ABSTRACT
Scrotal hernias are common in the general population. Patients often present acutely reporting pain or sometimes with more severe symptoms if the hernia is strangulated or incarcerated. An 81-year-old man presented with left-sided iliac fossa pain with no other associated symptoms. On clinical exam, a left-sided non-reducible inguinoscrotal hernia was detected with no evidence to suggest strangulation. Imaging revealed a probable colorectal cancer with likely liver metastases. The patient went on to have open surgery to excise the tumour with clear oncological margins. Colorectal cancers contained within scrotal hernias are very rare occurrences. In this case, the surgeon had the advantage of preoperative images that identified the cancer. In some cases, this cohort of patients do not have such scans prior to surgery and the surgical team can be faced with a much more complex operation than anticipated.
ABSTRACT
Quality of life of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors is believed to be as important as a factor in resuscitation outcome as the survival rate. The aim of this investigation is to assess the quality of life outcomes of survivors of out-of- hospital cardiac arrest in the Munster region. OHCAR was used to identify survivors who were contacted in writing to invite their participation. Internationally standardized phone based questionnaires were utilized to assess quality of life. The mean age of participants was 63.5 years with 85% male and 15% female. Eighty percent (n = 16) had no issues with mobility, 90% (n = 18) had no issues with personal care, 90% could undertake all usual activities, and 90% (n = 18) experienced no anxiety or depression. In conclusion, survivors of OHCA in the Munster area, who participated in this study, survive at a very high functional level.
