A rare case of orbital inflammation complicated by hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

We report a rare case of orbital inflammation complicating hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) patient. HLH is a rare, life-threatening disorder characterized by uncontrolled activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and macrophages. A 37-year-old man known to have HLH, presented with a left periorbital swelling that was unsuccessfully treated as an orbital cellulitis, with intravenous antibiotics. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the orbits revealed inflammatory changes with no orbital collection or paranasal sinus disease. An orbital biopsy demonstrated lymphoplasmacytic infiltrations admixed with histiocytes. The patient deteriorated and was admitted to the intensive care unit. Ensuing blood results supported a diagnosis of HLH, and the patient responded well to subsequent immunosuppression. This case report highlights the importance of re-considering the diagnosis of orbital cellulitis in treatment resistant cases, particularly in the absence of sinus disease. To our knowledge, this is the third case of orbital inflammation associated with HLH patients.

Diagnostic uncertainty following orbital injury from a grease gun.

Orbital trauma involving high-pressure grease guns is rare and can cause significant morbidity due to retained intraorbital grease. Grease can appear similar to intraorbital air on cross-sectional imaging, and clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for retained intraorbital grease and know how to recognise this. In this case, we will share the clinical and radiological findings as well as management of retained intraorbital grease.

Transconjunctival versus transcutaneous local anaesthetic administration for lower eyelid surgery: a randomised controlled trial.

AIM: To compare the associated discomfort and safety between transcutaneous (Tskin) and transconjunctival (Tconj) approaches of local anaesthetic (LA) administration in lower eyelid surgery. METHODS: A prospective randomised controlled trial comparing Tskin and Tconj LA in patients undergoing bilateral lower eyelid surgeries for horizontal laxity. Patients were randomised to receive LA via Tskin to one side and Tconj to the fellow side. LA injection was administered in a slow fashion accompanied by distraction (tapping of patient's forehead). Self-reported discomfort from the injections was rated using a 0-10 numerical rating scale. A single blinded assessor graded photographs for eyelid bruising (0 = absent, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe). RESULTS: A total of 30 patients (mean age ± SD, 75.9 ± 6.7 years) were enrolled. The overall pain score (mean ± SD) was statistically lower for the Tconj than the Tskin group (3.90 ± 2.28 versus 5.33 ± 2.23, p = 0.017). More patients in the Tconj group reported substantially less pain (score of ≤3) in comparison to the Tskin group (56.7% versus 23.3%, p = 0.017). In individual patients, the Tconj pain score was found to be significantly lower than the Tskin side (p = 0.008). Bruising scores were higher in the Tskin group, but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.13). No other adverse effects were found. CONCLUSION: Tconj delivery of LA in lower eyelids with horizontal laxity is safe and associated with less discomfort and bruising than the conventional Tskin route. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04102878.

Effectiveness of procedural simulation in urology: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: We analyzed studies validating the effectiveness and deficiencies of simulation for training and assessment in urology. We documented simulation types (synthetic, virtual reality and animal models), participant experience level and tasks performed. The feasibility, validity, cost-effectiveness, reliability and educational impact of the simulators were also evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MEDLINE®, EMBASE™ and PsycINFO® databases were systematically searched until September 2010. References from retrieved articles were reviewed to broaden the search. RESULTS: The study included case reports, case series and empirical studies of training and assessment in urology using procedural simulation. The model name, training tasks, participant level, training duration and evaluation scoring were extracted from each study. We also extracted data on face, content and construct validity. Most studies suitably addressed content, construct and face validation as well as the feasibility, educational impact and cost-effectiveness of simulation models. Synthetic, animal and virtual reality models were demonstrated to be effective training and assessment tools for junior trainees. Few investigators looked at the transferability of skills from simulation to real patients. CONCLUSIONS: Current simulation models are valid and reliable for the initial phase of training and assessment. For advanced and specialist level skill acquisition animal models can be used but availability is limited due to supply shortages and ethical restrictions. More research is needed to validate simulated environments for senior trainees and specialists.

A competency framework in cardiothoracic surgery for training and revalidation - an international comparison.

The conventional methods of education, certification and recertification in cardiothoracic surgery face a paradigm shift in line with recent innovations in diagnostics and therapeutics. The attributes of a competent clinician entail proficiency in knowledge, communication, teamwork, management, health advocacy, professionalism and technical skills. This article investigates the skills required for a cardiothoracic surgeon to be competent. The relevant practice of certification and recertification across various regions has also been explored. Validated and competency-based curricula should be designed to develop core competencies to successfully integrate them into practice. Challenges to the implementation of such curricula and potential solutions are explored. Patient safety remains the ultimate aim to ensure excellence of both competency and performance.

Assessment and maintenance of competence in urology.

Urology is becoming increasingly reliant on inter-disciplinary collaboration. As a result of this interaction and developments in technology, the existing system of training, certification and recertification needs revision. The skill-set required of urologists has become multidimensional. As the field of urology continues to evolve, the recognition of the need for objective and efficient certification for trainees and a recertification program for specialists has increased. Training programs need to provide a curriculum focused on knowledge, communication, cognitive and technical skills, with the inclusion of simulation-based training. For specialists, the benefits of teaching through mentorship should be evaluated, and outcome-based assessment of patient morbidity and mortality needs to be further developed and validated.