The effect of a geriatric evaluation on treatment decisions and outcome for older cancer patients - A systematic review.

Aim: The aim of this systematic review is to summarise all available data on the effect of a geriatric evaluation on the multidisciplinary treatment of older cancer patients, focussing on oncologic treatment decisions, the implementation of non-oncologic interventions and the impact on treatment outcome.

Methods: A systematic search in MEDLINE and EMBASE for studies on the effect of a geriatric evaluation on oncologic and non-oncologic treatment decisions and outcome for older cancer patients.

Results: 36 publications from 35 studies were included.

Physical performance measures for predicting outcome in cancer patients: a systematic review.

Background: Decision making regarding cancer treatment is challenging and there is a need for clinical parameters that can guide these decisions. As physical performance appears to be a reflection of health status, the aim of this systematic review is to assess whether physical performance tests (PPTs) are predictive of the clinical outcome and treatment tolerance in cancer patients.

Methods: A literature search was conducted on 2 April 2015 in the electronic databases Medline and Embase to identify studies focusing on the association between objectively measured PPTs and outcome.

[Which imaging technique in acute appendicitis?].

This is a commentary on two published articles in this issue of the Dutch Journal of Medicine (NTvG) about the diagnosis and work-up of patients with suspected acute appendicitis. Despite a well-established Dutch guideline since 2010 in some cases the diagnosis of acute appendicitis remains a challenge.

Long-term changes in physical capacity after colorectal cancer treatment.

Older patients with colorectal cancer are faced with the dilemma of choosing between the short-term risks of treatment and the long-term risks of insufficiently treated disease. In addition to treatment-related morbidity and mortality, patients may suffer from loss of physical capacity. The purpose of this review was to gather all available evidence regarding long-term changes in physical functioning and role functioning after colorectal cancer treatment, by performing a systematic Medline and Embase search.

Age-related guideline adherence and outcome in low rectal cancer.

Background: Care for elderly patients with low rectal cancer can pose dilemmas, because radical total mesorectal excision surgery comes with high morbidity and mortality rates.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the treatment of patients with low rectal cancer, comparing treatment choices, guideline adherence, and outcomes for elderly patients (≥75 years) with younger patients (<75 years).

Design: Patient data were retrieved from the hospital pathology database and from the hospital prospective colorectal surgery database for surgically treated patients.

Transanal minimally invasive surgery: initial experience and short-term functional results.

Background: Currently, the preferred method for local excision of rectal polyps is transanal endoscopic microsurgery, avoiding rectal resection. Transanal minimally invasive surgery is a relatively new technique using a disposable port in combination with conventional laparoscopic instruments. This method is less expensive as compared with transanal endoscopic microsurgery, relatively easy to learn, and available.

The effect of a geriatric evaluation on treatment decisions for older cancer patients--a systematic review.

Aim: The aim of this systematic review is to summarise all available data on the effect of a geriatric evaluation on the multidisciplinary treatment of older cancer patients, focussing on oncologic treatment decisions and the implementation of non-oncologic interventions.

Methods: A systematic search in MEDLINE and EMBASE for studies on the effect of a geriatric evaluation on oncologic and non-oncologic treatment for older cancer patients.

Results: Literature search identified 1654 reports (624 from Medline and 1030 from Embase), of which 10 studies were included in the review.

Randomized clinical trial of LigaSure versus conventional suture ligation in thyroid surgery.

Background: In thyroid surgery vessel division and haemostasis make up an important and time consuming part of the operation. While the presence of the recurrent laryngeal nerve limits the liberal use of diathermia, the many arterial and venous branches to and from the thyroid gland necessitates the use of numerous conventional suture ligatures.This study evaluates the effect of using a vessel sealing system on operation time during thyroid surgery.

Timing of cholecystectomy after endoscopic sphincterotomy for common bile duct stones.

Background: According to the literature, the conversion rate for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) after endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) for cholecystodocholithiasis reaches 20%, at least when LC is performed 6 to 8 weeks afterward. It is hypothesized that early planned LC after ES prevents recurrent biliary complications and reduces operative morbidity and hospital stay.

Methods: All consecutive patients who underwent LC after ES between 2001 and 2004 were retrospectively evaluated.