https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/39342 2026-04-17T14:36:41Z 2026-04-17T14:36:41Z Farrugia Randon, Stanley https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/751 2020-06-11T13:33:30Z 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: History of the foundation of the School of Anatomy and Surgery Authors: Farrugia Randon, Stanley Abstract: In the year 1676, Grand Master Fra Niccolo' Cottoner introduced the teaching of Anatomy in the Holy Infirmary of the Order. The decree, laying the foundation for the teaching of Anatomy and Surgery in Our Islands, read as follows: Diecadem Gran Maestro di haver instituto a proprie spese nella Sacra Infermeria lo studio di Chirurgia et Anatomia, deputando un Medico fisico, perche' facci detta lettione non solemente alli barberotti di essa, ma a qualsiasi altro, che vorra' attendere a detti professioni; intendendo lasciar stabilito lo studio, se riuscira' di profitto sopra le vendite della sua fondatione perche' in avvenire si deputi sempre a d'affetto un Maestro di gli conduminji di Gran Maestri Suo successori. Il che fu da tutto il Venerabile Consiglio non solamente approvato, ma sommamente commendato il zelo di sua per l'introduzione di cose tanto necessario et importante'. A condition laid down in the Cottoner foundation, was that the occupant of the Chair of Anatomy and Surgery had to be a physician, besides being a surgeon. This decree was dated 19th December 1676.

2006-01-01T00:00:00Z Cassar, Kevin https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/750 2020-05-26T13:08:43Z 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Diagnostic Peritoneal Lavage : an obituary? Authors: Cassar, Kevin Abstract: Diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) has been used as a diagnostic procedure in patients with blunt abdominal trauma for almost a century. Its accuracy and reliability are high. However DPL is an invasive procedure and carries a small but significant risk of iatrogenic intra-abdominal injury. Besides, false positive rates as high as 24% have been reported with DPL. This results in unnecessary laparotomies in patients least able to withstand further insult. Ultrasonography used for the diagnosis of patients with intra-abdominal injury from blunt trauma is at least as sensitive and specific as DPL. Its positive predictive value is better than that of DPL. Besides ultrasound provides more information and can be performed rapidly. More importantly, it is non-invasive and therefore free of the complication rate associated with DPL. It is therefore no surprise that the use of DPL is declining both in Europe and the United States. Ultrasonography should be used in preference to DPL in the context of blunt abdominal trauma. Institutions receiving patients with such injuries should have 24-hour ultrasonographic facilities.

2006-01-01T00:00:00Z Formosa, Aaron https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/749 2020-06-16T05:49:01Z 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Knee pain Authors: Formosa, Aaron Abstract: JC is a 13 year old boy who presented with a 3 week history of anterior right knee pain. Pain is activity related and brought on whenever JC plays football or basketball. He never needed to stop from any particular activity because of the pain. After exercise, the knee pain only persists for a few of hours such that by the following morning JC is pain free. There is no history of trauma, there have been no previous similar episodes in the past and the pain was of insidious onset. There is no limitation in the range of movement and no swelling is described. On examination, there is no abnormality in the knee joint except for a moderately enlarged right tibial tubercle which is mildly tender on palpation.

2006-01-01T00:00:00Z Fiorini, Anthony https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/748 2020-05-26T08:52:18Z 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Monitoring thyroid function status in elderly patients on amiodarone Authors: Fiorini, Anthony Abstract: Objectives: To evaluate whether elderly patients on amiodarone were having their thyroid function status monitored as recommended in the literature and to identify the frequency and type of thyroid function test abnormalities noted. Methods: Patients on amiodarone were identified by examining the prescription charts and medical files of consecutive admissions into Zammit Clapp Hospital (ZCH) and residents at St Vincent de Paul Residence (SVPR). Data was obtained on whether thyroid function tests had been checked at the start of the medication and every six months; the results of such tests carried out over the previous year; the clinical indication to prescribe the medication; and the course of action followed when results were abnormal. Results: 1334 prescription charts were examined. 69 patients (5.2%) were on amiodarone. The most common clinical indication for the medication was atrial fibrillation (68.1%). As regards thyroid status, 39.1% of subjects had blood tests checked at the start of the medication but only 2.9% every 6 months. Although 75.4% had had their thyroid status checked over the previous year, 8.7% never had any thyroid function tests carried out whilst they were on the medication. In all 27.5% of subjects had thyroid gland dysfunction of which 13% had subclinical hypothyroidism, 11.6% clinical hypothyroidism and 2.9% clinical hyperthyroidism. All patients with abnormal results had been kept on amiodarone even when the arrhythmia had abated. Conclusions: Thyroid dysfunction is a common side effect of amiodarone medication. The regular measurement of thyroid function tests, as recommended, should be adhered to in a stricter manner.

2006-01-01T00:00:00Z