Journal/Magazine Articles

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This collection contains original research articles, review articles and case reports published in local and international peer reviewed journals by the staff members of the Faculty of Medicine

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    Tracing the progress of Pathology in Sri Lanka – Part II: undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in Pathology.
    (College of Pathologists of Sri Lanka, 2019) Hewavisenthi, J.; Mudduwa, L.
    No abstract available
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    Colorectal cancer burden and trends in a South Asian cohort: experience from a regional tertiary care center in Sri Lanka
    (Biomed Central, 2017) Chandrasinghe, P.C.; Ediriweera, D.S.; Hewavisenthi, J.; Kumarage, S.K.; Fernando, F.R.; Deen, K.I.
    OBJECTIVE: Colorectal cancer (CRC) burden is increasing in the south Asian region due to the changing socio-economic landscape and population demographics. There is a lack of robust high quality data from this region in order to evaluate the disease pattern and comparison. Using generalized linear models assuming Poisson distribution and model fitting, authors describe the variation in the landscape of CRC burden along time since 1997 at a regional tertiary care center in Sri Lanka. RESULTS: Analyzing 679 patients, it is observed that both colon and rectal cancers have significantly increased over time (pre 2000-61, 2000 to 2004-178, 2005 to 2009-190, 2010 to 2014-250; P < 0.05). Majority of the cancers were left sided (82%) while 77% were rectosigmoid. Over 25% of all CRC were diagnosed in patients less than 50 years and the median age at diagnosis is < 62 years. Increasing trend is seen in the stage at presentation while 33% of the rectal cancers received neoadjuvant chemoradiation. Left sided preponderance, younger age at presentation and advanced stage at presentation was observed. CRC disease pattern in the South Asian population may vary from that observed in the western population which has implications on disease surveillance and treatment.
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    Overall survival of elderly patients having surgery for colorectal cancer Is comparable to younger patients: results from a South Asian population
    (Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2017) Chandrasinghe, P.C.; Ediriweera, D.S.; Nazar, T.; Kumarage, S.; Hewavisenthi, J.; Deen, K.I.
    INTRODUCTION: There has been a continuous debate on whether elderly patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) fair worse. The aim of this study is to assess the thirty-day mortality (TDM) and overall survival (OS) of elderly patients undergoing surgery for CRC. METHOD: OS between two groups (≥70 versus <70 years) having surgery for CRC was analyzed. Demographics, tumour characteristics, and serological markers were considered as independent factors. Multivariable analysis was done using the Cox proportional hazard model. We also compared overall survival in the elderly versus those <60 and <50 years. RESULTS: 477 patients, 160 elderly (55% male; median age 75, range 70-89) and 317 younger patients (49% male; median age 55, range 16 to 69), were studied. Overall survival in CRC patients ≥70 is comparable to <70 (P = 0.45) and <60 years (P = 0.08). Poor OS was observed in the ≥70 versus <50 years (P = 0.03). TDM in the elderly was poor (P < 0.05). Postoperative cardiac complication was the only determinant affecting survival in the elderly (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: OS in elderly CRC patients having surgery is not worse compared to <70 and <60 years although the TDM was higher. Postoperative cardiac complications significantly affected OS in those ≥70 compared to those <50 years. Chronological age alone should not negatively influence surgical decision-making in the elderly.
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    Histological analysis of chronic inflammatory patterns in the gall bladder
    (International Organization of Scientific Research (IOSR), 2016) Hasan, R.; Abeysuriya, V.; Hewavisenthi, J.; Wijesinghe, J.A.A.S.
    INTRODUCTION: Cholecystectomy is a common surgical procedure. Inflammatory disease is the most common pathology of the gallbladder. OBJECTIVE: To assess the different morphological changes of chronic cholecystitis in cholecystectomy specimens. METHODS: Thirty histological specimens from cholecystectomies from patients clear clinical history of biliary lithiasis were histologically evaluated with Haematoxylin-Eosinstaining. Three samples were obtained from fundus, middle third and the neck respectively from each gallbladder. RESULTS: 76% of the specimens had metaplastic epithelial changes. Hyperplasia showed a positive correlation (1.0000) with chronic inflammation. Regenerative morphology of epithelial cells was found in 73% of the cases. Regenerative epithelium showed a positive correlation (1.0000) with presence of neutrophils and was significantly associated with mucosal erosions (P=0.005). Fibrosis was observed in all cases (26% mild, 62% moderate, 12% severe). Moderate degree showed a positive correlation (0.999) with severe chronic inflammation. Activity was present in 29% of the cases. Muscular thickness was considered mild in 55% of cases, moderate in 37%, and severe in 8%. Adipose tissue deposits were mild in 47% of cases, moderate in 38%, and severe in 15%. Evolution of the chronic inflammatory cholecystitis was observed in four stages. Initial stage is characterized by mild fibrosis, often with cellular foci, admixed with granulation type tissue in superficial portions of the wall, mild to moderate mononuclear infiltrate and absence of Rockitansky Aschoff sinus(RAS). The second stage consisted of moderate fibrosis and inflammatory infiltrate, often with mild amounts of adipose tissue with RAS extending in to one-third of the length of the specimen. The third stage showed severe fibrosis and chronic inflammation, with moderate to severe adipose tissue deposits with RAS extending in to two-third of the length. The final stage was that of severe fibrosis, often laminated, with reduction of adipose tissue, a moderate to severe inflammatory infiltrate with RAS extending almost entire length of the specimen. CONCLUSION: Staging of chronic inflammatory changes in the gallbladder might help in evaluation of the cholecystectomy specimen, to give a rational, systematic, and reproducible diagnosis of different patterns of the inflammatory process.
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    Histopathology reporting in colorectal cancer: a proforma improves quality
    (Wiely-Blackwell, 2009) Siriwardana, P.N.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Hewavisenthi, J.; Deen, K.I.
    AIM: The histopathology report is vital to determine the need for adjuvant therapy and prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC). Completeness of those in text format is inadequate. This study evaluated the improvement of quality of histopathology reports following the introduction of a template proforma, based on standards set by the Royal College of Pathologists (RCP), UK. METHOD: Sixty-eight consecutive histopathology reports based on 19 items for rectal cancer (RC) and 15 items for colon cancer (CC) using the proforma were prospectively analysed and compared with results of a previous audit of 82 consecutive histopathology reports in text format. The percentage of reports containing a statement for each data item for both series was compared using the Normal test for difference between two proportions. Completeness of each report was assessed and a percentage score (percentage completeness) was given. Mean percentage completeness was calculated for each format and compared using the two sample t-test. RESULTS: Except for comments on the presence of 'histologically confirmed liver metastases' in CC and RC, 'distance from dentate line' and 'distance to circumferential margin' in RC, all other items were commented in more than 90% of reports, where 71% of the items based on the minimum data set were present in all reports. Compared to prose format, the mean percentage completeness (SD) improved from 74% (8) to 91% (4) (P < 0.0001) and from 81% (5) to 99% (1) (P < 0.0001) for RC and CC respectively in template proforma format. CONCLUSION: A template proforma and surgeon's contribution in relation to operative findings improves the quality of the histopathology report in CRC.
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    A Rare Presentation of an acute abdomen: an ileal diverticular perforation
    (Biomed Central, 2017) Thilakawardana, B.U.; de Mel, S.; Abeysuriya, V.; Hewavisenthi, J.; de Mel, C.; Chandrasena, L.; Abeysuriya, V.
    BACKGROUND: This case report highlights the value of prompt intervention of diagnostic laparoscopy in a patient suspects of having an acute abdomen due to an intestinal perforation, where there is a limitation of performing Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography of abdomen. A previously healthy young adult presenting with an acute abdomen due to a spontaneous ileal perforation, without any associated risk factors is a rare clinical entity in a developing country. Therefore, entertaining an early diagnosis will possibly prevent a fatal consequence. CASE PRESENTATION: A male patient, 29 years old, recently diagnosed as a young hypertensive without any associated factors, currently on antihypertensive treatment, was admitted to our hospital presenting with an acute severe abdominal pain. During initial assessment, the patient was febrile (101 °F), ill looking, tachycardic (pulse rate 121 bpm) with rapid shallow breathing. Abdominal examination reviled diffuse guarding and rigidity, more severe on right iliac fossa. Following history and clinical examination probable clinical diagnosis was made as an acute appendicitis with perforation. However, ultrasonography was found to have normal appendix. Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography was not performed as a subsequent investigation because of the impairment of renal functions of this patient. Though, non-contrast CT would have been ascertained more diagnostic yield, given the critically ill status of this patient we decided to perform urgent diagnostic laparoscopy. It reviled pus in several abdominal cavities and dense adhesions. Therefore, the procedure was converted to a laparotomy and found to have an ileal perforation with diffuse peritoneal contamination. Diseased ileal segment was resected and anastomosed. Followed by peritoneal lavage. CONCLUSION: Ileal perforation due to diverticular disease in a healthy young adult is rare. This case report highlights the importance of considering this clinical entity as a differential diagnosis, the value of early diagnostic laparoscopy, especially in clinical settings with limitations to CT scan, since late diagnosis can give rise to fatal outcome.
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    Postmortem sampling of the pancreas for histological examination: what is the optimum cut-off time?
    (iMed Pub, Washington., 2010) Siriwardana, R.C.; Deen, K.I.; Hewavisenthi, J.
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    Intestinal tuberculosis masquerading as difficult to treat Crohn disease: a case report
    (Biomed Central, 2016) Niriella, M.A.; Kodisinghe, S.K.; de Silva, A.P.; Hewavisenthi, J.; de Silva, H.J.
    BACKGROUND: Crohn disease has low prevalence in Sri Lanka while compared to the West, while intestinal tuberculosis is common in the region. Since clinical, endoscopic and investigation features of Crohn disease overlap with intestinal tuberculosis, differentiating these two conditions becomes a dilemma for the clinician in the intestinal tuberculosis endemic setting. An 18-year old Sri Lankan Muslim female presented with chronic abdominal pain and weight loss. Colonoscopy revealed an ulcerated ileocaecal valve and a terminal ileal stricture. Biopsy confirmed Crohn disease with no supportive features to suggest intestinal tuberculosis. Despite treatment with adequate immunosuppression she failed to improve and underwent a limited right hemicolectomy and terminal ileal resection. Histology confirmed intestinal tuberculosis and she made full recover with 6 months of anti-tuberculosis treatment. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates the importance of reviewing the diagnosis to include intestinal tuberculosis in an endemic setting, when already diagnosed Crohn disease is treatment refractory.
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    Distribution of human papillomavirus genotypes in archival cervical tissue from women with cervical cancer in urban Sri Lanka
    (Elsevier, 2011) Samarawickrema, N.A.; Tabrizi, S.N.; Hewavisenthi, J.; Leong, T.; Garland, S.M.
    OBJECTIVE: To identify the contributions of various human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in tissue samples from women diagnosed with cervicalcancer in Sri Lanka. METHODS: In a retrospective study, archival cervical tissues samples (n=108) obtained from Sri Lankan women diagnosed with histologically proven invasive squamous cell carcinoma between 2006 and 2007 were tested for HPV. Genotyping of HPV DNA was performed using an INNO-LiPA assay. RESULTS: Overall, 93% of tumor samples tested positive for HPV DNA. HPV types 16 and 18 accounted collectively for 83.4% of the positive samples. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the HPV genotypes responsible for causing cervical cancer in Sri Lanka are similar to those reported elsewhere worldwide. Consequently, women in Sri Lanka could benefit from currently available prophylactic HPV vaccines should they be implemented.
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    An unusual cause of death of a Hb E/β thalassaemia patient
    (College of Pathologists of Sri Lanka, 2014) Moratuwagama, H. M. D.; Jayathilake, A.; Somarathna, T.; Hewavisenthi, J.