Surgery Commons^™

Primary Chiasmal Sarcoid Granuloma Masquerading As Glioma Of The Optic Chiasm, Muhammad Zubair Tahir, Farheen Shaikh, Arshad Ali Siddiqui

Section of Neurosurgery

A 37-year-old woman presented with a 6 months history of headaches and memory impairment. Examination showed no neurological deficit with normal vision. MRI scans showed an enlarged optic chiasm. There was no dural or leptomeningeal enhancement or hydrocephalus. Open biopsy of the suprasellar mass showed non-caseating chronic granulomatous inflammation compatible with sarcoidosis. Systemic features of sarcoid were absent. Patient showed marked improvement on steroid therapy.

An Evaluation Of Referral System For Retinopathy Of Prematurity In Leading Health Centers Across Karachi, Pakistan, Farzeen Khalid Hashmi, Tanveer Anjum Chaudhry, Khabir Ahmad

Section of Ophthalmology

Objective: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is emerging as a significant avoidable cause of childhood blindness in developing countries. This study was conducted to assess the referral system for ROP in the leading health care centers involved in the provision of services to newborns in Karachi, and to assess the awareness of this condition among health care workers in these centers.
Methods: A purposeful sampling technique was employed to select ten health care centers in Karachi, Pakistan, which had the highest number of deliveries per year. Key informants interviews were held with the health care providers involved in the decision-making at …

Mediastinal Seminoma Presenting As Superior Vena Cava Syndrome And Tracheal Obstruction, Saulat Hasnain Fatimi, Basma Shahid, Hashim Muhammad Hanif, Marium Muzaffar

Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Malignant germ cell tumours of the mediastinum are rare, presenting mostly in young males. These are bulky tumours, mostly intrathoracic, infiltrating into adjacent structures early in the growth process. Patients may present with symptoms of compression. Occasionally, mediastinal adenopathy and superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome may occur. We discuss a case of a 19 year old boy with six weeks history of progressively worsening shortness of breath and mid-sternal chest heaviness and one month history of swelling of the face and upper limbs. The entire face and upper extremities were grossly oedematous with engorged veins suggesting SVC syndrome. CT scan …

Chemical Dependency: An Occupational Hazard In The Field Of Anaesthesia, Samina Ismail

Department of Anaesthesia

The medical personnel are vulnerable to substance abuse and dependence due to ready access to substance of abuse. Addiction is considered as an occupational hazard for those involved in the practice of anaesthesia for the same reason. Substance abuse is defined as a psychosocial biogenetic disease, which results from dynamic interplay between a susceptible host and favourable environment. According to the 5th and the last National Survey on Drug Abuse (NSDA) in 1993 by Pakistan Narcotic Control, there are nearly three million drug dependants in Pakistan, but no data is available to determine the prevalence among medical or anaesthesia personnel. …

Congenital Bilateral Choanal Atresia, Ali Faisal Saleem, Shabina Arif, Nadeem Aslam, Mubasher Ikram

Section of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery

Abstract: Congenital choanal atresia (CCA) is the developmental failure of the nasal cavity to communicate with nasopharynx. Surgical repair is recommended in the first weeks of life in bilateral cases because this is a life-threatening situation in newborns. This is a case report of a full term, healthy newborn baby presenting with intermittent attacks of cyanosis and respiratory distress soon after birth. On examination, alternating cyanosis and normal colour was observed in the infant. The insertion of nasal catheters in both the nares revealed the diagnosis of bilateral CCA. For this rare condition, conservative management was followed with elective transnasal …

Are Roadside Pedestrian Injury Patterns Predictable In A Densely Populated, Urban Setting?, Niels D. Martin, Daniel J. Grabo, Lili Tang, Jacqueline Sullivan, Kris R. Kaulback, Michael S. Weinstein, Gary A. Lindenbaum, Murray J. Cohen

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Roadside pedestrian injuries represent a significant portion of trauma team activations, especially at urban trauma centers. Patient demographics and severity of injury vary greatly in this patient population. Herein, we hypothesize that injury patterns may be predictable, especially with respect to age.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with roadside pedestrian injuries evaluated at our urban, level one trauma center from January 2006 through December 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Data were collected from the institutional trauma registry. Age was used as an independent variable and compared with injury type, substance abuse, discharge setting, and mortality.

RESULTS: There were 226 roadside …

Pregnancy Outcomes In Female Liver Transplant Recipients With A Transplant-To-Conception Interval >- 5 Years, Carlo B. Ramirez, Adam Frank, Warren R. Maley, Cataldo Doria, Lisa A. Coscia, Vincent T. Armenti

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

Conclusions: Successful pregnancy outcomes have been reported in female liver recipients with a transplant-to-conception interval greater than or equal to 5 years. Long-term graft survival should be discussed with recipients as a component of preconception counseling. All transplant centers are encouraged to report pregnancies to the NTPR.

Medical Ethics: A Slow But Sustained Revolution In Pakistan’S Healthcare, Muhammad Shahid Shamim, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim

Section of Neurosurgery

No abstract provided.

One Year Survival With Poorly Differentiated Metastatic Pancreatic Carcinoma Following Chemoembolization With Gemcitabine And Cisplatin., Daniel B Brown, Carin F Gonsalves, Charles J Yeo, Agnes K Witkiewicz, Brian I Carr

Department of Radiology Faculty Papers

While hepatic arterial chemoembolization is efficacious for a number of malignancies, there is scant data regarding treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. We report a complete radiographic response at one year from diagnosis of metastatic pancreatic carcinoma. Gemcitabine/cisplatin based chemoembolization may be of potential benefit for patients with liver-dominant metastases from pancreatic carcinoma. Given the typical survival of 6 months or less in this patient group with standard therapies, further research is warranted.

Psychological Profiles In A Female Bariatric Surgery Sample, Aimee L. Donato

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Morbid obesity is an epidemic. Current literature suggests that people with morbid obesity tend to show increased levels of psychological dysfunction. This is especially pertinent to the clinicians who work with morbidly obese patients who seek bariatric surgery as the method for weight control. Surgery should be performed on patients who are psychologically ready to adjust to the stringent post-operative lifestyle.

The purpose of the present study was (1) to compare two groups of bariatric patients (a White group and a non-White group) on pre-surgery measures: specific scales on the Millon Behavioral Medicine Diagnostic (MBMD), the Beck Depression Inventory II …

Losartan Associated Anaphylaxis And Angioneurotic Oedema, Syed Faraz Kazim, Muhammad Shahid

Section of General Surgery

A case of anaphylaxis and angioedema induced by angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), losartan is reported. A 37 years old hypertensive female presented to the Emergency Department with swelling over the face especially the lips, urticarial rash all over the body, and dyspnoea within an hour of losartan administration. She did not have any previous history of drug allergies. The patient was managed with epinephrine. Although angioneurotic oedema and anaphylaxis are well documented adverse effects of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, very few cases of these adverse reactions with ARBs have been reported in medical literature.

Comparison Of Three Mixed Dentition Analysis Methods In Orthodontic Patients At Akuh, Sarwat Memon, Mubassar Fida

Section of Dental-Oral Maxillofacial Surgery

OBJECTIVE: To compare the actual sum of canine and premolars and that predicted from three mixed dentition prediction methods in orthodontic patients at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional comparative study.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Orthodontic clinic at the Aga Khan University Hospital from June 2002 to December 2007.

METHODOLOGY: Data were collected using pretreatment records including orthodontic files and plaster casts of 121 orthodontic patients. Digital caliper was used to measure the mesiodistal widths of permanent teeth from 1st molar to 1st molar in mandibular arch, and central incisors and 1st molars in maxillary …

Emergency Reversal Of Antiplatelet Agents In Patients Presenting With An Intracranial Hemorrhage: A Clinical Review, Peter G. Campbell, Md, Anish Sen, Bs, Sanjay Yadla, Md, Pascal Jabbour, Md, Jack Jallo, Md, Phd

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

Abstract

Objective: Prehospital use of antiplatelet agents has been associated with an increased risk for ICH as well as a secondary increase in ICH volume after the initial hemorrhage. Strategies to reestablish platelet aggregation are used in clinical practice, but without any established guidelines or recommendations. This article serves to evaluate the literature regarding “reversal” of antiplatelet agents in neurosurgical populations.

Methods: PUBMED and MEDLINE databases were searched for publications from 1966 to 2009 relating to intracranial hemorrhage and antiplatelet agents. The reference sections of recent articles, guidelines and reviews were reviewed and pertinent articles identified. Studies were classified by …

Craniocerebral Aspergillosis: A Review Of Advances In Diagnosis And Management, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim, Ather Enam, Rushna Ali, Saleha Anwar

Section of Neurosurgery

Craniocerebral aspergillosis is a rare but dangerous central nervous system infection. The infection has a spectrum of presenting features, mostly affecting immunocompromised individuals. The incidence appears to be on the rise that has been especially observed in the immunocompetent population. A high index of suspicion, a comprehensive understanding of the infectious process and advanced laboratory and radiological diagnostic techniques, allow early diagnosis. Surgery, followed by systemic antifungal medications, remains the cornerstone of management. Early administration of empirical anti-fungal agents along with immunomodulators may further improve prognosis. Immunocompetent patients tend to have better outcomes as compared to those who are immunocompromised. …

Anaesthetic Management Of Two Patients With Beta-Thalassaemia Intermedia, Shahnawaz Ali, Fauzia Khan

Department of Anaesthesia

There is paucity of literature regarding the anaesthetic management of patients with thalassaemia intermedia. In this case study, the anaesthetic management and concerns in two children with thalassaemia intermedia aged eleven and nine years undergoing herniotomy and splenectomy respectively is reported. Both children had unanticipated difficulty in airway management and high intraoperative blood pressure trends. These cases are representative of the range of problems seen in children with thalassaemia intermedia.

The Effectiveness Of Training Nurses In Breast Cancer Awareness At A Tertiary Hospital: An Experimental Study, Miriam Mutebi

Master of Medicine in General Surgery

Background: Breast cancer is characterized by late presentation and significant morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Breast screening aids in early detection of breast cancer. The nursing health worker is uniquely placed to provide advocacy and screening in a resource limited environment. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of an abbreviated training program in breast cancer awareness on nurses at a tertiary hospital, the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi. Methods: Using a statistical tool, the Solomon Model, 79 nurses were identified and divided into experimental and control groups. An abbreviated training intervention in breast cancer awareness was administered to the experimental …

A Randomized Controlled Trial Of The Effect Of Additional Ultrasound Therapy To Analgesia Treatment Protocol For Acute Low Back Pain At Akuh (N), Shamshudin Mohammedali

Master of Medicine in General Surgery

Background: Acute low back pain is a common condition that is encountered by many physicians. Varied treatments are instituted in its management with no defined standard protocol in our institution. Additional physiotherapy has had minimal impact in terms of pain control and the time to return to work in the available literature. Controversy remains regarding effectiveness of ultrasound physiotherapy and its role in management of acute low back pain. Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of the addition of ultrasound physiotherapy to analgesia in patients with acute low back pain at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi. Methods: A randomized controlled …

Late Onset Postpneumonectomy Empyema Presenting 24 Years After Pneumonectomy, Saulat Hasnain Fatimi, Umair Khalid, Sanna Fatima, Taimur Saleem

Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Empyema is a devastating complication that is rarely seen in the postpneumonectomy setting. A 56-year-old man presented to us 24 years after pneumonectomy with a 15 days history of chest pain and shortness of breath. Physical examination revealed a fluctuant swelling at the thoracotomy site. Computed tomography scan showed a large fluid density mass in the left pneumonectomy space. Needle aspiration and video assisted thoracoscopic surgery was carried out and culture of the aspirated fluid grew Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The patient was discharged with the chest tubes in place. At 2 months follow-up, the patient presented with fever and continuous copious …

Giant Unresectable Lymphangioma Of The Trunk Managed Via Intra-Tumour Injections Of Bleomycin, Umair Khalid, Saulat Hasnain Fatimi, Taimur Saleem

Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Surgical excision was once considered the mainstay of treatment for lymphangiomas. However, that paradigm is now changing with sclerotherapy emerging as a viable alternative. A 22-year-old girl presented with a mucopurulent and painful discharge from an extensive wound in the trunk. Chest roentogram showed a large soft tissue abnormality with multiple calcifications in the right upper abdomen and lower thorax. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an extensive lobulated mass measuring 27 x 19 cm. Due to the extensive involvement of tissues, surgical excision did not appear to be a favourable option in this case. Local injections of bleomycin were successfully administered; …

Modification And Implementation Of Nccn Guidelines On Prostate Cancer In The Middle East And North Africa Region., Waleed A. Hassen, Farrok A. Karsan, Farhat Abbas

Department of Surgery Docs

Abstract

A prostate cancer committee was established to modify the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) on Prostate Cancer for adaptation and implementation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The objective was to enhance the multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of prostate cancer. The committee, comprising regional experts in the fields of urologic, medical, and radiation oncology, reviewed the 2009 version of the NCCN Guidelines on Prostate Cancer and suggested modifications based on the unique needs of the regions determined through published evidence and local expertise. The committee identified several areas in the NCCN Guidelines …

Soft Tissue Profile Response In Extraction Versus Non-Extraction Orthodontic Treatment, Munizeh Khan, Mubassar Fida

Section of Dental-Oral Maxillofacial Surgery

Objective: To compare changes occurring in the soft tissue profile with orthodontic treatment in extraction versus nonextraction cases, and to determine the hard and soft tissue parameters that show significant correlations to understand the factors influencing the response to tooth movement. Study Design: Quasi-experimental. Place and Duration of Study: Dental Section, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from 2005 to 2008. Methodology: Pre- and post-treatment lateral cephalographs of 34 subjects were assessed. For half of the patients (n=17), treatment included the extraction of 4 premolars, whereas the other half were treated by the non-extraction approach. Incisal and soft tissue effects …

Management Of Devastating Ocular Trauma--Experience Of Maxillofacial Surgeons Deployed To A Forward Field Hospital, M. J. Ansell, J. Breeze, Vivian C. Mcalister, M. D. Williams

Surgery Publications

Combat-related eye injuries continue to increase in frequency and are generally secondary to Improvised Explosive Devices. Many ocular injuries are potentially preventable by the wearing of ballistic eye protection. The management of penetrating eye trauma is normally outside the routine practice of maxillofacial surgeons in the UK. The aim of this paper is to describe the surgical techniques used in the modern management of devastating ocular trauma including selected case examples managed by British military maxillofacial surgeons deployed to Afghanistan.

Optimal Technical Management Of Stump Closure Following Distal Pancreatectomy: A Retrospective Review Of 215 Cases., Lisa J. Harris, Hamid Abdollahi, Timothy Newhook, Patricia K. Sauter, Albert G. Crawford, Karen A. Chojnacki, Ernest L. Rosato, Eugene P. Kennedy, Charles J. Yeo, Adam C. Berger

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic fistula (PF) is a major source of morbidity following distal pancreatectomy (DP). Our aim was to identify risk factors related to PF following DP and to determine the impact of technique of transection and stump closure.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 215 consecutive patients who underwent DP. Perioperative and postoperative data were collected and analyzed with attention to PF as defined by the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula.

RESULTS: PF developed in 36 patients (16.7%); fistulas were classified as Grade A (44.4%), B (44.4%), or C (11.1%). The pancreas was transected with stapler (n = …

Initial Experience With A Miniaturized Multiplane Transesophageal Probe In Small Infants Undergoing Cardiac Operations., Sinai C. Zyblewski, Girish S. Shirali, Geoffrey A. Forbus, Tain-Yen Hsia, Scott M. Bradley, Andrew M. Atz, Meryl S. Cohen, Eric M. Graham

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

PURPOSE: There has been reluctance to use intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in small infants. We assessed the utility and safety of a new miniaturized multiplane micro-TEE probe in small infants undergoing cardiac operations.

DESCRIPTION: Hemodynamic and ventilation variables were prospectively recorded before and after micro-TEE insertion and removal in infants weighing 5 kg or less undergoing cardiac operations.

EVALUATION: The study included 42 patients with a mean weight of 3.6 +/- 0.9 kg (range, 1.7 to 5 kg). All probe insertions were successful. There were no complications or clinically significant changes in hemodynamic or ventilation variables. Information provided by TEE …

Correlation Of C2 Fractures And Vertebral Artery Injury., Tao Ding, Mitchell Maltenfort, Huilin Yang, Harvey Smith, John Ratliff, Alexander Vaccaro, D Greg Anderson, James Harrop

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of prospectively collected data.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Vertebral artery injuries (VAI) occur commonly after cervical spine trauma. No study has yet examined the association between VAI and specific variants of C2 fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of VAI (as defined by magnetic resonance imaging/angiography [MRI/A]) in subtypes of C2 fractures. To define the association between the incidence, morphology, and severity of C2 fractures, based on fracture angulation and comminution, and the occurrence of VAI.

METHODS: Patients admitted to the hospital with C2 fractures between October 2006 and December 2008 to a tertiary care referral …

Intricacies In The Surgical Management Of Appendiceal Mucinous Cystadenoma: A Case Report And Review Of The Literature., Muhammad Rizwan Khan, Rashida Ahmed, Taimur Saleem

Department of Surgery Docs

Introduction:Mucinous cystadenoma is a type of mucocele of the appendix that is rarely encountered in clinical practice. Dogmatic consensus on the optimal surgical modus operandi of appendicular mucocele is lacking in the literature and this remains a subject of controversy. There is little agreement with regard to the best procedure (right hemicolectomy versus appendectomy) or the best surgical approach (laparoscopic versus laparotomy). Case Presentation: We report the case of a 70-year-old Asian woman from Karachi who presented with pain in the right iliac fossa for 15 days. On physical examination, a mobile and firm mass was palpable in the …

In-Theater Peritoneal Dialysis For Combat-Related Renal Failure, Joseph S. Pina, Soraya Moghadam, Howard M. Cushner, Greg J. Beilman, Vivian C. Mcalister

Surgery Publications

BACKGROUND: Complications of renal failure may prevent timely evacuation of injured soldiers. Conventional renal replacement therapy is not available in forward surgical units. METHODS: Records of in-theater improvised peritoneal dialysis (IPD) in level III hospitals or forward surgical units in Iraq or Afghanistan were reviewed to determine the following: cause of renal failure and associated injuries; type of dialysate, peritoneal access, and exchange technique; and patient outcome. These data were used to propose method for IPD using commonly available materials. RESULTS: IPD is described in four patients. Abdominal or chest drains were used with either improvised dextrose-electrolyte solution or commercial …

In–Theater Peritoneal Dialysis For Combat-Related Renal Failure, Joseph Pina, Soraya Moghadam, Howard Cushner, Greg Beilman, Vivian Mcalister

Data and Test Instruments

BACKGROUND: Complications of renal failure may prevent timely evacuation of injured soldiers. Conventional renal replacement therapy is not available in forward surgical units. METHODS: Records of in-theater improvised peritoneal dialysis (IPD) in level III hospitals or forward surgical units in Iraq or Afghanistan were reviewed to determine the following: cause of renal failure and associated injuries; type of dialysate, peritoneal access, and exchange technique; and patient outcome. These data were used to propose method for IPD using commonly available materials. RESULTS: IPD is described in four patients. Abdominal or chest drains were used with either improvised dextrose-electrolyte solution or commercial …

Acute Mesenteric, Portal And Inferior Vena Cava, Venous Thrombosis, Anticoagulation, Abdul Rehman Alvi, Shahida Bibi, Zia Ur Rehman, Sameullah Khan Niazi

Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery

The prevalence and clinical spectrum of acute mesenteric venous thrombosis (AMVT) in Pakistan is largely unknown. The authors report two patients with acute mesenteric, portal and inferior vena cava venous thrombosis confirmed on CT imaging. The diagnoses were established within 24 hours of presentation and both patients were successfully treated with therapeutic heparin during hospital admission and continued on oral warfarin because of hypercoagulable state. The protocol that we currently use is evidence based and is leading to optimal outcome.

Endoscopic Repair Of High-Flow Cranial Base Defects Using A Bilayer Button., Adam J. Luginbuhl, Peter G. Campbell, James Evans, Marc Rosen

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Repair of the skull base still begins with a direct repair of the dural defect. We present a new button closure for primary repair of the dura for high flow defects.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review.

METHODS: We reviewed our 20 cases of primary button grafts and compared the results to the previous 20 high-flow open-cistern cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cases. Subjects were excluded if they had no violation of the arachnoid space or potential for low-flow CSF leak. The button is constructed so that the inlay portion is at least 25% larger than the dural defect, and the onlay portion …