Evaluation of the self-assessment knowledge regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation in medical students at the University of Belgrade.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a vital skill that can improve the outcome of patients with sudden cardiac arrest. To raise awareness about CPR some countries have introduced an obligatory First Aid Course (FAC), usually done parallelly to a driver's license (DL). While expected of doctors to know CPR, the curriculum of some medical schools does not seem to have enforced measures to improve that knowledge. The aim was to have students self-evaluate their current knowledge of CPR, comparing it before university and whether it improved during their studies. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2020 using an anonymous questionnaire among students at the Faculty of Medicine in Belgrade (studies in English). RESULTS: A total of 172 (66.7%) students possessed a DL, of which 39.8% felt they were ready, 45.8% felt neutral, and 14.4% felt unable to perform CPR. The total number of students that completed a FAC during their studies was 165. Analysis was performed on the ability assessment data after the first FAC during studies, comparing it to FAC for DL and assessments at the end of studies. No statistically significant difference was observed in the level of self-reported ability to perform CPR, while a statistically significant difference was found in ability assessments when comparing only the FAC for the DL, and the one after the first FAC during medical studies, with students feeling more prepared after the FAC for DL. Across the sample, 90.2% of the students wished they had more CPR training during their medical studies. CONCLUSIONS: From this study, it may conclude that students wish and need more CPR training in their curriculum.

Central rupture and bulging of low-weight polypropylene mesh following recurrent incisional sublay hernioplasty.

A recurrent incisional hernia resulting from the rupture of low-weight polypropylene mesh is rarely reported in the literature. Three patients with recurrent incisional hernia due to low-weight polypropylene mesh central rupture were operated 5, 7 and 13 months after initial sublay hernioplasty. The posterior myofascial layer was fully reconstructed in all patients during the hernioplasty, whereas the anterior myofascial layer was only partially reconstructed. The recurrent hernia was managed using heavy-weight polypropylene mesh; in two patients, a new sublay hernioplasty was performed and in one patient an "open preperitoneal flat mesh technique" was performed under local anaesthesia as a day case procedure. If closing of the anterior myofascial layer cannot be ensured during the incisional hernioplasty, the use of low-weight polypropylene meshes should be avoided; preference should be given to the heavy-weight polypropylene meshes.

Spigelian hernia repair as a day-case procedure.

PURPOSE: Only a few series of patients with a spigelian hernia managed on an outpatient basis have been reported in the literature. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the results of the elective spigelian hernia repair as an ambulatory procedure. METHODS: From June 2007 to June 2010, 8 patients with 9 spigelian hernias were electively operated on under local anesthesia as a day case. Four patients had unilateral spigelian hernia, 1 had spigelian and inguinal on the same side, 1 had spigelian and epigastric, 1 had spigelian and umbilical, and 1 patient had bilateral spigelian and umbilical hernia. Spigelian hernia was managed by the "open preperitoneal flat mesh technique." In patients with several ventral hernias at different sites, "the open preperitoneal flat mesh technique" was performed using one separate flat mesh for each of the hernias; for the patient with inguinal hernia, the Lichtenstein procedure was performed in addition. RESULTS: No complications and recurrences were recorded during a mean follow-up of 23.5 months (range: 11-35). CONCLUSION: The elective spigelian hernia can be successfully repaired under local anesthesia as a day-case procedure. The "open preperitoneal flat mesh technique" provides excellent results under these conditions.

Anaesthesia in colorectal carcinoma surgery at the Clinic for Digestive Surgery from 1997 to 2007.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancers are one of the most present neoplasms in human population. This pathology is one of the most frequent ones at the Clinic for Digestive Surgery in Belgrade. AIM: To investigate if there were any changes in both number and structure of patients with colorectal cancers (age, gender, co-morbidity) as well as in both type and duration of surgical procedures and in providing and maintaining anaesthesia in patients with this disease. METHODS: This is a retrospective study. Research materials were anaesthesiological cards written for patients undergoing surgery in order to treat colorectal cancers at the Clinic for Digestive surgery in both 1997 and 2007. Demographics, co-morbidity, ASA score were the parameters we followed in our survey as well as the type of the resection and duration of these surgical interventions. Besides that providing and maintaining anaesthesia and balance of circulatory volume were considered too. RESULTS: The number of the colorectal surgical interventions has been increased up to 489 (13.1% of all) in 2007 comparing to the number of 379 (13.55% of all) in 1997. The percentage has remained the same because the number of all surgical procedures has been increased. The percentage of the rectal resections is increased highly significante in 2007 (50.1% in 1997; 62.6% in 2007). During the same year the duration of the operations was shortened (mean value 176.31 minutes in 1997, 157.5 minutes in 2007). In 2007 highly statistically significant is bigger amount of colloid and crystalloid infusions that were given for supplementation of circulatory volume (mean value 3294.89 ml in 2007; 2552.22 ml in 1997). On the other hand lower amount of blood was given in 2007 than in 1997 (mean value 102.76 opposite to 488.07) what is statisticly significant. The number of the patients with co-morbidities is not statisticly importantly changed in these two followed years. Anaesthesiology technique has been changed and is monitored by higher use of inhalation anesthetics. They were used more in 2007 (29.65%) for these types of surgical procedures than in 1997 when they had been used almost never. CONCLUSION: In these two followed years there have been significant changes in surgical interventions (type and duration of the operation). Surgical teams are higher specialised for the procedures they use modern technology such as stapplers have better equipment for diagnosing the illnes. The use of modern inhalation anaesthetics has been increased along with reduced amount of blood and derivates used for supplementation of circulatory volume.

[Results of epidemiological surveillance of hospital infections at the Clinic of Digestive System Surgery, CCS, in 2007].

INTRODUCTION: Nosocomial infections (NI) are significant medical problem in the countries worldwide. NI significance reflects in higher morbidity and mortality rates, and moreover, NIs add to longer stay and higher treatment costs. Based on data obtained from underdeveloped and developing countries, over 20% of hospitalized patients acquire some of NIs, while that proportion is 5% in developed countries. OBJECTIVE: A) to establish the frequency of noosocomial infections at the Clinic of Digestive System Diseases, b) determine the NI incidence in accord with anatomic localizations, c) evaluate the percentage prevalence of NI causes according to anatomic localizations, and d) review the problem of resistance of NI causative agents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study of NI incidence was calculated by Center for Diseases and Prevention (CDC) methodology. Sampling, cultivation, isolation, identification and sensitivity tests of cauosative agents to antimicrobial drugs, obtained from patient's material, were carried out by standard microbiological methods in Microbiological laboratory of the Emergency Center, Clinical Center of Serbia. All infections in patients hospitalized at the Clinic of Digestive System Surgery in 2007 were recorded. Data available from medical documentation as well as data obtained from interviews of medical personnel were analyzed. RESULTS: The incidence rates of patients with NI ranged from 1.7-3.4 per 1000 hospital days. Out of a total number of recorded nosocomial infections, surgical site infections accounted for 69%, blood infections 23% and urinary tract infections 6.8%. The most frequent causative agents of surgical site infections in the last year were as follows: Pseudomonas spp (19%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella spp--(18%), Acinetobacter spp (13%), and Enterococcus spp (8%). Forty percent (40%) of all blood infections verified by laboratory tests in 2007 was caused by coagulase negative Staphylococcus spp (CNS), followed by Acinetobacter spp (18%). Enterococcus spp (11%), and Staphylococcus aureus (7%). The most frequent causative agents of urinary infections were: Escherichia coli (35%) and Enterococcus spp (29%). Over 80% of Staphylococcus aureus isolates were resistant to Methicillin (MRSA) and enterobacteria produced by beta lactamase were recorded (ESBL). CONCLUSION: Enforcement of epidemiological surveillance of nosocomial infections contributes to insight of severity of NI problem, recognition of resistance of causative agents to antibiotics and recommendation of specific preventive measures related to these infections.

[Management of cadaveric organ donors].

Because the supply of cadaveric organ donors is limited and their ICU management is complex, a multidisciplinary, well-coordinated, and institutionally supported approach to management is essential to ensure the maintenance of the current supply and to increase the future supply of organs and tissues that are suitable for transplantation. The potential organ donor is at high risk for instability as a direct consequence of the loss of physiologic homeostatic mechanisms that are dependent on functioning of the central nervous system. The keys to successful ICU management of the potential organ donor include a team approach that is focused on the anticipation of complications, appropriate physiologic monitoring, aggressive life support, with frequent reassessment and titration of therapy.

[Endometriosis in cesarean section surgical scar].

INTRODUCTION: Endometriosis is the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside of uterine cavity. It may occur in the abdominal wall scar after the operation in which uterus was opened. In cesarean section scar it occurs in 0.4%. It is in 2/3 patients characterised with triad of: tumor, periodic pain associated with menses and history of cesarean section. The mechanism of endometriosis occuring in the cesarean scar is felt to be secondary to iatrogenic transplantation of endometrium or extrauterine decidual tissue into the incision during the cesarean section. CASE OUTLINE: Forty years old patient with tumor 4,5x4 cm that appeared in abdominal wall scar one year after second cesarean section, followed by periodic pain and macroscopic changes associated with menses. First diagnosis was granuloma in the surgical scar, but as she had periodic simptoms, diferential diagnosis was endometriosis. Hormonal therapy with contraceptiv drugs was ordered. As it was no improvement she was operated. The surgical excision of the tumor including fascia and muscle tissue was done. Sample revealed endometrium after histopathologic examination. Patient was complitely recoverd and without relepse of simptoms during followup to date. CONCLUSION: When there is a tumor in the cesarean section scar or scar after the operation in which uterus or ovarial tube was opened, followed with periodical pain and macroscopic changes associated with menses, endometriosis should be considered. Surgical excision of the tumor is sufficient and patohistological examination confirms diagnosis.

[Hemorrhagic shock].

Hemorrhagic shock is a condition produced by rapid and significant loss of blood which lead to hemodynamic instability, decreases in oxygen delivery, decreased tissue perfusion, cellular hypoxia, organ damage and can be rapidly fatal. Despite improved understanding of the pathophysiology and significant advances in technology, it remains a serious problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. Early treatment is essential but is hampered by the fact that signs and symptoms of shock appear only after the state of shock is well establish and the compensatory mechanisms have started to fail. The primary goal is to stop the bleeding and restore the intravascular volume. This review addresses the pathophysiology and treatment of haemorrhagic shock.

[Coagulopaty in associated with massive transfusion].

Massive hemorrhage is a formidable challenge for anesthesia care providers in the elective setting and poses even greater potential challenges in the trauma setting. In all this cases, the anesthesia care providers are faced with large-volume resuscitations that typically start with crystalloid and colloid and rapidly progress to blood and blood products. These large-volume replacement may cause coagulopathy, which can be difficult to manage in the setting of ongoing blood loss. Coagulopathy associated with massive transfusion is multifactorial event that results from hemodilution, hypothermia, the use of fractionated blood products and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Maintaining a normal body temperature is a first-line, effective strategy to improve hemostasis during massive transfusion. Treatment strategies include the maintenance of adequate tissue perfusion, the corection of anemia, and the use of hemostatic blood products.

[Ambulatory surgery of umbilical, epigastric and small incisional hernias: open preperitoneal flat mesh technique in local anaesthesia].

INTRODUCTION: The dilemma whether to use the mesh or non mesh technique in the management of umbilical, epigastric and small incisional hernia is slowly fading away. The open preperitoneal "flat mesh" technique performed as ambulatory surgery may be one of the solutions. THE AIM: The aim of this retrospective study is to present the results of open preperitoneal "flat mesh" technique in the management of umbilical, epigastric and small incisional hernia within MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 34 patients (11 of them with umbilical, 13 with epigastric and 8 of them with small incisional hernia) operated by one surgeon in the period January 2004-January 2006. RESULTS: The median operative time was 52 minutes for umbilical hernia's, 43 minutes for epgastric and 54 minutes for incisional hernia's. The ambulatory surgery was performed at 91% of patients. The median hospitalization was 4h for patients with umbilical hernia's, 3,7h for patients with epigastric and, 7,7h for patients with small incisional hernia. The follow up is 10,5 months. Apart of one superficial infection other complications were absent. CONCLUSION: The open preperitoneal "flat mesh" technique performed in local anesthesia as an ambulatory surgery provides good results in the management of umbilical, epigastric and small incisional hernia.

[Infection in hernia surgery].

Traditionally, the operation of hernia is considered as a clean operation due to expected, low incidence of infection, on the spot of surgical work (SSI). The incidence of SSI in hernia surgery is more frequent then it is assumed. The important risk factors for SSI are the following: type of hernia (inguinal, incisional), operative approach (open - laparoscopic), usage of the prosthetic material and drainage. Comparing to inguinal hernia repair, incisional hernia repair, is more frequently followed by the infection. The laparoscopic operations are followed with the lower incidence of SSI then in the case of open operations. The usage of the mesh does not increase the incidence of SSI, although the consequences of the mesh infection may be severe. A type I of the prosthesis is more resistant to the infection then prosthesis II and III. The mesh infection (type I) never involves its body but it is present around sutures and bended edges. The mesh infection Type II involves entire prosthesis while in the case of Type III it is present in its peripheral part. In the case of SSI, a prosthesis Type I is possible to be saved, while prosthesis Type II must be removed completely; and the same is for the Type III (the partial removal is rarely suggested). The defect that remained after excision of non-resorptive prosthesis is a long-term and very complicated surgical problem. In regard to the position of the mesh, SSI is more common if the mesh is placed subcutaneously then in the case of sub-aponeurotic premuscular, pre-aponeurotic retromuscular or pre-peritoneal mesh placemen. If the infection is present the nontension techniques using non-resorptive prosthetic implants are not recommended. The presence of drainage and its duration increases the incidence of SSI. It is more common for incisional hernioplasty then for inguinal hernia repair. If there is an indication for drainage it should be as short as possible. The cause of SSI for elective operations are bacteria's that arrives from the skin, while in the case of opening of various organs dominant bacteria's originate from them. The superficial infection does not lead to the recurrence, while it is very possible in the case for deep infection. There are no prospective studies that justify the usage of antibiotic prophylaxes in hernia surgery. The antibiotic prophylaxis is indicated for the clean operations when placing the implants and when severe complication is expected. The appearance of SSI increases the price of treatment and may lead to the recurrence.

[Modified Rives technic in the treatment of recurrent inguinal hernia]. / Modifikovana Rivesova tehnika u tretmanu recidivantnih ingvinalnih kila.

After the introduction of prosthetic material in hernia surgery the fundamental changes in operative strategy occurred. This is because the coverage of myopectineal orifitium with non-absorbable prosthesis decreases the incidence of recurrences. Because of the appearance of lateral re-recurrences after the classical Rives procedure, we modified the operative technique. The modified Rives technique consists of the following: always polypropilen mesh 15x10 cm; creation of the new internal inguinal ring between Poupart's ligament and mesh; no lateral notching the mesh and anchoring mesh 2-3 cm from the medial, inferior, lateral and superior edge. During the period January 2001-December 2003, 34 cases of recurrent hernias were operated on 7th dept. of I Surgical Clinic of CCS. The recurrences were managed by classical (10/34) or modified Rives technique through direct inguinal approach (22/34), less frequently Lichtenstein procedure (1/34) and McVay (1/34) technique. Among 10 patients with recurrent inguinal hernias managed by classical Rives technique 2 re-recurrences appeared (indirect and interstitial) and 2 cases of infection (immediately after the operation or 7 months after the operation), and in the group of 22 cases with recurrent inguinal hernias managed by modified Rives technique the aim complications didn't appear. Using the modified Rives technique we managed the primary hernias in 56 cases without recurrences and infections. The modified Rives technique, because of the way of mesh fixation (all around), no lateral notching of mesh and remaining hem in all directions secures abdominal wall protection 2-3 cm from the line of fixation and prevents any movement of the mesh. This procedure enables management of all inguinal hernias regardless to their size and full protection of the medial, femoral and lateral inguinal triangle. The modified Rives technique is the technique of choice for big multiple defects (giant inguino-scrotal and re-recurrences), especially among patients with increased intra-abdominal pressure when other techniques may be insufficient because of mesh protrusion.

[Enteral nutrition and surgical patient]. / Enteralna ishrana i hirurski bolesnik.

Enteral nutrition can be applicated alone or in combination with parenteral nutrition. Enteral feeding should be applicated as early as possible in preoperative preparation or in postoperative period in respect of contraindications and everyday evaluation of patients. Immunomodulatory substances like arginine, 3-omega-fat acids, ribonucleic acid and glutamine are incorporated in "ready to use" solution for enteral feeding. Enteral feedings oral or via tubes are safe if some precautions are taken: like sitting position and control of feeding tubes position. Use of jejunostomy and promotility agents improved enteral feeding after major abdominal surgery and acute pancreatitis. Enteral feeding and immunonutrition improved postoperative course in reduction of hospital stay, incidence of postoperative complications especially infections. The aim of this review article is to validate pro and con for enteral nutrition in preoperative and postoperative course.

[The Rives technique (direct inguinal approach) in treatment of large inguino-scrotal and recurrent hernias]. / Rivesova tenika (direktan ingvinalni pristup) u resavanju velikih ingvinoskrotalnih i recidivantnih kila.

In solving inguinal hernias, surgeons today have in front of them many variations of different operative procedures (both tensional and non-tensional techniques). They are performed through operative or endoscope approach. Classical tension techniques present the operation of choice for smaller indirect, direct or femoral hernias among younger patients while non/tensional techniques are the best solution for all types of inguinal hernia among older patients with big destruction of transversal fascia and the best solution for most of recurrent hernias. Positioning of mesh with non-tensional techniques can be completed on different levels, with big hernias where the biggest part of transversal fascia of miopectineal orifitium is destroyed it is anatomically the most useful to place the mesh in preperitoneal space. Rives technique is the base of that concept and it presents one of good solutions in that kind of situations. In the period January 2001 until december 2002 using different operative techniques the authors treated 99 inguinal hernias of which 78 were primary and 21 recurrent hernias. Rives technique was performed in 46 cases (46.5%) among which 26 cases were primary inguinoscrotal hernias (3 patients IIIA, 22 patients IIIB, 1 patient IIIC, according to Nyhus classification) and 20 cases were recurrent hernias (6 patients IVA, 11 IVB, 3 IVD). Complications after Rives technique were the following: 1 recurrence (2.17%), 1 ischemic orchitis (2.17%) and 1 scrotal hematoma (2.17%). Infections and chronic pain were not present. The follow up was from 30 days to 2 years. Authors have shown that Rives technique is reliable solution for primary indirect, direct and femoral hernias with big hernial defect (especially for big, so called "giant" inquinoscrotal hernias) and for all types of recurrent hernias. The advantage of the technique is an easy performance without some previous special training because of the fact that dissection and preparation is the same as for the tension techniques. With small amount of prosthetic material all weak points of miopectineal orifitium are closed. The real risks of this technique are ischemic orchitis and chronis neuralgia in treatment of recurrent hernias and the presence of polypropylene mesh in Bogras space.

[Elective resection of the spleen--overview of resection technics and description of a new technic based on radiofrequency coagulation and dessication]. / Elektivna resekcija slezine--pregled tehnika resekcije i prikaz nove tehnike zasnovane na radiofrekventnoj koagulaciji i desikaciji.

The authors present a short overview of the development of elective splenic resections. Past and present indications are presented. Contemporary hemostatic technique for elective splenic resection are discussed. An original new technique for transsegmental partial splenic resection using RF generator Radionic Cool Tip(without any aditional hemostatic procedures is presented. This technique is inovative and when use properly it is a practically zero blood loos technique. A patient with transsegmental splenic resection using RF generator is presented. Further clinical application of the technique is necessary.

[Aspects of anesthesiology in the treatment of the TRALI (transfusion-related acute lung injury) syndrome]. / Anestezioloski aspekti lecenja TRALI sindroma.

Definition--signs and symptoms which include dispnea, hypertension, high temperature and high productive tracheobronchial secretion. Physical findings are lung oedema in first four hours. Such patients usually require respiratory help. After adequate therapy, symptoms disappeared in 96 hours. In the beginning. TRALI used to be a part of ARDS and it were treated that way. Today, TRALI is understand like substantive group of symptoms.

[Surgical treatment of liver metastases of colorectal carcinoma]. / Hirursko lecenje metastaza kolorektalnog karcinoma u jetri.

Colorectal carcinoma metastasizes into the liver, but liver-only metastases are infrequent. Liver-only metastases are seen mainly from colorectal carcinoma. This is the only metastatic disease where treatment aimed only or mainly at the liver metastases is employed with curative intent. If liver resection for colorectal metastases is done by an experienced team, adhering to predefined indications, five year survival ranges from 30-40%, operative mortality is 3-5% and the postoperative morbidity is acceptable. New diagnostic techniques have been introduced and indications for liver resection extended. This paper presents the current limitations and possibilities for the surgical management of colorectal metastases in the liver.