"Learning from the experts" - a novel advanced cadaveric course for Gynaecological Oncology (GO) Cytoreductive Surgery.

Background: Ovarian cancer cytoreductive surgery necessitates the use of advanced Simulation-Based Learning (SBL) to optimise skill-based teaching and achieve technical proficiency. Objective: We describe and appraise the role of a novel postgraduate cadaveric course for cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian/fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer. Materials and Methods: Several consultant-level surgeons with expertise in upper gastrointestinal, colorectal, hepatobiliary and urological surgery, were invited to teach their counterpart gynaecological oncology (GO) surgeons. The 2-day course curriculum involved advanced dissections on thiel-embalmed cadavers. All dissections included applicable steps required during GO cytoreductive surgeries. Outcome measures: We used a feedback questionnaire and structured interviews to capture trainers and delegates views respectively. Results: All delegates reported a positive educational experience and improvement of knowledge in all course components. There was no difference in the perception of feedback across junior versus senior consultants. Trainers perceived this opportunity as a "2-way learning" whether they got to explore in depth the GO perspective in how and which of their skills are applicable during cytoreductive surgery. Conclusions: Collaborating with other surgical specialities promotes a "learning from the experts" concept and has potential to meet the rapidly increased demand for multi-viscera surgical excellence in GO surgery. What's new?: The concept of involving experts from other surgical disciplines in advanced cadaveric courses for cytoreductive surgery in ovarian cancer, will solidify the effort to achieve excellence in the GO training. Such courses can be essential educational adjunct for most GO fellowships.

Correlation between abnormal placental appearance at routine 2nd trimester ultrasound scan and histological examination of the placenta after birth.

Ultrasound imaging of the placenta and its relationship to poor perinatal outcome has been studied since 1973. Studies have predominantly focussed on placental morphology in the third trimester or in high-risk pregnancies. We aimed to correlate abnormal placental appearances identified in the second trimester with histological appearances. We present four cases of abnormal placental morphology detected at the 20 week routine ultrasound scan in low-risk women and relate them to histological origins, which often involved areas of villous infarction. Abnormal placental appearances at routine second trimester anomaly ultrasound scans might identify women with placental dysfunction who merit increased fetal surveillance in the third trimester.

Excision and primary closure of pilonidal sinus disease: worthwhile option with an acceptable recurrence rate.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of pilonidal sinus disease is controversial. Many claim policy of marsupialisation and healing by secondary intention. This is demanding in terms of nursing care and time lost from work. AIMS: To examine outcome of excision and primary closure of chronic pilonidal disease on recurrence rate and patient's daily activities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and fourteen consecutive elective patients who had excision and primary closure of pilonidal sinus disease were reviewed. The demographic data and the post-operative outcome were studied. RESULTS: The recurrence of pilonidal sinus was noted in 9% of patients, wound breakdown occasioning delayed healing in 9%, patients able to drive by day 16 on average. The mean time to return to work was 20.5 days; duration of analgesia, 2.4 days; and duration of antibiotic treatment, 4.7 days. CONCLUSION: Excision and primary closure of chronic pilonidal sinus has low recurrence rate with early return to activities. Primary closure appears to be a cost-effective option for uncomplicated pilonidal sinus disease.