Multidisciplinary Surgical Team Research Articles

The role of free flap reconstruction after resection of extremity and trunk soft tissue sarcomas. Results of two referral centers in Argentina

IntroductionFor patients affected by extremity or trunk soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) large resections might be needed to achieve negative margins. This is a common scenario especially in locally advanced or recurrent tumors often within a pre-irradiated field. The objective of this study was to evaluate the results of free-flap reconstructions (FFR) after sarcoma surgery. ObjectiveThe endpoints were surgical results, quality of surgical margins and oncological outcome. MethodsRetrospective analysis of patients with extremity and trunk STS with free-flap reconstruction between 2008 and 2022. Demographic and tumor data, perioperative treatment, margin status, morbidity and evolution were evaluated. ResultsOf 467 patients, 25 (5.35%) required 26 free-flap reconstructions. Surgery was performed on an irradiated field in 8 (32%) patients. Reconstructions were mostly needed for distal lower extremity resections and the most common type of flap used was antero-lateral tight (ALT) flap. No R2 resections were performed. R0 and R1 resections were achieved in 22 (84.6%) and 4 (15.4%), respectively. All R1 resections were preplanned positive along a preserved critical structure. Surgical morbidity rate was 26% (7/26) and the re-operation rate was 15% (4/26) with 7.7% flap losses (2/26). At a median follow-up of 38 months, 7 (28%) patients presented local recurrences. ConclusionIn a referral sarcoma center, having a multidisciplinary surgical team capable of complex resections and reconstructions is of utmost importance for a correct and integral surgical planning. This allows optimal oncologic resections with acceptable morbidity.

A Multidisciplinary Minimally Invasive Approach Is Necessary for the Contemporary Management of Esophageal Diverticula.

Background: Esophageal diverticula were traditionally treated with open surgery, which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates. Management has shifted to minimally invasive approaches with several advantages. We examine outcomes in patients with esophageal diverticula treated with minimally invasive techniques by a multidisciplinary surgical team at a single center. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed for patients who underwent minimally invasive surgery for esophageal diverticula at our institution from June 2010 to December 2022. Primary outcomes were 30-day morbidity and mortality rates. Secondary outcomes were symptom resolution, length of stay (LOS), readmission, and need for reintervention. Results: A total of 28 patients were identified. Twelve patients had pharyngeal diverticula, 7 patients had midesophageal diverticula, and 9 patients had epiphrenic diverticula. Thirty-day morbidity and readmission rates were 10.7% (3 patients), 1 pharyngeal (sepsis), 1 midesophageal (refractory nausea), and 1 epiphrenic (poor oral intake). There were no esophageal leaks. Average LOS was 2.3 days, with the pharyngeal group experiencing a significantly shorter LOS (1.3 days versus 3.4 days for midesophageal, P < .01 versus 2.8 days for epiphrenic, P < .05). Symptom resolution after initial operation was 78.6%. Reintervention rate was 17.9%, and symptom resolution after reintervention was 100%. There were no mortalities. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that esophageal diverticula can be repaired safely and efficiently when performed by a multidisciplinary team utilizing advanced minimally invasive endoscopic and robotic surgical techniques. We advocate for the management of this rare condition at a high-volume center with extensive experience in foregut surgery.

The Development of Skull Base Surgery as a Discipline: Remembrances of Dr Jon H. Robertson.

Skull base surgery is a young surgical subspecialty currently led by its second generation of surgeons. At present, there is no literature that narrates the connection of the present to the past. An extended interview was held with Dr Jon H. Robertson, who helped establish the subspecialty in Memphis, TN, to aid in identifying and connecting sentinel events and key figures in the development of the discipline. The field drastically evolved during his era of practice (1975-present), with the advent of advanced imaging and technology, as well as the emergence of multidisciplinary skull base surgical teams. The intersection of the careers of Jon H. Robertson, James T. Robertson, Gale Gardner, Edwin Cocke, John Shea, Jr., and Jerrall Crook in Memphis catalyzed the standardization of a multidisciplinary approach to cranial base pathology. We report the findings of Dr Jon H. Robertson's extended interview, told against the backdrop of the history of the subspecialty. The story of the development of skull base surgery is told from the unique perspective of one who lived and shaped a pivotal segment in this historical timeline.

Updates on the pathophysiology and therapies of chylous pleural effusion: A narrative review

Chylous pleural effusion (CPE) is a milky pleural fluid that contains high levels of proteins, cholesterol, triglycerides, or chylomicrons. The main cause of CPE is disruption of the thoracic duct caused by traumatic or non-traumatic causes. High triglyceride, cholesterol, and/or chylomicron levels confirm the diagnosis. Recognizing the chyle leak site and underlying etiology is critical to the management of this clinical condition. There is no specific consensus on chylothorax treatment. However, a multidisciplinary (medical, surgical, and oncological) team approach is recommended.

HPB P22 Improving Time to ERCP for Acute Gallstone Cholangitis Admissions at a District General Hospital: A Closed Loop Audit

Abstract Background The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines recommend that adults with acute gallstone cholangitis receive endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) within 72 hours of diagnosis, especially in the moderate-severe cases. Early intervention is associated with improved patient outcomes. For smaller district general hospitals with limited resources, achieving these targets can be difficult. We audited our management of patients admitted with obstructive gallstone disease (cholangitis and pancreatitis) with aim of improving timely access to ERCP. Methods We performed a closed loop audit investigating time to ERCP in patients admitted with acute gallstone cholangitis at a UK district general hospital. Severity was graded according to the 2018 Tokyo Guidelines. Data was collected over a 5-month period (01/05/2023 to 01/10/2023), analysed and presented to the surgical multi-disciplinary team. Additional referral pathways to 3 nearby tertiary care centre for ERCP were established. Post-intervention admissions were re-audited over a second 5-month period (01/01/2023 to 01/06/2023) to assess the effect of the new referral pathways. Results Forty-one patients received ERCP for acute gallstone cholangitis (14 mild cases; 17 moderate; 10 severe). Pre-intervention, overall median time to ERCP was 10 days (5–24). For moderate-severe and mild cases median times to ERCP were 8 (5–19) and 28 days (9–46), respectively. The new referral pathways reduced overall median time to ERCP to 6 days (4–9). For moderate-severe and mild cases, post-intervention median times to ERCP were 6 days (6–8) and 4 days (4–25), respectively. Median length of stay pre- and post-intervention was 8 (6–13) and 7 days (4–10), respectively. Conclusions The management of acute gallstone cholangitis poses a significant burden on district general hospitals, particularly those with limited resources. By establishing additional referral pathways to nearby tertiary care centres, we successfully reduced median time to ERCP for local patients with moderate-severe acute gallstone cholangitis. This change may have may have also contributed to a reduction in overall length of stay and shorter waiting times for ERCP in mild cases of gallstone cholangitis. These findings underscore the importance of collaborative efforts between district general hospitals and tertiary centres to enhance patient outcomes.

Multidisciplinary Surgical Approach to Increase Survival for Advanced Ovarian Cancer in a Tertiary Gynaecological Oncology Centre.

The purpose of this paper is to report on changes in overall survival, progression-free survival, and complete cytoreduction rates in the 5-year period after the implementation of a multidisciplinary surgical team (MDT). Two cohorts were used. Cohort A was a retrospectively collated cohort from 2006 to 2015. Cohort B was a prospectively collated cohort of patients from January 2017 to September 2021. This study included 146 patients in cohort A (2006-2015) and 174 patients in cohort B (2017-2021) with FIGO stage III/IV ovarian cancer. Median follow-up in cohort A was 60 months and 48 months in cohort B. The rate of primary cytoreductive surgery increased from 38% (55/146) in cohort A to 46.5% (81/174) in cohort B. Complete macroscopic resection increased from 58.9% (86/146) in cohort A to 78.7% (137/174) in cohort B (p < 0.001). At 3 years, 75% (109/144) patients had disease progression in cohort A compared with 48.8% (85/174) in cohort B (log-rank, p < 0.001). Also at 3 years, 64.5% (93/144) of patients had died in cohort A compared with 24% (42/174) of cohort B (log-rank, p < 0.001). Cox multivariate analysis demonstrated that MDT input, residual disease, and age were independent predictors of overall (hazard ratio [HR] 0.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.203-0.437, p < 0.001) and progression-free survival (HR 0.31, 95% CI 0.21-0.43, p < 0.001). Major morbidity remained stable throughout both study periods (2006-2021). Our data demonstrate that the implementation of multidisciplinary-team, intraoperative approach allowed for a change in surgical philosophy and has resulted in a significant improvement in overall survival, progression-free survival, and complete resection rates.

Improving weekend handover in a teaching hospital elective general surgery department.

Effective documentation and transfer of clinical information are vital for the continuity of care, patient safety, and maintaining medico-legal records, as outlined by the Royal College of Surgeons "Safe Handover: Guidance from the Working Time Directive working party". Our elective surgery weekend team cross-covers both Colorectal and Upper Gastrointestinal surgical specialties across multiple wards, which poses a significant challenge. The aim of this study was to improve the documentation of patients' weekend plans through the introduction of a weekend handover proforma. We reviewed the weekend plans of 199 patients overall. 41 records were initially reviewed over a 2-week period. The surgical multidisciplinary team was then surveyed to establish the need for an improved weekend handover. Following this, a weekend handover proforma was introduced as part of the Friday ward round and education on the expectations were provided at a local Surgery Clinical Governance meeting. The documentation of the weekend plan was reviewed for 158 patients over a 6-week period and a post-intervention survey was disseminated. The preliminary survey highlighted concerns for delayed discharges and patient safety over the weekend, with 88.2% of respondents agreeing a weekend handover proforma would be beneficial. The initial data confirmed inadequate documentation of diagnosis (19.5%), operation/procedure (28.1%), and weekend plans for blood tests (19.5%), discharge planning (2.4%), diet (46.3%), antibiotics (19.5%), intravenous (IV) fluids (22.0%), mobility (19.5%) and drain/wound care (37.5%). After education and implementing a weekend handover proforma, these results increased for documentation of diagnosis (61.2%), operation/procedure (83.2%), blood tests (59.7%), and discharge planning (85.8%). However, there was little improvement in diet (53.0%) and no improvement in the weekend plans for antibiotics (14.2%), IV fluids (17.2%), mobility (14.9%) and drain/wound care (20.2%). The post-intervention survey showed an improvement across all areas, notably continuity of care and patient safety, with 95.5% of individuals finding the weekend handover proforma aided in patient care over the weekend. Education of the ward team and implementation of a weekend handover proforma resulted in a marked improvement in the documentation of patients' weekend plans, which is essential to ensure the continuation of safe and effective patient care.

890 Surgical Multidisciplinary Team Meetings Are Enhanced by Collaboration in the Metaverse

Abstract Aim Multidisciplinary team meetings (MDT-Ms) are utilised as a clinical decision-making tool. Currently, these are in-person or remote, using screen-sharing of patient health records including clinical findings, numerical data, and imaging (2D/3D). Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) is an emerging technology allowing multiple care-providers to remotely interact with patient data in the metaverse. Our aim was to develop an IVR metaverse for MDT-M and test its feasibility and efficacy in the orthopaedic trauma setting. Method Interviews of users attending existing orthopaedic trauma MDT-Ms at a regional major trauma centre identified strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis) for a novel platform. Iterative testing allowed feature development and curation of twenty-four simulated cases from previous admissions. User experience in pilot MDT-Ms was measured using the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) and System Usability Scale (SUS). Results An IVR metaverse platform was developed and four MDT-Ms were successfully conducted with healthcare professionals (n = 13). Participants found ‘data visualisation’ and ‘clinical decision-making’ effective in IVR: median 5 (IQR 4-5); and 5 (IQR 4-5) respectively. Ratings on ‘ease of communication’ in the metaverse were varied with a median of 3 (IQR 2-4.5). Qualitative analysis highlighted the strength of IVR for collaborative interrogation of 3D anatomy and injury patterns. The NASA-TLX domain ‘task performance’ was rated consistently highly. Conclusions Healthcare professionals can conduct MDT-Ms using a novel platform on commercially available IVR headsets. Participants were able to collaboratively interrogate clinical data, facilitating enhanced discussion, decision-making, and perceived task performance. Future iterations will focus on role designation to improve communication in MDT-Ms.

Advanced Abdominal Pregnancy of 32 Weeks with Alive Baby: A Rare Event

Background: Abdominal pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic or extrauterine pregnancy with an incidence of 1:10000 and 1:30000. Advanced abdominal pregnancy is extremely rare with high maternal and perinatal mortality.&#x0D; Case Presentation: We report a case of abdominal pregnancy at 32 weeks gestation with persistent abdominal pain and severe anemia, who was referred from another hospital to our center with an Ultrasonogram, missed the diagnosis of abdominal pregnancy, which was confirmed in our center as abdominal pregnancy at 32 weeks with live fetus. With laparotomy a 1.2 kg female baby was born without much difficulty and post operative recovery was uneventful. But the baby died at 27Th post operative day.&#x0D; Conclusion: High index of clinical suspicion is necessary for early diagnosis of abdominal pregnancy and timely laparotomy with multidisciplinary surgical team can save the life of a mother.&#x0D; Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.22 (1); January 2023; Page 76-78

Reducing lower extremity hospital-acquired pressure injuries: a multidisciplinary clinical team approach

Objective: Optimal methods of reducing incidence of hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) remain to be determined. We assessed changes in yearly incidence of lower extremity HAPIs before and after an intervention aimed at reducing these wounds. Method: In 2012, we implemented a three-pronged intervention to reduce the incidence of HAPIs. The intervention included: a multidisciplinary surgical team; enhanced nursing education; and improved quality data reporting. Yearly incidence of lower extremity HAPIs was tracked. Results: Pre-intervention, incidence of HAPIs was 0.746%, 0.751% and 0.742% in 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. Post-intervention, incidence of HAPIs was 0.002%, 0.051%, 0.038%, 0.000% and 0.006% in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. Mean incidence of HAPIs was reduced from 0.746% before the intervention to 0.022% after the intervention (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: An intervention by a multidisciplinary surgical team enhanced nursing education, and improved quality data reporting reduced the incidence of lower extremity HAPIs.

Sister Mary Joseph's Nodules

ABSTRACT Sister Mary Joseph's nodules are commonly associated with internal malignancies. It usually manifests as a nodule with an irregular border around umbilicus, however, it may present as blue–black, friable, ulcerated lump with drainage as large as 10 cm. Sister Mary Joseph's nodules has a poor prognosis with average survival time of 11 months. We report an 85-year-old female presenting with painless, erythematous nodules on the umbilicus that developed over one month. Histopathology findings of skin biopsy was consistent with metastatic adenocarcinoma. Computerized tomography imaging of abdomen and pelvic showed a large pelvic mass obstructing the sigmoid colon. The patient was subsequently managed by a multidisciplinary surgical and medical oncology team.

The impact of surgical learning curve on short-term outcomes after bilateral lung transplantation: results from a multidisciplinary surgical team.

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of surgical learning curve on short-term clinical outcomes of patients after bilateral lung transplantation (LTx) performed by a surgical multidisciplinary team (MDT). Forty-two patients underwent double LTx from December 2016 to October 2021. All procedures were performed by a surgical MDT in a newly established LTx program. The time required for bronchial, left atrial cuff and pulmonary artery anastomoses was the main end point to assess surgical proficiency. The associations between the surgeon's experience and procedural duration were examined by linear regression analysis. We employed the simple moving average technique to generate learning curves and evaluated short-term outcomes before and after achieving surgical proficiency. Both total operating time and total anastomosis time were inversely associated with the surgeon's experience. On analysing the learning curve for bronchial, left atrial cuff and pulmonary artery anastomoses using moving averages, the inflection points occurred at 20, 15 and 10 cases, respectively. To assess the learning curve effect, the study cohort was divided into early (cases 1-20) and late (cases 21-42) groups. Short-term outcomes-including intensive care unit stay, in-hospital stay and severe complications-were significantly more favourable in the late group. Furthermore, there was a notable tendency for patients in the late group to experience a decreased duration of mechanical ventilation along with reduced instances of grade 3 primary graft dysfunction. A surgical MDT can perform double LTx safely after 20 procedures.

Awareness and attitude of medical personnel in Kerala, India to transgender persons

Being one of the first Indian states to come out with a transgender bill in 2015, Kerala's Social Justice Department also implemented various health-based provisions for transgender individuals catering to their physical, mental, and gender-based health. Many of these are still in the process of being set up and transgender individuals will have to wait for smoother access to healthcare. This study aims to assess the awareness regarding general transgender issues and health as well as the attitude towards transgender persons among the medical community- especially medical students and doctors who are a critical link for the integration of the transgender community into society. Responses were collected from 452 medical doctors and students from Kerala through scales that measured awareness level and attitude, including transphobia. The relation of gender, age, years of experience, and specialty of medical personnel to the level of transphobia and awareness about transgender issues was also analyzed using statistical methods. Transphobia levels were moderate in the sample. Women and medical students had lower levels of transphobia than men and practicing doctors respectively. Awareness levels were average for general information about the transgender community, such as its core features and difference from other similar categories but were low on health-related aspects of transgender persons (such as their physical and mental health issues, healthcare provisions, and knowledge on gender affirmation surgery). More inclusive actions are needed in medical education, legislative actions, advocacy groups, and the formation of multidisciplinary surgical teams to further the cause of the transgender community.

Caseous Mitral Annular Calcification Presenting as Retinal Artery Occlusion

Caseous mitral annular calcification (CMAC), sometimes called liquefaction necrosis of mitral annular calcification (MAC), is a rare variant of MAC, a chronic degenerative process that progresses with age. It is a degenerative abnormality of the fibrous tissue and typically involves the posterior annulus, appearing as a smooth mass with no flow or acoustic shadow artefacts. It can be differentiated from other cardiac masses by CT and MRI. Whilst benign in nature, it is associated with a range of pathologies, such as mitral valve dysfunction, arrhythmias, and systemic embolisation. Given the risk of systemic embolisation, surgery may be appropriate, but there is no clear consensus in the literature in patients who are asymptomatic. This case highlights a case of CMAC presenting with a retinal artery occlusion, and was managed conservatively. Background The mitral annulus is a key component of the mitral valve, ensuring appropriate function by facilitating complete closure of the leaflets during systole. With age, MAC can occur, potentially resulting in mitral valve dysfunction, infective endocarditis, and arrhythmias. CMAC is a rare variant of MAC, typically involving the posterior annulus. Whilst benign, the risk of complications, such as systemic embolisation, may indicate a surgical approach to management, even in patients who are asymptomatic. Case Presentation A 60-year-old female, presenting with sudden loss of vision in the lower part of her left eye due to a branch retinal artery embolus, was admitted from ophthalmology services. An outpatient transthoracic echocardiogram showed an abnormal mass on the posterior annulus of the mitral valve. Transoesophageal echocardiography identified a calcified posterior aspect of the mitral annulus with normal leaflet mobility and trivial regurgitation, and an echogenic mass attached to the ventricular aspect of the mitral annulus (at the level of posteromedial commissure), 9x4 mm in size. A cardiac CT showed a caseous mitral valve with evidence of rupture of the calcified shell. Discussion with the surgical multidisciplinary team resulted in a conservative approach, with follow-up echo for monitoring. Conclusion Whilst a benign and rare variant of MAC, CMAC is associated with a range of pathologies, including mitral valve disease, arrhythmias, and systemic embolisation. Currently, there is no standardised management approach for CMAC. Surgery is currently recommended in the context of already known surgically indicated pathologies, such as severe mitral valve disease or systemic embolisation. However, this conservatively-managed patient has had no further complications with stable echocardiographic appearance on repeat echo 3 months following initial exam.

Remission, complications, and overall survival in transsphenoidal pituitary surgery—a Swedish single-center experience of 578 patients

BackgroundSurgical treatment of pituitary lesions causing hormonal overproduction or mass effect is standard procedure. There are few reports on the results and complications related to these surgeries from Northern Europe. Our aim was to evaluate the outcome and complications of a single tertiary surgical center over more than a decade.MethodsThis was a retrospective study on all patients that underwent pituitary surgery from 1st of January 2005 to 31st of December 2017. The analysis included type of lesion, surgical method, pre- and postoperative need for hormonal substitution, hormonal outcome, complications to surgery, survival, need for revision surgery, or stereotactic radiation. Appropriate statistical analyses were made to evaluate surgical results, complications, and survival.ResultsFive hundred seventy-eight patients were included in the study. Remission was achieved in 58% of patients with GH-producing and 94% of ACTH-releasing adenomas. Sixty-six percent had no preoperative hormonal substitution compared to 39% postoperatively. Rhinosinusitis (10%) was the most commonly reported postoperative complication followed by leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (8%) and meningitis (4%). Standardized mortality rate for the study population was higher (p = 0.18) when compared to the general population.ConclusionOur results regarding remission rates and complications are in comparison with previous studies. Surgery of pituitary lesion can be considered a safe and efficient surgery. We noted lower rates of CSF leakage in the later part of the study period and believe that this, in part, was an effect by the introduction of a multidisciplinary surgical skull base team and increased surgical experience.

A rare case of parasitic fibroid presenting as abdominopelvic mass – A surgical dilemma

Parasitic fibroids (PFs) are rare extrauterine fibroids classified as Type 8 leiomyomas as per The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) classification, without uterine myometrial involvement or attachment. Due to its very low incidence, unusual locations, and atypical presentations, these fibroids cause lot of clinical dilemmas to treating physicians. Hereby, we are presenting an interesting case of PF which is presented to us as a case of abdominopelvic mass. Here, we learned that whenever female patients with abdominal mass and prior surgical history, PF should be considered possibilities to avoid on-table intraoperative surprises where a multidisciplinary surgical team may be required depending upon location and organ involved. We were fortunate that our PF was attached to the omentum and sigmoid colon by connective tissue and feeding vessels and could be removed without much deliberation.

Young Adolescent With Restricted Arm Motion During a Preparticipation Physical Exam.

A healthy 15-year-old right-hand dominant football player presented to the clinic for a preparticipation examination (PPE) with an exam notable for reduced right shoulder range of motion. The patient reported no complaints, including no pain. Upon questioning, he noted a remote non-sports related injury to that shoulder with unremarkable radiographs at that time. Subsequent X-ray imaging showed a bony abnormality thought to be consistent with an osteochondroma. However, advanced imaging identified it as a heterotrophic ossification center that required a complex, multidisciplinary surgical team to correct. This case of a high school football player's routine PPE that resulted in surgery highlights not only whether sport participation is safe, but also the importance of direct, specific language that asks about the history of any injuries, rather than specifically sports related.

Free Jejunal Graft Interposition with Vascular Reconstruction in Patients Undergoing Pharyngo Laryngo Esophagectomy

Pharyngo-esophageal reconstruction using free jejunal grafts has been widely used for the treatment of locally advanced carcinomas of the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus. However, the procedure is technically demanding and requires complex recontractions. The aim of this study was to evaluate our institutional outcomes of reconstruction using a free jejunal graft with vascular reconstruction in patients undergoing pharyngo laryngo esophagectomy with a multidisciplinary surgical team. There were 90 consecutive patients between October 2006 and February 2021. The mean age was 64.6±10.3years, and there were 76 male patients. Of 90 patients, 49 underwent preoperative chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Jejunal vessels were commonly anastomosed to the common carotid artery and the internal jugular vein (77.8% and 92.2%, respectively). Continuous intravenous infusion of heparin was used postoperatively. Necrosis of the graft was observed in 5 patients. An isolated revision of vein was necessary in 1 patient. In all cases of graft failure, heparin was not used postoperatively. On the other hand, among the patients without graft failure, heparin was used for about two-thirds of the patients and was significantly different (0% vs. 66%, P=0.01). Free jejunal graft with vessel reconstruction is a safe and effective method for patients undergoing pharyngo laryngo esophagectomy. The position for the prevention of kinking as well anastomosis maneuver of vein is especially important. Moreover, early postoperative anticoagulation is essential.

Sri Lankan Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus inornatus) Attacks on Humans.

The sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) is an omnivore that has been reported around most parts of South Asia. Although rare, sloth bear attacks can inflict potentially life-threatening injuries. This cross-sectional study analyzed 10 patients who had been mauled by sloth bears and who presented to rural hospitals in the Anuradhapura district of Sri Lanka between 2015 and 2019. All of the patients were male farmers. The human-bear encounters occurred in the jungle during the daytime. Ten victims sustained multiple soft tissue and bone injuries, mainly to the face and arms. The injuries ranged from minor abrasions to extensive deep lacerations and bone fractures. All of the patients were managed in the tertiary care hospital by multidisciplinary surgical teams. Sloth bear-inflicted wounds must be treated as major trauma. There is a need to formulate guidelines and train medical officers in managing animal-inflicted injuries in Sri Lanka.

Management of Locally Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has a natural tendency to invade the venous system with formation of a venous tumor thrombus in the renal vein, which can extend proximally into the inferior vena cava (IVC) and in some cases into the right atrium. The presence of venous involvement significantly worsens prognosis. Despite recent advances in systemic therapies, surgery remains the most effective method of treatment and in the case of complete removal of all tumor, it provides satisfactory long-term survival and must be attempted whenever possible. Several surgical techniques have been proposed, but all are associated with a high rate of perioperative complications and mortality. Minimally invasive approaches are mainly applicable for less extended IVC thrombi, while open surgery remains the gold standard for this category of patients. Most IVC thrombi can be managed without use of circulatory support by using different methods of IVC control depending on the thrombus level. However, use of cardiac bypass with or without deep hypothermic cardiac arrest is indicated in some patients with bulky intraatrial tumor thombi. In select patients presenting with IVC tumor thrombus and synchronous distant metastases, cytoreductive nephrectomy with IVC tumor thrombectomy may be considered with or without neoadjuvant systemic therapy. Surgery for RCC with venous thrombus is complex and requires experienced multidisciplinary surgical, anesthesia, and critical care teams at high-volume centers to achieve the best outcomes.