Publications by authors named "Alison Thorne"
Background: Technically and ergonomically correct positioning is essential in endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery.
Objective: To propose a safe, ergonomic approach to conduct endoscopic endonasal pituitary and skull base surgery in large patients without sacrificing important aspects of current standard practice.
Methods: The patient's right arm is outstretched and secured in a supine position, with the primary surgeon standing in the axillary area.
Article Synopsis
- Approximately 250 million surgical procedures are performed globally each year, with major complications affecting 3%-17% of these; many complications can be avoided with proper measures, like preoperative checklists.
- The study aimed to create a specific checklist for transnasal transsphenoidal anterior skull base surgery to enhance communication, minimize errors, and boost operational efficiency, given the unique natures of these minimally invasive procedures compared to open cranial surgeries.
- A team of surgical experts developed a detailed checklist with four key pauses (Anesthesia, Surgical, Equipment, and Closure) to ensure critical steps are covered, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes and team collaboration.
Problem: Need to improve the detection and management of depression in primary care.
Design: Prospective, before and after study of changes in detection and management following attempts to introduce a chronic disease management approach.
Background And Setting: Two representative general practices in the north east of England that differed markedly in resources available and populations served.