Validation of the Sinhala Translation of the EORTC QLQ-INFO25: Enhancing Information Provision for Cancer Patients in Sri Lanka.

Cancer is a major health challenge globally and in Sri Lanka. Providing comprehensive information to patients is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction, supported by evidence of its effectiveness in managing cancer pain. EORTC QLQ-INFO25, an information module developed by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Group, is aimed at assessing cancer patients' perception of information received during different phases of care.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease in Sri Lanka: An island-wide epidemiological survey assessing the prevalence and associated factors.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is commonly encountered in clinical practice in Sri Lanka. However, its prevalence in Sri Lanka is unknown. Our objective was to study the island-wide prevalence of GERD symptoms in Sri Lanka and its associated factors.

The association between symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and perceived stress: A countrywide study of Sri Lanka.

Background/aims: Stress is a known associated factor for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the dynamics between stress and GERD are not fully studied, especially in Sri Lanka. Our objective was to assess it.

Prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome and its association with colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: This study evaluates the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Methods: A literature search was performed on MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar from inception to 31st January 2020 without any limitations on article type or language for studies reporting data on CRC on patients with IBS. A meta-analysis was performed to estimate the prevalence of CRC among patients with IBS.

Antibody tests for identification of current and past infection with SARS-CoV-2.

Background: The diagnostic challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in rapid development of diagnostic test methods for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection. Serology tests to detect the presence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 enable detection of past infection and may detect cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection that were missed by earlier diagnostic tests. Understanding the diagnostic accuracy of serology tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection may enable development of effective diagnostic and management pathways, inform public health management decisions and understanding of SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology.

Factors associated with stoma formation in ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease and the development of a predictive scoring system.

Purpose: The likelihood of a stoma following ileocolic resection (ICR) for Crohn's disease (CD) is an important consideration. This study aims to identify the factors associated with an increased likelihood of a stoma and develop a predictive scoring system (SS).

Methods: Patient data were collected from St.

Signs and symptoms to determine if a patient presenting in primary care or hospital outpatient settings has COVID-19.

Background: COVID-19 illness is highly variable, ranging from infection with no symptoms through to pneumonia and life-threatening consequences. Symptoms such as fever, cough, or loss of sense of smell (anosmia) or taste (ageusia), can help flag early on if the disease is present. Such information could be used either to rule out COVID-19 disease, or to identify people who need to go for COVID-19 diagnostic tests.

Anal sphincter fatigability in assessing anal incontinence: A systematic review.

Background: Diagnosing anal incontinence (AI) based on manometry results is challenging due to the variation of the normal values and overlap between patients with and without AI. This study aimed to perform a systematic review on the difference in sphincter fatigability between patients with and without AI.

Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar were searched.

The Worldwide Epidemiology of Acute Appendicitis: An Analysis of the Global Health Data Exchange Dataset.

Background: This study aims to describe the worldwide epidemiology and changing disease trends of acute appendicitis (AA).

Methods: Epidemiological data on the incidence of AA and deaths were collected from the Global Health Data Exchange repository from 1990 to 2019. Data were stratified by age, sex and Socio-Demographic Index (SDI).

A scoring system to predict a prolonged length of stay after surgery for Crohn's disease.

Aim: Many factors influence the postoperative length of stay (LOS) in Crohn's disease (CD). This study aims to identify the factors associated with a prolonged LOS after ileocolic resection (ICR) for CD and to develop a scoring system to predict the postoperative LOS in CD.

Method: Patient data were collected from St Marks Hospital, London, UK, and the Humanitas Clinical and Research Center Milan, Italy, for all patients who underwent an ICR for CD from 2005 to 2017.

Correlation between immunity from BCG and the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19.

Background: To investigate the association between parameters indicating immunity from BCG at country level (presence of BCG vaccination policy, BCG coverage, age-specific incidence of tuberculosis (TB)) and the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19.

Methods: Country-specific data for COVID-19 cases and deaths, demographic details, BCG coverage and policy, age-specific TB incidence and income level were obtained. The crude COVID-19 cases and deaths per 100,000 population were calculated and assessed against the parameters indicating immunity from BCG using linear regression analysis.

Translation and Validation of the Sinhala Version of the EORTC-QLQ-CR29 Questionnaire.

Purpose: To validate the Sinhalese version of the EORTC QLQ-CR29 quality of life questionnaire for colorectal cancer.

Method: We translated and pilot-tested (n=10) the questionnaire in Sri Lanka. We then assessed the reliability, factor structure and construct validity according to the EORTC guidelines.

Value of three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound scan (3D-EAUS) in preoperative assessment of fistula-in-ano.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound scan (3D-EAUS) in the pre-operative assessment of fistula-in-ano in identifying the fistula tract and comparing with findings at surgery in a South Asian cohort. A retrospective analysis of 87 patients with suspected fistula-in-ano who underwent pre-operative 3D-EAUS between January 2009 and January 2016 was carried out. All patients subsequently had surgical exploration under anaesthesia (EUA), irrespective of 3D-EAUS findings.

Treatment of fistula in-ano with fistula plug: experience of a tertiary care centre in South Asia and comparison of results with the West.

Objectives: Surgery for fistula in ano is associated with anal incontinence. The biologic anal fistula plug (AFP) can minimize this. This is a retrospective analysis of patients with cryptoglandular anorectal fistulae, who underwent a surgical procedure using AFP.

Duration taken for the anal sphincter pressures to stabilize prior to anorectal manometry.

Objectives: Anorectal manometry (ARM) is an integral part of evaluating the anal sphincter function. The current recommendation of waiting for 5 min (lead-in-time) prior to beginning the recording has no evidence. A prolonged procedure may reduce patient compliance.

Three-Dimensional Endoanal Ultrasound Features of the Anal Sphincter in Asian Primigravidae.

Objectives: The normal parameters of 3-dimensional endoanal ultrasound (3DEAUS) of the anal sphincter have not been reported for primigravidae or pregnant women at present. 3DEAUS parameters in Asian primigravidae were assessed in this study.

Methods: We analyzed 3DEAUS data of 101 consecutives Asian primigravidae, assessed in the early third trimester.

Anal incontinence and quality of life following operative treatment of simple cryptoglandular fistula-in-ano: a prospective study.

Background: Anal incontinence is a known complication following operative treatment of fistula-in-ano which can significantly impact the quality of life. This study was aimed to objectively assess the impact of operative treatment of simple fistula-in-ano on quality of life related to anal incontinence. Therefore, a prospective study was conducted in 34 patients who underwent surgery for fistula-in-ano over a period of 24 months.

Incidence of esophageal cancer in Sri Lanka: Analysis of cancer registry data and comparison with other South Asian populations.

Introduction: The objectives of this study were to report the incidence of Carcinoma of Esophagus (CaE) in Sri Lanka and to compare these values with other cancer registry data of the region and with migrant populations.

Materials And Methods: We compared the data published by the National Cancer Control Program over the last two decades with data from the National Cancer Registry Programme of the Indian Council of Medical Research and Karachi Cancer Registry. SEERstat was used to analyze the surveillance, epidemiology and end results database to analyze data on Indian migrant population.

Effect of vaginal delivery on anal sphincter function in Asian primigravida: a prospective study.

Introduction And Hypothesis: The true incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI) among Asian primigravida is not known. This study aimed to evaluate OASI in Sri Lankan primigravida.

Methods: One hundred and one consecutive primigravida in their last trimester were recruited from antenatal clinics at a tertiary care centre in Sri Lanka and followed up 6 weeks and 6 months after delivery.

Correlation of three dimensional anorectal manometry and three dimensional endoanal ultrasound findings in primi gravida: a cross sectional study.

Background: 3-dimensional anorectal manometry (3DARM) and 3-dimensional endoanal ultrasound (3DEAUS) have not been used to assess the anal sphincter complex (ASC) in primi gravida. This study was conducted to identify any correlation that may exist between 3DARM and 3DEAUS.

Methods: We analyzed 3DARM and 3DEAUS data of 101 consecutive primi mothers assessed in the late second trimester or early 3rd trimester.

Predictors in breast cancer screening behaviors of South Asian women.

Aim: Screening is important in minimizing breast cancer-related morbidity. It is prudent to identify the factors that affect women's choice in participation in mammographic screening. Our objective was to identify the factors that influence the breast screening behaviors in Sri Lankan women.

Types and patterns of colonic polyps encountered at a tertiary care center in a developing country in South Asia.

Purpose: To identify the prevalence, types, and patterns of colonic polyps in a cohort of patients presenting to a tertiary care referral center in Sri Lanka.

Methods: Endoscopy and pathology reports of a single unit from 2006 to 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. Spearman's correlation coefficient and chi-square test were used to identify correlations.

Patterns and trends of medical student research.

Background: Our study describes the change in the research output, trends and content of published research involving medical students over the last century.

Methods: Pubmed® and Scopus® were searched for keywords 'Medical Student' in the affiliation field. The search results were combined in Endnote® and duplicate entries removed and the multiple variables described below were assessed.