Establishing a role for intra-pleural fibrinolysis in managing traumatic haemothoraces.

A best evidence topic in thoracic surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether there is a role in using intra-pleural fibrinolysis or thrombolysis with an agent such as streptokinase aids in resolving haemothoraces following trauma. Twenty-four papers were identified using the search below.

Does lung cancer screening with low-dose computerised tomography (LDCT) improve disease-free survival?

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether screening an asymptomatic person with a low-dose computerised tomography (LDCT) would detect lung cancer early and most importantly improve that person's disease-free survival from lung cancer. Altogether 354 papers were identified using the search below.

Does lung cancer screening with chest X-ray improve disease-free survival?

A best evidence topic in thoracic surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether screening an asymptomatic person with a routine chest X-ray would detect lung cancer early and, most importantly, improve that person's disease-free survival from lung cancer. Altogether 136 papers were identified using the search below.

Is talc pleurodesis safe for young patients following primary spontaneous pneumothorax?

A best evidence topic in cardiothoracic surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether talc used for pleurodesis in young patients with a spontaneous pneumothorax has any long-term adverse effects. One hundred and eighty-one papers were identified using the search below.

Using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) following pleurodesis.

A best evidence topic in cardiothoracic surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) decrease the effect of pleurodesis. Only 17 papers were identified using the search below.