ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The increasing incidence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), particularly among women, has prompted an investigation into possible associated factors. The effect of oral contraceptive pill (OCP) usage is debatable, with varying and often conflicting results. It is not confirmed whether OCPs have a protective effect against thyroid cancer or an increased risk. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to investigate the prevalence of OCP usage among females diagnosed with PTC at a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: The study included females aged 18 and above diagnosed with PTC. An OCP user was defined as a female exposed to OCPs for at least one month. Data collection involved chart reviews and phone interviews, and statistical analyses were conducted using Excel and SPSS. RESULTS: Among 58 female patients diagnosed with PTC, 29.3% (n=17) reported using OCPs, and 70.7% (n=41) were non-users. The ages of OCP users ranged from 26 to 56 years, with a median age of 44 years. The duration of OCP usage varied from 1 to 72 months, with a median duration of seven months. Additionally, for the non-users of OCPs, the age range was from 21 to 85 years, with a mean age of 46.4 years. The median ages for the total sample, OCP users, and non-users were 43.5, 44, and 43 years respectively. The timing of OCP usage among users varied from 1 to 35, with a mean timing of 13. CONCLUSION: The study found about one-third 29.3% (n=17) of patients diagnosed with PTC reported using OCPs. These results contribute to the ongoing debate within epidemiological studies regarding the association between PTC and various reproductive factors, including OCP use. Further research is needed to clarify this relationship and its implications on public health.
ABSTRACT
Background: Identifying and targeting common preventable causes of 30-day hospital readmissions could help improve survival rates and reduce the healthcare burden. Objective: To determine the rate and causes of unplanned hospital return/readmission to the Outpatient Department (OPD) or Emergency Department (ED) within 30 days after discharge following head and neck surgery (HNS) at a tertiary hospital in Western Saudi Arabia. Methods: This retrospective study included all adult patients (aged ≥18 years) who had undergone HNS at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between January 2015 and December 2022 and returned to the OPD or ED within 30 days of being discharged. Results: Of 1041 patients who had undergone HNS, 84 (8.1%) returned to the hospital within 30 days after discharge: 63 (6.1%) to the OPD and 21 (2.0%) to the ED. A total of 9 (0.9%) patients were readmitted as inpatients, most commonly for infections (33.3%) and neurological symptoms, including weakness and seizures (22.2%). For OPD visits, common causes were wound swelling (25.4%) and neurological symptoms (17.5%). For ED returns, frequent causes were neurological symptoms (23.8%) and surgical site bleeding (19.1%). Readmission was associated with intensive care unit (ICU) admission during the primary hospital stay (P = 0.003) and higher preoperative baseline health burdens when examined using the American Society of Anesthesiology score (P = 0.022), the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (P = 0.007), and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (P = 0.006). Conclusion: The rate of 30-day unplanned hospital return following head and neck surgery was 6.1% and 2.0% through the OPD and the ED, respectively; 0.9% were readmitted as inpatients. Common causes of return included wound swelling, infections, bleeding, and neurological symptoms.
ABSTRACT
Robotic technology has transformed the field of surgery significantly. Since its inception in the 1970s, robotic surgery has advanced tremendously. The utilization of robotic systems, such as the da Vinci Surgical System, has become increasingly prevalent in minimally invasive procedures. These interventions offer enhanced precision, dexterity, and visualization. In general surgery, robotics has facilitated complex procedures, leading to reduced morbidity and shorter hospital stays. In urology, the robotic platform has revolutionized prostatectomies and other intricate interventions, demonstrating superior outcomes compared to traditional approaches. Orthopedic surgery has embraced robotics for precise joint replacements and spinal procedures. In pediatric surgery, the application of robotics has enabled intricate surgeries with reduced invasiveness and faster recovery times. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence with robotic systems has paved the way for personalized treatment plans and data-driven decision-making. Despite these advancements, challenges such as cost and training persist. As robotic technology continues to evolve, its potential applications extend beyond current boundaries. This review aims to provide insights into the multifaceted impact of the robotic revolution in surgery and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Migraine is a common health condition in both men and women. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects many women during their menstrual cycle, with around 50-60% of women with migraine attacks experiencing menstrual headaches. Most have mild symptoms, but 5-8% suffer from moderate to severe symptoms, causing distress and functional issues. Pure menstrual migraine (PMM) occurs in about 50% of women with migraine, and it can be debilitating in terms of frequency and severity. This information is crucial for Saudi Arabian medical professionals to provide better care and support, improving the quality of life for women with PMS and menstrual migraine (MM) attacks. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of MM in women, to evaluate the severity and frequency of MM in women with PMS, and to identify potential risk factors aggravating MM in women with PMS in Saudi Arabia. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted on reproductive-aged (18-50 years) women who had regular menstrual cycles and were diagnosed with PMS, using a self-administered questionnaire between December 2022 to May 2023 in Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: Out of the 2130 female participants, 397 (18.6%) had migraine. Among these 397 migraine sufferers, 230 (57.9%) experienced MM, while 167 (42.1%) had non-MM. In reproductive women in general, MM occurred in 10.7% of cases, while non-MM was observed in 7.8%. There is a correlation between increasing BMI and an increased incidence of MM. About one-third of the participants experienced moderate disability due to migraine attacks, with 134 (33.8%) individuals affected. Additionally, most MM sufferers missed at least 3 days of work in the last 3 months due to their condition. CONCLUSIONS: Migraine attacks occurring during the menstrual cycle impair the ability to engage in social, physical, household, and academic activities, often hindering the fulfillment of professional commitments. To gain a deeper understanding of menstrual and non-menstrual migraine attacks, it is essential to conduct extensive prospective studies aimed at developing effective management strategies.