Development of a clinical score to estimate pancreatitis-related hospital admissions in patients with a new diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis: the trinity score

BACKGROUND

The clinical course of chronic pancreatitis is unpredictable and there is no globally accepted score to predict the disease course. We developed a clinical score to estimate pancreatitis-related hospitalisation in patients with newly diagnosed chronic pancreatitis.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using two clinical chronic pancreatitis databases held in tertiary referral centres in Dublin, Ireland, and in Tarragona, Spain. Individuals diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis between 2007 and 2014 were eligible for inclusion. Candidate predictors included aetiology, body mass index, exocrine dysfunction, smoking and alcohol history. We used multivariable logistic regression to develop the model.

RESULTS

We analysed data from 154 patients with newly diagnosed chronic pancreatitis. Of these, 105 patients (68%) had at least one hospital admission for pancreatitis-related reasons in the 6 years following diagnosis. Aetiology of chronic pancreatitis, body mass index, use of pain medications and gender were found to be predictive of more pancreatic-related hospital admissions. These predictors were used to develop a clinical score which showed acceptable discrimination (area under the ROC curve = 0.70).

DISCUSSION

We developed a clinical score based on easily accessible clinical parameters to predict pancreatitis-related hospitalisation in patients with newly diagnosed chronic pancreatitis.

Body composition is associated with operative and oncologic outcomes in the management of retroperitoneal and trunk soft tissue sarcoma

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia, myosteatosis and obesity in cancer may confer negative clinical outcomes, but their prevalence and impact among patients with retroperitoneal and trunk soft tissue sarcoma have not been systematically studied. The aim of this study was to determine body composition among patients with retroperitoneal and trunk sarcoma, and assess impact on operative and oncologic outcomes.

METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing treatment with curative intent from 2009 to 2019 were studied. Subcutaneous fat area and visceral fat areas, intramuscular adipose, lean body mass and fat mass were determined at diagnosis by CT at L3. Univariable and multivariable linear, logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression were performed.

RESULTS

95 patients (43.2% retroperitoneal, 48.4% trunk, 46.3% multivisceral resection) were studied. Visceral obesity was evident in 47.4%. Postoperative morbidity occurred in 25.9%, with preoperative radiotherapy (OR10.53 [95% CI 1.08-102.39], P = 0.042) and fat mass (OR1.41 [1.12-1.79], P = 0.004) independently predictive on multivariable analysis, while intramuscular adipose independently predicted inpatient LOS (P < 0.001), wound infection (P = 0.024, OR1.20 [1.02-1.40]) and major postoperative morbidity (P = 0.027, OR1.15 [1.02-1.31]). Increasing fat mass, subcutaneous fat area and intramuscular adipose were associated with greater tumor size (all P < 0.01), while intramuscular adipose predicted disease progression during neoadjuvant therapy (P = 0.024), and independently predicted disease specific survival (DSS) (P = 0.005, HR1.11 [1.03-1.20]) and overall survival (OS) on multivariable analysis (P < 0.001, HR1.19 [1.08-1.31]).

CONCLUSION

Visceral obesity is common in retroperitoneal and trunk sarcoma, and measures of adiposity are associated with adverse operative, but not oncologic outcomes. Myosteatosis is independently associated with postoperative morbidity and adverse oncologic outcomes. Body composition may represent a marker of risk among patients with retroperitoneal and trunk sarcoma.

Sleepy Surgeons: A Multi-Method Assessment of Sleep Deprivation and Performance in Surgery

BACKGROUND

Minimum rest is mandated in high stake industries such as aviation. The current system of healthcare provision permits on-call surgeons to work in sleep deprived states when performing procedures. Fatigue has been demonstrated to negatively affect performance. This study aimed to explore measurements of sleep deprivation and their impact on simulated performance.

METHODS

This was a single site study conducted between September 2019 and February 2020. Surgical trainee and consultants were conveniently sampled from a single site. All testing was done between 7 AM and 9 AM. Participants completed electroencephalogram testing using a modified Multiple Sleep Latency Test testing for objective sleep measurement, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Chalder Fatigue Scale and Epworth Sleepiness Scale for subjective sleep measurement. The Psychomotor Vigilance Task and the SIMENDO simulated tasks were used for standardized performance assessment.

RESULTS

Surgeons entered sleep in 6 min, on average pre-call. This significantly decreased to an average of 164 s post-call (P = 0.016). Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scoring was 5, indicating poor baseline sleep quality. There was higher self-reported fatigue and sleepiness in post-call states. Performance decrements were noted in cognitive performance reaction time and aspects of technical instrument proficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgeons are objectively sleep deprived pre-call according to internationally recognized guidelines. This sleep deprivation increases significantly in post-call states. Tasks with higher cognitive demands showed greater levels of diminished performance compared to those with lower cognitive demands. Current models of provision of surgical on-call are not conducive to optimizing sleep in surgeons. Prioritization of workload in post-call states, focusing on preserving individuals cognitive resources and utilizing lower cognitively demanding aspects of work is likely to have positive impacts on performance outcomes.

Sarcopenia and obesity among patients with soft tissue sarcoma - Association with clinicopathologic characteristics, complications and oncologic outcome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Sarcopenia and obesity may be associated with negative outcomes in many cancers, but their prevalence and impact in modern regimens for soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) have not been systematically studied. This study summarises and critically evaluates the current evidence-based literature on body mass index (BMI) and body composition among patients with STS, with respect to clinical and pathologic characteristics, treatment-associated morbidity and oncologic outcome.

METHODS

A systematic literature search of the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases was performed. Meta-analysis of the relationship between BMI, body composition and pathologic characteristics, operative morbidity and oncologic outcome was undertaken using RevMan v.5.4 using fixed or random effects methods as appropriate.

RESULTS

14 studies including 3598 patients met inclusion criteria. Ten studies reported on BMI, two on CT and two on PET-CT assessment of body composition. BMI ranged from 14.6 to 63.7 kg/m², with obesity in 18%-39% of patients. Although some studies demonstrated larger tumours among patients with obesity, this was not significant on meta-analysis (P = 0.31, I² = 99%). There was no significant difference in tumour grade or histologic type according to BMI. Postoperatively, obesity was associated with increased risk of overall morbidity (odds ratio (OR) 2.03 [95% CI 1.41-2.92], P = 0.0001, I² = 22%), and wound morbidity (OR 1.32 [95% CI 1.02-1.71], P = 0.03, I² = 0%). Similar effects were observed in studies of visceral adiposity. No differences in functional outcomes were observed. There was a trend towards reduced local recurrence among patients with obesity (HR 0.64 [95% CI 0.38-1.08], P = 0.10, I² = 0%), but no difference in distant metastasis (HR 1.00 [95% CI 0.76-1.30], P = 0.98, I² = 0%) or overall survival (HR 0.98 [95% CI 0.43-2.22], P = 0.95, I² = 64%). Various measures of sarcopenia were associated with poorer survival outcomes.

CONCLUSION

While obesity is associated with increased postoperative morbidity, it had no significant association with long-term oncologic outcomes. Sarcopenia may be associated with a poorer long-term prognosis. A greater understanding of the impact of nutritional status on disease characteristics and treatment outcomes is essential to facilitate improvements in clinical care for patients with STS.

P35: BODY COMPOSITION: ASSOCIATION WITH OPERATIVE AND ONCOLOGIC OUTCOMES IN THE MODERN MANAGEMENT OF RETROPERITONEAL SARCOMA – RESULTS OF A FEASIBILITY STUDY

Introduction

Sarcopenia and obesity in cancer may confer negative outcomes, but their prevalence and impact on modern regimens for retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS) have not been systematically studied. Sarcopaenia and obesity measurements by computed tomography (CT) measurements at L3 may be confounded by the disease process itself. The aim of this study is to determine feasibility in providing the prevalence of sarcopenia and visceral obesity in the management of RPS to assess their potential impact on operative and oncologic outcomes.

Method

Consecutive sample patients undergoing treatment for RPS from our database were retrospectively studied. Total, subcutaneous and visceral fat areas (VFA), myosteatosis, skeletal muscle index (SMI) lean body mass and fat mass were determined at diagnosis by CT. Sarcopenia will be defined by CT at L3 as SMI &lt;52.4 cm2/m2 for males and SMI &lt;38.5 cm2/m2 for females, and visceral obesity as VFA &gt;163.8cm2 for men and &gt;80.1cm2 for women.

Result

40 consecutive patients, 21 [52.5%] female, 56.7±15.1 years, were studied. The most common histologic types were leiomyosarcoma (8 [20.0%]), dedifferentiated liposarcoma (7 [17.5%]), well differentiated liposarcoma (7 [17.5%]), myxoid liposarcoma (4 [10.0%]). Mean±SD body composition measures were: lean body mass, 50.4±12.0 kg; total fat mass, 27.2±8.6 kg; visceral fat area, 148.5±120.2 cm2; subcutaneous fat area, 222.2±20.4 cm2; myosteatosis, 8.9±7.3 cm2.

Conclusion

Assessment of body composition among patients with RPS is feasible. Analysis to identify the prevalence and significance of sarcopenia and visceral obesity and its relationship to operative and oncologic outcomes is ongoing.

Take-home message

Assessment of body composition in RPS is feasible and its effect on outcomes is under investigation

Self-reported surgeon health behaviours: A multicentre, cross-sectional exploration into the modifiable factors that impact surgical performance with the association of surgeons in training

Introduction

Surgeons regularly educate patients on health promoting behaviours including diet, sleep and exercise. No study thus far has explored surgeons’ personal compliance with these health behaviours and their relationship with surgical performance. The primary outcomes of this study were self-reported health, health related behaviours, wellbeing, fatigue and surgical performance.

Methods

A survey of validated themes on health related behaviours, workplace variables and performance was distributed to surgical trainees and consultants in the UK and Ireland through the Association for Surgeons in Training (ASiT). Non-parametric analysis was used to determine inferential associations.

Results

Ninety five surgeons (51.5% female, 39.9% registrars) completed the survey. 94% and 74% reported ‘good’ or better overall health and mental wellbeing respectively. The majority (54.7%) reported inconsistent sleep patterns. Less than a quarter engage in regular exercise. Sixty two and 64.2% reported being regularly fatigued and bothered by feelings of anxiety and/or depression respectively. Poor self-reported health and wellbeing were associated with poorer reported off-call performance (p < .01). Higher levels of fatigue negatively impacted self-reported surgical and non-surgical task proficiency (p < .01).

Discussion and conclusion

Surgeons reported high levels of overall health. However, healthy behaviours around sleep, diet and exercise were not consistently reported. Fewer reported good mental health and emotional well-being. Self-reported health behaviours including sleep and physical activity were associated with surgical performance. Strategies to improve modifiable lifestyle factors which will optimise physical health, mental wellbeing and levels of fatigue may optimise surgical performance.

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94% and 74% respectively reported having at least ‘good’ health and well-being.

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A majority reported being regularly fatigued and inconsistent sleep patterns.

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Poorer health and wellbeing were associated with poorer performance off-call (p < .01).

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Higher levels of fatigue negatively impacted technical and non-technical performance.

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Improving modifiable factors to optimise health and wellbeing may improve performance.

A rare case of perforated gastric duplication cyst associated with gastric diverticulum

A 50-year-old man presented to the emergency department with a 1-day history of severe epigastric pain, vomiting and fever. He had a background of alcohol excess and smoking. The patient was tachycardic and febrile with an elevated white blood cell count and C reactive protein. CT demonstrated extensive upper abdominal free fluid, without free air, with a large cystic lesion arising from the greater curvature of the stomach, and a second smaller cystic lesion arising from the posterior aspect of the gastric fundus. The patient was managed with nasogastric drainage, parenteral nutrition, intravenous antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors, and CT-guided abdominal drainage, with resolution of sepsis, and further outpatient care was transferred to our unit. Follow-up endoscopy demonstrated a diverticulum arising from the posterior aspect of the gastric fundus, with normal mucosa throughout the remaining stomach, while CT showed an additional cystic lesion arising from the greater curvature, with thickening of the adjacent gastric wall consistent with a gastric duplication cyst (GDC). Laparoscopy confirmed a small diverticulum at the fundus, and a large GDC anteriorly with associated omental adhesions consistent with prior perforation-two wedge resections were performed. Histology demonstrated no evidence of malignancy or ectopic mucosa. The patient recovered uneventfully and remained free from recurrent symptoms at 6 weeks postoperatively. GDC is a rare entity, which may be associated with ectopic mucosa, malignant transformation and upper gastrointestinal perforation. No previous report describes the coexistence of a GDC and gastric diverticulum. Herein we describe the investigation and management of this condition, and review the associated peer-reviewed literature.

COVID-19 and surgery: A thematic analysis of unintended consequences on performance, practice and surgical training

PURPOSE

The shift in the national focus and allocation of resources to the management of COVID19 has led to significant changes to surgical practice including the delay of elective surgery. The aim of this study was to explore the implications of such changes on surgeons.

METHOD

Using a qualitative study design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with general surgery consultants and non-consultant hospital doctors from a major tertiary hospital in the Dublin region between March-May 2020. Data collection proceeded iteratively using a thematic analysis approach with quality controls such as memoing and collaborative analysis.

RESULTS

Fourteen surgeons (8 male, 6 female) were interviewed. The majority (n = 11, 78.6%) were NCHDs. Significant themes determined included 'impacts' on a variety of constructs such as performance, self-reported fatigue and wellbeing. Training themes elucidated included the effects of the cancellation of elective admissions on reduced operative exposure for trainees. Senior surgical staff were particularly focused on increased complexity in patient management. New policy requirements such as personal protective equipment use and novel rotas have had implications for aspects of work engagement. The pandemic and subsequent national restrictions imposed has afforded opportunities for improved well-being but also resulted in greater solitude in surgeons.

CONCLUSIONS

Rhetoric surrounding fatigue management and virus control dominates the conversation on the relationship between COVID-19 and surgery. Tipping the balance back to parity of fatigue management with service delivery in surgery will be key for sustainability of the surgical workforce.

Nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 transmission in postoperative infection and mortality: analysis of 14 798 procedures

This study used a national administrative database to estimate perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection risk, and associated mortality, relative to nosocomial transmission rates. The impact of nosocomial transmission was greatest after major emergency surgery, whereas laparoscopic surgery may be protective owing to reduced duration of hospital stay. Procedure-specific risk estimates are provided to facilitate surgical decision-making and informed consent. Estimated risks.

Prospective validation of classification of intraoperative adverse events (ClassIntra): international, multicentre cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively assess the construct and criterion validity of ClassIntra version 1.0, a newly developed classification for assessing intraoperative adverse events.

DESIGN

International, multicentre cohort study.

SETTING

18 secondary and tertiary centres from 12 countries in Europe, Oceania, and North America.

PARTICIPANTS

The cohort study included a representative sample of 2520 patients in hospital having any type of surgery, followed up until discharge. A follow-up to assess mortality at 30 days was performed in 2372 patients (94%). A survey was sent to a representative sample of 163 surgeons and anaesthetists from participating centres.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Intraoperative complications were assessed according to ClassIntra. Postoperative complications were assessed daily until discharge from hospital with the Clavien-Dindo classification. The primary endpoint was construct validity by investigating the risk adjusted association between the most severe intraoperative and postoperative complications, measured in a multivariable hierarchical proportional odds model. For criterion validity, inter-rater reliability was evaluated in a survey of 10 fictitious case scenarios describing intraoperative complications.

RESULTS

Of 2520 patients enrolled, 610 (24%) experienced at least one intraoperative adverse event and 838 (33%) at least one postoperative complication. Multivariable analysis showed a gradual increase in risk for a more severe postoperative complication with increasing grade of ClassIntra: ClassIntra grade I versus grade 0, odds ratio 0.99 (95% confidence interval 0.69 to 1.42); grade II versus grade 0, 1.39 (0.97 to 2.00); grade III versus grade 0, 2.62 (1.31 to 5.26); and grade IV versus grade 0, 3.81 (1.19 to 12.2). ClassIntra showed high criterion validity with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.76 (95% confidence interval 0.59 to 0.91) in the survey (response rate 83%).

CONCLUSIONS

ClassIntra is the first prospectively validated classification for assessing intraoperative adverse events in a standardised way, linking them to postoperative complications with the well established Clavien-Dindo classification. ClassIntra can be incorporated into routine practice in perioperative surgical safety checklists, or used as a monitoring and outcome reporting tool for different surgical disciplines. Future studies should investigate whether the tool is useful to stratify patients to the appropriate postoperative care, to enhance the quality of surgical interventions, and to improve long term outcomes of surgical patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03009929.

A systematic review of sleep deprivation and technical skill in surgery

BACKGROUND

It is uncertain if sleep deprivation impacts sleepy surgeons' technical skills. Lapses in surgical performance could increase morbidity and mortality. This review concludes if sleep deprivation impacts on technical skill performance in simulated environments.

OBJECTIVE

Primary: 1. To identify if sleep deprivation has an impact on technical skill proficiency in surgeons. Secondary: a. To identify if the level of surgical experience, quality of sleep, or quantity of sleep influences technical skill proficiency in sleep deprived surgeons.

METHODS

The review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines utilising the databases Journals Ovid. Validation followed with two independent reviewers utilising an adapted version of BEME.

RESULTS

Thirty-three heterogeneous studies were included. Sleep deprivation likely negatively impacts technical performance between 11.9 and 32% decrement in performance. No strong evidence exists with regards to influence of experience, sleep type, or sleep length on technical proficiency.

CONCLUSION

Sleepy surgeons' technical skills are, on balance, between 11.9 and 32% negatively impacted in a standardised simulated environment. This is likely to have clinical implications for patient safety.

Surgical management of a giant hepatic cyst with suspicious radiological features

Cysts in the liver have a wide variety of aetiologies. Important features of malignancy based on various imaging techniques must be considered prior to any intervention. Perioperative decision making in complex or difficult cysts is key to appropriate patient management. A 66-year-old woman was referred to the outpatient department with a one-year history of intermittent, sharp, right upper quadrant pain, radiating to her back. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a large cyst in the right and left lobes of the liver with portal inflow closely related. Features such as wall thickening suspicious for cystadenocarcinoma were present. An open resection was planned but, based on perioperative findings, the cyst had features making it unsafe to perform excision. De-roofing, carefully controlled drainage and assessment of the internal aspect of the cyst were performed, which revealed an extremely close relationship to portal inflow. This case describes the decision-making process when faced with complex indeterminate pathology of the liver and proximity of critical structures.

Trends in the Use of Laparoscopic Versus Open Paediatric Appendicectomy: A Regional 12-Year Study and a National Survey

BACKGROUND

In adult patients, it is generally accepted that laparoscopic appendicectomy (LA) is the predominant operative pathway in treating acute appendicitis. The case for a similar pathway utilising LA in children is less clear. We investigate usage, trends and complications after LA in children in a single co-located adult/paediatric centre with contemporaneous adults as controls.

METHODS

A retrospective case-control study was conducted over 12 years including patients who underwent appendicectomy, and the paediatric series (<16 years) was divided into age-groups-based quartiles. An anonymous questionnaire-based national survey was circulated among general and paediatric surgeons.

RESULTS

Of the 5784 appendicectomy patients, 2960 were children. LA rate in paediatric appendicitis was 65%. Yearly trends in LA reached a steady state in both groups after 2010 (Δ 0-1%/year). Rates of LA and LA IAA (respectively) differed significantly between age groups: 60, 3% (0-9 years); 65, 1% (10-13 years); 71, 2% (14-16 years) and 93, 3% (>16 years) (p = 0.001, 0.02). The national survey showed respondents believed LA was not superior to OA in paediatric patients except in terms of cosmesis. There was strong support in the use of LA in older children and children >40 kg.

CONCLUSION

The use of LA in paediatric appendicectomies in the study region is similar to international rates, but not increasing over time. Irish surgeons still favour OA in younger children and prefer a case-by-case approach rather LA being the preferred pathway. This is despite the regional and international evidence showing favourable outcomes with LA in children.

Robot Assisted Surgical Ward Rounds: Virtually Always There

BACKGROUND

 While an explosion in technological sophistication has revolutionized surgery within the operating theatre, delivery of surgical ward-based care has seen little innovation.  Use of telepresence allowing off-site clinicians communicate with patients has been largely restricted to outpatient settings or use of complex, expensive, static devices.  We designed a prospective study to ascertain feasibility and face validity of a remotely controlled mobile audiovisual drone (LUCY) to access inpatients.  This device is, uniquely, lightweight, freely mobile and emulates 'human' interaction by swiveling and adjusting height to patients' eye-level.   METHODS: Robot-assisted ward rounds(RASWR) were conducted over 3 months. A remotely located consultant surgeon communicated with patients/bedside teams via encrypted audiovisual telepresence robot (DoubleRoboticstm, California USA).  Likert-scale satisfaction questionnaires, incorporating free-text sections for mixed-methods data collection, were disseminated to patient and staff volunteers following RASWRs.  The same cohort completed a linked questionnaire following conventional (gold-standard) rounds, acting as control group. Data were paired, and non-parametric analysis performed.  RESULTS: RASWRs are feasible (>90% completed without technical difficulty). The RASWR(n=52 observations) demonstrated face validity with strong correlations (r>0.7; Spearman, p-value <0.05) between robotic and conventional ward rounds among patients and staff on core themes, including dignity/confidentiality/communication/satisfaction with management plan. Patients (96.08%, n=25) agreed RASWR were a satisfactory alternative when consultant physical presence was not possible. There was acceptance of nursing/NCHD cohort (100% (n=11) willing to regularly partake in RASWR).  CONCLUSION: RASWRs receive high levels of patient and staff acceptance, and offer a valid alternative to conventional ward rounds when a consultant cannot be physically present.

A Case of Primary Gastric Melanoma Exhibiting a Rare BRAF V600R Mutation

Introduction

Malignant melanoma of the gastrointestinal tract is usually a metastasis from a cutaneous source. Primary gastric melanoma is an extremely rare clinical entity, with few reported cases worldwide. It is often advanced at time of diagnosis and is associated with a dismal outcome.

Background

A 76 year old gentleman presenteded with a one month history of fatigue and exertional dyspnoea. Laboratory investigations indicated an anaemia, with a haemoglobin level of 11.0g/dl. Subsequent gastroscopy visualised a large, atypical, crater-like ulcerated lesion distal to the cardia in the proximal stomach.

Provisional histology was suggestive of a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma but subsequent cyto-morphology and immunophenotyping were consistent with melanoma, with positive S100 protein, HMB45 and Melan A. Further molecular genetic testing revealed a V600R mutation in the BRAF gene, which is the first primary gastric melanoma with this mutation to be reported in the literature. Given the rarity of the findings, an extensive secondary work-up was undertaken, which concluded the diagnosis primary gastric melanoma.

Discussion

Primary gastric melanoma is a rare disease that can present similarly to other upper gastrointesinal lesions, with weight loss, abdominal pain, malena, and anaemia. Given its rarity, the pathogenesis is poorly understood. Lesions are often endoscopically atypical. Important points to note would include the absence of a primary lesion, as supported by a full skin examination and PET-CT findings, which can help to delineate the limitation to the stomach, thus helping to inform subsequent management.

LEARNING POINTS

Prognostic Role of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Advanced Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Impact of Baseline Fluctuation and Changes during Chemotherapy

Aims and background

Inflammation has been implicated in carcinogenesis and progression of pancreatic cancer. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is an index of systemic inflammation. We examined the prognostic role of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio at baseline and the significance of intrapersonal variability of the ratio before and during chemotherapy.

Methods and study design

Advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients who had received chemotherapy were included. Baseline clinical and biochemical parameters, including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, were extracted and analyzed. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio threshold was determined via recursive partitioning and assessed at diagnosis, prior to chemotherapy and during treatment. Overall survival was estimated via the Kaplan-Meier method and compared between groups with the logrank test.

Results

Between 2005 and 2011, 85 patients with locally advanced (n = 38) and metastatic disease were identified: 68% with a neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio >3 had shorter median overall survival than patients with a neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio <3 (3.4 vs 9.4 months, P = 0.001). Pretreatment, 35% of repeat neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios crossed the threshold of 3. A persistently elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio >3 suggested a worse overall survival than in patients with a decreasing, increasing or persistently low neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (1.9 vs 8.2, 12.3 and 11.7 months, respectively, P <0.001). Twenty-three percent of patients had a >50% decrease in neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio following 4 weeks of chemotherapy, with a trend towards improvement in overall survival (12.5 vs 5.0 mo, P = 0.068).

Conclusions

The baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is a validated marker for a poor prognosis. Multiple assessments of the pre-treatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio might be required. Reduction in the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio during chemotherapy may be associated with improved survival.

The predictive value of C-reactive protein (CRP) in acute pancreatitis - is interval change in CRP an additional indicator of severity?

BACKGROUND

Using revised Atlanta classification defined outcomes, we compare absolute values in C-reactive protein (CRP), with interval changes in CRP, for severity stratification in acute pancreatitis (AP).

METHODS

A retrospective study of all first incidence AP was conducted over a 5-year period. Interval change in CRP values from admission to day 1, 2 and 3 was compared against the absolute values. Receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve and likelihood ratios (LRs) were used to compare ability to predict severe and mild disease.

RESULTS

337 cases of first incidence AP were included in our analysis. ROC curve analysis demonstrated the second day as the most useful time for repeat CRP measurement. A CRP interval change >90 mg/dL at 48 h (+LR 2.15, -LR 0.26) was equivalent to an absolute value of >150 mg/dL within 48 h (+LR 2.32, -LR 0.25). The optimal cut-off for absolute CRP based on new, more stringent definition of severity was >190 mg/dL (+LR 2.72, -LR 0.24).

CONCLUSION

Interval change in CRP is a comparable measure to absolute CRP in the prognostication of AP severity. This study suggests a rise of >90 mg/dL from admission or an absolute value of >190 mg/dL at 48 h predicts severe disease with the greatest accuracy.

Prognosis and management of adult wild type gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs): A pooled analysis and review of literature

A pooled review was performed to determine survival in adult WT GIST (Wild Type GastroIntestinal Stromal Tumours) and compare the same with pediatric WT GISTs. Electronic databases were searched using the terms "Wild type" AND "GIST". Eighty-two adult patients from 14 studies were included in the pooled analysis. Cumulative survival was greater than 50% in both age groups, hence medial survival could not be computed. Mean survival in adults was 15.7 years ± 0.78 and in children was 18.8 years ± 1.3 (p = 0.241). Median disease free survival in adults was 10 years while 5-year overall survival was 88%. There was no statistically significant difference in the survival between the two groups (p = 0.241). Overall survival in adults with WT GISTs is favourable compared to other adult GIST subtypes likely reflects a common molecular pathway similar to pediatric GIST.

Evidence based management of polyps of the gall bladder: A systematic review of the risk factors of malignancy

BACKGROUND

There are no evidence-based guidelines to dictate when Gallbladder Polyps (GBPs) of varying sizes should be resected.

AIM

To identify factors that accurately predict malignant disease in GBP; to provide an evidence-based algorithm for management.

METHODS

A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was performed using terms "gallbladder polyps" AND "polypoid lesion of gallbladder", from January 1993 and September 2013. Inclusion criteria required histopathological report or follow-up of 2 years. RTI-IB tool was used for quality analysis. Correlation with GBP size and malignant potential was analysed using Euclidean distance; a logistics mixed effects model was used for assessing independent risk factors for malignancy.

RESULTS

Fifty-three articles were included in review. Data from 21 studies was pooled for analysis. Optimum size cut-off for resection of GBPs was 10 mm. Probability of malignancy is approximately zero at size <4.15 mm. Patient age >50 years, sessile and single polyps were independent risk factors for malignancy. For polyps sized 4 mm-10 mm, a risk assessment model was formulated.

CONCLUSIONS

This review and analysis has provided an evidence-based algorithm for the management of GBPs. Longitudinal studies are needed to better understand the behaviour of polyps <10 mm, that are not at a high risk of malignancy, but may change over time.

Epidemiological study of soft-tissue sarcomas in Ireland

Soft‐tissue sarcomas (STS) account for 1% of adult and 7% of pediatric malignancies. Histopathology and classification of these rare tumors requires further refinements. The aim of this paper is to describe the current incidence and survival of STS from 1994 to 2012 in Ireland and compare these with comparably coded international published reports. This is a retrospective, population study based on the data from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI). Incidence and relative survival rates for STS in Ireland were generated. Incidence of STS based on gender, age and anatomical location was examined. Annual mean incidence rate (European Age Standardized) in Ireland between 1994 and 2012 was 4.48 ± 0.15 per 100,000 person‐years. The overall relative 5‐year survival rate of STS for the period 1994–2011 in Ireland was 56%, which was similar to that reported in the U.K. but lower than in most of Europe and U.S.A. Survival rate fluctuated over the period examined, declining slightly in females but showing an increase in males. STS incidence trends in Ireland were comparable to international reports. Survival trends of STS were significantly different between Ireland and other European countries, requiring further study to understand causation.

When should surgeons retire?

BACKGROUND

Retirement policies for surgeons differ worldwide. A range of normal human functional abilities decline as part of the ageing process. As life expectancy and their population increases, the performance ability of ageing surgeons is now a growing concern in relation to patient care. The aim was to explore the effects of ageing on surgeons' performance, and to identify current practical methods for transitioning surgeons out of practice at the appropriate time and age.

METHODS

A narrative review was performed in MEDLINE using the terms 'ageing' and 'surgeon'. Additional articles were hand-picked. Modified PRISMA guidelines informed the selection of articles for inclusion. Articles were included only if they explored age-related changes in brain biology and the effect of ageing on surgeons' performance.

RESULTS

The literature search yielded 1811 articles; of these, 36 articles were included in the final review. Wide variation in ability was observed across ageing individuals (both surgical and lay). Considerable variation in the effects of the surgeon's age on patient mortality and postoperative complications was noted. A lack of neuroimaging research exploring the ageing of surgeons' brains specifically, and lack of real markers available for measuring surgical performance, both hinder further investigation. Standard retirement policies in accordance with age-related surgical ability are lacking in most countries around the world.

CONCLUSION

Competence should be assessed at an individual level, focusing on functional ability over chronological age; this should inform retirement policies for surgeons.

Evaluation of a "Subintern" Role: Action Over Observation For Final-Year Medical Students in Surgery

BACKGROUND

This study sought to investigate the potential of a subinternship apprentice role as a structured experiential learning opportunity by enabling final-year medical students to learn through action rather than observation.

METHODS

A convenience sample of 65 final-year medical students was allocated to "intern shadow" (control group) or "subintern" (research group) for 2 weeks during the first clinical attachment of their final year. "Intern shadow" involved direct observation of the intern role, whereas "subintern" involved a fully immersive performance of the intern role under direct supervision by the surgical team. All students completed an evaluation form that was devised in-house and based on course learning objectives. This consisted of Likert scales and free text.

RESULTS

Wilcoxon rank sum test results showed that students participating in the "subintern" group had a statistically significantly better clinical experience than the "intern-shadow" group regarding role modeling (p = 0.0002), learning and teaching (p = 0.0021), organization and support (p = 0.0219), and patient interaction (p = 0.0063).

CONCLUSION

The "subintern" apprentice role shows strong potential for enabling final-year students to learn on the job by actually performing the intern role rather than merely observing an intern at work. Subinterns reported feeling valued within the team structure and expressed a desire to emulate expert practice directly experienced through close collaboration with consultant surgeons.

Audiovisual preconditioning enhances the efficacy of an anatomical dissection course: A randomised study

The benefits of incorporating audiovisual materials into learning are well recognised. The outcome of integrating such a modality in to anatomical education has not been reported previously. The aim of this randomised study was to determine whether audiovisual preconditioning is a useful adjunct to learning at an upper limb dissection course. Prior to instruction participants completed a standardised pre course multiple-choice questionnaire (MCQ). The intervention group was subsequently shown a video with a pre-recorded commentary. Following initial dissection, both groups completed a second MCQ. The final MCQ was completed at the conclusion of the course. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant improvement in the performance in both groups over the duration of the three MCQs. The intervention group significantly outperformed their control group counterparts immediately following audiovisual preconditioning and in the post course MCQ. Audiovisual preconditioning is a practical and effective tool that should be incorporated in to future course curricula to optimise learning. Level of evidence This study appraises an intervention in medical education.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Kirkpatrick Level 2b (modification of knowledge).

Assessment of competence in surgical skills using functional magnetic resonance imaging: a feasibility study

BACKGROUND

Patient safety is fundamental to modern medical practice; safe surgery saves lives. Ensuring surgical competence is becoming more difficult at a time when surgeons are being trained in fewer hours. Accurate objective assessment of technical skills ability is lacking in standardization. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has a long history in neuroscience, psychiatry, and cognitive studies. Many studies have explored levels of perceived expertise in sports and musical ability. Little has been published on actual rather than perceived motor skills. This study sought to assess the feasibility of utilizing a novel assessment method by measuring blood oxygen level-dependent signal changes (BOLD) in specific brain regions via fMRI during a surgical skills task.

METHODS

Images were acquired using fMRI in a pilot study of 9 subjects (3 experts, 3 intermediates, and 3 novices) when performing and imagining performing a basic surgical procedure: hand tying of surgical knots. Level of expertise was based on years of experience and clinical grade. The quality and quantity of knots were assessed objectively by 2 experts who were independent of the study and blinded to the ability of the candidate. The effect of subject head motion caused by the task itself was assessed. The efficacy of fMRI data analyses in removing artifacts caused by this noise source in the data was explored.

RESULTS

Shifts of less than 1 voxel (3 × 3 × 3.55 mm(3)) were recorded in all participants and were successfully corrected in all cases in the fMRI preprocessing step. Decreased BOLD activity was observed in experts compared to novices when "knot tying" was compared with the control "finger tap." Increased BOLD activity was observed in experts compared with novices when "imagining a task" in the primary visual cortex, an area important in perceptual learning. Experts and intermediates performed consistently with 100% square knots. Novices had an average of 2 slip knots. Regarding knot quantity, the number of knots ranged from 14 to 26 in novices, 38 to 47 in intermediates, and 54 to 58 in experts. A Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test revealed that the difference between the 3 groups was statistically significant in the quantity of square knots tied (p = 0.147). Specific regions of interest identified concurred with findings of previous studies and included the left supramarginal, left rolandic operculum, and left postcentral regions.

CONCLUSION

We found that fMRI is a feasible method of exploring actual and perceived motor skill abilities. Head motion during performance of a motor skill does not preclude the attainment of meaningful data. Larger numbers are needed to further investigate these early findings.

An alternative certification examination ("ACE") in surgery

BACKGROUND

Medical graduates are required to be competent in many domains of professional practice when joining the health care workforce. Current undergraduate examination methods robustly assess up to 5 of these 8 required skills. This study sought to evaluate an alternative certification examination ("ACE") in assessing all of the 8 required domains in surgical cases.

METHODS

A total of 143 final-year medical students were invited to participate in an "ACE" in February 2013. In total, 137 students, 95.8% of the class, agreed to participate. The "ACE" format consisted of 4 sequential patient encounters observed by 2 independent examiners. It assessed all the 8 required domains of professional practice. The examiners and the students evaluated this examination format using a Likert scale and free-text comments.

RESULTS

The "ACE" assessed all the 8 domains. The inclusion of a patient safety measure to avoid an egregious error in the pass criteria resulted in 27 (18.9%) students failing to meet them. The correlation of grades between the independent examiners in the "ACE" was strong at a Cronbach α of 0.907 (CI: 0.766-1). The "ACE" format was reported as an acceptable examination methodology by the examiners for formative or summative assessment of surgical cases at the end of a primary medical degree.

CONCLUSION

The "ACE" format is standardized, is integrative, and has excellent interrater reliability. Inclusion of a patient safety measure as pass criteria appears to increase specificity. The "ACE" shows potential as an alternative examination to the traditional long case examination and objective structured clinical examination in assessing all the 8 domains of professional practice.

Time to surgical review: an assessment of the traditional model of emergency surgical care

BACKGROUND

The traditional model for emergency surgical care consists of an on-call team providing service to the emergency department, while simultaneously balancing the demands of elective work. Various newer models, such as the "surgeon of the week" aim to reduce the conflict between elective and emergency duties. Despite the recent focus on newer models, there remains no data on the effectiveness of the traditional model. We aim to assess the efficacy of the traditional model in a large regional hospital.

METHODS

A retrospective study between July 2009 and March 2010 was performed. Primarily, we assessed the initial time to surgical consultation after emergency department referral. Secondarily, we evaluated the impact of time periods, days of week, and case-mix etiology on this consultation time.

RESULTS

The overall median time to surgical consultation after emergency department referral was 30 min (N = 860, P = 0.709). However, the median time to consultation was 60, 30, and 20 min for daytime, evening and night time, respectively (*P < 0.001). Trauma cases had a median time of 15 min, vascular had 45 min, neoplasm had 120 min, while other categories (upper and lower gastroenterology, and skin related) were 30 min (*P = 0.025).

DISCUSSION

Newer models of acute surgical care have desirable outcomes in consultation times. However, regional and economical implications have a substantial impact on which model is feasible at local levels. We demonstrated that the traditional model still remains effective in a large sized tertiary referral unit.

The prevalence of malnutrition and fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies in chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic pancreatitis are at risk of malnutrition and nutrient deficiency due to malabsorption, pain, and poor diet. We sought to examine fat-soluble vitamin levels and malnutrition parameters in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a prospective controlled cohort study, 128 subjects (62 chronic pancreatitis patients and 66 age-/sex-matched controls) were recruited. Body mass index (BMI), handgrip strength (measure of functional capacity), fat stores (triceps skin fold), muscle stores (mid-arm muscle circumference), exocrine function, and serum levels of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E) were measured.

RESULTS

Half of patients in the chronic pancreatitis group were overweight or obese, although the mean BMI was lower in patients than in controls (P = .007). Handgrip strength (P = .048), fat stores (P = .000), and muscle stores (P = .001) were lower in patients than in controls. Of the patients, 14.5% and 24.2% were deficient in vitamins A and E, respectively. Nineteen percent of patients had excess serum vitamin A levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the prevalence of overweight and obesity, patients had lower muscle stores, strength, and abnormal vitamin levels. Detailed nutrition assessment including anthropometry and vitamin status is warranted in chronic pancreatitis.

Prognostic role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: impact of baseline fluctuation and changes during chemotherapy

AIMS AND BACKGROUND

Inflammation has been implicated in carcinogenesis and progression of pancreatic cancer. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is an index of systemic inflammation. We examined the prognostic role of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio at baseline and the significance of intrapersonal variability of the ratio before and during chemotherapy.

METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN

Advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients who had received chemotherapy were included. Baseline clinical and biochemical parameters, including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, were extracted and analyzed. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio threshold was determined via recursive partitioning and assessed at diagnosis, prior to chemotherapy and during treatment. Overall survival was estimated via the Kaplan-Meier method and compared between groups with the logrank test.

RESULTS

Between 2005 and 2011, 85 patients with locally advanced (n = 38) and metastatic disease were identified: 68% with a neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio >3 had shorter median overall survival than patients with a neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio <3 (3.4 vs 9.4 months, P = 0.001). Pretreatment, 35% of repeat neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios crossed the threshold of 3. A persistently elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio >3 suggested a worse overall survival than in patients with a decreasing, increasing or persistently low neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (1.9 vs 8.2, 12.3 and 11.7 months, respectively, P <0.001). Twenty-three percent of patients had a >50% decrease in neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio following 4 weeks of chemotherapy, with a trend towards improvement in overall survival (12.5 vs 5.0 mo, P = 0.068).

CONCLUSIONS

The baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is a validated marker for a poor prognosis. Multiple assessments of the pre-treatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio might be required. Reduction in the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio during chemotherapy may be associated with improved survival.

Bare Below the Elbows: A comparative study of a tertiary and district general hospital

A 'Bare Below the Elbows' (BBTE) dress code policy has been introduced by the majority of NHS trusts in the UK. The aim of this Irish study was to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on perception of medical attire. The study was carried out in two centres: a tertiary referral centre (Beaumont Hospital) and a district hospital (MRH, Portlaoise). Two questionnaires, incorporating photographic evaluation of appropriate attire for consultants and junior doctors, were completed pre and post BBTE education. One hundred and five patients participated. Analysis pre BBTE education indicated patients considered formal attire and white coats most appropriate for consultants and junior doctors respectively. Post-intervention analysis revealed a significant reduction in the popularity of both (p <0.001), with scrubs and smart casual attire gaining significant support in both cohorts (p <0.001). Our findings demonstrated that patient opinion on medical attire is malleable. The support of such a policy may be achieved if patients are informed that the aim is to reduce the spread of healthcare-associated infections.

Identification of distinct phenotypes of locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

A significant number of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma present as locally advanced disease. Optimal treatment remains controversial. We sought to analyze the clinical course of locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma (LAPC) in order to identify potential distinct clinical phenotypes.

METHODS

Patients (pts) diagnosed with LAPC who survived >2 months were identified from institutional databases. Clinical details were collected. Sequential re-staging scans were reviewed. Progression-free survival (PFS), time from progression to death (TTD), and overall survival (OS) were estimated with Kaplan-Meier method and compared with log-rank test.

RESULTS

Between 2005 and 2011, 40 pts were identified. Median age was 66 yrs (range, 43-74) and 60 % (n=24) were male. All pts received chemotherapy. Median OS was 11.3 months. Twenty patients (50 %) had local progression only (LP) and 16 (40 %) had metastatic progression (MP) at first documentation of progression, while four patients (10 %) had stable disease. PFS was 4.0 vs 5.6 months (hazard ratio (HR) 0.97; 95 % CI 0.49-1.93, p=0.94) for LP and MP, respectively. Three of the patients with LP (15 %) eventually developed metastatic disease after a median of 4.2 months (3.7-9.6). For MP patients, five had concurrent local progression. Sites of disease were lung (eight), peritoneum (five), liver (three), and bone (one). TTD for LP and MP was 5.6 vs 1.4 months (HR 0.62; 95 % CI 0.28-1.39, p=0.24) and OS was 13.2 vs 8.0 months (HR 0.59; 95 % CI 0.28-1.25, p=0.017), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified two subgroups of LAPC with distinctive behavior, one local dominant progression with low predilection for metastases and another with rapid metastatic development and worse survival. Early recognition of these phenotypes might allow a more tailored treatment approach to improve outcome.

Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater

CONTEXT

Large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas of the ampulla of Vater are rare and confer a very poor prognosis despite aggressive therapy. There are few case reports of large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas of the ampulla of Vater in the literature and to date no studies have been done to establish optimal management. We describe a pooled case series from published reports of neuroendocrine carcinomas of the ampulla of Vater including a case which presented to our institution.

METHODS

A narrative review was undertaken including all published English case reports of large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas of the ampulla of Vater. Our primary outcome was to determine the overall survival.

RESULTS

Twenty cases of large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas of the ampulla of Vater were identified. Seventy-six percent of patients were reported to have died of disease with a mean survival of 11.8 months. Twenty percent of the tumours were associated with an adenoma. The approximate median survivals were 15 months for those with an associated adenoma and 11 months without.

CONCLUSIONS

This pooled analysis demonstrates both the rarity and poor prognosis of large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas of the ampulla of Vater. Although surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment, we review common adjuvant chemotherapy regimes. Prognosis may be improved when these tumours are associated with adenomas, however, further studies are needed.

Does combined dose intensification radiotherapy improve disease control in resectable retroperitoneal sarcoma? Long-term results of a phase I/II trial

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Background: Late failure is a challenging problem in retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS) and reported 10 yr overall survival (OS) rates range from 20-30%. Use of preoperative external beam radiotherapy (XRT) in the management of RPS remains controversial. No RCT and very few prospective trials of any type have been completed. We investigated the effects of preop XRT plus dose escalation with early postop brachytherapy (BT) on long term survival and recurrence in RPS. Methods: From 06/96 to 10/00, 40 patients (25 female) with resectable RPS were entered onto a phase I/II trial of preop XRT (50 Gy) plus postop BT (20-25 Gy). As previously reported, BT to the upper abdomen was associated with significant grade III-V postop toxicity, and from 12/98 on, BT was applied only to cases where the “field at risk” excluded the upper abdomen. Kaplan Meier survival curves were constructed; OS and recurrence free survival (RFS) were compared by log rank (SPSS 19.0). Results: Median age at study entry was 58 (38-70) yrs. Twenty nine patients presented to our center with primary disease (73%), and 22 (55%) had high grade tumors. All patients had preop XRT and total gross resection, while half (n=19) received BT. As of 12/2011, median follow-up time is 108 mos. For the entire study cohort, OS at 5 and 10 yrs were 70% and 65%, respectively; RFS at 5 and 10 yrs were 65% and 58%, respectively. RFS at 5 yrs was reduced in high vs. low grade RPS (50% vs. 83%, p=0.028), but by 10 yrs. was similar in high and low grade tumors (50% vs. 67%, p=ns). RFS was reduced in patients who presented with recurrent vs. primary disease (27% vs. 69% at 10 yrs., p=0.018), as was OS (36% vs. 76% at 10 yrs., p=0.034). Neither OS nor RFS was improved in the cohort of patients who received BT compared to the cohort who did not: at 10 yrs. RFS was 53% +BT and 62% -BT, while OS was 53% and 76%, respectively, p=ns. Conclusions: In this prospective study with mature follow-up, long term OS and RFS in patients who underwent combined preop XRT plus resection of RPS compare favorably with those reported in retrospective institutional and population-based series. Postoperative BT did not contribute to disease control.

A transatlantic survey of nutrition practice in acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Many guidelines exist for the nutritional management of acute pancreatitis; however, little is known regarding current practice. We aimed to investigate feeding practices, including the use of parenteral/enteral nutrition.

METHODS

The study design was a cross-sectional, descriptive survey. Electronic surveys were sent to dietitians in the UK, the Republic of Ireland and Canada. Of 253 dietitians surveyed, 204 saw patients with acute pancreatitis regularly or occasionally and were included in the analyses.

RESULTS

Most dietitians (92.8%) considered early feeding to mean <48 h after presentation. Over half (54.2%) favoured early feeding in severe disease, less in obesity (42%) and more with pre-existing malnutrition (81.9%). There was a tendency to feed earlier in university hospitals (P = 0.015), especially in obesity (P = 0.011). There was a tendency towards enteral (versus parenteral) nutrition in university hospitals (P = 0.000). The majority preferred the jejunal route (64.2%), although this was lower in the UK (43.8%) than in Canada (77.8%) or Ireland (54.2%). Under one-quarter of UK dietitians (23.2%) reported the existence of a pancreatic multidisciplinary team in their institutions, although this was lower in Ireland and Canada.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite guidelines, there are gaps in the nutritional management of acute pancreatitis, including a continued reliance on parenteral feeding.

Chylous ascites post open cholecystectomy after severe pancreatitis

CONTEXT

Chylous ascites a rare complication post cholecystectomy. There are to our knowledge only 3 reported cases in the literature. We describe a case of chylous ascites post open cholecystectomy in a patient with recent severe pancreatitis. We propose a potential relationship between acute biliary pancreatitis and the development of chylous ascites.

CASE REPORT

We present a 37 year old man with a history of severe biliary pancreatitis 10 months prior. He was electively admitted for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. His surgery was converted to open cholecystectomy due to adhesions. A closed, non suction drain was placed intraoperatively draining serosanguinous fluid. Two days post operatively the draining fluid changed to a milky colour fluid with high triglyceride level. Chylous ascites was confirmed clinically with a 24 hour fast. He was treated with total parenteral nutrition. His chylous ascites resolved with conservative management and his drain was removed.

CONCLUSION

We describe the diagnosis and management of chylous ascites post cholecystectomy. We propose the hypothesis to the aetiology of this rare condition, based on ours and one previous case, that a history of recent severe acute pancreatitis poses a risk factor in the development of chylous ascites.

Tools used to assess medical students competence in procedural skills at the end of a primary medical degree: a systematic review

The objective was to systematically review the literature to identify and grade tools used for the end point assessment of procedural skills (e.g., phlebotomy, IV cannulation, suturing) competence in medical students prior to certification. The authors searched eight bibliographic databases electronically - ERIC, Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, Psychinfo, PsychLIT, EBM Reviews and the Cochrane databases. Two reviewers independently reviewed the literature to identify procedural assessment tools used specifically for assessing medical students within the PRISMA framework, the inclusion/exclusion criteria and search period. Papers on OSATS and DOPS were excluded as they focused on post-registration assessment and clinical rather than simulated competence. Of 659 abstracted articles 56 identified procedural assessment tools. Only 11 specifically assessed medical students. The final 11 studies consisted of 1 randomised controlled trial, 4 comparative and 6 descriptive studies yielding 12 heterogeneous procedural assessment tools for analysis. Seven tools addressed four discrete pre-certification skills, basic suture (3), airway management (2), nasogastric tube insertion (1) and intravenous cannulation (1). One tool used a generic assessment of procedural skills. Two tools focused on postgraduate laparoscopic skills and one on osteopathic students and thus were not included in this review. The levels of evidence are low with regard to reliability - κ = 0.65-0.71 and minimum validity is achieved - face and content. In conclusion, there are no tools designed specifically to assess competence of procedural skills in a final certification examination. There is a need to develop standardised tools with proven reliability and validity for assessment of procedural skills competence at the end of medical training. Medicine graduates must have comparable levels of procedural skills acquisition entering the clinical workforce irrespective of the country of training.

Invasive markers identified by gene expression profiling in pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Molecular profiling has proven utility as a diagnostic and predictive tool in clinical oncology. However, a clinically relevant gene expression profile in pancreatic cancer remains elusive.

METHODS

Primary and metastatic pancreatic cancer cell lines (BxPC-3 and AsPC-1), were stimulated with phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a known inducer of cell invasion. Affymetrix gene expression microarray analysis was performed, comparing gene expression to unstimulated controls. Differential expression was identified using ArrayAssist, and confirmed using quantitative real-time PCR. Bioinformatic analysis was performed using Pathway Studio and GOstat. The derived gene expression was further validated in fresh frozen pancreatic tumour samples. The ability of the derived 3 gene expression markersto differentiate between pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and other neoplasms, and its association with clinicopathological variables was examined.

RESULTS

PMA-induced significant changes in cell line gene expression, from which distinctive 3 potential invasive markers were derived. Expression of these genes, uPA, MMP-1 and IL1-R1 was confirmed in human pancreatic tumours, and was found to differentiate PDAC from other pancreatic neoplasms. The expression of IL1-R1 in PDAC is a novel finding. We found that the expression of MMP-1 was associated with high-grade PDAC (p = 0.035, Wilcoxon rank sum).

CONCLUSION

We have identified three potential invasive markers, uPA, MMP-1 and IL1-R1, whose gene expression may differentiate PDAC from other pancreatic neoplasms, and potentially reflect a more invasive phenotype.

Inflammatory pseudotumours of the liver--role of dynamic MRI scan and surgical exploration

Inflammatory pseudotumours of the liver are extremely rare benign lesions. They were first described by Pack and Baker in 1953. They usually present with raised inflammatory markers and nonspecific abdominal symptoms. Most of these lesions are picked up incidentally on ultrasound scans. Diagnosis of these lesions poses a dilemma and a challenge due to their radiological similarities to other liver lesions such as hepatocellular carcinoma HCC. In this article we describe our experience in its diagnosis and management.

A rare case of thyroid metastasis from pancreatic adenocarcinoma

CONTEXT

Thyroid metastasis from pancreatic adenocarcinoma is extremely rare, with only two previous cases in the literature. We report a case of pancreatic adenocarcinoma metastasising to the thyroid. We review the incidence, diagnosis, and management of this rare occurrence.

CASE REPORT

A 38-year-old man with a synchronous 6-month history of thyroid swelling, presented with epigastric pain and signs of obstructive jaundice. He was investigated by abdominal computerised tomography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. The diagnosis of pancreatic neoplasm was made. His thyroid neoplasm was investigated at another tertiary centre and thought to be a papillary neoplasm. He underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy and recovered well post-operatively. Eight weeks later he had a total thyroidectomy. Histology confirmed that the thyroid mass was both morphologically and immunophenotypically similar to the pancreatic neoplasm.

CONCLUSION

This case demonstrates the importance of a full investigation when a patient with suspected neoplastic history presents with a thyroid nodule. We outline the crucial role that immunohistochemistry plays in detecting and classifying primary and secondary thyroid neoplasms. The detection of a solitary thyroid metastasis from pancreatic adenocarcinoma may indicate a poor prognosis, and it is debatable whether resection of the primary should be undertaken when it presents with a solitary metastasis.