Long-term results of anterior resection using the double-stapling technique.

Purpose: This study was designed to determine the anastomotic leak rate, local recurrence rate, and survival of patients undergoing anterior resection with the double-stapling technique for rectal cancer.

Methods: Between 1981 and 1992, 189 patients underwent a curative (166) or palliative (23) anterior resection using the double-stapling technique. A chart review was performed, and follow-up information was obtained from the patient or family physician.

Randomized controlled trials in surgery.

Background: The objective was to determine the number of randomized controlled trials (RCT) performed by surgeons, published in surgical journals, or comprising a surgical arm and to assess their characteristics and overall quality.

Methods: RCT in general surgery (including gastrointestinal, breast, surgical oncology, vascular, critical care, and trauma) published in 1990 were retrieved by MEDLINE and analyzed to determine the funding agency, type of therapy, area of surgery, journal published, country of origin, number of centers, and whether a surgeon was the principal author. The completeness of the MEDLINE search was compared to a manual search of the literature.