ORCID Profile
0000-0001-7702-4850
Current Organisations
Royal Melbourne Hospital
,
University of Melbourne
,
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
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Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 28-04-2010
Publisher: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishing
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.5005/JP-JOURNALS-10002-1218
Abstract: Hypocalcemia is a common complication of thyroidectomy. We aimed to assess compliance with a targeted calcium and calcitriol supplementation protocol and hypothesized that it would allow safe early discharge without an increase in readmissions. In 2009, we instituted a targeted early postoperative calcium and calcitriol supplementation protocol based on postoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH). We retrospectively reviewed all patients who had a total or completion thyroidectomy over a 4-year period prior to protocol implementation (group I: 2005—2008) and over a 5-year period after protocol implementation (group II: 2010—2014), as well as all patients operated on in the private setting with the senior author over a 1-year period (group III: 2013). Endpoints for analysis were clinically significant hypocalcemia, protocol compliance, hospital length of stay (LOS), and readmission for hypocalcemia. Compliance with the protocol was high however, the accuracy of supplementation prescription was significantly lower in group II than in group III (p 0.0001). Mean corrected calcium on postoperative day 1 was significantly higher in groups II (2.29 mmol/L) and III (2.27 mmol/L) compared with group I (2.15 mmol/L p 0.0001). Forty (30.5%) patients had clinically significant hypocalcemia in group I, compared with 21 (10.8%) in group II, and 2 (3.3%) in group III (p 0.0001). The LOS was significantly decreased after protocol introduction (p 0.0001). Selective prophylactic calcium supplementation reduces LOS after total thyroidectomy. Introducing a new management protocol in the public hospital system poses challenges with compliance however, it was successful in lowering rates of symptomatic hypocalcemia and LOS without an increase in the readmission rate. Osborne J, Papachristos A, Skandarajah A, Gorelik A, Hng D, Miller J. Selective Prophylactic Calcium Supplementation reduces Length of Stay after Total Thyroidectomy. World J Endoc Surg 2017 (3):88-93.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 2005
DOI: 10.1002/CFG.477
Abstract: This review deals with the application of a new prefractionation tool, free-flow electrophoresis (FFE), for proteomic analysis of colorectal cancer (CRC). CRC is a leading cause of cancer death in the Western world. Early detection is the single most important factor influencing outcome of CRC patients. If identified while the disease is still localized, CRC is treatable. To improve outcomes for CRC patients there is a pressing need to identify biomarkers for early detection (diagnostic markers), prognosis (prognostic indicators), tumour responses (predictive markers) and disease recurrence (monitoring markers). Despite recent advances in the use of genomic analysis for risk assessment, in the area of biomarker identification genomic methods alone have yet to produce reliable candidate markers for CRC. For this reason, attention is being directed towards proteomics as a complementary analytical tool for biomarker identification. Here we describe a proteomics separation tool, which uses a combination of continuous FFE, a liquid-based isoelectric focusing technique, in the first dimension, followed by rapid reversed-phase HPLC (1–6 min/analysis) in the second dimension. We have optimized imaging software to present the FFE/RP-HPLC data in a virtual 2D gel-like format. The advantage of this liquid based fractionation system over traditional gel-based fractionation systems is the ability to fractionate large quantity protein s les. Unlike 2D gels, the method is applicable to both high- M r proteins and small peptides, which are difficult to separate, and in the case of peptides, are not retained in standard 2D gels.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-10-2020
DOI: 10.1111/AJCO.13274
Abstract: The value of a high-risk surveillance program for mutation carriers and women at high familial breast cancer risk has not been extensively studied. A Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk Management Clinic (BOCRMC) was established at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in 2010 to provide multimodality screening and risk management strategies for this group of women. The aims of this study were to evaluate the program and describe breast cancer diagnoses for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other germline mutation carriers as well as high-risk noncarriers attending the BOCRMC. Clinical data from mutation carriers and noncarriers with a ≥25% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer who attended between 2010 and 2018 were extracted from clinic records and compared. The pattern and mode of detection of cancer were determined. A total of 206 mutation carriers and 305 noncarriers attended the BOCRMC and underwent screening on at least one occasion. Median age was 37 years. After a median follow-up of 34 months, 15 (seven invasive) breast cancers were identified in mutation carriers, with seven (six invasive) breast cancers identified in noncarriers. Of these, 20 (90.9%) were detected by annual screening, whereas two (9.1%) were detected as interval cancers (both in BRCA1 mutation carriers). Median size of the invasive breast cancers was 11 mm (range: 1.5-30 mm). The majority (76.9%) were axillary node negative. In women aged 25-49 years, the annualized cancer incidence was 1.6% in BRCA1, 1.4% in BRCA2 mutation carriers, and 0.5% in noncarriers. This compares to 0.06% annualized cancer incidence in the general Australian population. Screening was effective at detecting early-stage cancers. The incidence of events in young noncarriers was substantially higher than in the general population. This potentially justifies ongoing management through a specialty clinic, although further research to better personalize risk assessment in noncarriers is required.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 31-10-2019
DOI: 10.1111/ANS.15522
Abstract: The 2009 American Thyroid Association (ATA) three-tiered risk stratification, and its updated version in 2015, provided clearer guidance on the use of radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients. This study examines the impact of these guidelines on RAI use in our institution. Patients diagnosed with DTC during three different time periods (group 1: 2002-2006, group 2: 2010-2014 and group 3: 2017-2018) were identified and risk stratified according to the ATA guidelines. RAI use and extent of surgery were compared between the three groups. Categorical variables were analysed using Fisher's exact (2 × 2) and chi-squared (>2 × 2) tests. A total of 415 patients were included (group 1 = 88, group 2 = 215, group 3 = 112). The proportion of patients having total thyroidectomy were 84.6, 84.7 and 69.6% in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively (P = 0.003). Central lymph node dissection was significantly higher in the more contemporary groups compared to group 1 (9.1 versus 41.9 versus 64.3%, P < 0.001). Overall, fewer patients received RAI in more recent times (76.6 versus 54.8 versus 26.8%, P < 0.001), most evident in the low-risk patients (70 versus 29.1 versus 5.1%, P < 0.001). In the high risk group, the majority received RAI, with no difference between the groups. Comparing DTC patients treated in our unit before and after publications of the 2009 and 2015 ATA guidelines, more nodal surgery was performed with less RAI administered in the latter groups. Better risk stratification according to the ATA guidelines has allowed more judicious use of RAI ablation.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-11-2015
DOI: 10.1111/ANS.12929
Abstract: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare benign breast disease, which can be protracted, disfiguring and may be linked to an underlying autoimmune disorder. The clinical presentation may mimic bacterial mastitis or carcinoma. To review the mode of presentation, diagnosis, management, resolution and incidence of IGM in three tertiary breast centres and propose guidelines for management. The breast and anatomical databases of three centres were reviewed from January 2000 to December 2013 to identify patients with histological diagnosis of IGM. Clinical and demographic characteristics were retrieved and treatment modalities and time to resolution were recorded. Seventeen patients were identified with a median age of 40. The majority of patients were premenopausal, multiparous and presented with a mass. All patients had initial treatment as infectious mastitis. The diagnosis was made by core biopsy in 71%. Eleven patients required immunosuppressive treatment with steroids and four of these patients required a steroid-sparing agent because of steroidal side effects, recurrence or persistence of symptoms. The median time to resolution was 3 months (0-24 months). One patient had subsequent systemic Wegener's granulomatosis diagnosed. Idiopathic granulomatosis mastitis requires histological confirmation, close monitoring, exclusion of underlying systemic autoimmune conditions and judicious use of steroids and steroid-sparing agents such as methotrexate. It has a protracted course with some patients relapsing quickly upon cessation of steroids.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-12-2011
DOI: 10.1007/S00268-010-0872-Y
Abstract: Transient postthyroidectomy hypocalcemia occurs in up to 30% of patients. We evaluated the effect of vitamin D deficiency on postthyroidectomy hypocalcemia. Data were collected prospectively between January 2006 and March 2009. A total of 166 consecutive total thyroidectomies were analyzed regarding the relation between preoperative vitamin D3 levels and postoperative corrected calcium levels. Patients were ided into three groups dependent upon the preoperative vitamin D3 level: group 1, 50 nmol/l (conversion factor of 2.5× between nanomoles per liter and nanograms per milliliter). Hypocalcemia was defined as a postoperative calcium level<2.00 mmol/l (8 mg/dl). Hospital length of stay was recorded. There was a difference in postoperative hypocalcemia between the three vitamin D3 groups (group 1 (32%) vs. group 2 (24%) vs. group 3 (13%). Hypocalcemia in group 1 (vit D<25 nmol/l, 50 nmol/l, >20 ng/ml) (P=0.025, χ2 test. Vitamin D3 deficiency was also associated with a longer hospital stay (median stay 2 days vs. 1 day, P 50 nmol/l (>20 ng/ml) and those with a level of <25 nmol/l (<10 ng/ml). Vitamin D deficiency leads to a delay in discharge owing to a higher likelihood of hypocalcemia.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-05-2020
DOI: 10.1007/S00268-020-05547-6
Abstract: Compared to the general population, the incidence of thyroid cancer in childhood and adolescent and young adult malignancy survivors is increased 14.0-18.0 times (CI 11.7-23.8). The cumulative incidence is variably reported as 0.5% by age 45 with 30-year incidence of 1.3% in women and 0.6% in men. This study aims to evaluate the incidence of radiation-associated thyroid cancer amongst patients treated with prior radiation to the thyroid followed up in a late effects service. A secondary aim was to assess screening compliance in this cohort. The medical records of all patients attending the late effects service from 1 January 2000 to 20 February 2013 were interrogated to identify patients exposed to thyroid irradiation. The screening compliance and incidence of thyroid cancer were assessed for the duration whilst under the guidance of the late effect service. Mode of diagnosis, all imaging and cytology were retrieved from the institutional electronic record. Cytology was categorized according to Bethesda. Four hundred and sixty-five patients were exposed to direct or scatter neck irradiation. Compliance with thyroid surveillance was observed in 76.9%. Ultrasound features of microcalcification and increased internal vascularity had a low sensitivity (62.5%) for predicting a malignant nodule, which improved when used in conjunction with a Bethesda IV-VI result (91.7%). However, cytological assessment was not performed in 45.6% of operative cases. Thirty-three patients had thyroid carcinoma of which 45.4% (n = 15) were incidental. The majority were papillary thyroid cancers (88.9%) of which 12.5% were node positive and 34.4% were multifocal. The incidence of thyroid cancer was elevated 57.6 times compared to the Australian general population (p < 0.001). Due to the high incidence of thyroid cancer, this study supports screening in this cohort. However, due to the risk of overtreatment, we endorse further investigation of thyroid nodules with ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology based on sonographic criteria as for the general population and American Thyroid Association guidelines.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2017
DOI: 10.1111/ANS.13978
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-05-2018
DOI: 10.1111/ANS.14467
Abstract: Reoperation rates after breast-conserving surgery are highly variable and the best techniques for optimizing margin clearance are being evaluated. The aim was to identify the reoperation rate at our centre and identify influential factors, including a change in guidelines on margin recommendations and the introduction of in-theatre specimen X-ray. A retrospective review of medical records was undertaken to identify 562 patients who underwent breast conservation at The Royal Melbourne Hospital and Royal Women's Hospital between 2013 and 2015. All cases that underwent subsequent re-excision or total mastectomy were captured and factors influencing margin excision recorded. Reoperation was undertaken in 19.5% of patients (110 86 re-excisions and 24 total mastectomies). There was a reduction in reoperation rate from 25% to 17% (P = 0.01) with adoption of the margin guidelines in 2014, but no significant reduction with the introduction of in-theatre specimen X-ray in 2015 (21% versus 16%, P = 0.14). On multivariate analysis, factors that significantly influenced reoperation rates were the presence of multifocality on mammogram (odds ratio (OR): 5.3, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6-16.7, P < 0.01) lesion size on mammogram (OR: 2.2 per 10 mm, 95% CI: 1.4-3.6, P < 0.01) smaller excision specimen weight (OR: 0.5 per 25 g of resection, 95% CI: 0.3-0.8, P < 0.01) and pure ductal carcinoma in situ on final pathology (OR: 5.9, 95% CI: 1.9-16.7, P < 0.01). Optimizing reoperation rates following breast-conserving surgery remains a surgical challenge, particularly in patients with in situ or multifocal disease. Adoption of international margin guidelines reduced reoperation rates at our centre however, introduction of intraoperative specimen X-ray had no influence.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-04-2013
DOI: 10.1111/ANS.12166
Abstract: Educational programmes are frequently developed to improve the knowledge of medical trainees. The impact of a programme may be limited if there is no follow-up to reinforce the message. Online Spaced Education (SE) has been developed to address this limitation. This study was performed to assess whether an SE programme would improve the impact of a didactic seminar. A randomized trial of an online SE programme occurred as part of the 2010 Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Breast Cancer Trainee Workshop. Consenting participants were randomized to undertake SE or not and were then invited to undertake a 22-question knowledge test. A questionnaire was administered relating to the perceived value of the SE programme. Participants consisted largely of surgical and medical oncology trainees. Two hundred people attended the workshop and 97 consented to randomization. Thirty-eight of 49 randomized to the SE group commenced the SE course. Seventy-one percent of participants answered each question at least once and 55% of participants completed the entire programme. Fifty-nine participants completed the post-test. The SE participants performed significantly better than the control group (P < 0.05). The questionnaire was completed by 26 of the SE group. Ninety-two percent strongly agreed or agreed that SE would improve their practice and 96% agreed that SE effectively reinforced key aspects of workshop. This study demonstrates the utility of SE to increase knowledge retention following a face-to-face workshop. The programme was very well received by the participants and may be an appropriate reinforcing methodology for other similar seminars.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-10-2022
DOI: 10.1111/ANS.18081
Abstract: Social disparities in cancer survival have been demonstrated in Australia despite a universal healthcare insurance system. Colorectal cancer is common, and reasons for survival disparities related to socioeconomic status need to be investigated and addressed. The aim is to evaluate the current Australian literature concerning the impact of socioeconomic status on colorectal cancer survival and stage at presentation. A systematic search of PUBMED, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Clarivate Web of Science databases from January 2010 to March 2022 was performed. Studies investigating the impact of socioeconomic status on colorectal stage at presentation or survival in Australia were included. Data were extracted on author, year of publication, state or territory of origin, patient population, other exposure variables, outcomes and findings and adjustments made. Of the 14 articles included, the patient populations examined varied in size from 207 to 100 000+ cases. Evidence that socioeconomic disadvantage was associated with poorer survival was demonstrated in eight of 12 studies. Evidence of effect on late stage at presentation was demonstrated in two of seven studies. Area‐level measures were commonly used to assess socioeconomic status, with varying indices utilized. There is limited evidence that socioeconomic status is associated with late‐stage at presentation. More studies provide evidence of an association between socioeconomic disadvantage and poorer survival, especially larger studies utilizing less clinically‐detailed cancer registry data. Further investigation is required to analyse why socioeconomic disadvantage may be associated with poorer survival.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-03-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S00268-017-3965-Z
Abstract: International comparison of outcomes of surgical diseases has become a global focus because of widespread concern over surgical quality, rising costs and the value of healthcare. Acute erticulitis is a common disease potentially amenable to optimization of strategies for operative intervention. The aim was to compare the emergency operative intervention rates for acute erticulitis in USA, England and Australia. Unplanned admissions for acute erticulitis were found from an international administrative dataset between 2008 and 2014 for hospitals in USA, England and Australia. The primary outcome measured was emergency operative intervention rate. Secondary outcomes included inpatient mortality and percutaneous drainage rate. Multivariable analysis was performed after development of a weighted comorbidity scoring system. There were 15,150 unplanned admissions for acute erticulitis. The emergency operative intervention rates were 16, 13 and 10% for USA, England and Australia. The percutaneous drainage rate was highest in USA at 10%, while the mortality rate was highest in England at 2.8%. The propensity for emergency operative intervention was higher in USA (OR 1.45, p < 0.001) and England (OR 1.49, p < 0.001) than in Australia. The risk of 7-day mortality was higher in England than in Australia (OR 2.79, p < 0.001). Percutaneous drainage was associated with reduced 7-day mortality risk. Australia has a lower propensity for emergency operative intervention, while England has a greater risk of mortality for acute erticulitis. International variations raise the issue of healthcare value in terms of differing resource use and outcomes.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-09-2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-09-2020
DOI: 10.1111/AJCO.13382
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.EJSO.2019.06.034
Abstract: Cancer predisposition genes are rare mutations that confer a high risk of cancer. For many hereditary cancer syndromes, risk reducing surgery is the single most effective strategy for preventing cancer, but it is irreversible. It has recently attracted significant media attention, following celebrity endorsement, which has led to a perceived lack of ill-effect and guaranteed successful outcome by the general public. Given these high expectations for risk-reducing surgery, a systematic review was performed to evaluate the reported complications for patients undergoing risk-reducing surgery. A systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED and PubMed work was conducted using PRISMA for risk-reducing surgery in adults for cancer predisposition genes in breast, ovary, stomach, thyroid and colorectal. The main outcomes were 30-day morbidity and mortality associated with these procedures. Twenty-five studies (2366 patients) reporting on outcomes following risk-reducing surgery were analysed, 5 related to breast and/or ovary, 3 for stomach, 2 for thyroid and the remaining 15 were colorectal. Risk-reducing surgery was uniformly associated with 30-day morbidity, particularly for breast (variable rates), colorectal (311/1400 patients (22%)) and stomach (35/75 patients (47%)) surgery. The 30-day morbidity for ovarian risk-reducing surgery was relatively low (11/244 patients (5%)). There was also a small mortality risk associated with colorectal (1/1400 patients) and stomach (1/75 patients). This study provides an important and necessary summary of the current data, enabling clinicians to better inform patients of the associated short and long-term outcomes in risk-reducing surgery for cancer predisposition genes.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-08-2018
DOI: 10.1038/S41591-018-0176-6
Abstract: In the version of this article originally published, the institution in affiliation 10 was missing. Affiliation 10 was originally listed as Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital and Royal Womens' Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It should have been Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital and Royal Womens' Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The error has been corrected in the HTML and PDF versions of this article.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-05-2008
DOI: 10.1245/S10434-008-9962-6
Abstract: When a papillary lesion is identified on core biopsy of an impalpable breast lesion, standard practice involves excisional biopsy. Recent literature has questioned the need for surgical excision in patients with benign core biopsy and radiological concordance. Our aim was to assess whether surgical excision is required by targeting this concordant group in a large screen-detected population. A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of all benign papillary core biopsies between February 1995 and September 2007 at North Western Breast Screen and Monash Breast Screen in Melbourne, Australia was performed. All patients had surgical excision, enabling correlation between core and final excisional biopsy results on all lesions. All histology reports were reviewed and the radiology was reassessed. During a 14-year period, 5783 core biopsies were performed from 633,163 screening mammograms. Eighty patients (0.01%) had benign papilloma on core biopsy, no patients had atypia on core biopsy, and all patients had benign radiological features. Of the 80 patients, 15 patients were found to have ductal carcinoma in situ (8) or invasive ductal carcinoma (7) on final pathology, yielding a 19% malignant rate. Core biopsy showing benign papillary lesion, even where radiology is also suggestive of a benign process, cannot exclude malignancy, and therefore surgical excision is required.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-2005
Abstract: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the Western world. When detected at an early stage, the majority of cancers can be cured with current treatment modalities. However, most cancers present at an intermediate stage. The discovery of sensitive and specific biomarkers has the potential to improve preclinical diagnosis of primary and recurrent colorectal cancer, and holds the promise of prognostic and therapeutic application. Current biomarkers such as carcinoembryonic antigen lack sensitivity and specificity for general population screening. This review aims to highlight the role of current proteomic technologies in the discovery and validation of potential biomarkers with a view to translation to the clinic.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2015
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-08-2016
DOI: 10.1111/ANS.13248
Abstract: Worldwide, the evolution of management of liver injury has resulted in improved outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the trend in the management and outcomes of patients with liver injury. Primary outcomes were defined as mortality and hospital length of stay. The secondary aim was to identify independent predictors of mortality. This study utilized hospital trauma registry data of all trauma patients with liver injuries admitted from 1999 to 2013. Patients in this 15‐year period were ided into three periods of 5 years each and compared in terms of demographics, management and outcomes. A total of 725 patients with hepatic trauma were included. Patient demographics were similar, except for an increase in patient transfers from rural locations. Non‐operative management increased significantly. There was a significant increase in the use of damage control surgery with perihepatic packing in high‐grade liver injuries managed operatively. Hepatic angioembolization commenced midway through the study period. The overall mortality decreased by approximately threefold ( P 0.001) and mortality within 24 h of arrival to hospital by approximately fivefold ( P 0.001). Controlling for independent predictive factors of mortality, the mortality within 24 h reduced from 18.8% in period 1 to 3.6% in period 3 ( P = 0.001). At this institution, an integrated trauma service has led to an evolution in the management of hepatic trauma, favouring non‐operative management, damage control surgery and the use of hepatic angioembolization. We experienced a significantly improved mortality within 24 h of arrival to hospital in patients with liver trauma.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-04-2015
DOI: 10.1111/ANS.13126
Abstract: Acute colonic erticulitis is placing an increasing strain on our health care resources. Measurement of the problem is difficult at a regional level, yet essential to improve and optimize treatment of this condition. Therefore, we aimed to use Australian state-level administrative data to determine the current practice and outcomes in major metropolitan hospitals. Coding algorithms designed to increase the yield and accuracy of administrative data were used to find emergency admissions from the Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset. Eight tertiary referral centres with specialist colorectal services from 2009 to 2013 were studied. Key metrics including the operative intervention rate were measured. There were 2829 emergency admissions for acute erticulitis across 4 years in eight hospitals, with 724 being complicated. The emergency operative intervention rate was 10.4%, with a third of admissions for complicated erticulitis having an operation. Hartmann's procedure was the most commonly performed emergency operation, accounting for 72% of resections. Patient characteristics were consistent across the hospitals, including a median length of stay of 3 and 6 days for uncomplicated and complicated erticulitis, respectively. Hartmann's procedure is currently the most common emergency operation for acute complicated erticulitis in Victorian metropolitan hospitals. Our practice and outcomes can be measured meaningfully using administrative data.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-06-2018
DOI: 10.1038/S41591-018-0078-7
Abstract: The quantity of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in breast cancer (BC) is a robust prognostic factor for improved patient survival, particularly in triple-negative and HER2-overexpressing BC subtypes
Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)
Date: 09-2018
DOI: 10.1001/JAMASURG.2018.1635
Abstract: Clinical colorectal cancer registries (CCCRs) are potentially powerful tools in colorectal cancer research. They are resource intensive, but to our knowledge, no formal review of their value exists. While quality control, clinical audit, and benchmarking are important factors in assessing the value of maintaining CCCRs, they are difficult to quantify. This study focuses on registry research output as a measure of value the study hypothesizes that CCCRs do not produce sufficient published research output of clinical significance to justify the resources required to maintain them. To assess the value of maintaining CCCRs by identifying and characterizing existing CCCRs and measuring their comparative research impact. We searched MEDLINE (PubMed) and Google Scholar for articles published from January 1990 to July 2016 that identified multi-institutional CCCRs with peer-reviewed published outcomes. Purely population-based registries were excluded. We then searched the same databases in the same time period for articles that were published by each included CCCR. The articles must have been based on outcomes relating to in idual CCCR data. We categorized published outcomes into oncological, surgical, or other outcomes. We measured the research impact of each CCCR using the number of articles, citation index, impact factor, and Altmetric score. A total of 18 CCCRs were identified, with s le sizes between 104 and 1 400 000 cases. Data fields, published aims, and outcomes were similar between registries. The most frequently published outcomes related to anastomotic leak following colorectal surgery. The National Cancer Database formed the basis of the highest number of publications (66), the Northern Region Colorectal Cancer Audit Group had the highest median article citation number (28.5), the National Bowel Cancer Audit had the highest median impact factor (4.72), and the National Cancer Database had the highest median Altmetric score (4.5). There is a significant body of colorectal cancer outcomes research generated from the CCCRs. However, given the enormous resources required, the overall research output and impact of CCCRs is low in proportion to the size of the data sets. These registries hold key oncological and surgical outcomes data focusing on data linkage between registries and developing automated data collection will enable international comparisons in colorectal cancer management and will increase the research impact of CCCRs, thereby increasing their value.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.BREAST.2012.01.001
Abstract: Breast angiosarcoma presents following radiotherapy after breast conserving surgery, in the setting of chronic lymphoedema after axillary dissection or as a primary tumour. The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre has significant experience due to large breast and sarcoma units and as a primary radiotherapy centre. Our aims were to evaluate the management and locoregional and distant outcomes after breast angiosarcoma. Retrospective study of all patients from the prospective breast and sarcoma databases with a diagnosis of primary or secondary breast angiosarcoma at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre was performed between January 2000 and December 2010. Mode of presentation, management, loco-regional recurrence and survival rates were reviewed. Eight women developed angiosarcoma in the setting of breast conservation with a median latency of 7 years post radiotherapy. Six patients had primary breast angiosarcoma. All breast angiosarcomas were managed with total mastectomy with 5 patients requiring autologous tissue transfer. Four patients had adjuvant radiotherapy and three patients had adjuvant paclitaxel. The median follow-up was 2.5 years (6 month-10 years) with 7 episodes of local recurrence in four patients and 7 patients with distal metastases including two deaths from distant disease. Primary angiosarcoma occurs de novo, presenting as a breast mass. Secondary angiosarcoma presents predominantly as a skin lesion, in the setting post-operative radiotherapy for breast conserving therapy. Angiosarcoma remains a rare and difficult management problem with poor loco-regional and distal control. Secondary AS is an iatrogenic condition that warrants close follow-up and judicial use of radiotherapy in breast conserving therapy.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-01-2010
DOI: 10.1007/S00268-009-0388-5
Abstract: Familial hyperparathyroidism, especially Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1, is more likely to present with primary hyperparathyroidism (1 degrees HPT) at a young age, mandating bilateral exploration of the parathyroid glands. However, the majority of young patients will not be gene carriers or have a family history. Recent evidence suggests that young adults under 40, in whom there is no suspicion of family history, can be managed with the same pre- and perioperative strategy as used for sporadic primary HPT of any age. Our aim was to evaluate the prevalence of mutations in the MEN1 gene in young adults under 40 who present with apparent sporadic 1 degrees HPT. A retrospective review was undertaken of all patients who underwent surgery for 1 degrees HPT between 1993 and 2004. From a total of 1253 patients, 87 (6.2%) were under the age of 40. Thirty-three patients provided informed consent to a detailed personal and family history, physical examination, and genetic analysis of the MEN1 gene. Twelve patients were subsequently excluded as they were known gene carriers prior to surgery (10 MEN1 and 2 MEN2A patients). Twenty-one patients underwent genetic analysis. Of the 21 patients who consented to genetic analysis, the mean age was 30.8 years (range = 18-39 years with 43% younger than 30). These patients had no suspicious family or personal histories suggestive of a MEN phenotype. Fifteen patients presented with symptomatic hypercalcemia. All 21 patients underwent parathyroid surgery by conventional cervicotomy (12) or endoscopic parathyroidectomy in cases (9) where the parathyroid gland was localized preoperatively. Nineteen patients (91%) had uniglandular disease. Surgical cure was achieved in all patients. Of the 21 patients, only one patient (4.7%) was found to have a MEN1 gene mutation (exon 3, at codon 190, c _681delGGinsC). This patient was found to have double adenomas at surgery with subsequent histological confirmation. The overall prevalence of MEN1 mutation in all patients under 40 was 13%. Although young age is often the only criterion to suspect MEN1, our results do not support routine MEN1 analysis in patients under 40. We propose that these patients be managed with the same preoperative and surgical approach as those presenting with sporadic 1 degrees HPT of any age.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-01-2009
DOI: 10.1245/S10434-008-0287-2
Abstract: Combined multimodality therapy is becoming standard treatment for many solid tumors, but the role of intraoperative radiotherapy in the management of solid tumors remains uncertain. The aim is to review the indication, application, and outcomes of intraoperative radiotherapy in the management of nongynecological solid tumors. A literature search was performed using Medline, Embase, Ovid, and Cochrane database for studies between 1965 and 2008 assessing intraoperative radiotherapy, using the keywords "intraoperative radiotherapy," "colorectal cancer," "breast cancer," "gastric cancer," "pancreatic cancer," "soft tissue tumor," and "surgery." Only publications in English with available abstracts and regarding adult humans were included, and the evidence was critically evaluated. Our search retrieved 864 publications. After exclusion of nonclinical papers, duplicated papers and exclusion of brachytherapy papers, 77 papers were suitable to assess the current role of intraoperative radiotherapy. The clinical application and evidence base of intraoperative radiotherapy for each cancer is presented. Current studies in all common cancers show an additional benefit in local recurrence rates when intraoperative radiotherapy is included in the multimodal treatment. However, intraoperative radiotherapy may not improve overall survival and has significant morbidity depending on the site of the tumor. Intraoperative radiotherapy does have a role in the multidisciplinary management of solid tumors, but further studies are required to more precisely determine the extent of benefit.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-08-2011
DOI: 10.1007/S00268-011-1220-6
Abstract: Lithium remains an effective treatment of bipolar affective disorder. The long-term use of lithium is associated with an alteration in parathyroid function that may culminate in hyperparathyroidism. The long-term effects of lithium use are variable due to its complex effects on calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism, and as a consequence the indications for surgery remain poorly defined. The optimal surgical strategy for lithium-associated hyperparathyroidism in the era of minimally invasive surgery is also the subject of debate. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the variable findings of lithium-associated parathyroid disease. A retrospective review was performed of patients undergoing parathyroid surgery presenting with lithium-associated hyperparathyroidism from July 1999 until July 2009 at the university hospital La Timone, Marseille, and from October 2005 to July 2009 at Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College, London. Fifteen patients underwent surgery for lithium-associated hyperparathyroidism. Clinical data including patient demographics, duration of lithium use, clinical manifestations of hyperparathyroidism, indications for surgery, and biochemical parameters preoperatively and postoperatively were reviewed. Preoperative imaging, the surgical procedure performed, operative findings, and histopathology were also analyzed. All 15 patients had preoperative imaging: sestamibi scanning showed that 10 patients had localized single-gland disease, 1 had multiple hot spots, and 4 had a negative scan. Ultrasonography demonstrated a single abnormal gland in 8 patients and multiple enlarged glands in 1 patient the test was negative in 6. As a consequence of concordant preoperative imaging a minimally invasive approach (endoscopic or a focused lateral approach) was adopted in 3 patients. Focused surgery demonstrated an enlarged hyperplastic gland in 3 cases and resulted in normocalcemia in the immediate postoperative period. However, one patient has a serum calcium at the upper limit of normal and elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, suggestive of possible recurrence of disease at 15 months follow-up. One patient has permanent hypoparathyroidism. In those patients who had open procedures, final histology showed hyperplastic multiglandular disease in 10 patients (83.3%) of patients and single-gland disease in 2 patients (16.7%). None of these patients show evidence of recurrence at follow-up. Lithium hyperparathyroidism is predominantly a multiglandular disease characterized by asymmetrical hyperplasia that is frequently associated with misleading or discordant localization studies. Bilateral neck exploration is therefore recommended in order to minimize the risk of disease recurrence.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-02-2023
DOI: 10.1111/ANS.18338
Abstract: This retrospective cohort study reports on overall survival and short‐term complications, comparing laparoscopic to open resection for right‐sided colon cancers. It is one of the largest studies in the field with generalizable population‐level results. This study on right sided colon cancers used prospectively collected administrative data linked to a death registry over 5 years from 2014 to 2018. Exclusion criteria were private patients, patients aged less than 10 years, synchronous and metachronous cancers. Propensity score weighting was used to balance cohorts and Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess the hazard of death. In addition, logistic regression analysis was used to assess secondary outcomes. For completeness, unweighted data was similarly analysed. There were 3603 patients identified for the analysis: 1729 open patients and 1874 laparoscopic patients. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis of the weighted data showed no evidence of a statistically significant effect of laparoscopic surgery compared to open surgery on overall survival for right‐sided colon cancers (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.71–1.04, P = 0.112). The weighted data showed lower odds of prolonged length of stay, return to theatre and discharge destination other than home in the laparoscopic cohort compared to the open cohort. There was no difference in inpatient mortality. Unweighted results were similar. This study validates the use of laparoscopic surgery for right‐sided colon cancer, showing similar long‐term overall survival and inpatient mortality compared to open surgery. It is superior to open surgery for the short‐term outcomes of LOS, return to theatre and discharge destination other than home.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 07-2014
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-02-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1743-7563.2012.01517.X
Abstract: Despite recent evidence that fails to detect a benefit in surgical and local recurrence outcomes in those who receive optimal surgery and adjuvant systemic and radiotherapy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is still being employed. We review the recent literature to clarify the role in the use of MRI in early breast cancer. A literature search using the Medline and Ovid databases was conducted between 2004 and 2011 using the terms "magnetic resonance imaging' and 'early breast cancer'. Only articles with clinical trials published in English in adult humans with available abstracts were included. Articles on high-risk women, response to neoadjuvant therapy, advanced breast cancer, the occult primary, the contralateral breast and technical articles were excluded. Articles examining the role of MRI in the staging of early breast cancer were retained. Over 260 articles regarding breast MRI have been published in the last 5 years. Additional foci may be found in 16% of patients but the impact on the extent of surgery and local recurrence rate is yet to be defined. Certain sub-groups who may benefit include those with invasive lobular carcinoma and mammographically dense breasts and those for consideration of partial breast irradiation. With standard adjuvant radiotherapy, there is no benefit in routine MRI with respect surgical extent and local recurrence. Should MRI be used, pre-operative biopsy to confirm additional disease must be undertaken prior to a change in surgical extent of resection. However, MRI may be useful in the evaluation of those who can be considered for partial breast irradiation. Centres undertaking breast MRI must have MRI-biopsy capabilities and constantly audit the reporting of MRI with correlation to the final pathology.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-05-2015
DOI: 10.1245/S10434-015-4596-Y
Abstract: Women treated with chest irradiation for childhood, adolescent, and young adulthood (CAYA) malignancies, in particular Hodgkin's lymphoma, have an increased risk of developing second cancers of the breast (SCB). However, there are few uniform guidelines regarding surveillance and prevention for this high-risk group. A systematic search using PUBMED and OVID MEDLINE was performed. Publications listed under the terms "breast neoplasm", "neoplasm, radiation-induced", "therapeutic radiation-induced breast cancer", "screening", "surveillance", "prevention", and "prophylaxis" between January 1992 and January 2015 were assessed. A total of 138 publications were reviewed. Factors associated with increased SCB risk include young age at irradiation, prolong duration since irradiation (peak relative risk 13.87 at 15-19 years postradiation), and increased radiation dose and field. Early menopause reduces SCB risk. Annual screening mammography and breast MRI is recommended from age 25 or 8 years posttreatment for women treated with ≥20 Gy chest radiation before age 30 years. Compared with sporadic primary breast cancers (PBC), SCB more often are bilateral (6-34 %), managed with mastectomy (56-100 %), hormone receptor-negative (27-49 %), and high-grade (35 %). Women with SCB have a similar breast cancer event-free survival and breast cancer-specific survival compared to women with PBC. However, their overall survival is worse due to comorbid conditions. There is paucity of information regarding secondary prevention of SCB. Survivors of CAYA malignancy are at risk of many late effects, including iatrogenic breast cancer from chest irradiation. They are best managed in a multidisciplinary late-effects setting where tailored risk management can be provided.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-05-2019
DOI: 10.1111/CODI.14648
Abstract: Routine elective colectomy after acute erticulitis is not recommended, yet significant numbers are still being performed. Amidst global concern over the rising costs of surgery and the value of healthcare, acute erticulitis is a disease that is amenable to optimization of strategies for operative intervention. We aim to compare rates of elective colectomy after acute erticulitis in the USA, England and Australia. Index unplanned admissions for acute erticulitis were found from an international administrative dataset between 2008 and 2012 for hospitals in the USA, England and Australia. Recurrent unplanned admissions for acute erticulitis and any subsequent elective admissions for colectomy were found between 2008 and 2014 to allow a minimum 2-year follow-up period. The primary outcome measured was elective colectomy rate. Secondary outcomes included rates of emergency operative intervention and recurrence. Multivariable analysis was performed to control for patient and disease factors. There were 7842 index unplanned admissions for acute erticulitis over 4 years in selected hospitals from the USA, England and Australia. The elective colectomy rates were 13%, 5.4% and 3.4% for the USA, England and Australia, respectively. The propensity for elective colectomy was higher in the USA (OR 4.2, P < 0.001) and England (OR 1.8, P < 0.001) than in Australia. The recurrence rate in all patients with acute erticulitis was 10% across the countries. There is a higher propensity for elective colectomy after acute erticulitis in the USA than in England and Australia. This highlights the possibilities for a less aggressive surgical approach to reduce resource utilization, but prospective analysis of information on quality of life is required to support this.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.BREAST.2016.04.005
Abstract: Conduct a systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies exploring patient reported factors and psychological variables influencing the decision to have contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM), and satisfaction with CPM, in women with early stage breast cancer. Studies were identified via databases: Medline, CINAHL, Embase and PsycINFO. Data were extracted by one author and crosschecked by two additional authors for accuracy. The quality of included articles was assessed using standardised criteria by three authors. Of the 1346 unique citations identified, 17 were studies that met the inclusion criteria. Studies included were primarily cross-sectional and retrospective. No study utilised a theoretical framework to guide research and few studies considered psychological predictors of CPM. Fear of breast cancer was the most commonly cited reason for CPM, followed by cosmetic reasons such as desire for symmetry. Overall, women appeared satisfied with CPM, however, adverse/diminished body image, poor cosmetic result, complications, diminished sense of sexuality, emotional issues and perceived lack of education regarding alternative surveillance/CPM efficacy were cited as reasons for dissatisfaction. Current literature has begun to identify patient-reported reasons for CPM however, the relative importance of different factors and how these factors relate to the process underlying the decision to have CPM are unknown. Of women who considered CPM, limited information is available regarding differences between those who proceed with or ultimately decline CPM.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-10-2018
DOI: 10.1111/ANS.13833
Abstract: Thyroid nodules are a common presenting complaint for endocrine surgeons many require ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (US-FNAC). In an attempt to streamline our service, we introduced same-day surgeon-performed US-FNAC in 2014. Three groups were defined: (A) retrospective group with FNAC performed in radiology prior to August 2014 (B) prospective radiology FNAC group and (C) prospective surgeon-performed group. Demographics, nodule characteristics, pathology and management plans were recorded. The number and dates of hospital attendances were extracted from the patient information system. Over 4 years, 635 patients underwent 757 FNACs. There were 438 patients in group A, 78 in group B and 119 in group C. Patient demographics and nodule size were similar between groups. Those patients undergoing FNAC in endocrine surgery clinic required two visits prior to receiving a diagnosis and management plan, compared with three visits for those performed in radiology. Non-diagnostic rates between three groups were 6.5%, 7.4% and 5.4% (P = 0.842) whilst malignant FNAC results occurred in 3%, 4% and 8% (P = 0.015) respectively. Median time from US-FNAC to definitive management plan was 42, 41 and 14 days (P < 0.001). The introduction of the one-stop clinic resulted in a 41% reduction of patients attending the radiology department for FNAC. Surgeon-performed US-FNAC decreases the time from fine-needle aspiration request to definitive plan and reduces the number of patient visits, providing more efficient care. Patients referred to the endocrine surgery clinic with thyroid nodules have thyroid cancer more frequently than patients referred to radiology.
Publisher: Society of Nuclear Medicine
Date: 12-10-2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-07-2016
DOI: 10.1111/ANS.13238
Abstract: The acute surgical unit (ASU) is a recently established model of care in Australasia and worldwide. Limited data are available regarding its effect on the management of small bowel obstruction. We compared the management of small bowel obstruction before and after introduction of ASU at a major tertiary referral centre. We hypothesized that introduction of ASU would correlate with improved patient outcomes. A retrospective review of prospectively maintained databases was performed over two separate 2-year periods, before and after the introduction of ASU. Data collected included demographics, co-morbidity status, use of water-soluble contrast agent and computed tomography. Outcome measures included surgical intervention, time to surgery, hospital length of stay, complications, 30-day readmissions, use of total parenteral nutrition, intensive care unit admissions and overall mortality. Total emergency admissions to the ASU increased from 2640 to 4575 between the two time periods. A total of 481 cases were identified (225 prior and 256 after introduction of ASU). Mortality decreased from 5.8% to 2.0% (P = 0.03), which remained significant after controlling for confounders with multivariate analysis (odds ratio = 0.24, 95% confidence interval 0.08-0.73, P = 0.012). The proportion of surgically managed patients increased (20.9% versus 32.0%, P = 0.003) and more operations were performed within 5 days from presentation (76.6% versus 91.5%, P = 0.02). Fewer patients received water-soluble contrast agent (27.1% versus 18.4%, P = 0.02), but more patients were investigated with a computed tomography (70.7% versus 79.7%, P = 0.02). The ASU model of care resulted in decreased mortality, shorter time to intervention and increased surgical management. Overall complications rate and length of stay did not change.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.EJCA.2016.04.007
Abstract: Although the benefit of adjunct digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is established in population screening, its benefit in surveillance after breast cancer treatment is not well defined. We prospectively evaluated whether the addition of DBT to digital mammography (DM) reduced the rate of indeterminate findings compared to DM alone in patients after breast cancer treatment. Patients had both DM and DBT for routine surveillance. Two-dimensional synthesised mammogram (SM) was generated for each patient from DBT data. DM, SM, and DBT images were read for each patient by one of four radiologists credentialed for DBT. We compared the rates of indeterminate findings between DM+DBT with DM alone in patients with a range of breast densities and between DM and SM. A total of 618 patients and 1069 breasts were analysed. The rates of indeterminate findings for DM+DBT versus DM alone were 10.5% and 13.1%, respectively (p=0.018). In breasts treated with surgery and radiotherapy (n=558), the corresponding rates of indeterminate findings were 4.9% and 6.9%, respectively (p=0.039). The rate of indeterminate findings for DM+DBT increased with increasing breast density (p=0.019). There was no significant difference in the rates of indeterminate findings between DM and SM (13.1% versus 11.5%, p=0.1). The addition of DBT to DM reduced the rate of indeterminate findings in surveillance of patients after breast cancer treatment. Further research is required to confirm whether DBT and SM could replace DM for patients undergoing surveillance.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.SURGE.2013.03.005
Abstract: Radiotherapy following breast conservation is routine in the treatment of invasive breast cancer and is commonly used in ductal carcinoma in situ to decrease local recurrence. However, adjuvant breast radiotherapy has significant short and longer-term side effects and consumes substantial health care resources. We aimed to review the randomised controlled trials and attempted to identify clinico-pathological factors and molecular markers associated with the risk of local recurrence. A literature search using the Medline and Ovid databases between 1965 and 2011 was conducted using the terms 'breast conservation' and radiotherapy, and radiotherapy and DCIS. Only papers with randomised clinical trials published in English in adult were included. Only Level 2 evidence and above was included. Three meta-analyses and 17 randomised controlled trials have been published in invasive disease and one meta-analysis and four randomised controlled trials for DCIS. Overall, adjuvant radiotherapy provides a 15.7% decrease in local recurrence and 3.8% decrease in 15-year risk of breast cancer death. The key clinico-pathological factors, which enable stratification into high, intermediate or low risk groups include age, oestrogen receptor positivity, use of tamoxifen and extent of surgery. Absolute reductions in 15-year risk of breast cancer death in these three prediction categories are 7.8%, 1.1%, and 0.1% respectively Adjuvant radiotherapy provides a 60% risk reduction in local recurrence in DCIS with no impact on distal metastases or overall survival. Size, pathological subtype and margins are major risk factors for local recurrence in DCIS. Adjuvant radiotherapy consistently decreases local recurrence across all subtypes of invasive and in-situ disease. While it has a survival advantage in those with invasive disease, this is not seen with DCIS and is minimal in invasive disease where the risk of local recurrence is low. This group includes women over 70 with node negative, ER positive tumours<2 cm.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 22-10-2015
DOI: 10.1002/BJS.9954
Abstract: Patients presenting with emergency surgical conditions place significant demands on healthcare services globally. The need to improve emergency surgical care has led to establishment of consultant-led emergency surgery units. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a changed model of service on outcomes. A retrospective observational study of all consecutive emergency general surgical admissions in 2009–2012 was performed. A 2-year time frame before and after the establishment of the emergency general surgery (EGS) service was used to determine the number of admissions and operations, emergency department and hospital length of stay, as well as complication rates. The study included 7233 acute admissions. The EGS service managed 4468 patients (61·6 per cent increase) and performed 1804 operations (41·0 per cent increase). The most common diagnoses during the EGS period included acute appendicitis (532, 11·9 per cent), biliary disease (361, 8·1 per cent) and abdominal pain (561, 12·6 per cent). Appendicectomy (536, 29·7 per cent), cholecystectomy (239, 13·2 per cent) and laparotomy (226, 12·5 per cent) were the most commonly performed procedures. In the EGS period, time in the emergency department was reduced (from 8·0 to 6·0 h P & 0·001), as was length of hospital stay (from 3·0 to 2·0 days P & 0·001). The number of complications was reduced by 46·8 per cent, from 172 (6·2 per cent) to 147 (3·3 per cent) (P & 0·001), with a 53 per cent reduction in the number of deaths in the EGS period, from 29 (16·9 per cent) to seven (8 per cent) (P = 0·039). The establishment of a consultant-led emergency surgical service has been associated with improved provision of care, resulting in timely management and improved clinical outcomes.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2006
DOI: 10.1111/J.1445-2197.2006.03744.X
Abstract: Preoperative staging of rectal cancer can influence the choice of surgery and the use of neoadjuvant therapy. This review evaluates the use of endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the local staging of rectal cancer. Staging for distant metastases is beyond the scope of this review. A MEDLINE search for published work in English between 1984-2004 was carried out by entering the key words of ERUS, MRI and preoperative imaging and rectal cancer. Initially, 867 articles were retrieved. Abstracts were reviewed and papers selected according to the inclusion criteria of a minimum of 50 patients and papers published in English. Papers focusing on preoperative chemoradiotherapy and distal metastases were excluded. Thirty-one papers were included in the systematic review. The examination techniques and images obtained are discussed and the respective accuracy is reviewed. ERUS and MRI have complementary roles in the assessment of tumour depth. Ultrasound has an overall accuracy of 82% (T1, 2, 40-100% T3, 4, 25-100%) and is particularly useful for early localized rectal cancers. MRI has an accuracy of 76% (T1, 2, 29-80% T3, 4, 0-100%) and is useful in more advanced disease by providing clearer definition of the mesorectum and mesorectal fascia. Both methods have similar accuracy in the assessment of nodal metastases. Ultrasound is more operator dependent and accuracies improve with experience, but it is more portable and accessible than MRI. Improvements in technology and increased operator experience have led to more accurate preoperative staging. ERUS and MRI are complementary and are most accurate for early localized cancers and more advanced cancers, respectively.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-08-2015
DOI: 10.1007/S00268-015-3196-0
Abstract: Since 2011, all acute general surgical admissions have been managed by the consultant-led emergency general surgery service (EGS) at our institution. We aim to compare EGS management of acute biliary disease to its preceding model. Retrospective review of prospectively collated databases was performed to capture consecutive emergency admissions with biliary disease from 1st February 2009 to 31st January 2013. Patient demographics, surgical intervention, use of diagnostic radiology, histological diagnosis, complications and hospital length of stay (LOS) were retrieved. A total of 566 patients were included (pre-EGS 254 vs. EGS 312). In the EGS period, the number of patients having surgery on index admission increased from 43.7 to 58.7 % (p < 0.001) as did use of intra-operative cholangiography from 75.7 to 89.6 % (p = 0.003). The conversion to open cholecystectomy rate also was reduced from 14.4 to 3.3 % (p 1) imaging modalities for diagnosis was noted (p = 0.003). There was a positive trend in reduction of bile leaks but no significant difference in the overall morbidity and mortality. Time to theatre was reduced by 1 day [pre-EGS 2.7 (IQR 1.5-5.0) vs. EGS 1.7 (IQR 1.2-2.6) p < 0.001]. The overall hospital LOS was reduced by 1.5 days [pre-EGS 5.0 (IQR 3-7) vs. EGS 3.5 (IQR 2-5) p < 0.001]. Since the advent of EGS, more judicious use of diagnostic radiology, reduced complications, reduced LOS, reduced time to theatre and an increased rate of definitive management during the index admission were demonstrated.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2002
Abstract: Lymphocytic hypophysitis is an uncommon disease with a variable presentation and unclear pathophysiology. We present the case of a 30 year old woman who presented with features typical of a pituitary macroadenoma. She underwent a transphenoidal resection of the mass and histopathological examination revealed lymphocytic hypophysitis. This case illustrates the difficulty in differentiating pituitary macroadenoma and lymphocytic hypophysitis and the variable presentations of lymphocytic hypophysitis.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-2020
DOI: 10.1111/ANS.15592
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-06-2020
DOI: 10.1111/ANS.15991
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-05-2020
DOI: 10.1111/ANS.15992
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-02-2020
DOI: 10.1111/ANS.15710
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-08-2018
DOI: 10.1111/ANS.14714
Abstract: Administrative data are routinely captured for each hospital admission and may serve as an alternative source for populating databases. This study aims to determine the accuracy of administrative data to provide tumour characteristics and short-term post-operative outcomes, after a colorectal cancer (CRC) resection, compared with clinical data. A retrospective study of all CRC resections at a single hospital from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2013 was conducted. Local administrative data were coded as per ICD-10-AM (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Australian Modification) and Australian Classification of Health Interventions. Clinical data for all patients were extracted from the medical charts and compared with administrative data. Code combinations and algorithms were used to improve the accuracy of administrative data. A total of 436 patients were identified. The accuracy of algorithms combining tumour location and type of operation for right colon, left colon and rectum were 93, 89 and 88%, respectively. The accuracy of histological type was 89%, lymph node status 92% and metastasis status 88%. The accuracy of return to theatre and in-hospital mortality was 100%. Administrative data can provide reliable information on tumour details and short-term post-operative outcomes. The potential for administrative data to validate data captured in registries and be used independently for audit and research should be further explored.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.BREAST.2018.05.009
Abstract: Describe the development, acceptability and feasibility of a Decision Aid (DA) for women with early-stage breast cancer (BC) at average contralateral breast cancer (CBC) risk considering contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM). The DA was developed using the International Patient Decision Aid Standards (IPDAS) and the Ottawa Decision Support Framework. It provides evidence-based information about CPM in a booklet format combining text, graphs and images of surgical options. Twenty-three women with a history of early-stage breast cancer were interviewed in person or over the phone using a 'think aloud approach'. Framework analysis was used to code and analyse data. Twenty-three women participated in the study. Mean age of participants was 58.6 years and time since diagnosis ranged from 14 months to 21 years. Five women had CPM and eighteen had not. Women strongly endorsed the DA. Many felt validated by a section on appearance and found information on average risk of recurrence and metastases helpful, however, noted the importance of discussing personal risk with their surgeon. Many requested more information on surgery details (time taken, recovery) and costs of the different options. The DA was acceptable to women, including the format, content and proposed implementation strategies. Practical and financial issues are important to women in considering treatment options. Women appreciate information about CPM at diagnosis and emphasised the importance of discussing potential downsides of the procedure in addition to benefits. The DA was considered acceptable to facilitate such discussions.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.BREAST.2017.01.002
Abstract: To assess the eligibility, uptake and impediments to tamoxifen use in high-risk women attending a risk management clinic due to family history. All patients with a germline mutation in a cancer predisposing gene or at high genetic risk (based on family history) attending a Breast and Ovarian cancer risk management clinic from February 2014 to May 2015 received both verbal and written evidence-based information on preventive therapy and were recommended to consider endocrine prevention if not contraindicated. Endocrine therapy initiation, use and cessation were captured. Patient eligibility was analysed and reasons for declining, ceasing or contraindications for medication use were recorded. During the study period, 237 women were seen over 305 consultations for breast surveillance and preventative therapy discussion. They comprised 38 BRCA1 and 42 BRCA2 mutation carriers, 4 with Peutz-Jegher syndrome, 153 with a strong family history. Their median age was 39.4 years. Endocrine preventative was considered and discussed with all but 19 women. Of the remaining 218, 34 chose bilateral prophylactic mastectomy, while endocrine preventative was not recommended in 50 women due to contraindications and 25 women declined treatment due to their intention to fall pregnant. In 118 patients who remained eligible, 18.6% (22) tried prevention and 9.4% (14) remained on therapy. Physician-reluctance is not a dominant reason for poor uptake of endocrine prevention even by high-risk premenopausal women in a specialised risk management clinic. Many women are not eligible, and most elect for alternative options.
No related grants have been discovered for Anita Skandarajah.