The American journal of gastroenterology
-
Am. J. Gastroenterol. · Jun 2009
ReviewMost doctors win: what to do if sued for medical malpractice.
All gastroenterologists are at risk of being accused of medical malpractice; few have received much training about what to do should a lawsuit occur. This article details what one can expect in a typical medical malpractice negligence claim and reviews basic relevant legal terminology. The timeline of a lawsuit is described, particularly noting the physician's role in discovery and trial. Cautions and suggestions for successful navigation of this unfamiliar and uncomfortable world are dispensed.
-
Am. J. Gastroenterol. · May 2009
Review Comparative StudySystematic reviews: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Systematic reviews systematically evaluate and summarize current knowledge and have many advantages over narrative reviews. Meta-analyses provide a more reliable and enhanced precision of effect estimate than do individual studies. Systematic reviews are invaluable for defining the methods used in subsequent studies, but, as retrospective research projects, they are subject to bias. ⋯ They should be reviewed on an ongoing basis. As clinicians, we need proper methodological training to perform good systematic reviews and must ask the appropriate questions before we can properly interpret such a review and apply its conclusions to our patients. This paper aims to assist in the reading of a systematic review.
-
Am. J. Gastroenterol. · Apr 2009
Review Meta AnalysisOral antibiotic prophylaxis reduces spontaneous bacterial peritonitis occurrence and improves short-term survival in cirrhosis: a meta-analysis.
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a serious complication of advanced liver disease resulting in high mortality rates. Although studies that assessed the use of oral antibiotics in advanced liver disease demonstrated a clear benefit in reducing the risk of recurrent peritonitis, it is unclear whether mortality rates are similarly affected by this practice. The goal of this study was to determine whether oral antibiotic therapy provides a survival benefit for patients with advanced cirrhosis and ascites. Through subgroup analysis, we also evaluated the effect of prophylactic oral antibiotic therapy on the prevention of SBP and the incidence of all infections (including SBP) when compared with non-treated or placebo controls. ⋯ Antibiotic prophylaxis improved short-term survival in treated patients when compared with untreated control groups and reduced the overall risk of infections, including SBP, during follow-up. In summary, antibiotic prophylaxis should be considered for high-risk cirrhotic patients with ascites.
-
Am. J. Gastroenterol. · Feb 2009
Review Meta Analysis Comparative StudyRadiofrequency thermal ablation vs. percutaneous ethanol injection for small hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhosis: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Radiofrequency thermal ablation (RF) and percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) have been employed in the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as curative treatments. The aim of the study was to review the available evidence comparing RF to PEI for small HCC. ⋯ RF ablation is superior to PEI in the treatment of small HCC with respect to overall survival, 1, 2, and 3 years survival rates, 1, 2, and 3 cancer-free survival rates, and tumor response. RF shows a significantly smaller risk of local recurrence.