Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease.

Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease is a rare genetic condition, previously diagnosed only at postmortem, but its characteristic radiological features now allow its diagnosis in life. The clinical presentation is variable and we hope this case report will raise awareness of this condition.

Awareness, perception, knowledge, and attitude toward robotic surgery in a general surgical outpatient clinic in Singapore, Asia.

Background and Aim: Robotic surgery is an advancing technology and patients may not be fully aware of these advancements. Social media and advertisements may falsely skew patients' understanding. This study aims to seek awareness, understanding. and attitude toward robotic surgery in Singapore. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 472 patients and/or their relatives (response rate 94.4%) in a specialist outpatient clinic chosen through convenience sampling from May to July 2017 was performed. All healthcare workers or participants <21 years of age were excluded. A 19-point survey questionnaire including patient sociodemographics and awareness and attitudes toward robotic surgery was administered. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to assess participants' preference for robotic surgery. Results: Two hundred and sixty (55.1%) of the participants were female and the majority were aged 21-40 years old (55.5%). 250 participants (53.0%) reported having heard of robotic surgery; majority (n=205, 82.0%) were from the media. Two hundred and six (43.6%) participants had the misconception that robotic surgery involved an automated robot. Multivariate analysis showed that perception that robotic surgery yielded better results was independently associated with preference for robotic surgery (prefers robotic surgery: n=56/159 (35.2%), do not prefer robotic surgery: n=81/313 (25.9%), odds ratio (OR) 1.61, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06-2.45, P=0.026). Having concerns that wrong surgery may be performed by robotic surgery were also independently associated with disinclination toward robotic surgery (OR 0.51 [95% CI: 0.35-0.76], P=0.001). Conclusion: Understanding of robotic surgery was poor with several misconceptions. It is paramount to clarify these misconceptions to advocate for informed decision-making. Relevance for Patients: Measures need to be taken to ensure adequacy of pre-operative counseling in patients undergoing robotic surgery. Misconceptions on benefits and risks of robotic surgery should be cleared before decision on the surgical access and approach.

Fungal Isolates in Peritoneal Fluid Culture Do Not Impact Peri-Operative Outcomes of Peptic Ulcer Perforation.

Background: Fungal isolates from peritoneal fluid sampling in patients with perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) is not uncommon and its management unclear. This study aims to evaluate whether the presence of fungus in peritoneal fluid cultures is a predictor of morbidity and mortality after laparotomy for PPU. Method: This is a single-center retrospective study including adult patients with perforated gastric and duodenal ulcers over a 10-year period (January 2004 to January 2014). Evaluation of predictors contributing to fungal growth was conducted using multiple logistic regression analysis. Operative factors and 30-day mortality and morbidity outcomes were compared against fungal growth using a multivariable generalized linear mixed model analysis. Results: The median age was 58 (interquartile range [IQR] 44-70) years with 110 (20.3%) females. In addition to hypertension and hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus (13.5%), ischemic heart disease (2.6%), and heart failure (2.4%) were common. Fungus was cultured from peritoneal fluid in 209 (38.6%) patients. Median American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score was 2 (IQR 2-3) and median Mannheim peritonitis index (MPI) score was 15 (IQR 10-20). Free air was detected in 323 (59.6%) patients and 52 (9.6%) patients had gastrectomy. Median length of stay was 7 (IQR 6-11) days. All-cause complications were seen in 53 (9.8%) patients, of whom 37 patients (6.8%) developed intra-abdominal collection, 20 patients (3.7%) had anastomotic leakage, and 12 patients (2.2%) required repeat operation. Thirty-day mortality was seen in 47 (8.7%) patients. Multivariable analysis showed age (median age, 64; IQR 53-74) as a predictor of fungal growth (p < 0.001) but fungal growth not a predictor of adverse peri-operative outcomes. Conclusion: Fungal isolates in peritoneal fluid cultures are more likely to occur in older patients who have PPU. Presence of fungal isolates does not impact peri-operative outcomes.

Outcomes following peritoneal dialysis catheter removal with reinsertion or permanent transfer to haemodialysis.

INTRODUCTION: Long-term use of peritoneal dialysis catheter is associated with complications such as infection and malfunction, necessitating removal of catheter with subsequent reinsertion or permanent transfer to haemodialysis. This study aims to investigate the outcome in patients who underwent reinsertion. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A single-centre retrospective study was performed in Singapore General Hospital for all adult incident peritoneal dialysis patients between January 2011 and January 2016. Study data were retrieved from patient electronic medical records up till 1 January 2017. RESULTS: A total of 470 patients had peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion with median follow-up period of 29.2 (interquartile range = 16.7-49.7) months. A total of 92 patients required catheter removal. Thirty-six (39%) patients underwent catheter reinsertion. The overall technique survival at 3 and 12 months were 83% and 67%. Median time to technique failure of the second catheter was 6.74 (interquartile range = 0-50.2) months. The mean survival for patients who converted to haemodialysis and re-attempted peritoneal dialysis was comparable (54.9 ± 5.5 vs 57.3 ± 3.6 months; p = 0.75). Twelve (13%) patients had contraindication for peritoneal dialysis and were excluded from analysis. Of 11 patients who required catheter removal due to malfunction, 7 (64%) underwent catheter reinsertion and 6 (86%) patients ultimately converted to haemodialysis during study period. Of the 69 patients who had catheter removal due to infection, 29 (42%) underwent catheter reinsertion and 8 (28%) patients eventually converted to haemodialysis during the study period. CONCLUSION: Patient survival was comparable between patients who re-attempted peritoneal dialysis and patients who transferred to haemodialysis. Patients who had previous catheter removal due to infections had favourable technique survival than those due to catheter malfunction.

Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage catheter fracture: A case report.

Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) is safe treatment for biliary decompression given certain indications. However, this is temporary until definitive drainage is established. We report on a 76-year-old lady with recurrent pyogenic cholangitis and PTBD catheter fracture. She had hepatitis B virus-related Child-Pugh class A liver cirrhosis, hypothyroidism, hyperlipidaemia, and previous atrial fibrillation with a background of mild mitral, tricuspid and aortic valvular regurgitation. She had history of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the past. She was deemed to be a high operative risk and declined hepatic resection. She had undergone multiple endoscopic and percutaneous biliary interventions to control sepsis and stone burden. A bilateral PTBD catheter was left in situ with plans for 3-monthly change. However, she defaulted follow-up and presented 11 months later with complaints of pain over the drain site and inability to flush the right catheter. Abdominal X-ray and computed tomography scans detected right catheter fracture at two places, making three fragments. She underwent percutaneous removal of the proximal fragment by an interventional radiology team. A temporary 4 Fr catheter was inserted to maintain biliary access. Endoscopic removal of the intra-biliary fragments was done the next day. Complete removal was confirmed on fluoroscopy. Finally, the 4 Fr catheter was replaced by a new 12 Fr catheter. The patient was discharged well.