scholarly journals Therapeutic challenges in colorectal surgery practice during COVID-19 outbreak: a case series

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. CRC22
Author(s):  
Mahdi Alemrajabi ◽  
Mohammad Moradi ◽  
Esmail Amiri ◽  
Masoud Vahdani
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Surgery ◽  
General Surgery ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Team Members

After the outbreak of COVID-19, several issues in the field of general surgery have remained unknown. Here we present two consecutive patients operated on in a coronavirus center in February 2020, during the outbreak in Tehran, Iran. Moreover, we highlight some challenges surgeons face in the management of these patients during the outbreak. We suggest surgeons to perform the safest technique with the least risk. In borderline conditions, it is suggested to prefer stoma over anastomosis. This lessens the course of hospitalization and probable complication rates. We suggest establishing clean centers and prepare guidelines for the general surgery team members to lessen the risk for patients and healthcare providers.

scholarly journals Single incision laparoscopic surgery in general surgery: a review

2011 ◽  
Vol 93 (6) ◽  
pp. 437-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
N Greaves ◽  
J Nicholson
Keyword(s):  
Laparoscopic Surgery ◽  
General Surgery ◽  
Single Incision ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Post Operative Pain ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Standard Laparoscopic Surgery

Single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is a rapidly developing field that may represent the future of laparoscopic surgery. The major advantage of SILS over standard laparoscopic surgery is in cosmesis, with surgery becoming essentially scarless if the incision is hidden within the umbilicus. Only one incision is required so the risk of potential complications like port site hernias, haematomas and wound infection is reduced. The trade-off for this is a technically more challenging procedure with different underlying principles to that of traditional laparoscopic surgery. A wide variety of new equipment has been developed to support SILS and the range of procedures that are amenable to the technique is increasing. To date most of the published data relating to SILS are in the form of case series, with the first large randomised controlled trials due to be completed by the end of 2012. The existing evidence suggests that SILS is similar to standard laparoscopic surgery in terms of complication rates, completion rates and post-operative pain scores. However, the duration of SILS is longer than equivalent laparoscopic procedures. This article discusses SILS with regard to its applications in general surgery and reviews the evidence currently available.

scholarly journals Family Physician’s and Primary Care Team’s Perspectives on Supporting Family Caregivers in Primary Care Networks

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 3293
Author(s):  
Jasneet Parmar ◽  
Sharon Anderson ◽  
Marjan Abbasi ◽  
Saeed Ahmadinejad ◽  
Karenn Chan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Family Physicians ◽  
Care Team ◽  
Primary Care Team ◽  
Caregiver Support ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Primary Care Teams ◽  
Support Family

Background. Research, practice, and policy have focused on educating family caregivers to sustain care but failed to equip healthcare providers to effectively support family caregivers. Family physicians are well-positioned to care for family caregivers. Methods. We adopted an interpretive description design to explore family physicians and primary care team members’ perceptions of their current and recommended practices for supporting family caregivers. We conducted focus groups with family physicians and their primary care team members. Results. Ten physicians and 42 team members participated. We identified three major themes. “Family physicians and primary care teams can be a valuable source of support for family caregivers” highlighted these primary care team members’ broad recognition of the need to support family caregiver’s health. “What stands in the way” spoke to the barriers in current practices that precluded supporting family caregivers. Primary care teams recommended, “A structured approach may be a way forward.” Conclusion. A plethora of research and policy documents recommend proactive, consistent support for family caregivers, yet comprehensive caregiver support policy remains elusive. The continuity of care makes primary care an ideal setting to support family caregivers. Now policy-makers must develop consistent protocols to assess, and care for family caregivers in primary care.

scholarly journals Complications and Revisions After Spine Surgery in Patients With Skeletal Dysplasia: Have We Improved?

2021 ◽  
pp. 219256822199478
Author(s):  
Karim Shafi ◽  
Francis Lovecchio ◽  
Maria Sava ◽  
Michael Steinhaus ◽  
Andre Samuel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spine Surgery ◽  
Skeletal Dysplasia ◽  
Spinal Surgery ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Surgical Complication ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Neurologic Complication ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Average Patient

Study Design: Retrospective case series. Objective: To report contemporary rates of complications and subsequent surgery after spinal surgery in patients with skeletal dysplasia. Methods: A case series of 25 consecutive patients who underwent spinal surgery between 2007 and 2017 were identified from a single institution’s skeletal dysplasia registry. Patient demographics, medical history, surgical indication, complications, and subsequent surgeries (revisions, extension to adjacent levels, or for pathology at a non-contiguous level) were collected. Charlson comorbidity indices were calculated as a composite measure of overall health. Results: Achondroplasia was the most common skeletal dysplasia (76%) followed by spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (20%); 1 patient had diastrophic dysplasia (4%). Average patient age was 53.2 ± 14.7 years and most patients were in excellent cardiovascular health (88% Charlson Comorbidity Index 0-4). Mean follow up after the index procedure was 57.4 ± 39.2 months (range). Indications for surgery were mostly for neurologic symptoms. The most commonly performed surgery was a multilevel thoracolumbar decompression without fusion (57%). Complications included durotomy (36%), neurologic complication (12%), and infection requiring irrigation and debridement (8%). Nine patients (36%) underwent a subsequent surgery. Three patients (12%) underwent a procedure at a non-contiguous anatomic zone, 3 (12%) underwent a revision of the previous surgery, and another 3 (12%) required extension of their previous decompression or fusion. Conclusions: Surgical complication rates remain high after spine surgery in patients with skeletal dysplasia, likely attributable to inherent characteristics of the disease. Patients should be counseled on their risk for complication and subsequent surgery.

scholarly journals Should COVID-19 Mother Breastfeed her Newborn Child? A Literature Review on the Safety of Breastfeeding for Pregnant Women with COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harshil Bhatt
Keyword(s):  
Direct Contact ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Limited Evidence ◽  
Her Family ◽  
Viral Antibodies ◽  
Newborn Child ◽  
Droplet Transmission

Abstract Purpose of Review Breastfeeding is beneficial to both the newborn and the mother. During the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns have been raised on whether the SARS-CoV-2 virus could be transmitted from COVID-19 positive mother to the newborn through breastmilk. The purpose of this review is to examine the available evidence on the risks of transmission of infection from COVID-19 mothers to their newborns through breastfeeding. Recent Findings Data is very limited in this regard, with only a few smaller case series, and case reports have been published so far. In most of the studies, breastmilk samples from COVID-19 mothers tested negative for the virus. In the case reports where the virus was detected in breastmilk and the infants were diagnosed with COVID-19, it remained unclear whether the disease was transmitted through breastmilk or direct contact or through delivery. Another hypothesis is that the viral antibodies could pass to the newborn passively through breastmilk of COVID-19 positive mothers and give immunity to the child, but data is minimal. Summary Based on the currently available limited evidence and recognizing the benefits of breastfeeding, it may be concluded that if the health of the mother and her newborn allows, direct breastfeeding or extracted breastmilk should be encouraged by the healthcare providers after a careful discussion of the risks of vertical transmission to the mother and her family. Preventive measures should be taken by COVID-19 mothers to prevent droplet transmission of infection to the infants while breastfeeding.

scholarly journals Neurological manifestations and neuroimaging findings in patients with SARS-CoV2—a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikita Mohan ◽  
Muhammad Ali Fayyaz ◽  
Christopher del Rio ◽  
Navpreet Kaur Rajinder Singh Khurana ◽  
Sampada Sandip Vaidya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Altered Mental Status ◽  
Common Finding ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Neurological Manifestations ◽  
The Cochrane Library ◽  
Ct And Mri

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically affected everyone in a hit or miss manner. Since it began, evidence of the neuro-invasive potential of the virus has been intensifying significantly. Several pathways have been hypothesized to elucidate the neurotropic nature of SARS-CoV2. It is the need of the hour to collect vital information. Objective To evaluate and correlate the neuro-radiological and neurological manifestations in patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV2. To identify neuro-invasive pathways of COVID infection. Methods Relevant studies were identified through four databases—the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science. These were searched using relevant keywords—“COVID-19,” “SARS-CoV2,” “neurological manifestations,” “neuroimaging,” “CT,” and “MRI.” Relevant articles were screened according to a pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria from December 2019 to August 2020. Results Our review included a total of 63 full text publications with 584 patients, composed mainly of observational studies, case reports, and case series. The most common neurological manifestations associated with COVID-19 were altered mental status, stroke, and paralysis. About 17.85% patients who underwent neuroimaging were found to be having ischemic changes suggestive of a stroke. This was followed by hemorrhagic changes as the second most common finding. The most commonly involved vessel was the Middle Cerebral Artery. Besides stroke, we found that SARS-CoV2 could be the cause for new-onset seizures, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, encephalitis, and many other severe neurological diseases. Conclusion The information that we have obtained so far will prove dynamic to healthcare providers working against the COVID-19 pandemic. It is necessary to be aware of these atypical neurological findings for the early diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 infected patients. However, to completely understand the connection between SARS-CoV2 and the nervous system, further research is necessary.

scholarly journals Management challenges in patients with comorbid COVID-19 associated delirium and serious mental illness – A case series

2021 ◽  
pp. 009121742098597
Author(s):  
Saba Syed ◽  
Michael Couse ◽  
Rashi Ojha
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Serious Mental Illness ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Active Management ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Psychiatric Facility ◽  
Medical Teams ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Background There is still a lot unknown about the novel Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) and its effects in humans. This pandemic has posed several challenging clinical situations to healthcare providers. Objective We hope to highlight the distinctive challenges that COVID-19 presents in patients with serious mental illness and what steps primary medical teams can take to co-manage these patients with the psychiatry consultants. Methods We present a retrospective chart review of four patients who were on psychotropic polypharmacy and admitted to our hospital from the same long-term psychiatric facility with COVID-19 delirium and other associated medical complications. Results We illustrate how the primary medical teams and psychiatrists collaborated in clinical diagnosis, treatment, and management. Conclusions Patients with serious mental illness and COVID-19 infection require active collaboration between primary medical teams and psychiatrists for diagnostic clarification, reduction of psychotropic polypharmacy to avoid adverse effects and drug-drug interactions, prevention of psychiatric decompensation, and active management of agitation while balancing staff and patient safety concerns.

scholarly journals Open Appendicectomy under Spinal Anesthesia—A Valuable Alternative during COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 07 (02) ◽  
pp. e69-e72
Author(s):  
Dinh Van Chi Mai ◽  
Alex Sagar ◽  
Oliver Claydon ◽  
Ji Young Park ◽  
Niteen Tapuria ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Spinal Anesthesia ◽  
Stated Preference ◽  
Case Series ◽  
District General Hospital ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Open Appendicectomy ◽  
Surgical Department ◽  
The United Kingdom

Abstract Introduction Concerns relating to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and general anesthesia (GA) prompted our department to consider that open appendicectomy under spinal anesthesia (SA) avoids aerosolization from intubation and laparoscopy. While common in developing nations, it is unusual in the United Kingdom. We present the first United Kingdom case series and discuss its potential role during and after this pandemic. Methods We prospectively studied patients with appendicitis at a British district general hospital who were unsuitable for conservative management and consequently underwent open appendicectomy under SA. We also reviewed patient satisfaction after 30 days. This ran for 5 weeks from March 25th, 2020 until the surgical department reverted to the laparoscopic appendicectomy as the standard of care. Main outcomes were 30-day complication rates and patient satisfaction. Results None of the included seven patients were COVID positive. The majority (four-sevenths) had complicated appendicitis. There were no major adverse (Clavien-Dindo grade III to V) postoperative events. Two patients suffered minor postoperative complications. Two experienced intraoperative pain. Mean operative time was 44 minutes. Median length of stay and return to activity was 1 and 14 days, respectively. Although four stated preference in hindsight for GA, the majority (five-sevenths) were satisfied with the operative experience under SA. Discussion Although contraindications, risk of pain, and specific complications may be limiting, our series demonstrates open appendicectomy under SA to be safe and feasible in the United Kingdom. The technique could be a valuable contingency for COVID-suspected cases and patients with high-risk respiratory disease.

scholarly journals Exploring the potential for introducing home monitoring of blood pressure during pregnancy into maternity care: current views and experiences of staff—a qualitative study

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e037874
Author(s):  
Lisa Hinton ◽  
James Hodgkinson ◽  
Katherine L Tucker ◽  
Linda Rozmovits ◽  
Lucy Chappell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Maternity Care ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Home Monitoring ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Registration Number ◽  
In Pregnancy

ObjectiveOne in 20 women are affected by pre-eclampsia, a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity, death and premature birth worldwide. Diagnosis is made from monitoring blood pressure (BP) and urine and symptoms at antenatal visits after 20 weeks of pregnancy. There are no randomised data from contemporary trials to guide the efficacy of self-monitoring of BP (SMBP) in pregnancy. We explored the perspectives of maternity staff to understand the context and health system challenges to introducing and implementing SMBP in maternity care, ahead of undertaking a trial.DesignExploratory study using a qualitative approach.SettingEight hospitals, English National Health Service.ParticipantsObstetricians, community and hospital midwives, pharmacists, trainee doctors (n=147).MethodsSemi-structured interviews with site research team members and clinicians, interviews and focus group discussions. Rapid content and thematic analysis undertaken.ResultsThe main themes to emerge around SMBP include (1) different BP changes in pregnancy, (2) reliability and accuracy of BP monitoring, (3) anticipated impact of SMBP on women, (4) anticipated impact of SMBP on the antenatal care system, (5) caution, uncertainty and evidence, (6) concerns over action/inaction and patient safety.ConclusionsThe potential impact of SMBP on maternity services is profound although nuanced. While introducing SMBP does not reduce the responsibility clinicians have for women’s health, it may enhance the responsibilities and agency of pregnant women, and introduces a new set of relationships into maternity care. This is a new space for reconfiguration of roles, mutual expectations and the relationships between and responsibilities of healthcare providers and women.Trial registration numberNCT03334149.

scholarly journals Single-use versus reusable flexible ureteroscopes: a comprehensive cost-analysis decision model

2018 ◽  
Vol 97 (3) ◽  
pp. 323-333
Author(s):  
Giovanni Scala Marchini ◽  
Fábio César Miranda Torricelli ◽  
Manoj Monga ◽  
Carlos Alfredo Batagello ◽  
Fábio Carvalho Vicentini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Flexible Ureteroscopy ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Ureteral Access Sheath ◽  
Flexible Scope ◽  
Surgical Costs ◽  
Single Use ◽  
The Cost

Purpose: The significant improvements in flexible ureterorenoscopes have made flexible ureteroscopy the main treatment modality to target upper urinary pathologies. The purpose of this study was to critically evaluate all literature concerning the cost-effectiveness of flexible ureteroscopy comparing single-use with reusable scopes. Methods: A systematic online literature review was performed in PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar databases. Two separate urologists (GSM and FCT) performed the online search and reviewed all papers considered suitable and relevant for this analysis. Because of the paucity of high quality publications, not only prospective assessments but also case control and case series studies were included in the final analysis. All factors potentially affecting surgical costs or clinical outcomes were considered in the analysis. Results: 741 studies with the previously elected terms were found. Of those, 18 were duplicated and 77 were not related to urology procedures and were excluded. Of the remaining 646 studies, 59 published between 2000 and 2018 were considered of relevance to the pre-defined queries and were selected for further analysis. Stone free and complication rates were similar between single-use and reusable scopes. In special, urinary tract infection rate following flexible ureteroscopy is not inferior if a single-use device is used instead of a reusable scope. Operative time was in average 20% shorter if a digital scope was used, single-use or not. There is a suggestion that the learning curve is shorter with single-use devices but this is not consistent in the literature. Surgeon expertise impacts the longevity of the flexible scope. Reusable digital scopes seem to last longer than optic ones, though scope longevity is very variable worldwide. New scopes usually last three to four times more than refurbished ones and single-use ureterorenoscopes have good resilience throughout long cases. Both sterilization method and cleaning process impact scope longevity, the best results being achieved with Cidex and a dedicated nurse to take care of the sterilization process. The main factors that negatively impact device longevity regarding patient and disease are lower pole pathologies, large stone burden and non-use of a ureteral access sheath. Conclusions: The cost-effectiveness of a flexible ureteroscopy program is dependent of several aspects that must be considered when deciding whether to choose between a single-use and a reusable ureterorenoscope. Disposable devices are already a reality and will progressively become the standard as manufacturing price falls significantly.

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