Scale and Safety: Analyzing the Association Between Intraoperative Difficulty and Achieving the Critical View of Safety in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

 Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the preferred method for gallstone removal, but bile duct injuries remain a concern. Achieving the critical view of safety (CVS) is pivotal in preventing such injuries. The aim of this study was to compare the rates of difficult LC in those with CVS achieved compared to those with CVS not achieved.

METHODS

We performed a single-center prospective study on all patients with ultrasound-confirmed symptomatic gallstones. Patients were excluded if they refused to consent or if they underwent LC for indications other than gallstone disease. Patients were stratified into two groups as CVS not achieved and CVS achieved groups and compared for outcomes. Our primary outcome was the rate of intraoperative difficulty on the modified Nassar scale (MNS). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY).

RESULTS

We included 70 patients who underwent LC for gallstones (CVS not achieved = 24 and CVS achieved = 46). The mean (SD) age was 42.2 (12.3) years, and 73.5% were females. The mean (SD) weight in our study cohort was 74.1 (10.9) kg, and there was no difference between the two groups in terms of the baseline demographic characteristics, disease characteristics, and comorbid conditions (p > 0.05). On univariate analyses, achieving CVS was associated with lower rates of higher-grade operative difficulty on the MNS and lower rates of length of stay of more than one day.

CONCLUSION

Achieving CVS is associated with easy LC based on significantly lower Nassar scores. These findings highlight the role of the MNS in the successful identification of the operative difficulty of LC and its correlation with achieving CVS.

Assessing Adherence to Royal College of Surgeons Guidelines: A Closed-Loop Audit of Operation Notes in a Tertiary Healthcare Unit

Introduction Accurate, comprehensive, and legible operation notes are essential for maintaining patient records, supporting healthcare professionals, and facilitating research. The study focused on adherence to Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) guidelines established in 2008. Despite the guidelines, poor documentation practices have been reported globally. This audit seeks to address this issue and enhance documentation quality. Methodology The audit evaluated 19 parameters as defined in the 2014 RCS operative note guidelines. Data collection occurred during the initial cycle, spanning from March to April 2023, encompassing all surgical procedures at Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC). Subsequently, a re-audit took place in July 2023 to gauge enhancements following a survey and educational intervention that took place in June 2023. The process included the formation of an audit team, securing ethical approval, and implementing a comprehensive methodology for data collection and analysis. The study spanned two data collection cycles to comprehensively assess improvements. Results Comparing initial and re-audit cycles (n = 390 and n = 108, respectively), improvements were observed in several documentation aspects. Parameters such as surgery date, elective/emergency classification, and names of key personnel showed significant enhancement. Notable improvements were also seen in the recording of operative details, complications, extra procedures, and post-operative care instructions. In our department, an educational survey was conducted to gain insights into compliance rates. This survey underscored the significance of adhering to RCS guidelines, identified the factors influencing adherence, and proposed strategies for improvement. Conclusion The audit affirmed the significance of adhering to RCS guidelines for operation note documentation. The study demonstrated improvements in documentation practices, emphasising the importance of accurate records for patient care, research, and ethical standards. The findings validate RCS guidelines as a tool for the identification of defects in documentation and thus as a guide that highlights where improvements are necessary. Addressing challenges identified in this audit can drive the department towards becoming a model for RCS guideline adherence and showcasing high-quality surgical documentation and patient-centred care.

Central pancreatectomy: A viable option for solid pseudopapillary neoplasm - A case report

INTRODUCTION

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) of the pancreas are rare tumors, comprising about 1 % of pancreatic tumors. They primarily affect females during their reproductive phase and have a favorable prognosis. SPNs are usually asymptomatic or present with mild symptoms. The exact histopathogenesis of SPNs remains unknown. Surgical resection is curative, and central pancreatectomy is a pancreas-sparing surgical technique.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 33-year-old female presented with epigastric pain, vomiting, and infertility. Imaging revealed a mass in the pancreas. Exploration confirmed the mass, and central pancreatectomy was performed. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of SPN. The patient's recovery was uneventful, and follow-up CT scans showed no recurrence.

DISCUSSION

This case involves a 33-year-old female presenting with epigastric pain and vomiting, revealing a cystic mass with a solid component in the pancreas. While generally benign, SPNs can become malignant in 15 % cases, with a favorable prognosis. Histopathologically, SPNs remain distinct, with CD99 and CD10 staining confirming the diagnosis. Diagnostic imaging, particularly CT scans, aids in identifying SPNs. Surgical resection, such as central pancreatectomy, is effective, preserving organ function. The case's positive outcome aligns with an overall 5-year survival rate of 95-97 %, highlighting the overall favorable prognosis of SPNs. The procedure's balance between tumor removal and organ preservation offers clinical advantages.

CONCLUSION

This case underscores the successful management of an SPN using central pancreatectomy. It highlights the importance of early diagnosis and surgical intervention, as well as the favorable prognosis associated with SPNs, even in cases of metastasis. Central pancreatectomy offers organ preservation and reduces long-term complications. Continued reporting and research on such cases contribute to refining treatment strategies for SPNs.

The current landscape of intracranial aneurysms in Africa: management outcomes, challenges, and strategies-a narrative review

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) pose complex and potentially life-threatening challenges in Africa, where limited resources, restricted access to specialised healthcare facilities, and disparities in healthcare provision amplify the difficulties of management. Timely diagnosis and treatment are pivotal in preventing complications, including subarachnoid haemorrhage. Treatment options encompass observation, surgical clipping, endovascular coiling, and flow diversion. Positive outcomes observed in IA management in Africa include high survival rates, favourable functional outcomes, successful treatment techniques, and the absence of complications in some cases. However, negative outcomes such as postoperative complications, reduced quality of life, perioperative mortality, and the risk of recurrence persist. Challenges in IA management encompass limited access to diagnostic tools, a scarcity of specialised healthcare professionals, and an unequal distribution of services. Addressing these challenges requires interventions focused on improving access to diagnostic tools, expanding the number of trained professionals, and establishing specialised IA treatment centres. Collaboration, research, and capacity-building efforts hold significant importance in improving patient outcomes and reducing disparities in IA management across Africa.

From Recurrent Pain to a Life-Threatening Condition: A Case Report of Left Paraduodenal Hernia

Paraduodenal hernia (PDH) is the most frequent type of congenital hernia, especially on the left side. Although acute intestinal obstruction due to internal hernias is rare, it can be life-threatening if not detected and treated promptly. Here, we present the case of a 36-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with an acute intestinal obstruction that had been developing for three days. The patient had a history of recurrent abdominal pain but had never undergone any abdominal surgery. Surgical exploration revealed a left internal PDH with a collection of incarcerated jejunal loops retrocolically encased within the hernial sac. Resection of the gangrenous jejunal loops was performed, followed by hernia reduction and neck closure. This case highlights the importance of timely and accurate diagnosis of left PDHs, particularly in patients with a history of recurrent abdominal pain and no prior abdominal surgeries. Early detection and treatment can prevent life-threatening complications such as intestinal perforation and peritonitis.

Concerns over cardiovascular manifestations associated with monkeypox immunization: a literature review

Following the recent surge in monkeypox cases worldwide, vaccines have gained popularity due to their protective role against the disease in the absence of specific pharmacological therapies for the disease. This article explores the possible challenges associated with the treatment and prevention of monkeypox with special emphasis on cardiovascular concerns relating to vaccines, warranting further investigation and research.

Methods

Multiple electronic databases from inception till October 2022 were searched to find articles reporting the cardiovascular adverse events associated with monkeypox immunization.

Results

Smallpox vaccines ACAM2000, JYNNEOS, and modified vaccinia Ankara have been used for monkeypox. ACAM2000 has been reported to have major cardiovascular adverse events such as myocarditis, dilated cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. Whereas JYNNEOS and modified vaccinia Ankara are associated with minor cardiovascular adverse events such as tachycardia, palpitation, electrocardiogram changes such as T wave inversion, and ST elevation.

Conclusions

Despite having cardiovascular issues with the existing vaccines, clinicians and public health experts should measure the risk benefit aspect of smallpox vaccines to decide whether to go for mass immunization or not. Based on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, immunization will be a better strategy to halt the monkeypox spread throughout the globe. However, further research is needed to determine the exact incidence and susceptibility to develop cardiovascular complications among monkeypox immunized individuals.

Endodermal sinus tumor with pancreatic origin: A case report

Endodermal Sinus tumor is a rare malignant type of germ cell tumor (GCT). Primary endodermal sinus tumor, especially in the head of pancreas, is extremely rare. The case under consideration is of a 22 year old male who presented with pancreatic mass causing postprandial nausea and vomiting, and raised AFP levels. The biopsy of the mass revealed the endodermal sinus tumor, and the pancreatic origin was confirmed by a CT scan and a negative scrotal ultrasound. As the tumor was unresectable initially, a gastrojejunostomy was done to relieve the obstructive symptoms. Whipple procedure was performed two months after 4 cycles of BEP chemotherapy to remove the residual tumor in pancreas. It is crucial to highlight this uncommon case in order to increase surgeons' and oncologists' knowledge of the malignant extra-gonadal GCTs diagnosis and treatment.