ABSTRACT
In recent years the quality agenda has taken centre stage in the medical arena. Coupled with this, the present era of rapid scientific and technological advance means that all professionals are engaged in a continuing process of life-long learning. With the pace of change increasing all the time, new thinking challenges conventional wisdom and traditional methods are constantly being superseded. Continuing professional development is the only way for surgeons to stay at the leading edge in such as challenging environment at every stage in their career, to progress--to be participants in these changes rather than merely observers.
Subject(s)
Education, Medical, Continuing/organization & administration , General Surgery/education , Humans , Program Development , Staff Development/methods , United KingdomABSTRACT
Visual acuity (VA) and potential risks to the radiologist's eyesight have been relatively neglected subjects in the radiological literature. This study comprises two parts, the first consisting of a questionnaire on this subject sent to a random sample of 480 practising radiologists in the United Kingdom, and the second, a spot check of the VA of radiologists in our department. Of questionnaires, 73 %were returned. Of respondents, 76 % felt that ionising radiation could affect their vision, but only 13 % used lead glasses on a regular basis. A total of 71 % felt that regular monitoring of eyesight should be required. Of 25 tested radiologists, 5 had suboptimal VA and could benefit from further correction. The pertinent literature is reviewed, and a case for periodic eyesight testing is presented, including VA and grey-scale discrimination.
Subject(s)
Occupational Diseases/physiopathology , Radiation Injuries/physiopathology , Radiology/statistics & numerical data , Vision Disorders/physiopathology , Visual Acuity/physiology , Adult , Eye Protective Devices , Female , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Occupational Diseases/etiology , Occupational Diseases/prevention & control , Occupational Exposure/adverse effects , Radiation Injuries/etiology , Radiation Injuries/prevention & control , Radiation, Ionizing , Surveys and Questionnaires , Vision Disorders/etiology , Vision Disorders/prevention & control , Visual Acuity/radiation effectsABSTRACT
A series of ileal pouchograms from 25 consecutive patients has been analysed retrospectively. Ileal pouchography may demonstrate abnormalities which delay closure of the covering ileostomy. The aim was to determine whether disruption of the ileoanal anastomosis and/or leak at pouchography correlated with pelvic sepsis after ileostomy closure. Disruption of the stapled ileoanal anastomosis is a sensitive (88%) but not specific predictor (57%) for subsequent pelvic sepsis. The predictive value of a negative test is high (89%). Leak of contrast from the anastomosis is specific (81%) but not sensitive (56%) for pelvic sepsis. No significant relationship was demonstrated between width of the presacral space and the presence of pelvic sepsis. No significant relationship was demonstrated between diameter of the ileoanal anastomosis and symptoms of stricture. The presence of anastomotic disruption or leak at pouchography prior to ileostomy closure are useful predictors of potential pelvic sepsis.
Subject(s)
Proctocolectomy, Restorative/adverse effects , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Sensitivity and Specificity , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Treatment FailureABSTRACT
Three cases of Meckel's diverticulum are described. All were investigated by the conventional barium meal and follow-through examination. The methods of radiological investigation are considered and, contrary to the opinion of many authors, the value of the conventional barium examination is stressed.
