Intensity-modulated Radiotherapy for Rectal Cancer in the UK in 2020.

Aims: Preoperative (chemo)radiotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision is the current standard of care for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. The use of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for rectal cancer is increasing in the UK. However, the extent of IMRT implementation and current practice was not previously known.

A national UK audit for diagnostic accuracy of preoperative CT chest in emergency and elective surgery during COVID-19 pandemic.

Aim: To report on a snap audit of all departments in the UK as to the value of preoperative thoracic imaging, preferably computed tomography (CT), of patients undergoing any surgery to assess for changes consistent with COVID-19 preoperatively.

Materials And Methods: All Imaging departments in the UK were contacted and asked to record the number of preoperative CT examinations performed in patients being considered for both emergency and elective surgical intervention over a 5-day period in May 2020.

Results: Forty-seven percent of departments replied with data provided on >820 patients.

The Impact of Accreditation for 10 Years on Inpatient Units for Adults of Working Age in the United Kingdom.

Psychiatric inpatient units in the United Kingdom have been criticized for having falling bed numbers, staff shortages, and brief compulsory admissions. This column describes the impact over 10 years of a voluntary U.K.