Knowledge of cytogenetic analysis for synovial sarcoma in sarcomatoid variant renal cell carcinoma.

Sarcomatoid change in a renal tumor should undergo cytogenetic analysis of t(x;18) to prevent a missed diagnosis of synovial sarcoma. Surgeons should be vigilant regarding pathological correlation.

Case report of an unexpected inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is a benign entity that may present as a locally aggressive malignancy, predominantly in the lung. 500 cases have been reported in the literature, and an estimated prevalence ranges from 0.04% to 0.7%. CASE PRESENTATION: An eighteen-year old male presented to the surgical clinic with abdominal pain. The pain was recurring despite trials of analgesics and remained undiagnosed. Radiological imaging demonstrated a lesion in the spleen. An infectious cause was presumed due to their endemicity in South Asia, however pathology showed an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor. DISCUSSION: Pre-operative imaging is yet to develop a set criterion that may identify this lesion, though clinicians may be clued in by the benign appearance despite the large size. Usual diagnosis is on pathology after complete surgical excision, which is the mainstay treatment advocated. CONCLUSION: Reporting of the tumor in unusual sites such as the spleen is scarce, increase of which may help establish guidelines, understand tumor behavior and guide clinicians that may encounter it in surgical practice.

Specialist shortage in developing countries: comprehending delays in care.

We describe a case of a middle-aged woman who presented with progressive jaundice and was suspected to have rebound choledocholithiasis, which was initially managed with balloon extraction through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography at her first presentation. Healthcare in Pakistan, like many other developing countries, is divided into public and private sectors. The public sector is not always completely free of cost. Patients seeking specialised care in the public sector may find lengthy waiting times for an urgent procedure due to a struggling system and a lack of specialists and technical expertise. Families of many patients find themselves facing 'catastrophic healthcare expenditure', an economic global health quandary much ignored.

Impressions and attitudes of adult residents of Karachi towards a possible public health insurance scheme.

OBJECTIVE: To gauge the general population's knowledge and attitude towards a possible public health insurance scheme. METHODS: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from April to May 2015, and comprised permanent residents of the city. Convenience sampling was used. Data was collected via questionnaires. SPSS 22 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: There were 340 participants in the study with an overall mean age of 32.9±12.4 years. Besides, 159(46.8%) participants were aware of the concept of medical insurance while the correct definition was identified by 160(50.5%) respondents. Overall, 256(75.3%) participants were willing to join a theoretical public health insurance scheme. Of all the respondents, 107(31.5%) had faced a catastrophic event in the past and consequently were more willing to join. Of those unsure or not willing to join, 33(37.9%) respondents identified lack of trust in government programmes as the main reason for their choice. CONCLUSIONS: A large majority of adults had a favourable attitude towards the implementation of a possible public health insurance scheme.