Association of changes in HerQLes scores with objective hernia outcomes: an analysis of the ACHQC database.

Background: There are both objective and subjective measures of success following ventral hernia repair (VHR). Using the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative (ACHQC) database, we sought to determine if there is an association between 30-day wound events (objective) and changes in the hernia-related quality-of-life (HerQLes) scores, (subjective). We hypothesized that patients who do not experience a 30-day wound event have a greater improvement in their HerQLes score over the short-term.

Para-inguinal hernia; presentation, diagnosis and surgical treatment, a case report.

Introduction: Para-inguinal, or peri-inguinal, hernias are a rare type of hernia of the inguinal region that present in a similar fashion to but do not anatomically correspond to inguinal or femoral hernia pathologies. Surgeons should be aware of this rare pathology, diagnostic imaging and surgical treatment approaches including minimally invasive techniques. In this paper, we discuss the different groin region hernias and describe the first case reported of a successful TEP repair of a para-inguinal hernia.

The utility of a second head CT scan after a negative initial CT scan in head trauma patients on new direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).

Background: New direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are commonly used in the management of atrial fibrillation and VTE. Currently, there is no strong evidence to support the current practice of routinely repeating computed tomography (CT) head in anticoagulated patients within 24 hours after their first negative CT scan to assess for new and delayed intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Our hypothesis is that the vast majority will not have new CT scan findings of ICH and those who do would not require any further intervention.

Trends in Deaths from Rheumatic Heart Disease in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Burden and Challenges.

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a preventable disease that is prevalent in developing regions of the world. Its eradication from most of the developed world indicates that this disease can be controlled and eliminated. To conduct an in-depth analysis of the trends and challenges of controlling RHD in the Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR).