CT colonography interpretation times: effect of reader experience, fatigue, and scan findings in a multi-centre setting

Our purpose was to assess the effect of reader experience, fatigue, and scan findings on interpretation time for CT colonography. Nine radiologists (experienced in CT colonography); nine radiologists and ten technicians (both groups trained using 50 validated examinations) read 40 cases (50% abnormal) under controlled conditions. Individual interpretation times for each case were recorded, and differences between groups determined. Multi-level linear regression was used to investigate effect of scan category (normal or abnormal) and observer fatigue on interpretation times. Experienced radiologists (mean time 10.9 min, SD 5.2) reported significantly faster than less experienced radiologists and technicians; odds ratios of reporting times 1.4 (CI 1.1, 1.8) and 1.6 (1.3, 2.0), respectively (P≤0.001). Experienced and less-experienced radiologists took longer to report abnormal cases; ratio 1.2 (CI 1.1,1.4, P<0.001) and 1.2 (1.0, 1.3, P=0.03), respectively. All groups took 70% as long to report the final five cases as they did with an initial five; ratio 0.7 (CI 0.6 to 0.8), P<0.001. For technicians only, accuracy increased with longer reporting times (P=0.04). Experienced radiologists report faster than do less-experienced observers and proportionally spend less time interpreting normal cases. Technicians who report more slowly are more accurate. All groups reported faster as the study period progressed.     

Psychometric Validation of the Internet Disorder Scale–Short Form in an Italian Adult Sample

International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction - Research examining online addictions has conceptualized generalized internet addiction as an “umbrella” term comprising the...     

The Value of High-Resolution Manometry in the Assessment of the Resting Characteristics of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter

Introduction

High-resolution manometry (HRM) is faster and easier to perform than conventional water perfused manometry. There is general acceptance of its usefulness in evaluating upper esophageal sphincter and esophageal body. There has been less emphasis on the use of HRM to evaluate the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) resting pressure and length, both factors important in LES barrier function. The aim of this study was to compare the resting characteristics of the LES determined by HRM and conventional manometry in the same patients.

Methods

We performed both HRM and conventional manometry including a slow motorized pull-through technique in 55 patients with foregut symptoms. The characteristics of the LES analyzed were: resting pressure, total length, and abdominal length. Four available modes of HRM analysis were used to assess resting characteristics of the LES: spatiotemporal mode using both abrupt color change and isobaric contour, line tracing, and pressure profile. The values obtained from these four HRM modes were then compared to the conventional manometry measurements.

Results

High-resolution manometry and conventional manometry did not differ in their measurement of LES resting pressure. LES overall and abdominal length were consistently overestimated by HRM. A variability up to 4 cm in overall length was observed and was greatest in patients with hiatal hernia (1.8 vs. 0.9 cm, p?=?0.027).

Conclusion

The current construction of the catheter and software analysis used in high-resolution manometry do not allow precise measurement of LES length. Errors in the identification of the upper border of the sphincter may compromise accurate positioning of a pH probe.     

Outcome of Medical and Psychosexual Interventions for Vaginismus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction

Although vaginismus is a condition with a great impact on psychosexual well-being, the evidence on the efficacy of interventions is lacking.

Preperitoneal prosthetic mesh hernioplasty for the simultaneous repair of inguinal hernia during prostatic surgery: experience with 172 patients

OBJECTIVES: We report our experience with posterior preperitoneal prosthetic hernioplasty for inguinal hernia in patients undergoing concomitant pelvic surgery for prostatic pathologies. METHODS: 172 patients with unilateral or bilateral inguinal hernia underwent posterior preperitoneal prosthetic hernioplasty during pelvic surgery for BPH and malignant prostatic pathologies. RESULTS: There was no evidence of hernial recurrence after a mean of 30 months and no complications attributable to the hernial repairs, except for 1 patient who developed a small periprosthetic hematoma and 1 patient with a pelvic lymphocele, both spontaneously resolved. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior preperitoneal prosthetic hernioplasty for inguinal hernia combined with pelvic surgery for prostatic pathologies should be applied routinely by urologists because it is a relatively simple procedure and with a very low rate of complications and recurrence.