Spontaneous subdural haematoma in a neonate requiring urgent surgical evacuation.

We describe the unusual case of a clinically significant subdural haematoma without any underlying cause in a term baby delivered by an elective caesarean section, which required surgical evacuation. We review the literature and describe the presentation, investigation and management options in infants with this infrequent condition.

Radical renal surgery (laparoscopic and open) in octogenarians.

AIM: An ageing population is at significant risk of developing of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We evaluate our units experience in managing RCC in octogenarians using either laparoscopic or open radical nephrectomy, highlighting the postoperative complication rates and survival outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 2001 to June 2008, 65 octogenarians underwent a radical nephrectomy for suspected renal cell carcinoma. The procedure was performed laparoscopically (group 1) in 29 patients (44%) and via an open nephrectomy (group 2) in 36 patients (56%). The presenting age, sex distribution, ASA score, preoperative co-morbidities and indications for nephrectomy were statically comparable in both groups. Postoperative complications were recorded using the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: Both groups were similar preoperatively with respect to age of presentation, ASA score and co-morbidities such as hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and chronic respiratory disease. Group 1 showed better statistically significant operative parameters (operative time and blood loss), mean length of hospital stay and most importantly postoperative complications. Postoperative complication rates were lower in group 1 (48.3%) when compared with group 2 (80.5%) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Surgery for renal cancer in patient over the age of 80 should only be considered after a thorough work up. Chronological age itself should not be the only determining factor. If such a surgery was to be undertaken, then in our experience, patients who underwent laparoscopic radial nephrectomy had fewer complications than those had open radical nephrectomy.

Scared to lose control? General and health locus of control in females with a phobia of vomiting.

The term emetophobia (i.e., a fear of vomiting) exists as rather an elusive predicament, often eluding conventional treatment. The present study involved 149 participants, consisting of 51 emetophobics, 48 phobic controls (i.e. those who suffered from a different phobia), and 50 nonphobic controls. Participants were administered the Rotter (1966) Locus of Control Scale and the Health Locus of Control Scale by B.S. Wallston, Wallston, Kaplan, and Maides (1976). Significant differences were found among the three groups; specifically, that emetophobics had a significantly higher internal Locus of Control Scale score with regard to both general and health-related issues than did the two control groups. It is suggested that vomiting phobics may have a fear of losing control, and that their vomiting phobia is reflective of this alternative, underlying problem. More research is required to explore the association between emetophobia and issues surrounding control; however, the current study suggests that it may be helpful for therapists to consider this aspect when treating a patient with vomiting phobia.