Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Driving Simulators – More Than A Video Game!, William D. Mcquilken B.A., Judith M. Schultz B.A.

Department of Surgery

Background: This study aimed to investigate teenager, young adult, and adult knowledge levels on distracted and impaired driving through the use of educational driving simulators. The distracted and impaired driving simulators were customized to instruct participants on the dangers of driving distracted or impaired utilizing consequence videos. The simulators were taken to high schools, colleges/universities, and businesses over a four year period where we hypothesized that they would play a significant role in raising knowledge about the dangers and penalties of these risky driving behaviors and would also help to increase seat belt usage.

Setting: High schools, colleges / universities, …

Stop The Radiation! Decreasing Ct Scan Utilization In Pediatric Trauma Patients., Catherine Zimel, Taylor Iobst, Carly Crowder, Heather Geist, Keith A. Thatch Md, Marybeth Browne Md

Department of Surgery

No abstract provided.

Frequency Of Color Blindness In Pre-Employment Screening In A Tertiary Health Care Center In Pakistan, Shaukat Ali Chhipa, Farzeen K. Hash, Shehreen Ali, Mustafa Kama, Khabir Ahmed

Department of Surgery

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To describe the frequency of color vision deficiency among Pakistani adults presenting for pre-employment health screening in a tertiary care hospital.

METHODS:

The cross-sectional study was carried out at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and the data was collected for color vision deficiency, age, gender, and job applied for from pre-employment examination during 2013-2014. IBM SPSS 20 was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS:

Three thousand four hundred and thirty seven persons underwent pre-employment screening during 2013 and 2014; 1837 (53.44%) were males and 1600 (46.65%) females. The mean age was 29.01 (±6.53) years. A total of 0.9% …

Giant Ganglioneuroma In A 5-Year Child, Hamza Abdur Rahim Khan, Fazal Wahab Khan, Saulat H. Fatimi

Department of Surgery

ABSTRACT We report a 5-year boy presenting with pain in the lower chest and upper abdomen. On evaluation with computed tomography scan of the chest, he was found to have a large 16 x 14 cm posterior mediastinal mass compressing the inferior vena cava and liver, and shifting the heart to the opposite side. Tumor was approached via right postero-lateral thoracotomy and dissected off from esophagus, heart, inferior vena cava and lungs. The entire tumor was resected without any complications. Postoperative course was unremarkable. Resection of the tumor was successful. The histopathology showed it to be giant ganglioneuroma with no …

Every Child, Every Time: Universal Child Abuse Screening Increases Awareness And State Reporting (Poster)., Lauren Dudas Md, Gwenda L. Petrohoy, Debra Esernio-Jenssen Md, Cheryl Lansenderfer Bsn, Joseph J. Stirparo Md, Michele Dunstan, Marybeth Browne Md

Department of Surgery

No abstract provided.

Tailored Metabolic Workup For Urolithiasis – The Debate Continues, Hammad Ather, Imran Siddiqui, Tahmeena Siddiqui, M Nasir Sulaiman

Department of Surgery

Abstract

Urolithiasis is one of the commonest afflictions of the urinary tract. Stones are of various chemical compositions, some share some common etiology; but most are specific to the structure and composition of stone. In view of highly recurrent nature of this condition, it is logical to have strategies for prevention. However, due to multiple factors most patients receive no or fragmented information on prevention. The current controversy is to the extent of metabolic workup in adult first time stone former. This requires longitudinal studies to show benefit in prevention strategies. Patients at high risk can have recurrence in weeks …

Re-Structuring University Hospital’S Internship Program Using Kern’S Six-Step Model Of Instructional Design, M. Tariq, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim, Amna Subhan Butt, Sana Saeed, Zia Ur Rehman, Barkat Virani, Asghar Ashraf, Irum Qamar, Farah Qamar, Raheela Mohsin Rizvi, Swaleha Tariq, Qurratulain Naeem

Department of Surgery

Abstract Background: Internship is a phase of training wherein a graduate learns in the context of practice, acquiring skills under supervision so that he/she may become capable of functioning independently. We are reporting the process of curriculum restructuring for strengthening the Internship Program at this university hospital. Methodology: We used Kerns’ six-step model to evaluate and restructure the internship curriculum. Step 01: Problem Identification & General need assessment- Thorough literature review revealed Internship as the crucial year of training that needs to be fashioned around the competencies required to make good doctors

Superior Septal Approach Versus Left Atrial Approach For Mitral Valve Replacement: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Tooba Ansar, Taimur Asif Ali, Saneeha Shahid, Saulat H. Fatimi, Ghulam Murtaza

Department of Surgery

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the outcomes of superior septal approach and left atrial approach for mitral valve replacement.

METHODS:

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised records of patients who had undergone isolated mitral valve replacement from May 2003 to April 2012. Cases were reviewed for the outcomes [primary: loss of normal sinus rhythm; secondary: complications, residual defect and mortality]. Patients with prior history of dysrhythmia, low ejection fraction (<30%), emergency/redo mitral valve replacement and concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting were excluded. SPSS 19 was used for data analysis.

RESULTS:

Of the 78 patients, 52(66.67%) were of superior septal approach and 26(33.33%) of left atrial approach. Both groups were comparable for …

Hepatitis C Virus Seroprevalence In The General Female Population Of 9 Countries In Europe, Asia And Africa, Gary M. Clifford, Tim Waterboer, Bolormaa Dondog, You Lin Qiao, Dimitri Kordzaia, Doudja Hammouda, Namory Keita, , Nahid Khodakarami, Syed Ahsan Ali, Ang Tshering Sherpa, Witold Zatonski

Department of Surgery

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

New oral treatments with very high cure rates have the potential to revolutionize global management of hepatitis C virus (HCV), but population-based data on HCV infection are missing in many low and middle-income countries (LMIC).

METHODS:

Between 2004 and 2009, dried blood spots were collected from age-stratified female population samples of 9 countries: China, Mongolia, Poland, Guinea, Nepal, Pakistan, Algeria, Georgia and Iran. HCV antibodies were detected by a multiplex serology assay using bead-based technology.

RESULTS:

Crude HCV prevalence ranged from 17.4% in Mongolia to 0.0% in Iran. In a pooled model adjusted by age and country, in …

Hookworm Infestation As A Cause Of Melena And Severe Anaemia In Farmer, Marvi Tariq, Syeda Maria Muzammil, Fareed Ahmed Sheikh, K. M. Inam Pal

Department of Surgery

Abstract

Hookworm infections remain a major cause of morbidity in the developing world. Prevalence is highest in agricultural areas, where use of waste water for irrigation and poor hygiene increases infection rates among farmers. Infections present with gastrointestinal symptoms and chronic anaemia, and there are usually no signs of overt blood loss.
The following report describes a case of melena in a middle-aged farmer, where the diagnosis of hookworm infestation was delayed due to the unusual presentation. The patient underwent multiple blood transfusions before referral to the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi and was managed conservatively with mebendazole at …

Management Of Simultaneous Bilateral Femur Fractures In A Tertiary Care Hospital: A Retrospective Review, Masood Umer, Syed Zohaib Gulzar Naqvi, Raza Askari, Umair Ashraf

Department of Surgery

Abstract: Introduction: Bilateral long bone fractures are rare and usually are associated with increased risk of complications. These fractures are usually associated with poly traumatic injuries or high impact trauma resulting in shock. Commonest etiology is road traffic accident. Closed diaphyseal fractures are best managed by intramedullary nailing; management becomes difficult if there are open fractures and late arrival. In this study we intend to present our experience of managing these patients. Materials and Methods: Medical records of all adult patients (age more than 16 years of age) admitted at Aga Khan University and Hospital with bilateral femur fractures +/- …

Therapeutic Uses Of Pineapple-Extracted Bromelain In Surgical Care - A Review., Zehra Abdul Muhammad, Tashfeen Ahmad

Department of Surgery

Abstract

Bromelain is an extract obtained from the pineapple plant and is used as a traditional folk remedy for several ailments. In this review, a comprehensive electronic database search was carried out to compile available literature on therapeutic implications of bromelain. Pharmaceutical value of bromelain has been demonstrated in different surgical sub-specialties. Diverse biological processes like anti-inflammatory, anti-oedematous, analgesic, anti-thrombotic, exfoliation etc. are involved in bromelain's therapeutic actions, mediated through the kallikrein-kinin and arachidonic acid pathways as well as through effects on cell mediated immunity. Bromelain equals non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as an anti-inflammatory agent, but has been shown to have …

Journey From Black To Pink Gums: Management Of Melanin Induced Physiological Gingival Hyper Pigmentation, Huma Farid, Muhammad Saad Shinwari, Farhan Raza Khan, Farzin Tanwir

Department of Surgery

Abstract

Smile is an expression of happiness, self-confidence, kindness and beauty. Along with teeth and lips, gingiva is also a vital component of smile. Melanin induced gingival hyper pigmentation may appear un-aesthetic especially when it is associated with high smile line, upper anterior labial segment and is uneven in appearance. It affects individuals from all races. Generally, it is believed that melanin induced gingival hyper pigmentation is confined to individuals from dark races. But studies have shown that Iranian, Indian, Italian, Arabian, Greek. German, French, Japanese, Chinese, Jewish, Thai, Malaysian and other ethnic groups also display clinical gingival pigmentation.1 Gingival …

Bowled Over By Cricket: Impact Of Tape-Ball Injuries On The Eyes, Salman Naveed Sadiq, Azam Ali, Bushra Usmani, Khabir Ahmed

Department of Surgery

Abstract

PURPOSE:

The aim of this study was to describe the type and severity of tape-ball cricket-related eye injuries seen at a tertiary care hospital.

DESIGN:

A descriptive case series.

METHODS:

This study included all cases of tape-ball cricket-related eye injuries presenting to the Section of Ophthalmology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from January 2014 to January 2015.

RESULTS:

A total of 20 patients with tape-ball cricket-related eye injuries were treated during this period. The right eye was involved in most (14/20) of the cases. The commonest presenting symptoms included reduced/blurred vision, ocular pain, redness, and floaters. Sixty percent (12/20) …

Hernia Of Morgagni Presenting As Constipation In A 65-Year-Old Male, Hamza A Khan, Adeel Samad, Omar A Khan, Farida K Chagan, Jamal K Khan, Saulat H. Fatimi

Department of Surgery

Hernia of Morgagni is congenital defects in the diaphragm. They are mostly asymptomatic and present with vague symptoms when they do so. A high index of suspicion is required for timely diagnose of this condition. Here we present the case of a 65-year-old male patient presented to our institute with constipation for the past six months. Chest radiology raised the suspicion of a hernia which was further confirmed by contrast studies. Laparotomy was done and the hernia sac identified, colon and greater omentum reduced and defect repaired. He was discharged in stable condition and was doing well on follow-up.

Successful Resection Of Lymphangioma Of The Neck And Mediastinum Presenting As Stridor In A 12 Year Old Child, Babar Irfan, Maha Tahir, Omar Irfan, Hamza Abdur Rahim Khan, Saulat H. Fatimi

Department of Surgery

Lymphangiomas are congenital malformations of lymphatic tissue. This benign condition is generally found in the neck region and is discovered by 2 years of age. Here we report the case of a 12 year old child who presented with a cervical and mediastinal cystic hygroma that had progressed to such a space occupying nature as to cause the shifting of the trachea. The entire mass was successfully resected with a lower neck incision. Our case suggests the necessity of considering cystic lymphangioma in the differential diagnosis of lateral neck masses and use of adequate imaging to substantiate the preoperative diagnosis.

Long Term Survival Rate Of Tavr With And Without Dialysis., Taryn Samet Md, Sydney Pickering, Timothy S. Misselbeck, Raymond L. Singer Md, Mmm, James K. Wu Md

Department of Surgery

No abstract provided.

Retrograde Bullet Migration From Inferior Vena Cava Into Right Common Iliac Vein Following Gunshot: A Case Report, Ibrahim Zahid, Hamza Abdur Rahim Khan, Omar Irfan, Benish Fatima,, Maha Tahir, Muhammad Tariq, Fazal Wahab Khan, Saulat H. Fatimi

Department of Surgery

Abstract

Bullet embolization cases are rare and even rarer are its retrograde migration in the veins. We report the case of a 14 year old male with a gunshot wound to the left side of his chest. CT scan revealed bilateral haemothorax and foreign body in the right common iliac vein. The patient was immediately taken to the operating theatre and median sternotomy performed. Bullet entry tear was found in the inferior vena cava however, the bullet was found lodged in the right common iliac vein and slipped down against the flow of blood. The bullet was left in situ …

Difficulties In Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Conversion Versus Surgeon's Failure, Aun Ali, Summaya Saeed, Rabel Khawaja, Sunil Sadruddin Samnani, Farah Naz Farid

Department of Surgery

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is considered to be gold standard treatment for symptomatic gall stones. Despite several benefits there are still disadvantages of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in difficult cases where anatomy is disturbed even in experienced hand. Aim of this study is to identify advantages of early conversion to open cholecystectomy in difficult cases and how it should not be associated with surgeon's failure.
Methods: Observational study was conducted at tertiary care hospital of Karachi, Pakistan from January 2012 till June 2015. All patients who presented to general surgery department with symptomatic gall stones and planned for laparoscopic cholecystectomy was included in …

Descriptive Epidemiology Of Karachi Road Traffic Crash Mortality From 2007 To 2014, Rashid Jooma, Masood Ali Shaikh

Department of Surgery

Abstract

According to World Health Organization's estimate for Pakistan, there were 25,781 (95% CI: 20,979-30582) Road Traffic Collision (RTC) fatalities in year 2013. The Road Traffic Injury Research and Prevention Center, collects RTC data on injuries and fatalities from five major public and private hospitals' emergency departments in Karachi. For the eight-year period, from 2007-2014, 9129 fatalities were recorded. Males accounted for 8008 (87.7%) all RTC fatalities. Highest number of fatalities were recorded in the 21-25 age group with 1329 (15.3%) fatalities, while fatalities in 16-30 years old, recorded 3446 (39.7%) of all fatalities out of the total 8684 records …

Catamenial Pneumothorax: A Case Report., Hina Inam, Sumera Inam,, Munaim Tahir

Department of Surgery

Abstract

Catamenial pneumothorax (CP) is a rare and complex clinical condition caused by endometrial tissues, commonly found in reproductive women (age 15-49 years).Its diagnosis is often delayed or overlooked by clinicians, which may result in recurrent hospitalizations and other complications. A case of Catamenial pneumothorax is presented of a 38-year-old young married woman, admitted to hospital with signs and symptoms including chest pain and shortness of breath that started with her menstrual period. Right pneumothorax was observed in the Chest x-ray. Patient underwent Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Patient was kept under observation, and was discharged when stable with no pain.Catamenial …

Early Experience Of Dynamic Hip Screw With Spiral Blade And Locking Side Plate For The Stabilization Of Trochanteric Fractures., Akbar Jaleel Zubair, Rizwan Haroon Rashid, Marij Zahid, Masood Umer, Pervaiz Hashmi

Department of Surgery

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate early experience with helical hip system in osteoporotic elderly patients with per-trochanteric fractures.

METHODS:

The retrospective study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised records of patients having low-velocity pertrochanteric fractures who were fixed with spiral blade Dynamic Helical Hip Systemfrom July to December 2014 and were followed up for a minimum of 3 months. Demographic variables and clinical outcomes were noted from the medical records whereas operative details were recorded from the operative note. Radiological variables and outcomes were assessed by viewing appropriate pre-operative, post-operative and follow-up radiographs.

RESULTS:

Of the 32 …

Frequency And Predictors Of Recurrence Of Bladder Tumour On First Check Cystoscopy - A Tertiary Care Hospital Experience, Muhammad Farhan, Nazim Syed Muhammad, Jibran Ahmed, Hammad Ather

Department of Surgery

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the frequency and predictors of non-muscle invasive bladder tumour recurrence on first-check cystoscopy after transurethral resection of bladder tumour.

METHODS:

This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from April to November 2014, and comprised patients with a suspected newly-diagnosed urothelial cancer. Patients with non-muscle invasive disease with complete resection of all visible lesions along with deep biopsy from the tumour base were included. Patients received standard adjuvant intravesical therapy according to their risk stratification and underwent a white-light check cystoscopy at 3 months to look for tumour recurrence. Association between clinico-pathological …

A Systematic Review Of Epidemiological Literature On The Eye Health Of Marginalized Fishing Populations, Khabir Ahmad, Anthony B. Zwi, Daniel J. Tarantola,, Bal Chand

Department of Surgery

Abstract

A systematic review was conducted in December 2013 to examine the extent to which health research has been focused on the eyehealth issues of fishing communities. We searched multiple databases to identify relevant citations, using a combination of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and text words representing eye health, fishing populations and measures of disease frequency. The search yielded only 4 studies, described in 5 articles. Three studies (one each in Turkey, Egypt and Spain) provided data on self-reported eye problems in fishermen or fishery workers, with prevalence ranging from 38% to 81%. There was only one study in the …

Bacterobilia In Acute Cholecystitis: Bile Cultures' Isolates, Antibiotic Sensitivities And Antibiotic Usage. A Study On A Pakistani Population., Yousaf Bashir Hadi,, Muhammad Waqas, Hafiz Muhammad Umer,, Ammar Alam, Abdul Rehman Alvi, Muhammad Rizwan Khan

Department of Surgery

Abstract

Acute cholecystitis is one of the most common acute surgical conditions. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains the mainstay of treatment. In patients managed non-operatively, antibiotics play an important role in the treatment of cholecystitis. The current retrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, and comprised medical records of patients admitted between 2008 and 2014with acute cholecystitis and in whom bile cultures were obtained. Of the 509 patients with a mean age of 51.15 ± 13.4years, early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (within 72hours) was performed on 473(92.9%) cases, while the rest underwent percutaneous cholecystostomy. Bile cultureswere positive in 171(33.6%) …

Cervical Mediastinoscopy In The Diagnosis Of Lymphadenopathy In South Asia., Sulaiman B Hasan, Fazal Wahab Khan, Shiraz Hashmi, Ahsan Ehtesham, Rizwana Ahmed Magsi, Syed Shahabuddin

Department of Surgery

Abstract

We planned to determine the clinical utility and safety of mediastinoscopy in the pathologic diagnosis of mediastinal lymphadenopathy and to determine disease patterns in a tertiary care setting in Karachi. The retrospective review comprised record of patients who underwent mediastinoscopy over 25 years between July, 1990 and August, 2015. Of the 122 patients, records were complete for 88(72%). Mean age was 42.5±12.9 years and 55(62.5%) were male. Overall, 60(68.2%) patients had benign inflammatory diseases; 25 (28.4%) had lymphoma or lung cancer which was accurately staged; 26(29.5%) had tuberculosis; 13(14.8%) sarcoidosis; and 11 (12.5%) had concomitant tuberculosis and sarcoidosis. No …

Paediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: Presentation, Badar Uddin Ujjan, Muhammad Waqas, Muhammad Babar Khan, Dr Saqib Kamran Bakhshi, Muhammad Ehsan Bari

Department of Surgery

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide. This study was conducted to report the presentation, management, outcomes and prognostic indicators in a large series of patients from a tertiary care centre in a developing country. It is a review of prospectively collected data of paediatric patients with TBI admitted at our centre between July 2010 and December 2013. A total of 291 patients with a mean age of 7.2±5.0 years were dichotomised into survivors and non-survivors, and variables were compared between the two groups. The mean post-resuscitation Glasgow coma scale (GCS) …

Better Outcome Of Splenectomy In Younger Patients Suffering From Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia, Sabah Saqib, Rizwan Hashim, Hasnain Zafar

Department of Surgery

Abstract Immune thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) may need splenectomy after failure of medical treatment. The aim of this study was to explore the outcome of splenectomy in chronic ITP and to point out factors which can predict better response to splenectomy. This retrospective chart review was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised adult patients who underwent splenectomy for ITP from October 2005 to December 2015. Of the 51 patients, 37(72.5%) were females and 14(27.5%) were males. The overall median age was 32 years (interquartile range: 18-65 years). Complete response was seen in 43(84.3%) patients, 2(4%) had response …

Nosocomial Infections In The Icu: Pens And Spectacles As Fomites, Haris Farooq Murad, Khawaja Muhammad Inam Pal

Department of Surgery

Abstract Nosocomial infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Non-medical objects known as fomites may have a role in their genesis. We investigated the significance of writing pens and spectacles asfomites. The study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from July 2013 to September 2013. Cultures were taken from pens and/or spectacles of resident nurses, doctors and nursing assistants in intensive care unit (ICU). Organisms important in ICU nosocomial infections were targeted. Seven rounds ofsampling over 3 weeksled to 55 pen and 5 spectacle samples. Growth was seen in 3(5.5%) pen samples and 1(20%) spectacle sample. …

Is Grown Up Congenital Heart (Guch) Disease Different In A Developing Country?, Syed Shahabuddin, Shiraz Hashmi, Syed Ezze Rakhshan,, Jamal Kabeer Khan, Shahid Ahmed Sami, Muneer Amanullah

Department of Surgery

Abstract

In the current era grown up congenital heart disease (GUCH) patients undergoing surgical interventions are increasing. Most of the interventions in the developed countries are either complex or redo-operations in patients who had previously undergone repair, palliation or correction. However, in the developing countries most of the interventions are primary and corrective. This descriptive retrospective study comprised GUCH patients who underwent surgical intervention for congenital heart disease (CHD) at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from January 2006 to December 2015. A total of 195 patients had been treated surgically with a mean age of 31.0±13.5 years. Majority of the …