Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Superiorly based subperiosteal orbital abscess: an uncommon presentation

A 32-year-old female patient presented with severe facial pain, right eye proptosis and diplopia. Endoscopy revealed ipsilateral crusting, purulent discharge and bilateral nasal polyps. Imaging demonstrated a subperiosteal abscess on the roof of the right orbit. Due to patient’s significant ocular manifestations, surgical management was decided. The abscess was drained using combined endoscopic and external approach, via a Lynch-Howarth incision. Following rapid postoperative improvement, patient’s regular follow-up remains uneventful. A subperiosteal orbital abscess is a severe complication of rhinosinusitis that can ultimately endanger a patient’s vision. It is most commonly located on the medial orbital wall, resulting from direct spread of infection from the ethmoid cells. The rather uncommon superiorly based subperiosteal abscess occurs superiorly to the frontoethmoidal suture line, with frontal sinusitis being its main cause. Treating it solely endoscopically is more challenging than in medial wall abscesses, and a combined approach is often necessary.</jats:p

Idiopathic posterior laryngeal web on an adult patient

Posterior laryngeal webs are uncommon pathologies that are usually acquired at some point in adult life. Prior and prolonged intubation is the leading cause for developing such lesions. In certain rare cases of posterior laryngeal webs, no identifiable cause can be associated with the development of this pathology. We present a case with such an idiopathic lesion. Surgery is the treatment of choice. Several techniques and modifications can be used, to achieve maximum airway release and, at the same time, ensure that restenosis will be avoided. Our patient recurred following initial treatment and a more complex revision surgery was necessary. Special attention should be given in differentiating these lesions from abductor vocal cord paralysis. Furthermore, careful investigation of the cause and individualisation of patient treatment are crucial.</jats:p

Frontal sinus pneumocele caused by a maxillary sinus mucocele

A sinus pneumocele is a rare entity caused by obstruction of a paranasal sinus ostium. It is characterised by dilation and expansion of the sinus, with subsequent bony erosion. The most probable mechanism is air trapping in the paranasal sinus, via a one-way valve mechanism. The case presented concerns a 68-year-old Caucasian man, with recurrent episodes of acute rhinosinusitis. Clinical examination and subsequent imaging of the face, revealed a large pneumocele of the right frontal sinus that significantly eroded the posterior sinus wall. A large mucocele of the right maxillary sinus was also noted, extending to the middle meatus, causing full obstruction of the ostiomeatal complex. Endoscopic sinus surgery was performed, the mucocele was removed and the pneumatisation pathway of the frontal sinus was restored. The patient reports full resolution of symptoms and shows no evidence of recurrence, 6 months postoperatively.</jats:p

Superiorly based subperiosteal orbital abscess: an uncommon presentation

A 32-year-old female patient presented with severe facial pain, right eye proptosis and diplopia. Endoscopy revealed ipsilateral crusting, purulent discharge and bilateral nasal polyps. Imaging demonstrated a subperiosteal abscess on the roof of the right orbit. Due to patient&apos;s significant ocular manifestations, surgical management was decided. The abscess was drained using combined endoscopic and external approach, via a Lynch-Howarth incision. Following rapid postoperative improvement, patient&apos;s regular follow-up remains uneventful. A subperiosteal orbital abscess is a severe complication of rhinosinusitis that can ultimately endanger a patient&apos;s vision. It is most commonly located on the medial orbital wall, resulting from direct spread of infection from the ethmoid cells. The rather uncommon superiorly based subperiosteal abscess occurs superiorly to the frontoethmoidal suture line, with frontal sinusitis being its main cause. Treating it solely endoscopically is more challenging than in medial wall abscesses, and a combined approach is often necessary

An e-learning platform for managing seafarers’ health issues on board: pilot use on the Greek shipping industry

Background: It is well known that health management on board is a major challenge for maritime authorities, shipping companies, and seafarers. This paper presents the outcomes of the pilot use of an e-learning platform for dealing with mariners’ health issues aboard.Methods: The survey took place in the Piraeus port (Attica, Greece) during November 2021-February 2022. Data were gathered from merchant ship mariners (n=41) by questionnaires at the Piraeus port, Athens, Greece. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed by the SPSS v23.0® and Microsoft excel© 365.Results: Twenty-one seafarers (51.21%) were at the age group 31-40 years old, fifteen (36.58%) were at the age group 41-50 years old, four (9.75%) were at the age group 51-60 years old and 1 participant (2.43%) was over 60 years old. Twenty-six (63.41%) of the participants were occupied on deck department while fifteen (36.58%) in the engine room. A statistically significant higher score on web-test after the use of SeaHealth platform was confirmed by paired t test (p&lt;0.001) (Figure 3).Conclusions: The participants who used the e-learning platform improved their knowledge on first aid, increased their basic skills on medical care, and achieved more confidence in handling emergencies effectively aboard. </jats:p