Degree of Cure, Microstructures, and Properties of Carbon/Epoxy Composites Processed via Frontal Polymerization.

The frontal polymerization (FP) of carbon/epoxy (C/Ep) composites is investigated, considering FP as a viable route for the additive manufacturing (AM) of thermoset composites. Neat epoxy (Ep) resin-, short carbon fiber (SCF)-, and continuous carbon fiber (CCF)-reinforced composites are considered in this study. The evolution of the exothermic reaction temperature, polymerization frontal velocity, degree of cure, microstructures, effects of fiber concentration, fracture surface, and thermal and mechanical properties are investigated. The results show that exothermic reaction temperatures range between 110 °C and 153 °C, while the initial excitation temperatures range from 150 °C to 270 °C. It is observed that a higher fiber content increases cure time and decreases average frontal velocity, particularly in low SCF concentrations. This occurs because resin content, which predominantly drives the exothermic reaction, decreases with increased fiber content. The FP velocities of neat Ep resin- and SCF-reinforced composites are seen to be 0.58 and 0.50 mm/s, respectively. The maximum FP velocity (0.64 mm/s) is observed in CCF/Ep composites. The degree of cure (αc) is observed to be in the range of 70% to 85% in FP-processed composites. Such a range of αc is significantly low in comparison to traditional composites processed through a long cure cycle. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of neat epoxy resin is seen to be approximately 154 °C, and it reduces slightly to a lower value (149 °C) for SCF-reinforced composites. The microstructures show significantly high void contents (12%) and large internal cracks. These internal cracks are initiated due to high thermal residual stress developed during curing for non-uniform temperature distribution. The tensile properties of FP-cured samples are seen to be inferior in comparison to autoclave-processed neat epoxy. This occurs mostly due to the presence of large void contents, internal cracks, and a poor degree of cure. Finally, a highly efficient and controlled FP method is desirable to achieve a defect-free microstructure with improved mechanical and thermal properties.

Impact of cadaver training for learning abdominal wall reconstruction: our early experience.

PURPOSE: Assess the utility of a hands-on cadaver workshop for teaching abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) using components separation technique. METHODS: Over a year, from June 2022 to July 2023, 112 surgeons participated in seven training courses focused on the eTEP technique for inguinal and ventral hernias. The workshops covered theoretical learning sessions followed by hands-on training using frozen human cadavers. An online survey was used to know the influence of our workshop on the clinical practice of the attendees. RESULTS: Out of 112 total participants, 70% (78) participants completed the survey. Among them, 58% (45) surgeons had over 10 years of experience. The workshop resulted in approximately 85% (66) of participants successfully adapting to eTEP. Confidence levels significantly increased for all steps of the technique after the workshop (p < 0.001, Rank-Biserial Correlation = -1.000). Participants expressed high satisfaction with the course. CONCLUSION: The cadaver model training program was found to be effective in reducing the learning curve and being replicable. This suggests its potential for widespread implementation as an introductory training model for learning the anatomy of abdominal wall and adapting this for treating hernias requiring AWR.

Modified optical port entry site for laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Our experience.

<b><br>Introduction:</b> The four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a recognized entity in the surgical management of gallstone disease. We report our experience and feasibility of optical port entry site modification.</br> <b><br>Material and Methods:</b> To assess the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomy with a different port placement, we undertook a prospective study with 60 patients at Seth GSMC and KEM Hospital, India between Jan 2022 and July 2022. Our study offered the benefit of a flexible optical port entry site, using a 5 mm optical trocar instead of the conventional 10 mm trocar. A single surgeon did all the cases and definite criteria of simple cases of gallstone disease patterned on clinical and radiological grounds.</br> <b><br>Results:</b> 60 cases of gallstone disease were subjected to the new technique of laparoscopic cholecystectomy over seven months. 39 cases were females and 21 were males. The age range of our patients was between 20 and 55 years with a median age of 39 years. Mean Body mass index 30 (range 25 - 37). The mean operative time was 30 min (range 15 - 45 min) and a follow-up period ranged from 10 to 14 months. No cases were converted to open. We did not encounter any untoward mishaps during surgery.</br> <b><br>Discussion:</b> Our modification of the optical port placement and size received good results and patient satisfaction. Moreover, the placement of the port at a site further from the midline and umbilicus decreases the risk of development of trocar site incisional hernia.</br>.

Postoperative Distal Enteral Tube Refeeding in Stoma Patients: A Comparative Analysis of Clinical Outcomes.

<b><br>Introduction:</b> Stoma surgery, which involves creating a diversion of the small intestine through an abdominal wall opening, poses challenges in managing fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Patients with high proximal stoma often rely on costly and risky parenteral nutrition (PN). Distal enteral tube feeding, a method of delivering nutrition to the small intestine, is intended to improve clinical outcomes and reduce complications. This study presents a comparative analysis of clinical outcomes between postoperative distal enteral tube refeeding and traditional enteral and PN approaches in stoma patients with distal mucous fistula.</br> <b><br>Aim:</b> To evaluate the effectiveness of distal enteral tube refeeding in improving postoperative outcomes after stoma surgery and to examine the impact of distal enteral tube refeeding on total hospitalization stay, ICU length of stay, TPN duration, and time to closure of the stoma.</br> <b><br>Material and methods:</b> The study is a retrospective, single-center trial involving 84 patients who had undergone stoma surgery. The patients were divided into two groups: those receiving postoperative distal enteral tube refeeding (n = 42) and the control group (n = 42), with standard mucous fistula creation. The data was collected retrospectively from January 2012 to January 2022 and the statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, and the t-test.</br> <b><br>Results:</b> The results of our study show that the patients who had undergone postoperative distal enteral tube refeeding had a significantly shorter total hospitalization stay (p = 0.0002), a significantly shorter ICU length of stay (p = 0.0006), a significantly shorter TPN duration (p= 0.0004), and a significantly faster time to closure (p = 0.0002).</br>.

Colloidal Synthesis, Characterization, and Photoconductivity of Quasi-Layered CuCrS2 Nanosheets.

The current need to accelerate the adoption of photovoltaic (PV) systems has increased the need to explore new nanomaterials that can harvest and convert solar energy into electricity. Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are good candidates because of their tunable physical and chemical properties. CuCrS2 has shown good electrical and thermoelectrical properties; however, its optical and photoconductivity properties remain unexplored. In this study, we synthesized CuCrS2 nanosheets with average dimensions of 43.6 ± 6.7 nm in length and 25.6 ± 4.1 nm in width using a heat-up synthesis approach and fabricated films by the spray-coating method to probe their photoresponse. This method yielded CuCrS2 nanosheets with an optical bandgap of ~1.21 eV. The fabricated film had an average thickness of ~570 nm, exhibiting a net current conversion efficiency of ~11.3%. These results demonstrate the potential use of CuCrS2 as an absorber layer in solar cells.

Initial experience of radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of advanced haemorrhoidal disease.

Introduction: The ideal approach to the management of haemorrhoidal disease (HD) remains to be elucidated. A procedure that returns the anal cushions to their normal size without destroying them or damaging the surrounding tissues is sought. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) overcomes many of the disadvantages of the previously described repairs and may be a valuable alternative in the management of advanced HD. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of the Rafaelo® technique for treatment of HD. Material and methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out between June 2019 and October 2020. The haemorrhoidal severity score (HSS), the Cleveland Incontinence Score (CIS), and the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain were compared prior to and post procedure using a paired t-test. Results: Forty-seven patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 43 years. All individual symptom scores of HSS showed statistically significant improvement post RFA (p < 0.05). Minor complications like urinary retention (6.3%) and bleeding (12%) were noted. There were 2 instances of recurrence at 2 months. No major complications like anal stenosis or infections were observed. Conclusions: The RFA technique is a safe and effective treatment alternative for advanced HD. It results in a statistically significant improvement in the symptoms of HD and is associated with minimal discomfort to the patient with early return to normal activity.

A Novel Modification of Subcutaneous Onlay Endoscopic Repair of Midline Ventral Hernias With Diastasis Recti: An Indian Experience.

Introduction A ventral hernia is a common problem in the population. Many patients with umbilical/epigastric hernia often present with diastasis recti (DR) too. Diastasis recti is the thinning of the linea alba with an abnormal increase in the distance between the recti without a concomitant fascial defect. The presence of diastasis recti complicates the repair of the existing umbilical/epigastric hernia. Repair of only the umbilical/epigastric hernia in the presence of DR results in incomplete repair and predisposes to recurrence. There are various options available for the repair of umbilical hernia with diastasis recti. Open hernia repairs often have unsatisfactory cosmetic outcomes and, furthermore, involve complications frequently associated with large incisions such as surgical site occurrences (SSO), pain, dermal flap necrosis, and delayed postoperative recovery, to name a few. The era of minimal access surgery leaves us with a vast array of creative solutions to the same. Laparoscopic onlay repair has been given various names in literature, e.g., minimally invasive linea alba reconstruction (MILAR), pre-aponeurotic endoscopic repair (REPA), endoscopic linea alba reconstruction (ELAR), subcutaneous onlay laparoscopic approach (SCOLA), and totally endoscopic assisted linea alba reconstruction (TESLAR), with similar principles for all the procedures. The average rate of seroma formation in these procedures varies from 5% to 40%. SCOLA has been used in our study, with an added modification of the operating port and limiting the extent of lateral dissection with the aid of spinal needles, resulting in restrained dissection and creation of smaller lipocutaneous flaps, leading to reduced incidence of seroma formation. Methods Patients with symptomatic primary ventral hernia with concomitant diastasis recti were enrolled in the participating center from the period of May 2020 to December 2021. Thirty patients were enrolled for this prospective study. The patients underwent subcutaneous laparoscopic onlay repair of midline ventral hernia with diastasis recti, with plication of the defect and onlay placement of a polypropylene mesh. Results Six point sixty-six percent (6.66%) of the patients developed seroma and SSO. The incidence is congruent with the results available in current literature. None of the patients had necrosis of umbilical skin. There were no recurrences at the three months follow-up. Conclusion Our modification of SCOLA is an ergonomically favorable procedure and has comparable outcomes to other approaches, with minimal complications.

Emergence of Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis in Recently Recovered COVID-19 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: The risk of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis is increased in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) because of its direct impact in altering innate immunity and is further exacerbated by widespread use of steroids/antibiotics/monoclonal antibodies. The study aims to describe this recently increased clinical entity in association with COVID-19. METHOD: A prospective, longitudinal study including patients diagnosed with acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFRS) who recently recovered from COVID-19 infection or after an asymptomatic carrier state. A single-center, descriptive study investigating demographic details, clinical presentation, radio-pathological aspects, and advocated management. RESULT: A total of 21 patients were included with a mean age of 49.62 years (SD: 14.24). Diabetes mellitus (DM) was the most common underlying disorder (90.48%), and 63.16% of all patients with DM had a recent onset DM, either diagnosed during or after COVID-19 infection. Nineteen patients (90.48%) had recently recovered from active COVID-19 infection, and all had a history of prior steroid treatment (oral/parenteral). Remaining 2 patients were asymptomatic COVID-19 carriers. Surprisingly, 2 patients had no underlying disorder, and 5 (23.81%) recently received the Covishield vaccine. Fungal analysis exhibited Mucor (95.24%) and Aspergillus species (14.29%). Most common sign/symptom was headache and facial/periorbital pain (85.71%), followed by facial/periorbital swelling (61.90%). Disease involvement: sinonasal (100%), orbital (47.62%), pterygopalatine fossa (28.58%), infratemporal fossa (14.29%), intracranial (23.81%), and skin (9.52%). Exclusive endoscopic debridement and combined approach were utilized in 61.90% and 38.10%, respectively. Both liposomal amphotericin B and posaconazole were given in all patients except one. CONCLUSION: A high suspicion of AIFRS should be kept in patients with recent COVID-19 infection who received steroids and presenting with headache, facial pain, and/or facial swelling. Asymptomatic COVID-19 carriers and COVID-19 vaccinated candidates are also observed to develop AIFRS, although the exact immuno-pathogenesis is still unknown. Prompt diagnosis and early management are vital for a favorable outcome.

A prospective study of head injury patterns in motorcycle riders wearing/not wearing helmets.

INTRODUCTION: Road traffic accidents (RTA) are a major public health problem and one of the five leading causes of morbidity and mortality around the world. Use of two wheelers are growing rapidly especially inlow to middle income countries leading to an increase in RTA. 27% deaths related to accidents in India are among users of motorized two wheelers. AIMS: To study the pattern of head injuries in motorcycle riders wearing/not wearinghelmets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study is designed as a prospective observational study. Study groups shall be initially categorized based on use of helmets and will be studied in terms of clinical presentation on admission. Basic epidemiological information will be collected in every patient. Case record shall be done in two parts.1) clinical survey 2) radiological survey . Survey is designed as per ATLS guidelines of assessment of trauma patients. RESULTS: Helmet wearers suffered significantly less head and traumatic brain injuries than the non-helmeted counterparts. CONCLUSION: Helmets provide significant protection against the morbidity and mortality of Traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a result of road traffic accidents (RTA).

Enhanced Drainage Protocol in Large Amoebic Liver Abscess.

Background Amebic liver abscess (ALA) contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in patients of the developing world. Even though medical management is the primary modality of treatment, 15% of the cases are refractory and require intervention for drainage. Pigtail catheterization is inefficient and results in a long duration of hospital stay. So, we conducted a prospective observational study to determine the efficacy and safety of drainage of large ALA using a wide bore 24 French (Fr) drain compared with a conventionally used 10 Fr pigtail catheter. Materials and Methods A single center prospective observational study was conducted over a period of 5 years and data of 122 patients was collected. After starting empirical medical therapy, patients underwent drainage of ALA with either a 10 French pigtail or a 24 Fr drain. The primary outcome variables were resolution of clinical symptoms such as fever and pain in abdomen, length of hospital stay, and resolution of abscess on imaging at day 3. Secondary outcome was complications related to the procedures. Results Data of 122 patients was collected. Males constituted a vast majority (96%) of the study population and the fifth decade was the most common age group involved. Alcoholics had a higher chance of developing a large ALA. Sixty-eight patients underwent drainage of the ALA using a 24 Fr drain which resulted in faster resolution of symptoms (2.4 vs. 5.1 days, p -value 0.033), a shorter duration of catheter in situ (6.4 vs. 13.2, p -value 0.011), and a faster drainage of ALA (residual volume at day 3; 177 vs. 212 mL, p -value 0.021). Twenty-eight patients had a biliary communication of which 26 required therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Conclusion In patients with a large ALA, placement of a wide bore 24 Fr catheter hastens recovery of the patients when compared with drainage with a standard 10 Fr pigtail catheter. Placement of a biliary stent serves as a useful adjunct for their management and it may obliviate the need for a major biliary diversion surgery.

Hepaticocystic Duct in an Era of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

The biliary tract is notorious for its variable anatomy. A persistent hepaticocystic duct with agenesis of common bile duct is a rare biliary anomaly that creates a diagnostic dilemma and can add to the operative difficulties. It is important to diagnose this anomaly preoperatively since the gallbladder forms an integral part of bilioenteric continuity and an inadvertent cholecystectomy can lead to a surgical catastrophe. If diagnosed, surgeons can plan definitive treatment in the form of biliary diversion. We present a case of a 22-year-old man, who presented to us with obstructive jaundice and cholangitis. The biliary system was decompressed initially with a percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and an endoscopic retrograde cholangiogram established the diagnosis of a type IV hepaticocystic duct preoperatively in our case. Since diagnosis was made prior to operative intervention, we were able to perform a cholecystojejunostomy to maintain biliary continuity. The patient was discharged with an uneventful postoperative course. To our knowledge, this is the first report of such a variation being diagnosed preoperatively. We are also presenting a brief review of literature about persistent hepaticocystic ducts and the embryological basis of their origin.

A Never Described Variant of the Cervical Rib Causing Arterial Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: World's First Case.

Cervical ribs, also known as Eve's ribs, are rare and found in 1% of population. They are more common in females and more common on right side. They are asymptomatic in 90% of cases. Cervical rib fused with transverse process of sixth vertebra is rarer. We present a case of dry gangrene of lateral three fingers with right radial and subclavian artery thrombosis with rest pain, due to right cervical rib fused with transverse process of sixth vertebra. After development of line of demarcation of the dry gangrene, patient was operated for excision of cervical rib and sixth cervical vertebral transverse process followed by Ray's amputation of right second finger. Postoperative course was uneventful. Patient was discharged with oral anticoagulation and a healthy wound in right hand.

Role of Indocyanine Green to Mitigate Wound Complications in Component Separation Technique for Ventral Hernia Repair-Our Early Experience.

BACKGROUND: The ease of the anterior component separation technique (ACST) makes it an attractive surgical option for ventral hernia repairs (VHR). Incorporation of indocyanine green-fluorescence angiography (ICG-FA) to map soft tissue perfusion during open ACST is an effective way to minimize the wound complications. This study aims to evaluate the impact of adoption of ICG-FA on wound-related complications following open ACST in VHR. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent VHR with the open ACST at a single centre between March 2018 and July 2020. The study comprised of consecutive cases of open ACST with onlay meshplasty done before (March 2018-April 2019) and after (May 2019 to July 2020) implementation of ICG-FA for intra-operative perfusion mapping of subcutaneous tissue and skin. RESULTS: The pre-ICG group and post-ICG group were similar in terms of baseline patient demographics and peri-operative details. The rate of surgical site occurrence's was higher in the pre-ICG group, but this result was not statistically significant (46% vs. 26%; p value 0.189). Skin necrosis, however, was observed in significantly less patients of the post-ICG cohort (29% vs. 5%; p value 0.045). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of perfusion mapping by the use of ICG angiography to determine potential areas of decreased perfusion and thereby minimize wound complications. Using ICG-FA to guide removal of at-risk tissue to minimize wound complications may substantially improve the patients outcome.

Complicated Ventral Hernia: A Perquisite for Perforated Peptic Ulcer-Unusual Clinical Scenario.

Introduction Peptic ulcer usually presents to the emergency in the form of an acute abdomen, which is usually diagnosed easily either clinically or radiologically. Although its incidence has decreased with the introduction on proton pump inhibitors it is still one of the most common emergencies encountered by a surgeon. Case Presentation A 60-year-old woman complained of epigastric swelling for 6 months which gradually increased and became irreducible over the last 2 months. The patient also complained of pain associated with vomiting. Radiological investigations revealed a epigastric hernia with omentum and stomach as content along with fluid collection in the right perihepatic region, with tiny air foci. The patient was explored for the same. Discussion Perforated peptic ulcer is a serious complication and carries high risk of morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis with immediate resuscitation and surgical intervention is essential to improve outcomes. This is a rare case of perforated gastric ulcer which was masked under the complicated ventral hernia.

Decalogue of Transversus Abdominis Release Repair- Technical Details and Lessons Learnt.

Background Posterior component separation (PCS) via transversus abdominis release (TAR) technique overcomes the pitfalls of traditionally described repairs. We evaluate the safety and efficacy of this approach and present the lessons we have learnt in our experience with a large series of complex ventral hernias. We also evaluate the importance of pre-operative optimisation and the value of a dedicated abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) team in improving the surgical outcomes. Study Design A retrospective review of all patients undergoing TAR at a specialised hernia centre in the 2016-2019 period was performed. Pertinent data collected included patient demographics, peri-operative details and post-operative complications. Primary outcome variables were surgical site occurrences (SSO) and hernia recurrence. A multivariate regression model was developed to determine significant predictors of SSO. Results In 92 consecutive patients, the mean age was 52 years with a mean body mass index of 27.9%. Major comorbidities included diabetes (41%), hypertension (23%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (15%). The mean hernia defect was 13.2 cm and the average operative time was 232 minutes. Complete posterior sheath closure was achieved in 95.6% cases. There were 18 (19.5%) cases of SSO which were managed conservatively and no cases required mesh explanation. There were 2 (2.1%) recurrences which required a redo surgery. On multivariate analysis operative time (p value 0.047) was a significant predictor of SSO. Conclusions AWR using the TAR approach offers a robust repair with low overall morbidity. A holistic pre-operative optimisation strategy and a dedicated AWR team can further improve surgical outcomes.

Novel Use of Intraoperative Fluoroscopy in an Era of ICG for Complex Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

Background Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is increasingly being used as a first-line treatment for acute cholecystitis. Bile duct injury (BDI) remains the most feared complication of the minimally invasive approach specially in cases with an inflamed calots triangle. While use of indocyanine dye (ICG) to delineate biliary anatomy serves to reduce BDI, the high cost of the technology prohibits its use in the developing world. We propose a novel use of common bile duct (CBD) stenting preoperatively in cases of cholecystitis secondary to choledocholithiasis as a means of identification and safeguarding the CBD. Methods A retrospective review was conducted on 22 patients of Grade 2 or Grade 3 cholecystitis who underwent an early LC at our institution. All patients were stented preoperatively and the stent was used for a much-needed tactile feedback during dissection. A c-arm with intraoperative fluoroscopy was used to identify the CBD prior to clipping of the cystic duct. Results The gall bladder was gangrenous in all the cases while two cases had evidence of end organ damage. This innovative use of CBD stenting allowed us to correctly delineate biliary anatomy in all of the cases and we report no instances of BDI despite a severely inflamed local environment. Conclusion This technique can become a standard of care in all teaching institutions in developing countries further enhancing the safety of cholecystectomy in gangrenous cholecystitis with a distorted biliary anatomy.

Tubular Ileal Duplication Causing Perforative Peritonitis in an Adult: A Rare Presentation.

Background Enteric duplication cysts are a rare congenital abnormality that present more commonly in children than adults. Clinical presentation varies from vague abdominal pain, abdominal lump, iron deficiency anemia to intestinal obstruction due to intussusception or mass effect. We report a tubular ileal duplication in an adult male presenting with an acute abdomen due to perforative peritonitis. Case A 20-year-old male presented to the emergency department with complains of right lower abdominal pain. On clinical examination and ultrasound scan patient was suspected to have a complicated acute appendicitis (rupture). However, a computed tomography scan was suggestive of perforation in the distal ileum. Emergency exploratory laparotomy revealed a perforated isolated ileal tubular duplication.

Bonding interface boosts the intrinsic activity and durability of NiSe@Fe2O3 heterogeneous electrocatalyst for water oxidation.

The intrinsic activity and durability of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts are mainly dominated by the surface and interface properties of active materials. Herein, a core-shell heterogeneous structure (NF/NiSe@Fe2O3) is fabricated via two-step hydrothermal method, which exhibits a low overpotential of 220 mV (or 282 mV) at 10 mA/cm2 (or 200 mA/cm2), a small Tafel slope of 36.9 mV/dec, and long-term stability (~230 h) in 1 mol/L KOH for OER. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy reveal the (oxy)hydroxide-rich surface and strong coupling interface between NiSe and Fe2O3 via the Fe-Se bond. Density functional theory calculation suggests that the d-band center and electronic state of NiSe@Fe2O3 heterojunction are well optimized due to the formation of Fe-Se bond, which is favorable for the enhanced OER activity because of the easy adsorption of oxygen-containing intermediates and desorption of O2 in the OER process. In addition, the unique core-shell structure and robust bonding interface are responsible for the good stability for OER. This work provides fundamental insights on the bonding effect that determine the performance of OER electrocatalyst.

Surgical Mask-the Saviour: from its Invention to the COVID-19 Era.

The earliest available evidence attributes the discovery of droplets as a mode of transmission of disease to Carl Flügge, a German bacteriologist, a contemporary of Emil Kocher, in 1897. This finding was instrumental in the development of the gauze mask introduced by Johann von Mikulicz Radecki in the same year. A surgical mask has become an indispensable tool in the armamentarium to fight the COVID 19 pandemic. Surgical masks which were once limited to the confines of healthcare setups are now donned by the members of the general public. It has become imperative that a healthcare worker selects the right kind of respiratory protective equipment to protect himself and his patients. The surgical mask has become essential, in a way, for survival.