Outcomes of extended total mesorectal excision in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.

Aim: Extended total mesorectal excision (eTME) is a complex procedure involving en bloc resection of the structures surrounding the various quadrants of the rectum. This study, presenting the largest series so far of patients undergoing eTME, aimed to assess the surgical and survival outcomes of patients following treatment with eTME and to compare these outcomes with historical data on pelvic exenteration.

Method: The study is a retrospective review of all patients with locally advanced rectal cancer requiring an eTME (2014-2020).

Presence of an index case in households of newly registered leprosy patients: experience from a leprosy referral centre in South India.

The global leprosy burden in terms of new case detection does not seem to show a declining trend. India continues to be one of the major contributors to the leprosy burden. It is well known that the presence of an index case is a risk factor for leprosy among household contacts.

Sustainable leprosy related disability care within integrated general health services: findings from Salem District, India.

The main focus of leprosy control has been case detection and treatment delivery with relative neglect of prevention of disability. Absence of reliable data and lack of research have added to the problem. This raised concerns about the capacity of the general health system to address the needs of people living with leprosy-related disabilities.

Effective participation of TB sanatoria in Revised National TB Control Programme (DOTS) in a metropolitan city.

Background: Revised National TB Control Programme has been implemented since 1998 in Bangalore metropolitan city which has several big general hospitals, including two TB sanatoria which attract a large number of respiratory symptomatic and TB patients. Till recently there was significant loss of patients for follow up because of lack of mechanism to reach the patients, good recording practices and linkage with district TB control office.

Objective: To establish an effective referral mechanism between TB sanatoria and peripheral health institutions of the government for providing un-interrupted supervised treatment (DOT) to all newly detected TB patients.