Systematic review and meta-analysis of the prognostic role of fibroblast-activation protein in gastrointestinal cancers.

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, particularly pancreatic cancer, are characterized by a dense stromal tumor microenvironment where cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) predominate. CAFs comprise highly heterogeneous subpopulations with different functions, which can be both tumor-promoting and tumor-restraining. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to comprehensively assess the impact of the CAF marker fibroblast-activation protein (FAP) expression on clinical outcomes in GI cancers.

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the providers of oncological abdominal surgery services- a scoping review.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic, led to significant global health challenges. Medical services worldwide had to reconfigure to manage the surge in COVID-19 cases, including oncological abdominal surgery (OAS). This study investigates the impact of the pandemic on the OAS workforce and aims to enhance future healthcare preparedness to potential pandemics.

Semi-automated title-abstract screening using natural language processing and machine learning.

Background: Title-abstract screening in the preparation of a systematic review is a time-consuming task. Modern techniques of natural language processing and machine learning might allow partly automatization of title-abstract screening. In particular, clear guidance on how to proceed with these techniques in practice is of high relevance.

Tranexamic Acid for reduction of intra- and postoperative TRansfusion requirements in elective Abdominal surgery (TATRA): study protocol for an investigator-initiated, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized superiority trial with two parallel groups.

Background: Intra- and postoperative hemorrhage is a relevant problem in major abdominal surgery, leading to acute anemia and necessitating transfusion of packed red blood cells. It is estimated that in 30% of abdominal surgeries, intra- or postoperative transfusion is required. Transfusion potentially has detrimental health effects and poses a considerable socioeconomic burden.

Methodology for Measuring Intraoperative Blood Loss: Protocol for a Scoping Review.

Background: At present, there is no standardized method for measuring intraoperative blood loss. Rather, the current data on existing methods is very broad and opaque. In many cases, blood loss during surgery is estimated visually by the surgeon.

Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy vs Chemotherapy for Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagogastric Junction: A Network Meta-Analysis.

Importance: The prognosis of patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and esophagogastric junction (AEG) is poor. From current evidence, it remains unclear to what extent preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) or preoperative and/or perioperative chemotherapy achieve better outcomes than surgery alone.

Objective: To assess the association of preoperative CRT and preoperative and/or perioperative chemotherapy in patients with AEG with overall survival and other outcomes.

Multivisceral Oncological Resections Involving the Pancreas: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: With the continuous advancement of cancer treatments, a comprehensive analysis of the impact of multivisceral oncological pancreatic resections on morbidity, mortality, and long-term survival is currently lacking.

Objective: This manuscript presents the protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis designed to summarize the existing evidence concerning the outcomes of multivisceral oncological pancreatic resections across diverse tumor entities.

Methods: We will conduct a systematic search of the PubMed or MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and ClinicalTrials.

Approaches for the treatment of perforated peptic ulcers: a network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials - study protocol.

Introduction: Perforated peptic ulcers are a life-threatening complication associated with high morbidity and mortality. Several treatment approaches are available. The aim of this network meta-analysis (NMA) is to compare surgical and alternative approaches for the treatment of perforated peptic ulcers regarding mortality and other patient-relevant outcomes.

Emergency treatment of popliteal aneurysms: Single center experience and systematic review and meta-analysis of endovascular versus open repair.

Background: Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAA) were traditionally treated by open repair (OR). Endovascular repair (ER) has become a new treatment strategy. The aim of this systemic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate and compare the current outcomes of OR and ER in the emergency treatment of PAA.

Treatment of esophageal leakages with the Microtech-VAC-Stent: a monocentric early experience of three cases.

Background: Endoscopic approaches in the treatment of transmural esophageal defects, either after esophageal resection or due to perforation, have demonstrated convincing feasibility. Surgical options are limited and associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Currently, internal endoscopic drainage with pigtail stents, self-expanding metal stent (SEMS), or endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) are options for first-line treatment.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Surgery for Retroperitoneal Sarcoma With Vascular Resection.

This meta-analysis examines the outcomes of patients undergoing surgery with vascular resection for retroperitoneal sarcoma. A systematic literature search based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted, identifying five comparative retrospective cohort studies published from 2015 to 2021, with a total of 1,417 patients (180 in the vascular resection (VR) group and 1,237 in the control (no VR) group). The meta-analysis found that 30-day morbidity rates, as classified by Clavien-Dindo classification > 3, were higher in the VR group compared to the no VR group (46% versus 25%, odds ratio (OR): 1.

Surgical Treatment of Gastrointestinal Cancers.

Even though there have been remarkable advances in systemic treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies over the last few decades, in the vast majority of instances, surgery remains the sole therapeutic approach offering a chance for a definite cure [...

Endovascular and open repair of visceral aneurysms: A retrospective single‑center analysis.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the outcome of open surgical and endovascular interventions for the treatment of visceral aneurysms. A retrospective review of a cohort of visceral aneurysm patients treated at a single tertiary referral center was conducted. STROBE guidelines were followed.

Fibroblast Activation Protein Overexpression in Gastrointestinal Tumors: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: A hallmark of gastrointestinal cancer, especially pancreatic cancer, is the dense stromal tumor microenvironment in which cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) represent the major stromal cell type. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that depletion of fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-positive CAFs results in increased survival.

Objective: We present the protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis that aim to assess the currently available evidence on the effect of FAP expression on survival and clinical characteristics in gastrointestinal cancers.

Is it feasible and ethical to randomize patients between surgery and non-surgical treatments for gastrointestinal cancers?

Background: In several settings in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers, it is unclear if the addition of surgery to a multimodal treatment strategy, or in some circumstances its omission, lead to a better outcome for patients. In such situations of clinical equipoise, high-quality evidence from randomised-controlled trials is needed to decide which treatment approach is preferable.

Objective: In this article, we outline the importance of randomised trials comparing surgery with non-surgical therapies for specific scenarios in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers.

Visceral Aneurysms: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Endovascular Versus Open Repair.

PROSPERO ID 348699.

Association of Tumor Volumetry with Postoperative Outcomes for Cervical Paraganglioma.

To analyze the association of tumor volume with outcome after surgery for cervical paraganglioma. This retrospective study included consecutive patients undergoing surgery for cervical paraganglioma from 2009-2020. Outcomes were 30-day morbidity, mortality, cranial nerve injury, and stroke.

[Results of a single center vascular screening program in Germany].

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in Europe with a relevant socioeconomic burden. A screening program for vascular diseases in asymptomatic persons with a defined risk constellation can lead to an early diagnosis.

Objective: The study examined a screening program for carotid stenosis, peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in persons without any known vascular disease with respect to demographic data, risk factors, pre-existing conditions, medication intake, detection of pathological findings and/or findings requiring treatment.