ABSTRACT
A Best Evidence Topic in general surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was 'Appendiceal phlegmon in adults: Do we know how to manage it yet?'. Altogether 217 papers were found on Ovid Embase and Medline, 334 on PubMed and 13 on the Cochrane database using the reported search. From the screened articles, 5 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. We conclude that the best management method is conservative only treatment without interval appendicectomy. These patients must be followed up, including colonoscopy and/or CT imaging as indicated, to investigate for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or malignancy masquerading as appendicitis.
ABSTRACT
A best evidence topic in general surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether early or interval appendicectomy provides a superior clinical outcome for children presenting with localised perforated appendix. Altogether 204 papers were found using the search strategy reported below; of which 5 were identified to provide the best evidence to answer the question. The author, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results, and study weaknesses were tabulated. We concluded that for children presenting with localised perforated appendix without abscess formation, early appendicectomy provides better clinical outcome in terms of lower complication and re-admission rate and shorter length of hospital stay.
ABSTRACT
A best evidence topic has been constructed using a described protocol. The three-part question addressed was: for patients with suspected acute appendicitis can normal inflammatory markers rule out the diagnosis? Altogether 151 papers were found using the search strategy reported below. Seven were identified to provide the best evidence to answer the question. The author, journal, date, and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results, and study weaknesses were tabulated. In conclusion, six out of seven papers are more in favour with the concept that normal inflammatory markers cannot effectively rule out the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Esophagectomy or gastrectomy for malignant tumors can have a profound effect on nutritional status of patients undergoing the procedure. Hence, postoperative nutritional status is an important prognostic factor to consider in ensuring optimal recovery. In this study, we looked at assessing the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies post esophagectomy or gastrectomies and the efficiency of Allied Health Professionals (AHP) led clinics in identifying and appropriately managing the deficiencies. METHOD: Between February 2017 and February 2018, all patients who attended the AHP clinic, had micronutrient screening, which includes ferritin, folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin D. Patients were screened for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) through series of questions related to symptoms of EPI including steatorrhea, flatulence and urgency to defecate. All patients included in the study were started on A-Z multivitamin tablets from their first visit. Patients reporting symptoms indicative of EPI were started on Creon. Patients found deficient in any micronutrients were invited for a follow-up measurement of the respective deficiency. RESULTS: A total of 63 patients were included in the study period with a median follow-up of 18 months (range: 2-60 months) post esophagectomy and/or subtotal/total gastrectomy for malignant tumors. Proportion of patients with deficiency in ferritin, folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin D were 42.86%, 9.52%, 6.35% and 36.67% respectively. The proportion of patients identified with symptoms indicative of EPI was 31.75%. At re-test follow-up, 66.67% patient noticed settlement of symptoms of EPI. Ferritin, Folate, Vitamin B12 and D levels significantly improved post initial AHP follow-up (significance level p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study highlights that nutritional deficiencies post esophagectomy and/or subtotal/total gastrectomy for malignant tumors are prevalent. AHP run follow-up clinics in our unit helps identify these deficiencies and manage them accordingly. This study shows statistically significant improvement in deficiencies thereby making AHP led follow-up clinics to be cost effective and improve patient outcome.
