Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of tobacco-cessation interventions delivered perioperatively.

Introduction: Tobacco smoking is associated with a substantially increased risk of perioperative complications. The perioperative period is an opportunity to introduce tobacco-cessation strategies. A previous systematic review provided evidence that perioperative interventions increase short-term abstinence and may reduce postoperative complications.

Seven-year follow-up of persistent postsurgical pain in cardiac surgery patients: A prospective observational study of prevalence and risk factors.

Background: Our aim was to describe the long-term prevalence, risk factors and impact on quality of life of persistent postsurgical pain (PPP) following cardiac surgery.

Methods: All patients undergoing sternotomy in a single centre over 6 months were prospectively interviewed by telephone at six months and seven years following surgery.

Results: We analysed data from 174 patients at six months and 146 patients at seven years following surgery, revealing a PPP prevalence of 39.

Presentation of papillary fibroelastoma of the aortic valve with atypical symptoms.

Papillary fibroelastomas are rare benign tumours arising from the cardiac endothelium. The rationale behind the treatment of fibroelastomas is to eliminate the risk of embolic events and the associated morbidity and mortality. These tumours present predominantly in males during the seventh decade of life and most commonly affect the aortic valve.

An Unusual Case of Acute Muscle Weakness.

A previously healthy 35-year old man presented to hospital with acute leg weakness following an alcohol binge. On assessment, tachycardia, urinary retention and bilateral upper and lower limb proximal weakness with preserved peripheral power were noted. Biochemistry revealed marked hypokalaemia, which responded to intravenous replacement, and biochemical thyrotoxicosis, leading to the diagnosis of Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis (TPP).

Quantification of the Range of Motion of Kidney and Ureteral Stones During Shockwave Lithotripsy in Conscious Patients.

Effective shockwave lithotripsy requires accurate targeting of the stone throughout the course of treatment. Stone movement secondary to respiratory movement can make this more difficult. In vitro work has shown that stone motion outside the focal region reduces the efficacy of stone fragmentation; however, there are few clinical data on the degree of stone movement in patients during treatment.