Anal squamous cell carcinoma: are we improving outcomes?

Background: Anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a rare malignancy. The purpose of this study was to review a single institution's experience.

Methods: All patients with anal SCC from St John of God Subiaco Hospital database were identified over a 10-year period (2006-2016).

Successful management of chronic high-output ileostomy with high dose loperamide.

High-stoma output is a common problem that can lead to dehydration and electrolyte disturbance. The following report describes three patients with end ileostomy who had high-stoma outputs where conventional medical management was unsuccessful in controlling stoma output. All three patients responded to high-dose loperamide, resulting in significant clinical improvement.

Traumatic catheterisation: a near miss.

A 68-year-old man presented with acute urinary retention. An indwelling catheter was inserted by a junior doctor, which immediately caused perineal pain to the patient. When asked about the catheterisation technique, the junior doctor admitted that he did not insert the catheter to the hilt prior to inflating the balloon.

Outcomes of the house advancement flap for pilonidal sinus.

Background: Many surgical techniques have been described for the treatment of pilonidal sinus, yet rates of recurrence and prolonged wound healing remain high and consensus on the optimal technique is lacking. This retrospective study evaluates outcomes of the use of the house advancement flap in the treatment of pilonidal sinus including time to wound healing, sinus recurrence, wound infection and flap necrosis.

Method: Thirty-three consecutive patients who underwent excision and house advancement flap for pilonidal sinus, of whom seven patients (21%) had recurrent pilonidal sinus disease following previous surgical intervention, were reviewed retrospectively.