Singapore medical journal
-
Singapore medical journal · Feb 2024
Customised weight-based volume contrast media protocol for multiphase abdominal computed tomography.
Multiphase computed tomography (CT) using fixed volume contrast media may lead to high radiation exposure and toxicity in patients with low body weight. We evaluated a customised weight-based protocol for multiphase CT in terms of radiation exposure, image quality and cost savings. ⋯ The optimised weight-based protocol is cost-efficient and lowers radiation dose while maintaining overall contrast enhancement and image quality.
-
Singapore medical journal · Feb 2024
Anaesthetic considerations and challenges during awake craniotomy.
This article summarises the key anaesthetic considerations and challenges surrounding the perioperative management of a patient undergoing awake craniotomy. The main goals include patient comfort, facilitation of patient cooperation during the critical awake phase and maintenance of optimal operating conditions. ⋯ Challenges such as loss of patient cooperation, loss of airway, intraoperative nausea and vomiting, seizures, cerebral oedema, hypertension, blood loss and use of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging are discussed. The importance of teamwork, competence, vigilance and clear management strategies for potential complications to maximise patient outcomes is also highlighted.
-
Singapore medical journal · Feb 2024
Local cOinage and Hospital Equipment Index (Lo Hei): projectile distance of Singapore coinage and healthcare-related equipment in a 3T magnetic resonance imaging scanner.
Modern magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners utilise superconducting magnets that are permanently active. Patients and healthcare professionals have been known to unintentionally introduce ferromagnetic objects into the scanning room. In this study, we evaluated the projectile risk of Singapore coinage as well as some common healthcare equipment within a 3 T MRI scanner. ⋯ Some local coinage and commonly found objects within a healthcare setting demonstrate ferromagnetic activity with projectile potential from a distance of more than 1 m. Patients and healthcare professionals should be cognisant of the risk associated with introducing these objects into the MRI scanning room.