Reducing emergency admissions and length of stay by introducing emergency surgical ambulatory service.

Background: Emergency surgical ambulatory care provides safe and effective assessment of acute surgical referrals, in addition to reducing the pressures on hospital beds.Our aim was to look at the effect of opening a surgical ambulatory care unit (SACU) and a dedicated surgeon for the unit on length of stay and same day discharge for emergency referrals.

Methods: Data was collected prospectively and updated daily to include all referrals to SACU.

Multispectral imaging of organ viability during uterine transplantation surgery in rabbits and sheep.

Uterine transplantation surgery (UTx) has been proposed as a treatment for permanent absolute uterine factor infertility (AUFI) in the case of the congenital absence or surgical removal of the uterus. Successful surgical attachment of the organ and its associated vasculature is essential for the organ’s reperfusion and long-term viability. Spectral imaging techniques have demonstrated the potential for the measurement of hemodynamics in medical applications.

Venous thromboembolism following colorectal resection.

Aim: The study investigated the rate of significant venous thromboembolism (VTE) following colorectal resection during the index admission and over 1 year following discharge. It identifies risk factors associated with VTE and considers the length of VTE prophylaxis required.

Method: All adult patients who underwent colorectal resections in England between April 2007 and March 2008 were identified using Hospital Episode Statistics data.

Bile duct reconstruction following laparoscopic cholecystectomy in England.

Objectives: To determine the incidence of bile duct reconstruction (BDR) following laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and to identify associated risk factors.

Background: Major bile duct injury (BDI) requiring reconstruction is a serious complication of cholecystectomy.

Methods: All LC and attempted LC operations in England between April 2001 and March 2013 were identified.

Rapunzel syndrome resulting in gastric perforation.

We report the case of an 18-year-old female patient with no past medical history who presented to the emergency department with acute abdominal pain and vomiting on the background of a long history of ingesting hair (trichophagia). Computed tomography revealed pneumoperitoneum and free fluid in keeping with visceral perforation. In addition, a large hair bolus was seen extending in contiguity from the stomach to the jejunum.