ABSTRACT
Introduction There is an increasing trend towards day case surgery for uncomplicated gallstone disease. The challenges of maximising training opportunities are well recognised by surgical trainees and the need to demonstrate timely progression of competencies is essential. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy provides the potential for excellent trainee learning opportunities. Our study builds upon previous work by assessing whether measures of outcome are still affected when cases are stratified based on procedural difficulty. Material and methods A prospective cohort study of all laparoscopic cholecystectomies conducted at a district general hospital between 2009 and 2014, performed under the care of a single consultant. The operative difficulty was determined using the Cuschieri classification. The primary endpoint was duration of operation. Secondary endpoints included length of hospital stay, delayed discharge rate and 30-day morbidity. Results A total of 266 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed during the study period. Mean operative time for all consultant-led cases was 52.5 minutes compared with 51.4 minutes for trainees (P = 0.67 unpaired t-test). When cases were stratified for difficulty, consultant-led cases were on average 5 minutes faster. Median duration of hospital stay was equivalent in both groups and there was no statistical difference in re-attendance (12.9% vs. 15.3% P = 0.59) or re-admission rates (3.2% vs. 8.1% P = 0.10) at 30 days. Conclusions Our study provides evidence that laparoscopic cholecystectomy provides a good training opportunity for surgical trainees without being detrimental to patient outcome. We recommend that, in selected patients, under consultant supervision, laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed primarily by the surgical trainee without impacting on patient outcome or theatre scheduling.
Subject(s)
Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic/education , Clinical Competence , Gallstones/surgery , Operative Time , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Gallstones/diagnosis , Humans , Length of Stay/statistics & numerical data , Male , Middle Aged , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Prospective Studies , Severity of Illness Index , Treatment Outcome , United Kingdom , Young AdultABSTRACT
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the incidence has increased over recent decades. Although only 1.5% of cases are diagnosed in those aged under 40 years, it remains an important condition to be aware of in the military population. Patients who are genetically predisposed can have a lifetime risk of 80-100% of developing CRC and are likely to develop symptoms during their service. 20% of patients will present with metastatic disease. While surgical and oncological treatments have improved outcomes, early diagnosis of CRC is essential to reducing mortality. This paper provides an overview of the aetiology, investigations and treatment options for CRC. Explanation of primary surgical options and the principles of adjuvant therapies are included to aid informed discussions with patients.
Subject(s)
Colorectal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Colorectal Neoplasms/therapy , Adenomatous Polyposis Coli/diagnosis , Adenomatous Polyposis Coli/surgery , Colonic Neoplasms/diagnosis , Colonic Neoplasms/therapy , Colonoscopy , Colorectal Neoplasms/etiology , Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics , Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis/diagnosis , Humans , Rectal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Rectal Neoplasms/therapy , Referral and ConsultationABSTRACT
Mass casualty events (MCE) present health systems with a sudden demand on key services. The overall objective of this study was to describe the experience of the National Blood Service (NBS) following the largest UK MCE in recent times. Data was collated from the NBS database and directly from the hospitals involved. All data was collected immediately following the event and included: all blood components requested, issued and transfused in relation to the bombings, blood stock levels at the time and the injury profiles of the casualties transfused. The total NBS order from hospitals for the event was 1455 units of blood components. All requests were fulfilled, this included: 978 units of red cells (RC), 36 doses of platelets, 141 units of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and 300 doses of cryoprecipitate. The amount of blood ordered was three times that initially used and the total number of RC transfused in treating all victims from admission to discharge was approximately 440 units. The greatest use of blood components was for those casualties who had sustained traumatic amputations amongst their injury profile. Published data with which to compare these results is lacking, although the RC use was similar to the initial mean individual usage described in previous military and civilian bombings. The overall implication for any blood service remains, there is now likely to be a far greater demand for plasma, platelets and cryoprecipitate in any future incidents involving victims suffering major haemorrhage.
