Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi / Hong Kong Academy of Medicine
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To review the outcomes of endoscopic carpal tunnel release in a Hong Kong public hospital and identify any predictive factors. ⋯ Experience using the Chow's two-portal endoscopic technique for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome in the Chinese population was encouraging. It was a safe and effective method for treating carpal tunnel syndrome. We advocate endoscopic surgical intervention for patients with refractory relief of symptoms following conservative management.
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To assess the standard of asthma management by doctors in Hong Kong. ⋯ Asthma management practice of Hong Kong doctors falls short of the standards recommended by international guidelines. More effort in improving their knowledge is urgently warranted.
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To test the hypothesis that blood transfusion alone was a significant risk factor for in-hospital morbidity in non-cardiac patients. ⋯ After controlling for the factors associated with an increased likelihood for receiving a blood transfusion, the actual transfusion was predictive of a slower and more eventful postoperative recovery with associated costs to both the patient and health services.
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Patient safety has emerged as a distinct health care discipline and an undergraduate programme on patient safety is being introduced at the authors' institution. The present study aimed to assess medical students' perceptions and knowledge on patient safety issues. ⋯ Medical students were aware of medical errors being an inevitable barrier between intended 'best care' and what was actually provided to patients. Students appeared to lack the appreciation of non-physician-based causes of errors, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to the management of incidents. A formal curriculum on patient safety is urgently needed in this locality, and such an initiative was supported by the medical students who were surveyed.
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Review
If not appendicitis, then what else can it be? A retrospective review of 1492 appendectomies.
To audit the appendectomies at our institute, and summarise atypical pathological results with a discussion of appropriate management. DESIGN. Retrospective study. ⋯ A more focused utilisation of preoperative imaging in females of reproductive age and patients at the extremes of age is suggested. Long-term follow-up should be offered to patients with granulomatous appendicitis and neoplastic appendiceal diseases.