Magnetic sphincter augmentation in the management of gastro-esophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) through placement of the LINX device is an alternative to fundoplication in the management of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess efficacy, quality of life, and safety in patients that underwent MSA, with a comparison to fundoplication.

Methods: A literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane library databases was performed for studies that reported data on outcomes of MSA, with or without a comparison group undergoing fundoplication, for GERD from January 2000 to January 2023.

Teaching to transform surgical culture: an educational programme and thematic analysis in a general surgery department.

Introduction: General surgery departments are busy, meaning educational opportunities may be sporadic. Clinical priorities can sometimes supersede teaching and trainees may feel alienated at the periphery of the working community. In this study, we demonstrate how a reflective, multidisciplinary general surgery teaching programme was established and use this to assess the impact of structured teaching on surgical doctors of all grades in the department.

Selective Hepatic Vascular Exclusion versus Pringle Maneuver in Major Hepatectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objectives: Mortality and morbidity following hepatic resection is significantly affected by major intra-operative blood loss. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates whether selective hepatic vascular exclusion (SHVE) compared to a Pringle maneuver in hepatic resection reduces rates of morbidity and mortality.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines by screening EMBASE, MEDLINE/PubMed, CENTRAL and SCOPUS for comparative studies meeting the inclusion criteria.

Liver Transplantation for Non-Resectable Liver Metastases from Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Backgrounds: Colorectal liver metastases were historically considered a contraindication to liver transplantation, but dismal outcomes for those with metastatic colorectal cancer and advancements in liver transplantation (LT) have led to a renewed interest in the topic. We aim to compare the current evidence for liver transplantation for non-resectable colorectal liver metastases (NRCLM) with the current standard treatment of palliative chemotherapy.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of proportions was conducted following screening of MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS and CENTRAL for studies reporting liver transplantation for colorectal liver metastases.

Roux-en-Y versus single loop reconstruction in pancreaticoduodenectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) and delayed gastric emptying (DGE) both remain problematic complications following pancreaticoduodenectomy. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates whether Roux-en-Y compared to a single loop reconstruction in pancreaticoduodenectomy significantly reduces rates of these complications.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines by screening EMBASE, MEDLINE/PubMed, CENTRAL and bibliographic reference lists for comparative studies meeting the predetermined inclusion criteria.

Elevation of High-sensitive Troponin T Predicts Mortality After Open Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Background: Open pancreaticoduodenectomy has a high complication and measurable mortality rate. Recent reports (based across multiple surgical disciplines) demonstrate that elevated postoperative high sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT) predicts adverse outcomes in non-cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative hsTnT as a prognostic marker of mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), post-operative non-cardiac complications and length of stay (including intensive care stay) in open pancreaticoduodenectomy.

The importance of social media to the academic surgical literature: Relationship between Twitter activity and readership metrics.

Background: Social media has an increasing role within professional surgical practice, including the publishing and engagement of academic literature. This study aims to analyze the relationship between social media use and traditional and alternative metrics among academic surgical journals.

Method: Journals were identified through the InCites Journal Citation Reports 2019, and their impact factor, h-index, and CiteScore were noted.

Improving knowledge and confidence in foundation doctors during specialty changeover.

Quality Problem: Foundation year junior doctors rotate every 4 months into different specialties. They are often expected to manage patients with complex underlying conditions despite inadequate clinical induction.

Initial Assessment: No structured induction was offered to junior doctors rotating to hepato-pancreatico-biliary surgery, a complex and highly specialized discipline within general surgery.

Laparoscopic Versus Open Liver Resection for Tumors in the Posterosuperior Segments: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic and open liver resection for tumors in the posterosuperior segments.

Methods: We performed a systematic review in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement standards. We conducted a search of electronic information sources to identify all studies comparing outcomes of laparoscopic and open liver resection for tumors in the posterosuperior segments.