The pharmacokinetics of cytarabine administered subcutaneously, combined with prednisone, in dogs with meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown etiology.

The objective of this study was to describe the pharmacokinetics (PK) of cytarabine (CA) after subcutaneous (SC) administration to dogs with meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown etiology (MUE). Twelve dogs received a single SC dose of CA at 50 mg/m2 as part of treatment of MUE. A sparse sampling technique was used to collect four blood samples from each dog from 0 to 360 min after administration. All dogs were concurrently receiving prednisone (0.5-2 mg kg-1 day-1 ). Plasma CA concentrations were measured by HPLC, and pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling (NLME). Plasma drug concentrations ranged from 0.05 to 2.8 µg/ml. The population estimate (CV%) for elimination half-life and Tmax of cytarabine in dogs was 1.09 (21.93) hr and 0.55 (51.03) hr, respectively. The volume of distribution per fraction absorbed was 976.31 (10.85%) ml/kg. Mean plasma concentration of CA for all dogs was above 1.0 µg/ml at the 30-, 60-, 90-, and 120-min time points. In this study, the pharmacokinetics of CA in dogs with MUE after a single 50 mg/m2 SC injection in dogs was similar to what has been previously reported in healthy beagles; there was moderate variability in the population estimates in this clinical population of dogs.

Shaped-bolus protocol reduces contrast medium volume in abdominal CT while maintaining image quality.

AIM: To prospectively assess whether bolus shaping to exponentially decrease the contrast medium injection rate leads to alteration in image validity or renal function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, patients alternatively received 100 ml contrast medium versus 75 ml via bolus shaping. Image quality was assessed via measurement of attenuation values in the aorta, liver, and spleen and also blinded subjective assessment of image sharpness, low contrast detectability, image noise, and overall quality. Renal function was assessed by change in creatinine levels up to 72 hours post-contrast medium administration. RESULTS: Of 190 abdominal computed tomography (CT) studies performed in the 3-month period, 98 received the 75 ml dose. There was no significant difference in renal function or objective image quality with a significant improvement in image sharpness in the 100 ml group. CONCLUSIONS: By using bolus-shaping software, it is possible to maintain objective image quality while reducing the contrast medium load to the patient. This has significant implications regarding clinical practice in decreasing cost and risks associated with iodinated contrast media.

A national evaluation of the management practices of acute diverticulitis.

INTRODUCTION: Diverticulitis is a common surgical admission that presents with a wide range of symptoms and severity. Overall there has been a shift to conservative management practices, including the consideration of non-antibiotic treatment approaches in select cases. METHODS: A national survey of all consultant surgeons evaluating their practices was performed. Reasons for changes in management, use of radiological imaging, role of non-antibiotic treatment approaches and indications for elective surgical management were evaluated. RESULTS: Response rate for this survey was 67.7% (n = 67/99). An overwhelming 92.5% stated that computed tomography imaging was routinely used to investigate acute presentations. Interestingly, 22.4% stated they would consider a non-antibiotic treatment approach in uncomplicated diverticulitis. Main reasons for adopting this approach was low inflammatory markers with short duration of symptoms. Co-amoxiclav was the most common antibiotic used for acute diverticulitis, with considerable variability in duration of treatment. Additionally, there was considerable heterogeneity regarding how many recurrences were necessary before surgical management was required. CONCLUSION: This review highlights substantial variation in the management of diverticulitis across Ireland. Shifts to non-antibiotic treatment approaches for uncomplicated cases are observed, but less so than in Northern Europe. National guidelines are required to establish uniform treatment protocols including indications for surgical resection.

Utilisation of Clinical Networks to Facilitate Elective Surgical Workload; A Preliminary Analysis.

Clinical networks have potential to increase elective surgical workload for benign conditions in non-cancer centres. The aims of this study were to determine outcomes for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in our unit and to evaluate early experience in managing benign surgical workload referred from the tertiary centre within our clinical network. An analysis of cholecystectomies performed at Mayo General Hospital was conducted (2003-2013). A review of elective procedures more recently referred from Galway University Hospital (GUH) waiting lists was also conducted. 1937 consecutive cholecystectomies were performed with an overall laparoscopic conversion rate of 1.7% (33/1875). The total major complication rate was 0.93% (18/1937). 151 selected procedures originating from GUH have been performed since December 2013 without adverse events. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed in significant volume in the general hospital environment. This and other appropriate benign surgical procedures may be performed outside of tertiary units according to network agreements.

The impact of changes in work practice and service delivery on surgical infection rates in a general surgical unit.

Ring-fencing of elective orthopaedic beds has been shown to significantly reduce surgical site infection (SSI) rates. There are fewer studies in general surgical practice. Comparison of overall surgical workload in 2007 and 2011 was performed. Data pertaining to SSI were collected and analysis of this prospectively maintained database was performed on all SSI diagnosed in 2007 and 2011. There was a significant reduction in the crude SSI rate from 117 cases in 2007 (8%) to 42 cases in 2011 (3.5%). A statistically significant reduction in SSI rate for elective surgery was observed, 7.6% vs. 2.5% (p<0.001 Chi-square test). Apart from the introduction of ring fencing, all other contributory variables remained unchanged. Ring-fencing of inpatient general surgical beds has been associated with a significant reduction in SSI rates. These data provide timely supportive evidence that ring-fencing of inpatient beds is an appropriate patient-orientated strategy.

Operative surgical yield from general surgical outpatient clinics; time to change the way we practice?

The aim of this study was to compare the number of patients attending surgical outpatient clinics in a general hospital to the number of resulting elective procedures scheduled in a single year. Patients initially assessed at private consulting rooms are not included in this study. The number of surgical outpatient appointments issued in 2011 totalled 6503 with non-attendances running at 1489 (22.9%). The number of elective surgical theatre cases performed in 2011 (i.e. the surgical yield from that period) came to 1078 with an additional 1470 patients referred for endoscopy and 475 patients referred for minor operations. Operative surgical yield from the currently structured outpatient clinic model is low, with the number of theatre cases coming to only 16.58% of the original number of outpatient appointments issued. Recommendations for the improvement of outpatient services are made. These findings are relevant in the context of streamlining access to surgical services.

Successful introduction of ring-fenced inpatient surgical beds in a general hospital setting.

This study aimed to assess the impact of ring-fenced inpatient general surgical beds on day of surgery (DOS) admission, duration of elective inpatient stay (DEIS), and cancellation rates over a 6 month period. In June 2010 17 of 60 surgical inpatient beds were decommissioned. The remainder (43) were ring-fenced for general surgery patients only. Comparative analysis examining admission rates, cancellation rates, and theatre activity was performed between a reference period (January-June 2010) and the study period (July-December 2010). Complexity of all operations was graded according to an index schedule of procedures. There was no difference between the reference and study periods in volumes of elective admissions (472 [53.03%] vs. 418 [4797%]) and emergency admissions (928 [50.03%] vs. 927 [49.97%]). DOS admissions increased 5-fold during the study period (38 [8.1%] vs. 190 [45.5%], P < 0.001). Average duration of elective inpatient stay reduced from 4.3 days to 3.06 days in the study period (P < 0.001). No difference was observed in volume of operations performed at all levels of complexity. There were 78 (58.2%) cancellations during the reference period and 56 (41.8%) during the study period with patient non-attendance the most common cause for cancellation in both periods. Ring-fenced surgical beds facilitated higher DOS admission rates and shorter duration of elective inpatient stay, leading to more efficient use of hospital resources.

Paediatric surgery--a general hospital experience.

Plans to centralise paediatric surgery in Ireland have potentially significant implications for service provision and surgical training. study assesses the workload of paediatric surgery in a district hospital over a five-year period. Paediatric surgical admissions and procedures at Mayo General Hospital from January 2006 - December 2010 were reviewed. Data was obtained from the Hospital inpatient enquiry (HIPE) systems and theatre logbooks. 4,255 surgical procedures were performed in 3981 paediatric patients, accounting for 7.4% of the total surgical workload. 2,578 (65%) of cases were elective and 1403 (35%) of paediatric surgery was performed in the emergency setting; paediatric appendicectomy was the most commonly performed procedure (n = 554) with a complication rate of 2.5%. There were no paediatric surgery related mortalities. Paediatric surgery represents a significant part of the surgical workload. There is a continued need for general paediatric surgical provision in this regional setting, supported by access to specialist centres for complicated paediatric surgery.

Management of the acute appendix mass: a survey of surgical practice.

Management of the appendix mass is controversial with no consensus in the literature. Traditionally, the approach has been conservative followed by interval appendicectomy. A survey was distributed to 117 surgeons (100 consultants and 17 final year specialist registrars) to determine how the appendix mass is currently treated in Ireland. In total, 70 surgeons responded. 51 (73%) adopt a conservative approach initially. 48 (68%) favoured interval appendicectomy at six weeks after a period of successful conservative management. 34 (49%) gave risk of recurrence as the reason for performing interval appendicectomy and 16 (22%) would perform interval appendicectomy in order to obtain histological analysis to outrule caecal or appendiceal neoplasm. 44 (63%) opted for a laparoscopic rather than an open approach for interval appendicectomy. No consensus exists in Ireland for management of the appendix mass presenting acutely. The present series demonstrates a trend towards conservative approach initially followed by interval appendicectomy.

Giant Intrahepatic Subcapsular Haematoma: A Rare Complication following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy-A Case Report and Literature Review.

We report on a 59-year-old female with symptomatic cholelithiasis on a background of morbid obesity who underwent an elective LC with an uncomplicated intraoperative course; however, she experienced a refractory hypotension within one hour postoperatively with an acute haemoglobin drop requiring fluid resuscitation and blood transfusion. A triphasic computed tomography scan revealed a large intrahepatic subcapsular haematoma (ISH) measuring 21 cm × 3.1 cm × 17 cm surrounding the lateral surface of the right hepatic lobe without active bleeding. She was managed conservatively with serial monitoring of haemoglobin and haematoma size. A follow-up ultrasound scan after eight weeks confirmed complete resolution of the haematoma. Giant ISH is a fairly rare, but life-threatening complication following LC which merits special attention. This case demonstrates the necessity of close postoperative monitoring of patients undergoing LC and considering the possibility of ISH, although being rare event, in those who experience a refractory postoperative hypotension. It also highlights the decisive role of diagnostic imaging in securing a timely and accurate diagnosis of post LC-ISH.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal.

Squamous cell carcinoma ofthe anal canal represents 1.5% of all malignancies affectingthe gastrointestinal tract. Over the past 20 years dramatic changes have been seen in both the epidemiological distribution of the disease and in the therapeutic modalities utilised to manage it. CLINICAL MANAGEMENT: Historically abdominoperineal resection had been the treatment of choice with local resection reserved for early stage disease. Work by Nigro et al. has revolutionised how we currently manage carcinoma of the anal canal, demonstrating combined modality chemoradiotherapy as an appropriate alternative to surgical resection with the benefit of preserving sphincter function. Surgery is then reserved for recurrent disease with salvage abdominoperineal resection. This article reviews current literature and highlights the changing therapeutic modalities with selected clinical cases

Isolated pancreatic metastases from a bronchogenic small cell carcinoma.

We describe the case of a 60 year old female smoker who presented with a three month history of weight loss (14 Kg), generalized abdominal discomfort and malaise. Chest radiography demonstrated a mass projected inferior to the hilum of the right lung. Computed Tomography of thorax confirmed a lobulated lesion in the right infrahilar region and subsequent staging abdominal CT demonstrated a low density lesion in the neck of the pancreas. Percutaneous Ultrasound guided pancreatic biopsy was performed, histology of which demonstrated pancreatic tissue containing a highly necrotic small cell undifferentiated carcinoma consistent with metastatic small cell carcinoma of the bronchus.

Acute dyspnoea due to an incarcerated right-sided Bochdalek's hernia.

We present the case of a 76-year-old man with a right-sided Bochdalek hernia, admitted acutely with dyspnoea, abdominal distension and constipation. A chest radiograph and computed tomogram of the abdomen revealed marked elevation of the right hemidiaphragm caused by herniation of the colon. At laparotomy, strangulation of a portion of transverse colon was identified at the site of the foramen of Bochdalek. The contents of the hernia were reduced and a primary repair of the hernial orifice was performed. The segment of necrosed colon was resected and an end-to-end handsewn anastomosis was constructed. A symptomatic Bochdalek hernia typically presents as a cardiorespiratory emergency in the neonatal period. It can remain silent and present in adulthood with chronic gastro-intestinal or respiratory symptoms. Occasionally it presents with acute dyspnoea or abdominal pain. Early detection and intervention is of the utmost importance to decrease related morbidity and mortality in adults.

Laparoscopic-assisted transversus abdominis plane block as an effective analgesic in total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair has facilitated early mobilization. Management of post-operative pain is paramount in these day case procedures. The aim of this study was to compare laparoscopic-assisted transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block with periportal local anaesthetic infiltration in managing post-operative pain. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted with patients undergoing elective laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (January 2016-October 2017). The intervention group received laparoscopic-assisted TAP block with 30 ml 0.25% Bupivacaine. The control group received 15ml of 0.5% Bupivacaine at the periportal sites. Primary outcome measure was assessment of post-operative pain scores using numerical rating on visual analogue scale (VAS) at rest and on coughing at 3 h. Efficacy of TAP block was assessed as reduction in mean pain scores in the order of 2 points using the VAS. RESULTS: 60 (57 males and 3 females) were enrolled; 30 patients were randomized to each group. Patient demographics, anaesthetic and surgical times were similar in both groups. Mean pain scores were significantly reduced in the intervention group at 3 (3.1 vs 1.1 p < 0.001) and 6 h (4.1 vs 1.7 p < 0.001) at rest and on coughing at 3 (4.8 vs 2.1 p < 0.001) and 6 h (5.4 vs 3.0 p < 0.001). Patient satisfaction was higher (8.0 vs 6.8 p < 0.001) and rescue analgesic requirements (169.4vs 71.3 p < 0.001) lower in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis has demonstrated the therapeutic benefit of laparoscopic-assisted TAP block in initial post-operative pain management for patients undergoing elective laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

Undergraduate basic surgical skills education: impact on attitudes to a career in surgery and surgical skills acquisition.

INTRODUCTION: Basic surgical skills modules in medical education are effective in teaching skills and increasing confidence among students approaching surgery. However, these modules are not delivered universally and their effect on the professional development of graduates has not been established. We aimed to assess the impact of a 10-week basic surgical skills module on attitudes and technical skills of first year medical students compared to interns. METHODS: Eighteen students participated and were assessed using a 4-part questionnaire. Technical skills were assessed by observing students perform a basic interrupted suture, using the objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS) tool. Fourteen interns were recruited. RESULTS: Students were more confident in surgical scrubbing (mean score 4.0 vs. 2.86, p = 0.001), and performing a basic suture (4.05 vs. 1.93, p = 0.000), more enthusiastic about assisting with an operation (4.5 vs. 3.0, p = 0.001) and more likely to consider a career in surgery (4.16 vs. 2.28, p = 0.000). Technical skills were greater in the student group (mean score 30.8 vs. 19.6, p = 0.001). Five interns had taken part in surgical skills modules as undergraduates. Their technical skills were significantly higher compared to interns who had not (n = 9) (28.8 vs. 14.5, p = 0.006), and they were more likely to consider a career in surgery (3.6 vs. 1.5, p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: The introduction of surgical skills teaching to the undergraduate medical curriculum has a positive impact on students' attitudes towards surgery and accelerates basic technical skills development. Consideration should be given to development of a standardised undergraduate core curriculum in basic surgical skills teaching.

Adherence to clinical guidelines and the potential economic benefits of admission avoidance for acute uncomplicated diverticulitis.

BACKGROUND: The treatment paradigm for acute diverticulitis is changing. There is an increasing trend towards managing patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis in the community. AIMS: The aim of this study was to analyse how acute diverticulitis is managed in our institution and also to analyse national data pertaining to treatment of acute diverticulitis. METHODS: A prospective database of all patients admitted to our institution over a 2-year period (2014-2016) with acute diverticulitis was maintained. Severity of disease, treatment received and average length of stay (LOS) were analysed for all patients. Contemporaneous hospital inpatient enquiry (HIPE) data was interrogated to analyse current management for acute diverticulitis at a national level. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-six patients were admitted to our institution with acute diverticulitis during the study period (inpatient stay = €1277/night). Of patients, 59.5% had uncomplicated diverticulitis while 40.5% had complicated disease. The median LOS was 4 (range 1-34) days and 8 (range 2-51) days in the uncomplicated and complicated group, respectively. Based on HIPE data, there were 11,357 patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis and 526 patients with complicated diverticulitis admitted to Irish hospitals in the year 2015. Nationally, the median LOS for those with uncomplicated diverticulitis was 3 (range 1-142) days and for those with complicated diverticulitis the median LOS was 7 (range 1-308) days. Projected total cost for hospital stay nationally for uncomplicated diverticulitis amounted to €43.5 million for the year 2015. CONCLUSIONS: At present, uncomplicated diverticulitis in Ireland is not being managed as per evidence-based guidelines. Changing practice could result in significant cost savings for surgical departments.

Prospective validation of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a diagnostic and management adjunct in acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: No optimal biomarker exists that accurately diagnoses appendicitis or predicts severity, estimates post-operative complications or total length of hospital stay (LOS). AIM: To prospectively validate the utility of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR) ratio in predicting the severity of appendicitis, LOS, and 30-day complication rates. METHODS: Patients who were admitted with a provisional diagnosis of acute appendicitis over a period of 18 months (Oct 2014-April 2016) were included. Patient demographics and blood results were prospectively collected. Details of imaging, operative intervention, severity of appendicitis, length of stay, and 30-days post admission complications were recorded. Recommended cut-off values of NLR and C-reactive protein for severity of appendicitis were determined using receiver operating characteristic analysis (ROC). These cut-off values were compared with C-reactive protein levels. Mann-Whitney test was performed to assess the correlations between LOS and 30-day complications to NLR. RESULTS: Four hundred fifty-three patients were included in the study; 55.2% (n = 245) were female with mean patient age of 23 years. Two-thirds (n = 281, 62.03%) underwent operative management. Histologically, appendicitis was confirmed in 214 (76%) patients. A NLR of >6.36 or CRP of >28 were statistically associated with complicated acute appendicitis, with a median of one extra hospital day (p < 0.0001). Mean NLR was statistically higher in patients with post-operative complications (14.42 vs. 7.29 for simple appendicitis group, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This confirms previous reports that NLR is a simple, readily available adjunct in predicting severity of appendicitis. Additionally, it can aid delineating severe appendicitis that should proceed to surgery without substantial delay.

Correction to: Laparoscopic-assisted transversus abdominis plane block as an effective analgesic in total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

In the original publication, one of the co-author 'M. Riaz' details were missed to include in the author group. The complete author group should read as A. Mughal, A. Khan, J. Rehman, H. Naseem, M. Riaz, R. Waldron, M. Duggan, W. Khan, K. Barry, I. Z. Khan.

Bouveret's syndrome--a rare presentation of gallstone ileus.

We present the case of an elderly Irish male with Bouveret's syndrome--a very unusual cause of gallstone ileus, where a large gallstone occludes the gastric outlet or duodenum causing obstruction. Management of this condition is often controversial. We discuss the various medical, radiological and surgical therapies available for treatment of this rare entity. Bouveret's Syndrome--A Rare Presentation of Gallstone Ileus