Feasibility of robotic platform to perform R0 resection for locally advanced multi-visceral pelvic malignancy: an institutional experience on outcomes of robotic pelvic exenteration

BACKGROUND

Exenteration surgery for multi-visceral pelvic malignancy is a complex life-changing operation with high perioperative morbidity and mortality. Traditional open surgery has long been the standard approach for pelvic exenteration for achieving Ro resection which is the main aim of surgery. In the current era of minimally invasive surgery, robotic-assisted pelvic exenteration has provided a promising alternative, offering potential advantages in terms of improved oncological outcomes and enhanced postoperative recovery. This study aims to explore the feasibility of a robotic platform for locally advanced multi-visceral pelvic malignancy.

METHODS

A retrospective review from the prospectively maintained robotic colorectal surgery database at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) Trust was performed. Demographic details and clinical and surgical details were documented from the case records. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22.

RESULTS

Thirteen female patients diagnosed with primary or recurrent pelvic malignancy who underwent robotic pelvic exenteration at UHCW between February 2019 and April 2023 at UHCW were included. The mean age of our patients was 60.4 (± 10.1) years. Complete Ro resection was achieved in all 13 (100%) cases on final histopathology. The median length of hospital stay was 15 days after this extensive surgery. Grade 3 morbidity on Clavien-Dindo classification was observed in four (30.7%) patients, while zero percent 30-day mortality was experienced in this study. At a median follow-up of 21 (3-53) months, we observed tumor recurrence in three (23.7%) patients, while death in four (30.7%) patients. Only few studies have highlighted outcomes of robotic pelvic exenteration, and our results were quite comparable to them.

CONCLUSION

Robotic-assisted pelvic exenteration for primary or recurrent pelvic malignancy is feasible with improved oncological and acceptable postoperative outcomes.

The role of Da Vinci Xi robotic simulation curriculum in enhancing skills in robotic colorectal surgery

Robotic surgery in comparison to open and laparoscopic surgery allows better ergonomics, three-dimensional vision, and seven-degree freedom of movement. This ensures fast recovery, fewer postoperative complications, and safe oncological resections. Robotic surgery has revolutionized the field of colorectal surgery, providing surgeons with enhanced precision, dexterity, and visualization. To ensure safe and successful outcomes, surgeons must acquire competency and proficiency in robotic surgical techniques. Robotic simulation exercises have emerged as a valuable tool for training and skill development in robotic colorectal surgery. This research paper explores the importance and relationship between robotic simulation exercises and the acquisition of skills and competency required for carrying out safe colorectal surgery using a robotic platform. The authors discuss the benefits of virtual simulation-based training using the Da Vinci Xi skill simulator, and the evidence supporting its effectiveness in colorectal surgery. In this article, emphasis has been made on some important Da Vinci Xi skill simulator exercises for enhancing skills in robotic colorectal surgery.

Return to Work in Patients With Unilateral Inguinal Hernia Surgery: A Comparative Study Between Laparoscopic Transabdominal Preperitoneal Approach and Lichtenstein Tension-Free Mesh Repair

Objective The objective of this prospective cohort study was to compare the time to return to work between patients who underwent laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) hernia repair and those who underwent Lichtenstein tension-free hernia repair with mesh for unilateral inguinal hernia. Methodology Patients were registered for unilateral inguinal hernia review at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, from May 2016 to April 2017 and followed till April 2020. All patients aged 16-65 planned for unilateral transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair or Lichtenstein tension-free hernia mesh repair were included. Patients with bilateral inguinal hernia repair, limited activity, or above retirement age were excluded. A non-probability consecutive sampling technique was implemented, and patients were divided into two cohort groups: Group A underwent laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair, while Group B underwent Lichtenstein tension-free mesh repair. Patients were followed up at one week to inquire about the resumption of activities and then at one and three years for recurrence. Results Sixty-four patients met the inclusion criteria; three patients opted out of research, and 61 patients agreed to participate; one patient was excluded due to the conversion of the procedure. The remaining 30 in Group A and 30 in Group B were followed for the study period. The mean time to return to work in Group A was 5.33 ± 4.46 days; in Group B, it was 6.83 ± 4.58 days, with a p-value of 0.657. One recurrence was observed at three years in Group A. Conclusion Although the time to return to work at our hospital was slightly shorter in laparoscopic hernia repair than in the open technique, the results were not statistically significant. In addition, there was no significant difference in hernia recurrence at the one-year follow-up between laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair and Lichtenstein tension-free hernia mesh repair for unilateral inguinal hernia.

The robotic learning curve for a newly appointed colorectal surgeon

Robotic colorectal surgery allows for better ergonomics, superior retraction, and fine movements in the narrow anatomy of the pelvis. Recent years have seen the uptake of robotic surgery in all pelvic surgeries specifically in low rectal malignancies. However, the learning curve of robotic surgery in this cohort is unclear as established training pathways are not formalized. This study looks at the experience and learning curve of a single laparoscopic trained surgeon in performing safe and effective resections, mainly for low rectal and anal malignancies using the da Vinci robotic system by evaluating metrics related to surgical process and patient outcome. A serial retrospective review of the robotic colorectal surgery database, in the University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW), was undertaken. All 48 consecutive cases, performed by a recently qualified colorectal surgeon, were included in our study. The surgical process was evaluated using both console and total operative time recorded in each case along with the adequacy of resections performed; in addition, patient-related outcomes including intraoperative and postoperative complications were analyzed to assess differences in the learning curve. Forty eight sequential recto-sigmoid resections were included in the study performed by a single surgeon. The cases were divided into four cohorts in chronological order with comparable demographics, tumour stage, location, and complexity of the operation (mean age 65, male 79%, and female 29%). The results showed that the mean console time dropped from 3 to 2.5 h, while total operative time dropped from 6 h to 5.5 h as the surgeon became more experienced; however, this was not found to be statistically significant. In addition, no significant difference in pathological staging was seen over the study period. No major intra-op and post-op complications were observed and no 30-day mortality was recorded. Moreover, after 30 cases, the learning curve developed the plateau phase, suggesting the gain of maximum proficiency of skills required for robotic colorectal resections. The learning curve in robotic rectal surgery is short and flattens early; complication rates are low during the learning curve and continue to decrease with time. This shows that with proper training and proctoring, new colorectal surgeons can be trained in a short time to perform elective colorectal pelvic resections.

Strongyloides colitis, a rare but important mimic of Crohn's disease, resulting in coma and multi-organ failure: a case report

BACKGROUND

Strongyloides colitis is a severe form of strongyloidiasis that carries a high mortality rate if untreated. There is an overlapping clinical presentation between Strongyloides colitis and Crohn's disease. Here, we present a case of a patient who was diagnosed with Crohn's disease and was treated with immunosuppressant therapy which resulted in a poor outcome.

CASE PRESENTATION

A middle-aged, native African male presented with diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Colonoscopy showed some patchy inflammation in the caecum, which on biopsy was suggestive of Crohn's disease. He had a short course of steroids before being admitted to an emergency with abdominal pain, diarrhea, malnutrition, and severe weight loss. Initial conservative treatment failed, and he became acutely unwell and septic with peritonitis. Laparotomy was carried out, which showed mild inflammation in the terminal ileum, which was not resected. Postoperatively, the patient became comatose and went into multi-organ dysfunction. He failed to progress, and a further laparotomy and subtotal colectomy were performed on the 12th postoperative day. His multi-organ failure progressed, and he succumbed to death 4 days later.

DISCUSSION

Strongyloides stercoralis is a parasite causing an enteric infection in animals and humans. Strongyloidiasis in immunocompetent individuals is usually an indolent disease. However, in immunocompromised individuals, it can cause hyperinfective syndrome. Patients with strongyloid colitis should undergo colonoscopy and biopsy where acute inflammation with eosinophilic infiltrates indicates parasitic infiltration of the colonic wall. Surgery is generally not indicated, and any surgical intervention with misdiagnosis of a flare-up of IBD can be very detrimental to the patient.

CONCLUSION

Strongyloid colitis can very harmfully mimic Crohn's colitis, and the use of steroids and immunosuppressants can disseminate parasitic infection. Hyperinfection syndrome can lead to sepsis, organ dysfunction, and comma. Disseminated infection carries a high mortality.

Collision versus loss-of-control motorcycle accidents: Comparing injuries and outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Motorcycles are a common mode of transport, especially in low-middle-income countries like Pakistan. The pattern and severity of injuries in motorcycle trauma depends on the mechanism of accident, which may be classified as collision accidents (CAs) or loss-of-control accidents (LOCAs). In this study, we aimed to investigate patterns of trauma due to motorcycle CAs and LOCAs, with a focus on injuries, management, complications, and outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Pakistan (a level 1 trauma facility), enrolling all patients presenting with motorcycle trauma between January 2018 and March 2019.

RESULTS

The most common sites of major injury were the lower limb (40.9%), head and neck (38.1%), and upper limb (27.5%). A significantly higher percentage of CA victims had head and neck injuries (43.4% vs. 30.5%), abdominal injuries (5.5% vs. 1.1%), pelvic fracture (5.9% vs. 0%), and polytrauma (22.8% vs. 11.1%). Compared to LOCA victims, CA victims had a significantly higher incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI; 25.7% vs. 15.8%; P < .011), longer hospital lengths of stay (LOSs; 3 [2-6] days vs. 2.5 [2-4] days; P = .019), and long-term disability (P = .002). When adjusted for age and gender on multivariable logistic regression with mechanism of accident as the dependent variable, CA was significantly associated with male gender (odds ratio [OR] = 2.045, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.038-4.026]), abdominal injury (OR = 5.748, 95% CI [1.285-25.702]), head and neck injury (OR = 1.492, 95% CI [1.007-2.211]), polytrauma (OR = 2.368, 95% CI [1.383-4.055]), AKI (OR = 1.937, 95% CI [1.183-3.171]), and LOS (OR = 1.041, 95% CI [1.004-1.079]).

CONCLUSIONS

Though both motorcycle CAs and LOCAs stress trauma systems in developing countries, the dynamics of CAs mean that they result in worse injuries and outcomes. Specific measures to reduce CAs and LOCAs are urgently indicated in developing countries to reduce the burden of morbidity and mortality of motorcycle accidents.

Changes in patterns and outcomes of trauma patients after betterment in law and order situation of the city

Objective: To assess the impact of the law and order situation of a city on the pattern of traumatic injuries and the overall outcomes of trauma victims. Method: The retrospective study of prospective trauma surgery data was done at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised data of patients with torso injuries before the improvement of law and order situation from January 2012 to March 2013 in Group A, and of those with similar injuries after the law and order situation improved in the city from January 2018 to March 2019 in Group B. The required data was collected by a single researcher using a predesigned questionnaire. Inter-group comparison was done to see the difference in patterns of injuries and outcomes. Data were analysed using SPSS 22. Results: Of the 676 cases reviewed, Group A had 416(61.5%); 363(87%) males and 53(13%) females with overall mean age of 37+/-13 years. Group B had 260(38.5%); 219(84%) males and 41(16%) females with overall mean age of 36+/-13 years (p>0.05). Penetrating trauma alone or combined with blunt force was the most common mechanism in Group A i.e. 245 patients (59%), while in group B blunt trauma was the commonest cause 209 patients (80.4%). There was an overall 37.5% (156 cases) reduction in torso trauma cases. Mortality in Group A was 22(5.3%) and in Group B it was 7(2.7%). Conclusion:  With the improvement in the law and order situation, there was reduction in overall trauma cases and the pattern of trauma shifted from penetrating Continuous...

Letter to Editor Didactic and Certified Trauma and Acute Care Surgery Fellowship is Inevitable Demand of Pakistan

Discussions about the content and competencies of any postgraduate training program mainly focus onwhat the graduates need in long run after completion of training1. However, from the prospect of any progressive country, a post-graduate training program should also liaise with the demands of the country. Overthe past decade, the acute care surgery practice paradigm has become a defined entity in the developed world and didactic fellowship training programs in trauma and acute surgery have been implemented. In recent years, the American Association for Surgery has matured to 20 different disciplines of trauma and acute care2.

Disclosing bad news of cancer diagnosis: Patients' preference for communication

The majority of relatives of cancer patients in Pakistan request their clinicians to adopt a "do not tell approach" while counselling the patients regarding their disease. The current study aimed to assess patients' understanding of their disease and how they would prefer the physicians to deliver news about cancer diagnosis and its management plan. This was a cross-sectional study in which both patients and their immediate relatives were interviewed. The study enrolled 55 patients with six different types of cancers. The study showed that 35 (65.5%) patients did not know the stage of their illness at the time of diagnosis, while 40 (72.7%) patients did not know the current stage of their disease. In 22 (40%) cases, the patient's family knew the diagnosis ahead of the patient, and 19 (86.3%) families asked the clinicians to hide the diagnosis from the patient. This study, which used a scoring questionnaire, demonstrates that specialist oncologists for breaking the bad news, family counselling, helping patients to figure out how to inform others, giving the news directly to the patient and the effects of cancer on daily life are preferred areas to communicate with cancer patients.

Acute presentation of cocoon abdomen as septic peritonitis mimicking with strangulated internal herniation: a case report

Background

Abdominal cocoon syndrome is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction in which loops of small bowel get entrapped inside a fibro-collagenous membrane. Condition is also known in the literature as sclerosing peritonitis and in the majority of cases, it has no known cause. Although the majority of patients exhibit long-standing signs and symptoms of partial bowel obstruction in an out-patient clinic, its acute presentation in the emergency room with features of sepsis is extremely rare. This case report aims to describe the emergency presentation of cocoon abdomen with septic peritonitis.

Case presentation

A 35-year-old male with no known co-morbidity and no prior history of prior laparotomy presented in emergency room first time with a 1-day history of generalized abdomen pain, vomiting, and absolute constipation. He was in grade III shock and had metabolic acidosis. The clinical impression was of the perforated appendix, but initial contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) was suggestive of strangulated internal herniation of small bowel. Emergency laparotomy after resuscitation revealed hypoperfused, but viable loops of small bowel entrapped in the sclerosing membrane. Extensive adhesiolysis and removal of the membrane were performed and the entire bowel was straightened. Postoperatively he remained well and discharged as planned. Histopathology report confirms features of sclerosing peritonitis.

Discussion

Cocoon abdomen is a very rare cause of acute small bowel obstruction presenting in an emergency with features of septic peritonitis. Condition is mostly chronic and generally mimics abdominal TB in endemic areas like India and Pakistan. A high index of suspicion is required in an emergency setting and exploratory laparotomy is diagnostic and therapeutic as well and the condition mimics internal herniation in acute cases.

Conclusion

Cocoon abdomen as a cause of septic peritonitis is extremely rare and might be an unexpected finding at laparotomy. Removal of membrane and estimation of the viability of entrapped bowel loops is the treatment of choice, which may require resection in the extreme case of gangrene.

Patterns of traumatic injuries and outcomes to motorcyclists in a developing country: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

Motorcyclists are frequently involved in road traffic accidents and may suffer polytraumatic injuries, contributing a substantial burden on healthcare systems particularly in lower-middle-income countries. This study aimed to describe patterns of injury, in-hospital course, and outcomes of road accident trauma in motorcyclists, including polytrauma, at a Trauma Facility in Pakistan.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted by using relevant trauma codes to extract data from records for all victims presenting with motorcycle trauma between January 2018 and June 2019, to a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Data collected included victim characteristics, mechanism of accident, patterns of traumatic injury, management, in-hospital complications, and outcomes. Polytrauma was defined as traumatic injuries in two or more anatomic regions with abbreviated injury scale (AIS) ≥ 3. Multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for age, gender, and mechanism of accident, was performed to identify in-hospital complications and outcomes associated with polytrauma.

RESULTS

A total of 514 victims, 90.9% male and 39.5% aged between 18-30 years, were included in this study. The victim was the motorcycle driver in 94.6% of cases. The most common mechanism of accident was motorcycle vs. other motor vehicle (56.2%). Patients were mostly admitted under the services of Orthopedic Surgery (50.8%) and Neurosurgery (30%), with common sites of injury being the lower extremity (42.6%), head (38.1%), and upper extremity (26.8%). Polytrauma occurred in 19.5% of victims. Patients were managed surgically in 77.3% of cases, with the most common procedure being open reduction of fractures (48.1%). Blood transfusion was required in 4.1% of patients. The commonest in-hospital complication was acute kidney injury (23.7%). The median length of stay was 3 days, and 4.1% of patients expired in the hospital. Polytrauma was significantly associated with the need for blood transfusion (2.642 [1.053-6.630]), AKI (2.212 [1.339-3.652]) and hospital length of stay (1.059 [1.025-1.094]), but not with mortality.

CONCLUSION

Although orthopedic injuries occur most frequently in motorcycle trauma, polytrauma necessitating multi-disciplinary management and complicating hospital stay is also common. Understanding patterns of injuries and management in motorcycle trauma will enable trauma teams in a developing country like Pakistan to devise evidence-based management protocols, especially for cases of polytrauma.

Current standards of postgraduate surgical education and training in Pakistan: Time to bridge the gaps in lieu of national necessity

The provision of good-quality surgical care is a salient feature of every public health system. Pakistan is ranked among low and middle-income countries where the burden of surgical disease is rapidly increasing, but the capacity of the health system has not expanded at the same pace to cater current needs. One of the key components is the dearth of trained surgical specialists and lack of easy access to surgical care. College of Physicians and Surgeons, Pakistan is the main certifying institution for surgeons, while public and private teaching hospitals bear the burden of responsibility for surgical education and training. The current review article was planned to describe current standards of postgraduate surgical education and training in Pakistan and to highlight the challenges that need to be faced and the existent deficiencies that need to be met to match the nation's demand against the immense burden of surgical diseases.

Impact of a global pandemic on surgical education and training- review, response, and reflection

The catastrophic effects of the coronavirus disease-2019 global pandemic have revolutionised human society. The unprecedented impact on surgical training needs to be analysed in detail to achieve an understanding of how to deal with similar situations arising in the foreseeable future. The challenges faced by the surgical community initiated with the suspension of clinical activities and elective practice, and included the lack of appropriate personal protective equipment, and the self-isolation of trainees and reassignment to coronavirus patient-care regions. Together, all these elements had deleterious effects on the psychological health of the professionals. Surgical training irrespective of specialty is equally affected globally by the pandemic. However, the global crisis inadvertently has led to a few constructive adaptations in healthcare systems, including the development of tele-clinics, virtual academic sessions and conferences, and increased usage of simulation. The current review article was planned to highlight the impact of corona virus disease on surgical training and institutions' response to the situation in order to continue surgical training, and lessons learnt from the pandemic.

Congenital Morgagni hernia presenting as complete small bowel obstruction in the adult - A case report

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Acute presentation of Congenital Morgagni hernia in elderly is extremely rare.

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Congenital Morgagni hernia can present with acute small bowel obstruction.

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Early surgical intervention in case of strangulation is required to decrease mortality.

Introduction

Congenital Diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a condition in which there is a defect in the diaphragm present at the time of birth. Morgagni hernia is one of the two most common types of CDH which constitutes 2%–4% of diaphragmatic hernias. They mostly remain silent or discovered as an incidental finding on radiological studies. Symptomatic adult Morgagni hernias are extremely rare.

Presentation of case

Elderly woman presented with a 1-day history of abdominal pain, vomiting, and acute onset of respiratory distress. There was no history of trauma to the chest or abdomen. After initial resuscitation, a Chest x-ray was performed which showed bowel shadow under the right hemidiaphragm. She then underwent computed tomography (CT), which showed a defect in the right hemidiaphragm and segment of herniated small bowel loop with fecalization into the thoracic cavity. After initial resuscitation, she underwent laparotomy, reduction of bowel loops, and primary repair of the hernia defect. Postoperatively she remained well and was discharged on 4th post-operative day.

Discussion

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia occurs in 1 out of every 4000–5000 live births. A majority of the patients will be diagnosed either antenatally or will present with respiratory distress in the neonatal period. Presentation in adults is extremely rare and mostly characterized by abdominal pain, vomiting, intestinal obstruction with some acute respiratory distress, at the background of insignificant past medical history. Surgical management is the mainstay of treatment in symptomatic cases.

Conclusion

CDH of Morgagni type can present uncommonly in adults with symptoms. A good history and clinical examination along with aid of chest x-ray and CT scan should establish the diagnosis. Early surgical intervention is key to prevent ischemia and later gangrene of intestinal content.

Gastrointestinal anastomosis (GIA) stapler as a safe and efficacious damage control tool for high-grade liver injury in hemodynamically unstable patient- A case report

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GIA stapler can be effectively used for rapid non-anatomical resection of the liver in trauma.

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GIA stapler device is an effective, safe, and rapidly deployable tool for managing high grade liver injury.

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The surgical technique for performing stapled resection of liver parenchyma is simple and easy to learn.

Introduction

Liver injury occurs in approximately 5% of all trauma admissions. There are many traditional ways of controlling hemorrhage from the liver and here we report a case in which a GIA 75 stapler was successfully used to manage Grade IV liver injury in a hemodynamically unstable patient.

Presentation of case

45 years old policeman presented in the emergency, after sustaining a gunshot injury to his abdomen. At presentation, he was hemodynamically unstable and had a single entry wound in the epigastrium. He was rushed to the operating room (OR) for exploratory laparotomy which revealed a shattered left lobe of the liver. Gastrointestinal anastomosis 75 stapler device was used for non-anatomical left segmentectomy (segments I and II). Perihepatic packing was done and the patient shifted to the surgical intensive care unit (SICU). He was re-explored within 24 h. No active bleeding was seen after the packs were removed and the abdomen was closed. The next day he was moved out of SICU and was discharged on the 10th day of admission.

Discussion

The concept of damage control surgery rests on quick control of life-threatening bleeding and a GIA stapler can be effectively used for rapid non-anatomical resection of the liver in trauma. This can prevent the depletion of physiological reserves and the life-threatening death triad.

Conclusion

GIA stapler device is an effective, safe, and rapidly deployable tool for managing high-grade liver injury in a hemodynamically unstable patient.

Trauma in pregnant women: an experience from a level 1 trauma center

Objective: Trauma is the significant non-obstetrical cause of maternal mortality in women aged 35 years or younger. It is expected to complicate around 1 in 12 pregnancies and accounts for 46% of such deaths. In this study, we present our experience of trauma during pregnancy at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi. Methods: A standardized form was used to extract data from online records for all pregnant women who presented with traumatic injuries to the Aga Khan University Hospital from 2014 to 2019. Analysis was performed using SPSS v. 21. Chi-squared tests were performed for comparison of categorical data. Results: A total of 48 pregnant females with a mean age of 28.80 ± 6.50 years were included in this study. Road traffic accidents (RTA) accounted for the commonest cause of injury in the first (66.7%) and second (65%) trimesters. However, fall (45.5%) followed by RTA (27.3%) was the most frequent mechanism of injury during the third trimester. Gunshot injuries were seen in 4 patients only. Overall, fetal ultrasound was the most commonly performed imaging (87.5%) followed by limb X-ray and focused abdominal sonography for trauma (FAST) ultrasound. Out of total, 52.1% of the patients were surgically managed. Fetal demise in utero and spontaneous abortion was reported in 2 patients only. Conclusion: Road traffic accidents and falls comprise a significant burden of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. In terms of prevention, several policies and interventions at the government level need to be introduced in order to reduce the incidence of traumatic events.

Changing face of trauma and surgical training in a developing country: A literature review

Trauma continues to be the major cause of disability and death globally and surgeons are often involved in immediate care. However there has been an exponential decrease in the number of the trained trauma surgeons. The purpose of the current review article is to summarize the published literature pertaining to trauma education in postgraduate surgical training programmes internationally and in a developing country as Pakistan. Several electronic databases like MEDLINE, PubMed, Google scholar and PakMediNet were searched using the keywords 'trauma education' or 'trauma training' AND 'postgraduate medical education', 'surgery residency training', 'surgery residents' and 'surgeons'. The current training in most surgical residency programmes, locally and globally, is suboptimal. Change in trauma management protocols, and decrease in volume of trauma cases results in variable and/ or inadequate exposure and hands-on experience of the surgical trainees in operative and non-operative management of trauma. This warrants collaborative measures for integration of innovative educational interventions at all levels of the surgical educational programmes.

Impact of time of arrival in emergency unit on estimation of injuries and overall care of trauma victims

BACKGROUND

Outcomes of trauma victims largely depends upon available resources, not only in terms of location of high level trauma center near the area where incident takes place but also on staff and equipment available at that particular center at that particular time. This study used retrospective charts review to ascertain whether trauma patients presenting during the night time would have delayed in establishing injuries after necessary investigations and higher in-hospital mortality than those trauma patients arriving during the day time at our hospital.

METHODS

This was a cross sectional study, conducted in department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. Data was obtained from patients charts by a single investigator. By random sampling technique, 146 patients admitted between 1st January 2018 to 31st December 2018inthe Emergency Department of the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi were included. Patients were placed into two groups. Those arriving in hospital from 7 am to 7 pm were labeled as day time group while those who presented from 7 pm to 7 am were labeled as night time group. Difference in mortality in each group and time required for carrying out investigations and admissions to definite care were recorded and compared among both groups.

RESULTS

A total of 146 patient charts were reviewed, with 73 patients each in both day time (DT) and night time (NT) groups. Out of 146 trauma victims 123(82.2%) were male and 23(17.8%) were female. Mean age in our population was 37.4 years (±14.3). Road traffic accident (RTA) was the most common cause in 121 patients (82.9%). Time required to conduct trauma services was shorter and significant in DT group as compared to NT group. There was significant difference observed in time required for admission in each group, with mean of 6hours and 40 minutes ± 4 hours,22 minutes in DT group and 8 hours, 36 minutes (± 5 hours,11 minutes in NT group (p = 0.03). However there was no significant difference in mortality observed in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In our hospital time of arrival has no impact on overall mortality of trauma patients. However time to carryout necessary investigations for stable trauma patients and their admissions to definite care is longer as compared to day time arrival of emergency trauma patients.

Sclerosing peritonitis presenting as complete mechanical bowel obstruction: a case report

Introduction

Sclerosing peritonitis or abdominal cocoon syndrome is characterized by small bowel loops completely encapsulated by a fibrocollagenous membrane in the center of the abdomen. Although cocooning of the abdomen is mostly seen in patients on peritoneal dialysis, it can occur de novo; it very rarely manifests as complete mechanical bowel obstruction.

Case presentation

A 46-year-old Asian man presented with complete mechanical bowel obstruction. He had previous attacks of partial bowel obstruction during the past 6 to 8 months, which was misdiagnosed as abdominal tuberculosis because tuberculosis is very prevalent in the region in which he lives. He took anti-tuberculosis therapy for 3 months but this did not result in resolution of his symptoms. This time he had diagnostic laparoscopy followed by laparotomy in which a fibrocollagenous membrane, resulting in entrapment of his bowel, was excised and his entire small bowel was freed.

Postoperatively he again had a mild episode of partial bowel obstruction but this was relieved with a short course of steroids.

Discussion

Sclerosing peritonitis is a rare benign etiology of complete mechanical bowel obstruction. Patients might have suffered recurrent attacks of partial bowel obstruction in the past that were falsely managed on lines of other conditions such as tuberculosis, especially in endemic areas like Pakistan or India.

Conclusion

Sclerosing peritonitis is a rare benign diagnosis which can manifest as complete bowel obstruction and a high index of suspicion is required to diagnose it. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen is a useful radiological tool to aid in preoperative diagnosis. Diagnostic laparoscopy is usually confirmatory.

Peritoneal sac excision and adhesiolysis is the treatment and a short course of steroids in relapsing symptoms.