Keron Blair - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Keron Blair

PubMed, Apr 29, 2022

Background: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has evolved as a standard procedure to treat larg... more Background: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has evolved as a standard procedure to treat large-sized renal stones. A nephrostomy tube is used frequently in this procedure; however, data regarding tubeless PCNL procedures in elder patients is scarce. Aim: The aim of this study was to review the results and outcomes associated with tubeless PCNL procedures in the elderly population. Materials and methods: A retrospective review of patients aged ≥60 years at our hospital that was treated for renal stones by PCNL procedure. The patients were separated into two groups: Group 1 underwent tubed PCNL procedures and Group 2 received tubeless PCNL procedures. Information regarding variables were recorded in specified pro forma and then processed in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences statistics analyses. Statistical tests were utilized for continuous and categorical variables and a P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 121 patients with a mean age of 65±5 years were included in the analysis. Mean stone size and body mass index were 3.4±1.5 cm and 26.2±4.3 kg/m2, respectively. Mean operative time was longer in tubed PCNL as compared to the tubeless group. Mean hospital stay was similar among the tubed and tubeless PCNL treated groups. Mean analgesic doses were significantly lower in the tubeless group. The overall stone-free rate was 89/121 patients (74%). Conclusion: Tubeless PCNL can be safely undertaken in geriatric patients and has potential advantages associated with shorter operative times and reduced necessity for analgesia. Relevance for patients: Tubeless PCNL is considered advantageous as it can reduce post-operative pain and analgesia necessity; shorten hospitalization and lower cost in young patients. However, there is no clear evidence with reference to virtue of tubeless PCNL in the elderly age groups. This study will analyze and review results and outcomes associated with tubeless PCNL in a cohort of elderly patients.

Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, Mar 5, 2022

Objectives: To appraise the effects of previous history of ineffectual extracorporeal shockwave l... more Objectives: To appraise the effects of previous history of ineffectual extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) treatment on the execution and end result of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Methods: The study was performed from January 2012 till November 2019 at the urology department at our hospital, a tertiary healthcare center. In total, four hundred and twenty two patients were enrolled in the study. We arranged the study participants into two groups. Group-I comprised of 66 subjects who had undergone failed SWL 12 months prior to PCNL procedure, while Group-II included patients who had no history of previous SWL. Information related to study variables was registered in designated proformas and then processed in SPSS version 16 for the statistical computations. Results: On the whole, the mean age of patients was 45.25± 14.38 years. While the mean calculus size was 494.80±128.83 mm 2. The complexity of stones formulated on the basis of Guy's stone score was identical among the two groups. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class categories were almost similar among the two groups. Stone free rates of 80.30% and 81.74% (p value=0.73) were observed in Group-I and II respectively. Time to create PCNL tract and mean drop in hemoglobin were noted to be significantly higher in Group-I. Complication rates and grades were not being dissimilar among the two groups. Conclusion: Patients having prior history of unsuccessful SWL history before undertaking the PCNL procedure manifested similar stone free rates and complications rates as those observed in SWL naive cases of PCNL.

Acta Scientific Gastrointestinal Disorders, Jul 1, 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic had profound effect on the healthcare dynamics and operational activities. ... more The COVID-19 pandemic had profound effect on the healthcare dynamics and operational activities. This also involved the much important department of Gastroenterology care. Adapting safe distancing measures for outdoor patient care, such as modification of waiting areas to create safe distancing between patients, reduction of crowding in closed areas, managing judiciously the waiting times and motivating patients to wait outside premises of the hospital or clinic wherever feasible. Most effective tool can be the telemedicine consultations made by video phone calls. The aim of this review was to delve into this important aspect in the current literature on both the direct repercussions of catching COVID-19 on the delivery of quality services in Gastroenterology clinics during the restrictions of pandemic.

EC Paediatrics, Dec 23, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on all specialty clinics including pediatric urologic... more The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on all specialty clinics including pediatric urologic practices across the world. At many centers emergency surgeries were pursued without interruption, however, elective procedures had to be halted across many hospitals during the first wave of COVID-19. Delaying pediatric urologic procedures can be drastic in certain situations (such as obstructive uropathy leading to infections or sepsis) because they can lead to worsening of the disease. To avert morbidity associated with the deferment of care during the COVID-19 pandemic, practices that safely allow for high quality care have been implemented. In this article we reviewed recent telemedicine reports, related challenges faced by both physicians and pediatric urology patients and suggestions regarding the best practices to overcome these challenges.

EC Paediatrics, Dec 23, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on all specialty clinics including pediatric urologic... more The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on all specialty clinics including pediatric urologic practices across the world. At many centers emergency surgeries were pursued without interruption, however, elective procedures had to be halted across many hospitals during the first wave of COVID-19. Delaying pediatric urologic procedures can be drastic in certain situations (such as obstructive uropathy leading to infections or sepsis) because they can lead to worsening of the disease. To avert morbidity associated with the deferment of care during the COVID-19 pandemic, practices that safely allow for high quality care have been implemented. In this article we reviewed recent telemedicine reports, related challenges faced by both physicians and pediatric urology patients and suggestions regarding the best practices to overcome these challenges.

Acta Scientific Gastrointestinal Disorders

Journal of clinical and translational research, Apr 29, 2022

Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research, 2021

The current COVID-19 situation has resulted in disruptions in the social, economic and health car... more The current COVID-19 situation has resulted in disruptions in the social, economic and health care system throughout the world. Lock down have been implemented due to need for social distancing practices across the globe. One such challenge is faced by patients of End stage renal disease (ESRD). They have to be physically present in hemodialysis center on regular basis, which means they are more at risk of exposure in a hospital environment. They are in close contact with multiple people for the purpose of dialysis. The pandemic has entailed an enormous burden upon the hospital management and the healthcare workers because of limited staff availability during this pandemic. Aim of this study was to review literature regarding the special aspects and challenges pertaining to those patients who are on regular dialysis treatment.

Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research, 2021

Diabetic neuropathy [DN) is a continual complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). It has an approxi... more Diabetic neuropathy [DN) is a continual complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). It has an approximate pervasiveness ranging from thirty to fifty percent in subjects suffering from this disease, depending on the technique utilized for diagnosis. Additionally, DM has remained the top causative factor of polyneuropathy in the modern world. As much as fifty percent of the polyneuropathies are related to DM. It is more common in chronic DM: it negatively impacts the quality of life (QOL) in those suffering from it. Polyneuropathies cause chronic neuropathic pain, resulting in depression, anxiety, and insomnia among sufferers. Diabetic neuropathy is a painful and disabling condition that has enormous incurring costs in terms of disrupted quality of life and financial implication while treating its complications. Various pain killers have been tried in this regard with varying results. Aim of this review was to delve into various drugs outcomes in this regard.

Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 2022

Objectives: To appraise the effects of previous history of ineffectual extracorporeal shockwave l... more Objectives: To appraise the effects of previous history of ineffectual extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) treatment on the execution and end result of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Methods: The study was performed from January 2012 till November 2019 at the urology department at our hospital, a tertiary healthcare center. In total, four hundred and twenty two patients were enrolled in the study. We arranged the study participants into two groups. Group-I comprised of 66 subjects who had undergone failed SWL 12 months prior to PCNL procedure, while Group-II included patients who had no history of previous SWL. Information related to study variables was registered in designated proformas and then processed in SPSS version 16 for the statistical computations. Results: On the whole, the mean age of patients was 45.25± 14.38 years. While the mean calculus size was 494.80±128.83 mm2. The complexity of stones formulated on the basis of Guy’s stone score was identical among t...

Journal of Biology and Today`s World, 2021

The ongoing COVID-19 challenge has disrupted the social, economic and health care system around t... more The ongoing COVID-19 challenge has disrupted the social, economic and health care system around the globe. As a result of this pandemic, social distancing policies have been strictly implemented creating an immense stress on health care services. Telemedicine is an evolving and a time-saving, logical and effective means for emergency patient assessment. In far flung areas, where local consulting stroke specialist are not available, telemedicine can act as an alternative tool for provision of suitable stroke care within the short and safe therapeutic time window. Telemedicine has a precious role in emergency stroke consultation. Specialists have ability to swiftly evaluate and supervise management of stroke patients via telemedicine in coordination with the remote physicians at the distant health units.

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected us all in all aspects of life, ranging from t... more The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected us all in all aspects of life, ranging from the economic to personal activities. The most affected is the daily routines of every person globally. This is due to lockdowns and restrictions with emphasis on working at home and loss of employment. Such conditions create a stressful environment for adults especially parents caring for young children. It is a known fact that children are affected by their environments and the presence of this pandemic is no exception.

PubMed, Apr 29, 2022

Background: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has evolved as a standard procedure to treat larg... more Background: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has evolved as a standard procedure to treat large-sized renal stones. A nephrostomy tube is used frequently in this procedure; however, data regarding tubeless PCNL procedures in elder patients is scarce. Aim: The aim of this study was to review the results and outcomes associated with tubeless PCNL procedures in the elderly population. Materials and methods: A retrospective review of patients aged ≥60 years at our hospital that was treated for renal stones by PCNL procedure. The patients were separated into two groups: Group 1 underwent tubed PCNL procedures and Group 2 received tubeless PCNL procedures. Information regarding variables were recorded in specified pro forma and then processed in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences statistics analyses. Statistical tests were utilized for continuous and categorical variables and a P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 121 patients with a mean age of 65±5 years were included in the analysis. Mean stone size and body mass index were 3.4±1.5 cm and 26.2±4.3 kg/m2, respectively. Mean operative time was longer in tubed PCNL as compared to the tubeless group. Mean hospital stay was similar among the tubed and tubeless PCNL treated groups. Mean analgesic doses were significantly lower in the tubeless group. The overall stone-free rate was 89/121 patients (74%). Conclusion: Tubeless PCNL can be safely undertaken in geriatric patients and has potential advantages associated with shorter operative times and reduced necessity for analgesia. Relevance for patients: Tubeless PCNL is considered advantageous as it can reduce post-operative pain and analgesia necessity; shorten hospitalization and lower cost in young patients. However, there is no clear evidence with reference to virtue of tubeless PCNL in the elderly age groups. This study will analyze and review results and outcomes associated with tubeless PCNL in a cohort of elderly patients.

Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, Mar 5, 2022

Objectives: To appraise the effects of previous history of ineffectual extracorporeal shockwave l... more Objectives: To appraise the effects of previous history of ineffectual extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) treatment on the execution and end result of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Methods: The study was performed from January 2012 till November 2019 at the urology department at our hospital, a tertiary healthcare center. In total, four hundred and twenty two patients were enrolled in the study. We arranged the study participants into two groups. Group-I comprised of 66 subjects who had undergone failed SWL 12 months prior to PCNL procedure, while Group-II included patients who had no history of previous SWL. Information related to study variables was registered in designated proformas and then processed in SPSS version 16 for the statistical computations. Results: On the whole, the mean age of patients was 45.25± 14.38 years. While the mean calculus size was 494.80±128.83 mm 2. The complexity of stones formulated on the basis of Guy's stone score was identical among the two groups. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class categories were almost similar among the two groups. Stone free rates of 80.30% and 81.74% (p value=0.73) were observed in Group-I and II respectively. Time to create PCNL tract and mean drop in hemoglobin were noted to be significantly higher in Group-I. Complication rates and grades were not being dissimilar among the two groups. Conclusion: Patients having prior history of unsuccessful SWL history before undertaking the PCNL procedure manifested similar stone free rates and complications rates as those observed in SWL naive cases of PCNL.

Acta Scientific Gastrointestinal Disorders, Jul 1, 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic had profound effect on the healthcare dynamics and operational activities. ... more The COVID-19 pandemic had profound effect on the healthcare dynamics and operational activities. This also involved the much important department of Gastroenterology care. Adapting safe distancing measures for outdoor patient care, such as modification of waiting areas to create safe distancing between patients, reduction of crowding in closed areas, managing judiciously the waiting times and motivating patients to wait outside premises of the hospital or clinic wherever feasible. Most effective tool can be the telemedicine consultations made by video phone calls. The aim of this review was to delve into this important aspect in the current literature on both the direct repercussions of catching COVID-19 on the delivery of quality services in Gastroenterology clinics during the restrictions of pandemic.

EC Paediatrics, Dec 23, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on all specialty clinics including pediatric urologic... more The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on all specialty clinics including pediatric urologic practices across the world. At many centers emergency surgeries were pursued without interruption, however, elective procedures had to be halted across many hospitals during the first wave of COVID-19. Delaying pediatric urologic procedures can be drastic in certain situations (such as obstructive uropathy leading to infections or sepsis) because they can lead to worsening of the disease. To avert morbidity associated with the deferment of care during the COVID-19 pandemic, practices that safely allow for high quality care have been implemented. In this article we reviewed recent telemedicine reports, related challenges faced by both physicians and pediatric urology patients and suggestions regarding the best practices to overcome these challenges.

EC Paediatrics, Dec 23, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on all specialty clinics including pediatric urologic... more The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on all specialty clinics including pediatric urologic practices across the world. At many centers emergency surgeries were pursued without interruption, however, elective procedures had to be halted across many hospitals during the first wave of COVID-19. Delaying pediatric urologic procedures can be drastic in certain situations (such as obstructive uropathy leading to infections or sepsis) because they can lead to worsening of the disease. To avert morbidity associated with the deferment of care during the COVID-19 pandemic, practices that safely allow for high quality care have been implemented. In this article we reviewed recent telemedicine reports, related challenges faced by both physicians and pediatric urology patients and suggestions regarding the best practices to overcome these challenges.

Acta Scientific Gastrointestinal Disorders

Journal of clinical and translational research, Apr 29, 2022

Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research, 2021

The current COVID-19 situation has resulted in disruptions in the social, economic and health car... more The current COVID-19 situation has resulted in disruptions in the social, economic and health care system throughout the world. Lock down have been implemented due to need for social distancing practices across the globe. One such challenge is faced by patients of End stage renal disease (ESRD). They have to be physically present in hemodialysis center on regular basis, which means they are more at risk of exposure in a hospital environment. They are in close contact with multiple people for the purpose of dialysis. The pandemic has entailed an enormous burden upon the hospital management and the healthcare workers because of limited staff availability during this pandemic. Aim of this study was to review literature regarding the special aspects and challenges pertaining to those patients who are on regular dialysis treatment.

Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research, 2021

Diabetic neuropathy [DN) is a continual complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). It has an approxi... more Diabetic neuropathy [DN) is a continual complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). It has an approximate pervasiveness ranging from thirty to fifty percent in subjects suffering from this disease, depending on the technique utilized for diagnosis. Additionally, DM has remained the top causative factor of polyneuropathy in the modern world. As much as fifty percent of the polyneuropathies are related to DM. It is more common in chronic DM: it negatively impacts the quality of life (QOL) in those suffering from it. Polyneuropathies cause chronic neuropathic pain, resulting in depression, anxiety, and insomnia among sufferers. Diabetic neuropathy is a painful and disabling condition that has enormous incurring costs in terms of disrupted quality of life and financial implication while treating its complications. Various pain killers have been tried in this regard with varying results. Aim of this review was to delve into various drugs outcomes in this regard.

Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 2022

Objectives: To appraise the effects of previous history of ineffectual extracorporeal shockwave l... more Objectives: To appraise the effects of previous history of ineffectual extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) treatment on the execution and end result of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Methods: The study was performed from January 2012 till November 2019 at the urology department at our hospital, a tertiary healthcare center. In total, four hundred and twenty two patients were enrolled in the study. We arranged the study participants into two groups. Group-I comprised of 66 subjects who had undergone failed SWL 12 months prior to PCNL procedure, while Group-II included patients who had no history of previous SWL. Information related to study variables was registered in designated proformas and then processed in SPSS version 16 for the statistical computations. Results: On the whole, the mean age of patients was 45.25± 14.38 years. While the mean calculus size was 494.80±128.83 mm2. The complexity of stones formulated on the basis of Guy’s stone score was identical among t...

Journal of Biology and Today`s World, 2021

The ongoing COVID-19 challenge has disrupted the social, economic and health care system around t... more The ongoing COVID-19 challenge has disrupted the social, economic and health care system around the globe. As a result of this pandemic, social distancing policies have been strictly implemented creating an immense stress on health care services. Telemedicine is an evolving and a time-saving, logical and effective means for emergency patient assessment. In far flung areas, where local consulting stroke specialist are not available, telemedicine can act as an alternative tool for provision of suitable stroke care within the short and safe therapeutic time window. Telemedicine has a precious role in emergency stroke consultation. Specialists have ability to swiftly evaluate and supervise management of stroke patients via telemedicine in coordination with the remote physicians at the distant health units.

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected us all in all aspects of life, ranging from t... more The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected us all in all aspects of life, ranging from the economic to personal activities. The most affected is the daily routines of every person globally. This is due to lockdowns and restrictions with emphasis on working at home and loss of employment. Such conditions create a stressful environment for adults especially parents caring for young children. It is a known fact that children are affected by their environments and the presence of this pandemic is no exception.