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Biomedical subjects

C Seow

Publications and source records attributed to C Seow.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

Intraoperative cholangiography time in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: timing the radiographer.

BACKGROUND: The debate for and against the routine use of intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) continues. One of the main arguments against the routine use of the technique during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the length of time it takes, which in turn increases the cost. In this study, we recorded the time spent by the radiographer providing IOC service in the context of optimizing the utilization of the radiographer and IOC time. METHODS: A total of 91 consecutive LCS, including 19 laparoscopic bile duct explorations, from April 2003 to January 2004 were included in the study. We recorded the time the radiographer took from receiving a call to arriving in the theater, the time he or she spent performing the IOC, and the total time spent in theater. We also recorded the total operative time. RESULTS: The mean time from call to arrival was 9 min (SD = 3, n = 91). The mean total time spent by the radiographer in the theater involved in performing the IOC during LC was 15 min (SD = 8, n = 72), and that during laparoscopic exploration was 46 min (SD = 20, n = 19). The mean operative time was 67 min (SD = 24) and 135 min (SD = 59), respectively. CONCLUSION: Radiographer services as well as IOC time could be optimized to facilitate the routine use of this important technique in LC. Optimizing the logistics and time factor in IOC is an integral component of single-stage management of patients with suspected bile duct stones.

Cholangiography↗

Continuous local anaesthesia for post-operative mobilization of injured digits.

We have studied the effects of sustained local anaesthesia on postoperative mobilization of the injured hand. Small epidural catheters were placed adjacent to the peripheral nerves providing sensation to the involved part of the hand under direct vision in the distal forearm. Repeated doses of 0.5% bupivacaine were then administered during mobilization therapy to relieve pain. Fourteen out of 24 digits (60%) recorded 30 degrees or more increases in active range of motion after bupivacaine injection. The cases that failed to improve had suffered severe injuries. Complications were few and were easily managed as the catheters were distal, superficial and accessible. This is an effective, specific and safe method of providing sustained postoperative analgesia for mobilization.

Adolescent↗

The surgical management of colorectal complications from irradiation for carcinoma of the cervix.

Bowel injury from radiation given for carcinoma of the cervix is a complex management problem. Prospectively collected computerized data from April 1989 to June 1997 (8 years) were analysed. There were 84 women with a mean age of 60.6 (standard error 1.2) years. Bleeding from radiation proctitis presented much earlier [mean 19.9 (1.9) months after radiotherapy] than either strictures [mean 81.9 (18.4) months, P = 0.008] or rectovaginal fistula [mean 95.5 (39.0) months]. Topical formalin application successfully controlled bleeding in 49 of 55 patients (89.1%) with radiation proctocolitis. The remaining 6 patients, as well as all 14 patients with symptomatic strictures and all 14 patients with rectovaginal fistula underwent surgery. Rectal strictures were successfully dilated in 2. Bowel resection with reanastomosis (with stoma defunction) was performed in 12 and stoma was created in the remaining 20 because of poor general medical condition or advanced recurrent malignancy. The postoperative mortality was 3% (1 bronchopneumonia) and morbidity was 9% (1 anastomotic leak, 1 urinary infection and 1 wound infection). At a mean follow up of 35 (2.4) months, 7 (21.2%) other postoperative patients have since died (all of these from recurrent cancer). We conclude that topical formalin is effective for controlling bleeding radiation proctitis. When not successful or where other radiation complications occur, judicious surgery dependent upon the patient's general condition can be safely and effectively performed. The longer term results are worthwhile, especially where there is no recurrent cancer.

Aged↗

Caecal mass on barium enema study--a case for routine colonoscopy.

Prolapse of the ileal mucosa through the ileo-caecal valve or minor ileo-caecal intussuception is not uncommon and may occasionally be mistaken radiologically for a caecal neoplasm, especially if intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain or rectal bleeding is present. Colonoscopic visualisation and biopsy is important before surgery is advised. We describe a case of ileal mucosa prolapse masquerading as a caecal neoplasm on barium enema study. Colonoscopy showed prolapse of the ileal mucosa which was easily reduced by air insufflation and therefore unnecessary surgery was avoided.

Adult↗

Massive bleeding per rectum from a caecal pregnancy.

An unusual case of massive bleeding per rectum caused by erosion into the caecum of placental tissue from an ectopic pregnancy is presented. Despite its rarity, abdominal pregnancies may have to be considered in sexually active fertile women presenting with difficult torrential bleeding from the lower gastrointestinal tract.

Adult↗

Acute anal pain due to ingested bone.

Six cases of acute and anal pain due to impaction of ingested bone in the anal canal are reported. The clinical presentation mimicks common causes of acute anal pain such as perianal abscesses, fissures or thrombosed haemorrhoids. The diagnosis is readily made on simple digital rectal examination. Early removal of the bone results in immediate pain relief, whilst delayed diagnosis may result in deeper penetration of the bone and abscess formation.

Abscess↗

A review of physical abnormalities in familial adenomatous polyposis.

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominant condition wherein multiple polyps may be found in the gastrointestinal tract. Initially referred to as familial polyposis coli, it has become evident that virtually all patients with FAP develop adenomas in the upper gastrointestinal tract and thus the syndrome is now termed familial adenomatous polyposis. The number of associated conditions both malignant and benign has been increasingly recognized. Some of these lesions cause morbidity and mortality in affected individuals whilst others act as important clinical markers for identifying patients not yet expressing the phenotype. These abnormalities can arise from tissues of all three primary embryonic layers and are described in this paper.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗