Post-operative immune suppression is mediated via reversible, Interleukin-10 dependent pathways in circulating monocytes following major abdominal surgery.

Introduction: Post-operative infections occur frequently following major surgery. The magnitude of the post-operative immune response is associated with an increased risk of post-operative infections, although the mechanisms driving post-operative immune-dysfunction and the potential reversibility of this response with immune stimulants are not well understood. This study aims to describe the immediate immune response to major surgery and establish links to both post-operative infection and functional aspects of immune dysregulation.

Head and neck sarcomas: A single institute series.

Background: Sarcomas are tumours of mesenchymal origin, accounting for 1% of all malignancies.

Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of 107 head and neck sarcoma cases, treated over a period of thirteen years.

Results: Fifty-four patients had with craniofacial bone sarcomas (BSs) (male: 33; female: 21) with high grade osteosarcoma being the most predominant type.

Factors affecting swallow outcome following treatment for advanced oral and oropharyngeal malignancies.

Background: Treatment for tumors of the oral cavity and the oropharynx disrupts normal swallow function. The ability for oral diet postoperatively varies and may be influenced by surgery and patient-related factors.

Methods: In all, 114 patients treated with surgery with and without chemoradiotherapy for advanced oral/oropharyngeal cancer were recruited.