The British journal of surgery
-
Trials in surgery pose some special problems. This paper examines these with reference to 10 years of methodological research sponsored by the UK National Health Service Research and Development programme. ⋯ Like surgery itself, the methodological toolkit for evaluation of surgical procedures continues to evolve. The rules of statistical and scientific probity provide plenty of scope for imaginative design solutions for surgical trials.
-
Southern Hebei Province has one of the highest incidences of oesophageal cancer in the world. This study describes a single-centre experience with oesophagectomy for this condition. ⋯ The rate of postoperative complications and deaths following oesophagectomy for cancer has fallen steadily over the past five decades but long-term survival remains disappointing. Improved survival is likely to be dependent on earlier diagnosis and adjunctive therapies.