Quantifying the relationship of HIV infection with clinicopathological spectrum and outcome among patients with colorectal cancer in a South African population

Introduction: Literature is limited on HIV and colorectal cancer (CRC) in sub-Saharan Africa despite it being the epicentre of the HIV epidemic, Purpose: To compare clinicopathological features and outcome of CRC in HIV-negative and HIV-positive patients. Methods: Retrospective analysis of a prospective CRC database. Demographic details, HIV status, anatomical site, disease stage, treatment and follow-up were documented. Results: Of 715 patients with CRC, 145 and 570 tested positive and negative respectively for HIV. Median age was 45 (IQR 36-53 and 57 (IQR 45-66) years among HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients respectively (p<0.0001). Tumour differentiation differed between the two groups (p=0.003) but staging was not different (p=0.6). Surgical resection rate was 52% for HIV-positive patients versus 59% for HIV-negative patients (p=0.07). Median follow-up was 9 (IQR 2-20.5) months for HIV-positive patients and 12 (IQR 6-29) months for HIV-negative patients (p=0.154). Recurrence rate was 14.7% among HIV positive patients and 6.8% in HIV negative patients (p=0.089). Conclusion: When compared with HIV-negative patients, HIV-positive patients with CRC presented at a younger age and tended to have lower surgical resection rates. There was no difference between the two groups with CRC in terms of anatomical sub-site distribution, disease staging and recurrence rates

A five-year audit of lower limb amputations below the knee and rehabilitation outcomes: the Durban experience

Introduction: Lower limb amputation (LLA) due to diabetes mellitus (DM) is a growing epidemic worldwide. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of LLAs at Addington Hospital from 2010 to 2014 and to explore the rehabilitation outcomes of amputees. Design and setting: A retrospective chart review of LLAs below the knee was undertaken at Addington Hospital. Subjects: Patients who underwent LLAs were filtered from theatre registers. Methodology:A data collection sheet included demographic profile, diabetic status, level of amputation, limb orientation and rehabilitation outcomes. Outcome measures: Study endpoints were prevalence, compliance and rehabilitation outcomes. Results: From 2010 to 2014, 767 LLAs in 667 patients were identified. Mean age was 59 (13.2) years. M:F ratio was 1:1. Of these, 354 patients (53.1%) had DM. Level of amputation was below-knee 57%, trans-metatarsal 12.4% and toectomy 30.6%. Only 116 patients (17.4%) were referred for physiotherapy, of whom 95 (81.9%) attended. Median frequency of physiotherapy visits was five and four for diabetic and non-diabetic amputees respectively. Mobility after rehabilitation was with a walking frame (49%), crutches (32%), prosthesis and crutches (8%), wheelchair-bound (9%) and independent gait (1%). Conclusion: Over half of amputations were associated with DM. The gender incidence was similar. Referral to physiotherapy and adherence thereto was poor

Preoperative anaemia and clinical outcomes in the South African surgical outcomes study

Background.In high-income countries, preoperative anaemia has been associated with poor postoperative outcomes. To date, no large study has investigated this association in South Africa (SA). The demographics of SA surgical patients differ from those of surgical patients in the European and Northern American settings from which the preoperative anaemia data were derived. These associations between preoperative anaemia and postoperative outcomes are therefore not necessarily transferable to SA surgical patients.Objectives. The primary objective was to determine the association between preoperative anaemia and in-hospital mortality in SA adult non-cardiac, non-obstetric patients. The secondary objectives were to describe the association between preoperative anaemia and (i) critical care admission and (ii) length of hospital stay, and the prevalence of preoperative anaemia in adult SA surgical patients.Methods. We performed a secondary analysis of the South African Surgical Outcomes Study (SASOS), a large prospective observational study of patients undergoing inpatient non-cardiac, non-obstetric surgery at 50 hospitals across SA over a 1-week period. To determine whether preoperative anaemia is independently associated with mortality or admission to critical care following surgery, we conducted a multivariate logistic regression analysis that included all the independent predictors of mortality and admission to critical care identified in the original SASOS model.Results. The prevalence of preoperative anaemia was 1 727/3 610 (47.8%). Preoperative anaemia was independently associated with in-hospital mortality (odds ratio (OR) 1.657, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.055 - 2.602; p=0.028) and admission to critical care (OR 1.487, 95% CI 1.081 - 2.046; p=0.015).Conclusions. Almost 50% of patients undergoing surgery at government-funded hospitals in SA had preoperative anaemia, which was independently associated with postoperative mortality and critical care admission. These numbers indicate a significant perioperative risk, with a clear need for quality improvement programmes that may improve surgical outcomes. Long waiting lists for elective surgery allow time for assessment and correction of anaemia preoperatively. With a high proportion of patients presenting for urgent or emergency surgery, perioperative clinicians in all specialties should educate themselves in the principles of patient blood management

Exposure to Human Immunodeficiency Disease. What Precautions for the Healtcare Professional?

: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic is more pronounced in sub- Saharan Africa. The ever-increasing prevalence of HIV infection and the continued improvement in clinical management has increased the likelihood of these patients being managed by healthcare workers. The aim of the review was to assess current literature on the risks of transmission of HIV infection and protection of the healthcare worker.Methods: A literature review was performed using MEDLINE articles addressing `human immunodeficiency virus'; `HIV'; `Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome'; `AIDS'; `HIV and Surgery'. We also manually searched relevant surgical journals and completed the bibliographic compilation by collecting cross references from published papers.Results: Transmission is by contamination with body fluids for example needle-stick injury and blood splashes. The risk of HIV transmission from patient to healthcare worker always exists. The risk of transmission is very small and depends on the type of discipline and type of procedure. Hollow needles are more dangerous than suture needles. Sero-conversion is; however; very minimal. Universal precautions are emphasised. In case of needle-stick injury or splash it is important that affected healthcare workers take post-exposure prophylaxis.Conclusion: Occupational HIV transmission is lower than that for other infections. However; protection of all health care personnel should be the prime objective. Universal infection control guidelines must be accepted and strictly enforced. A prompt response to blood contact is crucial and post-exposure prophylaxis is essential

The Influence of Diabetes on Short-Term Outcome Following a Prosthetic Above-The-Knee Femoro-Popliteal Bypass : Cardiovascular Topic

Objectives: To assess the influence of diabetes mellitus on early morbidity and mortality following a femoro-popliteal bypass. Methods: Clinical data on patients subjected to a prosthetic above-the-knee femoro-popliteal bypass for atherothrombotic disease over a four-year period in the Durban Metropolitan Vascular Service were culled from a prospectively maintained computerised database. The patients were divided into two groups; diabetic and non-diabetic. Results: Two hundred and seventeen patient records were analysed; 102 (47) patients were diabetic and 115 (53) non-diabetic. The mean age in the two groups was almost similar. Differences noted between the two groups were that there was a higher prevalence of males and cigarette smokers in the non-diabetic group and hypertension among the diabetics. The prevalence of ischaemic heart disease in the two groups was not statistically significant. The majority of patients in both groups presented with critical limb ischaemia. Overall; 208 (96) of the patients had their procedures performed using loco regional anaesthesia. The incidence of superficial wound infection between the two groups was not statistically significant. Deep infection; which necessitated removal of the graft; and cardiovascular complications were significantly higher in the diabetics. Four patients (3.9) in the diabetic group and only one (0.9) in the non-diabetic group died. Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus significantly increases the incidence of graft sepsis and cardiovascular morbidity in patients undergoing above-the-knee femoro-popliteal bypass

Procedure for Prolapsed Haemorrhoids Versus Excisional Haemorrhoidectomy: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background. The procedure for prolapse and haemorrhoids (PPH) was introduced to address the postoperative pain following excisional haemorrhoidectomy (EH). Objective. To assess the efficacy of both procedures to treat haemorrhoids. Data sources. Literature review using MEDLINE. Articles addressing PPH and EH were included. Study selection. RCTs comparing EH and PPH with =20 patients. Data extraction. Primary endpoints were pain; operative time; hospital stay; satisfaction with procedure and time to return to normal activity. Secondary endpoints such as recurrence and complications were collated for descriptive analysis. A metaanalysis was performed using the random effects model on studies reporting `mean' and SD or SEM. Data synthesis. PPH was associated with less postoperative pain; less operative time; shorter hospital stay and earlier return to normal activities compared with EH. There appears to be no significant difference in satisfaction with the procedure. There was no difference between the two procedures in terms of complications. There were more recurrences after PPH. Conclusion. Compared with EH; PPH is associated with less postoperative pain; reduced operative time and hospital stay and earlier return to normal activity; and a trend towards improved patient satisfaction. The rate of recurrence appears higher with PPH

Disseminated nocardiosis masquerading as abdominal tuberculosis

A 32-year-old patient was admitted with a communityacquired pneumonia. She had clinical evidence of AIDS and chest X-ray features consistent with pulmonary tuberculosis. While in the ward she developed an acute abdomen necessitating laparotomy; at which a diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis was made. Sputum and intraoperative pus specimens grew a multiresistant Nocardia brasiliensis. Microbiological investigations for tuberculosis were negative. The patient died after a short ICU admission from multiple organ dysfunction syndrome

Perforated gastric ulcer - reappraisal of surgical options

Background: The available operative procedures for perforated gastric ulcer are gastrectomy; ulcer excision and omental patch closure. This study analysed the outcome of these operative options in a single institution.Patients and methods: Seventy-two patients (mean age 43 years; 62 males) with perforated gastric ulcers were managed by laparotomy. There were 34 lesser curve (incisural) and 38 antral ulcers. Results: Partial gastrectomy was performed in 27 patients; ulcer excision in 27 and simple patch closure in 18. Two ulcers were malignant. The mortality rate was 18(26for gastrectomy; 19for ulcer excision and 5for patch closure). Shock on admission (p=0.006) and Candida (p=0.020) in the histological specimen were predictive of poor outcome. Hospital stay was similar in the 3 groups. Conclusion: Omental patch closure and ulcer excision are as effective as gastrectomy in the management of perforated gastric ulcer and merit consideration as first-line therapy in technically applicable cases

Perforated gastric ulcer - reappraisal of surgical options : general surgery

Background. The available operative procedures for perforated gastric ulcer are gastrectomy; ulcer excision and omental patch closure. This study analysed the outcome of these operative options in a single institution. Patients and methods. Seventy-two patients (mean age 43 years; 62 males) with perforated gastric ulcers were managed by laparotomy. There were 34 lesser curve (incisural) and 38 antral ulcers. Results. Partial gastrectomy was performed in 27 patients; ulcer excision in 27 and simple patch closure in 18. Two ulcers were malignant. The mortality rate was 18(26for gastrectomy; 19for ulcer excision and 5for patch closure). Shock on admission (p = 0.006) and Candida (p = 0.020) in the histological specimen were predictive of poor outcome. Hospital stay was similar in the 3 groups. Conclusion. Omental patch closure and ulcer excision are as effective as gastrectomy in the management of perforated gastric ulcer and merit consideration as first-line therapy in technically applicable cases