Search

Background: Silent aspiration (SA) is common post‐stroke and associated with increased risk of pneumonia, length of stay and healthcare costs. Clinical swallow examinations (CSEs) are unreliable measures of SA. There is no consensus on the clinical components that best detect SA. Cough reflex testing (CRT) is an alternative/adjunct whose SA detection accuracy also lacks consensus. Aims: To investigate the feasibility of CSE versus CRT against gold standard flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) for SA identification and to estimate its prevalence in a hyperacute stroke setting. Methods & Procedures: A single‐arm preliminary, prospective, feasibility study of patients less than 72 h post‐stroke, over a 31‐day period on a hyperacute stroke unit: the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne, UK. Ethical approval for the study was obtained. The study tested the feasibility and acceptability of introducing CRT and developing a standardized CSE. Consent/assent was obtained for all participants. Patients unfit for study were excluded. Outcomes & Results: A total of 62% of patients less than 72 h post‐stroke (n = 61) were eligible. A total of 75% of those approached (n = 30) consented. A total of 23 patients completed all tests. The principal barrier was anxiety regarding FEES. Mean test time for CRT = 6 min; CSE = 8 min; FEES = 17 min. Patients rated CRT and FEES on average as moderately uncomfortable. A total of 30% (n = 7) of participants who received FEES presented with SA. Conclusions & Implications: CRT, CSE and FEES are feasible in 58% of hyperacute stroke patients in this setting. FEES anxiety is the main recruitment barrier and is not always well tolerated. Results support further work to establish optimum methods and differential sensitivity/specificity of CRT and CSE in hyperacute stroke for SA identification. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject: SA significantly increases the risk of pneumonia in the early days post‐stroke. CSEs are unreliable for identification of SA risk in this population. CRT is gaining popularity as a potential tool to identify stroke patients at risk of SA, though there are questions regarding the efficacy of the clinical protocol currently being used in the UK. What this study adds to existing knowledge: This study demonstrates that it is practical and feasible to carry out a larger scale study in this setting to compare CSE and CRT including a consideration of an approach combining both methods for clinical identification of SA versus FEES. Preliminary findings suggest that CSE may have higher levels of sensitivity than CRT for SA identification. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: The results of this study suggest that further work is needed to establish the optimum methods and differential sensitivity/specificity of clinical tools for SA detection in hyperacute stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To characterise the real‐world burden of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) in the UK, stratified by number of surgeries. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum database with Hospital Episodes Statistics linkage (2007–2019). Participants: Adults ≥18 years of age with a first NP diagnosis (index) and 365 days of baseline and ≥180 days of follow‐up data. Follow‐up continued until disenrollment, death or end of data collection. Main Outcome Measures: Primary: primary care physician prescribed CRSwNP‐related treatments, and all‐cause healthcare resource utilisation (HCRU) in 90 days post‐index, stratified by surgeries during follow‐up. Secondary: rate of surgery and CRSwNP point prevalence. Baseline patient demographics, clinical characteristics and comorbidities were also assessed. Results: Of the 33 107 patients included, 23.5% and 2.2% had ≥1 and ≥2 surgeries during follow‐up, respectively (mean follow‐up: 5.3 years). Patients with more surgeries (≥2/≥1/0) during follow‐up were more likely to be male (67.3%/69.0%/58.0%), have asthma (37.8%/28.2%/20.2%) and have baseline blood eosinophil counts ≥300 cells/μL (68.5%/66.0%/51.5%). During the first 90‐days post‐index as surgery number increased, the proportion of patients using oral corticosteroids (25.8%/20.7%/14.2%) and mean (SD) number of all‐cause healthcare visits (5.9 [4.2]/5.4 [4.0]/4.9 [4.2]) increased. Time between surgeries was shorter among patients with more surgeries. CRSwNP prevalence on 31 December 2018 was 476 cases per 100 000 persons. Conclusion: A small proportion of patients in the UK required multiple surgeries for CRSwNP and this was associated with increasing comorbidity burden, baseline blood eosinophil counts, CRSwNP‐related treatment and HCRU use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks (SCSFL) occur in the absence of trauma, surgery, or underlying intracranial pathology. They represent a significant healthcare burden on patients with complications such as meningitis. We present our experience of SCSFL repair via the endonasal endoscopic approach. Methods: All patients who underwent CSF fistula repair at a tertiary UK hospital, between 1st January 2012 to 31st December 2019, were identified and had their case notes analyzed retrospectively. Results: There were 33 patients included consisting of 27 (81.8%) females, with age range from 31 to 81 years (mean 55.2). Mean body mass index (BMI) was 35.2 kg/m2, with 32 (97.0%) patients overweight (BMI >25). All patients presented with intermittent watery rhinorrhoea and had a positive biochemical analysis. Computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) identified leak sites in 29 patients (87.9%). The most common intraoperative defect site was the cribriform plate (42.4%). A variety of closing techniques were used including onlay grafts (72.7%), tissue glue (87.9%), nasoseptal flaps (63.6%), mucosal free grafts (21.2%), fat grafts (21.2%), and additional support materials (87.9%). Nasal packing was used in all patients. The average length of stay was 1.6 days. Postoperative complications occurred in two patients (6.1%) (meningitis, epistaxis). Overall, there was a successful primary repair in 32 (97.0%) patients with most cases employing a multilayered reconstruction method (78.8%). Conclusion: Our results demonstrate excellent success rates with the endoscopic endonasal approach to SCSFL. This adds to the literature by demonstrating a detailed analysis of the experience in SCSFL management in one of the largest UK centres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the widest variations in contemporary surgical practice between high and low, or low‐middle, income countries is the utilisation of endoscopy as a means of treating urological pathology. The endoscopic management of lower urinary tract problems such as benign prostatic hypertrophy, bladder cancer and urethral strictures was established in the UK in the late 1970s, whilst its adoption into everyday practice in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) has been significantly retarded. It is still neither a major feature of urological training in those countries nor widely available to the patients that established consultants treat. Likewise, the explosion of less invasive technologies for treating upper tract stone disease in the 1980s, particularly the management of renal stone disease, has also lagged behind practice established in the UK over the last 40 years. This is not due to a lack of patients who could be treated endoscopically or restricted by the abilities of the surgeons in SSA. The restraint in assumption of these less‐invasive management options is rather due to the physical availability of trained specialist surgeons, their access to basic infrastructure such as electricity and water, access to endoscopes and the peripheral equipment necessary to successfully deploy them, and the ability of patients to afford the disposable items required for less‐invasive forms of management. Some endoscopic procedures are viable in resource‐poor settings. However, they are largely dependent upon the supply of equipment from non‐governmental organisations in high‐income countries, frugal innovation to reduce individual procedure costs, adequately skilled mentors, and maintenance and supply chains to make them a durable option in patient management. Urolink and the Medi Tech Trust present their experience of how endoscopic surgery can be taught, and used sustainably, in a resource‐poor healthcare environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Little is known about optimal management strategies for pilonidal sinus disease (PSD). We conducted a mixed‐methods study to understand why patients make, and sometimes regret, treatment decisions. Method: We conducted longitudinal semi‐structured interviews at the time of surgery and 6 months later with 20 patients from 13 UK hospitals. Framework analysis was performed, and themes were mapped to (1) the coping in deliberation framework and (2) an acceptability framework. Results were triangulated with those from structured survey instruments evaluating shared decision‐making (SDM, best = 9) at baseline and decision regret (DR, most regret = 100) at 6 months. Results: Nine of 20 patients were not offered a choice of treatment, but this was not necessarily seen as negative (SDM median 4; range 2–4). Factors that influenced decision‐making included previous experience and anticipated recovery time. Median (range) DR was 5 (0–50). Those with the highest DR (scores 40–50) were, paradoxically, also amongst the highest scores on SDM (scores 4). Burden of wound care and the disparity between anticipated and actual recovery time were the main reasons for decision regret. Conclusion: To minimize regret about surgical decisions, people with PSD need better information about the burden of wound care and the risks of recurrence associated with different surgical approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the British Infection Association's guidelines on the management of opportunistic infection in people living with HIV. It discusses the epidemiology of candidiasis, along with information on the Candida species causing Candida infections in people living with HIV. It mentions the role of endoscopy in the diagnosis of oesophageal candidiasis.

OBJECTIVE To present the UK experience to date with laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) simple nephrectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Five female patients underwent LESS nephrectomy; three procedures were carried out with the umbilicus as the port of entry (U-LESS). RESULTS All cases were completed uneventfully. The operative duration was 45–150 min and blood loss was negligible. There were no conversions to conventional multi-port laparoscopy or open surgery. Recovery was uneventful with only minor complications in two patients; convalescence was rapid. CONCLUSION LESS nephrectomy offers a safe, cosmetic alternative to conventional multi-port laparoscopy, with younger female patients being especially happier with the ‘scarless’ outcome of U-LESS. LESS certainly appears to be more in these situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Before publication of the British Society of Gastroenterology and Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland guidelines in 2002, screening for people with a family history of colorectal cancer was sporadic and largely dependant on unvalidated local guidelines. Since 1990 we have been screening patients with both high and moderate risk family histories of colorectal cancer using local protocols which were more liberal than the new guidelines. In this study, we have analysed the pathology that would have been missed if we had been using the new guidelines in the period 1990–2002. Method A total of 399 consecutive patients with a positive family history of colorectal malignancy underwent screening endoscopy according to local guidelines. Demographic, endoscopic and pathologic data were prospectively collected. Patients were retrospectively divided into those who would have been screened under the new guidelines (group 1) and those who would not (group 2). The recorded pathology was graded as significant or insignificant and the findings compared between the two groups. Results A total of 399 patients underwent 557 endoscopies of which 278 (50%) were indicated under the new guidelines (group 1) and 279 (50%) were not indicated (group 2). A significant pathology or carcinoma was found in 15.8% of group 1 endoscopies and 10.0% of group 2 endoscopies. This difference was significant. Conclusion If we had been using the new guidelines in the period 1990–2002, we would not have performed 279 (50%) of the 557 procedures, but would not have discovered significant pathology in 10% of the moderate risk endoscopies representing 39% of the significant pathology, which was actually present in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The prevalence of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feeding of children in the UK has increased. This study explored how gastrostomy feeding affects the daily lives of children and their families, from the parents' perspectives and developed a conceptual framework for assessing the impact of feeding on family life. Methods A semi-structured interview approach was used to obtain the parents' views regarding the impact of feeding on daily lives; both of the children and their family. The study was a cross-sectional qualitative design employing purposive sampling. Twenty-four interviews were conducted and data were analysed descriptively and thematically. Results Difficulties arising from PEG feeding included vomiting (71%), diarrhoea (33%), infection of the PEG site (46%) and leakage (54%). The key issues that emerged included delayed and disturbed sleep, restricted ability to go out, difficulties finding a place to feed, childcare problems, negative attitudes of others towards feeding and family divisions. Parents primarily raised key issues regarding the impact of PEG feeding on themselves or the family rather than on the child. Conclusions An assessment framework has been developed, based on the parents perceptions, for use in assessing the impact of feeding upon family life and identifying the support required for parents of children receiving PEG feeding. Provision of adequate support is likely to require a network of healthcare professionals, social care and support groups, all working together to meet identified needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction There has been a gradual introduction of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) into UK practice although the uptake remains variable. This study aimed to assess the availability, application and referral pattern of TEM amongst colorectal surgeons. Methods A questionnaire was sent to all consultant members of the Association of Coloproctology. This considered their practice, the availability, application and referral pattern for TEM, and their views on application regarding a selection of rectal tumour scenarios. Results There were 142 replies representing 116 hospitals and 297 colorectal surgeons. The median catchment area was 280 000 (range 70 000–1 000 000). TEM was available in 18% of hospitals and 72% either performed or referred patents for TEM. Of 21 units performing TEM, 15 received referrals. From 305 TEM procedures performed over the previous year, 206 were referred cases. Eighty-five per cent of consultants considered TEM a necessary technique for optimum management of rectal lesions. Although 61% of consultants considered endoanal excision optimal for low benign rectal tumours, 58% said TEM was optimal for midrectal lesions and between 30% and 55% for high rectal lesions depending if the tumour position was anterior or posterior, respectively. One-third of consultants would perform TEM for a low T1 rectal carcinoma although half would proceed to anterior resection. Discussion TEM is considered to have a significant role in the optimal management of rectal lesions. The presence of the technique in a limited number of hospitals does appear to provide adequate resources although audit should continue to be centralized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To collate information on the practice of livedonor nephrectomy and compare this with the published British Transplantation Society (BTS) guidelines for best practice, using two questionnaires sent to all renal transplant centres in the UK and Ireland to cover practice for the years 2000 and 2002. There is widespread application of live-donor nephrectomy in the UK but BTS guidelines are not closely followed. Minimal access donor nephrectomy is offered at a few centres but many have plans to introduce this into their practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Endoscopic therapy is the first treatment modality in the management algorithm of upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage. In treating bleeding peptic ulcers, diluted epinephrine is first injected followed by targeted treatment to the vessel. Combination therapy adding thermocoagulation or thrombin/fibrin products has been shown to further improve the rate of haemostasis. There is also some evidence to suggest that adjuvant use of optimal acid suppression using high-dose proton pump inhibitors can reduce recurrent bleeding after initial endoscopic control. In treating acute variceal haemorrhage, early administration of vasoactive agents facilitates endoscopic treatment. These drugs should be continued during and after endoscopic therapy to prevent recurrent in-hospital bleeding. Firm evidence exists to date that band ligation is the endoscopic treatment of choice in the acute control of bleeding varices and their secondary prophylaxis against recurrent bleeding. The role of band ligation as primary prophylaxis for first bleeding remains controversial. Transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunts are used as a rescue procedure when endoscopic treatment fails. In selected patients with recurrent variceal haemorrhage and good hepatic reserves, surgical shunts may be indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the current spectrum of gastroduodenal ulcers in children referred to a regional paediatric unit in the United Kingdom. During a 5-y period (1994-98), all children with a visibly discrete gastric and/or duodenal ulcer diagnosed at endoscopy were prospectively identified. Patients with ulcers associated with Helicobacter pylori gastritis underwent repeat endoscopy 2-3 mo after medical treatment. Thirty-seven children, 21 boys and 16 girls of median age 11 y (range 7 mo to 16 y), had gastric and/or duodenal ulceration. Specific aetiological factors were identified in 21 of 22 with H. pylori negative ulcers, including Crohn's disease (n = 6), coeliac disease (n = 4) and treatment with ulcerogenic drugs (n = 4). Fifteen children (41%) had ulcers associated with H. pylori gastritis, including all 10 children with a chronic ulcer. Endoscopically confirmed ulcer healing was achieved in 14 of these using a 1 wk triple therapy regimen (omeprazole and a combination of two antibiotics). In conclusion, the recognized spectrum and the management of gastroduodenal ulceration have changed during the last decade. Although H. pylori gastritis is an important aetiological factor, a wide range of other conditions needs to be considered. Surgical intervention is only rarely necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Editorial. Comments on the endoscopic procedures in handling ectopic pregnancies in Great Britain. Inference to the clinical practice of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists; Assessment of pregnancy-related deaths; Evaluation of the performance of salpingectomy by laparotomy in the clinical practice.

The article focuses on the advantages of the laparoscopic urological surgery (LUS) training programs for urologists in Great Britain. The advantages of the technique includes reduced morbidity and earlier return to normal activity after laparoscopic procedures. The standards for LUS training is discussed. The author also mentioned the factors contributing to the success of LUS training models.

Editorial. Discusses developments concerning the use of endoscopic surgery in Great Britain. Benefits of the laparoscopic approach; Lack of resources and training for developing surgical skills; Obstacles to widespread use of minimal access surgery procedures.

Comments on the benefit of endoscopic surgery in Great Britain. Evaluation on the procedure of the technique; Efficacy of the technique; Role of laparoscopic surgeons on the management of endoscopic surgery.