Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Esophagus in an Adolescent: A Case Report.

Esophageal cancer is more common with increasing age and rarely seen below the age of 45. The current case report is a case of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus in a 17-year-old male patient who presented with progressive dysphagia and significant weight loss. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) neck, chest, and abdomen showed a lesion involving the middle and lower third of the esophagus with contiguous involvement of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ), extending from D7 to D11 vertebral segments and completely occluding the lumen.

Out-of-Pocket Expenditure and Challenges Faced by Patients Undergoing Heart Valve Replacement in Follow-Up Care at a Tertiary Care Center in South India: A Mixed Methods Study.

Background Heart valve replacement surgery is one of the most commonly performed cardiac surgeries in India. Post-surgery, the patient requires lifetime anticoagulation therapy with regular follow-up, leading to financial and nonfinancial burdens for the patients. This study aimed to determine the out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure (OOPE) for follow-up visits to the heart valve clinic and explore and assess the challenges faced by patients during these follow-ups.

Comparative Evaluation of Dexmedetomidine and Dexamethasone as Adjuvants in Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block.

Introduction Currently, peripheral nerve block has shown immense potential with effective patient satisfaction. In the event of upper limb surgeries, the supraclavicular brachial plexus approach under ultrasound guidance renders quick and dense anesthesia. In addition, the clinical utility of adjuvants with local anesthetics elicits a good quality of nerve block with improved duration and inset.

Early Initiation of Breastfeeding Among Adolescent Mothers: A Quality Improvement Study.

Background: The prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) was found to be low among adolescent postnatal mothers. EIBF is associated with improved parenting skills and better neurodevelopment in babies. We aimed to improve the prevalence of EIBF among teenage mothers to at least 90% through a quality improvement (QI) initiative.

Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Infusion in Surgical Outcomes of Perforation Peritonitis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background Perforation peritonitis is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality in spite of advances in antibiotics and surgical techniques. The Omega-3 fatty acid is an immune-enhancing essential fatty acid that has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which help in quicker recovery. The present study examined the role of Omega-3 fatty acid infusion in the surgical outcome of perforation peritonitis.