The British journal of surgery
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Patients undergoing surgery for soft tissue sarcoma have high morbidity rates, particularly after preoperative radiation therapy (RT). An enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programme may improve perioperative outcomes in abdominal surgery. This study reported outcomes of an ERAS programme tailored to patients with soft tissue sarcoma. ⋯ Treatment within an ERAS protocol for patients with soft tissue sarcoma was associated with lower morbidity and shorter hospital stay.
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Chronic pain after groin hernia repair is a significant problem, and it is unclear whether or not lightweight meshes help. This national register-based study investigated whether patients who underwent open anterior mesh inguinal hernia repair with lightweight mesh had less chronic pain than those who had hernia repair with heavyweight mesh. ⋯ Patient-reported chronic pain 1 year after open mesh repair of inguinal hernia was common, particularly in young men. The risk of developing chronic pain was not influenced by the type of mesh.
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Surgeons traditionally aim to reduce mistakes in healthcare through repeated training and advancement of surgical technology. Recently, performance-enhancing interventions such as neurostimulation are emerging which may offset errors in surgical practice. ⋯ Neuroenhancement may improve motor and cognitive skills in healthcare professions with impact on patient safety. Implementation will require accurate protocols and regulations to balance benefits with the associated ethical dilemmas, and to direct safe use for clinicians and patients.