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Biomedical subjects

D C Winter

Publications and source records attributed to D C Winter.

63 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Predicting outcome after appendicectomy.

AIM: To validate an intraoperative appendicitis severity score (IASS) and examine outcome following emergency appendectomy. METHODS: A prospective study was undertaken, enrolling consecutive patients undergoing emergency appendicectomy. Data were obtained independently on preoperative Alvarado scores, IASS (0-3: 0 no inflammation, 1 engorged appendix/no peritonitis, 2 peritoneal reaction/exudate or 3 evidence of perforation/abscess) and postoperative outcome parameters. RESULTS: There were 149 patients identified with a mean age of 20.7 years. There was no association between Alvarado score and length of hospital stay, septic complication, patient sex or duration of symptoms (p>0.05). IASS was found to be an independent risk factor for septic complication, wound infection (p<0.05) and length of hospital stay (p<0.001). There was no correlation between preoperative duration of symptoms or time until surgery and intraoperative score. CONCLUSIONS: This simple scoring system can identify patients more likely to suffer morbidity following emergency appendicectomy. Specifically, this system identifies patients who have a high risk of sepsis and therefore could be of use when comparing healthcare performance.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Mesenteric cysts--a series of six cases with a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic mesenteric cysts account for only 1 in 100,000 acute adult and 1 in 20,000 acute paediatric admissions. Acute symptoms are related to compression of intra-abdominal organs or stretching of the mesentery by rapid expansion. An abdominal mass, mobile in transverse but not longitudinal plane, is often the only physical finding. METHOD: We outline the presentation, management and histological findings of 6 cases that presented to this hospital from 1987-1997. RESULTS: There were 5 adults aged 32-79 yr and an 8 yr old boy. The child presented acutely with a painful tender abdominal mass. Of the adults, 1 presented acutely, 2 with chronic symptoms and 2 were incidental findings. Mesenteric cysts were successfully resected in all cases. CONCLUSION: Surgical intervention is recommended and resection of adjacent bowel may be necessary for complete excision. Successful minimal access surgery via the laparoscope has been reported and may become more widely applicable.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Ingested foreign bodies in the paediatric patient.

BACKGROUND: Paediatric foreign body (FB) ingestion is a common problem and while most can be managed conservatively, a sub-population require intervention. AIMS: To establish clear guidelines for management of paediatric FB ingestion. METHODS: A retrospective chart review analysing all paediatric admissions with FB ingestion over a 10-year period from 1990 to 1999. RESULTS: Of 339 patients presenting to the accident and emergency department with FB ingestion, 59 required admission. Ingestion was accidental in 93.0% of patients. The reasons for admission were as follows: large FBs; dangerous FBs; and living far from the hospital. Nineteen patients (32.2%) were discharged without intervention. Thirty-seven (62.7%) required endoscopic retrieval. In two, the FB was not identified at endoscopy. Only three (5%) required surgery. CONCLUSION: Conservative management of FB ingestion in the paediatric population is possible in the majority of cases. However, a minority require intervention. While guidelines for intervention are ill-defined, definitive indications include symptomatic patients, or dangerous objects.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy, an initial experience of fifteen cases.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is an attractive alternative to open surgery, but making the transition can be difficult. AIM: To evaluate the initial experience of a general surgical team at a single institution at making the transition. METHODS: The details of 15 patients undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy were prospectively recorded over a 21-month period. RESULTS: Fifteen glands were removed from fifteen patients. Nine of these were left-sided. The mean gland size was 3.4 cm. Pathology included six non-functioning adenomas, four Conn's syndrome, two Cushing's syndrome and three phaeochromocytomas. Mean operating time was 74 minutes (range 31-172 minutes), with one conversion to open procedure. There were no morbidities and no mortality. CONCLUSION: Our initial experience demonstrates this approach to be the ideal technique for removal of benign adrenal tumours with significant advantages for the patient.

Adrenal Gland Diseases↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Pneumatic tourniquets in extremity surgery.

Pneumatic tourniquets maintain a relatively bloodless field during extremity surgery, minimize blood loss, aid identification of vital structures, and expedite the procedure. However, they may induce an ischemia-reperfusion injury with potentially harmful local and systemic consequences. Modern pneumatic tourniquets are designed with mechanisms to regulate and maintain pressure. Routine maintenance helps ensure that these systems are working properly. The complications of tourniquet use include postoperative swelling, delay of recovery of muscle power, compression neurapraxia, wound hematoma with the potential for infection, vascular injury, tissue necrosis, and compartment syndrome. Systemic complications can also occur. The incidence of complications can be minimized by use of wider tourniquets, careful preoperative patient evaluation, and adherence to accepted principles of tourniquet use.

Emergencies↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Unilateral diaphragmatic agenesis precluding laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Complete absence of a hemidiaphragm or diaphragmatic agenesis in adulthood is rare with only one previous report in the literature. Its significance in relation to performing laparoscopic procedures has not been documented previously. METHODS: We report a case of previously undiagnosed diaphragmatic agenesis in adulthood precluding laparoscopic cholecystectomy and comprehensively review the literature for papers relevant to diaphragmatic agenesis in adulthood. RESULTS: Diaphragmatic agenesis in adulthood may complicate and preclude laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The principles of investigation and management of diaphragmatic agenesis complicating laparoscopic surgery are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: In adults with diaphragmatic agenesis and intrathoracic abdominal viscera precluding laparoscopic cholecystectomy, conservative management is recommended.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Laparoscopic colorectal resection: initial experience in a specialist unit.

The adoption of the laparoscopic approach to colorectal resection has been slow amongst colorectal surgeons principally due to concerns regarding oncological safety. Recent randomized controlled trials have confirmed both the safe and some advantage of this procedure have been performing laparoscopic assisted colorectal resection since 2002 and have now performed over 100 cases on non consecutive and selected patients. We have reviewed our experience with the introduction of this technique. 61 patients were operated on for cancer and 39 for benign disease mainly Crohn's and diverticular disease. Operative time was a median of 128 minutes over the course of study. Conversion rate was 5%. Pathological analysis of the resected specimens in the cancer cases revealed adequate lymph node harvest and margins. No patient had a positive margin and no port site metastasis have been seen. Duration of ileus and length of stay were a median of 0 and 6 days. Post operative morbidity and mortality were comparable to open colorectal surgery with the exception of port site herniation which occurred in 4% of patients. This study suggests that a laparoscopic approach to colorectal resection can be successfully introduced in an Irish hospital setting. The challenge facing Irish surgery is to disseminate this technique in a controlled and safe manner for Irish patients.

Adult↗