Surgical timing after chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer, analysis of technique (STARRCAT): results of a feasibility multi-centre randomized controlled trial.

Background: The optimal time of rectal resection after long-course chemoradiotherapy (CRT) remains unclear. A feasibility study was undertaken for a multi-centre randomized controlled trial evaluating the impact of the interval after chemoradiotherapy on the technical complexity of surgery.

Methods: Patients with rectal cancer were randomized to either a 6- or 12-week interval between CRT and surgery between June 2012 and May 2014 (ISRCTN registration number: 88843062).

Valuing patient and public involvement in research.

Patient and public involvement is now mandatory in funding applications for most health sciences research. This article offers a snapshot of views from patients and the public on their role in the research process.

Impact of analgesic modality on stress response following laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a post-hoc analysis of a randomised controlled trial.

Background: Epidural analgesia is perceived to modulate the stress response after open surgery. This study aimed to explore the feasibility and impact of measuring the stress response attenuation by post-operative analgesic modalities following laparoscopic colorectal surgery within an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol.

Methods: Data were collected as part of a double-blinded randomised controlled pilot trial at two UK sites.

Quality of reporting on patient and public involvement within surgical research: a systematic review.

Background: Recruitment difficulties are a well-reported concern in surgical literature, which may be improved by patient and public involvement (PPI). PPI within research has been defined as being conducted "with" or "by" patients or members of the public rather than being "about" or "for" them. However, the extent to which PPI is used within surgical research is unknown.