Are we getting the critical view? A prospective study of photographic documentation during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: At laparoscopic cholecystectomy, most surgeons have adopted the operative approach where the 'critical view of safety' (CVS) is achieved prior to dividing the cystic duct and artery. This prospective study evaluated whether an adequate critical view was achieved by scoring standardized intra-operative photographic views and whether there were other factors that might impact on the ability to obtain an adequate critical view. METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy were studied. At each operation, two photographs were taken. Two independent experienced hepatobiliary surgeons scored the photographs on whether a critical view of safety was achieved. Inter-observer agreement was calculated using the weighted kappa coefficient. The Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test was used to analyse the scores with potential confounding clinical factors. RESULTS: The kappa coefficient for adequate display of the cystic duct and artery was 0.49; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.33 to 0.64; P = 0.001. No bias was detected in the overall scorings between the two observers (χ(2) 1.33; P = 0.312). Other clinical factors including surgeon seniority did not alter the outcome [odds ratio (OR) 0.902; 95% confidence interval 0.622 to 1.264]. CONCLUSION: Heightened awareness of the CVS through mandatory documentation may improve both trainee and surgeon technique.

The association of body composition on chemotherapy toxicities in non-metastatic colorectal cancer patients: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, certain body composition measures, assessed by computed tomography (CT), have been found to be associated with chemotherapy toxicities. This review aims to explore available data on the relationship between skeletal muscle and adiposity, including visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), intramuscular and intermuscular adipose tissue and their association with chemotherapy toxicity in non-metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. METHODS: A systematic literature search following PRISMA guidelines was conducted in Medline, Embase, Cochrane and Web of Science, for papers published between 2011 and 2023. The search strategy combined keywords and MESH terms relevant to 'body composition', 'chemotherapy toxicities', and 'non-metastatic colorectal cancer'. RESULTS: Out of 3868 studies identified, six retrospective studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria with 1024 eligible patients. Low skeletal muscle mass was strongly associated with increased incidence of both chemotherapy toxicities and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). The association of VAT, intramuscular and intermuscular adiposity was heterogeneous and inconclusive. There was no association between SAT and chemotherapy intolerance. No universal definitions or cut-offs for sarcopenia and obesity were noted. All studies utilized 2-dimensional (2D) CT slices for CT body composition assessment with varied selection on the vertebral landmark and inconsistent reporting of tissue-defining Hounsfield unit (HU) measurements. CONCLUSION: Low skeletal muscle is associated with chemotherapy toxicities in non-metastatic CRC. However, quality evidence on the role of adiposity is limited and heterogeneous. More studies are needed to confirm these associations with an emphasis on a more coherent body composition definition and an approach to its assessment, especially regarding sarcopenia.

Recalibration and validation of a preoperative risk prediction model for mortality in major colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: In 2009, Barwon Health designed a risk stratification model for mortality in major colorectal surgery with the use of only preoperative risk factors. The Barwon Health 2009 model was shown to predict mortality reliably, and it was comparable to other models, such as the original, POSSUM. However, the Barwon Health 2009 model was never validated with data other than those used to develop the model. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to perform temporal and external validation of the Barwon Health 2009 model and to compare it with other published models. DESIGN: : The temporal validation was a prospective observational study, whereas the external validation was a retrospective observational study. The discrimination and calibration of the models were assessed by using the area under receiver operator characteristic and χ test of Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fi technique. SETTINGS: This is a multi-institutional study. Data were collected from 2008 to 2010. RESULTS: There were 474 major colorectal cases at Geelong Hospital (temporal validation) and 389 cases at Western Hospital (external validation). The overall mortality rate was 5.10% and 1.03%. In the comparison of the 2 demographics, Geelong Hospital had a higher proportion of patients who were older and had higher ASA scores and comorbidity counts, whereas Western Hospital surgeons were operating on a higher number of urgent cases. Despite the differences, the Barwon Health 2009 model was able to discriminate mortality reliably (area under receiver operator characteristic = 0.753) but had poor model calibration (p < 0.001) on temporal validation. Hence, the model was recalibrated to predict mortality accurately(area under receiver operator characteristic = 0.772; p = 0.83), and this was successfully validated at Western Hospital (area under receiver operator characteristic = 0.788; p = 0.24). CONCLUSIONS: We have developed a model that can accurately predict mortality after major colorectal surgery by using only data that are available preoperatively. After recalibration, the model was successfully validated in a second hospital.

Are health outcomes in the older colorectal cancer patients treated by curative intent surgery any different to the younger patients?

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer poses a major burden. Its incidence increases with age and older patients with comorbidities have a higher likelihood of major complications. This study investigated the impact of age on health outcomes in colorectal cancer patients treated by surgery. METHODS: A prospective database of all patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery with curative intent between 2012 and 2017 was used to identify patients. A retrospective review of existing medical records investigating health-related outcomes in colorectal cancer patients undergoing surgery was performed. Primary outcomes measured were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Difference in restricted mean survival times (RMST) up to a pre-specified time point of 24 months was used to compare four age groups. RESULTS: Six-hundred and fifty-one patients were divided into four age group categories: ≤65-years (n = 244), 66 to 75-years (n = 213), 76 to 85-years (n = 162) and >85-years (n = 32). Older patients were found to have a higher rate of post-operative medical complications (including confusion) (P = 0.001) and a longer length of stay (LOS) (P = 0.01). There was no difference between the 76 to 85-year age group and >85-year age group in OS and DFS. However, there was a reduced OS in older patients (>65) compared to their younger cohorts (<65) (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Older patients who undergo curative surgery have reduced OS, increased LOS and higher complication rates. Complex older patients may benefit from geriatric assessment and management in the peri-operative period.

The changing face of maxillofacial trauma during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns in Melbourne, Australia.

PURPOSE: To compare the incidence, aetiology, and patterns of maxillofacial fracture presentations during the various stages of the 2020 Melbourne COVID-19 lockdown restrictions to periods outside lockdown in 2019 and 2020. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 344 subjects. The patterns of facial trauma presentations to a tertiary hospital in metropolitan Melbourne during the 2020 COVID-19 restrictions were compared to periods with no restrictions over 22 months from March 2019 to December 2020. RESULTS: The incidence of maxillofacial fractures decreased by 28% during lockdown (0.41 vs. 0.57 injuries/day, P = 0.0003). Falls overtook interpersonal violence as the leading cause of fractures (44% of lockdown presentations vs. 25.7% of presentations outside lockdown, P = 0.002), while sporting injuries dropped drastically (4% vs. 17.1%, P = 0.005). Lockdowns saw an increase in the proportion of female patients (40% vs. 26.8%, P = 0.03) and a fivefold increase in proportion of domestic violence-related fractures (6.7% vs. 1.1%, P = 0.006). Alcohol-related injuries decreased significantly (11% vs. 21%, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: While restrictions reduced rates of interpersonal violence and alcohol-related maxillofacial trauma, there was a higher proportion of injuries to females, increased falls, and domestic violence-related injuries.

Chronic rectal anastomosis complications prior to ileostomy reversal: development of a pilot classification system and associated outcomes.

BACKGROUNDS: A loop ileostomy may reduce the severity of acute anastomotic complications after low rectal resection, but some patients have persistent rectal anastomotic problems. No consensus exists for the management of patients with a chronic low rectal anastomosis complication and a loop ileostomy. There is need for a standard description of these anastomotic complications and to determine whether it is safe to reverse the ileostomy. This study proposes a classification of chronic rectal anastomotic complications and to report the correlation with successful restoration of rectal continuity. METHODS: This was a retrospective project from a prospectively maintained database at a single colorectal unit in a large tertiary hospital in Metropolitan Melbourne. Patients with rectal anastomotic complications following rectal cancer resections between March 2012 and October 2019 were included. A classification of chronic rectal anastomotic complication was developed by reviewing the interval assessments of the rectal anastomosis. The classification categories were correlated with outcomes after stoma closure. RESULTS: Of the 149 patients, 20 patients had an anastomotic complication identified during work up prior to loop ileostomy reversal. Eleven patients had an anastomotic stenosis and nine had an anastomotic defect. Eighteen patients were eligible for stomal closure. The majority (11/12) of patients with a Type 1 stenosis or defect had no rectal complications after stoma closure. CONCLUSION: The classification system helps to describe chronic rectal anastomotic abnormalities and guide management. Although these patients may be a challenge, many can undergo successful ileostomy reversal.

Outcomes of perineal reconstruction with inferior gluteal artery myocutaneous flaps and primary closure following abdominoperineal resection.

BACKGROUND: Perineal wound morbidity following abdominoperineal resection (APR) is a significant challenge. Myocutaneous flap-based techniques have been developed to overcome morbidity associated with perineal reconstruction. We reviewed outcomes for patients undergoing APR in a hospital that performs inferior gluteal artery myocutaneous (IGAM) island transposition flaps and primary closure (PC) for perineal reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients who underwent APR for malignancy between January 2012 and March 2020 was performed and outcomes between IGAM reconstruction and PC compared. Primary outcomes were wound infection and dehiscence. Secondary outcomes included return to theatre, operative time, length of stay, flap loss and perineal hernia incidence. RESULTS: One-hundred and two patients underwent APR, with 50 (49%) who had PC and 52 (51%) had IGAM flap reconstructions. There were no differences between each group with regards to wound infection (23 vs. 22%, P = 0.55) or wound dehiscence (25 vs. 24%, P = 0.92). Thirteen (25%) IGAM patients required a return to theatre compared to three PC patients (6%) (P = 0.008). IGAM procedures required twice the overall operative time (506 vs. 240 min, P = 0.001) with no differences between groups when comparing the APR component (250 vs. 240 min, P = 0.225). The IGAM group had a longer length of stay (median 13 days vs. 9 days, P = 0.001). Only one IGAM flap was lost and no symptomatic hernias were identified. CONCLUSION: Perineal closure technique did not affect the incidence of wound infection or dehiscence. Closure technique should be tailored to underlying patient characteristics and surgical pathology.

Impact of single-stage laparoscopic trans-cystic exploration on hospital procedures, admissions and length-of-stay in common bile duct stone clearance.

BACKGROUND: Single-stage approach with bile duct exploration is considered the most efficient and cost-effective method of bile duct clearance. In Australia, apart from centres with subspecialty interests, notably in Brisbane, Queensland, a multi-stage approach with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is used more frequently. We aim to evaluate the impact of single stage laparoscopic trans-cystic exploration (LTCE) versus multi-stage approach for choledocholithiasis. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study. Medicare Benefits Schedule codings were used to identify patients who had the following procedures between December 2011 and December 2019: laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and ERCP, LC and LTCE, LC and LTCE and ERCP. Primary outcomes were number of hospital procedures, admissions and additive length of stay (aLOS), the cumulative hospital stay from admission to discharge. RESULTS: Of 607 patients, 204 (34%) patients received a single-stage LTCE, while 403 (66%) patients had a multi-stage approach. In the LTCE group, 82% (168) patients and 93% (190) patients had one procedure and one admission respectively for stone clearance (P = 0.001). The median aLOS was 4 days for LTCE versus 7 days for multi-stage approach (P = 0.001; 95% CI for difference - 3 to -2). In the multi-stage group, 16% (65) patients had three or more procedures and 49% (199) patients required two or more hospital admissions to achieve stone clearance. CONCLUSION: LTCE for stone clearance can be successfully accomplished with reductions in hospital admissions, number of procedures and length of stay. This has further economic and health resource implications.

Investigations and time trends in loop ileostomy reversals following anterior resections: a single Australian institution seven-years' experience.

BACKGROUND: Currently no consensus exists regarding what pre-reversal investigations are required to assess integrity of the rectal anastomosis. The objective of this study was to compare pre-reversal assessments of anastomotic integrity and to evaluate trends that might have influenced timings for reversal. METHODS: From a prospectively maintained database, patients with colorectal cancer resections between March 2012 and October 2019 were identified. Patient characteristics, pre-reversal contrast enema and flexible sigmoidoscopy findings were recorded, and management of complications were recorded. Time-to-ileostomy reversal and time series for trends were analysed. RESULTS: There were 154 patients included. Pre-reversal contrast enema or sigmoidoscopy detected a possible stricture or leak at the rectal anastomotic site in 11% (15/132) and 15% (18/112), respectively. When both modalities were used there was concordance of 86.1% and a positive likelihood ratio of 5.73. Of 125 (81.2%) ileostomies reversed, the median time-to-reversal was 11.99 months; time series analysis over the 7-year period showed no significant trend for average patient-days from booking to reversal (P = 0.60). Cox regression modelling did not identify any influential risk factors for the times taken to reversal. CONCLUSION: This study supports the use of both contrast enema and flexible sigmoidoscopy in the assessment of rectal anastomosis integrity. Most patients with complications can have their ileostomies reversed. Patients who have adjuvant chemotherapy have a prolonged time to reversal.

Anaemia and its impact on colorectal cancer patients: how can we better optimize surgical outcomes?

BACKGROUND: Anaemia is a common manifestation of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, appropriate workup prior to surgery and the effect of anaemia on outcomes have not been well defined. This study aimed to describe preoperative anaemia incidence, investigations performed, treatment and associated complications in a CRC surgical population at a single large tertiary institution in Australia. METHODS: Patients who received surgery with curative intent for CRC between 2012 and 2017 were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Demographic and clinical outcome data were analysed. RESULTS: In total, 754 patients with CRC were included. Anaemia was found in 350 (46.4%) patients, of which 124 (35.4%) were microcytic, 20 (5.7%) were macrocytic and 206 (58.9%) were normocytic. Older patients were more likely to have anaemia (mean age 70.28 years, standard deviation (SD) 12.98 versus 64.74 years, SD 11.74). Only 89 patients (25.4%) were tested for iron deficiency, and of these, 76 (85.4%) were found to be iron deficient and 42 (47.7%) had low ferritin. Preoperative anaemia was associated with a higher incidence of postoperative complications (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.46, 95%, CI 1.04-2.05; P = 0.03) and a longer length of stay (LOS; average 1.8 days; 95% CI 0.3-3.3 days). CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of CRC patients had anaemia and the majority were normocytic. Only a small number of anaemic patients were tested for iron deficiency. Preoperative anaemia had an adverse effect on LOS and postoperative complications. The evaluation of anaemic patients is essential in CRC patients undergoing surgery.

Creation and validation of a visual macroscopic hematuria scale for optimal communication and an objective hematuria index.

PURPOSE: Macroscopic hematuria is a common symptom and sign that is challenging to quantify and describe. The degree of hematuria communicated is variable due to health worker experience combined with lack of a reliable grading tool. We produced a reliable, standardized visual scale to describe hematuria severity. Our secondary aim was to validate a new laboratory test to quantify hemoglobin in hematuria specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nurses were surveyed to ascertain current hematuria descriptions. Blood and urine were titrated at varying concentrations and digitally photographed in catheter bag tubing. Photos were processed and printed on transparency paper to create a prototype swatch or card showing light, medium, heavy and old hematuria. Using the swatch 60 samples were rated by nurses and laymen. Interobserver variability was reported using the generalized kappa coefficient of agreement. Specimens were analyzed for hemolysis by measuring optical density at oxyhemoglobin absorption peaks. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement between nurses and laymen was good (kappa = 0.51, p <0.001). Subgroup analysis showed substantial agreement for light hematuria (kappa = 0.71). Overall agreement improved when the moderate (kappa = 0.28) and heavy (kappa = 0.53) hematuria categories were combined (kappa = 0.70). Compared to known blood concentrations the assay of optical density at oxyhemoglobin absorption peaks showed a linear trend. CONCLUSIONS: A simple visual scale to grade and communicate hematuria with adequate interobserver agreement is feasible. The test for optical density at oxyhemoglobin absorption peaks is a new method, validated in our study, to quantify hemoglobin in a hematuria specimen.

Loss of cell-surface receptor EphB2 is important for the growth, migration, and invasiveness of a colon cancer cell line.

PURPOSE: In normal colonic epithelium, the receptor tyrosine kinase, EphB2 interacts with ephrinB1 ligand to maintain the integrity and architecture of the colonic crypt. Loss of EphB2 is seen in most colorectal cancers and correlates with poor prognosis. In this study, we investigated the effects of two levels of EphB2 expression on cell migration and invasion in a colon cancer cell line and on the growth of tumour xenografts. METHODS: An EphB2-negative colon cancer cell line (LIM2405) was transfected with a full-length EphB2 cDNA in a vector designed to respond to the drug tetracycline. The effect of two levels of EphB2 expression on the ability of cells to migrate through a porous barrier in response to a chemo-attractant and to invade through artificial basement membranes was tested in vitro. Finally, the effects of two expression levels of EphB2 on tumour growth using an in vivo model of colonic tumour xenograft in a mouse model were assessed. RESULTS: Expression of moderate levels of EphB2 significantly reduced the migration of tumour cells compared to control (p < 0.05, Kruskal-Wallis test). Expression of high levels of EphB2 further reduced migration of tumour cells (p < 0.05, Kruskal-Wallis test). Similarly, expression of EphB2 markedly reduces the invasive ability of tumour cells. The in vivo model of tumour growth showed that tumours with the highest level of EphB2 expression had a reduced risk of reaching a 10-mm size (defined event) compared with the control group (Cox regression, hazard ratio (HR) = 0.052, 95% CI 0.005-0.550; p = 0.014). Tumours derived from EphB2 expressing cells had a significantly reduced number of mitotic figures (p < 0.05) and an increased number of apoptotic cells (p < 0.05) compared to tumours from control cells. CONCLUSION: Even a moderate level of EphB2 expression has effects on tumour cells which results in reduced migration and invasiveness and slows the growth of colonic tumour implants in an in vivo model.

How does thyroidectomy for benign thyroid disease impact upon quality of life? A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Choosing which patients to recommend surgery for benign thyroid conditions can be difficult due to the subjective nature of compressive thyroid and hormonal symptoms. The aim of this prospective study was to analyse changes in quality of life (QOL) following thyroid surgery using a validated disease-specific assessment tool, the thyroid-related patient-reported outcome (ThyPRO) questionnaire. METHODS: Participants undergoing elective thyroid surgery for benign conditions were recruited. Patient demographics and clinical data were collected. ThyPRO consists of 85 questions grouped into 13 physical, mental and social symptom domains. Patients completed a ThyPRO questionnaire pre-operatively and at 6 weeks and 6 months post-operatively. ThyPRO items were scored according to protocol to produce 13 subscales. Repeated measures linear models with no random effects were performed using data for each outcome. RESULTS: Results were available for a total of 72 patients. The sample was predominately female (n = 63, 88%) with average age 49.8 years. The majority of patients underwent surgery for multi-nodular goitre. At 6 weeks post-operatively, significant improvement was demonstrated in the goitre, hypothyroid, hyperthyroid and anxiety symptom domains. At 6 months post-operatively, significant improvement was demonstrated in all but four domains. No domains demonstrated significant increase in impairment post-operatively. CONCLUSION: Patients had significant improvement in nine of 13 symptom domains following surgery. Patients did not experience a negative impact on QOL following surgery. Further studies with larger patient cohorts may be able to identify potential pre-operative predictive factors for a post-operative improvement in QOL for benign thyroid disease.

Urinary catheter balloons should only be filled with water: testing the myth.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that urinary catheter balloons filled with sterile water, saline or glycine have equivalent rates of failure to deflate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an in vitro equivalence study designed to test whether saline or glycine are neither substantially worse nor substantially better than water in terms of balloon-deflation failure rates. Glycine was chosen as the third arm, as it is readily available during endoscopic procedures and would be useful to use in such situations. We hypothesised that balloon-deflation failure rates using saline or glycine were no worse than water by 10%. We calculated the sample size for equivalence testing; 600 catheters were randomized by computer-generated random numbers to receive 10 mL of water, saline or glycine, and then immersed in a heated artificial urine solution for 6 weeks. The catheter balloons were then deflated, noting any failures to deflate and recording the deflation volumes. RESULTS: There was no failure to deflate in all 600 catheters. The median deflation volume for water, saline and glycine was 9.0, 9.2 and 9.1 mL, respectively (P < 0.001 Kruskal-Wallis test). Post-hoc pair-wise comparisons showed that the deflation volume difference between water and saline was significant (P < 0.001), as was that between water and glycine (P < 0.001). The practical implication of this difference is not apparent from this study. CONCLUSIONS: The use of saline or glycine in catheter balloons has an equivalent deflation failure rate to using water, which in this study was zero.

Continuous Suction Isoperistaltic Gastroesophagostomy for Esophageal Perforation.

Esophageal perforation is a surgical emergency with significant morbidity. Management of this condition is complex and constantly evolving. To our knowledge, this is the first case series describing repair of esophageal perforation with the use of an isoperistaltic gastroesophagostomy tube connected to continuous suction. We present three patients successfully managed using this technique.

Incidental parathyroidectomy during total thyroidectomy is not a direct cause of post-operative hypocalcaemia.

BACKGROUND: Post-operative hypocalcaemia is the most common complication after total thyroidectomy, with a reported incidence of transient hypocalcaemia up to 50% and permanent hypocalcaemia 1.5-4%. The impact of incidental parathyroidectomy (IPE) on post-operative hypocalcaemia remains controversial. This study evaluated the risk factors for IPE following total thyroidectomy and compared post-operative calcium levels serially between patients with and without IPE. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing total thyroidectomy from January 2009 to October 2016 at Western Health was conducted. Histopathology reports were reviewed to identify specimens that included parathyroid tissue. Risk factors and dichotomous data were analysed by exact test of difference in binomial proportions. Group comparison of serial calcium levels (preoperative to 48 h post-operative) between the no IPE and IPE patients were analysed by calculating the area under the curve producing a time series summary. RESULTS: Four hundred and sixty-eight patients were included: 395 were females (81%), with a median age of 51 years. IPE was confirmed histologically in 84 patients (17.7%) and was more likely to occur in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy with central neck dissection (P = 0.0003), and in patients with malignant disease (P = 0.0005). The difference in area under the curve for serial post-operative calcium levels between the no IPE and the IPE groups was 0.61 (P = 0.21, 95% confidence interval: -0.37 to 1.58). CONCLUSION: Total thyroidectomy for malignancy and with central node dissection had a higher risk of IPE but did not result in significant changes in post-operative serum calcium levels.

Randomized trial of laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure-specific consent form.

BACKGROUND: Prior to all surgical procedures, possible risks are outlined to patients during an informed consent discussion, and they are invited to ask questions. Written consent records this discussion and signals a patient's willingness to proceed with surgery. This study aims to improve the documentation of complications discussed during laparoscopic cholecystectomy consent through the introduction of a procedure-specific consent form. METHODS: Phase 1 included a retrospective analysis of possible complications documented on standard consent forms for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Phase 2 was a prospective randomized comparison of existing standard consent forms versus procedure-specific consent forms measuring the documentation of significant complications as identified from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons brochure for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. These include bile duct injury, bile leak, bleeding, infection, conversion and damage to other organs. The proportion of participants in each cohort with the documentation of specific complications was assessed using the two-sample test of differences in proportions. RESULTS: Phase 1 of the study found that the possible risk of bleeding was documented in 82.1% of cases, while damage to other organs was only documented in 7.7%. Phase 2 of the study showed significant improvements in the documentation of specific complications for both standard and procedure-specific consent cohorts; 76.5% of participants in the procedure-specific consent cohort had all complications documented, while no participants in the phase 1 cohort had all complications documented. CONCLUSION: Introduction of a procedure-specific consent form for laparoscopic cholecystectomy has improved the documentation of a standard set of complications.

Systematic differences between ultrasound and pathological evaluation of thyroid nodules: a method comparison study.

BACKGROUND: The size of thyroid nodules as measured by ultrasound (ultrasound size, USS) is routinely used in clinical decision-making. Reports of discrepancy between USS and pathological size (PS) evaluation have not analysed their systematic differences. The objective of this study was to uncover the lack of agreement (bias) between USS and PS measurements. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 121 patients who had a total or hemi-thyroidectomy for a solitary nodule. Ordinary least product regression was used to detect and distinguish constant and proportional bias in unidimensional size measurements between USS and PS evaluation. Three-dimensional volume measurements were compared in a subgroup of 31 patients. Pre-specified acceptable limits of interchange were defined as 20% difference. RESULTS: Ordinary least product regression demonstrated no constant or proportional bias between the two methods; regression equation: USS = (0.863) + (1.040) × PS. When nodules were grouped by size, discrepancies between the two methods were observed in nodules <10 mm (P = 0.004). However, potential overtreatment of patients with USS >10 mm but PS <10 mm only accounted for 4.1% of total patients. Subgroup analysis of volume measurements showed no bias between USS and PS evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: USS and PS measurements were interchangeable, as there was no evidence of constant or proportional bias between the two measurements. However, USS may misclassify the size for smaller nodules and potentially lead to unnecessary workup and treatment. Discrepancy in size measurements between USS and PS should be taken into account in clinical practice, particularly in smaller nodules.

Increased burden on metropolitan urological services: The era of the Australian National Emergency Access Targets (NEAT or the "4-h target").

BACKGROUND: The National Emergency Access Targets (NEAT) was introduced in Australia in 2011 and guides the clearance of presentations within 4-h of initial presentation from the Emergency Department (ED). We aim to assess the impact of the introduction of NEAT on acute urological services at a large metropolitan center. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed and data were collected from electronic patient management systems. The control group was represented by ED presentations between June and September 2011, 1 year prior to the introduction of NEAT. The two study groups consisted of ED presentations between June and September 2012 and 2013, respectively. Outcome measures included time to the ureteric stent and scrotal exploration, inpatient length of stay (IPLOS), out-of-hours operating, and hospital mortality rates. RESULTS: Across the three study periods, a total of 76,935 patients were assessed by the EDs of the health service. 225 urological inpatient episodes were included across all periods with a trend showing increasing numbers of admissions (P = 0.003). For patients admitted under the urological service: Waiting room time and ED length of stay decreased significantly (P < 0.001). Proportion of operative cases decreased insignificantly (P = 0.275). Time from emergency presentation to emergency ureteric stent remained unchanged, however, proportions of procedures performed out-of-hours showed an increasing trend (P < 0.001). A significant increase in inter-unit transfer was observed, however, median IPLOS and mortality for operative and nonoperative cases remain unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Concerning urological admissions, the implementation of NEAT has been associated with improvement in ED key performance indicators. Such changes have been correlated with reductions in operative cases and increases in out-of-hours emergency operating. Further research is required to evaluate the direct effect of NEAT on urological patient care.