Christmas article: Brevity is not to the point ­ a study of abbreviations.

INTRODUCTION: The use of abbreviations in patient records in Danish hospitals is extensive. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of abbreviations, how they affect the comprehension, and how much time was saved writing abbreviations. METHODS: The study consisted of four sub-studies. First, a prospective collection of abbreviations from patient records. From these, three sentences were constructed and used in the other three sub-studies: a questionnaire for doctors concerning the use of abbreviations, an evaluation of time used to understand abbreviated versus non-abbreviated sentences, and a theoretical analysis of time saved by reducing the number of written characters. RESULTS: We found several abbreviations with multiple meanings. Writing a sentence with abbreviations saved 20 seconds. Comprehension of an abbreviated sentence took an extra 12-85 seconds. There was no difference in comprehension of abbreviations based on medical experience. Finally, data showed that neurologists' self-rated comprehension of complicated abbreviated sentences was very good. DISCUSSION: Numerous abbreviations were used in Danish patient records, many which could not be looked up. The use of abbreviations in patient records might not live up to the Danish record-keeping order, and we proposed four solutions to overcome the problem: more bureaucracy and administration; embrace and expand use of abbreviations; introduction of artificial intelligence to interpret abbreviations; or usage of speech recognition software in all Danish hospitals. FUNDING: none. TRIAL REGISTRATION: none.

Oral melatonin did not reduce anxiety before elective hernia repair: A randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative anxiety is a common issue in surgery. Preoperative anxiety may lead to increased mortality, pain and dissatisfaction with surgery. Melatonin is a drug with only mild adverse effects and has previously been shown to reduce anxiety and pain in the perioperative setting. The aim of study was to investigate the anxiolytic effect of melatonin in the preoperative setting. METHODS: This study was a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Included patients were allocated in the ratio 1:1 to either the placebo group or the melatonin group. Patients received 10 mg melatonin or placebo the evening before surgery, 2 h before surgery, immediately after surgery and the evening after surgery. Preoperative anxiety was examined 1 h before surgery, using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire, along with a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of anxiety. Furthermore, participants filled out a sleep log each morning, where we examined sleep quality, comfort and drowsiness. RESULTS: Sixteen patients received placebo treatment and 17 patients received melatonin. Median state anxiety on the STAI scale at baseline was 27 (interquartile range [IQR] 22-34) for the melatonin group and 27 (IQR 23-31) for the placebo group. In the primary outcome of preoperative anxiety 1 h before surgery, the median state anxiety on the STAI scale was 27 (IQR 24-34) for the melatonin group and 28 (24-33) for the placebo group, p = .814. VAS anxiety was median 7 (0-28) for the melatonin group and median 7 (1-13) for the placebo group, p = .813. Furthermore, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the secondary outcomes of sleep quality and consumption of analgesics. CONCLUSION: Melatonin did not reduce preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing hernia repair. Preoperative anxiety levels were low, which limits the generalisability of our findings.

[Prevention of incisional hernia].

Following laparotomies, the rate of incisional hernia is 5-20%, and in high-risk patients more than 30%. The current literature suggests the use of a transverse incision if pos-sible, a suture technique with small bites, and a wound: suture length ratio of 1:4. Recent studies have shown, that the use of prophylactic mesh in an onlay position could have a significant effect on decreasing the rate of incisional hernia. There is still a lack of knowledge on potential long-term complications, but recommending prophylactic onlay mesh should be considered in all patients at risk of incisional hernia.

[A watchful waiting strategy in ventral and inguinal hernias].

In male patients with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic ventral and inguinal hernias, a watchful waiting strategy should be considered. Even though one third to two thirds of these patients will eventually undergo hernia repair, they may still benefit from a watchful waiting strategy, as hernia repair is associated with a range of complications, e.g. wound infection, haematoma, seroma, fistulas and chronic pain. Delay of hernia repair in these patients is not associated with any significant increase in morbidity or mortality, and the risk of incarceration is very low.