Lhermitte duclos disease: what to expect during surgery?

Lhermitte and Duclos first described the dysplastic gangliocytoma of the cerebellum in 1920. In the last 100 years, its clinical presentation, radiological features, pathological characteristics, and association with Cowden syndrome have been well described. However, documentation of surgical experiences is lagging. We here describe intraoperative experience during the removal of the tumor, which could help the operating surgeon plan and mental makeup.

Operation Note Transformation: The Application of Lean Six Sigma to Improve the Process of Documenting the Operation Note in a Private Hospital Setting

Clinical documentation is a key safety and quality risk, particularly at transitions of care where there is a higher risk of information being miscommunicated or lost. A surgical operation note (ON) is an essential medicolegal document to ensure continuity of patient care between the surgical operating team and other colleagues, which should be completed immediately following surgery. Incomplete operating surgeon documentation of the ON, in a legible and timely manner, impacts the quality of information available to nurses to deliver post-operative care. In the project site, a private hospital in Dublin, Ireland, the accuracy of completion of the ON across all surgical specialties was 20%. This project sought to improve the accuracy, legibility, and completeness of the ON in the Operating Room. A multidisciplinary team of staff utilised the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology, specifically the Define/Measure/Analyse/Design/Verify (DMADV) framework, to design a new digital process application for documenting the ON. Post-introduction of the new design, 100% of the ONs were completed digitally with a corresponding cost saving of EUR 10,000 annually. The time to complete the ON was reduced by 30% due to the designed digital platform and mandatory fields, ensuring 100% of the document is legible. As a result, this project significantly improved the quality and timely production of the ON within a digital solution. The success of the newly designed ON process demonstrates the effectiveness of the DMADV in establishing a co-designed, value-adding process for post-operative surgical notes.

Comparison between different techniques for management of renal stones in horseshoe kidneys

Objective To report the operative management , intra and post operative complications and subsequent stone-free rates of patients with urolithiasis in a horseshoe kidneys. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed all patients presenting to our centre with a horseshoe kidney and urolithiasis over a 20-year period. The stone burden, surgical management, complications and stone clearance rates were recorded. Results In all, 80 patients with urolithiasis in horseshoe kidney were treated. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) was used in 28 patients. 12 patients had laparoscopic assisted PCNL , 8 had flexible ureteroscopy and 18 had laparoscopic pyelolithotomy . PCNL was used for large stones = (mean digitized surface area= 614.32 mm 2 ) and required one to four stages to achieve an overall stone clearance rate of 88%. Stones were cleared at one sitting in 77% of PCNL procedures. only 33% of patients treated with flexible ureteroscopy was cleared from stones in one session and surprisingly, 89% of patients treated with laparoscopic pyelolithotomy was stone free after one session Complications were minimal, with 15% minor and 3% major complications in the PCNL group only.. Conclusions Appropriate management of urolithiasis within the horseshoe kidney depends not only on stone burden, but also on stone location, calyceal configuration and malrotation. Stones can be cleared successfully in almost all patients providing that all techniques are available to the operating surgeon.

SP7.2.6 Where is the nerve? Review of operation note documentation practice for inguinal hernia repair

Introduction Careful identification and management of inguinal nerves during inguinal hernia repair is important to avoid iatrogenic injury. Documentation of this practice informs postoperative clinical management. We set out to investigate how often surgeons identify inguinal nerves and document findings and management in operation notes. Methods Retrospective review of operation notes at single District General Hospital (DGH). Operation notes analysed for documentation of identification and intraoperative management (preservation vs sacrifice) of the inguinal nerves: iliohypogastric, ilioinguinal and genital branch of genitofemoral nerve. Data including baseline characteristics of each patient, hernia characteristics, and primary operating surgeon ascertained for subgroup analysis. Results A total of 100 patients were included in the analysis. Identification of any of the inguinal nerves (generic - “nerve”) was documented in 17% of operation notes. Documentation of named individual nerves in operation notes was limited. No documentation of intraoperative management of inguinal nerves found in 83% of operation notes. Preservation of the inguinal nerves (generic - “nerve”) was recorded in 8% and sacrifice recorded in 9% of cases. Subgroup analysis revealed similar incidence of documentation of identification and management of inguinal nerves across grades of primary surgeon, with overall incidence low for all grades. Conclusion This study has revealed a lack of appreciation of the importance of documentation of identification and intraoperative management of inguinal nerves in operation notes. Further consideration of the potential implications of poor documentation would be beneficial to improve standards.

EP.FRI.221Safe delivery of emergency laparotomy using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic

Aims To evaluate emergency laparotomies and examine operating surgeon use of PPE as per guidelines in the first COVID-19 peak. Methods The NELA database for our hospital was interrogated to examine for emergency laparotomy cases between March to September 2020. Data was recorded on age, pathology, NELA mortality score, post-operative destination, mortality COVID-19 swab status as an inpatient and use of PPE. Results 55 laparotomies were undertaken. The median age was 67 years. 48% had a Clinical Frailty Score >4. 53% of patients were 'high-risk' in their NELA mortality score (>5%). 56% were ASA >3. 44% went to intensive care post-operatively. 18% and 36% had significant cardiac and respiratory co-morbidities. The mean NELA mortality score was 10% pre-operatively. Mean post-operative risk of mortality score was 67%. Only 1 patient contracted COVID-19 whilst an inpatient and subsequently died of acute cerebrovascular accident unrelated to her COVID-19. PPE was available and used as per guidelines in all cases. Conclusions Our department remained busy throughout the first peak however there was a reduction in cases compared with 2019. Our population is generally heavily co-morbid based on ASA scores and cardiorespiratory co-morbidity. Nevertheless only 1 patient contracted COVID whilst an inpatient in this cohort. Access to adequate amounts of personal protective equipment is paramount to ensure safe and timely access to emergency laparotomy for patients and surgeons alike.

EP.FRI.596 A Tale of Two Ultrasounds

Background Testicular torsion is a common cause of acute testicular pain, which requires immediate investigation and treatment. We describe a unique presentation of testicular torsion, which required the operating surgeon to assess the viability of a clinically dead testis through surgical manipulation, 16 hours after onset of pain. Case Report A 19 year old male presented with a 12 hour history of pain and swelling in the left scrotum. Examination revealed the left testes was hard, swollen and tender with a palpable spermatic cord. Clinical diagnosis of testicular mass or epididymo-orchitis was suggested and scrotal ultrasound was organised. This reported no blood flow in the left testis, and so torsion was suspected. Patient was taken immediately to theatre. Examination was performed under general anaesthetic, which revealed a hard, swollen testis, with no torsion clinically. Midline scrotal incision was made. On visual examination, left testis was black and hard, but there was no obvious torsion in the cord. However, during manipulation, the testis softened and started to change colour, eventually becoming dusky. A small incision into the testis showed bright red blood, and the decision was made to replace the testis and fix both testes. The patient made an excellent recovery post-operatively. Repeat ultrasound showed return of testicular vascularity. Conclusion This case showcases the importance of considering salvage in patients who have presented even after the generally accepted 6-8 hour time window. It also highlights the value of an experienced surgeon’s judgement in unusual presentations and with unexpected events intraoperatively.

SP3.1.12 A Comparison of Polymeric Clips vs Endoloops to Secure Appendicular Stump in Adult Emergency Laparoscopic Appendicectomy

Aims To assess the use of polymeric clips (PC) as an alternative to Endoloops (EL) to secure appendicular stump in adult emergency laparoscopic appendicectomy. Method A retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent emergency laparoscopic appendicectomy from 1/11/19 to 31/10/20, following introduction of polymeric clips in our institute as a safe alternative to endoloops to secure appendicular stump in October 2019. Patient demographics, operative duration, intraoperative findings, methods to control the appendicular mesentery and stump, post-operative length of stay, complications and grade of operating surgeon were compared in both groups (PCvsEL) and data analysed using SPSS. Results A total of 333 patients were included, who underwent laparoscopic appendicectomy and satisfied the inclusion criteria. PC were used in 160 (48%) patients and EL in 173 (52%). Patient demographics, surgeon grade and intra-operative severity of disease were statistically similar between both groups. Mean operative time was 10 minutes shorter in PC group (71 vs 81minutes, p = 0.001). Mesoappendix was ligated by applying laparoscopic titanium clips in EL group 25%, vs 6% PC group (p < 0.001), while 42% of the PC group, used PC on mesoappendix, which was without any additional cost. Post-operative complication rates were similar in both groups, apart from post-operative ileus, which was more in EL group (p = 0.003). Conclusion The use of PC in emergency laparoscopic appendicectomy is a safe and effective way to secure the appendicular stump, which results in, not only reduced operating time, but also a significant cost saving (£49/3x Endoloops vs £21/pack of 6x Polymeric clips) to NHS.

Rare cases of nasal mass with bleeding: case series

<p>A thorough evaluation of nasal masses along with early management of the disease can prevent complications and further deterioration of the disease to a larger extent.<strong> </strong>Nasal mass occurring in the nose with symptoms of epistaxis is a sign of suspicion of malignancy. Patients can have variable presentations according to the site and extent of the infection. This article comprises of study done on 3 patients who presented to the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) out patient department with nasal mass with bleed. All three of the patients were subjected to clinical examination, diagnostic nasal endoscopy, radiological evaluation, surgical intervention and histopathological assessment. Thorough evaluation helps the operating surgeon to come to a specific diagnosis so that the chances of diagnosing rare cases does not get ruled out and helps the further deterioration of the disease.</p>

A comparison of intra-operative diagnosis to histopathological diagnosis of acute appendicitis in paediatric and adult cohorts: an analysis of over 1000 patients

Background Appendicitis is a common general surgical emergency. The role of removing a normal appendix is debated. However, this relies on accurate intra-operative diagnosis of a normal appendix by the operating surgeon. This study aimed to compare surgeon’s intra-operative assessment to final histological result acute appendicitis in paediatric and adult patients. Methods All patients who underwent appendicectomy over a 14-year period in a general surgical department were identified using the prospective Lothian Surgical Audit system and pathology reports retrieved to identify final histological diagnosis. Open appendicectomy was selected to examine, as the routine practise at our institution is to remove a normal appendix at open appendicectomy. Results A total of 1035 open appendicectomies were performed for clinically suspected appendicitis. Sensitivity of intra-operative diagnosis of appendicitis with operating surgeon was high at 95.13% with no difference between trainee and consultant surgeon or between adult and paediatric cases. Specificity of intra-operative diagnosis was lower in the paediatric group (32.58%) than in the adult group (40.58%). Women had a higher rate of negative appendicectomy than men. Conclusion The results of this study highlight some discordance between histological evidence of acute appendicitis and intra-operative impression. Therefore other clinical variables and not just macroscopic appearance alone should be used when deciding to perform appendicectomy.

534 Use of Ultrasound by Breast Surgeons Reduces the Need for Wire-Guided Localisation Of Impalpable Breast Tumours By Radiologists

Aim Ultrasound is increasingly being used by non-radiologists in clinical practice. Currently wire-guided localisation (WGL) of impalpable breast tumours requires the expertise of radiologists but can be uncomfortable and demands significant radiology resource. Furthermore, for logistical reasons at our institution during the COVID pandemic, wires were inserted the day before surgery, resulting in disruption to patients. At our institution, two of eight breast surgeons use ultrasound intraoperatively for localisation of breast lesions, thus obviating the need for a radiologist to localise the lesion for the surgeon. We hypothesise that ultrasound-localisation by surgeons is an effective way to improve patient experience. Method We undertook a retrospective review of all patients undergoing wire-guided localisation of impalpable breast tumours between 01/05/20-01/08/20. We retrospectively collected the following data: modality of image-guided insertion (ultrasound versus x-ray), operating surgeon and size of tumour. Results 48 tumours were excised using WGL. 45 of these relied on ultrasound guidance for insertion. The median lesion size was 17mm, with 30 (62.5%) of lumps being ³10mm in size. Conclusions Most impalpable lumps were visualised using ultrasound. The majority of these lumps were &gt;10mm. Surgeons trained in ultrasound did not need localisation by radiologists. If breast surgeons were unanimously trained to use ultrasound for intra-operative localisation, a significant proportion of wires could be avoided, saving cost, radiology time, patient time and improving the patient experience. We argue that ultrasound should be a core part of breast trainees’ curriculum.