Index admission vs elective laparoscopic common bile duct exploration: a district general hospital experience over 6 years.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) is relatively a new approach for clearing choledocholithiasis. The aim of this study is to assess the safety of this approach to clearing common bile duct (CBD) stones on an index admission including emergency setting. METHODS: Retrospective data collection and analysis were carried out for 207 consecutive cases of LCBDE performed in Royal Cornwall Hospital over 6 years (2015-2020). Patients were divided into two groups (Index admission vs elective) then both groups compared. RESULTS: A total of 207 cases of LCBDE were performed in our unit during the time period. One hundred twenty-two operations were performed on the index admission and 85 on a subsequent elective list. Mean operative time was 146 ± 64 min in the index admission group and 145 ± 65 min in the elective group (p = 0.913). Length of stay post-operatively was 3.3 ± 6.3 days in the index admission cases and 3.5 ± 4.6 days after elective cases. Successful clearance was achieved at the end of the operation in 116 patients in the index admission group, clearance failed in one case and negative exploration in 5 patients. In the elective group 83 patients had a successful clearance at the end of the operation, and 2 patients has had a negative exploration. Twelve patients (index admission group) and 8 patients of the elective cases required post-operative Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to manage retained stones, recurrent stones and bile leak (p = 0.921). Three patients required re-operation for post-operative complications in each group. CONCLUSION: Common bile duct exploration in index admission is safe with high success rate if performed by well-trained surgeons with advanced laparoscopic skills.

Effect of Banded Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Versus Sleeve Gastrectomy on Diabetes Remission at 5 Years Among Patients With Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes: A Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether silastic ring laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (SR-LRYGB) or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) produces superior diabetes remission at 5 years. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: In a single-center, double-blind trial, 114 adults with type 2 diabetes and BMI 35-65 kg/m2 were randomly assigned to SR-LRYGB or LSG (1:1; stratified by age-group, BMI group, ethnicity, diabetes duration, and insulin therapy) using a web-based service. Diabetes and other metabolic medications were adjusted according to a prespecified protocol. The primary outcome was diabetes remission assessed at 5 years, defined by HbA1c <6% (42 mmol/mol) without glucose-lowering medications. Secondary outcomes included changes in weight, cardiometabolic risk factors, quality of life, and adverse events. RESULTS: Diabetes remission after SR-LRYGB versus LSG occurred in 25 (47%) of 53 vs. 18 (33%) of 55 patients (adjusted odds ratios 4.5 [95% CI 1.6, 15.5; P = 0.009] and 4.2 [1.3, 13.4; P = 0.015] in the intention-to-treat analysis). Percent body weight loss was greater after SR-LRYGB than after LSG (absolute difference 10.7%; 95% CI 7.3, 14.0; P < 0.001). Improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors were similar, but HDL cholesterol increased more after SR-LRYGB. Early and late complications were similar in both groups. General health and physical functioning improved after both types of surgery, with greater improvement in physical functioning after SR-LRYGB. People of Maori or Pacific ethnicity (26%) had lower incidence of diabetes remission than those of New Zealand European or other ethnicities (2 of 25 vs. 41 of 83; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: SR-LRYGB provided superior diabetes remission and weight loss compared with LSG at 5 years, with similar low risks of complications.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Versus Banded Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Diabetes and Obesity: a Prospective Randomised Double-Blind Trial.

BACKGROUND: There are very few randomised, blinded trials comparing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) versus laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) in achieving remission of type 2 diabetes (T2D), particularly silastic ring (SR)-LRYGB. We compared the effectiveness of (LSG) versus SR-LRYGB among patients with T2D and morbid obesity. METHODS: Prospective, randomised, parallel, 2-arm, blinded clinical trial conducted in a single Auckland (New Zealand) centre. Eligible patients aged 20-55 years, T2D of at least 6 months duration and BMI 35-65 kg/m2 were randomised 1:1 to LSG (n = 58) or SR-LRYGB (n = 56) using random number codes disclosed after anaesthesia induction. Primary outcome was T2D remission defined by different HbA1c thresholds at 1 year. Secondary outcomes included weight loss, quality of life, anxiety and depressive symptoms, post-operative complications and mortality. RESULTS: Mean ± standard deviation (SD) pre-operative BMI was 42.5 ± 6.2 kg/m2, HbA1c 63 ± 16 mmol/mol (30% insulin-treated, 28% had diabetes duration over 10 years). Proportions achieving HbA1c ≤ 38 mmol/mol, < 42 mmol/mol, < 48 mmol/mol and < 53 mmol/mol without diabetes medication at 1 year in SR-LRYGB vs LSG were 38 vs 43% (p = 0.56), 52 vs 49% (p = 0.85), 75 vs 72% (p = 0.83) and 80 vs 77% (p = 0.82), respectively. Mean ± SD % total weight loss at 1 year was greater after SR-LRYGB than LSG: 32.2 ± 7.7 vs 27.1 ± 7.5%, respectively (p < 0.001). Gastrointestinal complications were more frequent after SR-LRYGB (including 3 ulcers, 1 anastomotic leak, 1 abdominal bleeding). Quality of life and depression symptoms improved significantly in both groups. CONCLUSION: Despite significantly greater weight loss after SR-LRYGB, there was similar T2D remission and psychosocial improvement after LSG and SR-LRYGB at 1 year. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Prospectively registered at Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ACTRN 12611000751976) and retrospectively registered at Clinical Trials (NCT1486680).

Sleeve gastrectomy versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for type 2 diabetes and morbid obesity: double-blind randomised clinical trial protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in association with obesity is an increasing disease burden. Bariatric surgery is the only effective therapy for achieving remission of T2D among those with morbid obesity. It is unclear which of the two most commonly performed types of bariatric surgery, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), is most effective for obese patients with T2D. The primary objective of this study is to determine whether LSG or LRYGB is more effective in achieving HbA1c<6% (<42 mmol/mol) without the use of diabetes medication at 5 years. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Single-centre, double-blind (assessor and patient), parallel, randomised clinical trial (RCT) conducted in New Zealand, targeting 106 patients. Eligibility criteria include age 20-55 years, T2D of at least 6 months duration and body mass index 35-65 kg/m(2) for at least 5 years. Randomisation 1:1 to LSG or LRYGB, used random number codes disclosed to the operating surgeon after induction of anaesthesia. A standard medication adjustment schedule will be used during postoperative metabolic assessments. Secondary outcomes include proportions achieving HbA1c<5.7% (39 mmol/mol) or HbA1c<6.5% (48 mmol/mol) without the use of diabetes medication, comparative weight loss, obesity-related comorbidity, operative complications, revision rate, mortality, quality of life, anxiety and depression scores. Exploratory outcomes include changes in satiety, gut hormone and gut microbiota to gain underlying mechanistic insights into T2D remission. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval was obtained from the New Zealand regional ethics committee (NZ93405) who also provided independent safety monitoring of the trial. Study commenced in September 2011. Recruitment completed in October 2014. Data collection is ongoing. Results will be reported in manuscripts submitted to peer-reviewed journals and in presentations at national and international meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS: ACTRN12611000751976, NCT01486680; Pre-results.

A mystery wrapped in an enigma: the abdominal cocoon syndrome.

Abdominal cocoon syndrome is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction that often presents as an incidental finding at surgery, creating a management dilemma for those unfamiliar with its appearance. Surgical excision of the 'cocoon' is the mainstay of treatment. This report describes a 42-year-old patient who successfully underwent surgery in which the fibrous peritoneal membrane was dissected free from the serosal surface of the bowel.

Cost-effectiveness of groin hernia surgery in the Western Region of Ghana.

OBJECTIVE: To calculate the cost-effectiveness of tension-free inguinal hernia repair with mosquito net mesh in the Western Region of Ghana. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Four district hospitals in the Western Region of Ghana. PATIENTS: A total of 113 referred or presenting patients from rural areas with inguinal hernias of various sizes. INTERVENTION: Lichtenstein method of tension-free repair using mosquito net mesh by European and African surgeons. Main Outcome Measure Disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) averted with counterfactual definitions based on precedent and expert opinion. RESULTS: All operations were performed as day cases, with 81 of the patients (71.7%) under local anesthesia and few complications. An average of 9.3 (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.0-10.7) DALYs were averted per person, with a total of 1052 averted in the study. Average cost per patient was $120.02 (95% CI, $117.66-$122.39) from a provider perspective and $102.88 ($88.47-$117.29) from a patient perspective. Cost-effectiveness was $12.88 per DALY averted (95% CI, $10.98-$14.78), which is well below the Ghanaian per capita gross national income ($590). Results were robust to sensitivity analysis and may be refined as further work is done on the burden of disease due to hernias in Africa. CONCLUSIONS: Inguinal hernia repair was cost-effective in the Western Region of Ghana through international collaboration. Research in other settings should test the generalizability of results.

Public health and policy issues of hernia surgery in Africa.

Inguinal hernia repair has been overlooked as a public health priority in Africa, with its high prevalence largely unrecognized, and traditional public health viewpoints assuming that not enough infrastructure, human resources, or financing capacity are available for effective service provision. Emerging evidence suggests that inguinal hernias in Ghana are approximately ten times as prevalent as in high-income countries, are much more long-standing and severe, and can be repaired with low-cost techniques using mosquito net mesh through international collaboration. Outcomes from surgery are comparable to published literature, and potential exists for scaling up capacity. Special attention must be paid to creating financing systems that encourage eventual local self-sustainability.

Normal shoulder outcome score values in the young, active adult.

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to determine baseline, normative values for multiple shoulder outcome scores in a young, active population without shoulder symptoms. METHODS: One hundred ninety-two volunteers completed the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, modified American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Western Ontario Shoulder Instability index, Simple Shoulder Test, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score. Their mean age was 28.8 years (range, 17-50 years). RESULTS: Of the participants, 59 (31%) scored no deficiencies on any of the outcome instruments, whereas 133 (69%) demonstrated some abnormal shoulder score. The mean scores were as follows: Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, 97.7 (SD, 5.2); modified American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, 98.9 (SD, 3.3); Western Ontario Shoulder Instability index, 82.7 of 2100 (SD, 153.5); Simple Shoulder Test, 11.79 (SD, 0.60); and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, 1.85 (SD, 5.99). CONCLUSION: Our results show that the best possible shoulder score in an asymptomatic population may not be equivalent to a perfect score on the outcome scale.

Clinical judgment analysis of the parameters used by consultant urologists in the management of prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: We assessed which clinical parameters consultant urologists use to recommend treatment for early prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 consultant urologists reviewed 70 paper representations of patients with prostate cancer. Each contained 7 commonly available cues, including prostate specific antigen, Gleason grade, rectal examination, magnetic resonance imaging/laparoscopic stage, medical history, patient choice and age, in addition to 2 cues not yet routinely available, that is predicted life expectancy and 10-year survival probability, as calculated using actuarial formulas based on noncancer comorbidity. Consultants indicated how strongly they would recommend radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy with or without hormones, or active surveillance/hormones. Judgment analysis was performed using multiple regression analysis with significance considered at p

The measurement of response shift in patients with advanced prostate cancer and their partners.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence to support the phenomenon of response shift (RS) in quality of life (QoL) studies, with many current QoL measures failing to allow for this. If significant response shift occurs amongst prostate cancer patients, it will be necessary to allow for this in the design of future clinical research and to reassess the conclusions of previous studies that have not allowed for this source of bias. This study therefore aimed to assess the presence of RS and psychosocial morbidity in patients with advanced prostate cancer and their partners. METHODS: 55 consecutive advanced prostate cancer patients and their partners completed the Prostate Cancer Patient & Partner questionnaire (PPP), shortly after diagnosis and again at 3 months and 6 months. At the follow-up visits, both patients and partners also completed a then-test in order to assess RS. RESULTS: Partners consistently showed greater psychological morbidity than patients in relation to the prostate cancer. This was most marked on the General Cancer Distress (GCD) subscale (p < 0.001, paired t-test), and regarding worries about treatment (p = 0.01). Significant RS was identified in partners and patients by the use of the then-test technique, particularly on the GCD subscale, the concerns about treatment and the concerns about urinary symptoms items. CONCLUSION: These results suggest the presence of RS in patients with advanced prostate cancer and their partners, with higher levels of psychosocial morbidity noted amongst partners. This is the first study to identify RS in partners and calls into question the interpretation of all studies assessing changes in QoL that fail to allow for this phenomenon.

The assessment of patient life-expectancy: how accurate are urologists and oncologists?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the degree of accuracy, precision and consistency with which consultant urologists, oncologists and junior doctors predict a patient's 10-year life-expectancy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Eighteen doctors of varying seniority independently examined 70 patient case scenarios containing detailed medical histories; 13 of these cases were duplicate scenarios. Bland-Altman analyses were used to compare doctors' estimates of the probability of each hypothetical patient surviving 10 years with that calculated using actuarial methods. Intra- and interdoctor reliability were also assessed. RESULTS: Compared with actuarial estimates, doctors underestimated the 10-year survival probability by an overall mean of 10.8% (95% confidence interval, 10.1-11.5%). The 18 individual doctors ranged from a mean underestimation of 33.2% to a mean overestimation of 3.9%. Variation around these means was considerable for each doctor, the standard deviations being 14.5-20.9%. Inter-doctor reliability was 0.58, while overall intra-doctor reliability was 0.74, but for individual doctors was 0.31-0.94. Junior doctors were less accurate in their predictions than the senior doctors. Five doctors tended to overestimate where life-expectancy was poor and underestimate where it was good. CONCLUSIONS: Doctors were poor at predicting 10-year survival, tending to underestimate when compared with actuarial estimates. There was also substantial variability both within and between doctors. The inaccuracy, imprecision and inconsistency amongst the doctors in assessing patient life-expectancy is an important finding and has significant implications for managing patients. Many patients may be denied treatment after a pessimistic assessment of life-expectancy and (less commonly) some may inappropriately be offered treatment after an optimistic assessment. The particular inaccuracy in junior doctors compared with their senior colleagues also highlights the need for training. The development of a tool to assist in both training and clinical practice has the potential to improve doctors' decision-making and patient care.