Singap Med J
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With improvements in surgical techniques, instrumentation and perioperative care, Hartmann's procedure is now less frequently performed. Restoration of intestinal continuity after Hartmann's procedure has traditionally been viewed to be technically demanding and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This is a study of outcomes after the reversal of Hartmann's procedure in an Asian population. ⋯ In our population, Hartmann's procedure is more commonly performed for colorectal cancer rather than for diverticular disease, resulting in lower rates of stoma reversal. Hartmann's reversal could be performed with acceptable morbidity and minimal mortality, although prior radiotherapy and shorter rectal stump may pose challenges during reversal surgery.
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This study aimed to describe the patterns of sedative use among terminally ill cancer patients who were referred to a hospital-based specialist palliative care service for symptom management. It also aimed to examine whether sedative use among terminally ill cancer patients during the last two days of life had any impact on their survival. ⋯ The results showed that the doses and overall frequency of sedative use in this patient population tended to be low and that usage of sedatives had no deleterious influence on survival.
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Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumour in childhood. We report our experience at National University Health System (NUHS), Singapore. ⋯ The prognosis for those with advanced stage neuroblastoma remains poor. A collaborative effort, with an emphasis on research in detecting biologic characteristics of aggressive disease and tailoring therapy, needs to be strengthened in order to further our understanding of this disease.