Annals of surgery
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To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transversus abdominis muscle release (TAR) with retrorectus synthetic mesh reinforcement in a large series of complex hernia patients. ⋯ Complex AWR represents a formidable surgical challenge. In this large series, we demonstrated that posterior component separation via TAR with wide synthetic mesh sublay provides a very durable repair with low morbidity, even in comorbid patients with large defects. We strongly advocate TAR as a robust addition to the armamentarium of reconstructive surgeons.
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Intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) after elective colorectal surgery impact significantly the short- and long-term outcomes. In the era of fast-track surgery, they often come to light after discharge from hospital. Early diagnosis is therefore essential. C-reactive protein levels have proved to be accurate in this setting. Procalcitonin has been evaluated in several studies with conflicting results. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the predictive abilities of C-reactive protein and procalcitonin in the occurrence of IAIs after elective colorectal surgery. ⋯ Levels of inflammatory markers under the cutoff value between postoperative days 3 and 5 ensure safe early discharge after elective colorectal surgery. Procalcitonin seems not to have added value as compared to C-reactive protein in this setting.
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of interleukin (IL)-6 pathways in postoperative immune suppression and to assess the reversibility of this phenomenon. ⋯ IL-6 levels increase after a major surgery and are associated with an increased susceptibility to postoperative infections. Serum obtained from postoperative patients induces an immunosuppressive response, reflected in reduced mHLA-DR levels, mediated through IL-6 independent pathways and is reversible with IFN-γ. These data may have therapeutic implications for the prevention of infection in patients undergoing major surgery.
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This study addresses the use of decision analysis and Markov models to make contemplated decisions for surgical problems. Decision analysis and decision modeling in surgical research are increasing, but many surgeons are unfamiliar with the techniques and are skeptical of the results. The goal of this review is to familiarize surgeons with techniques and terminology used in decision analytic papers, to provide the reader a practical guide to read these papers, and to ensure that surgeons can critically appraise the quality of published clinical decision models and draw well founded conclusions from such reports. ⋯ Finally, the advantages and limitations of research with Markov models are described, and new modeling techniques and future perspectives are discussed. It is important that surgeons are able to understand conclusions from decision analytic studies and are familiar with the specific definitions of the terminology used in the field to keep up with surgical research. Decision analysis can guide treatment strategies when complex clinical questions need to be answered and is a necessary and useful addition to the surgical research armamentarium.