Colouterine fistula relating to diverticulitis: a rare clinical entity.

Colouterine fistula is a rare but recognizable complication of diverticulitis. This case illustrates the presence of a colouterine fistula in an elderly patient who had an atypical presentation for diverticulitis. She was initially treated with intravenous antibiotics for diverticulitis with a contained abscess.

Evaluating whether KRAS/BRAF mutation status, anaemia and obstruction are associated with recurrence and mortality in non-metastatic colorectal cancer.

Background: KRAS and BRAF testing is currently recommended in metastatic colorectal cancer. There is evidence that KRAS and BRAF mutation status may act as a prognostic biomarker in patients with non-metastatic colorectal cancer. Data is limited on whether KRAS and BRAF mutation status impacts recurrence and mortality in patients with non-metastatic colorectal cancer.

Impact of perioperative direct oral anticoagulant assays: a multicenter cohort study.

Background: There is little evidence to guide the perioperative management of patients on a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) in the absence of a last known dose. Quantitative serum titers may be ordered, but there is little evidence supporting this.

Aims: This multi-center retrospective cohort study of consecutive surgical in-patients with a DOAC assay, performed over a five-year period, aimed to characterize preoperative DOAC assay orders and their impact on perioperative outcomes.

Rapunzel Syndrome in a Teenage Girl: A Case Report.

Trichobezoars are concretions of retained, undigested material, mostly hair or hair-like fibers in the stomach. Rapunzel syndrome is the condition when trichobezoars extend into the small bowel, leading to various complications including bowel obstruction, and perforation due to pressure necrosis. We present an interesting case of trichobezoar in a 15-year-old female patient, who presented with abdominal pain for one month duration.

Isolated Ascending Colon Gangrene With Persistent Ascending Mesocolon: A Case Report.

Persistent mesocolon is a rare embryological anomaly that occurs when the primitive dorsal mesocolon fails to fuse with the posterior lateral parietal peritoneum allowing for volvulus of the cecum and colon. In malrotation of the gut, the normal rotation of the embryonic gut is arrested or disturbed during in-utero development. To our knowledge, this is the first case of isolated colon gangrene with persistent ascending mesocolon to be reported, although earlier studies have documented cases of persistent mesocolon of both ascending and descending mesocolon.

Outcomes of early versus delayed weight-bearing with intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: Early weight bearing (EWB) is often recommended after intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures, however, the risks and benefits have not been critically evaluated in a systematic review or meta-analysis. Therefore, the aims of this study were to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing EWB and delayed weight-bearing (DWB) after intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures and assess the relationship between weight-bearing, fracture union and healing.

Method: This review included studies comparing the effects of EWB, defined as weight-bearing before 6 weeks, and DWB on fracture union and healing.

Pharyngeal Pouch Surgery in Octo- and Nonagenarians is Safe and Effective: A Multicentre Comparative Cohort Study.

Background: Surgery is the only effective treatment strategy for a symptomatic pharyngeal pouch. However, octo- and nonagenarians are often denied referral to a surgeon because of perceived increased risks. Here, we compare the outcomes of pharyngeal pouch surgery in octo- and nonagenarians with patients under 80 years-of-age and determine the factors which predict post-operative complications and improvement in swallowing.