Synovial Chondromatosis in a Rural Healthcare Setting.

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare, benign, and metaplastic cause of joint swelling resulting in the formation of cartilaginous nodules in the joint space. It is usually an oligoarticular disorder of large joints that typically manifests in the third to fifth decade of life. Synovial chondromatosis can be primary or secondary depending on whether an underlying etiology can be identified. Diagnosis can be made using imaging studies of the affected joint and confirmed on histopathology. Management of synovial chondromatosis can be done arthroscopically or surgically. We present a case of a 23-year-old male who presented with a long history of right knee pain, swelling, and limitation in range of motion. An X-ray of the knee showed multiple intra-articular and soft tissue calcifications. Due to the limitations of our setting, we proceeded with an open biopsy. During arthrotomy, clear straw-colored fluid with multiple nodules of varied sizes was found. A google image search helped put us in the direction of the diagnosis of synovial chondromatosis. We did a complete evacuation of loose bodies and a biopsy of synovium, which confirmed the diagnosis. The rarity of synovial chondromatosis results in a delay in the diagnosis. With the thoughtful application of resources and surgical principles, synovial chondromatosis can be safely and effectively managed in resource-limited settings.

The Role of Triple Rule-out CT in an Indian Emergency Setting.

Background: Emergency physicians are acutely aware of the consequences of missing fatal diagnoses for acute non-traumatic chest pain and subjecting patients to over-testing. In the large arsenal of tests that are available to us, a triple rule-out computed tomography (TRO-CT) Angiography is often less pursued, due to concerns about their efficacy and safety or because of nescience. We aim to find the yield of the test in an Indian emergency setting and impart some knowledge about it along the way. Materials and methods: Twenty-six patients who presented to the emergency department of our institute with acute chest pain, with non-specific electrocardiogram (ECG) findings and negative serial troponin I, underwent TRO-CT. HEART scores of all patients, calculated at their presentation, were correlated with TRO-CT findings. Results: Triple rule-out computed tomography angiography was positive in 5 patients (20%), of which 4 cases (16%) were diagnosed to have significant coronary artery disease and one had an acute pulmonary embolism. All 4 patients who had significant coronary artery disease (CAD) diagnosed by TRO-CT had a HEART score of intermediate risk. The mean effective radiation dose of the entire TRO study was 19.024 ± 3.319 mSv (range = 13.89-25.95 mSv). Conclusion: Triple rule-out CT angiography is a useful tool in the evaluation of patients presenting with acute chest pain in the emergency and can be an important adjunct in ruling out significant CAD in intermediate-risk patients. Emergency physicians and young residents need to know about this tool in their armamentarium to tackle doubtful cases. How to cite this article: Pattereth N, Chaliyadan S, Mathew R, Kumar S, Das CJ, Aggarwal P. et al. The Role of Triple Rule-out CT in an Indian Emergency Setting. Indian J Crit Care Med 2023;27(3):190-194.

Learning Pattern of Two-Dimensional, Three-Dimensional, and Ultra-High-Definition Endovision System on Standardized Phantom Tasks: An Ex Vivo Randomized Study.

Introduction: Three-dimensional (3D), high-definition (HD), and ultra-high-definition (4K HD) are recent additions over regular HD technology for laparoscopic surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the learning pattern of these systems on standardized phantom tasks. Methodology: Forty-five stereo-enabled resident doctors were randomly assigned into three groups. They performed three validated tasks, precision touch on flat surface, precision touch on uneven surface, surgical knot on rubber tube using either two-dimensional (2D) HD, 3D HD, or 4K HD Endovision systems. Each task was repeated 20 times. Data from four consecutive repetitions were pooled to make five blocks. Split group analysis by comparing the consecutive blocks in execution time and errors were made to see the learning pattern. A significant difference was accepted as continuous learning while no significant difference was accepted as learning stabilization. Result: Operating time was stabilized in two tasks after third block in 2D HD, one task after fourth block in 4K HD. There was continuous learning in all tasks with 3D HD. The 3D HD group was significantly faster than 2D HD and 4K HD in most of the tasks on fifth block. The error scores were similar between the consecutive blocks in 4K HD. It was stabilized after second block in 2D HD group and third block on 3D HD. Conclusion: The 3D HD Endovision system has more potential of faster execution of a task, but need more practice to reach similar safety profile. The 4K HD reached the safety plateau with minimal repetitions.

Comparison of two-dimensional high-definition, ultra high-definition and three-dimensional endovision systems: an ex-vivo randomised study.

BACKGROUND: Two-dimensional high-definition (2D HD) endovision system is preferred for laparoscopic surgery. Recently, new generation three-dimensional (3D) HD and ultra-HD (4K) endovision systems are introduced to improve the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic surgery. There is limited evidence on superiority of one technology over the others. This experimental trial was designed to evaluate 2D HD, 3D HD and 4K HD endovision systems in performance of standardized tasks. METHODS: This was a randomized, cross-over experimental study. Twenty-one surgical residents who were exposed to laparoscopic surgery were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned into three groups. Each group performed standardised tasks i.e. peg transfer, precision cutting, navigating in space and intra-corporeal suturing using 2D HD, 4K HD and 3D HD endovision systems on a box trainer. Procedures were recorded as 2D HD videos and analysed later. Participant's perceived workload was assessed using Surg-TLX questionnaire. Primary endpoints were execution time in seconds and error score. Secondary endpoint was workload assessment. RESULTS: The 3D HD had shorter execution time compared to 2D HD and 4K HD in all tasks except precision cutting (p = 0.004, 0.03, 0.001, 0.001 and p = 0.002, 0.191, 0.006, 0.005 in peg transfer, precision cutting, navigating in space and intra-corporeal suturing respectively). The 4K HD was significantly faster than 2D HD only in navigating in space task (p = 0.002). The error score between 3D HD and 4K HD were comparable in all tasks. The 2D HD had significantly more error scores compared to 4K HD, 3D HD in peg transfer task (p = 0.005, 0.014, respectively). 3D HD had significantly less workload than 2D HD and 4K HD in most of the dimensions of Surg-TLX CONCLUSIONS: 3D HD endovision system in comparison to 2D HD and 4K HD, may lead to faster execution without compromising safety of a task and is associated with less workload.

Coronavirus disease 2019 and laparoscopic surgery in resource-limited settings.

INTRODUCTION: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the use of laparoscopy has been discouraged by the Intercollegiate General Surgery because of its potential for aerosol generation and infection. In contrast, the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons and the European Association of Endoscopic Surgery recommend continuing to use laparoscopy but with devices to filter released CO2 aerosol particles. However, commercially available systems are costly and may not be readily available. Herein, we describe a custom-made system to safely remove surgical smoke and CO2 , as well as a case of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in which we used it. MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: The patient had had multiple episodes of biliary pancreatitis and required urgent cholecystectomy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although India was in complete lockdown, it was decided to operate with precaution. A system was designed using underwater seal chest tube drainage and an electrostatic membrane filter with a viral retention function greater than 99.99%. The system was connected to an extra port for continuous controlled egression of CO2 pneumoperitoneum. A regular four-port cholecystectomy was performed at an intra-abdominal pressure of 12 mm Hg. The gas flow rate was 10 L/min. CO2 for pneumoperitoneum, surgical aerosol, and effluents passed through the system before collecting in the suction apparatus. The exchange of operating instruments through the ports was kept to a minimum. It was done after the abdomen was temporarily desufflated using this system. DISCUSSION: The system we designed appears safe and is cost-effective. In resource-limited settings, it will be handy in patients requiring laparoscopic surgery both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emergency Surgery during COVID-19: Lessons Learned.

Introduction The ongoing coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted health services throughout the world. It has brought in several new challenges to deal with surgical emergencies. Herein, we report two suspected cases of COVID-19 that were operated during this "lockdown" period and highlight the protocols we followed and lessons we learned from this situation. Result Two patients from "red zones" for COVID-19 pandemic presented with acute abdomen, one a 64-year male, who presented with perforation peritonitis and another, a 57-year male with acute intestinal obstruction due to sigmoid volvulus. They also had associated COVID-19 symptoms. COVID-19 test could not be done at the time of their presentation to the hospital. Patients underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy assuming them to be positive for the infection. Surgical team was donned with full coverall personal protective equipment. Sudden and uncontrolled egression intraperitoneal free gas was avoided, Echelon flex 60 staplers were used to resect the volvulus without allowing the gas from the volvulus to escape; mesocolon was divided using vascular reload of the stapler, no electrosurgical devices were used to avoid the aerosolization of viral particles. Colostomy was done in both the patients. Both the patients turned out to be negative for COVID-19 subsequently and discharged from hospital in stable condition. Conclusion Surgeons need to adapt to safely execute emergency surgical procedures during this period of COVID-19 pandemic. Preparedness is of paramount importance. Full precautionary measures should be taken when dealing with any suspected case.