Irish journal of medical science
-
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the common infections in childhood. Prompt diagnosis and treatment reduces the risk of complications. The choice of antibiotic to treat UTI varies from region to region. Rational use and appropriately chosen antibiotic reduces the emergence of resistant uropathogens. ⋯ Despite rising resistance rates, we recommend that Cefalexin should cautiously remain the antibiotic of choice for empirically treating uncomplicated urinary tract infections in secondary care pending urine culture. Nitrofurantoin should be reserved for treating non-coliform/atypical UTIs or multi-drug resistant UTIs. There is an ongoing need for clinicians in all geographic regions to continue to monitor antibiotic resistance rates every few years.
-
The learning curve for robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is estimated to be about 50-200 cases. This study will evaluate the benefit of a mentorship programme after completing a mini-fellowship in RARP by an experienced surgeon who previously trained in open and laparoscopic surgery. ⋯ In the transition of an experienced laparoscopic surgeon to robotic surgery, we showed that there is a benefit of a mentorship programme after a mini-fellowship in reducing the impact of the learning curve on patient outcomes. Ongoing mentorship may be of benefit in cases where a high volume of tumour is suspected and should be avoided in the early part of the learning curve to maximise oncological outcomes.
-
As the SARS-CoV-2 virus made a pandemic all over the world, its transmission routes became significant. Transmission from human to human is known, but other possible routes are not determined well. ⋯ This study showed that there is no transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus via sweat. However, general precautions must be taken while doing interventional procedures.
-
Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has shown promising results in the treatment of myriad head and neck pathologies but is now most commonly used in the investigation and management of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. ⋯ We anticipate the integration of TORS into routine practice in the investigation and management of a number of ENT pathologies following robust clinical trials.
-
During the COVID-19 pandemic, most medical services were shut down and resources were redistributed. Closures included pain management departments where many staff were redeployed. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 on chronic pain services in the Republic of Ireland. ⋯ This survey of consultant pain physicians in the Republic of Ireland has revealed how chronic pain services have been affected during the pandemic and how they have evolved.