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A prospective study on ablative therapy for small renal masses (SRM) at a tertiary care centre in Sri Lanka

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: A prospective study on ablative therapy for small renal masses (SRM) at a tertiary care centre in Sri Lanka Authors: Kiritharan, K.; Sangavi, S.; Nivetha, M.; Thishanthini, V.; Neeranjali, P.; Sripandurangana, R.; Priyatharsan, K.; Varothyan, S.; Jeyanthan, B.A.D.; Mayuran, M.; Brammah, R.T.; Gowribahan, T.; Theepan, J.M.M.; Vinothika, S.; Jenil, A.A.; Balagobi, B. Abstract: Introduction: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the fourteenth most common malignancy. Improved cross-sectional imaging has increasedthe identification of small renal masses (SRMs), resulting in a change in care to nephron sparing techniques such as microwave ablation (MWA). This study evaluated the patient characteristics, tumor features, and early outcomes of imageguided MWA for SRMs in a tertiary care environment in Sri Lanka Methodology: This prospective observational study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital between April 2023 and May 2024. Consecutive patients with biopsy—proven T1a SRMs (≤4 cm) who underwent curative percutaneous MWA following multidisciplinary team (MDT) evaluation, were included. Clinical, radiological, histological, and renal function data were obtained. The outcomes included technical success, complications, recurrence, and changes in renal function. Results: Twelve patients (mean age 52.1 ±13.19 years; 83.33% male) underwent MWA with a mean follow-up of 28.63 months until April 2026. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity, and 75% of lesions were incidentally detected. Clear cell RCC was the most common histological subtype (66.67%), followed by oncocytoma (16.67%). Technical success was achieved in all cases, with 83.33% required a single ablation session. Only two minor complications (16.67%) (Clavien-Dindo grades I and II) were recorded. Renal function was preserved, with no evidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis during follow-up. Conclusion: Image-guided MWA revealed great technical success, acceptable safety, and effective short-term oncological management while maintaining renal function, indicating that it is a potential nephron-sparing alternative for selected SRMs in resource-limited settings.

Pediatric Urethral Lump: A Case Report

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Pediatric Urethral Lump: A Case Report Authors: Thusinthan, R.; Balagobi, B.

Factors affecting the Phase I academic performance of undergraduate students in Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Factors affecting the Phase I academic performance of undergraduate students in Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna Authors: Balagobi, B.; Thuraisamy Sharma, S.; Sanchayan, S.; Gobishangar, S.; Thangarajah, B.R.; Raguraman, S.; Kumaran, S.; Vishnuja, S.; Hamsha, T. Abstract: Introduction: Academic performance of students in medical school is affected by multiple student factors. Understanding these determinants is essential for educators to devise interventions that can help students manage stress and improve their academic performance. The aim of this study was to identify the effects of students’ socio-economic and educational factors and personal habits on Phase I (preclinical) academic performance. Methodology: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted among the students from two consecutive batches who had recently graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna. Institutional ethical approval was obtained. An online self-administered questionnaire and data extraction from faculty records were used. Academic performance was categorized into good (passed with 1st attempt) and poor (subsequent attempt). Data were analysed using the chi square test in SPSS 26.0. Results: 224 students took part in this study with the response rate of 78.6%. 59.8% of them were female. Good academic performance rate was (71.4%). Academic performance in Phase I was significantly influenced by factors such as gender, financial issues of the family, accommodation, medium of ordinary and advance level, having study group discussions, reviewing lecture material before and after the lectures and social media usage (p <0.05). Education, occupation of parents, and having medical professionals in the family, Advanced Level examination results, extracurricular activities, and exam preparation methods were not significantly correlated with Phase I academic performance (p >0.05). Conclusions: The study highlights the complex interplay of various socio-economic, educational, and personal factors affecting the academic performance of medical students. The identified factors which affect the academic performance of students should be taken into consideration when educators develop strategies to improve the academic performance of the students.

A Descriptive Analysis of Peripheral Arterial Disease: Clinical Profile, Comorbidities, And Management Outcomes

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: A Descriptive Analysis of Peripheral Arterial Disease: Clinical Profile, Comorbidities, And Management Outcomes Authors: Vinojan, S.; Thananchayan, H.; Niranjan, N. Abstract: Background: Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) presents a significant burden, particularly in patients with multiple comorbidities, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and timely intervention. Objectives: To describe the clinical profile, comorbidities, anatomical distribution, interventions, and outcomes in patients with PAD. Method: A prospective descriptive study of 57 PAD patients admitted to the professorial unit of Teaching Hospital Jaffna. Data were collected from clinical records and BHTs. Results: The mean age was 66 years. Diabetes Mellitus was the most common comorbidity (73.7%, n = 42), followed by hypertension (31.6%, n = 18), ischemic heart disease (19.3%, n = 11), and dyslipidaemia (15.8%, n = 9). Tissue loss is the commonest presentation for Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia (CLTI). Among 41 patients with imaging data, tibial vessels (46.3%, n = 19) and superficial femoral artery (39%, n=16) were most commonly involved. Iliac (n = 1), combined SFA and tibial (n = 3), and foot arch disease (n = 2) were less frequent. Definitive procedures were performed in 78.9% (n = 45); angioplasty (54.4%, n = 31) was most common, followed by femoral-popliteal bypass (19.3%, n = 11). Others were managed conservatively or with wound care. Outcomes included wound healing in 22.8% (n = 13), healing in progress in 10.5% (n=6), and major amputations in 7% (n = 4). There were 3 deaths (5.3%) due to myocardial infarction. Most others showed clinical improvement. Follow-up revealed 2 defaults, 1 symptomatic improvement, 2 reinterventions, 4 minor amputations (toe/forefoot), 2 recurrent wounds, 1 redo bypass, 1 post-op angioplasty, 1 aneurysm repair, and 1 awaiting bypass. Conclusion: PAD primarily affects elderly diabetics, with CLTI as the commonest presentation. Tibial and femoral arteries were most involved. Angioplasty was the mainstay of treatment. Despite encouraging outcomes, complications emphasize the need for early intervention and structured follow-up.