Showing papers in "Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England in 2014"

Role of preoperative carbohydrate loading: a systematic review

Abstract: INTRODUCTION Surgical stress in the presence of fasting worsens the catabolic state, causes insulin resistance and may delay recovery. Carbohydrate rich drinks given preoperatively may ameliorate these deleterious effects. A systematic review was undertaken to analyse the effect of preoperative carbohydrate loading on insulin resistance, gastric emptying, gastric acidity, patient wellbeing, immunity and nutrition following surgery. METHODS All studies identifi ed through PubMed until September 2011 were included. References were cross-checked to ensure capture of cited pertinent articles. RESULTS Overall, 17 randomised controlled trials with a total of 1,445 patients who met the inclusion criteria were identifi ed. Preoperative carbohydrate drinks signifi cantly improved insulin resistance and indices of patient comfort following surgery, especially hunger, thirst, malaise, anxiety and nausea. No defi nite conclusions could be made regarding preservation of muscle mass. Following ingestion of carbohydrate drinks, no adverse events such as apparent or proven aspiration during or after surgery were reported. CONCLUSIONS Administration of oral carbohydrate drinks before surgery is probably safe and may have a positive infl uence on a wide range of perioperative markers of clinical outcome. Further studies are required to determine its cost effectiveness.

A systematic review of patient reported outcomes and patient experience in enhanced recovery after orthopaedic surgery

Abstract: IntroductionOrthopaedic enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) providers are encouraged to estimate the actual benefit of ERAS according to the patient’s opinion by using patient generated data alongside traditional measures such as length of stay. The aim of this paper was to systemically review the literature on the use of patient generated information in orthopaedic ERAS across the whole perioperative pathway. MethodsPublications were identified using Embase™, MEDLINE®, AMED, CINAHL® (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), the Cochrane Library and the British Nursing Index. Search terms related to experiences, acceptance, satisfaction or perception of ERAS and quality of life (QoL). FindingsOf the 596 abstracts found, 8 papers were identified that met the inclusion criteria. A total of 2,208 patients undergoing elective hip and knee arthroplasty were included. Patient satisfaction was reported in 6 papers. Scores were high in all patients and not adversely affected by length of stay...

YouTube™ as a source of patient information for lumbar discectomy

Abstract: IntroductionYouTube™ contains more than 60% of all videos on the internet. Its popularity has increased, and it has now become a source of patient education and information. It is unregulated for the quality of its videos. This project was designed to assess the quality of videos on YouTube™ on lumbar discectomy. MethodsA systematic search of YouTube™ was performed. The search terms used were ‘lumbar’ and ‘discectomy’. The first ten pages were reviewed. Information was recorded relating to the date of publishing, the publisher and the number of viewings. The content was reviewed using criteria based on recommendations from the British Association of Spine Surgeons website. Content was assessed and points were awarded for information relating to management options, description of the procedure (including anaesthetic, likely recovery and outcome) and complications as well as information relating to the author and his or her institute. An overall rating of ‘inadequate’, ‘poor’, ‘average’ or ‘good’ was given....

Small bowel intussusception in adults

Abstract: Intussusception is the telescoping of a proximal segment of the gastrointestinal tract into an adjacent distal segment. This rare form of bowel obstruction occurs infrequently in adults. We report a case of small bowel intussusception in an adult male patient. We have also performed a literature review of this rare condition.

War Surgery: Working With Limited Resources in Armed Conflict and Other Situations of Violence (Volume 2)

Abstract: If you would like to submit a book to the Annals for review, please send two copies to: Publications Department, The Royal College of Surgeons of England, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE. Book reviews are published at the discretion of the editor.

The rising rate of admissions for tonsillitis and neck space abscesses in England, 1991-2011.

Abstract: IntroductionSore throats and tonsillitis represent a considerable health burden as well as a significant source of expenditure for the National Health Service (NHS). As part of the recent NHS savings drive, the introduction of ‘procedures of low clinical effectiveness’ (PoLCE) lists has reinforced a large reduction in the number of tonsillectomies performed. We carried out a cross-sectional study of trends in emergency sore throat admissions in the context of the number of tonsillectomies performed. MethodsHospital Episode Statistics (HES) data were extracted. Office for National Statistics data were also used. ResultsBetween 1991 and 2011, the overall tonsillectomy rate fell by 44%. In the same time, the admission rate for tonsillitis rose by 310% (Pearson’s r=–0.67, p=0.01). The peritonsillar abscess admission rate rose by 31% (r=–0.79, p<0.01). Between 1996 and 2011, the overall tonsillectomy rate fell by 41% and the retro and parapharyngeal abscess admission rate rose by 39% (r=–0.55, p=0.026). There ...

Arthroscopic capsular release for idiopathic frozen shoulder with intra-articular injection and a controlled manipulation

Abstract: INTRODUCTIONThe aim of this prospective study was to assess the immediate and long-term effectiveness of arthroscopic capsular release in a large cohort of patients with a precise and isolated diagnosis of stage II idiopathic frozen shoulder. METHODSAll patients underwent a preoperative evaluation. Patients with secondary frozen shoulder and those with concurrent pathology at arthroscopy were excluded. This left 136 patients with a stage II arthroscopically confirmed idiopathic frozen shoulder. At each postoperative attendance, a record was made of pain, function and range of motion. At 12 months, the Oxford shoulder score was calculated, and pain and range of motion were assessed. RESULTSFifty per cent achieved good pain relief within a week and eighty per cent within six weeks of arthroscopic capsular release. The mean preoperative visual analogue scale pain score was 6.6 and the mean postoperative score was 1.0. The mean time to achieving good pain relief was 16 days following surgery. No patient could...

The morbidity of negative appendicectomy.

Abstract: IntroductionThe increased use of diagnostic laparoscopy for management of right iliac fossa pain may have lowered the threshold for removing normal appendices, particularly as there is a perception that this practice carries little additional morbidity. The aim of this retrospective audit was to determine the negative appendicectomy rate after laparoscopic appendicectomy (LA) in our busy district hospital, and to compare the relative incidence and severity of complications after removal of an inflamed or non-inflamed appendix. MethodsAdult patients who underwent LA in 2011–2012 were identified from theatre registers. Histology results were reviewed to differentiate between inflamed and normal appendices. Postoperative complications and events following discharge were identified via electronic patient records. Complication severity was stratified using the Clavien–Dindo classification. ResultsOver 2 years, 467 LAs were performed, of which 143 (30.6%) were for normal appendices. Significantly more negative ...

The incidence of postoperative urinary retention in patients undergoing elective hip and knee arthroplasty

Abstract: IntroductionPostoperative urinary retention requiring urethral catheterisation increases the risk of joint sepsis following arthroplasty. Spinal anaesthesia with opiate administration is used widely in lower limb arthroplasty. We sought to establish whether the choice of opiate agent had any effect on the incidence of postoperative retention and therefore the risk of joint sepsis. MethodsA total of 445 consecutive patients who underwent primary elective lower limb arthroplasty were reviewed retrospectively. Patients had general anaesthesia and femoral nerve block (GA+FNB), spinal anaesthesia and intrathecal fentanyl (SA+ITF) or spinal anaesthesia and intrathecal morphine (SA+ITM). ResultsUrinary retention was observed in 14% of male and 2% of female patients with GA+FNB, 9% of male and 3% of female patients with SA+ITF, and 60% of male (p=0.0005) and 5% of female patients with SA+ITM. Men who experienced retention were older (68 vs 64 years, p=0.013) and had longer inpatient stays (6.7 vs 4.6 days, p=0.04...

A cross-sectional study of knife injuries at a London major trauma centre.

Abstract: INTRODUCTIONNo national recording systems for knife injuries exist in the UK. Understanding the true size and nature of the problem of knife injuries is the first stage in reducing the burden of this injury. The aim of this study was to survey every knife injury seen in a single inner city emergency department (ED) over a one-year period. METHODSA cross-sectional observational study was performed of all patients attending with a knife injury to the ED of a London major trauma centre in 2011. Demographic characteristics, patterns of injury, morbidity and mortality data were collected. RESULTSA total of 938 knife injuries were identified from 127,191 attendances (0.77% of all visits) with a case fatality rate of 0.53%. A quarter (24%) of the major trauma team’s caseload was for knife injuries. Overall, 44% of injuries were selfreported as assaults, 49% as accidents and 8% as deliberate self-harm. The highest age specific incident rate occurred in the 16–24 year age category (263/100,000). Multiple injuries ...

Predictors and outcomes of treatment in hip hemiarthroplasty dislocation.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION Dislocation following hip hemiarthroplasty (HHA), its incidence, predictors, treatment outcomes and mortality were investigated in a single centre series. METHODS The prospectively collected data on neck of femur fracture admissions compiled over 11 years were reviewed. Place of residence, place of fall, past medical history, intraoperative factors (grade of surgeon, delay in surgery, type of implant and operative time), postoperative complications and mortality were compared between patients who suffered a dislocation and those who did not. In the dislocation group, the mean number of dislocations, reduction method, type and fate of implant, and mortality were investigated. RESULTS Prospective data on 8,631 admissions were collected; 41% of these were managed with a HHA. The dislocation rate was 0.76%. A delay in surgery of >24 hours was associated with a fourfold increase in the dislocation risk. The majority (81%) of dislocations occurred in the first six weeks and closed manipulation was the definitive treatment in only 23% of the cases. The mortality rate was not increased following HHA dislocation. CONCLUSIONS The delay in surgery was the most important predictor of HHA dislocation. Closed reduction was associated with a high failure rate. While an initial attempt at closed reduction for a first dislocation is recommended, for redislocators, we recommend early exploration/revision as an alternative to repeat manipulations.

A nine-year review of medicolegal claims in neurosurgery

Abstract: IntroductionNeurosurgery remains among the highest malpractice risk specialties. This study aimed to identify areas in neurosurgery associated with litigation, attendant causes and costs. MethodsRetrospective analysis was conducted of 42 closed litigation cases treated by neurosurgeons at one hospital between March 2004 and March 2013. Data included clinical event, timing and reason for claim, operative course and legal outcome. ResultsTwenty-nine claims were defended out of court and twelve were settled out of court. One case required court attendance and was defended. Of the 42 claims, 28, 13 and 1 related to spinal (0.3% of caseload), cranial (0.1% of caseload) and peripheral nerve (0.07% of caseload) surgery respectively. The most common causes of claims were faulty surgical technique (43%), delayed diagnosis/misdiagnosis (17%), lack of information (14%) and delayed treatment (12%), with a likelihood of success of 39%, 29%, 17% and 20% respectively. The highest median payouts were for claims against f...

Use of the surgical Apgar score to guide postoperative care.

Abstract: IntroductionThe surgical Apgar score (SAS) can predict 30-day major complications or death after surgery. Studies have validated the score in different patient populations and suggest it should be used to objectively guide postoperative care. We aimed to see whether using the SAS in a decisive approach in a future randomised controlled trial (RCT) would be likely to demonstrate an effect on postoperative care and clinical outcome. MethodsA total of 143 adults undergoing general/vascular surgery in 9 National Health Service hospitals were recruited to a pilot single blinded RCT and the data for 139 of these were analysed. Participants were randomised to a control group with standard postoperative care or to an intervention group with care influenced (but not mandated) by the SAS (decisive approach). The notional primary outcome was 30-day major complications or death. ResultsIncidence of major complications was similar in both groups (control: 20/69 [29%], intervention: 23/70 [33%], p=0.622). Immediate adm...

An audit of the complications of intercostal chest drain insertion in a high volume trauma service in South Africa

Abstract: INTRODUCTION Intercostal chest drain (ICD) insertion is a commonly performed procedure in trauma and may be associated with significant morbidity. METHODS This was a retrospective review of ICD complications in a major trauma service in South Africa over a four-year period from January 2010 to December 2013. RESULTS A total of 1,050 ICDs were inserted in 1,006 patients, of which 91% were male. The median patient age was 24 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 20–29 years). There were 962 patients with unilateral ICDs and 44 with bilateral ICDs. Seventy-five per cent (758/1,006) sustained penetrating trauma and the remaining 25% (248/1006) sustained blunt trauma. Indications for ICD insertion were: haemopneumothorax (n=338), haemothorax (n=314), simple pneumothorax (n=265), tension pneumothorax (n=79) and open pneumothorax (n=54). Overall, 203 ICDs (19%) were associated with complications: 18% (36/203) were kinked, 18% (36/203) were inserted subcutaneously, 13% (27/203) were too shallow and in 7% (14/203) there was inadequate fixation resulting in dislodgement. Four patients (2%) sustained visceral injuries and two sustained vascular injuries. Forty-one per cent (83/203) were inserted outside the ‘triangle of safety’ but without visceral or vascular injuries. One patient had the ICD inserted on the wrong side. Junior doctors inserted 798 ICDs (76%) while senior doctors inserted 252 (24%). Junior doctors had a significantly higher complication rate (24%) compared with senior doctors (5%) (p<0.001). There was no mortality as a direct result of ICD insertion. CONCLUSIONS ICD insertion is associated with a high rate of complications. These complications are significantly higher when junior doctors perform the procedure. A multifaceted quality improvement programme is needed to improve the situation.

Serology and ultrasound for diagnosis of choledocholithiasis

Abstract: INTRODUCTION Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is not a routine investigation to exclude choledocholithiasis unless there is clinical or biochemical suspicion of common bile duct (CBD) stones. This study attempted to determine which radiological or serological parameters best predicted CBD stones. METHODS All patients undergoing MRCP from 2005 to 2011 were selected. Patients with pancreatitis were excluded. Liver function tests (LFTs) at admission and prior to MRCP were recorded, as was abdominal ultrasonography and MRCP results. Parameters measured routinely on LFTs included alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT) and bilirubin. Receiver operating characteristic curve area analysis (area under the curve [AUC]) and chi-squared analysis were undertaken. RESULTS Overall, 195 patients were identified, 71 of whom had CBD stones on MRCP. Raised ALP levels on admission demonstrated a correlation with CBD stones (AUC: 0.619, odds ratio [OR]: 3.16, p=0.06). At ultrasonography, a dilated CBD (OR: 3.76, p<0.001) and intrahepatic duct dilation (OR: 5.56, p<0.001) were highly significant predictors. However, only 37% of patients had a dilated CBD on ultrasonography. Ongoing elevation of LFT parameters, particularly ALP (AUC: 0.707, OR: 4.64, p<0.001) and ALT (AUC: 0.646, OR: 5.40, p<0.001), displayed a significant correlation with CBD stones. CONCLUSIONS Ongoing (even if minor) elevations of liver function test parameters should prompt the need to exclude CBD stones even in the presence of a normal CBD diameter on ultrasonography.

Addition of transversus abdominis plane block to patient controlled analgesia for laparoscopic high anterior resection improves analgesia, reduces opioid requirement and expedites recovery of bowel function.

Abstract: IntroductionOpioid sparing in postoperative pain management appears key in colorectal enhanced recovery. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks offer such an effect. This study aimed to quantify this effect on pain, opioid use and recovery of bowel function after laparoscopic high anterior resection. MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of prospective data on 68 patients. Patients received an epidural (n=24), intravenous morphine patient controlled analgesia (PCA, n=22) or TAP blocks plus PCA (n=22) determined by anaesthetist preference. Outcome measures were numerical pain scores (0–3), cumulative intravenous morphine dose and time to recovery of bowel function (passage of flatus or stool). ResultsThere were no differences in patient characteristics, complications or extraction site. The TAP block group had lower pain scores (0.7 vs 1.36, p<0.001) and morphine requirements (8mg vs 15mg, p=0.01) than the group receiving PCA alone at 12 hours and 24 hours. Earlier passage of flatus (2.0 vs 2.7 vs 3.4...

Incidence and predictors of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia in a tertiary endocrine surgical unit

Abstract: BackgroundPost-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia is a common complication with significant short and long term morbidity. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and predictors of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia (as defined by a corrected calcium <2.1 mmol/l) in a tertiary endocrine surgical unit. MethodsA total of 238 consecutive patients who underwent completion or bilateral thyroid surgery between 2008 and 2011 were included in this retrospective study. Clinical and biochemical data were obtained from electronic and hard copy medical records. ResultsThe incidence of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia on first postoperative day (POD1) was 29.0%. There was variation in the incidence of hypocalcaemia depending on the timing of measurement on the first postoperative day. At six months following surgery, 5.5% of patients were on calcium and/or vitamin D supplementation.Factors associated with post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia were lower preoperative corrected calcium (p=0.005) and parathyroid gland (PT...

Unintended consequences of policy change to watchful waiting for asymptomatic inguinal hernias.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION In 2009 the Department of Health instructed McKinsey & Company to provide advice on how commissioners might achieve world class National Health Service productivity. Asymptomatic inguinal hernia repair was identified as a potentially cosmetic procedure, with limited clinical benefit. The Birmingham and Solihull primary care trust cluster introduced a policy of watchful waiting for asymptomatic inguinal hernia, which was implemented across the health economy in December 2010. This retrospective cohort study aimed to examine the effect of a change in clinical commissioning policy concerning elective surgical repair of asymptomatic inguinal hernias. METHODS A total of 1,032 patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair in the 16 months after the policy change were compared with 978 patients in the 16 months before. The main outcome measure was relative proportion of emergency repair in groups before and after the policy change. Multivariate binary logistic regression was used to adjust the main outcome for age, sex and hernia type. RESULTS The period after the policy change was associated with 59% higher odds of emergency repair (3.6% vs 5.5%, adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-2.47). In turn, emergency repair was associated with higher odds of adverse events (4.7% vs 18.5%, adjusted OR: 3.68, 95% CI: 2.04-6.63) and mortality (0.1% vs 5.4%, p<0.001, Fisher's exact test). CONCLUSIONS Introduction of a watchful waiting policy for asymptomatic inguinal hernias was associated with a significant increase in need for emergency repair, which was in turn associated with an increased risk of adverse events. Current policies may be placing patients at risk.

Use of SMS and tablet computer improves the electronic collection of elective orthopaedic patient reported outcome measures

Abstract: IntroductionElectronic patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) enable real time reporting back to the patient and medical team, comparison between similar patient cohorts and long-term cost effective outcome measurement. The primary objective of this three-phase pilot study was to measure uptake using a web-based PROM system following the introduction of two separate process improvements. MethodsEighty consecutive new elective orthopaedic patients in a single surgeon’s practice were recruited for the study. Patients in Group 1 (n=26) received only a letter reminding them to complete a symptom score. Those in Group 2 (n=31) also received a reminder SMS (short message service) message via their mobile or home telephone and those in Group 3 (n=23) also had access to a tablet computer in clinic. ResultsThe mean patient age in Group 1 was 55 years (range: 24–80 years), in Group 2 it was 60 years (range: 23–85 years) and in Group 3 it was 58 years (range: 37–78 years) (p>0.05). Overall, 79% of patients had in...

The use of computed tomography in identifying radiologically occult hip fractures in the elderly.

Abstract: IntroductionFractured neck of femur (NOF) is a cause of significant morbidity and mortality. Approximately 4% of patients with an initial normal hip x-ray in the emergency department (ED) will in fact have an occult fracture. In cases where there is ongoing clinical suspicion of NOF fracture despite a normal hip x-ray, alternative imaging should be used. Although available evidence supports the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for this, it is often not readily accessible from the ED. In our department, it is common practice to request computed tomography (CT). MethodsA historical review was undertaken of all patients who presented between October 2007 and January 2011 who had CT requested by ED staff. Patients included in the study were those who presented following low impact trauma in whom fractured NOF was suspected despite a normal x-ray. ResultsOf the 65 included patients, fractures (pelvic and hip) were identified in 38 patients on CT. Fractured NOFs were found in 13 patients. Acetabular frac...

Facial nerve injury during temporal artery biopsy

Abstract: Temporal artery biopsy is considered the gold standard investigation of giant cell arteritis and is recommended in suspected cases despite a sensitivity of 81-91%. This review highlights the potential risk of facial nerve injury during temporal artery biopsy and introduces recent advances in the emerging role of imaging modalities. When these non-invasive techniques are used in conjunction with American College of Rheumatology scoring, which includes clinical features and biochemical test results, temporal artery biopsy may be avoided in selected cases.

The impact of surgeon handedness in total hip replacement

Abstract: IntroductionTotal hip replacement (THR) is successful and performed commonly. Component placement is a determinant of outcome. Influence of surgeon handedness on component placement has not been considered previously. This study was a radiographic assessment of component positioning with respect to handedness. Early data from 160 patients are reported. MethodsOverall, 160 primary THRs for osteoarthritis were included. Equal numbers of left and right THRs were performed by four surgeons, two right-handed and two left-handed. Postoperative radiography was assessed for THR component position by measurement of leg length inequality, acetabular inclination and centre of rotation. Surgeons’ handedness was assessed using the Edinburgh inventory. ResultsFor leg length inequality, no significant interaction was seen between hip side and surgeon handedness. Acetabular inclination angles showed a statistically significant difference, however, depending on hand dominance, with higher inclination angles recorded when ...

Prediction of complications after partial nephrectomy by RENAL nephrometry score

Abstract: IntroductionDiscussing and planning the appropriate management for suspicious renal masses can be challenging. With the development of nephrometry scoring methods, we aimed to evaluate the ability of the RENAL nephrometry score to predict both the incidence of postoperative complications and the change in renal function after a partial nephrectomy. MethodsThis was a retrospective study including 128 consecutive patients who underwent a partial nephrectomy (open and laparoscopic) for renal lesions in a tertiary UK referral centre. Univariate and multivariate ordinal regression models were used to identify associations between Clavien–Dindo classification and explanatory variables. The Kendall rank correlation coefficient was used to examine an association between RENAL nephrometry score and a drop in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) following surgery. ResultsAn increase in the RENAL nephrometry score of one point resulted in greater odds of being in a higher Clavien–Dindo classification after co...

Current trends in tonsillitis and tonsillectomy.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to assess tonsillitis and tonsillectomy trends, both from a local and national perspective. METHODS Retrospective analysis was carried out of tonsillitis admissions and tonsillectomy rates over a ten-year period in a university teaching hospital from 2003 to 2012. RESULTS Since 2003 tonsillitis admissions have increased locally by 118% in adults and 179% in children despite negligible changes in tonsillectomy rates. Similar trends have been observed nationally. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study may be considered to be the result of current National Health Service policy. A reconsideration of agreed indications for tonsillectomy could potentially reduce hospital admissions of patients with tonsillitis in the long term.

Obesity and recurrent intervertebral disc prolapse after lumbar microdiscectomy

Abstract: IntroductionThe primary aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between obesity and recurrent intervertebral disc prolapse (IDP) following lumbar microdiscectomy. MethodsA retrospective review of case notes from 2008 to 2012 was conducted for all patients who underwent single level lumbar microdiscectomy performed by a single surgeon. All patients were followed up at two weeks and six weeks following surgery, and given an open appointment for a further six months. ResultsA total of 283 patients were available for analysis: 190 (67%) were in the non-obese group and 93 (32.9%) in the obese group. There was no statistical difference in postoperative infection, dural tear or length of stay between the non-obese and obese groups. Recurrent symptomatic IDP was seen in 27 patients (9.5%) confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. Nineteen (10.0%) were in the non-obese group and eight (8.6%) in the obese group (p>0.8). ConclusionsIn our study, obesity was not a predictor of recurrent IDP following lum...

A review of outcomes of the surgical management of femoroacetabular impingement

Abstract: IntroductionFemoroacetabular impingement (FAI) resulting from abnormal contact between the acetabulum and femur has been studied extensively in recent years owing to its association with acetabular...

Survey of management of common iliac artery aneurysms by members of the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland

Abstract: IntroductionThe aim of this study was to determine whether the current management of common iliac artery aneurysms (CIAAs) by vascular surgeons is in tune with existing guidelines for referral. MethodsThis was a postal survey of members of the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland. The main outcome measures were relative frequency of ruptured CIAA, respondents’ size threshold for surveillance versus intervention, and their management strategies for isolated unilateral CIAAs, bilateral CIAAs and aortoiliac aneurysms. ResultsTwo hundred and eighty-four (anonymous) replies were received (48% response rate). Respondents estimated that a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) was 25 times more common than a ruptured CIAA. Most surgeons (64%) would wait until a CIAA reached 4cm in diameter before considering intervention. This threshold was not affected by other scenarios such as the presence of a bilateral CIAA or a small (4cm) AAA. Eighty per cent of surgeons would treat a non-ruptured CIAA by stent...

The aetiology and current management of prepubertal epididymitis.

Abstract: IntroductionThe aim of this study was to review the published evidence on the pathogenesis and management of acute epididymitis (AE) in prepubertal boys after the authors encountered an unexpectedly large number of such cases in their institution. MethodsUsing MEDLINE®, a literature search was performed for articles in English with the words “pre-pubertal” OR “boys” OR “p(a)ediatric” OR “children” AND “epididymitis” OR “epididymo-orchitis”. ResultsThe literature suggests that it is rare to find a bacterial infection or anatomical anomaly as a cause for AE in this population. A postviral infectious phenomenon is the most likely explanation. The management should be supportive and antibiotics reserved for those with pyuria or positive cultures. Urodynamic studies and renal tract ultrasonography have been advocated for those with recurrent epididymitis. ConclusionsAE in prepubertal boys is more common than believed previously. A careful history for recent viral illnesses should be included. Antibiotics, urin...

Outcomes of a metal-on-metal total hip replacement system.

Abstract: IntroductionHigh short-term failure rates have been reported for a variety of metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip replacements (THRs) owing to adverse reactions to metal debris (ARMD). This has led to t...

Surgical management of presacral bleeding.

Abstract: IntroductionPresacral venous bleeding is an uncommon but potentially life threatening complication of rectal surgery. During the posterior rectal dissection, it is recommended to proceed into the plane between the fascia propria of the rectum and the presacral fascia. Incorrect mobilisation of the rectum outside the Waldeyer’s fascia can tear out the lower presacral venous plexus or the sacral basivertebral veins, causing what may prove to be uncontrollable bleeding. MethodsA systematic search of the MEDLINE® and Embase™ databases was performed to obtain primary data published in the period between 1 January 1960 and 31 July 2013. Each article describing variables such as incidence of presacral venous bleeding, surgical approach, number of cases treated and success rate was included in the analysis. ResultsA number of creative solutions have been described that attempt to provide good tamponade of the presacral haemorrhage, eliminating the need for second operation. However, few cases are reported in the ...