Irish journal of medical science
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Anecdotal evidence suggests that current service restrictions and operative cancellations are resulting in increased numbers of catheterized men in the community awaiting definitive management of their bladder outlet obstruction. We wished to analyse current admission policies and management strategies of acute urinary retention (AUR) secondary to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) in Ireland. ⋯ There is variation in the admission policy for AUR in Ireland. Elective admission and operative restrictions for catheterized patients following episodes of AUR are causing concern to the urologists in Ireland.
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Comparative Study
Elective surgery: a comparison of in-patient versus day surgery practices in Ireland.
Currently, there is a paucity of research which has assessed practices at the point of care for day surgery patient. ⋯ This study echoes findings of other similar studies in that management of patients undergoing elective surgery which varies significantly across Irish hospitals.
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There is increasing evidence that outpatient treatment of patients with low-risk stable pulmonary embolism (PE) is safe, effective and potentially reduces costs. It is not clear how many patients presenting to an Irish Emergency Department (ED) are potentially suitable for outpatient management. ⋯ This study suggests that a significant percentage of patients diagnosed with acute PE are low risk as per PESI and therefore potentially suitable for outpatient management.
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The safety of anaesthetic agents in early pregnancy cannot be guaranteed. Certain types of surgery, particularly gynaecological, may also be dangerous. It is therefore important to ensure that, female patients are not inadvertently pregnant when undergoing elective surgery. Different hospitals have different policies and guidelines in place to determine female patients' pregnancy status prior to elective surgery. ⋯ It is important that, female patients are counselled appropriately regarding the importance of using adequate contraception or, abstinence in order to avoid pregnancy prior to elective surgical procedures. Our survey shows that, gynaecologists are more likely to give this advice compared to our surgical colleagues. Nevertheless, the number of gynaecologists who do this is surprisingly low (35 %). Urinary HCG is still the standard test used in most units to exclude pregnancy.
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Women younger than 30 years with a focal breast finding have a low incidence of malignancy. Targeted ultrasound is an accurate primary imaging test. ⋯ A breast nodule in a patient under the age of 25 years with benign clinical findings and imaging features consistent with a fibroadenoma does not require biopsy.