Incidental detection of colorectal lesions by FDG PET/CT scans in melanoma patients.

Background: Increased use of PET/CT scans in oncology patients has raised detection of Colorectal incidentalomas (CIs). The frequency and diagnostic outcomes of identifying these lesions in melanoma patients have not previously been studied. This studies primary objective was to determine the prevalence of CIs found on PET/CT scans in melanoma patients.

Baseline quality of life predicts pelvic exenteration outcome.

Background: Recurrent rectal cancer affects a significant group of patients with no current consensus on management. This study investigated patients' quality of life (QoL) in the 12 months after pelvic exenteration.

Method: Prospective cohort study with clinical and QoL data collected at baseline and 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months.

Spiral saphenous vein graft for major pelvic vessel reconstruction during exenteration surgery.

This article describes a great saphenous vein spiral graft technique for reconstruction of iliac vessels after en bloc resection during pelvic exenteration. Use of different size syringes as a scaffold allows the surgeon to construct autologous vascular interposition conduits of variable diameter to match the luminal size of the vessel requiring reconstruction. Autologous vascular grafts are preferred in exenteration surgery in which the operative field is commonly contaminated by concomitant bowel resection, which carries an increased risk of graft infection.

Barriers to the uptake of laparoscopic surgery in a lower-middle-income country.

Background: Despite the significant improvements in surgical care in developed countries, the adoption of laparoscopy in lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) has been sporadic and minimal. Although the most quoted explanation for this has been an apparent lack of resources and training, recent studies have demonstrated that these constraints may not be the only significant barrier. The overall aim of this study was to analyze barriers to the adoption of laparoscopic surgery at a hospital in an LMIC.

Remote evaluation of laparoscopic performance using the global operative assessment of laparoscopic skills.

Background: Although numerous assessment tools currently exist to evaluate laparoscopic surgical skills, no studies have demonstrated the reliability of such tools when used with telementoring technology. This study aimed to determine the reliability of the Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) rating scale for assessing laparoscopic skills remotely and to identify how factors unique to remote assessment such as bandwidth and image quality influence its reliability.

Methods: Four trained observers evaluated 19 participants for their technical performance during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the GOALS assessment tool.