The British journal of surgery
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Review Meta Analysis
Meta-analysis of colorectal cancer follow-up after potentially curative resection.
After potentially curative resection of primary colorectal cancer, patients may be monitored by measurement of carcinoembryonic antigen and/or CT to detect asymptomatic metastatic disease earlier. ⋯ Based on pooled data from randomized trials published from 1995 to 2016, the anticipated survival benefit from surgical treatment resulting from earlier detection of metastases has not been achieved.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Factors influencing recurrence following initial hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases.
Data on recurrence patterns following hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) and their impact on long-term outcomes are limited in the setting of modern multimodal management. This study sought to characterize the patterns of, factors associated with, and survival impact of recurrence following initial hepatectomy for CRLMs. ⋯ Recurrence after CRLM resection remains common. Although overall survival is inferior with recurrence, excellent survival rates can still be achieved.
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The complexity of surgical interventions has major implications for the design of RCTs. Trials need to consider how and whether to standardize interventions so that, if successful, they can be implemented in practice. Although guidance exists for standardizing non-pharmaceutical interventions in RCTs, their application to surgery is unclear. This study reports new methods for standardizing the delivery of surgical interventions in RCTs. ⋯ The typology provides a framework for use during trial design to standardize the delivery of surgical interventions and document these details within protocols. Application of this typology to future RCTs may clarify details of the interventions under evaluation and help successful interventions to be implemented.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Randomized clinical trial of the use of glyceryl trinitrate patches to aid arteriovenous fistula maturation.
Arteriovenous fistulas are critical for haemodialysis, but maturation rates remain poor. Experimental and anecdotal evidence has supported the use of transdermal glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) patches. The aim of this RCT was to determine whether use of a GTN patch aids arteriovenous fistula maturation. ⋯ NCT01685710 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Diagnostic accuracy of surgeons and trainees in assessment of patients with acute abdominal pain.
Diagnostic accuracy in the assessment of patients with acute abdominal pain in the emergency ward is not adequate. It has been argued that this is because the investigations are carried out predominantly by a trainee. Resource utilization could be lowered if surgeons had a higher initial diagnostic accuracy. ⋯ The diagnostic accuracy of the initial clinical assessment is not improved when a surgeon rather than a surgical trainee assesses a patient with abdominal pain in the emergency department.