Research by staff affiliated to University Hospital Waterford

Recent Submissions

  • Challenges of Cancer Screening.

    Kelly, D; O’Connor, M (2019-06-17)
    The goal of cancer screening is to detect presymptomatic disease and commence treatment sooner, thereby reducing the incidence of advanced disease and the associated morbidity and mortality . Challenges exist around designing, managing and evaluating national screening strategies. Programs require clear governance, reporting structures, accountability and regular appraisal of staff. The Scally report highlighted the vital role Public health expertise should play in delivering and integrating these services along with managing the flow of patient information between the National Cancer Control Programme and the National Cancer Registry. All screening programmes must have a robust Quality Assurance (QA) process and be able to conduct audit effectively.
  • Management of symptomatic Baker's cysts with ultrasound and fluoroscopic-guided aspiration followed by therapeutic injection with Depomedrone and Bupivacaine leads to a durable reduction in pain symptoms in a majority of patients; A case series and literature review.

    Stroiescu, Andreea E; Laurinkiene, Judita; Courtney, Kenneth; Moriarty, Heather K; Kelly, Ian P; Ryan, Anthony G (2023-01-06)
    Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound and fluoroscopic-guided aspiration and therapeutic injection of Baker's cysts in the relief of pain and pressure symptoms. Methods: A retrospective, observational, single-arm study of consecutive patients referred from the Orthopaedic service for image-guided aspiration followed by therapeutic injection of symptomatic Baker's cysts was performed with institutional approval in the context of a Quality Improvement project. Patients' pain was graded using a 10-point Likert scale. Under standard sterile conditions, a 10 cm 5 Fr Yueh centesis needle was advanced into the cyst under direct ultrasound guidance, septae disrupted as necessary, the contents of the cyst aspirated, and a sample sent for microbiological analysis. Bursography was performed in an attempt to identify the expected communication with the knee joint, the contrast was aspirated and 40 mg of DepoMedrone and 5 ml of Bupivacaine were injected. Results: Thirteen patients were referred, nine of whom satisfied the inclusion criteria (all female, average age 63.8 years). Over a 35-month period, 11 procedures were performed (bilateral in 1, repeated in another) yielding an average volume of 20.1 ml (range 10 - 50 mls). In 2/11 procedures the communication with the knee joint was outlined. The average follow up post-procedure was 8.3 months. The average patient's pain score reduced to zero from 5.7 for an average period of 5.96 months. After this period patients reported a gradual return of an ache, but none returned to the pre-procedure severity which, in some cases, had prevented them from sleeping. Conclusion: Aspiration of symptomatic Baker's cysts under Ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance followed by therapeutic injection of DepoMedrone and Bupivacaine leads to a durable reduction in pain symptoms in a majority of patients.
  • Ileo-ileal intussusception due to inflammatory fibroid polyp: a rare cause of small bowel obstruction in adults.

    Hassan, Mekki; Tul-Zahra, Fatima; Neary, Peter; Saeed, Rafeh (2022-06-28)
    Intussusception in adults is a relatively uncommon occurrence for a cause of bowel obstruction, which can present acutely, chronically or in an acute on chronic fashion. It is clinically concerning because of the possibility of cancer acting as a lead point. Small bowel tumours are rare, mostly detected incidentally with small bowel obstruction. Inflammatory fibroid polyp (IFP) is a rare benign tumour of the small bowel, either detected incidentally on imaging or endoscopy carried out for other reasons, or presents with acute features. We present a case of small bowel intussusception caused by IFP within the distal third of the ileum as a leading point. The patient presented acutely with small bowel obstruction, on a background of recurrent non-specific abdominal pain over the preceding month, and the computed tomography scan revealed an intussusception that was timely managed with a laparoscopy-assisted small bowel segmental resection.
  • Case Report: Thrombotic-Thrombocytopenic Purpura Following Ipilimumab and Nivolumab Combination Immunotherapy for Metastatic Melanoma.

    Mullally, W J; Cooke, F J; Crosbie, I M; Kumar, S; Abernethy, V E; Jordan, E J; O'Connor, M; Horgan, A M; Landers, R; Naidoo, J; et al. (2022-04-20)
    Case report: A man in his early 50s presented with small bowel obstruction, requiring emergency laparoscopic small bowel resection for the metastatic melanoma of the jejunum with no identifiable primary lesion. One week after his first treatment with ipilimumab and nivolumab, he presented with diffuse abdominal pain, constipation, and fatigue. A computerized tomography scan did not identify a cause for his symptoms. This was rapidly followed by thrombocytopenia on day 11 and then anemia. He commenced intravenous corticosteroids for a suspected diagnosis of immune-related thrombocytopenia. On day 15, a generalized onset motor seizure occurred, and despite plasmapheresis later that day, the patient died from fatal immune-related thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). This was confirmed with suppressed ADAMTS13 (<5%) testing on day 14. Immune-related TTP is a rare and, in this case, fatal immune- related adverse event. Further studies are required to identify additional immunosuppressive management for immune-related TTP.
  • Urethral cancer managed with phallus preserving surgery: a case report.

    Walsh, Emily; Kelly, Niall; Daly, Padraig; Shah, Nigam; Cullen, Ivor (2021-02-19)
    Background: Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is rare and accounts for < 1% of all genito-urinary cancers. There is a male predominance of 3:1 and a peak incidence in the 7th and 8th decades. The aetiology of this cancer is similar to penile cancer, and the human papilloma virus (HPV) is thought to be an essential factor in tumorigenesis. Urethral cancer should be diagnosed and staged with a combination of tumour biopsy, MRI, and CT with treatment involving a multimodal approach. Contemporary management emphasises phallus-preserving surgery where feasible. Case presentation: Here, we describe a case of distal urethral carcinoma, which presented as a metastatic groin mass and identifying the primary lesion proved challenging. Diagnostic flexible cystoscopy identified a tiny lesion in the navicular fossa, which was biopsied and confirmed to be a squamous cell carcinoma. The patient then underwent phallus preserving surgery, including distal urethrectomy with bilateral inguinal lymph node dissections. The final stage was pT1N1M0, and adjuvant chemotherapy was started. The distal urethrectomy involved the surgical creation of a hypospadic meatus in the midshaft of the penis. Normal voiding and sexual function were preserved. Conclusions: Urethral cancer is a rare malignancy and clinicians should bear in mind that early diagnosis of this disease can be very difficult depending on the anatomical location of the tumour. Treatment currently favours penis-preserving surgery.
  • Axillary artery and brachial plexus injury secondary to blunt trauma.

    Foley, James; Elamien, Ahmed; McCann, Brendan (2021-03-13)
    Rupture of the axillary artery in the absence of a fracture of dislocation is a rare traumatic event. An associated injury to the brachial plexus may accompany an axillary artery injury but has rarely been reported in the literature. We present the case of an elderly female, who fell onto an outstretched arm and sustained an axillary artery rupture, combined with a brachial plexus injury. The patient in this case did well post-operatively. The challenge in these cases is early recognition and diagnosis of a vascular injury. A significant mechanism of injury needs to alert the clinician to the possibility of such injuries and if suspected, early investigation and surgical exploration should be initiated to prevent limb ischemia. Subsequently, if the neurological symptoms do not improve, consideration must be given to the possibility of a nerve injury and early recognition and management to prevent long-term functional deficits.
  • Long-Term Surveillance and Laparoscopic Management of Zinner Syndrome.

    Kelly, Niall P; Fuentes-Bonachera, Adrian; Shields, William P; Cullen, Ivor M; Daly, Padraig J (2021-03-09)
    Zinner syndrome was first described in 1914 and represents the triad of unilateral renal agenesis and ipsilateral seminal vesicle cyst and ipsilateral ejaculatory duct obstruction. Seminal vesicle cysts are often asymptomatic but can also present with pain, haematospermia, or other lower urinary tract symptoms. Treatment strategies include observation and surgical excision. We present the laparoscopic management of an enlarged seminal vesicle cyst, consistent with Zinner syndrome, 14 years after the initial diagnosis. A 58-year-old male patient was diagnosed with a left-sided seminal vesicle cyst while undergoing assessment for renal transplant due to progressively worsening renal function in his solitary right kidney. The otherwise asymptomatic cyst enlarged from the time of initial diagnosis in 2004 (11.3 cm × 9.7 cm × 13.1 cm) to nearly double the size in 2018 (12.8 cm × 11.9 cm × 14.2 cm). This cyst size ultimately precluded renal transplant, and the patient was referred for excision. Laparoscopic excision of the cyst was performed, histopathology confirmed seminal vesicle cyst tissue, and there has been no recurrence of the cyst to date. The patient remains active on the renal transplant waitlist. Zinner syndrome is a rare syndrome, with the seminal vesicle cysts being managed by observation or surgical excision. We report the longest documented observation of a seminal vesicle cyst, culminating in a safe and successful laparoscopic excision.
  • Is postoperative non-weight-bearing necessary? INWN Study protocol for a pragmatic randomised multicentre trial of operatively treated ankle fracture.

    Khojaly, Ramy; Mac Niocaill, Ruairí; Shahab, Muhammad; Nagle, Matthew; Taylor, Colm; Rowan, Fiachra E; Cleary, May (2021-05-27)
    Background: Postoperative management regimes vary following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of unstable ankle fractures. There is an evolving understanding that extended periods of immobilisation and weight-bearing limitation may lead to poorer clinical outcomes. Traditional non-weight-bearing cast immobilisation may prevent loss of fixation, and this practice continues in many centres. The purpose of this trial is to investigate the safety and efficacy of immediate weight-bearing (IWB) and range of motion (ROM) exercise regimes following ORIF of unstable ankle fractures with a particular focus on functional outcomes and complication rates. Methods: A pragmatic randomised controlled multicentre trial, comparing IWB in a walking boot and ROM within 24 h versus non-weight-bearing (NWB) and immobilisation in a cast for 6 weeks, following ORIF of all types of unstable adult ankle fractures (lateral malleolar, bimalleolar, trimalleolar with or without syndesmotic injury) is proposed. All patients presenting to three trauma units will be included. The exclusion criteria will be skeletal immaturity and tibial plafond fractures. The three institutional review boards have granted ethical approval. The primary outcome measure will be the functional Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS). Secondary outcomes include wound infection (deep and superficial), displacement of osteosynthesis, the full arc of ankle motion (plantar flexion and dorsal flection), RAND-36 Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) scoring, time to return to work and postoperative hospital length of stay. The trial will be reported in accordance with the CONSORT statement for reporting a pragmatic trial, and this protocol will follow the SPIRIT guidance. Discussion: Traditional management of operatively treated ankle fractures includes an extended period of non-weight-bearing. There is emerging evidence that earlier weight-bearing may have equivocal outcomes and favourable patient satisfaction but higher wound-related complications. These studies often preclude more complicated fracture patterns or patient-related factors. To our knowledge, immediate weight-bearing (IWB) following ORIF of all types of unstable ankle fractures has not been investigated in a controlled prospective manner in recent decades. This pragmatic randomised-controlled multicentre trial will investigate immediate weight-bearing following ORIF of all ankle fracture patterns in the usual care condition. It is hoped that these results will contribute to the modern management of ankle fractures.
  • The environmental impact of personal protective equipment in a pre and post COVID era in the ENT clinic.

    Farrell, Eric; Smyth, David (2021-05-27)
    Purpose: The use of single use plastic items and plastic wrapping has increased over the last number of decades. Outside of the medical field there has been a conscious drive to reduce single use plastic and reuse items to reduce the amount of waste we produce. We undertook this investigation to quantify our plastic waste production and generate ideas to reduce this volume. Methodology: Data was collected from a University Hospital ENT outpatient department via real-time recording methods using standard data collection forms. We measured plastic unit usage pre and post COVID restrictions and compared this to our number of patient encounters. Projections of plastic usage were determined via a hypothetical resumption of patient services model. Results: In total there were 440 patients included. In period one the mean units of plastic used per day was 65.1 (median 67; range 27-84). In the second period, the mean number of plastic units was 23.4 (median 22; range 1-7). Blue nitrile gloves and masks were the most commonly used single use items. The hypothetical projection model predicted a 147.6% increase in single use items following the introduction of COVID precautions. Conclusion: We have a duty of care not only to our patients but future generations of patients and the environment which we share. Single use items and excessive plastic wrapping have benefits in terms of convenience and sterility, but these conveniences can be easily extended to reusable types to limit our volume of waste, reduce our waste management costs and protect our environment.
  • Correction to: Is postoperative non-weight-bearing necessary? INWN Study protocol for a pragmatic randomised multicentre trial of operatively treated ankle fracture.

    Khojaly, Ramy; Niocaill, Ruairí Mac; Shahab, Muhammad; Nagle, Matthew; Taylor, Colm; Rowan, Fiachra E; Cleary, May (2021-06-21)
  • Evaluation of Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction (mTESE), Outcomes and Predictive Factors in Ireland: The Gold Standard for Men with Non-Obstructive Azoospermia.

    Rohan, Pat; Daly, Niamh; O'Kelly, Aoife; O'Leary, Martin; Dineen, Tim; Shah, Nigam; Daly, Padraig; Waterstone, John; Cullen, Ivor (2021-04)
    In this study, sperm retrieval rate (SRR) was 47.06%. (16/34). The mean age in those who had retrieved sperm at mTESE was 37.9±2.6 years. Johnson Score (JS) and FSH were statistically different between successful and unsuccessful mTESE groups (p=0.017*10-5 and p=0.004, respectively). Optimal cutoff values for FSH, T and JS were 15 IU/L, 13 nmol/L and 5, respectively. The pregnancy rate was 63.64% (7/11) among men who went on to use mTESE sperm in an ICSI cycle.
  • Colonic Metastasis of Primary Lung Cancer.

    Bhutta, Salman Idrees; Ahmed, Yasar; Zahid, Talal; Rehman, Habib Ur; Nur, Mutaz M; Mahmood, Tariq; Calvert, Paula (2021-06-17)
    The colon is an uncommon secondary site for metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma. Distinguishing primary colonic carcinoma from metastatic spread of lung carcinoma can be difficult. We present a case of a patient with lung adenocarcinoma who, on abdominal computed tomography scan examination, was found to have a sigmoid tumor that was thought to represent a synchronous primary colorectal adenocarcinoma. Histological examination of endoscopic sigmoid tumor biopsies confirmed this to be metastasis from the lung adenocarcinoma. The patient subsequently developed major rectal bleeding and deteriorated significantly. This case also illustrates the poor prognosis association with colorectal metastasis of lung cancer.
  • Challenges of Cancer Screening

    Kelly, D; OConnor, M (Irish Medical Journal, 2019-06)
    The goal of cancer screening is to detect presymptomatic disease and commence treatment sooner, thereby reducing the incidence of advanced disease and the associated morbidity and mortality1. Challenges exist around designing, managing and evaluating national screening strategies. Programs require clear governance, reporting structures, accountability and regular appraisal of staff. The Scally report highlighted the vital role Public health expertise should play in delivering and integrating these services along with managing the flow of patient information between the National Cancer Control Programme and the National Cancer Registry2. All screening programmes must have a robust Quality Assurance (QA) process and be able to conduct audit effectively1.
  • Surgical Parathyroidectomy Services

    Burke, E; Waris, A; O’Donoghue, G (Irish Medical Journal, 2019-04)
    Retrospectively audit our experience with surgical parathyroidectomy over a 5 year period from the beginning of 2013 to June 2018.
  • Use of “Months of the Year Backwards” (MOTYB) as a Screening Tool for Delirium in Palliative Care Patients in the Acute Hospital Setting

    Ryan, S; Hayes, D; Creedon, B; University Hospital Waterford (Irish Medical Journal, 2018-09)
    Delirium is common in palliative care. It effects up to 88% of patients with advanced cancer at end of life and has a point prevalence of 20% in the acute hospital setting across all diagnoses. It is under diagnosed and not optimally treated. “Months of the Year Backwards” (MOTYB) is an ideal screening tool for delirium with a sensitivity of 83.8%. It is brief to perform and carries low burden for patients. The aim of this study is to investigate the use of MOTYB as a screening tool for delirium in palliative care patients in the acute hospital setting.
  • Safety Incident Management Team Report for NIMLT Case 50796

    Health Service Executive (Health Service Executive (HSE), 2017-01-17)
    This is a report on the management of a patient safety incident involving BowelScreen and symptomatic colonoscopy services at Wexford General Hospital (WGH). The patient safety incident relates to the work of a Consultant Endoscopist (referred to as Clinician Y) employed by WGH who undertook screening colonoscopies on behalf of the BowelScreen Programme since the commencement of the screening programme in WGH in March 2013. Clinician Y also performed non-screening colonoscopies for the diagnosis of symptomatic patients as part of routine surgical service provision at WGH. The management of the patient safety incident was in accordance with the HSE Safety Incident Management Policy with particular reference to the HSE Guidelines for the Implementation a Look-back Review Process in the HSE (1-3).
  • Rapid identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of positive blood cultures using MALDI-TOF MS and a modification of the standardised disc diffusion test: a pilot study.

    Fitzgerald, C; Stapleton, P; Phelan, E; Mulhare, P; Carey, B; Hickey, M; Lynch, B; Doyle, M; Microbiology Laboratory, University Hospital Waterford, Waterford, Ireland. (BMJ, 2016-04-27)
    In an era when clinical microbiology laboratories are under increasing financial pressure, there is a need for inexpensive, yet effective, rapid microbiology tests. The aim of this study was to evaluate a novel modification of standard methodology for the identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of pathogens in positive blood cultures, reducing the turnaround time of laboratory results by 24 h.
  • Managing pain in the older person in the community

    Molloy, Niamh (Nursing in General Practice, 2015-03)
    Eff ective pain management remains a challenge in modern day clinical practice. Managing persistent pain in the older adult encounters many challenges and the management of chronic pain in the community demands a comprehensive understanding of the physiology of pain and pain processing as well as an understanding of the various assessment tools available and methods to manage pain. it is essential before treating pain that it is assessed using a recognised pain assessment tool that is valid, reliable and comprehensive. in essence, a holistic approach is required with all aspects of the biopsychosocial model considered.
  • The effectiveness of a stratified group intervention using the STarTBack screening tool in patients with LBP - a non randomised controlled trial

    Murphy, Susan E; Blake, Catherine; Power, Camillus K; Fullen, Brona M (BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2013)

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