Assessing Mode of Recurrence in Breast Cancer to Identify an Optimised Follow-Up Pathway: 10-Year Institutional Review.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer surveillance programmes ensure early identification of recurrence which maximises overall survival. Programmes include annual clinical examination and radiological assessment. There remains debate around the value of annual clinical exam in diagnosing recurrent disease/second primaries. The aim was to assess diagnostic modalities for recurrent breast cancer with a focus on evaluating the role of annual clinical examination. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospectively maintained database from a symptomatic breast cancer service between 2010-2020 was reviewed. Patients with biopsy-proven recurrence/second breast primary were included. The primary outcome was the diagnostic modality by which recurrences/secondary breast cancers were observed. Diagnostic modalities included (i) self-detection by the patient, (ii) clinical examination by a breast surgeon or (iii) radiological assessment. RESULTS: A total of 233 patients were identified and, following application of exclusion criteria, a total of 140 patients were included. A total of 65/140 (46%) patients were diagnosed clinically, either by self-detection or clinical examination, while 75/140 (54%) were diagnosed radiologically. A total of 59/65 (91%) of patients clinically diagnosed with recurrence presented to the breast clinic after self-detection of an abnormality. Four (6%) patients had cognitive impairment and recurrence was diagnosed by a carer. Two (3%) patients were diagnosed with recurrence by a breast surgeon at clinical examination. The median time to recurrence in all patients was 48 months (range 2-263 months). CONCLUSION: Clinical examination provides little value in diagnosing recurrence (< 5%) and surveillance programmes may benefit from reduced focus on such a modality. Regular radiological assessment and ensuring patients have urgent/easy access to a breast clinic if they develop new symptoms/signs should be the focus of surveillance programmes.

Neurotrauma admissions and COVID-19: a National Centre experience.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the impact of COVID-19 on trauma admissions to a National Neurosurgical Centre in Ireland. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of all trauma admissions to the National Neurosurgical Centre at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, during the period March 1 to May 31, 2019 and 2020. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality rate. Secondary outcomes included time transfer time, time from admission to time of surgery, and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. Patients under the age of 16 were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 32 and 39 patients were admitted to the National Neurosurgical Centre following trauma over the 3-month period in 2020 and 2019 respectively, giving a 17.9% reduction in admissions. The 30-day mortality rate increased from 7.7% in 2019 to 15.6% on 2020 (p = 0.45). Mean transfer time was 4 h 58 min in 2019 and 3 h 55 min in 2020 (0.22). Mean time from admission to time of surgery was 9 h 10 min in 2019 and 5 h 37 min in 2020 respectively (p = 0.35). In 2019, 20 patients (51.3%) were admitted to ICU. This increased to 23 patients (69.7%) in 2020 (p = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: Traumatic brain injury 30-day mortality rates increased during the first COVID-19 lockdown period. Trauma admission rates to ICU remained unchanged despite an overall reduction in trauma admissions. Transfer time, time to surgery, and length of stay were impacted by COVID-19. Despite the challenges COVID-19 has posed, it is important to maintain a fully functioning neurosurgical and neurocritical care service during the pandemic.

Primary intradural/extradural Ewing's sarcoma of the sacral spine: A case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Ewing's sarcoma (ES) is a malignant mesenchymal tumor, most often found in the long bones, and usually affecting children and adolescents in the second decade of life. ES of the spine is a clinical rarity. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 45-year-old male presented with a 3-month history of lower back pain which acutely worsened in conjunction with urinary retention. The magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass extending from L5 to S2 with additional extension through the left S2-3 neural foramen. The metastatic workup was negative. At surgery, the lesion was both intradural and extradural. Following complete surgical resection, the patient was later treated with radiation and chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Here, we report an adult male who acutely presented with low back pain attributable to primary intradural/extradural sacral ES.

The impact of COVID-19 on trauma referrals to a National Neurosurgical Centre.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the impact of COVID-19 on trauma referrals to a National Neurosurgical Centre during the first wave of COVID-19 in Ireland. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of all trauma referrals to the National Neurosurgical Centre at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, during the period March 1-May 31, 2019 and 2020. Patient characteristics including age, sex, alcohol use, anticoagulant/antiplatelet use and initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) were recorded. Patients were grouped based on trauma aetiology and diagnosis. RESULTS: There were 527 and 437 trauma referrals in 2019 and 2020 respectively. Overall, there was a 17.1% reduction in trauma referrals between 2019 and 2020. Traumatic brain injury, spinal injury and cranial fractures referrals reduced 25% (375 vs 283), 59% (32 vs 13) and 18% (39 vs 32) respectively from 2019 to 2020. Low-energy falls below 2 m was the most common mechanism of injury and accounted for 60 and 61% of referrals in 2019 and 2020. No reduction in road traffic collision (33 vs 34) and assault (40 vs 40) referrals were observed between years. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 has had a significant impact on both the volume and mechanism of trauma referrals to the National Neurosurgical Centre in Ireland, with falls below 2 m the most common mechanism of trauma referral across both years. The workload remains substantial and a fully resourced neurosurgical department is essential in any future COVID-19 waves.

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis: long-term outcomes and trends over time in a low-volume institution.

BACKGROUND: Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) can restore bowel continuity for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) who have needed total colectomy with end ileostomy. Internationally, this surgery is recommended for centralisation focussing reflection on Irish outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective study examining patient outcomes after IPAA in our institution over a 15-year period using data from inflammatory bowel disease database, HIPE codes and clinical charts review between January 2002 and January 2018. Cohorts were analysed overall and in 5-year cohorts as well as by access modality of pouch operation. Contextualising Irish data were identified from published literature review. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients (average age 34.8, 21/64% male) had IPAA for UC locally with 64-month mean follow-up. Overall laparoscopic procedure rate was 39.4% (85% 2013-17) being associated with lower lengths of stay (10.6 ± 8 vs 12.7 ± 6.5 days open access). The mean total duration of ileostomy was 27.3 ± 22.5 months, being longest most recently and with an open index procedure. Overall pouchitis affected 53% (n = 18) with rates at 1, 5, 10 and 15 years being 17.6%, 38.2, 50.0% and 52.9%, respectively. Pouch failure rates at 1, 5 and 10 years were 2.9%, 11.8% and 17.6%. Outcomes were similar with other centres publishing from Ireland although none met modern criteria for high-volume practice. CONCLUSIONS: Overall outcomes and practice in this study are consistent with previously published studies on IPAA nationally and internationally. While acceptable, the opportunity from surgical centre collaboration outside of the National Cancer and Acute Surgery Strategies is to offer still better outcomes for our patients.

Bilateral laminotomy through a unilateral approach (minimally invasive) versus open laminectomy for lumbar spinal stenosis.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of minimally invasive (MI) bilateral laminotomy via unilateral approach versus open laminectomy in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 62 patients were treated for LSS and were assigned to one of two groups over a 6-month period. Group A comprised 37 patients that underwent MI bilateral laminotomy. Group B comprised 25 patients that underwent open laminectomy. Follow-up duration was 3 years. The primary outcomes were the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain outcome score for back and leg, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and complications. RESULTS: MI methods were superior in most primary outcomes compared to open laminectomy. VAS back pain outcome was reduced from close to 7 to 4 in both groups. VAS leg pain was reduced from 6.8 to 3.2 in MI group and from 8.7 to 3.5 in the open group (p > 0.05 between groups, p < 0.05 comparing pre- to post-operative back and leg pain). ODI improved from 56.5 to 13 and 58 to 24 in MI and open groups, respectively (p > 0.05 between groups, p < 0.05 comparing pre- to post-operative disability). Complication and revision rates were lower in the MI technique than open laminectomy (8 versus 56%, p < 0.05; 3 versus 12%, p > 0.05). Length of stay ranges were less in MI than open group (1-3 versus 7-30 days, p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral laminotomy through a unilateral approach (minimally invasive) and open laminectomy are both effective in improving pain and disability in LSS. MI procedures have an advantage in shorter hospital stays, sparing of more bony structures and lower complication rates. MI unilateral decompression is at least as good as laminectomy in the treatment of LSS.

The provision of neuro-oncology and glioma neurosurgery during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: a single national tertiary centre experience.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a significant disruption in the provision of healthcare globally. The aim of this study was to assess the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the provision of neuro-oncology surgery and comparison with a similar 3-month period in 2019. METHODS: Retrospective review of prospectively curated database of patients requiring neuro-oncology surgery at our tertiary referral centre between 1st March 2020 and 31st May 2020. We also analysed data for the same time period (1st March-31st May) in 2019 for comparison. Number and type of tumours operated on, postoperative morbidity and mortality, COVID-19-related complications and delays in treatment were recorded. RESULTS: During the 3-month periods studied in 2020 and 2019, there were 127 and 139 admissions for neuro-oncological surgery, respectively. Sixty patients underwent surgery for gliomas during the 2020 period vs 56 in the 2019 period. We observed no increase in mean length of time from referral to inter-hospital transfer (mean of 76 h in 2020 vs 93 h in 2019 (p = 0.10)) or in mean length of time from admission to surgery in the acute admissions (2.39 days in 2020 vs 2.89 days in 2019). The postoperative 30-day morbidity and mortality rates were lower in 2020; 8.7% (n = 11) compared with 10.1% (n = 14) in 2019. There was one COVID-19-related death which occurred in a patient with B cell lymphoma with negative preoperative COVID-19 test. CONCLUSION: The provision of neuro-oncological surgery can be safely continued during respiratory illness epidemic or pandemic if a rigorous testing and staffing framework is implemented.

Technical outcome of atlantoaxial transarticular screw fixation without supplementary posterior construct for rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: transarticular screw (TAS) fixation without a supplementary posterior construct, even in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, provides sufficient stability with acceptable clinical results. Here, we present our experience with 15 RA patients who underwent atlantoaxial (AA) TAS fixation without utilizing a supplementary posterior fusion. METHODS: To treat AA instability, all 15 RA patients underwent C1-C2 TAS fixation without a supplementary posterior construct. Patients were followed for at least 24 months. Pre- and postoperative sagittal measures of C1- C2, C2-C7, and C1-C7 angles, atlanto-dens interval (ADI), posterior atlanto-dens interval (PADI), and adjacent segment (i.e., C2-C3) anterior disc height (ADH) were retrospectively recorded from lateral X-ray imaging. The presence or absence of superior migration of the odontoid (SMO), cervical subaxial subluxation, C1-C2 bony fusion, screw pull-out, and screw breakage were also noted. RESULTS: There was little difference between the pre- and postoperative studies regarding angles measured. Following TAS fixation, the mean ADI shortened, and mean PADI lengthened. There was no difference in the mean measures of C2-C3 ADH. There was no evidence of SMO pre- or postoperatively. Two patients developed anterior subluxation at C5-C6; one of the two also developed anterior subluxation at C2-C3. All patients subsequently showed C1-C2 bony fusion without screw pull-out or breakage. CONCLUSION: In RA patients who have undergone C1-C2 TAS fixation, eliminating a supplementary posterior fusion resulted in adequate stability.

Fixation versus no fixation in laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair of primary inguinal hernia-a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: The necessity of mesh fixation in laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair remains controversial. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness of mesh fixation versus no fixation in laparoscopic TEP repair for primary inguinal hernia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant articles from January 1992 until May 2020. All trials that compared fixation versus no fixation in TEP repairs for inguinal herniae were included. Recurrent and femoral herniae were excluded from the current analysis. The primary outcome measure was recurrence while secondary outcomes included postoperative pain at 24 h, mean operative time, urinary retention, and seroma rates. Random effects models were used to calculate pooled effect size estimates. Sensitivity analyses were also carried out. RESULTS: Eight randomized controlled trials were included capturing 557 patients and 715 inguinal herniae. On random effects analysis, there were no significant differences between fixation and no fixation with respect to recurrence (RD 0.00, 95% CI = - 0.01 to 0.01, p = 1.00), operative time (MD 1.58 min, 95% CI = - 0.22 to 3.37, p = 0.09), seroma (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.28 to 1.74, p = 0.44), or urinary retention (RD 0.09, 95% CI = - 0.18 to 0.36, p = 0.53). However, fixation was associated with more pain at 24 h (MD 0.93, 95% CI = 0.20 to 1.66, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Mesh fixation in laparoscopic TEP repair for primary inguinal herniae is associated with increased postoperative pain at 24 h but similar recurrence, seroma, and urinary retention. Therefore, it may be omitted.

Neurosurgical education in Ireland; a conference and medical student experiences.

BACKGROUND: Adult neurosurgery in Ireland is carried out in two specialist centres, attached to only two medical schools. This leaves four Irish medical schools with no formal clinical attachment in neurosurgery. We organised a student neurosurgical conference to increase exposure to neurosurgical topics and to evaluate student's experience of undergraduate neurosurgical education. METHODS: The conference was organised by students from two Irish Universities with assistance from the National Neurosurgical Centre. It was open to students from all medical students in Ireland. Attendees were invited to complete a questionnaire before and after the conference. Questions were either yes or no answer or responses on a Likert scale. RESULTS: 95 students attended and all medical schools in Ireland were represented. 22% of attendees have received neurosurgical teaching during their medical education, while only 12% had a clinical rotation in neurosurgery. 40% of students are in a medical school attached to a hospital that performs neurosurgery. 54% of attendees disagreed or strongly disagreed that their medical education has comprehensively covered neurosurgical topics. 92% agreed or strongly agreed that they would like more teaching or clinical exposure in neurosurgery. 96% would attend future neurological study days. CONCLUSIONS: Undergraduate neurosurgical education in Ireland varies between Irish medical schools. Many students reported their medical education has not adequately covered neurosurgical topics and that they would like more exposure to neurosurgical teaching and clinical attachments. Nearly all students reported they would attend future neurosurgical student conferences and this may be one method of increasing exposure to neurosurgery as a medical student.

Transient Incomplete Locked-In Syndrome Secondary to Supratentorial Gunshot Wound.

BACKGROUND: Locked-in syndrome (LIS) is a rare neurologic disorder characterized as quadriplegia with anarthria. The diagnosis of LIS is challenging and requires a high index of suspicion. The syndrome is typically caused by an infratentorial lesion to the ventral pons, regardless of etiology. LIS secondary to supratentorial injury is extremely rare, and to our knowledge, this is the first reported case. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report the case of a 26-year-old woman who sustained a gunshot to the left suboccipital area, with supratentorial extension. A diagnosis of incomplete LIS was made on the day of admission, with eye movement preservation. Imaging studies confirmed bilateral injury of the motor homunculus. The clinical course was that of progressive improvement, aided by intensive care unit (ICU) supportive care and early physiotherapy rehabilitation. Her condition improved, and she was discharged to a rehabilitation facility at the end of week 7 postadmission. CONCLUSIONS: This is a unique case of incomplete LIS after supratentorial injury. Initial ICU care and early rehabilitation likely played a major role in the full recovery of this patient. The influence of etiology and site of injury on outcome prognosis is also suggested. Although severe diffuse brain injury may occur in the face of an unremarkable computed tomography (CT) scan, the emerging role of magnetic resonance imaging in optimally evaluating traumatic brain injury with discordant clinical and CT information is highlighted and is useful in cases of LIS where prognosis prediction is important.