Perceived usefulness of trauma audit filters in urban India: a mixed-methods multicentre Delphi study comparing filters from the WHO and low and middle-income countries.

OBJECTIVE: To compare experts' perceived usefulness of audit filters from Ghana, Cameroon, WHO and those locally developed; generate context-appropriate audit filters for trauma care in selected hospitals in urban India; and explore characteristics of audit filters that correlate to perceived usefulness. DESIGN: A mixed-methods approach using a multicentre online Delphi technique. SETTING: Two large tertiary hospitals in urban India. METHODS: Filters were rated on a scale from 1 to 10 in terms of perceived usefulness, with the option to add new filters and comments. The filters were categorised into three groups depending on their origin: low and middle-income countries (LMIC), WHO and New (locally developed), and their scores compared. Significance was determined using Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Wilcoxon rank-sum test. We performed a content analysis of the comments. RESULTS: 26 predefined and 15 new filter suggestions were evaluated. The filters had high usefulness scores (mean overall score 9.01 of 10), with the LMIC filters having significantly higher scores compared with those from WHO and those newly added. Three themes were identified in the content analysis relating to medical relevance, feasibility and specificity. CONCLUSIONS: Audit filters from other LMICs were deemed highly useful in the urban India context. This may indicate that the transferability of defined trauma audit filters between similar contexts is high and that these can provide a starting point when implemented as part of trauma quality improvement programmes in low-resource settings.

Prospective observational study on cholelithiasis in patients with carcinoma gall bladder in a tertiary referral hospital of Eastern India.

CONTEXT: Gallbladder carcinoma (GBCA) is the fifth most common types of gastrointestinal malignancy and is the most common malignancy of the biliary tract. Cholelithiasis, gallbladder polyps, porcelain gall, and choledochal cysts are common known associations with GBCA. Because of the better understanding of the etiopathogenesis, the traditional nihilistic attitude toward the prognosis has, over the years, given way to greater interest and hope for treating the disease. Long-term survival has been reported in patients with resectable lesions in the hands of expert hepatobiliary surgeons. OBJECTIVE: This prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary referral hospital of Eastern India on patients with the diagnosis of GBCA. The main objective was to assess the incidence of gallstones in patients with GBCA, and the relationship, if any, between the size and number of stones and GBCA in our patient cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted, over a period of 2 years, at a tertiary referral hospital of Eastern India which caters to patients from all the neighboring districts. A total of 54 patients with the diagnosis of GBCA were included in the study. Data on their demographic and clinical profile, the incidence of associated gallstones, their size (<3 or ≥3cm), and number (solitary or multiple) were collected. Known predisposing factors of GBCA, if any, in those presenting without stones were noted. RESULTS: GBCA was found to afflict females 2.4 times as frequently as males. Patients, irrespective of their sex, were mostly in their sixth decade. Approximately three-fourth of the cases had associated cholelithiasis. The number of stones had no correlation with the disease. However, contrary to available published data, stones <3 cm were significantly more common in our study cohort. CONCLUSION: The results of this study reaffirm that cholelithiasis is a strong predisposing factor for GBCA and females with gallstones in their sixth decade, are more at risk. Although number of stones was not found to be an independent risk factor, patients with stones <3 cm (mostly multiple) were found to be more at risk in our study.

Demographic and clinicopathological profile of patients with chronic pancreatitis in a tertiary referral teaching hospital of West Bengal: Personal experience.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data on the demographic and clinicopathological profiles of patients with chronic pancreatitis from the eastern part of India. This study documents the demographic and clinicopathological profiles of patients with chronic pancreatitis presenting to a general surgery unit of a tertiary referral hospital of Kolkata. METHODS: The records of 145 patients presenting with chronic pancreatitis over a 5-year period were scrutinized and their demographics, clinical profile, and complications and morphological changes of the pancreas are described. RESULTS: Of the 145 patients, more than 50% were under the age of 30 years. Males were affected more frequently than females (M/F = 3.8:1). While idiopathic pancreatitis was the most common form of chronic pancreatitis (41.4%), alcohol was found to be the most common etiology (37.9%). Pain was the most common presenting symptom (n = 143; 98.6%). Sixty-five subjects (45%) had diabetes of which 32 subjects were insulin-dependent. On contrast-enhanced computed tomography, ductal dilatation was seen in 80 (55.17%) subjects, while ductal calculi and ductal dilatation in 54 cases (37.2%). Parenchymal calcification was seen in 45 patients of whom 40 patients (89%) were under the age of 30 years. Pseudocyst was the most common complication (n = 16) followed by biliary obstruction (n = 8) and portal hypertension (n = 4). Patients with alcoholic pancreatitis had significantly higher frequency of severe abdominal pain, diabetes, and local complications as compared to the other forms of pancreatitis in our study. CONCLUSION: Idiopathic pancreatitis was the most common form of chronic pancreatitis in this study, followed by alcoholic pancreatitis and then tropical pancreatitis.

A Comparative Study Between Longitudinal Pancreacticojejunostomy v/s Lateral Pancreaticogastrostomy as a Drainage Procedure for Pain Relief in Chronic Pancreatitis Done in a Tertiary Referral Centre of Eastern India.

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a chronic inflammation of pancreas that leads to progressive fibrosis of pancreatic parenchyma. Commonest indication of surgery in chronic pancreatitis is intractable pain. Choice of procedure depends upon the main pancreatic duct (MPD) morphology. Decompression is useful in dilated and obstructed ducts. Traditional form of decompression is construction of a pancreatico-jejunal anastomosis (LPJ). Another method to achieve ductal decompression is by a pancreaticogastrostomy (LPG) and this study will try to evaluate its effectiveness against pancreaticojejunostomy. To compare the effectiveness of LPG and LPJ in relieving intractable abdominal pain in patients with CP and their respective post-operative complications. This prospective study was done over a period of 4 years from Jan 2007 to Dec 2010 at IPGME & R (SSKM), a tertiary hospital of eastern India. Patients with diagnosis of CP with or without duct calculi and MPD diameter ≥7 mm with intractable pain were included. 70 patients were randomly allocated for LPJ and LPG operation by lottery method. Study tools were questionnaires, blood and radiological investigations and standard instruments for open surgery. The patients were prospectively analyzed for duration of surgery and hospital stay, operative/postoperative complications and assessment of postoperative pain relief. Pain relief was assessed as complete (no analgesic requirement), satisfactory (tolerable pain with normal daily activities) and unsatisfactory (hospitalization, narcotics or hampered daily activities). 1. Operative time was shorter in LPG than LPJ (Median 85 vs. 110 min). 2. Incidence of ileus was lesser in LPG group (p = .054). Other complications were comparable in both groups. 3. LPG was associated with shorter duration of hospital stay (Mean 6 vs. 8 days). 4. Pain relief was comparable in LPG and LPJ. LPG is a good alternative to LPJ for CP.

An Open-Label Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial of Mechanical Bowel Preparation vs Nonmechanical Bowel Preparation in Elective Colorectal Surgery: Personal Experience.

Over the last two decades, preoperative mechanical bowel preparation for elective colorectal surgery has been criticized. Yet, many surgeons are still in favor of its use simply because of the belief that it achieves better clearance of the colonic fecal load. The objective of this study is to compare the outcome with regard to patient compliance and postoperative complications following elective colorectal surgery between two groups of patients, one with bowel prepared mechanically and the other by nonmechanical means. This open-label prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted in a high-volume tertiary government referral hospital of Kolkata over a period of 3 years. It included 71 patients, divided into two groups, admitted for elective colorectal resection procedures in one surgical unit. Both methods of bowel preparation were equally well tolerated, and there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications or mortality between the two groups.

"Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Single Surgeon's Experience in some of the Teaching Hospitals of West Bengal".

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has revolutionized the management of symptomatic gallstone disease since its introduction more than 20 years ago. It has gained widespread acceptance and is presently the gold standard for its management. This large study spanned over last 10 years and includes prospective data on 950 elective cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy since 2002. All cases were operated personally by the author in different teaching hospitals of West Bengal. The following were looked into: profiles of the patients including major comorbidities requiring special precautions, the frequency of "difficult cholecystectomies," conversion rate, and operative and postoperative complications. The results showed that 75 % of the patients were females. The mean age of the female patients was 35 years (range15-75), while that of the male patients was 42 (range 18-68). Thirty-two patients had major comorbidities which required special precautions in the perioperative period. Twenty-six percent of the cases were categorized as "difficult," and 6 % of the cases had to be converted to open procedure. Major complications occurred in 11 patients of which five had to be converted. Fifty-five patients had port-site infection due to atypical mycobacteria species of which majority occurred in the last 1 year of the study. All of them responded to second-line antitubercular medications.

Merkel cell carcinoma: a rare presentation.

A 33-year-old man presented with a lump at the right side of chest wall of 4 months duration which started bleeding suddenly from an ulcer at its center. Examination revealed a globular ulcerated mass 2 cm in diameter, on the anterior axillary fold, with adherent clot at its center. No regional lymphadenopathy was noted. Wide local excision with 2 cm margin was done. Biopsy report revealed malignant small round-cell tumor. Immunohistochemistry showed it to be cytokeratin-20-positive and S100-negative, suggesting the diagnosis of Merkel cell carcinoma. The patient did not receive any other adjuvant therapy. He is being followed-up for the last 4 years and has shown no features of recurrence so far.

Combined adenocarcinoma-carcinoid tumor of transverse colon.

A 65-year-old male presented with painless hematochezia associated with episodic cramps in upper abdomen, watery diarrhea, and a slowly growing mass in upper abdomen. Examination revealed a firm 6 x 5 cm, intra-abdominal, epigastric mass. Colonoscopy up to 90 cm showed a stenosing, ulcero-proliferative lesion in the transverse colon. No synchronous lesion was detected. Biopsy revealed mucin secreting adenocarcinoma. Exploration showed the growth involving the transverse colon proximal to the splenic flexure with a part of ileum, approximately three feet proximal to ileo-caecal junction, adherent to it. No significant mesenteric lymph node enlargement was evident. The patient underwent resection of the growth along with the segment of adherent ileum. Continuity was re-established by a colo-colic and ileo-ileal anastomosis respectively. Patient received adjuvant chemotherapy. Post-operative histopathology demonstrated a composite histological pattern with an admixture of carcinoid tumor and adenocarcinoma, invasion of ileal serosa and adenocarcinomatous deposits in mesocolic lymph nodes, the tumor staging being (T4, N0, M0/Stage II) for carcinoid and (T4, N1, M0/Stage III) for adenocarcinoma. Patient was followed-up for a year and was doing well without any evidence of recurrence.

Spontaneous perforation of common bile duct: a rare complication of choledocholithiasis.

A 35-year-old female presented with 48 hrs history of severe upper abdominal pain and abdominal distension. The patient was suffering from intermittent episodes of colicky upper abdominal pain and spiky fever with chill and rigor in association with yellowish discoloration of eyes and urine for last 3 months. On examination the lady was dehydrated, icteric, febrile and was having tachycardia and hypotension. Abdominal examination indicated features of generalized peritonitis. Hematological profile suggested neutrophilic leukocytosis, blood biochemistry suggested conjugated hyperbilirubinemia, raised alkaline phosphatase and transaminases. Skiagram of the abdomen showed ground glass opacity without any free gas under the diaphragm. Ultrasonography and contrast enhanced CT scan of the abdomen revealed multiple calculi within a distended, thick walled gall bladder, dilated common bile duct (CBD) with a 12.8 mm stone impacted at its lower end and free fluid in the lesser sac and rest of the peritoneal cavity. Diagnostic abdominal paracentasis showed heavily bile stained fluid. Exploration done for generalized biliary peritonitis with sepsis, revealed erosion at the posterior aspect of the retro-duodenal CBD over the site of the impacted stone. She underwent cholecystectomy, choledocholithotomy through a supra-duodenal choledochotomy, and T-tube drainage of the CBD. She made a slow but steady post operative recovery and was discharged from the hospital after 22 days in favorable conditions.

Repeated ingestion of sharp-pointed metallic objects.

A 20-year-old woman was brought to the surgical outpatient department with the strange history of irresistible desire to ingest metallic substances, mainly nails and pins. Her problems were initiated after she was forced to marry against her wish. She had no abdominal complaints and on examination the abdomen appeared absolutely normal. Plain radiograph confirmed numerous nails and pins inside her GI tract. On detailed psychologic evaluation, she was found to be suffering from deviant sexual behavior and marriage against her wish acted as a stressor in the development of this habit.

Male circumcision: an overview.

Circumcision is one of the common operations performed worldwide, for various reasons. Controversy exists as to whether circumcision is an operation. This literature review discusses the indications of circumcision, benefits and complications of circumcision, and alternatives to circumcision. Relevant articles on the benefits, complications, indications and alternative to circumcision from 1964 to 2005 were reviewed, from National Library of Medicine's Pubmed database. Additional articles were obtained from the reference lists of key articles and recent reviews.

Wilkie's syndrome: an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction.

A 10-year-old boy presented with 9 months history of gradually worsening, recurrent postprandial upper abdominal pain, bilious vomiting and loss of weight. On examination the child was undernourished, had epigastric fullness and succusion splash was positive. Ultrasonography of the abdomen suggested a massively distended stomach, while an upper gastrointestinal contrast study showed a hugely dilated stomach along with dilated first and second parts of the duodenum with abrupt cut off at the level of third part of duodenum. Contrast enhanced CT scan of the abdomen revealed dilatation of the second part of the duodenum without any obvious abnormality of the aorta-superior mesenteric artery angle. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed retained fluid and food material within a dilated stomach and second part of the duodenum; scope could not be negotiated into the third part because of an extrinsic compression. The child was diagnosed to be suffering from Wilkie's syndrome. Exploratory laparotomy, performed when conservative management failed, revealed compression of the third part of duodenum by a shortened ligament of Trietz and dense peritoneal bands near the third part of duodenum. The duodenal obstruction was bypassed by performing duodenojejunostomy. The child had an uneventful postoperative recovery. He gained around 6.8 kilograms within next five months.

Mesenteric cyst: an unusual presentation.

A 5-year-old boy presented with the history of a small lower abdominal swelling since childhood which increased in size and became painful following a fall. Examination revealed a mobile, globular, cystic intraabdominal mass in the lower abdomen. Ultrasonography of the abdomen suggested a 7.5 × 5.5 cm cystic lesion, separate from the bladder, containing an echogenic mobile mass. Intra venous urography excluded any abnormality of the kidneys, ureters and bladder. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a sigmoid mesenteric cyst protruding out of one of the mesenteric leaves and attached to it by a narrow stalk. The excised cyst was found to be thin walled and unilocular. It was internally lined with fibrinous exhudate and contained serous fluid and a solid spherical blood clot. The child had an uneventful postoperative recovery. Histopathology of the cyst wall showed maturing granulation and fibrous tissue with hemosiderin laden macrophages and lymphoid aggregates consistent with the diagnosis of a lymphagioma with chronic inflammatory changes and evidence of past hemorrhage.

Hydrocele of the canal of Nuck.

Hydrocele of the canal of Nuck is an uncomon and infrequently reported finding in women. A 24-year-old female presented with a painless left groin swelling which was soft, cystic, non-tender with 7.5 cm x 5 cm in measurement. It was more prominent in standing. Ultrasonography revealed an encysted echofree lesion in the left inguinal canal. On surgery, a cyst was found containing clear fluid in the inguinal canal which was dissected out and wound was closed in layers. The patient is doing well till date. Here one such case with diagnosis of hydrocele of the canal of Nuck is reported.

Perforation of Meckel's diverticulum by roundworm.

An 11-month-old girl child presented with distension of abdomen, constipation, vomiting and fever. X-ray of the abdomen suggested intestinal obstruction. Exploration revealed the distal ileum to be kinked around a band running from the tip of a congested Meckel's diverticulum to the lateral pelvic wall. A small perforation was noticed at the tip of the diverticulum and a live roundworm was found lying free in the peritoneal cavity. The diverticulum along with a segment of adjoining bowel was resected and end-to-end anastomosis done. The diverticulum had a wide lumen and showed no heterotopic tissue on subsequent examination.

Gigantic post-traumatic pseudocyst of sigmoid mesentery.

A 29-year-old man presented with dull abdominal pain and a lump occupying almost the entire abdomen, four months after a fall from a height. Ultrasonography revealed a cystic lesion with debris occupying almost the entire abdomen. Diagnostic tap revealed brownish fluid. Exploration revealed a huge thick-walled cyst of the sigmoid mesocolon, which could be enucleated out entirely. Histology suggested it to be a false cyst.