Irish journal of medical science
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Almost every day, new information about the COVID-19 pandemic continues to emerge. COVID-19 presents a mild clinical picture in children. However, how it goes in newborns and pregnant is still entirely unclear. ⋯ We did not come across any signs of vertical SARS-CoV-2 transmission. COVID-19 diagnosed newborns entirely healed with conservative treatment.
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Acute sigmoid volvulus (ASV) represents a small but significant portion of cases of large bowel obstruction, especially in the elderly and co-morbid. Given the characteristics of the patient cohort most commonly affected, a non-operative/conservative approach is often undertaken but is associated with a high rate of recurrence. ⋯ There is a high recurrence rate following non-operative management of acute sigmoid volvulus and consequently, a cumulative increase in the attendant significant morbidity and mortality with subsequent episodes. Given the relatively low complication rate of definitive surgery, even in those patients perceived to be high risk, we contend that all patients should be considered for early surgery to prevent the likely recurrence of sigmoid volvulus.
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SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), which was detected in December 2019, whose first cases were observed in Turkey on 11th March 2020, and which was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on the same day, has become a public health problem worldwide and has required the adaptation of medical practices to the current situation. In the current paper, we present our experience and practices regarding thoracic surgery from the largest pandemic hospital in Europe over the 1-year period of the pandemic. ⋯ Thoracic surgery has one of the highest risks due to direct contact with the lungs, especially in terms of surgery and the postoperative period. We consider that this risk will be minimized by taking measures during all processes. Moreover, we think that surgical treatments should be delayed as little as possible due to the special status of oncology patients. In addition, considering that if all these rules are followed in the COVID-19 pandemic and in other types of pandemics that may occur in the future, there will be no delay or insufficiency in the treatment of patients and healthcare professionals will be able to work safely.
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Acute surgical assessment units (ASAUs) aim to optimise management of surgical patients compared to the traditional 'on-call' emergency department (ED) system. Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most common acute surgical condition requiring emergency surgery. ⋯ The ASAU has resulted in better outcomes for patients with AA than those admitted via ED. More operations were performed in safer daytime hours with greater consultant presence, allowing for improved senior support for trainee surgeons. Our study supports the role of the ASAU in improving the quality and efficiency of emergency general surgery.
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Appendiceal neuroendocrine tumors (ANETs) are the most common in the appendix, detected in histopathological appendectomy specimens, which are resected for acute appendicitis. If tumor detection does not show signs of metastatic disease or obvious features of carcinoid syndrome, preoperative diagnosis remains a challenge. However, the treatment and follow-up algorithm change over time. In our study, we aimed to present 10 years of diagnostic and management experience. ⋯ In addition, ANETs are rare and largely detected by chance; therefore, precise examination of routine appendectomy specimens is essential for diagnosis. Accurate tumor staging, in light of new algorithms, has an important place in follow-up and treatment management.