The clinical utility of multidisciplinary team meetings for patients with complex benign upper gastrointestinal conditions.

Patients with benign upper gastrointestinal (UGI) conditions such as achalasia, gastroparesis and refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease often suffer from debilitating symptoms. These conditions can be complex and challenging to diagnose and treat, making them well suited for discussion within a multidisciplinary meeting (MDM). There is, however, a paucity of data describing the value of a benign UGI MDM.

Radiological versus laparoscopic insertion of peritoneal dialysis catheter: a study comparing outcomes at a single centre.

Background: Although peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a well-established and effective form of renal replacement therapy in end-stage renal failure (ESRF) patients, there is no consensus as to the optimal insertion technique. This study compares the outcomes of PD catheters inserted radiologically versus laparoscopically at a single centre.

Methods: Patients who underwent either radiological PD catheter insertion (RC) or laparoscopic insertion (LC) between 2013 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed.

Gastric volvulus and tension gastrothorax secondary to spontaneous transdiaphragmatic intercostal hernia.

Spontaneous transdiaphragmatic intercostal hernia is an extremely rare clinical entity featuring dual defects in the diaphragm and chest wall. We report on the case of a 59-year-old man who developed a large left-sided hernia secondary to the minor trauma of a coughing fit. The hernia subsequently enlarged over the course of 3 years until it contained the stomach, leading to a gastric volvulus and tension gastrothorax with secondary pneumothorax.

Risk factors for delayed gastric emptying following laparoscopic repair of very large hiatus hernias.

Background: Delayed gastric emptying can complicate surgery for hiatus hernia. The aim of this study was to quantify its incidence following laparoscopic repair of very large hiatus hernias, identify key risk factors for its occurrence and determine its impact on clinical outcomes.

Methods: Data collected from a randomized trial of patients who underwent laparoscopic mesh versus sutured repair of very large hiatus hernias (more than 50 per cent of stomach in chest) were analysed retrospectively.

Delayed Gastric Emptying Following Laparoscopic Repair of Very Large Hiatus Hernias Impairs Quality of Life.

Background: Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) following hiatus hernia surgery may affect a substantial number of patients with adverse clinical consequences. Here, we aim to evaluate the impact of DGE following laparoscopic repair of very large hiatus hernias on patients' quality of life, gastrointestinal symptomatology, and daily function.

Methods: Analysis of data collected from a multicenter prospective randomised trial of patients who underwent laparoscopic mesh versus sutured repair of very large hiatus hernias (>50% of stomach in chest).