The British journal of surgery
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Postpancreatectomy haemorrhage (PPH) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) are serious complications following pancreatic surgery. The aim was to assess the timing, occurrence and predictors of PPH and VTE. ⋯ A double dose of LMWH prophylaxis continued for 6 weeks after pancreatic resection was associated with a twofold higher rate of CR-PPH, resulting in four times more relaparotomies. Patients receiving a single daily dose of LMWH in hospital only did not experience a higher rate of VTE.
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Population-based studies of treatment of locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) are lacking. The aim was to investigate the surgical treatment of patients with LRRC at a national population-based level. ⋯ LRRC is a serious condition with overall poor outcome. Patients undergoing curative surgery have an acceptable survival rate but substantial morbidity. There is room for improvement in the management of patients with LRRC.
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The indications for major hepatectomy for gallbladder cancer either with or without pancreatoduodenectomy remain controversial. The clinical value of these extended procedures was evaluated in this study. ⋯ Major hepatectomy alone for gallbladder cancer contributes to favourable overall survival with low morbidity and mortality, whereas HPD is associated with poor overall survival and high morbidity and mortality rates. HPD may eradicate locally spreading gallbladder cancer; however, the indication for the procedure is questioned from an oncological viewpoint.
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As more therapeutic options for pancreatic cancer are becoming available, there is a need to improve outcome prediction to support shared decision-making. A systematic evaluation of prediction models in resectable pancreatic cancer is lacking. ⋯ Although a large number of prediction models for resectable pancreatic cancer have been reported, most are at high risk of bias and have not been validated externally. This overview of prognostic factors provided practical recommendations that could help in designing easily applicable prediction models to support shared decision-making.
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Treatment of superficial venous reflux in addition to compression therapy accelerates venous leg ulcer healing and reduces ulcer recurrence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the costs and cost-effectiveness of early versus delayed endovenous treatment of patients with venous leg ulcers. ⋯ Early treatment of superficial reflux is highly likely to be cost-effective in patients with venous leg ulcers over 1 year. Registration number: ISRCTN02335796 (http://www.isrctn.com).