The perspective of surgical residents on current and future training in light of the COVID-19 pandemic

SCOPUS: le.jDecretOANoAutActifinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

The analgesic action of desmopressin in renal colic

Urolithiasis is a frequent problem causing a significant clinical, psychological and socio-economic burden. Analgesia remains the most important element in the medical treatment of renal colic. Nonetheless, both NSAIDs and opiates have a side effect profile which can cause further complications. As such, the use of desmopressin for renal colic has received increased attention in the last two decades. This paper provides an overview of current evidence on the use of desmopressin as an analgesic strategy in renal colic

Clinicians embracing social media in the response against COVID-19

DEAR EDITOR, On 11 March 2020, the WHO director declared the rapidly spreading COVID-19 a pandemic. The very next day, a group of Italian doctors working in Belgium, sensitised by personal contact with Italian clinicians in the forefront of the pandemic, decided to take action. Concerned about the imminent impact on the hospitals and the complex management of patients with COVID-19, they created a Facebook group in French to share information. It allowed clinicians from Belgium, France and Switzerland to efficiently communicate with each other, and exchange guidelines and research, as well as personal experiences. The group was named ‘Coronavirus/COVID-19 pour les médecins’ which translates from French to ‘Coronavirus/COVID-19 for doctors’. [...

An Algorithm in Managing Deep Inferior Epigastric Vessel Interruption in Free Flap Breast Reconstruction

Background:. Previous surgical procedures in the abdomen are no longer contra-indications for free flap breast reconstruction using the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap. Nonetheless, a possible consequence of previous surgical procedures may be trauma to the deep inferior epigastric (DIE) pedicle, leading to interruption. In these cases, a modification in operative strategy may be required. Methods:. A study was performed across two centers, during a 10-year period between January 1, 2010 and December 2019. Patient and outcome data were collected from the patient file and operation notes. Results:. Four cases with clear evidence of DIE pedicle interruption were found, with an average age of 54 years and an average body mass index of 28.9. Three patients had a preoperative diagnosis of DIE pedicle interruption on CT angiography, whereas in one case this was found peroperatively. For three cases, unilateral reconstruction was performed, and for one, bilateral reconstruction. Four flaps (in three cases) were unipedicled; the contralateral DIE pedicle was used in three, and the superficial system was used in one. For the bipedicled case, two hemiflaps were used, with the interrupted DIE pedicle anastomosed to a branch of the contralateral DIE pedicle. Conclusions:. Interrupted DIE vessels remain a challenge for free flap breast reconstruction. The four cases demonstrated in this article highlight different surgical strategies, with an emphasis on detailed preoperative planning, including CT angiography. We present an algorithm to aid the reader in approaching cases with an interrupted DIE pedicle