Browsing by Author "Perera, H.S."

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Outcome of application of complete below elbow plaster of Paris cast for Colles' fractures after manipulation
(Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Kalukottage, S.C.; Medagodahetti, U.S.; Thilakarathna, G. S.; Perera, H.S.; Wijesurendra, H.D.; Perera, M.V.
BACKGROUND: Application of plaster of Paris (POP) cast for Colles' fracture is a universal practice around the world. The widely accepted practice is to apply a dorso-radial slab or a complete POP with a split. Yet, application of a complete POP without splitting is the long term practice in the Sri Lankan context. OBJECTIVE: To measure the clinical outcome of this practice with a focus on complications and the association between patients’ perceptions on POP cast and clinical examination findings. METHODS: This was a longitudinal descriptive study with 78 study units recruited from one orthopedic unit at the NHSL The duration of the study was two years. A structured questionnaire was used after pre-testing with an emphasis on post-POP complications after 2 weeks of application. RESULTS: Two patients out of 78 have undergone split of POP owing to complications. Two patients had developed numbness, whilst rest had no other neurological problems. None of the POPs were found to be loose and 13 (n=10) percent of patients had tight casts. Eight patients have developed some degree of restriction of movements. 18% (n=14) had developed moderate swelling of fingers during this period. CONCLUSIONS: There is no statistically significant evidence for development of severe complications. The patient’s perceptions about POP complications were significantly associated with the clinical examination findings. However, the patient’s opinions about swelling and function were not proportionate with examination findings. This method of POP application for Colles’ fracture is a viable treatment option.
Validation of the international consultation on incontinence questionnaire-vaginal symptoms (ICIQ-VS) in two South- Asian languages
(Springer, 2017) Ekanayake, C.D.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Herath, R.P.; Perera, H.S.; Patabendige, M.; Wijesinghe, P.S.
INTRODUCTION: The multifaceted nature of pelvic floor disorders means that a systematic evaluation is required for optimal treatment outcome. It is also generally acknowledged that a valid tool is necessary to objectively assess symptoms reported by affected women. METHODS: The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Vaginal Symptoms (ICIQ-VS) questionnaire was translated to Sinhala and Tamil and a validation study carried out among women attending gynecology clinics at North Colombo Teaching Hospital, Ragama, and the district general hospitals Mannar and Vavuniya. RESULTS: Content validity was assessed by the level of missing answers, which was < 4% and 2% for each item in Sinhala and Tamil, respectively. Construct validity was assessed by the ability of the questionnaire to differentiate between patients and controls. Both differentiated patients from controls on vaginal symptoms score (VSS) (p < 0.001), sexual symptoms score (SSS) (p < 0.01), and quality of life (QoL) (p < 0.001). There was a strong positive correlation between Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) scores and VSS (Sinhala r s = 0.64, p < 0.001, Tamil r s = 0.65, p < 0.001), and QoL (Sinhala r s = 0.49, p < 0.001, Tamil r s = 0.60, p < 0.001). Internal consistency as assessed using Cronbach's coefficient alpha: 0.78 (0.76-0.78) and 0.83 (0.80-0.84) in Sinhala and Tamil, respectively. Test-retest reliability was assessed by weighted kappa scores (Sinhala 0.58-0.88 and Tamil 0.76-0.90). Both questionnaires were sensitive to change and showed that VSS and QoL improved following surgery (Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The validated Sinhala and Tamil translations of ICIQ-VS will be useful for assessing vaginal and sexual symptoms among women speaking Sinhala and Tamil.