Probing in the complexities of the integrated undergraduate medical curriculum: A qualitative exploratory study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the perceptions of the faculty regarding the level of curriculum integration and their interpretation of the integration ladder in achieving the complex process. Methods: The qualitative exploratory study was conducted at Islamic International Medical College Islamabad, University College of Medicine and Dentistry Lahore and Rehman Medical College Peshawar, from March to August 2018. The participants were the faculty members involved in the designing and implementation of the integrated curriculum in these institutes. The semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic content analysis. RESULTS: Of the 18 faculty members, 6 (33.3%) belonged to each of the three institutions. Four themes identified were: curriculum planning, an uphill task; dream versus ground reality; moving up and down the ladder; and teamwork in the paradigm shift. There were different perceptions of the level of integration among faculty members within the same institute. The level of integration ranged from 5-9 in different phases of the curriculum. The processes included all the teamwork steered by the departments of medical education. Conclusion: Although Harden's integration ladder is a useful tool, curriculum integration is an inherently inconsistent and complex process that does not follow a simple hierarchical continuum of integration and requires a teamwork. Identifying the patterns of integration in different phases of the curriculum might be more practical than just determining a single level of integration in the whole curriculum.

Comparison of mean operative time in patients undergoing Ho: YAG laser lithotripsy and pneumatic lithotripsy in ureterorenoscopy for ureteric calculus.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the mean operative time (MOT) in patients undergoing Ho: YAG laser lithotripsy (LL) and pneumatic lithotripsy (PL) for ureteric stones. METHODS: This randomized study was conducted at Armed Forces Institute of Urology (AFIU) Rawalpindi, Pakistan from July 2016 to November 2018. Non probability consecutive sampling technique utilized to enroll 60 patients of both gender aged 18-60 years, having ureteric calculus ≤1.5cm. Randomization was done into group I (LL) and II (PL) via computer generated number tables. Six Consultant Urologists performed surgeries under spinal anesthesia utilizing Swiss Lithoclast® Master (EMS+ S.A. Switzerland) in group II and holmium laser fiber (365µm, 8-10Hz, 9.6-16W, 2100nm wavelength) in group I respectively. MOT was noted from insertion of cystoscope till removal out of meatus. Data obtained was analyzed through IBM SPSS 24.0. RESULTS: Analysis involved 60 patients (30 each group) having similar baseline characteristics (age, gender, laterality, location). There was statistically significant different MOT between LL & PL (25.48±6.99 vs 34.83± 7.47 minutes, p < 0.001). Data stratification with respect to age, gender, laterality and stone location revealed similar trend. Lithotripsy technique significantly affected MOT (p < 0.001) on Multiple Linear Regression Analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Ho: YAG LL is an efficient technique when compared with PL in terms of MOT for ureteric stones.

Experience with Haemorrhoidal artery ligation under direct vision at a tertiary care hospital: A case series.

This study aims to share the results of haemorrhoidal artery ligation under direct vision in the management of symptomatic haemorrhoids. We conducted a case series of 70 patients at Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi & Quetta, from January 2015 to October 2017. All patients underwent Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation (HAL) and Recto Anal Repair (RAR). Ligation of superior haemorrhoidal artery was done under direct vision following manual palpation. Patients were followed up postoperatively at 1, 3 and 6 months. At 1 month follow up, all 70 (100%) patients were pain free. Post operative bleeding was observed in 7 (10%) patients but did not require surgical intervention. Sixty two (89%) patients were able to return to their daily activities 1 week after surgery and 57 (81%) resumed military duties or joined their work place at 2 weeks. 70 (100%) patients were asymptomatic and 45 (64%) highly satisfied with their surgery at 3 months. This increased to 53 (75%) at 6 months. 48 (69%) said that they would recommend this procedure to someone else. Prolapse recurrence was observed in 1(1.42%) patient 6 months post operatively which was dealt by band ligation. All patients completed follow-up at 1, 3 and 6 months. HAL is a simple yet safe technique with few complications, acceptable patient satisfaction and early return to work.

Diagnostic accuracy of NMP 22 and urine cytology for detection of transitional cell carcinoma urinary bladder taking cystoscopy as gold standard.

OBJECTIVE: To determine diagnostic accuracy of NMP 22 and urine cytology in the detection of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) urinary bladder taking cystoscopy as a gold standard in patients having provisional diagnosis of bladder cancer (BC). METHODS: This cross sectional validational study enrolled 380 patients fulfilling selection criteria and was conducted at Armed Forces Institute of Urology (AFIU) Rawalpindi, Pakistan form July 2018 to July 2019. The urine sample collected underwent NMP22 and cytological analysis followed by rigid cystoscopy. Reports of all three tests divided patients into positive or negative for malignancy as per defined criteria. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and diagnostic accuracy of NMP 22, urine cytology and their combination was determined. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis performed and area under the curve (AUC) compared among these tests. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 53.08 ± 12.41 years having male to female ratio 3.75:1(300 males and 80 females). NMP 22 had better sensitivity and comparable specificity to cytology (81.9 & 81.2% vs 54 & 93.9%). Combination of NMP 22 / cytology outperformed both in terms of sensitivity (91.63 vs 81.83 vs 53.96), NPV (87.59 vs 77.46 vs 61.02) and diagnostic accuracy (85.26 vs 81.58 vs 71.32) but at the cost of specificity (76.97 vs 81.21 vs 93.94) and PPV (83.83 vs 85.02 vs 92.06). ROC curve revealed statistically significant higher AUC (0.843 vs .815 vs .73) for combination as compared to NMP 22 and Cytology (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: NMP22 is a quick, point of care test having higher sensitivity, NPV and accuracy but similar specificity and PPV to urine cytology for detection of TCC urinary bladder. Combination outperformed both in terms of sensitivity while having modest specificity.

Gitelman Syndrome.

Gitelman syndrome (GS) is the most frequently inherited renal salt-wasting tubulointerstitial disease. It follows variable but usually asymptomatic benign course. We present a rare case of GS that remained clinical enigma. A 22-year male presented with severe episodic fatigue involving all limbs associated with episodes of sinking, palpitations, salt craving, increased thirst and frequent micturition hampering his routine daily activities. Laboratory workup revealed serum potassium, 2.7 mmol/L, serum magnesium, 0.69 mmol/L and metabolic alkalosis. Urine analysis showed surprising results, i.e. urine potassium 49.5 mmol/L, urine spot potassium creatinine ratio 5.1, chloride 93 mmol/L and low 24 hours urinary calcium excretion (1.19 mmol/day). Plasma active renin concentration was 135 mlU/L while plasma aldosterone was 1090 pmol/L, depicting secondary hyperreninemic hyperaldosteronism. Based on typical findings, a diagnosis of GS was made. Patient responded well to potassium and magnesium supplementation, 100 mg daily tablet aldactone® and liberal salt intake. The aim of this report is to revisit clinical approach to persistent hypokalemia with special emphasis to remember rare entities like GS in the differential diagnosis.

Comparison of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Using Vacuum-Assisted Closure with Advanced Moist Wound Therapy in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) using Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC) compared with Advanced Moist Wound Therapy (AMWT) to treat Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU). STUDY DESIGN: Randomized control trial. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Surgical Department, Combined Military Hospital (CMH) / Military Hospital (MH), Rawalpindi, from November 2010 to June 2012. METHODOLOGY: The study consisted of 278 patients, with 139 patients each in Group 'A' and 'B', who were subjected to AMWT and NPWT, respectively. Wound was assessed digitally every week for 2 weeks. Wound dimension and surface area were determined using University of Texas Health Centre at San Antonio (UTHCSA) image tool version 3.0. Efficacies of AMWT and NPWT were compared in terms of reduction in wound area over 2 weeks. RESULTS: Mean age of presentation in group A was 55.88 ± 10.97 years while in group B, it was 56.83 ± 11.3 (p=0.48). Mean duration of diabetes at presentation was 15.65 ± 4.86 and 15.96 ± 5.79 years in group A and B, respectively (p=0.74). Majority of patients had Wagner's grade 2 ulcer (82% in group A and 87.8% in group B, p= 0.18). Initial wound size in group A was 15.07 ± 2.92 cm2 and in group B 15.09 ± 2.81 cm2 (p = 0.95). Wound size measured after 2 weeks, treatment was in group A13.70 ± 2.92 cm2 and in group B 11.53 ± 2.78 cm2 (p < 0.001). Wound area reduction in both groups revealed statistically significant faster healing in group B as compared to group A (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: NPWT using VAC was more efficacious than AMWT in the management of diabetic foot ulcers.

Age-related frequency of triple negative breast cancer in women.

OBJECTIVE: To determine frequency of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) in Pakistani women with respect to age. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP), Rawalpindi, from July 2005 to July 2010. METHODOLOGY: Pathological records of all specimens of breast cancer were reviewed and data was obtained for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and HER-2 neu receptor proteins. Specimens having complete record of all three proteins were included for analysis. TNBC was defined as those who were ER, PR and HER-2 neu negative. Overall frequency as well as frequency with respect to age was calculated. Descriptive and categorical variables were analyzed using SPSS version 17. RESULTS: Eight hundred and fifteen patients out of 4715 (17.28%) were found to be TNBC. Mean age of diagnosis of TNBC was found to be 46.26 ± 12.22 years of age while other breast cancers had a mean age 52.90 ± 9.78 years (p < 0.001). In the TNBC group, 537 patients (65.88%) were aged < 50 years while 278 patients (34.11%) were aged > 50 years while majority of patients with other breast cancers were elderly females (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: TNBC comprised 17.28% of the breast cancers in Pakistani women diagnosed at the studied centre. A higher frequency of TNBC was noted in significantly younger patients.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: experience at a tertiary level hospital.

BACKGROUND: Cholecystectomy is the most frequently performed abdominal operation and currently laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is considered gold standard being performed in 90% cases of symptomatic gallstones in USA since 1992. The aim of the study was to determine results obtained with LC at our setup. METHODS: This observational case series study was conducted in department of General Surgery, Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, from August 2009 to August 2011. The study participants were patients of both gender aged 14-75 years undergoing LC. Surgery was performed by consultant as well as resident surgeon. Demographic variables, intraoperative findings, mean operation time, hospital stay, conversion rate, morbidity and mortality were evaluated. Factors influencing rate of conversion were also studied. RESULTS: A total of 504 patients were included. Mean age was 42.64 years (range 14-75 years) with a female: male ratio of 3.9:1.2. Comorbidities were found in 36.7% patients. Main indication of surgery was symptomatic cholelithiasis (78.57%). Mean operative time was 40.1 ± 6.9 minutes which increased to 75.12 ± 8.9 minutes in converted cases (p-value .000). Mean hospital stay was 1.89 ± 1.1 days that significantly increased in converted cases (5.7 ± 1.6 days) (p-value .000). Major surgical complications occurred in 3.17% patients. Common bile duct injury (CBDI) was found in 04 cases (0.79%). Conversion to laparotomy was required in 3.97% cases. Factors that influenced the rate of conversion included: age > 60 years, acute cholecystitis, coexisting diseases, ASA grade III/IV and inexperienced surgeon (p-value .000). Total complication rate was 3.56%, morbidity being 3.17% and mortality 0.39%. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy offers shorter hospital stay and low morbidity/mortality. The operative time is short and procedure is standard, safe and effective method both for uncomplicated and complicated cholelithiasis.

Unusual causes of secondary varicose veins.

BACKGROUND: Varicose veins are among the most common ailments of the affluent nations. Primarily it is considered to be caused by valvular dysfunctions, but it may be secondary to other pathologies. This study was conducted to evaluate the unusual secondary causes of varicose veins. METHODS: This case-series was conducted at department of vascular surgery Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi from January 2009 to January 2012 over a period of two years. All cases of varicose veins reporting to vascular surgical department CMH Rawalpindi were studied over a period of 02 years. Detailed history and thorough physical examination was performed in all cases. Cases secondary to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of limb up to common femoral vein (CFV) and pelvic malignancy were excluded. Duplex Ultrasonography (USG) was performed in all cases while CT angiography/Venography was conducted in those suspected of having secondary cause. RESULTS: A total of 288 cases were found eligible and included in the study. Ten patients (3.47%) were having unusual secondary cause most common being traumatic arterio-venous fistula (AVF) (60% cases) followed by iliac vein thrombosis (20%). One patient had Klippel Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) and another suffered arterio-venous malformations (AVM). CONCLUSION: An unusual secondary varicose vein is important but rare clinical entity. Diagnosis is often delayed/overlooked and patients are mismanaged for extended period of time. Exact delineation of aetiology, prompt recognition and appropriate operative technique significantly alters outcome.