Surg J R Coll Surg E
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Surg J R Coll Surg E · Feb 2021
Management of the axilla following neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer- A change in practice.
Chemotherapy in the neo adjuvant setting has allowed downsizing of breast tumours thus allowing patients to benefit from breast conservation surgery. The effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has also been observed in the axilla but most units are still treating the axilla with axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). ⋯ There is no clear evidence for management of the axilla post NAC. We have used best available evidence to change our practice over the years and our results should encourage others to de-escalate treatment of the axilla in line with the recently published multidisciplinary guidance on axillary surgery following neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
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Surg J R Coll Surg E · Feb 2021
Triaging algorithm for head & neck oncology follow-up patients in COVID-19 climate.
The current climate is one of uncertainty and immeasurable tragedy for people afflicted by the pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. As professionals, we have a duty of care towards all patients especially the vulnerable and those suffering with life-threatening illnesses such as oral cancer. We present a safe & objective triaging method for afflicted with this disease in the prevailing morbid situation.
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Surg J R Coll Surg E · Dec 2020
A systematic review of viral transmission risk to healthcare staff comparing laparoscopic and open surgery.
Throughout the United Kingdom, there have been sweeping changes to the practice of medicine due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For the surgical speciality, there have been changes to both elective and emergency practice. Concern regarding potential aerosolisation during invasive procedures have been raised - including the use of pneumoperitoneum to facilitate laparoscopy. The aim of this study is to systematically review the data available to date regarding the potential risk posed to theatre staff by laparoscopy. ⋯ The data and analysis reported in this study reflect the most up-to-date evidence available for the surgeon to assess risk towards healthcare staff. It was constrained by heterogeneity of reporting for several outcomes and lack of comparable studies. There is currently insufficient data to recommend open or a minimally invasive surgical approach with regard to theatre team safety in the COVID-19 era.
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Surg J R Coll Surg E · Dec 2020
A protocol for wide awake local anaesthetic no tourniquet (WALANT) hand surgery in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
There are new and unique challenges to emergency surgery service provision posed by the Coronavirus disease 2019 global pandemic. It is in the best interests of patients for care providers to streamline services where possible to maximise the number of cases that can be performed by limited surgical and anaesthetic teams, as well as minimising patient interactions and admission times to reduce potential spread of the virus. There is evidence that wide awake local anaesthetic no tourniquet (WALANT) hand and upper limb surgery can meet this need in a number of ways, including reduced pre-operative work up, the lack of a need for an anaesthetist or ventilator, shorter inpatient stays and improved cost efficiencies. ⋯ We outline a protocol being developed at one UK Major Trauma Centre tailored to the expansion of WALANT hand and upper limb emergency surgery with particular emphasis on facilitating timely surgical care while minimising healthcare encounters pre and post-operatively. This will serve to reduce potential transmission of the virus and create cost efficiencies to free funding for COVID-19 related care. Our protocol is easily replicable and may be of benefit to other centres dealing with emergency upper limb surgery in the new climate of COVID-19.
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Surg J R Coll Surg E · Oct 2020
Observational StudyA healthy decline in age- and sex- specific incidence of hip fractures in the elderly in the Republic of Ireland.
The number of patients sustaining hip fractures in the Republic of Ireland was expected to increase by 100% from 2004 to 2026. This has not been seen either in local or international literature. Our aim is to assess the age- and sex-specific incidence of hip fractures in patients over the age of 65 years and to determine whether the projected increase in incidence is mirrored in the reality of the Irish experience. ⋯ The annual hip fracture incidence has decreased across both sexes in this study period. This may be associated with preventative measures and introduction of fracture liaison services. This study highlights the importance of investment in preventative strategies for a continued reduction in hip fracture incidence and will help to plan future services.