Articles
Surgical Site Infections in Major Lower Limb Amputation: An International Multicentre Audit (SIMBA): Study Protocol
Introduction Background and rationale Surgical site infection (SSI) is a significant potential complication of any surgical procedure, acknowledged by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a leading cause of in-hospital morbidity and mortality.1 In vascular surgery, patients undergoing major lower limb amputation (MLLA) may be at an increased risk of developing…
Read MoreA feasibility survey to inform trial design investigating surgical site infection prevention in vascular surgery
Introduction Surgical site infection (SSI) is common following vascular surgery, complicating up to 40% of groin incisions and major lower limb amputations (MLLA).1–3 SSI significantly impairs quality of life due to associated pain, reduced mobility, depression and anxiety.4 SSI results in a fourfold increase in the risk of readmission and substantially increases healthcare costs, estimated…
Read MorePseudoaneurysm of the anterior tibial artery following arthrodesis on a background of ankle joint tuberculosis
Abstract A 65-year-old man presented with a 6-week history of worsening right anterior ankle swelling following an ankle arthrodesis. Examination revealed a warm pulsatile 8 cm swelling on the dorsum of the foot. Ultrasound doppler and computed tomography angiography revealed an 8 cm pseudoaneurysm arising from the anterior tibial artery. Fluoroscopic-guided embolisation successfully treated the…
Read MoreEffect of health literacy and socioeconomic deprivation on outcomes after lower limb surgical revascularisation for chronic limb-threatening ischaemia: the HeaLTHI study
Introduction Health literacy is the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process and understand basic health information and access services needed to make appropriate health decisions.1 Health literacy is a complex concept that is influenced by an individual’s educational attainment, race, age, deprivation and available healthcare services.2,3 There are a number of…
Read MoreThe FraiLTI (Frailty in chronic Limb-Threatening Ischaemia) Protocol
Introduction Frailty, a concept gaining significant attention in recent years, is defined as a clinically recognisable state of increased vulnerability resulting from ageing-associated decline in reserve and function across multiple physiologic systems such that the ability to cope with everyday or acute stressors is compromised.1 Frailty leaves patients vulnerable to stressors such as illness, trauma…
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