Ann Acad Med Singap
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Jan 1984
The surgical approach to recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland.
This is a retrospective study of 19 patients who were referred to the Department of Otolaryngology, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary with recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland. In the majority of patients, a superficial parotidectomy was performed as primary treatment. Recurrence of the tumour was either due to tumour implantation or inadequate surgical excision. ⋯ Change from pleomorphic adenoma at first operation to carcinoma in pleomorphic adenoma (malignant mixed tumour) at the second was noted in three patients who are still alive and free of recurrent tumour. Eighteen out of the 19 patients did not have further recurrences after revision parotidectomy. The surgical principles in the prevention of tumour recurrence and revision parotidectomy are discussed.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Oct 1983
ReviewCurrent concepts of the pathogenesis and management of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the commonest endocrine emergency encountered in clinical practice. Although in the last 3 decades the average worldwide immediate mortality has decreased from 10% to 5%, survival has not improved strikingly. The pathogenesis of DKA is currently attributed to a combination of two hormonal abnormalities--a relative insulin insufficiency and stress hormone excess (glucagon, catecholamines, cortisol and growth hormone). ⋯ Current acceptable treatment of DKA include the following: adequate fluid replacement: low dose insulin therapy at frequent intervals; adequate potassium replacement from time of first insulin therapy with ECG monitoring; bicarbonate replacement if pH less than 7.1; broad spectrum antibiotics if infections is suspected and other supportive measures. The role of phosphate and magnesium replacement is still controversial. An awareness of the complications during the treatment of DKA including cerebral edema (paradoxical acidosis), altered central nervous system oxygenation, vascular thrombosis, shock, myocardial infarction, pancreatitis, infection, inhalation of vomitus , overhydration, underhydration , hypoglycaemia, hyperkalemia and hypokalemia all certainly help improve the morbidity and mortality of DKA.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Oct 1983
Review Comparative StudyGastritis and duodenitis--a clinical, endoscopic and histological study and review of the literature.
A clinical, endoscopic and histological study of gastritis and duodenitis was carried out in 50 patients. The endoscopic diagnosis of mucosal inflammation was found to be highly reproducible. However there was poor correlation between endoscopic and histological diagnoses of gastritis or duodenitis. ⋯ Gastritis and duodenitis should not be diagnosed by history alone but only by endoscopy or histology. When gastritis or duodenitis is the only pathology demonstrated only symptomatic therapy should be given. The literature on the diagnosis and aetiology of gastritis as well as that of specific varieties of gastritis is reviewed.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Jul 1983
Experiences in the management of chest injuries and a review of current management.
Eleven cases of chest trauma managed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Alexandra Hospital were reviewed. Common manifestations were: rib fractures, haemothorax, pneumothorax, pulmonary contusion and flail chest. Nine patients had fractures on other sites of the body and three patients had associated abdominal injuries requiring laparotomy. ⋯ Respiratory failure in chest trauma is often the result of damage to the parenchyma, atelectasis and infection. Whilst the extent of parenchyma lung damage is dependent upon the severity of the injury and therefore not medically preventable, atelectasis and infection can be avoided. Patients with significant chest trauma should therefore be admitted directly to the Intensive Care Unit and the 'Expectant Therapy' instituted.
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The authors wish to document the experience of the Burns Unit, Singapore General Hospital in the management of burns of the upper limb. Fifty-six patients with post-burn deformity of the upper limb seen during a five year period (July 1978-July 1983) were reviewed. The cases were analysed and there were no significant differences in age, sex and race distribution. ⋯ When both surfaces were burned the prognosis depended upon the burns depth. Digital burns treated surgically had fewer residual contractures. The role of occupational therapy, scar control, splinting and secondary surgery in relation to the rehabilitation of the burned upper limb is discussed in some detail.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)