A comparative analysis of Charlson's weighted index of comorbidity and perforated peptic ulcer scores in predicting postoperative mortality and high comprehensive complication index.

Background: Limited data exists on Charlson's weighted index of comorbidity (WIC) predictability for postoperative outcomes following perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) surgery. This study assesses the utility of WIC and other predictive scores in forecasting both postoperative mortality and morbidity in PPU.

Materials & Methods: Patients with PPUs operated between 2018 and 2021 in a Malaysian tertiary referral center were included.

A comparative study of anxiety and depression among healthcare workers and non-healthcare workers in Johor, Malaysia during the Covid-19 era.

The outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has a significant impact on the mental health of the global population. Updates are needed regarding the mental health status among the local population since limited studies were done so far. This research compared the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms among HCWs and non-HCWs.

COVID-19 related acute limb ischaemia: A case series.

COVID-19 infection or vaccination is rarely associated with arterial occlusive disease of the extremities. The surgical department of a hospital in Johor, Malaysia, recorded a significant increase in the number of COVID-19-related acute limb ischaemia when the rates of COVID-19 were high both locally and internationally. The clinical presentation and management of acute limb ischaemia associated with COVID-19 infection or vaccination are largely underreported in Johor.

Case series of retained rectal foreign body. A Malaysian experience.

Retained rectal foreign body, with its associated social stigma, is a medical condition that is infrequently reported in Malaysia. We report the surgical management of five cases of retained foreign objects in the rectum seen over a one-year period. There were three young and two elderly male patients.

Post-colonoscopy diverticulitis: A systematic review.

Background: Post-colonoscopy diverticulitis is increasingly recognized as a potential complication. However, the evidence is sparse in the literature.

Aim: To systematically review all available evidence to describe the incidence, clinical course with management and propose a definition.

Wilms tumour with poor response to pre-operative chemotherapy: A report of 2 cases.

Introduction: Majority of Wilms tumour (WT) responds well to pre-operative chemotherapy. In Malaysia, incidence of WT is rare with only two cases reported per one million populations yearly. This case report is to highlight on the awareness of WT in an Asian population and highlight two cases and challenges faced after pre-operative chemotherapy.

First Feasibility Study and Short-term Outcomes of Laparoscopic-Assisted Anterior Resection in Colorectal Cancer in Malaysia.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic-assisted anterior resection (LAAR) for colorectal cancer in a local Asian population.

Methods: This is a retrospective review of all patients with colorectal cancer operated from November 2017 to October 2018. Main variables of interest were demography, type and surgery, length of stay (LOS), and the involvement of proximal and distal doughnut.

A Novel Method of Nasojejunal Feeding and Gastric Decompression Using a Double Lumen Silicone Tube for Upper Gastrointestinal Obstruction.

Background: Provision of enteral nutrition with jejunal feeding in upper gastrointestinal obstruction is highly recommended. Access to jejunum can be obtained surgically, percutaneously, or endoscopically. Our institution routinely and preferentially utilizes a silicone nasojejunal tube that is inserted past the obstruction endoscopically.

Caecal Volvulus after a dental procedure - not just constipation!

Caecal volvulus has been reported to be associated with various abdominal and pelvic pathologies. Its signs and symptoms are usually non-specific and maybe overlooked in favour of benign causes, such as constipation. A high degree of suspicion is required for prompt diagnosis.

Outcome of Cervical Lymph Nodes Dissection for Thyroid Cancer with Nodal Metastases: A Southeast Asian 3-Year Experience.

Introduction: Therapeutic nodal dissection is still the mainstay of treatment for patients with lymph node metastases in many centres. The local data, however, on the outcome of therapeutic LND remains limited. Hence, this study aims to inform practice by presenting the outcomes of LND for thyroid cancer patients and our experience in a tertiary referral centre.

Pyopericardium presenting with echocardiographic features of pericardial tamponade in an elderly man.

A 72-year-old Chinese man presented with mild symptoms of heart failure. Transthoracic echocardiography showed signs of cardiac tamponade though clinically he was relatively well. The option of pericardiocentesis was not carried out due to a narrow window for aspiration with only a thin layer of effusion seen surrounding the apex and right ventricle on subcostal view.

Validation of the trauma mortality prediction scores from a Malaysian population.

Background: Well-known trauma mortality prediction scores such as New Injury Severity Score (NISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS), and Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) have been externally validated from high-income countries with established trauma databases. However, these scores were never used in Malaysian population. In this current study, we attempted to validate these scoring systems using our regional trauma surgery database.

Novel calcium infusion regimen after parathyroidectomy for renal hyperparathyroidism.

Aim: Calcium infusion is used after parathyroid surgery for renal hyperparathyroidism to treat postoperative hypocalcaemia. We compared a new infusion regimen to one commonly used in Malaysia based on 2003 K/DOQI guidelines.

Methods: Retrospective data on serum calcium and infusion rates was collected from 2011-2015.