Alcohol-Containing Versus Aqueous-Based Solutions for Skin Preparation in Abdominal Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Introduction: The use of optimal skin antiseptic agents for the prevention of surgical site infection (SSI) is of critical importance, especially during abdominal surgical procedures. Alcohol-based chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) and aqueous-based povidone-iodine (PVI) are the two most common skin antiseptics used nowadays. The objective of this article is to evaluate the effectiveness of alcohol-based CHG versus aqueous-based PVI used for skin preparation before abdominal surgery to reduce SSIs.

Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Comparing the Efficacy of Radioactive Iodine Monotherapy versus Radioactive Iodine Therapy and Adjunctive Lithium for the Treatment of Hyperthyroidism.

: The objective of this article is to evaluate the outcomes in patients undergoing radioactive iodine (RAI) with adjunctive lithium (Li) therapy versus (vs.) RAI therapy alone for the treatment of hyperthyroidism.: A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to analyze clinical trials comparing RAI with adjunctive Li therapy vs.

Role of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the management of chronic right upper quadrant pain due to biliary dyskinesia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes and feasibility of performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in patients with longstanding right upper quadrant pain secondary to biliary dyskinesia.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature including published randomized, controlled trials, non-randomized trials and comparative trials of any type, reporting outcomes of LC in the management of chronic right upper quadrant pain in patients with biliary dyskinesia, using the principles of meta-analysis on RevMan 5.3 statistical software, was undertaken.

Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials only exploring the role of single incision laparoscopic surgery versus conventional multiport laparoscopic surgery for colorectal resections.

Background: The objective of this article is to evaluate the surgical outcomes in patients undergoing single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) versus conventional multi-incision laparoscopic surgery (MILS) for colorectal resections.

Methods: The data retrieved from the published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the surgical outcomes in patients undergoing SILS versus MILS for colorectal resections was analysed using the principles of meta-analysis. The combined outcome of dichotomous data was represented as risk ratio (RR) and continuous data was shown as standardized mean difference (SMD).

Improving the mucosal visualization at gastroscopy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials reporting the role of Simethicone ± N-acetylcysteine.

Background: The objective of this article is to study the role of Simethicone ± N-acetylcysteine in improving the mucosal visualization during oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGD).

Methods: The data retrieved from the published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the role of Simethicone ± N-acetylcysteine during OGD was analysed using the principles of meta-analysis. The summated outcome of continuous variables was expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) and dichotomous data was presented in odds ratio (OR).

Minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer in UK: current status and future perspectives.

The aim of this study is to review the literature and report the various minimally invasive methods used to treat gastric cancer in the UK and compare it with worldwide practice. Published randomised studies, non-randomised studies and case series reporting the use of minimal invasive approach to treat gastric cancer were retrieved from the search of standard medical electronic databases and their outcomes were highlighted suggesting their effectiveness. Several randomised, controlled trials and meta-analyses have proven the clinical and oncological safety of the laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

A critical appraisal of the cost effectiveness of laparoscopic colorectal surgery for oncological and non-oncological resections.

The aim of this study was to critically appraise the cost effectiveness of the laparoscopic colorectal (LCRS) surgery using published randomised, control trials (RCTs). Published RCTs comparing the cost effectiveness of LCRS with conventional open surgery were selected from the search of standard electronic databases and the extracted data were analysed using the statistical software RevMan 5.3.

A systematic review of clinical effectiveness of wound edge protector devices in reducing surgical site infections in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

This article highlights the clinical effectiveness of wound edge protector devices (WEPD) in preventing the post-operative surgical site infections (SSI) in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Using the principles of meta-analysis and systematic review as recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration, the data from selected randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) were analysed to generate summated outcome and presented in the form of odds ratio (OR). Eighteen RCTs on 3808 reported the effectiveness of WEPD in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

Laparoscopic Versus Open Preperitoneal Mesh Repair of Inguinal Hernia: an Integrated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Published Randomized Controlled Trials.

The objective of this article is to systematically analyse the randomized, controlled trials comparing open (OPPR) versus laparoscopic (LPPR) preperitoneal mesh repair of inguinal hernia. Randomized, controlled trials comparing OPPR versus LPPR of inguinal hernia were analysed systematically using RevMan®, and combined outcomes were expressed as odds ratio (OR) and standardized mean difference (SMD). Ten randomized trials evaluating 1286 patients were retrieved from the electronic databases.

Milligan-Morgan (Open) Versus Ferguson Haemorrhoidectomy (Closed): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Published Randomized, Controlled Trials.

Objective: The purpose of this article is to systematically analyse the randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) comparing Ferguson or closed haemorrhoidectomy (CH) versus open haemorrhoidectomy (OH) or Milligan-Morgan haemorrhoidectomy in the management of haemorrhoidal disease (HD).

Methods: RCTs on the effectiveness of CH and OH in the management of HD were analysed systematically using RevMan(®), and combined outcome was expressed as odds ratio (OR) and standardized mean difference.

Results: Eleven CRTs encompassing 1326 patients were analysed systematically.

Improving the view during flexible sigmoidoscopy: a systematic review of published randomized, controlled trials comparing the use of oral bowel preparation versus enema bowel preparation.

To systematically analyse the published randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the use of oral bowel preparation (OBP) versus enema bowel preparation (EBP) for diagnostic or screening flexible sigmoidoscopy. Published RCTs, comparing the use of OBP versus EBP, were analysed using RevMan(®), and the combined outcomes were expressed as odds ratios (OR). Eight RCTs evaluating 2457 patients were retrieved from the standard electronic databases.

Factors influencing the diagnostic accuracy and management in acute surgical patients.

Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy (DA) in acute surgical patients admitted to a District General Hospital.

Methods: The case notes of all acute surgical patients admitted under the surgical team for a period of two weeks were reviewed for the data pertaining to the admission diagnoses, relevant investigations and final diagnoses confirmed by either surgery or various other diagnostic modalities. The diagnostic pathway was recorded from the source of referral [general practitioner (GP), A and E, in-patient] to the correct final diagnosis by the surgical team.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials comparing purse-string vs conventional linear closure of the wound following ileostomy (stoma) closure.

Objective: The objective of this article is to systematically analyse the randomized, controlled trials comparing the effectiveness of purse-string closure (PSC) of an ileostomy wound with conventional linear closure (CLC).

Methods: Randomized, controlled trials comparing the effectiveness of purse-string closure vs conventional linear closure (CLC) of ileostomy wound in patients undergoing ileostomy closure were analysed using RevMan®, and the combined outcomes were expressed as risk ratio (RR) and standardized mean difference (SMD).

Results: Three randomized, controlled trials, recruiting 206 patients, were retrieved from medical electronic databases.

Use of transanal minimally invasive surgery for endoscopic resection of rectal tumour: a technical note.

Background: The aim of this article is to report and discuss a case of lower rectal cancer undergoing endoscopic transanal resection of tumour (ETART) using a transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) approach.

Methods: A technical note on a case report. An innovative approach for ETART using TAMIS.

Systematic review of oncological outcomes following laparoscopic vs open total mesorectal excision.

Aim: To systematically analyze the randomized trials comparing the oncological and clinical effectiveness of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (LTME) vs open total mesorectal excision (OTME) in the management of rectal cancer.

Methods: Published randomized, controlled trials comparing the oncological and clinical effectiveness of LTME vs OTME in the management of rectal cancer were retrieved from the standard electronic medical databases. The data of included randomized, controlled trials was extracted and then analyzed according to the principles of meta-analysis using RevMan(®) statistical software.

Carbon dioxide versus normal saline as distension medium for diagnostic hysteroscopy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Objective: To appraise critically the published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing carbon dioxide (CO2) with normal saline (NS) as distension medium for diagnostic hysteroscopy.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs.

Setting: Outpatient and inpatient hysteroscopy clinics.

Spontaneous splenic rupture secondary to metastatic malignant spindle cell tumour.

We report a case of pathological splenic rupture as a manifestation of malignant metastatic spindle cell tumour. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of an atraumatic-pathological rupture of the spleen secondary to metastatic malignant spindle cell tumour. A 63-year-old man with a previous history of right upper limb amputation for an axillary malignant spindle cell tumour was admitted with an acute abdomen.

Ogilvie's syndrome-related right colon perforation after cesarean section: a case series.

The objective of this article is to discuss and report three cases of right colon perforation secondary to postcesarean Ogilvie's syndrome (OS; colonic pseudo-obstruction) requiring right hemicolectomy. We retrospectively reviewed the case notes of three patients who underwent caesarean section and postoperatively developed OS. OS is an uncommon problem in patients undergoing caesarean section.

The role of perioperative warming in surgery: a systematic review.

Objective: The objective of this review was to systematically analyze the trials on the effectiveness of perioperative warming in surgical patients.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature was undertaken. Clinical trials on perioperative warming were selected according to specific criteria and analyzed to generate summative data expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD).

Needlescopic versus laparoscopic appendectomy: a systematic review.

Background: Needlescopic appendectomies (NA) have been performed since the 1990s. We sought to systematically analyze trials comparing NA with laparoscopic appendectomies (LA) in the management of appendicitis.

Methods: We performed a systematic review of the literature.

Effect of heated and humidified carbon dioxide on patients after laparoscopic procedures: a meta-analysis.

Objective: To systematically analyze the role of heated humidified carbon dioxide (CO2) in laparoscopy.

Methods: Clinical trials on laparoscopic procedures using standard dry CO2 versus heated humidified CO2 for pneumoperitoneum were analyzed.

Results: Ten randomized controlled trials on 565 patients were analyzed.

Endovascular management of subclavian artery injury due to Hickman line insertion in a patient with coagulopathy.

Vascular injuries after insertion of a Hickman line in neck are not uncommon. We present a case report of a patient of acute myeloid leukaemia with coagulopathy, who underwent right Hickman line insertion by a radiologist. She sustained a life threatening right subclavian artery injury which was managed by deploying endovascular covered stent.

Knee-length graduated compression stockings for thromboprophylaxis in air travellers: A meta-analysis.

Objective: To systematically review the randomized controlled trials that have evaluated the efficacy of knee-length (KL) compression stockings for thromboprophylaxis in air travellers.

Method: After an electronic database search, the randomized controlled trials that studied passengers on long-haul flights were selected and analyzed to generate summative data.

Results: Nine trials studying participants using KL stockings were analyzed.

Use of health-related quality of life tools in hepatobiliary surgery.

Background: The objective of this article is to review the literature and discuss the various tools used in hepatobiliary surgery for the measurement of health related quality of life (HR-QOL) and highlight various outcome variables that affect the HR-QOL among patients with common hepatobiliary disorders.

Data Sources: We reviewed HR-QOL articles published in the last 20 years on different hepatobiliary curative or palliative procedures in all languages.

Results: HR-QOL is a questionnaire tool which is utilized to assess the changes in the health status of patients after a hepatobiliary intervention.