The British journal of surgery
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Sportsman's hernia is a debilitating condition which presents as chronic groin pain. A tear occurs at the external oblique which may result in an occult hernia. The definition, investigation and treatment of this condition remain unclear. ⋯ The diagnosis of sportsman's hernia is difficult. The condition must be distinguished from the more common osteitis pubis and musculotendinous injuries. Early surgical intervention is usually, although not always, successful when conservative management has failed.
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Intra-abdominal desmoids are uncommon neoplasms. The aggressive nature of these tumours and the potential for major morbidity secondary to resection can present a difficult surgical dilemma. ⋯ Operation can cure patients with intra-abdominal desmoid tumours, but may result in significant morbidity, especially from loss of small intestine. No other therapy is a predictably good alternative to operation but the natural history of desmoids is often characterized by prolonged periods of stability or even regression. A period of watchful waiting, until significant symptoms develop, may be the most appropriate course in patients who risk mesenteric vascular injury or substantial enterectomy with attempts at resection.
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Peripheral blood clearance of indocyanine green (ICG) has been used as a test of liver function but gives little information on biliary excretion. Hepatic ICG uptake and clearance can be measured directly by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Direct ICG measurement has not previously been correlated with liver blood flow and function in cirrhosis. ⋯ ICG uptake measured directly by NIRS reflects the reduced liver blood flow and perfusion in cirrhosis and its excretion correlates with the degree of liver parenchymal dysfunction. This technique may allow a more accurate method of liver function assessment than peripheral blood ICG clearance.