https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/2441 Tue, 07 Jul 2026 04:38:49 GMT 2026-07-07T04:38:49Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147730 Title: The Synapse : the Medical Professionals' Network : volume 24 : issue 1 Authors: Friggieri, Jesmond; Ellul, Ian C. Abstract: Table of contents:; 1/ ELLUL, I. C. - Back to the 80s? : the law of unintended consequences; 2/ ATTARD MONTALTO, A., ZERAFA SIMLER, A., VALLETTA, L., & CAMILLERI PODESTA’, A. M. - Fasted, not parched : an update on pre-operative liquid fasting; 3/ MERCIECA, E., ZAMMIT, C., & BORG, J. - Pulmonary embolism mimicking congestive heart failure; 4/ MICALLEF, I., GOLLCHER, A., GRIMA, G., GALEA, J., & ABELA, R. - Obturator hernias; 5/ GAMBIN, J., GALEA, E., & PACE, D. - Refractory hypoglycaemia in a 45-year-old lady with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma; 6/ ZRINZO, S., GAUCI, C., & BELLIZZI, M. - Chronic regional pain syndrome : emerging insights and established concepts; 7/ CARUANA, C., CAMENZULI, C., & CAUCHI, D. - Comparing transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy approaches : CO2 insufflation versus gasless technique; 8/ BORG, L., & ABELA, J. - Helminth-induced pancreatitis : case report and literature review; 9/ SPITERI ZAMMIT, M., ABELA, L., & GRECH, N. - Public perceptions of preoperative fasting among the general public in Malta; 10/ PACE, J. - The Movement School; 11/ GALEA SOLER, S. - MRI of rotator cuff tendon tears : an introduction : part 2 : description and relevant associated findings Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147730 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147729 Title: Back to the 80s? The law of unintended consequences Abstract: My childhood in the eighties revolved around family, school, lessons at The Society of Christian Doctrine (MUSEUM), watching Kenshiro manga series and Lupin, swapping Panini football stickers, and football matches. I inevitably grew up within a social fabric which no longer exists, with idealistic galvanised values which have somewhat gone brittle along the way and a fierce appetite for social justice, which still persists. So much so, I co-founded a Youth Centre which is still running efficiently after 22 years. Why am I walking down the memory lane? [excerpt] Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147729 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147726 Title: Fasted, not parched : an update on pre-operative liquid fasting Authors: Attard Montalto, Andrew; Zerafa Simler, Adrienne; Valletta, Leon; Camilleri Podesta, Anne Marie Abstract: Pre-operative fasting is essential in decreasing the risk of aspiration of gastric contents during sedation or general anaesthesia. However, there is an increasing body of evidence that prolonged liquid fasting has harms of its own and confers no appreciable benefit when compared to more liberal liquid fasting strategies. In anticipation of the new adult peri-operative fasting guideline from the European Society of Anaesthesia & Intensive Care, expected in Q1 of 2025, we explore the historical context of “Nil by mouth from midnight” as well as recent updates on pre-operative liquid fasting and gastric physiology. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147726 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147697 Title: Pulmonary embolism mimicking congestive heart failure Authors: Mercieca, Elyse; Zammit, Chantelle; Borg, James Abstract: Pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition that can present with a wide range of non-specific symptoms, often overlapping with cardiovascular diseases. Here, we report a case of an 83-year-old female with a history of hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis and mild heart failure presenting with signs and symptoms initially suggestive of acute decompensated heart failure. Further diagnostic workup revealed that the true underlying pathology was a bilateral submassive pulmonary embolism. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges and importance of considering pulmonary embolism in patients with seemingly classic signs of congestive heart failure. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147697 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z