The British journal of surgery
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Review Meta Analysis
Meta-analysis of sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer using the magnetic technique.
The standard for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), the dual technique (radiolabelled tracer and blue dye), has several drawbacks. A novel magnetic technique without these drawbacks has been evaluated in a number of clinical trials. It uses a magnetic tracer and a handheld magnetometer to identify and excise sentinel lymph nodes. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess the performance and utility of the magnetic in comparison to the standard technique. ⋯ The magnetic technique for SLNB is non-inferior to the standard technique, with a high identification rate but with a significantly higher lymph node retrieval rate.
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Internet and software-based platforms (e-learning) have gained popularity as teaching tools in medical education. Despite widespread use, there is limited evidence to support their effectiveness for surgical training. This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of e-learning as a teaching tool compared with no intervention and other methods of surgical training. ⋯ Despite significant heterogeneity amongst platforms, e-learning is at least as effective as other methods of training.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Cost-effectiveness of pelvic exenteration for locally advanced malignancy.
The rising cost of healthcare is well documented. The purpose of this study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of pelvic exenteration (PE). ⋯ Treatment of advanced pelvic cancers is expensive regardless of the treatment intent. For a cost difference of only AUD 58 000 (€38 264), PE offers a chance of cure, and improves survival and QoL.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Randomized clinical trial comparing surgery, endovenous laser ablation and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy for the treatment of great saphenous varicose veins.
Endovenous ablation techniques and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) have largely replaced open surgery for treatment of great saphenous varicose veins. This was a randomized trial to compare the effect of surgery, endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) (with phlebectomies) and UGFS on quality of life and the occlusion rate of the great saphenous vein (GSV) 12 months after surgery. ⋯ In comparison with open surgery and EVLA, UGFS resulted in equivalent improvement in quality of life but significantly higher residual GSV reflux at 12-month follow-up.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Role of omentectomy as part of radical surgery for gastric cancer.
A complete omentectomy is recommended as part of radical (sub)total gastrectomy for gastric cancer, but there is little evidence to suggest any survival benefit. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of, and risk factors for, metastases in the greater omentum in patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric cancer. ⋯ NCT02050659 ( http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).