Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung: hazards of delayed diagnosis.

Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation is a rare pulmonary developmental anomaly, which typically manifests in neonates and infants. Presentation in adulthood is uncommon, with <60 cases reported in the literature. The majority of cases involve one lobe only. We report a case of type 1 congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation in an adult presenting with a respiratory tract infection and haemoptysis. At thoracotomy, complex cystic masses were noted in the right upper and lower lobes. Lung-sparing surgery, in the form of two segmentectomies and a non-anatomical resection, was performed in order to avoid pneumonectomy. Such presentations may be problematic as potentially incomplete resections may increase the risk of complications and malignant transformation. This suggests the importance of appropriate clinical and radiological follow up.

Amiodarone hepatotoxicity complicating obstructive jaundice due to ampullary cancer.

BACKGROUND: The presence of dual pathology can cause diagnostic dilemmas. We present a case of adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater with concurrent amiodarone hepatotoxicity. METHODS: Painless jaundice associated with a palpable gallbladder was investigated clinically, radiologically, endoscopically and via liver biopsy. RESULTS: Liver biopsy showed amiodarone hepatotoxicity. Endoscopic biopsy identified an ampullary adenoma. However, the endoscopic ultrasound and intra-operative findings suggested a malignancy, which was confirmed postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: While the classic findings of Courvoisier's Law are borne out in this case, the etiology of jaundice is twofold. Although dual pathology is uncommon it should always be considered.

Audiovisual preconditioning enhances the efficacy of an anatomical dissection course: A randomised study.

UNLABELLED: The benefits of incorporating audiovisual materials into learning are well recognised. The outcome of integrating such a modality in to anatomical education has not been reported previously. The aim of this randomised study was to determine whether audiovisual preconditioning is a useful adjunct to learning at an upper limb dissection course. Prior to instruction participants completed a standardised pre course multiple-choice questionnaire (MCQ). The intervention group was subsequently shown a video with a pre-recorded commentary. Following initial dissection, both groups completed a second MCQ. The final MCQ was completed at the conclusion of the course. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant improvement in the performance in both groups over the duration of the three MCQs. The intervention group significantly outperformed their control group counterparts immediately following audiovisual preconditioning and in the post course MCQ. Audiovisual preconditioning is a practical and effective tool that should be incorporated in to future course curricula to optimise learning. Level of evidence This study appraises an intervention in medical education. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Kirkpatrick Level 2b (modification of knowledge).

Achilles tendon reconstruction following excision of a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour: evaluation at five years follow-up.

The case of a 16-year-old male, who presented with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour in his right ankle, is reported. Following initial biopsy, a wider excision was performed resulting in a large skin and soft tissue defect and an 8 cm gap in the Achilles tendon. A novel technique was used to reconstruct the Achilles comprising free tendon autografts of peroneus brevis and fascia lata. Skin cover was achieved using a 20 x 9 cm parascapular free flap. The patient made an excellent functional recovery and remains disease-free after five years. Combined loss of the Achilles tendon and the overlying soft tissue poses a difficult reconstructive challenge. The advantages of the technique described are: it is a single-staged procedure, the reconstructed tendon was of sufficient strength to allow the patient return to competitive hurling, the parascapular flap restored good contour and the donor site can be closed primarily.

Surgical instruction for general practitioners: how, who and how often?

Educational programmes, designed to meet the training needs of General Practitioners (GPs) performing minor surgical procedures, have previously been shown to increase their surgical workload. The change in the level of competence following these programmes has not been assessed. The aims of this study were two-fold: to evaluate the vertical mattress suture for construct validity and to assess the impact of plastic surgery training on the surgical skill of GPs. Thirty non-consultant hospital doctors and 27 self-selected GPs were included. Using a modified objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS) scoring system, construct validity of the vertical mattress suture was confirmed. The median total OSATS score was 16 points (26.7%) in the novice group (medical registrars), 38.5 points (64.2%) in the intermediate group (surgical SHOs) and 59 points (98.3%) in the expert group (surgical registrars, p<0.001, Kruskal-Wallis test). Objective assessment in the GP group immediately following practical instruction revealed a median overall improvement of 31.7% (19 points) in total OSATS scores (p<0.001, Friedman non-parametric test, F). At six months follow-up all course participants had improved compared to their baseline. A median overall improvement of 13 points (21.7%) was noted (p<0.001, F). However, the majority (80%, n=20) had deteriorated from the standard set immediately after the course with a median overall reduction in total OSATS scores of six points (10%, p=0.001, F). Plastic surgery training is immediately efficacious in improving the technical proficiency of GPs. Through objective assessment of a standardised suture task we demonstrated a low rate of educational decay of 10% over a six-month period.