https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/39340 2026-04-08T06:26:01Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/30664 Title: Lung cancer in Malta : from presentation to surgery Authors: Casha, Aaron; Busuttil, W.; Galea, J. Abstract: This paper looks into the state of lung cancer resection in Malta, specifically the dealy in time from presentation to operation and the operability rate. The local situation is then compared to the Calman report on lung cancer (“Improving Outcomes in Lung Cancer” NHS Executive UK, 1998, pp1-199). 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/751 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 https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/750 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 https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/749 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