Lymph Node Yield and Long-Term Mortality Risk in Patients with Colon Cancer: A 20-Year Follow-Up National Study.

Background: Lymph node status is a well-established prognostic factor for colon cancer, but the optimal number of nodes for accurate staging remains unclear. This study explored the relationship between lymph node yield (LNY) and 5-year mortality rates in colon cancer patients in New Zealand.

Methods: Data from the New Zealand Cancer Registry were retrospectively analyzed for patients with TNM stage I, II, and III colon cancer between August 2003 and December 2021, with follow-up until January 2024.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Topical Analgesia Posthemorrhoidectomy (TAPH Trial).

Background: Postoperative pain remains the greatest problem after hemorrhoidectomy. Pain is hypothesized to arise from bacterial infection, sphincter spasm, and local inflammation.

Objective: This trial was conducted to assess the effects of metronidazole, diltiazem, and lidocaine on posthemorrhoidectomy pain.

Achieving global surgical excellence: an evidence-based framework to guide surgical quality improvement programs in low and middle income countries.

Objectives: There is a lack of evidence-based guidelines for enhancing global surgical care delivery. We propose a set of recommendations to serve as a framework to guide surgical quality improvement and scale-up initiatives in low and middle income countries (LMICs).

Methods: From January-December 2019, we reviewed the available literature and their application toward LMIC settings.

Have Factors Influencing Female Medical Students' Intention to Pursue a Career in Surgery Changed over the Last 10 Years? A Systematic Review.

In 2012, a systematic review reported on factors influencing female medical students, career intentions for surgery. This current review is a direct follow-up of that article with the aim of assessing whether factors affecting female medical student career choices have changed over the last decade. This review has identified access to research opportunities as a new factor that can be used to promote female medical student and trainee interest in surgery.

Detection of Anastomotic Leakage Following Elective Colonic Surgery: Results of the Prospective Biomarkers and Anastomotic Leakage (BALL) Study.

Background: Anastomotic leakage (AL) is an infrequent but life-threatening surgical complication following colorectal surgery. Early diagnosis remains clinically difficult but is a necessity to reduce associated morbidity and mortality. Clinical review and radiological modalities for the diagnosis of leakage remain non-specific and often only detect AL once it is well developed.

A systematic review and network meta-analysis comparing treatments for anal fissure.

Background: There are multiple treatments for anal fissures. These range from medical treatment to surgical procedures, such as sphincterotomy. The aim of this study was to compare the relative clinical outcomes and effectiveness of interventional treatments for anal fissure.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of topical sphincterotomy treatments for anal fissure.

Background: Anal fissure is a common condition that can be treated medically or surgically. Chemical sphincterotomy is often used before surgical intervention. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of topical agents for chemical sphincterotomy on healing of anal fissures and side-effects.