The British journal of surgery
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Comparative Study
Time to calcitonin normalization after surgery for node-negative and node-positive medullary thyroid cancer.
It remains unclear when postoperative serum calcitonin levels should be measured in patients with medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) and, specifically, whether this decision should be based on the preoperative calcitonin level or nodal status. ⋯ Calcitonin levels typically normalize within 1 week; and within a fortnight in those with node-positive MTC and preoperative calcitonin levels of 500·1-1000 pg/ml. With node-positive MTC and preoperative calcitonin levels exceeding 1000 pg/ml, and with more than ten nodal metastases, calcitonin normalization takes longer.
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Comparative Study Observational Study
Population-based study of outcomes following an initial acute diverticular abscess.
Studies examining long-term outcomes following resolution of an acute diverticular abscess have been limited to single-institution chart reviews. This observational cohort study compared outcomes between elective colectomy and non-operative management following admission for an initial acute diverticular abscess. ⋯ Observation without elective colectomy following resolution of an initial diverticular abscess is a reasonable option with lower healthcare costs than operation.
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Review Meta Analysis
Meta-analysis of clinical trials examining the benefit of structured home exercise in patients with peripheral artery disease.
Supervised exercise is recommended for the management of peripheral artery disease (PAD); however, the uptake is limited. Structured home exercise programmes may be more feasible, but their effectiveness is unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the benefit of structured home exercise programmes for treating PAD in comparison to controls not receiving an exercise programme. ⋯ This meta-analysis suggests that structured home exercise programmes are effective at improving walking performance and physical activity in the short term for patients with PAD.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Influence of the level of sacrectomy on survival in patients with locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancer.
Exenterative surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer may involve partial sacrectomy to achieve complete resection. High sacrectomy is technically challenging, and can be associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the level of sacrectomy on the survival of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. ⋯ There was no survival difference between patients who underwent high or low sacrectomy. In appropriately selected patients, high sacrectomy is feasible and safe.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Cost-effectiveness analysis of a multicentre randomized clinical trial comparing surgery with conservative management for recurrent and ongoing diverticulitis (DIRECT trial).
The results of the DIRECT trial, an RCT comparing conservative management with elective sigmoid resection in patients with recurrent diverticulitis or persistent complaints, showed that elective sigmoid resection leads to higher quality of life. The aim of this study is to determine the cost-effectiveness of surgical treatment at 1- and 5-year follow-up from a societal perspective. ⋯ At 5-year follow-up, elective sigmoid resection in patients with recurring diverticulitis or persistent complaints was found to be cost-effective. Registration number: NTR1478 (www.trialregistrer.nl).