Peri-operative SARS-CoV-2 infection increases postoperative mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal duration of planned delay before surgery in patients who have had SARS-CoV-2 infection. This international, multicentre, prospective cohort study included patients undergoing elective or emergency surgery during October 2020. Surgical patients with pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 infection were compared with those without previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality. Logistic regression models were used to calculate adjusted 30-day mortality rates stratified by time from diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection to surgery. Among 140,231 patients (116 countries), 3127 patients (2.2%) had a pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. Adjusted 30-day mortality in patients without SARS-CoV-2 infection was 1.5% (95%CI 1.4-1.5). In patients with a pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, mortality was increased in patients having surgery within 0-2 weeks, 3-4 weeks and 5-6 weeks of the diagnosis (odds ratio (95%CI) 4.1 (3.3-4.8), 3.9 (2.6-5.1) and 3.6 (2.0-5.2), respectively). Surgery performed ≥ 7 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis was associated with a similar mortality risk to baseline (odds ratio (95%CI) 1.5 (0.9-2.1)). After a ≥ 7 week delay in undertaking surgery following SARS-CoV-2 infection, patients with ongoing symptoms had a higher mortality than patients whose symptoms had resolved or who had been asymptomatic (6.0% (95%CI 3.2-8.7) vs. 2.4% (95%CI 1.4-3.4) vs. 1.3% (95%CI 0.6-2.0), respectively). Where possible, surgery should be delayed for at least 7 weeks following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients with ongoing symptoms ≥ 7 weeks from diagnosis may benefit from further delay.

SARS-CoV-2 has been associated with an increased rate of venous thromboembolism in critically ill patients. Since surgical patients are already at higher risk of venous thromboembolism than general populations, this study aimed to determine if patients with peri-operative or prior SARS-CoV-2 were at further increased risk of venous thromboembolism. We conducted a planned sub-study and analysis from an international, multicentre, prospective cohort study of elective and emergency patients undergoing surgery during October 2020. Patients from all surgical specialties were included. The primary outcome measure was venous thromboembolism (pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis) within 30 days of surgery. SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis was defined as peri-operative (7 days before to 30 days after surgery); recent (1-6 weeks before surgery); previous (≥7 weeks before surgery); or none. Information on prophylaxis regimens or pre-operative anti-coagulation for baseline comorbidities was not available. Postoperative venous thromboembolism rate was 0.5% (666/123,591) in patients without SARS-CoV-2; 2.2% (50/2317) in patients with peri-operative SARS-CoV-2; 1.6% (15/953) in patients with recent SARS-CoV-2; and 1.0% (11/1148) in patients with previous SARS-CoV-2. After adjustment for confounding factors, patients with peri-operative (adjusted odds ratio 1.5 (95%CI 1.1-2.0)) and recent SARS-CoV-2 (1.9 (95%CI 1.2-3.3)) remained at higher risk of venous thromboembolism, with a borderline finding in previous SARS-CoV-2 (1.7 (95%CI 0.9-3.0)). Overall, venous thromboembolism was independently associated with 30-day mortality ). In patients with SARS-CoV-2, mortality without venous thromboembolism was 7.4% (319/4342) and with venous thromboembolism was 40.8% (31/76). Patients undergoing surgery with peri-operative or recent SARS-CoV-2 appear to be at increased risk of postoperative venous thromboembolism compared with patients with no history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Optimal venous thromboembolism prophylaxis and treatment are unknown in this cohort of patients, and these data should be interpreted accordingly.

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Despite seroma is rarely potentially lethal and is typically harmless, it can cause considerable sequelae such as flap necrosis, wound dehiscence, predisposes to infection. The objective of the study was to determine the association of raised blood pressure as a risk factor of development of seroma after MRM in breast cancer patients. Material Methods: In this case control study, all women of age 30 to 70 years with MRM done for carcinoma of the breast of stage T2 and lymph nodes N2 were enrolled and followed for 3 days after MRM surgery for seroma formation. Out of total 122 patients, 64 patients were cases and 58 controls. Patients with disease upto N2 had level 2 clearances with upfront surgery. Age, history of essential hypertension, compression bandage applied, serum albumin level, seroma formation and volume of seroma on 3rd post-operative day was documented. Results: Mean age of the patients was 51.2 + 9.5 years and 53.5 + 10.8 years in case and control, respectively. Majority of the patients were of the age group 40 to 50 year’s age group. 56.3% (n=36) cases and 43.8% (n= 28) controls had history of essential hypertension. Seroma formation was seen in cases 51% (n=31) as compare to controls 13% (n= 8) with odd ratio OR 1.48. Drainage volume among two groups was analyzed as in case group, the drainage volume was 148.1 + 76.4 ml (range 50 to 290) while in control group the drainage volume was 130 + 56.9 ml (60 to 250) and was statistically significant with p-value <0.001. Conclusion: Although the pathogenesis of seroma remains controversial, hypertension is the most consistent significant risk factor for seroma formation subsequent to modified radical mastectomy for carcinoma breast. Good pre, peri and post-operative blood pressure control can reduce the risk of seroma formation and the associated morbidity. Keywords: MRM, Seroma, nodal clearance, breast cancer,

This study was aimed to determine the relationship between study orientation and academic achievements of MBBS and allied health sciences undergraduate students. This cross-sectional survey was conducted in King Edward Medical University, Lahore. The authors selected 450 students using non-probability, convenience sampling. Student of either gender enrolled in MBBS and Allied Health Sciences were included in this study. Study habits were calculated using modified Study Orientation Scale developed on lines of M. Mukhopandy and D.N Sansawal’s Study Habit inventory scale. Quantitative variables were presented as mean ±S.D. Qualitative variables were presented as frequency and percentages. Student were divided into high (CGPA ≥ 3) and low achievers (CGPA < 3). Association of different demographic variables and CGPA with SHI scores was calculated using independent sample t test. P value < .05 was considered significant. Of the 450 respondents, 48 (10.67%) were male and 402 (89.3 %) were female students. Mean age of the participants was 20.98 ± 1.97 years. Majority 331 (73.6%) were Allied Health Sciences (AHS) students. Most of the participants 363 (80.67%) were from urban background while 231 (51.33%) participants were living in hostels. Of the total, 246 (55.4%) participants were labelled as high achievers while 198 (44.6%) were labelled as low achievers. Students with higher CGPA scores were found to have better SHI scores i.e.,113.78 (15.31) as compared to low achievers i.e., 109.56 (16.34) (P value 0.005). Study orientation of students had a significant effect on the performance of students, with high achievers having significantly better SHI scores than their low achiever colleagues so it is recommended that due attention should be given to study habits. Key words: SHI, achievers, study orientation, medical and allied health sciences, undergraduates.