Laparoscopically assisted versus open oesophagectomy for patients with oesophageal cancer-the Randomised Oesophagectomy: Minimally Invasive or Open (ROMIO) study: protocol for a randomised controlled trial (RCT).

Introduction: Surgery (oesophagectomy), with neoadjuvant chemo(radio)therapy, is the main curative treatment for patients with oesophageal cancer. Several surgical approaches can be used to remove an oesophageal tumour. The Ivor Lewis (two-phase procedure) is usually used in the UK.

Comparison of Outcomes with Semi-mechanical and Circular Stapled Intrathoracic Esophagogastric Anastomosis following Esophagectomy.

Background: Several techniques have been described for esophagogastric anastomosis following esophagectomy. This study compared the outcomes of circular stapled anastomoses with semi-mechanical technique using a linear stapler.

Methods: Perioperative data were extracted from a contemporaneously collected database of all consecutive esophagectomies for cancer with intrathoracic anastomoses performed in the Trent Oesophago-Gastric Unit between January 2015 and April 2018.

Initial experience with the use of biological implants for soft tissue and chest wall reconstruction in thoracic surgery.

Background: Synthetic materials have traditionally been used for tissue reconstruction in thoracic surgery. New biomaterials have been tested in other areas of surgery with good results. The aim of our study is to evaluate our initial experience using prostheses in extended thoracic surgery.

Marked changes in body composition following neoadjuvant chemotherapy for oesophagogastric cancer.

Background & Aims: Patients with sarcopenia [reduced fat free mass (FFM)] have a higher incidence of chemotherapy-related toxicity and decreased survival. As there are no such data in patients with oesophagogastric cancer (OGC), this study investigated changes in body composition in OGC patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).

Methods: OGC patients who had CT scans before and after NAC were studied.

The effect of heparin in peripheral intravenous nutrition via a fine-bore midline: a randomised double-blind controlled trial.

Background And Aims: Peripheral intravenous nutrition (PIVN) delivered via a finebore midline offers a viable alternative to central venous feeding. The major complication is the onset of peripheral vein thrombophlebitis (PVT). Feed additives such as heparin and hydrocortisone have been advocated in its prevention.

In situ diagnosis of intravascular catheter-related bloodstream infection: a comparison of quantitative culture, differential time to positivity, and endoluminal brushing.

Objective: To compare the accuracy of three techniques that do not require central venous catheter removal to diagnose catheter-related bloodstream infection.

Design: Prospective cohort study of central venous catheters from suspected cases of catheter-related bloodstream infection.

Setting: University teaching hospital.

The routine microbiological screening of central venous catheters in home parenteral nutrition patients.

Background & Aims: Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is a major complication for patients receiving home parenteral nutrition (HTPN). Endoluminal sampling techniques allow the diagnosis of CRBSI without catheter removal and may allow the screening of asymptomatic patients.

Methods: Over a 5-year period, patients receiving HTPN were offered screening on a 3 monthly basis.

Each lumen is a potential source of central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection.

Objective: To determine the relative rates of microbial colonization of individual lumens in triple-lumen central venous catheters (CVCs) and calculate the chance of detecting catheter-related blood stream infection (CRBSI) if only one lumen is sampled.

Design: Prospective evaluation of CVCs from suspected and nonsuspected CRBSI cases.

Setting: University teaching hospital.