Background. Scapular fracture is a rare encounter in blunt trauma patients. The scapula is surrounded by strong groups of muscles offering good protection for the bone. Therefore, a high-energy trauma is needed to cause a scapular fracture. We aim to study scapular fractures and their relation to injury severity and mortality in blunt chest trauma (BCT) patients. Methods. We retrospectively collected data from all patients with BCT who were admitted to our hospital from December 2014 through January 2017. The injury details of all BCT patients were retrieved from the trauma registry of the hospital and were supplemented by patients’ electronic files for missing information. Collected data included demography, mechanism of injury, vital signs, Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) on admission, injured body regions, management, Injury Severity Score (ISS), New Injury Severity Score (NISS), length of hospital stay (LOS), and mortality. Results. During the study period, 669 patients had BCT. Scapular fracture was present in 29 (4.3%) of the BCT patients. The scapular fracture was missed by chest X-ray in 35.7% of the patients; however, it was accurately diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest. Neck injury was significantly higher in patients with scapular fracture compared with patients without fracture (p<0.001). ISS and NISS were significantly higher in patients with scapular fractures compared to other patients without fractures (p=0.04 and p=0.003 Mann–Whitney U test, respectively). Two patients with scapular fractures died due to severe associated injuries (the overall mortality was 9.6%). Conclusions. Scapular fracture in BCT patients indicates a high-energy type of trauma. Compared to a chest X-ray, CT scan was more accurate for the diagnosis of scapular fracture. Associated injuries are the main cause of trauma-related mortality rather than the direct effect of the fractured scapula. Particular attention and meticulous evaluation should be paid to head and neck injuries to avoid missing injuries.
Background. This systematic review examines the occurrence and implications of resistance to primary antiplatelet agents, aspirin and clopidogrel, often utilised in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), alongside the methodologies for assessment of such resistance. Methods. An extensive literature search across various databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE via Ovid, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL until May 2024 was conducted to identify studies evaluating antiplatelet resistance in on-pump and off-pump CABG patients. Following quality assessment, only high-quality studies were incorporated into this review. Results. This review included 19 studies with 3,915 patients, four of which were randomised controlled trials and 15 were observational studies. Aspirin resistance incidence ranged from 11.0% to 51.5%, while clopidogrel resistance was 22%. Antiplatelet resistance, assessed through a wide variety of methods, was associated with a 13 times increase in the risk of vein graft occlusion and increased rates of mortality, myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularisation in the case of clopidogrel resistance. The effect of cardiopulmonary bypass on antiplatelet resistance remains ambiguous. Conclusion. The academic literature lacks a standardised definition for antiplatelet resistance. Assessment methodologies greatly vary, leading to noninterchangeable outcomes. While aspirin resistance has a conflicting overall significant impact on adverse outcomes, clopidogrel resistance correlates with poorer clinical outcomes.
Objectives. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) aims to improve pain, relieve neural compression, achieve rapid solid bony arthrodesis, and restore cervical alignment. Bony fusion occurs as early as 3 months and up to 24 months after ACDF. The correlations between bony fusion and clinical outcomes after ACDF remain unclear. Macro-topographic and porous features have been introduced to interbody cage technology, aiming to improve the strength of the bone-implant interface to promote early fusion. In this study, we aimed to compare clinical outcomes and CT-evaluated fusion rates in patients undergoing ACDF using one of two different interbody cages: traditional NanoMetalene™ (NM) cages and NM cages with machined porous features (NMRT). Methods. This was a prospective, observational, nonrandomised, cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing ACDF. The NM cage cohort was enrolled first, then the NMRT cohort second. The visual analogue scale, neck disability index, and 12-item Short Form Survey scores were evaluated preoperatively and at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. The minimum clinical follow-up period was 12 months. Plain radiographs were obtained on postoperative day 2 to assess instrumentation positioning, and computed tomography (CT) was performed at 3 and 6 months postoperatively to assess interbody fusion (Bridwell grade). Results. Eighty-nine (52% male) patients with a mean age of 62 ± 10.5 years were included in this study. Forty-one patients received NM cages, and 48 received NMRT cages. All clinical outcomes improved significantly from baseline to 6 months. By 3 months, the NMRT group had significantly higher CT fusion rates than the NM group (79% vs 56%, p=0.02). By 6 months, there were no significant differences in fusion rates between the NMRT and NM groups (83% vs 78%, p=0.69). The mean Bridwell grade at 6 months was 1.4 ± 0.7 in the NMRT group and 1.8 ± 1.0 in the NM group (p=0.08). Conclusions. With both NM and NMRT cages, serial improvements in postoperative clinical outcomes were associated with fusion progression on CT. NMRT cages demonstrated significantly better fusion at 3 months and a trend toward higher quality of fusion at 6 months compared with NM cages, suggesting earlier cage integration with NMRT. An early 3-month postoperative CT is adequate for fusion assessment in almost 80% of patients undergoing ACDF with an NMRT cage, permitting an earlier return to activity.
Background:As health care shifts to a value-based model with a focus on patient outcomes per dollar spent, it is important to develop and evaluate standardized protocols that ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes and decreased hospital complications. Prior to our chest tube protocol, chest tube management at our Trauma Center was nonuniform and surgeon-specific. The aim of this study was to (1) develop an institutional standardized protocol for chest tube management at our Level II Trauma Center and (2) compare patient outcomes before and after the implementation of our protocol.Methods:An institutional, standardized protocol was initiated at our Level II-Certified Trauma Center teaching hospital in 2014. An IRB-approved, single-institution retrospective chart review was performed between January 2011 and May 2017, in order to capture the 3 years prior and 3 years after protocol implementation. All patients with a diagnosis of hemothorax or pneumothorax (H/PTX) from blunt or penetrating trauma that resulted in a >24 French chest tube placement were included in the study. Patients were excluded if interventional radiology (IR) placed the chest tube, the mechanism was nontraumatic, or the patient expired at index hospitalization. Univariate analyses were performed to evaluate significant differences in patient outcomes before and after the implementation of the protocol.Results:A total of 143 patients were analyzed for this study, with 43 preprotocol patients and 100 postprotocol patients. Hospital length of stay (LOS), persistent H/PTX, and the need for further surgical intervention all improved after the implementation of the standardized protocol (p < 0.04).Conclusions:Our standardized protocol for chest tube management at our Level II Trauma Center significantly improved patient outcomes and can serve as a model for similar institutions.
Background:Sternal fractures are not commonly observed in patients with blunt trauma. The routine use of computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of chest trauma helps identify these fractures. We studied the incidence, injury mechanism, management, and outcome of sternal fractures in patients with blunt trauma treated at our community-based hospital.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed the chest CT scans of all patients with blunt trauma who were presented to our community-based hospital from October 2010 to March 2019. The study variables included age at the time of injury, sex, mechanism of injury, type, and site of fracture, associated injuries, Glasgow Coma Scale, Injury Severity Score, need for intensive care unit admission, hospital stay, and long-term outcome.Results:In total, 5632 patients with blunt trauma presented to our hospital during the study period, and chest CT scan was performed for 2578 patients. Sternal fractures were diagnosed in 63 patients. The primary mechanism of injury was a motor vehicle collision. The most common site of fracture was the body of the sternum (47 patients; 74.6%). Twenty (31.7%) patients had an isolated sternal fracture with no other injuries. Seven (11.1%) patients were discharged directly from the emergency department. Two patients died (overall mortality rate, 3.2%) and two experienced long-term disability.Conclusions:The incidence of sternal fractures in our patient population was similar to that reported by tertiary hospitals. Patients with a sternal fracture and normal cardiac enzyme levels and electrocardiogram may be safely discharged from the emergency department, provided there are no other major injuries.
Introduction:Obesity causes thrombophilia and many coagulation problems related to slowing the capillary flow. We aimed to evaluate rapid weight loss outcomes in the early period after bariatric surgery on the coagulation system. Materials and Method. A prospective study enrolled 28 patients with a BMI > 40 kg/m2 who underwent bariatric surgery. Preoperative and postoperative (first and third months) demographic criteria-such as age, gender, weight, height, and alcohol and tobacco use, and biochemical parameters such as PLT, PT, aPTT, INR, bleeding time, coagulation time, fibrinogen, D-dimer, albumin, calcium, ionized calcium, vitamin D, and PTH-were analyzed. Results:We found that both bleeding and thrombotic parameters increase in early-slowing surgery. The first-month platelet levels were significantly different from the preoperative values (p < 0.001). The prothrombin time in the first (p < 0.001) and third months (p < 0.009) was also comparable. The PTT in the first month was higher than in the preoperative period (p < 0.011). INR in the first month (p < 0.001) was higher than that in the preoperative period and the third month (p = 0.007) value was higher than in the first month. In terms of fibrinogen levels, all parameters indicated statistical significance within each other; preoperative to the first month (p < 0.001), the first month to the third month (p < 0.016). Third-month D-dimer levels were lower than the first month's values (p = 0.032). Conclusion:Thromboembolic events have crucial importance in the converse scenario of haemorrhagic diathesis during the first months of bariatric surgery. Vitamin support and antithrombotic agents may be recommended in the early postoperative period.
Background The timing of screening for SARS-CoV-2 preoperatively by RT-PCR/CBNAAT, isolation protocols in preoperative wards, operation theatres, and postoperative wards are not well established. Methods Evaluating the effectiveness of maintaining three pathways of two COVID-19 negative pathways (1) immediate testing pathway (2) isolation, or quarantine for five days and testing prior to surgery pathway, and (3) the tested COVID-19-positive pathway, was the aim of the study. The primary objective was to assess the utility and outcome of the two COVID-19 negative pathways adopted before surgery in terms of infectivity (seroconversion; COVID-19 positivity rate before surgery and symptomatic COVID-19 disease after surgery). The secondary objective was to derive a practical protocol for isolation or quarantine for emergency and elective surgery. Enrolled patients were grouped based on the need for surgery; Group-1 emergency basis, Group-2 urgent basis, and Group-3 COVID-19 positive and the three channels were kept separate with separate dedicated healthcare staff for each channel. Results There were 199 (4.56%) COVID-19-positive patients, of whom 80 (40%) were operated. COVID-19 positivity rate was low in Group 2 (3% vs. Group 1, 11%). There was no seroconversion from negative to positive in our patients during the peri-operative period. Conclusion COVID-19 positivity rate in Group-2 was significantly less. None of the COVID-19-negative patients turned symptomatic and the probability of seroconversion from COVID-19-negative was less during the peri-operative period. The isolation protocol of non-COVID-19 positive patients with the separate channel is effective.
Background . Prophylactic negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) to prevent surgical site infection (SSI) may be effective for severely contaminated wounds. We investigated the safety and efficacy of NPWT with delayed primary closure (DPC) for preventing SSI. Methods . For patients with contaminated and dirty/infected surgical wounds after an emergency laparotomy, the abdominal fascia was closed with antibacterial absorbent threads and the skin was left open. Negative pressure (−80 mmHg) was applied through the polyurethane foam, which was replaced on postoperative days 3 and 7. DPC was performed when sufficient granulation was observed. The duration and adverse events of NPWT, the development of SSI, and the postoperative hospital stay were retrospectively reviewed. Results . We analyzed the cases of patients with contaminated ( n = 15) and dirty/infected wounds ( n = 7). The median duration of NPWT was 7 days (range 5–11 days). NPWT was discontinued in one (4.5%) patient due to wound traction pain. SSI developed in seven patients (31.8%), with incisional SSI in one (4.5%) and organ/space SSI in six (27.3%). The median postoperative hospital stay was 17 days (range 7–91 days). There was no significant relationship between postoperative hospital stay and wound classification ( P = 0.17) or type of SSI ( P = 0.07). Conclusion . Prophylactic NPWT with DPC was feasible and may be particularly suitable for severely contaminated wounds, with a low incidence of incisional SSI.
Background . We speculated that a minimally invasive (MIS) colectomy for colovesical fistula is associated with less morbidity compared to an open colectomy. Methods . Multivariate analysis using logistic regression was used to investigate the outcomes of patients who underwent colectomy for benign colovesical fistula during 2012–2017 by surgical approach using the NSQIP database. Results . We identified 748 patients underwent partial colectomy for benign colovesical fistula during 2012–2017. Surgeons used the MIS approach in 72.7% of operations, with a conversion rate of 13.1%. The MIS approach was associated with lower morbidity (27.4% vs. 43.1%, AOR: 0.46, P = 0.02) compared to the open approach. The mean operation duration was longer in MIS operations compared to open (225 min vs. 201 min, P < 0.01). The robotic approach to colectomy showed no significant difference in morbidity (28.4% vs. 27.2%, P = 0.77) but a decrease in conversion rate (8.1% vs. 13.8%, P < 0.01) and an increase in operation length (249 min vs. 222 min, mean difference: 27 min, P < 0.01) compared to a laparoscopic approach. There was no significant difference in the anastomotic leak rate between MIS and open approaches (3.7% vs. 5.4%, P = 0.14) and between laparoscopic and robotic approaches (2.8% vs. 3.8%, P = 0.99). Conclusions . We found a 72.7% utilization rate of MIS approach to colectomy for benign colovesical fistula in the NSQIP hospitals with a 13.6% conversion rate. Patients with MIS approach had significantly lower morbidity compared to open. A robotic approach to partial colectomy has the same morbidity risk with a decreased conversion rate compared to laparoscopic approach.
Introduction:Meckel's diverticulum is the commonest congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract in humans that is commonly encountered during surgical practice as the cause of the patient's presentation or as an incidental finding during other unrelated procedures. Most clinical symptoms are caused due to its complications.Results:The mean age of the involved patients was 24.79 years with slight male predominance, 62.9% males compared to 37.1% females. The mean length of the diverticulum was 55.21 cm. The most common emergency presentation was right lower quadrant abdominal pain in 31% of the patients, intestinal obstruction in 28.6%, acute lower abdominal pain and guarding and acute abdomen in 18.6% and 15.7% of patients, respectively, bleeding per rectum in 2.9%, acute right upper quadrant abdominal pain in 1.4%, and obstructed paraumbilical hernia containing the diverticulum in one patient. Perforation of the Meckel's diverticulum was reported in 18.6%. Histopathological examination showed acute inflammation in the wall of the diverticulum in 37.1%, lymphoid hyperplasia in 24.3%, hemorrhagic necrosis in 22.9%, and chronic inflammation in 8.6%. Ectopic mucosa was detected in 50% of the cases, gastric mucosa was detected in 42.86%, ectopic pancreatic mucosa was detected in 5.71%, and both gastric and pancreatic types in 1.43%.Conclusion:Long diverticula are more liable to develop complications. At surgery, inspection and palpation of the wall of the diverticulum must be done for any evidence of inflammation, necrosis, perforation, or abnormal thickening of the walls of the diverticulum. Resection of the segment of the bowel that contains the diverticulum with primary anastomosis is preferable to other procedures due to the risk of leaving behind an abnormal heterotopic mucosa.
Background. Pediatric surgical situations are often disregarded around the world, particularly in developing countries. The number of children hospitalized for surgical reasons has climbed dramatically. There is extensive research on the management outcome of pediatric surgical admissions in industrialized countries, but developing countries have paid little attention to it. Furthermore, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, there has been no research in the study area on the management outcome of pediatric surgical patient admission. Objective. To assess management outcome and factors associated with pediatric surgical patients admitted to Arbaminch General Hospital, Southern Ethiopia, 2021. Method. An institution-based retrospective cross-sectional study design was employed among 265 children with surgical problems. Data were collected from patients’ medical records using pretested data collection checklist. Epi Data 4.2 was used to enter data, and data were exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Those variables with P-value ≤0.25 in bivariable analysis were entered into multivariable logistic regression analysis, and statistical significance was declared at P<0.05. Result. A total of 265 surgically admitted children were included in this study. About 26% of study subjects were discharged with unfavorable management outcome. Children admitted due to trauma cause (AOR: 5.753, 95% CI: 2.366–13.987), children with a preexisting medical condition (AOR: 3.240, 95% CI: 1.436–7.310), children with an early complication (AOR: 2.515, 95% CI: 1.130–5.599), presenting to hospital ≥24 hr after the onset (AOR:8.351, 95% CI: 2.089–33.381), hospital stay >7 days (AOR: 10.671, 95% CI: 1.363–83.546), and children treated with surgery (AOR: 2.742, 95% CI: 1.137–6.611) were associated with unfavorable management outcome. Conclusion and recommendations: Twenty-six percent of patients were discharged with unfavorable outcome. Reasons for admission, preexisting medical condition, early complications, duration of hospital presentation, length of hospitalization, and type of management were all linked to the outcome of pediatric surgical admission. To have a good outcome, early identification and treatment of the cause are required, as well as well-equipped surgical care centers.
Introduction Clostridioides difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) is a major public health issue. The appendix may function as a reservoir for the intestinal microbiome, which may repopulate the intestine following enteric infections including CDAD. Patients/Methods. This retrospective cohort study includes a total of 12,039 patients undergoing appendectomy, hemicolectomy, and cholecystectomy at a single center between 1992 and 2011 who were diagnosed with early and late-onset CDAD and were followed for a minimum of two years. Results Cumulative CDAD rates were 2.3% after appendectomy, 6.4% after left and 6.8% after right hemicolectomy, and 4% after cholecystectomy with a median onset of 76 (range 1–6011) days after the procedure. Median time to CDAD onset was 76 days after appendectomy, 23 days after left, 54 days after right hemicolectomy, and 122 days after cholecystectomy (p < 0.05). Late-onset CDAD (>1 year) was significantly more common following appendectomy (37%) and cholecystectomy (39%) than after left (17%) and right (21%) hemicolectomy. Significant differences in age, gender, complication rate, and length of hospitalization between the four groups need to be considered when interpreting the results. Conclusion The incidence of CDAD after various abdominal surgeries ranged between 2% and 7% in this study. Whereas, hemicolectomy patients had predominantly early onset CDAD, and appendectomy and cholecystectomy may increase the risk for late-onset CDAD. Appendectomy per se does not seem to increase the risk for late-onset CDAD.
Introduction:Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency. Early detection of patients with complicated appendicitis leads to prompt surgical management and better outcome. This study investigated the relationship between the severity of acute appendicitis and the presence of preoperative hyponatremia.Materials and Methods:We retrospectively reviewed the medical files of adult patients operated on for acute appendicitis over a 6-year period. Hyponatremia was defined as serum sodium level of ≤135 mEq/L. Patients were classified into complicated appendicitis and noncomplicated appendicitis according to operative findings and/or histopathology reports.Results:A total of 129 patients were identified and included in this study. Complicated appendicitis was found more frequently in female patients and older patients. Hyponatremia was found significantly more frequently in patients with complicated appendicitis (p < 0.001) and also in patients with perforation than without perforation (p=0.047).Conclusions:The present study demonstrated that preoperative hyponatremia is associated with complicated appendicitis. Serum sodium levels, a routine, low-cost laboratory test, could act as an accessory marker aiding surgeons in earlier identification of gangrenous or perforated acute appendicitis.
Introduction . Acute mesenteric ischemia is a life-threatening complication after cardiovascular surgery with a mortality rate of 52.9–81.3%. However, few studies have evaluated the predictors of clinical outcome after treatment for acute mesenteric ischemia following cardiovascular surgery. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate prognostic factors in patients who underwent laparotomy for acute mesenteric ischemia after cardiovascular surgery. Methods . We retrospectively analyzed 29 patients (20 men and 9 women; median age, 71.0 years) who underwent laparotomy for acute mesenteric ischemia after cardiovascular surgery between January 2010 and August 2020. These patients were classified into the survivor group (comprising patients who were discharged or referred to another hospital, n = 16) and the nonsurvivor group (comprising those who experienced in-hospital mortality, n = 13). We compared clinical parameters between the groups to identify the predictors of outcomes. Results . More patients in the nonsurvivor group underwent emergency cardiovascular surgery (62.5% vs. 100%, p = 0.017) and received hemodialysis (12.5% vs. 61.5%, p = 0.008) at the onset of acute mesenteric ischemia than those in the survivor group. The prelaparotomy serum creatinine level was higher in the nonsurvivor group than in the survivor group (1.27 vs. 2.33 mg/dL, p = 0.004). Logistic regression analysis revealed an association between preoperative serum creatinine level and in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 5.047, p = 0.046), and Cox regression analysis demonstrated a relationship between serum creatinine level and in-hospital mortality (hazard ratio 1.610, p = 0.009). The area under the curve (receiver operating characteristic analysis) for the serum creatinine level was 0.813. Furthermore, the optimal cutoff value of the serum creatinine level was 1.59 mg/dL with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.846 and 0.687, respectively, in predicting in-hospital mortality. Conclusions . The elevated serum creatinine level was associated with a poor clinical outcome after surgery for acute mesenteric ischemia following cardiovascular surgery.
Background:The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap has been amongst the most versatile components of the reconstructive surgeon's armamentarium. The authors utilise these flaps for a variety of reconstructive procedures including lower limb reconstruction; postsarcoma excision; and open fractures. Few studies have discussed the extent of recipient site morbidity and subsequent revisional procedures. We will report our experience of the ALT flap in 92 consecutive reconstructions with focus on recipient site complications and revisional procedures.Methods:Retrospective data collection was done from 92 patients who underwent ALT flap reconstruction-for various large soft tissue defects-at our unit at the Royal Free Hospital, London. We evaluated primary recipient site complications and the requirements for secondary operations after flap transfer.Results:All flaps survived with the exception of 3 cases (97% survival rate) in which irreversible venous thrombosis was encountered. 16 of 92 patients (17%) required a second recipient site operation for the following: 7 patients experienced major recipient site complications that warranted early return to theatre and 9 patients required a secondary revision thinning procedure(s). 8 of the 16 patients (50%) requiring second operations had construction on their lower leg/ankle/feet (p value = 0.10).Conclusions:Our data demonstrated effective use of the ALT flap in the management of soft tissue reconstructive surgery. Partial flap necrosis was the main complication at the recipient site. In future work, secondary thinning procedures, particularly at the ankle/foot, should be separated from flap-specific complications. Furthermore, we demonstrate tailoring ALT thickness can be performed safely without compromising flap viability.
Background Cystic artery pseudoaneurysms are rare. Most commonly, they occur secondary to acute cholecystitis or after a cholecystectomy. Complications include haemobilia, biliary obstruction, and haemorrhage. Given the rarity and associated morbidity, a high index of suspicion is required. This article reviews the current literature on cystic artery pseudoaneurysms to investigate its aetiology, clinical presentation, and management options. Methods A broad search of the Medline and PubMed databases was carried through. All peer reviewed literatures published in the English language between 1991 and 2020 with keywords “cystic” and “artery” and “pseudoaneurysm” in the title were selected for review. No further exclusion criteria; all studies yielded from the search were included in the results of this review. Additionally, we present a case of cystic artery pseudoaneurysm treated at our centre and included this in our analysis. Results Sixty-seven case reports were found between 1991 and 2020. Aetiologies: Aetiology of cystic artery pseudoaneurysm was found to be cholecystitis in 41 instances (61.2%), cholecystectomy in 18 instances (26.8%), idiopathic in 6 instances (8.9%) cholelithiasis in 1 instance (1.5%), and pancreatitis in 1 instance (1.5%). Complications: Fifty-two cases were complicated by haemobilia (77.6%), 36 by anaemia (53.7%), 25 by biliary obstruction (37.3%), 13 by haemodynamic shock (19.4%), 9 by haemoperitoneum (13.4%), and 6 by contained rupture (8.9%). Most commonly, patients had two or more of these complications. Management: Forty-four patients were managed with endovascular embolisation (65.7%), 21 with endoscopic intervention (31.3%), 18 with open cholecystectomy (26.9%), 13 with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (19.4%), and 6 with pseudoaneurysm ligation (9%). Delayed presentation postcholecystectomy ranged from 8 days to 3 years. Conclusions Cystic artery pseudoaneurysms are rare complications of a common operation. The most common clinical presentation is haemobilia, which can be difficult to diagnose clinically. A high index of suspicion and prompt investigation with targeted imaging and intervention is required. This is especially pertinent in gastrointestinal bleeding postlaparoscopic cholecystectomy as a missed diagnosis could cause significant morbidity.
Background . Trauma is still the leading cause of death in individuals between the ages of 1 and 44 years. Establishment of good trauma centres and systems has been shown to have a significant positive impact on outcomes. Surgical specialties, particularly trauma, are becoming less attractive in different parts of the world for a variety of reasons. Aim . The aim of this study is to ascertain the perception and attitude of future surgeons towards trauma care in Nigeria. Materials and methods . This is a cross-sectional study using a pretested, structured, paper-based questionnaire which was administered to consecutive surgical trainees at the annual revision course of West African College of Surgeons. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 12, and results are presented in tables and figures. Results . One hundred and fifty-seven questionnaires were adequately completed with a male-to-female ratio of 18 : 1 and median age of 30 years. There is a general agreement among the respondents that trauma incidence in Nigeria is high or very high. While about 70% of the respondents believe that the Nigerian trauma system is poorly planned, about 19% think it is nonexistent. 81 (53.7%) agree or strongly agree that managing trauma patients is too stressful. A good number, 116 (74.4%), strongly agree that having a separate dedicated trauma unit will improve care and outcome. While 82% of the surgical trainees support post fellowship training in trauma, only 62.2% will like to have the training. There is no significant difference between the proportion of males and females who would like to have the training. Conclusion . Surgical trainees in Nigeria have good perception and positive attitude towards trauma care . Primary prevention measures must be emphasized during surgical trainees’ training in trauma.
Background. Modern surgical research has broadened to include an interest into the investigation of surgical workflow. Rigorous analysis of the surgical process has a particular focus on distractions. Operating theatres are inherently full of distractions, many not pertinent to the surgical process. Distractions have the potential to increase surgeon stress, operative time, and complications. Our study aims to objectively identify, classify, and quantify distractions during the surgical process. Methods. 46 general surgical procedures were observed within a tertiary Irish hospital between June 2019 and October 2019. An established observational tool was used to apply a structured observation to all operations. Additionally, a nine-point ordinal behaviourally anchor scoring scale was used to assign an interference level to each distraction. Results. The total operative observation time was 4605 minutes (mean = 100.11 minutes, std. deviation: 45.6 minutes). Overall, 855 intraoperative distractions were coded. On average, 18.58 distractions were coded per operation (std. deviation: 6.649; range: 5–34), with 11.14 distractions occurring per hour. Entering/exiting (n = 380, 42.88%) and case irrelevant communication (n = 251, 28.32%) occurred most frequently. Disruption rate was highest within the first (n = 275, 32%) and fourth operative quartiles (n = 342, 41%). Highest interference rates were observed from equipment issue and procedural interruptions. Anaesthetists initiated CIC more frequently (2.72 per operation), compared to nurses (1.57) and surgeons (1.17). Conclusion. Our results confirm that distractions are prevalent within the operating theatre. Distractions contribute to significant interferences of surgical workflow. Steps can be taken to reduce overall prevalence and interference level by drawing upon a systems-based perspective. However, due to the ubiquitous nature of distractions, surgeons may need to develop skills to help them resume interrupted primary tasks so as to negate the effects distraction has on surgical outcomes. Data for the above have been presented as conference abstract in 28th International Congress of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) Virtual Congress, 23–26 June 2020.
Introduction Whipple's pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is a formidable operation, associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality. In the setting of an underlying chronic liver disease, the incidence of complications and mortality increases manifold. Patients and Outcomes. Of the 112 Whipple's PD performed between 2018 to 2020 at a high-volume HPB and liver transplant centre, 4 patients underwent the surgery in the background of an underlying chronic liver disease (CLD). All except one were performed in Child's A cirrhotics. There was a single 30-day mortality in this series of 4 patients that occurred in the background of Child's B cirrhosis. On follow-up at 1 year, there was one more mortality in the series, owing to liver decompensation following chemotherapy. Conclusion Judicious preoperative selection criteria, adequate preoperative nutritional and physiological optimisation, and prudent weighing of risk vs. benefit of undergoing Whipple's PD in periampullary malignancies in the setting of CLD are the major determinants of the surgical outcome.
