Timed barium esophagogram (TBE) is a simple and objective method for assessing the esophageal emptying. The technique of TBE is similar to usual barium swallow with some modifications, which include taking multiple sequential films at pre-decided time interval after a single swallow of a fixed volume of a specific density barium solution. While many authors have used height and width of the barium column to assess the esophageal emptying, others have used the area of the barium column. TBE is being used in patients with suspected or confirmed achalasia and to follow-up those who have been treated with pneumatic dilation or myotomy. This review discusses technique of performing TBE, interpretation and its utility in clinical practice.
Barium ; Esophageal Achalasia ; Esophageal Motility Disorders ; Esophageal Sphincter, Lower ; Esophagus ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans

INTRODUCTIONThe use of opioids in chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) is controversial, as it presents both benefits and risks. There is currently no available data on the incidence, prescription pattern, functional outcomes and adverse effects of opioids in patients with CNCP in Singapore. This study aimed to address the aforementioned deficit.

METHODSAll records of patients who were prescribed strong opioids (for > 3 months per year) for the management of CNCP over a two-year period were retrospectively analysed. Factors including type of opioid, indications for opioid prescription, uncontrolled side effects, functional status, coexisting psychological issues and suspicion of aberrant drug-seeking behaviour were studied.

RESULTSOut of the 1,389 new patients who visited the centre, 42 (3.0%) with CNCP received strong opioids for more than three months a year. The most commonly prescribed opioid was methadone (42.9%). The principal diagnosis for opioid prescription was spinal pain (38.1%). Ten patients had severe side effects. 15 patients saw improvement in activities of daily living scores. Although ten patients returned to work, one stopped following the commencement of opioids. Aberrancy was seen in 5 (11.9%) patients, while 19 (45.2%) had psychological issues and 10 (23.8%) required psychiatric co-management.

CONCLUSIONOpioids are not a panacea for chronic pain. Therefore, functional outcomes should be considered more important end points than mere reductions in pain scores. A multidisciplinary team approach is essential for the effective management of patients with CNCP who are on opioids.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Analgesics, Opioid ; administration & dosage ; Chronic Pain ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pain Clinics ; statistics & numerical data ; Pain Measurement ; Prescription Drugs ; Retrospective Studies ; Singapore ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

PURPOSEThe treatment of high-energy tibial condylar fractures which are associated with severe soft tissue injuries remains contentious and challenging. In this study, we assessed the results of Joshi's external stabilization system (JESS) by using the principle of ligamentotaxis and percutaneous screw fixation for managing high-energy tibial condylar fractures associated with severe soft tissue injuries.

METHODSBetween June 2008 and June 2010, 25 consecutive patients who were 17e71 years (mean, 39.7), underwent the JESS fixation for high-energy tibial condylar fractures associated with severe soft tissue injuries. Out of 25 patients, 2 were lost during follow-up and in 1 case early removal of frame was done, leaving 22 cases for final follow-up. Among them, 11 had poor skin condition with abrasions and blisters and 2 were open injuries (Gustilo-Anderson grade I&II). The injury mechanisms were motor vehicle accidents (n=19), fall from a height (n=2) and assault (n=1). The fractures were classified according to Schatzker classification system.

RESULTSThere were 7 type-V, 14 type-VI and 1 type-lV Schatzker's tibial plateau fractures. The average interval between the injury and surgery was 6.8 days (range 2-13). The average hospital stay was 13 days (range, 7-22). The average interval between the surgery and full weight bearing was 13.6 weeks (range 11-20). The average range of knee flexion was 121°(range 105°-135°). The normal extension of the knee was observed in 20 patients, and an extensor lag of 5°-8° was noted in 2 patients. The complications included superficial pin tract infections (n=4) with no knee stiffness.

CONCLUSIONJESS with lag screw fixation combines the benefit of traction, external fixation, and limited internal fixation, at the same time as allowing the ease of access to the soft tissue for wound checks, pin care, dressing changes, measurement of compartment pressure, and the monitoring of the neurovascular status. In a nutshell, JESS along with screw fixation offers a promising alternative treatment for high- energy tibial condylar fractures associated with severe soft tissue injuries.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Bone Screws ; External Fixators ; Female ; Fracture Fixation ; methods ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; statistics & numerical data ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Soft Tissue Injuries ; surgery ; Tibial Fractures ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome

INTRODUCTION: Few studies have investigated the factors that affect the relationship between body image dissatisfaction and disordered eating locally. Our study aimed to investigate the moderating effects of depression and anxiety levels on the body dissatisfaction-disordered eating link in Singapore. METHODS: A total of 329 participants completed a set of questionnaires that included various scales pertaining to eating behaviours, body image, psychological distress and quality of life. RESULTS: Participants were diagnosed with schizophrenia (47.4%), depression (46.8%) and substance use disorders (5.8%). Moderation analyses revealed that depression (F [9, 251] = 18.50, p < 0.001, R CONCLUSION Greater effort should be dedicated to the screening of disordered eating behaviours in psychiatric outpatients presenting with greater psychological distress.

The management of hemodynamically normal patients with retained intra-pericardial foreign body remains a matter of conjecture. The available literature supports non-operative management of such innocuous foreign bodies. We report our experience of a hemodynamically normal patient with a retained intra-pericardial pellet from a firearm injury. He initially received successful non-operative management but developed fatal hemopericardium 21 days after injury. In this paper, we discussed the pitfalls in the management of such injuries in light of the available literature and summarized the clinical experience.
Adult ; Fatal Outcome ; Foreign Bodies ; therapy ; Heart Injuries ; therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Wounds, Gunshot ; therapy