Scot Med J
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We performed a cross sectional study to determine the attitudes of surgical trainees and medical students towards virtual reality (VR) simulation in surgical training. A survey was devised through an iterative process before distribution to surgical trainees, foundation year doctors and medical students through online platforms. ⋯ Virtual reality surgical simulation in surgical training is beginning to emerge as a genuine high-fidelity, low-risk solution to the lack of surgical case volume trainees are currently experiencing.
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To evaluate retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) outcomes and to determine the effect of operative time on complications of RIRS. ⋯ Limiting the operation time to 60 minutes in RIRS seems to be important in reducing postoperative complications.
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As orthopaedic surgeons we use x-rays every day; not only when diagnosing pathology but often to assist in operative management of said pathology or ensure satisfactory outcomes for our patients in clinic. An awareness of the correct use of ionising radiation in the form of fluoroscopic imaging is therefore of great importance to reduce intraoperative exposure and has led to the development of the As Little As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principle. The primary aim of this study is to determine the knowledge and practises of radiation safety amongst orthopaedic surgeons in Scotland. ⋯ Of those surveyed 100% reported always wear lead aprons/gowns however only 46.2% (n = 34) frequently or always wear thyroid protection when using X-rays. Only 55% (n = 40) of those surveyed had completed a radiation safety course with this being far less likely amongst junior trainees (29%, n = 6) than amongst Consultants (82%, n = 23) and senior trainees (48%, n = 11) (p < 0.0001). To our knowledge this is the most extensive survey into the radiation practises of Orthopaedic Surgeons in the literature and shows the need for increased education and awareness of radiation safety practises, particularly amongst junior trainees.
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Obesity is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Unlike the indirect measures such as BMI, CT-Body composition (CT-BC) allows for the assessment of both volume and distribution of adipose tissue. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between host characteristics, BMI, CT-BC measurements and the incidence of colorectal neoplasia. ⋯ When directly compared to BMI, CT derived fat measurements were more closely associated with the degree of neoplasia in patients undergoing colorectal cancer screening. In patients investigated with CT colonography, CT adipose measures may stratify the risk and grade of neoplasia.
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Testicular Germ Cell Tumours (TGCTs) are the commonest young adult male cancer, with excellent survival outcomes even with metastatic disease. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery are international guideline-dictated standard of care (SOC) treatments for International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group (IGCCCG) "good risk" TGCT, but are associated with significant toxicities. Therapy de-escalation aims to reduce treatment morbidity whilst preserving cure rates, and has been adopted by some centres for stage IIA/B seminoma. Here, we report on the contemporary UK treatment landscape for stage IIA/B seminoma. ⋯ A wider recognition of UK treatment heterogeneity and consideration of therapy de-escalation strategies at supra-regional sMDTs will increase stage IIA/B seminoma treatment options as part of clinical trials with oncological and quality of life endpoints.