Trilucent ("Soya Bean") breast implants were marketed as a safe alternative to silicon implants. Following their use in the UK for the past four years, a reassessment of this has currently been announced (March 1999) and further implantation has been suspended by the Trilucent company in conjunction with the MDA (Medical Devices Agency). This has been the result of some reports of adverse reactions to the triglyceride filling material when the implant ruptures. All patients with trilucent implants were advised to return to their respective surgeons for review and advice. A personal review has been undertaken by the author of this paper. The results obtained are discussed. The majority of patients were concerned, but were happy with cosmetic results, and did not at present wish their implants removed. None appeared as yet to have had serious complications that could be attributed to the implants.
Previous studies have indicated the importance of work load and operating time in helping to manage a waiting list. While analysis of a waiting list based solely on numbers cannot give an accurate assessment it is only this and "the waiting time" to surgery (apparently irrespective of clinical priorities) that seem to matter to the government, the Trust Hospitals, and to the public. This study examines case numbers on a waiting list over a two year period and links this to the preceding six months elective operations. Further insight into a waiting list construction can be obtained because of the clinical need for some degree of prioritisation, particularly because of malignancies, it is obvious why the bare waiting list numbers and composition can give a false impression of the true situation. The secondary effect on waiting time for less urgent cases can thus be more readily explained. Some form of rationing may be the answer.
In the hospital where this author works the waiting time for any patient referred begins when the GP letter reaches the tracking department. From there the referral letters are sent out to the appropriate doctors (for "named" referrals) or specialised departments (for "un-named" referrals or "dear doctor' referrals). Most specialists will screen both types of referral letters and prioritise them as "urgent", "soon" or "routine". This usually, though not always, coincides with the rating given by the GP.
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