Effectiveness of educational interventions in improving clinical competence of residents in an internal medicine residency program in Pakistan.

INTRODUCTION: Medical education is a continuously evolving field. Training institutes and programs should have a process in place to gather continuous feedback and then make appropriate modifications in order to provide education and training effectively. Our study aimed to assess the effect of a quality improvement cycle approach in using various educational interventions within a residency. Effects were measured on the key educational outcomes of residents; medical knowledge, skills and professional attitudes using results of postgraduate examination with both written and clinical skills components. METHODOLOGY: A number of educational interventions were implemented which included changes in work hours with increased time for self-study, new educational activities including a Residents Hour, a Residents Slide Session, Grand Rounds and Journal Clubs, Clinico-pathological conferences, and a two- week postgraduate course for senior residents. Newer and improved assessment tools were also implemented, including an annual in-training mock exam based on the format of the postgraduate examination. Pass rates in postgraduate examinations (Fellow of College of Physicians and Surgeons exam and Member of Royal College of Physicians exam) were compared before and after the interventions to assess the effectiveness of the interventions. RESULTS: The first group of residents after introduction of the educational interventions completed residency training in 2001. Postgraduate exam pass rates (sometimes after two or more attempts) were 59.2% (42 of 71 graduates) before 2001 and 86.4% (38 of 44 graduates after 2001 (p = 0.002). The number of candidates passing the examinations in either their first or second attempts before 2001 was 17 of 42 (40.5%), which increased to 33 of 38 (86.8%) after 2001 (p = <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study describes a number of interventions that were successful in bringing about an improvement in the performance of our residents. These can serve as a guide for postgraduate training programs, particularly those of Internal Medicine, in implementing strategies to strengthen training and enhance the performance of trainees.

Role of estrogens in the secondary hormonal manipulation of hormone refractory prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of Estrogens (Honvan) in the secondary hormonal manipulation of patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRCP). METHODS: Twelve patients diagnosed as hormone refractory prostate cancer received intravenous estrogens for six days (Fosfestrol, a synthetic phosphorylated estrogen derivative), followed by a maintenance oral dose of 120 mg thrice daily as second line hormonal treatment. During the treatment they were given deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis. Their stage at initial presentation, primary treatment, mode of androgen ablation, prostate specific antigen (PSA) level, duration of remission prior of HRPC status, PSA doubling time before and after estrogen treatment were recorded. The morbidity and mortality of the treatment was also recorded. A drop in PSA of > 50% was classified as major responder. The drop of < 50% was defined as minor responders. Treatment failure was defined as a rise in PSA > the level prior to the start of treatment. RESULTS: The mean age at diagnosis of prostate cancer was 66.6 + 5.4 years (range 57-73). At the time of initial diagnosis only 3 patients (25%) had localized disease and 9 (75%) had metastatic prostate cancer. Six patients each opted for surgical or medical castration (LHRH analogs) as the mode of androgen ablation. The mean initial PSA at diagnosis was 340 + 728.1 ng/ml (range 4.1-2375, Median 94). After development of HRPC, six patients (50%) had major response, four (33%) had minor response to estrogen administration. Two patients (17%) did not respond to estrogens. The mean PSA before receiving Fosfestrol was 60.5 + 82 ng/ml (range 0.013-246). The PSA (nadir) after treatment was 24.3 +/- 33.2 ng/ml (range 0.9-81.3). One patient developed gynaecomastia and one had congestive cardiac failure. Two patients died of non cancer related deaths and one patient died of cancer related death. CONCLUSION: Synthetic estrogens are well tolerated, in-expensive agents and could be considered for palliative use against hormone resistant prostate cancer.

The prevalence of silent kidney stones--an ultrasonographic screening study.

OBJECTIVE: Silent and not yet discovered stones of the upper urinary tract are potentially dangerous, since in due course they may cause infection, obstruction and renal damage. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of such silent kidney stones in a representative Pakistani population of Karachi. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We studied 201 consecutive subjects at our hospital who underwent additional kidney screening whilst undergoing abdominal ultrasound. All these subjects did not have a history or symptoms of urolithiasis. RESULT: We found silent kidney stones in 3% of subjects. All stone bearers were males. Most stones were in the left kidney. Notably, multiple stones and stones of a considerable size went unnoticed. CONCLUSION: In addition to the usual figures of incidence and prevalence of stone disease drawn from patient data, there is a prevalence of 3% silent stones that may only be discovered incidentally or by screening. This is true for a "'stone country" like Pakistan. Figures for other regions have yet to be determined. Due to socioeconomic reasons, we believe that a general kidney screening for urolithiasis is, however, not indicated, at least in our country.

Early surgical results with intent to treat by radical retropubic prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer.

AIMS: To evaluate the early cancer control rates, morbidity and mortality in men undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) for clinically localized adenocarcinoma prostate. METHODS: Patient's characteristics, operative data, progressive-free survival rates, morbidity and mortality were analyzed for 23 men with clinical T1-2 prostate cancer who underwent surgery with an intent to treat by RRP between December 1997 to July 2001. RESULTS: Patient's mean age was 63 +/- 6.2 years (range 51 to 76 years) with American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) status I in 4%, II in 65% and III in 31%. Two third of the patients had lower urinary tract obstructive symptoms, followed by hematuria (9%) and back pain (4%). Clinical stages were T1b in 4%, T1c in 9%, T2a in 17%, T2b in 22% and T2c in 48% of the patients. Mean pre-operative serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) was 25 +/- 29 ng/ml (1.1 to 99.3). Bilateral pelvic lymphnode disection(PLND) and RRP was performed in 20 cases (nerve-sparing RRP 5 cases). In 3 cases with gross lymph node metastasis at frozen section, only bilateral orchidectomy was done. The mean operative time was 270 +/- 65 minutes and mean blood loss was 1097 +/- 654 mls. Packed cell transfusions were nil in 26%, 1-2 units in 44%, 3-4 units in 26% and 5 units in 4% of the patients who underwent RRP. The mean length of hospital stay was 10.2 +/- 1 days. Out of 20 patients who underwent RRP, 65% of tumors were confined to the specimen, 20% had seminal vesicle invasion and 15% had nodal metastasis. There was no peri-operative mortality while 2 patients developed epididymo-orchitis and 1 had myocardial ischemia (without infarction). Overall 87% of the patients were fully continent and 13% had mild to moderate stress urinary incontinence. The mean time of return of continence was 11.5 +/- 11.6 weeks. Two of the 3 patients (66%) with follow up information and having undergone nerve-sparing RRP are potent. At a mean follow up of 19.4 +/- 13 months (range 3-45 months), 20 of 23 total patients (87%) and 17 of 20 RRP patients (85%) remained free of disease recurrence with PSA < or = 0.4 ng/ml. CONCLUSION: Our early results confirm the excellent potential for cancer control and low morbidity of radical prostatectomy for men with localized prostate cancer. These results are in conformity with the vast Western experience. Long-term results will be provided.

Orthotopic bladder replacement to the urethra following salvage radical cystoprostatectomy in men with failed radiation therapy.

PURPOSE: Salvage cystoprostatectomy has evolved as a safe and potentially curative treatment option for patients with radiation recurrent bladder cancer. Although orthotopic bladder replacement remains the preferred form of urinary diversion, there is minimal information about its role in salvage cystectomy series. We describe our limited experience in this regard. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We evaluated the operative characteristics and outcome of two patients with muscle invasive transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder after failed high-dose radiation therapy (mean 6,490 cGy). Both patients underwent salvage cystoprostatectomy with Studer-type ileal neobladder reconstruction. Existing literature on the topic is reviewed. RESULTS: Final histopathology showed pT3 N0 M0 TCC urinary bladder with no recent evidence of tumor recurrence. There was no mortality or major perioperative complication. Mean surgery time was 590 minutes, and mean blood loss was 1,600 mL, with 3.5 U of packed cell transfusion per patient. Mean length of stay was 15 days. Postoperative complications included urinary tract infection in both cases. Prolonged urinary leakage, metabolic derangements, and loose stools were seen in one case. At a mean follow-up of 17 months, both patients have well-preserved upper tracts, normal renal function, good capacity neobladders, and satisfactory postvoid emptying. Both patients are fully continent. CONCLUSIONS: Salvage cystoprostatectomy with orthotopic bladder replacement is a safe and effective management option in a select group of radiation recurrent bladder cancer patients.

Placenta percreta with bladder invasion as a cause of life threatening hemorrhage.

PURPOSE: Abnormal placental penetration through the myometrium with bladder invasion is a rare obstetric complication with potential for massive blood loss. Urologists are usually consulted after a life threatening emergency has already arisen. Their familiarity with this condition is crucial for effective management. We describe 2 cases of placenta percreta with bladder invasion to highlight the catastrophic nature of this clinical entity, and review the literature on current diagnostic and management strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1986 and 1998, 250 cases of adherent placenta (0.9%) were identified in 25,254 births at our institution, including 2 (0.008%) of placenta percreta with bladder invasion. We treated these 2 multiparous women who were 33 and 30 years old, respectively. Each had undergone 2 previous cesarean sections. RESULTS: Presenting symptoms were severe hematuria in 1 patient and prepartum hemorrhage with shock in the other. Ultrasound showed complete placenta previa in each with evidence of bladder invasion in 1 patient. Hysterectomy, bladder wall resection and repair, and bilateral internal iliac artery ligation were required to control massive intraoperative hemorrhage. The patients received 22 and 15 units of packed red blood cells, respectively. Fetal death occurred in each case. Convalescence was complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulation in patient 1 but subsequent recovery was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: A high index of suspicion for placenta percreta with bladder invasion is required when evaluating pregnant women with a history of cesarean delivery and placenta previa who present with hematuria and lower urinary tract symptoms. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging may assist in establishing the diagnosis preoperatively. With proper planning and a multidisciplinary approach fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality may be decreased.

Physician responsibility for removal of implants: the case for a computerized program for tracking overdue double-J stents.

PURPOSE: Ureteral stents are used in various modern urologic procedures. Although forgotten double-J (JJ) stents are an infrequent problem, they are associated with significant medical problems. Encrustation from excessive indwelling time increases morbidity and may require extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy to free the coils of the cementing calcerous material. An effective system should be in place to ensure timely removal. The previously used "card" system not only is difficult to manage but has proved unreliable. We describe a computerized program that tracks JJ stents and alerts physicians about stents that need removal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred eighteen patients who were stented between January 1997 and December 1998 were tracked through an integrated computerized program. This program keeps a log of all patients who received a JJ stent and determines the last date by which it should be removed. Patients are reminded if they have not returned for removal of the implant 2 weeks before it is overdue. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-five JJ stents were placed in 218 patients. Comparison of data between the periods before and after computer program inception showed that the incidence of stents retained longer than their expiration time decreased from 12.5% to 1.2% in the first year of the program and 1.5% in the second year of the program. CONCLUSIONS: Forgotten implants pose a significant management dilemma for physicians. Our tracking program significantly lowered the incidence of overdue JJ stents from 12.5% to 1.2% and 1.5% in the first and second years, of the program respectively (p = .00039). We propose that this technically simple program should be in place for all implants placed in patients. The problems we encountered in the smooth running of this system could be averted by incorporating several recommendations.

Ultrasonographic renal size in individuals without known renal disease.

OBJECTIVE: In order to establish some preliminary data of our population, we determined the ultrasonographic kidney dimensions in individuals without known renal disease. We assessed whether age, sex, side, body mass index (BMI) and presence or absence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension affect the renal size. METHODS: Ultrasonographic kidney measurements were performed on 194 adult patients without known kidney lesions. Measurements included length, width, cortical thickness and estimation of renal size which was obtained by multiplying the first three variables. The effect of age, gender, side, height, weight, BMI, hypertension and diabetes mellitus was statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The mean kidney length was 10.4 +/- 0.8 cm, mean with 4.5 +/- 0.6 cm and mean cortical thickness 1.6 +/- 0.2 cm. The estimated mean renal size was 76 +/- 22 cm3. Kidney length did not significantly differ between right and left, however, kidney width, cortical thickness and size did (p < 0.05). Right kidneys were smaller than the left ones. In univariate analysis, the mean renal size correlated with age, sex, side, BMI and absence or presence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. In a multivariate analysis, however, the only significant factors affecting renal size were sex and BMI. CONCLUSION: We conclude that renal size is related to age, side, sex and the individual's height and weight. Population-based studies are needed to establish the normal values for the Pakistani population.

Reduction of radiation exposure to patients in the follow-up of shockwave lithotripsy.

OBJECTIVES: To assess, in patients undergoing extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), if a policy of using unilateral X-rays of the kidney, ureter and bladder (hemi-KUB) whenever possible and appropriate during diagnosis and follow-up, was successful in reducing the radiation exposure associated with ESWL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two groups of patients of statistically comparable size and demography were assessed retrospectively before and after the implementation of the policy. All had undergone ESWL for radio-opaque upper urinary tract stones and all were finally rendered stone-free. The number and type of all radiological procedures from initial diagnosis of the stone to documented stone-free status were recorded and the dose calculated. RESULTS: The appropriate use of hemi-KUB X-rays resulted in a significant mean reduction of radiation exposure after treatment of 2.28 mSv per patient (P<0.05). Furthermore, as expected, the radiation dose was clearly but not closely correlated with stone size (r = 0.419). CONCLUSIONS: The appropriate use of hemi-KUB X-rays during the follow-up after ESWL is a simple and effective way of significantly reducing the radiation exposure of such patients.

Ultrastructure of peritubular tissue in association with tubular hyalinization in human testis.

Testicular peritubular tissue, also known as the tunica propria, surrounds the seminiferous tubules and is responsible for contractile, paracrine and transport functions. The aim of the present report is to describe the pathomorphology of peritubular tissue in association with tubular hyalinization in human testis. Twenty-seven testicular biopsies from 21 subfertile and infertile men were studied with the electron microscope. Biopsies from five patients showed complete or nearly complete tubular hyalinization. In addition to changes described earlier, the following new ultrastructural features were observed: 1. loss of polarity and configuration of myoid cells; 2. protrusion of myoid cells towards the tubule and evagination of basal lamina surrounding the tubule towards the interstitial direction leading to 'bridge' formation. These 'bridges' of myoid cells often created completely separated small compartments within the tunica propria; 3. vacuolization and fragmentation of myoid cell nuclei; 4. a balloon-like swelling of myoid cell containing phagolysosomes and lipid droplets. We conclude that disorganization and loss of vital functions of the extracellular matrix and myoid cells contribute to the pathogenesis of tubular hyalinization.

Bone and renal stone disease in patients operated for primary hyperparathyroidism in Pakistan: is the pattern of disease different from the west?

OBJECTIVE: To document the clinical presentation of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in a developing country and note differences from the West. SETTING: A tertiary care teaching hospital. METHOD: The records of 37 patients operated for PHPT between January 1986 and December 1997 were reviewed. Symptoms, laboratory parameters and histopathology results were analyzed. RESULTS: Surgery for PHPT accounted for 0.055% of 67,566 operative procedures performed in the Department of Surgery during the 12 year period. The mean age of our patients was 38.4 +/- 13.2 years (range 17 to 73 years). Ninety percent of patients were less than 60 years old and 51% less than 40 years. At presentation, the mean serum parathyroid hormone (sPTH) level was 618 +/- 741% above the upper limit of normal (range 0-2900% using a variety of assays). A solitary adenoma was present in 86.5%, hyperplasia in 5.4% and carcinoma in 5.4% of patients. There was one (2.7%) negative exploration. Thirty-five percent of patients had renal stone disease (StD), 32.4% had bone disease alone (BD) and 27% had both bone abnormality and stones (BStD). There were neither bone disease nor stones in 5.4% of patients. BD was associated with a statistically non-significantly (p = 0.08) higher alkaline phosphatase level (sALP) as compared to the StD and BStD groups. The mean urinary calcium (Ca) was higher in the BD group (482 +/- 340 mg/24 hours) as compared to StD group (265 +/- 89 mg/24 hours) (p = 0.013). The post-operative hospital stay was longer in the BD group (14.4 +/- 16 days) as compared to the StD group (6.7 +/- 3.7 days) (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: As compared to reports from the Western world, PHPT is less commonly diagnosed in our country and occurs at a younger age. In the absence of a screening programme, symptomatic disease and bone involvement occur more frequently. The high levels of PTH may indicate long-standing disease in our population, which may account for higher proportion of patients with symptoms. Unexpectedly, patients with bone disease had higher levels of urinary calcium than patients with stone disease.

Urolithiasis in pregnancy--a clinical challenge.

Symptomatic urolithiasis in pregnancy is a rare event. We present a series of 13 cases. Although controversial, we think that X-rays should be avoided if possible. Ultrasound may not be the perfect diagnostic tool in every case of stone disease, however in pregnancy it is the imaging of choice and led to an accurate diagnosis in all our cases. Thirty-eight percent of the patients were managed conservatively throughout their pregnancy, and another thirty-eight percent of our patients needed more extended treatment but could be managed by simple insertion of a double J ureteric stent (DJ). Therefore, in our series invasive treatment was not necessary in the majority of patients. Each one patient required a percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) and a nephrectomy for a non-functional pyonephrotic kidney. Urolithiasis in pregnant women constitutes a challenge for the treating urologists since they are deprived of some of their essential tools, such as X-rays and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), and since normally tolerable complications of less invasive treatments can have disastrous consequences in pregnant patients. Therefore, decisions on any kind of treatment have to be made very prudently and critically. We present an algorithm for the management of stones in pregnancy which may be helpful in decision making.

Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome.

Persistent müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS) is a rare form of male pseudohermaphroditism. We present 5 cases with PMDS (2 cases associated with testicular malignancy) and discuss the diagnosis and management. Management strategies of PMDS have changed. Whereas in the past, removal of the müllerian remnants was targeted together with orchidopexy or -ectomy, this is no longer recommended. However, testicles that cannot be descended at an early stage are at a high risk of malignancy and should, therefore, be removed. If this is necessary on both sides, there is the additional problem of lifelong testosterone substitution which requires efficient patient monitoring and good patient compliance. In cases where this cannot be achieved, compromises, such as temporarily delayed orchidectomy, may be considered.

Proteins in renal stones and urine of stone formers.

Knowledge of the essential characteristics of macromolecules constituting the organic matrix of the nidus of urinary stones is required to understand the mechanism of urolithogenesis. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterise those stone nidus proteins. Using an extraction buffer containing SDS and beta-mercaptoethanol, we were able to overcome known problems of protein isolation from urinary stone matrix. These proteins were characterised by a strong tendency to aggregate under reducing and denaturing conditions. On SDS-PAGE, their molecular weights range from < or = 12 to 66 kDa. Antisera raised against stone matrix proteins showed a cross-reactivity between proteins isolated from different stones irrespective of their origin or mineral composition. Moreover, urinary proteins from stone formers also cross-reacted with these whereas there was no reaction with urinary proteins of non-stone formers. Western blotting confirmed these findings. Given the above summarised properties, it can be safely concluded that these proteins are prevalent in urines of stone formers, that they are selectively incorporated into renal stones of all aetiologies, and that they most likely have a role in nidus and, therefore, early stone formation.

Prostatic aspergillosis.

Prostatic aspergillosis is rare with only 3 cases reported previously. We report a case of localized invasive aspergillosis of the prostate in a nonimmunocompromised patient with chronic urinary retention and recurrent urinary tract infections. Transurethral resection followed by open prostatectomy was performed for massive prostatomegaly. No systemic antifungal therapy was required for cure. The literature is reviewed, and diagnostic and management options are discussed.

The scope and place of ultrasound-monitored extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in a multimodality setting and the effects of experiential, audit-evoked changes on the management of ureteric calculi.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the results from ultrasound-monitored extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for ureteric stones, to compare the results with other treatment modalities and to evaluate experiential audit-evoked gains. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A review of the records of 109 patients with ureteric stones who were treated during 1990 (Group I) and 69 patients treated by ESWL during the first 10 months of 1991 (Group II), was carried out. All patients with a steinstrasse or fragments secondary to ESWL were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Of the 109 patients in Group I, 63 were treated with ESWL, nine underwent ureteroscopic push-up of the stone and 11 underwent catheter push-up prior to ESWL, 28 underwent ureteroscopic extraction/fragmentation, five underwent post-ESWL ureteroscopy and 29 underwent open ureterolithotomy (nine after failed ureteroscopy). Ureteroscopy was successful in fragmentation/extraction of 19 of 28 (68%) stones and 95% of patients were stone-free at 3 months. All patients who underwent ureterolithotomy and 84% who underwent ESWL (and post-ESWL ancillary procedures) were stone-free at 3 months. All patients who underwent ureterolithotomy, 51% of those who underwent ureteroscopy and 56% of patients who underwent ESWL needed only one treatment. The mean stone burdens of patients in Groups I and II were comparable but more patients presented with larger stones (> 15 mm length, > 100 mm2 surface area) in Group II. The stone-free rates for ESWL monotherapy with ESWL increased from 84% in 1990 to 92% in 1991. A higher proportion of stones were treated in situ in 1991 and a stent was used less frequently in obstructed ureters. Post-ESWL procedures fell from 8% in 1990 to 6% in 1991 and the proportion of patients who required more than one treatment fell from 44% in 1990 to 14% in 1991. CONCLUSIONS: The choice of treatment for patients with ureteric stones is critical but will vary depending on the individual's circumstances, the availability of equipment, costs and time required to perform the procedure. The results obtained using ESWL for ureteric stones improved considerably over the course of the study as a result of experience and refinement of the technique. Stones located in more difficult systems such as in kidneys with a thin cortex and those located above the ischial spine were no longer subjected to ESWL. Audit of the results obtained following treatment allows identification of problem areas, alerts physicians to alternative methods of treatment and gives an objective quantification of experience, assisting rational decision making with consequent improved success.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for bladder stones.

Between December 1989 and July 1991, 29 patients with bladder stones were treated on the MPL 9000 extracorporeal shock wave lithotriptor using ultrasound for localisation. The mean stone dimensions were 22.65 x 15.17 mm (< 400 mm2 in 20 patients); 75% of patients required only 1 ESWL session but the largest stone (2025 mm2) required 3. Whilst larger stones tended to require more shock waves, linear regression analysis showed a poor fit and factors other than size (operator experience and stone hardness) may determine the number of shock waves required. Satisfactory fragmentation was obtained in all patients. All were treated under intravenous analgesia without anaesthesia. Three patients also had outflow obstruction and were treated by transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) on the day after completing ESWL. ESWL prior to TURP reduces the morbidity and operating time associated with endoscopic therapy of bladder stones. Macroscopic fragments remaining after ESWL can be washed out at TURP.