A Comparison of Outcome in Patient With and Without Undergoing Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET).

Background: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is a preoperative risk stratification tool providing an objective measure of fitness and functional capacity. There is however little evidence on the use of this compared to non-physiological test in vascular surgery despite its current use. This study investigates whether CPET perioperatively has value alongside non-physiological testing for patients undergoing elective open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair.

Appendiceal phlegmon in adults: Do we know how to manage it yet?

A Best Evidence Topic in general surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was 'Appendiceal phlegmon in adults: Do we know how to manage it yet?'. Altogether 217 papers were found on Ovid Embase and Medline, 334 on PubMed and 13 on the Cochrane database using the reported search.

Early versus interval appendicectomy for localised perforated appendicitis in children: A best evidence review.

A best evidence topic in general surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether early or interval appendicectomy provides a superior clinical outcome for children presenting with localised perforated appendix. Altogether 204 papers were found using the search strategy reported below; of which 5 were identified to provide the best evidence to answer the question.

Best evidence topic: Can acute appendicitis manifest with normal inflammatory markers?

A best evidence topic has been constructed using a described protocol. The three-part question addressed was: for patients with suspected acute appendicitis can normal inflammatory markers rule out the diagnosis? Altogether 151 papers were found using the search strategy reported below. Seven were identified to provide the best evidence to answer the question.

Nutritional deficiency post esophageal and gastric cancer surgery: A quality improvement study.

Background: Esophagectomy or gastrectomy for malignant tumors can have a profound effect on nutritional status of patients undergoing the procedure. Hence, postoperative nutritional status is an important prognostic factor to consider in ensuring optimal recovery. In this study, we looked at assessing the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies post esophagectomy or gastrectomies and the efficiency of Allied Health Professionals (AHP) led clinics in identifying and appropriately managing the deficiencies.