Performance measures for the SACRED team-centered approach to advanced gastrointestinal endoscopy: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Quality Improvement Initiative.

The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and United European Gastroenterology have defined performance measures for upper and lower gastrointestinal, pancreaticobiliary, and small-bowel endoscopy. Quality indicators to guide endoscopists in the growing field of advanced endoscopy are also underway. We propose that equal attention is given to developing the entire advanced endoscopy team and not the individual endoscopist alone.

The Comparison of Strattice and SurgiMend in Acellular Dermal Matrix-Assisted, Implant-Based Immediate Breast Reconstruction.

Background: Strattice (porcine derivative) and SurgiMend (bovine derivative) are the two most common acellular dermal matrices used in breast reconstruction in the United Kingdom. This retrospective study compared clinical outcomes in immediate implant-based breast reconstruction patients.

Methods: The study, conducted across three hospitals, included all patients who underwent immediate implant-based breast reconstruction using Strattice and SurgiMend.

The impact of "Be Clear on Cancer" campaign on breast care services provided by a specialist oncoplastic unit - A retrospective case control study.

Introduction: "Be Clear on Cancer" (BCOC) was a national campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer in women over seventy years old. Cancer Research UK conducted this campaign from 03 February 2014 to 15 March 2014. This study assesses its impact on breast care services.

Outcome of single-stage breast reconstruction using the Natrelle 150 expander implant.

The Natrelle 150 offers the advantage of single-stage reconstruction. However, there is lack of published data on its long term outcomes, which does not allow for definitive conclusions as to whether it truly meets its design objective of a lasting single stage breast reconstruction. This is a retrospective review of all Natrelle 150 reconstructions by a single surgeon over 5 years.

Going out-of-programme as a specialty trainee: procrastination or optimisation of training?

Out-of-programme (OOP) activities enable postgraduate trainees to undertake an experience outside of their individual subspecialty training programmes. Activities vary but may include a period of research, additional clinical experiences or time for a planned career break. Determining whether to go OOP is a common dilemma faced by many trainees as they progress through postgraduate training.

A new insight into non-specific abdominal pain.

This review aims to change clinical practice and alert clinicians to consider that unrecognised coeliac disease may present acutely with abdominal pain. Targeting patients who have non-specific abdominal pain or coeliac-associated symptoms/diseases may improve diagnosis.

Association of adult celiac disease with surgical abdominal pain: a case-control study in patients referred to secondary care.

Background: Acute abdominal pain is the most common indication for surgical admission. Nonspecific abdominal pain (NSAP) may account for up to 40% of cases. There has been no published prospective study in which adult patients presenting with acute abdominal pain are investigated for celiac disease.

Role of tumour necrosis factor gene polymorphisms (-308 and -238) in breast cancer susceptibility and severity.

Introduction: Genetic polymorphisms in the promoter region of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) gene can regulate gene expression and have been associated with inflammatory and malignant conditions. We have investigated two polymorphisms in the promoter of the TNF gene (-308 G>A and -238 G>A) for their role in breast cancer susceptibility and severity by means of an allelic association study.

Methods: Using a case-control study design, breast cancer patients (n = 709) and appropriate age-matched and sex-matched controls obtained from the Breast Screening Unit (n = 498) were genotyped for these TNF polymorphisms, using a high-throughput allelic discrimination method.

A rough guide to research for senior house officers and specialist registrars.

Although not mandatory, a period of formalized research leading to a higher degree is still commonplace for doctors wishing to pursue a career in hospital medicine. This may be undertaken before or during specialist registrar training. This article provides practical information for those planning to undertake research.