The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Pattern of Trauma Presenting to a Tertiary Care Trauma Centre in Oman.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the change in the pattern of the presentation of trauma cases at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, before the COVID-19 pandemic and during its two waves/phases. Methods: This retrospective study was carried out from January 2019 to October 2021. Data on all trauma patients were collected from the hospital information system after ethics committee approval. The pattern of trauma was divided into paediatric, adult and geriatric age groups. The location of trauma was described as either outdoors, at home or on roads. This information was collected along with the details of the mechanism of trauma. Patients with incomplete data were excluded. Results: Based on the inclusion criteria, 589 records were analysed. The mean age of presentation was 29 years. The majority were male (71%) with 54.2% adults, 34% paediatrics and 11.9% geriatrics. There was a gradual increase in the percentage of paediatric trauma during pre-COVID, COVID phase one and phase two, which were 29%, 32% and 51%, respectively. A significant decline (almost 50%) in the number of geriatric trauma cases was observed between pre-COVID and COVID phase two. Trauma at home increased by 65.9% during COVID phase two and penetrating trauma increased by 16.5% during COVID phase two. Intensive care unit admissions increased during the first phase of the pandemic by 10.5%. Conclusion: A significant change was found in the pattern of trauma cases before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. These observations could lead to better safety guidelines for the paediatric age group and steps could be taken to reduce penetrating trauma.

Experience of Unilateral Cleft Lip Repair using the Anatomical Subunit Technique in an Omani Population over a Five-Year Period.

Objectives: This study aimed to report the authors' experience with the anatomical subunit technique for unilateral cleft lip repair, which has gained popularity worldwide. Methods: From July 2015 to April 2020, 114 consecutive cases of cleft lip underwent primary cleft lip repair with closed rhinoplasty by a single surgeon. The demographic data, severity and type of the cleft lip, surgical outcomes, including vermillion notching, were assessed by an independent senior surgeon. The rate of revision surgery was collected from the Al-Shifa® - 3Plus healthcare information system (Ministry of Health, Oman). Parents' satisfaction regarding scar quality and lip and nose appearance was collected and all data were statistically analysed. Results: A total of 82 cases satisfied the inclusion criteria. The mean age at surgery for cleft lip was 32 weeks. Among these, 35 cases (43%) were complete cleft lips and 47 cases (57%) were incomplete. Additionally, 43 children (52%) were born of consanguineous marriage. Six patients (7%) needed revision surgery. The digital survey was completed by 40 subjects (response rate: 48.8%) which showed 85% satisfaction rate with the postoperative scar and 77.5% satisfaction with the aesthetic appearance of the nose. Conclusion: The anatomical subunit technique resulted in a predictable outcome indicating a high rate of patient satisfaction with scar quality and nasal and lip symmetry in children with varying severity of cleft lip. The high percentage of consanguinity (52%) in this study highlights the need for more targeted national campaigns involving premarital counselling in the Omani population.