Editor's Choice - Nationwide Analysis of Patients Undergoing Iliac Artery Aneurysm Repair in the Netherlands.

Objective: The new 2019 guideline of the European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) recommends consideration for elective iliac artery aneurysm (eIAA) repair when the iliac diameter exceeds 3.5 cm, as opposed to 3.0 cm previously.

Constipation as an adverse effect of drug use in nursing home patients: an overestimated risk.

Aims: To investigate whether results from case control and cross sectional studies which suggest an association between laxative use and other drug use could be confirmed in a cohort study of nursing home patients.

Methods: A prospective cohort study of 2355 nursing home patients aged 65 years and over was performed to estimate the incidence relative risk of constipation associated with drug use. The study was conducted with prescription sequence analysis of each resident's detailed pharmacy records and data on morbidity and mobility.

Tissue reaction on PLLA versus stainless steel interlocking nails for fracture fixation: an animal study.

In order to develop a biodegradable interlocking nail for fracture fixation, polylactic acid (PLLA) rods were implanted in the femoral bone of young pigs. A midshaft osteotomy was performed in order to mimic a fracture. The tissue response to PLLA rods versus stainless steel rods was studied after 1 and 3 months of implantation.

Surgical treatment of fracture-dislocations of the ankle joint with biodegradable implants: a prospective randomized study.

In a randomized study 43 patients with fracture-dislocations of the ankle joint were treated by open reduction and fixation with either steel or biodegradable implants. Results in both groups were favorable and the biodegradable material appears to be useful for some fracture-dislocations to obviate the need for a second operation.