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Research-Retreat-Recovery: A Potential Model For Organization And Completion Of Research Projects. Experience From A Neurosurgery Department In A Developing Country, Saniya Siraj Godil, Syed Faraz Kazim, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim

Medical College Documents

Background: In the current era of biomedical research, it is imperative that every research study at an institution is properly organized, and frequently audited to streamline efforts and maintain standards. Recently, a research retreat was organized by the Section of Neurosurgery at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, and following that a recovery team was made with the aim of recovering "lost in translation" research projects. In the realm of our experience, the current model is being proposed as a means for organization of departmental research.
Methods: The "research" component of the model comprised compilation of an abstract book of …

Is Early Correction Of Congenital Ventricular Septal Defect A Better Option In A Developing Country, Awais Ashfaq, Hassaan Ashraf Zia, Muhammad Muneer Amanullah

Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery

OBJECTIVE: To assess and evaluate the effectiveness of early ventricular septal defect (VSD) repair in a developing country by comparing the outcomes in two age groups.

METHODS: A total of 39 patients underwent VSD repair at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi over a period of 2.5 years. Patients were divided into Group 1 (years) and Group 2 (2-18 yrs). Perioperative and postoperative variables were reviewed retrospectively for each patient and compared with the development of complications and the effect on postoperative recovery times. The data was analyzed using Mann Whitney test for continuous variables and Fischer's exact test for …

Antibiotics In Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis: Perspective Of A Developing Country, Afrasyab Khan, Sadaf Khan

Section of General Surgery

Prophylactic antibiotics in acute necrotizing pancreatitis is controversial. The mortality of acute necrotizing pancreatitis is 8-25% in the western world. In view of the limited resources available for managing the complications of infected pancreatitis in developing countries, the use of prophylactic antibiotics may be recommended in selected cases.
Various antibiotics show good penetration into the pancreatic tissue; imipenem and quinolones have better penetration. Clinical trials on the use of prophylactic antibiotics in necrotizing pancreatitis have been reviewed.
Prophylactic antibiotics have been considered if greater than 30% pancreatic necrosis as documented by CT scan. Imipenem can be given for a duration …