Expert survey on management of prostate cancer in India: Real-world insights into practice patterns.

To gain insights on the diverse practice patterns and treatment pathways for prostate cancer (PC) in India, the Urological Cancer Foundation convened the first Indian survey to discuss all aspects of PC, with the objective of guiding clinicians on optimizing management in PC. A modified Delphi method was used, wherein a multidisciplinary panel of oncologists treating PC across India developed a questionnaire related to screening, diagnosis and management of early, locally advanced and metastatic PC and participated in a web-based survey (WBS) (n = 62). An expert committee meeting (CM) (n = 48, subset from WBS) reviewed the ambiguous questions for better comprehension and reanalyzed the evidence to establish a revote for specific questions. The threshold for strong agreement and agreement was ≥90% and ≥75% agreement, respectively. Sixty-two questions were answered in the WBS; in the CM 31 questions were revoted and 4 questions were added. The panelists selected answers based on their best opinion and closest to their practice strategy, not considering financial constraints and access challenges. Of the 66 questions, strong agreement was reached for 17 questions and agreement was achieved for 22 questions. There were heterogeneous responses for 27 questions indicative of variegated management approaches. This is one of the first Indian survey, documenting the diverse clinical practice patterns in the management of PC in India. It aims to provide guidance in the face of technological advances, resource constraints and sparse high-level evidence.

Transfascial suture versus tack fixation of mesh in totally extraperitoneal repair of inguinal hernia: A prospective comparative study.

Purpose: Among laparoscopic surgeries in inguinal hernias, totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair has demonstrated favourable results in reduction of post-operative pain and mean operative times with early return to physical activity. We have done a prospective comparative study on two different techniques of mesh fixation, i.e., transfascial suture and tack fixation. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective, non-randomised comparative study done on inguinal hernia patients operated by TEP repair from October 2014 to September 2016. These data were compared in two techniques of mesh fixation (tack and transfascial sutures) in terms of post-operative complications, pain scores by visual analogue scale (VAS) and cost analysis of the procedure. Results: Our study on 69 total patients (44 tack fixation and 25 suture fixation group) revealed that mean VAS scores for post-operative pain were not having any statistically significant difference in the tack group versus suture group (2.42 ± 0.24 vs. 2.2 ± 0.24) at 24 h, but VAS scores in the follow-up period at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months were 1.14 ± 0.33 versus 0.67 ± 0.27; 0.78 ± 0.24 versus 0.07 ± 0.06; 0.42 ± 0.17 versus 0.07 ± 0.06 and 0.5 ± 0.11 versus 0.07 ± 0.06, respectively, which showed significant difference at 1 and 3 months, suggesting less pain in the suture group. No significant difference was noted in other post-operative complications. Conclusion: Transfascial suture fixation of mesh in TEP repair of inguinal hernia can be a cost-effective procedure with a comparable safety profile as compared to tack fixation.

Cannula-Assisted Port Placement during Video Endoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy (VEIL)-a Novel and Safe Technique.

To present our novel technique for subsequent port placement during video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (VEIL) surgery. VEIL has provided positive results in terms of reduction of pain, early recovery, and better cosmesis. Ten patients who underwent VEIL procedure during 2012-2015 were included in this study to assess feasibility, safety, and advantages of port placement by our new technique which include placement of subsequent ports with the help cannula of the first port. The size of incision, time taken for port placement, leakage of pneumo, any complication(s), and potential learning curve or special instrument requirements were noted in these patients. Median incision size was 10 mm and 5 mm for their respective sized ports with this new technique. Pneumo leakage was not seen in any patient. Median time taken for subsequent port placement was 2 min ± 15 s. No complication was noted to patients or the operating surgeon. The technique proved to be feasible and needed no special equipment or training. We report technical feasibility, safety, and advantages of a new technique for port placement during VEIL surgery emphasising its potential to become a standard technique in the near future.

A Prospective Nonrandomized Study of Comparison of Perioperative and Quality of Life Outcomes of Endoscopic Versus Open Inguinal Hernia Repair: Data from a Developing Country.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the perioperative outcomes and quality of life (QOL) following endoscopic inguinal hernia repair (EIH) versus open inguinal hernia repair (OIH) using the hernia-specific Carolinas Comfort Scale® (CCS) questionnaire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective nonrandomized study from September 2014 to August 2015 included all patients who underwent elective primary endoscopic (totally extraperitoneal repair/transabdominal preperitoneal) or OIH. Baseline patient characteristics were recorded in addition to mean operating time, intraoperative and postoperative complications, return to work, and QOL. RESULTS: Mean operative duration was significantly longer in EIH compared with OIH (102.5 ± 11.9 minutes versus 66.9 ± 12.7 minutes, P = .001). Mean duration of hospital stay (5.7 ± 1.3 days versus 2.6 ± 0.6 days, P = .001), time to return to routine work (5.8 ± 1.1 days versus 3.7 ± 0.8 days, P = .001), and return to office work (OIH versus EIH: 12.3 ± 1.9 days versus 7.6 ± 0.8 days, P = .001) were significantly shorter in EIH. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were comparable in both the groups, except for surgical site infection, which was more with OIH (20.3% versus 5.6%, P = .04), and postoperative pain scores, which were reduced in EIH. QOL was better in EIH with a significant decrease in terms of sensation of mesh, postoperative pain, and movement limitation. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic hernia repair offers reduced hospital stay, equivocal perioperative complications, reduced postoperative pain, and early return to normal activity and work. This assumes importance in developing countries as most of the patients are the sole earning member in the family. QOL is also significantly improved with endoscopic repair with a considerable change for better with time.

Current trends in laparoscopic groin hernia repair: A review.

Hernia is a common problem of the modern world with its incidence more in developing countries. Inguinal hernia is the most common groin hernia repaired worldwide. With advancement in technology operative techniques of repair have also evolved. A PubMed and COCHRANE database search was accomplished in this regard to establish the current status of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in view of recent published literature. Published literature support that laparoscopic hernia repair is best suited for recurrent and bilateral inguinal hernia although it may be offered for primary inguinal hernia if expertise is available.

Tubercular thyroid abscess.

We encountered a patient who presented with neck swelling, difficulty in swallowing, voice change along with systemic features such as evening rise of temperature, chronic cough and weight loss. Ultrasonography of the thyroid gland revealed two cystic swellings. An ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology was suggestive of tubercular abscess. The patient responded well to antigravity aspiration of the swellings and antitubercular treatment.

Video Endoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy (VEIL)--a prospective critical perioperative assessment of feasibility and morbidity with points of technique in penile carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Inguinal lymph node involvement is an important prognostic factor in penile cancer. Inguinal lymph node dissection allows staging and treatment of inguinal nodal disease. However, it causes morbidity and is associated with complications, such as lymphocele, skin loss and infection. Video Endoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy (VEIL) is an endoscopic procedure, and it seems to be a new and attractive approach duplicating the standard open procedure with less morbidity. We present here a critical perioperative assessment with points of technique. METHODS: Ten patients with moderate to high grade penile carcinoma with clinically negative inguinal lymph nodes were subjected to elective VEIL. VEIL was done in standard surgical steps. Perioperative parameters were assessed that is - duration of the surgery, lymph-related complications, time until drain removal, lymph node yield, surgical emphysema and histopathological positivity of lymph nodes. RESULTS: Operative time for VEIL was 120 to 180 minutes. Lymph node yield was 7 to 12 lymph nodes. No skin related complications were seen with VEIL. Lymph related complications, that is, lymphocele, were seen in only two patients. The suction drain was removed after four to eight days (mean 5.1). Overall morbidity was 20% with VEIL. CONCLUSION: In our early experience, VEIL was a safe and feasible technique in patients with penile carcinoma with non palpable inguinal lymph nodes. It allows the removal of inguinal lymph nodes within the same limits as in conventional surgical dissection and potentially reduces surgical morbidity.

Partial penile amputation due to penile tourniquet syndrome in a child troubled with primary nocturnal enuresis--a rare emergency.

Penile tourniquet syndrome (PTS) or acquired constriction ring syndrome (ACRS) is a rare emergency that can lead to a wide range of vascular and soft tissue injuries in the penis. We are presenting a case of penile tourniquet syndrome in an 8-year-old child who had tied a thread around his penis due to primary nocturnal enuresis. On exploration, a constricting thread ring was noticed that was causing partial circumferential distal penile amputation. The thread ring was cut and debridement with primary repair of the wound was done in layers. Prevention of complications needs early diagnosis, timely intervention, and removal of the constriction.

Anticoagulant-induced priapism progressing to penile gangrene: a devastating complication!

A 35-year-old man developed priapism with the use of low-molecular-weight heparin and warfarin following repair of left brachial artery sustained after gunshot injury. Priapism progressed to penile gangrene despite decompression and distal shunt procedure leading to total penectomy and perineal urethrostomy. We describe the mechanism of anticoagulant (heparin and warfarin)-induced penile gangrene and the possible methods to avert such a devastating complication.

Spontaneous enterocutaneous fistula due to femoral hernia.

Spontaneous enterocutaneous fistula is a rare entity. We encountered a case of spontaneous enterocutaneous fistula in the groin region due to femoral hernia. A 60-year-old man presented with spontaneous enterocutaneous fistula in the left groin region without signs of peritonitis. He was kept on conservative treatment, but on third postadmission day, he developed a swelling in his right groin, which became firm and irreducible with signs of intestinal obstruction. On exploratory laparotomy, bilateral femoral hernias were noted with formation of enterocutaneous fistula on the left side. Reduction and repair of hernia was performed. In view of the rarity of this complication, this case is being reported here.

Unsuspected pheochromocytoma of the urinary bladder: reminder of an important clinical lesson.

Bladder pheochromocytoma creates an extremely rare situation (0.06% of all bladder tumours). We came across a case with a complaint of intermittent episodes of haematuria. Cystoscopy revealed a solid, bluish submucosal growth with increased vascularity. Immediately after taking biopsy, the patient developed a sharp headache, chest heaviness and marked rise in blood pressure. The procedure was abandoned. Later, serum and urinary markers for pheochromocytoma were within normal limits. The histopathology report came out to be pheochromocytoma of the bladder. Later, partial cystectomy was carried out under general anaesthesia and histopathology confirmed the same. Thus, a surgeon/urologist should have a high index of suspicion for bladder pheochromocytoma while dealing with such cases if he comes across the characteristic symptoms of sharp headache, hypertension, palpitation, sweating, fainting or blurring of vision immediately after voiding or during the cystoscopic manipulation of tumour or cystoscopic findings of a submucosal supratrigonal vascular tumour with a bluish hue.

Trans-anal barotrauma by compressed air leading to sigmoid perforation due to a dangerous practical joke.

To present a case report of trans-anal barotrauma by high-pressure compressed air jet as a dangerous practical joke, that is, playful insufflation of high-pressure air jet through the anal orifice resulting in sigmoid perforation. The patient presented to emergency a day later with complaints of severe pain in the abdomen and abdominal distension following insufflation of high-pressure air jet through the anus. On examination, he had signs suggestive of perforation peritonitis and x-ray of the abdomen showed gas under the diaphragm. An emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed which revealed a 4-cm perforation in the sigmoid colon. Resection of the segment containing perforation along with the surrounding devitalised part was done with double-barrel colostomy. Reversal of colostomy was done after 8 weeks. Follow-up was uneventful.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in situs inversus: points of technique.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures carried out in the world today. Rarely do patients present with undiagnosed situs inversus with cholecystitis. Symptomatic gallstones in patients with situs inversus pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. We had one such patient who presented with episodes of pain in the left upper abdomen. She was found to be suffering from situs inversus with gallstones in a left-sided gall bladder. After thorough preoperative evaluation, we performed laparoscopic cholecystectomy by modifying the operative technique adopting a mirror image of port placement on the left side using the left subcostal port (5 mm) for dissection with the right hand and the subxiphoid port for retraction of Hartmann's pouch by the left hand of the surgeon. We can summarise that laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients of situs inversus can be safely performed by an experienced surgeon.