Fibroadenoma is the most common cause of benign breast lumps and is typically seen in women under the age of 40 years. Fibroadenomas are classified as simple, complex, giant, myxoid or juvenile. They present as smooth, rubbery, mobile masses on palpation. Ultrasonographic and mammographic features typical of fibroadenomas include solid, round, well-circumscribed masses, with or without lobulated features. They are predominantly treated conservatively although clinical pathways recommend referral for triple assessment. Surgical intervention is indicated by the presence of one or more of the following features: the presence of symptoms, a diameter greater than 2 cm, rapid growth rate, complex features, disease recurrence or patient anxiety.
Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE) after emergency laparotomy is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Where extended thromboprophylaxis is used in the post-operative care of patients with colorectal malignancy or pelvic surgery, no such guideline exists for the patient undergoing emergency laparotomy. Arguably emergency laparotomy has one of the highest associated death rates of all types of surgery, greater than that of major elective GI surgery and involves high risk patients. The objective of this study is to ascertain the incidence of symptomatic VTE after emergency laparotomy within current thromboprophylaxis regimens at a district general hospital and consider the benefits of extended regimes in this patient cohort. Methods A database of all patients who underwent emergency laparotomy over a 12 month period from January 2019 to December 2019 was retrospectively analysed. The primary outcome was the incidence of symptomatic VTE within 90 days of emergency laparotomy. This was cross-referenced to known patient risk factors for thromboembolism. Results A total of 113 patients underwent emergency laparotomy during this period. Those who had multiple laparotomies and were duplicated or who died were excluded, leaving a total of 94 patients, 55 female and 39 male. 80 patients underwent a VTE prophylaxis regimen using perioperative and postoperative low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) based on their weight. The average length of stay was 18 days. 20 patients had an inpatient stay greater than 28 days and, therefore, received extended prophylaxis during their admission. 21 patients were given prolonged anticoagulation on discharge to complete a total of 28 days, 14 of these had suspected cancer intraoperatively, 6 were previously already anticoagulated. The postoperative VTE incidence was 6, 4 were diagnosed during admission and so received prolonged anticoagulation on discharge. 2 patients were not given prolonged VTE prophylaxis on discharge. Conclusions An extended VTE prophylaxis regimen using low-molecular-weight heparin is simple and effective and an accepted practice in the management of post operative colorectal cancer patients. A randomised control trial is likely needed to further explore the use of extended low molecular weight heparin in the postoperative care of emergency laparotomy patients.
Aims The Covid-19 pandemic necessitated use of video consultations to provide continued patient care. It is not clear if video clinics are well received by patients, or if they are cost efficient. We evaluate the benefits of video consultation and review the impact on waiting times and cost implications to a trust. Methods 100 patients referred between January - December 2021 with gallstones were invited to complete a patient satisfaction questionnaire after initial clinic consultation. Patients were divided into three groups based on consultation type; face-to-face, telephone and video consultation (via the Attend Anywhere platform). Secondary outcome measures included time from referral to appointment, time to final outcome and cost implications. Results 93 patients responded; 33 video, 30 face-to-face and 30 telephone consultations. Of these patients 62% were female and 38% male with an average age of 51 (25–84). Average time from referral was 22 days in the video cohort, 22 in the telephone cohort and 32 for face-to-face appointments. Of the video cohort, 44% were booked for cholecystectomy from initial consultation and 56% sent for further investigation. The conversion rate from video to face-to-face consultation was zero. 50% of respondents stated face-to-face consultations as their preferred method of future consultation, 49% of patients opted for video and 1% preferred telephone consultation. 79% reported increased satisfaction due to convenience of consultation. Conclusion This study demonstrates video consultations decrease costs and waiting times. Patient satisfaction is comparable to in-person visit. Specific referral criteria and patient selection is essential to maximise the benefits of video consultations.
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