scholarly journals Local tumour ablation for localized kidney cancer: Practice patterns in Canada

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 420
Author(s):  
Vincent Trudeau ◽  
Alessandro Larcher ◽  
Paolo Dell'Oglio ◽  
Katharina Boehm ◽  
Mohamed Bishr ◽  
...  

<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Local tumor ablation (LTA) is a recommended option for the treatment of localized kidney cancer in nonsurgical candidates. We performed a survey to describe the practice patterns of this procedure in Canada.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An electronic survey was sent by email to all urologists registered to the Canadian Urological Association (CUA). Urologists were queried about general demographic information, LTA availability at their institution (and reasons of non-availability, if it was the case) as well as the type and context of LTA use. </p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, 103 individual responses were obtained (response rate of 19.5%). Of those, 58 (56.3%) had access to LTA at their institution. Urologists who had access to LTA were more likely to work at an academic institution (69 vs. 16%, p&lt;0.001). Among individuals who did not use LTA, the main reasons were the lack of staff, such as radiologists, who can assist and/or perform the procedure (64%); and the lack of expertise with the procedure (62%). Among urologists who had access to LTA, percutaneous radiofrequency and cryoablation were the most commonly used (72% and 21%, respectively). However, urologists were rarely involved in those procedures (12%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In this national survey, we found that a significant proportion of Canadian urologists did not have access to LTA. We also found that when LTA was performed, urologists were rarely involved in the procedures. Those findings represent significant areas for improvement in the access to LTA. The conclusions of this study are limited by the low response rate.</p>

Author(s):  
James Fowler ◽  
Christopher J. Chin ◽  
Emad Massoud

Abstract Background Rhinitis medicamentosa is a non-allergic form of rhinitis that is typically caused by prolonged use of topical nasal decongestants. This condition commonly affects young adults and treatment is not trivial. We aimed to survey Canadian Otolaryngologists to determine practice patterns and their opinions regarding this under-studied condition. Methods An electronic survey was sent to practicing Otolaryngologists within the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. The survey contained 16 questions pertaining to the diagnosis and treatment of rhinitis medicamentosa, as well as opinions on public and primary care awareness of proper use of nasal decongestants. Results The survey was distributed to 533 Otolaryngologists and 69 surveys were returned (response rate of 13%). Cessation and weaning of decongestant (96%), and intranasal steroids (94%) were the most common methods for treating RM. Intranasal saline rinses (55%) and oral steroids (25%) were also supported by some respondents. For those who recommended cessation/weaning, 61% also concurrently introduced an intranasal steroid during this process. The majority responded that current warnings on nasal decongestants were inadequate (75%), and were not visible enough (79%). Conclusions Rhinitis medicamentosa is a common, and very preventable condition. Although the literature lacks a standardized approach to RM, our survey has shown that many Otolaryngologists diagnose and treat RM in a similar manner. Treatment tends to focus on decongestant cessation, often with concurrent introduction of intranasal steroids. It was felt the warning labels on the topical medications are not currently satisfactory.


2012 ◽  
Vol 46 (9) ◽  
pp. 890-900 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Campbell ◽  
Mary-Claire Hanlon ◽  
Abner Weng Cheong Poon ◽  
Stefania Paolini ◽  
Melanie Stone ◽  
...  

Objective: Being a parent is an important part of one’s identity and role. Previous research outlines many challenges associated with parenting by people with severe mental illness. However, there is a limited research describing parenting experiences of mothers and fathers who have psychosis. Method: The second Australian national survey of psychosis recruited 1825 people living with symptoms of, or a diagnosis of, psychosis. The survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews and included key clinical and demographic information, as well as parenting specific information. Results: Over half of all women and a quarter of men were parents. Almost a quarter of women but only 5.5% of the men had dependent children (own and/or stepchildren) living at home with them. Of parents with dependent children, the most common diagnosis was schizophrenia (48.2% fathers, 28.9% mothers), and there were high rates of comorbidity with substance abuse/dependence (alcohol: fathers 69.2%, mothers 44.3%; cannabis: fathers 69.22%, mothers 47.8%). A substantial proportion of parents with dependent children experienced challenges including low educational attainment, unemployment, poverty, and social isolation. Although many parents living with dependent children functioned in the average range, a significant proportion was moderately to severely disabled on global independent functioning ratings (fathers 49.1%, mothers 35.7%) and some were identified as having obvious/severe impairments in their ability to care for their child(ren) (fathers 28.3%, mothers 21.3%). Conclusions: Most parents living with psychosis function well. However, a significant proportion has impairments in parenting and general functioning that could have adverse consequences for both the parent and children. This study brings into focus the need for interventions to optimise successful parenting outcomes.


2021 ◽  
pp. 175045892110066
Author(s):  
Lyudmila Kishikova ◽  
Ahmed S Bardan ◽  
Elizabeth Hawkes ◽  
Rawya A Diab ◽  
Venkat Avadhanam ◽  
...  

Ophthalmic surgical operating lists include intraocular and extraocular procedures, as well as clean non-infectious and dirty infectious cases. Patient age, diabetic status, local or general anaesthesia must be considered during ophthalmic theatre scheduling. Traditionally children and ‘clean cases’ are prioritised. However, factors such as the need for an interpreter, patient transport and latex allergy affect the sequencing of ophthalmic lists. An electronic survey was sent to all UK ophthalmology consultants through the Royal College of Ophthalmologists registry, enquiring about their preference in sequencing mixed theatre lists, what operations they considered clean and dirty, and the presence of departmental protocol for list sequencing. There was a 16.9% response rate ( n = 222/1311). A majority of 75.2% ( n = 167/222) had mixed operating lists of intraocular and extraocular cases. Of those performing mixed operating lists, 44.3% ( n = 74/167) stated they would operate on intraocular cases before extraocular cases, and 92.8% ( n = 155/167) would perform ‘clean’ before ‘dirty’ cases. Fifty-nine per cent ( n = 98/167) have a departmental protocol to help determine list order. This survey has demonstrated that there is a trend to perform ‘clean’ before ‘dirty’ and intraocular before extraocular cases. Given the results of the survey, we outline our recommendation on how to sequence mixed ophthalmic theatre lists.


2021 ◽  
pp. 229255032110196
Author(s):  
Oluwatobi R. Olaiya ◽  
Diana Forbes ◽  
Shannon Humphrey ◽  
Katie Beleznay ◽  
Mathew Mosher ◽  
...  

Background: Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers have become a popular modality to address changes in the ageing face. There are many described indications of hyaluronidases in aesthetic medicine which include their use in the management of HA-associated complications. To better understand the current practice patterns, we surveyed Canadian plastic surgeons on their use of hyaluronidases. Methods: With the approval of the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons, an electronic survey was emailed to members. A total of 350 surveys were distributed and 98 surveys were completed for a response rate of 28%. Results: Approximately half (48%) of the survey respondents used HA fillers in their practice. Skin testing for hypersensitivity reactions was performed by less than 10% of hyaluronidase users. Nearly all respondents used hyaluronidase for filler over-correction (95.5%) and asymmetry (86.4%). Over half of the respondents have used hyaluronidase for inflammatory or infectious nodules and the Tyndall effect. Other reported applications included restoration of vascular compromise, and one respondent reported using hyaluronidase for assisting with haematoma resolution. When compared with the most recent guidelines, there was a wide range of doses used for common side effects and complications. Twenty-four percent of the respondents reported that their hyaluronidase formulation was prepared by a compounding pharmacy, and 20% of respondents who inject HA fillers did not stock hyaluronidase. Conclusion: There are many indications for hyaluronidase in aesthetic plastic surgery. Plastic surgeons should stock hyaluronidase and develop a specific plan in anticipation of adverse events. Although hyaluronidase is commonly used by plastic surgeons for over-correction and asymmetry, the dosages used in aesthetic practice is rather diverse and heterogeneous. When possible, plastic surgeons should perform allergy testing before hyaluronidase use.


2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 815-822 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Larcher ◽  
M. Sun ◽  
P. Dell'Oglio ◽  
V. Trudeau ◽  
K. Boehm ◽  
...  

2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raj Satkunasivam ◽  
Melise Keays ◽  
Kenneth T. Pace

Background: We describe the practice variability of CUA (CanadianUrological Association) members and factors which predict thesepatterns for common stone scenarios.Methods: We asked 308 English- and 52 French-speaking CUAmembers to complete online surveys in their respective languages.We collected demographic information on fellowship training,shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) access, academic setting andwhether they are at a hospital with regionalized surgical services.Respondents indicated their actual as well as ideal treatment forscenarios of renal, proximal and distal ureteric calculi.Results: In total, 131 urologists responded (36% response rate), allof whom treated urolithiasis. Of this number, 17% had endourologyfellowship training, 76% had access to SWL, 42% were at anacademic institution and 66% were at institutions with regionalizedsurgical services. Actual and ideal treatment modalitiesselected for symptomatic, distal and proximal ureteric stones (4,8, 14 mm) were consistent with published guidelines. There werediscrepancies between the use of ureteroscopy and SWL in actualversus ideal scenarios. Actual and ideal practices were congruentfor proximal ureteric stones and asymptomatic renal calculi.In multivariate analysis, respondents were less likely to performureteroscopy on proximal 4- and 8-mm stones if they were at ahospital with regionalized surgical services (OR: 0.097; 95% CI:0.01-0.76, p = 0.03 and OR: 0.330; 95% CI: 0.13-0.83, p = 0.02).Interpretation: There is clinical variability in the managementof urolithiasis in Canada; however, management approaches fallwithin published guidelines. Type of hospital and access to operatingroom resources may affect treatment modality selection.


2015 ◽  
Vol 118 (4) ◽  
pp. 541-546 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Larcher ◽  
Vincent Trudeau ◽  
Maxine Sun ◽  
Katharina Boehm ◽  
Malek Meskawi ◽  
...  

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