Tolerance to Intermittent vs. Continuous Blood Flow Restriction Training: A meta-Analysis.

The proven beneficial effects of low-load blood flow restriction training on strength gain has led to further exploration into its application during rehabilitation, where the traditional use of heavy loads may not be feasible. With current evidence showing that low-load blood flow restriction training may be less well tolerated than heavy-load resistance training, this review was conducted to decipher whether intermittently deflating the pressure cuff during rest intervals of a training session improves tolerance to exercise, without compromising strength. Four databases were searched for randomized controlled trials that compared the effect of intermittent versus continuous blood flow restriction training on outcomes of exercise tolerance or strength in adults. Nine studies were identified, with six included in the meta-analysis. No significant difference in rate of perceived exertion was found (SMD-0.06, 95% CI-0.41 to 0.29, p=0.73, I 2=80%). Subgroup analysis excluding studies that introduced bias showed a shift towards favoring the use of intermittent blood flow restriction training (SMD-0.42, 95% CI-0.87 to 0.03, p=0.07, I 2=0%). There was no significant difference in strength gain. Intermittent cuff deflations during training intervals does not improve tolerance to exercise during blood flow restriction training.

The Use of Prophylactic Antibiotics in Surgery for Dupuytren's Disease: A Survey of Hand Surgeons.

BACKGROUND: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) CG74 has set out evidence-based guidance on which types of surgery require antibiotic prophylaxis. Our aim was to establish what the current practice for antibiotic prophylaxis in Dupuytren's surgery is amongst hand surgeons in the United Kingdom, through the British Society for Surgery of the Hand (BSSH). METHODS: Permission was granted for our online survey to be distributed to BSSH hand surgeons via consecutive BSSH e-bulletins. Hand surgeons who did not perform fasciectomy or dermofasciectomy were excluded from the study. RESULTS: There were 64 respondents, represented an estimated 7.4-7.8% of membership. Eleven percent of respondents used antibiotics for fasciectomy, with an increasing trend towards revision surgery and dermofasciectomy. Over 30% prescribed them for revision dermofasciectomy. Dupuytren's surgery was classified as clean, non-prosthetic and uncomplicated which NICE CG74 suggestions did not require antibiotic prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: This study highlighted variation in practice amongst hand surgeons in the United Kingdom. Further consultation to create guidelines for hand surgery may help guide members and reduce potentially unnecessary prophylactic antibiotic use.

Are Primary Trauma Care (PTC) courses beneficial in low- and middle-income countries - A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Injuries remain an important public health concern, resulting in considerable annual morbidity and mortality. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the lack of appropriate infrastructure, equipment and skilled personnel compound the burden of injury, leading to higher mortality rates. As Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) courses remain uneconomical and inappropriate in LMICs, the Primary Trauma Care (PTC) course was introduced to provide an alternative that is both sustainable and appropriate to local resources. METHODS: A systematic review was performed in May 2019, utilising MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. All studies reporting patient related outcomes (mortality and morbidity rates) and course participant related outcomes (knowledge, confidence and skills) in LMICs were included. PRISMA guidelines were adhered to throughout. RESULTS: Nine observational studies were identified (Level 3 evidence). Six studies reported improved knowledge in injury management post-PTC course (p < 0.05). Two studies reported improvements in confidence (p < 0.05) and one on skill attainment (p < 0.0001). One study reported a reduction in mortality rates post-PTC course (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Departmental, institutional and personal improvements may occur in clinical practice as a result of formal PTC training of trauma team members in LMICs. Further high-quality research is needed to evaluate this course's effects on observed change in clinical practice and patient outcomes. This may require long-term observational and epidemiological studies to assess improvements in morbidity and mortality. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42019133986.

Who Should Carry Out Skin Cancer Excisions? A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers is increasing in the United Kingdom. Surgical excision carries the highest cure rates for all skin cancers and is the first-line treatment for melanomas and high-risk nonmelanoma cancers. This is most commonly performed by general practitioners (GPs), dermatologists, and plastic surgeons. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify which health-care professionals achieve the best outcomes following surgical excision of skin cancer lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive search of the Cochrane Library and PubMed databases was conducted. PRISMA guidelines were adhered to throughout. RESULTS: Six studies were identified and reviewed. Dermatologists were most likely to excise lesions adequately, and GPs were the least likely. Dermatologists displayed the greatest diagnostic accuracy, and excisions led by them had the highest overall and disease-free survival rates. Plastic surgeons were most likely to excise complex lesions on difficult-to-treat areas. CONCLUSION: Dermatologists can excise many skin lesions adequately, but plastic surgeons should continue to take an active role in complex or anatomically challenging lesions. There is a need for more validated training for GPs in the management of skin cancers. Further studies incorporating a randomized control protocol are needed to definitely assess who is best placed to surgically excise these lesions.

Foundation forum: developing leadership skills among foundation trainees.

Foundation forums have been adopted over the last few years to provide representation for newly qualified doctors, but they do not develop essential leadership, management and quality improvement skills for those recruited - key attributes that have been formally identified by General Medical Council (2012) guidance. A foundation forum was set up across three Oxford deanery hospitals. Forum members were assigned classical forum roles, but were also tasked to complete quality improvement projects, organize a national quality improvement conference, and undergo formal leadership and management training. Members were surveyed before and after completion of training, revealing statistically significant increases in confidence in leadership, management and quality improvement skills. All members revealed an eagerness to continue formal leadership and management training. The foundation forum proved a successful initiative to improve overall trainee experience and involvement, while providing a platform for leadership and management training to satisfy key domains within the Medical Leadership Competency Framework.

A rare case of incarcerated femoral hernia containing small bowel and appendix.

An 81-year-old woman was admitted under the acute medical team with a significant acute kidney injury secondary to presumed gastroenteritis, following a 5-day history of diarrhoea and vomiting. She continued to deteriorate despite resuscitative efforts. Subsequently, a non-contrast CT scan revealed likely small bowel obstruction second to a Richter's hernia in the inguinal canal. At diagnostic laparoscopy, both small bowel and appendix were identified to be incarcerated within the right femoral canal. The patient recovered uneventfully and was safely discharged several days following a laparoscopic appendicectomy and right femoral hernia repair.