Publications by authors named "L Hitchman"
Objective: The first COVID-19 pandemic wave was a period of reduced surgical activity and redistribution of resources to only those with late stage or critical presentations. This Vascular and Endovascular Research Network COVID-19 Vascular Service (COVER) study aimed to describe the six-month outcomes of patients who underwent open surgery and or endovascular interventions for major vascular conditions during this period.
Methods: In this international, multicentre, prospective, observational study, centres recruited consecutive patients undergoing vascular procedures over a 12-week period.
Article Synopsis
- - The study evaluates the 10-year outcomes of two treatments for varicose veins: surgical ligation and stripping vs. endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), showing both improve quality of life (QoL).
- - At the 10-year mark, EVLA had a lower clinical recurrence rate (37% vs. 59%) and showed significantly better QoL scores in areas like bodily pain and general health compared to surgery.
- - Overall, while both treatments are effective long-term, EVLA provides superior clinical and QoL outcomes for patients with symptomatic varicose veins.
Surgical site infections (SSIs) following major lower limb amputation (MLLA) in vascular patients are a major source of morbidity. The objective of this systematic review was to determine the incidence of SSI following MLLA in vascular patients. This review was prospectively registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42023460645).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFImportance: Intermittent lower limb claudication limits function and quality of life. Supervised exercise programs are not readily available, and a noninvasive alternative is needed.
Objective: To assess extracorporeal corporeal shockwave therapy in improving quality of life in patients with claudication.