Impact of blood transfusion on outcomes following resection for colorectal liver metastases in the modern era.

Background: Evidence suggests that perioperative blood loss and blood transfusions are associated with poorer long-term outcomes in patients undergoing other oncological surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the long-term outcomes of patients requiring a blood transfusion post-hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM).

Methods: This is a retrospective review from 2005 to 2012.

Does the number of operating specialists influence the conversion rate and outcomes after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery?

Background: Laparoscopic techniques in colorectal surgery have been widely utilised due to short-term patient benefits but conversion to open surgery is associated with adverse short- and long-term patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of dual specialist operating on the conversion rate and patient outcomes following laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Methods: A prospectively populated colorectal cancer surgery database was reviewed.

Relative humidity and affective disorders.

Introduction: Looking at specific weather parameters over a period of time prior to hospital admissions may provide evidence of a link between weather conditions and some psychiatric conditions such as affective disorders. We examined the association between relative humidity (as well as other parameters such as sunshine hours, diurnal variations in temperature and rainfall) and psychiatric admissions in North Cheshire, UK.

Method: The daily numbers of all psychiatric admissions in North Cheshire in a specified year were analysed in relation to meteorological data, which were measured at the meteorological office nearest to the study population.