An International Collaborative Study on Surgical Education for Quality Improvement (ASSURED): A Project by the 2017 International Society of Surgery (ISS/SIC) Travel Scholars International Working Group.

BACKGROUND: There is a huge difference in the standard of surgical training in different countries around the world. The disparity is more obvious in the various models of surgical training in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared to high-income countries. Although the global training model of surgeons is evolving from an apprenticeship model to a competency-based model with additional training using simulation, the training of surgeons in LMICs still lacks a standard pathway of training. METHODS: This is a qualitative, descriptive, and collaborative study conducted in six LMICs across Asia, Africa, and South America. The data were collected on the status of surgical education in these countries as per the guidelines designed for the ASSURED project along with plans for quality improvement in surgical education in these countries. RESULTS: The training model in these selected LMICs appears to be a hybrid of the standard models of surgical training. The training models were tailored to the country's need, but many fail to meet international standards. There are many areas identified that can be addressed in order to improve the quality of surgical education in these countries. CONCLUSIONS: Many areas need to be improved for a better quality of surgical training in LMICs. There is a need of financial, technical, and research support for the improvement in these models of surgical education in LMICs.

Presentation, diagnosis and management of locally advanced breast cancer: Is it different in low/middle income countries?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Breast cancer incidence is increasing and it is highest in low income countries. The main challenge is regarding awareness, screening, late presentation and its management in a third-world country. Our objective was to share the experience faced in various presentations, diagnosis and management of locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) in a third world country and discuss if they are different with respect to developed countries. METHODS: It is a retrospective case series study performed at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre Karachi, from January 2015 to December 2017, over period of three years. Data was collected from the record maintained by authors about patients presenting in breast clinic. Patients of breast cancer were managed in breast clinic over 3 years. Our study included patients who presented with LABC based on their clinical presentation confirmed by histopathological diagnosis and followed by surgical management. Statistical analysis for students t-test was performed using SPSS (version 20.0). A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: One hundred twelve patients presented with LABC over period of 3 years. All but two were female. Mean age was 52 years (range 26-78 years), SD 18.96. On presentation size of tumor was 5cm & more in 103 (91.9%) patients. Involvement of axilla was in 86 (76.7%). Chest wall was involved in 22 (19.6%). Total T3 and T4 were 71 (63.3%) and 41 (36.6%) respectively Diagnosis of all patients was confirmed by histopathology. Neoadjuvant was given to all patients to downstage the tumor. ER/PR was positive in 46(41.1%), HER-2/neu positive in 31 (27.6%). On staging breast carcinoma was metastatic in 13(11.6%) with liver, lung and bone in 4 (3.5%), 3 (2.7%) and 6 (5.3%) respectively. Breast conservation was done in 6 (6.1%) patients, Modified Radical Mastectomy was done in 86 (86.9%), Radical Mastectomy in 3 (3.03%), Toilet Mastectomy in 4 (4.045) and 13 (11.6%) patients were not operated. CONCLUSION: In our series 65% of all breast cancers are LABC at presentation. In low/middle income countries high percentage of LABC at presentation result in high metastatic disease, poor prognosis and limits conservation of breast. Awareness and education can improve outcomes.

Frequency of Hypocalcaemia following Total Thyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Patients who undergo Total thyroidectomy are at higher risk for postoperative hypocalcaemia, which can lead to significant short and long term morbidity. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of postoperative hypocalcaemia undergoing Total thyroidectomy. METHODS: A total of 854 patients who underwent Total thyroidectomy and completion thyroidectomy between January 2003 to December 2016 at Endocrine Surgical unit, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, were included in this retrospective study. Data were obtained for demographics, preoperative diagnosis, postoperative calcium levels, extent of surgery and final surgical pathology. RESULTS: A total of 854 patients underwent Total thyroidectomy. Of these 87.58% (n=748) were malignant and 12.41% (n=106) were benign. Among the malignant and benign patients, 47.3% (n=404) underwent Total thyroidectomy and 52.69% (n=450) underwent completion thyroidectomy. Overall incidence of transient hypocalcaemia was 7% (n=60) and that of permanent hypocalcaemia was 0.11% (n= 1). CONCLUSION: Hypocalcaemia is one of major concern following total- thyroidectomy. Meticulous surgical techniques, identification and preservation of vascularity of parathyroid glands are essential in preventing postoperative hypocalcaemia following total thyroidectomy.

Compliance and Effectiveness of WHO Surgical Safety Check list: A JPMC Audit.

OBJECTIVE: To assess World Health Organization (WHO) Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC), compliance and its effectiveness in reducing complications and final outcome of patients. METHODS: This was a prospective study done in Department of General Surgery (Ward 02), Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi. The study included Total 3638 patients who underwent surgical procedure in elective theatre in four years from November 2011 to October 2015 since the SSC was included as part of history sheets in ward. Files were checked to confirm the compliance with regards to filling the three stage checklist properly and complications were noted. RESULTS: In 1st year, out of 840 surgical procedures, SSC was properly marked in 172 (20.4%) cases. In 2nd year, out of 857 surgical procedures 303 (35.3%) cases were marked which increased in 3rd year out of 935 surgical procedures 757 (80.9%) cases and in 4th year out of 932 surgical procedures 838 (89.9%) cases were marked. No significant change in site and side (left or right) complications were noted in all four years. Surgical Site Infection (SSI) was noted in 59 (7.50%), 52 (6.47%), 44 (4.70%) and 20 (2.12%) cases in 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th year respectively. SSI in laparoscopic cholecystectomies was 41 (20.8 %), 45 (13%), 20 (5.68%) and 4 (1.12%) in 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th year respectively. No significant change in chest complications were noted in all four years. Mortality rate also remained same in all four years. CONCLUSION: WHO SSC is an effective tool in reducing in-hospital complications thus producing a favorable outcome. Realization its efficacy would improve compliance.

Short term outcome of laparoscopic ventral rectopexy for rectal prolapse.

OBJECTIVE: To find out the short term outcomes of effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic ventral rectopexy for rectal prolapse. METHODS: It was a descriptive case series study of 31 consecutive patients of rectal prolapse in Colorectal division of Ward 2, Department of General surgery, Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center, Karachi, from November 2009 to November 2015. These patients were admitted through outpatient department with complains of something coming out of anus, constipation and per rectal bleeding. All patients were clinically examined and baseline investigations were done. All patients underwent laparoscopic repair with ventral mesh placement on rectum. RESULTS: Among 31 patients, mean age was 45 years range (20 - 72). While females were 14(45%) and males 17(55%). We observed variety of presentations, including solitary rectal ulcers (n=4) and rectocele (n=3) but full thickness rectal prolapse was predominant(n=24). All patients had laparoscopic repair with mesh placement. Average hospital stay was three days. Out of 31 patients, there was one (3.2%) recurrence. Port site minor infection in 3(9.7%) patients, while conversion to open approach was done in two (6.4%), postoperative ileus observed in two (6.4%) patients. one(3.2%) patient developed intractable back pain and mesh was removed six weeks after the operation. one(4.8%) patient complained of abdominal pain off and on postoperatively. No patient developed denovo or worsening constipation while constipation was improved in 21 patients (67%). Sexual dysfunction such as dysperunia in females and impotence in males was not detected in follow up. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the limited evidence that nerve sparing laparoscopic ventral rectopexy is safe and effective treatment of external and symptomatic internal rectal prolapse. It has better cosmetic and functional outcome as advantages of minimal access and comparable recurrence rate.