Development and use of low-fidelity, low-cost, animal tissue-based simulators for surgical training during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Background The Covid-19 pandemic severely affected surgical training as the number of surgeries being done was reduced to a bare minimum. Teaching and training of clinical skills on a simulator are desirable as they may have an even larger role during the Covid-19 pandemic. Commercially available simulators with optimum fidelity are costly and may be difficult to sustain because of their recurring cost. The development of low-cost simulators with optimum fidelity is the need of the hour. Methods We developed animal tissue-based simulators for imparting skills training to surgical residents on some basic and advanced general surgical procedures. Porcine tissue and locally available materials were used to prepare these models. The models were pilot-tested. Standard operating procedures were developed for each skill that was shared with the participants well before the 'hands-on' exercise. An online pre-test was conducted. The training was then imparted on these models under faculty guidance adhering to Covid-19-appropriate behaviour. This was followed by a post-test and participant feedback. The entire exercise was paperless. Results Sixty residents were trained in 10 sessions. Most of the participants were men (44; 73%). The mean pre-test and post-test scores were 40.92 (standard deviation [SD] 6.27) and 42.67, respectively (SD 4.06). Paired sample t-test suggested a significant improvement in the post-test score (p<0.001). The activity and the models were well appreciated by the residents. Conclusion The animal tissue-based indigenous models are easy to prepare, cost-effective and provide optimum fidelity for skill training of surgical residents. In addition to skill acquisition, training on such modules may alleviate the stress and anxiety of the residents associated with the loss of surgical training during a time-bound residency period.

Feasibility of fast track discharge in breast cancer patients undergoing definitive surgery and impact on quality of life: a prospective study from tertiary care center in India.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and impact of fast track discharge in patients undergoing definitive breast cancer surgery. METHODS: One hundred six breast cancer patients older than 20 years of age were assigned to undergo definitive breast cancer surgery. It was ensured that enrolled patients had a ready access to hospital, reasonable home circumstances. They were assessed by using post-anesthesia discharge scoring system (PADSS) for fast track discharge. Quality of life both in preoperative and postoperative period was assessed by Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast cancer version 4 (FACT-B4) questionnaires. RESULT: Overall 90 patients (84.9%) were fit for fast track discharge. Eighty-nine patients (83.96%) were successfully discharged within 48 hr. One patient (0.94%) could not be discharged despite being fit as she was of concern that it would put too much responsibility on the family. Mean duration of postoperative hospital stay in patients fit for fast track surgery was 42.27 ± 5.73 hr with a median of 44 hr. All patients undergoing breast conservation could be discharged on fast track basis with a mean postoperative hospital stay of 32.12 hr. CONCLUSION: Fast track discharges in breast cancer patients after definitive surgery are feasible in Indian setting.

Evaluation of New Tracers in the Identification of Sentinel Lymph Node in Patients with Early Breast Cancer.

Purpose: Sentinel node mapping is the standard of care for evaluation of axilla for women with early node negative breast cancer. Validation of a new tracer for sentinel node biopsy requires full axillary lymph node dissection to establish its performance indicators. This exposes about 70% of women to unnecessary axillary dissection with its attendant morbidity. Aims and Objective: To investigate the predictive value of identification of sentinel lymph nodes by a tracer for knowing its sensitivity and false-negative rates (FNR). Methods: A linear regression on data from a network meta-analysis was carried out, and the correlation between identification and sensitivity and its predictive value were ascertained. Results: A strong linear relationship was observed between identification and sensitivity of sentinel node biopsy (correlation coefficient r = 0.97). The sensitivity and false negativity can be predicted by the identification rate. An identification rate of 93% corresponds to sensitivity = 90.51% and a FNR = 9.49%. The current literature on newer tracers has been succinctly reviewed. Conclusion: The linear regression demonstrated a very high predictive value of identification rate for ascertaining the sensitivity and FNRs of sentinel node biopsy. A new tracer for sentinel node biopsy can be introduced in clinical practice, if it achieves an identification rate of 93% or more.

Long-term outcome after thoracoscopic cardiac sympathectomy for refractory ventricular tachyarrhythmia storm.

A man in his 40s presented with an acute anterior wall myocardial infarction (MI) 6 hours after symptom onset to a non-percutaneous intervention enabled hospital and underwent thrombolysis with tenecteplase. His chest pain resolved post-thrombolysis although ST segment resolution was less than 50%. He had an episode of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) 48 hours after MI which was successfully cardioverted with 150 J biphasic shock. A month later he presented with a ventricular tachycardia storm that was refractory to pharmacological management. He underwent radiofrequency ablation of the VT using three-dimensional mapping. Although the patient remained free of VT/ventricular fibrillation (VF) for 48 hours, he had an episode of VF subsequently. A decision for bilateral surgical video assisted thoracoscopic cardiac sympathetic denervation was taken and the patient remained free of ventricular tachyarrhythmias after the procedure until.

Sentinel Node Mapping in Early Breast Cancer: A Randomized Comparison of Fluorescein Guided All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Anurag's Technique with Technetium-99 m Sulfur Colloid Plus Methylene Blue.

Purpose: Evaluation of fluorescein along with blue dye as an affordable tracer for sentinel node biopsy in comparison with technetium + methylene blue. A randomized trial was conducted with the following objectives: (1) to demonstrate that the identification of sentinel lymph node by fluorescein + methylene blue is not inferior to the identification by Tc-99 m sulfur colloid + methylene blue and (2) to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of sentinel node biopsy by above two tracers. Subjects and Methods: One-thirty patients above age 18 years presenting with early breast cancer T1, T2, N0 breast carcinoma were randomized to undergo sentinel node biopsy by either fluorescein + methylene blue or Tc-99 m sulfur colloid + methylene blue. Results: The sentinel lymph nodes were identified in 89% in Fluorescein + methylene blue group and 90.9% with Tc-99 m sulfur colloid + methylene blue group. The trial demonstrated noninferiority of fluorescein + methylene blue as compared to isotope + methylene blue with effect size = 1; 95% confidence interval- 9.54 to + 11.54. The fluorescein + methylene blue was more cost-effective than isotope guided sentinel node biopsy. Conclusion: Fluorescein-guided sentinel node biopsy is noninferior and more cost-effective than isotope-guided sentinel node biopsy.

Evaluation of estrogen expression of breast cancer using 18F-FES PET CT-A novel technique.

Estrogen receptor (ER) expression in breast cancer is routinely studied on immunohistochemistry (IHC) of tissue obtained from core biopsy or surgical specimen. Sampling error and heterogeneity of tumor may incorrectly label a breast tumor as ER negative, thus denying patient hormonal treatment. Molecular functional ER imaging can assess the in-vivo ER expression of primary tumor and metastases at sites inaccessible for biopsy and also track changes in expression over time. The aim was to study ER expression using 16α-18F-fluoro-17ß-estradiol or 18F-fluoroestradiol (18F FES) positron emission tomography (PET) computed tomography (CT). Twenty-four biopsy-proven breast cancer patients consenting to participate in the study underwent FES PET CT. Standard uptake value (SUVmean) of maximum of 7 lesions/patient was analyzed, and tumor-to-background ratio was calculated for each lesion. Visual interpretation score was calculated for lesion on FES PET and correlated with the Allred score on IHC of tumor tissue samples for ER expression. The diagnostic indices of FES PET CT were assessed taking IHC as "gold standard." On FES PET CT, the mean SUV for ER+ tumors was 4.75, whereas the mean SUV for ER - tumors was 1.41. Using receiver operating characteristic curve, tumors with an SUV of ≥ 1.8 on FES PET could be considered as ER+. The overall accuracy of FES PET CT to detect ER expression was 91.66%, with two false negatives noted in this study. 18F-FES PET CT appears promising in evaluating ER expression in breast cancer. It is noninvasive and has potential to assess the in-vivo ER expression of the entire primary tumor and metastasis not amenable for biopsy.

Reproductive factors, nutritional status and serum 25(OH)D levels in women with breast cancer: A case control study.

The study was conducted with an objective to investigate the association between reproductive factors, nutritional status and serum 25(OH)D levels among women diagnosed with breast cancer (BC). A total of 200 women with BC attending a tertiary healthcare institute of Delhi, India matched with 200 healthy women for age (±2years) and socio economic status were included in the study. Data was collected on socio-demographic profile, reproductive factors, physical activity and dietary intake (24h dietary recall and food frequency questionnaire) using interviewer administered structured questionnaires and standard tools. Non fasting blood samples (5ml) were collected for the biochemical estimation of serum 25(OH)D and calcium levels by chemiluminescent immunoassay and colorimetric assay technique. Data was analyzed by univariable conditional logistic regression and significant variables with (p<0.05), were analyzed in final model by conditional multivariable logistic regression analysis. The mean age of patients at diagnosis of BC was 45±10years. Results of multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis revealed significantly higher odds of BC for reproductive factors like age at marriage (more than 23 years), number of abortions, history or current use of oral contraceptive pills (OCP), with [OR (95% CI)] of [2.4 (1.2-4.9)], [4.0 (1.6-12.6)], [2.4 (1.2-5.0)]. Women with physically light activities and occasional consumption of eggs were found to have higher odds of BC [4.6 (1.6-13.0)] and [3.2 (1.6-6.3)]. Women with serum 25(OH)D levels less than 20ng/ml and calcium levels less than 10.5mg/dl had higher odds of having BC [2.4 (1.2-5.1)] and [3.7 (1.5-8.8)]. A protective effect of urban areas as place of residence and energy intake greater than 50% of Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) per day against BC was observed (p<0.05). The findings of the present study revealed a significant association of reproductive and dietary factors in addition to sedentary physical activity and low serum 25(OH)D levels in women diagnosed with BC.

Nutritional risk factors and status of serum 25(OH)D levels in patients with breast cancer: A case control study in India.

To study the nutritional risk factors and status of serum 25(OH)D levels in patients with breast cancer. A total of 100 women (cases) with confirmed breast cancer (BC) matched with equal number of healthy females (controls) of similar age and socioeconomic status (SES) were included in study. Controls included were nonbreast cancer patients who accompanied the patients to a tertiary care hospital. All the subjects (cases and controls) were administered a questionnaires to collect data on socioeconomic status, dietary pattern and the frequency of food consumption using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric assessment was done for waist and hip circumference to calculate waist to hip ratio (WHR). Non fasting blood samples were collected for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels estimation using chemiluminescent immunoassay technique and total serum calcium levels by colorimetric assay technique. Serum 25(OH)D and total calcium levels were expressed in ng/ml and mg/dl. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as per the guidelines set by United States Endocrine Society. The mean age of cases and controls was 45±9 and 46±10 years respectively. On multivariate analysis, an inverse association with BC was found for less frequency of fruits consumption with an adjusted (ORs, 95% CI) (2.7, 0.5-15.7) respectively. Mushroom intake was inversely associated with risk of BC (ORs, 95% CI) (5.6, 1.9-16.6). Saturated fat intake and high WHR were significantly associated with high risk of BC with adjusted ORs, 95% CI of (3.4, 1.4-8.1) and (5, 1.4-17). A significant association (p<0.05) was found between low serum 25(OH)D levels and the risk of BC with adjusted ORs, 95% CI of (2.5, 0.9-7.4). Majority of the patients with BC were suffering from vitamin D deficiency. Dietary intake of mushrooms containing vitamin D naturally was found to be associated with decreased risk of breast cancer. A significant association was found between low serum 25(OH)D levels (<20ng/ml) with the risk of BC. Obesity as a consequence of nutritional risk factors determined by higher WHR was found to be significantly associated with the risk of BC.

Comparison of Paravertebral Block by Anatomic Landmark Technique to Ultrasound-Guided Paravertebral Block for Breast Surgery Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Paravertebral block (PVB) is an established technique for providing anesthesia for breast surgery. The primary objective was to compare anatomical landmark technique (ALT) to the ultrasound-guided (USG) PVB block for providing surgical anesthesia. Secondary objectives included comparison of perioperative analgesia and complications. METHODS: This randomized, controlled, observer-blinded study included 72 females, aged 18 to 65 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II, undergoing elective unilateral breast surgery. Study participants were randomized to the ALT group or USG group. Ipsilateral PVB was performed with the respective technique from T1 to T6. Five milliliters of local anesthetic mixture (0.5% ropivacaine, 5 µg/mL adrenaline, 1 µg/kg clonidine) was administered at each level. Paravertebral catheter was inserted at T4/T3 level. After confirming sensory loss, patients were taken up for surgery with propofol sedation (20-50 µg/kg per minute). RESULTS: More patients in the USG group (34/36 [94.44%]) had a successful block as compared with the ALT group (26/36 [72.22%]) (P = 0.024). Difference in proportion was 18.1 (95% confidence interval, 0.15-36.0) (P = 0.024) after adjustment for age. More dermatomes were blocked in the USG group (P = 0.0018) with less sparing of upper T2 and T3 dermatomes (P = 0.003, P = 0.006, respectively). Median time to first postoperative analgesic requirement was 502.5 minutes (range, 195-1440 minutes) in the USG group versus 377.5 minutes (range, 215-1440 minutes) in the ALT group. Pain at rest and movement 2 and 4 hours postoperatively and number of catheter top-ups in 24 hours postoperatively were lesser in the USG group (P = 0.012). Complications were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided PVB provided better anesthesia and perioperative analgesia than the landmark technique for breast surgery. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered retrospectively at the Clinical Trial Registry of India, CTRI/2015/05/005774.

Status of Serum Vitamin D and Calcium Levels in Women of Reproductive Age in National Capital Territory of India.

CONTEXT: In India, Vitamin D deficiency is a major public health problem, associated with lack of sunlight exposure in spite of abundant sunshine usually accompanied by reduced dietary intake. In women of reproductive age, Vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. AIMS: The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to evaluate the levels of serum Vitamin D 25(OH) D and calcium in women of reproductive age from India. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was carried on a total of 224 healthy nonpregnant and nonlactating women in the reproductive age group of 20-49 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Demographic, socioeconomic class, and biochemical parameters for the estimation of serum 25(OH)D and calcium levels in women of reproductive age were studied. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0 was utilized for conducting the statistical analysis of the data. RESULTS: Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/ml) was present in 88% of women. Women from middle socioeconomic class had the lowest mean serum 25(OH) D levels (9.6 ± 6 ng/ml) as compared to women from upper middle (11.4 ± 8 ng/ml), lower (11.2 ± 8 ng/ml), and upper (10 ± 8.6 ng/ml) socioeconomic class. Serum calcium levels were found in the normal range of 8.5-10.5 mg/dl for all the study subjects. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D among women of reproductive age. These women may possibly have a higher risk of development of osteoporosis and pregnancy-related complications in future life.

Potential of magnetic resonance spectroscopy to detect metastasis in axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer.

Focused pathological evaluation of axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer is gaining importance. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy that assesses the whole of the specimen has the potential in evaluating micrometastases. The biochemical changes associated with breast cancer metastases in axillary nodes by in vitro NMR and its use in the detection of axillary metastases in a clinical setting in comparison with conventional histopathology is presented in this study. Eighty-eight lymph nodes obtained from 30 patients with breast cancer were investigated. Histopathology revealed metastases in 20 nodes from 11 patients, while in vitro NMR spectroscopy revealed metastases in 22 nodes. Out of these 22 nodes, 16 were the same, which showed metastases on histopathology, while 6 nodes have shown metastases only on in vitro magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). These 6 nodes with suspicion of metastases on MRS were subjected to reevaluation with serial sectioning and immunohistochemistry, but no additional metastases were revealed. Forty metabolites could be identified from the MR spectrum of lymph nodes. The levels of the glycerophosphocholine-phosphocholine (GPC-PC), choline, lactate, alanine and uridine diphosphoglucose were elevated significantly in nodes with metastases. In addition, the intensity ratio of GPC-PC/threonine (Thr) was higher in nodes with metastases, and using this as marker, MRS detected the axillary metastases with a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 80%, 91% and 88%, respectively. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) lowered the concentrations of GPC-PC and GPC-PC/Thr ratio. The accuracy of MRS in detecting metastases was 75% in patients who received NACT (n=9) as compared to 96% in those who did not (n=21). Our results demonstrate the potential of in vitro MRS in characterizing the metabolite profile of the axillary nodes with breast cancer metastases. It detected axillary metastases with reasonable accuracy and can be complementary to histopathological evaluation and immunohistochemistry.

Laparascopic cholecystectomy: cystic duct occlusion with titanium clips or ligature? A prospective randomized study.

During laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), cystic duct occlusion can be done with titanium clips or laparoscopically tied knots. However, till date, there is no randomized, controlled study reported in the literature that has prospectively compared the outcome using either of these methods. In the present study, 105 patients who were to undergo LC were randomly assigned to two groups. Group I comprised patients undergoing cystic duct occlusion with clips while group II comprised those undergoing cystic duct occlusion with knots. Our aim was to compare the postoperative outcome in both the cases. The incidence of overall bile leak following LC was 4 out of 105 (3.8%) while the leak rate following cystic duct occlusion with clips was 2 out 52 (3.9%), and that following ligature was 2 out of 53 (3.8%). The procedure using ligature took slightly longer time than that using clips. There was no significant difference in the postoperative outcome in either group. The use of ligature is a feasible, safe and cost-effective alternative to the use of titanium clips for cystic duct occlusion during LC.

Bowen's disease on finger: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

Bowen's disease commonly presents as a solitary asymptomatic plaque involving head and neck region or lower limbs. We present a case of a sixty seven-year-old man with an itchy, oozy, crusted solitary plaque on the right ring finger of eighteen months duration with histopathology consistent with Bowen's disease. The lesion was initially treated with topical 5% imiquimod but due to relapse and inadequate response to a second course, complete surgical excision followed by full thickness skin grafting was done. Recurrence after about 6 months in the form of a small papule adjacent to the initial site was also treated with excision. This report highlights the potential of Bowen's disease to mimic more common dermatoses and a high index of suspicion, supported by histopathology, is required to diagnose and treat it without delay, which in turn may require a multimodality approach. We also reviewed the current literature on the same.

The first and second echelon sentinel lymph node evaluation in oral cancer.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy shows promise as a minimally invasive technique that samples the first echelon (station) of nodes to predict the need for more extensive neck dissection. This paper discusses the accuracy and feasibility of sentinel node and "station II node" biopsy for predicting the status of neck in 20 patients of oral cancer. We identified sentinel node in these patients. The next higher-order nodes, that is, second echelon of nodes known as "station II nodes" were delineated by further injecting 0.1 ml of isosulfan blue dye in sentinel lymph node. Identification rate for station I nodes was 95 %. Station II nodes were identified in 84 % of patients. One patient had false negative station I node. Station II node status was false negative in two patients. "Station I and station II concept" is feasible in early-stage tumors of oral cavity.

Hemangiopericytoma of renal pelvis--an unusual tumor in an adolescent.

Since the initial report of renal hemangiopericytoma in 1955, only 39 cases of this rare vascular neoplasm, involving the renal capsule, parenchyma, or sinus have been described in the world literature. Herein we describe a case of a 15-year-old adolescent boy with this tumor arising from right renal pelvis. A radical right nephrectomy was performed. Histologic and immunologic studies revealed a hemangiopericytoma of renal pelvis soft tissues. The patient did well postoperatively and remains disease-free at the present time.