Scoping study of definitions and instruments measuring vulnerability in older adults.

Background: It is important to foster social participation and health equity, especially for older adults in situations of vulnerability. Despite growing interest in vulnerability, there is no consensus regarding how to define or measure this concept. This paper provides an inventory and synthesis of definitions of and instruments measuring vulnerability in older adults.

Five-year results of 206 laparoscopic left colectomies for cancer.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 5-year survival of 206 consecutive patients with left colon carcinoma operated with a laparoscopic procedure between March 1992 and December 2000.

Methods: Patients with obstructing or bulky cancers were excluded from this study. Tumor stage was defined according to the Dukes modified classification.

[Laparoscopic resection of the colon for adenocarcinoma. Report of a series of 218 cases].

Study Aim: The aim of this retrospective study was to report the results of a series of 218 laparoscopic resections for adenocarcinoma of the colon by the same surgical team over a 6-year period.

Patients And Methods: Laparoscopic procedures included, for the right and the left colon, at first a ligature of the vascular pedicles, secondarily a dissection of the mesocolons, and were almost identical to the conventional procedures. A conversion to open laparotomy was necessary in 8.