Laparoscopic Appendectomy Translates into Less Analgesics and Faster Return to Work in Asia.

Background: Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is claimed to require less analgesic and allow for a faster return to work. This study examines whether these benefits hold true in Asian patient populations.

Methods: A retrospective audit of emergency appendectomies over one year was conducted to study outcomes of postoperative pain, length of stay (LOS), duration of analgesia, and hospitalization leave (HL).

A rare case of ectopic retrosternal goiter.

It is important for the clinician to be familiar with interpreting a variety of radiological modalities that provide vital information that will aid in the preoperative planning, counseling, and subsequent management of patients with retrosternal goiter.

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy in Asian patients: experience from Singapore.

Background: Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) although well established in Europe has not yet gained widespread acceptance in Asia. We describe our learning experience in the first reported series of 105 cases from Singapore.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of outcomes in 105 patients who underwent MIVAT from April 2011 to 2018 was performed.

Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy by a dedicated emergency surgical unit confers excellent outcomes in acute cholecystitis presenting beyond 72 hours.

Background: Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC) within 72 h of symptom onset is preferred for management of acute cholecystitis (AC). Beyond 72 h, acute-on-chronic fibrosis sets in rendering surgery challenging. This study aims to compare the outcomes of ELC for AC within and beyond 72 h of symptom onset by a dedicated acute surgical unit.

Assessing adequacy of informed consent for elective surgery by student-administered interview.

Background: Studies show that patients often sign consent documents without fully comprehending the risks, benefits and potential complications. There is currently no Asian study performed analysing adequacy of informed consent. This study aims to assess adequacy of informed consent by evaluating patient understanding and retention of key information and complications pertaining to surgery via medical student-administered interview.

Evolution of a Dedicated Emergency Surgery and Trauma (ESAT) unit over 3 years: sustained improved outcomes.

Introduction: The traditional 24-h call model faces pressure from competing needs between emergency and elective services. Recognizing this, a dedicated ESAT service was developed in Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in Singapore, with improved clinical outcomes. It was initially led by a single consultant (SC) in 2014, and subsequently evolved to a weekly consultant rotation (WC) roster in 2017 to achieve sustainability.

Exsanguinating hemorrhage following gastric erosion after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) has become a common bariatric operation, because of its safety, laparoscopic friendliness, acceptable weight loss and absence of long-term adverse nutritional sequelae. Gastric erosion is one of the troublesome complications of gastric banding. The etiology and presentation of erosion remain obscure.