Retroperitoneal haematomas in obstetrics: literature review.

Introduction: There is paucity of literature on retroperitoneal haemorrhage/haematomas (RH) as these cases are extremely rare in obstetrics. Experience is available mostly from case reports and therefore the incidence of RH in obstetrics is unknown.

Methods: Literature search in Medline/Pubmed and Google scholar using MeSH; aneurysm, haematoma, haemorrhage, obstetrics and retroperitoneal.

Graduated compression stockings to prevent deep vein thrombosis.

This article describes the correct use and length of graduated elastic compression stockings to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in general surgical patients. The authors aim to establish whether above or below knee stockings are more effective in the prevention of DVTs, discuss anti-embolic prophylaxis and offer advice on the appropriate management of patients.

Anaesthetic management of an obstetric patient with Pompe disease.

Pompe disease (Glycogen storage disease type II) leads to abnormal glycogen deposition in various vital organs resulting in multiple systemic sequelae. We present the anaesthetic management for caesarean section of a 31-year-old parturient with known Pompe disease. The parturient had symptoms and signs of respiratory dysfunction and the pregnancy was complicated by preeclampsia.

Information needs before hospital discharge of myocardial infarction patients: a comparative, descriptive study.

Aims And Objectives: To explore the information needs of patients who have received treatment for a myocardial infarction before their discharge home from an acute hospital. WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE TOPIC: Providing information for myocardial infarction patients is an important nursing function and is part of the role of health-care professionals delivering cardiac rehabilitation. It is essential to acknowledge and incorporate the self-perceived needs of patients into the information they receive.

An unusual case of metastatic post-irradiation breast sarcoma.

A 71-year-old lady developed a left breast angiosarcoma 10 years after a wide local excision and external beam radiotherapy for invasive breast cancer. Three years after a left simple mastectomy for the angiosarcoma, she presented with metastatic angiosarcoma in the contralateral axilla. There were no local or distant metastases.

Core biopsy vs fine needle aspiration cytology in a symptomatic breast clinic.

Aim: The adequacy of physical examination, mammography and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) (conventional triple assessment) in the diagnosis of breast cancer has been questioned. We have performed a prospective study directly comparing FNAC and core biopsy in our symptomatic breast clinic.

Method: Between 15/5/00 and 17/1/01, 330 consecutive patients with breast lumps were assessed by physical examination, ultrasound, and mammography if over 35 years, and FNAC and core biopsy with or without ultrasound guidance.

Producing criteria for static mattress tender and purchase.

When selecting mattresses criteria such as health and safety plus clinical and cost-effectiveness should be considered. These can then form the basis of contract tender specifications.