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1.
J Postgrad Med ; 67(4): 232-234, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34708698

ABSTRACT

Duodenal inversum is a rare disease not frequently encountered in clinical practice. The diagnosis is usually made late due to its rarity. Many other causes of abdominal pain like ulcer disease, pancreatitis, malrotation are mostly thought of initially and the diagnosis is usually missed. Only a few cases of duodenal inversum present with outlet obstruction. Duodenojejunostomy is perhaps the ideal management for duodenal inversum if the patient presents with outlet obstruction. Our intention is to create awareness of such a rare disease with an available definitive treatment option in the form of minimally invasive surgery. One such case of a 31-year-old man is described that was successfully managed by laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy.


Subject(s)
Laparoscopy , Abdominal Pain , Adult , Anastomosis, Surgical , Humans , Male , Rare Diseases
2.
BMC Cancer ; 17(1): 784, 2017 Nov 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29166865

ABSTRACT

The KHP PCaBB was established in 2013 and recruits donors from the Urology or Oncology Departments at Guy's Hospital in London (UK). Prostate cancer patients may be approached to give their consent for biobanking at any point in their treatment pathway, which allows residual material from their earlier diagnosis to be transferred and used by the Biobank. Currently, patients are specifically asked to donate samples of blood and surplus prostate tissue as well as permitting access to their clinical and pathological data that continues to be added throughout the course of their disease. Between 2013 and 2015, 549 prostate cancer patients gave their consent to the biobank and, the tissue repository collected 489 blood samples, 120 frozen prostate tissue samples and 1064 formalin fixed paraffin embedded diagnostic blocks.Prostate cancer has become a chronic disease in a large proportion of men, with many men receiving multiple subsequent treatments, and their treatment trajectory often spanning over decades. Therefore, this resource aims to provide an ideal research platform to explore potential variations in treatment response as well as disease markers in the different risk categories for prostate cancer.A recent audit of the KHP PCaBB revealed that between 2013 and 2015, 1796 patients were diagnosed with prostate cancer at King's Health Partners (KHP), out of which 549 (30.6%) gave their consent to KHP PCaBB. Comparisons between demographic and clinical characteristics of patients who had consented compared to the total patient population revealed that the KHP PCaBB is demographically representative of the total prostate cancer patient population seen in Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust (GSTT). We observed no differences in distribution of ethnicity (p = 0.507) and socioeconomic status (p = 0.097). Some differences were observed in clinical characteristics, specifically with treatment type - which differed significantly between the patients who had given consent and total patient population.The KHP PCaBB has thereby amassed a rich data and tissue repository that is largely reflective of both the demographic and clinical diversity within the total prostate cancer patient population seen at KHP, making it an ideal platform for prostate cancer research.


Subject(s)
Biological Specimen Banks , Prostatic Neoplasms , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Biomedical Research , Humans , London , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Grading , Neoplasm Staging , Prostatic Neoplasms/pathology , Prostatic Neoplasms/therapy , Tissue Banks
3.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28186346

ABSTRACT

This systematic review examines variations in outcomes along the breast cancer continuum for Australian women by Indigenous status. Multiple databases were systematically searched for peer-reviewed articles published from 1 January 1990 to 1 March 2015 focussing on adult female breast cancer patients in Australia and assessing survival, patient and tumour characteristics, diagnosis and treatment by Indigenous status. Sixteen quantitative studies were included with 12 rated high, 3 moderate and 1 as low quality. No eligible studies on referral, treatment choices, completion or follow-up were retrieved. Indigenous women had poorer survival most likely reflecting geographical isolation, advanced disease, patterns of care, comorbidities and disadvantage. They were also more likely to be diagnosed when younger, have advanced disease or comorbidities, reside in disadvantaged or remote areas, and less likely to undergo mammographic screening or surgery. Despite wide heterogeneity across studies, an overall pattern of poorer survival for Indigenous women and variations along the breast cancer continuum of care was evident. The predominance of state-specific studies and small numbers of included Indigenous women made forming a national perspective difficult. The review highlighted the need to improve Indigenous identification in cancer registries and administrative databases and identified key gaps notably the lack of qualitative studies in current literature.


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms/therapy , Health Status Disparities , Healthcare Disparities/ethnology , Mastectomy/statistics & numerical data , Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander , Registries , Social Class , Age Factors , Australia , Breast Neoplasms/diagnosis , Breast Neoplasms/mortality , Comorbidity , Early Detection of Cancer/statistics & numerical data , Female , Humans , Mammography/statistics & numerical data , Survival Rate , Treatment Outcome
4.
Psychooncology ; 25(10): 1157-1167, 2016 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26989048

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The aim of this systematic review was to examine variations in psychosocial outcomes by residential location and Indigenous status in women diagnosed with breast cancer (BC) in Australia. METHODS: Systematic searches were undertaken using multiple databases covering articles between 1 January 1990 and 1 March 2015 focusing on adult women with BC in an Australian setting and measuring quality of life (QOL), psychological distress or psychosocial support. RESULTS: Thirteen quantitative and three qualitative articles were included. Two quantitative and one qualitative article were rated high quality, seven moderate and the remaining were low quality. No studies examining inequalities by Indigenous status were identified. Non-metropolitan women were more likely to record lower QOL relating to breast cancer-specific concerns and reported a lack of information and resources specific to their needs. Continuity of support, ongoing care and access to specialist and allied health professionals were major concerns for non-metropolitan women. Non-metropolitan women identified unmet needs in relation to travel, fear of cancer recurrence and lack of psychosocial support. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, there was a lack of evidence relating to variations in psychosocial outcomes for women with BC according to residential status or Indigenous status. While the review identified some specific concerns for non-metropolitan women with BC, it was limited by the lack of good quality studies using standardised measures. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms/psychology , Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander/psychology , Quality of Life , Residence Characteristics , Social Support , Stress, Psychological/psychology , Adult , Australia , Female , Health Services Needs and Demand , Healthcare Disparities , Humans , Needs Assessment , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local , Socioeconomic Factors
6.
Int J Clin Pract ; 69(12): 1418-26, 2015 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26202345

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The effect of artificial sweetener consumption on cancer risk has been debated in animal models for over four decades. To further investigate this relationship, this study aims to synthesise results from several of the most recent studies in humans. METHODS: An online literature search was performed in MEDLINE from 2003 to 2014 using Ovid, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus using keywords 'artificial', 'sweetener' and 'cancer'. Ninety-two results were then manually assessed for eligibility. Studies were included if the relationship between artificial sweeteners and cancer was their central hypothesis, and if they adjusted for age, gender, smoking status and body mass index. Extracted data included study design, patient characteristics, outcome measure and results. RESULTS: In the five publications that satisfied the inclusion criteria, significant direct associations with artificial consumption were found for laryngeal (odds ratio, OR 2.34, 95% CI: 1.20-4.55), urinary tract tumours (OR 2.12, 95% CI: 1.22-3.89), non-Hodgkin lymphoma in men (RR 1.31, 95% CI: 1.01-1.72), multiple myeloma in men (RR 2.02, 95% CI: 1.20-3.40) and leukaemia (RR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.00-2.02). Inverse relationships were found in breast (OR 0.70, 95% CI: 0.54-0.91, p trend = 0.015) and ovarian (OR 0.56, 95% CI: 0.38-0.81, p trend < 0.001) cancers. CONCLUSION: The statistical value of this review is limited by the heterogeneity and observational designs of the included studies. Although there is limited evidence to suggest that heavy consumption may increase the risk of certain cancers, overall the data presented are inconclusive as to any relationship between artificial sweeteners and cancer.


Subject(s)
Neoplasms/chemically induced , Sweetening Agents/adverse effects , Breast Neoplasms/chemically induced , Female , Humans , Incidence , Laryngeal Neoplasms/chemically induced , Leukemia/chemically induced , Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin/chemically induced , Male , Multiple Myeloma/chemically induced , Neoplasms/epidemiology , Observational Studies as Topic , Ovarian Neoplasms/chemically induced
7.
Int J Clin Pract ; 69(1): 87-105, 2015 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25495842

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Fish-oils have a potential role in inflammation, carcinogenesis inhibition and favourable cancer outcomes. There has been increasing interest in the relationship of diet with cancer incidence and mortality, especially for eicosapantaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). This systematic-analysis of the literature aims to review evidence for the roles of dietary-fish and fish-oil intake in prostate-cancer (PC) risk, aggressiveness and mortality. METHODS: A systematic-review, following PRISMA guidelines was conducted. PubMed, MEDLINE and Embase were searched to explore PC-risk, aggressiveness and mortality associated with dietary-fish and fish-oil intake. 37 studies were selected. RESULTS: A total of 495,321 (37-studies) participants were investigated. These revealed various relationships regarding PC-risk (n = 31), aggressiveness (n = 8) and mortality (n = 3). Overall, 10 studies considering PC-risk found significant inverse trends with fish and fish-oil intake. One found a dose-response relationship whereas greater intake of long-chain-polyunsaturated fatty acids increased risk of PC when considering crude odds-ratios [OR: 1.36 (95% CI: 0.99-1.86); p = 0.014]. Three studies addressing aggressiveness identified significant positive relationships with reduced risk of aggressive cancer when considering the greatest intake of total fish [OR 0.56 (95% CI 0.37-0.86)], dark fish and shellfish-meat (p < 0.0001), EPA (p = 0.03) and DHA (p = 0.04). Three studies investigating fish consumption and PC-mortality identified a significantly reduced risk. Multivariate-OR (95% CI) were 0.9 (0.6-1.7), 0.12 (0.05-0.32) and 0.52 (0.30-0.91) at highest fish intakes. CONCLUSIONS: Fish and fish-oil do not show consistent roles in reducing PC incidence, aggressiveness and mortality. Results suggest that the specific fish type and the fish-oil ratio must be considered. Findings suggest the need for large intervention randomised placebo-controlled trials.


Subject(s)
Fatty Acids, Omega-3/therapeutic use , Fish Oils/therapeutic use , Prostatic Neoplasms/diet therapy , Dietary Supplements/statistics & numerical data , Fish Oils/pharmacology , Fish Products , Humans , Male , Prostatic Neoplasms/prevention & control
8.
Chirurgia (Bucur) ; 110(6): 570-2, 2015.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26713835

ABSTRACT

Primary peritoneal papillary serous carcinoma is a rare primary malignancy diffusively involving the peritoneum of abdomen and pelvis. Epithelial ovarian cancers and primary peritoneal cancers arise from the common germinal epithelium which develops from the coelomic epithelium. Due to a common embryonic origin of the ovary and the peritoneum, carcinoma of the ovary and primary peritoneal carcinoma have much histological similarity. However the incidence of Primary peritoneal serous carcinoma is considerably lower than that of epithelial ovarian cancer and is mostly seen in elderly women. Early stages of this disease may be asymptomatic; symptoms of the advance stages of the disease include abdominal distention, abdominal lump, non-specific abdominal pain, vomiting and dyspnoea all as a result of massive ascites. Patients diagnosed with primary peritoneal papillary serous carcinoma are treated using the same staging, surgical and chemotherapeutic approach as epithelial ovarian cancer because of the similarities in biological behavior.


Subject(s)
Cystadenocarcinoma, Papillary/diagnosis , Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous/diagnosis , Peritoneal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Adult , Cystadenocarcinoma, Papillary/surgery , Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous/surgery , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Humans , Peritoneal Neoplasms/surgery , Prognosis , Rare Diseases , Treatment Outcome
9.
Br J Surg ; 101(13): 1637-43, 2014 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25312488

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Live surgical demonstrations are commonly performed for surgical conferences. These live procedures have recently come under scrutiny, in particular with issues pertaining to patient safety. This systematic review aimed to explore the evidence for live surgery as a training tool, and to investigate the safety of live surgical broadcasts. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases were searched using a predefined search strategy from January 1980 to October 2013. Specialty Societies and primary Colleges of Surgeons were searched for guidelines or position statements on live surgical teaching. RESULTS: Educational value criteria demonstrated for live surgery included feasibility, acceptability, construct and concurrent validity. Complication rates during live procedures were not compromised in the majority of studies. Patient safety, however, may be affected during live procedures as success rates have been found to be lower in some studies. Only Cardiothoracic, Urology and Vascular Surgical Societies currently offer guidelines on conducting live surgical demonstrations. CONCLUSION: Little evidence exists on the safety and educational value of live surgery, with few studies of high quality conducted. Guidance on live procedures is scarce, with only three major surgical specialties offering any advice. More needs to be done to establish and promote evidence for the value of live surgery demonstrations.


Subject(s)
Education, Medical/methods , General Surgery/education , Surgical Procedures, Operative/education , Teaching/methods , Humans , Patient Safety , Practice Guidelines as Topic
10.
Int J Clin Pract ; 68(6): 731-42, 2014 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24472109

ABSTRACT

AIMS: Standardise the injection technique with botulinum toxin type A (BoNT A) in the bladder of patients with overactive bladder (OAB) [idiopathic overactive bladder (iOAB) or neurogenic overactive bladder (nOAB) with urinary incontinence], using a literature review and a survey of an International expert panel. METHODS: PubMed literature searches of BoNT A in adults with iOAB/nOAB together with a survey of 13 experts from 10 countries. RESULTS: Data from 21 articles and completed questionnaires were collated. The procedure can be carried out in an out-/inpatient setting. Dose used in clinical studies vs. clinical practice was 300 and 200 U for nOAB and 200 and 100 U for iOAB. Recent studies have also demonstrated that there are no clinically relevant benefits between 100 and 150 U in iOAB or between 300 and 200 U in nOAB, though adverse effects are increased with higher doses. Usually, 30 sites for nOAB (range: 6.7-10 U/ml) and 20-30 sites for iOAB (range: 5-10 U/ml) are injected in clinical studies vs. 20-30 sites of 1 ml/injection for 200 U in nOAB and 10-20 sites of 0.5-1 ml/injection for 100 U in iOAB in clinical practice. BoNT A is usually injected directly into the detrusor, sparing the trigone. Flexible or rigid cystoscopes are used. The needle should be typically 22-27 gauge and 4 mm in length and should have a stopper to avoid any leakage or perforation of the bladder wall while ensuring a targeted injection. CONCLUSION: Based on the literature and survey analysis, recommendations are proposed for the standardisation of the injection procedure.


Subject(s)
Administration, Intravesical , Botulinum Toxins, Type A/therapeutic use , Neuromuscular Agents/therapeutic use , Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic/drug therapy , Urinary Bladder, Overactive/drug therapy , Urinary Bladder , Urinary Incontinence/drug therapy , Botulinum Toxins, Type A/administration & dosage , Humans , Neuromuscular Agents/administration & dosage , Surveys and Questionnaires
11.
Hernia ; 28(4): 1391-1395, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38727967

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic hernia repair in recent times has gained the most acceptance among both the surgical community and the patient groups, as it has proven benefits of lesser postoperative hospital stay and less pain scores. The incidence of both inguinal and ventral hernias has increased significantly in the present days. Various methods have been postulated by different surgical groups for repairing the same but no there is no standard consensus on managing concomitant inguinal and ventral hernias. The conventional e-TEP requires an extensive dissection with increased operative time. We present our experience in managing cases with both inguinal and primary M2/M3 and W1 ventral hernias with or without divarication of recti using a modified up to down approach for inguinal hernia followed by down to up approach for the ventral hernia, from a tertiary care center in South India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We managed 16 cases with simultaneous incidence of inguinal and primary M2/M3 and W1 ventral hernias with or without divarication of recti between January 2022 and November 2023. Institute ethical committee clearance and informed consent was obtained from all the 16 patients. They were all subjected to an extra peritoneal repair of both the hernias. All the demographic data, intraoperative data, postoperative complications and follow up were digitally stored. All patients were followed up for six months after surgery. RESULTS: Out of 16 patients, 15 were males and 1 was female. The mean age was 48 years and the mean BMI of all the patients was 29.2 kg/m2. The postoperative recovery was smooth in all patients and being discharged within 24 h after surgery. The pain scores of all patients were significantly lower than patients who underwent intraperitoneal repair. CONCLUSION: e-TEP hernia repair is gaining popularity and has amused the hernia surgical community. Our method of e-TEP RS repair in cases with concomitant inguinal and primary M2/M3 W1 ventral hernias with or without divarication helps in addressing both the hernias in the extra-peritoneal space. Our technique reduces the area of dissection needed for mesh placement and preserves the integrity of abdominal musculature in the upper abdomen when compared with the conventional technique. It further allows extension of the e-TEP inguinal space into the Rectro rectus space without much alteration in the port arrangement allowing simultaneous repair of groin and umbilical hernias. Good knowledge of anatomy and laparoscopic skills are pertinent for safe and effective hernia repair by this technique.


Subject(s)
Hernia, Inguinal , Hernia, Ventral , Herniorrhaphy , Laparoscopy , Humans , Male , Female , Hernia, Inguinal/surgery , Laparoscopy/methods , Herniorrhaphy/methods , Hernia, Ventral/surgery , Middle Aged , Adult , Surgical Mesh , Aged , Operative Time , Postoperative Complications
12.
Hernia ; 28(5): 1511-1523, 2024 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38722399

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: While research on inguinal hernias is well-documented, ventral/incisional hernias still require investigation. In India, opinions on laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) techniques are contested. The current consensus aims to standardize LVHR practice and identify gaps and unfulfilled demands that compromise patient safety and therapeutic outcomes. METHODS: Using the modified Delphi technique, panel of 14 experts (general surgeons) came to a consensus. Two rounds of consensus were conducted online. An advisory board meeting was held for the third round, wherein survey results were discussed and the final statements were decided with supporting clinical evidence. RESULTS: Experts recommended intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) plus/trans-abdominal retromuscular/extended totally extraperitoneal/mini- or less-open sublay operation/transabdominal preperitoneal/trans-abdominal partial extra-peritoneal/subcutaneous onlay laparoscopic approach/laparoscopic intracorporeal rectus aponeuroplasty as valid minimal access surgery (MAS) options for ventral hernia (VH). Intraperitoneal repair technique is the preferred MAS procedure for primary umbilical hernia < 4 cm without diastasis; incisional hernia in the presence of a vertical single midline incision; symptomatic hernia, BMI > 40 kg/m2, and defect up to 4 cm; and for MAS VH surgery with grade 3/4 American Society of Anaesthesiologists. IPOM plus is the preferred MAS procedure for midline incisional hernia of width < 4 cm in patients with a previous laparotomy. Extraperitoneal repair technique is the preferred MAS procedure for L3 hernia < 4 cm; midline hernias < 4 cm with diastasis; and M5 hernia. CONCLUSION: The consensus statements will help standardize LVHR practices, improve decision-making, and provide guidance on MAS in VHR in the Indian scenario.


Subject(s)
Consensus , Delphi Technique , Hernia, Ventral , Herniorrhaphy , Laparoscopy , Surgical Mesh , Humans , Hernia, Ventral/surgery , Herniorrhaphy/methods , Herniorrhaphy/standards , India
13.
Curr Urol Rep ; 14(3): 227-34, 2013 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23625366

ABSTRACT

Botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A) is well established in the management of various aspects of lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). One formulation, OnabotulinumtoxinA has recently been licensed in many parts of the world for use in neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO), and in the US for idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB), in patient's refractory to antimuscarinics. This review article looks at recent clinical publications that examine the use of BTX-A for the treatment of LUTD with a focus on OAB, detrusor overactivity (DO), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and Painful bladder syndrome / interstitial cystitis (PBS / IC). A literature review was conducted using the PubMed database and studies that were published within the time frame of January 2011 to present were included. Large randomised placebo controlled trials and a pooled analysis of patients with multiple sclerosis / spinal cord injury and NDO has suggested that BTX-A improved urinary incontinence (UI) episodes, urodynamic parameters and QoL in these patients. 200 U of OnabotulinumtoxinA appeared equivalent to 300 U. In patients with OAB, lower doses of 100 U OnabotulinumtoxinA, appear efficacious and with an acceptable adverse event profile. In one large phase III trial, de novo clean intermittent catheterisation rates were 6.1 %. Repeated injections in DO appear efficacious. Results from BPH studies are mixed, and the largest randomised study in this setting has shown significant improvements in a number of parameters for a variety of OnabotulinumtoxinA doses, but none of the doses were statistically better than placebo. Few studies have been conducted in PBS / IC and larger scale randomised placebo controlled trials are required to validate its use in this setting.


Subject(s)
Botulinum Toxins, Type A/therapeutic use , Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms/drug therapy , Neuromuscular Agents/therapeutic use , Prostatic Hyperplasia/drug therapy , Urinary Bladder Diseases/drug therapy , Cystitis, Interstitial/drug therapy , Female , Humans , Male , Quality of Life , Treatment Outcome , Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic/drug therapy , Urinary Bladder, Overactive/drug therapy
14.
Int J Clin Pract ; 66(7): 656-62, 2012 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22507234

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The role of minimally invasive radical cystectomy as opposed to open surgery for bladder cancer is not yet established. We present comparative outcomes of open, laparoscopic and robotic-assisted radical cystectomy MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective cohort comparison of 158 patients from 2003-2008 undergoing open radical cystectomy (ORC) (n = 52), laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) (n =58) or robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) (n = 48) performed by a team of three surgeons at two hospitals. Peri-operative data, complication rates, length of hospital stay, oncological outcome (including lymph node status) and survival were recorded. Statistical analyses were adjusted to account for potential confounding factors such as ASA grade, gender, age, diversion type and final histology. RESULTS: RARC took longer than LRC and ORC. Patients were about 30 times more likely to have a transfusion if they had ORC than if they had RARC (p < 0.0001) and about eight times more likely to have a transfusion if they had LRC compared with RARC (p < 0.006). Patients were four times more likely to have a transfusion if they had ORC as compared with LRC (p < 0.007). Patients were four times more likely to have complications if they had ORC than RARC (p = 0.006) and about three times more likely to have complications with LRC than with RARC (p = 0.02). Hospital stay was mean 19 days after ORC, 16 days after LRC and 10 days after RARC. CONCLUSIONS: Despite study limitations, RARC had the lowest transfusion and complication rates and the shortest length of stay, although taking the longest to perform.


Subject(s)
Cystectomy/methods , Laparoscopy/methods , Robotics/methods , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/surgery , Aged , Blood Loss, Surgical/statistics & numerical data , Blood Transfusion/statistics & numerical data , Cohort Studies , Female , Humans , Length of Stay , Male , Middle Aged , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Prospective Studies , Survival Analysis , Treatment Outcome , Urinary Diversion/methods
15.
Br J Cancer ; 105(7): 1039-41, 2011 Sep 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21897391

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We examine the relationships between geographic remoteness, area disadvantage and risk of advanced colorectal cancer. METHODS: Multilevel models were used to assess the area- and individual-level contributions to the risk of advanced disease among people aged 20-79 years diagnosed with colorectal cancer in Queensland, Australia between 1997 and 2007 (n=18,561). RESULTS: Multilevel analysis showed that colorectal cancer patients living in inner regional (OR=1.09, 1.01-1.19) and outer regional (OR=1.11, 1.01-1.22) areas were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with advanced cancer than those in major cities (P=0.045) after adjusting for individual-level variables. The best-fitting final model did not include area disadvantage. Stratified analysis suggested this remoteness effect was limited to people diagnosed with colon cancer (P=0.048) and not significant for rectal cancer patients (P=0.873). CONCLUSION: Given the relationship between stage and survival outcomes, it is imperative that the reasons for these rurality inequities in advanced disease be identified and addressed.


Subject(s)
Colorectal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Colorectal Neoplasms/etiology , Geography , Health Status Disparities , Medically Underserved Area , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Colorectal Neoplasms/mortality , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Life Expectancy , Male , Middle Aged , Prognosis , Queensland , Risk Factors , Social Class , Survival Rate , Young Adult
16.
Nat Med ; 7(5): 569-74, 2001 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11329058

ABSTRACT

Angiogenesis has an essential role in many important pathological and physiological settings. It has been shown that vascular permeability factor/vascular endothelial growth factor (VPF/VEGF), a potent cytokine expressed by most malignant tumors, has critical roles in vasculogenesis and both physiological and pathological angiogenesis. We report here that at non-toxic levels, the neurotransmitter dopamine strongly and selectively inhibited the vascular permeabilizing and angiogenic activities of VPF/VEGF. Dopamine acted through D2 dopamine receptors to induce endocytosis of VEGF receptor 2, which is critical for promoting angiogenesis, thereby preventing VPF/VEGF binding, receptor phosphorylation and subsequent signaling steps. The action of dopamine was specific for VPF/VEGF and did not affect other mediators of microvascular permeability or endothelial-cell proliferation or migration. These results reveal a new link between the nervous system and angiogenesis and indicate that dopamine and other D2 receptors, already in clinical use for other purposes, might have value in anti-angiogenesis therapy.


Subject(s)
Dopamine/pharmacology , Endothelial Growth Factors/physiology , Lymphokines/physiology , Neovascularization, Pathologic , Protein Isoforms/physiology , Animals , Cell Division/drug effects , Cell Movement/drug effects , Cells, Cultured , Endothelial Growth Factors/metabolism , Endothelium, Vascular/cytology , Endothelium, Vascular/drug effects , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Lymphokines/metabolism , Mice , Mice, Inbred C3H , Phosphorylation , Protein Binding , Protein Isoforms/metabolism , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/metabolism , Receptors, Growth Factor/metabolism , Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
17.
Int J Clin Pract ; 65(6): 698-704, 2011 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21564444

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of botulinum toxin-A (botn-A) in the management of patients with bladder oversensitivity (BO). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-three consecutive patients with a diagnosis of BO refractory to anticholinergics were enrolled in this randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients were randomly allocated to receive intradetrusor injections of either botn-A (100 U Botox) or saline (placebo) via a flexible cystoscopic approach. The study was designed to have 90% power to detect a change in the maximum cystometric capacity (MCC) of 30%. It was calculated that a total cohort of 58 patients would be required. Urodynamic assessment (UDS), voiding diaries (VD) and quality of life (QoL) were assessed at baseline and at 4 and 12 weeks following intervention. RESULTS: An interim analysis was performed and the trial halted after recruitment of 23 patients as a result of poorly perceived patient benefit. Data were analysed for 21 patients (10 botn-A; 11 placebo). In the treatment arm, there was a significant increase in MCC (mean rise 105 ml; p = 0.009). However, storage symptoms remained statistically unchanged following botn-A. Three patients in the treatment arm were required to perform clean intermittent self-catheterisation with no clinical improvement. The limitations of this trial include the small sample size and the unplanned interim analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled trial examining the effects of botn-A exclusively in patients with BO. A significant increase in MCC was observed but this did not translate to clinical benefit with no change observed in the symptoms and quality of life for the majority of patients.


Subject(s)
Botulinum Toxins, Type A/therapeutic use , Neuromuscular Agents/therapeutic use , Urinary Bladder, Overactive/drug therapy , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Cohort Studies , Double-Blind Method , Humans , Middle Aged , Patient Satisfaction , Quality of Life , Treatment Outcome , Urinary Bladder, Overactive/physiopathology , Urodynamics/drug effects , Young Adult
18.
Minerva Med ; 102(4): 333-8, 2011 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21959706

ABSTRACT

Radical prostatectomy (RP) is the gold standard treatment for localised prostate cancer and its oncological effectiveness has been demonstrated so far. With no doubt though, RP has significant potential morbidity and the selection of patients who will likely benefit from surgery while minimising the side effects of incontinence and erectile dysfunction is fundamental. Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy allows us to achieve oncological control, early continence and preservation of erectile function all in one. Thus, analysing its role is of utmost importance.


Subject(s)
Laparoscopy/methods , Prostatectomy/methods , Prostatic Neoplasms/surgery , Robotics/methods , Erectile Dysfunction/prevention & control , Humans , Male , Prostatectomy/adverse effects , Prostatic Neoplasms/pathology , Recovery of Function/physiology , Urinary Incontinence/prevention & control
19.
Proc Inst Mech Eng H ; 224(6): 751-63, 2010.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20608492

ABSTRACT

This paper presents a novel wheeled probe for the purpose of aiding a surgeon in soft tissue abnormality identification during minimally invasive surgery (MIS), compensating the loss of haptic feedback commonly associated with MIS. Initially, a prototype for validating the concept was developed. The wheeled probe consists of an indentation depth sensor employing an optic fibre sensing scheme and a force/torque sensor. The two sensors work in unison, allowing the wheeled probe to measure the tool-tissue interaction force and the rolling indentation depth concurrently. The indentation depth sensor was developed and initially tested on a homogenous silicone phantom representing a good model for a soft tissue organ; the results show that the sensor can accurately measure the indentation depths occurring while performing rolling indentation, and has good repeatability. To validate the ability of the wheeled probe to identify abnormalities located in the tissue, the device was tested on a silicone phantom containing embedded hard nodules. The experimental data demonstrate that recording the tissue reaction force as well as rolling indentation depth signals during rolling indentation, the wheeled probe can rapidly identify the distribution of tissue stiffness and cause the embedded hard nodules to be accurately located.


Subject(s)
Elasticity Imaging Techniques/instrumentation , Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/instrumentation , Palpation/instrumentation , Surgery, Computer-Assisted/trends , Transducers , User-Computer Interface , Equipment Design , Equipment Failure Analysis , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and Specificity , Touch
20.
Science ; 289(5478): 395-6, 2000 Jul 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10939949

ABSTRACT

Ecosystems are capital assets: When properly managed, they yield a flow of vital goods and services. Relative to other forms of capital, however, ecosystems are poorly understood, scarcely monitored, and--in many important cases--undergoing rapid degradation. The process of economic valuation could greatly improve stewardship. This potential is now being realized with innovative financial instruments and institutional arrangements.


Subject(s)
Conservation of Natural Resources/economics , Ecosystem , Australia , Commerce , Costa Rica , Industry , Investments
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