; Ursuţ, B; Obrocea, F; Marinescu, E; Sfetea, R; Oproiu, Al; Tulin, A

2013-01-01

Crohn's disease is a chronic idiopathic medical and surgical disease, in which the transmural intestinal inflammatory process frequently leads to complications such as strictures or fistulae. The disease is considered to be the result of an imbalance between the proinflammatory mediators and the anti-inflammatory ones; it can be localized on any segment of the gastrointestinal tract, but it especially affects the terminal ileum. The purpose of the study is to assess Crohn's disease from the point of view of the complications requiring surgical treatment, the manner in which they are solved, as well as the postoperative evolution. we followed retrospectively the patients hospitalized and operated in our department during the period January 2001 - December 2011. We examined the clinical observation charts, the paraclinical investigations, the surgical protocols and the histopathological results. the 11 patients included in the study underwent 13 surgical interventions. Their ages were comprised between 16 and 67, the average age being 42.9. The men women ratio was 7 4 (1.75); the interventions performed were segmental enterectomies, right ileo- hemicolectomy, ileotransverse anastomosis, an exploratory laparotomy and an exploratory laparoscopy. the purpose of the treatment of Crohn's disease is to obtain the best possible clinical, laboratory and paraclinical control of the inflammatory process with the least adverse reactions to the medication. The surgical indications for the treatment of the disease are imposed by severe complications such as perforation, stenosis, fistulisation and even malignancy. Consequently, although Crohn's disease is a chronic disease with many relapses, the correct medical and surgical treatment helps patients to maintain a reasonable quality of life, with a good prognosis and a very low mortality rate. Celsius.

[Interventional radiology in bone metastases].

PubMed

Chiras, Jacques; Cormier, Evelyne; Baragan, Hector; Jean, Betty; Rose, Michèle

2007-02-01

Interventional radiology takes a large place in the treatment of bone metastases by numerous techniques, percutaneous or endovascular. Vertebroplasty appears actually as the most important technique for stabilisation of spine metastases as it induces satisfactory stabilisation of the vertebra and offer clear improvement of the quality of life. Due to the success of this technique cementoplasty of other bones, mainly pelvic girdle, largely develop. The heath due to the polymerisation of the cement induce carcinolytic effect but this effect is not as important as that can be created with radiofrequency destruction. This last technique appears actually as the most important development to destroy definitively some bone metastases and replace progressively alcoholic destruction of such lesions. Angiographic techniques appear more confidential but endovascular embolization is very useful to diminish the risk of surgical treatment of hyper vascular metastases. Chemoembolization is actually developped to associate the relief of pain induced by endovascular embolization and the carcinolytic effect obtained by local endovascular chemotherapy. All these techniques should develop largely during the next years and their efficacy and safety should improve largely by treating earlier the metastasis.

Surgical care for the direct and indirect victims of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

PubMed

Chu, Kathryn; Havet, Philippe; Ford, Nathan; Trelles, Miguel

2010-04-14

The provision of surgical assistance in conflict is often associated with care for victims of violence. However, there is an increasing appreciation that surgical care is needed for non-traumatic morbidities. In this paper we report on surgical interventions carried out by Médecins sans Frontières in Masisi, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo to contribute to the scarce evidence base on surgical needs in conflict. We analysed data on all surgical interventions done at Masisi district hospital between September 2007 and December 2009. Types of interventions are described, and logistic regression used to model associations with violence-related injury. 2869 operations were performed on 2441 patients. Obstetric emergencies accounted for over half (675, 57%) of all surgical pathology and infections for another quarter (160, 14%). Trauma-related injuries accounted for only one quarter (681, 24%) of all interventions; among these, 363 (13%) were violence-related. Male gender (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 20.0, p < 0.001), military status (AOR = 4.1, p < 0.001), and age less than 20 years (AOR = 2.1, p < 0.001) were associated with violence-related injury. Immediate peri-operative mortality was 0.2%. In this study, most surgical interventions were unrelated to violent trauma and rather reflected the general surgical needs of a low-income tropical country. Programs in conflict zones in low-income countries need to be prepared to treat both the war-wounded and non-trauma related life-threatening surgical needs of the general population. Given the limited surgical workforce in these areas, training of local staff and task shifting is recommended to support broad availability of essential surgical care. Further studies into the surgical needs of the population are warranted, including population-based surveys, to improve program planning and resource allocation and the effectiveness of the humanitarian response.

Surgical Interventions for Atrioventricular Septal Defect Subtypes: The Pediatric Heart Network Experience

PubMed Central

Kaza, Aditya K.; Colan, Steven D.; Jaggers, James; Lu, Minmin; Atz, Andrew M.; Sleeper, Lynn A.; McCrindle, Brian W.; Lambert, Linda M.; Margossian, Renee; Lacro, Ronald V.; Richmond, Marc E.; Natarajan, Shobha; Minich, L. LuAnn

2012-01-01

Background The influence of atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) subtype on outcomes after repair is poorly understood. Methods Demographic, procedural, and outcome data were obtained 1 and 6 months after AVSD repair in an observational study conducted at 7 North American centers. Results The 215 AVSD patients were subtyped as 60 partial, 27 transitional, 120 complete, and 8 with canal-type VSD. Preoperatively, transitional patients had the highest prevalence of moderate or severe left atrioventricular valve regurgitation (LAVVR, p = 0.01). At repair, complete AVSD and canal-type VSD patients, both with the highest prevalence of trisomy 21 (p < 0.001), were younger (p < 0.001), had lower weight-for-age z scores (p = 0.005), and had more associated cardiac defects (p < 0.001). Annuloplasty was similar among subtypes (p = 0.91), with longer duration of ventilation and hospitalization for complete AVSD (p < 0.001). Independent predictors of moderate or severe LAVVR at the 6-month follow-up were older log(age) at repair (p = 0.02) but not annuloplasty, subtype, or center (p > 0.4). Weight-for-age z scores improved in all subtypes at the 6-month follow-up, and improvement was similar among subtypes (p = 0.17). Conclusions AVSD subtype was significantly associated with patient characteristics and clinical status before repair and influenced age at repair. Significant postoperative LAVVR is the most common sequela, with a similar prevalence across centers 6 months after the intervention. Annuloplasty failed to decrease the postoperative prevalence of moderate or severe LAVVR at 6 months. After accounting for age at repair, AVSD subtype was not associated with postoperative LAVVR severity or growth failure at 6 months. Further investigation is needed to determine if interventional strategies specific to AVSD subtype improve surgical outcomes. PMID:21872212

Pediatric Interventional Radiology: Vascular Interventions.

PubMed

Kandasamy, Devasenathipathy; Gamanagatti, Shivanand; Gupta, Arun Kumar

2016-07-01

Pediatric interventional radiology (PIR) comprises a range of minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that are performed using image guidance. PIR has emerged as an essential adjunct to various surgical and medical conditions. Over the years, technology has undergone dramatic and continuous evolution, making this speciality grow. In this review, the authors will discuss various vascular interventional procedures undertaken in pediatric patients. It is challenging for the interventional radiologist to accomplish a successful interventional procedure. There are many vascular interventional radiology procedures which are being performed and have changed the way the diseases are managed. Some of the procedures are life saving and have become the treatment of choice in those patients. The future is indeed bright for the practice and practitioners of pediatric vascular and non-vascular interventions. As more and more of the procedures that are currently being performed in adults get gradually adapted for use in the pediatric population, it may be possible to perform safe and successful interventions in many of the pediatric vascular lesions that are otherwise being referred for surgery.

Impact of the World Health Organization's Surgical Safety Checklist on safety culture in the operating theatre: a controlled intervention study

PubMed Central

Haugen, A. S.; Søfteland, E.; Eide, G. E.; Sevdalis, N.; Vincent, C. A.; Nortvedt, M. W.; Harthug, S.

2013-01-01

Background Positive changes in safety culture have been hypothesized to be one of the mechanisms behind the reduction in mortality and morbidity after the introduction of the World Health Organization's Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC). We aimed to study the checklist effects on safety culture perceptions in operating theatre personnel using a prospective controlled intervention design at a single Norwegian university hospital. Methods We conducted a study with pre- and post-intervention surveys using the intervention and control groups. The primary outcome was the effects of the Norwegian version of the SSC on safety culture perceptions. Safety culture was measured using the validated Norwegian version of the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture. Descriptive characteristics of operating theatre personnel and checklist compliance data were also recorded. A mixed linear regression model was used to assess changes in safety culture. Results The response rate was 61% (349/575) at baseline and 51% (292/569) post-intervention. Checklist compliance ranged from 77% to 85%. We found significant positive changes in the checklist intervention group for the culture factors ‘frequency of events reported’ and ‘adequate staffing’ with regression coefficients at −0.25 [95% confidence interval (CI), −0.47 to −0.07] and 0.21 (95% CI, 0.07–0.35), respectively. Overall, the intervention group reported significantly more positive culture scores—including at baseline. Conclusions Implementation of the SSC had rather limited impact on the safety culture within this hospital. PMID:23404986

Implementation of a Surgeon-Level Comparative Quality Performance Review to Improve Positive Surgical Margin Rates during Radical Prostatectomy.

PubMed

Matulewicz, Richard S; Tosoian, Jeffrey J; Stimson, C J; Ross, Ashley E; Chappidi, Meera; Lotan, Tamara L; Humphreys, Elizabeth; Partin, Alan W; Schaeffer, Edward M

2017-05-01

Success in the era of value-based payment will depend on the capacity of health systems to improve quality while controlling costs. Comparative quality performance review can be used to drive improvements in surgical outcomes and thereby reduce costs. We sought to determine the efficacy of a comparative quality performance review to improve a surgeon-level measure of surgical oncologic quality, that is the positive surgical margin rate at the time of radical prostatectomy. Eight surgeons who performed consecutive radical prostatectomies at a single high volume institution between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015 were included in analysis. Individual surgeons were provided with confidential report cards every 6 months detailing their case mix, case volume and pT2 radical prostatectomy positive surgical margin rate relative to 1) their own self-matched data, 2) the de-identified data of their colleagues and 3) institutional aggregate data during the study period. Positive surgical margin rates were compared before and after intervention. Hierarchal logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association of study period on the odds of positive surgical margins, adjusted for prostate specific antigen level and National Comprehensive Cancer Network® risk group. Overall, 1,822 (1,392 before and 430 after intervention) radical prostatectomies were performed that met study inclusion criteria. The aggregate departmental unadjusted positive surgical margin rates were 10.6% and 7.4% in the pre-intervention and post-intervention groups, respectively. After adjusting for higher risk cancer in the post-intervention group, there was a significant protective association of post-intervention status on positive margins (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.43-0.97, p = 0.03). All 5 surgeons with positive surgical margin rates higher than the aggregate department rate in the pre-intervention period showed improvement after intervention. Comparative quality performance review can be

Burden of surgical disease: does the literature reflect the scope of the international crisis?

PubMed

Taira, Breena R; Kelly McQueen, K A; Burkle, Frederick M

2009-05-01

Little is factually known about the burden of surgical disease and less is known about global surgical provision of care for diseases that may be treated, cured, or palliated by a surgical intervention. Despite the lack of information, surgical interventions are provided by a variety of agencies every day in the developing world. This literature review represents the first published comprehensive review of the global surgical literature. The primary goal was to collect and summarize what has been published on the current global burden of surgical disease and thereby encourage and promote the allocation of further research and resources. A systematic review of English language publications on Pubmed or Medline was performed. This report summarizes what little is known in terms of numeric estimates for the global burden of surgical disease. Globally, access and availability of surgical care in developing countries remains scarce, but the problem is receiving more attention for the first time in surgical circles. Much work remains in the effort to obtain reliable estimates of the global burden of surgical disease.

Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to implement and evaluate national surgical planning

PubMed Central

Saluja, Saurabh; Silverstein, Allison; Mukhopadhyay, Swagoto; Lin, Yihan; Raykar, Nakul; Keshavjee, Salmaan; Samad, Lubna; Meara, John G

2017-01-01

The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery defined six surgical indicators and a framework for a national surgical plan that aimed to incorporate surgical care as a part of global public health. Multiple countries have since begun national surgical planning; each faces unique challenges in doing so. Implementation science can be used to more systematically explain this heterogeneous process, guide implementation efforts and ultimately evaluate progress. We describe our intervention using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. This framework requires identifying characteristics of the intervention, the individuals involved, the inner and outer setting of the intervention, and finally describing implementation processes. By hosting a consultative symposium with clinicians and policy makers from around the world, we are able to specify key aspects of each element of this framework. We define our intervention as the incorporation of surgical care into public health planning, identify local champions as the key individuals involved, and describe elements of the inner and outer settings. Ultimately we describe top-down and bottom-up models that are distinct implementation processes. With the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, we are able to identify specific strategic models that can be used by implementers in various settings. While the integration of surgical care into public health throughout the world may seem like an insurmountable challenge, this work adds to a growing effort that seeks to find a way forward. PMID:29225930

Surgical management of herpetic keratitis.

PubMed

Tuli, Sonal; Gray, Matthew; Shah, Ankit

2018-07-01

The purpose of this review is to discuss the options for, and recent developments in, the surgical treatment of herpes keratitis. Although the mainstay of treatment of herpetic keratitis is topical or oral antiviral agents, surgical intervention may be necessary for corneal melting or long-term complications such as scarring, lipid keratopathy, necrotizing keratitis, and neurotrophic keratitis. There are a number of surgical therapies available for herpes keratitis. Preferred therapeutic modalities differ based on the size, causation, and location of the infection but consist of either replacement of the infected tissue or structural support of the tissue to allow healing. Incremental improvements in the existing treatment modalities have made them more effective, easier, and safer, whereas novel therapies such as corneal neurotization are starting to be described in ophthalmic literature. Several options are available for surgically managing the complications of herpes keratitis. Ophthalmologists should select the optimal procedure based on the individual patient's situation. VIDEO ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/COOP/A28.

The Interventional Arm of the Flexibility In Duty-Hour Requirements for Surgical Trainees Trial: First-Year Data Show Superior Quality In-Training Initiative Outcomes.

PubMed

Mirmehdi, Issa; O'Neal, Cindy-Marie; Moon, Davis; MacNew, Heather; Senkowski, Christopher

With the implementation of strict 80-hour work week in general surgery training, serious questions have been raised concerning the quality of surgical education and the ability of newly trained general surgeons to independently operate. Programs that were randomized to the interventional arm of the Flexibility In duty-hour Requirements for Surgical Trainees (FIRST) Trial were able to decrease transitions and allow for better continuity by virtue of less constraints on duty-hour rules. Using National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Quality In-Training Initiative data along with duty-hour violations compared with old rules, it was hypothesized that quality of care would be improved and outcomes would be equivalent or better than the traditional duty-hour rules. It was also hypothesized that resident perception of compliance with duty hour would not change with implementation of new regulations based on FIRST trial. Flexible work hours were implemented on July 1, 2014. National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Quality In-Training Initiative information was reviewed from July 2014 to January 2015. Patient risk factors and outcomes were compared between institutional resident cases and the national cohort for comparison. Residents' duty-hour logs and violations during this period were compared to the 6-month period before the implementation of the FIRST trial. The annual Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education resident survey was used to assess the residents' perception of compliance with duty hours. With respect to the postoperative complications, the only statistically significant measures were higher prevalence of pneumonia (3.4% vs. 1.5%, p < 0.05) and lower prevalence of sepsis (0% vs. 1.5%, p < 0.05) among cases covered by residents with flexible duty hours. All other measures of postoperative surgical complications showed no difference. The total number of duty-hour violations decreased from 54 to 16. Had the institution not been part of the

Digital Environment for Movement Control in Surgical Skill Training.

PubMed

Juanes, Juan A; Gómez, Juan J; Peguero, Pedro D; Ruisoto, Pablo

2016-06-01

Intelligent environments are increasingly becoming useful scenarios for handling computers. Technological devices are practical tools for learning and acquiring clinical skills as part of the medical training process. Within the framework of the advanced user interface, we present a technological application using Leap Motion, to enhance interaction with the user in the process of a laparoscopic surgical intervention and integrate the navigation through augmented reality images using manual gestures. Thus, we intend to achieve a more natural interaction with the objects that participate in a surgical intervention, which are augmented and related to the user's hand movements.

Editor's Choice - Late Open Surgical Conversion after Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

PubMed

Kansal, Vinay; Nagpal, Sudhir; Jetty, Prasad

2018-02-01

Late open surgical conversion following endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) may occur more frequently after performing EVAR in anatomy outside the instructions for use (IFU). This study reviews predictors and outcomes of late open surgical conversion for failed EVAR. This retrospective cohort study reviewed all EVARs performed at the Ottawa Hospital between January 1999 and May 2015. Open surgical conversions >1 month post EVAR were identified. Variables analysed included indication for conversion, pre-intervention AAA anatomy, endovascular device and configuration, operative technique, re-interventions, complications, and death. Of 1060 consecutive EVARs performed, 16 required late open surgical conversion. Endografts implanted were Medtronic Talent (n = 8, 50.0%), Medtronic Endurant (n = 3, 18.8%), Cook Zenith (n = 4, 25.0%), and Terumo Anaconda (n = 1, 6.2%). Eleven grafts were bifurcated (68.8%), five were aorto-uni-iliac (31.2%). The median time to open surgical conversion was 3.1 (IQR 1.0-5.2) years. There was no significant difference in pre-EVAR rupture status (1.4% elective, 2.1% ruptured, p = .54). Indications for conversion included: Type 1 endoleak with sac expansion (n = 4, 25.0%), Type 2 endoleak with expansion (n = 2, 12.5%), migration (n = 3, 18.8%), sac expansion without endoleak (n = 2, 12.5%), graft infection (n = 3, 18.8%), rupture (n = 2, 12.5%). Nine patients (56.2%) underwent stent graft explantation with in situ surgical graft reconstruction, seven had endograft preserving open surgical intervention. The 30 day mortality was 18.8% (n = 3, all of whom having had endograft preservation). Ten patients (62.5%) suffered major in hospital complications. One patient (6.5%) required post-conversion major surgical re-intervention. IFU adherence during initial EVAR was 43.8%, versus 79.0% (p < .01) among uncomplicated EVARs. Open surgical conversion following EVAR results in significant morbidity and mortality. IFU adherence of EVARs

Psychosocial implications of pediatric surgical hospitalization.

PubMed

Lerwick, Julie L

2013-08-01

The prevalence of childhood surgical illness and injury requiring hospitalization suggests the need for implementation of an applied intervention to decrease levels of anxiety in these patients. When psychological concerns are not addressed in the present moment, potential for long-term negative psychological effects occur. To respond to the psychosocial needs of pediatric surgical patients it is important to understand foundational stages of development. Age is not always directly correlated with developmental stage and attunement to this subtle differentiation is essential. Some medical facilities offer services to pediatric surgical patients that include education about upcoming procedures as well as medical play which offers the opportunity to express emotions correlated with the hospitalization experience. This approach is directive in nature and controls the process of making sense of the medical environment. An alternative is Child Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) which creates an outlet for any emotions the children choose to express. CCPT offers comprehensive mental health care through a developmentally-appropriate, undirected intervention carried out by a mental health therapist and has been shown to reduce perceived and actual psychological trauma, anxiety, and behavioral issues in children preparing for surgery. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Noninvasive in vivo optical coherence tomography tracking of chronic otitis media in pediatric subjects after surgical intervention

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monroy, Guillermo L.; Pande, Paritosh; Nolan, Ryan M.; Shelton, Ryan L.; Porter, Ryan G.; Novak, Michael A.; Spillman, Darold R.; Chaney, Eric J.; McCormick, Daniel T.; Boppart, Stephen A.

2017-12-01

In an institutional review board-approved study, 25 pediatric subjects diagnosed with chronic or recurrent otitis media were observed over a period of six months with optical coherence tomography (OCT). Subjects were followed throughout their treatment at the initial patient evaluation and preoperative consultation, surgery (intraoperative imaging), and postoperative follow-up, followed by an additional six months of records-based observation. At each time point, the tympanic membrane (at the light reflex region) and directly adjacent middle-ear cavity were observed in vivo with a handheld OCT probe and portable system. Imaging results were compared with clinical outcomes to correlate the clearance of symptoms in relation to changes in the image-based features of infection. OCT images of most all participants showed the presence of additional infection-related biofilm structures during their initial consultation visit and similarly for subjects imaged intraoperatively before myringotomy. Subjects with successful treatment (no recurrence of infectious symptoms) had no additional structures visible in OCT images during the postoperative visit. OCT image findings suggest surgical intervention consisting of myringotomy and tympanostomy tube placement provides a means to clear the middle ear of infection-related components, including middle-ear fluid and biofilms. Furthermore, OCT was demonstrated as a rapid diagnostic tool to prospectively monitor patients in both outpatient and surgical settings.

Overall outcomes following early interventions for intracranial arteriovenous malformations with hematomas.

PubMed

Bir, Shyamal C; Maiti, Tanmoy Kumar; Konar, Subhas; Nanda, Anil

2016-01-01

We evaluated the timing and predictors of surgical intervention for intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVM) with hematoma. A ruptured intracranial AVM with hematoma is an emergency condition, and the optimal timing for surgical intervention is not well understood. In addition, the outcome predictors of surgical intervention have rarely been reported. We identified and analyzed 78 patients treated with microsurgical resection for pathologically proven AVM at Louisiana State University Health in Shreveport from February 1992 to December 2004. All 78 patients were diagnosed with ruptured AVM before surgery. The independent variables, including patient demographics, timing of surgery, location of the AVM and comorbidities were analyzed to assess outcome. The results of this series revealed that surgical intervention after 48hours resulted in poor outcomes for patients with hematoma, following a ruptured AVM. Several other prognostic factors, including younger age (11-40years), Spetzler-Martin Grade I and II, and AVM in a supratentorial location, had significant positive effects on outcomes. However, hypertension, smoking, and a prior embolization showed significant negative effects on outcomes after surgery. The multiple logistic regression analyses also revealed that the timing of surgical intervention had a significant effect on outcomes in patients with hematoma following ruptured AVM. Early intervention is the key to success in these patients. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Post-traumatic syringomyelia refractory to surgical intervention: a series of cases on recurrent syringomyelia.

PubMed

Leahy, H P; Beckley, A A; Formal, C S; Fried, G W

2015-01-01

The objective of this study was to analyze a series of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) patients with a diagnosis of syrinx who had recurrence of symptomatic syrinx following surgical intervention. This is a patient series. The study was conducted in an acute inpatient rehabilitation facility. Participants included patients ( N =6) with post-traumatic syringomyelia (PTS) who had recurrent syrinx despite surgical repair. Not applicable. The main outcome measures were time period between injury and clinical manifestations of syringomyelia, time to recurrence and presenting symptoms. Among the six patients, there is great variability between time of the initial SCI and the development of syrinx. In terms of time periods between diagnosis of syrinx and recurrence of syrinx, there is also some variability (ranging from 6 to 936 weeks). The median length of time to recurrence was 104 weeks. In all cases, the presenting symptom was ultimately weakness, and in most cases it was associated with rising sensory deficits. Notably, all patients were male, aged 31-55 years, had suffered diffuse traumatic SCI and four of six patients lost the ability to ambulate because of syrinx formation. This series suggests that there may be risk factors for developing post-traumatic syringomyelia. We question whether there is a relationship between American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale grade and recurrence of PTS. We need to look closely at these patients to see whether there are modifiable risk factors that may minimize their chance of developing PTS. Once these are identified, there may be a role in routine screening of all patients and particularly those who may be at an increased risk for PTS to avoid loss of ambulatory function.

Carpal tunnel syndrome, the search for a cost-effective surgical intervention: a randomised controlled trial.

PubMed Central

Lorgelly, Paula K.; Dias, Joseph J.; Bradley, Mary J.; Burke, Frank D.

2005-01-01

OBJECTIVE: There is insufficient evidence regarding the clinical and cost-effectiveness of surgical interventions for carpal tunnel syndrome. This study evaluates the cost, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of minimally invasive surgery compared with conventional open surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 194 sufferers (208 hands) of carpal tunnel syndrome were randomly assigned to each treatment option. A self-administered questionnaire assessed the severity of patients' symptoms and functional status pre- and postoperatively. Treatment costs were estimated from resource use and hospital financial data. RESULTS: Minimally invasive carpal tunnel decompression is marginally more effective than open surgery in terms of functional status, but not significantly so. Little improvement in symptom severity was recorded for either intervention. Minimally invasive surgery was found to be significantly more costly than open surgery. The incremental cost effectiveness ratio for functional status was estimated to be 197 UK pounds, such that a one percentage point improvement in functioning costs 197 UK pounds when using the minimally invasive technique. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive carpal tunnel decompression appears to be more effective but more costly. Initial analysis suggests that the additional expense for such a small improvement in function and no improvement in symptoms would not be regarded as value-for-money, such that minimally invasive carpal tunnel release is unlikely to be considered a cost-effective alternative to the traditional open surgery procedure. PMID:15720906

Can Rheumatologists Predict Eventual Need for Orthopaedic Intervention in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis? Results of a Systematic Review and Analysis of Two UK Inception Cohorts.

PubMed

Nikiphorou, Elena; Carpenter, Lewis; Norton, Sam; Morris, Stephen; MacGregor, Alex; Dixey, Josh; Williams, Peter; Kiely, Patrick; Walsh, David Andrew; Young, Adam

2017-03-01

The structural damage caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can often be mitigated by orthopaedic surgery in late disease. This study evaluates the value of predictive factors for orthopaedic intervention. A systematic review of literature was undertaken to identify papers describing predictive factors for orthopaedic surgery in RA. Manuscripts were selected if they met inclusion criteria of cohort study design, diagnosis of RA, follow-up duration/disease duration ≥3 years, any orthopaedic surgical interventions recorded, and then summarised for predictive factors. A separate predictive analysis was performed on two consecutive UK Early RA cohorts, linked to national datasets. The literature search identified 15 reports examining predictive factors for orthopaedic intervention, 4 inception, 5 prospective and 6 retrospective. Despite considerable variation, acute phase, x-ray scores, women and genotyping were the most commonly reported prognostic markers. The current predictive analysis included 1602 procedures performed in 711 patients (25-year cumulative incidence 26%). Earlier recruitment year, erosions and lower haemoglobin predicted both intermediate and major surgery (P<0.05). Studies report variations in type of and predictive power of clinical and laboratory parameters for different surgical interventions suggesting specific contributions from different pathological and/or patient-level factors. Our current analysis suggests that attention to non-inflammatory factors in addition to suppression of inflammation is needed to minimise the burden of orthopaedic surgery.

Improving cardiac surgical care: a work systems approach.

PubMed

Wiegmann, Douglas A; Eggman, Ashley A; Elbardissi, Andrew W; Parker, Sarah Henrickson; Sundt, Thoralf M

2010-09-01

Over the past 50 years, significant improvements in cardiac surgical care have been achieved. Nevertheless, surgical errors that significantly impact patient safety continue to occur. In order to further improve surgical outcomes, patient safety programs must focus on rectifying work system factors in the operating room (OR) that negatively impact the delivery of reliable surgical care. The goal of this paper is to provide an integrative review of specific work system factors in the OR that may directly impact surgical care processes, as well as the subsequent recommendations that have been put forth to improve surgical outcomes and patient safety. The important role that surgeons can play in facilitating work system changes in the OR is also discussed. The paper concludes with a discussion of the challenges involved in assessing the impact that interventions have on improving surgical care. Opportunities for future research are also highlighted throughout the paper. 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A novel combined interventional radiologic and hepatobiliary surgical approach to a complex traumatic hilar biliary stricture.

PubMed

NeMoyer, Rachel E; Shah, Mihir M; Hasan, Omar; Nosher, John L; Carpizo, Darren R

2018-01-01

Benign strictures of the biliary system are challenging and uncommon conditions requiring a multidisciplinary team for appropriate management. The patient is a 32-year-old male that developed a hilar stricture as sequelae of a gunshot wound. Due to the complex nature of the stricture and scarring at the porta hepatis a combined interventional radiologic and surgical approach was carried out to approach the hilum of the right and left hepatic ducts. The location of this stricture was found by ultrasound guidance intraoperatively using a balloon tipped catheter placed under fluoroscopy in the interventional radiology suite prior to surgery. This allowed the surgeons to select the line of parenchymal transection for best visualization of the stricture. A left hepatectomy was performed, the internal stent located and the right hepatic duct opened tangentially to allow a side-to-side Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (a Puestow-like anastomosis). Injury to the intrahepatic biliary ductal confluence is rarely fatal, however, the associated injuries lead to severe morbidity as seen in this example. Management of these injuries poses a considerable challenge to the surgeon and treating physicians. Here we describe an innovative multi-disciplinary approach to the repair of this rare injury. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

[Thyroid status peculiarities of elderly patients 5 years after operation depending on the volume of surgical intervention].

PubMed

Aristarhov, V G; Danilov, N V; Aristarkhov, R V; Puzin, D A; Birykov, C V

2016-01-01

Long-term results of treatment of 180 patients operated 5 years ago for benign thyroid nodular pathology have been analyzed in the present paper, the results being analyzed depending on the volume of surgical intervention. The rate of postoperative hypothyrodism is lower in patients who had undergone limited thyroid resection, recurrent cases are more frequent, but they are not clinically significant and seldom require reoperation. It should also be noted that those patients have fewer cardiac complaints as the dose of hormone replacement therapy preparations is small. Elder patients who had undergone functionally significant thyroidectomy and need to take great doses of Thyroxin (107-150 mcg/day) have cardiac complaints more often (43 %) comparing to those who had undergone limited resections (35 %).

Do BRCA1/2 mutation carriers have an earlier onset of natural menopause?

PubMed

van Tilborg, Theodora C; Broekmans, Frank J; Pijpe, Anouk; Schrijver, Lieske H; Mooij, Thea M; Oosterwijk, Jan C; Verhoef, Senno; Gómez Garcia, Encarna B; van Zelst-Stams, Wendy A; Adank, Muriel A; van Asperen, Christi J; van Doorn, Helena C; van Os, Theo A; Bos, Anna M; Rookus, Matti A; Ausems, Margreet G

2016-08-01

It has been hypothesized that BRCA1/2 mutation carriers have an earlier age at natural menopause (ANM), although to date findings are inconclusive. This study assessed the influence of BRCA mutation status on ANM, and aimed to explore the reasons of inconsistency in the literature. Cross-sectional assessment from an ongoing nationwide cohort study among members of BRCA1/2 mutated families. Information was obtained by a standardized questionnaire. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed, and Cox regression was used to assess the association between BRCA1/2 mutation status and ANM. Adjustments were made for birth cohort, family, smoking, use of hormonal contraceptives, and parity. A total of 1,208 BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and 2,211 proven noncarriers were included. Overall, no association was found between BRCA1/2 mutation status and ANM (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.06 [95% CI, 0.87-1.30]). We examined if the null finding was due to informative censoring by uptake of risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy. Indeed, within the oldest birth cohort, in which the percentage of surgical menopause events was lowest and comparable between carriers and noncarriers, the HR for earlier natural menopause in carriers was 1.45 (95% CI, 1.09-1.94). The second oldest birth cohort, however, demonstrated a decreased HR (0.67 [95% CI, 0.46-0.98]), and thus no trend over birth cohorts was found. Various types of selection bias hamper the comparison of ANM between BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and noncarriers, genetically tested in the clinic.

A surgical intervention for the body politic: Generation Squeeze applies the Advocacy Coalition Framework to social determinants of health knowledge translation.

PubMed

Kershaw, Paul; Swanson, Eric; Stucchi, Andrea

2017-06-16

The World Health Organization Commission on the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) observes that building political will is central to all its recommendations, because governments respond to those who organize and show up. Since younger Canadians are less likely to vote or to organize in between elections, they are less effective at building political will than their older counterparts. This results in an age gap between SDoH research and government budget priorities. Whereas Global AgeWatch ranks Canada among the top countries for aging, UNICEF ranks Canada among the least generous OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries for the generations raising young children. A surgical intervention into the body politic. Guided by the "health political science" literature, the intervention builds a non-profit coalition to perform science-based, non-partisan democratic engagement to increase incentives for policy-makers to translate SDoH research about younger generations into government budget investments. All four national parties integrated policy recommendations from the intervention into their 2015 election platforms. Three referred to, or consulted with, the intervention during the election. The intervention coincided with all parties committing to the single largest annual increase in spending on families with children in over a decade. Since many population-level decisions are made in political venues, the concept of population health interventions should be broadened to include activities designed to mobilize SDoH science in the world of politics. Such interventions must engage with the power dynamics, values, interests and institutional factors that mediate the path by which science shapes government budgets.

Teaching Surgical Hysteroscopy with a Computer

PubMed

Lefebvre; Cote; Lefebvre

1996-08-01

Using a hysteroscope can be simulated on a computer. It will improve physician training by measuring basic knowledge and abilities, allow different interventions and anatomic variations, minimize the trauma of surgical intervention, and reduce operative casualties. An integrated questionnaire covers instrumentation, fluid infusion, power source, indications and preparation for endometrial ablation, surgical techniques, and complications to evaluate the user's knowledge. The operation simulation then proceeds. In the endometrial cavity, by virtual simulation, the operating field should appear in real time to allow physicians to adapt the trajectory of the instruments. The computer is an IBM PC compatible. We use a modified joystick with optical encoders to know the instrument position. The simulation can be repeated as desired. An evaluation system is integrated in the software to keep the user informed on the amount of burn area(s) that have been completed. This prototype model is available.

Preoperative non-surgical over-correction of cleft lip nasal deformity.

PubMed

Matsuo, K; Hirose, T

1991-01-01

Alar cartilage, which is elastic like auricular cartilage, is correctable in the early neonatal period. Taking advantage of this correctability, we have performed preoperative non-surgical over-correction for cleft lip nasal deformity of incomplete and complete cleft lips with a Simonart's band. The device for this correction was made by processing a nostril retainer into a nostril over-corrector which utilises a spring of silicone rubber, works like a tissue expander and is supported by the nostril floor. Twenty cases are reviewed whose follow-up lasted more than 19 months. The earlier the non-surgical over-correction began, the more satisfactory were the results that were obtained.

Surgical management of corneal infections.

PubMed

Tuli, Sonal; Gray, Matthew

2016-07-01

The purpose of this review is to discuss the options for, and recent developments in, the surgical treatment of corneal infections. Although the mainstay of treatment of corneal infections is topical antimicrobial agents, surgical intervention may be necessary in a number of cases. These include advanced disease at presentation, resistant infections, and progressive ulceration despite appropriate treatment. Prompt and appropriate treatment can make the difference between a good outcome and loss of vision or the eye. There are a number of surgical therapies available for corneal infections. Preferred therapeutic modalities differ based on the size, causation, and location of the infection but consist of either replacement of the infected tissue or structural support of the tissue to allow healing. Although there are no completely novel therapies that have been developed recently, there have been incremental improvements in the existing treatment modalities making them more effective, easier, and safer. Several options are available for surgically managing corneal infections. Ophthalmologists should select the optimal procedure based on the individual patient's situation. http://links.lww.com/COOP/A20.

Surgical management of corneal infections

PubMed Central

Tuli, Sonal; Gray, Matthew

2016-01-01

Purpose of review The purpose of this review is to discuss the options for, and recent developments in, the surgical treatment of corneal infections. While the mainstay of treatment of corneal infections is topical antimicrobial agents, surgical intervention may be necessary in a number of cases. These include advanced disease at presentation, resistant infections, and progressive ulceration despite appropriate treatment. Prompt and appropriate treatment can make the difference between a good outcome and loss of vision or the eye. Recent findings There are a number of surgical therapies available for corneal infections. Preferred therapeutic modalities differ based on the size, causation, and location of the infection but consist of either replacement of the infected tissue or structural support of the tissue to allow healing. While there are no completely novel therapies that have been developed recently, there have been incremental improvements in the existing treatment modalities making them more effective, easier, and safer. Summary Several options are available for surgically managing corneal infections. Ophthalmologists should select the optimal procedure based on the individual patient’s situation. PMID:27096375

Long-term effects of earlier initiated continuous Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) for low-birth-weight (LBW) infants in Madagascar.

PubMed

Nagai, Shuko; Yonemoto, Naohiro; Rabesandratana, Norotiana; Andrianarimanana, Diavolana; Nakayama, Takeo; Mori, Rintaro

2011-12-01

To examine the long-term effects of earlier initiated continuous Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) for relatively stable low-birth-weight (LBW) infants in a resource-limited country. A randomized controlled trial with long-term follow-up was performed in LBW infants in Madagascar. Earlier continuous KMC (intervention group) was initiated as soon as possible within 24 h postbirth, and later continuous KMC (control group: conventional care) was initiated after complete stabilization. Outcome measures were mortality or readmission, nutritional indicators at 6-12 months postbirth and feeding condition at 6 months postbirth (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00531492). A total of 72 infants were followed for mortality or readmission at 6-12 months postbirth. There was no difference between the two groups (7/36 vs. 7/36, Risk ratio (RR), 1.00; 95% CIs, 0.39-2.56; p = 1.00). The proportion of exclusive breast feeding (EBF) at 6 months postbirth was significantly higher with earlier KMC than later KMC (12/29 vs. 4/26; RR 2.69; 95% CIs, 1.00-7.31; p = 0.04). There were no differences in nutritional indicators between the two groups at 6-12 months postbirth. Earlier initiated continuous KMC results in a significantly higher proportion of EBF at 6 months postbirth. Further larger-scale long-term evaluations of earlier initiated continuous KMC for LBW infants are needed. © 2011 The Author(s)/Acta Paediatrica © 2011 Foundation Acta Paediatrica.

Reflective Writing for Medical Students on the Surgical Clerkship: Oxymoron or Antidote?

PubMed Central

Liu, Geoffrey Z; Jawitz, Oliver K; Zheng, Daniel; Gusberg, Richard J; Kim, Anthony W

2017-01-01

Objectives Reflective writing has emerged as a solution to declining empathy during clinical training. However, the role for reflective writing has not been studied in a surgical setting. The aim of this proof-of-concept study was to assess receptivity to a reflective writing intervention among third-year medical students on their surgical clerkship. Study Design The reflective writing intervention was a one hour, peer-facilitated writing workshop. This study employed a pre-post-intervention design. Subjects were surveyed on their experience four weeks prior to participation in the intervention and immediately afterwards. Surveys assessed student receptivity to reflective writing as well as self-perceived empathy, writing habits and communication behaviors using a Likert response scale. Quantitative responses were analyzed using paired t-tests and linear regression. Qualitative responses were analyzed using an iterative consensus model. Setting Yale-New Haven hospital, a tertiary care academic center. Participants All Yale School of Medicine medical students rotating on their surgical clerkship during a 9 month period (74 in total) were eligible. In all, 25 students completed this study. Results The proportion of students desiring more opportunities for reflective writing increased from 32% to 64%. The proportion of students receptive to a mandatory writing workshop increased from 16% to 40%. These differences were both significant (p=0.003 and p = 0.001). 88% of students also reported new insight as a result of the workshop. 39% of students reported a more positive impression of the surgical profession after participation. Conclusion Overall, the workshop was well-received by students and improved student attitudes towards reflective writing and the surgical profession. Larger studies are required to validate the effect of this workshop on objective empathy measures. This study demonstrates how reflective writing can be incorporated into a pre-surgical curriculum

Outcomes of a Joint Replacement Surgical Home Model Clinical Pathway

PubMed Central

Chaurasia, Avinash; Garson, Leslie; Kain, Zeev L.; Schwarzkopf, Ran

2014-01-01

Optimizing perioperative care to provide maximum benefit at minimum cost may be best achieved using a perioperative clinical pathway (PCP). Using our joint replacement surgical home (JSH) model PCP, we examined length of stay (LOS) following total joint arthroplasty (TJA) to evaluate patient care optimization. We reviewed a spectrum of clinical measurements in 190 consecutive patients who underwent TJA. Patients who had surgery earlier in the week and who were earlier cases of the day had a significantly lower LOS than patients whose cases started both later in the week and later in the day. Patients discharged home had significantly lower LOS than those discharged to a secondary care facility. Patients who received regional versus general anesthesia had a significantly lower LOS. Scheduling patients discharged to home and who will likely receive regional anesthesia for the earliest morning slot and earlier in the week may help decrease overall LOS. PMID:25025045

School-Based Intervention for Test Anxiety

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yeo, Lay See; Goh, Valerie Grace; Liem, Gregory Arief D.

2016-01-01

Background: With children today being tested at younger ages, test anxiety has an earlier onset age. There is relatively limited research on test anxiety management programs with elementary school children. The theoretical basis for this nonrandomized pre-post intervention study is grounded in cognitive and behavioral interventions for test…

Medical and surgical treatment of obesity.

PubMed

Kissane, Nicole A; Pratt, Janey S A

2011-03-01

The prevalence of obesity has reached epidemic proportions. Conceptualization of obesity as a chronic disease facilitates greater understanding its treatment. The NIH Consensus Conference on Gastrointestinal Surgery for Severe Obesity provides a framework by which to manage the severely obese--specifically providing medical versus surgical recommendations which are based on scientific and outcomes data. Medical treatments of obesity include primary prevention, dietary intervention, increased physical activity, behavior modification, and pharmacotherapy. Surgical treatment for obesity is based on the extensive neural-hormonal effects of weight loss surgery on metabolism, and as such is better termed Metabolic Surgery. Surgery is not limited to the procedure itself, it also necessitates thorough preoperative evaluation, risk assessment, and counseling. The most common metabolic surgical procedures include Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, adjustable gastric band, sleeve gastrectomy, and biliopancreatic diversion. Surgical outcomes for metabolic surgery are well studied and demonstrate superior long-term weight loss compared to medical management in cases of severe obesity.

[The estimation of clinical efficacy of eurespal in the postoperative period following surgical intervention on paranasal sinuses].

PubMed

2011-01-01

The objective of the present study was to estimate the influence of Eurespal (Fenspiride) on the changes of fibrous coating in the nasal cavities, transport function of ciliated epithelium, and dynamics of electrochemical properties of the nasal secretion by means of direct joulemetry following surgical intervention on paranasal sinuses (PNS). The study included 30 patients aged from 18 to 65 years presenting with chronic purulent sinusitis in the phase of exacerbation, polypous rhinosinusitis, and acute pyogenic process in PNS. The results of the study indicate that the use of Eurespal significantly accelerates the recovery of the transport function of intranasal mucociliated epithelium which results in a faster regression of the fibrous coat on intranasal mucosa and mucosal oedema. These changes lead to the improvement of drainage and aeration of the paranasal sinuses.

[NIC as a tool for assessing competences of nursing students in clinical placement at surgical units].

PubMed

Celma Vicente, Matilde; Ajuria-Imaz, Eloisa; Lopez-Morales, Manuel; Fernandez-Marín, Pilar; Menor-Castro, Alicia; Cano-Caballero Galvez, Maria Dolores

2015-01-01

This paper shows the utility of a NIC standardized language to assess the extent of nursing student skills at Practicum in surgical units To identify the nursing interventions classification (NIC) that students can learn to perform in surgical units. To determine the level of difficulty in learning interventions, depending on which week of rotation in clinical placement the student is. Qualitative study using Delphi consensus technique, involving nurses with teaching experience who work in hospital surgical units, where students undertake the Practicum. The results were triangulated through a questionnaire to tutors about the degree of conformity. A consensus was reached about the interventions that students can achieve in surgical units and the frequency in which they can be performed. The level of difficulty of each intervention, and the amount of weeks of practice that students need to reach the expected level of competence was also determined. The results should enable us to design better rotations matched to student needs. Knowing the frequency of each intervention that is performed in each unit determines the chances of learning it, as well as the indicators for its assessment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Prospective Trial of House Staff Time to Response and Intervention in a Surgical Intensive Care Unit: Pager vs. Smartphone.

PubMed

Tatum, James M; White, Terris; Kang, Christopher; Ley, Eric J; Melo, Nicolas; Bloom, Matthew; Alban, Rodrigo F

The objective of the study was to characterize house staff time to response and intervention when notified of a patient care issue by pager vs. smartphone. We hypothesized that smartphones would reduce house staff time to response and intervention. Prospective study of all electronic communications was conducted between nurses and house staff between September 2015 and October 2015. The 4-week study period was randomly divided into two 2-week study periods where all electronic communications between intensive care unit nurses and intensive care unit house staff were exclusively by smartphone or by pager, respectively. Time of communication initiation, time of house staff response, and time from response to clinical intervention for each communication were recorded. Outcomes are time from nurse contact to house staff response and intervention. Single-center surgical intensive care unit of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, an academic tertiary care and level I trauma center. All electronic communications occurring between nurses and house staff in the study unit during the study period were considered. During the study period, 205 nurse-house staff electronic communications occurred, 100 in the phone group and 105 in the pager group. House staff response to communication time was significantly shorter in the phone group (0.5 [interquartile range = 1.7] vs. 2 [3]min, p < 0.001). Time to house staff intervention after response was also significantly more rapid in the phone group (0.8 [1.7] vs. 1 [2]min, p = 0.003). Dedicated clinical smartphones significantly decrease time to house staff response after electronic nursing communications compared with pagers. Copyright © 2017 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Influence of Surgical Stabilization on Glenohumeral Abduction Using 3-Dimensional Computed Tomography in Patients With Shoulder Instability.

PubMed

Bakshi, Neil K; Jameel, Omar F; Merrill, Zachary F; Debski, Richard E; Sekiya, Jon K

2016-08-01

This study compared the amount of glenohumeral abduction during arm abduction in the affected and unaffected shoulders of 3 groups of patients with shoulder instability: failed surgical stabilization, successful surgical stabilization, and unstable shoulder with no prior surgical intervention. All patients underwent bilateral shoulder computed tomography scans in 3 positions: 0° of abduction and 0° of external rotation (0-0 position), 30° of abduction and 30° of external rotation (30-30 position), and arms maximally abducted (overhead position). Three-dimensional computed tomography reconstruction was performed for both shoulders in all 3 positions. A specialized coordinate system marked specific points and directions on the humerus and glenoid of each model. These coordinates were used to calculate the glenohumeral abduction for the normal and affected sides in the 0-0, 30-30, and overhead positions. Thirty-nine patients with shoulder instability were included, of whom 14 had failed surgical repairs, 10 had successful surgical repairs, and 15 had unstable shoulders with no prior surgical intervention. In the overhead position, patients with failed surgical intervention had significantly less glenohumeral abduction in the failed shoulder (95.6° ± 12.7°) compared with the normal shoulder (101.5° ± 12.4°, P = .02). Patients with successfully stabilized shoulders had significantly less glenohumeral abduction in the successfully stabilized shoulder (93.6° ± 10.8°) compared with the normal shoulder (102.1° ± 12.5°, P = .03). Unstable shoulders with no prior surgical intervention (102.1° ± 10.3°) did not differ when compared with the normal shoulders (101.9° ± 10.9°, P = .95). Surgical intervention, regardless of its success, limits the amount of abduction at the glenohumeral joint. Level III, retrospective comparative study. Copyright © 2016 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Surgical Care of Pediatric Patients in the Humanitarian Setting: The Médecins Sans Frontières Experience, 2012-2013.

PubMed

Trudeau, Maeve O'Neill; Baron, Emmanuel; Hérard, Patrick; Labar, Amy S; Lassalle, Xavier; Teicher, Carrie Lee; Rothstein, David H

2015-11-01

Little is known about the scope of practice and outcomes in pediatric surgery performed by humanitarian organizations in resource-poor settings and conflict zones. This study provides the largest report to date detailing such data for a major nongovernmental organization providing humanitarian surgical relief support in these settings. To characterize pediatric surgical care provision by a major nongovernmental organization in specialized humanitarian settings and conflict zones. A retrospective cohort study was conducted from August 15, 2014, to March 9, 2015, of 59,928 surgical interventions carried out from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2013, by the Médecins Sans Frontières Operational Centre Paris (MSF-OCP) program in 20 locations, including South Sudan, Yemen, Syria, Gaza, Pakistan, Nigeria, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Philippines. Surgical interventions were primarily for general surgical, traumatic, and obstetric emergencies and were categorized by mechanism, type of intervention, American Society of Anesthesia risk classification, and urgency of intervention. Operative indications, type of intervention, and operative case mortality. Among all age groups, 59,928 surgical interventions were performed in dedicated trauma, obstetric, and reconstructive centers for 2 years. Nearly one-third of interventions (18,040 [30.1%]) involved preteen patients (aged <13 years) and 4571 (7.6%) involved teenaged patients (aged 13-17 years). The proportion of violence-related injuries in the preteen group was significantly lower than in the teenage group (4.8% vs 17.5%; P < .001). Burns (50.1%), other accidental injuries (16.4%), and infections (23.4%) composed the bulk of indications in the preteen group. Interventions in the teenage group were principally caused by trauma-related injuries (burns, 22.9%; traffic accidents, 10.1%; gunshot wounds, 8.0%). Crude perioperative case mortality rates were 0.07% in the preteen group, 0

Scientific Knowledge Suppresses but Does Not Supplant Earlier Intuitions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shtulman, Andrew; Valcarcel, Joshua

2012-01-01

When students learn scientific theories that conflict with their earlier, naive theories, what happens to the earlier theories? Are they overwritten or merely suppressed? We investigated this question by devising and implementing a novel speeded-reasoning task. Adults with many years of science education verified two types of statements as quickly…

Surgical treatment for male prolactinoma

PubMed Central

Song, Yi-Jun; Chen, Mei-Ting; Lian, Wei; Xing, Bing; Yao, Yong; Feng, Ming; Wang, Ren-Zhi

2017-01-01

Abstract A total of 184 cases of surgically treated male prolactinoma were analyzed retrospectively to summarize the outcome of this surgical intervention. We analyzed the general characteristics, clinical manifestations, hormone levels, imaging features, preoperative treatments, surgical outcomes, pathology results, and follow-up records for all included patients. The most common clinical manifestations included sexual dysfunction (47.4%), headache (55.9%), and visual disturbance (46.7%). Serum prolactin levels ranged from 150 to 204,952 ng/mL. Tumor size varied from 6 to 70 mm. Pituitary adenomas grew in a parasellar pattern with visual deficits occurring 40.7% of the time. After surgical therapy, 88.6% of patients achieved symptom relief, and 98.4% experienced an immediate postoperative decline in prolactin level. Fifty-seven patients (31.0%) achieved initial remission, and 26 patients (45.6%) experienced recurrence. Hence, our results suggest that in male prolactinoma characterized by a large pituitary diameter and high serum prolactin level, tumor size predicts the degree of gross resection. The prognostic predictors included preoperative tumor growth pattern and Ki-67 index. Citation: Yi-jun S, Mei-ting C, Wei L, Bing X, Yong Y, Ming F, Ren-zhi W. (2016) Surgical treatment for male prolactinoma: a retrospective study of 184 cases PMID:28079813

Pre- and post-surgical psychiatric assessments and intervention by major epilepsy centers in Japan - Nationwide survey.

PubMed

Goji, Hiroko; Fukuchi, Toshihiko; Kanemoto, Kousuke

2017-05-01

Although psychiatric issues following epilepsy surgery are now widely recognized as a major problem, actual awareness of these issues by epilepsy centers remains to be elucidated. This is the first known report regarding the use of psychiatric assessments and interventions by epilepsy centers throughout Japan. At the beginning of 2016, we sent a questionnaire regarding psychiatric assessments performed before and after epilepsy surgery, psychiatric intervention after surgery, and future plans for dealing with psychiatric issues in relation to epilepsy surgery, which consisted of a total of 24 items, to all members of the Japan Epilepsy Center Association (JEPICA). Nearly all major epilepsy centers in Japan are included in JEPICA, which had 31 members in 2016. Twenty-four (77%) of the 31 centers responded to the questionnaire. Seventeen (70.8%) centers answered that a psychiatrist was incorporated as part of their epilepsy surgery unit. In addition, 17 (70.8%) noted that psychiatric assessments were obtained prior to surgery, which were performed by psychiatrists in 8 (33.3%) centers and psychologists in 11 (45.8%). In 23 (95.8%) of the centers, the risk of occurrence of psychiatric illness following surgery was routinely explained prior to surgery, at least to surgical candidates with high susceptibility. In total, cases of psychiatric illness following surgery had been experienced in 16 (66.7%) centers, with depression as the most commonly encountered (41.7%), followed by anxiety (33.3%), psychosis (25.0%), and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (8.3%). Strong points of epilepsy centers in Japan include serious concern regarding post-surgical psychiatric illness by nearly all members of JEPICA and explanation of the risk of psychiatric adverse events provided beforehand to their patients. On the other hand, the small size of some epilepsy centers, along with lack of a standardized method for evaluation of psychiatric symptoms as well as dependence on the

[Gastrointestinal bleeding--concepts of surgical therapy in the upper gastrointestinal tract].

PubMed

Knoefel, W T; Rehders, A

2006-02-01

Bleeding of the upper gastrointestinal tract is the main symptom of a variety of possible conditions and still results in considerable mortality. Endoscopy is the first diagnostic modality, enabling rapid therapeutic intervention. In case of intractable or relapsing bleeding, surgery is often inevitable. However, emergency operations result in significantly higher mortality rates. Therefore the option of early elective surgical intervention should be considered for patients at increased risk of relapsing bleeding. If bleeding is symptomatic due to a complex underlying condition such as hemosuccus pancreaticus or hemobilia, angiography is now recognized as the definitive investigation. Angiographic hemostasis can be achieved in most cases. Due to the underlying condition, surgical management still remains the mainstay in treating these patients. This paper reviews surgical strategy in handling upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Combining Systems and Teamwork Approaches to Enhance the Effectiveness of Safety Improvement Interventions in Surgery: The Safer Delivery of Surgical Services (S3) Program.

PubMed

McCulloch, Peter; Morgan, Lauren; New, Steve; Catchpole, Ken; Roberston, Eleanor; Hadi, Mohammed; Pickering, Sharon; Collins, Gary; Griffin, Damian

2017-01-01

Patient safety improvement interventions usually address either work systems or team culture. We do not know which is more effective, or whether combining approaches is beneficial. To compare improvement in surgical team performance after interventions addressing teamwork culture, work systems, or both. Suite of 5 identical controlled before-after intervention studies, with preplanned analysis of pooled data for indirect comparisons of strategies. Operating theatres in 5 UK hospitals performing elective orthopedic, plastic, or vascular surgery PARTICIPANTS:: All operating theatres staff, including surgeons, nurses, anaesthetists, and others INTERVENTIONS:: 4-month safety improvement interventions, using teamwork training (TT), systems redesign and standardization (SOP), Lean quality improvement, SOP + TT combination, or Lean + TT combination. Team technical and nontechnical performance and World Health Organization (WHO) checklist compliance, measured for 3 months before and after intervention using validated scales. Pooled data analysis of before-after change in active and control groups, comparing combined versus single and systems versus teamwork interventions, using 2-way ANOVA. We studied 453 operations, (255 intervention, 198 control). TT improved nontechnical skills and WHO compliance (P < 0.001), but not technical performance; systems interventions (Lean & SOP, 2 & 3) improved nontechnical skills and technical performance (P < 0.001) but improved WHO compliance less. Combined interventions (4 & 5) improved all performance measures except WHO time-out attempts, whereas single approaches (1 & 2 & 3) improved WHO compliance less (P < 0.001) and failed to improve technical performance. Safety interventions combining teamwork training and systems rationalization are more effective than those adopting either approach alone. This has important implications for safety improvement strategies in hospitals.

Emergency, anaesthetic and essential surgical capacity in the Gambia

PubMed Central

Shivute, Nestor; Bickler, Stephen; Cole-Ceesay, Ramou; Jargo, Bakary; Abdullah, Fizan; Cherian, Meena

2011-01-01

Abstract Objective To assess the resources for essential and emergency surgical care in the Gambia. Methods The World Health Organization’s Tool for Situation Analysis to Assess Emergency and Essential Surgical Care was distributed to health-care managers in facilities throughout the country. The survey was completed by 65 health facilities – one tertiary referral hospital, 7 district/general hospitals, 46 health centres and 11 private health facilities – and included 110 questions divided into four sections: (i) infrastructure, type of facility, population served and material resources; (ii) human resources; (iii) management of emergency and other surgical interventions; (iv) emergency equipment and supplies for resuscitation. Questionnaire data were complemented by interviews with health facility staff, Ministry of Health officials and representatives of nongovernmental organizations. Findings Important deficits were identified in infrastructure, human resources, availability of essential supplies and ability to perform trauma, obstetric and general surgical procedures. Of the 18 facilities expected to perform surgical procedures, 50.0% had interruptions in water supply and 55.6% in electricity. Only 38.9% of facilities had a surgeon and only 16.7% had a physician anaesthetist. All facilities had limited ability to perform basic trauma and general surgical procedures. Of public facilities, 54.5% could not perform laparotomy and 58.3% could not repair a hernia. Only 25.0% of them could manage an open fracture and 41.7% could perform an emergency procedure for an obstructed airway. Conclusion The present survey of health-care facilities in the Gambia suggests that major gaps exist in the physical and human resources needed to carry out basic life-saving surgical interventions. PMID:21836755

Comparing the surgical timelines of military and civilians traumatic lower limb amputations

PubMed Central

Staruch, R.M.T.; Jackson, P.C.; Hodson, J.; Yim, G.; Foster, M.A.; Cubison, T.; Jeffery, S.L.A.

2016-01-01

The care and challenges of injured service have been well documented in the literature from a variety of specialities. The aim of this study was to analyse the surgical timelines of military and civilian traumatic amputees and compare the surgical and resuscitative interventions. A retrospective review of patient notes was undertaken. Military patients were identified from the Joint Theatre Trauma Registry (JTTR) in 2009. Civilian patients were identified using the hospital informatics database. Patient demographics, treatment timelines as well as surgical and critical care interventions were reviewed. In total 71 military patients sustained traumatic amputations within this time period. This represented 11% of the total injury demographic in 2009. Excluding upper limb amputees 46 patients sustained lower extremity amputations. These were investigated further. In total 21 civilian patients were identified in a 7-year period. Analysis revealed there was a statistically significant difference between patient age, ITU length of stay, blood products used and number of surgical procedures between military and civilian traumatic amputees. This study identified that military patients were treated for longer in critical care and required more surgical interventions for their amputations. Despite this, their time to stump closure and length of stay were not statistically different compared to civilian patients. Such observations reflect the importance of an Orthoplastic approach, as well as daily surgical theatre co-ordination and weekly multi-disciplinary meetings in providing optimal care for these complex patients. This study reports the epidemiological observed differences between two lower limb trauma groups. PMID:26958343

Surgical Management of Recurrent Musculotendinous Hamstring Injury in Professional Athletes

PubMed Central

Sonnery-Cottet, Bertrand; Daggett, Matt; Gardon, Roland; Pupim, Barbara; Clechet, Julien; Thaunat, Mathieu

2015-01-01

Background: Hamstring injury is the most common muscular lesion in athletes. The conservative treatment is well described, and surgical management is often indicated for proximal tendinous avulsions. To our knowledge, no surgical treatment has been proposed for failure of conservative treatment in musculotendinous hamstring lesions. Purpose: To describe the surgical management of proximal and distal hamstring musculotendinous junction lesions in professional athletes after failure of conservative treatment. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A consecutive series of 10 professional athletes, including 4 soccer players, 4 rugby players, and 2 handball players, underwent surgical intervention between October 2010 and June 2014 for the treatment of recurrent musculotendinous hamstring injuries. All athletes had failed at least 3 months of conservative treatment for a recurrent musculotendinous hamstring injury. Surgical resection of the musculotendinous scar tissue was performed using a longitudinal muscular suture. Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) and Marx scores were obtained at the 3-month follow-up, and a final phone interview was completed to determine recurrence of hamstring injury and return to previous level of play. Results: The mean age at surgery was 25.2 years (range, 19-35 years). The musculotendinous hamstring lesions involved 8 semitendinosus and 2 biceps femoris, with 6 injuries located proximally and 4 distally. Conservative treatment lasted a mean 5.1 months (range, 3-9 months) after last recurrence, and the patients had an average of 2.7 (range, 2-5) separate incidents of injury recurrence before surgical intervention was decided upon. At the 3-month follow-up, all patients had Marx activity scores of 16 and LEFS scores of 80. All 10 patients returned to the same level of play at a mean 3.4 months (range, 2-5 months). At a mean follow-up of 28.7 months, none of the athletes had suffered a recurrence. No surgical

Pre-surgical register of tobacco consumption.

PubMed

Gavilán, Eva; Moreno, Montse; Pérez, Àngels; Castellano, Yolanda; Fernández, Esteve; Martínez, Cristina

2018-03-24

Smoking cessation before surgery decreases the risk of complications. The aim of this study was to analyse the smoking register, associated variables and a short talk given to smokers in pre-surgical visits. Cross-sectional study. The pre-surgical records of 680 patients were assessed. We selected patient sociodemographic variables, surgical intervention characteristics, smoking status and consumption pattern. Logistic regression was used to study the variables association with smoking. A percentage of 97.2 of the pre-surgical records include information on tobacco consumption. Overall 20% of surgical patients are smokers. The probability of smoking is higher among men (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7-4.0) and≤60 years (aOR 5.4, 95% CI 3.2-9.1). None of the records had information regarding a short talk given to patients to give up smoking. Smoking consumption was prevalent, but the characterisation of a smoker's profile and short talk given to patient before surgery was practically nonexistent. Ensuring that patients who smokes receives a short talk to give up smoking before surgery is necessary. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Obstacles to implementation of an intervention to improve surgical services in an Ethiopian hospital: a qualitative study of an international health partnership project.

PubMed

Aveling, Emma-Louise; Zegeye, Desalegn Tegabu; Silverman, Michael

2016-08-17

Access to safe surgical care represents a critical gap in healthcare delivery and development in many low- and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia. Quality improvement (QI) initiatives at hospital level may contribute to closing this gap. Many such quality improvement initiatives are carried out through international health partnerships. Better understanding of how to optimise quality improvement in low-income settings is needed, including through partnership-based approaches. Drawing on a process evaluation of an intervention to improve surgical services in an Ethiopian hospital, this paper offers lessons to help meet this need. We conducted a qualitative process evaluation of a quality improvement project which aimed to improve access to surgical services in an Ethiopian referral hospital through better management. Data was collected longitudinally and included: 66 in-depth interviews with surgical staff and project team members; observation (135 h) in the surgery department and of project meetings; project-related documentation. Thematic analysis, guided by theoretical constructs, focused on identifying obstacles to implementation. The project largely failed to achieve its goals. Key barriers related to project design, partnership working and the implementation context, and included: confusion over project objectives and project and partner roles and responsibilities; logistical challenges concerning overseas visits; difficulties in communication; gaps between the time and authority team members had and that needed to implement and engage other staff; limited strategies for addressing adaptive-as opposed to technical-challenges; effects of hierarchy and resource scarcity on QI efforts. While many of the obstacles identified are common to diverse settings, our findings highlight ways in which some features of low-income country contexts amplify these common challenges. We identify lessons for optimising the design and planning of quality improvement

Online time and resource management based on surgical workflow time series analysis.

PubMed

Maktabi, M; Neumuth, T

2017-02-01

Hospitals' effectiveness and efficiency can be enhanced by automating the resource and time management of the most cost-intensive unit in the hospital: the operating room (OR). The key elements required for the ideal organization of hospital staff and technical resources (such as instruments in the OR) are an exact online forecast of both the surgeon's resource usage and the remaining intervention time. This paper presents a novel online approach relying on time series analysis and the application of a linear time-variant system. We calculated the power spectral density and the spectrogram of surgical perspectives (e.g., used instrument) of interest to compare several surgical workflows. Considering only the use of the surgeon's right hand during an intervention, we were able to predict the remaining intervention time online with an error of 21 min 45 s ±9 min 59 s for lumbar discectomy. Furthermore, the performance of forecasting of technical resource usage in the next 20 min was calculated for a combination of spectral analysis and the application of a linear time-variant system (sensitivity: 74 %; specificity: 75 %) focusing on just the use of surgeon's instrument in question. The outstanding benefit of these methods is that the automated recording of surgical workflows has minimal impact during interventions since the whole set of surgical perspectives need not be recorded. The resulting predictions can help various stakeholders such as OR staff and hospital technicians. Moreover, reducing resource conflicts could well improve patient care.

Paper-based and web-based intervention modeling experiments identified the same predictors of general practitioners' antibiotic-prescribing behavior.

PubMed

Treweek, Shaun; Bonetti, Debbie; Maclennan, Graeme; Barnett, Karen; Eccles, Martin P; Jones, Claire; Pitts, Nigel B; Ricketts, Ian W; Sullivan, Frank; Weal, Mark; Francis, Jill J

2014-03-01

To evaluate the robustness of the intervention modeling experiment (IME) methodology as a way of developing and testing behavioral change interventions before a full-scale trial by replicating an earlier paper-based IME. Web-based questionnaire and clinical scenario study. General practitioners across Scotland were invited to complete the questionnaire and scenarios, which were then used to identify predictors of antibiotic-prescribing behavior. These predictors were compared with the predictors identified in an earlier paper-based IME and used to develop a new intervention. Two hundred seventy general practitioners completed the questionnaires and scenarios. The constructs that predicted simulated behavior and intention were attitude, perceived behavioral control, risk perception/anticipated consequences, and self-efficacy, which match the targets identified in the earlier paper-based IME. The choice of persuasive communication as an intervention in the earlier IME was also confirmed. Additionally, a new intervention, an action plan, was developed. A web-based IME replicated the findings of an earlier paper-based IME, which provides confidence in the IME methodology. The interventions will now be evaluated in the next stage of the IME, a web-based randomized controlled trial. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Toward Explaining Earlier Retirement after 1970.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ippolito, Richard A.

1990-01-01

Rule changes in the social security system and pension plans suggest that labor force participation rates for men aged 55 to 64 fell by 20 percent from 1970 through 1986 because of the increase in social security benefits and a change in private pension rules encouraging earlier retirement. (Author/JOW)

Evidence-Based Bundles and Cesarean Delivery Surgical Site Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PubMed

Carter, Ebony B; Temming, Lorene A; Fowler, Susan; Eppes, Catherine; Gross, Gilad; Srinivas, Sindhu K; Macones, George A; Colditz, Graham A; Tuuli, Methodius G

2017-10-01

To estimate the association of implementation of evidence-based bundles with surgical site infection rates after cesarean delivery. We searched MEDLINE through PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov. We searched electronic databases for randomized controlled trials and observational studies comparing evidence-based infection prevention bundles for cesarean delivery, defined as implementation of three or more processes proven to prevent surgical site infection such as chlorhexidine skin preparation, antibiotic prophylaxis, and hair clipping, with usual care. The primary outcome was overall surgical site infection, defined using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Healthcare Safety Network criteria. Secondary outcomes were superficial or deep surgical site infection and endometritis. Quality of studies and heterogeneity were assessed using validated measures. Pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% CIs were calculated using random-effects models. Numbers needed to treat were estimated for outcomes with significant reduction. We found no randomized controlled trials. Fourteen preintervention and postintervention studies met inclusion criteria. Eight were full-text articles, and six were published abstracts. Quality of most of the primary studies was adequate with regard to the intervention, but modest in terms of implementation. The rate of surgical site infection was significantly lower after implementing an evidence-based bundle (14 studies: pooled rates 6.2% baseline compared with 2.0% intervention, pooled RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.25-0.43, number needed to treat=24). Evidence-based bundles were also associated with a lower rate of superficial or deep surgical site infection (six studies: pooled rate 5.9% baseline compared with 1.1% intervention, pooled RR 0.19, 95% CI 0.12-0.32, number needed to treat=21). The rate of endometritis was low at baseline and not significantly different after

Adjacent segment infection after surgical treatment of spondylodiscitis.

PubMed

Siam, Ahmed Ezzat; El Saghir, Hesham; Boehm, Heinrich

2016-03-01

This is the first case series to describe adjacent segment infection (ASI) after surgical treatment of spondylodiscitis (SD). Patients with SD, spondylitis who were surgically treated between 1994 and 2012 were included. Out of 1187 cases, 23 (1.94 %) returned to our institution (Zentralklinik Bad Berka) with ASI: 10 males, 13 females, with a mean age of 65.1 years and a mean follow-up of 69 months. ASI most commonly involved L3-4 (seven patients), T12-L1 (five) and L2-3 (four). The mean interval between operations of primary infection and ASI was 36.9 months. All cases needed surgical intervention, debridement, reconstruction and fusion with longer instrumentation, with culture and sensitivity-based postoperative antimicrobial therapy. At last follow-up, six patients (26.1 %) were mobilized in a wheelchair with a varying degree of paraplegia (three had pre-existing paralysis). Three patients died within 2 months after the ASI operation (13 %). Excellent outcomes were achieved in five patients, and good in eight. Adjacent segment infection after surgical treatment of spondylodiscitis is a rare complication (1.94 %). It is associated with multimorbidity and shows a high mortality rate and a high neurological affection rate. Possible explanations are: haematomas of repeated micro-fractures around screw loosening, haematogenous spread, direct inoculation or a combination of these factors. ASI may also lead to proximal junctional kyphosis, as found in this series. We suggest early surgical intervention with anterior debridement, reconstruction and fusion with posterior instrumentation, followed by antimicrobial therapy for 12 weeks. Level IV retrospective uncontrolled case series.

The 274th Forward Surgical Team experience during Operation Enduring Freedom.

PubMed

Peoples, George E; Gerlinger, Tad; Craig, Robert; Burlingame, Brian

2005-06-01

The 274th Forward Surgical Team (FST) was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from October 14, 2001 to May 8, 2002. During this period, the FST was asked to perform many nondoctrinal missions. The FST was tasked with functioning as a mini-combat support hospital during the earlier phases of Operation Enduring Freedom, performing in-flight surgical procedures and resuscitation of combat wounded, conducting split operations with surgical coverage of both Karshi and Khanabad, Uzbekistan, and Bagram, Afghanistan, and leading the multinational medical coalition assembled for Operation Anaconda and other combat operations staged from Bagram. Overall, the 274th FST took care of approximately 90% of U.S. combat casualties during this period and treated a total of 221 combat casualties. The FST treated 103 total surgical cases, including 73 with combat wounds. At the time, this experience with combat casualties and the surgical care of combat wounds was the largest since the Persian Gulf War. More importantly, this account describes the flow, frequency, and type of combat casualties seen in a low-intensity conflict like that being waged currently in Afghanistan. It is hoped that this depiction will aid in the preparation, equipping, and overall utilization of surgical assets in similar future conflicts.

Dentoalveolar oral surgery in children and adolescents: organization and surgical treatment in a large, Danish municipal dental service.

PubMed

Grønbæk, Anni Birgitte; Petersen, Flemming; Haubek, Dorte; Poulsen, Sven

2017-11-01

To describe a population-based organization of dentoalveolar surgical service for 0 to 18-year old subjects in a Danish municipal dental service, and analyze the type of dentoalveolar surgical interventions needed. The study was conducted in the Municipality of Aarhus, Denmark during five consecutive school-years. An internal referral system was established within the municipality where patients could be referred to colleagues with a higher level of competencies and more experiences with paediatric dentoalveolar surgery. The analysis includes a total of 1812 children and a total of 2854 surgical interventions. Almost 80% of the patients, representing more than 80% of the dentoalveolar surgical interventions needed, were referred internally. Denudations were the most frequent treatment type (40.3%) carried out, followed by removal of third molars (18.0%). Furthermore, 22 odontomas and 100 supernumerary teeth were removed. The need of dentoalveolar surgery in children and adolescents is relatively low, but includes a wide range of interventions. An organizational system, where dentists can refer to colleagues who have developed special competencies in this field, results in most of these surgical patients being referred and treated internally.

Development of a patient-specific surgical simulator for pediatric laparoscopic procedures.

PubMed

Saber, Nikoo R; Menon, Vinay; St-Pierre, Jean C; Looi, Thomas; Drake, James M; Cyril, Xavier

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate a pediatric patient-specific surgical simulator for the planning, practice, and validation of laparoscopic surgical procedures prior to intervention, initially focusing on the choledochal cyst resection and reconstruction scenario. The simulator is comprised of software elements including a deformable body physics engine, virtual surgical tools, and abdominal organs. Hardware components such as haptics-enabled hand controllers and a representative endoscopic tool have also been integrated. The prototype is able to perform a number of surgical tasks and further development work is under way to simulate the complete procedure with acceptable fidelity and accuracy.

An access to care study for the pre-surgical nasoalveolar molding and other treatments for cleft lip and palate.

PubMed

Blume, Carlen P; Henson, Timothy B

2011-07-01

This study is designed to ascertain whether a regional bias exists, as well as provide a reference to those seeking the various modalities used in pre-surgical intervention for cleft lip and palate either for their own patients or educational purposes. A survey was constructed using Survey Monkey and distributed via e-mail to American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry members. Approximately 3689 surveys were delivered consisting of 12 questions asking whether they provide pre-surgical intervention to cleft lip and palate patients, and what type of interventions they use. A total of 572 members responded. Of the respondents, 480 reported they treat children affected by cleft lip and/or cleft palate. Of these, only 102 reported that they provide pre-surgical treatment. Pre-surgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) represented 29.2 percent of the interventions used and was most heavily concentrated in Texas. Other modalities used included the Latham appliance, lip adhesion/tacking, the passive appliance, and a category 'other' was included. Those checking 'other' most often described alveolar grafting prior to later surgical procedures than were of interest in this study. The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio had the largest number of respondents using the PNAM. A very small proportion of pediatric dentists are providing pre-surgical intervention of any kind to patients with cleft lip and palate. However, those that are providing the service are spread around the country enough to consider PNAM as the standard of care for pre-surgical infant cleft treatment.

Preoperative Optimization of Total Joint Arthroplasty Surgical Risk: Obesity.

PubMed

Fournier, Matthew N; Hallock, Justin; Mihalko, William M

2016-08-01

Obesity is a problem that is increasing in prevalence in the United States and in other countries, and it is a common comorbidity in patients seeking total joint arthroplasty for degenerative musculoskeletal diseases. Obesity, as well as commonly associated comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and those contributing to the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, have been shown to have detrimental effects on total joint arthroplasty outcomes. Although there are effective surgical and nonsurgical interventions which can result in weight loss in these patients, concomitant benefit on arthroplasty outcomes is not clear. Preoperative optimization of surgical risk in obese total joint arthroplasty patients is an important point of intervention to improve arthroplasty outcomes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Occipital neuralgia: possible failure of surgical treatment - case report.

PubMed

Andrychowski, Jarosław; Czernicki, Zbigniew; Netczuk, Tomasz; Taraszewska, Anna; Dabrowski, Piotr; Rakasz, Lukasz; Budohoski, Karol

2009-01-01

Surgical intervention in severe cases of occipital neuralgia should be considered if pharmacological and local nerve blocking treatment fail. The literature suggests two types of interventions: surgical decompression of the greater occipital nerve (GON) from the entrapment site, as a less invasive approach, and neurotomy of the nerve trunk, which results in ipsilateral sensation deficits in the GON innervated area of the skull. Due to anatomical variations in the division of the GON trunk, typical neurotomy above the line of the trapezius muscle aponeurosis (TMA) may not result in full recovery. The present study discusses a case of a female treated with GON decompression as a result of occipital neuralgia unresponsive to pharmacotherapy, who thereafter was qualified for two consecutive neurotomies due to severe relapse of pain.

[Endovascular interventions for multiple trauma].

PubMed

Kinstner, C; Funovics, M

2014-09-01

In recent years interventional radiology has significantly changed the management of injured patients with multiple trauma. Currently nearly all vessels can be reached within a reasonably short time with the help of specially preshaped catheters and guide wires to achieve bleeding control of arterial und venous bleeding. Whereas bleeding control formerly required extensive open surgery, current interventional methods allow temporary vessel occlusion (occlusion balloons), permanent embolization and stenting. In injured patients with multiple trauma preinterventional procedural planning is performed with the help of multidetector computed tomography whenever possible. Interventional radiology not only allows minimization of therapeutic trauma but also a considerably shorter treatment time. Interventional bleeding control has developed into a standard method in the management of vascular trauma of the chest and abdomen as well as in vascular injuries of the upper and lower extremities when open surgical access is associated with increased risk. Additionally, pelvic trauma, vascular trauma of the superior thoracic aperture and parenchymal arterial lacerations of organs that can be at least partially preserved are primarily managed by interventional methods. In an interdisciplinary setting interventional radiology provides a safe and efficient means of rapid bleeding control in nearly all vascular territories in addition to open surgical access.

Automated hand hygiene auditing with and without an intervention.

PubMed

Kwok, Yen Lee Angela; Juergens, Craig P; McLaws, Mary-Louise

2016-12-01

Daily feedback from continuous automated auditing with a peer reminder intervention was used to improve compliance. Compliance rates from covert and overt automated auditing phases with and without intervention were compared with human mandatory audits. An automated system was installed to covertly detect hand hygiene events with each depression of the alcohol-based handrub dispenser for 5 months. The overt phase included key clinicians trained to share daily rates with clinicians, set compliance goals, and nudge each other to comply for 6 months. During a further 6 months, the intervention continued without being refreshed. Hand Hygiene Australia (HHA) human audits were performed quarterly during the intervention in accordance with the World Health Organization guidelines. Percentage point (PP) differences between compliance rates were used to determine change. HHA rates for June 2014 were 85% and 87% on the medical and surgical wards, respectively. These rates were 55 PPs and 38 PPs higher than covert automation rates for June 2014 on the medical and surgical ward at 30% and 49%, respectively. During the intervention phase, average compliance did not change on the medical ward from their covert rate, whereas the surgical ward improved compared with the covert phase by 11 PPs to 60%. On average, compliance during the intervention without being refreshed did not change on the medical ward, whereas the average rate on the surgical ward declined by 9 PPs. Automation provided a unique opportunity to respond to daily rates, but compliance will return to preintervention levels once active intervention ceases or human auditors leave the ward, unless clinicians are committed to change. Crown Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Endovascular treatment as a bridge to successful surgical revascularization for chronic mesenteric ischemia.

PubMed

Biebl, Matthias; Oldenburg, W Andrew; Paz-Fumagalli, Ricardo; McKinney, J Mark; Hakaim, Albert G

2004-11-01

Chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) can be treated with surgical revascularization or with angioplasty and stenting. As experience has been gained, endovascular treatment appears safe and effective in selected patients. Currently, surgical revascularization has better success and patency rates but also a higher short- and midterm mortality and morbidity, especially in patients at high surgical risk. A 72-year-old female with severe respiratory dysfunction presented with CMI resulting in profound malnutrition. Serial percutaneous interventions averted urgent surgery and reversed the mesenteric ischemia. Nine months later, after repeated angioplasty and stenting had failed, elective uncomplicated iliomesenteric bypass, in a medically optimized patient, resolved the ischemia. At an 18-month follow-up, the graft remained widely patent and the patient asymptomatic with a body weight corresponding to her ideal body weight. Compared to surgical revascularization, reocclusion or restenosis occurs more frequently after endovascular treatment of CMI, and reintervention may be necessary. Nevertheless, percutaneous intervention effectively provides relief from mesenteric ischemia and has lower perioperative complication rates compared to surgery in patients at high surgical risk. After initial relief of the CMI, the patient's condition may improve, allowing for more definitive secondary surgical revascularization, if needed.

Multi-imager compatible actuation principles in surgical robotics.

PubMed

Stoianovici, D

2005-01-01

Today's most successful surgical robots are perhaps surgeon-driven systems, such as the daVinci (Intuitive Surgical Inc., USA, www.intuitivesurgical.com). These have already enabled surgery that was unattainable with classic instrumentation; however, at their present level of development, they have limited utility. The drawback of these systems is that they are independent self-contained units, and as such, they do not directly take advantage of patient data. The potential of these new surgical tools lies much further ahead. Integration with medical imaging and information are needed for these devices to achieve their true potential. Surgical robots and especially their subclass of image-guided systems require special design, construction and control compared to industrial types, due to the special requirements of the medical and imaging environments. Imager compatibility raises significant engineering challenges for the development of robotic manipulators with respect to imager access, safety, ergonomics, and above all the non-interference with the functionality of the imager. These apply to all known medical imaging types, but are especially challenging for achieving compatibility with the class of MRI systems. Even though a large majority of robotic components may be redesigned to be constructed of MRI compatible materials, for other components such as the motors used in actuation, prescribing MRI compatible materials alone is not sufficient. The electromagnetic motors most commonly used in robotic actuation, for example, are incompatible by principle. As such, alternate actuation principles using "intervention friendly" energy should be adopted and/or devised for these special surgical and radiological interventions. This paper defines the new concept of Multi-Imager Compatibility of surgical manipulators and describes its requirements. Subsequently, the paper gives several recommendations and proposes new actuation principles for this concept. Several

Acute bacterial endocarditis. Optimizing surgical results.

PubMed

Larbalestier, R I; Kinchla, N M; Aranki, S F; Couper, G S; Collins, J J; Cohn, L H

1992-11-01

Acute bacterial endocarditis continues to be a condition with high morbidity. Although the majority of patients are treated by high-dose antibiotics, a high-risk patient group requires surgical intervention, which is the subject of this article. From 1972 to 1991, 3,820 patients underwent heart valve replacement at the Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston. Of this group, 158 patients underwent surgery for acute bacterial endocarditis: 109 had native valve endocarditis (NVE), and 49 had prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE). There were 108 men and 50 women with a mean age of 49 years (range, 16-79 years); 64% were New York Heart Association functional class IV before surgery, and 12% of the group had a history of intravenous drug abuse. In both NVE and PVE groups, Streptococcus was the predominant infecting agent. Uncontrolled sepsis, progressive congestive failure, peripheral emboli, and echocardiographically demonstrated vegetations were the most common indications for surgery. Eighty-five percent of patients had a single-valve procedure, 15% had a multivalve procedure, and 34 patients had other associated major cardiac procedures. The operative mortality was 6% in NVE and 22% in PVE. Long-term survival at 10 years was 66% for NVE and 29% for PVE. Freedom from recurrent endocarditis at 10 years was 85% for NVE and 82% for PVE. The main factors associated with decreased survival overall were PVE and nonstreptococcal infection. The morbidity and mortality after surgical treatment of acute endocarditis depend on the site, the severity, and the subject infected. Early aggressive surgical intervention is indicated to optimize surgical results, especially in patients with nonstreptococcal infection or PVE.

Surgical speech disorders.

PubMed

Shen, Tianjie; Sie, Kathleen C Y

2014-11-01

Most speech disorders of childhood are treated with speech therapy. However, two conditions, ankyloglossia and velopharyngeal dysfunction, may be amenable to surgical intervention. It is important for surgeons to work with experienced speech language pathologists to diagnose the speech disorder. Children with articulation disorders related to ankyloglossia may benefit from frenuloplasty. Children with velopharyngeal dysfunction should have standardized clinical evaluation and instrumental asseessment of velopharyngeal function. Surgeons should develop a treatment protocol to optimize speech outcomes while minimizing morbidity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Postparalysis Facial Synkinesis: Clinical Classification and Surgical Strategies

PubMed Central

Chang, Tommy Nai-Jen; Lu, Johnny Chuieng-Yi

2015-01-01

Background: Postparalysis facial synkinesis (PPFS) can occur after any cause of facial palsy. Current treatments are still inadequate. Surgical intervention, instead of Botox and rehabilitation only, for different degrees of PPFS was proposed. Methods: Seventy patients (43 females and 27 males) with PPFS were enrolled since 1986. They were divided into 4 patterns based on quality of smile and severity of synkinesis. Data collection for clinically various presentations was made: pattern I (n = 14) with good smile but synkinesis, pattern II (n = 17) with acceptable smile but dominant synkinesis, pattern III (n = 34) unacceptable smile and dominant synkinesis, and pattern IV (n = 5) poor smile and synkinesis. Surgical interventions were based on patterns of PPFS. Selective myectomy and some cosmetic procedures were performed for pattern I and II patients. Extensive myectomy and neurectomy of the involved muscles and nerves followed by functioning free-muscle transplantation for facial reanimation in 1- or 2-stage procedure were performed for pattern III and many pattern II patients. A classic 2-stage procedure for facial reanimation was performed for pattern IV patients. Results: Minor aesthetic procedures provided some help to pattern I patients but did not cure the problem. They all had short follow-up. Most patients in patterns II (14/17, 82%) and III (34/34, 100%) showed a significant improvement of eye and smile appearance and significant decrease in synkinetic movements following the aggressively major surgical intervention. Nearly, all of the patients treated by the authors did not need repeated botulinum toxin A injection nor require a profound rehabilitation program in the follow-up period. Conclusions: Treatment of PPFS remains a challenging problem. Major surgical reconstruction showed more promising and long-lasting results than botulinum toxin A and/or rehabilitation on pattern III and II patients. PMID:25878931

Reflective Writing for Medical Students on the Surgical Clerkship: Oxymoron or Antidote?

PubMed

Liu, Geoffrey Z; Jawitz, Oliver K; Zheng, Daniel; Gusberg, Richard J; Kim, Anthony W

2016-01-01

Reflective writing has emerged as a solution to declining empathy during clinical training. However, the role for reflective writing has not been studied in a surgical setting. The aim of this proof-of-concept study was to assess receptivity to a reflective-writing intervention among third-year medical students on their surgical clerkship. The reflective-writing intervention was a 1-hour, peer-facilitated writing workshop. This study employed a pre-post-intervention design. Subjects were surveyed on their experience 4 weeks before participation in the intervention and immediately afterwards. Surveys assessed student receptivity to reflective writing as well as self-perceived empathy, writing habits, and communication behaviors using a Likert-response scale. Quantitative responses were analyzed using paired t tests and linear regression. Qualitative responses were analyzed using an iterative consensus model. Yale-New Haven hospital, a tertiary care academic center. All medical students of Yale School of Medicine, rotating on their surgical clerkship during a 9-month period (74 in total) were eligible. In all, 25 students completed this study. The proportion of students desiring more opportunities for reflective writing increased from 32%-64%. The proportion of students receptive to a mandatory writing workshop increased from 16%-40%. These differences were both significant (p = 0.003 and p = 0.001). In all, 88% of students also reported new insight as a result of the workshop. In total, 39% of students reported a more positive impression of the surgical profession after participation. Overall, the workshop was well-received by students and improved student attitudes toward reflective writing and the surgical profession. Larger studies are required to validate the effect of this workshop on objective empathy measures. This study demonstrates how reflective writing can be incorporated into a presurgical curriculum. Copyright © 2015 Association of Program Directors in

Necrotizing fasciitis: The need for urgent surgical intervention and the impact of intravenous drug use.

PubMed

Waldron, Carmel; Solon, Jacqueline Gemma; O'Gorman, Joanne; Humphreys, Hilary; Burke, John Patrick; McNamara, Deborah Ann

2015-08-01

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a relatively rare infection of soft tissues. This study reviewed the epidemiology and pathophysiology of admissions to a tertiary referral hospital over a twelve year period comparing outcomes and findings with international norms and to identify potential areas of change to optimise outcomes. A retrospective review of patients diagnosed with NF from Jan 1st 1999 to Dec 31st 2011 was performed. Patient demographics, risk factors, operative procedures, microbiology results and outcomes were recorded. Comparative analysis was performed. 37 patients were admitted with NF, comprising 30 males and 7 females with a median age of 55 years. The most common site of infection was the perineum (51%). The overall mortality rate was 29% and was significantly associated with age greater than 60 years (p = 0.0018) and the presence of one or more risk factor (p = 0.0046). The number of surgical procedures ranged from one to fifteen with a median length of stay of 35.5 days. There was a significant increase in the number of admissions in 2009-2010 (p < 0.001), coinciding with the emergence of NF in intravenous drug users (IVDU). 43% of patients (n = 16/37) required skin grafting, which was significantly higher in the IVDU group (n = 5/6, p = 0.0232). Necrotizing fasciitis remains a significant life-threatening event. The diversity of causative pathogens emphasises the need for prompt microbiology/infectious diseases consultation. The increased occurrence within the IVDU cohort in this study highlights the need for a heightened level of clinical suspicion in these patients to prompt early surgical intervention. Copyright © 2014 Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (Scottish charity number SC005317) and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Improving surgical weekend handover.

PubMed

Culwick, Caroline; Devine, Chris; Coombs, Catherine

2014-01-01

Effective handovers are vital to patient safety and continuity of care, and this is recognised by several national bodies including the GMC. The existing model at Great Western Hospital (GWH) involved three general surgical teams and a urology team placing their printed patient lists, complete with weekend jobs, in a folder for the on-call team to collect at the weekend. We recognised a need to reduce time searching for patients, jobs and reviews, and to streamline weekend ward rounds. A unified weekend list ordering all surgical patients by ward and bed number was introduced. Discrepancies in the layout of each team's weekday list necessitated the design of a new weekday list to match the weekend list to facilitate the easy transfer of information between the two lists. A colour coding system was also used to highlight specific jobs. Prior to this improvement project only 7.1% of those polled were satisfied with the existing system, after a series of interventions satisfaction increased to 85.7%. The significant increase in overall satisfaction with surgical handover following the introduction of the unified weekend list is promising. Locating patients and identifying jobs is easier and weekend ward rounds can conducted in a more logical and timely fashion. It has also helped facilitate the transition to consultant ward rounds of all surgical inpatients at the weekends with promising feedback from a recent consultants meeting.

Non-surgical management of obstructive sleep apnoea: a review.

PubMed

Whitla, Laura; Lennon, Paul

2017-02-01

Obstructive sleep apnoea is common in children and, if untreated, can lead to multiple medical sequelae. The Childhood Adenotonsillectomy Trial demonstrated benefit from early surgical intervention, but rapid access to such treatment is not always available. To examine the recent literature on non-surgical aspects of the management of paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). The English language literature was searched for articles on the conservative management of OSA. In mild cases of OSA, intra-nasal steroids and other anti-inflammatory medications may give relief in mild cases of OSA, but the long-term safety of these treatments has not been established. Weight loss in obese children has been shown to be effective in selected patients but is limited in practice. Non-invasive ventilation may be effective but compliance can be a major obstacle. Oral appliances are effective by stenting the pharyngeal airway, but research in this area is limited. There are number of potential, if not proven, alternative management strategies for children with OSA, which could be considered in the absence of early surgical intervention.

Recruitment to publicly funded trials--are surgical trials really different?

PubMed

Cook, Jonathan A; Ramsay, Craig R; Norrie, John

2008-09-01

Good recruitment is integral to the conduct of a high-quality randomised controlled trial. It has been suggested that recruitment is particularly difficult for evaluations of surgical interventions, a field in which there is a dearth of evidence from randomised comparisons. While there is anecdotal speculation to support the inference that recruitment to surgical trials is more challenging than for medical trials we are unaware of any formal assessment of this. In this paper, we compare recruitment to surgical and medical trials using a cohort of publicly funded trials. Overall recruitment to trials was assessed using of a cohort of publicly funded trials (n=114). Comparisons were made by using the Recruitment Index, a simple measure of recruitment activity for multicentre randomised controlled trials. Recruitment at the centre level was also investigated through three example surgical trials. The Recruitment Index was found to be higher, though not statistically significantly, in the surgical group (n=18, median=38.0 IQR (10.7, 77.4)) versus (n=81, median=34.8 IQR (11.7, 98.0)) days per recruit for the medical group (median difference 1.7 (-19.2, 25.1); p=0.828). For the trials where the comparison was between a surgical and a medical intervention, the Recruitment Index was substantially higher (n=6, 68.3 (23.5, 294.8)) versus (n=93, 34.6 (11.7, 90.0); median difference 25.9 (-35.5, 221.8); p=0.291) for the other trials. There was no clear evidence that surgical trials differ from medical trials in terms of recruitment activity. There was, however, support for the inference that medical versus surgical trials are more difficult to recruit to. Formal exploration of the recruitment data through a modelling approach may go some way to tease out where important differences exist.

Surgical Interventions for Advanced Parameningeal Rhabdomyosarcoma of Children and Adolescents.

PubMed

Choi, Paul J; Iwanaga, Joe; Tubbs, R Shane; Yilmaz, Emre

2018-01-09

Owing to its rarity, rhabdomyosarcoma of the head and neck (HNRMS) has seldom been discussed in the literature. As most of the data is based only on the retrospective experiences of tertiary healthcare centers, there are difficulties in formulating a standard treatment protocol. Moreover, the disease is poorly understood at its pathological, genetic, and molecular levels. For instance, 20% of all histological assessment is inaccurate; even an experienced pathologist can confuse rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) with neuroblastoma, Ewing's sarcoma, and lymphoma. RMS can occur sporadically or in association with genetic syndromes associated with predisposition to other cancers such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome and neurofibromatosis type 1 (von Recklinghausen disease). Such associations have a potential role in future gene therapies but are yet to be fully confirmed. Currently, chemotherapies are ineffective in advanced or metastatic disease and there is lack of targeted chemotherapy or biological therapy against RMS. Also, reported uses of chemotherapy for RMS have not produced reasonable responses in all cases. Despite numerous molecular and biological studies during the past three decades, the chemotherapeutic regimen remains unchanged. This vincristine, actinomycin, cyclophosphamide (VAC) regime, described in Kilman, et al. (1973) and Koop, et al. (1963), has achieved limited success in controlling the progression of RMS. Thus, the pathogenesis of RMS remains poorly understood despite extensive modern trials and more than 30 years of studies exploring the chemotherapeutic options. This suggests a need to explore surgical options for managing the disease. Surgery is the single most critical therapy for pediatric HNRMS. However, very few studies have explored the surgical management of pediatric HNRMS and there is no standard surgical protocol. The aim of this review is to explore and address such issues in the hope of maximizing the number of options available for young patients

Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions: Empirically Validated Treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schreibman, Laura; Dawson, Geraldine; Stahmer, Aubyn C.; Landa, Rebecca; Rogers, Sally J.; McGee, Gail G.; Kasari, Connie; Ingersoll, Brooke; Kaiser, Ann P.; Bruinsma, Yvonne; McNerney, Erin; Wetherby, Amy; Halladay, Alycia

2015-01-01

Earlier autism diagnosis, the importance of early intervention, and development of specific interventions for young children have contributed to the emergence of similar, empirically supported, autism interventions that represent the merging of applied behavioral and developmental sciences. "Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions…

Surgical Approaches to the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint.

PubMed

Cheah, Andre Eu-Jin; Yao, Jeffrey

2016-02-01

The proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint may be affected by many conditions such as arthropathy, fractures, dislocations, and malunions. Whereas some of these conditions may be treated nonsurgically, many require open surgical intervention. Open interventions include implant arthroplasty or arthrodesis for arthropathy, open reduction internal fixation, or hemi-hamate arthroplasty for dorsal fracture-dislocations. Volar plate arthroplasty and corrective osteotomy for malunion about the PIP joint are also surgeries that may be required. The traditional approach to the PIP joint has been dorsal, which damages the delicate extensor apparatus with subsequent development of an extensor lag. This has led surgeons to explore volar and lateral approaches to the PIP joint. In this article, we describe each of these surgical approaches, discuss their advantages and disadvantages, and provide some guidance on which approach to choose based on the surgery that is to be performed. Copyright © 2016 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Surgical management of breast cancer liver metastases

PubMed Central

Cassera, Maria A; Hammill, Chet W; Ujiki, Michael B; Wolf, Ronald F; Swanström, Lee L; Hansen, Paul D

2011-01-01

Introduction Selected patients with isolated breast cancer liver metastases (BCLM) may benefit from surgical management; however, indications remain unclear and the risks may outweigh the benefits in patients with a generally poor prognosis. Methods Between 1998 and 2006, 17 patients diagnosed with BCLM were considered for surgical management (<4 tumours, tumour <4 cm in diameter and no/stable extrahepatic metastases). Peri-operative and outcomes data were analysed and compared. Results Eight patients were found to have extensive or untreatable disease on staging laparoscopy and intra-operative ultrasound (SL/IOUS). The remaining nine patients underwent surgical management [seven laparoscopic radiofrequency ablations (RFA) and two hepatic resections]. Median length of follow-up for patients treated surgically was 40.0 months, median disease-free survival (DFS) was 32.2 months and median time to disease progression was 17.7 months. Of the eight patients not amenable to surgery, median length of follow-up was 21.8 months. Conclusion SL/IOUS prevented unnecessary laparotomy in half of the patients taken to the operating room for surgical treatment of BCLM. In patients with BCLM, SL/IOUS should be considered standard of care before surgical intervention. The small number of patients and short follow-up may be inadequate to determine the true value of surgical management in this group of patients with BCLM. PMID:21418133

Surgical care in the isolated military hospital.

PubMed

Lukish, J R; Gill, G G; McCoy, T R

2001-01-01

To maintain the health of service members and their families throughout the world, the Department of Defense has established several isolated military hospitals (IHs). The operational environment of IHs is such that illness and traumatic injury requiring surgical intervention is common. This study sought to examine the general and orthopedic surgical experience at an IH to determine whether surgical care could be provided in an effective and safe manner. All patients evaluated by the general and orthopedic surgeon at Guantanamo Bay Naval Hospital from October 1, 1998, to April 1, 1999, were included in this study. The following data were retrospectively reviewed: patient demographic data, diagnosis, initial and follow-up care, medical evacuation data, operative procedures, and complications. There were 336 patients who presented for surgical evaluation, resulting in 660 follow-up appointments during the study period. There were 31 medical evacuations (3 emergent). The surgical services performed 122 major operative procedures. There were 58 inpatient admissions. There was 1 death, and surgical complications occurred in 2 patients, for an overall morbidity and mortality of 1.4% and 0.7%, respectively. Our data show that an IH is capable of providing surgical care, including care for traumatic injuries, in a safe manner. This is the first study that provides objective evidence that general and orthopedic surgery at an IH can be provided within the standard of care.

Economic evaluation of three surgical interventions for menorrhagia.

PubMed

Fernandez, Hervé; Kobelt, Giséla; Gervaise, Amélie

2003-03-01

The study was carried out to compare the overall effectiveness and direct economic costs of vaginal hysterectomy (VH), endometrial ablation (EA) and thermo-coagulation (TC) for the treatment menorrhagia. We treated 50, 50 and 47 women with menorrhagia (>150 points on the Higham pictorial chart) by VH, EA and TC respectively. The patients were treated consecutively by the same surgeon and the choice between the three procedures depended on the desire of the patients. Resource utilization for the interventions was collected retrospectively from the hospital charts. A study questionnaire was mailed to the patients 24-36 months after the primary surgery. Patients who reported that they had undergone a second procedure or who were still menorrhagic were considered as treatment failures. As expected, the failure rate was lowest for VH. The total cost (without re-intervention for persistent menorrhagia) was 5315 Euros for VH, 1098 Euros for EA and 921 Euros for TC. The total cost with re-intervention was calculated based on therapeutic strategies used in 2001 and estimated at 5321 Euros for VH, 1263 Euros for EA and 1320 Euros for TC. The two out-patient procedures are very comparable in terms of success rates and costs. Choices will depend on budgeting considerations, surgeon skill and patient preference. The results may give guidance to investment decisions.

[Surgical treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus].

PubMed

Carrillo-Esper, Raúl; Muciño-Bermejo, María Jimena

2014-01-01

Sustained remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus and significantly improved hyperlipidemia and arterial hypertension, control has been achieves in both lean and obese patient after bariatric surgery procedures or other gastrointestinal surgical procedures. It has been demonstrated that the metabolic effects of bariatric surgery in these patients derives not only in reducing weight and caloric intake, but also endocrine changes resulting from surgical manifestation gastrointestinal tract. In this article we review the clinical outcomes of such interventions (collectively called "metabolic surgery") and the perspectives on the role that these surgeries play in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Medical students' career expectations and interest in opting for a surgical career.

PubMed

Hoffmann, Henry; Dell-Kuster, Salome; Rosenthal, Rachel

2014-02-24

Whilst surgery will face an imminent workforce shortage, an increasing majority of students decide against a surgical career. This study evaluated the current career expectations of medical students and tested a hands-on virtual reality (VR) intervention as a tool to increase their interest in surgery. Randomly selected medical students of the University of Basel received a short questionnaire to rank their interest in five different postgraduate working environments prior to a lecture. After the lecture they participated in a hands-on VR demonstration. Thereafter an online questionnaire regarding workplace expectations, surgery and VR was sent to the students. The online questionnaire response rate was 87% (225/258). Before using the VR intervention, a nonsurgical career was preferred by the majority of students, followed by a surgical career, cross-disciplinary specialties, research and, finally, nonclinical work. Surgery (n = 99, 44%) and emergency medicine (n = 111, 49%) were rated as incompatible with a good work-life balance. Further drawbacks to surgery were apprehension of competitive mentality, unclear career perspectives and longer working hours. The VR intervention had limited impact on re-ranking the five working sectors and slightly increased the students' interest in surgery. Students' work environment expectations, their declining interest in a surgical career and the increasing need for surgeons represent challenges for surgical societies to address, in order to improve the attractiveness of surgery amongst students. VR sessions may be integrated as part of the actions required to improve students' interest in a surgical career and should be further evaluated within controlled study designs.

Assessment of surgical discharge summaries and evaluation of a new quality improvement model.

PubMed

Stein, Ran; Neufeld, David; Shwartz, Ivan; Erez, Ilan; Haas, Ilana; Magen, Ada; Glassberg, Elon; Shmulevsky, Pavel; Paran, Haim

2014-11-01

Discharge summaries after hospitalization provide the most reliable description and implications of the hospitalization. A concise discharge summary is crucial for maintaining continuity of care through the transition from inpatient to ambulatory care. Discharge summaries often lack information and are imprecise. Errors and insufficient recommendations regarding changes in the medical regimen may harm the patient's health and may result in readmission. To evaluate a quality improvement model and training program for writing postoperative discharge summaries for three surgical procedures. Medical records and surgical discharge summaries were reviewed and scored. Essential points for communication between surgeons and family physicians were included in automated forms. Staff was briefed twice regarding required summary contents with an interim evaluation. Changes in quality were evaluated. Summaries from 61 cholecystectomies, 42 hernioplasties and 45 colectomies were reviewed. The average quality score of all discharge summaries increased from 72.1 to 78.3 after the first intervention (P < 0.0005) to 81.0 following the second intervention. As the discharge summary's quality improved, its length decreased significantly. Discharge summaries lack important information and are too long. Developing a model for discharge summaries and instructing surgical staff regarding their contents resulted in measurable improvement. Frequent interventions and supervision are needed to maintain the quality of the surgical discharge summary.

Discussion of death and dying in surgical textbooks.

PubMed

Easson, A M; Crosby, J A; Librach, S L

2001-07-01

Quality end-of-life care is an increasing concern for the public and the medical profession. Surgical textbooks could serve as an important educational and reference resource to improve this care. Four general surgical textbooks were scored for helpful information on death and dying for eight surgical diseases. For each disease, nine content domains related to care of the dying patient were evaluated. Three texts included a chapter on cancer that was evaluated separately. Disease epidemiology, prognosis/prevention, progression, and medical interventions were generally well discussed in all textbooks. However, little helpful information was provided with regards to breaking bad news/advanced care planning, mode of death, treatment decision-making, effect on family/surgeon, and symptom management. Cancer chapters also addressed only a few of these concerns. Death and the dying patient are sufficiently frequent in surgical practice that it would be appropriate to increase the amount of information provided.

Providing surgical care in Somalia: A model of task shifting.

PubMed

Chu, Kathryn M; Ford, Nathan P; Trelles, Miguel

2011-07-15

Somalia is one of the most political unstable countries in the world. Ongoing insecurity has forced an inconsistent medical response by the international community, with little data collection. This paper describes the "remote" model of surgical care by Medecins Sans Frontieres, in Guri-El, Somalia. The challenges of providing the necessary prerequisites for safe surgery are discussed as well as the successes and limitations of task shifting in this resource-limited context. In January 2006, MSF opened a project in Guri-El located between Mogadishu and Galcayo. The objectives were to reduce mortality due to complications of pregnancy and childbirth and from violent and non-violent trauma. At the start of the program, expatriate surgeons and anesthesiologists established safe surgical practices and performed surgical procedures. After January 2008, expatriates were evacuated due to insecurity and surgical care has been provided by local Somalian doctors and nurses with periodic supervisory visits from expatriate staff. Between October 2006 and December 2009, 2086 operations were performed on 1602 patients. The majority (1049, 65%) were male and the median age was 22 (interquartile range, 17-30). 1460 (70%) of interventions were emergent. Trauma accounted for 76% (1585) of all surgical pathology; gunshot wounds accounted for 89% (584) of violent injuries. Operative mortality (0.5% of all surgical interventions) was not higher when Somalian staff provided care compared to when expatriate surgeons and anesthesiologists. The delivery of surgical care in any conflict-settings is difficult, but in situations where international support is limited, the challenges are more extreme. In this model, task shifting, or the provision of services by less trained cadres, was utilized and peri-operative mortality remained low demonstrating that safe surgical practices can be accomplished even without the presence of fully trained surgeon and anesthesiologists. If security improves

Providing surgical care in Somalia: A model of task shifting

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Somalia is one of the most political unstable countries in the world. Ongoing insecurity has forced an inconsistent medical response by the international community, with little data collection. This paper describes the "remote" model of surgical care by Medecins Sans Frontieres, in Guri-El, Somalia. The challenges of providing the necessary prerequisites for safe surgery are discussed as well as the successes and limitations of task shifting in this resource-limited context. Methods In January 2006, MSF opened a project in Guri-El located between Mogadishu and Galcayo. The objectives were to reduce mortality due to complications of pregnancy and childbirth and from violent and non-violent trauma. At the start of the program, expatriate surgeons and anesthesiologists established safe surgical practices and performed surgical procedures. After January 2008, expatriates were evacuated due to insecurity and surgical care has been provided by local Somalian doctors and nurses with periodic supervisory visits from expatriate staff. Results Between October 2006 and December 2009, 2086 operations were performed on 1602 patients. The majority (1049, 65%) were male and the median age was 22 (interquartile range, 17-30). 1460 (70%) of interventions were emergent. Trauma accounted for 76% (1585) of all surgical pathology; gunshot wounds accounted for 89% (584) of violent injuries. Operative mortality (0.5% of all surgical interventions) was not higher when Somalian staff provided care compared to when expatriate surgeons and anesthesiologists. Conclusions The delivery of surgical care in any conflict-settings is difficult, but in situations where international support is limited, the challenges are more extreme. In this model, task shifting, or the provision of services by less trained cadres, was utilized and peri-operative mortality remained low demonstrating that safe surgical practices can be accomplished even without the presence of fully trained surgeon and

Use of Performance Measures to Evaluate, Document Competence and Deterioration of ASSET Surgical Skills

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-01

Fewer motor vehicle occupant injuries and gunshot wounds nationwide; 4) New blood- use protocols (1:1:1 red cell: plasma: platelet) and tranexamic ... acid reduced the need for open surgical interventions to control bleeding. PROBLEM: Reduced clinical opportunities for open surgical control of

Barriers and facilitators of surgical care in rural Uganda: a mixed methods study.

PubMed

Nwanna-Nzewunwa, Obieze C; Ajiko, Mary-Margaret; Kirya, Fred; Epodoi, Joseph; Kabagenyi, Fiona; Batibwe, Emmanuel; Feldhaus, Isabelle; Juillard, Catherine; Dicker, Rochelle

2016-07-01

Surgical care delivery is poorly understood in resource-limited settings. To effectively move toward universal health coverage, there is a critical need to understand surgical care delivery in developing countries. This study aims to identify the barriers and facilitators of surgical care delivery at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda. In this mixed methods study, we (1) applied the Surgeons OverSeas' Personnel, Infrastructure, Procedures, Equipment, and Supplies tool to assess surgical capacity; (2) retrospectively reviewed inpatient records; (3) conducted four semistructured focus group discussions with 18 purposively sampled providers involved in perioperative care; and (4) observed the perioperative process of care using a time and motion approach. Descriptive statistics were generated from quantitative data. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed. The Personnel, Infrastructure, Procedures, Equipment, and Supplies survey revealed severe deficiencies in workforce (P-score = 14) and infrastructure (I-score = 5). Equipment, supplies, and procedures were generally available. Male and female wards were overbooked 83% and 60% of the time, respectively. Providers identified lack of space, patient overload, and superfluous patients' attendants as barriers to surgical care. Workforce challenges were tackled using teamwork and task sharing. Inadequate equipment and processes were addressed using improvisations. All observed subjects (n = 31) received interventions. The median decision-to-intervention time was 2.5 h (Interquartile Range [IQR], 0.4, 21.4). However, 48% of subjects experienced delays. Median decision-to-intervention delay was 14.8 h (IQR, 0.9, 26.6). Despite severe workforce and physical infrastructural deficiencies at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, providers are adjusting and innovating to deliver surgical care. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Recent developments in the surgical management of perianal fistula for Crohn’s disease

PubMed Central

Geltzeiler, Cristina B.; Wieghard, Nicole; Tsikitis, Vassiliki L.

2014-01-01

Perianal manifestations of Crohn’s disease (CD) are common and, of them, fistulas are the most common. Perianal fistulas can be extremely debilitating for patients and are often very challenging for clinicians to treat. CD perianal fistulas usually require multidisciplinary and multimodality treatment, including both medical and surgical approaches. The majority of patients require multiple surgical interventions. CD patients with perianal fistulas have a high rate of primary non-healing, surgical morbidity, and high recurrence rates. This has led to constant efforts to improve surgical management of this disease process. PMID:25331917

Surgical Face Masks Worn by Patients with Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis

PubMed Central

Mphahlele, Matsie; Stoltz, Anton; Venter, Kobus; Mathebula, Rirhandzu; Masotla, Thabiso; Lubbe, Willem; Pagano, Marcello; First, Melvin; Jensen, Paul A.; van der Walt, Martie; Nardell, Edward A.

2012-01-01

Rationale: Drug-resistant tuberculosis transmission in hospitals threatens staff and patient health. Surgical face masks used by patients with tuberculosis (TB) are believed to reduce transmission but have not been rigorously tested. Objectives: We sought to quantify the efficacy of surgical face masks when worn by patients with multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). Methods: Over 3 months, 17 patients with pulmonary MDR-TB occupied an MDR-TB ward in South Africa and wore face masks on alternate days. Ward air was exhausted to two identical chambers, each housing 90 pathogen-free guinea pigs that breathed ward air either when patients wore surgical face masks (intervention group) or when patients did not wear masks (control group). Efficacy was based on differences in guinea pig infections in each chamber. Measurements and Main Results: Sixty-nine of 90 control guinea pigs (76.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 68–85%) became infected, compared with 36 of 90 intervention guinea pigs (40%; 95% CI, 31–51%), representing a 56% (95% CI, 33–70.5%) decreased risk of TB transmission when patients used masks. Conclusions: Surgical face masks on patients with MDR-TB significantly reduced transmission and offer an adjunct measure for reducing TB transmission from infectious patients. PMID:22323300

The role of interventional radiology in the treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

PubMed

Ierardi, Anna Maria; Angileri, Salvatore Alessio; Patella, Francesca; Panella, Silvia; Lucchina, Natalie; Petre, Elena N; Pinto, Antonio; Franceschelli, Giuseppe; Carrafiello, Gianpaolo; Cornalba, Gianpaolo; Sofocleous, Constantinos T

2017-01-01

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is the second most common primary hepatic malignancy after hepatocellular carcinoma. Complete surgical resection remains the only potentially curative option for patients with ICC. However, until now, early diagnosis with potential surgical intervention has been the exception rather than the rule with only 30% of patients qualifying for attempted surgical cure. Many patients are unresectable because of disease stage, anatomic conditions, medical comorbidities, and small future remnant liver. Interventional radiology procedures are available for these types of patients with intra-arterial therapies and/or ablative treatments both for curative and for palliative treatment. The goals of interventional therapy are to control local tumor growth, to relieve symptoms, and to improve and preserve quality of life. The choice of treatment depends largely on tumor extent and patient performance. No randomized studies exist to compare treatments. The present review describes the current evidence of the interventional treatments in the management of the ICC. Moreover, interventional procedures available to increase the future liver reserve before surgery were analyzed.

Evolution in the Surgical Care of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Patients in the Mid-South Quality of Surgical Resection (MS-QSR) Cohort

PubMed Central

Faris, Nicholas; Smeltzer, Matthew P; Lu, Fujin; Fehnel, Carrie; Chakraborty, Nibedita; Houston-Harris, Cheryl; Robbins, E. Todd; Signore, Sam; McHugh, Laura; Wolf, Bradley A.; Wiggins, Lynn; Levy, Paul; Sachdev, Vishal; Osarogiagbon, Raymond U.

2016-01-01

Objective Surgery is the most important curative treatment modality for patients with early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We examined the pattern of surgical resection for NSCLC in a high incidence and mortality region of the US over a 10-year period (2004–2013) in the context of a regional surgical quality improvement initiative. Methods We abstracted patient-level data on all resections at 11 hospitals in 4 contiguous Dartmouth Hospital Referral Regions in North Mississippi, East Arkansas and West Tennessee. Surgical quality measures focused on intraoperative practice, with emphasis on pathologic nodal staging. We used descriptive statistics and trend analyses to assess changes in practice over time. To measure the impact of an ongoing regional quality improvement intervention with a lymph node specimen collection kit, we used period effect analysis to compare trends between the pre- and post-intervention periods. Results Of 2,566 patients, 18% had no preoperative biopsy, only 15% had a preoperative invasive staging test, and 11% underwent mediastinoscopy. The rate of resections with no mediastinal lymph nodes examined decreased from 48% to 32% (p<0.0001) while the rate of resections examining 3 or more mediastinal stations increased from 5% to 49% (p<0.0001). There was a significant period effect in the increase in the number of N1, mediastinal and total lymph nodes examined (all p<0.0001). Conclusion A quality improvement intervention including a lymph node specimen collection kit shows early signs of having a significant positive impact on pathologic nodal examination in this population-based cohort. However, gaps in surgical quality remain. PMID:28684006

Surgical site infections in an abdominal surgical ward at Kosovo Teaching Hospital.

PubMed

Raka, Lul; Krasniqi, Avdyl; Hoxha, Faton; Musa, Ruustem; Mulliqi, Gjyle; Krasniqi, Selvete; Kurti, Arsim; Dervishaj, Antigona; Nuhiu, Beqir; Kelmendi, Baton; Limani, Dalip; Tolaj, Ilir

2007-12-01

Abdominal surgical site infections (SSI) cause substantial morbidity and mortality for patients undergoing operative procedures. We determined the incidence of and risk factors for SSI after abdominal surgery in the Department of Abdominal Surgery at the University Clinical Centre of Kosovo (UCCK). Prospective surveillance of patients undergoing abdominal surgery was performed between December 2005 and June 2006. CDC definitions were followed to detect SSI and study forms were based on Europe Link for Infection Control through Surveillance (HELICS) protocol. A total of 253 surgical interventions in 225 patients were evaluated. The median age of patients was 42 years and 55.1% of them were male. The overall incidence rate of SSI was 12%. Follow-up was achieved for 84.1% of the procedures. For patients with an SSI, the median duration of hospitalization was 9 days compared with 4 days for those without an SSI (p2, use of antibiotic prophylaxis and NNIS class of >2 were all significant at p < .001. The SSI rates for the NNIS System risk classes 0, 1 and 2-3 were 4.2%, 46.7% and 100%, respectively. SSI caused considerable morbidity among surgical patients in UCCK. Appropriate active surveillance and infection control measures should be introduced during preoperative, intra-operative, and postoperative care to reduce infection rates.

Surgical management of enterocutaneous fistula.

PubMed

Lee, Suk-Hwan

2012-01-01

Enterocutaneous (EC) fistula is an abnormal connection between the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and skin. The majority of EC fistulas result from surgery. About one third of fistulas close spontaneously with medical treatment and radiologic interventions. Surgical treatment should be reserved for use after sufficient time has passed from the previous laparotomy to allow lysis of the fibrous adhesion using full nutritional and medical treatment and until a complete understanding of the anatomy of the fistula has been achieved. The successful management of GI fistula requires a multi-disciplinary team approach including a gastroenterologist, interventional radiologist, enterostomal therapist, dietician, social worker and surgeons. With this coordinated approach, EC fistula can be controlled with acceptable morbidity and mortality.

Surgical Management of Enterocutaneous Fistula

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Enterocutaneous (EC) fistula is an abnormal connection between the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and skin. The majority of EC fistulas result from surgery. About one third of fistulas close spontaneously with medical treatment and radiologic interventions. Surgical treatment should be reserved for use after sufficient time has passed from the previous laparotomy to allow lysis of the fibrous adhesion using full nutritional and medical treatment and until a complete understanding of the anatomy of the fistula has been achieved. The successful management of GI fistula requires a multi-disciplinary team approach including a gastroenterologist, interventional radiologist, enterostomal therapist, dietician, social worker and surgeons. With this coordinated approach, EC fistula can be controlled with acceptable morbidity and mortality. PMID:22563283

Improving surgical weekend handover

PubMed Central

Culwick, Caroline; Devine, Chris; Coombs, Catherine

2014-01-01

Effective handovers are vital to patient safety and continuity of care, and this is recognised by several national bodies including the GMC. The existing model at Great Western Hospital (GWH) involved three general surgical teams and a urology team placing their printed patient lists, complete with weekend jobs, in a folder for the on-call team to collect at the weekend. We recognised a need to reduce time searching for patients, jobs and reviews, and to streamline weekend ward rounds. A unified weekend list ordering all surgical patients by ward and bed number was introduced. Discrepancies in the layout of each team's weekday list necessitated the design of a new weekday list to match the weekend list to facilitate the easy transfer of information between the two lists. A colour coding system was also used to highlight specific jobs. Prior to this improvement project only 7.1% of those polled were satisfied with the existing system, after a series of interventions satisfaction increased to 85.7%. The significant increase in overall satisfaction with surgical handover following the introduction of the unified weekend list is promising. Locating patients and identifying jobs is easier and weekend ward rounds can conducted in a more logical and timely fashion. It has also helped facilitate the transition to consultant ward rounds of all surgical inpatients at the weekends with promising feedback from a recent consultants meeting. PMID:26734294

[Combined surgical intervention treatments for lung cancer and coronary heart disease patients].

PubMed

Ma, Xuchen; Zhang, Zhitai; Hu, Yansheng; Song, Feiqiang; Zhang, Shaoyan; Ou, Songlei

2012-10-01

The number of patients with both lung cancer and coronary heart disease has increased for the last ten years. The aim of this study is to analyze the outcome of the combined treatment of radical surgery and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) for patients with both lung cancer and coronary heart disease. The clinical data of 18 patients (16 males and 2 females, mean age of 66.11 years) with both lung cancer and coronary heart disease who went through combined surgical interventions between 2003 and 2012 were summarized and analyzed. The lung cancer in these patients was predominantly at stages I and II (TNM). All patients' cardio-pulmonary function was favorable. All the patients survived the operation, without any recorded death and new myocardial infarction occurrence during the perioperative period. Squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma were found in 10 and 8 patients, respectively. Pathological lung cancer stage was Ia in 2 cases, Ib in 8 cases, IIa in 3 cases, II b in 3 cases, and IIIa in 2 cases. The most frequently observed complications were cardiac arrhythmias, atelectasis, and pulmonary infections. The mean values of operating room time, postoperative drainage, drainage tube time, and blood transfusion were significantly different between video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) groups and thoractomy groups. No significant differences in survival rate were found (P=0.187). The combined method of OPCABG and pulmonary resection is a safe and effective treatment for patients with both lung cancer and coronary heart disease. VATS lobectomy is beneficial for lung cancer patients because it reduces lesions.

Delaying Surgical Treatment of Penile Fracture Results in Poor Functional Outcomes: Results from a Large Retrospective Multicenter European Study.

PubMed

Bozzini, Giorgio; Albersen, Maarten; Otero, Javier Romero; Margreiter, Markus; Cruz, Eduard Garcia; Mueller, Alexander; Gratzke, Christian; Serefoglu, Ege Can; Salamanca, Juan Ignacio Martinez; Verze, Paolo

2018-01-01

Penile fracture is a rare clinical entity that represents a urologic emergency. It involves traumatic rupture of the tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa due to twisting or bending of the penile shaft during erection. To determine the differences in preoperative diagnostic evaluation patterns and outcomes of penile fracture patients to investigate the impact of surgical delay on functional outcomes. A retrospective analysis was performed using data obtained from 137 patients presenting with penile fracture at seven different European academic medical centers between 1996 and 2013. Age, imaging modalities used, timing of surgical intervention, length of tunica albuginea defect, and surgical technique were recorded. Postoperative erectile function outcomes were assessed with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), and the presence of postoperative penile curvature was noted. The association between timing of surgical intervention and postoperative IIEF-5 results was evaluated with discriminant function analysis. The median age of the patients was 34.50 yr (interquartile range [IQR]: 28.0-46.5 yr). Of the 137 patients, 82 (59.85%) underwent penile Doppler ultrasound, and 5 patients (3.64%) were evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging. All patients were treated surgically, and the duration between emergency room admission and surgical intervention was 5.0h (IQR: 3.6-8.0h). The median length of tunica albuginea defect was 10mm (IQR: 8-20mm). Postoperative IIEF-5 scores were 21 (IQR: 12-23) and 23 (IQR: 15-24) at the first and third postoperative months, respectively. Discriminant function analysis revealed that if the surgical intervention was performed >8.23hours after emergency room admission, postoperative erectile function was significantly worse (p=0.0051 at first month and p=0.0057 at third month postoperatively). Our multicenter study showed that delaying surgical intervention results in significantly impaired erectile function. Surgical

Efficacy of Surgical Airway Plasty for Benign Airway Stenosis.

PubMed

Tsukioka, Takuma; Takahama, Makoto; Nakajima, Ryu; Kimura, Michitaka; Inoue, Hidetoshi; Yamamoto, Ryoji

2016-01-01

Long-term patency is required during treatment for benign airway stenosis. This study investigated the effectiveness of surgical airway plasty for benign airway stenosis. Clinical courses of 20 patients, who were treated with surgical plasty for their benign airway stenosis, were retrospectively investigated. Causes of stenosis were tracheobronchial tuberculosis in 12 patients, post-intubation stenosis in five patients, malacia in two patients, and others in one patient. 28 interventional pulmonology procedures and 20 surgical plasty were performed. Five patients with post-intubation stenosis and four patients with tuberculous stenosis were treated with tracheoplasty. Eight patients with tuberculous stenosis were treated with bronchoplasty, and two patients with malacia were treated with stabilization of the membranous portion. Anastomotic stenosis was observed in four patients, and one to four additional treatments were required. Performance status, Hugh-Jones classification, and ventilatory functions were improved after surgical plasty. Outcomes were fair in patients with tuberculous stenosis and malacia. However, efficacy of surgical plasty for post-intubation stenosis was not observed. Surgical airway plasty may be an acceptable treatment for tuberculous stenosis. Patients with malacia recover well after surgical plasty. There may be untreated patients with malacia who have the potential to benefit from surgical plasty.

Efficacy of Surgical Airway Plasty for Benign Airway Stenosis

PubMed Central

Takahama, Makoto; Nakajima, Ryu; Kimura, Michitaka; Inoue, Hidetoshi; Yamamoto, Ryoji

2015-01-01

Background: Long-term patency is required during treatment for benign airway stenosis. This study investigated the effectiveness of surgical airway plasty for benign airway stenosis. Methods: Clinical courses of 20 patients, who were treated with surgical plasty for their benign airway stenosis, were retrospectively investigated. Results: Causes of stenosis were tracheobronchial tuberculosis in 12 patients, post-intubation stenosis in five patients, malacia in two patients, and others in one patient. 28 interventional pulmonology procedures and 20 surgical plasty were performed. Five patients with post-intubation stenosis and four patients with tuberculous stenosis were treated with tracheoplasty. Eight patients with tuberculous stenosis were treated with bronchoplasty, and two patients with malacia were treated with stabilization of the membranous portion. Anastomotic stenosis was observed in four patients, and one to four additional treatments were required. Performance status, Hugh–Jones classification, and ventilatory functions were improved after surgical plasty. Outcomes were fair in patients with tuberculous stenosis and malacia. However, efficacy of surgical plasty for post-intubation stenosis was not observed. Conclusion: Surgical airway plasty may be an acceptable treatment for tuberculous stenosis. Patients with malacia recover well after surgical plasty. There may be untreated patients with malacia who have the potential to benefit from surgical plasty. PMID:26567879

Surgical approaches for atrial fibrillation.

PubMed

Schouchoff, Barbara

2007-01-01

The Cox Maze procedure, a cardiac intervention that was developed by James Cox, MD, was first performed in 1988 to surgically cure atrial fibrillation. Over the years, changes in techniques of the classic maze were made, culminating in the Cox Maze III procedure, the Gold Standard. Modifications in the original procedure included simplifying the procedure to a minimally invasive approach. As a result of some of these modifications, the initial maze-like series of surgical atrial incisions has been reduced with the use of alternate energy sources that create hyperthermic lesion lines of conduction block that isolate and interrupt the abnormal impulses. The minimize, a minimally invasive thorascopic approach, can be performed off pump, thus avoiding a median sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic arrest intraoperatively and ensuring a shorter, less painful recovery.

A Model to Predict the Use of Surgical Resection for Advanced-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients.

PubMed

David, Elizabeth A; Andersen, Stina W; Beckett, Laurel A; Melnikow, Joy; Kelly, Karen; Cooke, David T; Brown, Lisa M; Canter, Robert J

2017-11-01

For advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer, chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy are the primary treatments. Although surgical intervention in these patients is associated with improved survival, the effect of selection bias is poorly defined. Our objective was to characterize selection bias and identify potential surgical candidates by constructing a Surgical Selection Score (SSS). Patients with clinical stage IIIA, IIIB, or IV non-small cell lung cancer were identified in the National Cancer Data Base from 1998 to 2012. Logistic regression was used to develop the SSS based on clinical characteristics. Estimated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to assess discrimination performance of the SSS. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare patients with similar SSSs. We identified 300,572 patients with stage IIIA, IIIB, or IV non-small cell lung cancer without missing data; 6% (18,701) underwent surgical intervention. The surgical cohort was 57% stage IIIA (n = 10,650), 19% stage IIIB (n = 3,483), and 24% stage IV (n = 4,568). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve from the best-fit logistic regression model in the training and validation sets were not significantly different, at 0.83 (95% confidence interval, 0.82 to 0.83) and 0.83 (95% confidence interval, 0.82 to 0.83). The range of SSS is 43 to 1,141. As expected, SSS was a good predictor of survival. Within each quartile of SSS, patients in the surgical group had significantly longer survival than nonsurgical patients (p < 0.001). A prediction model for selection of patients for surgical intervention was created. Once validated and prospectively tested, this model may be used to identify patients who may benefit from surgical intervention. Copyright © 2017 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Surgical Interventions and the Use of Device-Aided Therapy for the Treatment of Fecal Incontinence and Defecatory Disorders.

PubMed

Bharucha, Adil E; Rao, Satish S C; Shin, Andrea S

2017-12-01

The purpose of this clinical practice update expert review is to describe the key principles in the use of surgical interventions and device-aided therapy for managing fecal incontinence (FI) and defecatory disorders. The best practices outlined in this review are based on relevant publications, including systematic reviews and expert opinion (when applicable). Best Practice Advice 1: A stepwise approach should be followed for management of FI. Conservative therapies (diet, fluids, techniques to improve evacuation, a bowel training program, management of diarrhea and constipation with diet and medications if necessary) will benefit approximately 25% of patients and should be tried first. Best Practice Advice 2: Pelvic floor retraining with biofeedback therapy is recommended for patients with FI who do not respond to the conservative measures indicated above. Best Practice Advice 3: Perianal bulking agents such as intra-anal injection of dextranomer may be considered when conservative measures and biofeedback therapy fail. Best Practice Advice 4: Sacral nerve stimulation should be considered for patients with moderate or severe FI in whom symptoms have not responded after a 3-month or longer trial of conservative measures and biofeedback therapy and who do not have contraindications to these procedures. Best Practice Advice 5: Until further evidence is available, percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation should not be used for managing FI in clinical practice. Best Practice Advice 6: Barrier devices should be offered to patients who have failed conservative or surgical therapy, or in those who have failed conservative therapy who do not want or are not eligible for more invasive interventions. Best Practice Advice 7: Anal sphincter repair (sphincteroplasty) should be considered in postpartum women with FI and in patients with recent sphincter injuries. In patients who present later with symptoms of FI unresponsive to conservative and biofeedback therapy and evidence of

Orthograde retreatment failure with extruded MTA apical plug in a large periradicular lesion followed by surgical intervention: case report.

PubMed

Brito-Junior, Manoel; Faria-e-Silva, Andre Luis; Quintino, Alex Carvalho; Moreira-Junior, Gil; Geber, Mauro; Camilo, Carla Cristina; Soares, Janir Alves

2012-01-01

Absence of periapical healing after orthograde retreatment using an apical plug with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) can require surgical intervention. A patient with a root-filled maxillary central incisor with chronic apical periodontitis and sinus tract was referred for endodontic retreatment. Excessive apical enlargement was verified, indicating an MTA apical plug placement; however, an unintentional extrusion of MTA occurred during this step. The root canal was filled with gutta-percha and sealer, and periodic recalls were scheduled. The sinus tract was observed after six months and the lesion remained unaltered, although the extruded MTA had resorbed; therefore, an apicoectomy and retrograde root-end filling with MTA were performed. Absence of sinus tract, normal clinical aspect, and complete repair of the lesion were observed at the two-year follow-up.

Teamwork and Collaboration for Prevention of Surgical Site Infections.

PubMed

Dellinger, E Patchen

2016-04-01

The surgeon has been regarded as the "captain of the ship" in the operating room (OR) for many years, but cannot accomplish successful operative intervention without the rest of the team. Review of the pertinent English-language literature. Many reports demonstrate very different impressions of teamwork and communication in the OR held by different members of the surgical team. Objective measures of teamwork and communication demonstrate a reduction in complications including surgical site infections with improved teamwork and communication, with fewer distractions such as noise, and with effective use of checklists. Efforts to improve teamwork and communication and promote the effective use of checklists promote patient safety and improved outcomes for patients with reduction in surgical site infections.

A development of assistant surgical robot system based on surgical-operation-by-wire and hands-on-throttle-and-stick.

PubMed

Kim, Myungjoon; Lee, Chiwon; Park, Woo Jung; Suh, Yun Suhk; Yang, Han Kwang; Kim, H Jin; Kim, Sungwan

2016-05-20

Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery offers several advantages compared with open surgery and conventional minimally invasive surgery. However, one issue that needs to be resolved is a collision between the robot arm and the assistant instrument. This is mostly caused by miscommunication between the surgeon and the assistant. To resolve this limitation, an assistant surgical robot system that can be simultaneously manipulated via a wireless controller is proposed to allow the surgeon to control the assistant instrument. The system comprises two novel master interfaces (NMIs), a surgical instrument with a gripper actuated by a micromotor, and 6-axis robot arm. Two NMIs are attached to master tool manipulators of da Vinci research kit (dVRK) to control the proposed system simultaneously with patient side manipulators of dVRK. The developments of the surgical instrument and NMI are based on surgical-operation-by-wire concept and hands-on-throttle-and-stick concept from the earlier research, respectively. Tests for checking the accuracy, latency, and power consumption of the NMI are performed. The gripping force, reaction time, and durability are assessed to validate the surgical instrument. The workspace is calculated for estimating the clinical applicability. A simple peg task using the fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery board and an in vitro test are executed with three novice volunteers. The NMI was operated for 185 min and reflected the surgeon's decision successfully with a mean latency of 132 ms. The gripping force of the surgical instrument was comparable to that of conventional systems and was consistent even after 1000 times of gripping motion. The reaction time was 0.4 s. The workspace was calculated to be 8397.4 cm(3). Recruited volunteers were able to execute the simple peg task within the cut-off time and successfully performed the in vitro test without any collision. Various experiments were conducted and it is verified that the proposed assistant

Statewide Collaborative to Reduce Surgical Site Infections: Results of the Hawaii Surgical Unit-Based Safety Program.

PubMed

Lin, Della M; Carson, Kathryn A; Lubomski, Lisa H; Wick, Elizabeth C; Pham, Julius Cuong

2018-05-18

Surgical site infections (SSIs) after colorectal surgery are common, lead to patient harm, and are costly to the healthcare system. This study's purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of the AHRQ Safety Program for Surgery in Hawaii. This pre-post cohort study involved 100% of 15 hospitals in Hawaii from January 2013 through June 2015. The intervention was a statewide implementation of the Comprehensive Unit-Based Safety Program and individualized bundles of interventions to reduce SSIs. Primary end point was colorectal SSIs. Secondary end point was safety culture measured by the AHRQ Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture. The most common interventions implemented were reliable chlorhexidine wash, wipe before operation, and surgical preparation; appropriate antibiotic choice, dose, and timing; standardized post-surgical debriefing; and differentiating clean-dirty-clean with anastomosis tray and closing tray. From January 2013 (quarter 1) through June 2015 (quarter 2), the collaborative colorectal SSI rate decreased (from 12.08% to 4.63%; p < 0.01). The SSI rate exhibited a linear decrease during the 10-quarter period (p = 0.005). Safety culture increased in 10 of 12 domains: Overall Perception/Patient Safety (from 49% to 53%); Teamwork Across Units (from 49% to 54%); Management-Support Patient Safety (from 53% to 60%); Nonpunitive Response to Error (from 36% to 40%); Communication Openness (from 50% to 55%); Frequency of Events Reported (from 51% to 60%); Feedback/Communication about Error (from 52% to 59%); Organizational Learning/Continuous Improvement (from 59% to 70%); Supervisor/Manager Expectations and Actions Promoting Safety (from 58% to 64%); and Teamwork Within Units (from 68% to 75%) (all p < 0.05). Participation in the national AHRQ Safety Program for Surgery in the state of Hawaii was associated with a 61.7% decrease in colorectal SSI rate and an increase in patient safety culture. Copyright © 2018 American College of Surgeons. Published by

Surgical site infections in an abdominal surgical ward at Kosovo Teaching Hospital.

PubMed

Raka, Lul; Krasniqi, Avdyl; Hoxha, Faton; Musa, Ruustem; Mulliqi, Gjyle; Krasniqi, Selvete; Kurti, Arsim; Dervishaj, Antigona; Nuhiu, Beqir; Kelmendi, Baton; Limani, Dalip; Tolaj, Ilir

2008-01-01

Abdominal surgical site infections (SSI) cause substantial morbidity and mortality for patients undergoing operative procedures. We determined the incidence of and risk factors for SSI after abdominal surgery in the Department of Abdominal Surgery at the University Clinical Centre of Kosovo (UCCK). Prospective surveillance of patients undergoing abdominal surgery was performed between December 2005 and June 2006. CDC definitions were followed to detect SSI and study forms were based on Europe Link for Infection Control through Surveillance (HELICS) protocol. A total of 253 surgical interventions in 225 patients were evaluated. The median age of patients was 42 years and 55.1% of them were male. The overall incidence rate of SSI was 12%. Follow-up was achieved for 84.1% of the procedures. For patients with an SSI, the median duration of hospitalization was 9 days compared with 4 days for those without an SSI (p < 0.001). Surgical procedures were classified as emergent in 53.3% of cases. Superficial incisional SSI was most common (55%). Clinical infections were culture positive in 40.7% of cases. Duration of operation, duration of preoperative stay, wound class, ASA score > 2, use of antibiotic prophylaxis and NNIS class of > 2 were all significant at p < .001. The SSI rates for the NNIS System risk classes 0, 1 and 2-3 were 4.2%, 46.7% and 100%, respectively. SSI caused considerable morbidity among surgical patients in UCCK. Appropriate active surveillance and infection control measures should be introduced during preoperative, intra-operative, and postoperative care to reduce infection rates.

From passive tool holders to microsurgeons: safer, smaller, smarter surgical robots.

PubMed

Bergeles, Christos; Yang, Guang-Zhong

2014-05-01

Within only a few decades from its initial introduction, the field of surgical robotics has evolved into a dynamic and rapidly growing research area with increasing clinical uptake worldwide. Initially introduced for stereotaxic neurosurgery, surgical robots are now involved in an increasing number of procedures, demonstrating their practical clinical potential while propelling further advances in surgical innovations. Emerging platforms are also able to perform complex interventions through only a single-entry incision, and navigate through natural anatomical pathways in a tethered or wireless fashion. New devices facilitate superhuman dexterity and enable the performance of surgical steps that are otherwise impossible. They also allow seamless integration of microimaging techniques at the cellular level, significantly expanding the capabilities of surgeons. This paper provides an overview of the significant achievements in surgical robotics and identifies the current trends and future research directions of the field in making surgical robots safer, smaller, and smarter.

Simulation-Based Learning Strategies to Teach Undergraduate Students Basic Surgical Skills: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Theodoulou, Iakovos; Nicolaides, Marios; Athanasiou, Thanos; Papalois, Apostolos; Sideris, Michail

2018-02-16

We aimed to identify and critically appraise all literature surrounding simulation-based learning (SBL) courses, to assess their relevance as tools for undergraduate surgical education, and create a design framework targeted at standardizing future SBL. We performed a systematic review of the literature using a specific keyword strategy to search at MEDLINE database. Of the 2371 potentially eligible titles, 472 were shortlisted and only 40 explored active interventions in undergraduate medical education. Of those, 20 were conducted in the United States, 9 in Europe and 11 in the rest of the world. Nineteen studies assessed the effectiveness of SBL by comparing students' attributes before and after interventions, 1 study assessed a new tool of surgical assessment and 16 studies evaluated SBL courses from the students' perspectives. Of those 40 studies, 12 used dry laboratory, 7 wet laboratory, 12 mixed, and 9 cadaveric SBL interventions. The extent to which positive results were obtained from dry, wet, mixed, and cadaveric laboratories were 75%, 57%, 92%, and 100%, respectively. Consequently, the SBL design framework was devised, providing a foundation upon which future SBL interventions can be designed such that learning outcomes are optimized. SBL is an important step in surgical education, investing in a safer and more efficient generation of surgeons. Standardization of these efforts can be accelerated with SBL design framework, a comprehensive guide to designing future interventions for basic surgical training at the undergraduate level. Copyright © 2018 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Trends in surgical management and pre-operative urodynamics in female medicare beneficiaries with mixed incontinence.

PubMed

Chughtai, Bilal; Hauser, Nicholas; Anger, Jennifer; Asfaw, Tirsit; Laor, Leanna; Mao, Jialin; Lee, Richard; Te, Alexis; Kaplan, Steven; Sedrakyan, Art

2017-02-01

We sought to examine the surgical trends and utilization of treatment for mixed urinary incontinence among female Medicare beneficiaries. Data was obtained from a 5% national random sample of outpatient and carrier claims from 2000 to 2011. Included were female patients 65 and older, diagnosed with mixed urinary incontinence, who underwent surgical treatment identified by Current Procedural Terminology, Fourth Edition (CPT-4) codes. Urodynamics (UDS) before initial and secondary procedure were also identified using CPT-4 codes. Procedural trends and utilization of UDS were analyzed. Utilization of UDS increased during the study period, from 38.4% to 74.0% prior to initial surgical intervention, and from 28.6% to 62.5% preceding re-intervention. Sling surgery (63.0%) and injectable bulking agents (28.0%) were the most common surgical treatments adopted, followed by sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) (4.8%) and Burch (4.0%) procedures. Re-intervention was performed in 4.0% of patients initially treated with sling procedures and 21.3% of patients treated with bulking agents, the majority of whom (51.7% and 76.3%, respectively) underwent injection of a bulking agent. Risk of re-intervention was not different among those who did or did not receive urodynamic tests prior to the initial procedure (8.5% vs. 9.3%) CONCLUSIONS: Sling and bulk agents are the most common treatment for MUI. Preoperative urodynamic testing was not related to risk of re-intervention following surgery for mixed urinary incontinence in this cohort. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:422-425, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Acute ankle sprain: conservative or surgical approach?

PubMed Central

Al-Mohrej, Omar A.; Al-Kenani, Nader S.

2016-01-01

Ankle sprains fall into two main categories: acute ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability, which are among the most common recurrent injuries during occupational activities, athletic events, training and army service. Acute ankle sprain is usually managed conservatively and functional rehabilitation failure by conservative treatment leads to development of chronic ankle instability, which most often requires surgical intervention. Enhancing the in-depth knowledge of the ankle anatomy, biomechanics and pathology helps greatly in deciding the management options. Cite this article: Al-Mohrej OA, Al-Kenani NS. Acute ankle sprain: conservative or surgical approach? EFORT Open Rev 2016;1:34-44. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.1.000010. PMID:28461926

Systematic review of interventions to improve prescribing.

PubMed

Ostini, Remo; Hegney, Desley; Jackson, Claire; Williamson, Margaret; Mackson, Judith M; Gurman, Karin; Hall, Wayne; Tett, Susan E

2009-03-01

To update 2 comprehensive reviews of systematic reviews on prescribing interventions and identify the latest evidence about the effectiveness of the interventions. Systematic searches for English-language reports of experimental and quasi-experimental research were conducted in PubMed (1951-May 2007), EMBASE (1974-March 2008), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-March 2008), and 11 other bibliographic databases of medical, social science, and business research. Following an initial title screening process and after selecting 6 specific intervention categories (identified from the previous reviews) in community settings, 2 reviewers independently assessed abstracts and then full studies for relevance and quality and extracted relevant data using formal assessment and data extraction tools. Results were then methodically incorporated into the findings of the 2 earlier reviews of systematic reviews. DATA SELECTION AND SYNTHESIS: Twenty-nine of 26,314 articles reviewed were assessed to be of relevant, high-quality research. Audit and feedback, together with educational outreach visits, were the focus of the majority of recent, high-quality research into prescribing interventions. These interventions were also the most effective in improving prescribing practice. A smaller number of studies included a patient-mediated intervention; this intervention was not consistently effective. There is insufficient recent research into manual reminders to confidently update earlier reviews and there remains insufficient evidence to draw conclusions regarding the effectiveness of local consensus processes or multidisciplinary teams. Educational outreach as well as audit and feedback continue to dominate research into prescribing interventions. These 2 prescribing interventions also most consistently show positive results. Much less research is conducted into other types of interventions and there is still very little effort to systematically test why interventions do or do

Patient Safety in Interventional Radiology: A CIRSE IR Checklist

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, M. J., E-mail: mlee@rcsi.ie; Fanelli, F.; Haage, P.

2012-04-15

Interventional radiology (IR) is an invasive speciality with the potential for complications as with other invasive specialities. The World Health Organization (WHO) produced a surgical safety checklist to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with surgery. The Cardiovascular and Interventional Society of Europe (CIRSE) set up a task force to produce a checklist for IR. Use of the checklist will, we hope, reduce the incidence of complications after IR procedures. It has been modified from the WHO surgical safety checklist and the RAD PASS from Holland.

A surgical approach in the management of mucormycosis in a trauma patient.

PubMed

Zahoor, B A; Piercey, J E; Wall, D R; Tetsworth, K D

2016-11-01

Mucormycosis as a consequence of trauma is a devastating complication; these infections are challenging to control, with a fatality rate approaching 96% in immunocompromised patients. We present a case where a proactive approach was successfully employed to treat mucormycosis following complex polytrauma. Aggressive repeated surgical debridement, in combination with appropriate antifungal therapy, proved successful in this instance. In our opinion, mucormycosis in trauma mandates an aggressive surgical approach. This prevents ascending dissemination of mucormycosis and certainly reduces the risk of patient mortality as a direct result. Anti-fungal therapy should be used secondarily as an adjunct together with surgical debridement, or as an alternative when surgical intervention is not feasible.

The Use of Groups for Psychosocial Intervention with Medical/Surgical Patients.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zimpfer, David G.; DeMocker, Janice D.

Although a connection between physical health and emotional well-being has long been recognized, health caregivers have only recently begun to focus on the influence of illness or disability on attitudes and behaviors. Groups have been organized for therapeutic, supportive, or orientational purposes with general medical-surgical patients. Group…

Grantee Spotlight: Marvella Ford, Ph.D. - Reducing Barriers to Surgical Cancer Care among African Am

Cancer.gov

Drs. Marvella E. Ford and Nestor F. Esnaola were awarded a five-year NIH/NIMHD R01 grant to evaluate a patient navigation intervention to reduce barriers to surgical cancer care and improving surgical resection rates in African Americans with lung cancer.

Inter-facility transfer of surgical emergencies in a developing country: effects on management and surgical outcomes.

PubMed

Khan, Salma; Zafar, Hasnain; Zafar, Syed Nabeel; Haroon, Naveed

2014-02-01

Outcomes of surgical emergencies are associated with promptness of the appropriate surgical intervention. However, delayed presentation of surgical patients is common in most developing countries. Delays commonly occur due to transfer of patients between facilities. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of delays in treatment caused by inter-facility transfers of patients presenting with surgical emergencies as measured by objective and subjective parameters. We prospectively collected data on all patients presenting with an acute surgical emergency at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH). Information regarding demographics, social class, reason and number of transfers, and distance traveled were collected. Patients were categorized into two groups, those transferred to AKUH from another facility (transferred) and direct arrivals (non-transfers). Differences between presenting physiological parameters, vital statistics, and management were tested between the two groups by the chi square and t tests. Ninety-nine patients were included, 49 (49.5 %) patients having been transferred from another facility. The most common reason for transfer was "lack of satisfactory surgical care." There were significant differences in presenting pulse, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, fluid for resuscitation, glasgow coma scale, and revised trauma score (all p values <0.001) between transferred and non-transferred patients. In 56 patients there was a further delay in admission, and the most common reason was bed availability, followed by financial constraints. Three patients were shifted out of the hospital due to lack of ventilator, and 14 patients left against medical advice due to financial limitations. One patient died. Inter-facility transfer of patients with surgical emergencies is common. These patients arrive with deranged physiology which requires complex and prolonged hospital care. Patients who cannot afford treatment are most vulnerable to transfers and

Analysis of individualized education programs to quantify long-term educational needs following surgical intervention for single-suture craniosynostosis.

PubMed

Doshier, Laura J; Muzaffar, Arshad R; Deidrick, Kathleen Km; Rice, Gale B

2015-01-01

Single-suture craniosynostosis (SSC) is a common craniofacial condition with potential neurocognitive sequelae. To quantify any long-term functional academic and behavioural difficulties of children with SSC as indicated by the need for individualized education programs (IEPs), despite having undergone surgical treatment. Records of all school-age patients from 1992 to 2011 who underwent operative intervention for SSC were identified. Fifty-nine patients' guardians were contacted by telephone to provide informed consent for completion of a mailed standardized questionnaire querying demographic information as well as information regarding the patient's health, family and educational history; specifically whether the patient had ever been provided educational support as delineated in an IEP. The primary outcome measure was the history of the patient being assigned educational support as delineated in an IEP. Thirty-seven consenting guardians completed and returned the standardized questionnaire (response rate 62.7%). Twenty-one patients were male and 16 were female, with an age range of five to 14 years (mean age 10.2 years). Eleven (29.7%) patients had a previous history of or currently were receiving educational support delineated in an IEP. A higher proportion of school-age patients with a history of SSC (status postsurgical intervention) in the present study received educational support delineated in an IEP than the proportion of IEPs in the general student population of the United States (11.3%).

Patterns of technical error among surgical malpractice claims: an analysis of strategies to prevent injury to surgical patients.

PubMed

Regenbogen, Scott E; Greenberg, Caprice C; Studdert, David M; Lipsitz, Stuart R; Zinner, Michael J; Gawande, Atul A

2007-11-01

To identify the most prevalent patterns of technical errors in surgery, and evaluate commonly recommended interventions in light of these patterns. The majority of surgical adverse events involve technical errors, but little is known about the nature and causes of these events. We examined characteristics of technical errors and common contributing factors among closed surgical malpractice claims. Surgeon reviewers analyzed 444 randomly sampled surgical malpractice claims from four liability insurers. Among 258 claims in which injuries due to error were detected, 52% (n = 133) involved technical errors. These technical errors were further analyzed with a structured review instrument designed by qualitative content analysis. Forty-nine percent of the technical errors caused permanent disability; an additional 16% resulted in death. Two-thirds (65%) of the technical errors were linked to manual error, 9% to errors in judgment, and 26% to both manual and judgment error. A minority of technical errors involved advanced procedures requiring special training ("index operations"; 16%), surgeons inexperienced with the task (14%), or poorly supervised residents (9%). The majority involved experienced surgeons (73%), and occurred in routine, rather than index, operations (84%). Patient-related complexities-including emergencies, difficult or unexpected anatomy, and previous surgery-contributed to 61% of technical errors, and technology or systems failures contributed to 21%. Most technical errors occur in routine operations with experienced surgeons, under conditions of increased patient complexity or systems failure. Commonly recommended interventions, including restricting high-complexity operations to experienced surgeons, additional training for inexperienced surgeons, and stricter supervision of trainees, are likely to address only a minority of technical errors. Surgical safety research should instead focus on improving decision-making and performance in routine

Current management of surgical oncologic emergencies.

PubMed

Bosscher, Marianne R F; van Leeuwen, Barbara L; Hoekstra, Harald J

2015-01-01

For some oncologic emergencies, surgical interventions are necessary for dissolution or temporary relieve. In the absence of guidelines, the most optimal method for decision making would be in a multidisciplinary cancer conference (MCC). In an acute setting, the opportunity for multidisciplinary discussion is often not available. In this study, the management and short term outcome of patients after surgical oncologic emergency consultation was analyzed. A prospective registration and follow up of adult patients with surgical oncologic emergencies between 01-11-2013 and 30-04-2014. The follow up period was 30 days. In total, 207 patients with surgical oncologic emergencies were included. Postoperative wound infections, malignant obstruction, and clinical deterioration due to progressive disease were the most frequent conditions for surgical oncologic emergency consultation. During the follow up period, 40% of patients underwent surgery. The median number of involved medical specialties was two. Only 30% of all patients were discussed in a MCC within 30 days after emergency consultation, and only 41% of the patients who underwent surgery were discussed in a MCC. For 79% of these patients, the surgical procedure was performed before the MCC. Mortality within 30 days was 13%. In most cases, surgery occurred without discussing the patient in a MCC, regardless of the fact that multiple medical specialties were involved in the treatment process. There is a need for prognostic aids and acute oncology pathways with structural multidisciplinary management. These will provide in faster institution of the most appropriate personalized cancer care, and prevent unnecessary investigations or invasive therapy.

Current Management of Surgical Oncologic Emergencies

PubMed Central

Bosscher, Marianne R. F.; van Leeuwen, Barbara L.; Hoekstra, Harald J.

2015-01-01

Objectives For some oncologic emergencies, surgical interventions are necessary for dissolution or temporary relieve. In the absence of guidelines, the most optimal method for decision making would be in a multidisciplinary cancer conference (MCC). In an acute setting, the opportunity for multidisciplinary discussion is often not available. In this study, the management and short term outcome of patients after surgical oncologic emergency consultation was analyzed. Method A prospective registration and follow up of adult patients with surgical oncologic emergencies between 01-11-2013 and 30-04-2014. The follow up period was 30 days. Results In total, 207 patients with surgical oncologic emergencies were included. Postoperative wound infections, malignant obstruction, and clinical deterioration due to progressive disease were the most frequent conditions for surgical oncologic emergency consultation. During the follow up period, 40% of patients underwent surgery. The median number of involved medical specialties was two. Only 30% of all patients were discussed in a MCC within 30 days after emergency consultation, and only 41% of the patients who underwent surgery were discussed in a MCC. For 79% of these patients, the surgical procedure was performed before the MCC. Mortality within 30 days was 13%. Conclusion In most cases, surgery occurred without discussing the patient in a MCC, regardless of the fact that multiple medical specialties were involved in the treatment process. There is a need for prognostic aids and acute oncology pathways with structural multidisciplinary management. These will provide in faster institution of the most appropriate personalized cancer care, and prevent unnecessary investigations or invasive therapy. PMID:25933135

Assessment of Surgical and Trauma Capacity in Potosí, Bolivia.

PubMed

Blair, Kevin J; Boeck, Marissa A; Gallardo Barrientos, José Luis; Hidalgo López, José Luis; Helenowski, Irene B; Nwomeh, Benedict C; Shapiro, Michael B; Swaroop, Mamta

Scaling up surgical and trauma care in low- and middle-income countries could prevent nearly 2 million annual deaths. Various survey instruments exist to measure surgical and trauma capacity, including Personnel, Infrastructure, Procedures, Equipment, and Supplies (PIPES) and International Assessment of Capacity for Trauma (INTACT). We sought to evaluate surgical and trauma capacity in the Bolivian department of Potosí using a combined PIPES and INTACT tool, with additional questions to further inform intervention targets. In June and July 2014 a combined PIPES and INTACT survey was administered to 20 government facilities in Potosí with a minimum of 1 operating room: 2 third-level, 10 second-level, and 8 first-level facilities. A surgeon, head physician, director, or obstetrician-gynecologist completed the survey. Additional personnel responded to 4 short-answer questions. Survey items were divided into subsections, and PIPES and INTACT indices calculated. Medians were compared via Wilcoxon rank sum and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Six of 20 facilities were located in the capital city and designated urban. Urban establishments had higher median PIPES (8.5 vs 6.7, P = .11) and INTACT (8.5 vs 6.9, P = .16) indices compared with rural. More than half of surgeons and anesthesiologists worked in urban hospitals. Urban facilities had higher median infrastructure and procedure scores compared with rural. Fifty-three individuals completed short-answer questions. Training was most desired in laparoscopic surgery and trauma management; less than half of establishments reported staff with trauma training. Surgical and trauma capacity in Potosí was most limited in personnel, infrastructure, and procedures at rural facilities, with greater personnel deficiencies than previously reported. Interventions should focus on increasing the number of surgical and anesthesia personnel in rural areas, with a particular focus on the reported desire for trauma management training. Results

[Clinical use of interventional MR imaging].

PubMed

Kahn, Thomas; Schulz, Thomas; Moche, Michael; Prothmann, Sascha; Schneider, Jens-Peter

2003-01-01

The integration of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures by MRI is based on the combination of excellent morphologic and functional imaging. The spectrum of MR-guided interventions includes biopsies, thermal ablation procedures, vascular applications, and intraoperative MRI. In all these applications, different scientific groups have obtained convincing results in basic developments as well as in clinical use. Interventional MRI (iMRI) is expected to attain an important role in interventional radiology, minimal invasive therapy, and monitoring of surgical procedures.

Implementation of surgical quality improvement: auditing tool for surgical site infection prevention practices.

PubMed

Hechenbleikner, Elizabeth M; Hobson, Deborah B; Bennett, Jennifer L; Wick, Elizabeth C

2015-01-01

Surgical site infections are a potentially preventable patient harm. Emerging evidence suggests that the implementation of evidence-based process measures for infection reduction is highly variable. The purpose of this work was to develop an auditing tool to assess compliance with infection-related process measures and establish a system for identifying and addressing defects in measure implementation. This was a retrospective cohort study using electronic medical records. We used the auditing tool to assess compliance with 10 process measures in a sample of colorectal surgery patients with and without postoperative infections at an academic medical center (January 2012 to March 2013). We investigated 59 patients with surgical site infections and 49 patients without surgical site infections. First, overall compliance rates for the 10 process measures were compared between patients with infection vs patients without infection to assess if compliance was lower among patients with surgical site infections. Then, because of the burden of data collection, the tool was used exclusively to evaluate quarterly compliance rates among patients with infection. The results were reviewed, and the key factors contributing to noncompliance were identified and addressed. Ninety percent of process measures had lower compliance rates among patients with infection. Detailed review of infection cases identified many defects that improved following the implementation of system-level changes: correct cefotetan redosing (education of anesthesia personnel), temperature at surgical incision >36.0°C (flags used to identify patients for preoperative warming), and the use of preoperative mechanical bowel preparation with oral antibiotics (laxative solutions and antibiotics distributed in clinic before surgery). Quarterly compliance improved for 80% of process measures by the end of the study period. This study was conducted on a small surgical cohort within a select subspecialty. The

Preventing the progression to type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults at high risk: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of lifestyle, pharmacological and surgical interventions.

PubMed

Stevens, John W; Khunti, Kamlesh; Harvey, Rebecca; Johnson, Maxine; Preston, Louise; Woods, Helen Buckley; Davies, Melanie; Goyder, Elizabeth

2015-03-01

Individuals with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) have an increased risk of progression to Type 2 diabetes mellitus. The objective of this review was to quantify the effectiveness of lifestyle, pharmacological and surgical interventions in reducing the progression to Type 2 diabetes mellitus in people with IFG or IGT. A systematic review was carried out. A network meta-analysis (NMA) of log-hazard ratios was performed. Results are presented as hazard ratios and the probabilities of treatment rankings. 30 studies were included in the NMA. There was a reduced hazard of progression to Type 2 diabetes mellitus associated with all interventions versus standard lifestyle advice; glipizide, diet plus pioglitazone, diet plus exercise plus metformin plus rosiglitazone, diet plus exercise plus orlistat, diet plus exercise plus pedometer, rosiglitazone, orlistat and diet plus exercise plus voglibose produced the greatest effects. Lifestyle and some pharmacological interventions are beneficial in reducing the risk of progression to Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Lifestyle interventions require significant behaviour changes that may be achieved through incentives such as the use of pedometers. Adverse events and cost of pharmacological interventions should be taken into account when considering potential risks and benefits. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effectiveness of the surgical safety checklist in a high standard care environment.

PubMed

Lübbeke, Anne; Hovaguimian, Frederique; Wickboldt, Nadine; Barea, Christophe; Clergue, François; Hoffmeyer, Pierre; Walder, Bernhard

2013-05-01

Use of surgical safety checklists has been associated with significant reduction in postoperative surgical site infection (SSI), morbidity, and mortality. To evaluate the effectiveness of an intraoperative checklist in high-risk surgical patients in a high standard care environment with long-standing regular perioperative safety control programs. Quasi-experiment pre-post checklist implementation. Surgical patients above 16 years with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score 3-5 operated upon at a large tertiary hospital. Unplanned return to operating room for any reason, reoperation for SSI, unplanned admission to intensive care unit, and in-hospital death within 30 days. A total of 609 patients (53% elective, 85% ASA 3, mean age 70 y) were included before and 1818 after implementation (52% elective, 87% ASA 3, mean age 69 y), the latter with 552, 558, and 708 in period I, II, and III, respectively. Comparing preimplementation to postimplementation periods: unplanned return to operating room occurred in 45/609 (7.4%) versus 109/1818 (6.0%) interventions [adjusted risk ratios (RR) 0.82; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.59-1.14]; reoperation for SSI in 18/609 (3.0%) versus 109/1818 (1.7%) interventions (adjusted RR 0.56; 95% CI, 0.32-1.00); unplanned admission to intensive care unit in 17 (2.8%) versus 48 (2.6%) interventions (adjusted RR 0.90; 95% CI, 0.52-1.55); and in-hospital death occurred in 26 (4.3%) versus 108 (5.9%) patients (adjusted RR 1.44; 95% CI, 0.97-2.14). Checklist use during 77 interventions prevented 1 reoperation for SSI. A trend toward reduced reoperation rates for SSI was observed after checklist implementation in this high standard care environment; no influence on other outcome measures was observed.

Global financial crisis and surgical practice: the Greek paradigm.

PubMed

Karidis, Nikolaos P; Dimitroulis, Dimitrios; Kouraklis, Gregory

2011-11-01

Apart from the significant implications of recent financial crisis in overall health indices and mortality rates, the direct effect of health resources redistribution in everyday clinical practice is barely recognized. In the case of Greece, health sector reform and health spending cuts have already had a major impact on costly interventions, particularly in surgical practice. An increase in utilization of public health resources, lack of basic and advanced surgical supplies, salary deductions, and emerging issues in patient management have contributed to serious dysfunction of a public health system unable to sustain current needs. In this context, significant implications arise for the surgeons and patients as proper perioperative management is directly affected by reduced public health funding. The surgical community has expressed concerns about the quality of surgical care and the future of surgical progress in the era of the European Union. Greek surgeons are expected to support reform while maintaining a high level of surgical care to the public. The challenge of cost control in surgical practice provides, nevertheless, an excellent opportunity to reconsider health economics while innovation through a more traditional approach to the surgical patient should not be precluded. A Greek case study on the extent of the current situation is presented with reference to health policy reform, serving as an alarming paradigm for the global community under the pressure of a profound financial recession.

Management of recurrent/persistent nodal disease in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer: a critical review of the risks and benefits of surgical intervention versus active surveillance.

PubMed

Tufano, Ralph P; Clayman, Gary; Heller, Keith S; Inabnet, William B; Kebebew, Electron; Shaha, Ashok; Steward, David L; Tuttle, R Michael

2015-01-01

The primary goals of this interdisciplinary consensus statement are to define the eligibility criteria for management of recurrent and persistent cervical nodal disease in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) and to review the risks and benefits of surgical intervention versus active surveillance. A writing group was convened by the Surgical Affairs Committee of the American Thyroid Association and was tasked with identifying the important clinical elements to consider when managing recurrent/persistent nodal disease in patients with DTC based on the available evidence in the literature and the group's collective experience. The decision on how best to manage individual patients with suspected recurrent/persistent nodal disease is challenging and requires the consideration of a significant number of variables outlined by the members of the interdisciplinary team. Here we report on the consensus opinions that were reached by the writing group regarding the technical and clinical issues encountered in this patient population. Identification of recurrent/persistent disease requires a team decision-making process that includes the patient and physicians as to what, if any, intervention should be performed to best control the disease while minimizing morbidity. Several management principles and variables involved in the decision making for surgery versus active surveillance were developed that should be taken into account when deciding how best to manage a patient with DTC and suspected recurrent or persistent cervical nodal disease.

Quantifying surgical and anesthetic availability at primary health facilities in Mongolia.

PubMed

Spiegel, David A; Choo, Shelly; Cherian, Meena; Orgoi, Sergelen; Kehrer, Beat; Price, Raymond R; Govind, Salik

2011-02-01

Significant barriers limit the safe and timely provision of surgical and anaesthetic care in low- and middle-income countries. Nearly one-half of Mongolia's population resides in rural areas where the austere geography makes travel for adequate surgical care very difficult. Our goal was to characterize the availability of surgical and anaesthetic services, in terms of infrastructure capability, physical resources (supplies and equipment), and human resources for health at primary level health facilities in Mongolia. A situational analysis of the capacity to deliver emergency and essential surgical care (EESC) was performed in a nonrandom sample of 44 primary health facilities throughout Mongolia. Significant shortfalls were noted in the capacity to deliver surgical and anesthetic services. Deficiencies in infrastructure and supplies were common, and there were no trained surgeons or anaesthesiologists at any of the health facilities sampled. Most procedures were performed by general doctors and paraprofessionals, and occasionally visiting surgeons from higher levels of the health system. While basic interventions such as suturing or abscess drainage were commonly performed, the availability of many essential interventions was absent at a significant number of facilities. This situational analysis of the availability of essential surgical and anesthetic services identified significant deficiencies in infrastructure, supplies, and equipment, as well as a lack of human resources at the primary referral level facilities in Mongolia. Given the significant travel distances to secondary level facilities for the majority of the rural population, there is an urgent need to strengthen the delivery of essential surgical and anaesthetic services at the primary referral level (soum and intersoum). This will require a multidisciplinary, multi-sectoral effort aimed to improve infrastructure, procure and maintain essential equipment and supplies, and train appropriate health

Anesthesiologists, general surgeons, and tobacco interventions in the perioperative period.

PubMed

Warner, David O; Sarr, Michael G; Offord, Kenneth P; Dale, Lowell C

2004-12-01

Surgery presents an opportunity for interventions in cigarette smokers that will facilitate abstinence from tobacco. However, little attention has been paid to the role of anesthesiologists and surgeons in addressing tobacco use. To determine the practices and attitudes of these physicians regarding this issue, we sent a postal mail survey to a national random sampling of anesthesiologists and general surgeons engaged in active practice within the United States (1000 in each group). Response rates were 33% and 31% for anesthesiologists and surgeons, respectively. More than 90% of both groups almost always ask their patients about tobacco use, and almost all respondents believed that surgical patients should maintain abstinence after surgery. Most believed that it was their responsibility to advise their patients to quit smoking, but only 30% of anesthesiologists and 58% of surgeons routinely do so. Nonetheless, approximately 70% of both groups would be willing to spend an extra 5 min before surgery to help their patients quit. Barriers to intervention included a lack of training regarding intervention techniques, a perceived lack of effective interventions, and insufficient time to intervene. Intervention opportunities are not exploited consistently in the surgical population; educational efforts directed at physicians in surgical specialties are indicated.

Surgical Reconstruction with the Remnant Ligament Improves Joint Position Sense as well as Functional Ankle Instability: A 1-Year Follow-Up Study

PubMed Central

Iwao, Kamizato; Masataka, Deie; Kohei, Fukuhara

2014-01-01

Introduction. Chronic functional instability—characterized by repeated ankle inversion sprains and a subjective sensation of instability—is one of the most common residual disabilities after an inversion sprain. However, whether surgical reconstruction improves sensorimotor control has not been reported to date. The purpose of this study was to assess functional improvement of chronic ankle instability after surgical reconstruction using the remnant ligament. Materials and Methods. We performed 10 cases in the intervention group and 20 healthy individuals as the control group. Before and after surgical reconstruction, we evaluated joint position sense and functional ankle instability by means of a questionnaire. Results and Discussion. There was a statistically significant difference between the control and intervention groups before surgical reconstruction. Three months after surgery in the intervention group, the joint position sense was significantly different from those found preoperatively. Before surgery, the mean score of functional ankle instability in the intervention group was almost twice as low. Three months after surgery, however, the score significantly increased. The results showed that surgical reconstruction using the remnant ligament was effective not only for improving mechanical retensioning but also for ameliorating joint position sense and functional ankle instability. PMID:25401146

[Surgical treatment of perinatal ovarian cysts].

PubMed

Armas Alvarez, A L; Taboada Santomil, P; Pradillos Serna, J M; Rivera Chavez, L L; Méndez Gallart, R; Estévez Martínez, E; Rodríguez Barca, P; Bautista Casasnovas, A; Varela Cives, R

2010-10-01

Actually, the perinatal ovarian cysts are increasingly being diagnosed by prenatal and neonatal ultrasound. We reported our experience in the surgical management of perinatal ovarian cysts. Patients and methods. We have reviewed the clinical charts of 10 female newborns diagnosed of ovarian cysts who underwent surgical management in our hospital from 1989 to 2009. The ovarian cysts were diagnosed antenatally in 8 cases and period neonatal in 2 cases. The clinical presentation was asymptomatic abdominal mass in 7 cases. Ultrasound confirmed the ovarian mass in 8 patients. CT scan and MRI were necessary for confirm suspected diagnosis in two patients. Ultrasonography showed 7 complex cysts and 3 simple cysts. Surgery of the complicated cysts revealed ovarian torsion in 5 cases and 1 hemorragic cyst. At surgery, 5 patients underwent salpingooophorectomy, 2 patients needed oophorectomy and in 3 cases only cystectomy were necessary. The ovarian torsion is the most common complication and the cause of loss of the ovary. The neonatal ovarian cysts greater than 5 centimetres, symptomatic cysts, complex cysts and cysts persisting for more than 6 months need surgical intervention.

Surgical Management of Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis: A Case Report in Kidney Transplant Patient

PubMed Central

Talanian, M.; Azari, F.; Agarwal, A.

2018-01-01

Introduction Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a clinical syndrome of progressive fibrotic change in response to prolonged, repetitive, and typically severe insult to the peritoneal mesothelium, often occurring in the setting of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Clear guidelines for successful management remain elusive. We describe the successful surgical management of EPS in a 28-year-old male s/p deceased donor kidney transplant for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) secondary to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). This patient received PD for 7 years but changed to hemodialysis (HD) in the year of transplant due to consistent signs and symptoms of underdialysis. EPS was visualized at the time of transplant. Despite successful renal transplantation, EPS progressed to cause small bowel obstruction (SBO) requiring PEG-J placement for enteral nutrition and gastric decompression. The patient subsequently developed a chronic gastrocutaneous fistula necessitating chronic TPN and multiple admissions for pain crises and bowel obstruction. He was elected to undergo surgical intervention due to deteriorating quality of life and failure to thrive. Surgical management included an exploratory laparotomy with extensive lysis of adhesions (LOA), repair of gastrocutaneous fistula, and end ileostomy with Hartmann's pouch. Postoperative imaging confirmed resolution of the SBO, and the patient was transitioned to NGT feeds and eventually only PO intake. He is continuing with PO nutrition, gaining weight, and free from dialysis. Conclusion Surgical intervention with LOA and release of small intestine can be successful for definitive management of EPS in the proper setting. In cases such as this, where management with enteral nutrition fails secondary to ongoing obstructive episodes, surgical intervention can be pursued in the interest of preserving quality of life. PMID:29682387

Surgical Management of Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis: A Case Report in Kidney Transplant Patient.

PubMed

Shahbazov, R; Talanian, M; Alejo, J L; Azari, F; Agarwal, A; Brayman, K L

2018-01-01

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a clinical syndrome of progressive fibrotic change in response to prolonged, repetitive, and typically severe insult to the peritoneal mesothelium, often occurring in the setting of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Clear guidelines for successful management remain elusive. We describe the successful surgical management of EPS in a 28-year-old male s/p deceased donor kidney transplant for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) secondary to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). This patient received PD for 7 years but changed to hemodialysis (HD) in the year of transplant due to consistent signs and symptoms of underdialysis. EPS was visualized at the time of transplant. Despite successful renal transplantation, EPS progressed to cause small bowel obstruction (SBO) requiring PEG-J placement for enteral nutrition and gastric decompression. The patient subsequently developed a chronic gastrocutaneous fistula necessitating chronic TPN and multiple admissions for pain crises and bowel obstruction. He was elected to undergo surgical intervention due to deteriorating quality of life and failure to thrive. Surgical management included an exploratory laparotomy with extensive lysis of adhesions (LOA), repair of gastrocutaneous fistula, and end ileostomy with Hartmann's pouch. Postoperative imaging confirmed resolution of the SBO, and the patient was transitioned to NGT feeds and eventually only PO intake. He is continuing with PO nutrition, gaining weight, and free from dialysis. Surgical intervention with LOA and release of small intestine can be successful for definitive management of EPS in the proper setting. In cases such as this, where management with enteral nutrition fails secondary to ongoing obstructive episodes, surgical intervention can be pursued in the interest of preserving quality of life.

Trends in the Surgical Management of Crohn's Disease.

PubMed

Geltzeiler, Cristina B; Hart, Kyle D; Lu, Kim C; Deveney, Karen E; Herzig, Daniel O; Tsikitis, Vassiliki L

2015-10-01

Although medical management of Crohn's disease has changed in recent years, it is unclear whether surgical management has altered. We examined rate changes of surgical interventions, stoma constructions, and subset of ileostomy and colostomy constructions. We reviewed the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from 1988 to 2011. We examined the number of Crohn's-related operations and stoma constructions, including ileostomies and colostomies; a multivariable logistic regression model was developed. A total of 355,239 Crohn's-related operations were analyzed. Operations increased from 13,955 in 1988 to 17,577 in 2011, p < 0.001. Stoma construction increased from 2493 to 4283, p < 0.001. The subset of ileostomies increased from 1201 to 3169, p < 0.001 while colostomies decreased from 1351 to 1201, p = 0.05. Operation percentages resulting in stoma construction increased from 18 to 24 %, p < 0.001. Weight loss (OR 2.25, 95 % CI 1.88, 2.69) and presence of perianal fistulizing disease (OR 2.91, 95 % CI 2.31, 3.67) were most predictive for requiring stoma construction. Crohn's-related surgical interventions and stoma constructions have increased. The largest predictors for stoma construction are weight loss and perianal fistulizing disease. As a result, nutrition should be optimized and the early involvement of a multidisciplinary team should be considered.

Relational development in children with cleft lip and palate: influence of the waiting period prior to the first surgical intervention and parental psychological perceptions of the abnormality.

PubMed

Grollemund, Bruno; Guedeney, Antoine; Vazquez, Marie-Paule; Picard, Arnaud; Soupre, Véronique; Pellerin, Philippe; Simon, Etienne; Velten, Michel; Dissaux, Caroline; Kauffmann, Isabelle; Bruant-Rodier, Catherine; Danion-Grilliat, Anne

2012-06-08

The birth of a child with a cleft lip, whether or not in association with a cleft palate, is a traumatic event for parents. This prospective, multidisciplinary and multi-centre study aims to explore the perceptions and feelings of parents in the year following the birth of their child, and to analyse parent-child relationships. Four inclusion centres have been selected, differing as to the date of the first surgical intervention, between birth and six months. The aim is to compare results, also distinguishing the subgroups of parents who were given the diagnosis in utero and those who were not. The main hypothesis is that the longer the time-lapse before the first surgical intervention, the more likely are the psychological perceptions of the parents to affect the harmonious development of their child. Parents and children are seen twice, when the child is 4 months (T0) and when the child is one year old (T1). At these two times, the psychological state of the child and his/her relational abilities are assessed by a specially trained professional, and self-administered questionnaires measuring factors liable to affect child-parent relationships are issued to the parents. The Alarme Détresse BéBé score for the child and the Parenting Stress Index score for the parents, measured when the child reaches one year, will be used as the main criteria to compare children with early surgery to children with late surgery, and those where the diagnosis was obtained prior to birth with those receiving it at birth. The mental and psychological dimensions relating to the abnormality and its correction will be analysed for the parents (the importance of prenatal diagnosis, relational development with the child, self-image, quality of life) and also, for the first time, for the child (distress, withdrawal). In an ethical perspective, the different time lapses until surgery in the different protocols and their effects will be analysed, so as to serve as a reference for improving

Requirements for the structured recording of surgical device data in the digital operating room.

PubMed

Rockstroh, Max; Franke, Stefan; Neumuth, Thomas

2014-01-01

Due to the increasing complexity of the surgical working environment, increasingly technical solutions must be found to help relieve the surgeon. This objective is supported by a structured storage concept for all relevant device data. In this work, we present a concept and prototype development of a storage system to address intraoperative medical data. The requirements of such a system are described, and solutions for data transfer, processing, and storage are presented. In a subsequent study, a prototype based on the presented concept is tested for correct and complete data transmission and storage and for the ability to record a complete neurosurgical intervention with low processing latencies. In the final section, several applications for the presented data recorder are shown. The developed system based on the presented concept is able to store the generated data correctly, completely, and quickly enough even if much more data than expected are sent during a surgical intervention. The Surgical Data Recorder supports automatic recognition of the interventional situation by providing a centralized data storage and access interface to the OR communication bus. In the future, further data acquisition technologies should be integrated. Therefore, additional interfaces must be developed. The data generated by these devices and technologies should also be stored in or referenced by the Surgical Data Recorder to support the analysis of the OR situation.

Surgical robotics beyond enhanced dexterity instrumentation: a survey of machine learning techniques and their role in intelligent and autonomous surgical actions.

PubMed

Kassahun, Yohannes; Yu, Bingbin; Tibebu, Abraham Temesgen; Stoyanov, Danail; Giannarou, Stamatia; Metzen, Jan Hendrik; Vander Poorten, Emmanuel

2016-04-01

Advances in technology and computing play an increasingly important role in the evolution of modern surgical techniques and paradigms. This article reviews the current role of machine learning (ML) techniques in the context of surgery with a focus on surgical robotics (SR). Also, we provide a perspective on the future possibilities for enhancing the effectiveness of procedures by integrating ML in the operating room. The review is focused on ML techniques directly applied to surgery, surgical robotics, surgical training and assessment. The widespread use of ML methods in diagnosis and medical image computing is beyond the scope of the review. Searches were performed on PubMed and IEEE Explore using combinations of keywords: ML, surgery, robotics, surgical and medical robotics, skill learning, skill analysis and learning to perceive. Studies making use of ML methods in the context of surgery are increasingly being reported. In particular, there is an increasing interest in using ML for developing tools to understand and model surgical skill and competence or to extract surgical workflow. Many researchers begin to integrate this understanding into the control of recent surgical robots and devices. ML is an expanding field. It is popular as it allows efficient processing of vast amounts of data for interpreting and real-time decision making. Already widely used in imaging and diagnosis, it is believed that ML will also play an important role in surgery and interventional treatments. In particular, ML could become a game changer into the conception of cognitive surgical robots. Such robots endowed with cognitive skills would assist the surgical team also on a cognitive level, such as possibly lowering the mental load of the team. For example, ML could help extracting surgical skill, learned through demonstration by human experts, and could transfer this to robotic skills. Such intelligent surgical assistance would significantly surpass the state of the art in surgical

e-Learning in Surgical Education: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Jayakumar, Nithish; Brunckhorst, Oliver; Dasgupta, Prokar; Khan, Muhammad Shamim; Ahmed, Kamran

2015-01-01

e-Learning involves the delivery of educational content through web-based methods. Owing to work-hour restrictions and changing practice patterns in surgery, e-learning can offer an effective alternative to traditional teaching. Our aims were to (1) identify current modalities of e-learning, (2) assess the efficacy of e-learning as an intervention in surgical education through a systematic review of the literature, and (3) discuss the relevance of e-learning as an educational tool in surgical education. This is the first such systematic review in this field. A systematic search of MEDLINE and EMBASE was conducted for relevant articles published until July 2014, using a predefined search strategy. The database search was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 38 articles were found which met the inclusion criteria. In these studies, e-learning was used as an intervention in 3 different ways: (1) to teach cases through virtual patients (18/38); (2) to teach theoretical knowledge through online tutorials, or other means (18/38); and (3) to teach surgical skills (2/38). Nearly all of the studies reviewed report significant knowledge gain from e-learning; however, 2 in 3 studies did not use a control group. e-Learning has emerged as an effective mode of teaching with particular relevance for surgical education today. Published studies have demonstrated the efficacy of this method; however, future work must involve well-designed randomized controlled trials comparing e-learning against standard teaching. Copyright © 2015 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Impact of Early Medical School Surgical Exposure on Interest in Neurosurgery.

PubMed

Zuccato, Jeffrey A; Kulkarni, Abhaya V

2016-05-01

Medical student interest in neurosurgery is decreasing and resident attrition is trending upwards in favor of more lifestyle-friendly specialties that receive greater exposure during medical school. The University of Toronto began offering an annual two week comprehensive, focused surgical experience (Surgical Exploration and Discovery (SEAD) program) to 20 first year medical students increasing exposure to surgical careers. This study determines how SEAD affects students' views of a career in neurosurgery. Surveys were administered to 38 SEAD participants over two program cycles. Information was obtained regarding demographics, impacts of SEAD, and factors affecting career decision making. Subgroup analyses assessed for factors predicting pre- and post-intervention interest in neurosurgery. Ninety-seven percent (n=37) of students completed the survey. Before SEAD, 25% were interested in neurosurgery but this decreased to 10% post-SEAD (p=0.001). However, post-SEAD interest increased from 10% to 38% if lifestyle factors were theoretically controlled across surgical specialties (p<0.005). A majority (81%) felt SEAD improved their understanding of neurosurgery, 62.2% felt that exposure to other surgical specialties reduced their interest in neurosurgery, and 21% felt SEAD increased their interest in neurosurgery. Nineteen percent intended to explore neurosurgery further with observerships and one student planned to organize neurosurgical research. This surgical exposure intervention increased understanding about neurosurgery and reduced overall interest in neurosurgery as a career. However, those remaining interested were motivated to plan further neurosurgical clinical experiences. The SEAD program may, therefore, aid in early selection of students motivated to satisfy the demands of a neurosurgical career.

Interventional urology: endourology in small animal veterinary medicine.

PubMed

Berent, Allyson C

2015-07-01

The use of novel image-guided techniques in veterinary medicine has become more widespread, especially in urologic diseases. With the common incidence of urinary tract obstructions, stones disease, renal disease, and urothelial malignancies, combined with the recognized invasiveness and morbidity associated with traditional surgical techniques, the use of minimally invasive alternatives using interventional radiology and interventional endoscopy techniques has become incredibly appealing to owners and clinicians. This article provides a brief overview of some of the most common procedures done in endourology in veterinary medicine to date, providing as much evidence-based medicine as possible when comparing with traditional surgical alternatives. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Current Interventional and Surgical Management of Congenital Heart Disease: Specific Focus on Valvular Disease and Cardiac Arrhythmias.

PubMed

Holst, Kimberly A; Said, Sameh M; Nelson, Timothy J; Cannon, Bryan C; Dearani, Joseph A

2017-03-17

Successful outcome in the care of patients with congenital heart disease depends on a comprehensive multidisciplinary team. Surgery is offered for almost every heart defect, despite complexity. Early mortality for cardiac surgery in the neonatal period is ≈10% and beyond infancy is <5%, with 90% to 95% of patients surviving with a good quality of life into the adult years. Advances in imaging have facilitated accurate diagnosis and planning of interventions and surgical procedures. Similarly, advances in the perioperative medical management of patients, particularly with intensive care, has also contributed to improving outcomes. Arrhythmias and heart failure are the most common late complications for the majority of defects, and reoperation for valvar problems is common. Lifelong surveillance for monitoring of recurrent or residual structural heart defects, as well as periodic assessment of cardiac function and arrhythmia monitoring, is essential for all patients. The field of congenital heart surgery is poised to incorporate new innovations such as bioengineered cells and scaffolds that will iteratively move toward bioengineered patches, conduits, valves, and even whole organs. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Enterocutaneous Fistula: Different Surgical Intervention Techniques for Closure along with Comparative Evaluation of Aluminum Paint, Karaya Gum (Hollister) and Gum Acacia for Peristomal Skin Care

PubMed Central

Namrata; Ahmad, Shabi

2015-01-01

Introduction Gastrointestinal fistulas are serious complications and are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. In majority of the patients, fistulas are treatable. However, the treatment is very complex and often multiple therapies are required. These highly beneficial treatment options which could shorten fistula closure time also result in considerable hospital cost savings. Aim This study was planned to study aetiology, clinical presentation, morbidity and mortality of enterocutaneous fistula and to evaluate the different surgical intervention techniques for closure of enterocutaneous fistula along with a comparative evaluation of different techniques for management of peristomal skin with special emphasis on aluminum paint, Karaya gum (Hollister) and Gum Acacia. Materials and Methods This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Surgery, M.L.N. Medical College, Allahabad and its associated hospital (S.R.N. Hospital, Allahabad) for a period of five years. Results Majority of enterocutaneous fistula were of small bowel and medium output fistulas (500-1000 ml/24hours). Most of the patients were treated with conservative treatment as compared to surgical intervention. Large bowel fistula has maximum spontaneous closure rate compare to small bowel and duodenum. Number of orifice whether single or multiple does not appear to play statistically significant role in spontaneous closure of fistula. Serum Albumin is a significantly important predictor of spontaneous fistula closure and mortality. Surgical management appeared to be the treatment of choice in distal bowel fistula. The application of karaya gum (Hollister kit), Gum Acacia and Aluminum Paint gave similar outcome. Conclusion Postoperative fistulas are the most common aetiology of enterocutaneous fistula and various factors do play role in management. Peristomal skin care done with Karaya Gum, Gum Acacia and Aluminum Paint has almost equal efficiency in management of skin

Melorheostosis: a literature review and case report with surgical considerations.

PubMed

Gagliardi, Gabrielle Gellman; Mahan, Kieran T

2010-01-01

Melorheostosis is a rare disorder marked by increased bony sclerosis on radiographs. In addition to bone changes, the skin and soft tissues overlying affected bone often demonstrate increased fibrosis, which can create joint contracture. These can all affect surgical planning for a patient with melorheostosis. This article reviews the literature and describes the surgical intervention and 4-year follow-up of a 10-year-old boy with melorheostosis. Copyright 2010 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Surgical ethics and the challenge of surgical innovation.

PubMed

Angelos, Peter

2014-12-01

Surgical ethics as a specific discipline is relatively new to many. Surgical ethics focuses on the ethical issues that are particularly important to the care of surgical patients. Informed consent for surgical procedures, the level of responsibility that surgeons feel for their patients' outcomes, and the management of surgical innovation are specific issues that are important in surgical ethics and are different from other areas of medicine. The future of surgical progress is dependent on surgical innovation, yet the nature of surgical innovation raises specific concerns that challenge the professionalism of surgeons. These concerns will be considered in the following pages. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Systematic review of early surgery for chronic pancreatitis: impact on pain, pancreatic function, and re-intervention.

PubMed

Yang, Catherine J; Bliss, Lindsay A; Schapira, Emily F; Freedman, Steven D; Ng, Sing Chau; Windsor, John A; Tseng, Jennifer F

2014-10-01

Surgical intervention has traditionally been reserved as the last management option for pain in chronic pancreatitis. Recently, there has been a call for surgery to be offered earlier in the disease process. The objectives of this review were to evaluate the effect of early surgery on postoperative pain, pancreatic function, and re-intervention rates in chronic pancreatitis. A systematic literature search through EMBASE, Cochrane Review, and PubMed from January 1950 to January 2014 was conducted. Citations found in relevant papers are hand-searched. Data which could be pooled were analyzed using Revman (v5.2). Risk of bias analysis was conducted. Of the 2,886 potentially eligible studies identified, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. There was large heterogeneity in the study designs, and studies were conducted over a lengthy time span. Seven studies examined pain, three studies examined pancreatic function, and three studies examined rates of re-intervention. Meta-analysis of the three studies with comparative raw data regarding complete pain relief showed that early surgery was associated with an increased likelihood of complete postoperative pain relief (RR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.09-2.56, p = 0.02). Early surgery was also associated with reduced risk of pancreatic insufficiency and low re-intervention rates. Data from this study supports considering early surgery for pain management in patients with chronic pancreatitis, with the potential of a reduced risk of pancreatic insufficiency and the need for further intervention. Further prospective randomized studies are warranted comparing early surgery against conservative step-up approaches.

Surgical Approaches to Chronic Pancreatitis: Indications and Techniques.

PubMed

Dua, Monica M; Visser, Brendan C

2017-07-01

There are a number of surgical strategies for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis. The optimal intervention should provide effective pain relief, improve/maintain quality of life, preserve exocrine and endocrine function, and manage local complications. Pancreaticoduodenectomy was once the standard operation for patients with chronic pancreatitis; however, other procedures such as the duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resections and its variants have been introduced with good long-term results. Pancreatic duct drainage via a lateral pancreaticojejunostomy continues to be effective in ameliorating symptoms and expediting return to normal lifestyle in many patients. This review summarizes operative indications and gives an overview of the different surgical strategies in treating chronic pancreatitis.

A dietary intervention to elicit rapid and complex dietary changes for studies investigating the effects of diet on tissues collected during invasive surgical procedures.

PubMed

Schenk, Jeannette M; Neuhouser, Marian L; Lin, Daniel W; Kristal, Alan R

2009-03-01

Nutrition intervention trials in patients undergoing surgical treatment for cancer offer a unique opportunity to study the mechanisms and pathways that underlie diet and cancer associations in target tissues. However, due to the short time period between diagnosis and treatment, traditional dietary intervention methods are not feasible. This report describes a novel dietary intervention program designed to elicit rapid and complex dietary change during a condensed study period. The intervention, based on Consumer Information Processing, used standardized menus and exchange lists to guide food choices, and was delivered using a single, in-person session followed by telephone-based counseling. This intervention program was used in a small pilot study evaluating the short-term effects of dietary change in men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer. Eight men were randomly assigned to either a low-fat/low-glycemic load or standard American diet during the 4 weeks preceding prostate surgery. Participants completed 24-hour dietary recalls each week, and were weighed at baseline and at surgery. Compared to men in the standard American arm (n=4), men in the low-fat/low-glycemic arm (n=4) reported consuming less total fat (51.0+/-36.0 vs 93.5+/-8.4 g/day, P=0.06), and had a lower glycemic load (134.8+/-6.0 vs 266.3+/-36.8 units/day, P<0.001). Men in the low-fat/low-glycemic arm lost a mean of 5.3+/-1.7 kg and men in the standard American arm gained 0.8+/-4.5 kg (P=0.04). Results of this small pilot study suggest that a relatively simple and minimally burdensome dietary intervention can elicit rapid and complex dietary changes that are maintained over a 4-week study period. Further studies in larger and more diverse populations are needed to fully understand the potential of this novel intervention approach.

Analysis of individualized education programs to quantify long-term educational needs following surgical intervention for single-suture craniosynostosis

PubMed Central

Doshier, Laura J; Muzaffar, Arshad R; Deidrick, Kathleen KM; Rice, Gale B

2015-01-01

BACKGROUND: Single-suture craniosynostosis (SSC) is a common craniofacial condition with potential neurocognitive sequelae. OBJECTIVE: To quantify any long-term functional academic and behavioural difficulties of children with SSC as indicated by the need for individualized education programs (IEPs), despite having undergone surgical treatment. METHODS: Records of all school-age patients from 1992 to 2011 who underwent operative intervention for SSC were identified. Fifty-nine patients’ guardians were contacted by telephone to provide informed consent for completion of a mailed standardized questionnaire querying demographic information as well as information regarding the patient’s health, family and educational history; specifically whether the patient had ever been provided educational support as delineated in an IEP. The primary outcome measure was the history of the patient being assigned educational support as delineated in an IEP. RESULTS: Thirty-seven consenting guardians completed and returned the standardized questionnaire (response rate 62.7%). Twenty-one patients were male and 16 were female, with an age range of five to 14 years (mean age 10.2 years). Eleven (29.7%) patients had a previous history of or currently were receiving educational support delineated in an IEP. CONCLUSIONS: A higher proportion of school-age patients with a history of SSC (status postsurgical intervention) in the present study received educational support delineated in an IEP than the proportion of IEPs in the general student population of the United States (11.3%). PMID:25821770

Contemporary surgical management of rectovaginal fistula in Crohn's disease

PubMed Central

Valente, Michael A; Hull, Tracy L

2014-01-01

Rectovaginal fistula is a disastrous complication of Crohn’s disease (CD) that is exceedingly difficult to treat. It is a disabling condition that negatively impacts a women’s quality of life. Successful management is possible only after accurate and complete assessment of the entire gastrointestinal tract has been performed. Current treatment algorithms range from observation to medical management to the need for surgical intervention. A wide variety of success rates have been reported for all management options. The choice of surgical repair methods depends on various fistula and patient characteristics. Before treatment is undertaken, establishing reasonable goals and expectations of therapy is essential for both the patient and surgeon. This article aims to highlight the various surgical techniques and their outcomes for repair of CD associated rectovaginal fistula. PMID:25400993

No evidence for intervention-dependent influence of methodological features on treatment effect.

PubMed

Jacobs, Wilco C H; Kruyt, Moyo C; Moojen, Wouter A; Verbout, Ab J; Oner, F Cumhur

2013-12-01

The goal of this systematic review was to evaluate if the influence of methodological features on treatment effect differs between types of intervention. MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane methodology register, and reference lists were searched for meta-epidemiologic studies on the influence of methodological features on treatment effect. Studies analyzing influence of methodological features related to internal validity were included. We made a distinction among surgical, pharmaceutical, and therapeutical as separate types of intervention. Heterogeneity was calculated to identify differences among these types. Fourteen meta-epidemiologic studies were found with 51 estimates of influence of methodological features on treatment effect. Heterogeneity was observed among the intervention types for randomization. Surgical intervention studies showed a larger treatment effect when randomized; this was in contrast to pharmaceutical studies that found the opposite. For allocation concealment and double blinding, the influence of methodological features on the treatment effect was comparable across different types of intervention. For the remaining methodological features, there were insufficient observations. The influence of allocation concealment and double blinding on the treatment effect is consistent across studies of different interventional types. The influence of randomization although, may be different between surgical and nonsurgical studies. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Perioperative self-reflection among surgical residents.

PubMed

Peshkepija, Andi N; Basson, Marc D; Davis, Alan T; Ali, Muhammad; Haan, Pam S; Gupta, Rama N; Hardaway, John C; Nebeker, Cody A; McLeod, Michael K; Osmer, Robert L; Anderson, Cheryl I

2017-09-01

We studied prevalence and predictors of meaningful self-reflection among surgical residents and with prompting/structured interventions, sought to improve/sustain resident skills. Residents from six programs recorded 1032 narrative self-reflective comments (120 residents), using a web-based platform. If residents identified something learned or to be improved, self-reflection was deemed meaningful. Independent variables PGY level, resident/surgeon gender, study site/Phase1: July2014-August2015 vs. Phase2: September2015-September2016) were analyzed. Meaningful self-reflection was documented in 40.6% (419/1032) of entries. PGY5's meaningfully self-reflected less than PGY1-4's, 26.1% vs. 49.6% (p = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, resident narratives during Phase 2 were 4.7 times more likely to engage in meaningful self-reflection compared to Phase1 entries (p < 0.001). Iterative changes during Phase2 showed a 236% increase in meaningful self-reflection, compared to Phase1. Surgical residents uncommonly practice meaningful self-reflection, even when prompted, and PGY5/chief residents reflect less than more junior residents. Substantial/sustained improvements in resident self-reflection can occur with both training and interventions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A systematic review of cost-effectiveness studies comparing conventional, biological and surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease.

PubMed

Pillai, Nadia; Dusheiko, Mark; Burnand, Bernard; Pittet, Valérie

2017-01-01

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease placing a large health and economic burden on health systems worldwide. The treatment landscape is complex with multiple strategies to induce and maintain remission while avoiding long-term complications. The extent to which rising treatment costs, due to expensive biologic agents, are offset by improved outcomes and fewer hospitalisations and surgeries needs to be evaluated. This systematic review aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of treatment strategies for IBD. A systematic literature search was performed in March 2017 to identify economic evaluations of pharmacological and surgical interventions, for adults diagnosed with Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC). Costs and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were adjusted to reflect 2015 purchasing power parity (PPP). Risk of bias assessments and a narrative synthesis of individual study findings are presented. Forty-nine articles were included; 24 on CD and 25 on UC. Infliximab and adalimumab induction and maintenance treatments were cost-effective compared to standard care in patients with moderate or severe CD; however, in patients with conventional-drug refractory CD, fistulising CD and for maintenance of surgically-induced remission ICERs were above acceptable cost-effectiveness thresholds. In mild UC, induction of remission using high dose mesalazine was dominant compared to standard dose. In UC refractory to conventional treatments, infliximab and adalimumab induction and maintenance treatment were not cost-effective compared to standard care; however, ICERs for treatment with vedolizumab and surgery were favourable. We found that, in general, while biologic agents helped improve outcomes, they incurred high costs and therefore were not cost-effective, particularly for use as maintenance therapy. The cost-effectiveness of biologic agents may improve as market prices fall and with the introduction of biosimilars. Future research

Modeling the effect of surgical sterilization on owned dog population size in Villa de Tezontepec, Hidalgo, Mexico, using an individual-based computer simulation model

PubMed Central

Kisiel, Luz Maria; Jones-Bitton, Andria; Sargeant, Jan M.; Coe, Jason B.; Flockhart, D. T. Tyler; Canales Vargas, Erick J.

2018-01-01

Surgical sterilization programs for dogs have been proposed as interventions to control dog population size. Models can be used to help identify the long-term impact of reproduction control interventions for dogs. The objective of this study was to determine the projected impact of surgical sterilization interventions on the owned dog population size in Villa de Tezontepec, Hidalgo, Mexico. A stochastic, individual-based simulation model was constructed and parameterized using a combination of empirical data collected on the demographics of owned dogs in Villa de Tezontepec and data available from the peer-reviewed literature. Model outcomes were assessed using a 20-year time horizon. The model was used to examine: the effect of surgical sterilization strategies focused on: 1) dogs of any age and sex, 2) female dogs of any age, 3) young dogs (i.e., not yet reached sexual maturity) of any sex, and 4) young, female dogs. Model outcomes suggested that as surgical capacity increases from 21 to 84 surgeries/month, (8.6% to 34.5% annual sterilization) for dogs of any age, the mean dog population size after 20 years was reduced between 14% and 79% compared to the base case scenario (i.e. in the absence of intervention). Surgical sterilization interventions focused only on young dogs of any sex yielded greater reductions (81% - 90%) in the mean population size, depending on the level of surgical capacity. More focused sterilization targeted at female dogs of any age, resulted in reductions that were similar to focusing on mixed sex sterilization of only young dogs (82% - 92%). The greatest mean reduction in population size (90% - 91%) was associated with sterilization of only young, female dogs. Our model suggests that targeting sterilization to young females could enhance the efficacy of existing surgical dog population control interventions in this location, without investing extra resources. PMID:29856830

Gamma knife radiosurgery for medically and surgically refractory prolactinomas.

PubMed

Pouratian, Nader; Sheehan, Jason; Jagannathan, Jay; Laws, Edward R; Steiner, Ladislau; Vance, Mary L

2006-08-01

Experience with gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for prolactinomas is limited because of the efficacy of medical and surgical intervention. Patients who are refractory to medical and/or surgical therapy may be treated with GKRS. We characterize the efficacy of GKRS for medically and surgically refractory prolactinomas. We reviewed our series of patients with prolactinomas who were treated with GKRS after failing medical and surgical intervention who had at least 1 year of follow-up. Twenty-three patients were included in analysis of endocrine outcomes (median and average follow-up of 55 and 58 mo, respectively) and 28 patients were included in analysis of imaging outcomes (median and average follow-up of 48 and 52 mo, respectively). Twenty-six percent of patients achieved a normal serum prolactin (remission) with an average time of 24.5 months. Remission was significantly associated with being off of a dopamine agonist at the time of GKRS and a tumor volume less than 3.0 cm3 (P < 0.05 for both). Long-term image-based volumetric control was achieved in 89% of patients. Complications included new pituitary hormone deficiencies in 28% of patients and cranial nerve palsy in two patients (7%). Clinical remission in 26% of treated patients is a modest result. However, because the GKRS treated tumors were refractory to other therapies and because complication rates were low, GKRS should be part of the armamentarium for treating refractory prolactinomas. Patients with tumors smaller than 3.0 cm3 and who are not receiving dopamine agonist at the time of treatment will likely benefit most.

Research promises earlier warning for grapevine canker diseases

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

When it comes to detecting and treating vineyards for grapevine canker diseases (also called trunk diseases), like Botryosphaeria dieback (Bot canker), Esca, Eutypa dieback and Phomopsis dieback, the earlier the better, says plant pathologist Kendra Baumgartner, with the USDA’s Agricultural Research...

Effectiveness of a bundled intervention of decolonization and prophylaxis to decrease Gram positive surgical site infections after cardiac or orthopedic surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Schweizer, Marin; Perencevich, Eli; McDanel, Jennifer; Carson, Jennifer; Formanek, Michelle; Hafner, Joanne; Braun, Barbara; Herwaldt, Loreen

2013-06-13

assessed a bundle including decolonization and glycopeptide prophylaxis for only patients colonized with MRSA and found a significantly protective effect against surgical site infections with Gram positive bacteria (0.41, 0.30 to 0.56). Surgical programs that implement a bundled intervention including both nasal decolonization and glycopeptide prophylaxis for MRSA carriers may decrease rates of surgical site infections caused by S aureus or other Gram positive bacteria.

Trauma Pod: a semi-automated telerobotic surgical system.

PubMed

Garcia, Pablo; Rosen, Jacob; Kapoor, Chetan; Noakes, Mark; Elbert, Greg; Treat, Michael; Ganous, Tim; Hanson, Matt; Manak, Joe; Hasser, Chris; Rohler, David; Satava, Richard

2009-06-01

The Trauma Pod (TP) vision is to develop a rapidly deployable robotic system to perform critical acute stabilization and/or surgical procedures, autonomously or in a teleoperative mode, on wounded soldiers in the battlefield who might otherwise die before treatment in a combat hospital could be provided. In the first phase of a project pursuing this vision, a robotic TP system was developed and its capability demonstrated by performing selected surgical procedures on a patient phantom. The system demonstrates the feasibility of performing acute stabilization procedures with the patient being the only human in the surgical cell. The teleoperated surgical robot is supported by autonomous robotic arms and subsystems that carry out scrub-nurse and circulating-nurse functions. Tool change and supply delivery are performed automatically and at least as fast as performed manually by nurses. Tracking and counting of the supplies is performed automatically. The TP system also includes a tomographic X-ray facility for patient diagnosis and two-dimensional (2D) fluoroscopic data to support interventions. The vast amount of clinical protocols generated in the TP system are recorded automatically. Automation and teleoperation capabilities form the basis for a more comprehensive acute diagnostic and management platform that will provide life-saving care in environments where surgical personnel are not present.

Ethical aspects of care in the newborn surgical patient.

PubMed

Hazebroek, Frans W J; Tibboel, Dick; Wijnen, Rene M H

2014-10-01

This article places focus on three main subjects that are all related to the ethical aspects of care of newborns undergoing major surgical interventions. The first concerns the communication between the surgeon, as a representative of the treatment team, and the parents. The second is the way to handle new developments in neonatal surgery. The third issue covers several aspects of the ethical decision-making process with regard to forgoing life support in surgical neonates. These issues will be discussed on the basis of two clinical case reports. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An earlier de motu cordis.

PubMed Central

Daly, Walter J.

2004-01-01

Thirteenth century medical science, like medieval scholarship in general, was directed at reconciliation of Greek philosophy/science with prevailing medieval theology and philosophy. Peter of Spain [later Pope John XXI] was the leading medical scholar of his time. Peter wrote a long book on the soul. Imbedded in it was a chapter on the motion of the heart. Peter's De Motu was based on his own medical experience and Galen's De Usu Partium and De Usu Respirationis and De Usu Pulsuum. This earlier De Motu defines a point on the continuum of intellectual development leading to us and into the future. Thirteenth century scholarship relied on past authority to a degree that continues to puzzle and beg explanation. Images Fig. 1 PMID:17060956

Assessment of Barriers to Essential Surgical Care in Two Communities in the Upper West Region, Ghana.

PubMed

Gyedu, Adam; Boakye, Godfred; Dally, Charles K; Agbeko, Anita Eseenam; Abantanga, Francis A; Kushner, Adam L; Stewart, Barclay T

2017-01-01

Systematic assessments of individual-and community-level barriers to surgical care (BSC) in low-and middle-income countries that might inform potential interventions are lacking. We used a novel tool to assess BSC systematically during a surgical outreach in two communities in Upper West region, Ghana. Results were scored in three dimensions of barriers to care (acceptability, affordability, and accessibility); higher dimension scores signified less salient barriers. A total index out of 10 was derived. In total, 169 individuals participated in Nadowli (68, 40%) and in Nandom (101, 60%). Nadowli had fewer BSC than Nandom (median index 7.8 vs 7.2; p < .001). Dimension scores ranged from 10.8 to 14.5 out of 18 points. Fear or mistrust of surgical care and stigma were reported more frequently in Nandom (p < .001). Reported barriers were not always the same in each community. Systematically defining barriers to essential surgical care provides an opportunity for planning targeted interventions at the community-level.

Do we perform surgical programming well? How can we improve it?

PubMed

Albareda, J; Clavel, D; Mahulea, C; Blanco, N; Ezquerra, L; Gómez, J; Silva, J M

The objective is to establish the duration of our interventions, intermediate times and surgical performance. This will create a virtual waiting list to apply a mathematical programme that performs programming with maximum performance. Retrospective review of 49 surgical sessions obtaining the delay in start time, intermediate time and surgical performance. Retrospective review of 4,045 interventions performed in the last 3 years to obtain the average duration of each type of surgery. Creation of a virtual waiting list of 700 patients in order to perform virtual programming through the MIQCP-P until achieving optimal performance. Our surgical performance with manual programming was 75.9%, ending 22.4% later than 3pm. The performance in the days without suspensions was 78.4%. The delay at start time was 9.7min. The optimum performance was 77.5% with a confidence of finishing before 15h of 80.6%. The waiting list has been scheduled in 254 sessions. Our manual surgical performance without suspensions (78.4%) was superior to the optimal (77.5%), generating days finished later than 3pm and suspensions. The possibilities for improvement are to achieve punctuality at the start time and adjust the schedule to the ideal performance. The virtual programming has allowed us to obtain our ideal performance and to establish the number of operating rooms necessary to solve the waiting list created. The data obtained in virtual mathematical programming are reliable enough to implement this model with guarantees. Copyright © 2017 SECOT. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Using Data to Intensify Behavioral Interventions for Individual Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kern, Lee; Wehby, Joseph H.

2014-01-01

In an earlier article (EJ1058920), Lee Kern and Joseph H. Wehby identified the reasons and process for using adaptive intensive behavioral intervention. Kern and Wehby use this article to present a fictional example of how the intervention is applied. Isaac, a 12 year old, 7th grade student at Highland Middle School, had a history of behavior…

Typhlitis: selective surgical management.

PubMed

Moir, C R; Scudamore, C H; Benny, W B

1986-05-01

Typhlitis is a neutropenic enterocolitis of varying severity. Its incidence is increasing, particularly in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia undergoing high dose cytosine arabinoside chemotherapy. The onset is heralded by prodromal fever, watery or bloody diarrhea, abdominal distension, and nausea during the phase of severe neutropenia. The symptoms may then localize to the right lower quadrant with an associated increase in systemic toxicity. The diagnosis can be confirmed in these and other less specific cases by serial reexamination and abdominal radiographs, ultrasonography, computerized tomograms, or radionucleotide scans. The mainstay of management is complete bowel rest with nasogastric suction and total parenteral nutrition. Broad-spectrum combination antibiotics are essential, as is the avoidance of laxatives or antidiarrheal agents. Granulocyte support may be helpful. Patients with a history of nonspecific gastrointestinal complaints or of true typhlitis, successfully managed nonoperatively, should have prophylactic bowel rest and total parenteral nutrition instituted at the beginning of further chemotherapy. Patients with ongoing severe systemic sepsis who do not respond to chemotherapy and those with overt perforation, obstruction, massive hemorrhage, or abscess formation require surgical intervention. All necrotic material must be resected, usually by a right hemicolectomy, ileostomy, and mucous fistula. Divided ileostomy for less severe cases may be useful. Failure to remove the necrotic focus in these severely immunocompromised patients is fatal. With adequate recognition of typhlitis and its precipitating factors, the incidence of complications can be reduced through prevention and timely surgical intervention. Although typhlitis developed in a quarter of our acute myeloblastic leukemia patients, use of this combined approach was successful in all cases.

Surgical revision after percutaneous mitral valve repair by edge-to-edge device: when the strategy fails in the highest risk surgical population.

PubMed

Alozie, Anthony; Westphal, Bernd; Kische, Stephan; Kaminski, Alexander; Paranskaya, Liliya; Bozdag-Turan, Ilkay; Ortak, Jasmin; Schubert, Jochen; Steinhoff, Gustav; Ince, Hüseyin

2014-07-01

Percutaneous edge-to-edge devices for non-surgical repair of mitral valve regurgitation are under clinical evaluation in high-risk patients deemed not suitable for conventional surgery. To address guidelines for initial therapy decision, we here report on 13 cases of surgery after failed percutaneous edge-to-edge mitral valve repair or attempted repair, and discuss methodology and prognostic factors for operative outcome in this high-risk situation. Thirteen patients referred to our cardiothoracic unit after failed percutaneous mitral valve repair or attempted repair using the edge-to-edge technique, were treated surgically for mitral valve failure between June 2010 and December 2012. Pathology of mitral valve before and after interventional mitral valve repair (especially prevalent mode of failure) was evaluated and classified for each individual patient by echocardiography and intraoperative direct visualization. Number of implanted edge-to-edge devices were identified. Preoperative risk scores were matched with intraoperative observations and histopathological findings of valve tissue. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were analysed with respect to mitral valve and patient-related data. Three of 10 patients were referred with severe mitral valve regurgitation/stenosis after initially successful percutaneous edge-to-edge therapy or attempted therapy. In 3 patients, ≥ 2 edge-to-edge devices were implanted leading to very tight edge-to-edge leaflet connection and fibrosis. All patients underwent successful surgical mitral valve replacement and concomitant complete cardiac surgery (CABG, aortic or tricuspid valve surgery, ASD closure and pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation). The likelihood of repair was reduced with respect to multiple edge-to-edge technology. One device could not be harvested surgically because of embolization. One patient died on the second postoperative day due to sepsis with multiple organ failure. The remaining 12 patients

[Surgical Treatment of Cervical Carotid Artery Aneurysm].

PubMed

Hamasaki, Ryo; Yanagisawa, Toshiharu; Takahashi, Yusuke; Shimizu, Hiroaki

2017-08-01

Cervical carotid aneurysms are rare, and surgical treatment should be planned for each patient. The authors report 9 cases of cervical carotid aneurysm in 9 patients(mean age, 53.7 years;5 men)who were treated surgically between 2005 and 2014. The aneurysm was located in the internal carotid artery in 6 patients, the common carotid artery in 2 patients, and the carotid bifurcation in 1 patient. Four aneurysms were recurrences after a previous endovascular intervention(parent artery coil embolization, covered stent placement, or stent with coil embolization). The mean interval between the endovascular therapy and the onset of the present illness was 6 years. All the patients presented a mass effect at the neck, including lower cranial nerve dysfunction in 1 patient. Two patients presented with ischemic events presumably due to thromboembolism from the target aneurysms. Surgical treatments included local vascular reconstruction procedures in 6 patients(interposition vein or artificial graft bypass in 5 patients and in situ bypass in 1 patient). Four aneurysms were then resected. Two patients with rich collateral blood flow were treated with ligation of the parent artery proximal to the aneurysm. Surgical complications included embolic stroke and cranial nerve dysfunction in 2 patients, respectively, both presumably due to surgical manipulation. The modified Rankin scale(mRS)score at discharge was 0 in 5 patients, 1 in 1 patient, 2 in 2 patients, and 6 in 1 patient(vascular tumor). Surgical treatment of cervical carotid aneurysms seems a reasonable treatment of choice, but lower nerve dysfunction and embolism from the aneurysm should be avoided.

The impact of the alexander technique on improving posture and surgical ergonomics during minimally invasive surgery: pilot study.

PubMed

Reddy, Pramod P; Reddy, Trisha P; Roig-Francoli, Jennifer; Cone, Lois; Sivan, Bezalel; DeFoor, W Robert; Gaitonde, Krishnanath; Noh, Paul H

2011-10-01

One of the main ergonomic challenges during surgical procedures is surgeon posture. There have been reports of a high number of work related injuries in laparoscopic surgeons. The Alexander technique is a process of psychophysical reeducation of the body to improve postural balance and coordination, permitting movement with minimal strain and maximum ease. We evaluated the efficacy of the Alexander technique in improving posture and surgical ergonomics during minimally invasive surgery. We performed a prospective cohort study in which subjects served as their own controls. Informed consent was obtained. Before Alexander technique instruction/intervention subjects underwent assessment of postural coordination and basic laparoscopic skills. All subjects were educated about the Alexander technique and underwent post-instruction/intervention assessment of posture and laparoscopic skills. Subjective and objective data obtained before and after instruction/intervention were tabulated and analyzed for statistical significance. All 7 subjects completed the study. Subjects showed improved ergonomics and improved ability to complete FLS™ as well as subjective improvement in overall posture. The Alexander technique training program resulted in a significant improvement in posture. Improved surgical ergonomics, endurance and posture decrease surgical fatigue and the incidence of repetitive stress injuries to laparoscopic surgeons. Further studies of the influence of the Alexander technique on surgical posture, minimally invasive surgery ergonomics and open surgical techniques are warranted to explore and validate the benefits for surgeons. Copyright © 2011 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Oral Surgical Procedures Performed Safely in Patients With Head and Neck Arteriovenous Malformations: A Retrospective Case Series of 12 Patients.

PubMed

Karim, Abdul Basit; Lindsey, Sean; Bovino, Brian; Berenstein, Alejandro

2016-02-01

This case series describes patients with head and neck arteriovenous malformations who underwent oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures combined with interventional radiology techniques to minimize blood loss. Twelve patients underwent femoral cerebral angiography to visualize the extent of vascular malformation. Before the surgical procedures, surgical sites were devascularized by direct injection of hemostatic or embolic agents. Direct puncture sclerotherapy at the base of surgical sites was performed using Surgiflo or n-butylcyanoacrylate glue. Surgical procedures were carried out in routine fashion. A hemostatic packing of FloSeal, Gelfoam, and Avitene was adapted to the surgical sites. Direct puncture sclerotherapy with Surgiflo or n-butylcyanoacrylate glue resulted in minimal blood loss intraoperatively. Local application of the FloSeal, Gelfoam, and Avitene packing sustained hemostasis and produced excellent healing postoperatively. Patients with arteriovenous malformations can safely undergo routine oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures with minimal blood loss when appropriate endovascular techniques and local hemostatic measures are used by the interventional radiologist and oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Copyright © 2016 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Resource Planning Analysis of District Hospital Surgical Services in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

PubMed Central

Sion, Melanie; Rajan, Dheepa; Kalambay, Hyppolite; Lokonga, Jean-Pierre; Bulakali, Joseph; Mossoko, Mathias; Kwete, Dieudonne; Schmets, Gerard; Kelley, Edward; Elongo, Tarcisse; Sambo, Luis; Cherian, Meena

2015-01-01

Abstract Background: The impact of surgical conditions on global health, particularly on vulnerable populations, is gaining recognition. However, only 3.5% of the 234.2 million cases per year of major surgery are performed in countries where the world's poorest third reside, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Methods: Data on the availability of anesthesia and surgical services were gathered from 12 DRC district hospitals using the World Health Organization's (WHO's) Emergency and Essential Surgical Care Situation Analysis Tool. We complemented these data with an analysis of the costs of surgical services in a Congolese norms-based district hospital as well as in 2 of the 12 hospitals in which we conducted the situational analysis (Demba and Kabare District Hospitals). For the cost analysis, we used WHO's integrated Healthcare Technology Package tool. Results: Of the 32 surgical interventions surveyed, only 2 of the 12 hospitals provided all essential services. The deficits in procedures varied from no deficits to 17 services that could not be provided, with an average of 7 essential procedures unavailable. Many of the hospitals did not have basic infrastructure such as running water and electricity; 9 of 12 had no or interrupted water and 7 of 12 had no or interrupted electricity. On average, 21% of lifesaving surgical interventions were absent from the facilities, compared with the model normative hospital. According to the normative hospital, all surgical services would cost US$2.17 per inhabitant per year, representing 33.3% of the total patient caseload but only 18.3% of the total district hospital operating budget. At Demba Hospital, the operating budget required for surgical interventions was US$0.08 per inhabitant per year, and at Kabare Hospital, US$0.69 per inhabitant per year. Conclusion: A significant portion of the health problems addressed at Congolese district hospitals is surgical in nature, but there is a current inability to meet

Getting Clearer About Surgical Innovation: A New Definition and a New Tool to Support Responsible Practice.

PubMed

Hutchison, Katrina; Rogers, Wendy; Eyers, Anthony; Lotz, Mianna

2015-12-01

This article presents an original definition of surgical innovation and a practical tool for identifying planned innovations. These will support the responsible introduction of surgical innovations. Frameworks developed for the safer introduction of surgical innovations rely upon identifying cases of innovation; oversight cannot occur unless innovations are identified. However, there is no consensus among surgeons about which interventions they consider innovative; existing definitions are vague and impractical. Using conceptual analysis, this article synthesizes findings from relevant literature, and from qualitative research with surgeons, to develop an original definition of surgical innovation and a tool for prospectively identifying planned surgical innovations. The tool has been developed in light of feedback from health care professionals, surgeons, and policy makers. This definition of innovation distinguishes between variations, introduction of established interventions, and innovations in surgical techniques or use of devices. It can be applied easily and consistently, is sensitive to the key features of innovation (newness and degree of change), is prospective, and focuses on features relevant to safety and evaluation. The accompanying tool is deliberately broad so that appropriate supports may, if necessary, be provided each time that a surgeon does something "new." The definition presented in this article overcomes a number of practical challenges. The definition and tool will be of value in supporting responsible surgical innovation, in particular, through the prospective identification of planned innovations.

Cardiac Complications, Earlier Treatment, and Initial Disease Severity in Kawasaki Disease.

PubMed

Abrams, Joseph Y; Belay, Ermias D; Uehara, Ritei; Maddox, Ryan A; Schonberger, Lawrence B; Nakamura, Yosikazu

2017-09-01

To assess if observed higher observed risks of cardiac complications for patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) treated earlier may reflect bias due to confounding from initial disease severity, as opposed to any negative effect of earlier treatment. We used data from Japanese nationwide KD surveys from 1997 to 2004. Receipt of additional intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) (data available all years) or any additional treatment (available for 2003-2004) were assessed as proxies for initial disease severity. We determined associations between earlier or later IVIG treatment (defined as receipt of IVIG on days 1-4 vs days 5-10 of illness) and cardiac complications by stratifying by receipt of additional treatment or by using logistic modeling to control for the effect of receiving additional treatment. A total of 48 310 patients with KD were included in the analysis. In unadjusted analysis, earlier IVIG treatment was associated with a higher risk for 4 categories of cardiac complications, including all major cardiac complications (risk ratio, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.06-1.15). Stratifying by receipt of additional treatment removed this association, and earlier IVIG treatment became protective against all major cardiac complications when controlling for any additional treatment in logistic regressions (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.80-1.00). Observed higher risks of cardiac complications among patients with KD receiving IVIG treatment on days 1-4 of the illness are most likely due to underlying higher initial disease severity, and patients with KD should continue to be treated with IVIG as early as possible. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Supernumerary Teeth in the Maxillary Anterior Region: The Dilemma of Early Versus Late Surgical Intervention.

PubMed

Sarne, Ofer; Shapira, Yehoshua; Blumer, Sigalit; Finkelstein, Tamar; Schonberger, Shirley; Bechor, Naomi; Shpack, Nir

Supernumerary teeth are the most common developmental dental anomalies in the maxillary anterior region causing interference to the developing permanent incisors resulting in poor dental and facial esthetics. Two different opinions regarding the timing for surgical removal of the supernumerary teeth are presented. In this case report, three brothers with supernumerary teeth in the maxillary anterior region are presented, their surgical and orthodontic management and outcome are discussed.

Perioperative Care and the Importance of Continuous Quality Improvement—A Controlled Intervention Study in Three Tanzanian Hospitals

PubMed Central

Mtatifikolo, Ferdinand; Ngoli, Baltazar; Neuner, Bruno; Wernecke, Klaus–Dieter; Spies, Claudia

2015-01-01

Introduction Surgical services are increasingly seen to reduce death and disability in Sub-Saharan Africa, where hospital-based mortality remains alarmingly high. This study explores two implementation approaches to improve the quality of perioperative care in a Tanzanian hospital. Effects were compared to a control group of two other hospitals in the region without intervention. Methods All hospitals conducted quality assessments with a Hospital Performance Assessment Tool. Changes in immediate outcome indicators after one and two years were compared to final outcome indicators such as Anaesthetic Complication Rate and Surgical Case Fatality Rate. Results Immediate outcome indicators for Preoperative Care in the intervention hospital improved (52.5% in 2009; 84.2% in 2011, p<0.001). Postoperative Inpatient Care initially improved to then decline again (63.3% in 2009; 70% in 2010; 58.6% in 2011). In the control group, preoperative care declined from 50.8% (2009) to 32.8% (2011, p <0.001), while postoperative care did not significantly change. Anaesthetic Complication Rate in the intervention hospital declined (1.89% before intervention; 0.96% after intervention, p = 0.006). Surgical Case Fatality Rate in the intervention hospital declined from 5.67% before intervention to 2.93% after intervention (p<0.0010). Surgical Case Fatality Rate in the control group was 4% before intervention and 3.8% after intervention (p = 0.411). Anaesthetic Complication Rate in the control group was not available. Discussion Immediate outcome indicators initially improved, while at the same time final outcome declined (Surgical Case Fatality, Anaesthetic Complication Rate). Compared to the control group, final outcome improved more in the intervention hospital, although the effect was not significant over the whole study period. Documentation of final outcome indicators seemed inconsistent. Immediate outcome indicators seem more helpful to steer the Continuous Quality Improvement program

Perioperative Care and the Importance of Continuous Quality Improvement--A Controlled Intervention Study in Three Tanzanian Hospitals.

PubMed

Bosse, Goetz; Abels, Wiltrud; Mtatifikolo, Ferdinand; Ngoli, Baltazar; Neuner, Bruno; Wernecke, Klaus-Dieter; Spies, Claudia

2015-01-01

Surgical services are increasingly seen to reduce death and disability in Sub-Saharan Africa, where hospital-based mortality remains alarmingly high. This study explores two implementation approaches to improve the quality of perioperative care in a Tanzanian hospital. Effects were compared to a control group of two other hospitals in the region without intervention. All hospitals conducted quality assessments with a Hospital Performance Assessment Tool. Changes in immediate outcome indicators after one and two years were compared to final outcome indicators such as Anaesthetic Complication Rate and Surgical Case Fatality Rate. Immediate outcome indicators for Preoperative Care in the intervention hospital improved (52.5% in 2009; 84.2% in 2011, p<0.001). Postoperative Inpatient Care initially improved to then decline again (63.3% in 2009; 70% in 2010; 58.6% in 2011). In the control group, preoperative care declined from 50.8% (2009) to 32.8% (2011, p <0.001), while postoperative care did not significantly change. Anaesthetic Complication Rate in the intervention hospital declined (1.89% before intervention; 0.96% after intervention, p = 0.006). Surgical Case Fatality Rate in the intervention hospital declined from 5.67% before intervention to 2.93% after intervention (p<0.0010). Surgical Case Fatality Rate in the control group was 4% before intervention and 3.8% after intervention (p = 0.411). Anaesthetic Complication Rate in the control group was not available. Immediate outcome indicators initially improved, while at the same time final outcome declined (Surgical Case Fatality, Anaesthetic Complication Rate). Compared to the control group, final outcome improved more in the intervention hospital, although the effect was not significant over the whole study period. Documentation of final outcome indicators seemed inconsistent. Immediate outcome indicators seem more helpful to steer the Continuous Quality Improvement program. Specific interventions as part of

Evolution in the Surgical Care of Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in the Mid-South Quality of Surgical Resection Cohort.

PubMed

Faris, Nicholas R; Smeltzer, Matthew P; Lu, Fujin; Fehnel, Carrie L; Chakraborty, Nibedita; Houston-Harris, Cheryl L; Robbins, E Todd; Signore, Raymond S; McHugh, Laura M; Wolf, Bradley A; Wiggins, Lynn; Levy, Paul; Sachdev, Vishal; Osarogiagbon, Raymond U

2017-01-01

Surgery is the most important curative treatment modality for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We examined the pattern of surgical resection for NSCLC in a high incidence and mortality region of the United States over a 10-year period (2004-2013) in the context of a regional surgical quality improvement initiative. We abstracted patient-level data on all resections at 11 hospitals in 4 contiguous Dartmouth Hospital Referral Regions in North Mississippi, East Arkansas, and West Tennessee. Surgical quality measures focused on intraoperative practice, with emphasis on pathologic nodal staging. We used descriptive statistics and trend analyses to assess changes in practice over time. To measure the effect of an ongoing regional quality improvement intervention with a lymph node specimen collection kit, we used period effect analysis to compare trends between the preintervention and postintervention periods. Of 2566 patients, 18% had no preoperative biopsy, only 15% had a preoperative invasive staging test, and 11% underwent mediastinoscopy. The rate of resections with no mediastinal lymph nodes examined decreased from 48%-32% (P < 0.0001), whereas the rate of resections examining 3 or more mediastinal stations increased from 5%-49% (P < 0.0001). There was a significant period effect in the increase in the number of N1, mediastinal, and total lymph nodes examined (all P < 0.0001). A quality improvement intervention including a lymph node specimen collection kit shows early signs of having a significant positive effect on pathologic nodal examination in this population-based cohort. However, gaps in surgical quality remain. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Surgical management of idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus.

PubMed

Bergsneider, Marvin; Black, Peter McL; Klinge, Petra; Marmarou, Anthony; Relkin, Norman

2005-09-01

To develop evidence-based guidelines for surgical management of idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (INPH). Compared with the diagnostic phase, the surgical management of INPH has received less scientific attention. The quality of much of the literature concerning the surgical management has been limited by many factors. These include retrospective analysis, small patient numbers, analysis of a mixed NPH population, and sometimes a lack of detail as to what type of shunt system was used. Many earlier studies predated our current understanding of the hydrodynamics of cerebrospinal fluid shunts, and therefore, the conclusions drawn may no longer be valid. A MEDLINE and PubMed search from 1966 to the present was conducted using the following key terms: normal-pressure hydrocephalus and idiopathic adult-onset hydrocephalus. Only English-language literature in peer-reviewed journals was reviewed. The search was further limited to articles that described the method of treatment and outcome selectively for INPH patients. Finally, only studies that included 20 or more INPH patients were considered with respect to formulating the recommendations in these Guidelines (27 articles). For practical reasons, it is important to identify probable shunt responders diagnosed with INPH. If the patient is an acceptable candidate for anesthesia, then an INPH-specific risk-benefit analysis should be determined. In general, patients exhibiting negligible symptoms may not be suitable candidates for surgical management, given the known risks and complications associated with shunting INPH. The choice of valve type and setting should be based on empirical reasoning and a basic understanding of shunt hydrodynamics. The most conservative choice is a valve incorporating an antisiphon device, with the understanding that underdrainage (despite a low opening pressure) may occur in a small percentage of patients because of the antisiphon device. On the basis of retrospective studies, the use

The surgical rectus sheath block for post-operative analgesia: a modern approach to an established technique.

PubMed

Crosbie, Emma J; Massiah, Nadine S; Achiampong, Josephine Y; Dolling, Stuart; Slade, Richard J

2012-02-01

To describe the surgical rectus sheath block for post-operative pain relief following major gynaecological surgery. Local anaesthetic (20 ml 0.25% bupivacaine bilaterally) is administered under direct vision to the rectus sheath space at the time of closure of the anterior abdominal wall. We conducted a retrospective case note review of 98 consecutive patients undergoing major gynaecological surgery for benign or malignant disease who received either standard subcutaneous infiltration of the wound with local anaesthetic (LA, n=51) or the surgical rectus sheath block (n=47) for post-operative pain relief. (1) Pain scores on waking, (2) duration of morphine-based patient controlled analgesia (PCA), (3) quantity of morphine used during the first 48 post-operative hours and (4) length of post-operative stay. The groups were similar in age, the range of procedures performed and the type of pathology observed. Patients who received the surgical rectus sheath block had lower pain scores on waking [0 (0-1) vs. 2 (1-3), p<0.001], required less morphine post-operatively [12 mg (9-26) vs. 36 mg (30-48), p<0.001], had their PCAs discontinued earlier [24h (18-34) vs. 37 h (28-48), p<0.001] and went home earlier [4 days (3-4) vs. 5 days post-op (4-8), p<0.001] [median (interquartile range)] than patients receiving standard subcutaneous local anaesthetic into the wound. The surgical rectus sheath block appears to provide effective post-operative analgesia for patients undergoing major gynaecological surgery. A randomised controlled clinical trial is required to assess its efficacy further. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Psychological and counselling interventions for female genital mutilation.

PubMed

Smith, Helen; Stein, Karin

2017-02-01

Women and girls living with female genital mutilation (FGM) are more likely to experience psychological problems than women without FGM. As well as psychological support, this population may need additional care when seeking surgical interventions to correct complications of FGM. Recent WHO guidelines recommend cognitive behavioral therapy for women and girls experiencing anxiety disorders, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. The guidelines also suggest that preoperative counselling for deinfibulation, and psychological support alongside surgical interventions, can help women manage the physiological and psychological changes following surgery. This synthesis summarizes evidence on women's values and preferences, and the context and conditions that may be required to provide psychological and counselling interventions. Understanding women's views, their own ways of coping, as well social and cultural factors that influence women's mental well-being, may help identify the types of interventions this population needs at different times and stages of their lives. © 2017 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. The World Health Organization retains copyright and all other rights in the manuscript of this article as submitted for publication.

Investing in a Surgical Outcomes Auditing System

PubMed Central

Bermudez, Luis; Trost, Kristen; Ayala, Ruben

2013-01-01

Background. Humanitarian surgical organizations consider both quantity of patients receiving care and quality of the care provided as a measure of success. However, organizational efficacy is often judged by the percent of resources spent towards direct intervention/surgery, which may discourage investment in an outcomes monitoring system. Operation Smile's established Global Standards of Care mandate minimum patient followup and quality of care. Purpose. To determine whether investment of resources in an outcomes monitoring system is necessary and effectively measures success. Methods. This paper analyzes the quantity and completeness of data collected over the past four years and compares it against changes in personnel and resources assigned to the program. Operation Smile began investing in multiple resources to obtain the missing data necessary to potentially implement a global Surgical Outcomes Auditing System. Existing personnel resources were restructured to focus on postoperative program implementation, data acquisition and compilation, and training materials used to educate local foundation and international employees. Results. An increase in the number of postoperative forms and amount of data being submitted to headquarters occurred. Conclusions. Humanitarian surgical organizations would benefit from investment in a surgical outcomes monitoring system in order to demonstrate success and to ameliorate quality of care. PMID:23401763

Comparison of optical see-through head-mounted displays for surgical interventions with object-anchored 2D-display

PubMed Central

Barthel, Alexander; Johnson, Alex; Osgood, Greg; Kazanzides, Peter; Navab, Nassir; Fuerst, Bernhard

2018-01-01

Purpose Optical see-through head-mounted displays (OST-HMD) feature an unhindered and instantaneous view of the surgery site and can enable a mixed reality experience for surgeons during procedures. In this paper, we present a systematic approach to identify the criteria for evaluation of OST-HMD technologies for specific clinical scenarios, which benefit from using an object-anchored 2D-display visualizing medical information. Methods Criteria for evaluating the performance of OST-HMDs for visualization of medical information and its usage are identified and proposed. These include text readability, contrast perception, task load, frame rate, and system lag. We choose to compare three commercially available OST-HMDs, which are representatives of currently available head-mounted display technologies. A multi-user study and an offline experiment are conducted to evaluate their performance. Results Statistical analysis demonstrates that Microsoft HoloLens performs best among the three tested OST-HMDs, in terms of contrast perception, task load, and frame rate, while ODG R-7 offers similar text readability. The integration of indoor localization and fiducial tracking on the HoloLens provides significantly less system lag in a relatively motionless scenario. Conclusions With ever more OST-HMDs appearing on the market, the proposed criteria could be used in the evaluation of their suitability for mixed reality surgical intervention. Currently, Microsoft HoloLens may be more suitable than ODG R-7 and Epson Moverio BT-200 for clinical usability in terms of the evaluated criteria. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper that presents a methodology and conducts experiments to evaluate and compare OST-HMDs for their use as object-anchored 2D-display during interventions. PMID:28343301

Comparison of optical see-through head-mounted displays for surgical interventions with object-anchored 2D-display.

PubMed

Qian, Long; Barthel, Alexander; Johnson, Alex; Osgood, Greg; Kazanzides, Peter; Navab, Nassir; Fuerst, Bernhard

2017-06-01

Optical see-through head-mounted displays (OST-HMD) feature an unhindered and instantaneous view of the surgery site and can enable a mixed reality experience for surgeons during procedures. In this paper, we present a systematic approach to identify the criteria for evaluation of OST-HMD technologies for specific clinical scenarios, which benefit from using an object-anchored 2D-display visualizing medical information. Criteria for evaluating the performance of OST-HMDs for visualization of medical information and its usage are identified and proposed. These include text readability, contrast perception, task load, frame rate, and system lag. We choose to compare three commercially available OST-HMDs, which are representatives of currently available head-mounted display technologies. A multi-user study and an offline experiment are conducted to evaluate their performance. Statistical analysis demonstrates that Microsoft HoloLens performs best among the three tested OST-HMDs, in terms of contrast perception, task load, and frame rate, while ODG R-7 offers similar text readability. The integration of indoor localization and fiducial tracking on the HoloLens provides significantly less system lag in a relatively motionless scenario. With ever more OST-HMDs appearing on the market, the proposed criteria could be used in the evaluation of their suitability for mixed reality surgical intervention. Currently, Microsoft HoloLens may be more suitable than ODG R-7 and Epson Moverio BT-200 for clinical usability in terms of the evaluated criteria. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper that presents a methodology and conducts experiments to evaluate and compare OST-HMDs for their use as object-anchored 2D-display during interventions.

Participation of family members and quality of patient care - the perspective of adult surgical patients.

PubMed

Leino-Kilpi, Helena; Gröndahl, Weronica; Katajisto, Jouko; Nurminen, Matti; Suhonen, Riitta

2016-08-01

The aim of this study is to describe the participation of family members in the care of Finnish adult surgical patients and the connection of the participation with the quality of patient care as perceived by surgical patients. The family members of adult surgical patients are important. Earlier studies vary concerning the nature of participation, its meaning and the connection of participation with patient-centred quality of care. In this study, we aim to produce new knowledge about adult surgical patients whose family members have participated in their care. This was a cross-sectional descriptive survey study. The data were collected among adult surgical patients (N = 481) before being discharged home from hospital with two instruments: the Good Nursing Care scale and the Received Knowledge of Hospital Patients. Based on the results, most adult surgical patients report that family members participate in their care. Participation was connected with received knowledge and preconditions of care, which are components of the quality of patient care. In future, testing of different solutions for improving the participation of surgical patients' family members in patient care should be implemented. Furthermore, the preconditions of family members' participation in care and the concept of participation should be analysed to emphasise the active role of family members. The results emphasised the importance of family members for the patients in surgical care. Family members' participation is connected with the quality of patient care. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Surgical treatment for osteochondritis dessicans of the knee.

PubMed

Winthrop, Zachary; Pinkowsky, Gregory; Hennrikus, William

2015-12-01

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee is a disease of the subchondral bone with secondary injury to the overlying articular cartilage. OCD lesions are generally categorized as juvenile-growth plates open-or adult-growth plates closed. This maturity-based classification scheme has a prognostic value in that many juvenile OCD lesions will heal with conservative care while most symptomatic adult OCD lesions need surgical intervention. OCD can result in pain, knee joint effusions, loose body formation, and arthritis. Short-term treatment goals include pain and symptom resolution while the long-term goal is to minimize arthritis. Surgical options include debridement, drilling, microfracture, reduction and fixation, autograft osteochondral transplantation, autologous chondrocyte implantation, and allograft osteochondreal transplantation.

How Can We Improve Preventive and Educational Interventions for Intimate Relationships?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bradbury, Thomas N.; Lavner, Justin A.

2012-01-01

Improving intimate relationships with preventive and educational interventions has proven to be more difficult than originally conceived, and earlier models and approaches may be reaching their limits. Basic concerns remain about the long-term effectiveness of these interventions, whether they are reaching and benefiting couples most likely to…

Coding and Billing in Surgical Education: A Systems-Based Practice Education Program.

PubMed

Ghaderi, Kimeya F; Schmidt, Scott T; Drolet, Brian C

Despite increased emphasis on systems-based practice through the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education core competencies, few studies have examined what surgical residents know about coding and billing. We sought to create and measure the effectiveness of a multifaceted approach to improving resident knowledge and performance of documenting and coding outpatient encounters. We identified knowledge gaps and barriers to documentation and coding in the outpatient setting. We implemented a series of educational and workflow interventions with a group of 12 residents in a surgical clinic at a tertiary care center. To measure the effect of this program, we compared billing codes for 1 year before intervention (FY2012) to prospectively collected data from the postintervention period (FY2013). All related documentation and coding were verified by study-blinded auditors. Interventions took place at the outpatient surgical clinic at Rhode Island Hospital, a tertiary-care center. A cohort of 12 plastic surgery residents ranging from postgraduate year 2 through postgraduate year 6 participated in the interventional sequence. A total of 1285 patient encounters in the preintervention group were compared with 1170 encounters in the postintervention group. Using evaluation and management codes (E&M) as a measure of documentation and coding, we demonstrated a significant and durable increase in billing with supporting clinical documentation after the intervention. For established patient visits, the monthly average E&M code level increased from 2.14 to 3.05 (p < 0.01); for new patients the monthly average E&M level increased from 2.61 to 3.19 (p < 0.01). This study describes a series of educational and workflow interventions, which improved resident coding and billing of outpatient clinic encounters. Using externally audited coding data, we demonstrate significantly increased rates of higher complexity E&M coding in a stable patient population based on improved

Prescription stimulant use is associated with earlier onset of psychosis.

PubMed

Moran, Lauren V; Masters, Grace A; Pingali, Samira; Cohen, Bruce M; Liebson, Elizabeth; Rajarethinam, R P; Ongur, Dost

2015-12-01

A childhood history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is common in psychotic disorders, yet prescription stimulants may interact adversely with the physiology of these disorders. Specifically, exposure to stimulants leads to long-term increases in dopamine release. We therefore hypothesized that individuals with psychotic disorders previously exposed to prescription stimulants will have an earlier onset of psychosis. Age of onset of psychosis (AOP) was compared in individuals with and without prior exposure to prescription stimulants while controlling for potential confounding factors. In a sample of 205 patients recruited from an inpatient psychiatric unit, 40% (n = 82) reported use of stimulants prior to the onset of psychosis. Most participants were prescribed stimulants during childhood or adolescence for a diagnosis of ADHD. AOP was significantly earlier in those exposed to stimulants (20.5 vs. 24.6 years stimulants vs. no stimulants, p < 0.001). After controlling for gender, IQ, educational attainment, lifetime history of a cannabis use disorder or other drugs of abuse, and family history of a first-degree relative with psychosis, the association between stimulant exposure and earlier AOP remained significant. There was a significant gender × stimulant interaction with a greater reduction in AOP for females, whereas the smaller effect of stimulant use on AOP in males did not reach statistical significance. In conclusion, individuals with psychotic disorders exposed to prescription stimulants had an earlier onset of psychosis, and this relationship did not appear to be mediated by IQ or cannabis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Vascular surgery trainees still need to learn how to sew: importance of learning surgical techniques in the era of endovascular surgery.

PubMed

Aziz, Faisal

2015-01-01

Vascular surgery represents one of the most rapidly evolving specialties in the field of surgery. It was merely 100 years ago when Dr. Alexis Carrel described vascular anastomosis. Over the course of next several decades, vascular surgeons distinguished themselves from general surgeons by horning the techniques of vascular surgery operations. In the era of minimally invasive interventions, the number of endovascular interventions performed by vascular surgeons has increased exponentially. Vascular surgery trainees in the current times spend considerable time in mastering the techniques of endovascular operations. Unfortunately, the reduction in number of open surgical operations has lead to concerns in regards to adequacy of learning open surgical techniques. In future, majority of vascular interventions will be done with minimally invasive techniques. Combination of poor training in open operations and increasing complexity of open surgical operations may lead to poor surgical outcomes. It is the need of the hour for vascular surgery trainees to realize the importance of learning and mastering open surgical techniques. One of the most distinguishing features of contemporary vascular surgeons is their ability to perform both endovascular and open vascular surgery operations, and we should strive to maintain our excellence in both of these arenas.

Enhancing surgical safety using digital multimedia technology.

PubMed

Dixon, Jennifer L; Mukhopadhyay, Dhriti; Hunt, Justin; Jupiter, Daniel; Smythe, William R; Papaconstantinou, Harry T

2016-06-01

The purpose of this study was to examine whether incorporating digital and video multimedia components improved surgical time-out performance of a surgical safety checklist. A prospective pilot study was designed for implementation of a multimedia time-out, including a patient video. Perceptions of the staff participants were surveyed before and after intervention (Likert scale: 1, strongly disagree to 5, strongly agree). Employee satisfaction was high for both time-out procedures. However, employees appreciated improved clarity of patient identification (P < .05) and operative laterality (P < .05) with the digital method. About 87% of the respondents preferred the digital version to the standard time-out (75% anesthesia, 89% surgeons, 93% nursing). Although the duration of time-outs increased (49 and 79 seconds for standard and digital time-outs, respectively, P > .001), there was significant improvement in performance of key safety elements. The multimedia time-out allows improved participation by the surgical team and is preferred to a standard time-out process. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Trends in the Surgical Correction of Gynecomastia.

PubMed

Brown, Rodger H; Chang, Daniel K; Siy, Richard; Friedman, Jeffrey

2015-05-01

Gynecomastia refers to the enlargement of the male breast due to a proliferation of ductal, stromal, and/or fatty tissue. Although it is a common condition affecting up to 65% of men, not all cases require surgical intervention. Contemporary surgical techniques in the treatment of gynecomastia have become increasingly less invasive with the advent of liposuction and its variants, including power-assisted and ultrasound-assisted liposuction. These techniques, however, have been largely limited in their inability to address significant skin excess and ptosis. For mild to moderate gynecomastia, newer techniques using arthroscopic morcellation and endoscopic techniques promise to address the fibrous component, while minimizing scar burden by utilizing liposuction incisions. Nevertheless, direct excision through periareolar incisions remains a mainstay in treatment algorithms for its simplicity and avoidance of additional instrumentation. This is particularly true for more severe cases of gynecomastia requiring skin resection. In the most severe cases with significant skin redundancy and ptosis, breast amputation with free nipple grafting remains an effective option. Surgical treatment should be individualized to each patient, combining techniques to provide adequate resection and optimize aesthetic results.

Surgical Management of Musculoskeletal Injuries after 2015 Nepal Earthquake: Our Experience

PubMed Central

Vaishya, Raju; Vijay, Vipul; Hussaini, Mustafa; Singh, Harsh

2015-01-01

We report our experience of handling 80 major musculoskeletal injuries in a brief span of three days immediately after the major earthquake of Nepal in April 2015. Planning, proper utilization of resources, and prioritizing the patients for surgical intervention is highlighted. The value of damage control by orthopaedics in these disasters is discussed. Timely and appropriate surgical treatment by a skilled orthopaedic team not only can save these injured limbs but also the lives of the victims of a major disaster. PMID:26430580

Etiology and outcomes of secondary surgical intervention for dissatisfied patients after pseudophakic monovision.

PubMed

Kato, Sayaka; Ito, Misae; Shimizu, Kimiya; Kamiya, Kazutaka

2017-05-18

To evaluate the etiology and the clinical outcomes of secondary surgical interventions for dissatisfied patients after pseudophakic monovision. Department of Ophthalmology, Kitasato University Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan. Retrospective case series. This study comprised 12 eyes in 12 patients (age 66.2 ± 5.6 years) who underwent photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) enhancement to improve their dissatisfaction after pseudophakic monovision. We quantitatively assessed the visual and refractive outcomes and the subjective satisfaction measured using a visual analog scale, that ranged from 0 (very dissatisfied) to 10 (very satisfied), before and 3 months after PRK enhancement. Six (50%) of the 12 patients were dissatisfied with their various distance visions because of a large amount of anisometropia (≥2.50 D). Two (16.7%) were dissatisfied with their distance vision after conventional monovision because of residual cylindrical errors (≥0.75 D) in the dominant eye. Three (25%) was an unknown origin. The remaining one of the 12 patients was dissatisfied due to the unadaptability to crossed monovision. Eleven (91.7%) eyes were within ±0.5 D of the targeted correction after PRK enhancement. The overall satisfaction score was significantly improved, from 3.7 ± 2.4 (range 0-7) preoperatively to 6.0 ± 2.4 (range 2-9) postoperatively (p = 0.02). No vision-threatening complications were seen throughout the observation period. PRK enhancement was effective with predictable refractive results and thus improved patient satisfaction for dissatisfied patients after pseudophakic monovision. These findings also suggest that the accurate correction of refractive errors plays a key role in successful pseudophakic monovision.

TextWithSurgeryPatients - A Research Hypothesis in Enhancing Education and Physical Assessment for Abdominal Surgical Patients.

PubMed

Hansen, Margaret

2016-01-01

Medical surgical nurses may not have the time or resources to provide effective pre- and post-operative instructions for patients in today's healthcare system. And, making timely physical assessments following discharge from the hospital is not always straightforward. Therefore, the risk for readmission associated with post-surgical complications is a concern. At present, mobile healthcare technologies and patient care are precipitously evolving and may serve as a resource to enhance communication between the healthcare provider and patient. A mobile telephone text message (short message service [SMS]) intervention for abdominal surgical patients may foster effective education (communication) and timely self-reported physical assessment in the home environment hence preventing deleterious outcomes. The aim of this research proposal is to identify the feasibility of using a SMS intervention via smart phones to improve health outcomes via timely communication, reach large numbers of at-risk surgical patients and, establish and sustain uniform protocols in a cost-efficient manner.

The effect of observing novice and expert performance on acquisition of surgical skills on a robotic platform

PubMed Central

Harris, David J.; Vine, Samuel J.; Wilson, Mark R.; McGrath, John S.; LeBel, Marie-Eve

2017-01-01

Background Observational learning plays an important role in surgical skills training, following the traditional model of learning from expertise. Recent findings have, however, highlighted the benefit of observing not only expert performance but also error-strewn performance. The aim of this study was to determine which model (novice vs. expert) would lead to the greatest benefits when learning robotically assisted surgical skills. Methods 120 medical students with no prior experience of robotically-assisted surgery completed a ring-carrying training task on three occasions; baseline, post-intervention and at one-week follow-up. The observation intervention consisted of a video model performing the ring-carrying task, with participants randomly assigned to view an expert model, a novice model, a mixed expert/novice model or no observation (control group). Participants were assessed for task performance and surgical instrument control. Results There were significant group differences post-intervention, with expert and novice observation groups outperforming the control group, but there were no clear group differences at a retention test one week later. There was no difference in performance between the expert-observing and error-observing groups. Conclusions Similar benefits were found when observing the traditional expert model or the error-strewn model, suggesting that viewing poor performance may be as beneficial as viewing expertise in the early acquisition of robotic surgical skills. Further work is required to understand, then inform, the optimal curriculum design when utilising observational learning in surgical training. PMID:29141046

Carotid interventions and blood pressure.

PubMed

Hirschl, Mirko; Kundi, Michael

2014-12-01

Arterial baroreceptors are pressure sensors found in the carotid sinus near the bifurcation of the carotid artery and in the aortic arch. Carotid interventions, whether endovascular or surgical, affect this complicated control system and the post-interventional blood pressure behavior. Comparisons between the intervention techniques, however, are challenging due to the varying measurement methods, duration of observation, and patient populations. The question as to which interventional method is preferable, if undisturbed regulation of blood pressure is concerned, still remains unanswered. The fact that blood pressure events (i.e., hemodynamic instability, hypertension, unstable blood pressure) frequently occur both immediately after intervention and in the long term, mandates a particularly careful cardiopulmonary and blood pressure monitoring. Direct and indirect measurements of baroreceptor sensitivity can be helpful in identifying high-risk patients, although the association to hard clinical endpoints is rarely documented for methodological reasons.

Surgical versus injection treatment for injection-confirmed chronic sacroiliac joint pain

PubMed Central

Spiker, William Ryan; Lawrence, Brandon D.; Raich, Annie L.; Skelly, Andrea C.; Brodke, Darrel S.

2012-01-01

Study design: Systematic review. Study rationale: Chronic sacroiliac joint pain (CSJP) is a common clinical entity with highly controversial treatment options. A recent systematic review compared surgery with denervation, but the current systematic review compares outcomes of surgical intervention with therapeutic injection for the treatment of CSJP and serves as the next step for evaluating current evidence on the comparative effectiveness of treatments for non-traumatic sacroiliac joint pain. Objective or clinical question: In adult patients with injection-confirmed CSJP, does surgical treatment lead to better outcomes and fewer complications than injection therapy? Methods: A systematic review of the English-language literature was undertaken for articles published between 1970 and June 2012. Electronic databases and reference lists of key articles were searched to identify studies evaluating surgery or injection treatment for injection-confirmed CSJP. Studies involving traumatic onset or non-injection–confirmed CSJP were excluded. Two independent reviewers assessed the level of evidence quality using the grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) system, and disagreements were resolved by consensus. Results: We identified twelve articles (seven surgical and five injection treatment) meeting our inclusion criteria. Regardless of the type of treatment, most studies reported over 40% improvement in pain as measured by Visual Analog Scale or Numeric rating Scale score. Regardless of the type of treatment, most studies reported over 20% improvement in functionality. Most complications were reported in the surgical studies. Conclusion: Surgical fusion and therapeutic injections can likely provide pain relief, improve quality of life, and improve work status. The comparative effectiveness of these interventions cannot be evaluated with the current literature. PMID:23526911

Surgical Treatment of Adolescent Clavicle Fractures: Results and Complications.

PubMed

McIntosh, Amy L

2016-06-01

No level 1 evidence is available to guide the surgical treatment of adolescent clavicle fractures. Adult literature is not applicable as adolescent mid-diaphyseal clavicle fractures do not develop nonunions, and only a small percentage (10% to 20%) are symptomatic from malunions. Current indications for operative fixation are: (1) completely displaced midshaft fracture with shortening of >2 cm; (2) superior displacement with skin tenting and/or an impending open fracture; (3) associated neurovascular injury; (4) open clavicular fracture; and (5) floating shoulder with a completely displaced clavicular fracture. Future large prospective randomized studies will need to be performed to accurately define which adolescent patients will "truly" benefit from surgical intervention.

Current trials to reduce surgical intervention in ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast: Critical review.

PubMed

Toss, M; Miligy, I; Thompson, A M; Khout, H; Green, A R; Ellis, I O; Rakha, E A

2017-10-01

The high proportion of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) presented in mammographic screening and the relatively low risk of progression to invasive disease have raised questions related to overtreatment. Following a review of current DCIS management protocols a more conservative approach has been suggested. Clinical trials have been introduced to evaluate the option of avoiding surgical intervention in a proportion of patients with DCIS defined as "low-risk" using certain clinicopathological criteria. These trials can potentially provide evidence-based models of active surveillance (with or without endocrine therapy) as a future management approach. Despite the undisputable fact of our need to address the obvious overtreatment of screen-detected DCIS, some important questions need to be considered regarding these trials including the eligibility criteria and definition of risk, the proportion of patient eligible for inclusion, and the length of time required for proper analysis of the trials' outcome in view of the long-term natural history of DCIS progression particularly the low-risk group. These factors can potentially affect the practicality and future impact of such trials. This review provides critical analysis of current DCIS management trials and highlights critical issues related to their practicality and the expected outcome. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Survey of Emergency and Essential Surgical, Obstetric and Anaesthetic Services Available in Bangladeshi Government Health Facilities.

PubMed

Loveday, Jonathan; Sachdev, Sonal P; Cherian, Meena N; Katayama, Francisco; Akhtaruzzaman, A K M; Thomas, Joe; Huda, N; Faragher, E Brian; Johnson, Walter D

2017-07-01

Evaluate the capacity of government-run hospitals in Bangladesh to provide emergency and essential surgical, obstetric and anaesthetic services. Cross-sectional survey of 240 Bangladeshi Government healthcare facilities using the World Health Organisation Situational Analysis Tool to Assess Emergency and Essential Surgical Care (SAT). This tool evaluates the ability of a healthcare facility to provide basic surgical, obstetric and anaesthetic care based on 108 queries that detail the infrastructure and population demographics, human resources, surgical interventions and reason for referral, and available surgical equipment and supplies. For this survey, the Bangladeshi Ministry of Health sent the SAT to sub-district, district/general and teaching hospitals throughout the country in April 2013. Responses were received from 240 healthcare facilities (49.5% response rate): 218 sub-district and 22 district/general hospitals. At the sub-district level, caesarean section was offered by 55% of facilities, laparotomy by 7% and open fracture repair by 8%. At the district/general hospital level, 95% offered caesarean section, 86% offered laparotomy and 77% offered open fracture treatment. Availability of anaesthesia services, general equipment and supplies reflected this trend, where district/general hospitals were better equipped than sub-district hospitals, though equipment and infrastructure shortages persist. There has been overall impressive progress by the Bangladeshi Government in providing essential surgical services. Areas for improvement remain across all key areas, including infrastructure, human resources, surgical interventions offered and available equipment. Investment in surgical services offers a cost-effective opportunity to continue to improve the health of the Bangladeshi population and move the country towards universal healthcare coverage.

Association of a Surgical Task During Training With Team Skill Acquisition Among Surgical Residents: The Missing Piece in Multidisciplinary Team Training.

PubMed

Sparks, Jessica L; Crouch, Dustin L; Sobba, Kathryn; Evans, Douglas; Zhang, Jing; Johnson, James E; Saunders, Ian; Thomas, John; Bodin, Sarah; Tonidandel, Ashley; Carter, Jeff; Westcott, Carl; Martin, R Shayn; Hildreth, Amy

2017-09-01

The human patient simulators that are currently used in multidisciplinary operating room team training scenarios cannot simulate surgical tasks because they lack a realistic surgical anatomy. Thus, they eliminate the surgeon's primary task in the operating room. The surgical trainee is presented with a significant barrier when he or she attempts to suspend disbelief and engage in the scenario. To develop and test a simulation-based operating room team training strategy that challenges the communication abilities and teamwork competencies of surgeons while they are engaged in realistic operative maneuvers. This pre-post educational intervention pilot study compared the gains in teamwork skills for midlevel surgical residents at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center after they participated in a standardized multidisciplinary team training scenario with 3 possible levels of surgical realism: (1) SimMan (Laerdal) (control group, no surgical anatomy); (2) "synthetic anatomy for surgical tasks" mannequin (medium-fidelity anatomy), and (3) a patient simulated by a deceased donor (high-fidelity anatomy). Participation in the simulation scenario and the subsequent debriefing. Teamwork competency was assessed using several instruments with extensive validity evidence, including the Nontechnical Skills assessment, the Trauma Management Skills scoring system, the Crisis Resource Management checklist, and a self-efficacy survey instrument. Participant satisfaction was assessed with a Likert-scale questionnaire. Scenario participants included midlevel surgical residents, anesthesia providers, scrub nurses, and circulating nurses. Statistical models showed that surgical residents exposed to medium-fidelity simulation (synthetic anatomy for surgical tasks) team training scenarios demonstrated greater gains in teamwork skills compared with control groups (SimMan) (Nontechnical Skills video score: 95% CI, 1.06-16.41; Trauma Management Skills video score: 95% CI, 0.61-2.90) and

Simultaneous Surgical Treatment of Congenital Spinal Deformity Associated with Intraspinal Anomalies.

PubMed

Singrakhia, Manoj; Malewar, Nikhil; Deshmukh, Sonal; Deshmukh, Shivaji

2018-06-01

Prospective case series. To study the safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes of single-stage surgical intervention for congenital spinal deformity and intraspinal anomalies. Congenital spinal deformities associated with intraspinal anomalies are usually treated sequentially, first by treating the intraspinal anomalies followed by deformity correction after a period of 3-6 months. Recently, a single-stage approach has been reported to show better postoperative results and reduced complication rates. Thirty patients (23 females and seven males) were prospectively evaluated for the simultaneous surgical treatment of congenital spinal deformity with concurrent intraspinal anomalies from May 2006 to October 2016. The average age at presentation was 9.8±3.7 years, with the average follow-up duration being 49.06±8.6 months. Clinical records were evaluated for clinical, radiological, perioperative, and postoperative data. The average angle of deformity was 56.53°±25.22° preoperatively, 21.13°±14.34° postoperatively, and 23.93°±14.99° at the final follow-up. The average surgical time was 232.58±53.56 minutes (range, 100-330 minutes), with a mean blood loss of 1,587.09±439.09 mL (range, 100-2,300 mL). Single stage surgical intervention for intraspinal anomalies with congenital spinal deformity correction, including adequate intra-operative wake-up test, is a viable option in appropriately selected patients and has minimum complication rates.

Moving from data collection to application: a systematic literature review of surgical capacity assessments and their applications.

PubMed

Carlson, Lucas C; Lin, Joseph A; Ameh, Emmanuel A; Mulwafu, Wakisa; Donkor, Peter; Derbew, Miliard; Rodas, Edgar; Mkandawire, Nyengo C; Dhanaraj, Mitra; Yangni-Angate, Herve; Sani, Rachid; Labib, Mohamed; Barbero, Roxana; Clarke, Damian; Smith, Martin D; Sherman, Lawrence; Mutyaba, Frederick A; Alexander, Philip; Hadley, Larry G P; VanRooyen, Michael J; Kushner, Adam L

2015-04-01

Over the past decade, assessments of surgical capacity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have contributed to our understanding of barriers to the delivery of surgical services in a number of countries. It is yet unclear, however, how the findings of these assessments have been applied and built upon within the published literature. A systematic literature review of surgical capacity assessments in LMICs was performed to evaluate current levels of understanding of global surgical capacity and to identify areas for future study. A reverse snowballing method was then used to follow-up citations of the identified studies to assess how this research has been applied and built upon in the literature. Twenty-one papers reporting the findings of surgical capacity assessments conducted in 17 different LMICs in South Asia, East Asia and Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa were identified. These studies documented substantial deficits in human resources, infrastructure, equipment, and supplies. Only seven additional papers were identified which applied or built upon the studies. Among these, capacity assessment findings were most commonly used to develop novel tools and intervention strategies, but they were also used as baseline measurements against which updated capacity assessments were compared. While the global surgery community has made tremendous progress in establishing baseline values of surgical capacity in LMICs around the world, further work is necessary to build upon and apply the foundational knowledge established through these efforts. Capacity assessment data should be coordinated and used in ongoing research efforts to monitor and evaluate progress in global surgery and to develop targeted intervention strategies. Intervention strategy development may also be further incorporated into the evaluation process itself.

Intervention on Surgical Systemic-to-Pulmonary Artery Shunts: Carotid Versus Femoral Access.

PubMed

Ligon, R Allen; Ooi, Yinn K; Kim, Dennis W; Vincent, Robert N; Petit, Christopher J

2017-09-11

The purpose of this study was to compare results between the femoral arterial (FA) and carotid arterial (CA) approaches in catheter-based interventions on Blalock-Taussig shunts (BTS). Transcatheter intervention on BTS is often performed in shunt-dependent, hypoxemic infants. The approach to BTS intervention likely has an impact on timeliness and overall success. The authors reviewed all cases of catheter intervention for BTS obstruction between 2012 and 2017 for their institution. They sought to compare procedural success rates and time, sheath time, time to arterial access, and time from access to stent implantation between FA and CA approaches. There were 42 BTS interventions between 34 patients. BTS intervention was more successful from the CA approach (p = 0.035). Among the FA cohort, BTS intervention was unsuccessful in 8 cases (25%), 5 of which were converted to CA with subsequent success. The CA cohort had lower procedure time (62 min vs. 104 min; p = 0.01) and anesthesia time (119 min vs. 151 min; p = 0.01). Additionally, CA access was associated with shorter time to arterial access (4.0 min vs. 9.3 min; p < 0.01), time to placement of the guidewire through the BTS (6.5 min vs. 13 min; p < 0.01), and time from the final sheath to BTS stent implantation (9 min vs. 20 min; p < 0.01). Operators should consider the route of access to the BTS deliberately. The authors' approach has been the carotid artery as an alternative access site-associated with greater procedural success, shorter procedural time, and shorter time to stent implantation. Copyright © 2017 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Abortion - surgical

MedlinePlus

Suction curettage; Surgical abortion; Elective abortion - surgical; Therapeutic abortion - surgical ... Surgical abortion involves dilating the opening to the uterus (cervix) and placing a small suction tube into the uterus. ...

Surgical treatment of primary gynecomastia in children and adolescents.

PubMed

Fischer, Sebastian; Hirsch, Tobias; Hirche, Christoph; Kiefer, Jurij; Kueckelhaus, Maximilian; Germann, Günter; Reichenberger, Matthias A

2014-06-01

Idiopathic gynecomastia is a common diagnosis in children and adolescents. Though medical treatments reveal potentially harmful side effects, surgical interventions are performable in numerous techniques. In children and adolescents, only minimal evidence exists. This retrospective study presents our experiences with two common surgical techniques, namely subcutaneous mastectomy and combination with liposuction. This retrospective study included all patients <18 years who underwent surgery due to idiopathic gynecomastia. Height, weight and grade of gynecomastia according to Simon's classification before surgery were reviewed in all patients' files. Additionally, duration of surgery, inpatient stay and postoperative complications were documented. Follow-up examinations were performed with assessment of scar formation, numbness and retraction of the nipple region. Furthermore, patients were asked to report on general satisfaction with surgery (satisfactory/not satisfactory) and esthetic outcome on a numeric scale (1 = good, 6 = bad). 37 patients underwent surgery for verified idiopathic gynecomastia. Grade of gynecomastia was I° in 13.5% (n = 5), II° in 40.5% (n = 15) and III° in 46% (n = 17) of cases. Subcutaneous mastectomy was applied in 11 patients (group I, 30%) and both subcutaneous mastectomy and liposuction in 26 patients (group II, 70.3%). Postoperative complications occurred in two patients. Long-term follow-up was performed in 32 patients after a median of 34 months (range 6-96 months). Hypertrophic scar formation was seen in one patient (3%) and nipple retraction in two patients (5%). Recurrence of gynecomastia occurred in two patients (5%). Patient rating was satisfactory in 9% of cases and esthetic outcome was received with a median of 2.0 (1-5). In comparing both surgical techniques, combination of mastectomy and liposuction revealed better results in every measure except for surgical duration (median 73 vs. 90 min). Surgical correction of

[Diagnosis and surgical treatment results of angio-Behçet syndrome: an analysis of 26 patients].

PubMed

Shen, Chen-yang; He, Chang-shun; Pan, Hao; Zhang, Xiao-ming

2012-03-01

To analyze the diagnosis and surgical treatment results of angio-Behçet syndrome. The clinical data of pre-operation diagnosis, surgical treatment methods and prospective efficacy of 26 patients who were diagnosed as Behçet syndrome between January 2003 and April 2011 was analyzed retrospectively. There were 23 male and 3 female patients, aging from 20 to 76 years with a mean of (37 ± 6) years. Among them, 3 patients showed the clinical symptoms as arterial stenosis or occlusion, 9 patients had aneurysm, 13 patients had phlebitis or phlebothrombosis. One patient had both aneurysm and venous thrombosis. Totally 11 patients had experienced 22 cases surgical treatment including interventional therapy for 8 cases, open operation for 13 cases and hybrid operation for 1 case. Twenty-two patients (84.6%) were followed up from 3 months to 96 months after various surgical treatment methods. The average follow-up periond was 39.3 months. Totally, perioperative mortality was 1/11 after surgical treatment. Healing rates were 7/8 and 8/13, recurrence rates were 5/8 and 7/8 in patients with interventional therapy compared with that of experiencing open surgery respectively. Behçet syndrome patients combined with various vascular lesions should be thought of angio-Behçet syndrome. Choosing correct surgical treatment according to patient's condition and timing of pathological changes are the keys of gaining satisfactory results.

Clinical Outcomes and Quality of Life Following Surgical Treatment for Refractory Epilepsy

PubMed Central

Liu, Shi-Yong; Yang, Xiao-Lin; Chen, Bing; Hou, Zhi; An, Ning; Yang, Mei-Hua; Yang, Hui

2015-01-01

Abstract Surgery for refractory epilepsy is widely used but the efficacy of this treatment for providing a seizure-free outcome and better quality of life remains unclear. This study aimed to update current evidence and to evaluate the effects of surgery on quality of life in patients with refractory epilepsy. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature were conducted and selected studies included 2 groups of refractory epilepsy patients, surgical and nonsurgical. The studies were assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. The primary outcome was the seizure-free rate. The secondary outcome was quality of life. Adverse events were also reviewed. After screening, a total of 20 studies were selected: 8 were interventional, including 2 randomized controlled trials, and 12 were observational. All of the studies comprised 1959 patients with refractory epilepsy. The seizure-free rates were significantly higher for patients who received surgery compared with the patients who did not; the combined odds ratio was 19.35 (95% CI = 12.10–30.95, P < 0.001). After adjusting for publication bias the combined odds ratio was 10.25 (95% CI = 5.84–18.00). In both the interventional and observational studies, patients treated surgically had a significantly better quality of life compared with the patients not treated surgically. Complications were listed in 3 studies and the rates were similar in surgical and nonsurgical patients. Our meta-analysis found that for patients with refractory epilepsy, surgical treatment appears to provide a much greater likelihood of seizure-free outcome than nonsurgical treatment, although there is a need for more studies, particularly randomized studies, to confirm this conclusion. Based on more limited data, surgical treatment also appeared to provide a better quality of life and did not seem to increase complications. PMID:25674741

A multicenter trial of aviation-style training for surgical teams.

PubMed

Catchpole, Ken R; Dale, Trevor J; Hirst, D Guy; Smith, J Phillip; Giddings, Tony A E B

2010-09-01

This study measured the effect of aviation-style team training on 3 surgical teams from different specialties. It focused on team working and communication, particularly briefing, time-out, and debriefing, and sought to understand how improvements in team skills could be implemented in a broad range of naturalistic surgical environments to improve safety, quality, and efficiency. Surgical teams performing maxillofacial, vascular, and neurosurgery were studied during 112 operations: 51 before and 61 after intervention. Human factors experts delivered the training of up to 2 days in the classroom followed by 6 days of coaching in theater for each team. Trained observers measured teamwork using the Oxford NOTECHS and the frequency of preoperative briefings, pre-incision time-outs, and postoperative debriefings. The Safety Attitudes Questionnaire and ethnographic observations were used to provide contextual details. There were significantly more time-outs (chi = 18.17, P < 0.001), briefings (chi = 8.62, P = 0.004), and debriefings (chi = 8.58, P = 0.004) after the intervention. The NOTECHS scores showed an interaction between site and intervention (F2,106 = 7.57, P = 0.001). The Safety Attitudes Questionnaire and ethnographic observations helped understand these differences. Aviation-style teamwork training can increase compliance and team performance, but this was influenced by the attitude and collaboration of key individuals, and the effect was reduced by significant latent failures. This study demonstrates the need to improve organizational and personal management factors in the National Health Service if training in patient safety is to be effective and sustained. It also shows the influence of working conditions on clinical studies of quality improvement.

Glove Perforations During Interventional Radiological Procedures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Leena, R. V., E-mail: leenarv_76@yahoo.co.uk; Shyamkumar, N. K.

2010-04-15

Intact surgical gloves are essential to avoid contact with blood and other body fluids. The objective of this study was to estimate the incidence of glove perforations during interventional radiological procedures. In this study, a total of 758 gloves used in 94 interventional radiological procedures were examined for perforations. Eleven perforations were encountered, only one of which was of occult type. No significant difference in the frequency of glove perforation was found between the categories with varying time duration.

Biological consequences of earlier snowmelt from desert dust deposition in alpine landscapes.

PubMed

Steltzer, Heidi; Landry, Chris; Painter, Thomas H; Anderson, Justin; Ayres, Edward

2009-07-14

Dust deposition to mountain snow cover, which has increased since the late 19(th) century, accelerates the rate of snowmelt by increasing the solar radiation absorbed by the snowpack. Snowmelt occurs earlier, but is decoupled from seasonal warming. Climate warming advances the timing of snowmelt and early season phenological events (e.g., the onset of greening and flowering); however, earlier snowmelt without warmer temperatures may have a different effect on phenology. Here, we report the results of a set of snowmelt manipulations in which radiation-absorbing fabric and the addition and removal of dust from the surface of the snowpack advanced or delayed snowmelt in the alpine tundra. These changes in the timing of snowmelt were superimposed on a system where the timing of snowmelt varies with topography and has been affected by increased dust loading. At the community level, phenology exhibited a threshold response to the timing of snowmelt. Greening and flowering were delayed before seasonal warming, after which there was a linear relationship between the date of snowmelt and the timing of phenological events. Consequently, the effects of earlier snowmelt on phenology differed in relation to topography, which resulted in increasing synchronicity in phenology across the alpine landscape with increasingly earlier snowmelt. The consequences of earlier snowmelt from increased dust deposition differ from climate warming and include delayed phenology, leading to synchronized growth and flowering across the landscape and the opportunity for altered species interactions, landscape-scale gene flow via pollination, and nutrient cycling.

Surgical treatment of refractory tibial stress fractures in elite dancers: a case series.

PubMed

Miyamoto, Ryan G; Dhotar, Herman S; Rose, Donald J; Egol, Kenneth

2009-06-01

Treatment of tibial stress fractures in elite dancers is centered on rest and activity modification. Surgical intervention in refractory cases has important implications affecting the dancers' careers. Refractory tibial stress fractures in dancers can be treated successfully with drilling and bone grafting or intramedullary nailing. Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Between 1992 and 2006, 1757 dancers were evaluated at a dance medicine clinic; 24 dancers (1.4%) had 31 tibial stress fractures. Of that subset, 7 (29.2%) elite dancers with 8 tibial stress fractures were treated operatively with either intramedullary nailing or drilling and bone grafting. Six of the patients were followed up closely until they were able to return to dance. One patient was available only for follow-up phone interview. Data concerning their preoperative treatment regimens, operative procedures, clinical union, radiographic union, and time until return to dance were recorded and analyzed. The mean age of the surgical patients at the time of stress fracture was 22.6 years. The mean duration of preoperative symptoms before surgical intervention was 25.8 months. Four of the dancers were male and 3 were female. All had failed nonoperative treatment regimens. Five patients (5 tibias) underwent drilling and bone grafting of the lesion, and 2 patients (3 tibias) with completed fractures or multiple refractory stress fractures underwent intramedullary nailing. Clinical union was achieved at a mean of 6 weeks and radiographic union at 5.1 months. Return to full dance activity was at an average of 6.5 months postoperatively. Surgical intervention for tibial stress fractures in dancers who have not responded to nonoperative management allowed for resolution of symptoms and return to dancing with minimal morbidity.

High self-assessment of disability and the surgeon's recommendation against surgical intervention may negatively impact satisfaction scores in patients with spinal disorders.