Scalable novel PVDF based nanocomposite foam for direct blood contact and cardiac patch applications.

Scalable novel beta phase polyvinylidene fluoride-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PVDF-PMMA) polymer blend based nanocomposite foam with hydroxyapatite (HAp) and titanium dioxide (TiO) as nanofillers (β-PVDF-PMMA/HAp/TiO) (β-PPHT-f), was prepared by using salt etching assisted solution casting method. The prepared β-PPHT-f nanocomposite material was characterized using XRD, FT-IR, SEM-EDS. The XRD and FTIR results confirmed the formation of β phase of β-PPHT-f.

Medically Treated Diverticular Abscess Associated With High Risk of Recurrence and Disease Complications.

Background: The best management for diverticulitis with abscess formation remains unknown.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the natural course and outcomes of patients with medically treated diverticular abscess.

Design: We conducted a retrospective review of all patients at our institution with diverticular abscess confirmed by CT from 2004 to 2014.

Use of the American College of Surgeons NSQIP Surgical Risk Calculator for Laparoscopic Colectomy: how good is it and how can we improve it?

Background: The American College of Surgeons NSQIP risk calculator was developed from multi-institutional clinical data to estimate preoperative risk. The impact of outliers has the potential to greatly affect predictions. Although the effect of outliers is minimized in large series, their impact on the individual provider or institution could be profound.

Surgical management of ulcerative colitis in the era of biologicals.

Purpose: Proctocolectomy has been a curative option for patients with severe ulcerative colitis. In recent years, there has been a growing use of medical salvage therapy in the management of patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. We aimed at reviewing the role of surgical management in a time of intensified medical management on the basis of published trial data.

TAMIS-assisted laparoscopic low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision in a cadaveric series.

Background: To demonstrate the feasibility of an innovative technique for the surgical management of rectal cancer, we performed transanal minimally invasive surgery assisted low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision (TAMIS-assisted LAR with TME) in a cadaver model. Transanal LAR via natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery has been reported in cadaveric series using rigid transanal platforms. This procedure has not been described using a combination of a single incision laparoscopy and TAMIS transanal endoscopic platform.