No abstract

We recommend the use of MDCT as a safe and appropriate first-line investigation for NOF fractures.

Our study describes a reliable new CT scanning technique for the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis using only five cuts and a low-radiation-dose protocol. Clinical correlation of the findings on the scan with functional outcomes suggests that routine post-operative CT of the syndesmosis is probably not justified.

Systemic arterial supply to a segment of normal lung is rare. 1 Usually the anomalous systemic artery arises from the descending aorta, although it can arise from other sites including the coeliac axis. 1–3 Case reports documenting an anomalous artery to normal lung from the coeliac axis are few. However, in these cases the patients were being investigated for respiratory symptoms and all were under the age of 50. In our case, we describe a rare case of anomalous systemic arterial supply arising from the coeliac axis to the right lower lobe, in the absence of abnormal bronchial connection or parenchymal disease in an asymptomatic patient. The anomalous arterial supply was an incidental finding on CT. The literature suggests surgical treatment to prevent symptoms of haemoptysis or congestive cardiac failure, but it is unclear from current evidence whether this is indicated in an asymptomatic patient.

Aim Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) affects the patient’s recovery following surgery. Within Wales the colorectal SSI rate for both emergency and elective patients is 13%, as per a prospective all Wales observational study. The study further demonstrated that elective colorectal SSI rate was 21.1%. In light of this, a single centre within Wales developed and implemented an SSI bundle to help prevent SSIs. Methods A bundle was designed based on the WHO and CDCs guidelines and was agreed on by all colorectal consultants within the centre. There were 3 elements to the bundle – pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative. The bundle was implemented for 50 elective colorectal patients to assess its feasibility and effectiveness. Results 50 patients had the SSI bundle from 1 st November to 20 th December 2019. Compliance with the bundle was assessed and the resultant SSI rate improved by 40% with an SSI rate of 20% in this centre reducing to 12%. Further analysis of the SSIs that developed demonstrated that 2 were secondary to intra-abdominal complications and the other 4 failed to have all elements of the bundle implemented. Conclusion An SSI bundle can by effectively implemented and become standard care for colorectal patients to effectively reduce the SSI rate.