Use of selective internal radiation therapy with yttrium-90 as a bridge to liver resection: a 5-year single-center experience.

Background: Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) with yttrium-90 (Y-90) has been historically reserved for unresectable liver malignancy. Evidence is emerging for the use of SIRT to increase future liver remnant (FLR), allowing for the resection of previously inoperable disease.

Methods: This was a 5-year retrospective review of all patients undergoing SIRT with Y-90 at a tertiary institute.

A systematic scoping review of the initial experience with laparoscopic radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy for pancreatic malignancy.

Background: Laparoscopic radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (L-RAMPS) is a validated surgical approach for the surgical treatment of pancreatic malignancies of the body and tail of the pancreas. Open (O-) RAMPS is an established technique that offers oncological efficacy and acceptable post-operative outcomes when compared to standard distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic malignancies. This review aimed to determine the types of evidence available for L-RAMPS, and its selection criteria and reported outcomes, using systematic scoping review methodology.

Hepato-pancreato-biliary and transplant surgery experience among New Zealand general surgery trainees.

Background: Subspecialty surgery experience during general surgery training in Australasia is influenced by many factors, including duration of training, training location and the introduction of post-fellowship training programmes. Experience in hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) and transplant surgery is part of the general surgery curriculum, although trainee experience in these subspecialties has not been quantified in this region, which is relevant to post-fellowship training programmes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantify the HPB and transplant operative experience of New Zealand (NZ) general surgery trainees.

Systematic review of liver directed therapy for uveal melanoma hepatic metastases.

Background: Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare malignancy with a propensity for metastasis to the liver. Systemic chemotherapy is typically ineffective in these patients with liver metastases and overall survival is poor. There are no evidence-based guidelines for management of UM liver metastases.

The role of intraperitoneal ropivacaine in laparoscopic appendicectomy: a prospective, double-blinded randomized control Australian study.

Background: Currently, intraoperative use of local anaesthetic is not routinely given in all laparoscopic appendicectomies. Although its use has been widely studied in laparoscopic hernia repairs, gynaecological laparoscopy and laparoscopic cholecystectomies, there are no published trials of the use of intraperitoneal local anaesthetic during laparoscopic appendicectomy in the Australasian setting. The aim of this study was to determine whether the use of intraperitoneal ropivacaine during laparoscopic appendicectomy will reduce the amount of post-operative opiate analgesia used, abdominal pain, post-operative nausea or vomiting, shoulder tip pain and length of hospital stay.

Novel presentation of a cricket ball-related intra-abdominal injury: genitofemoral nerve referred pain.

Serious intra-abdominal injuries are very uncommon in cricket; traumatic cricket injuries are traditionally musculoskeletal, soft tissue or maxillofacial in origin. The cause of such cricket injuries can be broadly divided into collision type injuries (a result of direct contact with the ball or bat, another player, the ground or boundary) or overuse injuries (due to running, throwing, batting, bowling, repetitive movements and overexertion). This case report describes a rare cause of small bowel perforation and suspected genitofemoral nerve injury secondary to the direct impact of a cricket ball, and includes a brief review of blunt abdominal injuries resulting in isolated small bowel perforations.