Recent advances in understanding pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an intractable cancer and a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Over 90% of patients die within 1 year of diagnosis. Deaths from PDAC are increasing and it remains a cancer of substantial unmet need.

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.

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.

Is the Use of a Robotic Camera Holder Economically Viable? A Cost Comparison of Surgical Assistant Versus the Use of a Robotic Camera Holder in Laparoscopic Liver Resections.

The laparoscopic approach has gained acceptance in the field of hepatopancreaticobiliary surgery. It offers several advantages including reduced blood loss, reduced postoperative pain, and shorter length of stay. However, long operating times can be associated with surgeon and assistant fatigue and image tremor.

Improving Medical Students' Application of Knowledge and Clinical Decision-Making Through a Porcine-Based Integrated Cardiac Basic Science Program.

Objective: Despite the concerted effort of modern undergraduate curriculum designers, the ability to integrate basic sciences in clinical rotations is an ongoing problem in medical education. Students and newly qualified doctors themselves report worry about the effect this has on their clinical performance. There are examples in the literature to support development of attempts at integrating such aspects, but this "vertical integration" has proven to be difficult.