The British journal of surgery
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Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) has been proven to increase local control in rectal cancer, but the optimal interval between CRT and surgery is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to analyse the influence of variations in clinical practice regarding timing of surgery on pathological response at a population level. ⋯ Delaying surgery until the 15th or 16th week after the start of CRT (10-11 weeks from the end of CRT) seemed to result in the highest chance of a pCR.
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Locoregional recurrence of colonic cancer includes anastomotic recurrence, associated nodal masses, masses that involve the abdominal wall and pelvic masses. The aim of this study was to report the outcome of resection of such recurrences and to provide guidance on the management of this disease. ⋯ This study described a classification system, management algorithm and prognostic factors for recurrent colonic cancer. The distribution of disease influenced survival. Long-term survival was achieved, including a subset of patients with drop metastases and/or previous metastasectomy.
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Experimental studies and small anecdotal reports have documented the potential and feasibility of transgastric appendicectomy. This paper reports the results of the new technique in a selected group of patients. ⋯ These preliminary results have shown the feasibility of this innovative procedure. Additional studies, however, are required to demonstrate the specific advantages and disadvantages of this approach, and define its role in clinical surgery.