Adnan Darr

Global medical advances within healthcare have subsequently led to the widespread introduction of biological products such as grafts, haemostats, and sealants. Although these products have been used for many decades, this subject is frequently not discussed during the consent process and remains an area of contention. A nationwide confidential online survey was distributed to UK-based junior registrars (ST3-5), senior registrars (ST6-8), post-CCT fellows, specialist associates/staff grade doctors and consultants working in general/vascular surgery, neurosurgery, otolaryngology, oral & maxillofacial surgery and plastic surgery. Data was collected from a total of 308 survey respondents. Biological derivatives were correctly identified in surgical products by only 25% of survey respondents, only 19% stated that they regularly consent for use of these products. An overwhelming 74% of participants agreed that further education on the intra-operative use of biological materials would be valuable. This study highlights deficiencies in knowledge that results in potential compromise of the consenting process for surgical procedures. A solution to this would be for clinicians to increase their awareness via educational platforms and to incorporate an additional statement on the consent form which addresses the potential intra-operative use of biological products and what their derivatives may be.

Introduction: March 11th, 2020 saw the World Health Organisation declare a global pandemic following the eruption of the novel coronavirus disease 2019. Unprecedented global demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) was complicated by limited availability and conflicting guidance from healthcare bodies. This study aimed to assess perceived confidence and knowledge of Public Health England’s PPE guidance amongst doctors of varying specialties and grades. Method: A nationwide 11-point survey comprising of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and a Likert scale assessing perceived confidence (1=not confident, 5=very confident) was disseminated to U.K. based doctors using multiple platforms. Results: Data collated from 697 respondents revealed average perceived confidence was low. Notably, 59% felt they had received insufficient education regarding up-to-date guidance, with 81% advocating further training. Anaesthetics and ophthalmology were the highest and lowest scoring specialties in knowledge based MCQs, achieving 59% and 31% respectively. Subsequent statistical analysis revealed significant differences between specialties." Conclusions: Ensuring consistency in published PPE guidance and education can develop doctor’s confidence and knowledge of appropriate PPE use. The absence of a unified consensus and global education regarding the use of PPE poses significant ramifications for patient and healthcare professional (HCP) safety whilst risking further depletion of already sparse resources.

Background: Starting work as a junior doctor can be daunting for any medical student. There are numerous aspects of the hidden or informal curriculum which many students fail to acquire during their training. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel foundation year one (FY1) doctor preparation course focusing on certain core topics, practical tips and components of the hidden curriculum. The primary objective was to improve the confidence level and knowledge of final year medical student transition to FY1 doctors. Method: A two-day, practical course titled “Preparation 2 Practice” delivering hands-on, small-group and lecture-based teaching, covering core medical student undergraduate curriculum topics in medicine and surgery. The course content spanned therapeutics, documentation skills and managing acute clinical tasks encountered by FY1 doctors during an on-call shift. A pre- and post-course survey and knowledge assessment were carried out to assess the effectiveness of the course. The assessment was MCQ-based, derived from topics covered within our course. The 20-question test and a short survey were administered electronically. Results: Twenty students from a single UK medical school attended the course. 100% participation was observed in the pre- and post-course test and survey. The median post-course test result was 22 (IQR 20.25 –23.75) which was higher than the median pre course test score of 18.75 (IQR 17–21.75). A Wilcoxon sign rank test revealed a statistically significant difference between the pre- and post-course test results (p=0.0003). The self-reported confidence score of delegates on starting work as a junior doctor was also significantly higher following the course (p=0.004). Conclusion: The results show a significant improvement in perceived confidence and knowledge on core curriculum topics amongst final year medical students having attended our FY1 doctor preparation course. We conclude that there is scope for similar supplementary courses as an adjunct to the undergraduate medical curriculum.

Patulous Eustachian tube is a distressing condition characterised by chronic patency of the Eustachian tube and its failure to close. Patients typically present with symptoms of autophony and aural fullness. In patients requiring surgical intervention, a variety of different procedures have been demonstrated (both transtympanic and endonasal), with limited success. Evidence of the effectiveness of a number of surgical interventions is limited to small case series only. This paper describes a novel treatment for patulous Eustachian tube using a 3 mm VortX Diamond endovascular coil. A transnasal endoscopic approach was adopted, with cannulation of the Eustachian tube orifice using a Relieva sinus guide suction tube from a balloon sinuplasty set. The coil was deployed 1.5 cm deep into the Eustachian tube. Post-operative imaging was used to confirm correct positioning. Regular follow up was arranged. The patient reported complete resolution of her symptoms. The technique has so far proved highly effective and minimally invasive. It will be employed in more patients to fully establish its effectiveness in treating patulous Eustachian tube.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare histiocytic disorder of unpredictable clinical course and varied modes of presentation. The spectrum of presentation is wide, ranging from isolated eosinophilic granulomas to multiple lesions and diffuse systemic involvement. We present the case of a 52-year-old man, who presented with an 8-week history of worsening otalgia and superficial temporal tenderness attributed to otitis externa within the community and subsequently giant cell arteritis. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were undertaken due to atypical features, which demonstrated bony destruction within the right greater wing of the sphenoid, squamous part of temporal and mastoid bone, with middle cranial fossa communication. Intra-orbital extension was noted with abutment of the lateral rectus muscle. Mastoid biopsies demonstrated a mixture of lymphocytes, eosinophils and monomorphic epithelial cells with pale cytoplasm and focal areas of granulation tissue/necrosis. The features were consistent with a diagnosis of LCH, and the patient was subsequently transferred to a tertiary centre for definitive treatment.

Sarcoidosis is a common multisystem granulomatous condition of unknown aetiology, predominantly involving the respiratory system. Tracheal stenosis has been described but we believe that we present the first case of a tracheo-oesophageal fistula secondary to chronic sarcoidosis. A 57-year-old woman with sarcoidosis, a known tracheal stricture and a Polyflex^® stent in situ presented with stridor. Bronchoscopy confirmed in-stent stenosis, by exuberant granulation tissue. The stent was removed and the granulation tissue was resected accordingly. Postoperatively, the patient was noticed to have an incessant cough and video fluoroscopy raised the suspicion of a tracheo-oesophageal fistula. A repeat bronchoscopy demonstrated marked granulation tissue, accompanied by a fistulous connection with the oesophagus at the mid-lower [middle of the lower] third of the trachea. Three Polyflex^® stents were sited across the entire length of the trachea. Sarcoidosis presents with varying clinical manifestations and disease progression. Tracheal involvement appears to be a rare phenomenon and usually results in stenosis. To date, there has been little or no documented literature describing the formation of a tracheo-oesophageal fistula resulting from sarcoidosis. Early reports documented the presence of sarcoidosis induced weakening in the tracheal wall, a process termed tracheal dystonia. Weaknesses are more apparent in the membranous aspect of the trachea. Despite the rare nature of such pathology, this case report highlights the need to consider the presence of a tracheo-oesophageal fistula in sarcoidosis patients presenting with repeat aspiration in the absence of an alternate pathology.

Background: In an emergency scenario, it is vital to appreciate the difference between a laryngectomy and a tracheostomy so that oxygen can be administered in an appropriate manner. This survey aimed to ascertain the level of emergency healthcare personnel's knowledge with regards to distinguishing between a tracheostomy and a laryngectomy patient, and the emergency management of such patients.Methods: Forty-four accident and emergency staff (28 doctors, nine nurses and seven paramedics) within one Foundation Trust were invited to complete a questionnaire to ascertain (1) their confidence at differentiating between a laryngectomy and tracheostomy stoma; (2) knowledge of the appropriate site for oxygen delivery if needed; and (3) overall level of training on this subject.Results: There were significant gaps in knowledge, particularly with regards to fundamental differences between a tracheostomy and a laryngectomy; less than 5 per cent were able to describe the anatomical difference. Only 41 per cent correctly identified the route of oxygen administration in laryngectomy patients.Conclusion: In this cohort of emergency staff, the fundamental difference between a laryngectomy and a tracheostomy was poorly understood. This lack of awareness of front-line emergency staff needs to be addressed in order to maximise patient safety.