Prognostic significance of low muscle volume in patients undergoing surgery for oesophageal cancer.

Background & Aims: This study aimed to determine the prognostic significance of low muscle volume (LMV) Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), defined skeletal muscle index (SMI, Kg/m male ≤8.75, female ≤5.75) in patients undergoing potentially curative surgery for Oesophageal Cancer (OC).

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation in low grade dysplastic Barrett's esophagus.

Background: Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a premalignant condition characterized by replacement of the esophageal lining with metastatic columnar epithelium, and its management when complicated by low grade dysplasia (LGD) is controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with LGD.

Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched for studies including patients with BE-associated LGD receiving RFA (January 1990 to May 2017).

Terminology inaccuracies in the interpretation of imaging results in detection of cervical lymph node metastases in papillary thyroid cancer.

Unlabelled: Cervical lymph nodes (CLNs) are the most common site of metastases in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Ultrasound scan (US) is the most commonly used imaging modality in the evaluation of CLNs in PTC. Computerised tomography (CT) and (18)fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ((18)FDG PET-CT) are used less commonly.

Using the mind as a simulator: a randomized controlled trial of mental training.

Objectives: Laparoscopic simulators have been introduced as safe and effective methods of developing basic skills. Mental training is a novel training method likened to using the mind as a simulator to mentally rehearse the movements of a task or operation. It is widely used by professional athletes and musicians and has been suggested as a technique that could be used by surgical trainees.

Learning basic laparoscopic skills: a randomized controlled study comparing box trainer, virtual reality simulator, and mental training.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were (1) to compare different methods of learning basic laparoscopic skills using box trainer (BT), virtual reality simulator (VRS) and mental training (MT); and (2) to determine the most effective method of learning laparoscopic skills.

Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Setting: King's College, London.

Lateral cervical lymph node metastases in papillary thyroid cancer: a systematic review of imaging-guided and prophylactic removal of the lateral compartment.

Background: Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is a common endocrine cancer and frequently presents with lymph node (LN) metastases. The frequency of LN metastases in the lateral compartment and their surgical removal are poorly defined. There are no prospective randomised controlled trials addressing an eventual outcome difference relating to the extent of the initial surgical approach.

Central cervical lymph node metastases in papillary thyroid cancer: a systematic review of imaging-guided and prophylactic removal of the central compartment.

Background: Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is a common endocrine cancer and commonly presents with lymph node (LN) metastases. The role of surgical removal of the central cervical LN compartment is poorly defined. There are no prospective randomized controlled trials addressing the relevance to the extent of the initial surgical approach.

Antibiotic therapy for prophylaxis against infection of pancreatic necrosis in acute pancreatitis.

Background: Pancreatic necrosis may complicate severe acute pancreatitis, and is detectable by computed tomography (CT). If it becomes infected mortality increases, but the use of prophylactic antibiotics raises concerns about antibiotic resistance and fungal infection.

Objectives: To determine the efficacy and safety of prophylactic antibiotics in acute pancreatitis complicated by CT proven pancreatic necrosis.

Large bowel obstruction in pregnancy: a rare entity, an unusual cause.

Background: Large bowel obstruction is a rare and difficult diagnosis in pregnancy. Common causes are caecal and sigmoid volvulus and less common pseudo-obstruction. An infrequent cause of large bowel obstruction from an adhesive band in pregnancy causing diagnostic difficulty is reported.