scholarly journals Day case laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Identifying patients for a ‘COVID-Cold’ isolated day-case unit during the pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 175045892097741
Author(s):  
Zoe Hinchcliffe ◽  
Imran Mohamed ◽  
Anil Lala

Background The UK practice of laparoscopic cholecystectomy has reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic due to cancellation of non-urgent operations. Isolated day-case units have been recommended as ‘COVID-cold’ operating sites to resume surgical procedures. This study aims to identify patients suitable for day case laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DCLC) at isolated units by investigating patient factors and unexpected admission. Method Retrospective analysis of 327 patients undergoing DCLC between January and December 2018 at Ysbyty Gwynedd (District General Hospital; YG) and Llandudno General Hospital (isolated unit; LLGH), North Wales, UK. Results The results showed that 100% of DCLCs in LLGH were successful; 71.4% of elective DCLCs were successful at YG. Increasing age ( p = 0.004), BMI ( p = 0.01), ASA Score ( p = 0.006), previous ERCP ( p = 0.05), imaging suggesting cholecystitis ( p = 0.003) and thick-walled gallbladder ( p = 0.04) were significantly associated with failed DCLC on univariate analysis. Factors retaining significance (OR, 95% CI) after multiple regression include BMI (1.82, 1.05–3.16; p = 0.034), imaging suggesting cholecystitis (4.42, 1.72–11.38; p = 0.002) and previous ERCP (5.25, 1.53–18.00; p = 0.008). Postoperative complications are comparable in BMI <35kg/m2 and 35–39.9kg/m2. Conclusions Current patient selection for isolated day unit is effective in ensuring safe discharge and could be further developed with greater consideration for patients with BMI 35–39.9kg/m2. As surgical services return, this helps identify patients suitable for laparoscopic cholecystectomy at isolated COVID-free day units.

2009 ◽  
Vol 91 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Pézier ◽  
P Stimpson ◽  
RG Kanegaonkar ◽  
DA Bowdler

INTRODUCTION In 2000, The NHS Plan in the UK set a target of 75% for all surgical activity to be performed as day-cases. We aim to assess day-case turnover for ENT procedures and, in particular, day-case rates for adult and paediatric otological procedures together with re-admissions within 72 h as a proxy measure of safety. PATIENTS AND METHODS Retrospective collection of data (procedure and length of stay) from the computerised theatre system (Galaxy) and Patient Information Management System (PIMS) of all elective patients operated over one calendar year. The setting was a district general hospital ENT department in South East England. All ENT operations are performed with the exception of oncological head and neck procedures and complex skull-base surgery. RESULTS Overall, 2538 elective operations were performed during the study period. A total of 1535 elective adult procedures were performed with 74% (1137 of 1535) performed as day-cases. Of 1003 paediatric operations, 73% (730 of 1003) were day-cases. Concerning otological procedures, 93.4% (311 of 333) of paediatric procedures were day-cases. For adults, we divided the procedures into major and minor, achieving day-case rates of 88% (93 of 101) and 91% (85 of 93), respectively. The overall day-case rate for otological procedures was 91% (528 of 580). Re-admission rates overall were 0.7% (11 of 1535) for adults and 0.9% (9 of 1003) for paediatric procedures. The most common procedure for re-admission was tonsillectomy accounting for 56% of all adult re-admissions and 78% of paediatric re-admissions. The were no deaths following day-case procedures. DISCUSSION ENT surgery is well-suited to a day-case approach. UK Government targets are attainable when considering routine ENT surgery. Day-case rates for otology in excess of targets are possible even when considering major ear surgery.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Islam El-Abbassy ◽  
Hesham El-Hakim ◽  
Mei Kei Wong ◽  
Robert McIntyre

Abstract Background COVID-19 outbreak led to significant changes in health services worldwide. This study aims to assess the impact of this outbreak on the surgical services in a small District General Hospital and to highlight any benefits that we can take forward. Methods Data were collected retrospectively comparing the surgical service activity during the two months (April and May 2020) around the peak of COVID-19 first wave in the UK and the similar two-month period the year before when activity was at its usual pre-COVID level. A short questionnaire on the use and satisfaction of remote consultation was circulated to all hospital consultants. Results The total number of patients presenting to the emergency department in all specialities almost halved during the COVID-19 crisis. The number of emergency surgical admissions decreased. All elective lists were cancelled and more patients were managed conservatively. In April and May 2020, 156 patients had outpatient surgical consultations. Only 14 of them were face-to-face, whereas the rest were done either by telephone or video calls. This is compared to 472 patients who had face-to-face consultations in April and May 2019. The results of the questionnaire showed that over 90% of the consultants felt telemedicine consultations were satisfactory and that they would have an important role in the future. Conclusion COVID-19 had serious impacts on surgical services regarding cancellation of elective lists and prolongation of waiting time. Despite these drawbacks, the increased confidence with telemedicine services was a significant benefit.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 440
Author(s):  
Islam H. El-Abbassy ◽  
Hesham El-Hakim ◽  
Mei Kei Wong ◽  
Robert McIntyre

Background: COVID-19 outbreak led to significant changes in health services worldwide. This study aimed to assess the impact of this outbreak on the surgical services in a small District General Hospital and to highlight any benefits that we can take forward.Methods: Data were collected retrospectively comparing the surgical service activity during the two months (April and May 2020) around the peak of COVID-19 first wave in the UK and the similar two-month period the year before when activity was at its usual pre-COVID level. A short questionnaire on the use and satisfaction of remote consultation was circulated to all hospital consultants.Results: The total number of patients presenting to the emergency department in all specialities almost halved during the COVID-19 crisis. The number of emergency surgical admissions decreased. All elective lists were cancelled and more patients were managed conservatively. In April and May 2020, 156 patients had outpatient surgical consultations. Only 14 of them were face-to-face, whereas the rest were done either by telephone or video calls. This is compared to 472 patients who had face-to-face consultations in April and May 2019. The results of the questionnaire showed that over 90% of the consultants felt telemedicine consultations were satisfactory and that they would have an important role in the future.Conclusions: COVID-19 had serious impacts on surgical services regarding cancellation of elective lists and prolongation of waiting time. Despite these drawbacks, the increased confidence with telemedicine services was a significant benefit. 


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Ahn ◽  
N Khan ◽  
N Desai ◽  
M Abdu ◽  
L Hiddema ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an acute severe respiratory distress syndrome which resulted in an unprecedented impact on NHS service provision. We aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on general surgical services in a district general hospital. Method Electronic health care record data was retrospectively collected from 6th of April to 6th of May for both 2019 and 2020. Results Despite fewer referrals and admissions in 2020 (133 vs 177 admissions in 2019), there were more failed discharges (29 vs 17 in 2019) and higher associated costs. Higher numbers of biliary related pathologies and pancreatitis (50 in 2020 vs 25 in 2019), and fewer complaints of non-specific abdominal pain (10 in 2020 vs 22 in 2019) were observed. The use of outpatient investigations decreased by approximately 40% in 2020; however, utilisation of inpatient investigations was comparable. Conclusions Better utilisation of outpatient investigations and virtual clinic services may surmount pressures from further peaks of COVID-19. The increase in biliary related cases and pancreatitis may be consequent upon lifestyle changes during lockdown. This merits further investigation and if appropriate, public health intervention. In the absence of an efficacious vaccine, further research would be essential to streamline general surgical services based on clinical risk stratification.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Evans ◽  
C Ng

Abstract Aim COVID19 pandemic has significantly affected surgical services. We aim to review its effects on our theatre output and risk of encountering COVID 19 cases. Method Serial record of operations performed locally were reviewed from start of UK COVID19 pandemic lockdown on 23rd March 2020 to 13th July 2020 after it was lifted. A weekly average by month of operations and the percentage of COVID19 cases diagnosed within 30 days of the procedure were noted. Results 733 operations performed through this period. In March, 33 operations/week performed, 88.4% emergency and 7% diagnosed with COVID19. April, 31 operations /week performed, 95.9% emergency and 10.6% diagnosed with COVID19. May 46 operations /week performed, 94.5% emergency and 3.3% diagnosed with COVID19. June 56 operations /week, 80.9% emergency and less than 0.01% diagnosed with COVID19. By July 80 operations/week, 59.4% emergency and none diagnosed with COVID 19. Since testing capacity increased, only 6 of the 27 operated were diagnosed with COVID19. Conclusions There was initial reduction to non-emergency workload. However, this has gradually shifted as protocols are in place improve public confidence to return for surgical treatment. Mandatory admission testing allows early identification and remains essential for planning of services and protecting the workforce.


2009 ◽  
Vol 91 (5) ◽  
pp. 404-409 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Sathesh-Kumar ◽  
Hazel Rollins ◽  
Sarah Cheslyn-Curtis

INTRODUCTION A small, but significant, number of children require long-term nutritional support. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of providing a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) service for children in a district general hospital and to raise awareness of the suitability of the procedure to be performed on paediatric surgery lists in similar hospitals across the UK. PATIENTS AND METHODS A multidisciplinary paediatric nutrition team was established and all children accepted for PEG insertion between 1995 and 2007 were entered onto a database prospectively and are included in this study. PEG tubes were inserted by the standard pull-through technique under general anaesthetic. RESULTS A total of 172 procedures were performed in 76 children. The median age at first tube insertion was 3 years (range, 0.5–18 years). Length of follow-up ranged from 1 month to 12.6 years. Fifty-eight children (76%) had a neurological abnormality, the commonest being cerebral palsy. All but one procedure were performed successfully, of which 63 (37%) were new insertions, 99 change of tube, 4 changed from surgical gastrostomy and 6 from PEG to button gastrostomy. The median hospital stay was 2 days (range, 2–7 days) for new insertions and 1 day for tube changes. There were 10 (6%) early complications within 30 days, the commonest being peritubal infection (6). The 39 late complications included 16 peritubal infection/granulomata, 9 ‘buried bumpers’, 4 worsening of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, 2 gastrocolic fistulae, 3 gastrocutaneous fistulae and 4 tubal migration. There was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS We have demonstrated that paediatric PEG procedures and continuing management by a supporting team can be successfully and efficiently provided in the district general hospital. It should be possible for the majority of similar hospitals to provide local access and increase the availability of PEG feeding for children.


Author(s):  
Nikita Cliff-Patel ◽  
Lindsay Moncrieff ◽  
Veqas Ziauddin

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of the UK has approved the use of three vaccines to combat COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2). There have been rare reports of thrombosis after vaccination with the AstraZeneca vaccine. We present three cases of vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) in one UK district general hospital following administration of this vaccine. Two of the patients had asymptomatic pulmonary emboli, while the other is the first known case of both renal vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.


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