Massive inguinoscrotal herniation of the bladder: challenges in non-operative management.

Massive inguinoscrotal hernias containing the bladder are rare but can present with significant complications such as obstructive uropathy and urinary sepsis. A comorbid 71-year-old gentleman presented with an enlarging inguinoscrotal mass and an acute kidney injury (AKI). Imaging revealed a large inguinoscrotal hernia containing the bladder, and bilateral hydronephrosis. Renal function improved on urethral catheterization. Admitted under general surgery originally, the patient declined any surgical intervention and had his catheter removed as an outpatient, without urological follow up. He represented 6 months later with urinary sepsis and a new AKI. Repeat imaging revealed a progression of the bilateral hydronephrosis. Subsequently admitted under urology, bilateral nephrostomies as well as a catheter were inserted. Once stable, he was discharged with both as part of his long-term management. Non-operative management of this condition may occasionally be necessary, and so requires effective multidisciplinary decision making. Real-world organizational and geographical factors contributed to the challenges in this case.

Rare presentation of a testicular glomus tumour.

Glomus tumours are atypical in extracutaneous locations and very rarely located in reproductive organs. We present an unusual case of an incidentally discovered glomus tumour arising from the testis of a 47-year-old man. The testicular occurrence of this tumour type is not only exceptionally rare but also serves to highlight the debate regarding the optimal management of incidentally discovered small testicular lesions.

Caecal volvulus following left-side laparoscopic retroperitoneal nephroureterectomy.

Caecal volvulus is an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction, with a high associated morbidity and mortality. Caecal volvulus is a very rare complication following retroperitoneal surgery. As such, a high degree of clinical suspicion is warranted post operatively to minimise delay in definitively investigating and managing this condition. We present a case of an 80-year-old Caucasian woman who was admitted for an elective left-sided laparoscopic retroperitoneal nephroureterectomy for transitional cell carcinoma of the left upper pole renal calyx. Postoperatively, the patient developed intestinal obstruction, secondary to caecal volvulus. The patient underwent an emergency laparotomy and limited right-sided colonic resection with primary anastomosis.

Improvement in Confidence Levels for the Management of Paediatric Cardiac Arrests in Medical Students Following a Training Course.

BACKGROUND: Newly qualified doctors lack competency in handling a cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The ability to recall CPR fundamentals have been shown to be inadequate. Of greater concern is that medical students over - estimate their ability to deliver such aid in a real - world setting. As most medical students are only taught adult BLS they are often unskilled and/or unhelpful in managing paediatric specific emergencies. This fact is supported by the poor outcomes demonstrated in delivering successful Paediatric Basic Life Support (PBLS). OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to evaluate the baseline confidence levels of medical students in dealing with a paediatric cardiac arrest (PCA) and the improvement seen following a PBLS training course. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on 51 medical students who attended an established one - day PBLS and first aid course at one UK medical school. Participants were requested to complete a questionnaire directly prior to and after the course. RESULTS: Following the delivery of the training, the cohort reported a statistically significant (P < 0.05) increase in mean confidence with PCA from 2.2/10 (2.2 out of 10) to 7.5/10. A pre - training mean confidence score of 2.6/10 was observed for Year 4 and 5 students who are close to graduating. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings clearly demonstrate very poor confidence among medical students with PCA at all stages of their training. We would strongly advocate the inclusion of a PBLS component in medical school curriculums so that future doctors are adequately prepared to deliver PBLS with confidence.

Interethnic Variations and Clinical Features of Spondyloarthropathies in a Middle Eastern Country.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to demonstrate the interethnic differences and clinical features of Spondyloarthropathy(SpA) patients in a diverse Middle Eastern Country. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records to collect the required data was conducted for SpA patients at two study institutions in the United Arab Emirates. RESULTS: Of 141 SpA patients found, 88 AS(Ankylosing Spondylitis) patients and 53 'other SpA' patients were identified. Males constituted 81% of AS and 55% of 'other SpA' patients. Patients with AS and 'other SpA' had a mean age of symptom onset of 28 and 34 years, respectively.49% and 40% of AS and 'other SpA' patients had a history of Anti-TNF therapy usage. Enthesitis and Uveitis were noted in 16% and 18% of AS patients whilst 53% and 11% in 'other SpA' patients, respectively.Caucasian, Indian Subcontinent and Arabs constituted 93% of our cohort. Mean age of onset of symptoms in the Indian Subcontinent 'other SpA' group was much greater than the other two ethnicities. Duration of symptoms to diagnosis was 3.5 and 4 years in AS and other SpA patients' respectively. HLA-B27 positivity was found in 53%, 80% and 93% of Arab, Indian Subcontinent and Caucasian AS patients, respectively, whilst seen in 50%, 25% and 33% of the same respective ethnicties in 'other SpA' patients. CONCLUSION: This study on 141 patients is the largest to analyse inter-ethnic variations in SpA patients in the region. Our cohort shows a short delay in diagnosis with a relatively higher Anti-TNF usage.

Prostatic abscess: a rare complication of staghorn calculi.

A staghorn calculus is a calculus accommodating the majority of a renal calyx extending into the renal pelvis. A conservative approach to its treatment may lead to high morbidity and mortality rates. Such morbidity usually manifests with renal failure, obstructed upper urinary tractand/or life-threatening sepsis. Prostatic abscesses have never been associated with staghorn calculi in the literature. We report a case of a 70-year-old man who presented with sepsis, which was found to originate from a complex prostatic abscess. The patient had no history of urinary tract infections or risk factors. The authors believe that the incidentally identified staghorn calculi promoted the growth of Proteus mirabilis which led to the development of the prostatic abscess. The patient underwent a transurethral resection and drainage of the abscess following a failed course of antibiotic therapy. This case also highlights the paucity of guidelines available in treating prostatic abscesses.

The use of plain radiographs in the classification of distal radius fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Classification systems guide surgical planning. We reviewed the accuracy of interpreting plain radiographs to classify distal radius fractures. METHODS: Pre-operative radiographs of 24 consecutive distal radius fractures were classified using Frykman and AO methods. Classification was repeated intra-operatively under direct vision for comparison. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 51 years. Pre-operative Frykman scores and AO grades were underestimated, compared with intra-operative visual classification (p < 0.001). One over-estimate occurred, while only 3 of 24 cases were classified correctly pre-operatively. CONCLUSION: Sensitivity of radiographs to classify Frykman or AO grades was 12.5%, indicating interpretation using plain radiographs alone is often inadequate.